bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracerebroventricular Infusion of Leptin into Mature Merino Rams of Different Metabolic Status: Effects on Blood Concentrations of Glucose and Reproductive and Metabolic Hormones
Authors: Celi P , Blache D , Blackberry MA , Martin GB 
Published: January 2006

ContentsIn mature Merino rams, nutrition is one of the external cues that most strongly affects the reproductive centres of the preoptic‐hypothalamic continuum. The signalling pathways that link dietary status and the activity of the neurones that produce gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone signals are thought to be partly hormonal in nature to reflect the amount of body reserves. Among the hormones thought to be involved are insulin and leptin. This study tested whether recombinant bovine leptin infused (0.4 μg/h) into the third cerebral ventricle would stimulate pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in mature Merino rams when their energy status was low or decreasing, during both chronic (fasting) and acute reductions of energy balance. Leptin may interact with other hormones that depend on energy availability, so we also monitored changes in circulating concentrations of insulin, thyroid hormones, growth hormone, prolactin and adrenocorticotrophin. Overall, our data do not support this hypothesis. The dietary regimes induced clear responses in the metabolic profiles of the animals but there was no clear effect of central leptin administration on LH pulse frequency. The relationships between the hormonal systems measured in the present study add weight to the contention that leptin plays only a permissive role in the nutritional control of the reproductive axis and that other hormonal signals (particularly insulin) or pathways are acting in concert with leptin to stimulate the reproductive axis.
Bacteriological Findings and Hormonal Profiles in the Postpartum Balady Goats
Authors: Ababneh M M , Degefa T 
Published: January 2006

ContentsTwenty‐six Balady goats categorized according to parity into primiparous and pluriparous goats were used to investigate bacterial flora of the genital tract and hormonal profiles during the postpartum (PP) period. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in pure or mixed culture from the uterus. Arcanobacterium pyogenes was isolated from swabs obtained from the vagina and cervix of one primiparous goat. Uteri and cervices but not vaginas were free of bacterial contamination by day 10 PP except for one pluriparous goat with scanty E. coli contamination on day 25 PP. Fluctuating oestradiol 17β (E2) levels demonstrated resumption of follicular activity as early as day 13 PP in both parity groups. Progesterone (P4) levels remained low at basal levels throughout the study period. Higher concentrations of 15‐keto‐13,14‐dihydroprostaglandin F2α (PGFM) were observed during the first week PP compared with the rest of the PP period. PGFM concentrations dropped to low basal level by day 10 PP and remained constantly low throughout the study period. P4, E2 and PGFM profiles were not different between the different parity groups. In conclusion, intrauterine infection is not common in goats with normal kidding. E. coli was the most common intrauterine bacterial isolate. E2 and P4 profiles were consistent with resumption of follicular growth but not ovulation. High PGFM concentrations coincided with the fast regression phase of uterine involution. Hormonal profile and bacterial contamination and clearance were similar to those reported in other related species and not related to parity.
Meiotic Competence of Canine Oocytes Embedded in Collagen Gel
Authors: Otoi T , Shimizu R , Naoi H , Wongsrikeao P , Agung B , Taniguchi M 
Published: January 2006

ContentsThe present study was conducted to examine the meiotic competence of canine oocytes embedded in collagen gel, and to investigate the effects of timed exposure of the oocytes embedded in collagen gel to gonadotrophins during maturation culture, on their nuclear maturation. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from bitches at the anoestrous and dioestrous stages of the reproductive cycle. In the first experiment, half of the COCs were embedded in collagen gels. The COCs with or without collagen‐gel embedding were cultured in a TCM‐199 medium supplemented with 0.1 IU/ml human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and 10 IU/ml human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 72 h. In the second experiment, the COCs embedded in collagen gels were cultured in TCM‐199 medium with gonadotrophins (hMG and hCG) for various periods (0, 24, 48 and 72 h) and then cultured in the medium without gonadotrophins until reaching total culture period (72 h). The percentage of the oocytes reaching metaphase I and metaphase II (MI/MII) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in COCs with collagen‐gel embedding than in COCs without collagen‐gel embedding. The percentage of oocytes that were arrested at the germinal vesicle stage was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in oocytes cultured with gonadotrophins than in oocytes cultured without gonadotrophins. However, there were no significant differences in the percentages of oocytes that reached each stage of meiosis among the groups, irrespective of the duration of exposure to gonadotrophins. These observations indicate that embedding of COCs by collagen gel enhances the meiotic competence of canine oocytes, but removal of hormone supplement from maturation medium does not improve the ability of the oocytes to reach MII stage.
