bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Malassezia spp. yeasts in feline nail folds: a cytological and mycological study
Authors: Colombo Silvia , Nardoni Simona , Cornegliani Luisa , Mancianti Francesca 
Published: June 2007

Abstract Malassezia spp. yeasts are commensal organisms of mammal and avian skin, but little is known about their presence on the skin of healthy cats. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Malassezia spp. yeasts in feline nail folds and to identify the different species. Forty‐six cats of different breeds were evaluated by cytological examination, and Malassezia spp. yeasts were seen in 61% of them. Yeasts were found in 100% of Devon Rex cats [mean 8.63/oil immersion field (high‐power field – HPF)]. Conversely, only 42% of cats of other breeds (domestic short‐haired and Persian) were positive (mean 0.59/HPF). Twenty‐one cats of different breeds were subsequently evaluated by fungal culture. Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated from 52%, M. furfur from 38%, and M. sympodialis from 9.5% of the cats. More than one species was observed in eight of 21 cats, six of which were Devon Rex. Malassezia spp. yeasts are common inhabitants of feline nail folds, especially in Devon Rex cats, and the presence of a high number of yeasts on cytology correlates with the clinical observation of brown, greasy material in the nail folds. M. pachydermatis and two lipid‐dependent species were isolated from both Devon Rex cats and cats of other breeds.
Comparative analysis of canine dermatophytosis and superficial pemphigus for the prevalence of dermatophytes and acantholytic keratinocytes: a histopathological and clinical retrospective study
Authors: Peters Jeanine , Scott Danny W. , Erb Hollis N. , Miller William H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAcantholytic dermatophytosis is a rarely reported condition of dogs that clinically and histopathologically mimics superficial pemphigus (erythematosus, foliaceus). Histologically, periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) and Grocott's methenamine‐silver (GMS) are often necessary to show the fungus. A retrospective histopathological study was conducted on 190 canine skin biopsy specimens: 95 each with the diagnosis of canine dermatophytosis or of superficial pemphigus. All specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, PAS, and GMS. Dermatophytes were not seen in any superficial pemphigus cases. Acantholytic keratinocytes were noted in 14% of the dermatophytosis cases, none of which had clinical signs consistent with superficial pemphigus. Among cases with acantholytic keratinocytes, superficial pemphigus had significantly more acantholytic cells than dermatophytosis (P = 0.02). When comparing face and nonface cases, there was no difference in prevalence of acantholytic keratinocytes in dermatophytosis or number of acantholytic keratinocytes in superficial pemphigus. All dermatophyte cases were both GMS and PAS positive with neither stain being visually superior. No dermatophyte cases where acantholytic keratinocytes were noted had a history, clinical signs and histopathological features compatible with acantholytic dermatophytosis.
Deletion of entire HLA‐A gene accompanied by an insertion of a retrotransposon
Authors: Takasu M. , Hayashi R. , Maruya E. , Ota M. , Imura K. , Kougo K. , Kobayashi C. , Saji H. , Ishikawa Y. , Asai T. , Tokunaga K. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractUnusual HLA‐A‘null’ alleles because of an entire gene deletion were found in three apparently unrelated Japanese families with leukemia patients. Inclusion of the entire HLA‐A gene in the deletion was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing of the surrounding regions of HLA‐A. Further localization of the breakpoints of the HLA‐A deletion at the centromeric and telomeric sides was performed, and these families were shown to possess the identical deletion. We then determined the genomic sequence of the HLA‐A‐deleted haplotype. Surprisingly, the haplotype turned out to carry an insertion of an SVA (SINE‐VNTR‐Alu) retrotransposon of 2 kb as well as the 14 kb deletion that included the entire HLA‐A gene.
