bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymerase Chain Reaction Mediated Identification of Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus parauberis Using Species‐specific Sequences of the Genes Encoding Superoxide Dismutase A and Chaperonin 60*
Authors: Alber J. , El‐Sayed A. , Lämmler C. , Hassan A. A. , Zschöck M. 
Published: July 2004

Summary Streptococcus uberis, a well‐known bacterial pathogen associated with bovine mastitis, appears to be biochemically and serologically almost indistinguishable from the closely related species Streptococcus parauberis. In the present study, species‐specific oligonucleotide primers were designed using internal parts of the genes sodA, encoding superoxide dismutase A, and cpn60 encoding chaperonin 60 of S. uberis and S. parauberis, respectively. The two oligonucleotide primer pairs allowed a rapid and reliable PCR‐mediated identification and differentiation of both species. These studies, performed with S. uberis and S. parauberis reference cultures and clinical isolates from routine diagnostics, revealed that the occurrence of S. parauberis as causative agent of bovine mastitis appears to be rare. In addition the sodA and cpn60 sequence data confirmed that both species could taxonomically be classified to the pyogenic group of genus Streptococcus.
The Cow in Endocrine Focus Before and After Calving
Authors: Kindahl H , Kornmatitsuk B , Gustafsson H 
Published: July 2004

ContentsDuring the period 1 month before and 1 month after parturition in the cow, several events take place. The dam has to be prepared for the impending parturition and the uterus and ovaries must return to a certain stage to be prepared for a new pregnancy. Most of these processes are due to or reflected in endocrine changes. A special interest is of course the status of the foetus –‘foetal well being’. The processes could either be considered as normal in a clinical perspective or as impaired (dystocia, small calves, stillbirth, retained foetal membranes, etc.). The main question for this presentation is if normal and impaired performance could be mirrored in endocrine parameters. Many studies have been performed to follow endocrine changes during the periparturient period in the cow. The following parameters have been shown to be the most important and seem to be the most suitable for an endocrine supervision:Endocrine parameterParameter of:ProgesteroneCorpus luteum, maternal adrenals, placentaProstaglandin (PG) metabolitePlacenta, uterus, inflammationCortisolRegulator of prostaglandin synthesis, stressFree oestrogensPlacenta, ovariesOestrone sulphatePlacenta, calf weightPregnancy‐associated glycoproteins (PAG)Placenta
Regulation of Corpus Luteum‐function in the Bitch
Authors: Hoffmann B , Büsges F , Engel E , Kowalewski MP , Papa P 
Published: July 2004

ContentsFunctional lifespan of the corpus luteum (CL) in non‐pregnant dogs exceeds that of pregnant animals and may last for more than 80 days. Prolactin and LH act luteotropic, however, luteolytic mechanisms are poorly understood. Other than in life stock there is no uterine luteolysine and it was postulated that local paracrine/autocrine mechanisms might play a major role. In following this hypothesis the present investigations have clearly demonstrated that up‐regulation of prostaglandin synthesis in the CL as indicated by the expression of cyclo‐oxygenase II occurs with its formation and not regression, pointing towards a luteotropic rather than luteolytic action. Throughout dioestrus luteal and other cells of the CL express the oestrogen (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR). While ERα expression was not cycle‐related, PR concentrations were high in the early and late‐luteal phase and a regulatory role of both steroids on CL‐function is assumed. As in other species also in the dog the immune system seems to participate in the mechanisms regulating CL‐function as an increased presence of lymphocytes within the CL could be detected at the beginning [CD4‐ CD8‐, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)II‐antigen expressing cells] and during the latter half of dioestrus (CD8‐ and MHCII‐antigen expressing cells). Thus, leucocyte‐derived cytokines may be important and the expression of the mRNA for interleukin (IL)8, IL10, IL12, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 was observed throughout dioestrus. Electron microscopy confirmed the slow process of luteolysis; first distinct signs of degeneration were seen on day 60, accompanied by some apoptotic events. From these data it is concluded that luteal regression as monitored by the gradual decrease of systemic progesterone concentrations in the dog is not an actively regulated but rather a permissive process. Immune‐mediated events may play a key role. Changes in the vascular supply, as indicated by the expression of endoglin, seem to be of lower importance.
Regulation of Corpus Luteum Function in Cattle – an Overview
Authors: Schams D , Berisha B 
Published: July 2004

