bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronary arteriosclerosis in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), is related to heart size rather than sex or reproductive status
Authors: Davie P S , Thorarensen H 
Published: November 2003

AbstractPrevelence and severity of coronary arteriosclerosis of rainbow trout is consistently and significantly related to the absolute size of the heart. Treatment of immature and mature and female trout with natural and synthetic sex streroids had the effect of increasing the relative size of the heart by an average of 54%. The disease state of the coronary arteries was not significantly affected by streroid treatment, sex of the fish or season during which the experiments were conducted.
Histopathological and haematological changes in amago salmon, Oncorhynchus rhodurus (Jordan & McGregor), fed a vitamin‐D‐free diet
Authors: Taveekijakarn P , Miyazaki T , Matsumoto M , Aral S 
Published: November 2003

AbstractTwo purified diets supplemented with 0 or 20 000 IU vitamin D3 kg−1 of diet were fed to amago salmon, Oncorhynchus rhodurus (Jordan & McGregor), for 22 weeks. The feeding stopped when fish with deficiency signs including reduced growth, and caudal region and fin tip damage increased in number. Deficient fish had a thinned epidermis consisting of atrophied and necrotic epidermal cells over the basal cells. In lesions of the caudal peduncle, the skin and the underlying musculature were extensively necrotized. The liver showed degenerated and necrotic hepatocytes. Respiratory epithelium and cardiac muscle fibres were swollen. Hypocalcaemia was evident. No pathological changes were found in bone, eyes, brain and alimentary tract. The control groups fed a nutritionally complete diet grew well and displayed no pathological changes. The pathological changes were reversed after 4 weeks of feeding of vitamin‐D3‐suppliemented diet.
Antibiotic protection against recrudescence of latent Aeromonas salmonicida during furunculosis vaccination
Authors: Inglis V , Robertson D , Miller K , Thompson K D , Richards R H 
Published: November 2003

AbstractProblems of temporary immunosuppression following vaccination against Aeromonas salmonicida infection had to be overcome in the development of a furunculosis vaccine. Empirical observations have indicated that immunosuppression persists for some time after vaccination, rendering fish, especially subclinical carriers of A. salmonicida, highly vulnerable to bacterial invasion. The efficacy of simultaneous application of furunculosis vaccine and a long‐lasting amoxycillin preparation to a population of Atlantic salmon smolts was evaluated. Control groups were treated with either vaccine alone, amoxycillin alone or were untreated. Moderate stress, simulating smolt transfer with a 5°C temperature rise, resulted in a rapid outbreak in mortalities reaching 100% in the vaccinates. Losses among the untreated controls were more gradual and rose to about 50%. Both amoxycillin‐treated groups survived well. Further severe stress resulted in total mortalities among the untreated fish but no further losses in the amoxycillin groups. Four months after vaccination, evidence of a specific immune response was confirmed by ELISA, demonstrating circulating antibodies in the blood of vaccinates. In a severe and in a moderate challenge with A. salmonicida., the relative specific protection was 63 and 86%, respectively. Thus, effective protection against furunculosis was achieved without jeopardizing the stock during the vaccination process and with elimination of the carrier state.
Vibrio carchariae associated with a chronic skin ulcer on a shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo)
Authors: Bertone S , Gili C , Moizo A , Calegari L 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBacteria were cultured from a chronic skin ulceration on a shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo), kept in the Genoa Aquarium, Italy. Sixteen out of 18 isolated strains belonged to Vibrio spp. Identification through fatty acid composition analysis and biochemical tests showed that V. carchariae, the most recently described Vibrio species, were the predominant bacteria isolated from the ulcer.
The immunomodulatory effect of laminaran [β(1,3)‐D‐glucan] on Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., anterior kidney leucocytes after intraperitoneal, peroral and peranal administration
Authors: Dalmo R A , Bogwald J , Ingebrigtsen K , Seljelid R 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAnterior kidney leucocytes obtained from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., 2 days after administration of laminaran, were assayed for their capacity to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium to formazan, and for their activity of lysosomal acid phosphatase after intraperitoneal (15 mgkg−1), peroral (150 mg kg−1) or peranal (150 mg kg−1) administration. Leucocytes obtained from salmon treated by an intraperitoneal injection of laminaran produced significantly more superoxide anion than cells obtained from fish treated with dextran or sodium chloride immediately after cell isolation. Immediately after extraction, the activity of acid phosphatase in anterior kidney leucocytes obtained from salmon injected with laminaran was significantly higher than in cells harvested from fish treated with dextran or sodium chloride. Furthermore, cells obtained from salmon treated by peroral instillation of laminaran showed significantly enhanced production of superoxide anion compared with leucocytes from fish treated with either sodium chloride or dextran. The acid phosphatase activity in anterior kidney leucocytes from salmon treated by peroral and peranal instillation of laminaran was significantly higher than in cells from fish treated either with sodium chloride or dextran. Finally, fluorescence microscopic examination of tissue sections from fish treated peranally by intubation with fluorescein labelled laminaran revealed fluorescent vesicles in intestinal epithelial cells and in anterior kidney macrophages.
Effect of a multi‐disciplinary care team on the management of gastrostomy feeding
Authors: Pattison D. , Young A. 
Published: November 2003

