bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rupatadine 10 mg and ebastine 10 mg in seasonal allergic rhinitis: a comparison study
Authors: Guadaño E. M. , Serra‐Batlles J. , Meseguer J. , Castillo J. A. , De Molina M. , Valero A. , Picado C. ,   Rupatadine Study Group
Published: June 2004

Background: The aim of this study is to establish the efficacy and safety of rupatadinevsebastine and placebo in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Rupatadine is a new second generation H1‐antihistamine with once‐daily dosing that may provide better control of symptoms than the currently used H1‐receptor blockers because of its dual pharmacological profile (anti‐PAF and anti‐H1).Methods: In a multicentre study, 250 patients with SAR were included in a double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group and placebo‐controlled study. Patients received either rupatadine 10 mg, ebastine 10 mg or placebo once daily for 2 weeks. The main efficacy outcome was based on the patient's record of severity of nasal symptoms (sneezing, nasal itching, runny nose and nasal obstruction) and nonnasal symptoms (conjunctival itching, tearing and pharyngeal itching). The daily total symptom score (DTSS) was the mean of the DSS recorded for each of the seven symptoms assessed, and the mean DTSS (mDTSS) was the mean of the DTSS values for each study day.Results: Significant differences in mDTSS were detected between rupatadine and placebo (33% lower for rupatadine group;P = 0.005) after 2 weeks of treatment. The TSS for rupatadine were 22% lower than for ebastine, although the differences were not statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported during the study period.Conclusions: Rupatadine 10 mg once daily was clearly superior to placebo in alleviating the symptoms of SAR over a 2‐week period. In comparison with ebastine, rupatadine shows a trend towards a better profile as regard several secondary efficacy variables.
A probable cause of paradoxical thrombosis in zygomycosis
Authors: Rüchel R. , Elsner C. , Spreer A. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryInvasive zygomycoses (syn. mucormycoses) are rather rare but life‐threatening diseases which often take a peracute course. Particularly endangered are diabetics and patients suffering from siderophilia. Zygomycosis is regularly complicated by thrombosis and subsequent necrosis. Usually it evolves from sinusitis in a rhinocerebral form. With the use of a clinical isolate (Rhizopus microsporus) and sera of the same female survivor, we investigated possible sources of the typical blood clotting. The results suggest that coagulation is probably initiated in a bimodal manner by an extracellular serine proteinase of the fungus and by elastase from the patients’ leukocytes. The former causes a partial hydrolysis of fibrinogen, while the latter activates coagulation factor XIII (fibrin stabilizing factor). Both proteinases were present in the patient at the site of infection, and in vitro they jointly bring about regular clotting of fibrinogen.
Ultrasonography and Cystic Hyperplasia–Pyometra Complex in the Bitch
Authors: Bigliardi E , Parmigiani E , Cavirani S , Luppi A , Bonati L , Corradi A 
Published: June 2004

ContentsCystic endometrial hyperplasia–pyometra complex is the most frequent and important endometrial disorder encountered in bitches. The pathogenesis of the disease is related to the activity of progesterone [Feldman and Nelson, Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction (1996) W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia]. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) is an abnormal response of the bitch's uterus to ovarian hormones [De Bosschere et al. Theriogenology (2001) 55, 1509]. CEH is considered by many authors to be an exaggerated response of the uterus to chronic progestational stimulation during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle, causing an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the endometrial glands and uterine lumen (De Bosschere et al. 2001). The resulting lesions of pyometra are due to the interaction between bacteria and hormones. The aim of this study was to evaluate if transabdominal uterine ultrasonography can be a useful and reliable diagnostic method to confirm Dow's [Veterinary Record (1958) 70, 1102] and De Bosschere's histopathological classification of CEH–pyometra complex. The study was carried out on 45 bitches with pyometra, 10 purebreeds and 35 crossbreeds, 1–15 years old, 20% of which had whelped at least once. None of these animals had received exogenous oestrogen or progesterone treatment. On admission the 45 animals were in the luteal phase of the oestrus cycle. Clinical signs, blood parameters, uterine ultrasonography, bacterial swabs and uterine histopalogical results were recorded. Results suggest that ultrasonographic examination is a useful and reliable tool for the diagnosis of cystic endometrial hyperplasia.
Evidence of Damage in Cryopreserved and Fresh Bovine Embryos Using the Tunel Technique
Authors: Márquez‐Alvarado YC , Galina CS , Castilla B , León H , Moreno‐Mendoza N 
Published: June 2004

ContentsThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the quality of bovine embryos cryopreserved in different years in Chiapas, México. The embryos were obtained from a government institution (FIMEGEN) dedicated to promoting embryo transfer among dual‐purpose cattle farmers. Forty‐three embryos frozen in 1988, 1989, 2000 and 2002 were analysed with the Tunel technique to detect programmed cell death (apoptosis). Eleven fresh embryos were used as controls. Analysis of variance was used in embryos stored in the different years with averages tested using Tukey's test. Student's t‐test was employed to compare fresh and frozen cells. Embryos with shorter storage time presented a lower number (p < 0.001) of Tunel‐positive cells compared with embryos stored for longer time. On the contrary, when comparing the number of apoptotic cells between frozen and fresh embryos a higher number of positive cells (p < 0.05) were found in the former. The present results suggest that the cryopreservation per se caused damage that compromises the viability of the embryo. Another explanation for the lower pregnancy rate found in the tropics could be irreversible damage caused by poor storage technique in these large operations.
Influences of Follicular Size on Parthenogenetic Activation and in Vitro Heat Shock on the Cytoskeleton in Cattle Oocytes
Authors: Tseng JK , Chen CH , Chou PC , Yeh SP , Ju JC 
Published: June 2004

ContentsThe availability of cow ovaries from the slaughterhouse has been very limited in Taiwan. To maximize the use of cow ovaries for research purposes, whole ovary dissection was performed and the developmental competence of the oocytes derived from different sizes of follicles was assessed by the rates of in vitro maturation (IVM) and parthenogenetic activation of the oocytes in Experiment 1 (Exp 1). Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) derived from small (1–2 mm) and large (3–8 mm) follicles were subjected to standard IVM culture for 24 h. Mature oocytes were selected and then parthenogenetically activated using A23187 (5 μm, 5 min) or thimerosal (200 μm, 10 min) alone or combined with 6‐dimethylaminopurine (2.5 mm and 3.5 h, respectively). Activation rates of the oocytes, neither from the large nor small follicles, were affected by different activation treatments (single or combined stimuli). Whereas maturation rates for the oocytes from large follicles were superior to those from small follicles in both the single (59% vs 45%) and combined treatments (76% vs 40%; p < 0.05). To understand how prolonged heat shock (HS) influences cytoskeletal configurations of mature bovine oocytes, in Experiment 2 (Exp 2), matured oocytes derived from large follicles were randomly allocated to different durations of HS treatments at 41.5°C for 0 (C0h, control, n = 12), 1 (HS1h, n = 28), 2 (HS2h, n = 31), and 4 h (HS4h, n = 30). An additional control group was cultured for 4 h without HS (38.5°C, 4 h, n = 35). Alterations in nuclear structures, microtubules (MTs), and microfilaments (MFs) of the oocytes were examined. Abnormalities in the chromosomes, spindle MTs and the percentages of oocytes with cytoplasmic MTs increased with time of HS treatment. The intensity of the MF distribution in the HS oocytes was also altered. Significant changes in the cytoskeleton after HS may be associated with the reduced development under hyperthermia and, perhaps, with the low pregnancy rates of the animals during hot seasons.
Telomerase Activity in Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes and Embryos Derived from In Vitro Fertilization, Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer and Parthenogenetic Activation
Authors: Saikhun J , Sritanaudomchai H , Pavasuthipaisit K , Kitiyanant Y 
Published: June 2004

