bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Arrhythmias and Serum Cardiac Troponins in Vipera palaestinae Envenomation in Dogs
Authors: Segev G. , Ohad D.G. , Shipov A. , Kass P. H. , Aroch I. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Vipera palaestinae is responsible for most poisonous envenomations in people and animals in Israel. Cardiac arrhythmias were reported in a retrospective study of V. palaestinae envenomations in dogs.Hypothesis: Cardiac arrhythmias in V. palaestinae‐envenomed dogs are associated with myocardial injury reflected by increased serum concentrations of cardiac troponins (cTns).Animals: Forty‐eight client‐owned dogs envenomed by V. palaestinae.Methods: Blood sampling (serum biochemistry and cTns, CBC, and coagulation tests) and electrocardiography were performed periodically up to 72 hours postenvenomation. Cardiac rhythm strips were assessed blindly for the presence and type of arrhythmias.Results: Serum cTn‐T and cTn‐I concentrations were increased in 25% (n = 12) and 65% (n = 31) of the dogs at least once during hospitalization, respectively. Arrhythmias were identified in 29% (n = 14) of the dogs. Dogs with increased cTn‐T had a significantly higher occurrence of arrhythmias (58 versus 19%), and higher resting heart rate upon admission and within the following 24 hours. Dogs with increased serum cTn‐T concentrations were hospitalized for a significantly (P= .001) longer period compared to those with normal serum cTn‐T concentrations.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Dogs envenomed by V. palaestinae appear to sustain some degree of myocardial injury, as reflected by increased serum cTn concentrations and by the occurrence of arrhythmias. The latter should alert clinicians to a potentially ongoing cardiac injury. An increase in cTn‐T may be of clinical relevance and indicate a cardiac injury in V. palaestinae envenomations in dogs.
A Single Sample Method for Evaluating51Chromium‐Ethylene Diaminic Tetraacetic Acid Clearance in Normal and Hyperthyroid Cats
Authors: Vandermeulen E. , Van Hoek I. , De Sadeleer C. , Piepsz A. , Ham H.R. , Bosmans T. , Dobbeleir A. , Daminet S. , Peremans K. 
Published: December 2008

Background:Chronic kidney failure is frequently seen in middle‐aged and elderly cats.51Chromium‐ethylene diaminic tetraacetic acid (51Cr‐EDTA) clearance and single blood sample (SBS) method are used in several species to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).Hypothesis:The hypothesis of this study was that51Cr‐EDTA clearance could be determined using an SBS method in normal and hyperthyroid cats.Animals:Forty‐six cats were included in this study, with an average age of 9.5 years. Of these cats, 27 had hyperthyroidism; 19 were healthy.Methods:After IV injection of51Cr‐EDTA (average dose: 4.25 MBq), 7 blood samples were obtained between 5 and 240 minutes. Reference clearance was calculated in mL/min and mL/min/kg body weight, using a 2‐compartment model. Optimal time for clearance measurement with SBS was then determined by systematically comparing each individual plasma concentration to the reference multisample clearance.Results:The average reference plasma clearance of51Cr‐EDTA for all cats was 14.9 mL/min (3.7 mL/min/kg). The clearance in hyperthyroid cats averaged 16.4 mL/min (4.3 mL/min/kg) and in normal cats averaged 10.3 mL/min (2.4 mL/min/kg).The optimal time for the SBS was 48 minutes after injection of tracer51Cr‐EDTA (R2= 0.9414), giving the following converting equation: clearance = (0.0066 × DV48 minutes) – 0.9277 (in mL/min).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:In this study, the single sample51Cr‐EDTA clearance method was used to estimate the global GFR in cats. The method identified differences in clearance between normal and hyperthyroid cats. The optimal time for an SBS was 48 minutes.
Effect of Spironolactone on Diastolic Function and Left Ventricular Mass in Maine Coon Cats with Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: MacDonald K.A. , Kittleson M.D. , Kass P.H. 
