bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overlap lamivudine treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving adefovir for lamivudine‐resistant viral mutants
Authors: Liu C.‐J. , Kao J.‐H. , Chen P.‐J. , Chen T.‐C. , Lin F.‐Y. , Lai M.‐Y. , Chen D.‐S.
Published: February 2006

Summary.  Adefovir dipivoxil is effective against lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains. Whether short‐term overlap lamivudine is beneficial remains unknown, particularly in patients with decompensated chronic hepatitis B. We enrolled 30 patients who underwent 48‐week adefovir treatment (10 mg daily) for exacerbation of hepatitis B, associated with lamivudine‐resistant mutants. Nineteen (63.3%) patients had baseline evidence of hepatic decompensation. Lamivudine was combined for ≤1 month in eight (group I), 2–5 months in 10 (group II) and ≥6 months in 12 (group III). We analysed their serial alanine aninotransferase (ALT) levels, Child–Pugh (CP) score, serum viral load and lamivudine‐resistant strains. We found that serum ALT became normalized in 20 (66.7%) and HBV‐DNA decreased to ≤100 copies/mL in eight (26.7%) at the end of the 48‐week treatment. The log(10) reduction of serum HBV‐DNA was significantly smaller in group I patients compared with group II and III patients at week 24 and 48 of treatment [median (range): 3.0 (1.5–5.6) vs 4.5 (1.5–7.4), P = 0.032; and 3.4 (0.9–4.7) vs 5.2 (2.2–7.7), P = 0.008 respectively]. In contrast, the virologic responses at the end of the 48‐week therapy were similar between group II and III patients. The improvement in serum ALT and CP score at week 48 was similar irrespective of baseline decompensation, liver cirrhosis and the duration of overlap lamivudine therapy. Our findings suggested that an overlap of lamivudine for ≥2 months might lead to better virological but not biochemical outcomes in patients receiving adefovir for lamivudine‐resistance HBV. As our sample size was small and the study was not randomly controlled, further studies are needed.
Enteroendocrine cell counts correlate with visceral hypersensitivity in patients with diarrhoea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Park J. H. , Rhee P‐l. , Kim G. , Lee J. H. , Kim Y‐h. , Kim J. J. , Rhee J. C. , Song S. Y.
Published: February 2006

Abstract  The objective of this study was to determine whether or not the number of enteroendocrine cells (ECs) in the gut is related to visceral hypersensitivity in patients with diarrhoea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D‐IBS). Twenty‐five subjects with D‐IBS (mean, 43.1 years; 16 women, nine men) were recruited into our study, along with 13 healthy controls (mean, 40.7 years; nine women, four men). Maximally tolerable pressures were evaluated via barostat testing, and the levels of ECs were immunohistochemically identified and quantified via image analysis. The numbers of ECs between the D‐IBS subjects and the controls were not significantly different in the terminal ileum, ascending colon and rectum. However, the maximally tolerable pressures determined in the D‐IBS subjects were significantly lower than those of the control subjects (P < 0.01), and we detected a significant relationship between the maximally tolerable pressures and the numbers of ECs in the rectum (r = −0.37, P < 0.01). Rectal sensitivity was enhanced to a greater degree in D‐IBS patients exhibiting an elevated level of rectal ECs. This study provides some evidence to suggest that ECs play an important role in visceral hypersensitivity.
A DNA Vaccine Encoding a Fatty Acid‐Binding Protein of Clonorchis sinensis Induces Protective Immune Response in Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Lee J.‐S. , Kim I. S. , Sohn W.‐M. , Lee J. , Yong T.‐S.
Published: February 2006

Clonorchis sinensis, the Chinese liver fluke, resides chronically in the biliary tract, and fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP) is known to play an important role in the intracellular transport of long‐chain fatty acids obtained from the host. Although FABP has stimulated considerable interest as a vaccine candidate, the nature of C. sinensis FABP (CsFABP) remains unclear. We investigated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding CsFABP. The intradermal injection of plasmid DNA carrying the CsFABP gene (pcDNA3.1‐FABP) into Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats induced both humoural and cellular immune responses. Animals injected with pcDNA3.1‐FABP developed FABP‐specific antibody, which is dominance of IgG2a in sera. In addition, the DNA vaccine elicited the production of IFN‐γ, but not the production of IL‐4 in spleen cells stimulated with recombinant FABP. Moreover, pcDNA3.1‐FABP induced a significant level of protection, decreased worm burden (40.9%, P < 0.05) in SD rats against C. sinensis metacerariae challenge. These results suggest that pcDNA3.1‐FABP induces a typical T helper‐1‐dominated immune response and it is a good candidate for use in future clonorchiasis vaccination studies.
C5a, Interleukin‐8 and Tumour Necrosis factor‐α‐Induced Changes in Granulocyte and Monocyte Expression of Complement Receptors in Whole Blood and on Isolated Leukocytes
Authors: Furebring M. , Håkansson L. , Venge P. , Sjölin J.
Published: February 2006

