bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sero‐epidemiology of Canine Leptospirosis in Trinidad: Serovars, Implications for Vaccination and Public Health
Authors: Adesiyun A. A. , Hull‐jackson C. , Mootoo N. , Halsall S. , Bennett R. , Clarke N. R. , Whittington C. U. , Seepersadsingh N.
Published: March 2006

A sero‐epidemiological study on canine leptospirosis was conducted in house, stray, farm and hunting dogs, as well as in suspect cases of clinical canine leptospirosis. Serum samples were collected from apparently healthy (vaccinated and non‐vaccinated), house dogs. A questionnaire was administered to the owners to elicit information on risk factors for leptospirosis. The microscopic agglutination test was used to screen for leptospirosis using 17 international serovars. Reciprocal titres of between 100 and <800 were considered as evidence of past exposure while reciprocal titres of 800 or greater were classified as suggestive of acute/current infection. Of a total of 419 serum samples tested, 61 (14.6%) were seropositive for Leptospira agglutinins, 23 (5.5%) had mixed infections and 16 (3.8%) had current infection. Amongst 50 suspected cases of clinical leptospirosis, 24 (48.0%) were seropositive and only 13 (26.0%) had current infection compared with 10 (6.3%) and three (1.9%) of 160 apparently healthy house dogs respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05; χ2). Twelve (25.5%) of 47 hunting dogs, 10 (20.4%) of 49 farm dogs and five (4.4%) of 113 stray dogs were seropositive (P < 0.05; χ2). Overall, a total of nine serovars were detected with serovars mankarso, icterohaemorrhagiae RGA, autumnalis and copenhageni being involved in 29 (47.5%), 20 (32.8%), 25 (41.0%) and 10 (16.4%) respectively in 61 seropositive dogs (P < 0.05; χ2). Serovar mankarso was most predominant in seropositive apparently healthy dogs, 37.8% (14/37), suspected clinical cases of leptospirosis, 62.5% (15/24) compared with serovar icterohaemorrhagiae with a frequency of 21.6% (8/37) and 50.0% (12/24), the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05; χ2). Although all vaccines used for prevention of canine leptospirosis in the country contain serovars canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae, serovar mankarso was mostly associated with infection and disease and may be a good candidate for inclusion in the vaccine used locally. The public health risk posed to owners of dogs infected with Leptospira cannot be over‐emphasized considering the zoonotic nature of the disease.
In Vitro Development of Marbled Cat Embryos Derived from Interspecies Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
Authors: Thongphakdee A , Numchaisrika P , Omsongkram S , Chatdarong K , Kamolnorranath S , Dumnui S , Techakumphu M
Published: March 2006

Contents

The objective of the study was to investigate interspecies Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (iSCNT) techniques in marbled cats (Pardofelis marmorata), using domestic cat and rabbit oocytes as the recipient cytoplasm. The recipient oocytes were obtained from ovariohysterectomized cats and superovulated rabbits. The donor cells were collected from a male marbled cat that had died in captivity. Experiment 1 was conducted to observe the development of cloned marbled cat embryos (marbled cat donor cells‐domestic cat oocytes; MC‐DC), derived from oocytes matured for 24, 36 and 42 h. The result showed that the developmental rates of MC‐DC cloned embryos at the 4–8 cell and the morula stages derived from oocytes cultured for 24 h were significantly greater than those cultured for 36 and 42 h (p < 0.05). Experiment 2 was conducted to compare the fusion rate of MC‐DC couplets, fused by inducing different fusion voltages, 2.1 or 2.4 kV/cm. The result showed that there was no difference in fusion efficiency between the 2.1 and 2.4 kV/cm fusion protocols. Experiment 3 was conducted to compare the developmental rate of MC‐DC and domestic cat (DC‐DC) cloned embryos. In vitro fertilized cat embryos served as a control. The development of MC‐DC and DC‐DC cloned embryos to the 4‐ to 8‐cell, morula and blastocyst stages was not significantly different. However, the development rates at morula and blastocyst stages of control were significantly greater than those of cloned embryos (p < 0.05). Experiment 4 rabbit (RB) oocytes were used as a recipient cytoplasm for marbled cat and domestic cat cloned embryos (MC‐ RB and DC‐RB). RB‐RB cloned embryos served as a control. There were no differences in the developmental rates between MC‐RB, DC‐RB and RB‐RB embryos. In conclusion, marbled cat fibroblast cells can be reprogrammed in domestic cat and rabbit oocytes, and by using iSCNT it might be possible to produce marbled cat offspring in the future.
Porcine Field Fertility with Two Different Insemination Doses and the Effect of Sperm Morphology
Authors: Alm K , Peltoniemi OAT , Koskinen E , Andersson M
Published: March 2006

