bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Random Factors and Two Different Staining Procedures on Computer‐assisted Sperm Head Morphometry in Bulls
Authors: Boersma A.A. , Braun J. , Stolla R. 
Published: October 2007

ContentsComputer‐assisted sperm analysis has the potential to improve reproducibility and objectivity in the assessment of sperm morphology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a computer‐assisted sperm morphometry analysis system for the determination of sperm head dimensions in bulls. Two experiments were performed to determine the variability caused by random factors and the influence of two different staining procedures. In the first experiment, three ejaculates were collected from each of five clinically healthy bulls. Air‐dried semen smears were stained using a modified Farelly staining. The slides were observed via bright field microscopy with green filter using a 100× oil immersion objective. A video camera attached to the microscope transmitted images to a personal computer. Each sperm head was identified and analysed by the computer software (Morphology Analyzer V. 1.5; Mika Medical GmbH, Ismaning, Germany). Area, length and width of each sperm head were calculated and stored in a database for further statistical analysis. A minimum of 100 sperm heads were evaluated per slide. In experiment 2, the influence of two different staining procedures (Farelly and Papanicolaou) on sperm head dimensions was determined.The mean spermatozoal head measurements across all slides for area, length and width were 40.49 μm2, 9.70 μm and 5.30 μm, respectively. On the basis of these results, the variability between slides, ejaculates and bulls using variance component estimation was calculated. All random factors (bull, ejaculate and slide) had a significant effect (p < 0.001) on sperm head dimensions. However, the variability attributable to bull (18.89–51.72%) was considerably higher compared with that of slide and ejaculate (0.17–5.27%). Additionally, differences existed between bulls concerning the shape and normality of histograms of their sperm head dimensions. The minimum number of spermatozoa required for analysis of sperm head dimensions was found to be about 60 spermatozoa per sample. The use of Papanicolaou stain resulted in significantly smaller sperm head dimensions, e.g. sperm head area 31.48 versus 38.35 μm2 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, computer‐assisted sperm head morphometry provides an objective, precise and reproducible tool. Comparisons of results from different studies should consider the influence of random and experimental factors to avoid misinterpretation.
Three Fluorescence Methods for Assessing Boar Sperm Viability
Authors: Juonala T. , Salonen E. , Nurttila T. , Andersson M. 
Published: October 2007

ContentsThis study compares three fluorescence methods for the evaluation of boar sperm viability and examines the interrelationships between fluorescence viability and motility of liquid semen, stored for 7 days, and fertility. One artificial insemination dose from each of 102 boars was stored for 7 days at 20°C. Plasma membrane integrity was evaluated in three different ways. First, a combination of two fluorophore probes, calcein acetylmethyl ester and ethidium homodimer‐1 (EH), was used to stain samples for fluorescence microscopic analysis by making semen smears. Secondly, semen samples were stained with EH with and without the addition of a detergent (ATP‐releasing reagent), and fluorescence intensities were measured with a fluorometer. Thirdly, fluorometric evaluation was carried out in the same pattern as with EH, by means of a more permeable, less specific DNA fluorochrome (more interference with RNA), Hoechst 33258. Computer‐assisted motility assessment gave the values for total, rapid and progressive motility and path velocity in semen stored for 7 days. Fertility of the boars was determined by the nonreturn (NR%) rate within 60 days of first inseminations and litter size of multiparous farrowings. The results showed that all three fluorescence methods were strongly intercorrelated. All plasma membrane integrity parameters correlated significantly with motility parameters and with fertility parameters (NR% and litter size of multiparous farrowings), but motility parameters did not correlate with NR%. It seems that fluorometric measurement could prove useful for plasma membrane integrity studies in liquid boar semen. Use of the objective and fast fluorometer‐based viability assay is thus suitable for several applications in sperm studies.
Early Breeding and Pregnancy Diagnosis in Syrian Awassi Sheep Yearlings
Authors: Al‐Merestani M.R. , Zarkawi M. , Wardeh M. 
Published: October 2007

