bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Development of Marbled Cat Embryos Derived from Interspecies Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
Authors: Thongphakdee A , Numchaisrika P , Omsongkram S , Chatdarong K , Kamolnorranath S , Dumnui S , Techakumphu M 
Published: March 2006

ContentsThe objective of the study was to investigate interspecies Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (iSCNT) techniques in marbled cats (Pardofelis marmorata), using domestic cat and rabbit oocytes as the recipient cytoplasm. The recipient oocytes were obtained from ovariohysterectomized cats and superovulated rabbits. The donor cells were collected from a male marbled cat that had died in captivity. Experiment 1 was conducted to observe the development of cloned marbled cat embryos (marbled cat donor cells‐domestic cat oocytes; MC‐DC), derived from oocytes matured for 24, 36 and 42 h. The result showed that the developmental rates of MC‐DC cloned embryos at the 4–8 cell and the morula stages derived from oocytes cultured for 24 h were significantly greater than those cultured for 36 and 42 h (p < 0.05). Experiment 2 was conducted to compare the fusion rate of MC‐DC couplets, fused by inducing different fusion voltages, 2.1 or 2.4 kV/cm. The result showed that there was no difference in fusion efficiency between the 2.1 and 2.4 kV/cm fusion protocols. Experiment 3 was conducted to compare the developmental rate of MC‐DC and domestic cat (DC‐DC) cloned embryos. In vitro fertilized cat embryos served as a control. The development of MC‐DC and DC‐DC cloned embryos to the 4‐ to 8‐cell, morula and blastocyst stages was not significantly different. However, the development rates at morula and blastocyst stages of control were significantly greater than those of cloned embryos (p < 0.05). Experiment 4 rabbit (RB) oocytes were used as a recipient cytoplasm for marbled cat and domestic cat cloned embryos (MC‐ RB and DC‐RB). RB‐RB cloned embryos served as a control. There were no differences in the developmental rates between MC‐RB, DC‐RB and RB‐RB embryos. In conclusion, marbled cat fibroblast cells can be reprogrammed in domestic cat and rabbit oocytes, and by using iSCNT it might be possible to produce marbled cat offspring in the future.
Porcine Field Fertility with Two Different Insemination Doses and the Effect of Sperm Morphology
Authors: Alm K , Peltoniemi OAT , Koskinen E , Andersson M 
Published: March 2006

ContentsIn swine artificial insemination, several dose regimens are applied, ranging from 1.5 × 109to 6.0 × 109spermatozoa per intra‐cervical insemination dose. A lower sperm dose is more profitable for artificial insemination centres and offers a more effective use of superior boars. To evaluate fertility, 50 boars were used for a total of 10 773 homospermic first inseminations at a dose of 2 billion spermatozoa. In addition, 96 boars were used at a dose of 3 billion spermatozoa for 34 789 homospermic first inseminations. Fertility was determined by a 60‐day non‐return rate (NR%) of first inseminations. Litter size was registered by total number of piglets born separately in primiparous and multiparous farrowings. On average, a sow was inseminated 1.5 times. A significant decrease was observed in all three fertility parameters (NR%, litter size of both primiparous and multiparous farrowings) with a dose of 2 billion spermatozoa compared with a dose of 3 billion spermatozoa. The NR% was 75.8% and 84.0% (p < 0.001), the mean litter size of primiparous farrowings 10.1 and 10.7 (p < 0.001) and the mean litter size of multiparous farrowings 11.7 and 12.1 (p < 0.001) for 2 and 3 billion spermatozoa/dose, respectively. The proportion of normal spermatozoa in the sperm morphology analysis correlated significantly with NR% in both insemination regimens: p < 0.001,r = 0.604 and p < 0.05,r = 0.223 for 2 and 3 billion spermatozoa/dose, respectively. These results confirm that quantity can at least partly compensate for poor sperm quality. When the boars with <70% normal spermatozoa in the morphology evaluation were excluded from the data there were no correlation between the sperm morphology and NR%. However, the difference between the NR% and litter size remained statistically significant (p < 0.001) in favour for the bigger insemination dose. In conclusion, a decrease in sperm dose from 3 to 2 billion spermatozoa on commercial farms will severely decrease prolificacy at least under field conditions, where a sow is inseminated an average of 1.5 times/heat, and the semen is typically used within 3 days after collection. We recommend that under commercial circumstances the homospermic semen doses contain no <3 billion spermatozoa/dose.
Comparison between the Sperm Morphology in Semen Samples Obtained from Yearling Beef Bulls by Transrectal Massage of the Ampullae and Cauda Epididymal Dissection
Authors: Persson Y , McGowan M , Söderquist L 
Published: March 2006

