bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium‐Binding Proteins and Neurotransmitters in the Stomach Myenteric Plexus of the Korean Native Goat
Authors: Lee H. S. , Lee I. S. , Nam Y. S. , Yoon Y. S. 
Published: November 2005

The expression of calbindin D‐28k (CB), calretinin (CR), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the stomach myenteric plexus of the Korean native goat stomach was investigated by immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated the presence of nerve fibers and cell bodies immunoreactive (IR) to CB, CR, SP and CGRP. In tissues of rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum, some distinct neuronal populations could be distinguished according to their morphologic and neuronal chemical properties: Dogiel type I cells which have irregular lamellar dendrites and a single axon, Dogiel type II cells which have large ovoid cell bodies and several long axon‐like processes, and small filamentous interneurons. CB‐, CR‐, SP‐ and CGRP‐IR neurons and fibers were observed in the myenteric plexus of stomach, and varicose nerve fiber immunostained to SP and CGRP also were found in the muscle layer. In myenteric plexus of the stomach, CB‐ and SP‐positive neurons were characterized by Dogiel type II and CR‐IR neurons were classified Dogiel type I with lamellar dendrites, and immunoreactivity of CGRP was very weak in the somata. SP‐ and CGRP‐IR nerve fibers formed dense networks within the myenteric ganglia. SP‐IR cell bodies and their fibers were found in the myenteric plexus, and the immunoreactivity and number of cell bodies were more than CB‐, CR‐, and CGRP‐IR neurons. These results suggest that SP, CGRP, CB and CR in the myenteric neurons of Korean native goat stomach may have play an important role in the dynamic movement.(Support contributed by: Korean Research Foundation 2003‐015‐E00195).
Effect of Flooring Systems on Microarchitecture of the Bovine Hoof Horn
Authors: Lendner G. , Mülling Ch. , Nebel U. , Bergsten Ch. , Magnusson Ch. 
Published: November 2005

Introduction and aims:  Claw diseases in dairy cows not only lead to high economic losses, but also cause pain and reduce animal welfare. Former studies pointed out that flooring properties influence the microstructure of hoof horn. In this study, we looked for correlations between different flooring systems and horn quality. We obtained horn samples from an experimental farm in Alnarp/Sweden from cows that were first kept on slatted floor and subsequently on mastic asphalt respectively on rubber mats.Methods:  Untreated horn samples were glued onto wooden blocks: 7 μm sections were prepared with a Polycut‐S (Leica) microtome and afterwards stained with the PAS reaction. For morphometrical analysis we used a Zeiss Axioskope, a digital camera (Progress 3012) and the Lucia 32 G software (Nikon). These data were exported into EXCEL (Microsoft) and statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS (SPSS Inc. [[Au: please provide manufacturer details for ‘SPSS’: city, state code (if USA) and country]]). We measured area, minimal and maximal diameter of medulla and cortex of the horn tubules. Statistical evaluation included number of tubules and tubular area per visual field, total area of medulla and cortex and the limiting diameters.Results:  We found significant alterations of the hoof horn after moving the cows from hard to soft floor. The diameter of the horn tubules decreased significantly. The area of medulla and the ratio of medulla to cortex decreased as well.Conclusions:  Our findings indicate a higher quality of claw horn and an increased resistance against mechanical, chemical and microbial environmental influences in animals kept on soft floors. The functional implications of these observations are discussed with regard to claw health as well as the arising consequences for dairy housing systems.This work was supported by the European Communities under the Lamecow project QLK5‐CT‐2002‐00969. The authors are solely responsible and the work does not necessarily represent the opinion of the European Communities.
Biomechanics of the Fractured Medial Coronoid Process and the Isolated Anconeal Process in the Canine Elbow Joint
Authors: Maierl J. , Böttche P. , Liebich H. ‐G. 
Published: November 2005