The nature of recombination in HLA‐B*4207
Authors: Eiz‐Vesper B. , DeLuca D. S. , Blasczyk R. , Horn P. A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe identification of the novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*4207 allele, which was found in a blood donor of Caucasian origin, is described. The sequence of the new allele differs from HLA‐B*4201 in three nucleotide substitutions in exon 2, resulting in three consecutive amino acid (AA) exchanges at position 69, 70, and 71. AA positions 69 and 70 affect the peptide‐binding site of the HLA molecule in the formation of pockets A, B, and C. Therefore, it is likely that the peptide‐binding motif of HLA‐B*4207 differs from the HLA‐B*4201 motif. HLA‐B*4207 exhibits a high level of structural homology to HLA‐B*08 alleles as well as to HLA‐B*4201. Rating of the AA variations of these alleles according to the AA distance matrix score gives the lowest overall matching score between the HLA‐B*4207 and the HLA‐B*0801 alleles, indicating a high functional similarity. To further address this, homology modeling was performed using B8 as the closest structural template. The portion of the molecule that is accessible to the T‐cell receptor and antibodies is identical between B*4207 and B*0801. Under consideration of allele frequencies, close inspection of these sequences shows that the new allele is most likely a result of a recombination involving B*0702 and B*0801. Unfortunately, patient consent could not be obtained for retrospective serological typing to definitively determine whether B*4207 reacts in the B8 serological group.
Immunosenescence: deficits in adaptive immunity in the elderly
Authors: Hakim F. T. , Gress R. E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAging is associated clinically with increases in the frequency and severity of infectious diseases and an increased incidence of cancer, chronic inflammatory disorders and autoimmunity. These age‐associated immune dysfunctions are the consequence of declines in both the generation of new naïve T and B lymphocytes and the functional competence of memory populations. These alterations collectively are termed immunosenescence.
Testosterone increases urinary free felinine,N‐acetylfelinine and methylbutanolglutathione excretion in cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Hendriks W. H. , Rutherfurd‐Markwick K. J. , Weidgraaf K. , Ugarte C. , Rogers Q. R. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryTwo days after castration, urinary free felinine plusN‐acetylfelinine decreased 24% in male cats, but, by day 5, the concentration had not decreased to that routinely found in males that have been castrated for several months. In a second experiment, three groups of castrated adult male cats received different subcutaneous injections: control (carrier), testosterone, testosterone plus estradiol. A fourth group of intact adult female cats received a testosterone injection. Urine was collected and analysed for free felinine,N‐acetylfelinine and 3‐methylbutanolglutathione. Baseline blood testosterone and estradiol concentrations were low during the pre‐period, but increased sharply after hormone injections. The concentration of all three urinary metabolites increased as a result of testosterone injections with estradiol not modulating the effect. The effect of testosterone was not gender dependent. The concentration of free felinine,N‐acetylfelinine and 3‐methylbutanolglutathione in the urine remained low in the placebo control group throughout the study. The relative molar contribution of free felinine to the total amount of felinine containing compounds increased due to testosterone treatment, while the contribution of 3‐methylbutanolglutathione andN‐acetylfelinine decreased. Testosterone increases free felinine,N‐acetylfelinine and 3‐methylbutanolglutathione excretion in castrated adult male and intact female cats, whereas estradiol does not modulate this effect.
Nutritional value and physiological effects of soya‐free diets fed to rats during growth and reproduction
Authors: Pastuszewska B. , Taciak M. , Ochtabińska A. , Tuśnio A. , Misztal T. , Romanowicz K. , Morawski A. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe objective of the study was to assess the effects of substitution milk and egg for soya products in breeding diets for rats, with concomitant decrease of the dietary protein level and supplementation with amino acids. Soya‐containing (S) and two soya‐free (NS and NSA) diets were evaluated as protein and energy sources, and their effects on reproductive performance during two cycles, and on the quality of the offspring were assessed. Organ weights were registered in females and blood parameters were determined in males. In the offspring males from S and NS groups, plasma LH, testosterone and prolactin levels were measured on the 22nd and the 60th day of life. The S diet contained more protein of smaller concentration of methionine and cystine and lower biological value than both NS and NSA diets and promoted similar post‐weaning growth rate, similar body weight changes of dams during gestation and lactation and slightly lower mating efficiency. Within each reproductive cycle, the number and individual and total body weight of newborn and weanling pups did not differ but in two cycles mean number of neonates per litter and mean litter weight were significantly lower on S than on NSA diet. Plasma concentration of hormones did not differ in 22‐day‐old offspring males while in the older ones LH and prolactin levels were higher in animals fed on S than on NS diet. It is concluded that replacing soya protein by milk and egg protein with concomitant lowering dietary protein level and amino acid supplementation does not impair the growth rate and tends to improve reproductive performance. Feeding soya‐free vs. soya‐containing diets differentiates hormonal status of young males.