The Prediction of Parturition Date in Canine Pregnancy
Authors: Luvoni GC , Beccaglia M 
Published: January 2006

ContentsIn bitches, the length of gestation is highly variable when measured from the day of mating, thus prediction of parturition may be greatly inaccurate when determined from this point. The ability to precisely predict the duration of pregnancy is of practical importance for managing parturition or planning caesarean section and this review analyses the methods that can be used to accurately forecast the day of parturition. At the time of breeding, determination of the luteinizing hormone surge and the initial rise in progesterone provide reliable information on gestational length of the bitch, but when pregnancy is ascertained, ultrasonography is the most useful tool to predict the delivery day. In fact, by ultrasonographic measurements of the extra‐foetal and foetal structures an accurate prediction can be made both in early and late pregnancy.
Motility and Plasma Membrane Integrity of Spermatozoa in Fractionated Stallion Ejaculates after Storage
Authors: Kareskoski AM , Reilas T , Andersson M , Katila T 
Published: January 2006

ContentsWith the aim of investigating properties of stallion seminal plasma to eventually improve semen‐handling techniques, sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity were analysed in different fractions of the ejaculates after storage. Semen was collected using a computer‐controlled automated phantom that separates the ejaculates into five successive cups. Samples containing seminal plasma and skim milk extender were compared with samples stored in skim milk extender after the removal of seminal plasma by centrifugation. Fractionated ejaculates were stored cooled for 24 h after dilution with extender (Expt 1) or frozen in liquid nitrogen (Expt 2). In Expt 1, cup 1 was pre‐sperm fluid, cups 2 and 3 sperm‐rich fractions, and cup 4 sperm‐poor fractions. In Expt 2, cups 1 and 2 were sperm‐rich fractions, and cups 3 and 4 sperm‐poor fractions. One sample (WE) represented the whole ejaculate in both experiments. Motility parameters were determined with a Hamilton‐Thorn Motility Analyzer, and plasma membrane integrity was assessed using carboxyfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide staining and fluorescence microscopy. The removal of seminal plasma lowered motility values, but not plasma membrane integrity, in both experiments. No significant differences between cups were observed after cooled storage. The cups differed significantly in most post‐thaw motility parameters, and the sperm‐rich fraction showed higher post‐thaw motility than the whole ejaculate.
Influence of Seasons, Extenders, Slow and Rapid Freezing on Seminal Characters in Korean Native Bucks
Authors: Choe Chang‐Yong , Kim Jung‐Gon , Cho Sang‐Rae , Son Dong‐Soo , Kim Young‐Keun , Balasubramanian S , Choe Sang‐Yong , Rho Gyu‐Jin 
Published: January 2006

ContentsThe success of AI technology is based on both semen quality and freezing process. In order to establish the semen freezing techniques in Korean native bucks, factors affecting the success were evaluated in the present study. Semen collected by electro‐ejaculation from bucks during four distinct seasons was evaluated for semen volume and pH, sperm motility and survivability. The semen volume, concentration and total cell were higher in spring, summer and less in winter. Yet, there were no seasonal differences in the proportional data of live sperm, motility score and pH of semen among seasons. The percentage of live sperm after thawing was found to increase with increased concentration of lactose in Tris‐Egg yolk‐glycerol (TY‐G), being highest in TY‐G supplemented with 180 mm lactose (TYL180‐G), but did not differ between TY‐G and TYL120‐G. Sperm motility was enhanced by employing 2.0 h equilibration time with rapid freezing method. In conclusion, semen could be frozen with high success rates for further use of AI in breeding techniques and to preserve the Korean native bucks.