Introduction:  Elbow dysplasia is one of the most important orthopaedic diseases of the canine elbow joint. The medial coronoid process (MCP) and the anconeal process (AP) are involved with a high incidence.Aims:  The aim of this study was to clarify whether these processes are especially loaded resulting in osteoarthrosis.Material and Methods:  Elbow joints were examined from dogs of various breeds, with a body weight over 20 kg and an age ranging from 1 to 12 years. Only joints without damage to the articular cartilage have been included in this investigation. Articular surfaces have been evaluated macroscopically, subchondral bone density (long‐term loading) and split‐lines (long‐term tensile loading) have been determined.Results:  In the humeral fossa olecrani, there was a distinct impression on the inner side of the lateral compared to the medial epicondyle. In the ulna, the MCP was much greater than the lateral coronoid indicating that the medial process has to support the humeral condyle to a higher extent. Subchondral split lines with a transverse orientation in the fossa olecrani gave evidence of long‐term transverse tensile loading in this area. Split lines on the MCP were oriented radially as if the lateral edge was bent downwards. Subchondral bone density in the fossa olecrani was higher towards the lateral epicondyle in comparison to the medial. Furthermore, there was a bone density maximum on the medial part of the humeral condyle opposite of the MCP with its very high density.Discussion:  Gait analyses showed that there is a transverse, medially oriented force of up to 4% bodyweight acting on the paw during midstance. As the carpus is stable when slightly hyperextended during midstance loading there is a long lever arm from the ground up to an assumed rotation centre in the depth of the trochlear notch. The medially directed ground reaction force slightly rotates the forearm inwards causing a bending moment about the elbow joint, which leads to an increased pressure of the AP and the MCP. This bending in addition to sagittal loading is the reason for the high susceptibility of the MCP and AP.
Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Canine Hip Joint
Authors: Maierl J. , Lieser B. , Böttcher P. , Liebich H. ‐G. 
Published: November 2005

Introduction:  In many breeds osteoarthrosis of the hip joint is the most typical orthopaedic disease. Numerous studies concerning etiology, pathogenesis and therapy of this disease still consider an exact congruity to be the basis of a physiological joint function. No data, however, are available as far as the distribution of load in the articular surfaces is concerned.Aims:  It was the aim of this investigation to describe the biomechanical features of the canine hip joint as exactly as possible with respect to long‐term and momentary loading.Material and Methods:  Hip joints from 43 dogs (bodyweight >20 kg) with an average age of 6 years were investigated. The subchondral bone density was determined with the method of CT‐osteoabsorptiometry. With help of cartilaginous and osseus split lines the preferential orientation of the collagen fibres could be determined. In an in vitro experimental setup the contact areas and the contact pressure distribution within the joint have been measured.Results:  In the acetabulum, maxima of subchondral bone density were distributed tricentrically: cranially, dorsally and caudally. In the femoral head, only the area close to the attachment of the ligament was highly mineralized. Cartilagineous and osseous split lines within the acetabulum gave evidence of a long‐term tensile stress. In contrast to these findings, there was no clear preferential orientation in the caput ossis femoris. With load increasing initially isolated contact areas extended and became confluent at a loading force of 75% body weight. Values of maximal joint pressure (maximal joint reaction force applied: 400% bodyweight) reached 8–10 MPa.Discussion:  The findings clearly show that the articular surfaces of the hip joint are loaded inhomogeneously. For the first time, it was possible to demonstrate that the healthy canine hip joint is physiologically incongruent. Furthermore, areas of cartilage degeneration within the joint surface coincide with regions that are loaded to a higher extent a priori. From the biomechanical point of view it is recommended that all kinds of acetabular fractures – even those affecting the caudal third of the acetabulum – should be surgically repaired in an adequate way.
Expression of Agouti‐related Protein (Agrp) and its mRNA in the Hypothalamus and the Adrenal Gland of the Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Mirabella N. , Esposito V. , Squillacioti C. , De Luca A. , Germano G. , Paino G. 
Published: November 2005