ContentsThe corpus luteum (CL) is a transient reproductive gland that produces progesterone (P), required for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Although the regulation of bovine luteal function has been studied for several decades, many of the regulatory mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. We are far from understanding how these complex mechanisms function in unison. The purpose of this overview is to stress important steps of regulation during the lifetime of CL. In the first part, the importance and regulation of angiogenesis and blood flow during CL formation is described. The results underline the importance of growth factors especially of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) for development and completion of a dense network of capillaries. In the second part, the regulation of function by endocrine/paracrine‐ and autocrine‐acting regulators is discussed. There is now more evidence that besides the main endocrine hormones LH and GH local regulators as growth factors, peptides, steroids and prostaglandins are important modulators of luteal function. During early CL development until mid‐luteal stage oxytocin, prostaglandins and P itself stimulate luteal cell proliferation and function supported by the luteotropic action of a number of growth factors. The still high mRNA expression, protein concentration and localization of growth factors [VEGF, FGF‐1, FGF‐2, insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs)] in the cytoplasm of luteal cells during mid‐luteal stage suggest maintenance (survival) functions for growth factors. In the absence of pregnancy regression (luteolysis) of CL occurs. Progesterone itself regulates the length of the oestrous cycle by influencing the timing of the luteolytic signal prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) from the endometrium. The cascade of mediators afterwards is very complex and still not well‐elucidated. Evidence is given for participation of blood flow, inflammatory cytokines, vasoactive peptides (angiotensin II and endothelin‐1), reactive oxygen species, angiogenic growth factors (VEGFs, FGFs, IGFs) and decrease of the classical luteotropic components as LH‐R, GH‐R, P450scc and 3β‐HSD. Despite of differences in methodology and interpretations, progress has been made and will continue to be made.
Transverse sinus septum: A new aetiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Authors: Subramaniam Rathan M , Tress Brian M , King John O , Eizenberg Norm , Mitchell Peter J 
Published: July 2004

SummaryA venographic cryptic stenosis at the junction of middle and lateral third of the transverse sinus has been observed in patients suffering from idiopathic intracranial hypertension. After reviewing the anatomical and embryological literature of the transverse sinus, 20 transverse sinuses were explored (in a pilot study of 10 human cadavers) in order to determine the anatomical basis of this stenosis. The presence of septa of varying sizes was observed. We conclude that the presence of a large septum is one of the causes of venographic cryptic stenosis observed in these patients and might be one of the aetiological factors involved in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Tissue harmonic imaging in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Garg Mandeep , Sandhu Manavjit , Sood Bimal , Lal Anupam , Suri Sudha , Bhasin Deepak 
Published: July 2004

SummaryTo evaluate the role of tissue harmonic imaging (THI) in acute pancreatitis, and to compare its findings with conventional grey‐scale sonography and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan, we evaluated 25 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis on clinical examination and laboratory findings. Conventional grey‐scale ultrasound followed by tissue harmonic sonography was done on the same machine followed by a CECT within 12 h of the ultrasound examination. The present study showed that sonograms obtained with THI were of much better quality than those obtained conventionally, especially for the pancreatic tail. The benefits of harmonic imaging were more apparent in obese patients and in others whose body habitus was unfavourable for sonography. In the assessment of pancreatic image quality, grey‐scale imaging had an accuracy of 60, 80 and 28% in relation to the head, body and tail, respectively. In comparison, THI had a far higher accuracy of 80, 92 and 60% in relation to the head, body and tail, respectively, with the superiority being most obvious in the pancreatic tail region. There were no cases in which tissue harmonic sonography provided less information than conventional sonography. However, CECT scan remained the best modality in all patients for the evaluation of acute pancreatitis. It showed superior demonstration of all the morphological changes, ranging from minimal pancreatic oedema to extensive fluid collections, necrosis and the haemorrhage that developed in fulminant severe pancreatitis. Our experience thus suggests that THI cannot replace CT scan as the gold standard in the assessment of acute pancreatitis, as it is poor in evaluating the pancreatic tail, cannot clearly distinguish phlegmon from necrosis, and is inferior to CT in the assessment of the complications of acute pancreatitis.
Multislice computed tomography angiography of the abdominal arteries: Comparison between computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography findings in 52 cases
Authors: Stueckle Christoph A , Haegele Kerstin F , Jendreck Martin , Zipser Marie C , Kirchner Johannes , Kickuth Ralph , Liermann Dieter 
Published: July 2004

