bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal perforation in five dogs associated with the administration of meloxicam
Authors: Enberg Trevor B. , Braun Laurence D. , Kuzma Alan B. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective: Five canine cases of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation and septic peritonitis associated with the routine use of meloxicam are reviewed.Series summary: Selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are being used more extensively and routinely for acute and chronic pain as well as for perioperative management of pain. These medications are safe and effective but can be associated with known GI and renal side effects. The patients in this case series had no significant concurrent illness, were not on any concurrent medication known to potentiate the ulcerogenic effects of NSAIDs, and in most cases did not display clinical signs that were apparent to the owners until the time of perforation.New or unique information provided: Despite the preferential selectivity for COX‐2, newer NSAIDs still carry the risk of GI performation. The incidence of GI perforation may be increased with inappropriate dosing regimens, with use of non‐veterinary products and in animals that are at high risk for toxicity. Early signs of toxicity may include alteration in appetite, and subtle signs of nausea during treatment. Warning owners to monitor their pet for vomiting, melena, and hematemesis may not be sufficient to avoid the potential disastrous consequences of GI ulceration.
The effect of storage on the P50 of feline blood
Authors: Wong Chris , Haskins Steve C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective: To determine the effect of storage on the P50 of feline hemoglobin.Design: Prospective, in vitro, laboratory study.Subjects: Venous blood from 4 clinically healthy cats.Measurements: Blood was collected into CPDA‐1 anticoagulant/preservative and maintained at 4°C for 5 weeks. Measurements were made on Days 0, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The blood samples were equilibrated in a tonometer to gas mixtures containing 2.5%, 4%, 5%, or 8% oxygen, with 5% carbon dioxide balance nitrogen; pH was adjusted to 7.4. Chloride, partial pressure of oxygen, and hemoglobin saturation were measured; P50 was calculated.Results: Chloride decreased from 124.3±2.1 to 88.5±1.9 mEq/L immediately after dilution with CPDA‐1, and did not change for the 5 weeks thereafter. The P50 decreased from an average of 35.0±1.2 to between 31 and 32 mmHg after 7 days, and did not change further for 4 weeks thereafter.Conclusions: The decrease in P50 of feline hemoglobin was minor compared with that of blood from species in which 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG) is a major modifier of hemoglobin affinity for oxygen. The decrease in P50 in the present study was attributed to an initial decrease in chloride and a subsequent loss of modest quantities of red cell 2,3‐DPG.
Near infrared photography for craniofacial anthropometric landmark measurement
Authors: Chong Albert K. , Mathieu Renaud 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPhotogrammetry has been recognised as an essential tool for the capture of spatial data to populate a craniofacial spatial database. A craniofacial database aims to provide medical practitioners with accurate craniofacial measurements for medical applications such as craniofacial reconstruction. New technologies and improved techniques continue to be developed to capture accurate spatial data of normal craniofacial features as well as the abnormal (malformations and victims of disease, trauma and burns). Digital near infrared (NIR) cameras are becoming more widely available. The resulting images have a number of advantages over traditional colour photographs. In particular, NIR cameras operate well in low light environments because they provide their own NIR light source. Consequently, this research was carried out to determine the suitability of NIR photography for craniofacial spatial data capture.The paper provides a discussion of the laboratory testing, data analysis and results of the use of NIR photography for automated and manual craniofacial spatial data capture in various lighting environments. The results show that the automated measurement accuracy is similar for both NIR and colour photographs. No specific signalised targets were needed for the camera calibration of NIR data‐sets. Also, the research found that NIR photographs provide higher contrast compared to colour photographs for manual stereodigitising of anthropometric landmarks when the photographs were taken in a faint‐lighting environment. Consequently, the research suggests that the NIR photographs could be used as an alternative to colour photographs for craniofacial spatial data capture.
