bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyromental distance measurement – fingers don’t rule
Authors: Baker P. A. , Depuydt A. , Thompson J. M. D. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThyromental distance (TMD) measurement is commonly used to predict difficult intubation. We surveyed anaesthetists to determine how this test was being performed. Comparative accuracy of ruler measurement and other forms of measurement were also assessed in a meta‐analysis of published literature. Of respondents, 72% used fingers for TMD measurement and also considered three finger widths the minimum acceptable TMD. In terms of distance, the minimum acceptable TMD was felt to be 6.5 cm by 55% of respondents. However, the actual width of three fingers was (range) 4.6–7.0 cm (mean 5.9 cm), with significant differences between genders and between proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. The meta‐analysis showed ruler measurement increased test sensitivity (48% (95% CI 43–53) vs 16% (95% CI 14–19) without a ruler), when predicting difficult intubation.
Advances in the management and monitoring of extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type
Authors: Liang Raymond 
Published: July 2009

SummaryExtranodal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type, has a unique geographic distribution. Its pathology is characterized by marked angio‐invasion and tissue necrosis. A typical NK‐cell phenotype is usually present: CD2+, CD3 epsilon+, CD56+, cytotoxic molecules+ and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)+. Magnetic Resonance Imaging helps to clearly define the local involvement. Positron Emission Tomography helps to demonstrate system spread. Various prognostic variables (International Prognostic Index or the Korean Prognostic Index) should be documented. This may include quantification of plasma EBV DNA. For localized nasal disease, radiotherapy is important, although chemotherapy is often added. Sustainable remission is observed in over half of these patients. For extra‐nasal or disseminated disease, systemic chemotherapy becomes the mainstay and the prognosis is usually poor. Doxorubicin‐containing regimens are not entirely satisfactory and l‐asparaginase containing regimens are being investigated. Patients with poor prognostic features may be considered for an early autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Allogenetic transplantation is efficacious but is associated with high transplant‐related mortality.
Postpolycythaemic myelofibrosis: frequency and risk factors for this complication in 116 patients
Authors: Alvarez‐Larrán Alberto , Bellosillo Beatriz , Martínez‐Avilés Luz , Saumell Silvia , Salar Antonio , Abella Eugenia , Gimeno Eva , Serrano Sergi , Florensa Lourdes , Sánchez Blanca , Pedro Carmen , Besses Carles 
Published: July 2009

SummaryPostpolycythaemic myelofibrosis (PPMF) is a known complication of polycythaemia vera (PV) but information regarding its incidence and predisposing factors is not well defined. In 116 subjects consecutively diagnosed with PV in a single institution (median age 62 years, range: 20–88), the probability of PPMF was analysed by the Kaplan–Meier method, followed by the log‐rank test. With a mean follow‐up of 8 years (95% confidence interval: 6·6–9), 17 patients had evolved into PPMF (15%). The probability of evolution to PPMF was 16% at 10 years and 34% at 15 years. Age, gender, spleen size, leucocytosis, thrombocytosis or cytoreductive treatment were not associated with an increased risk of PPMF. The actuarial probability of PPMF at 15 years was higher in those patients presenting at diagnosis with endogenous megakaryocytic colony formation (59% when present versus 10% when absent, P = 0·03), an elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level (69% vs. 23% in patients with normal LDH, P = 0·04), and in those who were heterozygous for the JAK2 V617F mutation (55% vs. 17% in heterozygotes, P = 0·04). In conclusion, PPMF is a frequent complication in PV patients at 15 years with the risk being higher in patients with increased LDH, endogenous megakaryocytic colony formation or a high JAK2 V617F allele burden.
An Experimental Model to Study Resistance Index and Systolic/Diastolic Ratio of Uterine Arteries in Adverse Canine Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Blanco PG , Arias D , Rube A , Barrena JP , Corrada Y , Gobello C 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThe aim of this study was to describe the changes in the resistance index (RI) and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) of the uterine arteries during mid‐pregnancy abortion induction in the dog. Sixteen 30–35 day pregnant bitches were randomly assigned to either a pharmacological protocol to interrupt gestation (n = 8) or were used as untreated control group (n = 8). Doppler assessments of uterine arteries blood flow were carried out before the initiation of the protocol and then every other day up to abortion (treated group) or parturition (control group). All treated bitches aborted 6 ± 1.2 days after initiation of the treatment (while none of the non‐treated bitches aborted). Pre‐treatment RI and S/D did not differ between groups (p > 0.2) while average post‐treatment indexes were (mean ± SD): 0.62 ± 0.1 vs 0.53 ± 0.1 (p < 0.01) and 2.96 ± 0.9 vs 2.23 ± 0.3 (p = 0.01), for the treated and non‐treated group respectively. Correlations between days to abortion and RI or S/D were 0.75 (p < 0.01) and 0.79 (p < 0.01) and, −0.78 (p < 0.01) and −0.73 (p < 0.01) for the treated and non‐treated groups respectively. In the treated group, correlations between serum progesterone (P4) concentrations and RI and S/D were −0.76 (p < 0.01) and −0.59 (p < 0.01) respectively. It is concluded that, during induction of abortion, RI and S/D of uterine arteries progressively increased while P4 decreased.
Genomic Imprinting in Canis familiaris
Authors: Nolan CM , O’Sullivan FM , Brabazon DC , Callanan JJ 
Published: July 2009

