bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human cytomegalovirus pp65 lower matrix protein: a humoral immunogen for systemic lupus erythematosus patients and autoantibody accelerator for NZB/W F1 mice
Authors: Chang M , Pan M-R , Chen D-Y , Lan J-L
Published: November 2005

Both the infection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and the immunization of its recombinant glycoprotein (gB) in mice have been known to induce autoimmunity, resulting in symptoms similar to those of human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Research has also found that the murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) is able to react with a human U1-70K-like autoantigen. To investigate HCMV involvement in autoimmunity, we analysed the humoral responses to HCMV by autoimmune patients and normal adults. Our studies show unambiguously that sera from SLE patients exhibited an elevated IgG titre to HCMV when compared with those observed in controls and other connective tissue disease (CTD) patients (P < 0·001). The IgM titres to HCMV and IgG to HBV were evaluated, and no significant differences were noted among all testing groups. In addition to initiating T cell activity, as reported by many investigators, we found that the HCMV pp65 antigen (also known as lower matrix protein) was able to induce humoral responses in SLE patients. Immunoblot assays showed that 82·56% of sera from SLE patients reacted with the HCMV pp65 antigen, but only 11·11%, 23·53% and 31·17% of patients from normal control, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and CTD patients, respectively, reacted to it. Unlike HCMV pp65, HCMV pp150 induced B cell activity in most collected sera (92·22%-98·04%). Finally, female NZB/W F1 mice immunized with plasmids encoding HCMV pp65 open reading frame (pcDNApp65) developed an early onset of autoantibody activity and more severe glomerulonephritis. Thus, we conclude that the HCMV pp65 antigen triggers humoral immunity in SLE patients and autoimmune-prone mice and that it could very well exacerbate the autoimmune responses in susceptible animals.
Natural killer cell activities of synbiotic Lactobacillus casei ssp. casei in conjunction with dextran
Authors: Ogawa T , Asai Y , Tamai R , Makimura Y , Sakamoto H , Hashikawa S , Yasuda K
Published: November 2005

We have reported previously that Lactobacillus casei ssp. casei, together with specific substrate dextran, exhibited an adjuvant effect of stimulating humoral immune responses against bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model antigen in BALB/c mice. In the present study, among the Lactobacillus species tested, L. casei ssp. casei with dextran significantly elevated the natural killer (NK) cell activites in spleen mononuclear cells from BALB/c mice in comparison to L. casei ssp. casei alone or other Lactobacillus species with or without dextran. Oral administration of L. casei ssp. casei together with dextran also resulted in a significant increase of NK cell activities in healthy human volunteers. Further, L. casei ssp. casei induced significant production of interleukin (IL)-12 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and IL-15 mRNA expression in the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2. L. casei ssp. casei with dextran in food also significantly elevated the survival rate of BALB/c mice bearing Meth-A cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that dietary synbiotic supplementation which is a combination of the L. casei ssp. casei used as a probiotic together with the dextran, a specific substrate as a prebiotic, efficiently elicits murine and human NK cell activities.
Gut motor function: immunological control in enteric infection and inflammation
Authors: Khan W I , Collins S M
Published: November 2005

Alteration in gastrointestinal (GI) motility occurs in a variety of clinical settings which include acute enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal pseudo-obstruction and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Most disorders affecting the GI tract arise as a result of noxious stimulation from the lumen via either microbes or chemicals. However, it is not clear how injurious processes initiated in the mucosa alter function in the deeper motor apparatus of the gut wall. Activation of immune cells may lead to changes in motor-sensory function in the gut resulting in the development of an efficient defence force which assists in the eviction of the noxious agent from the intestinal lumen. This review addresses the interface between immune and motor system in the context of host resistance based on the studies in murine model of enteric nematode parasite infection. These studies clearly demonstrate that the infection-induced T helper 2 type immune response is critical in producing the alterations of infection-induced intestinal muscle function in this infection and that this immune-mediated alteration in muscle function is associated with host defence mechanisms. In addition, by manipulating the host immune response, it is possible to modulate the accompanying muscle function, and this may have clinical relevance. These observations not only provide valuable information on the immunological control of gut motor function and its role in host defence in enteric infection, but also provide a basis for understanding pathophysiology of gastrointestinal motility disorders such as in IBS.
Spatial and temporal patterns in summer ichthyoplankton assemblages on the eastern Bering Sea shelf 1996–2000
Authors: DUFFY‐ANDERSON J. T. , BUSBY M. S. , MIER K. L. , DELIYANIDES C. M. , STABENO P. J.
Published: November 2005