Road extraction based on fuzzy logic and mathematical morphology from pan‐sharpened ikonos images
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Ali , Tavakoli Ahad , Valadan Zoej Mohammad J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAutomatic extraction of geospatial features has been the subject of extensive research in the past three decades. Here, an approach based on fuzzy logic and mathematical morphology is proposed, to extract main road centrelines from pan‐sharpened IKONOS images. In the IKONOS images, a standard deviation of 10 grey levels has been measured for the road classes. In the proposed fuzzy logic system, just one arbitrary pixel (up to a maximum of 3 pixels) provides an adequate initial value. Road identification requires neither the numbers of the classes nor the corresponding mean values; then, using advanced morphological concepts, the road centreline is extracted. The method is applied to pan‐sharpened IKONOS images of urban, suburban and rural areas around the Pyramids in Egypt, and Rasht City and Kish Island in Iran. The extracted road centrelines have an average error of 0·504 pixel and root mean square error of 0·036 pixel. The method is more accurate at road intersections and on curves than on straight sections of road. The extracted road is then used as a direct input to a geographical information system (GIS).
Non‐invasive diagnosis of large oesophageal varices with FibroTest in patients with cirrhosis: a preliminary retrospective study
Authors: Thabut Dominique , Trabut Jean‐Baptiste , Massard Julien , Rudler Marika , Muntenau Mona , Messous Djamila , Poynard Thierry 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Background and aims: Primary prevention of variceal bleeding with β‐blockers improves survival in patients with large oesophageal varices (LOV). Therefore, cirrhotic patients frequently undergo screening endoscopy. As portal hypertension is related to liver fibrosis, this study aimed to assess the predictive value of FibroTest, a non‐invasive marker of liver fibrosis, for the diagnosis of LOV in cirrhotic patients.Methods: Ninety‐nine cirrhotic patients had clinical examination, blood sample (liver function tests, platelet count, FibroTest) and upper endoscopy. Measurements of endoscopic and biochemical parameters were made blindly. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were assessed for FibroTest, platelet count and Child–Pugh score. The main endpoint was the presence of LOV.Results: Platelet count, prothrombin time, ascites, FibroTest and Child–Pugh class were significantly different among patients with or without LOV. FibroTest had the highest discriminative power with an area under receiver operating characteristics curves of 0.77 (SE=0.06), compared with 0.64 (0.08) and 0.68 (0.08) for platelet count and Child–Pugh score, respectively (P=0.08). A cut‐off at 0.80 had a 86% negative predictive value for the diagnosis of LOV (Se=92%, Sp=21%).Conclusion: FibroTest could aid in the diagnosis of LOV and may therefore reduce the indication of endoscopic screening in cirrhotic patients.
An ecological approach to study the physical and chemical effects of rye cover crop residues on Amaranthus retroflexus, Echinochloa crus‐galli and maize
Authors: Moonen A.C. , Bàrberi P. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWeeds can be suppressed in the field by cover crop residues, extracts of which have been demonstrated to exert chemical inhibition of crop and weed germination and early growth in bioassays. In this study, two complementary bioassays were developed with soil and mulch material originating from a long‐term maize–cover crop experiment to determine the relative physical and chemical effect of rye cover crop residues on weed and maize germination and early growth. This was compared with the effect exerted by residue material from the natural vegetation that developed in the crop stubble during the winter before maize sowing. Germination percentage and early growth of maize and two maize weeds, Amaranthus retroflexus and Echinochloa crus‐galli, were assessed in a seed incubator in tilled (green manured) and nontilled (surface mulched) soil, with and without N fertilisation, at various dates after cover crop destruction. Responses were compared to those of the same species in a standard soil without mulch or with an inert poplar mulch. A second bioassay was set up in a glasshouse to determine the effect of different quantities of fresh residue material and additional N fertilisation on emergence speed and percentage and on plant vigour during the first 22 days after cover crop destruction. These results were compared with no‐mulch controls and poplar mulch controls. Results of these trials were compared with weed density and biomass that developed in the maize crop sown after cover crop destruction. Soil and mulch chemical and biological properties were determined for material collected in the field at different times after cover crop destruction. Chemical properties of the mulch differed only occasionally between the treatments, but variation in cover crop biomass production led to significantly different soil chemical properties. Although soil total phenolic acid content did not always correlate to weed and maize germination and early growth inhibition, soil microbial activity did. In suboptimal conditions, as is often the case in the field, plant residue material exerted both a physical and a chemical effect on maize and weed emergence and early growth. Nitrogen fertilisation and application timing can give the maize crop a competitive advantage with respect to the weeds, but the final response and the practical consequences depended largely on the weed species involved.
CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATION AT A PREPARATIVE SCALE OF EGG WHITE OVALBUMIN AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE ELABORATION OF YOGURT MOUSSE
Authors: PAREDES B. , GONZÁLEZ S. , RENDUELES M. , DÍAZ M. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT Egg white contains high‐quality proteins. Some processes using eggs produce egg white as by‐product. These egg white proteins may be recovered for use as additive in food products. In the first part of this study, a new polymeric material was developed and used in the chromatographic separation of ovalbumin at preparative scale. Ovalbumin is the major component of egg white and thus, it has the greatest weight in terms of its functional effects. An application of the purified ovalbumin was subsequently studied in the elaboration of yogurt mousse. The results obtained showed that the poly(glycidil methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) resin that was manufactured enabled the separation of ovalbumin with good efficiency. This study also showed that the formulation obtained from the yogurt mousse with ovalbumin had a greater yield in volume than the commercial product used as a benchmark, improving the majority of its organoleptic qualities without appreciably affecting its stability and organoleptic properties.
Quality Assurance in Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound: The Hungarian Model
Authors: SZABÓ ISTVÁN , CSABAY LÁSZLÓE , TÓTH ZOLTÁN , TÖRÖK OLGA , PAPP ZOLTÁN 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: The majority of physicians performing obstetric scans are radiologists and obstetricians. The radiologist is well trained in imaging but lacks the obstetric background required to interpret information obtained from the scan. The obstetrician is qualified in obstetric knowledge but often lacks the formal imaging training necessary to optimize the pictures. In Hungary, nearly 100% of the physicians who perform obstetric and gynecologic scans are obstetricians. In order to create a standard and to hold together the practitioners in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as to eliminate the serious consequences of clinical malpractice, we organized the Hungarian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1992. The Society was established according to the standards of the most skilled obstetricians and gynecologists. In addition to working out the conditions and the standards, the Society provides for its members continuous education, postgraduate training, and monitors the knowledge and level of practitioners.We have established three levels of qualification. Each level requires a medical undergraduate degree. The levels range from basic (A), intermediate (B), to specialist (C). To receive the certificate every user and ultrasound laboratory have to fulfill requirements based on skill as well as equipment and circumstances. The certificates are valid for one year. Every year the practitioner must pass a special examination at the appropriate level. By doing so, the Society provides its members with not only professional support, but ethical and legal security as well.
Spinal Motor Patterns in the Turtlea
Authors: STEIN PAUL S. G. , McCULLOUGH MARGARET L. , CURRIE SCOTT N. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Rhythmic alternation between ipsilateral hip flexors and extensors occurs during the normal pattern of fictive rostral scratching in response to unilateral midbody stimulation in D3‐end turtles (complete spinal transection posterior to the forelimb enlargement). Unilateral midbody stimulation evokes rhythmic bursts of ipsilateral hip flexor activity with no hip extensor activity in D3‐end turtles with D6‐D7 contralateral hemisection (transverse hemisection anterior to the hindlimb enlargement). Bilateral midbody stimulation in these turtles evokes reconstruction of rhythmic alternation between intact side hip flexors and extensors. These normal motor patterns in response to two‐site stimulation are reconstructed because one‐site stimulation in this preparation activates only hip flexor rhythms (J. Neurosci. 18: 467).Hip flexor rhythms can therefore occur without hip extensor activation. This supports the concept that reciprocal inhibition between flexor and extensor interneurons is not required for flexor motor rhythm generation. Reciprocal inhibition, when present, also contributes to rhythmicity (J. Neurophysiol. 78: 3479; see also Currie and Gonsalves, this volume). Both mechanisms for rhythmicity are included in the Grillner unit burst generator model: hip flexor unit burst generators may be rhythmogenic in the absence of hip extensor activity and reciprocal inhibition contributes to rhythmogenesis.Contralateral midbody stimulation assisted in the activation of ipsilateral hip extensor rhythmicity during reconstructed rostral scratching. This result provides additional support for the hypothesis that a bilateral shared core of hip interneuronal circuitry plays a critical role in the generation of the normal pattern of fictive rostral scratching (J. Neurosci. 15: 4343).