ContentsFor the vast majority of mammalian genes, maternally‐ and paternally‐derived alleles behave identically and are either expressed or repressed, regardless of whether they were inherited from egg or sperm. For imprinted genes, however, this is not the case. The alleles of imprinted genes are epigenetically modified in a parent‐of‐origin‐specific manner and, as a consequence, maternally‐ and paternally‐derived alleles behave differently. Typically one allele is expressed while the other is silent. Although relatively few in number, imprinted genes are the focus of intensive study, as they have important roles in embryonic development. Abnormal expression of imprinted genes results in growth disorders and is implicated in several clinical conditions. Most studies of imprinted genes have been performed in rodents or primates, with limited studies in other mammals such as bovine and opossum. We have recently demonstrated the existence of imprinted genes in the canine, by showing that the canine insulin‐like growth factor 2 receptor gene (IGF2R) is monoallelically expressed, with predominant expression of the maternally‐derived allele and repression of the paternally‐inherited allele. Our ultimate goal is to characterize all imprinted genes in the canine, and to understand how they contribute to canine reproduction, development and disease. Such knowledge will be vital for optimizing the success of most reproductive strategies in the canine.
Localization of Oestrogen Receptors in the Epididymis During Sexual Maturation of the Domestic Cat
Authors: Schön J , Neumann S , Wildt DE , Pukazhenthi BS , Jewgenow K 
Published: July 2009

ContentOestrogens are involved in regulation of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation and are essential for male fertility. To study the role of oestrogens on epididymal function in the domestic cat, we analyzed the localization patterns of oestrogen receptors (ERs) within the epididymis of juvenile, pubertal and adults using immunohistochemistry. Cat epididymal tissues obtained during routine castrations were fixed in chilled Bouin’s solution and processed for immunohistochemistry with ER‐specific antibodies. For a certain receptor type, ER localization was influenced by donor age. In the juvenile epididymis, ERα was localized in the nuclei of epithelial cells of efferent ducts and undifferentiated epithelium of the ductus epididymis. During puberty, ERα localization in the undifferentiated epithelium of the epididymis shifted from the nuclei to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Oestrogen receptor‐α level was highest in the pubertal and adult epididymis, especially within the cytoplasm and in plasma membranes of caput epithelial cells. This finding was suggestive of a role in fluid reabsorption within the efferent ducts and the epididymis. In corpus and cauda regions, ERα was less abundant, suggesting a minor role for oestrogens in sperm storage areas. Interestingly, localization of ERβ was neither influenced by age nor location within the epididymis and was ubiquitous throughout. Results demonstrate that oestrogen actions within the epididymis may be predominantly mediated through ERα during sexual maturation in the domestic cat.
Neonatal Clinical Evaluation, Blood Gas and Radiographic Assessment After Normal Birth, Vaginal Dystocia or Caesarean Section in Dogs
Authors: Silva LCG , Lúcio CF , Veiga GAL , Rodrigues JA , Vannucchi CI 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThis study aimed to standardize signs and diagnostic criteria of respiratory function in newborn puppies delivered normally or after dystocia and caesarean operation. A total of 48 neonates were allocated into groups: eutocia (n = 20), dystocia (n = 8), caesarean (c)‐section (n = 20). Neonatal health was assessed using the Apgar score and body temperature was determined at 0, 5 and 60 min after delivery. Venous blood gases (pO2 and SO2) was measured immediately and 60 min after delivery, and a thoracic radiograph was made between 0 and 5 min of life. The c‐section group had significantly lower Apgar scores at birth and 5 min. Hypothermia was present at 5 min in the eutocia and c‐section groups, and at 60 min in all groups. The eutocia group had an irregular respiratory pattern in 78% of puppies at birth, 27.7% at 5 min and 21% at 60 min compared with 87.5%, 62.5% and 12.5% of the pups in the dystocia group where there was irregular respiratory rhythm, moderate to intense respiratory sounds with agonic episodes. The c‐section group had respiratory alterations in 70%, 45% and 16% of puppies at 0, 5 and 60 min, respectively. Radiographic abnormalities were present in 17% of the pups in the eutocia group, 25% of the pups in the dystocia group and 30% of the pups in the c‐section group, respectively. The c‐section group had significantly lower SO2 values at 60 min than at birth. All puppies had hypoxaemia, but a significant decrease was observed in the c‐section group. Newborn puppies had tissue hypoxia and irregular respiratory pattern at birth. Caesarean‐section puppies had lower vitality; however, all developed satisfactory Apgar scores at 5 min of life, regardless of the obstetric condition.
Development of New Stem Cell‐based Technologies for Carnivore Reproduction Research
Authors: Travis AJ , Kim Y , Meyers‐Wallen V 
Published: July 2009