Background: This study was undertaken to assess current practice in the management of gastrostomy feeding in two district general hospitals and to perform a clinical audit on agreed standards of patient care. Methods: A retrospective case note review was followed by a prospective audit of agreed guidelines. Twenty‐four patients (12 women and 12 men) with tube placement prior to the introduction of standards (group A) and 26 patients (16 women and 10 men) with new gastrostomies placed after the introduction of standards (group B) were included. Five standards were agreed: pre‐operative multi‐disciplinary assessment, standard percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, pre‐operative prophylactic antibiotics, surgical outpatient review and information booklets for patient use. Outcome was measured by the incidence of tube failure, stoma site infection and gastrointestinal (GI) complications. Results: Twenty‐two patients (85%) in group B were assessed pre‐operatively by the multi‐disciplinary team and the standard tube was placed in 73% of cases. Complications occurred in 92% of patients in group A and in 50% in group B (P<0.05). In light of the findings, a patient care plan has been developed which is now in general use. Conclusion: Appraisal of current practice in the management of gastrostomy feeding has led to the recognition of complications. These have been reduced by the adoption of guidelines used by the multi‐disciplinary team.
Practice guidelines for the clinical assessment and care management of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias among adults with intellectual disability*
Authors: Janicki M. P. , Heller T. , Seltzer G. B. , Hogg J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe AAMR/IASSID practice guidelines, developed by an international workgroup, provide guidance for stage–related care management of Alzheimer's disease, and suggestions for the training and education of carers, peers, clinicians and programme staff. The guidelines suggest a three‐step intervention activity process, that includes: (1) recognizing changes; (2) conducting assessments and evaluations; and (3) instituting medical and care management. They also provide guidance for public policies that reflect a commitment for aggressive care of people With Alzheimers's disease and intellectual disability, and avoidance of institutionalization solely because of a diagnosis of dementia.
Influence of continued smoking and some biological risk factors on restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
Authors: KOTAMÄKI MERVI , LAUSTIOLA KAI , SYVÄNNE MIKKO , HEIKKILÄ JUHANI 
Published: November 2003

Objectives. To identify possible biological risk factors for restenosis following successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in patients having single or multivessel disease. The effect of continued smoking on restenosis was also evaluated. Design. In this prospective smoking controlled study all subjects had a routine angiographic restudy after 6 months. The biological risk factors assessed before angioplasty were adrenaline, endothelin, fibrinogen, lipoprotein (a) and tissue plasminogen activator. Subjects. The study population consisted of 122 patients of whom 25% were current smokers. Main outcome measures. Angiographic restenosis was defined as at least 50% diameter stenosis on the follow‐up angiogram after an initially successful procedure. Results. Restenosis was observed in 43% of patients. The restenosis rate was significantly lower among current smokers, but they were significantly younger and also had significantly less dilated stenoses. Multivariate analysis revealed the number of dilated stenoses, the mean inflation time, post‐PTCA percentage diameter stenosis and left anterior descending coronary artery to be predictive of restenosis, while continued smoking was not. When only the lesion with the greatest loss in luminal diameter of each patient was considered, the multiple linear regression analysis revealed high endothelin level to be predictive of restenosis. Conclusions. This study revealed high endothelin levels to be predictive of luminal narrowing after angioplasty. In addition, the number of dilated stenoses, the mean inflation time, post‐PTCA percentage diameter stenosis and stenosis location in the left anterior descending artery were found to be predictive of restenosis. However, continued smoking after angioplasty did not emerge as a risk factor for restenosis.
The android woman – a risky condition
Authors: BJÖRNTORP PER 
Published: November 2003

Normal women produce small amounts of active androgens. When androgen levels are elevated, such as for example in the polycystic ovary syndrome, this is followed by the development of male physical characteristics of muscle mass, structure and function as well as android adipose tissue distribution and function. Psychological features and stress reactions also seem similar to those of men. Such women have an increased risk of developing hypertension, non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Recent data have shown that these physical, and psychological characteristics, as well as risk of ill health, are also found in the population of women selected at random. Women in the lowest quintiles of levels of sex‐hormone‐binding globulin – an indicator inversely related to active androgens – are at risk of developing hypertension, non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular mortality. The mechanism probably includes muscular insulin resistance, following a relative androgen excess.It is thus apparent that androgens, even within the highest levels of the nonselected population of women, are powerful predictors of serious disease development. The population at risk might be as large as about 20% of middle‐aged women. This is an area of female disease risk which requires more attention in screening and intervention procedures.
Xenotransplantation
Authors: KEMP E. 
Published: November 2003