Contents

In swine artificial insemination, several dose regimens are applied, ranging from 1.5 × 109to 6.0 × 109spermatozoa per intra‐cervical insemination dose. A lower sperm dose is more profitable for artificial insemination centres and offers a more effective use of superior boars. To evaluate fertility, 50 boars were used for a total of 10 773 homospermic first inseminations at a dose of 2 billion spermatozoa. In addition, 96 boars were used at a dose of 3 billion spermatozoa for 34 789 homospermic first inseminations. Fertility was determined by a 60‐day non‐return rate (NR%) of first inseminations. Litter size was registered by total number of piglets born separately in primiparous and multiparous farrowings. On average, a sow was inseminated 1.5 times. A significant decrease was observed in all three fertility parameters (NR%, litter size of both primiparous and multiparous farrowings) with a dose of 2 billion spermatozoa compared with a dose of 3 billion spermatozoa. The NR% was 75.8% and 84.0% (p < 0.001), the mean litter size of primiparous farrowings 10.1 and 10.7 (p < 0.001) and the mean litter size of multiparous farrowings 11.7 and 12.1 (p < 0.001) for 2 and 3 billion spermatozoa/dose, respectively. The proportion of normal spermatozoa in the sperm morphology analysis correlated significantly with NR% in both insemination regimens: p < 0.001,r = 0.604 and p < 0.05,r = 0.223 for 2 and 3 billion spermatozoa/dose, respectively. These results confirm that quantity can at least partly compensate for poor sperm quality. When the boars with <70% normal spermatozoa in the morphology evaluation were excluded from the data there were no correlation between the sperm morphology and NR%. However, the difference between the NR% and litter size remained statistically significant (p < 0.001) in favour for the bigger insemination dose. In conclusion, a decrease in sperm dose from 3 to 2 billion spermatozoa on commercial farms will severely decrease prolificacy at least under field conditions, where a sow is inseminated an average of 1.5 times/heat, and the semen is typically used within 3 days after collection. We recommend that under commercial circumstances the homospermic semen doses contain no <3 billion spermatozoa/dose.
Comparison between the Sperm Morphology in Semen Samples Obtained from Yearling Beef Bulls by Transrectal Massage of the Ampullae and Cauda Epididymal Dissection
Authors: Persson Y , McGowan M , Söderquist L
Published: March 2006

Contents

As electroejaculation (EEJ) is prohibited for use on unanaesthetized animals in Sweden, there is a need for an alternative method of semen collection from bulls in the field. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of transrectal massage (TM) of the ampullae to collect semen from yearling beef bulls under field conditions in Sweden.

Transrectal massage was performed on 52 yearling beef bulls. Volume of semen collected, duration of procedure, percentage progressively motile sperm, and sperm concentration were measured. Smears were prepared for sperm morphology examination. Semen samples were obtained from 47 of 52 bulls. Mean volume was 3.2 ml (SD ± 3.7), mean duration of collection was 7.4 min (SD ± 2.8), mean percentage progressively motile sperm was 43.5% (SD ± 29.2) and mean concentration was 201.9 × 106 spermatozoa/ml (SD ± 278 × 106). Twenty‐three of the 52 bulls were slaughtered 3–4 days after semen collection and aliquots of the cauda epididymal contents were collected for sperm morphology examination. The percentages of proximal droplets, abnormal tails and abnormal midpieces were significantly higher (p < 0.05) and the percentage of detached heads was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the post‐mortem samples compared with those in the TM samples. However, importantly there was no significant difference between the two sample types in the percentages of abnormal heads.

This study demonstrates that semen can be collected from yearling beef bulls by TM. We think that TM constitutes a useful tool, when semen collection with EEJ or artificial vagina (AV) is not possible under field conditions, when included in the bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) protocol. However, further studies are needed, and presently being carried out, to evaluate if semen samples collected by TM are comparable with semen samples collected by AV.
Mineralogical and geochemical study of a newly discovered mafic granulite, northwest China: Implications for tectonic evolution of the Altay Orogenic Belt
Authors: Chen Han‐Lin , Li Zi‐Long , Yang Shu‐Feng , Dong Chuan‐Wan , Xiao Wen‐Jiao , Tainosho Yoshiaki
Published: March 2006

Abstract A mafic granulite body was newly discovered in the Altay Orogenic Belt, northwest China. The rocks comprise a suite of coarse‐grained and fine‐grained granulites. Orthopyroxenes (hypersthenes) in the rocks have high XMgand low Al2O3contents, whereas clinopyroxenes have low TiO2and Al2O3contents. Amphiboles and biotites have a high Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) ratio and low contents of F and Cl. The peak metamorphic pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions are estimated as 750–780°C and 6–7 kbar, and retrograde P–T conditions are in the range of 590–620°C and 2.3–3.7 kbar, indicating significant decompression. Metamorphic reactions and P–T estimates define a clockwise P–T path. Geochemically, the rocks are high in Mg/(Mg + Fe) and Al2O3, depleted in U, Th, K and Rb, and characterized by light rare earth element enrichment and a weak positive Eu anomaly. The Altay mafic granulite shows depleted Nb, P and Ti contents in the mid‐oceanic ridge basalt normalized spider diagram. The geochemical characteristics suggest that the protolith of the Altay mafic granulite was calc‐alkaline basalt and andesite with an island‐arc affinity. The rock has a high143Nd/144Nd ratio with ɛNd(0) > 0, indicating derivation from a mantle‐depleted source. In the present study, a two‐stage model for the evolution of the Altay mafic granulite is proposed: an early stage in which calc‐alkaline basalt and andesite with island‐arc affinity were subducted into a deeper level of the crust and subjected to granulite‐facies metamorphism generating the mafic granulite, followed by the later stage exhumation of the system into the upper crust by the late Paleozoic thrusting.
Podiform chromitites in the lherzolite‐dominant mantle section of the Isabela ophiolite, the Philippines
Authors: Morishita Tomoaki , Andal Eric S. , Arai Shoji , Ishida Yoshito
Published: March 2006