Larval and early juvenile fishes were sampled from the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) shelf during summer from 1996 to 2000. Data from these collections were used to examine spatial and temporal patterns in species assemblage structure and abundance. Cluster analyses based on Bray–Curtis dissimilarity coefficients were used to group species and stations according to similar abundance and species composition. Ordination techniques were used to verify groupings, and a non‐parametric stepwise procedure using a Spearman correlation coefficient (BIO‐ENV) was used to relate groupings to predominant environmental variables. These approaches revealed a pattern of station groupings that were generally related to bathymetry in 1996, 1997, 1999, and 2000, although no obvious relationship to geographic boundaries was observed in 1998. Significant differences in species associations were observed in 1997 and 1998, and depressions in abundance were also noted among many species between 1997 and 1999. A regional, full primitive equation model was used to simulate float trajectories on the EBS shelf in each year to better relate fish distributional observations to prevailing current patterns. Model results indicated general variations in flow in several years, although 1998 stood out with stronger northeast flow than in any of the other years examined. Observed disruptions of larval and early juvenile fish assemblages could be related to the strong El‐Niño event of 1997–98 in the EBS. If this idea is confirmed, our study suggests that larval and juvenile fish are sensitive and respond relatively quickly (1–2 yr) to environmental perturbations, and as such, may be timely indicators of environmental change.
The influence of wind and temperature on the catch rate of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) during spring fisheries off eastern Canada
Authors: DRINKWATER K. F. , TREMBLAY M. J. , COMEAU M.
Published: November 2005

The effects of wind and temperature on catch rate of American lobster (Homarus americanus) in the Baie des Chaleurs and off Cape Breton Island in Eastern Canada were investigated. Data on lobster catch and the number of trap hauls were available through a fishermen's volunteer logbook program, bottom temperatures were measured from thermistors either moored nearby or placed inside lobster traps and wind measurements were obtained from local airports. In the Baie des Chaleurs and off the east coast of Cape Breton, a positive and significant correlation was found between the mean temperature change during the 24 h prior to the traps being hauled and the change in the average catch of lobsters per trap haul. Catch rates rose with increasing bottom temperatures and fell with declining bottom temperatures. Higher correlations between changes in temperature and catch rates occurred at sites where the temperature variance was greater. The short‐term fluctuations in lobster catch rates corresponding to temperature changes are hypothesized to result from behavioral changes affecting lobster activity. In both study areas, the large temperature variability was mainly forced by alongshore winds producing upwelling and downwelling, consistent with a classical Ekman response. The effect of the winds on lobster catch is shown to be principally due to their influence on ocean bottom temperatures. Along the south coast of Cape Breton, no relationship was found between catch rates and either temperature or wind, perhaps because lower lobster abundance resulted in a lower signal‐to‐noise ratio. The results of this study qualitatively support the observations by fishermen of a wind‐induced effect on lobster catch rates.
Flower colour phenology in British mesotrophic grassland communities
Authors: Warren J. , Billington T.
Published: November 2005

Descriptions of anthropocentric phenologies of flower colour were obtained for all thirteen British mesotrophic grassland communities, defined by the National Vegetation Classification. They were obtained by combining information on species abundance with data on flowering time and flower colour. Although the results are crude estimates, they clearly demonstrate that grassland communities differ in their floral phenologies with yellow‐flowered species being significantly most abundant, and blue‐flowered species being least abundant than the colours of other flowering species in British grasslands. The peak months for flowering were June and July. Significant interactions were observed between community type and flower colour; community type and month; and flower colour and month. These interactions may be explained by ecological differences between the communities, for example hay meadows flowered earlier than other grassland types. It is argued that other differences between communities in their floral phenologies, for example the absence of blue flowers from the agriculturally improved MG7 and MG11 swards, may support the hypothesis that the limited availability of pollination niches may affect plant community structure.
Nitrogen fertilizer application and developmental stage affect silage quality of timothy (Phleum pratense L.)
Authors: Tremblay G. F. , Bélanger G. , Drapeau R.
Published: November 2005

Crop composition at harvest affects the ensiling process and the resulting silage quality. The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) the effect of annual N‐fertilizer application (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha−1) and developmental stage (stem elongation, early heading, late heading and early flowering) on the ensiling properties and silage quality of the spring regrowth of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) at two sites for 1 or 2 years, and (ii) the relationship between ensiling properties of the forage and the quality of the resulting silage. Laboratory silos with wilted forage at approximately 350 g dry matter (DM) kg−1 of fresh matter were prepared at each harvest and opened 150 d later for silage analysis. Higher rates of N‐fertilizer application decreased the concentration of water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC), increased the buffering capacity (BC) and nitrate concentration, and decreased the ratio of WSC:BC, primarily in the early stages of development. The ensiling properties of timothy were, therefore, less favourable when high rates of N fertilizer were applied. Silage pH generally increased with increasing rates of N‐fertilizer application; this increase was particularly evident at the first three developmental stages at one site in 1 year. Non‐protein N (NPN) and soluble N concentrations of the silages increased with increased rates of N‐fertilizer application at the first three developmental stages but decreased at early flowering. Ammonia‐N concentration in the silages increased by 0·85, 0·56 and 0·67 when rates of N‐fertilizer application were 60, 120 and 180 kg ha−1, respectively, compared with that when no N fertilizer was applied. Significant correlations between the composition of the forage ensiled and silage quality variables were found at sites in individual years but, when all data were combined, WSC concentration and BC, and their ratio in the forages, were not correlated with pH, and soluble‐N and ammonia‐N concentrations of the silages, and were weakly correlated with NPN and free amino acid‐N concentrations of the silages. Silage quality was reduced by increased N‐fertilizer application, primarily at the early developmental stages, and this can be attributed to a reduction in WSC concentration and an increase in BC of the forage. Water‐soluble carbohydrate concentration, BC, and their ratio, however, were poor predictors of silage quality.
Seasonal patterns of diet composition, herbage intake and digestibility identify limitations to performance of weaner sheep grazing native pasture in the Falkland Islands
Authors: Miller S. M. , Thompson R. P.
Published: November 2005