ContentsFifty‐nine female yearlings of local Awassi sheep were randomly divided into two groups. Animals in group T (treated) were fitted with intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate for 14 days followed by 400 IU of pregnant mare’s serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) at sponge withdrawal, whereas group C (control) received no treatment. Oestrus rate was 92.7 and 11.2% for groups T and C, respectively. Lambing rate was 78 and 5.6% for groups T and C, respectively. Twinning rate was 31.3% in group T compared to zero in group C. Average birth weight for single born lambs (4.7 ± 0.6 kg) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than twin born lambs (3.0 ± 0.5 kg) in group T. The average concentration of blood progesterone collected between days 17–19 after mating was 19.30 nmol/l and the accuracy of early pregnancy diagnosis was 100%. It was concluded that, it is possible to induce synchronized oestrus, and to increase the twinning rate in Syrian Awassi sheep yearlings outside the breeding season, using intravaginal sponges and PMSG. In addition, early pregnancy diagnosis could be successfully determined in female Awassi sheep yearlings between days 17–19 after mating.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Cod Liver Oil on Cold Shock and Freezability of Boar Semen
Authors: Paulenz H. , Taugbøl O. , Kommisrud E. , Grevle I.S. 
Published: October 2007

ContentsThe effect of dietary supplementation with cod liver oil (CLO), which is rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), on resistance to cold shock and on freezability of boar semen was investigated. Ejaculates from 29 fertile Norwegian Landrace boars, randomly divided into control (n = 15) and CLO‐group (n = 14), were frozen before and after a 12 week period of daily oil supplementation. Before each freezing, semen samples were taken to determine the fatty acid composition of the spermatozoa. Docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6n‐3; DHA) was the major fatty acid in total lipids. The n‐3 fatty acid DHA increased in the CLO‐group from 25.5 to 32.1% at the expense of the n‐6 docosapentaenoic acid (22 : 5n‐6), which decreased from 11.3 to 4.2% (p < 0.0001). The concentration of these fatty acids were unchanged in the control group. There was also a significant decrease of other PUFAs in the CLO‐group (p < 0.05). Eicosapentaenoic acid (20 : 5n‐3) was not found in any sample. At four different steps of the preservation process (30, 15, 5°C and after freezing/thawing) both motility and acrosome integrity were assessed. No significant differences were found either within or between the groups at any of the steps. In conclusion, CLO‐supplementation alters the lipid composition of the membranes of boar spermatozoa, however, this does not seem to have any beneficial effect on cold shock and freezability of boar semen.
Distribution of T cells in the Endometrium of the Mare 6 and 48 h after Insemination
Authors: Tunón A‐M. , Nummijärvi A. , Katila T. , Magnusson U. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H. 
Published: October 2007

ContentsIn order to study the T‐cell response after the introduction of semen into the uterine cavity, the distribution of helper T cells (CD4+) and cytotoxic/suppressor T cells (CD8+) was examined immunohistochemically in endometrial biopsy specimens. Endometrial tissue samples were obtained from 19 gynaecologically healthy mares during oestrus, both before and 6 or 48 h after deposition of a single dose of neat stallion semen. An increase (p = 0.04) in the numbers of helper T cells (CD4+) was observed at 6 h after insemination; thereafter the number of CD4+ cells decreased to pre‐insemination values by 48 h after insemination. No significant variations in numbers of CD8+ cells were recorded either 6 or 48 h after insemination. There seems to be an early (6 h), recruitment of helper T cells into the equine endometrium after semen deposition, which might be related to the activation of the endometritis‐like reaction seen as part of the equine uterine immune defence system during oestrus.
Transfer of Beef Embryos in Dairy Cows: Influence of Recipient and Embryo Quality on Pregnancy Rate and Calving Performance
Authors: Hanekamp W.J.A. 
Published: October 2007

