PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S A May

Publications and source records attributed to S A May.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IFNM) predicts facial nerve outcome after resection of vestibular schwannoma.

Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IFNM) is a suitable technique for intraoperative facial nerve identification and dissection, especially in large vestibular schwannomas (VS) (acoustic neuroma). To evaluate its feasibility for estimating functional nerve outcome after VS resection 60 patients underwent surgery using IFNM. Out of this group the last 40 patients were included in a prospective study evaluating the prognostic value of various IFNM parameters (proximal and distal absolute EMG amplitude, stimulation threshold, and proximal-to-distal amplitude ratio) for prediction of initial postoperative facial nerve function and recovery of function. Stimulation threshold and absolute EMG amplitude proximally at the brain stem were both predictive for postoperative nerve function. Good initial facial nerve outcome (modified House Brackmann grading, mHB degree I and degree II) was found in 15/16 patients with a proximal EMG amplitude greater than 800 microV and in 19/22 patients with proximal stimulation threshold less than 0.3 mA. Sixteen of 16 patients with proximal stimulation threshold equal to or greater than 0.3 mA had moderate-to-severe facial palsy (mHB degree III or worse). Six of six patients without evokable proximal amplitude initially had insufficient nerve function (mHB degree IV). Intraoperative decrease of the proximal amplitude was associated with an unfavourable outcome, whereas distal amplitudes usually stayed unchanged. Mean distal EMG amplitudes were also found to be decreased with poor nerve function, which may mean that the tumour had already affected the nerve. A proximal amplitude of 300 microV or less and a proximal-to-distal amplitude ratio below 1:3 were found in the absence of functional recovery in 6/8 (75%) and 5/6 (83%) patients with initial mHB degree IV, respectively. Two patients with initial mHB degree IV improved to mHB degree III despite intraoperative evidence of missing functional nerve integrity. Therefore, functional recovery cannot be predicted by IFNM in all cases of anatomical nerve preservation. We conclude that a minimum follow-up period of 1 year may still be advisable even in certain patients without evidence of intraoperative functional nerve integrity.

Adult↗

Anti-collagen antibodies and immune complexes in equine joint diseases.

An investigation was made into the possible contribution of autoimmune mechanisms to equine arthropathies. Serum and synovial fluid (SF) immune complexes and anti-collagen Type II antibodies were measured, by ELISA, in groups of horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), bone fracture, traumatised joints, synovitis, infected joints and non-diseased (control) joints. Significantly raised anti-collagen Type II antibodies were found in osteoarthritic (P < 0.02) and traumatised joint synovial fluids (P < 0.01) compared with the control, where ten of 38 (26%) OA and five of eight (63%) traumatised joint synovial fluid samples had raised anti-collagen Type II antibodies (above mean and 2 SD of control group; P < 0.05). Significantly raised levels of C1q-binding immune complexes were found in the synovial fluids of horses with OA (P < 0.001), OCD (P < 0.02), fractured articular bone (P < 0.001), infected (P < 0.01) and traumatised joints (P < 0.001) as compared with the control horses. Raised C1q-binding activity (above mean and 2 SD of control group; P < 0.05) was shown in synovial fluids in 18 of 38 (47%) OA, four of 16 (25%) OCD, four of nine (44%) fractured bone, one of eight (14%) synovitis, two of four (50%) infected joints and seven of eight (88%) traumatised joints. No raised anti-collagen Type II antibodies or C1q-binding activity were detected in sera from any clinical group. Correlations were found, in synovial fluids, between anti-collagen Type II antibodies and C1q-binding activity in OA (P < 0.02), synovitis (P < 0.01) and infected joint (P < 0.05) groups. Within individual horses, there were no correlations between the SF and sera measurements of either anti-collagen II or C1q-binding activity. The relationship between cause and effect of these immunological findings cannot be determined; as they are common to many types of equine joint disorder it is probable that they are not an initiating factor in pathology.

Animals↗

Rheumatoid factor, anti-heat shock protein (65 kDa) antibodies and anti-nuclear antibodies in equine joint diseases.

To consider the hypothesis that autoimmune mechanisms may contribute to the pathology of equine joint diseases, 3 autoimmune responses were assayed in sera and synovial fluids. IgM-rheumatoid factor and antibodies to heat shock protein 65 kDa were determined by ELISA; anti-nuclear antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence to whole cell nuclear components. All parameters showed only modest increases, if any and not in a pattern related to disease, although some statistically significant increases were detected. Group analysis showed significantly elevated synovial fluid IgM-rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) in horses with OA (P < 0.01), traumatised joints (P < 0.01) and articular fractured bones (P < 0.001). There was no significantly increased IgM-RF in the sera of horses with joint disorders compared to control horses. Significantly raised anti-heat shock protein molecular weight 65 kDa (HSP65) antibodies were only found in the synovial fluids of the horses with traumatised joints (P < 0.001). No correlations were found between the synovial fluid and sera levels of IgM-RF or anti-HSP65 antibodies. Synovial fluid anti-HSP65 antibody and IgM-RF levels positively correlated in the OCD (P < 0.001), fracture (P < 0.01) and synovitis (P < 0.05) groups. As antibodies to HSP65 correlated with IgG concentrations in synovial fluids, it is not possible to draw conclusions on HSP roles in joint disease pathogenesis. No serum anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected by immunofluorescence using rat liver and a human epithelial cell line (HEp-2) as substrates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Cellular sources of proteolytic enzymes in equine joints.