Introduction:  Agouti‐related protein (AGRP) is a neuropeptide involved in the control of body weight. Morphological and pharmacological studies have shown that AGRP is implicated in the central control of feeding behaviour acting as an endogenous antagonist of the alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), a potent satiety‐inducing factor, at the melanocortin 3 (MC3)‐ and four (MC4)‐receptors.Aim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of AGRP and its mRNA in the hypothalamus and adrenal gland of the duck and, in particular, to establish which type of adrenal tissue is involved in the AGRP synthesis.Methods:  Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, reverse transcriptase (RT)‐polimerase chain reaction (PCR).Results and Discussion:  AGRP‐immunoreactivity was observed in neurons and nerve fibres in a restricted area of the hypothalamus. AGRP‐ir neurons were located in the nucleus infundibularis and distributed ventromedially to the third ventricle in the hypothalamic tuberal region. These neurons were round or, with a lesser extent, elongated in shape. AGRP‐ir fibres were seen to project to the median eminence (ME) and anterior periventricular hypothalamus. The AGRP ir‐fibres in the ME were distributed in the external layer in close vicinity to the capillaries of the hypothalamo‐hypophysial portal system. In the avian adrenal gland, AGRP immunoreactivity was observed in the medullary tissue. A partial sequence of AGRP cDNA was identified using RT‐PCR cloning and sequencing. This sequence was highly homologous to the corresponding fragment of the chicken AGRP gene. The western blotting analysis of adrenal gland and hypothalamus tissue extracts showed a well‐defined single band with an electrophoretic mobility consistent with the molecular weight of the avian AGRP protein. These results demonstrate that AGRP is expressed in the hypothalamus and adrenal glands of the duck and suggest an involvement of this peptide in the regulation of the melanocortin system in birds.
Effects of Castration on the Expression of Neurotrophic Factors in the Vas Deferens and Accessory Genital Glands of the Rat
Authors: Mirabella N. , Squillacioti C. , Genovese A. , Paone I. , Paino G. 
Published: November 2005

Introduction:  Neurotrophic factors constitute a group of growth factor families, which have important effects on survival and differentiation of neuronal cells. The neurotrophin family is composed of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin (NT)3 and NT 4/5. Neurotrophins act by means of high (TrkA, TrkB and TrkC) and low (p75) affinity receptors on numerous neuronal populations of central and peripheral nervous system. The family of glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) includes, besides the GDNF, neurturin (NTN), persephin (PSP) and artemin (ART). They bind to a common receptor Ret, but the binding specificity is due to a group of proteins (GFRα 1–4). These factors show a trophic effect on dorsal ganglia, motor neurons and autonomic nervous system. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the expression of NGF, BDNF and GDNF in the vas deferens and accessory genital glands of normal and castrated rats.Methods:  Immunohistochemistry, enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA), reverse transcriptase (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results and Discussion:  Immunoreactivity to NGF, BDNF and GDNF was observed in all the investigated tracts. Generally, this immunoreactivity seemed to increase in castrated rats. ELISA and RT‐PCR were performed to evaluate the levels of BDNF protein and its mRNA. In the normals, the greatest concentration of BDNF was observed in the vesicular gland, the lowest in the prostate. In the castrated, the BDNF concentration significantly decreased in the vas deferens. Conversely, it increased in the vesicular gland and in the ventral and dorsal prostate. BDNF transcripts were detected in both normal and castrated rats. These results suggest that neurotrophic factors are produced by the vas deferens and accessory genital glands and, in normal conditions, they are downregulated by androgens.
Ultrastructure of Three‐dimensional Bovine Hoof Keratinocyte Cultures
Authors: Nebel U. , Mülling Ch. , Budras K. ‐D. 
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study was to characterize the ultrastructure of three‐dimensional keratinocyte colonies in relation to ex vivo bovine hoof epidermis. Keratinocytes were isolated from the claw and cultured in equal parts of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (Sigma, Taufkirchen) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Sigma, Taufkirchen) and serum‐free MCDB 153 complete medium (Biochrom, Berlin). Cells were allowed to grow until formation of colonies occurred. Then the colonies were isolated by removing the surrounding cells with a cell scraper every 3 days. The colonies were harvested when the reached diameters of 6–8 mm and were fixed in Karnovsky's solution. They were routinely processed for the embedding in Agar 100. Semithin and ultrathin sections were prepared and examined under the light and transmission electron microscope.These colonies revealed the morphological properties and tissue architecture, which are specific for claw epidermis in vivo. We detected up to 22 layers of keratinocytes and could discover between three stages of differentiation: a basal cell layer, followed by several cell layers corresponding morphologically to the cells of the stratum spinosum and a few cornified superficial cell layers. Throughout all layers cells were connected by desmosomes, which were linked to the cytoskeleton by dense bundles of filaments. In addition we observed the formation of desmosomes. The cells of the upper un‐cornified layers generated an cornified envelope. In the following layers cell death and subsequent cornification accompanied by the characteristic alterations of the nuclei occurred. The cells at the superficial layers were filled by electron dense, solid horn masses. Additionally we detected intercellular cementing substance in the intercellular space between the upper layers. Our electron microscopical characterization of the colonies provides evidence that the bovine hoof keratinocytes invitro undergo basically a similar pattern of proliferation and differentiation like in the claw in vivo. These findings provided a basis for further studies like the long‐term culture and differentiation of bovine hoof keratinocytes in perfusion chambers.
Pathogenicity of Phytophthora species and Pythium undulatum isolated from Abies procera Christmas trees in Ireland
Authors: Shafizadeh S. , Kavanagh J. A. 
Published: November 2005

