bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microvascularization of the Third Eyelid in Dogs
Authors: Alexandre‐Pires G. , Mendes‐ Jorge L. , Correia M. , Esperança Pina J. A. 
Published: November 2005

The third eyelid protects the eye, contribute to the aqueous portion of the pre‐ocular film and its distribution over the corneal surface, as well as removal of foreign material from the anterior surface of the eye. It is rather vulnerable during fights and clinicians often have to perform surgery for third eyelid neoplasia. In dogs, this lid has a triangular shape, being widest at its free margin. It is vascularized by branches of the malar artery. Being of such importance as an adnexa of the eye, the authors concentrated their attention on its vascularization, which is not well defined.Methods:  Scanning Electronic Microscopy of vascular corrosion casts and intact tissue.Observations:  It was quite interesting to notice the presence of two patterns of vascularization inside the third eyelid. One can say that there are two segmental levels of vessels. In one of these there is a predominance of arteries and veins, while in the other a meshwork of third order arteries, capillaries and post‐capillary venules are present. In fact, the branch of the malar artery that reaches the base of the third eyelid divides into smaller branches that cross almost the complete length of the lid giving only a few collateral vessels, in a monopodical way, and only near the free margin of the lid is possible to observe dicothomical ramifications that became rather anastomotic (being anastomoses of type I and II are present) and contribute to the microvascular meshwork. This microvascular net is drained by post‐capillary venules and veins that empty as a brush into bigger veins that occupy the same segmental level as the third eyelid artery.Remarks:  This uncommon angioarchitecture is probably an adaptation to the fact that in the medial canthus of the eye this lid has a smaller space and the way of obtaining an efficient vascularization is by going straight to the top of the lid.
3D‐Determination of the Position of the Distal Phalanx Relative to the Claw Capsule in Cattle
Authors: Maierl J. , Böttcher P. , Liebich H. ‐G. 
Published: November 2005

Introduction:  On one hand, the distal phalanx in cattle is suspended by the wall segment of the dermis, on the other hand it is supported in the palmar/plantar region by the bulb with its specialized subcutaneous tissue. Recent results of various studies suggest that changes in tissue composition of the bulb and slackening of the suspension can lead to an unphysiological position of the distal phalanx within the horn capsule. This leads to an altered distribution of pressure and mechanically influences the dermal blood supply. In the worst case these changes may lead to sole ulcer.Aims:  The aim of this study was to develop a method to allow measuring the minimal distance between the surface of the distal phalanx and the inner surface of the horn capsule under various loading.Material and Methods:  The right front and the left hindclaws have been taken from seven healthy beef bulls (German Simmentals, average body weight 580 ± 25 kg) from the local abattoir. After functional claw trimming the feet have been scanned in a computed tomograph (veterinary surgical clinics) in unloaded and the loaded state [distribution of body weight: 55% (front legs): 45 % (hind legs)]. Each distal phalanx and claw capsule have been reconstructed in both datasets via threshholding (‘marching‐cube‐algorithm’). The minimal distance between both objects has been measured by the ‘nearest‐neighbour‐algorithm’.Results:  No significant differences could be observed between front and hind claws and lateral and medial claws respectively. In the unloaded state there was a distance of 4–6 mm in the dorsal, abaxial and axial aspect of the distal phalanx, which almost remained constant in the loaded state. On the solear surface values increased from 3 mm at the tip of the coffin bone to 7–8 mm at the flexor tubercle where significant distance changes (approx. 3 mm) could be observed.Discussion:  A tilting movement of the distal phalanx becomes obvious with loading. Thus, especially the region of transition between the soft and the hard bulb experiences heavy compressive stress. This coincides topographically with the incidence of sole ulcers.
Vitamin D3 Receptor Immunohistochemistry in Sheep and Goat Intestine
Authors: Riner K. , Liesegang A. , Boos A. 
Published: November 2005