Isolated equine blood and articular cells were investigated for proteolytic enzyme production by means of gel filtration and analysis on 14C-acetylated collagen and casein substrates. Significant amounts of collagenase and caseinase activity were produced by cultured synoviocytes stimulated with equine interleukin 1, although large amounts of collagenase also originated from neutrophils.

Animals↗

Proteolytic enzymes in equine joints with infectious arthritis.

Significant amounts of collagenase and caseinase activity were detected in infected synovial fluid samples. Partial characterisation of the enzymes by gel filtration suggested that synovial fluid from cases of infectious arthritis may contain enzymes from both the synovial cells and neutrophils. This finding was also supported by analysis of sequential synovial fluid samples from 4 infected joints. In 3 joints the concentration of caseinase and in 1 joint collagenase paralleled the decline in total nucleated cell count. However, in 3 joints the concentration of collagenase remained high after the total nucleated cell count had returned to normal, suggesting that this enzyme originated from resident articular cells.

Animals↗

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of carprofen in the horse.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) carprofen have been evaluated in 6 horses using a model of acute non-immune inflammation. Following intravenous administration of 0.7 mg racemic carprofen/kg bwt, mean values for pharmacokinetic parameters were 18.1 h (elimination half-life); 0.25 l/kg (volume of distribution, Vd[area]); 58.9 ml/min (clearance); and 57.9 micrograms/ml.h (area under plasma concentration time curve). Mean exudate:plasma concentration ratios exceeded 1.0 at all sampling times between 2 and 48 h. Swelling at the site of acute inflammation was significantly reduced but exudate leucocyte numbers were unchanged. Although carprofen produced moderate suppression of serum thromboxane B2 and exudate prostaglandin E2 synthesis, these effects were not related to carprofen concentrations in plasma or exudate. It was concluded that the anti-oedematous action of carprofen was not attributable to inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase.

Animals↗

Anaplastic sarcoma in the caudal thigh of a horse.

A 16-year-old showjumping gelding was examined because of a non-painful, slowly progressive caudal thigh swelling, which was associated with 2/10th lameness at the trot. Radiography, real time beta-mode ultrasonography and gamma-scintigraphy of the caudal thigh for the presence of chip fractures, sequestrum formation and, or, abscessation were inconclusive. Radiographic examination of the chest revealed multifocal, nodular cannon ball-like opacities throughout the entire lung fields from which a diagnosis of a primary soft tissue tumour with metastasis to the thorax was made. An anaplastic sarcoma was diagnosed port mortem in the candal thigh. At no time did the horse show signs of respiratory embarrassment.

Animals↗

Bilateral subluxation of the pastern joint in the forelimbs of a foal.

A three-month-old foal was presented with subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joint in both forelimbs. The condition, which was considered to represent an unusual manifestation of breakdown of the suspensory apparatus, appeared to have developed as a consequence of extreme overexertion, 10 days previously. This had resulted in rupture of the palmar supporting structures of the joint; namely, the superficial distal sesamoidean ligament, the insertion of the superficial digital flexor tendon and the palmar joint capsule. Severe laxity of the flexor tendons had been present in the neonatal period, and it is postulated that this might have contributed to the development of the condition by weakening the suspensory apparatus, and placing increased strain on the suspensory ligament and its associated structures.

Animals↗

Species restrictions demonstrated by the stimulation of equine cells with recombinant human interleukin-1.

Equine thymocytes, which respond to equine monocyte supernatants, do not respond to stimulation with recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha and beta, and equine synovial fibroblasts show a limited response in the form of prostaglandin E2 production without any evidence of neutral metalloproteinase production. Human interleukin-1 beta was about three to ten times as active on equine synovial cells as human interleukin-1 alpha in terms of prostaglandin E2 production. This preliminary evidence would suggest that there are qualitative and quantitative differences in the way recombinant human interleukin-1 stimulates human cells and the way in which it stimulates equine cells.

Animals↗

Interleukin-1 stimulation of equine articular cells.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and stromelysin are produced by equine chondrocytes and synovial cells in vitro in response to recombinant human (rh) interleukin-1 (IL-1) alpha and beta, and equine mononuclear cell supernatants (MCS) containing IL-1. However, culture conditions are important. PGE2 concentrations increase in proportion to the concentration of fetal calf serum (FCS) in the culture medium, whereas stromelysin concentrations are inversely proportional to the concentration of FCS. Equine MCS, containing a lower concentration of IL-1 than the concentration of rhIL-1 used in these experiments, stimulated production of much higher levels of PGE2 than rhIL-1. In addition, equine MCS induced the production of broadly similar levels of PGE2 by both chondrocytes and synovial cells, whereas rhIL-1 was more active on equine synovial cells than equine chondrocytes. Although equine MCS induced both stromelysin and PGE2 production by equine articular cells, on the whole rhIL-1 failed to induce stromelysin production. This supports previous observations of species restrictions in the activity of human IL-1 on equine cells. Therefore, experiments using mammalian cells and heterologous IL-1 should be interpreted with caution.