Parvovirus Antibodies in Vaccinated Gilts in Field Conditions – Results with HI and ELISA tests
Authors: Oravainen J , Hakala M , Rautiainen E , Veijalainen P , Heinonen M , Tast A , Virolainen JV , Peltoniemi OAT 
Published: January 2006

ContentsThis study was conducted to determine the antibody response for porcine parvovirus (PPV) of 39 gilts in field conditions after vaccination. Gilts from four herds endemically infected with PPV were injected twice with a commercial vaccine of inactivated PPV andErysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The PPV antibodies were analysed both with haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in order to study the agreement between these methods. The possible association between high‐antibody titres and reproductive failure (repeat breeding, culling for infertility, ≤6 piglets born alive) was also investigated. In these study herds, endemically infected by PPV, most gilts (84.6%) had not seroconverted by the age of 6 months. On‐field vaccination resulted in a consistent increase of humoral immunity not exceeding the antibody level of 1 : 512 in the majority of gilts in all herds examined. The agreement between ELISA and HI tests was moderate (Spearman'sρ = 0.87,κ = 0.63). The seroconversion over the level >1 : 512 by mid‐pregnancy was not associated with reproductive failure.
Involvement of PKC, p38 MAPK and AP‐2 in IL‐1β‐induced expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 in human pulmonary epithelial cells
Authors: CHEN Ping , CAI Ying , YANG Zhi‐Gang , ZHOU Rui , ZHANG Guang‐Shen , DOMANN Frederick , FANG Xiang 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  The aim of this study was to identify the signal molecules involved in IL‐1β‐induced expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 in human pulmonary epithelial (A549) cells.Methods:  A549 cells were stimulated with IL‐1β in the presence or absence of H‐7 (a protein kinase C inhibitor), SB203580 (a p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor) and PD098059 (a mitogen‐activated and extracellular regulated kinase kinase (MEK1) inhibitor). The A549 cells were also transfected with adenovirus vector encoding activator protein (AP)‐2α, or a plasmid containing a dominant‐negative gene (AP‐2Δ), in the presence or absence of IL‐1β.Results:  IL‐1β induced expression of the COX‐2 mRNA and protein in A549 cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. SB203580 and H‐7, but not PD098059, inhibited IL‐1β‐induced expression of COX‐2 protein. Overexpression of AP‐2α increased expression of the COX‐2 protein, whereas AP‐2Δ decreased IL‐1β‐induced COX‐2 expression.Conclusion:  Protein kinase C, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and transcriptional factor AP‐2α may play important roles in regulating IL‐1β‐induced COX‐2 expression in human pulmonary epithelial cells.
Hypoxia‐sensitive molecules may modulate the development of atherosclerosis in sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: HAYASHI Motonori , FUJIMOTO Keisaku , URUSHIBATA Kazuhisa , TAKAMIZAWA Akemi , KINOSHITA Osamu , KUBO Keishi 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:  Obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease. In order to examine the association between OSAHS and cardiovascular disease, this study measured hypoxia‐inducible and atherosclerosis‐associated molecules in the peripheral blood.Methods:  In this study peripheral blood was obtained early in the morning from 60 consecutive male patients with OSAHS (AHI ≥10 events/h) and 30 male control subjects without OSAHS (AHI <5 events/h). Serum levels of heat shock protein‐70 (Hsp‐70), tissue factor (TF), monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), highly sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), hepatocyte growth factor and plasma vascular endothelial growth factor were measured and their relationship with severity and hypoxaemia in OSAHS examined.Results:  Serum hs‐CRP, TF, MCP‐1 and Hsp‐70 levels were significantly higher in OSAHS compared with control subjects. Categorization of the patients into mild (10 ≤ AHI < 30 events/h), moderate (30 ≤ AHI < 60 events/h) and severe (AHI ≥ 60 events/h) OSAHS subgroups showed that serum levels of hs‐CRP, TF and Hsp‐70 increased with severity. The hs‐CRP, TF, MCP‐1 and Hsp‐70 levels in the non‐obese OSAHS group were also significantly higher than those in the control group whereas there was no difference in BMI between the two groups. Repetitive hypoxaemia significantly correlated with hs‐CRP, TF and Hsp‐70 levels and appeared to be a significant determinant for these molecules.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that CRP, TF and Hsp‐70 may be upregulated by repetitive hypoxaemia in OSAHS and may be involved in the development of the atherogenic process in OSAHS.