ContentsAs electroejaculation (EEJ) is prohibited for use on unanaesthetized animals in Sweden, there is a need for an alternative method of semen collection from bulls in the field. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of transrectal massage (TM) of the ampullae to collect semen from yearling beef bulls under field conditions in Sweden.Transrectal massage was performed on 52 yearling beef bulls. Volume of semen collected, duration of procedure, percentage progressively motile sperm, and sperm concentration were measured. Smears were prepared for sperm morphology examination. Semen samples were obtained from 47 of 52 bulls. Mean volume was 3.2 ml (SD ± 3.7), mean duration of collection was 7.4 min (SD ± 2.8), mean percentage progressively motile sperm was 43.5% (SD ± 29.2) and mean concentration was 201.9 × 106 spermatozoa/ml (SD ± 278 × 106). Twenty‐three of the 52 bulls were slaughtered 3–4 days after semen collection and aliquots of the cauda epididymal contents were collected for sperm morphology examination. The percentages of proximal droplets, abnormal tails and abnormal midpieces were significantly higher (p < 0.05) and the percentage of detached heads was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the post‐mortem samples compared with those in the TM samples. However, importantly there was no significant difference between the two sample types in the percentages of abnormal heads.This study demonstrates that semen can be collected from yearling beef bulls by TM. We think that TM constitutes a useful tool, when semen collection with EEJ or artificial vagina (AV) is not possible under field conditions, when included in the bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) protocol. However, further studies are needed, and presently being carried out, to evaluate if semen samples collected by TM are comparable with semen samples collected by AV.
Comparison of the effectiveness and side‐effects of tolterodine and oxybutynin in children with detrusor instability
Authors: KILIC NIZAMETTIN , BALKAN EMIN , AKGOZ SEMRA , SEN NURI , DOGRUYOL HASAN 
Published: March 2006

Background:  Treatment with anticholinergic agents is the mainstay of therapy for detrusor instability (DI), a chronic and morbid condition characterized by urge urinary incontinence. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of tolterodine and oxybutynin in children with DI.Methods:  A total of 60 children with DI were enrolled, 30 (14 male, 16 female, mean age 7.97 ± 2.71 years) in the tolterodine group and 30 (12 male, 18 female, mean age 7.33 ± 2.23 years) in the oxybutynin group. In this prospective study we reviewed data from 60 children followed for at least 6 months. All of the patients in the study population had a history of dysfunctional voiding. Urodynamic investigations were conducted in all of the patients before and after anticholinergic treatment. Episodes of urge urinary incontinence and adverse events were also evaluated.Results:  Improvements in urge incontinence episodes were similar for the children who received tolterodine or oxybutynin. Improvements in the urodynamic parameters were also the same in the two groups. Adverse events were significantly lower in the tolterodine group (13 events in 13 patients) compared to the oxybutynin group (27 events in 20 patients; P = 0.027).Conclusion:  Reductions in urge urinary incontinence episodes were similar with tolterodine and oxybutynin in children with DI. Side‐effects were more common with oxybutynin. Treatment of children with DI with tolterodine shows significantly better tolerability and this may enhance children's compliance during long‐term treatment.
Placard‐shaped in situ vaginal wall sling for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: MUSTAFA MAHMOUD , WADIE BASSEM S 
Published: March 2006