SummarySince the introduction of multislice CT scanners, CT angiography (CTA) has become a powerful tool for imaging the vascular system. We compare conventional angiography to CTA in the diagnosis of morphological changes in the abdominal aorta and its branches. A retrospective analysis of 52 patients who underwent both multislice CT angiography (MSCTA) and digital subtraction angiography before surgical treatment is presented. All CT examinations were performed after administration of 100 mL contrast medium with a collimation of 4 × 1 mm and a pitch of 7. A standardized evaluation of the axial, multiplanar and 3D reconstructions was performed by two experienced radiologists. Stenoses were classified as high‐grade and low‐grade, and aneurysms, occlusions and arteriosclerosis were evaluated. The CTA findings were compared with conventional angiography. All aneurysms, occlusions, stenoses and calcifications were diagnosed correctly by CTA in axial and multiplanar projections (sensitivity 1.0; specificity 1.0). The degree of stenosis was overestimated in three cases when using axial projections. Three‐dimensional volume‐rendered CTA showed a sensitivity of 0.91 for aneurysms, 0.82 for stenoses, 0.75 for occlusions and 0.77 for calcifications. The specificity was 1.0 in all cases. Multislice CT angiography seems to be similar to conventional digital subtraction angiography for abdominal vessels if multiplanar projections are used.
Specificity and sensitivity of chest radiographs in the diagnosis of paediatric pulmonary tuberculosis and the value of additional high‐kilovolt radiographs
Authors: De Villiers Richard VP , Andronikou Savvas , Van de Westhuizen Stephan 
Published: July 2004

SummaryTuberculosis (TB) remains the most common notifiable infectious disease in South Africa. The diagnosis of pulmonary TB in children is often very difficult because of the non‐specific radiological signs and inter‐observer variation in the interpretation of radiographs. The frontal high‐kilovolt (kV) radiograph has been used to assess the effect of TB adenopathy on the tracheobronchial tree and to detect endobronchial lesions. The aims of the present study were to assess the specificity and sensitivity of chest radiographs in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB and to assess whether the addition of the high‐kV radiograph affects these parameters.The study group consisted of paediatric patients suspected of having pulmonary TB over a 6‐year period. These patients had clinical, bacteriological and radiographic examinations. Radiographs were examined by one experienced radiologist in two sittings separated by a 6‐week interval. On the first sitting, only standard radiographs were examined and, on the second sitting, these were supplemented with high‐kV radiographs. Differences in the detection of each recognized radiological feature of pulmonary TB before and after the addition of the high‐kV film were analysed for statistical significance.The frequency of radiographic findings in our study compared favourably with other reports. No statistically significant differences for the detection of radiographic features consistent with pulmonary TB, or for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB, were demonstrated between the two sittings. Specificity increased from 74.4% to 86.6% with the addition of the high‐kV view and sensitivity remained constant at 38.8%.The present study does not support the routine use of the frontal high‐kV radiograph for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB. This paper also confirms the findings of others, that standard chest radiographs are a poor indicator of pulmonary TB in children.
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the temporal bone
Authors: Buxi Tarvinder BS , Sud Seema , Vohra Rakesh , Sud Aditi , Singh Satnam 
Published: July 2004

SummaryAneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the temporal bone is rare. The nature of the underlying disorder that converted into the ABC might, however, be difficult to ascertain on imaging as well as on histopathology. The unusual CT and MRI findings in a case of ABC of the temporal bone are presented. This had transdural intracerebral spread with a large component of solid enhancing matrix but no peripheral calcific rim. The patient was an adult of 45 years with a history of headache for more than 1 year.
Imaging of the symptomatic type II accessory navicular bone
Authors: Mosel Leigh D , Kat Evelyn , Voyvodic Frank 
Published: July 2004

SummaryAccessory ossicles of the foot are commonly mistaken for fractures. The accessory navicular is one of the most common accessory ossicles of the foot. There is a higher incidence in women and the finding might be bilateral in 50−90%. This entity is usually asymptomatic, although populations with medial foot pain have a higher prevalence. Three types of accessory navicular bone have been described. The type II accessory navicular is the most commonly symptomatic variant with localized chronic or acute on chronic medial foot pain and tenderness with associated inflammation of overlying soft tissues. Plain radiographic identification of the accessory navicular is insufficient to attribute symptomatology. Ultrasound allows for comparison with the asymptomatic side and localization of pain. Bone scintigraphy has a high sensitivity but positive findings lack specificity. Magnetic resonance imaging is of high diagnostic value for demonstrating both bone marrow and soft tissue oedema.
‘When measurements mean action’ decision models for portal image review to eliminate systematic set‐up errors
Authors: Wratten Christopher R , Denham James W , Kron Tomas , O'Brien Peter , Hamilton Christopher S 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe aim of the present paper is to evaluate how the use of decision models in the review of portal images can eliminate systematic set‐up errors during conformal therapy. Sixteen patients undergoing four‐field irradiation of prostate cancer have had daily portal images obtained during the first two treatment weeks and weekly thereafter. The magnitude of random and systematic variations has been calculated by comparison of the portal image with the reference simulator images using the two‐dimensional decision model embodied in the Hotelling's evaluation process (HEP). Random day‐to‐day set‐up variation was small in this group of patients. Systematic errors were, however, common. In 15 of 16 patients, one or more errors of >2 mm were diagnosed at some stage during treatment. Sixteen of the 23 errors were between 2 and 4 mm. Although there were examples of oversensitivity of the HEP in three cases, and one instance of undersensitivity, the HEP proved highly sensitive to the small (2−4 mm) systematic errors that must be eliminated during high precision radiotherapy. The HEP has proven valuable in diagnosing very small (<4 mm) errors. When combined with the potential for rapid diagnosis of larger (>4 mm) systematic errors using one‐dimensional decision models, HEP can eliminate the majority of systematic errors during the first 2 treatment weeks.
Fatal paradoxical pulmonary air embolism complicating percutaneous computed tomography‐guided needle biopsy of the lung
Authors: Chakravarti Rajesh , Singh Virendra , Isaac Rethish , John M Joseph 
Published: July 2004

SummaryA 63‐year‐old man with left upper zone haziness on chest X‐ray and an infiltrative lesion with a pleural mass in the left upper lobe on CT scan was scheduled for CT‐guided percutaneous trans‐thoracic needle biopsy. During the procedure, the patient had massive haemoptysis and cardiorespiratory arrest and could not be revived. Post‐mortem CT showed air in the right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery and also in the left atrium and aorta. A discussion on paradoxical air embolism following percutaneous trans‐thoracic needle biopsy is presented.
Renal infarction secondary to a subcapsular haematoma following percutaneous renal biopsy
Authors: Mackie Gavin C , Davies Peter F , Challis David R , Middleton Ian S 
Published: July 2004

SummaryWe present the case of post‐biopsy subcapsular haematoma leading to infarction of the kidney. This is a very uncommon complication of percutaneous renal biopsy. The radiological findings in this case are shown, highlighting the sonographic finding of the renal interlobar arteries having reversed flow in diastole in connection with very high resistance because of compression by a subcapsular haematoma. Although reversed diastolic flow has been well described in renal vein thrombosis, we know of no case report of this finding in association with severe ischaemia of the kidney due to tamponade.
False‐positive breast screening due to fat necrosis following mammography
Authors: Cawson Jennifer N , Malara Frank A 
Published: July 2004