Treatments targeting complement receptors have been demonstrated to improve outcome in experimental sepsis. The regulation of the complement receptors in sepsis is not clear. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of granulocytes ex vivo has been shown to reduce C5a receptor (CD88) expression and to increase CD35 and CD11b/CD18 expressions in whole blood but not on isolated cells, indicating an indirect effect mediated via factors in the blood. With the aim to study whether these effects could be attributed to C5a, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐8, whole blood or isolated granulocytes and monocytes from healthy individuals were investigated. After incubation with C5a in a dose range of 1 × 10−9−1 × 10−7 mol/l, and TNF‐α and IL‐8 at doses of 1–100 ng/ml, the expressions of the complement receptors CD88, CD35, CD11b/CD18 were analysed by flow cytometry. Incubation with C5a reduced granulocyte CD88 expression by 44 ± 6.9% and 82 ± 4.2%, whereas monocyte CD88 expression decreased by 21 ± 4.0 and 30 ± 17% (whole blood and isolated cells). IL‐8 and TNF‐α incubation of granulocytes induced similar results. Granulocyte CD35 expression was significantly increased by 367, 175 and 336% by C5a, TNF‐α, IL‐8, respectively; CD11b expression was similarly increased. Consistent with findings in septic patients and after LPS incubation, it is concluded that all stimuli reduced granulocyte CD88 expression, whereas CD35 and CD11b were increased.
Immunoglobulin A and CD8+ T‐Cell Mucosal Immune Defenses Protect Against Intranasal Infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae
Authors: Rodríguez A. , Rottenberg M. , Tjärnlund A. , Fernández C.
Published: February 2006

Chlamydia pneumoniae initiates infection in humans via the mucosal epithelia of the respiratory tract; therefore, immunity at this mucosal site is believed to be important to control infection with this pathogen. We compared the protective capacity of immunization in mice with two C. pneumoniae antigens, namely the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and the heat shock protein 60 (HSP‐60), against intranasal (i.n.) infection with the bacteria when given as protein or DNA and when administered by i.n. or intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes. Our data showed that i.n. immunizations with both antigens delivered as DNA were protective against C. pneumoniae infection, probably due to induction of cell‐mediated immune responses. Our study also revealed that i.n. immunizations with MOMP, but not with HSP‐60, given as protein induced protective local immune responses in the respiratory tract against C. pneumoniae infection. Moreover, no protection was induced by either antigen when the i.p. route of immunization was used. We further investigated in immunoglobulin (Ig)A‐deficient mice whether the reduction in the bacterial loads observed when MOMP was administered intranasally was related to the strong local IgA responses induced by this route of immunization. Our data showed that IgA‐deficient mice were more susceptible to infection than wild‐type mice, suggesting that the induction of local IgA responses may play a role in the protection of the respiratory tract against C. pneumoniae infections.
Determinants of Variant Surface Antigen Antibody Response in Severe Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in an Area of Low and Unstable Malaria Transmission
Authors: A‐Elgadir T. M E. , Theander T. G. , ElGhazali G. , Nielsen M. A. , A‐Elbasit I. E. , Adam I. , Troye‐Blomberg M. , Elbashir M. I. , Giha H. A.
Published: February 2006

The variant surface antigens (VSA) of infected erythrocytes are important pathogenic markers, a set of variants (VSASM), were assumed to be associated with severe malaria (SM), while SM constitutes clinically diverse forms, such as, severe malarial anemia (SMA) and cerebral malaria (CM). This study was conducted in Eastern Sudan, an area of seasonal and unstable malaria transmission. Parasites and plasma were obtained from patients with different clinical grades of malaria, and flow cytometry was used for analysis of VSA antibody (Ab) response. We found that individuals recognized a broader range of isolates had a higher level of VSA Ab against the recognized isolates (correlation coefficient, 0.727, P < 0.001). Unexpectedly, at the time of malaria diagnosis, plasma from patients with CM recognized a significantly larger number of isolates than did the plasma from patients with SMA (P < 0.001). Parasites obtained from patients with SMA or from children were better recognized than isolates obtained from patients with uncomplicated malaria or from adults, P < 0.001, P = 0.021, respectively. Taken together, the above findings suggest that the limitations in the VSA immunoglobulin G repertoire were most probably contributing to the pathogenesis of SMA but not to that of CM.
The effect of maintenance narrow‐band ultraviolet B therapy on the duration of remission for psoriasis: a prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Boztepe Gonca , Karaduman Ayşen , Şahin Sedef , Hayran Murat , Kölemen Fikret
Published: February 2006

Background  Narrow‐band (311 nm) UVB is an effective treatment modality for moderate to severe psoriasis. The effect of maintenance narrow‐band UVB on the duration of remission is unknown.

Aim  To determine whether maintenance narrow‐band UVB affects the duration of remission.

Methods  After clinically significant improvement [defined as 75% reduction in the initial Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) = “PASI 75”], patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups, namely maintenance and no maintenance. The first group received 2 months of maintenance therapy; the second group received no further treatment. Both groups were followed up for 1 year.

Results  At the end of 12 weeks, 46 of 50 patients (92%) achieved “PASI 75”. Of these 46 patients, 32 had plaque‐type psoriasis and 14 had guttate‐type psoriasis. The numbers of patients assigned to the maintenance and no maintenance groups were 22 and 24, respectively. At the end of the study, 12 of the 22 patients (55%) in the maintenance group and, by contrast, eight of the 24 patients (33%) in the no maintenance group were still in remission. When the patients in both groups were categorized according to the type of psoriasis, eight of 14 (57%) patients with plaque‐type psoriasis in the maintenance group and, by contrast, three of 18 (17%) in the no maintenance group were still in remission. Although numerically significant, life‐table analysis indicated no statistically significant difference for the probability of remaining in remission between maintenance and no maintenance groups.