Published: December 2008

Background:Myocardial fibrosis occurs in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and is one factor that leads to diastolic dysfunction. Spironolactone (SPIR) reduces myocardial fibrosis in several models of HCM and in humans with cardiac disease.Hypothesis:SPIR will improve diastolic function and reduce left ventricular (LV) mass in Maine Coon cats with HCM.Methods:Maine Coon cats with familial HCM were included if there was concentric hypertrophy (≥6 mm end diastolic wall thickness) and decreased early lateral mitral annular velocity (Em) or summated early and late mitral annular velocity (EAsum) measured by pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography. Cats were paired by Em‐EAsum and randomized to receive 2 mg/kg SPIR (n = 13) or placebo (n = 13) PO q12 h for 4 months. Em‐EAsum, systolic velocity, LV mass, and the ratio of left atrial to aortic diameter were measured at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months. Statistical analysis included 2‐way repeated measures analysis of variance and the Student'st‐test.Results:Plasma aldosterone concentration increased in cats treated with SPIR (235 ng/mL, baseline; 935 ng/mL, 2 months; 1,077 ng/mL, 4 months;P< .001 at 2 and 4 months). No significant treatment effect was identified for early or early‐late summated diastolic mitral annular velocity or any other variable except plasma aldosterone concentration. Severe facial ulcerative dermatitis developed in 4 of 13 cats treated with SPIR, requiring discontinuation of the drug.Conclusion:SPIR did not improve Em or EAsum of the lateral mitral annulus or alter LV mass over 4 months. One third of cats treated with SPIR developed severe ulcerative facial dermatitis.
The Effect of Adding Oral Dexamethasone to Feed Alterations on the Airway Cell Inflammatory Gene Expression in Stabled Horses Affected with Recurrent Airway Obstruction
Authors: DeLuca L. , Erb H.N. , Young J.C. , Perkins G.A. , Ainsworth D.M. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Chemokine expression in airway epithelium and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells of horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is increased.Hypothesis: For RAO‐affected horses that are stabled and fed a pelleted ration, the addition of oral dexamethasone further improves pulmonary function and reduces inflammatory gene expression in pulmonary cells.Animals: Twelve RAO‐affected horses.Methods: In a randomized cross‐over experiment, the effect of feeding pellets in lieu of hay to stabled, RAO‐affected horses was compared with the effect of feeding pellets and administering a 21‐day decreasing dose regimen of oral dexamethasone on the expression (by kinetic polymerase chain reaction) of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2), IL‐1β, IL‐6, and β‐actin in the BALF cells and of IL‐8, CXCL2, 2 IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1R2), Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase in the bronchial epithelium 2 days after the final dose.Results: Both treatments reduced airway neutrophilia and breathing efforts but the addition of dexamethasone was associated with fewer treatment failures. Compared with feed changes alone, dexamethasone administration further reduced the expression of IL‐8, CXCL2, and IL‐1β in the BALF cells 3.3‐, 2.5‐, and 4.7‐fold, respectively. In the airway epithelium, both treatments were equally efficacious in reducing the expression of IL‐8 and CXCL2 expression relative to pretreatment values, but either treatment failed to alter the expression of IL‐1R2 and TLR4.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: For a rapid and consistent improvement in pulmonary function and a reduction in inflammatory gene expression of the BALF cells, a decreasing dose of oral dexamethasone in combination with feed alterations is more efficacious for horses that must remain stabled.
Combination Chemotherapy in Feline Lymphoma: Treatment Outcome, Tolerability, and Duration in 23 Cats
Authors: Simon D. , Eberle N. , Laacke‐Singer L. , Nolte I. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Different chemotherapy regimes have been described for feline lymphoma with varying outcomes.Hypothesis: In cats with lymphoma, a long‐term, multiagent chemotherapy protocol will be effective and carry acceptable toxicity.Animals: Twenty‐three cats with histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma.Methods: Prospective, single‐arm clinical trial in which cats were treated with a chemotherapy protocol consisting of a cyclic combination of l‐asparaginase, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and prednisolone with a planned total treatment time of 122 weeks.Results: Complete remission (CR) rate was 74% (n = 17). Fourteen percent of cats attained partial remission (PR). Median duration of first CR was 264 days (range, 45–2,485 days). Six‐month, 1‐, and 2–5‐year remission rates were 75, 50, and 34%, respectively. Duration of PR ranged between 23 and 63 days. Median survival in cats with CR was 296 days (range, 50–2,520 days). Six‐month, 1‐, 2‐, and 3–5‐year survival rates in cats with CR were 82, 47, 34, and 27%, respectively. Survival of cats achieving PR ranged between 38 and 120 days. Of the analyzed variables, only anatomical location had a significant influence on remission duration (P=.022). Actual median treatment time in cats with CR was 128 days (18 weeks). Hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicosis was infrequent and mostly low grade.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In this population of cats with lymphoma, chemotherapy was effective. With infrequent and mostly low‐grade toxicosis, tolerability of the protocol may be considered good.