SummaryTraumatic fat necrosis can result in a spectrum of imaging appearances that range from characteristically benign to those indistinguishable from malignancy. In such cases, biopsy might be required for diagnosis. The present case demonstrates a suspicious mammographic mass lesion appearing following a haematoma caused by a previous screening mammogram.
Unilateral lumbosacral facet joint dislocation without associated fracture
Authors: Stuart Ranald M , Song Swithin J 
Published: July 2004

SummaryIn the lumbosacral spine, unilateral facet joint dislocation is an infrequent injury, which is often associated with fractures at the involved or other lumbar levels. The rare occurrence of unilateral lumbosacral facet joint dislocation without any associated fractures is presented with CT and MRI, and surgical correlation. To our knowledge, cross‐sectional imaging of this injury has not previously been described in the published literature.
Carcinoma of the anal canal: a local experience and review of the literature
Authors: Wong Shirley , Gibbs Peter , Chao Michael , Jones Ian , McLaughlin Steve , Tjandra Joe , Faragher Ian , Green Michael 
Published: July 2004

Background:  Through the 1970s patients presenting with anal canal carcinoma were managed with a surgical approach − abdomino‐perineal resection. Since then, the pioneering work of Nigro et al. and a series of large clinical trials have clearly demonstrated that combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy result in greater local control, colostomy‐free survival and increase in overall patient survival. The aim of the present study is to determine how widely the combined modality approach has been adopted in routine clinical practice and what outcomes are achieved in this setting.Methods:  All patients with anal cancer treated at three tertiary referral centres over an 11‐year period (1991−2001) were identified. Data were collected by a retrospective record review.Results:  Our search identified a total of 50 patients: 22 men and 28 women, with a median age of 62 years. Four patients had metastatic disease diagnosed at presentation. Nine patients (18%) were at least 75 years of age and three were known to be HIV positive. Median potential follow up is 52 months. Of the 46 patients treated for cure, 38 received a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, with 79% achieving a complete response. Efficacy was maintained in treated elderly patients (≥75 years). The 5‐year survival of the 38 patients with local or locoregional disease who received combined chemoradiation modality was 63%.Conclusions:  Overall this series demonstrates that combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been adopted as standard treatment with outcome data similar to those reported in the randomized clinical trials. Where possible elderly patients should receive combined modality therapy.
Systematic reaction to electrolytic treatment of pig livers in vivo
Authors: Berry David , Garcea Giuseppe , Chong Chillton , Silman Eric , Finch Guy , Dennison Ashley , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: July 2004

Background:  Only a minority of secondary liver tumours are amenable to segmental resection and as a result, considerable research has been focused on developing ablative methods to destroy liver metastases. Many of these methods are limited by the development of a systemic inflammatory response mediated by cytokines such as interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). The aim of the present study was to determine if a systemic reaction occurred following electrolytic treatment of pig livers in vivo, by measuring biochemical indices of liver function and cytokines such as IL‐8 and TNF‐α.Methods:  Seventeen white domestic pigs were subjected to varying electrolytic doses ranging from 100 C to 800 C. Blood samples were taken at hourly intervals before, during and after electrolysis. Blood parameters measured included markers of liver enzyme activity; albumin, alkaline phosphatase, gammaglutaryl transferase and aspartate transaminase. Cytokine response to electrolysis was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for IL‐8 and TNF‐α.Results:  Aspartate transaminase levels showed a clear and progressive rise post‐electrolysis peaking at 2 h post‐procedure. IL‐8 and TNF‐α levels showed only very mild variation with no significant response to electrolysis. This lack of association was borne out regardless of the electrolytic dose administered.Conclusion:  Electrolysis is not accompanied by a significant systemic inflammatory response, reducing the risk of systemic inflammatory response, acute respiratory distress syndrome and other immune response mediated end‐organ damage. Follow‐up studies are needed in human trials.