The botanical composition, intake and digestibility of the diet consumed by 1‐year‐old weaner sheep grazing a native white grass plant community in the Falkland Islands was measured in five periods between June 1998 and March 1999. Five different sheep were used in each period. Two methods were used for estimating the botanical composition of the diet: plant cuticle patterns in the faeces of the sheep and the patterns of concentrations of n‐alkanes in the faeces of sheep. These methods were used to predict the concentrations of C32‐ and C33‐alkanes in the herbage to allow the estimation of herbage intake and digestibility using the n‐alkane technique. It was concluded that the n‐alkane technique gave more accurate estimates of diet composition based on the comparison with estimates of nutrient intake derived from liveweight gains of sheep. The dominant pasture species, Cortaderia pilosa, was the predominant species consumed during the cooler periods of the year. In the summer, when the highest liveweight gains of sheep occur, the proportion of fine grass species, including Poa spp., Festuca magellanica and Agrostis capillaris, and herbs and sedges in the diet was highest. Herbage intake was the highest during the summer periods when digestibility was also at its peak. Estimated nutritional deficiencies of metabolizable energy, crude protein, phosphorus and vitamin D3 that limit the growth and development of weaner sheep were evident for up to 9 months of the year. Targeted supplementation regimes that counter specific nutrient deficiencies could be developed on the basis of these results to address critical periods in the growth of young sheep.
A model describing the utilization of herbage by cattle in a rotational grazing system
Authors: Brereton A. J. , Holden N. M. , McGilloway D. A. , Carton O. T.
Published: November 2005

A model that describes the utilization of herbage by cattle in a rotational grazing system is presented. The model considers swards as being structured into two phases: a long phase associated with old dung patches, and a short phase. Both phases are treated as consisting of a series of horizontal strata corresponding in depth to a bite depth. The sward is divided into feeding stations consisting of either the long or the short phase. In each, only the surface stratum is available for grazing at each time step. At any time step, the individuals of a herd of cattle, distributed at random, encounter the entire range of strata. The rate of intake of each member of the herd depends on the intake properties of the stratum that it has encountered. The number of cattle that encounter each stratum type is variable so that the mean intake per member of the herd is the weighted mean. The core feature of the model is the simulation of the change over time in the frequency distribution of exposed stratum types and the distribution of grazing across this range of strata. The members of the herd are assumed to select a feeding station based on preference for leafiness of the encountered stata and the phase. The decision to graze or not is based on the comparison between the current vs. the previous feeding station. Model parameter values were based on published data. The proportion of leaf and bulk density of a phase or the strata were determined from an analysis of a sample of sward profiles. Using bite dimension, bite weight, biting rate, search time, feeding station area and selective behaviour, it was possible to simulate sward depletion that is very similar to the observed data from grazed paddocks in experiments in south‐east Ireland. The model of herbage utilization adequately described the changes in intake and sward structure during grazing and it was concluded that it was suitable for use as part of a simulation of a grazing system.
Comparison of haymaking strategies for cow‐calf systems in the Salado Region of Argentina using a simulation model. 1. Effect of herbage mass at cutting and cow stocking rate under a rigid system of management
Authors: Romera A. J. , Morris S. T. , Hodgson J. , Stirling W. D. , Woodward S. J. R.
Published: November 2005

A simulation model was used to compare the long‐term performance of cow‐calf farm systems under different haymaking strategies on a 100‐ha farm. In the simulation, farm management was based on that which had been developed on Reserva 6, an experimental cow‐calf farm established in 1966 at Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria‐Balcarce Experimental Station, Argentina, where different technologies, including haymaking, have been adapted and applied in order to increase productivity of cow‐calf systems in the Salado Region of Argentina. The management of the system is based on a restricted mating season (2 months), early weaning (5–7 months of age) and forage conservation. The simulations showed that the effect of using hay with respect to the strategy without hay, in terms of calf liveweight (LW) production per hectare, was greatest at the cow numbers that maximized production (290–320 cows) with a proportionate increase of 0.25. On the other hand, the advantage of using hay was smallest when the herbage mass at cutting for hay was 6 t dry matter (DM) ha−1, particularly when more than 0.50 of the farm area was allocated to haymaking. The differences among the haymaking policies increased with cow numbers, especially at high herbage masses at cutting for hay. The analysis also suggested that the LW production per hectare of cow‐calf farms would be maximized by harvesting 0.40–0.50 of the total farm area and aiming to cut hay at a herbage mass of 4 t DM ha−1 and with medium quality.
Comparison of haymaking strategies for cow‐calf systems in the Salado Region of Argentina using a simulation model. 2. Incorporation of flexibility into the decision rules
Authors: Romera A. J. , Morris S. T. , Hodgson J. , Stirling W. D. , Woodward S. J. R.
Published: November 2005

