bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractBackground  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

AbstractBackground  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

AbstractBackground 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

ContentsThe 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

ContentsA 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

ContentsEgg 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

ContentsNegative 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

ContentsTwenty‐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

ContentsWe 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

ContentsThe 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

ContentsThis 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

SummaryComputed 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

SummaryWe 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

SummaryWe 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

SummaryParenchymal 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.