Abstract  The Isabela ophiolite, the Philippines, is characterized by a lherzolite‐dominant mantle section, which was probably formed beneath a slow‐spreading mid‐ocean ridge. Several podiform chromitites occur in the mantle section and grade into harzburgite to lherzolite. The chromitites show massive, nodular, layered and disseminated textures. Clinopyroxene (±orthopyroxene/amphibole) inclusions within chromian spinel (chromite hereafter) are commonly found in the massive‐type chromitites. Large chromitites are found in relatively depleted harzburgite hosts having high‐Cr♯ (Cr/(Cr + Al) atomic ratio = ∼0.5) chromite. Light rare earth element (LREE) contents of clinopyroxenes in harzburgites near the chromitites are higher than those in lherzolite with low‐Cr♯ chromite, whereas heavy REE (HREE) contents of clinopyroxenes are lower in harzburgite than in lherzolite. The harzburgite near the chromitites is not a residual peridotite after simple melt extraction from lherzolite but is formed by open‐system melting (partial melting associated with influx of primitive basaltic melt of deeper origin). Clinopyroxene inclusions within chromite in chromitites exhibit convex‐shaped REE patterns with low HREE and high LREE (+Sr) abundances compared to the host peridotites. The chromitites were formed from a hybridized melt enriched with Cr, Si and incompatible elements (Na, LREE, Sr and H2O). The melt was produced by mixing of secondary melts after melt–rock interaction and the primitive basaltic melts in large melt conduits, probably coupled with a zone‐refining effect. The Cr♯ of chromites in the chromitites ranges from 0.65 to 0.75 and is similar to those of arc‐related magmas. The upper mantle section of the Isabela ophiolite was initially formed beneath a slow‐spreading mid‐ocean ridge, later introduced by arc‐related magmatisms in response to a switch in tectonic setting during its obduction at a convergent margin.
Geodynamic significance of ophiolites within the Calabrian Arc
Authors: Liberi Francesca , Morten Lauro , Piluso Eugenio
Published: March 2006

Abstract  Slices of oceanic lithosphere belonging to the neo‐Tethys realm crop out discontinuously in the northern Calabrian Arc, Southern Apennines. They consist of high‐pressure–low‐temperature metamorphic ophiolitic sequences formed from metaultramafics, metabasites and alternating metapelites, metarenites, marbles and calcschist. Ophiolites occupy an intermediate position in the northern Calabrian Arc nappe pile, situated between overlying Hercynian continental crust and the underlying Apenninic limestone units. In the literature, these ophiolitic sequences are subdivided into several tectonometamorphic units. Geochemical characteristics indicate that metabasites were derived from subalkaline basalts with tholeiitic affinity (transitional mid‐oceanic ridge basalt type), and a harzburgitic‐lherzolitic protolith is suggested for the serpentinites. The pressure–temperature‐deformation paths of the metabasites from different outcrops display similar features: (i) the prograde segment follows a typical Alpine geothermal gradient up to a metamorphic climax at 350°C and 0.9 GPa and crystallization of the high‐pressure mineral assemblage occurs along a pervasive foliation developed during a compressive tectonic event; and (ii) the retrogression path can be subdivided in two segments, the first is characterized by nearly isothermal decompression to approximately 400°C and 0.3 GPa and the second follows a cooling trajectory. During low‐pressure conditions, a second deformation event produces millimetric to decametric scale asymmetric folds that describe west‐verging major structures. The third deformation event is characterized by brittle extensional structures. The tectonometamorphic evolution of the ophiolitic sequences from the different outcrops is similar. Both thermobarometric modeling and tectonic history indicate that the studied rocks underwent Alpine subduction and exhumation processes as tectonic slices inside a west‐verging accretionary wedge. The subduction of oceanic lithosphere was towards the present east; therefore, the Hercynian continental crust, overthrusted on the ophiolitic accretionary wedge after the neo‐Tethys closure, was part of the African paleomargin or a continental microplate between Africa and Europe.
Age and petrogenesis of plagiogranite intrusions in the Ankara mélange, central Turkey
Authors: Dilek Yildirim , Thy Peter
Published: March 2006

Abstract  The Ankara mélange within the Izmir–Ankara–Erzincan suture zone in north‐central Turkey includes ophiolitic fragments that represent the remnants of an oceanic basement evolved between the Sakarya and Kirsehir continental blocks in the early Mesozoic. The serpentinized upper mantle peridotites and lower crustal rocks in these ophiolites are cross‐cut by dolerite and plagiogranite dykes, which show mutually intrusive relations indicating their synchronous emplacement into the pre‐existing oceanic lithosphere. Zircon dating (U–Pb) of a plagiogranite dyke has revealed a concordia age of ∼179 ± 15 Ma that is interpreted here as the crystallization age of this differentiated rock. A fourth fraction of the zircon separates from this rock has also shown an inherited component greater than 1.7 Ga, possibly derived from the Precambrian core of the Rhodope–Strandja Metamorphic Massif in the Balkan Peninsula. Models for plagiogranite formation were tested and it is concluded that a high extent (<70%) of anhydrous or water‐undersaturated, early amphibole‐free fractionation of a basaltic melt source may have readily produced the observed REE concentrations for the Ankara mélange plagiogranites. The trace element abundances and other geochemical features of the coeval dolerite dykes are similar to those of the plagiogranites, suggesting a common melt source. The Ta–Nb patterns shown by both the plagiogranite and dolerite dykes are typical of arc‐related petrogenesis and can be explained by the addition of slab‐derived components to a depleted mantle wedge. The Early Jurassic ophiolitic basement and the dyke intrusions were formed in a back‐arc setting between the Paleo‐ and Neo‐Tethyan domains in the eastern Mediterranean region. The Izmir–Ankara–Erzincan Sea developed in this back‐arc environment and the related suture zone had a diachronous evolutionary history.
Comparison of the effectiveness and side‐effects of tolterodine and oxybutynin in children with detrusor instability
Authors: KILIC NIZAMETTIN , BALKAN EMIN , AKGOZ SEMRA , SEN NURI , DOGRUYOL HASAN
Published: March 2006

Background:  Treatment with anticholinergic agents is the mainstay of therapy for detrusor instability (DI), a chronic and morbid condition characterized by urge urinary incontinence. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of tolterodine and oxybutynin in children with DI.

