bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fertilizing Capacity of Frozen Epididymal Sperm Collected from Dogs
Authors: Martins MIM , Padilha LC , Souza FF , Lopes MD 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThe collection of epididymal sperm may be a valuable tool for canine reproduction especially since it can enable collection of cells after death of a valuable dog. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the viability of epididymal sperm after freeze‐thawing. Epididymides were obtained from four adult dogs by elective orchiectomy. The caudal portion of the epididymides and part of the deferential ducts were squeezed by means of an anatomic clamp into a Petri dish containing either 0.9% saline solution (Group 1) or Ringer solution without lactate (Group 2). Samples were centrifuged at 800 × g for 10 min, the supernatant was removed and the pellet was diluted in one step with a Tris/citric acid/OEP (Orvus Es Paste) extender containing 7% glycerol and subjected to semen freezing. Oocytes were obtained from canine ovaries, after ovariohysterectomy. Only oocytes that were approximately 100 μm in diameter, with a dark ooplasm surrounded by three‐ or four‐well formed cumulus cell layers were used for sperm testing. Frozen semen samples were thawed in a water bath at 70°C for 8 s and analysed at room temperature for sperm motility and velocity. Oocytes were incubated with spermatozoa in humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 at 38°C for 18 h. Morphological and functional characteristics of spermatozoa were similar in both groups. However, the percentage of sperm cells bound to oocytes was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. This result suggests that the Ringer solution without lactate was a more suitable medium for collecting epididymal canine sperm than 0.9% saline.
Effect of Daily Food Supplementation with Essential Fatty Acids on Canine Semen Quality
Authors: Da Rocha AA , Da Cunha ICN , Ederli BB , Albernaz AP , Quirino CR 
Published: July 2009

ContentsPolyunsaturated fatty acids are important membrane components that influence membrane integrity and fluidity. In the present study, the effect of oral supplementation for 60 days with essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9) and vitamin E on canine semen quality was evaluated. Sixteen dogs were selected for the experiment; eight were used as the control group and eight received the fatty acid supplemented diet for 60 days. Semen samples were taken every 15 days during the entire experimental period and were analyzed for volume (ml), motility (%), vigour (0–5), concentration (×106/ml), morphology of spermatozoa (%), plasma membrane integrity (%; using the hyposmotic swelling test) and thermoresistance (motility and vigour after 4 h at 38°C). We concluded that, daily supplementation with omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids, together with vitamin E, for a period of 60 days, significantly increased the semen volume of the treated group after 15 days of supplementation; the vigour and concentration of spermatozoa were superior after the first month of supplementation, while the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa decreased and the cells were protected against thermal stress.
Effect of an Injectable Cabergoline Formulation on Serum Prolactin (PRL) and Milk Secretion in Early Postpartum Beagle Bitches
Authors: Romagnoli S , Milani C , Perin S , Ballabio R , Stelletta C , Mollo A , Gelli D 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThis study was conducted in order to evaluate effects on prolactin (PRL) concentration and mammary milk secretion of an injectable cabergoline formulation administered to five lactating Beagle bitches during early postpartum (PP). Bitches were bled twice daily (from PP day 3 to PP day 12) and then daily (from PP day 13 to PP day 16) to assay serum PRL. On PP day 6, a subcutaneous (SC) injection of 0.1 ml/kg of placebo was administered. On PP day 9, a SC 0.1 ml/kg dose of injectable cabergoline was administered. All bitches were checked for milk production, using a clinical scoring in order to quantify milk expression from each teat. A circadian variation of serum PRL was evident during the 6 days of pre‐treatment monitoring. The day after cabergoline injection, an 80% decrease of PRL serum concentration was observed (p < 0.05). The circadian oscillatory pattern of PRL secretion disappeared after administration of cabergoline, and PRL values remained significantly lower than in the previous days for the first 60 h following treatment (p < 0.001). Milk production was drastically reduced when comparing pre‐treatment to post‐treatment scores (p < 0.001). A single dose of injectable cabergoline caused a significant reduction in serum PRL concentration and a significant reduction in milk flow. The injectable formulation of cabergoline appeared to be safe and well tolerated.