Anaerobic metabolism of inspiratory muscles in COPD
Authors: EASTWOOD Peter R. , Van Der TOUW Tom J. , STURDY Gavin A. , JENKINS Sue C. , HILLMAN David R. 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to determine if the respiratory muscles of patients with COPD could be made to function anaerobically, as evidenced by an increase in arterial blood lactate concentration ([lactate]a) during specific loading of the inspiratory muscles and, if so, the effect of a programme of high‐intensity inspiratory muscle training on this function.Methods:  In seven patients with COPD (FEV1 = 33 ± 14% of predicted), measurements of [lactate]a were made each minute during progressive inspiratory threshold loading to voluntary exhaustion. These tests were performed before and after an 8‐week programme of specific high‐intensity inspiratory muscle training, combined with general whole‐body exercise training.Results:  During inspiratory muscle loading small increases in [lactate]a (0.83 ± 0.32 mM) were observed in two subjects before training, and in five subjects after training (0.69 ± 0.57 mM). [Lactate]a only increased when the inspiratory work rate exceeded 6.9 cm H2O L/min per kilogram of body weight, and when baseline maximum inspiratory pressure exceeded 65 cm H2O.Conclusions:  The results of this study demonstrated that it is possible for COPD patients to increase inspiratory muscle work rate to a level requiring a major energy contribution from anaerobic glycolytic metabolism. This was only seen when inspiratory muscle strength and endurance were sufficient to allow it. Some patients who failed to demonstrate an increase in [lactate]a at baseline did so after a programme of high‐intensity inspiratory muscle training.
Longitudinal profile of antibodies against SARS‐coronavirus in SARS patients and their clinical significance
Authors: MO Hongying , ZENG Guangqiao , REN Xiaolan , LI Hui , KE Changwen , TAN Yaxia , CAI Chaoda , LAI Kefang , CHEN Rongchang , CHAN‐YEUNG Moira , ZHONG Nanshan 
Published: January 2006

Background:  Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a newly discovered disease caused by a novel coronavirus. The present study studied the longitudinal profile of antibodies against SARS‐coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) in SARS patients and evaluated the clinical significance of these antibodies.Methods:  Two methods, ELISA and indirect immunofluorescent assay, were used for the detection of the anti‐SARS‐CoV IgG and IgM in 335 serial sera from 98 SARS patients. In 18 patients, serum antibody profiles were investigated and antibody neutralization tests were performed from 7 to 720 days after the onset of symptoms.Results:  The ratios of positive IgG/IgM by ELISA were 0/0, 45.4/39.4, 88.6/71.4, 96/88, 100/48.6, 100/30.9, 100/17.1, 100/0 per cent, respectively, on 1–7, 8–14, 15–21, 22–28, 29–60, 61–90, 91–180 and 181–720 days after the onset of symptoms. Antibodies were not detected within the first 7 days of illness, but IgG titre increased dramatically on day 15, reaching a peak on day 60, and remained high until day 180 from when it declined gradually until day 720. IgM was detected on day 15 and rapidly reached a peak, then declined gradually until it was undetectable on day 180. Neutralizing viral antibodies were demonstrated in the convalescence sera from SARS patients.Conclusion:  The persistence of detectable IgG antibodies and neutralizing viral antibodies for up to 720 days suggest that SARS patients may be protected from recurrent SARS‐CoV infection for up to 2 years.
Inflammatory subtypes in asthma: Assessment and identification using induced sputum
Authors: SIMPSON Jodie L. , SCOTT Rodney , BOYLE Michael J. , GIBSON Peter G. 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  The authors sought to investigate the detection of non‐eosinophilic asthma using induced sputum. Although this is an important subtype of clinical asthma, its recognition is not standardized.Methods:  Adult non‐smokers with asthma and healthy controls underwent sputum induction and hypertonic saline challenge. Non‐eosinophilic asthma was defined as symptomatic asthma with normal sputum eosinophil counts. The normal range for sputum eosinophil count was determined using the 95th percentile from the healthy control group as a cut‐off point.Results:  The recognition of non‐eosinophilic asthma using eosinophil proportion was in agreement with a definition based on absolute eosinophil count (kappa 0.67). Non‐eosinophilic asthma was a stable subtype over both the short term (4 weeks) and longer term (5 years, kappa 0.77). Airway inflammation in asthma could be categorized into four inflammatory subtypes based on sputum eosinophil and neutrophil proportions. These subtypes were neutrophilic asthma, eosinophilic asthma, mixed granulocytic asthma and paucigranulocytic asthma. Subjects with increased neutrophils (neutrophilic asthma and mixed granulocytic asthma) were older and had an increased total cell count and cell viability compared with other subtypes.Conclusion:  Induced sputum eosinophil proportion is a good discriminator for eosinophilic asthma, providing a reproducible definition of a homogenous group. The remaining non‐eosinophilic subjects are heterogeneous and can be further classified based on the presence of neutrophils. These inflammatory subtypes have important implications for the investigation and characterization of airway inflammation in asthma.
