bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equine skin tumours in 20 horses resembling three variants of human melanocytic naevi
Authors: Schöniger Sandra , Summers Brian A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMelanocytic tumours are important in horses, especially grey horses. Intradermal common melanocytic naevi, cellular blue naevi and combined cellular blue naevi are subgroups of human melanocytic tumours, which have not been reported in horses. In this study, we describe 20 horses with skin tumours similar to these naevi of humans. These tumours represented individual skin masses in male and female horses of different breeds. Tumours resembling human intradermal common melanocytic naevi were noted in 12 horses aged between 2 and 17 years. Seven horses aged between 4 and 15 years developed cutaneous lesions similar to human cellular blue naevi. A combined cellular blue naevus‐like tumour was diagnosed in a 20‐year‐old horse. All tumour types formed expansile, well‐demarcated, non‐encapsulated, symmetrical masses. Tumours similar to intradermal common melanocytic naevi were composed of nests of round and spindeloid neoplastic cells, often embedded in myxomatous stroma. Lesions resembling cellular blue naevi were formed by intradermal bundles of ovoid to elongated cells separated by collagen fibres. The combined cellular blue naevus‐like tumour resembled human cellular blue naevus with in addition, an overlying junctional common melanocytic naevus. Neoplastic cells in all groups contained varying amounts of melanin pigment and were immunopositive for S100. These equine skin tumours differ from the commonly recognized equine melanocytic tumours by their cytomorphological features, random location and the absence of an increased tumour frequency in grey horses. The resemblance of these tumours to three distinct subgroups of human naevi expands the complexity of equine proliferative cutaneous melanocytic lesions.
Hematoporphyrin‐based photodynamic therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in cats
Authors: Ferreira Isabelle , Rahal Sheila C. , Rocha Noeme S. , Gouveia Ana H. , Corrêa Thais P. , Carvalho Yuri K. , Bagnato Vanderlei S. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) using a haematoporphyrin derivative (Photogem®, General Physics Institute and clustes Ltda) as photosensitizer and light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source was evaluated in 12 cats with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Lesions were illuminated with LEDs, (300 J/cm for 30 min) 24 h after the administration of the photosensitizer. Clinical responses were classified as complete disappearance of the tumour with total re‐epithelialization; partial response (a reduction greater than 50%); and no response (less than 50% reduction). Tumours localized to the pinna treated with one (n = 3) or two (n = 4) applications of PDT yielded no response. Highly invasive tumours of the nose and nasal planum also showed no response, after two treatments (n = 2). A combination of PDT and surgery was performed in three cases. Two cats showed partial response and one complete response with one application of therapy 30 days after nasal surgery. Small and noninfiltrative lesions (n = 3) of the nasal planum showed a PR with one application (n = 2) and a CR with two applications (n = 1). This study shows that PDT using Photogem® and LEDs can provide local control of low‐grade feline squamous cell carcinoma. The addition of PDT to surgery in more invasive cases may help prevent recurrence.
Post‐traumatic peripheral arteriovenous fistula manifesting as digital haemorrhages in a cat: diagnosis with contrast‐enhanced 3D CT imaging
Authors: Santoro Domenico , Pease Anthony , Linder Keith E. , Olivry Thierry 
Published: April 2009

AbstractArteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are defined as congenital or acquired abnormal direct communications between an artery and a vein leading to abnormal blood circulation. This report describes an unusual manifestation of acquired peripheral AVF in a cat for which the diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomographic (CT) imaging and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction. A 10‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthaired cat was presented with a 2‐month history of nonhealing, crusting, erosive and ulcerative skin lesions on the dorsal right forepaw. Severe chewing and biting, but not lameness, had been reported. Systemic abnormalities were not noted. Histopathology revealed increased numbers of thin‐walled and slightly grouped vascular profiles in the superficial and mid‐dermis, which were often markedly dilated and partially obscured by prominent hyaline deposits. There were a few pyknotic nuclear fragments and haemorrhages in vascular walls as well as multifocal luminal thrombosis with or without recanalization. Differential diagnoses included progressive angiomatosis with trauma or AVF with secondary regional venous hypertension. Computed tomographic images were acquired using a 16‐slice Siemens Somotom Sensation CT scanner, and 3D images were created using the Voxar 3D software. Image reconstruction revealed tortuous aberrant vasculature on the medial aspect of the radius and around the carpus compared to normal vascularization on the contralateral limb. These changes were suggestive of the diagnosis of acquired peripheral AVF. The differential diagnosis for localized, nonhealing, haemorrhagic, crusted, erosive or ulcerative distal extremity skin lesions in cats should include acquired AVF, and diagnosis may be confirmed with contrast‐enhanced CT imaging.