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy of a simple and economic procedure using a placard‐shaped in situ anterior vaginal wall sling for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, with or without cystocele repair.Methods:  From July 2003 to July 2004, 14 female patients (mean age 45.21 years, range 37–57) were operated upon because of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with the placard‐shaped in situ anterior vaginal wall sling technique. The average follow‐up period was 11 months (range 4–14.5 months). Twelve patients were operated primarily with this technique and only two patients had undergone previous surgeries for the treatment of SUI (one patient had had two previous surgeries and the other had had one previous surgery). In all patients urethral hypermobility or/and bladder prolapse were observed. Filling cystometry showed sufficient bladder capacity with no detrusor overactivity.Results:  No urinary retention was observed in any patient in the postoperative period. While 11 patients have 100% cure of incontinence, three patients started leakage of urine after 1–2 months after the operation (one patient had been operated upon twice before (and who was diabetic and obese) and two patients were primarily repaired by our technique). In two patients, suprapubic tenderness and redness were observed, and were treated by oral antibiotic and anti‐inflammatory drugs.Conclusion:  The placard technique is simple, cost‐effective and has low incidence of urinary retention in the post‐operative period. The success rate seems to be satisfactory and it can be applicable to patients who are primary cases of SUI with average body mass index. Yet longer term follow up and larger number of patients are needed before final conclusion can be drawn.
HtrA2 is up‐regulated in the rat testis after experimental cryptorchidism
Authors: HAYASHI TETSUO , YOSHIDA SOICHIRO , YOSHINAGA ATSUSHI , OHNO RENA , ISHII NOBUYUKI , YAMADA TAKUMI 
Published: March 2006