Clinical Use of Deslorelin for the Control of Reproduction in the Bitch
Authors: Romagnoli S , Stelletta C , Milani C , Gelli D , Falomo ME , Mollo A 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThis study was conducted to evaluate clinical efficacy of deslorelin for inhibiting reproduction in the bitch. Ten adult healthy bitches or bitches with mammary neoplasia for which owners were requesting suppression of cyclicity without performing gonadectomy were administered a 4.7‐ or a 9.4‐mg deslorelin implant subcutaneously. The first implant of deslorelin was administered in anoestrus (n = 5) or in dioestrus (n = 5). Treatment was repeated every 5 months for as long as necessary based on the clinical situation of the dog and owner’s desires. Some of the bitches implanted in anoestrus came in heat within 4–15 days after treatment, while none of the bitches implanted in dioestrus showed heat during treatment. Suppression of reproductive cyclicity was successfully achieved in 6/10 bitches for 1–4 years. No behavioural and local/general side‐effects were observed in any of the treated bitches. The 4.7‐mg deslorelin implant may work well for suppression of cyclicity provided that it is administered in dioestrus and at intervals of 4.5 months. A 9.4‐mg implant may be more suitable for this use although its efficacy may also be shorter than 12 months. Owner compliance is an important limiting factor.
Thyroid Function and Infertility in the Dog: A Survey in Five Breeds
Authors: Segalini V , Hericher T , Grellet A , Rosenberg D , Garnier F , Fontbonne A 
Published: July 2009

ContentsIn our study, a clinical and reproductive examination was undertaken in 204 dogs of five different breeds. Thyroxine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone plasma concentrations were assayed in order to assess the real incidence of hypothyroidism associated with reproductive disease. Among these animals, only two breeds were affected by hypothyroidism (4.5% of the Dogue de Bordeaux and 2.4% of the Leonbergers). Moreover, these animals did not suffer from any reproductive disease. Our study showed also that 70% of the male Dogue de Bordeaux were hypothyroxinemic compared with Great Danes, English Mastiff and Leonbergers whose male population was 100% normothyroidic. We found the same tendency in bitches. In our data, there was no difference in thyroxin plasma concentrations between normo‐ and hypofertile dogs, but our results were not statistically significant.
The Role of the Ovary for the Maintenance of Pregnancy in Cats
Authors: Tsutsui T , Suzuki Y , Toyonaga M , Oba H , Mizutani T , Hori T 
Published: July 2009

ContentsPlasma progesterone (P4) concentrations are maintained in pregnant cats until parturition, but become low in pseudopregnant cats 40–45 days after infertile mating. This difference in P4 concentrations is considered to be due to P4 secretion by the placenta of pregnant cats. Therefore, to clarify these points, we performed ovariectomy (OVX) at various stages of pregnancy, examined the pregnancy status and measured LH and P4 concentrations in peripheral, ovarian and uterine venous blood. After OVX, abortion occurred in 100% (5/5), 80% (4/5), 40% (2/5) and 60% (3/5) of Groups I (Day 35), II (Day 40), III (Day 45) and IV (Day 50) cats, respectively. In the remaining cats, normal delivery took place on days 63–69 [mean, 66.1 ± 1.1 (SE)] of pregnancy. The time to abortion after OVX was 4–8 (mean, 5.6 ± 0.8), 3–17 (mean, 8.0 ± 3.6), 10 and 11, and 2–4 (mean, 3.0 ± 0.7) days in Groups I, II, III and IV, respectively. The plasma P4 concentrations were 1–2 ng/ml in all groups on the day after OVX, decreasing to less than 1 ng/ml from the 2nd day onwards. The concentrations of P4 in ovarian venous blood at the time of OVX decreased with the stage of pregnancy, but were clearly higher than those in peripheral blood. The plasma P4 concentrations in uterine venous blood were similar to those in peripheral blood. These results suggest that peripheral P4 in pregnant cats is the result of P4 secretion secreted only by the ovarian corpus luteum, not by the placenta, but indicate that either P4 is not essential for the maintenance of pregnancy in cats from day 40–45 of pregnancy onwards, or that the placenta provides a local source of P4 that does not appear in measurable amounts in the peripheral circulation.