Conclusions  The results provide some evidence that maintenance narrow‐band UVB may achieve longer remission durations for patients with plaque‐type psoriasis.
Oral metal contact allergy: a pilot study on the cause of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hougeir Firas G. , Yiannias James A. , Hinni Michael L. , Hentz Joseph G. , El‐Azhary Rokea A.
Published: February 2006

Background  Intraoral metal contact allergy may result in mucositis that mimics lichen planus and the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods  Clinical records of all patients examined in the departments of dermatology and otorhinolaryngology at a tertiary‐care academic medical center between June 1994 and June 2000 who had a diagnosis of intraoral squamous cell carcinoma adjacent to a metal dental restoration and who were patch tested with our metal series were reviewed retrospectively. Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria.

Results  Ten patients (91%) had positive patch tests to metals. In eight (73%), the oral cancer was adjacent to a dental restoration containing a metal to which the patient was allergic. Prevalence of gold, mercury, silver, and copper allergy among these patients was substantially higher than that reported in the available worldwide patch‐test clinic population.

Conclusion  Contact allergy to metal dental restorations may be a risk factor for development of intraoral squamous cell carcinoma.
Teledermatology research review
Authors: Whited John D.
Published: February 2006

Teledermatology consultations can be performed using either store‐and‐forward or real‐time technology. The best‐studied aspect of teledermatology is diagnostic reliability, also known as diagnostic agreement. A good level of diagnostic reliability is achieved by dermatologists using both store‐and‐forward and real‐time modalities and is comparable to that found between clinic‐based examiners. Less information is available regarding diagnostic accuracy. Current data suggest that teledermatologists reviewing store‐and‐forward consults achieve accuracy comparable to that of clinic‐based dermatologists. When store‐and‐forward consult systems are used, approximately one in four in‐person clinic appointments are averted. Real‐time consult systems avoid the need to schedule approximately one in two clinic visits. Store‐and‐forward technology results in timelier interventions for patients when compared to a conventional referral process. To date, surveys of both store‐and‐forward and real‐time teledermatology consult modalities suggest that patients, referring clinicians, and dermatologists are all highly satisfied with teledermatology consults. Very little has been published about the economic impact of store‐and‐forward teledermatology, whereas several studies have evaluated real‐time modalities. Teledermatology has ranged from a cost‐saving strategy to an intervention that incurs greater costs than conventional care, depending on the health care setting and economic perspective. Future research focusing on diagnostic accuracy, clinical outcomes using clinical course or disease status as outcome measures, development of reliable and valid teledermatology‐specific survey instruments, and economic analyses that assess cost‐effectiveness will help guide future teledermatology program assessments and policy.
Mycosis fungoides presenting as reticular erythematous mucinosis
Authors: Twersky Joy M. , Mutasim Diya F.
Published: February 2006

Background  Mycosis fungoides has numerous clinical presentations.

Methods  We present two cases in which mycosis fungoides clinically mimicked reticular erythematous mucinosis.

Results  Both patients had extracutaneous involvement. One had a fatal outcome.

Conclusions  We suggest that full systemic evaluation be performed at the time of presentation of patients with this variant of mycosis fungoides.
Muckle–Wells syndrome: Report of six cases with hyperpigmented sclerodermoid skin lesions
Authors: El‐Darouti Mohammad A. , Marzouk Salonaz A. , Abdel‐Halim Mona R. E.
Published: February 2006

Muckle–Wells syndrome (MWS) is a rare syndrome, characterized by chronic recurrent urticaria, often combined with fever, chills, rigors, malaise, and arthralgia. Progressive sensorineural deafness, and, in approximately one third of the patients, amyloidosis of the kidneys as well as of other organs may occur. It was first described in 1962 by Muckle and Wells.

Herein we describe six cases of MWS showing, in addition to the classic features of MWS, unique skin lesions that to the best of our knowledge have not been described before in association with MWS.
Disseminated subcutaneous nodules caused by Pseudallescheria boydii in an atopic patient
Authors: Enshaieh S. H. , Darougheh A. , Asilian A. , Iraji F. , Shahmoradi Z. , Yoosephi A. , Davami M. , Siadat A. H. , Vaez A.
Published: February 2006

We present a 40‐year‐old woman with atopic dermatitis and multiple purulent subcutaneous nodules of 20 years’ evolution. The biopsy material was cultured and revealed Pseudallescheria boydii. The patient was treated with oral itraconazole for 4 months and incision and drainage of the lesions. Afterwards the patient remained asymptomatic and no new lesions were detected.
Developing a quality of life instrument in patients with psoriasis: the Psoriasis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PQLQ)
Authors: Inanır Işıl , Aydemir Ömer , Gündüz Kamer , Esen Danacı Ayşen , Türel Aylin
Published: February 2006

Background and design  Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which causes psychological, social and physical problems and affects quality of life. The aim of this study was to develop a quality of life instrument for patients with psoriasis which is suitable for Islamic populations.

Materials and methods  The psychosocial and daily life problems defined by 75 patients with psoriasis, their relatives and physicians were used to construct a questionnaire, the reliability and validity of which were determined in a group of 156 patients with psoriasis.