Methods:  A total of 60 children with DI were enrolled, 30 (14 male, 16 female, mean age 7.97 ± 2.71 years) in the tolterodine group and 30 (12 male, 18 female, mean age 7.33 ± 2.23 years) in the oxybutynin group. In this prospective study we reviewed data from 60 children followed for at least 6 months. All of the patients in the study population had a history of dysfunctional voiding. Urodynamic investigations were conducted in all of the patients before and after anticholinergic treatment. Episodes of urge urinary incontinence and adverse events were also evaluated.

Results:  Improvements in urge incontinence episodes were similar for the children who received tolterodine or oxybutynin. Improvements in the urodynamic parameters were also the same in the two groups. Adverse events were significantly lower in the tolterodine group (13 events in 13 patients) compared to the oxybutynin group (27 events in 20 patients; P = 0.027).

Conclusion:  Reductions in urge urinary incontinence episodes were similar with tolterodine and oxybutynin in children with DI. Side‐effects were more common with oxybutynin. Treatment of children with DI with tolterodine shows significantly better tolerability and this may enhance children's compliance during long‐term treatment.
Placard‐shaped in situ vaginal wall sling for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: MUSTAFA MAHMOUD , WADIE BASSEM S
Published: March 2006

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy of a simple and economic procedure using a placard‐shaped in situ anterior vaginal wall sling for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, with or without cystocele repair.

Methods:  From July 2003 to July 2004, 14 female patients (mean age 45.21 years, range 37–57) were operated upon because of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with the placard‐shaped in situ anterior vaginal wall sling technique. The average follow‐up period was 11 months (range 4–14.5 months). Twelve patients were operated primarily with this technique and only two patients had undergone previous surgeries for the treatment of SUI (one patient had had two previous surgeries and the other had had one previous surgery). In all patients urethral hypermobility or/and bladder prolapse were observed. Filling cystometry showed sufficient bladder capacity with no detrusor overactivity.

Results:  No urinary retention was observed in any patient in the postoperative period. While 11 patients have 100% cure of incontinence, three patients started leakage of urine after 1–2 months after the operation (one patient had been operated upon twice before (and who was diabetic and obese) and two patients were primarily repaired by our technique). In two patients, suprapubic tenderness and redness were observed, and were treated by oral antibiotic and anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Conclusion:  The placard technique is simple, cost‐effective and has low incidence of urinary retention in the post‐operative period. The success rate seems to be satisfactory and it can be applicable to patients who are primary cases of SUI with average body mass index. Yet longer term follow up and larger number of patients are needed before final conclusion can be drawn.
HtrA2 is up‐regulated in the rat testis after experimental cryptorchidism
Authors: HAYASHI TETSUO , YOSHIDA SOICHIRO , YOSHINAGA ATSUSHI , OHNO RENA , ISHII NOBUYUKI , YAMADA TAKUMI
Published: March 2006

Aim: The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of high temperature requirement A2 (HtrA2) in germ cell loss in the heat‐stressed testis.

Methods: We examined the expression of HtrA2, caspase‐9 activity and proteolytic activity of HtrA2 in the rat testis, and theirin vivoresponses to experimental cryptorchid treatment.

Results: Northern analysis revealed the expression of HtrA2 mRNA peaked at days 1 and 7 after cryptorchid treatment. While expression of HtrA2 mRNA was seen in the spermatogonium, spermatocytes and some spermatids in normal adult rat testis, experimental cryptorchidism treatment resulted in a marked increase in its signal intensity in spermatocytes and some spermatids, and the layers of spermatogonium and early primary spermatocytes became negative at days 1 and 7 after the treatment. However, the spermatogonium, Sertoli cells and interstitial cells appeared to have strong intensities at days 14, 28 and 56 after the treatment. Western analysis revealed the expression of HtrA2 protein peaked at day 2 coinciding with the increase of positive spermatogonium, the appearance of protein‐positive interstitial cells, and day 28 coinciding with the reappearance of protein‐positive interstitial cells. Caspase‐9 activity peaked at day 2 and HtrA2 proteolytic activity peaked at day 28. Consequently, the first peak of HtrA2 mRNA expression was followed by the peak of caspase‐9 activity and the second peak was followed by the peak of proteolytic activity; however, the second peak of mRNA expression had considerable chronological difference from that of the protein.