Animals↗

Inhibition of interleukin-1 activity by equine synovial fluid.

The presence, in equine synovial fluid, of inhibitors of interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity has been investigated by means of an assay involving IL-1-mediated production of PGE2 by synovial cells. Inhibitors of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta were identified in normal synovial fluid and synovial fluid from two horses with early joint disease. Inhibitors of IL-1 alpha were also present in synovial fluid from two horses with long-standing joint disease. However, IL-1 beta inhibitory activity was not present in fluid from the horses with more chronic joint disease. The effect appeared to be specific for IL-1, and not a direct action on PGE2 production, as synovial fluid had no effect on lipopolysaccharide-mediated PGE2 production. It is suggested that the inhibitory activity may be involved physiologically in the control of IL-1 activity in the joint, and the loss of IL-1 inhibition may be at least as important biologically as increased production of IL-1.

Animals↗

Buprenorphine's effects on self-administration of smoked cocaine base and orally delivered phencyclidine, ethanol and saccharin in rhesus monkeys.

The effects of buprenorphine on behavior reinforced by smoked cocaine base and orally delivered phencyclidine (PCP), ethanol and saccharin were compared. There were six groups of four to five rhesus monkeys. Group 1 contained four monkeys that had been trained to smoke cocaine base under progressive ratio (PR) or fixed ratio (FR) schedules. Up to eight smoke deliveries (2 mg/kg) were available during daily 3-hr sessions. Each delivery was separated by a 15-min timeout. The remaining groups received concurrent access to different combinations of orally delivered liquids as follows: group 2, PCP (0.25 mg/ml) and water; group 3, saccharin (0.03% w/v) and water; group 4, PCP and saccharin; group 5, ethanol (8% w/v) and water; and group 6, ethanol and PCP. Saline or buprenorphine (0.003, 0.012, 0.05, 0.2 and 0.8 mg/kg) injections were given i.m. 30 min before each session for 5 consecutive days. Buprenorphine produced a dose-dependent reduction in behavior maintained by PCP, ethanol or saccharin in all of the six groups. In group 1, the suppressant effects of buprenorphine on cocaine base smoking were greater in the two monkeys that responded under FR 5 schedules than in the two that responded under PR schedules. When PCP and saccharin were concurrently available (group 4), buprenorphine had a greater suppressant effect on PCP than when water was concurrently present (group 2). Buprenorphine produced nearly a complete suppression in saccharin-maintained responding at doses of 0.012 mg/kg and higher in groups 3 and 4. Buprenorphine reduced ethanol deliveries to about 50% at doses of 0.012 mg/kg and higher in group 5. When PCP and ethanol were concurrently available (group 6), buprenorphine had an effect on PCP and ethanol that was similar to that found when the drugs were available concurrently with water. These results suggest that buprenorphine suppresses behavior maintained by several drug and nondrug substances, and it further suppresses PCP-maintained behavior that is already reduced by a nondrug alternative reinforcer.

Administration, Oral↗

Soft palate hypoplasia in a horse.

Several imaging techniques were used to diagnose hypoplasia of the soft palate in a horse. The absence of the caudal soft palate, hypertrophied lymphoid tissue and the formation of a pseudouvula were observed endoscopically. Plain and contrast radiography were used to demonstrate a soft palate remnant and to identify structures rostral to the epiglottis. Retrograde endoscopy of the pharynx via a tracheotomy incision is described.

Animals↗

Conservative treatment of an incomplete longbone fracture of a hindlimb of four horses.

Four horses with an incomplete fracture of a hindlimb longbone were examined. In two, the tibia had been fractured by external trauma. In the other two horses proximal metatarsal 3 had fractured during normal activity. The diagnoses were made radiographically and the horses were treated conservatively by box rest. The fractures healed satisfactorily and the horses became sound.

Animals↗

Surgical treatment of open splint bone fractures in 26 horses.

Over a period of 16 years, 26 horses were treated for open fractures involving the splint bones. Treatment consisted of surgical excision of fracture fragments and sequestra, and curettage of infected and unhealthy tissues. The splint bone distal to the fracture was removed in nine horses in which the attachment of the splint bone to the cannon bone via the interosseous ligament did not provide adequate stability. In two horses it was considered necessary to stabilise the proximal fragment by internal fixation and infection developed in both of them; one of these horses was destroyed on humane grounds. In the other 25 horses an excellent result was obtained in terms of cosmetic appearance and return to soundness.

Animals↗