Breastfeeding reduces the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection among young infants: A multi‐center prospective study
Authors: Nishimura Tatsuo , Suzue Junji , Kaji Harumi 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground:  The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding on the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection in early infancy.Methods:  A rapid test for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was administered by 16 general pediatricians from May 2002 to April 2005 in infants undergoing medical checkups for the common cold, all of whom were 100 days old or younger and had birthweights of more than 2500 g without underlying disease. Infants were divided into three groups: the Full breastfeeding group, the Partial group, and the Token group. RSV‐positive cases were followed up for 10 days after the initial diagnosis and the following three points were investigated: (i) the incidence of hospitalization; (ii) the duration of hospitalization; and (iii) the incidence of requiring oxygen therapy.Results:  RSV antigen was detected in 203 of the total of 892 cases, and these were diagnosed as cases of RSV infectious disease. Although there were no significant differences in the hospitalization rate among the three groups, there were significant differences in the duration of hospitalization and the rate of requiring oxygen therapy. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the requirement of oxygen therapy was significantly lower in the Full breastfeeding group (P= 0.032; odds ratio, 0.256; 95% confidence interval, 0.074–0.892).Conclusions:  Breastfeeding reduces the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection in early infancy.
Clinical impression of brain natriuretic peptide levels in demented patients without cardiovascular disease
Authors: Naito Johji , Naka Yukiko , Watanabe Hirotoshi 
Published: April 2009

Aim:  High plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations have been observed in patients with ischemic stroke, as well as cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, a recent report suggests that BNP may predict cognitive dysfunction in older patients with cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to estimate the clinical impression of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in demented patients without cardiovascular disease.Methods:  The Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS‐R), age, echocardiographic parameters, and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and BNP levels were assessed in 42 outpatients at the Dementia Care Unit in Watanabe Hospital.Results:  Some BNP levels were more than normal reference values, while any ANP levels were no more than normal reference values. BNP levels were significantly correlated (i.e. negative correlation) with HDS‐R (r = −0.33, P = 0.03), whereas those were not significantly correlated with age and echocardiographic parameters.Conclusion:  This study shows that BNP levels were significantly correlated with cognitive function in demented patients without cardiovascular disease, and suggests that BNP may support the assessment of cognitive dysfunction in demented patients.
Are diabetic foot ulcers complicated by MRSA osteomyelitis associated with worse prognosis? Outcomes of a surgical series
Authors: Aragón‐Sánchez J. , Lázaro‐Martínez J. L. , Quintana‐Marrero Y. , Hernández‐Herrero M. J. , García‐Morales E. , Cabrera‐Galván J. J. , Beneit‐Montesinos J. V. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAims  The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgical treatment of osteomyelitis caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with cases caused by methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).Methods  We abstracted data of a series of 185 consecutive patients with diabetes and foot osteomyelitis undergoing surgery within the first 12 h after admission at a single hospital. Bone infection was confirmed by histopathological studies. Only cases where Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from bone specimens were included in this analysis. We analysed several variables between the two groups: MRSA vs. MSSA.Results  MRSA bone infection was associated with higher body temperature (P = 0.02) and white blood cell count (P = 0.02) than MSSA. Patients with MRSA infections underwent a greater number of surgical procedures (P = 0.03). Limb salvage was achieved in 93.6% of the patients, with no statistically significant difference in limb salvage rates between MRSA and MSSA‐related osteomyelitis.Conclusions  From our experience, where treatment is based on early and aggressive surgical treatment, MRSA bone infections are not associated with worse prognosis.
Multivariate Meta-Analysis: The Effect of Ignoring Within-Study Correlation
Authors: Riley Richard D. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryMultivariate meta-analysis allows the joint synthesis of summary estimates from multiple end points and accounts for their within-study and between-study correlation. Yet practitioners usually meta-analyse each end point independently. I examine the role of within-study correlation in multivariate meta-analysis, to elicit the consequences of ignoring it. Using analytic reasoning and a simulation study, the within-study correlation is shown to influence the ‘borrowing of strength’ across end points, and wrongly ignoring it gives meta-analysis results with generally inferior statistical properties; for example, on average it increases the mean-square error and standard error of pooled estimates, and for non-ignorable missing data it increases their bias. The influence of within-study correlation is only negligible when the within-study variation is small relative to the between-study variation, or when very small differences exist across studies in the within-study covariance matrices. The findings are demonstrated by applied examples within medicine, dentistry and education. Meta-analysts are thus encouraged to account for the correlation between end points. To facilitate this, I conclude by reviewing options for multivariate meta-analysis when within-study correlations are unknown; these include obtaining individual patient data, using external information, performing sensitivity analyses and using alternatively parameterized models.