Disturbed calcium homeostasis during the peripartal period is a major problem in domesticated ruminants. Clinical signs of hypocalcaemia shortly after calving (periparturient paresis) occur in cattle, predominately in elder animals. On the contrary, in sheep and goat, periparturient paresis is mainly evident several weeks before and only in some cases after parturition. In high‐yielding dairy goats, however, periparturient paresis also occurs – as in the dairy cow – during the peripartal period (Ruffin et al., 2002). Vitamin D3 receptors (VDR) participate in the regulation of calcium homeostasis by increasing the efflux of calcium from bone and dietary sources into blood. The nutritional availability of calcium during the peripartal period has been examined in cattle: VDR concentrations in colon decrease with age, being significantly higher during pregnancy and lactation and are temporarily lower at parturition (Goff et al., 1991). However, similar data have not been evaluated for sheep and goat. Thus, tissue specimens of small and large intestines were collected from lambs and non‐lactating, non‐pregnant adult animals of both species. Formaldehyde fixed and microwave treated paraffin sections were used for VDR immunohistochemistry employing a biotinylated monoclonal rat antibody and streptavidin peroxidase technique. Preliminary results in adult sheep showed that VDR immunoreactivities generally were higher in deep parts of crypts, decreased towards openings and were low in surface epithelium. Staining was most prominent in duodenal mucosa, lower in jejunum and further decreased in ileum and colon. It was lowest in caecum. Smaller numbers of immunopositive cells and reduced staining intensities resulted in weaker immunoreactions in the latter segments of small and large intestines. In addition to nuclear tinction, cytoplasmic staining was mainly evident in duodenum, at lower levels in jejunum and negligible in ileum, colon and caecum. Immunohistochemistry of goat and lamb intestines are currently performed, thus the effects of age and species are presently unknown. Our preliminary results indicate that VDRs are highly expressed at the site of presumed maximal intestinal calcium resorption.References  Ruffin, DC et al. 2002, In: Sheep and Goat Medicine, DG Pugh (ed), Philadelphia: WB Saunders.Goff, JP et al. 1991. J. Dairy Sci. 74, 4022–4032.
Specialised Vascular Structures in the Pododerma of the Camel Footpad (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Saber A.S. , Weyrauch K.D. , Hirschberg R.M. , Riess M. 
Published: November 2005

Aims:  The even‐hoofed, unguligrade tylopods display a well‐developed eponymous footpad that absorbs most of the body weight in locomotion and is particularly adapted to the sandy ground surface of the natural environment of dromedaries. Considering the drastic changes in temperature occurring in the desert sand, specialised thermoregulatory vascular and nervous structures are to be expected in the modified pododerma of this footpad. Therefore, the aim of the study was to demonstrate the angioarchitecture of the camelid footpad and to detect specialised vascular structures related to these specific functions.Material and Methods:  Corrosion casting of fore and hind feet of dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius); scanning electron microscopy of micro‐corrosion castsResults and Discussion:  The dense angioarchitecture of the dromedary footpad, like that of unmodified skin, can be subdivided into separate plexus arranged at different levels: a subcutaneous plexus, a profound dermal plexus, a superficial dermal plexus and a subepidermal plexus.The subepidermal blood vessels run very close to the dermo‐epidermal borderline and thus the subepidermal angioarchitecture consists of densely vascularised conical papillae comprised of centrally situated papillary arteriole and venule ensheathed in a dense subepidermal capillary network. At the tip of the papillae, the central papillary arteriole and venule form a peripheral capillary loop, acting as a thoroughfare channel. This dermal angioarchitecture of the dromedary footpad is comparable to the papillary system described in the bulbs of the highly specialised digital end organs of many other odd‐ and even‐hoofed mammals, particularly the equine hoof and the bovine claw.Within the subcutaneous and the deep dermal plexus of the dromedary foot pad, unique glomus‐like vascular structures were detectable, presumably associated with cutaneous thermoregulation as described for the unmodified hairy skin.
Alterations in the biochemical markers of renal function after sevoflurane anaesthesia
Authors: ŞEKEROĞLU MEHMET R , KATI İSMAİL , NOYAN TEVFİK , DÜLGER HALUK , YALÇINKAYA AHMET S 
Published: November 2005