Time to Cardioversion of Recurrent Atrial Arrhythmias After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation and Long‐Term Clinical Outcome
Authors: BAMAN TIMIR S. , GUPTA SANJAYA K. , BILLAKANTY SREEDHAR R. , ILG KARL J. , GOOD ERIC , CRAWFORD THOMAS , JONGNARANGSIN KRIT , EBINGER MATT , PELOSI FRANK , BOGUN FRANK , CHUGH AMAN , MORADY FRED , ORAL HAKAN 
Published: July 2009

Introduction: It is unclear whether early restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial arrhythmias after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) facilitates reverse atrial remodeling and promotes long‐term maintenance of sinus rhythm. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the time to restoration of sinus rhythm after a recurrence of an atrial arrhythmia and long‐term maintenance of sinus rhythm after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF. Methods and Results: Radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed in 384 consecutive patients (age 60 ± 9 years) for paroxysmal (215 patients) or persistent AF (169 patients). Transthoracic cardioversion was performed in all 93 patients (24%) who presented with a persistent atrial arrhythmia: AF (n = 74) or atrial flutter (n = 19) at a mean of 51 ± 53 days from the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia and 88 ± 72 days from the ablation procedure. At a mean of 16 ± 10 months after the ablation procedure, 25 of 93 patients (27%) who underwent cardioversion were in sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic therapy. Among the 46 patients who underwent cardioversion at ≤30 days after the recurrence, 23 (50%) were in sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic therapy. On multivariate analysis of clinical variables, time to cardioversion within 30 days after the onset of atrial arrhythmia was the only independent predictor of maintenance of sinus rhythm in the absence of antiarrhythmic drug therapy after a single ablation procedure (OR 22.5; 95% CI 4.87–103.88, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Freedom from AF/flutter is achieved in approximately 50% of patients who undergo cardioversion within 30 days of a persistent atrial arrhythmia after catheter ablation of AF.
Does oral health say anything about survival in later life? Findings in a Swedish cohort of 80+ years at baseline
Authors: Thorstensson Helene , Johansson Boo 
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Background:  Oral health is an integral part of general health; oral health contributes to and is influenced by a nexus of inputs from biological, psychological, and social functioning. Little is known about the relationship between markers of oral health and subsequent survival in late life.Objectives:  The aim of this study was to examine the relative importance of oral health indicators in the context of demographic and psychosocial variables on subsequent survival during an 8‐year period in a population‐based sample of the oldest‐old.Methods:  The study sample comprised 357 individuals with a median age of 86 years who were selected from participants in the comprehensive longitudinal Origins of Variance in the Old‐Old: Octogenarian Twins (OCTO‐Twin) study, which examined monozygotic and dizygotic twins aged 80 years and older on five occasions at 2‐year intervals. The OCTO‐Twin study includes a broad spectrum of biobehavioural measures of health and functional capacity, personality, well‐being, and interpersonal functioning. Oral health variables were number of teeth, per cent decayed and filled surfaces (DFS%), and periodontal disease experience. A longevity quotient (LQ), the ratio between years actually lived and those statistically expected, was determined. The survival categories were shorter than expected, as expected, or longer‐than‐expected. Multivariate analyses and the Kaplan–Meier method were used in the survival analyses.Results:  No associations between LQ and number of teeth, edentulousness, and periodontal disease experience were found. But survival of men with severe periodontal disease experience was shorter than expected. DFS% was significantly associated with survival. Individuals with a low number of decayed and filled surfaces (DFS) had a shorter‐than‐expected survival time compared with those with high DFS scores. The overall predictor of survival was cognitive status, independent of age and gender when dental variables were analysed in the context of psychosocial factors. In addition, number of teeth, smoking, and better financial status in childhood and during working life were also significant predictors.Conclusions:  Oral health was significantly associated with subsequent survival in a sample of oldest‐old individuals, although psychosocial factors were stronger predictors.