Kemp E (Department of Nephrology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark). Xenotransplantation (Review). J Intern Med 1996; 239: 287–97.Xenotransplantation means transplantation of organs and tissues from animals to human beings. Today, with use of new and more conventional immunosuppressive substances, it is possible to achieve good long‐term survival of organs and cells transplanted between closely related species; for example, between baboon and man. However, large‐scale treatment by xenotransplantation is still not possible because a transplantation between species such as pig and man will still not be successful. Nevertheless, many researchers have tried to solve these problems, and it is hoped that transgenic animals in combination with newer immunosuppressive treatment will make xenotransplantation a realistic possibility. The time horizon for clinically successful xenotransplantation with pig organs is unknown at the moment. Nevertheless, many investigators think that the breakthrough will occur in a few years time.
Gamma, but not alpha, tocopherol levels in serum are reduced in coronary heart disease patients
Authors: ÖHRVALL M. , VESSBY B. , SUNDLÖF G. 
Published: November 2003

Objectives. Low concentrations of alpha tocopherol are claimed to be associated with an increased prevalence of coronary heart disease. This study was undertaken to see whether measurements of serum tocopherol concentrations can contribute to discrimination between subjects with and without coronary heart disease. Setting. All patients had been referred to the department of cardiology of the University Hospital in Uppsala, Sweden. Subjects. Male patients (n=69) below 60 years of age with coronary heart disease (CHD) and healthy age‐matched reference subjects (n=138) were compared. Results. Lipid‐corrected alpha tocopherol concentrations did not differ significantly between the groups, but the CHD group had a lower mean concentration of gamma tocopherol and a higher alpha/gamma ratio. In a stepwise logistic regression analysis, the LDL/HDL ratio was the best independent discriminator between the groups, followed by the proportion of palmitic acid in the cholesterol esters and the alpha/gamma tocopherol ratio. Conclusions. The lower gamma tocopherol concentration and the high ratio between alpha and gamma tocopherol in the CHD group indicate a difference in antioxidative status between CHD patients and healthy subjects. The lipid‐lowering treatment of these CHD patients is far from optimal.
Interstitial lung disease with pleural effusion caused by Simvastin
Authors: DE GROOT R. E. B. , WILLEMS L. N. A. , DIJKMAN J. H. 
Published: November 2003

De Groot REB, Willems LNA, Dijkman JH (Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands). Interstitial lung disease with pleural effusion caused by Simvastin (Case Report). J. Intern Med 1996; 239: 361–3.Simvastin, a HMG‐CoA reductase blocker, is used for the treatment of certain forms of hypercholesterolaemia. Simvastin is prescribed to lower high serum levels of cholesterol by inhibiting a specific enzyme, hydroxy‐methylglutarylCo‐enzym‐A (HMG‐CoA) reductase. This ultimately leads to an increase of the number of LDL‐receptors in the liver, and thus, to a decrease of the serum LDL‐cholesterol. To a much lesser extent it lowers the serum VLDL‐cholesterol and makes the serum HDL‐cholesterol level rise. In general, this relatively new compound is well tolerated and only a few, mostly minor, adverse effects have been reported so far. We present a patient who developed interstitial lung disease with pleural effusion most probably as a result of the use of Simvastin.
The incidence of occult cancer in patients with deep venous thrombosis: a prospective study
Authors: BASTOUNIS E. A. , KARAYIANNAKIS A. J. , MAKRI G. G. , ALEXIOU D. , PAPALAMBROS E. L. 
Published: November 2003

Objective. This study was undertaken to assess a potential relationship between idiopathic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and occult cancer. Design. Prospective study with a 2‐year follow‐up. Setting. The Angiology Unit of the First Department of Surgery, University of Athens, Greece, a tertiary referral centre. Subjects. Two hundred and ninety‐three patients with a first episode of venographically or Doppler‐proved DVT were included in the study, of whom 264 were followed up for 2 years. Interventions. After an initial extensive diagnostic workup, including routine blood counts and chemistries, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CEA levels, chest X‐ray and abdominopelvic CT scan, all patients were closely followed up and periodically examined. Main outcome measures. The incidence of cancer amongst patients with idiopathic and secondary DVT, and the validity of our screening programme. Results. Cancer was diagnosed in 21 out of 84 patients with idiopathic DVT (25%) as compared with eight out of 202 patients with secondary DVT (4%). In 22 out of the 29 cases, cancer was detected during the initial admission, and the remaining seven cases were detected during follow‐up. Cancer was diagnosed in 15 asymptomatic, healthy individuals, but only in seven of them was the diagnosis made by CT scan. Conclusion. Occult cancer is fairly common in patients with idiopathic DVT, but the routine use of extensive diagnostic studies for its detection remains to be validated by further prospective studies.
Long‐term follow‐up of indolent mastocytosis in adults
Authors: KORS J. W. , VAN DOORMAAL J. J. , BREUKELMAN H. , VAN VOORST VADER P. C. , DE MONCHY J. G. R. 
Published: November 2003

