bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcal and micrococcal adherence to canine and feline corneocytes: quantification using a simple adhesion assay
Authors: Lu Yi‐Fang , McEwan Neil A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn this paper a simple adhesion assay suitable for the assessment of bacterial adhesion to both canine and feline corneocytes is described. Using this assay Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus chromogenes were shown to adhere well to both canine and feline corneocytes. The numbers of adherent bacteria were, however, generally lower for feline corneocytes. Both Staphylococcus hominis and a Micrococcus species adhered poorly to canine and feline corneocytes. This is the first report documenting bacterial adhesion to feline corneocytes.
Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro
Authors: Fischer T. W. , Hipler U. C. , Elsner P. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common problem in men of all ages, affecting approximately 50% at 50 years of age. The underlying cause is an androgen‐dependent miniaturization of genetically predetermined hair follicles. Here, the hair organ culture model was used to investigate the effects of testosterone and caffeine; the latter being a promising candidate for hair growth stimulation.Methods  Hair follicles from 14 biopsies, taken from the vertex areas from male AGA patients, were cultivated for 120–192 h in vitro with normal William's E medium (control) or William's E medium containing different concentrations of testosterone and/or caffeine. Hair shaft elongation was measured daily and at the end of cultivation, cryosections of follicles were stained with Ki‐67 to evaluate the degree and localization of keratinocyte proliferation.Results  Significant growth suppression was found in hair follicles treated with 5 µg/ml testosterone. This was counteracted by caffeine in concentrations of 0.001% and 0.005%. Moreover, caffeine alone led to a significant stimulation of hair follicle growth. These results were confirmed immunohistochemically by Ki‐67 staining.Conclusions  Androgen‐dependent growth inhibition of ex vivo hair follicles from patients suffering from AGA was present in the human hair organ culture model, a constellation which may serve for future studies to screen new substances against androgen‐dependent hair loss. Caffeine was identified as a stimulator of human hair growth in vitro; a fact which may have important clinical impact in the management of AGA.
Evaluation of Fertilizing Potential of Frozen‐thawed dog Spermatozoa Diluted in ACP‐106®using anIn VitroSperm–Oocyte Interaction Assay
Authors: Cardoso RCS , Silva AR , Silva LDM , Chirinéa VH , Souza FF , Lopes MD 
Published: January 2007

ContentsThe aim of present study was to evaluate frozen canine semen with ACP‐106®(Powder Coconut Water) using anin vitrosperm–oocyte interaction assay (SOIA). Ten ejaculates from five stud dogs were diluted in ACP‐106®containing 20% egg yolk, submitted to cooling in a thermal box for 40 min and in a refrigerator for 30 min. After this period, a second dilution was performed using ACP‐106®containing 20% egg yolk and 12% glycerol. Samples were thawed at 38°C for 1 min. Post‐thaw motility was evaluated by light microscopy and by using a computer aided semen analysis (CASA). Plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology/acrosomal status were evaluated by fluorescent probes (C‐FDA/PI) and Bengal Rose respectively. Moreover, frozen‐thawed semen was analysed by a SOIA. Subjective post‐thaw motility was 52.0 ± 14.8% and it was significant higher than the total motility estimated by CASA (23.0 ± 14.8%) because this system considered the egg yolk debris as immotile spermatozoa. Although normal sperm rate and acrosomal integrity evaluated by Bengal Rose stain was 89.6 ± 3.1% and 94.3 ± 3.1%, respectively, post‐thaw percentage of intact plasma membrane was only 35.1 ± 14.3%. Regarding SOIA, the percentage of interacted oocytes (bound, penetrated and bound and/or penetrated) was 75.3%. Using regression analysis, it was found significant relations between some CASA patterns and data for SOIA. In conclusion, the freezing‐thawing procedure using ACP‐106®was efficient for maintain thein vitrofertility potential of dog spermatozoa.
Insemination with Sex Sorted Fresh Bovine Spermatozoa Processed in the Presence of Antioxidative Substances
Authors: Klinc P , Frese D , Osmers H , Rath D 
Published: January 2007