Effect of simulated altitude during sleep on moderate‐severity OSA
Authors: BURGESS Keith R. , COOPER Jacky , RICE Anthony , WONG Keith , KINSMAN Tahnee , HAHN Allan 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  These studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that isobaric hypoxia would switch OSA to central sleep apnoea (CSA).Methods:  Five adult men (mean age 54.2 ± 5.5 years, mean BMI 29.9 ± 6.7 kg/m2) with moderate OSA underwent overnight polysomnography at three altitudes. The highest altitude was simulated in a normobaric hypoxic chamber.Results:  The obstructive respiratory disturbance index fell from 25.5 ± 14.4/h at 60 m to 17.3 ± 9.2/h at 610 m and 0.5 ± 0.7/h at 2750 m (P = 0.004 compared with 60 m). The central respiratory disturbance index rose from 0.4 ± 0.5/h at 60 m to 8.1 ± 5.8/h at 610 m and 78.8 ± 29.7/h at 2750 m (P < 0.001 compared with 60 m). Mean sleep SaO2 fell from 94 ± 1% at 60 m to 93 ± 1% at 610 m to 85 ± 4% at 2750 m (P < 0.001 compared with 60 m).Conclusion:  Moderate severity OSA at sea level (60 m) was completely replaced by severe CSA at a simulated altitude of 2750 m. The authors believe that the OSA resolved because of an increased respiratory rate and an increase in upper airway tone, whereas CSA developed because of hypocapnia in non‐rapid eye movement sleep.
High plasma levels of factor VIII: An important risk factor for isolated pulmonary embolism
Authors: ERKEKOL FerdaÖNER , ULU Arzu , NUMANOGLU Numan , AKAR Nejat 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  The aim of the study was to investigate whether factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutations, elevated levels of factor VIII and factor IX are associated with pulmonary embolism (PE).Methods:  Sixty‐four patients with objectively documented PE and 64 control subjects were included in this study. The authors divided the 64 subjects with PE into those with PE and deep vein thrombosis (combined form of venous thromboembolism, n = 26) and those with PE without deep vein thrombosis (isolated PE n = 38).Results:  There was no significant difference between the PE groups and the control subjects with regard to the presence of factor V Leiden and prothrombin mutations and elevated levels of factor IX. Using the 90th percentile measured in control subjects (P90 = 168 U/dL) as a cut‐off point for factor VIII levels, the authors found an 11‐fold increased risk for both isolated PE patients and patients with a combined form of venous thromboembolism who have factor VIII levels >168 U/dL compared with individuals having factor VIII levels below this cut‐off point. The risk was not affected by adjustments for other possible risk factors.Conclusions:  Elevated plasma factor VIII levels were found to be a significant, independent risk factor for PE.
Recent air travel and venous thromboembolism resulting in hospital admission
Authors: HUGHES Rodney , HEUSER Trish , HILL Sarah , RYDER‐LEWIS Simon , WEATHERALL Mark , HOPKINS Raewyn , BEASLEY Richard 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  The objective of the study was to determine the proportion of patients admitted to hospital with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) in whom recent air travel was documented in the medical records.Methods:  A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with a primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of DVT or PE in four hospitals in New Zealand was undertaken. From the medical records information was collected on demographic details, documentation of the presence of risk factors and results of radiological investigations. Strict radiological criteria were applied to ensure that the diagnosis of DVT or PE was firmly established.Results:  In 60 of 576 (10.4%) patients with a confirmed venous thromboembolism there was documentation of recent air travel; in 31 of these 60 subjects no other risk factors were recorded. In those cases in whom details of the air travel had been recorded, it had been undertaken in the previous 1 week in 65.0%, and in 43.3% the air travel was of at least 10‐h duration.Conclusion:  Long distance air travel is an important risk factor for venous thromboembolism requiring hospital admission and represents a significant public health problem in New Zealand.