Conclusion: These findings suggest the probabilities that the heat stress results in germ cell death by a caspase‐independent manner with the elevation of HtrA2 proteolytic activity, as well as a caspase‐dependent manner with the elevation of caspase‐9 activity.
Hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy using intraoperative ultrasonography for left renal cell carcinoma involving a level I renal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: TANAKA KAZUSHI , DOBASHI MASAKI , YAMADA YUJI , KAWABATA GAKU , KAMIDONO SADAO , HARA ISAO
Published: March 2006

Abstract  This report concerns two male patients, 65 (case 1) and 72 (case 2) years old, with a left renal tumor involving a level I renal vein tumor thrombus, who underwent hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy using intraoperative ultrasonography. With the patient in the flank position, a midline supraumbilical hand port and two other ports were placed. Intraoperative ultrasonography identified the extent of the tumor thrombus. After hilar control, complete resection with intact removal was performed. Surgery lasted 305 min for case 1 and 237 min for case 2, with respective estimated blood loss of 410 mL and 572 mL. No postoperative complications occurred. Pathological examination showed a clear cell carcinoma with a level I tumor thrombus and negative surgical margins. Because the ultrasound probe can be easily inserted and the specimen can be extracted safely and intact, hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is practicable and effective for left renal cell carcinoma involving a level I renal vein tumor thrombus.
Nephrectomy for benign disease? A case of isolated renal echinococcosis
Authors: SOUNTOULIDES PETROS , ZACHOS IOANNIS , EFREMIDIS STAVROS , PANTAZAKOS ATHANASIOS , PODIMATAS THOMAS
Published: March 2006

Abstract  Cystic hydatid disease may be found in virtually any organ, although involvement of the urinary tract is relatively uncommon. We report a case of isolated renal hydatid disease presenting with hydatiduria. A short review of the literature regarding diagnosis and management of renal echinococcosis is also presented.
Angiomyofibroblastoma‐like tumors (cellular angiofibroma)
Authors: CANALES BENJAMIN K. , WEILAND DEREK , HOFFMAN NATHAN , SLATON JOEL , TRAN MICHAEL , MANIVEL J. CARLOS , MONGA MANOJ
Published: March 2006

Abstract  Angiomyofibroblastoma‐like tumor (cellular angiofibroma) is a rare, circumscribed, slow‐growing mesenchymal tumor that occurs predominantly in the vulva, perineum, and pelvis of women. We report two cases of this tumor in men arising as paratesticular masses of the scrotum, summarize the history of this tumor, and discuss why efforts should be made to differentiate it from aggressive angiomyxoma. Recommended treatment is complete surgical excision with long‐term follow up exams, as local recurrence may occur many years after resection of the lesion.
Retroperitoneal extragonadal germ cell tumor presenting as a bulky pelvic mass of the obturator fossa
Authors: TANAKA TOSHIAKI , KITAMURA HIROSHI , MASUMORI NAOYA , TSUKAMOTO TAIJI , KIMURA MAKOTO
Published: March 2006

Abstract  Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGGCT) are commonly found in the midline of the body. We report a rare case of a retroperitoneal EGGCT presenting as a bulky pelvic mass located between the left internal and external iliac arteries in a 29‐year‐old man. His alpha‐fetoprotein level was 12946.2 ng/mL and the biopsy of the tumor revealed a nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. After three cycles of chemotherapy (bleomycin/etoposide/cisplatin) followed by resection of all residual tumors, one cycle of salvage chemotherapy (etoposide/ifosphamide/cisplatin) was added. The patient was disease free at 21‐month follow up.
Epididymo‐orchitis caused by intravesically instillated bacillus Calmette‐Guérin: Genetically proven using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method
Authors: HARADA HIROSHI , SEKI MASAAKI , SHINOJIMA HIROKAZU , MIURA MASAYOSHI , HIRANO TETSUO , TOGASHI MASAKI
Published: March 2006

Abstract  The intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) is a standard therapy for superficial bladder carcinoma. Tuberculosis‐like inflammation in the genitourinary tract is a serious complication of BCG. It can occur after a long interval from the cessation of the intravesical BCG therapy. If inflammation occurs, it is necessary to test whether the BCG strain has caused it or another mycobacterium species has. However, there has never been a report that proves BCG causes the inflammation, because BCG is difficult to differentiate from other strains of Mycobacterium bovis and other members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by conventional tests, including regular polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We first present a case of epididymo‐orchitis, which developed 31 months after the cessation of BCG therapy, detected using a multiplex PCR method as having been caused by BCG. Our report illustrates the efficacy of this method to detect the responsible microbe that is thought to be transmitted from the instillated BCG strain.
Xanthogranulomatous orchitis in an adult Nigerian
Authors: SALAKO ABDULKADIR A. , OLASODE BABATUNDE J. , EZIYI AMOGU K. , OSASAN STEPHEN A.
Published: March 2006

Abstract  Xanthogranulomatous orchitis (XGO) is a rare benign disease of the testis which has not been previously documented in tropical Africa. We report a case of a 24‐year‐old Nigerian man who presented with a painless left hemiscrotal swelling. Our clinical diagnosis was left testicular cancer. Testicular tumor markers were normal. At surgical exploration, we found a left testicular tumor. Histopathological examination of the specimen showed XGO of the left testis. He had left radical orchiectomy and left inguinal node dissection. He has remained stable 8 months after the treatment. Xanthogranulomatous orchitis cannot be distinguished clinically from testicular cancer unless by histopathological examination. Orchiectomy is the treatment of choice. However, in all patients and particularly young patients and those with a single testis, histopathological confirmation is suggested to avoid unnecessary radical orchiectomy, useless irradiation and ill‐timed chemotherapy.
Severe penile edema: An unusual presentation of metastatic Crohn disease
Authors: ZELHOF BASHAR , BIYANI CHANDRA S. , ANATHHANAM ANNA J. , POLLOCK BRUCE , BROWNING ANTHONY J.
Published: March 2006

Abstract  A case of Crohn disease involving the penis is described. Diagnosis of a metastatic Crohn disease was suggested by penile biopsy. The patient was treated with prednisolone and azathioprine.
Correlations between optical coherence tomography measurement of macular thickness and visual acuity after cataract extraction
Authors: Nicholas Simon , Riley Andrew , Patel Hussain , Neveldson Bridget , Purdie Gordon , Wells Anthony P
Published: March 2006

Abstract

Purpose:  To investigate correlations between optical coherence tomography macular thickness measurements and visual acuity after cataract surgery.