Objective. To evaluate the natural course of indolent mastocytosis in adults. Design. A retrospective long‐term follow‐up study. Setting. The Department of Endocrinology of a University Hospital. Patients. Sixteen adult patients with a diagnosis of indolent mastocytosis and sufficient biochemical data for statistical analysis. One patient had paediatric‐onset cutaneous mastocytosis, whilst the others had adult‐onset systemic mastocytosis. Ages at the end of follow‐up ranged from 23 to 79, median 50 years. Follow‐up periods per patient lasted from 13 to 135 months, median 90 months. Measurements. Urinary excretions of the histamine metabolites Nτ‐methylhistamine (MH) and Nτ‐methylimidazoleacetic acid (MIMA), and signs and symptoms of the disease. Results. The excretion of MH but not MIMA increased in four patients (ages 37, 45, 61 and 65 years) and decreased in two patients (ages 26 and 48 years), including the only patient with paediatric‐onset cutaneous mastocytosis. The excretion of MIMA but not MH increased in none and decreased in one patients (age 51 years). The excretions of both MH and MIMA increased in one patient (age 23 years) and decreased in two patients (ages 65 and 79 years). The excretion of MH and MIMA can be considered to have been stable in one patient (age 49 years). In the five remaining patients, observation periods were rather short. A definite judgement on the course of their disease could not be given. In the two patients in whom the excretion of both MH and MIMA decreased, the enlarged spleen decreased in size, whilst in the other patients, signs and symptoms did not change. There were no accompanying myeloproliferative disorders in any patient. No special treatment aiming at a reduction in mast cell load has been given. Rates of change over the whole follow‐up period ranged from ‐8.4 to +25.1% per year. Conclusion. The natural course of indolent adult‐onset mastocytosis is not always progressive. Our data show that the activity of adult‐onset indolent mastocytosis, as measured by urinary excretion of MH and MIMA and clinical signs and symptoms, can substantially decline, especially in older patients.
Comparisons of oral propafenone and quinidine as an initial treatment option in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a double‐blind, randomized trial
Authors: LEE S. H. , CHEN S. A. , CHIANG C. E. , TAI C. T. , WEN Z. C. , WANG S. P. , CHANG M. S. 
Published: November 2003

Objective. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of propafenone versus quinidine as an initial choice in treatment of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Design. The study consisted of a 3‐month treatment with oral propafenone hydrochloride or quinidine sulphate in patients with paroxysmal symptomatic atrial fibrillation, according to a double‐blind randomized system. Setting. The study was performed in the out‐patient clinic of university hospital. Main outcome measures. The effects of the two drugs on attack frequency, ventricular rate and symptoms of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Results. In the oral propafenone group (n=48), two patients (4%) discontinued the treatment because of dizziness. In the 46 patients who continued the treatment, the attack frequency decreased from 11±3 times per week at baseline to 1±1 times per week after treatment (P<0.01). Forty (87%) out of the 46 patients had effective response to oral propafenone (more than 75% reduction of symptomatic arrhythmic attacks) on a mean dose of 615±10 mg day‐1; the decrease in attack frequency was from 10±3 to 1±1 times per week. Twenty‐three (50%) patients were free from recurrence of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Comparisons of symptom scores for patients (n=23) with attacks of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after oral propafenone treatment showed that there was a significantly lower symptom score of palpitation, asthenia, effort dyspnea, dizziness, rest dyspnea and chest oppression in attacks of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after propafenone treatment (11.05±3.78 versus 7.60±3.46, P<0.01). From the oral quinidine group (n=48), two patients (4%) discontinued treatment because of gastrointestinal discomfort. In the 46 patients who continued the treatment, the attack frequency decreased from 11±4 times per week at baseline to 3±2 times per week after treatment (P<0.01). Twenty‐one (46%) out of the 46 patients had effective response to oral quinidine on a mean dose of 1067±462 mg day‐1, with a decrease in attack frequency from 12±3 to 1±1 times per week. Only 10 (22%) patients were free from recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Comparisons of symptom scores for patients (n=36) with attacks of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after quinidine treatment showed that there was no significant decrease of symptom score in attacks of atrial fibrillation (10.65±3.92 versus 10.20±3.80, P=0.57). Furthermore, the percentage decrease of ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation was significantly greater in patients with propafenone (‐25±4% versus ‐8±3%, P<0.01). Conclusions. Oral propafenone appeared to be more effective than quinidine in suppressing attacks and alleviating symptoms of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.