ContentsThe objective of this study was to examine the telomerase activity in swamp buffalo oocytes and pre‐implantation stage embryos derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF), somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) and parthenogenetic activation (PA). Immature and mature oocytes, and embryos at the 2–4 cell, 8–16 cell, morula and blastocyst stages produced by IVF, NT and PA were collected and the telomerase activity was assayed by using a Telomerase PCR ELISA kit. Telomerase activity was detected in all developmental stages evaluated from immature oocytes to blastocyst stage embryos. Telomerase activity was detected in higher amounts in immature as compared with mature oocytes (p < 0.05). Embryos derived from NT showed a profile of telomerase activity similar to that of IVF. In IVF and NT embryos, telomerase activity was low in the 2–4 cell and 8–16 cell stages, but the activity significantly increased (p < 0.05) at the morula stage, reaching its highest level at the blastocyst stage. In PA embryos, low levels of telomerase activity were detected from the 2–4 cell to the morula stage, and the highest level of telomerase activity was found at the blastocyst stage. Telomerase activity in NT blastocysts is higher than that derived from IVF and the activity is highest in PA blastocysts. These results suggest that the successful reprogramming of telomerase activity in buffalo NT embryos follow a pattern similar to that in embryos derived from IVF and PA.
Age‐related Variation of Plasma Concentrations of Skatole, Androstenone, Testosterone, Oestradiol‐17β, Oestrone Sulphate, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate, Triiodothyronine and IGF‐1 in Six Entire Male Pigs
Authors: Zamaratskaia G , Babol J , Madej A , Squires EJ , Lundström K 
Published: June 2004

ContentsThis study describes the age‐related variation in boar taint compounds, skatole and androstenone, and testosterone, oestradiol‐17β (E17β), oestrone sulphate (ES), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), triiodothyronine (T3) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in six boars. Three pairs of littermates of crossbred entire male pigs (from three Yorkshire × Duroc dams and one Hampshire sire) were included. Blood samples were taken at the age of 9–15 weeks and thereafter at weekly intervals from the age of 20–32 weeks. Plasma concentrations of skatole, androstenone, testosterone, E17β, ES, DHEAS, T3 and IGF‐1 were measured. We found that skatole levels in boars increased at the age around puberty after an increase in the levels of testicular steroids. Levels of skatole were not associated with the levels of sex steroids, T3 and IGF‐1. However, the increased level of testicular steroids is probably the underlying factor needed for high skatole levels to occur although the specific mechanism leading to increased skatole levels remains unknown.
Characterization and Localization of Membrane Vesicles in Ejaculate Fractions from the Ram, Boar and Stallion
Authors: El‐Hajj Ghaoui R , Thomson PC , Evans G , Maxwell WMC 
Published: June 2004

ContentsMembrane vesicles, separated by differential centrifugation from the seminal plasma, were detected in the sperm‐rich ejaculate fractions of four boars and three stallions, and in the whole ejaculates of seven rams. The volume and percentage of vesicles, determined by a stereological technique, were higher in the sperm‐rich than in the post‐sperm‐rich fractions of the boar and stallion ejaculates, and no vesicles were detected in the pre sperm‐rich fractions. Vesicles were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For boar, stallion and ram semen, the mean (± s.e.m.) vesicle diameters were 130.9 ± 3.22 (range 18–577), 164.1 ± 4.42 (range 15–671) and 159.7 ± 2.92 nm (range 22–986), respectively, although they were not significantly different (p = 0.709). The vesicles had approximately round (TEM) or spherical shape (SEM), were surrounded by single, double or multi‐laminar membranes, and were trapped within ample amorphous material, sometimes containing short, flattened membranous elements. The majority of the vesicles had a clear interior but some contained granule‐dense material. Ram membrane vesicles, purified from ultracentrifuged plasma by size exclusion chromatography, kept their round shape and the amorphous material was less evident compared with the sections taken before purification. This is the first report to identify seminal plasma membrane vesicles in the different fractions of ejaculated semen in the boar and stallion, and confirms their presence in ram seminal plasma. The origin and function of these vesicles are yet to be elucidated.
Effect of Gestational Age and Fetal Position on the Possibility and Accuracy of Ultrasonographic Fetal Gender Determination in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Ali A 
Published: June 2004