SUMMARY:Aim:  This study has been carried out to see whether renal function is acutely altered in patients undergoing sevoflurane anaesthesia. For this purpose, the urinary levels of markers of renal tubular function, namely leucine amino peptidase (LAP), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and beta‐2 microglobulin (beta‐2M), and urinary albumin as a predictor of renal glomerular function were measured before and after sevoflurane anaesthesia.Methods:  This study was comprised of 20 patients (11 males and nine females) aged 18–55, who underwent various elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. Urine samples of all patients were collected before and 1, 2 and 8 h after the anaesthesia. The levels of LAP, GGT, beta‐2M, and albumin were then expressed as factored by urinary creatinine. In all patients, the anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (2% end‐tidal) at a high flow‐rate (6 L/min).Results:  Urinary beta‐2M and LAP levels after anaesthesia were unchanged (P > 0.05). While urinary GGT and ALP levels were found elevated in the first hour, LDH levels were higher in the second hour (P < 0.05). They returned to normal levels in the later periods after the anaesthesia. Urinary albumin excretion (UAE) was significantly elevated in the second hour after the anaesthesia (P < 0.001). Although UAE was decreased in the eighth hour after the anaesthesia, it still remained higher than the pre‐anaesthesia level (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  These results suggest that a 2% end‐tidal concentration of sevoflurane at a high flow‐rate (6 L/min) acutely alters renal glomerular function but does not have a significant acute effect on biochemical markers of renal tubular damage.
Elevated serum interleukin‐18 levels might reflect the high risk of hospitalization in patients on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: YANO AI , NAKAO KAZUSHI , SARAI AI , AKAGI SHIGERU , KIHARA TAKASHI , MORIMOTO HISANORI , NAKAMURA AKIHIKO , HIRAMATSU MAKOTO , NAGAKE YOSHIO , MAKINO HIROFUMI 
Published: November 2005

SUMMARY:Background:  Interleukin (IL)‐18 is a potent pro‐inflammatory cytokine and plays a central role in atherosclerotic plaque rupture and accelerates atherosclerosis.Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine serum IL‐18 levels in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to assess their relationship with hospitalization.Methods:  Forty‐three PD patients and 20 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. We investigated the relationship of the serum concentrations of IL‐18 and other well‐established atherosclerotic markers, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Hospitalization data from over a 18‐month period were prospectively obtained on all 43 PD patients. Classic factors were entered into a Cox regression model to predict first hospitalization.Results:  The serum levels of IL‐18 in patients on PD were significantly higher than those of healthy individuals (228.5 ± 140.3 pg/mL vs 154.8 ± 44.7 pg/mL, P < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, serum IL‐18 levels showed a positive correlation with duration of PD, serum β2 microglobulin and serum ADMA levels. Mean serum levels of IL‐18 were significantly higher among patients who had experienced at least one hospitalization than those who had not (279.9 ± 164.3 vs 158.5 ± 43.9 pg/mL, P = 0.0426). Furthermore, the relative risk for first hospitalization for each increase in IL‐18 (pg/mL) levels was associated with a 1.182 (95% confidence interval, 1.012–1.364; P = 0.0071) increase in the risk for future hospitalization events.Conclusion:  The present study suggests the elevated serum IL‐18 levels might increase the risk for future hospitalization in patients on PD.
A study of gene expression of cyclophilin in childhood refractory nephrotic syndrome and its clinical significance
Authors: XIA ZHENGKUN , LIU GUANLING , GAO YUANFU 
Published: November 2005