In pastoral farming systems, pasture production normally exceeds demand in the spring–summer period. Consequently, conserving forage at this time for use during the following winter is a widespread practice. The objective of this study was to assess the possible advantages of incorporating flexibility into a calendar‐based haymaking policy. A range of flexible haymaking strategies were simulated and compared against a calendar‐based strategy by using a simulation model to estimate long‐term performance of cow‐calf farm systems under each strategy. The results suggest that controlling haymaking in a flexible fashion, basing the decisions of closing, releasing and cutting paddocks on a simple pasture budget, could give the system productive advantages over using a calendar‐based approach. In terms of liveweight production per hectare, compared at the same area harvested, the flexible approach had higher average annual calf liveweight production (an increase of up to 0.15) and lower system variability [a reduction of 0.10 in the coefficient of variation (CV)] depending on the stocking rate. The results indicated that allocating more than 0.50–0.60 of the farm area to conservation would only be advantageous at very high stocking rates. In contrast to the calendar‐based strategy, making more hay than required for the immediate next winter, where possible, can reduce system variability.
Regulation of MT1 Melatonin Receptor Expression in the Foetal Rat Pituitary
Authors: Johnston J. D. , Klosen P. , Barrett P. , Hazlerigg D. G.
Published: November 2005

During development, melatonin receptors are transiently expressed in multiple neuroendocrine tissues, suggesting a novel role for melatonin in developmental physiology. The best characterised model of melatonin signalling during development is the pars distalis of the rat pituitary. However, although many studies have characterised the postnatal decline of melatonin receptors in the rat pars distalis, the mechanism(s) that time the developmental onset of receptor expression during embryogenesis are unknown. Analysis of these mechanisms may yield important information regarding the putative role of melatonin in neuroendocrine development. Here, we report the expression of MT1 melatonin receptor mRNA in the rat pituitary from embryonic day 15.5 (e15.5). Prior to e15.5, the homeodomain transcription factor Msx‐1, an inhibitor of cellular differentiation, is widely expressed throughout the pituitary. In transient transfection experiments, Msx‐1 potently inhibited pituitary homeobox‐1 (Pitx‐1)‐induced MT1 promoter activity and therefore may represent a key inhibitor of MT1 expression in early pituitary development. During late embryogenesis, MT1 mRNA was expressed in both the ventral and dorsal pituitary. Analysis of a 1.5‐kb fragment of the rat MT1 promoter revealed four putative cis‐elements for the POU domain factor Pit‐1, which is associated with mid‐dorsal cell lineages. Although Pit‐1 induced a strong, dose‐dependent stimulation of MT1 promoter activity in vitro, dual‐labelled in situ hybridisation revealed no colocalisation of MT1 and Pit‐1 mRNAs in vivo at e19.5. By contrast, all MT1 positive cells colocalised with αGSU and most with βTSH mRNA. Our data therefore implicate the decline of Msx‐1 expression as a key event that times the onset of melatonin receptor expression to the differentiation of endocrine cells types in the developing pituitary gland, and suggest that the melatonin‐sensitive cells in the embryonic pituitary are primarily Pit‐1‐independent thyrotrophs in the rostral pituitary, with a secondary population of pars distalis gonadotrophs.
Attenuation of Fever At Near Term: Is Interleukin‐6–STAT3 Signalling Altered?
Authors: Harré E.‐M. , Mouihate A. , Pittman Q. J.
Published: November 2005

Pregnant rats in late gestation show a reduced fever response after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This can result from either an increased action of endogenous antipyretics or a reduction in the production or action of endogenous pyrogens. Nonpregnant rats given LPS release interleukin (IL)‐6, which causes nuclear translocation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the vascular organ of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), followed by a significant increase in core body temperature. The present study investigated whether the reduced fever response in near‐term pregnant rats is associated with a reduced nuclear STAT3 response. Rats at gestation day 15 (G15), gestation day 21 (G21, near term) and at lactation day 5 (L5) were injected with LPS (50 µg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle. Only near‐term pregnant rats responded with an attenuated body temperature during the fever response. Immunohistological analysis indicated no significant difference in nuclear STAT3 in the OVLT of the different animal groups 2 h after LPS. Measurement of total and phosphorylated STAT3 protein in the OVLT with semiquantitative western blot revealed no significant differences of this protein among these immune challenged animal groups. IL‐6 concentrations were also similar at G15, G21 and L5 2 h after injection of LPS. These results lead to the conclusion that the attenuation of the fever response at near‐term pregnancy is not associated with a reduced amount of nuclear STAT3 in the OVLT, indicating a maintained IL‐6–STAT3 signalling pathway in the OVLT.
Uveodermatologic (VKH‐like) syndrome in American Akita dogs is associated with an increased frequency of DQA1*00201
Authors: Angles J. M. , Famula T. R. , Pedersen N. C.
Published: November 2005