ContentsThe possibility and accuracy of transrectal ultrasonographic determination of foetal gender were studied by identifying and locating the genital tubercle, scrotum or mammary gland in 15 dairy cows at 49–168 days post‐breeding. Ultrasound examinations were performed weekly. Each examination was made without references to the results of the examinations in the previous weeks. At each examination, an attempt was made to view the foetus in frontal, cross‐sectional, and sagittal planes. The expected foetal gender was compared with that observed at birth. Gestational age affected significantly the possibility of foetal gender determination. The possibility of foetal gender determination increased from 26.7% at day 49 to 100% at day 56 of gestation. Between days 56 and 98, foetal gender determination was possible in all cases. Thereafter, the ability to determine foetal gender decreased with development of pregnancy and was impossible in all cases by days 161 and 168. The overall accuracy of foetal gender determination was 97.3%. Foetal gender determination between days 49 and 63 depended on the location of the genital tubercle in a frontal view of the foetus. By day 70, all foetal positions could be used for foetal gender determination. However, by progress of gestation, the usefulness of frontal view for sex determination decreased, while that of cross‐sectional view increased. Accordingly, the best time for foetal gender determination in dairy cattle is between days 56 and 98 of pregnancy.
Intra‐uterine Insemination in Farm Animals and Humans
Authors: Verberckmoes S , Van Soom A , de Kruif A 
Published: June 2004