Growth, haematology, blood constituents and immunological status of lambs fed graded levels of animal feed grade damaged wheat as substitute of maize
Authors: Tripathi M. K. , Mondal D. , Karim S. A. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to explore possibilities of utilization of animal feed grade damaged wheat (ADW) in lamb feeding, and assess the effect of ADW and its aflatoxin on intake, growth, haematology, blood biochemical constituents and immunological status. The ADW is a slightly mouldy feed resource, which is not suitable for human consumption. The experimental ADW contained dry matter (DM) 964, organic matter 974, crude protein 153, cellulose 205 and lignin 24, and starch 732 g/kg DM. ADW also contained aflatoxin B1 50 μg/kg due to mould infestation. Thirty‐five weaner lambs (90 ± 15 days of age and 16.1 ± 0.82 kg body weight) in a randomized design were fed for 91 days on one of four composite feed mixtures (roughage to concentrate ratio of 25:75) containing 0, 118, 235, 353 or 470 g/kg ADW, which replaced equal amounts of maize and at these inclusion levels ADW replaced 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% maize in lamb diets respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar in different level of ADW fed lambs but ADW inclusion linearly (p = 0.016) reduced DMI. Average daily gain (g/day) was higher (p = 0.038) in lambs fed 353 g ADW diet. Haematological attributes viz. WBC, haemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume did not affect by ADW feeding whereas it increased haematocrit, mean cell Hb and decreased neutrophil, RBC counts and mean cell Hb concentration. Blood glucose and urea‐N increased whereas albumin and protein level reduced by ADW feeding. ADW feeding of lambs did not affect serum IgG level. The activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphates and acid phosphates were not affected, whereas alanine aminotransferase increased linearly (p = 0.001) with increasing levels of ADW. It is concluded that ADW containing aflatoxin B1 50 μg/kg DM can safely be incorporated in growing lamb feeding up to 353 g/kg diet without affecting growth and cellular immunity, however ADW may induce a transient alteration of hepatic enzymatic activities. Further aflatoxin content of the diet should be kept within permissible limits of respective country.
Influence of amount and type of dietary fat on deposition, adipocyte count and iodine number of abdominal fat in broiler chickens
Authors: Wongsuthavas S. , Terapuntuwat S. , Wongsrikeaw W. , Katawatin S. , Yuangklang C. , Beynen A. C. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThis study described the relation between the type and amount of dietary fat on the deposition of abdominal fat by broiler chickens. It was hypothesized that at higher fat intakes, the well‐known lowering effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the deposition of abdominal fat would be diminished. Experimental diets were formulated to contain three levels of added fat (3%, 6% and 9%). Each level had different proportions of the saturated fatty acids (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) by installing the ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5 with the use of tallow and soybean oil. Arbor Acres chicks, aged 7 days, were fed one of the 15 experimental diets until they were aged 42 days. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. There was no systematic effect of the dietary fat type and the amount on the weight gain and the feed intake. The lowest SFA:UFA ratio of 1:5 produced the lowest feed conversion rates, irrespective of the amount of the fat in the diet. The abdominal fat deposition was similar in the birds fed on diets containing either 3% or 6% added fat, but deposition was lower than in those fed 9% fat. A decrease in the SFA:UFA ratio of the diet was associated with a dose‐dependent decrease in abdominal fat, irrespective of the amount of fat in the diet. This observation leads to the rejection of the hypothesis stated above. A decrease in the dietary SFA:UFA from 1:1 to 1:4 caused a decrease in the number of the fat cells per surface unit of breast meat. It is concluded that an increased intake of soybean oil at the expense of tallow reduced the abdominal fat deposition and the number of fat cells in the breast meat of broiler chickens.