The influence of sense of coherence on the relationship between childhood socioeconomic status and adult oral health‐related behaviours
Authors: Bernabé Eduardo , Watt Richard G. , Sheiham Aubrey , Suominen‐Taipale Anna L. , Nordblad Anne , Savolainen Jarno , Kivimäki Mika , Tsakos Georgios 
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Objectives:  To assess the role of adulthood socioeconomic status (SES) and sense of coherence (SOC) in the relationship between childhood SES and adult oral health‐related behaviours.Methods: This study analysed responses of 5318 dentate subjects aged 30 years and over who participated in the Finnish Health 2000 Survey. Participants provided information on their demographic characteristics (sex, age, marital status and urbanization), childhood SES (parental education), adulthood SES (years of education and household income), the SOC scale and four oral health‐related behaviours (dental attendance, toothbrushing frequency, sugar intake frequency and daily smoking). Structural equation modelling was used to test a model including adult SES and SOC as mediating factors of the relationship between childhood SES and adult oral health‐related behaviours. Multi‐group comparison was conducted to test the model within each sex and age group.Results:  Childhood SES was related to adult oral health‐related behaviours (P < 0.001) but only indirectly, via adulthood SES (P < 0.001) and adult SOC (P = 0.001). However, the relationship via adulthood SES was much stronger than that via SOC (standardized path coefficients were 0.24 and 0.01 respectively). In the multi‐group comparison, the model was invariant across sex and age groups.Conclusions:  The relationship between childhood SES and adult oral health‐related behaviours was mainly mediated by adulthood SES, and to a much less extent by SOC. A stronger SOC was significantly associated with better adult oral health‐related behaviours, after controlling for the effect of adulthood SES and demographic characteristics of the participants.
Autism and Vaccination—The Current Evidence
Authors: Miller Lisa , Reynolds Joni 
Published: July 2009

PURPOSE.  The purpose of this article is to review relevant background literature regarding the evidence linking thimerosal‐containing vaccine and the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to autism.CONCLUSIONS.  Rigorous scientific studies have not identified links between autism and either thimerosal‐containing vaccine or the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Nurses are often in the position of providing advice regarding vaccines in their formal practice areas as well as in their daily lives. Families need current and credible evidence to make decisions for their children. Excellent vaccine information resources are available online.
Helping the Student with Asperger's Disorder with Social and Behavioral Issues in the School: Nursing, Psychology, and Educators Working in Unison
Authors: Bellando Jayne , Pulliam Elizabeth 
Published: July 2009

Jayne Bellando and Elizabeth Pulliam Column Editor: Cordelia RobinsonSchool Health provides a forum to discuss policy, practice, research, issues and trends, and pearls of wisdom to enhance the day‐to‐day care of children in the school setting, from day care to high school.
Forest Fragment and Breeding Habitat Characteristics Explain Frog Diversity and Abundance in Singapore
Authors: Bickford David , Ng Tze How , Qie Lan , Kudavidanage Enoka P. , Bradshaw Corey J. A. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTHabitat loss and fragmentation can have severe negative and irreversible effects on biodiversity. We investigated the effects of forest fragmentation on frog diversity in Singapore because of its high rates of deforestation and the demonstration that frogs are some of the most sensitive species to habitat degradation. We surveyed frog species in 12 forest fragments varying from 11 to 935 ha. We compared differences in species richness, abundance, and Shannon's index in relation to forest fragment size, connectivity (distance between fragments), and breeding habitat heterogeneity. A total of 20 species from 12 genera and five families were encountered in 12 fragments. Larger fragments and those closer to larger fragments had higher species richness. Abundance, however, was not correlated with forest area or connectivity, but we found fewer individual frogs in the larger fragments. We also found that breeding habitat heterogeneity best explained frog species diversity and abundance in forest fragments. Fragments with a high diversity of breeding habitats had more species. We found no evidence to suggest that abundance and diversity are strongly correlated, particularly in disturbed areas, but that breeding habitat heterogeneity is an under‐appreciated factor that should be considered when prioritizing areas for anuran conservation. Enriching breeding habitat heterogeneity, creating corridors between fragments, and reforesting degraded areas are some of the most beneficial strategies for preserving urban frog biodiversity.