The Akita breed of dog is affected by a number of distinct immune‐mediated diseases, including thyroiditis, sebaceous adenitis, pemphigus foliaceus, uveitis, polyarthritis, myasthenia gravis, and uveodermatologic (UV) syndrome. UV syndrome is manifested by progressive uveitis and depigmenting dermatitis that closely resembles the human Vogt – Koyanagi – Harada syndrome. This study examined the allelic diversity of the three DLA class II loci (DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1) in the American Akita dog, and the relationship of specific DLA class II alleles to the UV. Low allelic variation was demonstrated within genes of DLA class II. American Akita dogs possessed six of the reported 16 DQA1 alleles, but only eight of 61 reported alleles in DRB1 and nine of 47 reported alleles in DQB1. Almost one‐half of American Akita dogs were homozygous for a single allele at DQA1 and up to a quarter at DRB1 and DQB1. DLA‐DQA1*00201 was associated with a significantly higher relative risk (RR = 15.3) or odds ratio (OR = 15.99) for UV syndrome than other DLA class II alleles. No significant association was noted with haplotypes of DRB1, DQB1, and DQA1 alleles; DRB1*03201‐DQA1*00201 trended toward significance. This study confirmed loss of DLA genetic diversity in the American Akita dog in common with other pure breeds of dog and suggested a role for certain DLA class II gene alleles in the pathogenesis of UV.
Approaches to graft‐vs‐host disease
Authors: Antin Joseph H.
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) is one of the most difficult problems in stem cell transplantation. It is best considered in the context of the normal immune response. The role of the immune system is to identify and eliminate foreign antigens. In the case of GVHD, the antigens are minor histocompatibility antigens (mHA) recognized in an inflammatory milieu. The immune system cannot reasonably be expected to selectively recognize microbial antigens and ignore mHA. This approach would require the generation of selective tolerance – something that clearly occurs but which we have frustratingly little control over. While we can often treat and remit even life‐threatening GVHD, the consequence has been the development of fatal opportunistic infections. The challenge is to change our style of thinking about GVHD to allow a transition from a ‘nuclear winter’ approach that controls GVHD at the price of infection, to a more selective patient approach that recognizes the limitations of immunosuppressive therapy.
Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor primed bone marrow and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor mobilized peripheral blood stem cells are equivalent for engraftment: Which to choose?
Authors: Elfenbein Gerald J.
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  The first reported bone marrow transplant was published in 1939, although it was deemed unsuccessful. Between 1957 and 1965, numerous reports of bone marrow transplants, many of which were successful, were published for patients with irradiation injury, aplastic anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Sources of marrow were autologous, isologous, and homologous (often unrelated, including cadaveric) donors. Bone marrow infusion was shown to be safe. It was also demonstrated that an aliquot of marrow, removed (harvested) from the ileum, had sufficient hematopoietic stem cells (SC) to repopulate the marrow and restore blood counts after myeloablation. For about 20 yr, bone marrow was the only source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for transplantation. The first reported autologous peripheral blood HSC transplant was recorded in 1981 using chemotherapy ‘mobilized’ SC collected by leukapheresis. Mobilization is defined for these purposes to be any treatment that enhances the number of HSC in the blood such that the collection contains sufficient HSC to repopulate the marrow and restore blood counts after myeloablation. Since the early 1990s, SCT using blood‐derived stem cells has become very popular and very common. The principal reason is that mobilized (whether by H growth factor or during recovery after chemotherapy) blood‐derived stem cells engraft more rapidly than do marrow‐derived stem cells. On the one hand, bone marrow was always harvested in the resting, unperturbed state (steady state). On the other hand, blood stem cells (BSC) were virtually always collected after mobilization, usually with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF). There is one report of collection of steady state BSC used for transplantation, and slow engraftment was documented. Bone marrow was never harvested after either chemotherapy or growth factor (priming). It is the mobilization (most often with G‐CSF alone or after chemotherapy) of BSC that produces more rapid engraftment than for steady state marrow stem cells (MSC). This contribution shows the data that changes the old paradigm to a new paradigm which states bone MSC and BSC engraft identically if collected after the same pretreatment of the donor with growth factor.
Reduced intensity transplants (RIT) in pediatrics: A review
Authors: Kletzel Morris , Jacobsohn David , Tse William , Duerst Reggie
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  We describe the experience with reduced intensity transplants (RIT) in pediatric patients and review the basis for this approach using adult examples and series of patients. We report the experience with RIT in two pediatric studies.
Critical care of the pediatric hematopoietic stem cell recipient in 2005
Authors: Sullivan Kevin J. , Goodwin Salvatore R. , Sandler Eric , Joyce Michael
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Among the most challenging patients cared for in critical care medicine are the recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT is now widely used as a definitive therapy for the treatment of pediatric malignancies and inborn errors of metabolism. Critical care services are required for treatment of complications of HSCT. Formerly thought to have an essentially futile prognosis, outcomes from critical care of HSCT patients have demonstrated steady improvement in many areas during the past two decades. Improvements in the management of respiratory failure, sepsis, and multiple organ system failure have resulted from improvement in oncology and critical care practices. Herein, we review the methods available for outcomes prediction, recent advances in critical care of HSCT patients, and possible directions for future investigation.
Administration of hCG 5 days after Breeding and Reproductive Performance in Nulliparous Dairy Goats
Authors: Fonseca JF , Torres CAA
Published: November 2005