ContentsFlow cytometrically sex sorted spermatozoa are reduced in their fertilizing capacity, particularly when stored either in cooling extender or after freezing in liquid nitrogen. So far, preservation methods for sorted spermatozoa have differed only marginally from procedures used for unsorted semen. In the present study, a TRIS extender was modified to balance major cell damage caused by the sorting process and by liquid storage of the sorted spermatozoa. The new extender, containing a combination of antioxidants (AO) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), significantly increased the lifespan and fertilizing capacity of sex sorted spermatozoa. No significant differences were observed between unsorted controls and sorted samples for motility and status of sperm membranes as tested by fluorescein‐isothiocyanat‐peanut agglutinin/propidium iodide (FITC‐PNA/PI). Acrosome integrity of spermatozoa was significantly better when semen was stored at 15°C for 24 and 48 h in an extender containing AO with or without BSA as compared with controls (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences, in pregnancy rates of heifers inseminated at a natural oestrus, between unsorted controls (16/24, 66.7%) and both sorted groups (AO + BSA: 18/31, 58.1% and AO−BSA: 12/22, 54.5%). Additionally, it was shown for the first time that artificial insemination (AI) with liquid sexed bull spermatozoa stored for 72 h after sorting can result in pregnancy rates similar to AI with non‐sorted semen.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress in Bovine Spermatozoa During Flow Cytometric Sorting
Authors: Klinc P , Rath D 
Published: January 2007

ContentsThe goal of the study was to investigate the effect of antioxidant supplementation on the quality of frozen‐thawed flow cytometrically sorted bull spermatozoa. Twelve ejaculates from two Holstein Friesian bulls were sorted according to the Beltsville Sperm Sexing Technology. Each ejaculate was divided into three parts and processed as (i) unsorted controls, (ii) according to a standard sorting protocol and (iii) in the presence of different antioxidants (S‐AO). Cooling and freezing of the samples were performed in the same way for all three groups, except that antioxidants were added to the TRIS‐egg‐yolk freezing extender for those semen samples that were already sorted in the presence of antioxidants. The semen quality in frozen‐thawed samples was determined by morphology analysis immediately after thawing, motility estimation in a thermo‐resistance test after 0, 6, 12 and 24 h incubation at 37°C and Fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated PNA/propidium iodide (FITC‐PNA/PI) staining after 0, 12 and 24 h of incubation at 37°C. There was a significantly higher (p < 0.05) percentage of motile spermatozoa in S‐AO samples in comparison to unsorted frozen‐thawed control at 0, 6 and 24 h after thawing and compared with normally sorted samples at all times after thawing. The percentage of damaged acrosomes was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in S‐AO samples than in the unsorted controls (20.8 ± 6.9% vs 30.3 ± 12.0%). The percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa in this group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the unsorted controls and normally sorted samples (25.8 ± 5.2%, 36.0 ± 12.5% and 35.1 ± 7.4%, respectively). Analysis of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa with FITC/PI revealed no significant difference in membrane integrity at 0 and 12 h after sorting, but after 24 h of incubation the S‐AO samples had a significantly higher (p < 0.001) percentage of spermatozoa with intact membranes in comparison to unsorted controls and normally sorted semen (40.7 ± 6.3%, 7.8 ± 4.7% and 7.4 ± 4.6%, respectively). The percentage of acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the S‐AO samples than in the unsorted controls (14.1 ± 7.5%, 23.4 ± 5.4% and 28.8 ± 6.3% vs 25.9 ± 14.4%, 38.5 ± 16.7% and 79.8 ± 4.1%, for 0, 12 and 24 h after thawing, respectively) and in comparison to normally sorted semen 24 h after thawing (67.3 ± 10.0%). This study demonstrates the highly protective effects of antioxidants on the quality of flow cytometrically sorted frozen‐thawed bull spermatozoa.
Follow up of patients with colorectal polyps: are the BSG guidelines being adhered to?
Authors: Pickard M. , Dewar E. P. , Kapadia R. C. , Khan R. B. N. , Hutchinson I. F. , Nejim A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective  The publication of the BSG guidelines in 2002 provided a framework for the follow up of patients with colorectal polyps. The aim of the present study was to determine whether they had, or were being correctly adhered to in a moderately sized District General Hospital.Method  A total of 598 patients were on the waiting list for colonoscopy at Airedale General Hospital (AGH) in February 2005. Of these, 203 were being followed up as a result of the previous finding of a polyp.Results  Only 14.8% of patients had been or were being followed up according to the BSG guidelines. The majority of the 85.2% of patients who did not comply with follow up did so as a result of over investigation. Seventy‐eight per cent of the low‐risk group and 55% of the intermediate‐risk group had been colonoscoped, or were waiting to have colonoscopy, too soon or too frequently according to the BSG guidelines. Twenty‐four patients with hyperplastic polyps were being followed up incorrectly, as were 17 patients discovered to have a polyp pathology on flexible sigmoidoscopy. It was established that 131 extra colonoscopies had been, or were planned to be performed unnecessarily.Conclusion  These data have major implications with regard to patient safety, service provision and cost to the NHS.
Flexible Integration? Mandatory and Minimum Participation Rules
Authors: Harstad Bård 
Published: January 2007