Salivary Gland Nucleotide Receptors: Changes in Expression and Activity Related to Development and Tissue Damagea,
Authors: TURNER JOHN T. , PARK MINJUNG , CAMDEN JEAN M. , WEISMAN GARY A. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Experiments were performed to document the presence of G protein‐coupled P2Y nucleotide receptors in rat salivary glands and to examine changes in receptor expression during development and under conditions in which gland architecture is altered. The results indicate that, as opposed to mature rat submandibular gland (SMG), immature glands express functional P2Y1 receptors. P2Y1 receptor activity was highest at birth and declined over the next four weeks to undetectable levels. P2Y1 receptor mRNA levels remained constant over this time course, suggesting that receptor activity is regulated at some point other than transcription.Conversely, short‐term culture of cells from the three major salivary glands resulted in upregulation of functional P2Y2 receptors. Responses to the P2Y2‐selective agonist, UTP, were obtained after 3 h in culture and were maximal by 72 hours. This increase was paralleled by increased steady‐state P2Y2 receptor mRNA levels. Upregulation of P2Y2 receptors also occurred in vivo following ligation of the main excretory duct of the SMG. These studies suggest that nucleotide receptors are dynamically regulated during development and as a result of perturbations to gland architecture.
Antiglycosphingolipid Immune Responses in Neurology: The Vienna Experience with Isotypes, Subclasses, and Diseasea
Authors: GATTERBAUER B. , NEISSER A. , BERNHEIMER H. , SCHWERER B. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgG subclass anti‐GM1, anti‐GQ1b, and anti‐asialo‐GM1 (anti‐GA1) antibodies, respectively, were investigated by ELISA in serum from neurological and other patients. Increased anti‐GM1 occurred mostly in ∼35–15% of the cases without statistical differences; high percentages were found in Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) preceded by gastrointestinal infection and multifocal motor neuropathy. Roughly, IgM anti‐GM1 was most frequent; however, distinct IgG and IgA reactions were found i.a. in GBS. A particular IgM anti‐mono‐ and disialoganglioside pattern occurred in a patient with sensorimotor neuropathy and paraproteinemia. Anti‐GQ1b was elevated in all Miller‐Fisher patients, with some prevalence of IgG2 among IgG subclasses. Cross‐reactivity of anti‐GQ1b was demonstrated with Campylobacter jejuni lipopolysaccharides. Increased anti‐GM1 and/or anti‐GA1 was more frequent in systemic lupus erythematosus with central nervous system involvement than without. Incidence of anti‐GM1 and anti‐GA1 in X‐adrenoleukodystrophy was relatively high.Although anti‐GSL antibodies seem to have limited diagnostic value, studies of isotypes, subclass patterns, and cross‐reactivities may lead to further insight into the origin of (auto)immune responses and their immunepathogenetic role in disease.