ContentsOn three experimental farms 205 deep frozen Blonde d’Aquitaine embryos were transferred into Holstein dairy cows 7 days after a spontaneous heat. The aim of the study was firstly to examine the influence of recipient and embryo quality on pregnancy rate and secondly to study the calving performance of dairy cows carrying beef embryos. Recipients were divided into three groups based on the quality of the corpus luteum (unsuitable, moderately suitable and suitable) established by rectal palpation. Embryos classified as fair, good and excellent, were randomly distributed over the recipients, including those classified as being unsuitable. The overall pregnancy rate was 36% (standard deviation (SD) = 3.3), dystocia occurred in 48% of births (SD = 5.9), gestation was 297 days (SD = 1.2) and birth weight was 52 kg (SD = 2.0). No statistical differences were found in pregnancy rates and calving performance between the groups of recipients or between the classes of embryos. It is concluded that there is no justification to reject recipients on the basis of the quality of the corpus luteum. Furthermore there is no reason to reject fair embryos for transfer. Beef embryos in dairy cows resulted in much dystocia because of high birth weight, and in long gestation periods.
Flow Cytometric Assessment of Acrosomal Status and Viability of Dog Spermatozoa
Authors: Peña A.I. , Quintela L.A. , Herradón P.G. 
Published: October 2007

ContentsA procedure was attempted to simultaneously evaluate viability and acrosomal integrity of dog spermatozoa by flow cytometry and the dual staining technique using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA) and propidium iodide (PI). Three ejaculates were obtained from three dogs; each of which was divided into five aliquots and increasing concentrations (0–288 μmol/l) of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) were added to each one to artificially induce the acrosome reaction in different proportions of spermatozoa. Data obtained by flow cytometric analysis of each sample were compared with those obtained by microscopic evaluation under epifluorescence illumination and by light microscopy evaluation of smears stained with Spermac® staining. Regression analysis was used to compare the flow cytometric assay with the epifluorescence and light microscopic techniques, and the results indicated that flow cytometry was highly correlated with the Spermac® staining whereas the correlation with the epifluorescence microscopy was lower. In comparison with the Spermac® staining, the results from this study validate flow cytometry as a precise method for evaluating the acrosomal integrity of canine spermatozoa.
Enzymatic Development of the Human Fetus: Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase in the Liver and Red Cells of the Human Fetus
Authors: Mino Makoto , Takeuchi Toru , Takai Toshio 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe studies were undertaken to examine changes in glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity during development of human fetal liver and red cells. In the liver, high activity of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase was observed through 6 months of gestation. Thereafter, the activity promptly decreased and remained in the range of the adult level. In the red cells, the highest level of enzyme activity was observed during the earliest fetal life. However, the activity of the enzyme in fetal liver was found to be about a thousand times greater than that of the fetal red cells. Accordingly, the high level of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the human phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the human fetal liver may not be a consequence only of contamination by the erythrocyte enzyme.
Characteristic Features of Lymphocyte Functions in Neonates
Authors: Yata J. , Tanaka J. , Hirokawa K. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn order to evaluate the immunological functions of neonates on the cellular base, various in vitro functions of cord lymphocytes were studied. The ability of B‐cells to differentiate into immunoglobulin (Ig) producing cells and that of T‐cells to help the differentiation of B‐cells were quite insufficient in cord lymphocytes. Most of cord T‐cells suppressed Ig production from adult lymphocytes, which indicated the activation of suppressor T‐cells. This suppression seemed to be mediated by humoral factor(s) and to be the result of activation of both suppressor and suppressor‐inducer among cord T‐cells. The killer T‐cell activity against allogeneic cells seemed to be fully developed. However mitogen induced cytotoxicity of T‐cells was low in most cases. Natural killer activity of cord lymphocytes was variable according to the targets.
One Aspect of Immunoregulatory Mechanism during the Fetal Period on the Immunosuppressive Effect of α‐fetoprotein1
Authors: Ito S. , Yoshino K. , Okitsu S. , Ushijima H. , Hashira S. , Hashimoto G. , Fujii R. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe effect of AFP on in vitro anti‐SRBC PFC response was evaluated in order to clarify the mechanism by which the immunosuppressive activity of AFP was exerted. T/μ and Tγ cells were precultured with AFP and these precultured cells were added to the in vitro lymphocyte culture system. Anti‐SRBC PFC response was more significantly inhibited with the addition of AFP‐precultured Tμ cells than with AFP‐precultured Tγ cells. These results indicated that the immunosuppressive activity of AFP might be mediated by Tμ (helper T) cells. The possible mechanism of immunosuppression during the fetal and neonatal periods are discussed.
The Silver‐Russell Syndrome: A Case with Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Kai Hiroshi , Nose Osamu , Harada Tokuzo , Okada Shintaro , Yabuuchi Hyakuji 
Published: October 2007