AbstractFor a club such as the European Union, an important question is whether a subset of the members should be allowed to form “inner clubs” and enhance cooperation. Flexible cooperation allows members to participate if and only if they benefit, but it leads to free‐riding when externalities are positive. I show that flexible cooperation is better if the heterogeneity is large and the externality small, but that rigid cooperation is the political equilibrium too often. Both regimes, however, are extreme variants of a more general system combining mandatory and minimum participation rules. For each rule, I characterize the optimum and the equilibrium.
Effect of fluorocitrate on cerebral oxidation of lactate and glucose in freely moving rats
Authors: Ronald Zielke H. , Zielke Carol L. , Baab Peter J. , Tyson Tildon J. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractGlucose is the primary carbon source to enter the adult brain for catabolic and anabolic reactions. Some studies suggest that astrocytes may metabolize glucose to lactate; the latter serving as a preferential substrate for neurons, especially during neuronal activation. The current study utilizes the aconitase inhibitor fluorocitrate to differentially inhibit oxidative metabolism in glial cells in vivo. Oxidative metabolism of 14C‐lactate and14C‐glucose was monitored in vivo using microdialysis and quantitating 14CO2 in the microdialysis eluate following pulse labeling of the interstitial glucose or lactate pool. After establishing a baseline oxidation rate, fluorocitrate was added to the perfusate. Neither lactate nor glucose oxidation was affected by 5 μmol/L fluorocitrate. However, 20 and 100 μmol/L fluorocitrate reduced lactate oxidation by 55 ± 20% and 68 ± 12%, respectively (p < 0.05 for both). Twenty and 100 μmol/L fluorocitrate reduced 14C‐glucose oxidation by 50 ± 14% (p < 0.05) and 24 ± 19% (ns), respectively. Addition of non‐radioactive lactate to 14C‐glucose plus fluorocitrate decreased 14C‐glucose oxidation by an additional 29% and 38%, respectively. These results indicate that astrocytes oxidize about 50% of the interstitial lactate and about 35% of the glucose. By subtraction, neurons metabolize a maximum of 50% of the interstitial lactate and 65% of the interstitial glucose.
The pharmacological activity of nicotine and nornicotine on nAChRs subtypes: relevance to nicotine dependence and drug discovery
Authors: Papke Roger L. , Dwoskin Linda P. , Crooks Peter A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractCigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco use deliver an array of pharmacologically active alkaloids, including nicotine and ultimately various metabolites of these substances. While nornicotine is a significant component in tobacco as well as a minor systemic metabolite of nicotine, nornicotine appears to be N‐demethylated locally in the brain where it accumulates at relatively high levels after chronic nicotine administration. We have now examined the effects of nornicotine on specific combinations of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits expressed inXenopusoocytes and compared these responses to those evoked by acetylcholine and nicotine. Of the nAChR subtypes studied, we have found that α7 receptors are very responsive to nornicotine (EC50 ≈ 17 μmol/LImax50%, compared with acetylcholine (ACh)). nAChRs containing the ligand‐binding domain of the α6 subunits (in the form of an α6/α3 chimera) are also strongly responsive to nornicotine (EC50≈ 4 μmol/LImax50%, compared with ACh). α7‐type nAChRs have been suggested to be potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and possibly other pathologies. nAChRs containing α6 subunits have been suggested to have a role in nicotine‐evoked dopamine release. Thus, understanding the actions of nornicotine in the brain may have significance for both emerging therapeutics and the management of nicotine dependence.
Attraction of the grapevine moth to host and non‐host plant parts in the wind tunnel: effects of plant phenology, sex, and mating status
Authors: Masante‐Roca Ingwild , Anton Sylvia , Delbac Lionel , Dufour Marie‐Cécile , Gadenne Christophe 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), it has recently been shown that volatiles emitted from the main host plant, grapevine, are attractive to adult females. Here, using wind tunnel experiments, we tested the attractiveness of various grapevine, Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae), plant parts at different phenological stages, including ripe berries infested with the pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Persoon: Fries) (Sclerotiniaceae) to laboratory‐reared virgin and mated male and female moths. We also tested the attractiveness of the non‐host plant, tansy [Tanacetum vulgare (L.) (Asteraceae)], as flowers and flower volatiles were previously shown to be attractive to L. botrana females in the field. Mated female moths were the only adults to exhibit upwind orientation to grape plant parts in the flight tunnel. The most attractive parts of the grapevine plants were leaves, flower buds, and ripe berries. No attraction was observed to flowers. This corresponds to the phenological stages available when females of the 2–3 generations during a year are present in the field. No attraction was observed to leaves and flowers of tansy.
Transdermal Testosterone Gel prn Application for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Premenopausal Women: A Controlled Pilot Study of the Effects on the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale for Females and Sexual Function Questionnaire
Authors: Chudakov Bella , Ben Zion Itzhak Z. , Belmaker R.H. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Several studies suggest that increased plasma testosterone can improve sexual function and desire in post-oophorectomy or postmenopausal women. However, side effects of chronic daily testosterone raise questions about the generalizability of this treatment approach. Sublingual testosterone was reported to cause testosterone levels to peak after 15 minutes and then decline to baseline levels within 90 minutes. Three to 4 hours after reaching testosterone peak, increased genital sensations and sexual lust were reported.