Contents

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hCG administration 5 days after breeding on plasma progesterone (P4) concentration and reproductive performance of oestrous‐induced nulliparous dairy goats. A total of 59 nulliparous goats (36 Alpine and 23 Saanen) received intravaginal sponges with 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 9 days plus 200 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and 22.5 μg d‐cloprostenol 24 h before sponge removal. After detection of oestrus (day of oestrus = day 0) and breeding, 49 females were randomly assigned, according to the breed, into two treatments (T1 and T2). In T1 (n = 25) and T2 (n = 24), animals received intramuscular injection of 1 ml of saline solution (control) or 250 IU hCG, respectively, 5 days after breeding. Plasma P4 concentration (ng/ml) was determined from blood sampled on days 0, 5, 7, 13, 17, 21, 28 and 45 after breeding. Animals were scanned by transrectal ultrasound (5 MHz probe) on days 35 and 70 after breeding for detection of pregnancy. Plasma P4 concentration did not differ (p > 0.05) between treatments in all days, but it was increased (p < 0.05) in Saanen than in Alpine goats from days 13 to 45. Pregnancy and parturition rates, litter size and gestation period were similar (p > 0.05) to treatments and breeds. Results of this study indicate that human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration 5 days after breeding did not significantly alter reproductive performance in dairy nulliparous goats and that plasma P4 differed between Saanen and Alpine goats.
Boar Taint is Related to Endocrine and Anatomical Changes at Puberty but not to Aggressive Behaviour in Entire Male Pigs
Authors: Zamaratskaia G , Rydhmer L , Chen G , Madej A , Andersson HK , Lundström K
Published: November 2005

Contents

This study aimed to describe the association between incidence of boar taint and pubertal changes in gonadal hormones, size of reproductive organs and aggressive behaviour in entire male pigs. In total, 111 entire male pigs were included in the study. Sampling was performed first at 90 kg live weight (LW) and, then, at 115 kg LW. Variables measured were skatole and androstenone levels in plasma and fat, testosterone and oestrone sulphate in plasma, free oestrone in fat, weight of testes and length of bulbourethral glands. Aggressive interactions between pigs were registered when a limited amount of feed was provided to the pigs prior to routine feeding. The number of initiated interactions (attacks) and the difference between number of initiated and received interactions (relative attacks) were calculated for each pig. Multivariate analysis revealed that gonadal hormones and reproductive organ size influenced prevalence of boar taint, accounting for 30% of the variation in skatole levels in fat and for 37% of the variation in androstenone levels in fat. These relations were independent of aggression levels in entire male pigs. Skatole levels were influenced by the levels of oestrone sulphate in plasma and free oestrone in fat, but not levels of plasma testosterone. Pigs with testes weight below 565 g and a bulbourethral gland length <90 mm did not produce high amounts of skatole; therefore, these values can be used as a threshold level to detect pig carcasses with low skatole levels. High androstenone levels could not be predicted by measuring reproductive organ sizes. More research is required to develop a rapid and accurate method for the analysis of carcasses of entire male pigs.
Development of Cat Embryos Produced by Intracytoplasmic Injection of Spermatozoa Stored in Alcohol
Authors: Murakami M , Karja NWK , Wongsrikeao P , Agung B , Taniguchi M , Naoi H , Otoi T
Published: November 2005