AbstractQuantitative gonadotropin responses to luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) and testicular responses to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have not been reported in patients with the Silver‐Russell syndrome (SRS). We evaluated hypothalamic‐pituitary gonadal functions in a 12‐year‐old boy with SRS, who showed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.
The Niemann‐Pick Mouse: Sphingomyelinase and phosphodiesterase assay on clipped tail.
Authors: Sakiyama T. , Tsuda M. , Nakabayashi H. , Kitagawa T. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn the newly discovered Niemann‐Pick affected mice, sphingomyelinase and phosphodiesterase activities in clipped tail homogemates failed to help determine the genetic status of this disease, which is characterized by a sphingomyelinase deficiency. The cause for this failure might be the existence of neutral sphingomyelinase which contributed to a wide scatter of the results. The age of the specimens probably had no effect on those results. Finally, during tail enzyme analysis, Bis‐(4MU)‐pyrophosphatase activity in an affected liver showed different characteristics than a normal liver.
Treatment of a Patient with Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency with Essential Amino Acids and Sodium Benzoate
Authors: Kodama Hiroko , Nose Osamu , Tajiri Hitoshi , Maki Ichiro , Yabuuchi Hyakuji 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA patient with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (8‐year‐old) was treated by protein restriction and oral administration of essential amino acids, arginine and sodium benzoate for 13 months. During the period of therapy, her growth and weight gain were slightly improved. Parameters of nutritional assessments, such as N balance, lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood, serum albumin and urinary 3‐methylhistidine were also improved during the therapy.
Mite Antigen in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Furusho Kenshi , Sato Katsuko , Soeda Takeshi , Kimoto Keiichi , Okabe Takahiro , Hirota Tsuneo , Sasai Kazuhiko , Tani Shigeki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe relation between house dust mite antigen and Kawasaki disease (KD) wasexamined immunologically in 60 patients with KD.

In most patients, the serum IgE was significantly raised during the acute phase of the disease and fell gradually during convalescence. 2) Although anti‐mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) specific IgE (RAST) values during the illness were significantly raised in only 15 patients (25%) when expressed as RAST scores, there was a correlation between serum IgE and anti‐mite specific IgE (expressed as counts/min) (r=0.56; p<0.01). 3) An intradermal skin test on reactivity to mite antigen gave positive or false‐positive in 34 of 60 patients (57%) transiently or persistently during the illness. 4) The serum levels of anti‐mite (D.pteronyssinus) specific IgG were estimated by the IgG RAST method. In 15 of 20 patients (75%) RAST values were persistently or transiently high. 5) The presence of mite antigen in circulating immune complexes in the patients was examined by Raji cell assay and the direct fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled anti‐mite rabbit gammaglobulin method. In three of eight patients specific fluorescence was seen on the surface of cells. 6) The proliferative responses of lymphocytes to mite ryltigen and phytohaemaglutinin (PHA) were examined in six patients. The response to mite antigen of lymphocytes from the patients was significantly higher than those of age‐matched controls (p<0.0.1). 7) More mite (Dermatophagoides spp) were found in house dust collected from the homes of 12 patients than in that of dust from 10 control homes (p<0.0 1).