Aim: The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of high temperature requirement A2 (HtrA2) in germ cell loss in the heat‐stressed testis.Methods: We examined the expression of HtrA2, caspase‐9 activity and proteolytic activity of HtrA2 in the rat testis, and theirin vivoresponses to experimental cryptorchid treatment.Results: Northern analysis revealed the expression of HtrA2 mRNA peaked at days 1 and 7 after cryptorchid treatment. While expression of HtrA2 mRNA was seen in the spermatogonium, spermatocytes and some spermatids in normal adult rat testis, experimental cryptorchidism treatment resulted in a marked increase in its signal intensity in spermatocytes and some spermatids, and the layers of spermatogonium and early primary spermatocytes became negative at days 1 and 7 after the treatment. However, the spermatogonium, Sertoli cells and interstitial cells appeared to have strong intensities at days 14, 28 and 56 after the treatment. Western analysis revealed the expression of HtrA2 protein peaked at day 2 coinciding with the increase of positive spermatogonium, the appearance of protein‐positive interstitial cells, and day 28 coinciding with the reappearance of protein‐positive interstitial cells. Caspase‐9 activity peaked at day 2 and HtrA2 proteolytic activity peaked at day 28. Consequently, the first peak of HtrA2 mRNA expression was followed by the peak of caspase‐9 activity and the second peak was followed by the peak of proteolytic activity; however, the second peak of mRNA expression had considerable chronological difference from that of the protein.Conclusion: These findings suggest the probabilities that the heat stress results in germ cell death by a caspase‐independent manner with the elevation of HtrA2 proteolytic activity, as well as a caspase‐dependent manner with the elevation of caspase‐9 activity.
Correlations between optical coherence tomography measurement of macular thickness and visual acuity after cataract extraction
Authors: Nicholas Simon , Riley Andrew , Patel Hussain , Neveldson Bridget , Purdie Gordon , Wells Anthony P 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate correlations between optical coherence tomography macular thickness measurements and visual acuity after cataract surgery.Methods:  Sixty‐two patients underwent routine cataract surgery as part of a randomized clinical trial of oral Cox‐2 inhibitor prophylaxis of cystoid macular oedema. Optical coherence tomography was used to quantify several parameters of macular thickness. Optical coherence tomography measurements were obtained before surgery, day one, week two and week six after surgery. These measurements were then correlated with logMAR best‐corrected visual acuity.Results:  Optical coherence tomography macular thickness parameters increased after surgery by up to 20%. A significant correlation was identified between foveal minimum macular thickness and best‐corrected visual acuity at day one and week six after surgery. Other macular parameters failed to show any significant correlation. At day one and week six, the 10 patients with greatest macular thickness had significantly lower visual acuity than the other patients.Conclusion:  In this study routine cataract surgery caused an increase in macular thickness. Some significant positive correlations between macular thickness and best‐corrected visual acuity were found, although not for all parameters or time points. There may be a threshold relationship between degree of foveal anatomic change and significant loss of visual acuity.
Pars plana insertion of glaucoma drainage devices for refractory glaucoma
Authors: De Guzman M Hannah PU , Valencia Alejandro , Farinelli Adrian C 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:  Glaucoma drainage devices are more commonly inserted into the anterior chamber because of the relative ease of this method of insertion. However, in certain cases, posterior placement of the tube may be necessary or may be more desirable. The outcome of a series of patients with glaucoma drainage devices inserted into the pars plana was examined.Methods:  Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent pars plana implantation of Molteno and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage devices at the Sydney Eye Hospital.Results:  There were 33 cases reviewed. The mean follow‐up period was 30.2 months. The mean final postoperative intraocular pressure was reduced to 13.4 ± 4.4 mmHg (SD) from 33.06 ± 8.47 mmHg preoperatively. The mean number of intraocular pressure‐lowering medications in use postoperatively was 0.6 ± 0.8, reduced from 3.6 ± 1.27 medications in use preoperatively. Sixteen (48.5%) eyes were classified as complete successes, 14 (42.4%) eyes as qualified successes and three eyes (9%) as failures. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis for cumulative success (absence of failure) predicted 61.1% survival at 60 months. Complications included five cases of decompensation of corneas or corneal grafts, one case each of conjunctival wound dehiscence, large choroidal effusion, epiretinal membrane, Molteno plate extrusion and intraocular pressure unresponsive to medical therapy, and three cases of tube blockage.Conclusions:  In this series of patients, pars plana insertion of glaucoma drainage devices has been shown to be an effective alternative for selected cases where anterior chamber tube insertion is not possible or is not ideal.
Optical coherence tomographic pattern of fluorescein angiographic leakage site in acute central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Hussain Nazimul , Baskar Arumugam , Ram LS Mohan , Das Taraprasad 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To study the optical coherence tomography (OCT) pattern of the fluorescein angiographic leakage in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).Methods:  This is a non‐interventional pilot case study. OCT line scan was performed over the fluorescein angiographic leak site in eyes clinically diagnosed acute CSCR. Clinical fundus photograph, site of leakage on fundus fluorescein angiography and corresponding OCT were analysed.Results:  The mean age of 10 consecutive patients was 38.8 ± 6.9 years. Six patients were male and the mean duration of symptom was 7 days. Six eyes (60%) showed a characteristic dipping pattern of neurosensory retina with intervening hyper‐reflective echoes suggestive of fibrin over the leakage site. All these eyes had ink‐blot leak and subretinal fibrin.Conclusions:  Ink‐blot leak in acute CSCR with subretinal fibrin generates a dipping morphological pattern on OCT.
Old habits tie hard: an in vitro comparison of first‐throw tension holding in Polyglycolic acid (Dexon S) and Polyglactin 910 (Coated Vicryl)
Authors: Kersey Thomas L , Patel Sonia , Thaller Vladamir T 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To compare the first‐throw tension holding property of two braided absorbable sutures commonly used in oculoplastic surgery.Methods:  The study was an in vitro experimental model. 6/0 Polyglycolic acid (Dexon S) and 6/0 Polyglactin 910 (Coated Vicryl) were compared using an experimental model to determine first‐throw knot security. A polypropylene suture (Surgipro 2) was included as a benchmark to judge the apparatus by, ensuring that our experiment could be designed independently of the test suture materials. Increasing metric loads were applied to the first double throw of a surgical knot. Each suture was tested to the point of knot slipping and the critical tension recorded. All the sutures were kept wet during use. Three variations of the experiment were undertaken: experiment 1 – two metal loops brought together by the test suture; experiment 2 – two strips of tissue brought together by the test suture; and experiment 3 – a knot tied over a metal bar coated in tissue. The tissue used was processed cross‐linked porcine dermal collagen (Permacol). Each experiment was repeated three times for each suture type and the mean value taken.Results:  Experiment 1: Dexon S 12.2 g (11, 12, 13.5), Coated Vicryl 2.5 g (2.5, 2.5, 2.5) and Surgipro 2 2.3 g (2, 2, 3); experiment 2: Dexon S 33.33 g (30, 35, 35), Coated Vicryl 25 g (25, 25, 25) and Surgipro 2 5 g (5, 5, 5); experiment 3: Dexon S 100 g (100, 100, 100), Coated Vicryl 56.667 g (60, 55, 55) and Surgipro 2 5 g (5, 5, 5).Conclusions:  Dexon S‐braided absorbable suture has significantly better first‐throw knot security when compared with Coated Vicryl. This is an important property when suturing tissues under tension as it minimizes slippage before the locking throw is tied.
Decompression retinopathy and corneal oedema following Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy
Authors: Landers John , Craig Jamie 
Published: March 2006