Peripheral and central sites of action for the non‐selective cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212‐2 in a rat model of post‐operative pain
Authors: Zhu CZ , Mikusa JP , Fan Y , Hollingsworth PR , Pai M , Chandran P , Daza AV , Yao BB , Dart MJ , Meyer MD , Decker MW , Hsieh GC , Honore P 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose: Activation of cannabinoid (CB) receptors decreases nociceptive transmission in inflammatory or neuropathic pain states. However, the effects of CB receptor agonists in post‐operative pain remain to be investigated. Here, we characterized the anti‐allodynic effects of WIN 55,212‐2 (WIN) in a rat model of post‐operative pain.Experimental approach: WIN 55,212‐2 was characterized in radioligand binding andin vitrofunctional assays at rat and human CB1and CB2receptors. Analgesic activity and site(s) of action of WIN were assessed in the skin incision‐induced post‐operative pain model in rats; receptor specificity was investigated using selective CB1and CB2receptor antagonists.Key results: WIN 55,212‐2 exhibited non‐selective affinity and agonist efficacy at human and rat CB1versus CB2receptors. Systemic administration of WIN decreased injury‐induced mechanical allodynia and these effects were reversed by pretreatment with a CB1receptor antagonist, but not with a CB2receptor antagonist, given by systemic, intrathecal and supraspinal routes. In addition, peripheral administration of both CB1and CB2antagonists blocked systemic WIN‐induced analgesic activity.Conclusions and implications: Both CB1and CB2receptors were involved in the peripheral anti‐allodynic effect of systemic WIN in a pre‐clinical model of post‐operative pain. In contrast, the centrally mediated anti‐allodynic activity of systemic WIN is mostly due to the activation of CB1but not CB2receptors at both the spinal cord and brain levels. However, the increased potency of WIN following i.c.v. administration suggests that its main site of action is at CB1receptors in the brain.British Journal of Pharmacology(2009)157,645–655; doi:10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2009.00184.x; published online 3 April 2009
Bacterial Culture and DNA Checkerboard for the Detection of Internal Contamination in Dental Implants
Authors: Barbosa Rodrigo Edson Santos , Do Nascimento Cássio , Issa João Paulo Mardegan , Watanabe Evandro , Ito Izabel Yoko , De Albuquerque Junior Rubens Ferreira 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the bacterial leakage along the implant–abutment interface by the conventional bacterial culture and DNA Checkerboard hybridization method. Materials and Methods: Twenty Branemark‐compatible implants with a 3.75‐mm diameter and external hexagonal platform were randomly placed in two groups of ten implant–abutment assemblies each. One group was used to analyze bacterial counts by DNA Checkerboard hybridization and the other by a conventional bacterial culture. Suspensions of Fusobacterium nucleatum (3 μl) were injected into the grooved internal cylinders of each implant assembly, and the abutment was connected by a 32 Ncm torque. The combined implant–abutments were individually placed in tubes containing the CaSaB culture medium and incubated in a bacteriological constant temperature oven for 14 days. The samples were observed daily as to the presence of turbidity, and after the designated time the microorganisms were collected from the implant interiors and analyzed by the two methods. Results: After 14 days, six implant–abutment assemblies showed turbidity. Both methods indicated reduced microorganism counts in samples from the interior of the implant–abutment assemblies after incubation in the culture medium; however, the number of counts of F. nucleatum was higher by the DNA Checkerboard method when compared to the group analyzed by conventional bacterial cultures (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The DNA Checkerboard method was shown to be more sensitive than conventional cultures in the detection of microorganisms.
Issuing of blood components dispensed in syringes and bar code–based pretransfusion check at the bedside for pediatric patients
Authors: Ohsaka Akimichi , Abe Katsumi , Nakamura Yuki , Ohsawa Toshiya , Sugita Shio 
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: The pretransfusion check at the bedside is the most critical step for the prevention of mistransfusion in pediatric patients, as well as in adults. The objective of this study was to assess whether a bar code–based patient–blood unit identification system could be applied to the pretransfusion check at the bedside for the issuing of blood dispensed in syringes.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The issuing of blood components dispensed in syringes and the bar code–based pretransfusion check at the bedside were initiated for pediatric patients in May 2003. The number of blood components transfused to pediatric patients and rate of compliance with electronic bedside verification for blood dispensed in syringes were determined. Several variables in blood samples that were freshly collected, irradiated, split into 20‐mL aliquots, and stored in syringes at 4°C were measured.RESULTS: Between May 2003 and April 2007, a total of 3957 blood components (10% of all transfusions) were administered to pediatric patients without a single mistransfusion, of which 871 (22%) were issued by dispensing in syringes. The compliance rate with electronic bedside verification for blood dispensed in syringes was 99%. The supernatant potassium concentrations and extracellular free hemoglobin in blood samples stored in syringes at 4°C for 24 hours were 14 ± 1.3 mmol/L and less than 0.3 g/L, respectively, and these were considered to be acceptable for transfusion to pediatric patients.CONCLUSION: The bar code–based identification system that we used was fully applicable to the pretransfusion check at the bedside for blood dispensed in syringes.