These results support the hypotheses that mite antigen may invade the body via the upper respiratory tract and act as a respiratory allergen and form circulating immune complexes, resulting in an immune copledx disease such as vasculitis.
Histological Characteristics of the Coronary Arteries of Infants and Young Children, and their Implications in the Development of Coronary Arteritis in Kawasaki's Disease.
Authors: Kageyama Keizo , Mikata Atsuo , Torikata Chikao , Aiba Motohiko , Harigaya Kenichi M. , Mukai Makio , Tamai Seiichi , Kawakita Hirobumi , Huang Tsong Chien , Miyauchi Jun , Shimizu Koichi , Morikawa Yukio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn order to clarify the factors leading to coronary arteritis in Kawasaki's disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, MCLS), the coronary arteries of 24 control infant cases without a history of MCLS were carefully studied.The media of the coronary artery at the point where it branches from the aorta consists of an inner layer of smooth muscle continuous from the aorta and an outer circular muscle of the coronary artery proper. In all 24 cases, fibrous intimal thickening and distortion of the inner medial layer were found.Since the site of these changes corresponded well to the most frequent location of arteritis in MCLS, these changes may play an important role in the development of arteritis. These changes were thought to be the result of physiological accommodation against neonatal hemorheological changes.
Development of Adipose Tissue with Special Reference to Recovery from Adipose Hypocellularity in Congential Heart Disease.
Authors: Morikawa Yoshiyuki , Osano Mitsuru , Tsuji Atsutoshi , Koori Takeo , Kimura Kazuhiro , Kojima Yoshibumi , Wakabayashi Ryo , Hayano Shinya , Murai Takayasu , Yanai Jun 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThirty two children with normal growth and development for age, and 57 children with serious congenital heart disease were investigated for height, weight, total body fat, fat cell size, total fat cell number, and lean body mass as a function of age. Examination of fat samples was carried out by a modification of the method of Hirsch and Gallian. In children with normal growth (ages 1–14 years) fat cell number continues to increase, but fat cell size does not change with increasing age. Reduced fat in congenital heart disease is primarily due to decreased fat cell number. If cardiac defects are repaired between 1 and 5 years of age recovery of flat cell number can be achieved.
Chromosomal Analysis of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: As a Routine Examination for Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Shikano Takaaki , Ueno Norihiro , Matsumoto Takahide , Ohkawa Masato , Tonooka Tatsuhito 
Published: October 2007

AbstractChromosomal analysis was performed as a routine examination for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in six cases encountered during a one‐year period. The results obtained are as follows. 1. Chromosomal abnormality of leukemic cells was observed in five out of six cases (approximately 80%). 2. Translocation 4; 11 or 14q+, which are known as a risk factor of ALL, were observed in three patients. Two of three patients died within six months of the onset of disease. One case was diagnosed as congenital leukemia with remarkable leukocytosis, and the other case was accompanied by hypereosinophilic syndrome. The remaining one patient, who is now in complete remission, is 13 years old, which is within the period of risk ages exceeding 10 years of age. 3. The case with 1q+ had no risk factor; however, he had a relapse 19 months after the diagnosis. Thus this particular chromosomal rearrangement appeared to be one of the risk factors. 4. The case with 6q‐, which has been reported to have a good prognosis in some cases of ALL, has no risk factor, and has been in complete remission. These results seem to confirm the usefulness of chromosomal analysis for the evaluation of the clinical course of ALL.
Standardization of the severity of exercise‐induced bronchospasm in Japanese children with asthma:‐ A report of the Committee on Standardization of EIB, Japanese Society of Pediatric Allergy‐
Authors: Nishima Sankei , Akasaka Tohru , Arai Yasuo , Likura Yoji , Shinomiya Keisuke , Teramichi Yoshiaki , Torii Shinpei , Mikawa Haruki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe correlation between the severity of asthmatic symptoms and of EIB (exercise‐induced bronchospasm) was studied by changes in PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate). This was accomplished by bicycle ergometer exercise of 12.6 kpm/kg of body weight for 6 minutes, or by treadmill exercise of 6km/h, 10% incline for 6 minutes, by children with bronchial asthma in 7 institutions in Japan (both inpatients and outpatients).The incidence of EIB in those using bicycle ergometers was 63.7%, and the clinical severity paralleled the EIB severity closely, showing complete agreement in 71% and almost complete agreement in 94%. The severity of EIB was as follows: no EIB in less than 15%, mild EIB in15–20%, moderate EIB in 21 ‐45%, and severe EIB in over 45%.The incidence of EIB in those using the treadmill was 65.2% and did not correlate as well as with the clinical severity as in those using the bicycle ergometer. The maximum % fall in PEFR of those judged to be EIB positive using the treadmill was more than 25%.We recommend the use of the bicycle ergometer to determine the severity of bronchial asthma in children.