Renal Amyloidosis in Cattle with Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Elitok O.M. , Elitok B. , Unver O. 
Published: December 2008

Background:The association of inflammatory diseases such as traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP), mastitis, metritis, and pododermatitis with renal amyloidosis in cattle is poorly described.Hypothesis:Serum amyloid A (SAA) levels are elevated during inflammatory diseases, and renal amyloidosis is formed as a complication.Animals:This study was conducted with 82 crossbred cattle with mastitis (n = 18 cows), metritis (n = 11 cows), TRP (n = 30 cows), and pododermatitis (n = 23 : 15 cows and 8 beef cattle). Ten clinically healthy cows served as controls.Methods:Hematological, urinary, and blood parameters, including SAA, were measured by an automated procedure provided with trade kits. Determination of amyloidal structures was made by histopathological examination of renal biopsy specimens.Results:At the end of this trial, amyloidosis was detected in 5 cows displaying typical nephrotic syndrome, with hypoproteinemia and proteinuria in combination with polyuria and weight loss. Furthermore, it was observed that cows with renal amyloidosis had significantly higher (P< .01) total leukocyte counts, serum and urine enzyme activities, and urea and creatinine concentrations, with lower serum total protein concentrations, when compared with animals without renal amyloidosis.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:The incidence of AA amyloidosis in cattle in this study suggests that cattle with mastitis, metritis, and pododermatitis have a high prevalence of systemic amyloidosis in response to inflammation.
Upregulation of Toll‐Like Receptors in Chronic Enteropathies in Dogs
Authors: Burgener I.A. , König A. , Allenspach K. , Sauter S.N. , Boisclair J. , Doherr M.G. , Jungi T.W. 
Published: December 2008

Background:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to result from a dysregulated interaction between the host immune system and commensal microflora. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) recognize microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), but their role in enteropathies in dogs is unknown.Hypothesis:That there is a dysregulation of TLRs recognizing bacterial MAMPs in dogs with IBD.Animals:Sixteen healthy beagles and 12 dogs with steroid‐treated (ST) and 23 dogs with food‐responsive (FR) diarrhea.Methods:Prospective, observational study. mRNA expression of canine TLR2, 4, and 9 was evaluated by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR in duodenal and colonic biopsies obtained before and after standard therapy. Samples from control dogs were taken at necropsy, with additional biopsies of stomach, jejunum, ileum, and mesenteric lymph node in 6 dogs.Results:There were significant differences (P≤ .017) in expression of TLR2, 4, and 9 between the 6 sampled locations in healthy control dogs (lymph node > small intestine ≥ colon). Before therapy, ST expressed more mRNA than control dogs for all 3 receptors (P< .05). There were no significant differences between pretreatment and posttreatment values, even though 32/35 dogs improved clinically. No associations were found when comparing receptor mRNA expression with either histology or clinical activity scores.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Bacteria‐responsive TLR2, 4, and 9 are upregulated in duodenal and colonic mucosa in IBD. This might lead to increased inflammation through interaction with the commensal flora. The absence of significant changes after therapy despite clinical improvement might point toward the existence of a genetic predisposition to IBD as described in human IBD.
Temporal Trends and Molecular Epidemiology of Recently Described Serotype 6C of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Nunes Sónia , Valente Carina , Sá-Leão Raquel , de Lencastre Hermínia 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

We studied the epidemiology of the recently described serotype 6C of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
among a collection of carriage isolates recovered between 1996 and 2007 in Portugal. Of 4,064 isolates, 106 (2.6%) were of serotype 6C, 17.9% of which were multidrug resistant. The strains were genetically diverse.