State Control in the Substance‐Exposed: Fetus I. The Fetal Neurobehavioral Profile: An Assessment of Fetal State, Arousal, and Regulation Competency
Authors: GINGRAS JEANNINE L. , O'DONNELL KAREN J. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: Behavioral states are stable structures of behaviors that become more definable and coordinated with increasing age. With ultrasound we can see the fetus move, breathe, and react to changes in its environment. Ultrasound used in conjunction with Doppler fetal heart rate recording provides behavioral and neurophysiologic data useful in state determination. The Fetal neurobehavioral Profile (FNP) was developed by our group as an assessment of fetal behaviors reflecting CNS integrity in the drug‐exposed fetus. The FNP was designed to parallel methods of examining the newborn infant, especially in state‐related behaviors. The FNP measures: fetal responsiveness and arousal after environmental perturbation with vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS);habituation to VAS; state recovery; and self‐regulation post‐VAS. From the behavioral and physiologic recordings, the constructs of state differentiation, organization, and regulation as well as fetal arousal and regulation competency can be measured.Previous work using the FNP showed that those fetuses with abnormal or suspect fetal state regulation demonstrated impaired performance on the NBAS (Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 161: 685,1989). To expand these observations, three populations are currently being studied: prenatal nicotine‐exposed, prenatal cocaine‐exposed, and controls. Data are from 97 women/fetus dyads and a total of 236 FNP at ages 28–30 weeks gestational age, 31–34 weeks gestational age, and > 36 weeks gestational age. Although there are no group differences in the ability to achieve state by 36 weeks, interesting trends emerge: fetuses prenatally cocaine‐exposed spend less time in 1F, more time in 4F, and have fewer transitions. At FNP1, fewer cocaine‐exposed fetuses had an initial reaction to VAS, whereas fewer nicotine‐exposed fetuses habituated. Although the ability to habituate to VAS did not discriminate the cocaine group from the control or nicotine groups, the number of stimuli required for habituation differed between groups: 7 for the cocaine‐exposed, 3 for the nicotine, and 5 for the control groups. Thus latency, a measure of arousal, differs among these groups Preliminary data also susggest a correlation of prenatal data with postnatal outcome.
Long‐Term Neurodevelopmental Risks in Children Exposedin Uteroto Cocaine: The Toronto Adoption Studya
Authors: KOREN GIDEON , NULMAN IRENA , ROVET JOANNE , GREENBAUM RACHEL , LOEBSTEIN MICHAL , EINARSON TOM 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT:Children exposedin uteroto cocaine are at risk for long‐term neurobehavioral damage not just because of the drug itself, but also because of clustering of other health determinants, including low socioeconomic status, low maternal education, and maternal addiction, to mention a few. One methodologic approach to separate the direct neurotoxic effects of cocaine from these synergistic insults is to follow up a cohort of children exposedin uteroto cocaine and given up for adoption to middle‐upper class families.The Toronto Adoption Study, supported by Health Canada, has proven the direct neurotoxic effects of cocaine on IQ and language. These effects are mild to moderate as compared to those measured in children exposedin uteroto cocaine and reared by their natural mothers.
Molecular Wires: Charge Transport, Mechanisms, and Control
Authors: RATNER MARK A. , DAVIS BILL , KEMP MATHIEU , MUJICA VLADIMIRO , ROITBERG ADRIAN , YALIRAKI SOPHIA 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT:By molecular wires, one generally means molecular structures that transmit a signal between two termini. We discuss some theoretical models and analysis for electronically conductive molecular wires in which a single molecule conducts charge between two electrodes. This situation resembles both intramolecular non‐adiabatic electron transfer, in which electronic tunneling between donor and acceptor is seen, and mesoscopic quantum transport.We discuss formal methods for predicting conductance in molecular wire circuits. The critical component that differs from the usual conductivity is the interface between electrode continuum and the discrete levels of the molecule. This can be described in several ways. We present an analysis based on the Bardeen tunneling formula. Specific problems (electron polarization, disorder, nuclear scattering, charge distribution) are discussed. Finally, the differing mechanisms expected for the conductance, ranging from ballistic tunneling to gated transfer, are outlined.
The Antioxidant and Biological Properties of the Carotenoidsa
Authors: KRINSKY NORMAN I. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: Much effort has been expended in evaluating the relative antioxidant potency of carotenoid pigments in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. It is quite clear that in vitro, carotenoids can inhibit the propagation of radical‐initiated lipid peroxidation, and thus fulfill the definition of antioxidants.When it comes to in vivo systems, it has been much more difficult to obtain solid experimental evidence that carotenoids are acting directly as biological antioxidants. In fact, under nonphysiological circumstances, carotenoids may act as prooxidants. These results can be modified by altering the oxidant stress, the cellular or subcellular system, the type of animal, and environmental conditions, such as oxygen tension. Results of this type raise the question as to whether it is still appropriate to group the carotenoids with such antioxidant vitamins as vitamin E and vitamin C. Thus, the biological properties of the carotenoids may be much more related to the products of the interaction of carotenoids with oxidant stress, that is, such breakdown products as apocarotenoids and retinoids.