Methods:  Sixty‐two patients underwent routine cataract surgery as part of a randomized clinical trial of oral Cox‐2 inhibitor prophylaxis of cystoid macular oedema. Optical coherence tomography was used to quantify several parameters of macular thickness. Optical coherence tomography measurements were obtained before surgery, day one, week two and week six after surgery. These measurements were then correlated with logMAR best‐corrected visual acuity.

Results:  Optical coherence tomography macular thickness parameters increased after surgery by up to 20%. A significant correlation was identified between foveal minimum macular thickness and best‐corrected visual acuity at day one and week six after surgery. Other macular parameters failed to show any significant correlation. At day one and week six, the 10 patients with greatest macular thickness had significantly lower visual acuity than the other patients.

Conclusion:  In this study routine cataract surgery caused an increase in macular thickness. Some significant positive correlations between macular thickness and best‐corrected visual acuity were found, although not for all parameters or time points. There may be a threshold relationship between degree of foveal anatomic change and significant loss of visual acuity.
Pars plana insertion of glaucoma drainage devices for refractory glaucoma
Authors: De Guzman M Hannah PU , Valencia Alejandro , Farinelli Adrian C
Published: March 2006

Abstract

Background:  Glaucoma drainage devices are more commonly inserted into the anterior chamber because of the relative ease of this method of insertion. However, in certain cases, posterior placement of the tube may be necessary or may be more desirable. The outcome of a series of patients with glaucoma drainage devices inserted into the pars plana was examined.

Methods:  Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent pars plana implantation of Molteno and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage devices at the Sydney Eye Hospital.

Results:  There were 33 cases reviewed. The mean follow‐up period was 30.2 months. The mean final postoperative intraocular pressure was reduced to 13.4 ± 4.4 mmHg (SD) from 33.06 ± 8.47 mmHg preoperatively. The mean number of intraocular pressure‐lowering medications in use postoperatively was 0.6 ± 0.8, reduced from 3.6 ± 1.27 medications in use preoperatively. Sixteen (48.5%) eyes were classified as complete successes, 14 (42.4%) eyes as qualified successes and three eyes (9%) as failures. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis for cumulative success (absence of failure) predicted 61.1% survival at 60 months. Complications included five cases of decompensation of corneas or corneal grafts, one case each of conjunctival wound dehiscence, large choroidal effusion, epiretinal membrane, Molteno plate extrusion and intraocular pressure unresponsive to medical therapy, and three cases of tube blockage.

Conclusions:  In this series of patients, pars plana insertion of glaucoma drainage devices has been shown to be an effective alternative for selected cases where anterior chamber tube insertion is not possible or is not ideal.
Optical coherence tomographic pattern of fluorescein angiographic leakage site in acute central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Hussain Nazimul , Baskar Arumugam , Ram LS Mohan , Das Taraprasad
Published: March 2006

Abstract

Purpose:  To study the optical coherence tomography (OCT) pattern of the fluorescein angiographic leakage in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Methods:  This is a non‐interventional pilot case study. OCT line scan was performed over the fluorescein angiographic leak site in eyes clinically diagnosed acute CSCR. Clinical fundus photograph, site of leakage on fundus fluorescein angiography and corresponding OCT were analysed.

Results:  The mean age of 10 consecutive patients was 38.8 ± 6.9 years. Six patients were male and the mean duration of symptom was 7 days. Six eyes (60%) showed a characteristic dipping pattern of neurosensory retina with intervening hyper‐reflective echoes suggestive of fibrin over the leakage site. All these eyes had ink‐blot leak and subretinal fibrin.

Conclusions:  Ink‐blot leak in acute CSCR with subretinal fibrin generates a dipping morphological pattern on OCT.
Old habits tie hard: an in vitro comparison of first‐throw tension holding in Polyglycolic acid (Dexon S) and Polyglactin 910 (Coated Vicryl)
Authors: Kersey Thomas L , Patel Sonia , Thaller Vladamir T
Published: March 2006

Abstract

Purpose:  To compare the first‐throw tension holding property of two braided absorbable sutures commonly used in oculoplastic surgery.

Methods:  The study was an in vitro experimental model. 6/0 Polyglycolic acid (Dexon S) and 6/0 Polyglactin 910 (Coated Vicryl) were compared using an experimental model to determine first‐throw knot security. A polypropylene suture (Surgipro 2) was included as a benchmark to judge the apparatus by, ensuring that our experiment could be designed independently of the test suture materials. Increasing metric loads were applied to the first double throw of a surgical knot. Each suture was tested to the point of knot slipping and the critical tension recorded. All the sutures were kept wet during use. Three variations of the experiment were undertaken: experiment 1 – two metal loops brought together by the test suture; experiment 2 – two strips of tissue brought together by the test suture; and experiment 3 – a knot tied over a metal bar coated in tissue. The tissue used was processed cross‐linked porcine dermal collagen (Permacol). Each experiment was repeated three times for each suture type and the mean value taken.