ContentsArtificial insemination (AI) is the oldest and currently most common technique in the assisted reproduction of animals and humans. The introduction of AI in farm animals was forced by sanitary reasons and the first large‐scale applications with a commercial goal were performed in cattle in the late 1930s of last century. After the Second World War, cryopreservation of semen facilitated distribution and AI was mainly performed for economic reasons, especially in dairy cattle industry. In humans however, AI was initially performed in cases of physiological and psychological sexual dysfunction, but later on also in cases of infertility caused by immunological problems. Currently, the most common indications for intra‐uterine insemination (IUI) in humans are unexplained infertility and male subfertility. In these cases, IUI is considered as the treatment of the first choice, before more invasive techniques such asin vitrofertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) are used. In contrast with humans, the quantity and quality of semen produced by farm animals is much higher and permits dilution and production of several insemination doses per ejaculate. However, with the introduction of sex‐sorted semen in farm animals, the same problem of low‐quality semen as in humans has arisen. In cattle, pigs and horses, conventional insemination with low numbers of sex‐sorted spermatozoa results in a significant decrease in fertility. To improve the fertility rates with this semen, new insemination techniques have been developed in order to deposit spermatozoa closer to the site of fertilization. In sows and mares the advantage of utero‐tubal junction (UTJ) insemination has already been proven; however, in cattle it is still under investigation. In this review, the differences and similarities in the application of AI between animals and humans are discussed and as AI in farm animals is most successful in cattle, the situation in this species is elaborated the most.
Apolipoprotein and anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with renal amyloidosis
Authors: CENGIZ KUDDUSI , KILIÇ MURAT , BEDIR ABDULKERIM 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARY:Background:  Thromboembolic events are seen more frequently in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and amyloidosis. The anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) that is important for thromboembolic events has never been studied.Methods:  This study included 43 amyloidosis patients of different aetiologies; 28 with CRF as well as 20 patients who had CRF without amyloidosis. Thirty normal subjects were included as a control group. We determined the serum levels of ACA, apolipoprotein AI (ApoAl), ApoE and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) in these groups.Results:  Anticardiolipin antibody was found to be positive in 30.2% of patients with amyloidosis, this is in contrast to 3.3% in the control group (χ = 8.25, P < 0.005). We also showed that there was a statistically significant difference (χ = 5.03, P < 0.05) between the CRF patients with amyloidosis (31%) and the CRF patients without amyloidosis (5%). The average levels of serum ApoAI were shown to be significantly lower (P < 0.05) in CRF patients with amyloidosis in comparison with the amyloidosis patients who had normal renal functions (93.60 ± 27.84 vs 119.8 ± 36.26 mg/dL, P < 0.05). There was also significant a difference in ApoAI levels between CRF patients with and without amyloidosis (P < 0.001). The serum Lp (a) levels were significantly higher in CRF patients with amyloidosis when compared with the controls (41.2 ± 22.39 vs 19.13 ± 8.78 mg/dL, P < 0.001). The serum Lp (a) levels were also positively correlated with ACA (r = 0.211; P < 0.05).Conclusion:  In conclusion, ACA positivity is more common in all patients with amyloidosis as compared with CRF patients and normal controls. This study is the first to show the presence of high levels of ACA in patients with CRF, which is caused by secondary amyloidosis. Further studies are recommended to investigate the mechanism of this finding.
Atherosclerosis and folic acid supplementation trial in chronic renal failure: Baseline results
Authors: ZOUNGAS SOPHIA , BRANLEY PAULINE , KERR PETER G , RISTEVSKI SONYA , MUSKE CHRISTINE , DEMOS LISA , ATKINS ROBERT C , BECKER GAVIN , FRAENKEL MARGARET , HUTCHISON BRIAN G , WALKER ROBERT , MCNEIL JOHN J , MCGRATH BARRY P 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARY:Background:  Atherosclerosis and Folic Acid Supplementation Trial (ASFAST) is a randomized placebo controlled trial assessing whether high‐dose folic acid can reduce cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis progression in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Here we report the baseline results and compare indices of arterial structure (carotid intima‐medial thickness (IMT)) and function (systemic arterial compliance (SAC)), pressure augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV a‐f and PWV f‐d)) to age‐ and sex‐matched controls.Methods:  Three hundred and fifteen subjects with CRF (serum creatinine ≥ 0.40 mmol/L) aged 24–79 years (mean ± SD: 56.6 ± 13.6 years) and 213 healthy controls (58.2 ± 10.2 years) were studied. Fasting blood samples were assayed for lipids (both groups), total homocysteine (tHcy), red cell folate, cobalamin and fibrinogen (CRF group). Ultrasound B mode measurements were used to determine mean  carotid  IMT  and  applanation  tonometry  techniques  to  determine  SAC,  AIx,  PWV  (a‐f),  PWV (f‐d) and central pressures.Results:  Ninety‐six per cent of the CRF group had at least one of: hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes or smoking; 35% had established cardiovascular disease. The mean IMT was greater in CRF patients than in controls (0.86 ± 0.19 vs 0.68 ± 0.11 mm, P < 0.001). The SAC was significantly lower, and PWV (a‐f) and AIx significantly higher. The tHcy was increased in 97% of the CRF group (27.3 ± 2.9 µmol/L (normal < 13)). Total homocysteine did not correlate with IMT or any other measure of arterial function. However, those in the upper quantile of tHcy (≥25 µmol/L) did have higher PWV (a‐f) and lower SAC than those in the lower quantile.Conclusions:  Compared to normals, patients with CRF exhibited a 10–15‐year shift to the right in age‐related increases in carotid IMT and PWV (a‐f), and significantly increased central pressure augmentation. This 5‐year study is examining the impact of high‐dose folic acid therapy on cardiovascular end‐points, IMT progression and arterial function in CRF.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in dialysis patients undergoing invasive dental treatment
Authors: TONG DARRYL C , WALKER ROBERT J 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARY:Background and Aims:  The role of antibiotic prophylaxis for invasive dental procedures in patients on dialysis therapy is unclear. We examined current clinical practice in Australia and New Zealand and compared our findings to a systematic review of the current literature.Methods::  Australian and New Zealand nephrology units were surveyed with regard to their use of antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures. A systematic review of the literature was performed by using an online web‐based search engine (PubMed ®) using the key words: renal patients, dental and antibiotic prophylaxis.Results:  Forty‐one per cent of respondents do not routinely give antibiotic prophylaxis to haemodialysis patients prior to dental surgery, but a majority (53%) would consider antibiotic prophylaxis if the patient had a synthetic arteriovenous fistula.Conclusions:  The majority of clinicians follow the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines with a single oral preoperative dose of 2 g amoxycillin or 600 mg clindamycin if patients are allergic to penicillin. From the literature and the data obtained by questionnaire, it would appear that renal patients receiving haemodialysis in Australia and New Zealand receive antibiotic prophylaxis prior to invasive dental procedures. The standard single dose of 2 g amoxycillin orally or 600 mg clindamycin orally 1 h preoperatively, as recommended by the AHA, is most frequently used. Peritoneal dialysis patients generally do not receive a prophylactic dose of antibiotics.