Expression of Six1 homeobox gene during development of the mouse submandibular salivary gland
Authors: McCoy EL , Kawakami K , Ford HL , Coletta RD 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Members of the Six family of homeoproteins are expressed in numerous tissues during vertebrate embryogenesis, and are critical regulators of both cell proliferation and survival. Here we report the temporal and spatial expression of Six1 during maturation of the mouse submandibular salivary gland (SSG) from embryonic day 18.5 (E18.5) to postnatal day 28. Additionally, we examine the role of Six1 during SSG development using Six1‐deficient mice.Methods:  Six1 expression was assessed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Proliferation was measured by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation index, and apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay.Results:  Six1 mRNA and protein levels are high in the epithelial SSG cells at E18.5 and decrease progressively in the postnatal maturing SSG. Although SSGs from Six1−/− embryos are significantly smaller than wild type SSGs, the histological structures of the SSG acini and ducts are similar. Six1−/− salivary epithelial cells exhibit an intrinsic defect in cell proliferation accompanied by a significant reduction in the Six1 target gene cyclin A1, previously shown to be a critical mediator of Six1‐induced proliferation.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that the reduction in size of Six1−/− SSGs is result of a decrease in cell proliferation during development/maturation.
Foetal and congenital talipes: interventions and outcome
Authors: Swamy Ravi , Reichert Bernd , Lincoln Karen , Lal Mithilesh 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim: Talipes is a congenital anomaly that can be corrected conservatively or surgically. Despite advances in management, a proportion of pregnancies still result in termination. We therefore aimed to establish the birth prevalence, interventions and outcome of talipes in our population.Methods: Cases with foetal talipes were identified from the ultrasound register at the James Cook University Hospital between 1990 and 2006. Infants with congenital talipes between 1998 and 2006 were identified from the physiotherapy database. Management details were obtained from case records.Results: A total of 46 cases with foetal talipes were identified among 75 933 pregnancies. Of the 34 live‐born infants, 24 (70.5%) required surgery to correct the talipes. Congenital talipes was found in 69 infants, giving a birth prevalence of 2 per 1000 live births. Sixteen (72.7%) infants with an antenatal diagnosis required surgical correction. Infants with an antenatal diagnosis were at an increased risk of requiring surgery (relative risk [RR]= 1.6).Conclusion: Surgical management was required in more than two‐thirds of babies with foetal talipes. Conservative management was successful in the majority of the babies without an antenatal diagnosis. Infants with an antenatal diagnosis are 1.6 times as likely to need surgical correction as infants without an antenatal diagnosis.
Effect of MK‐886 on Ca2+Level and Viability in PC3 Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Huang Jong‐Khing , Huang Chorng‐Chih , Lu Ti , Chang Hong‐Tai , Lin Ko‐Long , Tsai Jeng‐Yu , Liao Wei‐Chuan , Chien Jau‐Min , Jan Chung‐Ren 
Published: April 2009

Abstract:3‐[1‐(p‐chlorobenzyl)‐5‐(isopropyl)‐3‐tert‐butylthioindol‐2‐yl]‐2, 2‐dimethylpropanoic acid (MK‐886) is widely used for inhibition of leucotriene synthesis inin vitrostudies, however, many of its other effects have been reported. The present study investigated the effect of MK‐886 on cytosolic‐free Ca2+concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and viability in human PC3 prostate cancer cells. [Ca2+]iin suspended cells was measured by using fura‐2. MK‐886 at concentrations of 1 µM and above increased [Ca2+]iin a concentration‐dependent manner with an EC50value of 20 µM. The Ca2+signal was reduced partly by removing extracellular Ca2+. MK‐886 evoked Mn2+quenching of fura‐2 fluorescence, implicating Ca2+entry. MK‐886‐induced Ca2+influx was inhibited by store‐operated Ca2+entry inhibitors nifedipine, econazole and SKF96365. In Ca2+‐free medium, after pre‐treatment with 10 µM MK‐886, 1 µM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+pump inhibitor)‐induced [Ca2+]irises were abolished; and conversely, thapsigargin pre‐treatment abolished MK‐886‐induced [Ca2+]irises. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not alter MK‐886‐induced [Ca2+]irises. MK‐886 at concentrations of 1–100 µM concentration‐dependently decreased cell viability with an IC50value of 60 µM. The cytotoxic effect of MK‐886 was not inhibited by pre‐chelating cytosolic Ca2+with BAPTA/AM. Together, in PC3 cells, MK‐886 induced [Ca2+]irises by causing phospholipase C‐independent Ca2+release from the endoplasmic reticulum; and Ca2+influx via store‐operated Ca2+channels. Independently, MK‐886 was cytotoxic to cells in a Ca2+‐independent manner.