Results  For reliability, Chronbach's α coefficient was 0.87, and item‐total correlations were between 0.37 and 0.60 for internal consistency. There was high test‐retest reliability (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). For validity, three factors were extracted in the principal components method for construct validity. The maximum factor loadings of each item were between 0.456 and 0.681. For convergent validity, all patients’ self‐ratings and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were correlated with the questionnaire score (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  The questionnaire consisting of 17 items was found to be suitable for both epidemiologic and clinical trials.
Histopathological study of apparently normal skin of patients with leprosy
Authors: El‐Darouti Mohammad A. , Hussein Soliman , Marzouk Salonaz A. , Nabil Naglaa , Hunter Nahla S. , Mahgoub Duaa , El‐Eishi Nermine H. , Abdel‐Halim Mona R. E.
Published: February 2006

Background  Several clinical and laboratory observations point to the possible microscopical affection of normal‐looking skin in leprosy.

Objective  This study was carried out to verify the microscopical affection of apparently normal‐looking skin in different types of leprosy.

Patients and methods  The study included 50 patients with different clinical types of leprosy. Biopsies from both skin lesions and normal‐looking skin were obtained from each patient and examined for microscopical evidence of leprosy.

Results  Microscopical affection of normal‐looking skin was detected in 52% of our cases, with higher incidence of affection towards the lepromatous end of the disease.

Conclusion  Our findings underscore that the incidence of microscopical affection of normal‐looking skin in leprosy is much higher on the lepromatous end of the spectrum of leprosy than on the tuberculoid end; during treatment, the leprosy granulomas may disappear from the normal skin before the clinical lesions. Moreover, the microscopic picture of indeterminate leprosy can be observed in the normal‐looking skin of patients with tuberculoid leprosy or lepromatous leprosy, and this description appears not to be confined to the entity known as indeterminate leprosy.
Extracutaneous transformation into a high‐grade lymphoma: a potential pitfall in the management of patients with Sézary syndrome
Authors: Michaelis Sonja , Kazakov Dmitry V. , Burg Günter , Dummer Reinhard , Kempf Werner
Published: February 2006

Background  Transformation into a high‐grade lymphoma in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) occurs in approximately 25% of cases and is associated with an aggressive clinical course.

Methods  We identified four cases of transformation of Sézary syndrome (SS) into pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoma.

Results  In all patients, transformation occurred first in the lymph nodes, an average of 43 months after the diagnosis of SS. These high‐grade lymphomas were composed of CD30‐positive (two patients) and CD30‐negative (two patients) pleomorphic large cells. All patients died of lymphoma an average of 29 months after nodal transformation.

Conclusion  Because of an apparently poorer prognosis, the early recognition of transformation, especially by lymph node biopsy, is important for adequate therapy.
Disseminated rhinosporidiosis – an unusual presentation with pulmonary involvement
Authors: Rajakannu Muthukumarassamy , Sri Vengadesh G. , Pai Dinker , Jagdish S.
Published: February 2006

Background and Aim  Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease that commonly affects the nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosa. It rarely presents as disseminated disease.

Case Report  We describe a rare case of a patient who had undergone treatment for recurrent nasal rhinosporidiosis and who presented with multiple subcutaneous swellings and pulmonary lesions.
Inverse association between farm animal contact and respiratory allergies in adulthood: protection, underreporting or selection?
Authors: Radon K. , Schulze A. , Nowak D.
Published: February 2006

Background:  It has been argued that the inverse association between exposure to farm animals and nasal allergies observed in children and adults might be because of self‐selection.

Aims:  We aimed to assess the health‐based selection out of farming in adults.

Material and methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a rural region. Overall, 4053 inhabitants (63%) aged 18–44 years responded to a questionnaire on respiratory diseases, life‐time exposure to farming environments and potential confounders. For 2678 of these, specific immunoglobulin E to common allergens was available. The outcome was: (i) sensitization and symptoms of nasal allergies (symptomatic sensitization); (ii) sensitization without symptoms of nasal allergies (asymptomatic sensitization).

Results:  Farm animal contact in childhood was associated with a decreased risk of symptomatic and asymptomatic sensitization. Continued exposure to farm animals in adulthood further decreased the odds ratio of symptomatic (odds ratio 0.2; 95% confidence interval 0.1, 0.4) but not asymptomatic sensitization (0.7; 0.4, 1.1). Starting farm animal contact in adulthood even increased the odds ratio of asymptomatic sensitization (2.4; 1.1, 5.2).

Conclusions:  The preventive effect of childhood contact to farm animals against sensitization continues into adulthood. However, in adulthood self‐selection based on symptoms and underreporting of symptoms might also play a role.
Prostaglandin E2 potentiates the immunologically stimulated histamine release from human peripheral blood‐derived mast cells through EP1/EP3 receptors
Authors: Wang X. S. , Lau H. Y. A.
Published: February 2006

Background:  Mast cells cultured from human peripheral blood have been widely used to study human mast cell function. Prostanoids are the important regulators of mast cell activity, however, there were no reports about the class of prostanoid receptors expressed on such cultured cells.

Aims:  The present study was to characterize pharmacologically the prostanoid receptors by investigating the effects of prostanoid receptor agonists on the immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated histamine release from the cultured mast cells.