Aim
We hypothesized that a singe dose of testosterone given 4–8 hours prior to planned intercourse in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) might increase desire without side effects associated with chronic use.

Methods
The design was randomized double-blind crossover. Premenstrual women with HSDD received eight packets of gel or identical placebo for use before intercourse twice weekly for 1 month. For a second month, the alternate treatment was given.

Main Outcome Measures
Ratings were performed using the patient-rated Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale for females and the clinician-rated Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ-V1).

Results
Ten patients completed the study. On the five-item self-report Arizona, the item “How easily are you aroused?” was significantly improved on testosterone gel vs. placebo, P =0.03. There were similar trends on the physician-rated SFQ-V1 “arousal–sensation” cluster.

Conclusion
These preliminary results suggest that testosterone gel given prn before intercourse has effects on sexual arousal, and further research is needed to define dosage and time schedule to optimize this effect and determine its clinical relevance.
Rapid Expression of
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
Recombinant Proteins for Antigen Discovery
Authors: Li Lingling , Munir Shirin , Bannantine John P. , Sreevatsan Srinand , Kanjilal Sagarika , Kapur Vivek 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
is the causative agent of Johne's disease, a chronic granulomatous enteritis of ruminants and other species. Detection of infection in animals is hampered by the lack of sensitive and specific diagnostic assays. We describe here an approach that utilizes translationally active PCR fragments for the rapid in vitro transcription and translation of recombinant proteins for antigen discovery in
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
. The investigations showed that the MAP1272c protein selectively reacts with sera from Johne's disease-positive cattle and represents an antigen of potential utility in
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
immunodiagnostics.
Impact of Spiramycin Treatment and Gestational Age on Maturation ofToxoplasma gondiiImmunoglobulin G Avidity in Pregnant Women
Authors: Lefevre-Pettazzoni M. , Bissery A. , Wallon M. , Cozon G. , Peyron F. , Rabilloud M. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTThe objective of the present study was to investigate the maturation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) avidity afterToxoplasma gondiiseroconversion during pregnancy and the factors that affect IgG avidity over time. The study used 309 serum samples from 117 women and a multiple linear mixed regression analysis to show the patterns of variation of IgG avidity throughout gestation. The IgG avidity ratios and the patterns of their evolution with time were quite diverse among the women and were statistically heterogeneous (P= 0.011); however, the trend was toward a statistically significant increase (P< 0.0001). On average, a 1.0167-fold increase was observed for each additional gestational week after the putative date of infection. At 12 weeks after putative infection (the expected IgG avidity maturation time), the mean avidity ratio was 16.6% (95% confidence interval, 15.4 to 