Role for CCR5 in Dissemination of Vaccinia Virus In Vivo
Authors: Rahbar Ramtin , Murooka Thomas T. , Fish Eleanor N. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTIn an earlier report, we provided evidence that expression of CCR5 by primary human T cells renders them permissive for vaccinia virus (VACV) replication. This may represent a mechanism for dissemination throughout the lymphatic system. To test this hypothesis, wild-type CCR5+/+and CCR5 null mice were challenged with VACV by intranasal inoculation. In time course studies using different infective doses of VACV, we identified viral replication in the lungs of both CCR5+/+and CCR5−/−mice, yet there were diminished viral loads in the spleens and brains of CCR5−/−mice compared with CCR5+/+mice. Moreover, in association with VACV infection, we provide evidence for CD4+and CD8+T-cell as well as CD11c+and F4/80+cell infiltration into the lungs of CCR5+/+but not CCR5−/−mice, and we show that the CCR5-expressing T cells harbor virus. We demonstrate that this CCR5 dependence is VACV specific, since CCR5−/−mice are as susceptible to intranasal influenza virus (A/WSN/33) infection as CCR5+/+mice. In a final series of experiments, we provide evidence that adoptive transfer of CCR5+/+bone marrow leukocytes into CCR5−/−mice restores VACV permissiveness, with evidence of lung and spleen infection. Taken together, our data suggest a novel role for CCR5 in VACV dissemination in vivo.
Characterization of Neutralizing Epitopes of Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoprotein H
Authors: Akahori Yasushi , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Daikoku Tohru , Iwai Masae , Yoshida Yoshihiro , Asano Yoshizo , Kurosawa Yoshikazu , Shiraki Kimiyasu 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein H (gH) is the major neutralization target of VZV, and its neutralizing epitope is conformational. Ten neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies to gH were used to map the epitopes by immunohistochemical analysis and were categorized into seven epitope groups. The combinational neutralization efficacy of two epitope groups was not synergistic. Each epitope was partially or completely resistant to concanavalin A blocking of the glycomoiety of gH, and their antibodies inhibited the cell-to-cell spread of infection. The neutralization epitope comprised at least seven independent protein portions of gH that served as the target to inhibit cell-to-cell spread.
Urban and rural variation in walking patterns and pedestrian crashes
Authors: Zhu M , Cummings P , Chu H , Xiang H 
Published: December 2008

Objective:To examine the urban and rural variation in walking patterns and pedestrian crashes.Design:The rates of pedestrians being struck by motor vehicles was estimated according to miles walked and resident years.Setting:New York State, USA during 2001 through 2002.Participants:35 732 pedestrians struck by vehicles.Main outcome measures:The adjusted rate ratio (aRR) of pedestrian–vehicle crash and pedestrian injury based on resident years and miles walked according to urban and rural areas.Results:Compared with rural areas, the aRR for a pedestrian–vehicle collision, based on resident years, was 2.0 (95% CI 1.7 to 2.3) in small urban areas, 1.8 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.3) in mid-size urban areas, and 4.2 (95% CI 3.6 to 4.8) in the large urban area. The aRR based on miles walked was 2.3 (95% CI 1.6 to 3.2) in small urban areas, 2.0 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.9) in mid-size urban areas, and 1.9 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.7) in the large area. The aRR for a fatal pedestrian injury, based on miles walked, was 2.1 (95% CI 1.3 to 3.6) in small urban areas, 1.9 (95% CI 1.3 to 2.9) in mid-size urban areas, and 0.9 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.3) in the large urban area.Conclusions:The rate of pedestrian crashes and injuries in small and mid-size urban areas was twice that in rural areas, whether based on resident years or miles walked. The high rate of pedestrian crashes in the large urban area based on resident years could be partly explained by the fact that residents in such areas walk about twice as much as residents in rural areas. The rate of fatal pedestrian injury based on miles walked was similar in the large urban area and rural areas.