SUMMARY:Aim:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of gene expression of cyclophilin (CyP) in children with refractory nephrotic syndrome (NS).Methods:  The levels of leukocyte mRNA expression in 33 cases of childhood refractory NS were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The CyP levels in these children were compared with those of a healthy control groups.Results:  Cyclophilin (408 bp) and β‐actin bands (234 bp) were distinct on electrophoresis. The levels of leukocyte CyP mRNA expression were higher in children with mesangio‐proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) than in minimal‐change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), whereas in membrano‐proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) they were found to be lower. The levels of leukocyte CyP mRNA were increased with exacerbation of clinical disease. Determination of the levels of leukocyte CyP mRNA expression in children with different clinical types showed that there was no difference in the levels of CyP mRNA expression in children with prednisone‐dependent, frequent relapsing or prednisone‐resistant types. The level of leukocyte CyP mRNA expression was found to be higher in acute stage groups than in convalescent stage or control groups.Conclusions:  Determination of the levels of leukocyte CyP mRNA may be of assistance in cyclosporine A therapy.
Left atrial mechanical functions in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Ingec Metin , Yilmaz Mustafa , Gundogdu Fuat 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: To assess the effect of short‐term pressure overload on left atrial (LA) mechanical function in pre‐eclampsia.Methods: Twenty women with pre‐eclampsia and 17 age‐matched healthy pregnant women were included. LA volumes were measured echocardiographically at the time of mitral valve opening (Vmax), onset of atrial systole (p‐wave at the electrocardiography = Vp) and mitral valve closure (Vmin) according to the biplane area‐length method.Results: The mean age, gestational age, weight and body surface area were similar in pre‐eclampsia and controls. The ventricular septal and posterior wall thickness were greater in pre‐eclampsia (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in LA diameter, Vmax, Vmin, Vp, LA‐passive emptying volume, LA‐passive emptying fraction, LA‐active emptying volume, LA‐active emptying fraction, conduit volume, LA‐total emptying volume and LA‐total emptying fraction between the groups.Conclusion: Left atrial mechanical function didn’t change in pre‐eclampsia. We conclude that short‐lasting pressure overload is not capable of inducing changes in LA function.
Microwave endometrial ablation for menorrhagia caused by large submucous myomas
Authors: Kanaoka Yasushi , Hirai Kouzo , Ishiko Osamu 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: To examine the feasibility of microwave endometrial ablation (MEA), using a curved microwave applicator, in patients with menorrhagia caused by a submucous myoma greater than 3 cm in diameter, which is among the contraindications for conventional endometrial ablation.Methods: Patients included were refractory to medication, more than 45 years of age, and due to undergo hysterectomy to treat menorrhagia as a result of submucous myomas, although they hoped to avoid hysterectomy. Three patients underwent MEA at 2.45 GHz using a curved microwave applicator and microwave tissue coagulator to treat menorrhagia. Patients 1, 2 and 3 had submucous myoma nodes 4.5, 5.0 and 13 cm in diameter respectively. The applicator was guided under transabdominal ultrasonography to microwave irradiation sites arranged to cover the entire uterine lining based on preoperative magnetic resonance images. MEA was performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. Microwaves were irradiated at 40 W for 50 s for single irradiation sites.Results: Patient 1 became amenorrheic after the second MEA, which was performed 2 months after the first operation. Patients 2 and 3 became amenorrheic after the first MEA. Postoperative abdominal pain was controllable by a suppository of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. The patients were discharged the day after the operation. No remarkable complications were encountered during or after surgery.Conclusion: Microwave endometrial ablation improves menorrhagia caused by large submucous myomas when the microwave applicator reaches all parts of the uterine cavity.
Routine histopathologic analysis of product of conception following first‐trimester spontaneous miscarriages
Authors: Tasci Yasemin , Dilbaz Serdar , Secilmis Ozlem , Dilbaz Berna , Ozfuttu Ahmet , Haberal Ali 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: To evaluate the histopathologic findings relating to tissue samples collected at surgical uterine evacuation in first‐trimester spontaneous miscarriages.Methods: In this retrospective study, histopathologic diagnosis of the tissue samples obtained via surgical uterine evacuation in patients who were admitted to the Early Pregnancy Clinic in a 12‐month period with the diagnosis of incomplete miscarriage (n = 970), missed miscarriage (n = 406) and anembryonic miscarriage (n = 230) in the first trimester was recorded and compared with the presurgery diagnosis.Results: Uterine evacuation was performed in cases of incomplete miscarriage (n = 970, 60.4%), missed miscarriage (n = 406, 25.2%) and anembryonic miscarriage (n = 230, 14.3%). Histopathologic examination revealed the product of conception in 1119 patients (69.7%), while partial hydatidiform mole was diagnosed in 33 patients (2.1%). Complete hydatidiform mole was detected in only seven cases (0.43%). Exaggerated placental site and placental site trophoblastic nodule was detected in two cases (0.12%). Decidual tissue without chorionic villi was reported in 272 patients (16.9%), raising the suspicion of presence of other pathology.Conclusions: By routine histopathologic assessment of products of first‐trimester spontaneous miscarriages, important pathologies such as molar pregnancy and placental trophoblastic disease can be diagnosed. Histopathological assessment has great value in the identification of an ectopic pregnancy or infection when compared with clinical and laboratory findings.
Quantitative partitioning of regional and local processes shaping regional diversity patterns
Authors: Rajaniemi Tara K. , Goldberg Deborah E. , Turkington Roy , Dyer Andrew R. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractMuch recent research explaining plant community diversity has focused on comparing the relative impacts of regional and local processes. We employed a novel analysis to quantify the effects of multiple regional and local processes on species richness, and to make quantitative comparisons of those effects across two sites that differ in plot‐level species richness, productivity and environmental conditions. While abiotic stress and competition limited richness within the communities at both sites, only differences in the overall pool of species at the site, likely resulting from long‐distance dispersal and climate fluctuations, explained the differences in plot‐level richness between sites. Patterns in local richness may be driven by a temporal storage effect, with greater richness in the site with greater climatic variability. By identifying both the factors that impact diversity within communities and those that vary systematically across communities, our integrated approach provides a better understanding of regional diversity patterns.
Psychosocial effects of vitiligo
Authors: Ongenae K , Beelaert L , van Geel N , Naeyaert J‐M 
Published: November 2005