17.9%). At all times, the avidity ratio remained significantly heterogeneous among the women (P< 0.05); for 95% of them, that ratio ranged from 7.8 to 35.3% at 12 weeks after putative infection. Maternal age at the putative time of infection did not influence the maturation of IgG avidity. However, on average, a 1.009-fold decrease (P= 0.03) in that avidity was observed for each additional week of gestational age before infection and a 1.03-fold increase (P= 0.0003) was observed for each additional week of delay to the onset of spiramycin treatment. The rate of increase in the avidity ratio was lower if infection occurred late in pregnancy and higher if the delay to treatment was long. This information cannot allow accurate determination of the delay since the time of infection. The present results provide support for interpretation of the assay and caution against overinterpretation.
Association between Mannose-Binding Lectin Deficiency and Septic Shock following Acute Pyelonephritis Due toEscherichia coli
Authors: Smithson Alex , Muñoz Ana , Suarez Belen , Soto Sara Maria , Perello Rafael , Soriano Alex , Martinez Jose Antonio , Vila Jordi , Horcajada Juan Pablo , Mensa Jose , Lozano Francisco 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTStructural and promoterMBL2gene polymorphisms responsible for low MBL levels are associated with increased risk of infection. The objective of this study was to assess the possible association between polymorphisms of theMBL2gene and the incidence of septic shock and bacteremia in patients with acute pyelonephritis due toEscherichia coli. The study included 62 female patients with acute pyelonephritis due toE. coliwho required hospital admission, as well as 133 healthy control subjects. Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (−550 G/C, −221 C/G, +4 C/T, codon 52 CGT/TGT, codon 54 GGC/GAC, and codon 57 GGA/GAA) in theMBL2gene were genotyped by using a sequence-based typing technique. No significant differences were observed in the frequencies for low-expressionMBL2genotypes (O/O and LXA/O) between patients with acute pyelonephritis and healthy controls. Patients with acute pyelonephritis and septic shock had a higher incidence of low-expressionMBL2genotypes than patients with acute pyelonephritis without septic shock (odds ratio = 9.019, 95% confidence interval = 1.23 to 65.93;P= 0.03). No association was found between bacteremic acute pyelonephritis and low-expressionMBL2genotypes. We found that low-expressionMBL2genotypes predispose to septic shock but not to bacteremia in patients withE. coli-induced acute pyelonephritis. Determination ofMBL2polymorphisms could be useful for assessing the risk of septic shock in women undergoing acute pyelonephritis.
First Case of Osteomyelitis Caused by “
Staphylococcus pettenkoferi
”
Authors: Loïez Caroline , Wallet Frédéric , Pischedda Patricia , Renaux Emilie , Senneville Eric , Mehdi Nazim , Courcol René J. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

“
Staphylococcus pettenkoferi
” (proposed name) was identified as an unusual agent of osteomyelitis in a diabetic foot infection. The phenotypical tests used failed to give a good identification. Molecular 16S rRNA gene and
rpoB
sequencing allowed us to correctly identify this new species of coagulase-negative staphylococcus responsible for this chronic infection.