ContentsNew reproductive technologies based on stem cells offer several potential benefits to carnivore species. For example, development of lines of embryonic stem cells in cats and dogs would allow for the generation of transgenic animal models, which could be used to advance both veterinary and human health. Techniques such as spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT) and testis xenografting offer new approaches to propagate genetically valuable individual males, even if they should die before producing sperm. These techniques might therefore have application to the conservation of endangered species of carnivores, as well as to biomedical research. Recently, our laboratory has successfully performed SSCT in the dog, with a recipient dog producing sperm of donor genetic origin. Testis xenografting has been used to produce sperm from pre‐pubertal testis tissue from both cats and ferrets. These early steps reinforce the need not only for research on stem cell technologies, but also for additional research into complementary technologies of assisted reproduction in carnivores, so that the widest array of research and clinical benefits can be realized.
Gonadal Activity in Male and Female Captive Fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox) During the Mating Season
Authors: Vogler BR , Blevins B , Goeritz F , Hildebrandt TB , Dehnhard M 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThe fossa is an endangered, mongoose‐like carnivore species endemic to Madagascar with a breeding season (BS) in the southern hemisphere spring. For the present study, faecal samples of captive fossas were collected for over 1 year for five males and four non‐pregnant females, and for two pregnant animals during the reproductive period. The goal was to assess gonadal activity using non‐invasive hormone measurements of faecal testosterone (T) and gestagen metabolites using assays previously established in our laboratory and further validated in this study. All study animals were housed in northern hemisphere zoos. In males, the seasonal T metabolite profile revealed a peak in spring (March). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to characterize the faecal hormone metabolite composition. The highest immunoreactivity was detected in the position of dihydrotestosterone, whereas native T was not detected. In the two pregnant females, gestagen metabolite concentrations increased 4–9 days after the initial matings and remained elevated throughout gestation with concentrations dramatically higher than those of the non‐pregnant females during the BS. In these females, gestagen metabolite analyses did not reveal a seasonal pattern similar to the males. The HPLC‐analysis revealed that the major proportion of immunoreactivity was associated with an unknown metabolite, whereas native progesterone was undetectable. The seasonal hormone pattern of male fossas gives proof of the reproductive seasonality of this species.The elevated 5α‐pregnan‐3β‐ol‐20‐one levels in pregnant animals allows for the characterization of pregnancy in the fossa based on analysis of faecal steroid metabolite concentrations.
Survival of Frozen‐Thawed Cat Spermatozoa Pre‐Cooled in the Epididymides
Authors: Chatdarong K , Thuwanut P , Suksamai P , Patanatiradaj S , Sangwornrachasup A 
Published: July 2009