Results:  Experiment 1: Dexon S 12.2 g (11, 12, 13.5), Coated Vicryl 2.5 g (2.5, 2.5, 2.5) and Surgipro 2 2.3 g (2, 2, 3); experiment 2: Dexon S 33.33 g (30, 35, 35), Coated Vicryl 25 g (25, 25, 25) and Surgipro 2 5 g (5, 5, 5); experiment 3: Dexon S 100 g (100, 100, 100), Coated Vicryl 56.667 g (60, 55, 55) and Surgipro 2 5 g (5, 5, 5).

Conclusions:  Dexon S‐braided absorbable suture has significantly better first‐throw knot security when compared with Coated Vicryl. This is an important property when suturing tissues under tension as it minimizes slippage before the locking throw is tied.
Decompression retinopathy and corneal oedema following Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy
Authors: Landers John , Craig Jamie
Published: March 2006

Abstract

Decompression retinopathy has been reported as a rare occurrence, subsequent to Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy for the treatment of acute angle closure. Herein a case of a 67‐year‐old woman is described who developed decompression retinopathy in conjunction with unexpectedly severe corneal stromal oedema following Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy for acute angle closure. The literature regarding these phenomena is reviewed.
Orbital inflammation associated with Behçet's disease
Authors: Hammami Sonia , Yahia Salim B , Mahjoub Sylvia , Khairallah Moncef
Published: March 2006

Abstract

Herein a case of a 35‐year‐old woman with a history of Behçet's disease, who presented with swelling and redness of her right eye with increasing pain, is reported. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed enlargement of the right lacrimal gland and contrast enhancement of the extraocular muscles. A diagnosis of orbital inflammation was made and the patient was treated with corticosteroids, with prompt resolution of symptoms and clinical signs. Orbital inflammation should be considered as an ophthalmic manifestation of Behçet's disease.
Idiopathic orbital inflammation with sclerosing mesenteritis: a new association?
Authors: Sharma Vidushi , Martin Peter , Marjoniemi Veli‐Matti
Published: March 2006

Abstract

A 70‐year‐old man, who was recently diagnosed with sclerosing mesenteritis following an abdominal biopsy, presented with an acute onset of left upper eyelid swelling, moderate ptosis, mild chemosis and restriction of movements. A computed tomography scan showed an enlarged lateral rectus muscle with surrounding soft tissue changes. A diagnosis of orbital inflammation manifesting as myositis was made and the patient was commenced on high‐dose prednisolone, which showed a rapid response. It is believed that this may be a new association similar to that previously reported with retroperitoneal fibrosis and orbital inflammation.
Giant cell arteritis
Authors: Carroll Stuart C , Gaskin Brent J , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V
Published: March 2006

Abstract

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an immune‐mediated vasculitis, affecting medium‐ to large‐sized arteries, in individuals over the age of 50 years. Visual loss is a frequent complication of GCA, and once it occurs it tends to be both permanent and profound. Although major advances have been made in recent years in genetics, molecular biology and the description of the vessel wall morphology, the aetiology and pathogenesis of GCA are still incompletely understood. Over the years there has been much debate over whether polymyalgia rheumatica and GCA are separate or linked entities. Recent investigations support that polymyalgia rheumatica and GCA are two different expressions of the same underlying vasculitic disorder. A single cause or aetiological agent has not as yet been identified. Except for the histopathology of the arterial wall, there are no laboratory findings specific for GCA, and no particular signs or symptoms specific for the diagnosis. GCA typically causes vasculitis of the extracranial branches of the aorta and spares intracranial vessels. Transmural inflammation of the arteries induces luminal occlusion through intimal hyperplasia. Clinical symptoms reflect end‐organ ischaemia. Branches of the external and internal carotid arteries are particularly susceptible. Corticosteroids remain the only proven treatment for GCA, the regimen initially involving high doses followed by a slow taper. However, early detection and treatment with high‐dose corticosteroids is effective in preventing visual deterioration in most patients.
Relation of apical dendritic spikes to output decision in CA1 pyramidal cells during synchronous activation: a computational study
Authors: Ibarz José M. , Makarova Ioulia , Herreras Oscar
Published: March 2006

Recent studies on the initiation and propagation of dendritic spikes have modified the classical view of postsynaptic integration. Earlier we reported that subthreshold currents and spikes recruited by synaptic currents play a critical role in defining outputs following synchronous activation. Experimental factors strongly condition these currents due to their nonlinear behaviour. Hence, we have performed a detailed parametric study in a CA1 pyramidal cell model to explore how different variables interact and initiate dendritic spiking, and how they influence cell output. The input pattern, the relative excitability of axon and dendrites, the presence/modulation of voltage‐dependent channels, and inhibition were cross analysed. Subthreshold currents and spikes on synaptically excited branches fired spikes in other branches to jointly produce different modalities of apical shaft spiking with a variable impact on cell output. Synchronous activation initiated a varying number and temporal scatter of firing branches that produced in the apical shaft‐soma axis nonpropagating spikes, pseudosaltatory or continuous forward conduction, or backpropagation. As few as 6–10 local spikes within a time window of 2 ms ensure cell output. However, the activation mode varied extremely when two or more variables were cross‐analysed, becoming rather unpredictable when all the variables were considered. Spatially clustered inputs and upper modulation of dendritic Na+ or Ca2+ electrogenesis favour apical decision. In contrast, inhibition biased the output decision toward the axon and switched between dendritic firing modes. We propose that dendrites can discriminate input patterns and decide immediate cell output depending on the particular state of a variety of endogenous parameters.
Secondary somatosensory cortex is important for the sensory‐discriminative dimension of pain: a functional MRI study
Authors: Maihöfner Christian , Herzner Barbara , Otto Handwerker Hermann
Published: March 2006