Factors affecting variation in seed production in the heterostylous herbPrimula modesta
Authors: SHIMONO AYAKO , WASHITANI IZUMI 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSpatial and temporal variation in the seed production of a species and the various factors affecting seed production provide essential information for understanding biotic and abiotic controls on reproduction and for assessing population trends. We conducted a 4‐year study combining field observations and pollination experiments to evaluate the major factors causing variation in seed production ofPrimula modestaat two sites (fen and grassy sites) on Mt Asama in central Japan.Primula modestaswitched from a vegetative to reproductive life phase at a stage that depended on its accumulation of biomass, and the number of flowers produced by each plant was also highly correlated with plant size. Plants at the grassy site, where snow melts 2–3 weeks earlier than at the fen site, can accumulate more biomass and, thus, bear more flowers and ovules than those at the fen site. AlthoughP. modestais distylous with both self and intramorph incompatibility, pollen availability did not limit seed production at either site. Annual seed production was relatively constant at both sites over the four seasons except 2002, but it was influenced by many environmental factors, including stochastic events, and by antagonistic interactions with herbivores and pathogens. In 2002, many flowers failed to bloom at the fen site. This was likely caused by frost damage to flower buds because of an unusually early snowmelt in that year. Unusual climatic events may be a crucial factor causing spatial and temporal variation in seed production at our study sites. Longer‐term observations are needed to evaluate the effect of unusual climatic events on reproduction.
Evaluation of the use of PTQTMimplants for the treatment of incontinent patients due to internal anal sphincter dysfunction
Authors: De La Portilla F. , Fernández A. , León E. , Rada R. , Cisneros N. , Maldonado V. H. , Vega J. , Espinosa E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective  This study reports the results of injectable silicone PTQTM implants for faecal incontinence due to internal anal sphincter (IAS) dysfunction.Method  Twenty patients (12 women) with partial faecal incontinence aged from 55 to 65 years were treated by a PTQTM implant. All patients completed the Cleveland Clinic Continence and Quality of Life questionnaire. Endoluminal ultrasound and anorectal physiological testing were performed in each patient. All implants were inserted into the submucosal plane without ultrasound guidance.Results  Faecal continence was significantly improved up to 1 year. The Wexner continence score fell from a median of 13.05 (range, 5–20) before treatment to 4.5 (range 2–7.7) at 1 month after (P < 0.005). This rose gradually to 6.2 (range, 0–16) at one year (P = 0.02) and 9.4 (range, 1–20) at 2 years (P = 0.127). There were no differences in resting or squeeze pressure before and at 3 months after treatment (P = 0.86 and P = 0.93). Fourteen (70%) patients experienced pruritus ani during the first few weeks after the procedure and one developed infection at the implant site.Conclusion  Silicone implantation is minimally invasive and technically simple. It is effective over 1 year in the treatment of faecal incontinence due to IAS dysfunction.
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: local recurrence rate following resection of rectal cancer
Authors: Whitehouse P. A. , Armitage J. N. , Tilney H. S. , Simson J. N. L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective  Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a safe and effective treatment for the excision of benign rectal adenomas. In recent years it has been used for the excision of malignant lesions, although its use in this context remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the local recurrence of rectal cancers following local excision by TEM.Method  Forty‐two patients with rectal cancer were treated by TEM between 1998 and 2005. However, six patients went on to have immediate radical surgery and are excluded from the study. Of the remaining 36 the treatment intention was for cure in 16 (38.1%), compromise in 17 patients unfit for radical surgery (40.5%), and palliation in three (7.1%).Results  The mean age of patients was 75 years (range 41–90). The mean lesion area was 15 cm2 (range 0.8–42) and mean distance from the dentate line was 6.6 cm (range 0–11). The mean follow up was 34 months (range 4–94). During the follow‐up period there have been eight local recurrences (22%). The recurrence rates were 26% (6/23) for pT1, 22% (2/9) for pT2 and 0% (0/4) for pT3 lesions. The mean time to recurrence was 18.3 months (range 5–42).Conclusion  Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a safe procedure with obvious advantages over radical procedures. However, in this study the local recurrence rate is high. The recurrence rate may be an acceptable compromise in elderly or medically unfit patients but is hard to justify for curative intent.