Summary Phytophthora cryptogea, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Phytophthora cambivora, Phytophthora megasperma and Pythium undulatum were isolated from diseased Noble fir (Abies procera) seedlings and soil associated with dead Noble fir in Ireland. Seedlings of four Christmas tree species (A. procera, Picea sitchensis, Picea abies and Pinus contorta) were inoculated with these oomycetes to test their pathogenicity and the susceptibility of the various tree species. Phytophthora spp. and Pythium undulatum caused root rot on all tree species. Disease symptoms included reddish brown cambial discoloration, crown symptoms, brown foliage, dark brown roots, root rot and seedling mortality. These symptoms were similar to those observed on Noble fir in naturally infested plantations. Pythium undulatum appeared as the most virulent pathogen followed by P. cinnamomi, P. cambivora, P. megasperma and P. cryptogea. Noble fir showed to be most susceptible and lodgepole pine most tolerant while Sitka spruce and Norway spruce were intermediate.
Propylthiouracil attenuates acetaminophen‐induced renal damage in the rat
Authors: ABRAHAM PREMILA , KANAKASABAPATHY INDIRANI , DIAN BONDU JOSEPH 
Published: November 2005

SUMMARY:Background:  To date, there is no specific antidote to acetaminophen poisoning. Propylthiouracil (PTU) has been shown to be protective against acetaminophen (APAP)‐induced liver damage in rats; however, the nephroprotective effect of propylthiouracil has not been studied yet.Methods:  In order to verify this, rats were given different doses of PTU (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg per body weight, orally) 1 h before a nephrotoxic dose of APAP (1000 mg/kg per body weight, intraperitoneally (i.p.)).Results:  Propylthiouracil pretreatment significantly reduced APAP‐induced nephrotoxicity in a dose‐dependant manner, as evidenced by reduction in plasma creatinine and by amelioration of renal pathology (interstitial congestion, tubular cell degeneration and necrosis).Conclusion:  The mechanism of protection by PTU is probably not due to the sparing effect of non‐protein thiol (approximately 95% of which is reduced glutathione), as similar depletion of renal glutathione was observed regardless of PTU pretreatment; other mechanisms are suggested.
Acute renal failure in patients with pre‐existing renal dysfunction following coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: YEHIA MAHA , COLLINS JOHN F , BECA JOHN 
Published: November 2005