Methods:  Mast cells cultured from human progenitor cells in peripheral blood were sensitized with human myeloma IgE, and then challenged with anti‐human IgE following pretreatment with diverse prostanoid receptor agonists. The histamine content in supernatants and cell pellets were measured by histamine auto‐analyzer.

Results:  Of the prostanoid receptor agonists tested, the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor (EP receptor) agonist PGE2 (10−7 to 10−11 M) produced concentration‐related potentiation of IgE‐mediated histamine release from the cultured mast cells. Sulprostone, an EP1/EP3 agonist, SC‐46275, a selective EP3 agonist, and 11‐deoxy‐PGE1, a selective EP2/EP3/EP4 agonist also caused a significant increase in histamine release induced by anti‐IgE. BW245C, fluprostone, cicaprost and U46619 for the prostaglandin D2, F2α, I2, and thromboxane A2 receptors respectively, and the EP2/EP4 receptor agonist butaprost had little effect on anti‐IgE stimulated histamine release from mast cells.

Conclusions:  The present results suggest that PGE2 potentiates the IgE‐mediated histamine release from the cultured mast cell via EP3 and/or EP1 receptors.
Allergenicity assessment of transgenic mustard (Brassica juncea) expressing bacterialcodAgene
Authors: Singh A. K. , Mehta A. K. , Sridhara S. , Gaur S. N. , Singh B. P. , Sarma P. U. , Arora N.
Published: February 2006

Background: Assessing the allergenicity and toxicity of genetically modified (GM) crops is essential before they become a regular part of our food supply. The present study aimed to assess the allergenicity ofBrassica juncea(mustard) expressing choline oxidase (codA) gene fromArthrobacter globiformisthat provides resistance against abiotic stresses.

Methods: SDAP, Farrp, and Swiss‐Prot databases were used to study allergenicity of choline oxidase. Digestibility of choline oxidase was assessed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivity of native and GM mustard was compared by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and skin tests in respiratory‐allergic patients. Allergenicity of GM and native mustard proteins was compared in Balb/c mice.

Results: Choline oxidase showed no significant homology with allergenic proteins in SDAP and Farrp databases. Cross‐reactive epitope search showed a stretch similar to Hev b 6 having some antigenic properties. Purified choline oxidase showed complete degradation with SGF. Skin prick test of native and GM mustard extract on respiratory allergic patients showed significant correlation (P < 0.05). ELISA with 96 patients’ sera showed comparable IgE reactivity. Balb/c mice immunized with native and GM mustard proteins showed low IgE response. Presensitized mice on intravenous challenge withBrassicaextract showed no anaphylactic symptoms unlike ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization that showed anaphylactic reaction in mice. Lung histology of OVA‐sensitized mice showed narrowing of airway and large eosinophilic infiltration, whereas native and GMBrassicaextract showed normal airway.

Conclusion: Genetically modified mustard with thecodAgene possessed allergenicity similar to that of native mustard and no enhancement of IgE binding was observed due to genetic manipulation.
The Origin of Membrane Vesicles in Ram Seminal Plasma
Authors: El‐Hajj Ghaoui R , Thomson PC , Evans G , Maxwell WMC
Published: February 2006

Contents

The hypothesis tested in this study was that the membrane vesicles present in ram seminal plasma are of testicular origin, rather than being secreted by the accessory sex glands as has been previously reported for a number of species. Membrane vesicles were present in cellular extracts from reproductive organs and accessory sex glands of six rams, and in the seminal plasma of a further eight rams. When four of the latter rams were subjected to vasectomy, to isolate ejaculate contents to only the secretions of the accessory sex glands, the vesicles were largely eliminated from their ejaculates, while vesicles were still present in the ejaculates of the four control rams. The constituents of the cytoplasmic droplets and membrane vesicles derived from the seminal plasma were compared by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Vesicles present in the cytoplasmic droplets were similar in morphology but smaller on average than those in the seminal plasma. It was concluded that the membrane vesicles in ram seminal plasma originate from either the cytoplasmic droplets, or a combination of vesicles from the droplets and the epididymis.
Endometrial Adenocarcinoma and Mucometra in a 6‐year‐old Alaska Malamute Dog
Authors: Pena FJ , Gines JA , Duque J , Vieitez V , Martinez –Pérez R , Madejón L , Nuñez Martinez I , Moran JM , Fernández‐García S
Published: February 2006

Contents

A 6‐year‐old female Alaska Malamute dog was presented for evaluation of abdominal enlargement referred by a local veterinarian. On the history, the owner complained of chronic abdominal enlargement initiated more than 4 months ago, reduced appetite, occasional vomiting and general dullness. He also complained of greenish mucous intermittent vaginal discharge starting 10 days ago. The bitch was chronically treated with medroxiprogesterone acetate. A laparatomy was performed and fluid in the abdomen was found and aspirated during the surgery. Also a very fluid‐filled distended uterus and a mass in the distal part of the left uterine horn were found. The mass was encapsulated by the omentum, but areas of necrosis and calcification were identified. Histopathological diagnosis was endometrial adenocarcinoma.
Effects of Egg Yolk and Cooling Rate on the Survival of Refrigerated Red Deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) Epididymal Spermatozoa
Authors: Fernández‐Santos MR , Esteso MC , Soler AJ , Montoro V , Garde JJ
Published: February 2006