Under-reporting of road traffic injuries to the police: results from two data sources in urban India
Authors: Dandona R , Kumar G A , Ameer M A , Reddy G B , Dandona L 
Published: December 2008

Objective:To report the magnitude of under-reporting of road traffic injury (RTI) to the police from population-based and hospital-based data in the urban population of Hyderabad, India.Methods:In a cross-sectional population-based survey, 10 459 participants aged 5–49 years (94.3% participation), selected using three-stage systematic cluster sampling, recalled the reporting of non-fatal RTIs to the police in the preceding 12 months and fatal RTIs in the preceding 3 years. In addition, 781 consecutive RTI cases presenting to the emergency department of five hospitals provided information on RTI reporting to the police.Results:In the population-based study, of those who had non-fatal RTIs and sought outpatient or inpatient services, 2.3% (95% 1.1% to 3.5%) and 17.2% (95% CI 3.5% to 30.9%), respectively, reported the RTI to the police. Of the non-fatal consecutive RTI cases presenting to emergency departments, 24.6% (95% CI 21.3% to 27.8%) reported the RTI to the police. In the population-based study, 77.8% (95% CI 65.1% to 90.5%) of the fatal RTIs were reported to the police, and of the consecutive fatal RTI cases presenting to emergency departments, 98.1% (95% CI 95.5% to 100%) were reported to the police. The major reasons cited for not reporting RTIs to the police were “not necessary to report” and “hit and run case”.Conclusions:As road safety policies are based on police data in India, these studies highlight serious limitations in estimating the true magnitude of RTIs from these data, indicating the need for better methods for such estimation.
Inhibition of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin by Rapamycin Causes the Regression of Carcinogen-Induced Skin Tumor Lesions
Authors: Amornphimoltham Panomwat , Leelahavanichkul Kantima , Molinolo Alfredo , Patel Vyomesh , Gutkind J. Silvio 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Purpose: The activation of Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway represents a frequent event in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) progression, thus raising the possibility of using specific mTOR inhibitors for the treatment of SCC patients. In this regard, blockade of mTOR with rapamycin prevents the growth of human head and neck SCC cells when xenotransplanted into immunodeficient mice. However, therapeutic responses in xenograft tumors are not always predictive of clinical anticancer activity.
Experimental Design: As genetically defined and chemically induced animal cancer models often reflect better the complexity of the clinical setting, we used here a two-step chemical carcinogenesis model to explore the effectiveness of rapamycin for the treatment of skin SCC.
Results: Rapamycin exerted a remarkable anticancer activity in this chemically induced cancer model, decreasing the tumor burden of mice harboring early and advanced tumor lesions, and even recurrent skin SCCs. Immunohistochemical studies on tumor biopsies and clustering analysis revealed that rapamycin causes the rapid decrease in the phosphorylation status of mTOR targets followed by the apoptotic death of cancer cells and the reduction in the growth and metabolic activity of the surviving ones, concomitant with a decrease in the population of cancer cells expressing mutant p53. This approach enabled investigating the relationship among molecular changes caused by mTOR inhibition, thus helping identify relevant biomarkers for monitoring the effectiveness of mTOR inhibition in the clinical setting.
Conclusions: Together, these findings provide a strong rationale for the early evaluation of mTOR inhibitors as a molecular targeted approach to treat SCC.
Effect of Latitudinal Variations in Low-Level Baroclinicity on Eddy Life Cycles and Upper-Tropospheric Wave-Breaking Processes
Authors: Rivière Gwendal 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
An analysis of the potential vorticity gradient and the refractive index in quasigeostrophic (QG) flows on the sphere reveals that the absolute vorticity and the stretching parts have two contradictory effects on the horizontal shape of the baroclinic waves when the full variations of the Coriolis parameter are taken into account in each term. The absolute vorticity effect favors the anticyclonic (southwest–northeast) tilt and anticyclonic wave breaking (AWB) and is stronger in the upper troposphere. In contrast, the stretching effect promotes the cyclonic (northwest–southeast) tilt and cyclonic wave breaking (CWB) and is more efficient at lower levels. A positive eddy feedback acting on the latitudinal variations of the zonal winds is deduced. Because the absolute vorticity and the stretching effects are respectively more and less efficient with increasing latitude, a more northward (southward) jet renders AWB more (less) probable and CWB less (more) probable; the jet is pushed or maintained more northward (southward) by the eddy feedback.
Idealized numerical experiments using two aquaplanet models on the sphere, a three-level QG model, and a 10-level primitive equation (PE) model, confirm our analysis. Two strategies are employed: first, a normal-mode approach for jets centered at different latitudes; second, an analysis of long-term integrations of the models where the temperature is relaxed toward zonally as well as nonzonally uniform restoration-temperature profiles located at different latitudes. The positive eddy feedback is much less visible in the QG model and CWB is very rare because it does not contain the stretching effect (because of the constant Coriolis parameter in the stretching term).