Contents

This study was conducted to examine whether cat spermatozoa stored in ethanol for 1 month was capable of developing into pronuclei and of supporting normal embryonic development. In vitro matured oocytes were injected with frozen–thawed spermatozoa and ethanol‐stored spermatozoa. The status of oocytes and sperm nuclei was examined at 4 and 18 h after injection of spermatozoa, and the presumptive zygotes were cultured for 7 days to assess the development of oocytes injected with each storage sperm. The percentage of enlarged sperm head at 4 h after injection was higher in ethanol‐stored spermatozoa than in frozen–thawed spermatozoa, but there was no significant difference in the development of oocytes and sperm nuclei at 18 h after injection between the two groups. The development of oocytes to the blastocyst stage after injection of spermatozoa was observed only in oocytes with frozen–thawed spermatozoa. Of oocytes injected with ethanol‐stored spermatozoa, two (2.8%) oocytes developed to the 16‐cell stage. These results indicate that cat spermatozoa stored in ethanol can decondense and form male pronuclei after intracytoplasmic injection. However, the oocytes injected with ethanol‐stored spermatozoa did not have the ability to develop to the blastocyst stage.
Influence of the Donor Male on the Fertility of Frozen‐Thawed Rabbit Sperm after Artificial Insemination of Females of Different Genotypes
Authors: Mocé E , Lavara R , Vicente JS
Published: November 2005

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In this work, the influence of the donor male on the fertility of cryopreserved rabbit sperm after artificial insemination into females from different genotypes was evaluated. Females belonged to three lines selected for maternal characteristics (A, V and H) and all the possible crosses between them. Sperm from five males from the line selected for one of the maternal characteristics (line V) was frozen individually in a Tris–citric acid–glucose diluent with 1.75 mof DMSO and 0.05 mof sucrose (final concentrations). After artificial insemination of the cryopreserved sperm, fertility rates and prolificacy were similar for all groups of females (56% of fertility rate and 7.2 total born). Significant differences between males were observed for both fertility (p < 0.05) and kindling (p < 0.01) rate. These differences could be because of differences in the freezing resistance of sperm from the different males.
Establishment of a Pregnancy Following Intravaginal Insemination with Epididymal Semen from a Dog Castrated due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Klinc P , Majdic G , Sterbenc N , Cebulj‐Kadunc N , Butinar J , Kosec M
Published: November 2005

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia was diagnosed in an American Staffordshire Terrier of high breeding value presenting concurrent haematuria. Castration as a treatment was synchronized with the oestrus cycle of a bitch selected for insemination. After castration the cauda epididymis was flushed with Gent®semen extender and collected spermatozoa were filtered and analysed by Hamilton Thorn computer assisted sperm analysis®. A total of 7 ml semen containing 742 × 106spermatozoa with 76.5% mean motility was used for insemination. Intravaginal insemination of the bitch was performed with an insemination catheter for dogs (Kruuse, Marslev, Denmark) on the day when plasma progesterone levels reached 9.9 ng/ml. Normal pregnancy without complications resulted in eight live‐born puppies 63 days after insemination. This is the first report of a normal pregnancy and birth of puppies from a bitch inseminated with epididymal semen obtained from a dog affected by benign prostate hyperplasia.
Factors Affecting Pregnancy Rate in Artificial Insemination with Frozen Semen During Non‐Breeding Season in Murciano–Granadina Goats: a Field Assay
Authors: Salvador I , Viudes‐de‐Castro MP , Bernacer J , Gómez EA , Silvestre MA
Published: November 2005

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An artificial insemination programme was carried out to study the effect of factors such as depth of semen deposition, inseminator skill, farm, sire and expression of oestrus on pregnancy rate in Murciano–Granadina (MG) goats during non‐breeding season and using frozen semen. Frozen‐thawed semen from six males was applied by three technicians to inseminate a total of 551 goats in 17 farms distributed throughout the Mediterranean area of Spain. Pregnancy rate was determined at 6 weeks after insemination by transabdominal ecography. Overall pregnancy rate was 57%. Farm and depth of semen deposition affected pregnancy rate, whereas the sire and the technician had no effect. The deeper the semen was deposited in the genital tract, the higher was the rate of pregnancy obtained, being greater when the catheter reached the uterus. In spite of the relevant difference observed (48.2% vs 59.0%), pregnancy rate of females not coming into oestrus until 30 h after sponge removal was not significantly different, compared with those showing oestrus during the OD procedure. In conclusion, our field assay data on AI in MG goat with frozen‐thawed semen showed that post‐cervical insemination presented significantly greater pregnancy rate in comparison to when semen is deposited in the vagina or in the caudal part of the cervix.
Distribution of Eosinophils and Mast Cells in the Cervical Tissue of Non‐Gravid Mares during Dioestrus
Authors: Wehrend A , Huchzermeyer S , Bostedt H
Published: November 2005

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Little is known about the local cellular immune system of the equine cervix. In this study we characterize the distribution of eosinophilic granulocytes and mast cells in the cervical tissue of non‐gravid mares during dioestrus. For this purpose cervices of 10 mares were histologically examined after Sirius red and Toluidine blue staining. Both cell types could be found in the lamina propria mucosae. In the tunica muscularis the two cell populations were only rarely detected. No cells could be found in the epithelium mucosae. There was a decreasing cell density from the vaginal to uterine side of the cervix (p < 0.01). Therefore, eosinophils might be a part of the local cellular immune system of the equine cervix during dioestrus, unlike in animals studied so far as cows and rats.
Do Computer‐Assisted, Morphometric‐Derived Sperm Characteristics Reflect DNA Status in Canine Spermatozoa?
Authors: Núñez‐Martinez I , Moran JM , Peña FJ
Published: November 2005