AbstractDecompression retinopathy has been reported as a rare occurrence, subsequent to Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy for the treatment of acute angle closure. Herein a case of a 67‐year‐old woman is described who developed decompression retinopathy in conjunction with unexpectedly severe corneal stromal oedema following Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy for acute angle closure. The literature regarding these phenomena is reviewed.
Orbital inflammation associated with Behçet's disease
Authors: Hammami Sonia , Yahia Salim B , Mahjoub Sylvia , Khairallah Moncef 
Published: March 2006

AbstractHerein a case of a 35‐year‐old woman with a history of Behçet's disease, who presented with swelling and redness of her right eye with increasing pain, is reported. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed enlargement of the right lacrimal gland and contrast enhancement of the extraocular muscles. A diagnosis of orbital inflammation was made and the patient was treated with corticosteroids, with prompt resolution of symptoms and clinical signs. Orbital inflammation should be considered as an ophthalmic manifestation of Behçet's disease.
Idiopathic orbital inflammation with sclerosing mesenteritis: a new association?
Authors: Sharma Vidushi , Martin Peter , Marjoniemi Veli‐Matti 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA 70‐year‐old man, who was recently diagnosed with sclerosing mesenteritis following an abdominal biopsy, presented with an acute onset of left upper eyelid swelling, moderate ptosis, mild chemosis and restriction of movements. A computed tomography scan showed an enlarged lateral rectus muscle with surrounding soft tissue changes. A diagnosis of orbital inflammation manifesting as myositis was made and the patient was commenced on high‐dose prednisolone, which showed a rapid response. It is believed that this may be a new association similar to that previously reported with retroperitoneal fibrosis and orbital inflammation.
Giant cell arteritis
Authors: Carroll Stuart C , Gaskin Brent J , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V 
Published: March 2006

AbstractGiant cell arteritis (GCA) is an immune‐mediated vasculitis, affecting medium‐ to large‐sized arteries, in individuals over the age of 50 years. Visual loss is a frequent complication of GCA, and once it occurs it tends to be both permanent and profound. Although major advances have been made in recent years in genetics, molecular biology and the description of the vessel wall morphology, the aetiology and pathogenesis of GCA are still incompletely understood. Over the years there has been much debate over whether polymyalgia rheumatica and GCA are separate or linked entities. Recent investigations support that polymyalgia rheumatica and GCA are two different expressions of the same underlying vasculitic disorder. A single cause or aetiological agent has not as yet been identified. Except for the histopathology of the arterial wall, there are no laboratory findings specific for GCA, and no particular signs or symptoms specific for the diagnosis. GCA typically causes vasculitis of the extracranial branches of the aorta and spares intracranial vessels. Transmural inflammation of the arteries induces luminal occlusion through intimal hyperplasia. Clinical symptoms reflect end‐organ ischaemia. Branches of the external and internal carotid arteries are particularly susceptible. Corticosteroids remain the only proven treatment for GCA, the regimen initially involving high doses followed by a slow taper. However, early detection and treatment with high‐dose corticosteroids is effective in preventing visual deterioration in most patients.