AbstractA limited number of studies have paid attention to the psychosocial well‐being of patients affected with vitiligo. We review the psychosocial effects of vitiligo, how patients deal with them and the psychiatric morbidity in vitiligo patients. Given the appreciable comorbidity, it is important to consider these observations in the management of patients, for example in patient–physician interaction but also in treatment strategies and evaluation of treatments. The effects of the psychological state on the disease itself together with the potential therapeutic implications are reviewed. Based on these data, we suggest how to further improve patient's management.
Tourette's syndrome: performance on tests of behavioural inhibition, working memory and gambling
Authors: Crawford Sarah , Channon Shelley , Robertson Mary M. 
Published: November 2005

Background:  Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with fronto‐striatal dysfunction. There is debate as to the extent to which TS is associated with cognitive impairment. Some authors argue that any impairments seen are attributable to comorbid psychiatric symptomatology, whilst others have suggested that uncomplicated TS is associated with mild deficits limited primarily to inhibitory processes. The present study was designed to examine this issue using carefully screened participants with TS and experimental measures thought to involve different areas of the frontal lobes.Methods:  Adolescents with TS who were screened for comorbid psychiatric disorder were compared with a healthy control group on a set of executive measures. Two tasks involving behavioural inhibition were used: a Sentence Completion task in which sentences had to be completed first with straightforward and then with nonsensical endings, and a Flanker task in which a central stimulus was surrounded by either compatible or incompatible flankers. Working memory was assessed using an N‐back task, and reward learning was assessed using a Gambling task. Both accuracy and reaction times were measured for each task.Results:  The TS group differed significantly from the control group on both the Sentence Completion task and on the Flanker task. On the Sentence Completion task, they were slower to make both sensible and nonsensical completions, and they had higher error scores on the nonsensical completions. On the Flanker task, the TS participants were less accurate than the control group, since they were poorer on the incompatible but not the compatible trials. A similar interaction with trial type was found for speed, where the TS participants were slowed more by the incompatible versus compatible trials, although overall their performance tended to be faster than the controls. The TS group did not differ significantly from the control group on measures of working memory or reward learning.Conclusions:  The findings provide further evidence that uncomplicated TS is not associated with widespread executive impairments. However, it was not clear that any differences between the groups could be attributed solely to selective inhibitory impairment.