Contents

Egg yolk is a common component to sperm refrigeration for most of the deer species, the role of which is to protect sperm membranes against cold shock. In addition, there have been many studies of conservation of ejaculated semen from stags, but few have been reported for epididymal spermatozoa. This work was designed to investigate the combined effects of cooling rates (slow: 0.23°C/min vs rapid: 4.2°C/min) from room temperature to 5°C, and egg‐yolk concentration (0, 5 or 20%) in the extender on the survival of Iberian red deer epididymal spermatozoa refrigerated at 5°C. Heterospermic sperm samples were diluted to a final sperm concentration ∼400 × 106 sperm/ml with a Tris–citrate‐fructose (TCF)‐egg‐yolk diluent. Sperm quality was in vitro judged by microscopic assessments of individual sperm motility [sperm motility index (SMI)], and of plasma membrane (hypo‐osmotic swelling test) and acrosome (NAR) integrities. Our results first showed that the presence of egg yolk in the extender significantly improves (p = 0.01) the viability and sperm motility after sperm dilution. In addition, acrosome and plasma membrane integrities post‐refrigeration did not differ significantly between cooling procedures; however, the SMI differed significantly between cooling procedures (slow: 46.6% vs rapid: 50.0%; p = 0.01). Our results also showed that sperm quality was significantly (p < 0.01) affected by the combined effects of egg‐yolk concentration and cooling procedure, being rapid cooling with 20% of egg yolk the most suitable combination for epididymal sperm refrigeration. In conclusion, egg‐yolk improved red deer epididymal spermatozoa characteristics after dilution. Rapid cooling protocol using TCF with 20% egg‐yolk significantly improved sperm motility of red deer epididymal spermatozoa after cooling.
The In Vitro Development of Bovine Oocytes after Maturation in Glucose and β‐Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations Associated with Negative Energy Balance in Dairy Cows
Authors: Leroy JLMR , Vanholder T , Opsomer G , Van Soom A , de Kruif A
Published: February 2006

Contents

Negative energy balance (NEB) in high yielding dairy cows early postpartum may affect oocyte quality. Therefore, we tested the effect of two different β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and glucose concentrations, which are associated with subclinical or clinical ketosis, during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. In Expt 1, subclinical ketosis conditions were imitated. Oocytes were matured in four different serum‐free media with two glucose concentrations (g1 = 2.75 mm or G1 = 5.5 mm glucose) and with or without BHB (BHB1 = 1.8 mm BHB). Following maturation groups were used: g1, G1, g1 : BHB1 and G1 : BHB1. In Expt 2, clinical ketosis conditions were mimicked by using the concentrations: g2 = 1.375 mm or G2 = 3.1 mm glucose and BHB2 = 4.0 mm BHB. The combinations used were: g2, G2, g2 : BHB2 and G2 : BHB2. After IVM and in vitro fertilization (IVF), presumptive zygotes were routinely cultured for 7 days in synthetic oviduct fluid [SOF; 5% fetal calf serum (FCS)]. At 48 h and 8 days pi, cleavage rate and number of blastocysts were recorded respectively. The results demonstrated that the maturation conditions mimicking subclinical (g1 : BHB1) and clinical ketosis (g2 : BHB2) resulted in an impaired developmental competence of the oocyte after maturation. Especially the moderately low (g1) or extremely low glucose (g2) concentrations were responsible for this detrimental effect that was associated with a blocked cumulus expansion. Only in moderately low glucose conditions (g1 : BHB1), BHB exerted an additive toxic effect during oocyte maturation resulting in a reduced blastocyst rate. Conclusively, our results may suggest that subclinical and clinical ketosis can affect the oocyte's developmental competence most likely through a directly adverse effect of the low glucose concentrations on oocyte maturation. Only in subclinical conditions this harmful effect may be aggravated by BHB.
In vitro Evaluation of the Quality and Fertilizing Capacity of Boar Semen Frozen in 0.25 ml straws
Authors: Peláez J , Breininger E , Alegre B , Peña FJ , Domínguez JC
Published: February 2006

Contents

Twenty‐two boar ejaculates were frozen in 0.25 ml straws using a controlled cooling rate, then evaluated in vitro in order to assess: (i) the extent to which a range of semen evaluation parameters accurately characterize sperm quality, (ii) the value of quality assessment in the characterization of long‐term sperm survival and fertility and (iii) the suitability of the cryopreservation protocol used for yielding semen with good quality and fertilizing capacity. Motility with or without caffeine, plasma membrane integrity (PMI) evaluated with both propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst 33258, and acrosome morphology were studied, the ejaculates being then classified into five quality groups. A thermoresistance test and a homologous in vitro fertilization test were applied to selected ejaculates of these groups. Caffeine‐stimulated motility and PMI evaluated with PI provided better estimations of semen quality than the other tests of motility, PMI, or acrosome morphology, but this quality assessment could not reveal differences in fertilizing capacity or thermoresistance among ejaculates. Over 43% spermatozoa survived cryopreservation in 19 of the 22 ejaculates, with inter‐boar and inter‐ejaculate variability in the freezing success being observed. The fertilizing capacity, however, was seriously affected by the process regardless of the semen quality. It is concluded that caffeine‐stimulated motility and PMI evaluated with PI give accurate information on sperm quality, but important aspects to the valuation of semen such as thermoresistance and fertilizing capacity are not revealed by this quality study. Moreover, the approach of selecting suitable protocols of cryopreservation does not appear to be sufficient for guaranteeing systematically good quality and fertilizing capacity in the frozen‐thawed semen.
Clinical and Pathological Findings in Testis, Epididymis, Deferens Duct and Prostate following Vasectomy in a Dog
Authors: Pérez‐Marín CC , López R , Domínguez JM , Zafra R
Published: February 2006