The Role of PET in Localization of Neuroendocrine and Adrenocortical Tumors
Authors: ERIKSSON BARBRO , BERGSTRÖM MATS , SUNDIN ANDERS , JUHLIN CLAES , ÖRLEFORS HÅKAN , ÖBERG KJELL , LÅNGSTRÖM BENGT 
Published: July 2009

Abstract: Positron emission tomography (PET) supplies a range of labeled compounds to be used for the characterization of tumor biochemistry. Some of these have proved to be of value for clinical diagnosis, treatment follow up, and clinical research. The first routinely used PET tracer in oncology, 18F‐labeled deoxyglucose (FDG), was successfully used for diagnosis of cancer, reflecting increased expression of glucose transporter in cancerous tissue. This tracer, however, usually does not show sufficient uptake in well‐differentiated tumors such as neuroendocrine tumors. We developed a tracer more specific to neuroendocrine tumors—the serotonin precursor 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP) labeled with 11C—and demonstrated increased uptake and irreversible trapping of this tracer in carcinoid tumors. The uptake was so selective and the resolution was so high that we could detect more liver and lymph node metastases with PET than with CT or octreotide scintigraphy. To further improve the method, especially to reduce the high renal excretion of the tracer producing streaky artifacts in the area of interest, we introduced premedication by the decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa, leading to a six‐fold decreased renal excretion while the tumor uptake increased three‐fold, hence improving the visualization of the tumors. 11C‐labeled l‐DOPA was evaluated as an alternative tracer, especially for endocrine pancreatic tumors, which usually do not demonstrate enhanced urinary serotonin metabolites. However, only half of the EPTs, mainly functioning tumors, could be detected with l‐DOPA. Instead 5‐HTP seems to be a universal tracer for EPT and foregut carcinoids. With new, more sensitive PET cameras, larger field of view and procedures for whole‐body coverage, the PET examination with 5‐HTP is now routinely performed as reduced whole‐body PET examinations with coverage of the thorax and abdomen. With this method we have been able to visualize small neuroendocrine lesions in the pancreas and thorax (e.g., ACTH‐producing bronchial carcinoids) not detectable by any other method, including octreotide scintigraphy, MRI, and CT. Another tracer, the 11β‐hydroxylase inhibitor, metomidate labeled with 11C, was developed to simplify diagnosis and follow‐up of patients with incidentalomas. A large series of patients with incidentally found adrenal masses have been investigated and so far all lesions of adrenocortical origin have been easily identified because of exceedingly high uptake of 11C‐metomidate, whereas noncortical lesions showed very low uptake. In addition, adrenocortical cancer shows high uptake, suggesting that this PET tracer can be used for staging purposes.
The Gut Hormone Peptide YY Regulates Appetite
Authors: BATTERHAM RACHEL L. , BLOOM STEPHEN R. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract:The gut hormone peptide YY (PYY) belongs to the pancreatic polypeptide (PP) family along with PP and neuropeptide Y (NPY). These peptides mediate their effects through the NPY receptors of which there are several subtypes (Y1, Y2, Y4, and Y5). The L cells of the gastrointestinal tract are the major source of PYY, which exists in two endogenous forms: PYY1–36and PYY3–36. The latter is produced by the action of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV). PYY1–36binds to and activates at least three Y receptor subtypes (Y1, Y2, and Y5), whereas PYY3–36is more selective for Y2 receptor (Y2R). The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, a key brain area regulating appetite, has access to nutrients and hormones within the peripheral circulation. NPY neurons within the arcuate nucleus express the Y2R. In response to food ingestion plasma PYY3–36concentrations rise within 15 min and plateau by approximately 90 min. The peak PYY3–36level achieved is proportional to the calories ingested, suggesting that PYY3–36may signal food ingestion from the gut to appetite‐regulating circuits within the brain. We found that peripheral administration of PYY3–36inhibited food intake in rodents and increased C‐Fos immunoreactivity in the arcuate nucleus. Moreover, direct intra‐arcuate administration of PYY3–36inhibited food intake. We have shown that Y2R null mice are resistant to the anorectic effects of peripherally administered PYY3–36, suggesting that PYY3–36inhibits food intake through the Y2R.In humans, peripheral infusion of PYY3–36, at a dose which produced normal postprandial concentrations, significantly decreased appetite and reduced food intake by 33% over 24 h. These findings suggest that PYY3–36released in response to a meal acts via the Y2R in the arcuate nucleus to physiologically regulate food intake.