Awareness of investigations and treatment of faecal incontinence among the general practitioners: a postal questionnaire survey
Authors: Thekkinkattil D. K. , Lim M. , Finan P. J. , Sagar P. M. , Burke D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective  Faecal incontinence is a distressing condition that can result in significant embarrassment and limitation of routine activities. General practitioners (GP) are the primary carers of such patients. There are recent developments in the surgical treatment options for this under‐reported condition. Awareness of these changes is required to make the best use of them. To the best knowledge of the authors, no studies have examined the awareness of investigations and treatment options for faecal incontinence amongst GPs. This is the focus of our study.Method  A confidential questionnaire was posted to GPs in the Yorkshire region. The questionnaire was designed to assess: first, the basic knowledge of GPs with regard to prevalence, investigations and treatment modalities of faecal incontinence and secondly, the patterns of consultations and referrals of patients with faecal incontinence.Results  One thousand and one hundred questionnaires were posted. Five hundred and four were returned giving a response rate of 48.5% (n = 504). The prevalence assessed by the GPs is similar to that by population based surveys. Only 32% (n = 162) of GPs were aware of at least one investigation. Similarly only 32% of the GP's were aware of at least one form of surgical treatment. The knowledge of UK centres where these facilities are available was limited (60% not aware). Only one quarter of the GPs referred the patients to the surgical specialties. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in the level of knowledge of investigation and treatments between the GPs who see patients with faecal incontinence more frequently compared with those who see such patients infrequently (P‐values 0.298 and 0.432 respectively).Conclusion  The level of awareness of investigation modalities and treatment options for faecal incontinence is limited among GPs. Knowledge of the existence of diagnostic tests and surgical treatment options for faecal incontinence and the centres with these facilities is needed for the best utilization of the technical resources and expertise. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of this lack of knowledge on the quality of patient care. Better communication between referral centres and GPs, combined with continuing medical education programmes, may be useful tools to improve appropriate patient management.
Results of a national survey among Dutch surgeons treating patients with colorectal carcinoma. Current opinion about follow‐up, treatment of metastasis, and reasons to revise follow‐up practice
Authors: Grossmann I. , De Bock G. H. , Van De Velde C. J. H. , Kievit J. , Wiggers T. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective  Follow‐up after curative resection of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has been subjected to debate concerning its effectiveness to reduce cancer mortality. Current national and international guidelines advise CEA measurements every 3 months during 3 years after surgery. The common clinical practice and opinion about follow‐up for colorectal carcinoma, was evaluated by means of a survey among Dutch general surgeons.Method  A web‐based survey of follow‐up after treatment of CRC was sent to all registered Dutch general surgeons. A reply from 246 surgeons treating patients for colorectal carcinoma in 105 out of 118 hospitals was received (response rate 91%). Questions related to actual follow‐up protocol, opinion about serum CEA monitoring, liver and/or lung metastasectomy, and motivation to participate in a new trial concerning follow‐up.Results  For the majority of surgeons the length of follow‐up was influenced by age of the patient (62%) and physical condition (76%) prohibiting hepatic metastasectomy. The generally accepted follow‐up protocol consisted of CEA measurements every 3 months in the first year and six‐monthly thereafter, and ultrasound examination of the liver every 6 months. Nearly all surgeons (92%) were willing to participate in a new study of follow‐up protocol.Conclusion  The adherence to national guidelines for the follow‐up of colorectal carcinoma is low. The indistinctness about follow‐up after curative treatment of colorectal carcinoma also affects clinical practice. Recent advancements in imaging techniques, liver and lung surgery have changed circumstances, which are not yet anticipated upon in current guidelines. Renewal of follow‐up based upon scientific evidence is required.