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It is widely accepted that sperm morphology is a strong indicator of semen quality. As the sperm head mainly comprises the sperm DNA, it is have been proposed that subtle changes in sperm morphology may be related to abnormal DNA content. Semen from four mongrel dogs was used to investigate DNA quality by means of the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), and for computerized sperm morphometry (CASMA). Each sperm head was measured for nine primary parameters [head area (A), head perimeter (P), head length (L), head width (W), midpiece width (w), midpiece area (a), distance (d) between the major axes of the head and midpiece, angle (θ) of divergence of the midpiece from the head axis] and four parameters of head shape [FUN1,L/W; FUN2, 4πA/P2; FUN3, (L − W)/(L + W); FUN4,πLW/4A]. Significant differences were found in all CASMA‐derived parameters among dogs (p < 0.001). Linear regression models including sperm head shape factors 1, 3 and 4 predicted the extent of DNA denaturation (p < 0.001). We conclude that the CASMA analysis can be considered a powerful tool to improve the spermiogram.
Seasonal Effect on Zebu Embryo Quality as Determined by Their Degree of Apoptosis and Resistance to Cryopreservation
Authors: Marquez YC , Galina CS , Moreno N , Ruiz H , Ruiz A , Merchant H
Published: November 2005

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In order to optimize the production of embryos under tropical conditions and to test a possible seasonal effect on embryo quality, 40 Zebu cows were superovulated during the dry season (April to May) and during the rainy season (July to August). A total of 116 (average 2.7/cow) and 83 embryos (3.5 average/cow) were obtained during the respective seasons. After classification as good, fair or poor quality, embryos were tested based on their ultrastructural differences (n = 53 dry season 16 good, 20 fair and 17 poor and n = 61 rainy season 21 good, 20 fair and 20 poor) and their degree of apoptosis using the TUNEL technique (n = 30 during the dry season and n = 55 in the rainy season). Structural characteristics determining embryo quality varied between good and fair quality embryos. No difference, however, was observed between good, fair and poor quality embryos from the two seasons. The number of TUNEL‐positive cells was different among embryos (p < 0.001), being lower in labelled cells of good quality embryos regardless of the season. Fewer apoptotic cells were observed in embryos assigned in all three quality levels during the rainy season (p < 0.001). Ultrastructural evaluations confirmed the results obtained by TUNEL. Cryopreserved embryos of good (n = 25 in each season) and fair quality (n = 11 dry season; n = 17 rainy season) showed a significant decrease of TUNEL‐positive cells during the rainy season (p < 0.05). Results suggest that embryos collected in the dry season have more cellular damage in contrast; embryos cryopreserved in the rainy season appeared morphologically better equipped to result in a pregnancy following transfer.
Normal and modified urinary nucleosides represent novel biomarkers for colorectal cancer diagnosis and surgery monitoring
Authors: FENG BO , ZHENG MIN‐HUA , ZHENG YU‐FANG , LU AI‐GUO , LI JIAN‐WEN , WANG MING‐LIANG , MA JUN‐JUN , XU GUO‐WANG , LIU BING‐YA , ZHU ZHENG‐GANG
Published: November 2005

Background: Up to now, there is still no ideal tumor marker in early diagnosis and effective monitoring, especially for surgical resection of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the application of urinary normal and modified nucleosides in diagnosis and surgery monitoring of CRC.

Methods: Between October 2002 and July 2003, 52 consecutive patients with pathological confirmed CRC were enrolled. Spontaneous urine samples were collected 1 day before surgery and on day 8 postoperatively, and 14 urinary nucleosides were determined by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). Another 62 healthy people were also studied as control. The clinical routine tumor markers, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA)199, CA125, and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) of CRC patients, were correspondingly evaluated by elecctrochemiluminescent immunoassay.

Results: The levels of 11 out of 14 of the determined urinary nucleosides in the CRC group were much higher than those of normal controls. Through the principal component analysis of these 14 nucleosides, 76.9% of CRC patients were correctly classified. The sensitivity of this analysis was much higher than that of CEA (38.5%), CA199 (40.4%), CA125 (15.4%), and AFP (17.3%; P < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of 1‐methylguanosine (m1G) and pseudouridine (Pseu) showed good sensitivity–specificity profiles of the diagnosis of CRC. The elevated levels of the nine nucleosides significantly decreased after curative resection of 40 CRC cases. The data also showed that the preoperative levels of some nucleosides were positively related with tumor size and Dukes staging of CRC.

Conclusion: The evaluation of normal and modified urinary nucleosides might become novel tumor markers, which will be facilitated in the clinical setting and helpful in the diagnosis, management and follow up of CRC. Pseu and m1G may be more promising for clinical use and be worthy of further studies in the near future.