Contents

We report the case of a bilateral and multilocular spermatocele and sperm granuloma in a dog that was vasectomized 5 years before. Clinical examination revealed scrotal dermatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Orchiectomy was performed, and gross and histological examination showed testicular degeneration associated with epididymal sperm granuloma. In relation to this case, the literature about long‐term effects of vasectomy in dogs has been reviewed. On the basis of these results, a preventive sonogram and physical assessment in prostate and other reproductive structures before vasectomy is recommended.
Milk Progesterone Profile at and after Artificial Insemination in Repeat‐Breeding Cows: Effects on Conception Rate and Embryonic Death
Authors: Ghanem ME , Nakao T , Nakatani K , Akita M , Suzuki T
Published: February 2006

Contents

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the skim milk progesterone concentrations at artificial insemination (AI) and day of rise of post‐ovulatory progesterone concentration thereafter affect the conception and embryonic death rates in repeat‐breeding cows. Milk samples were obtained from 96 repeat‐breeding cows that failed to conceive to three or more AIs. The samples were taken from the cows at the day of AI and three times/week until day 45 post‐AI. Skim milk was obtained after centrifugation and used for progesterone assay. The cows with a progesterone concentration more than 0.5 ng/ml at AI showed a significantly higher incidence of late embryonic death than those having a progesterone concentration <0.5 ng/ml at AI (p < 0.01). As the progesterone level at insemination rose, conception rate declined. A negative correlation was shown between conception rate and skim milk progesterone level at AI. Of 56 cows showing a rise of progesterone to 1 ng/ml or more within 6 days after AI, 28 cows (50%) conceived. On the contrary, only eight of 39 cows (20.5%) conceived when the progesterone rose up to 1 ng/ml after day 6 post‐AI. We concluded that increased progesterone concentration at the time of AI and delayed rise of progesterone post‐AI might lead to decrease in fertility in repeat‐breeding cows.
Improving the Reproductive Efficiency by Zoo‐Technical Methods at a Dairy Farm
Authors: Tóth F , Gábor G , Mézes M , Váradi É , Ózsvári L , Sasser RG , Abonyi‐Tóth Zs
Published: February 2006

Contents

This trial was conducted on a Hungarian dairy farm between July 2001 and December 2004. The objective of this work was to improve the reproductive efficiency with relatively high milk production. At the beginning of this trial blood and fodder samples were taken for checking the metabolic status of the animals in order to determine their health condition. The nutritive value of the daily ration for all groups met with the requirements of the Hungarian National Standard and almost all serum metabolic parameters differed between the milking and pregnant animals. Early pregnancy detection (by ultrasound) and ovulation synchronizing methods were introduced to optimize reproductive performance. The oestrus cycle was also checked by ultrasound and open cows were treated by the appropriate method in order to inseminate them as soon as possible. Efficiency of artificial insemination (AI) followed by a single prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and Ovsynch treatment was similar (30.8% and 29%) and less effective than AI after natural heat detection (37.1%). Provsynch (Pre‐synch followed by Ovsynch) was the most effective ovulation synchronization method (conception rate = 42.6%; p < 0.01). Although milk production increased between 2002 and 2004 by approximately 600 kg per cow, the calving period decreased by 20 days and the number of AIs per pregnancy was also improved (0.8 AI per conception). These findings are really beneficial economically because the decrease in the calving interval returns profit for the dairy farms; one open day costs €2.5/cow. Economical analysis showed a high profit ratio from the reproductive ‘investment’ on this farm. Every invested € yielded approximately €10.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of unusual causes of ankle pain
Authors: Kaushik S
Published: February 2006

Computed tomography and MRI are frequently utilized to evaluate ankle pain that remains unexplained by radiography. The most common causes of ankle pain are related to trauma and the imaging appearances of these entities are well established in the radiologic and orthopedic literature. A smaller percentage is comprised of non‐traumatic disorders. Our goal is to emphasize the value of CT and MRI in recognition of these less common and unusual causes of ankle pain.
Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia associated with Pneumocystis carinii infection and sirolimus therapy in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Verma N , Soans B
Published: February 2006

We present the case of a renal transplant patient on sirolimus (rapamycin) therapy who developed cryptogenic organizing pneumonia in association with Pneumocystis carinii infection. To our knowledge, such a case has not been previously reported.
Spontaneous regression of gastric varices after iatrogenic injury to a gastrorenal shunt
Authors: Yamagami T , Iida S , Kato T , Hirota T , Nishimura T
Published: February 2006

We present a patient with gastric varices complicating portal hypertension caused by liver cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus. The patient underwent balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. The gastric varices almost completely disappeared, without any sclerotic agent being used, after iatrogenic injury of the gastrorenal shunt at the time of the interventional procedure.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopic diagnosis of acute alcohol ingestion with hidden history
Authors: Pungavkar SA , Joshi V , Shah‐Mehta N , Patkar DP , Lawande M , Gadani S
Published: February 2006