A complex cortical network is believed to encode the multidimensionality of the human pain experience. In the present study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine whether the brain's processing of noxious stimuli differs with different psychophysical properties. Painful mechanical impact and heat stimulations of equal stimulus intensity were applied to the forearm of 14 subjects in a randomized order. Concomitantly, subjects had to evaluate the corresponding sensory‐discriminative and affective‐motivational pain dimensions. fMRI revealed an increased activation of bilateral secondary somatosensory cortices (S2) during mechanical impact pain compared with heat pain. Activations in S2 were significantly correlated with scores for the sensory‐discriminative component during mechanical impact pain. By contrast, corresponding scores for the affective‐motivational pain dimension did not differ between both conditions. In summary, we conclude that S2 plays an important role in the sensory‐discriminative dimension of pain.
Lesions of tuberomammillary nuclei induce differential polydipsic and hyperphagic effects
Authors: Mahía J. , Puerto A.
Published: March 2006

This study aimed to examine the function of the tuberomammillary complex in water and food intake of Wistar rats. The results show that lesions restricted to tuberomammillary subnuclei: caudal ventral tuberomammillary nucleus (E1), rostral ventral tuberomammillary nucleus (E2), medial ventral tuberomammillary nucleus (E3) or medial dorsal tuberomammillary nucleus (E4), induce a strong and persistent polydipsia with specific characteristics for each nucleus. Interestingly, the distribution of tuberomammillary hyperdipsia throughout the day was similar to that in non‐lesioned animals, in contrast to the lack of rhythmicity observed in rats with anodic lesion to median eminence. This polydipsia appears to be independent of food intake, as food deprivation for 22 h did not significantly reduce the water intake. Finally, lesions in ventral tuberomammillary nuclei E1 and E2 induce hyperphagia, confirming a possible role for the tuberomammillary complex in food intake. This increase in food intake is not observed after lesions in medial subnuclei E3 and E4. These results are interpreted in terms of the hypothalamic systems involved in the consumption of both food and water.
The preoptic hypothalamus and basal forebrain play opposing roles in the descending modulation of sleep and wakefulness in infant rats
Authors: Mohns Ethan J. , Karlsson Karl Æ. , Blumberg Mark S.
Published: March 2006

Recent findings in infant rats suggest that the preoptic area (POA) and/or basal forebrain (BF) contribute to developmental changes in sleep and wake organization between postnatal day 2 (P2) and P9. To examine the contributions of these forebrain areas to sleep and wakefulness, separate lesions of the POA or BF, or combined lesions (POA + BF), were performed at P9, and precollicular transections were performed at P2. In addition, modafinil, a drug of unknown mechanism of action the effects of which on sleep and wakefulness have been hypothesized to result from inhibition of POA activity, was administered at P2 and P9. Finally, extracellular neuronal activity was recorded from the POA and BF. POA lesions decreased sleep bout durations and increased wake bout durations. BF lesions inhibited sleep bout durations to a lesser extent, while leaving wake bout durations unaffected. POA + BF lesions produced a combination of these effects, resulting in short bouts of sleep and wakefulness similar to those of transected P8 rats. Even at P2, transections decreased sleep bout durations. The finding, however, that the sleep‐inhibiting and wake‐promoting effects of modafinil were more potent at P9 than at P2 suggests increasing sleep–wake modulation by the POA between these two ages. Finally, neuronal recordings confirmed the presence of state‐dependent neurons within the infant POA and BF. We propose that the POA, in addition to promoting sleep, inhibits wakefulness via direct and indirect inhibitory connections with wake‐promoting neurons in the BF, and that this inhibitory influence increases across early development.
Nucleus accumbens neurons encode Pavlovian approach behaviors: evidence from an autoshaping paradigm
Authors: Day Jeremy J. , Wheeler Robert A. , Roitman Mitchell F. , Carelli Regina M.
Published: March 2006

Environmental stimuli predictive of appetitive events can elicit Pavlovian approach responses that enhance an organism's ability to track and secure natural rewards, but may also contribute to the compulsive nature of drug addiction. Here, we examined the activity of individual nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons during an autoshaping paradigm. One conditioned stimulus (CS+, a retractable lever presented for 10 s) was immediately followed by the delivery of a 45‐mg sucrose pellet to a food receptacle, while another stimulus (CS–, a separate retractable lever presented for 10 s) was never followed by sucrose. Approach responses directed at the CS+ and CS– were recorded as lever presses and had no experimental consequence. Rats (n = 9) selectively approached the CS+ on more than 80% of trials and were surgically prepared for electrophysiological recording. Of 76 NAc neurons, 57 cells (75%) exhibited increases and/or decreases in firing rate (i.e. termed ‘phasically active’) during the CS+ presentation and corresponding approach response. Forty‐seven percent of phasically active cells (27 out of 57) were characterized by time‐locked but transient increases in cell firing, while 53% (30 out of 57) showed a significant reduction in firing for the duration of the CS+. In contrast, the same excitatory subpopulation exhibited smaller increases in activity relative to CS– onset, while the inhibitory subpopulation showed no change in firing during the CS– period. The magnitude and prevalence of cue‐related neural responses reported here indicates that the NAc encodes biologically significant, repetitive approach responses that may model the compulsive nature of drug addiction in humans.