SUMMARY:Background:  Pre‐existing renal dysfunction predisposes to acute renal failure (ARF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. We assessed the incidence and impact of the development of ARF in this patient population in our unit.Methods:  One‐hundred and six patients had a preoperative serum creatinine of ≥0.13 mmol/L and underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in the year 2000. The incidence of ARF (as defined by a ≥50% rise in postoperative serum creatinine), hospitalization days, dialysis requirement, in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality, and potential risk factors for ARF were recorded.Results:  Of the patients recorded, 43/104 (41.35%) developed ARF following coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients with ARF stayed in hospital longer (P < 0.02). Ten out of forty‐three patients required some form of dialysis and the in‐hospital mortality of the renal failure group was 23% compared to 3.1% in the other group (P < 0.002). One year postoperatively, the group with renal failure had significantly worse survival (71.8% vs 98%P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  For patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, pre‐existing renal dysfunction predisposes to the development of ARF, this is associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased mortality.
Detection of fetal cells from transcervical mucus plug before first‐trimester termination of pregnancy by cytokeratin‐7 immunohistochemistry
Authors: Fang Chun‐Neng , Kan Yuan‐Yee , Hsiao Chang‐Chun 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: The presence of fetal cells in the endocervical mucus of pregnant women was first reported in 1971. The uterine cavity is patent during the first trimester prior to fusion of amnion and chorion. Fetal cells from degenerating chorion frondosum are theoretically shed into the uterine cavity between seven and 13 weeks’ gestation and are trapped in the transcervical mucus; they can be identified by immunohistochemistry.Method: Ninety‐nine transcervical mucosal plugs from pregnant women of between 7 and 13 weeks before abortion were collected, fixed, embedded, sectioned and stained with monoclonal antibody of cytokeratin‐7 (CK‐7) by immunohistochemistry.Result: The identification of trophoblasts on each slide was defined according to positive staining and histologically chorionic villous similarity under microscopic examination, using the following five categories: none (1), less than five single positive‐stained cells per‐section (2), more than five single positive‐stained cells per‐section (3), clumps of positive‐stained cells (4), and histological‐like intact or fragmented chorionic villi (5). From amongst 71 samples that qualified for analysis, individual slides were evaluated and categorized into three groups, with the following results: 32 (45.1%) fell into group 1 (category 1) denoting a negative result, 10 (14.1%) fell into group 2 (category 2) indicating a possible positive result and 29 (40.8%) fell into group 3 (any combination of categories 3–5) representing a positive result.Conclusions: Fetal cells, identified by CK‐7, can be found in more than 59.2% of the transcervical mucus in early pregnancy by use of a minimally invasive sampling method. Prenatal diagnosis of single‐gene or chromosome disorders may be possible in the pregnant transcervical mucus by use of modern molecular methods and they deserve further study.
Surgical indications for combined partial rectosigmoidectomy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Takahashi Osamu , Sato Naoki , Miura Yoshinori , Ogawa Masaki , Fujimoto Toshio , Tanaka Hidenori , Sato Hirokazu , Tanaka Toshinobu 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: To evaluate surgical indications for combined partial rectosigmoidectomy in ovarian cancer with direct invasion of the rectum and sigmoid colon or dissemination into the pouch of Douglas.Methods: Subjects comprised 25 patients with ovarian cancer who underwent primary surgery and rectosigmoidectomy between 1990 and 2002 at our hospital. Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology staging of tumors was II (n = 6), III (n = 17) or IV (n = 2). The histologic type was serous adenocarcinoma (n = 18), clear cell adenocarcinoma (n = 4), and others (n = 3). Bowel resection was performed during primary surgery in 18 patients, and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in seven patients. Cumulative survival rate was compared between NAC and non‐NAC groups. Patients were divided into three groups based on extent of surgical resection to compare survival rates: no residual tumor (n = 19); maximum residual tumor diameter <1 cm (n = 5); and maximum residual tumor diameter ≥1 cm (n = 1).Results: Cumulative 5‐year survival was 41.3% for all patients. Cumulative 5‐year survival in the 18 patients who underwent bowel resection during primary surgery was 62.2%, compared to 13.9% in the seven patients who underwent bowel resection after NAC. Cumulative 5‐year survival based on extent of surgical resection was: no residual tumor, 60.8%; residual <1 cm, 0%; and residual ≥1 cm, 0%. Cumulative 5‐year survival for patients with complete tumor resection (no residual tumor), excluding clear cell adenocarcinoma, was 79.5%.Conclusion: In ovarian cancer with direct invasion of the rectum or sigmoid colon or dissemination into the pouch of Douglas, complete tumor resection with rectosigmoidectomy during primary surgery is associated with good clinical outcomes.