ContentsSperm recovery from epididymides and their cryo‐preservation require particular media and equipment not always available in the field. This study aimed to compare the quality of frozen‐thawed epididymal cat spermatozoa pre‐cooled in an extender vs. cooled in the epididymides. Testes with attached epididymides from 23 cats subjected to routine orchidectomy were allocated into two groups; 2‐day (n = 10) and 4‐day cold storage (n = 13). Spermatozoa from one epididymis of each pair were recovered, evaluated, extended in a Tris egg yolk extender, cooled to 5°C and stored for either 2 or 4 days prior to freezing (Treatment 1). The remaining testis attached with the epididymis was stored at 5°C in a Tris‐buffered solution for either 2 or 4 days, before the spermatozoa were harvested, evaluated and frozen (Treatment 2). The spermatozoa were evaluated for percentage of motility, viability, intact acrosomal integrity and morphology. Sperm evaluations were performed prior to freezing and after freezing‐thawing. The spermatozoa maintained in the epididymes yielded similar quality after cold storage and after freeze–thawing in comparison to that maintained in the extender at both storage times (p > 0.05). However, cold storage of spermatozoa for 4 days resulted in a reduction in motility compared to that cold stored for 2 days (p < 0.05). Similarly, freezing of spermatozoa pre‐cooled for 4 days resulted in lower percentages of motility, viability and intact acrosome than that pre‐cooled for 2 days (p < 0.05). A higher number of spermatozoa with simple bent tail and coiled tail were found in the samples maintained in the epididymides than in the extender after 4‐day storage. The results indicated that cat spermatozoa can be cold stored in the epididymides prior to being harvested and cryopreserved in a distant laboratory. This technology is an alternative to rescue male gamete when animals are castrated or unexpectedly die under field conditions.
Effect of Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid on Motility, Membrane Integrity and Chromatin Status of Frozen‐Thawed Canine Spermatozoa Within Six Hours of Storage at 37°C
Authors: Eulenberger K , Schäfer‐Somi S , Aurich C 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThe aim of this study was to examine comprehensively the effect of ascorbic acid (Asc) on frozen‐thawed canine semen. Pooled ejaculates (n = 10) were assessed for quality with a computer‐assisted sperm analyser (CASA). After centrifugation, the semen was divided into four aliquots (A–D) of which three were diluted with Uppsala 1 extender (v/v) containing different concentrations of Asc (B: 6.8 mmol/l; C: 13 mmol/l; D: 27 mmol/l). One group without Asc served as control (A). Subsequently, dilution samples were treated and cryopreserved as described previously (Theriogenology 66, 2006, 173). After thawing, samples were stored at 37°C for 1, 3 and 6 h, then examined for quality (CASA, flow cytometry, sperm chromatin structure assay; SCSA). Staining for flow cytometry was performed with FITC‐PNA and propidium iodide (Reproduction 128, 2004, 829). The SCSA was performed with both Tris‐NACL‐EDT buffer (TNE)‐ and Tris‐fructose‐citrate buffer (TFC). In the Asc‐supplemented groups, percentages of progressively motile sperm (P) were significantly lower than in the control group (A 1 h: 56.6 ± 9.8, 6 h: 18 ± 4.5; B 1 h: 51.2 ± 11.8, 6 h: 13.6 ± 5; C 1 h: 41 ± 16.2, 6 h: 11.2 ± 6.1; D 1 h: 37 ± 15.2, 6 h: 8.6 ± 5; p < 0.01), whereas, the percentages of intact cells without acrosome reactions did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between TNE‐ and TFC‐samples, for αT, for SD of αT or for comp αT [comp αT: TCF‐A: 2.5 ± 1.7%, TNE‐A: 3.4 ± 3.2%; TCF‐D: 2.5 ± 2%, TNE‐D: 3.3 ± 4.3%; p > 0.05]. However, samples diluted with both extenders correlated concerning αT, but not comp αT. We therefore recommend using TNE‐buffer for SCSA with cryopreserved canine semen. In addition, the average αT values did not differ significantly between the controls and all other groups (TNE‐A: 380.2 ± 89.1; TNE‐D: 338.1 ± 137.4; p > 0.05). It can be concluded that addition of Asc to cryoextender does not increase quality of frozen‐thawed canine semen.
Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Aglepristone Associated with Oxytocin to Induce Parturition in Bitch
Authors: Fieni F , Gogny A 
Published: July 2009

ContentsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of aglepristone 15 mg kg−1 for induction of parturition in bitches, 22 pregnant beagle bitches were injected subcutaneously on day 60 post‐estimated LH surge, and again 24 h later with aglepristone and subsequently were given 0.15 IU kg−1 oxytocin at hourly intervals until delivery of the last puppy. Six pregnant beagle bitches were used as a non‐treated control group. In the control group, parturition occurred at 63.2 ± 0.5 days, 29 pups were born and the average expulsion time per puppy was 1.0 ± 0.6 h. In the treated group, parturition was obtained on average 29.7 ± 5.6 h after aglepristone administration, 121 pups were born and average expulsion time per pup was 1.1 ± 0.4 h. The percentage of live puppies, 7 weeks after birth, was 86.1% (25/29) and 86.8% (105/121) for the control and treated groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the control and treated groups for the average expulsion time per live puppy and for the percentage of live puppies at birth, 48 h, 7 days or 7 weeks after birth (p > 0.05). This study confirms previous results and demonstrates that the combination of aglépristone and oxytocin can be safely and reliably used to induce parturition in beagle bitches, at 60 days post‐estimated LH surge.
Morphological Examination of the Corpora Lutea from Pregnant Bitches Treated with Different Abortifacient Regimes
Authors: Martin N , Höftmann T , Politt E , Hoppen HO , Sohr M , Günzel‐Apel AR , Einspanier A 
Published: July 2009

ContentsDifferent abortifacient regimes in dogs were analysed for their effect on the pregnancy corpora lutea (CL), namely, prostaglandin F2a analogue cloprostenol (CLO) combined with dopamine agonist cabergoline (CAB), or progesterone (P4) receptor antagonist aglepristone (AGL). Ovaries were collected after 6‐10 days of treatment during first trimester. The CL of the control‐group showed strong expression of relaxin (RLX), its receptor RXFP1 and enzymes of steroid biosynthesis (HSD) with high peripheral P4‐levels. Whereas RXL, RXFP1 and HSD were lowest expressed in the CLO/CAB‐group with a massive degeneration of CL and their blood vessels combined with low peripheral P4‐level. The AGL‐group showed less extensive CL degeneration and more intensive staining of the examined factors than CLO/CAB. In summary, all examined factors are associated with normal luteal function and are useful tools to stage luteolysis. Although both treatments have the same abortive action, their sequence of events on the CL is different.
Incubation of Post‐Thaw Epididymal Cat Spermatozoa with Seminal Plasma
Authors: Thuwanut P , Chatdarong K 
Published: July 2009

ContentsIn domestic cats, epididymal spermatozoa have lower initial motility and viability than ejaculated spermatozoa and it is possible that seminal plasma compounds are behind these effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether co‐incubation of post‐thaw epididymal cat spermatozoa with seminal plasma was able to improve sperm quality. Epididymal cat spermatozoa from 11 cats were cryopreserved. After thawing, each sperm sample was divided into two aliquots, centrifuged and incubated with two different media; Tris buffer (control) or pooled seminal plasma (treatment). Sperm quality was observed at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h after incubation. The results demonstrated that all of the sperm parameters except acrosome integrity were lower in the treatment group compared to the control group (p < 0.05); the percentages of motility (46.4 ± 15.4 vs 40.0 ± 9.4), the scores of progressive motility (3.1 ± 0.4 vs 2.8 ± 0.5), the percentages of spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane (46.3 ± 9.7 vs 39.6 ± 8.9) and intact acrosome (36.5 ± 16.2 vs 32.9 ± 15.1), as well as at all time points. In conclusion, the seminal plasma seems less beneficial to the post‐thaw epididymal cat spermatozoa than the Tris buffer.
Prolonged Duration of Fertility of Dog Ova
Authors: Tsutsui T , Takahashi F , Hori T , Kawakami E , Concannon PW 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThe fertile period for natural mating in dogs extends from before ovulation until day 5 post ovulation (PO) and involves a delay in oocyte maturation until 2–3 days PO and viability of secondary oocytes for 48–60 h or more. Spermatozoa do not enter the uterus after vaginal insemination in late oestrus. Cervical closure appears to occur on average 5 days PO, but conception may occur following intrauterine artificial insemination (IUAI) up to 8 days PO. Therefore, the present study was conducted to clarify the duration of fertility of canine ova. Using IUAI at 6, 7, 8 and 9 days PO (n = 5 bitches each) conception rates were 100%, 71.4%, 37.5% and 0%, respectively, with an average litter resorption rate of 30.8%, and with mean litter sizes and times to delivery PO being 4.3 ± 1.6 and 64.3 ± 0.3 days, 4.0 ± 1.4 and 66.3 ± 0.4 days, and 2.5 and 68 days for IUAI at 6, 7 and 8 days, respectively. The high pregnancy rates with IUAI at 6 and 7 days PO confirm that many canine oocytes are fertile at 4–5 days after maturation. The high rate of resorption was presumably because of aging of ova or asynchrony between embryonic development and the intrauterine environment.