Parenchymal changes within the brain in chronic alcoholics are well known, and specific MRI and MR spectroscopy findings have been described. However, recent alcohol ingestion goes undetected on routine MRI because of lack of specific parenchymal changes in the acute setting. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy can detect the presence of ethanol as a metabolite in the brain accurately and can provide valuable information regarding acute ingestion of alcohol. This may be useful especially in cases where history of alcohol ingestion is withheld.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for hepatic arterial occlusion following hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy
Authors: Yamagami T , Iida S , Kato T , Takegi H , Nishimura T
Published: February 2006

We report a case in which hepatic arterial occlusion developed during repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy through an implanted port‐catheter system for advanced malignant hepatic neoplasia. After successful recanalization of the hepatic artery by using percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, another port‐catheter system was placed percutaneously by interventional radiology techniques, allowing the continuation of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.
Use of routine computed tomography brain scanning of psychiatry patients*
Authors: Agzarian MJ , Chryssidis S , Davies RP , Pozza CH
Published: February 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of CT of the brain in patients presenting with a psychiatric condition without focal neurological signs. The reports of 397 consecutive CT brain scans of patients presenting to two acute tertiary hospital psychiatric services over a 2‐year period were assessed retrospectively. Of the 397 patients, 241 had psychosis, 87 had depression, 44 had bipolar affective disorder, seven had alcohol dependence, five had dementia, and the remaining 13 had a variety of diagnoses including personality disorder and transient ischaemic attack. Findings on 377 (95%) of the CT scans showed no abnormality. Specific abnormalities were described in 20 (5%) of the CT scans. Three scans showed non‐specific minor abnormalities, which, when followed up by MRI, showed no relevant abnormality. All the abnormalities shown on CT were considered to be clinically unrelated to the patient's psychiatric condition. In conclusion, the pretest probability of finding a space‐occupying lesion or other pertinent abnormality in patients presenting with psychiatric illnesses in this retrospective study appears not to be greater than that of the general population. The outcome of this study could be implemented to develop a clinical pathway for limiting assessment by CT for possible organic pathology in acute psychiatric illness.
Studies of the green algaPercursaria dawsonii(=Blidingia dawsoniicomb. nov., Kornmanniaceae, Ulvales) in British Columbia
Authors: Lindstrom Sandra C. , Hanic Louis A. , Golden Larry
Published: February 2006

We cultured and sequenced newly collected material ofPercursaria dawsoniiHollenberg et I. A. Abbott, a poorly known epibiont of limpets found along the west coast of North America. Zoospores, parthenogametes, and zygotes exhibited empty‐spore germination, which produced a prostrate system that expanded by stolon‐like development. A dense carpet of initially uniseriate filaments arose from the prostrate system. These upright filaments soon became biseriate proximally and pluriseriate distally, where they were flat, twisted and distromatic for approximately four‐fifths of their length and rarely became hollow in larger individuals. These fronds became fertile distally and released quadriflagellate zoospores and/or biflagellate isogametes. Individual gametophytic fronds were dioecious, and alternated with isomorphic sporophytic fronds. The gametes moved rapidly and often exhibited an unusual side‐to‐side vibration that made them appear like winged insects. Comparisons of 18S rRNA gene and ITS sequences indicated thatP. dawsoniishould be included in the genusBlidingia, family Kornmanniaceae.
Evolution of meiotic patterns of oogenesis and spermatogenesis in centric diatoms
Authors: Mizuno Makoto
Published: February 2006

The evolution of meiotic patterns of the oogenesis and spermatogenesis in centric diatoms was inferred according to the parsimony principle. The pattern provisionally named type 1, in which one of two daughter nuclei becomes pycnotic, no cytokinesis occurs at meiosis II and two eggs are produced, was inferred to be the most primitive among extant meiotic patterns of oogenesis. It was also inferred that the pattern provisionally named 4‐2EC, in which equal cytokinesis occurs after each nuclear division and four functional haploid cells are produced, is the most primitive among extant meiotic patterns of spermatogenesis. The evolution of meiotic pattern suggests that bipolar or multipolar forms are primitive among centric diatoms.
Inheritance of mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes in the isogamous brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Kato Yusuke , Kogame Kazuhiro , Nagasato Chikako , Motomura Taizo
Published: February 2006

Patterns of inheritance of chloroplasts and mitochondria were examined by fluorescence microscopy and haplotype genome markers in the isogamous brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Lyngbye) Link. Germination of the zygote in this species was unilateral, the growing thallus developed entirely from the germ tube, and the original zygote cell did not develop except for the formation of a hair. Inheritance of chloroplasts was biparental, and partitioning of the two parental chloroplasts into the first sporophytic cells was accidental: either the maternal or the paternal chloroplast was migrated from the zygote into the germ tube cell, whereas the other chloroplast remained in the original cell. In contrast, the mitochondrial genome in all cells of the sporophyte came only from the female gamete (maternal inheritance). These inheritance patterns are similar to those of the isogamous brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus (Dillwyn) Lyngbye. Maternal inheritance of mitochondria might be universal in brown algae.