bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibodies against human herpesvirus 8 in South African renal transplant recipients and blood donors
Authors: Stein L. , Carrara H. , Norman R. , Alagiozoglou L. , Morris L. , Sitas F. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Objective: To examine the seroprevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) antibodies in a selected group of renal transplant recipients and blood donors, in relation to various socio‐demographic variables.Subjects: Anonymised serum samples were obtained from 306 black donors attending blood donations at the SA National Blood Transfusion Service, Johannesburg, and 430 recipients of renal transplants at Johannesburg General Hospital, from 1998 to 1999.Methodology: Serum samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect IgG antibodies against HHV‐8. Crude and adjusted seroprevalence, and odds ratios were calculated to examine the relationship between antibodies to HHV‐8 and age, sex, population, and risk group.Results: Adjusted HHV‐8 seroprevalence at ‘medium to high’ antibody titres (at least 1:51,200) increased with age, from 2% (age 15–24; 95% CI=0.7–5.2) to 10% (age 45+; 95% CI=6.3–15.2). Whites had the lowest % adjusted seroprevalence (1.8; 95% CI:0.8–4.2), followed by blacks (7.4; 95% CI=5.1–10.8), Asians/Indians (9.5; 95% CI=3.6–22.9), and individuals of mixed race (12.5; 95% CI=4.5–30.2). Seroprevalence was not related to gender, or to occupation of blood donors. HHV‐8 seroprevalence did not differ significantly between first‐time blood donors, repeat donors, and transplant recipients (P=0.49). Transplant recipients had a greater proportion of persons with high HHV‐8 antibody intensity; however, this difference was statistically not significant (P=0.08).Conclusions: Blood donors and renal transplant patients had relatively high HHV‐8 antibody titres. Given the strong association between HHV‐8 seropostivity and the risk of developing Kaposi's sarcoma, it may be prudent in settings where HHV‐8 seroprevalence is high to screen for HHV‐8 in donated blood used for these immunocompromised individuals.
Lymphosarcoma in a Boar
Authors: Vo T. D. , Van Ederen A. M. , Ultee A. , Hendriksen S. W. M. , Van Beers‐Schreurs H. M. G. , Gruys E. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryA 14‐month‐old Yorkshire boar was examined. In the abdomen, two big tumour masses were found in the intestines. In addition, pale nodules occurred in the liver, kidneys, in and upon the spleen, in the wall of the heart and in the testicles. By immunohistochemistry tumour cells were positive for CD3, but negative for B‐lymphocyte antigen and CD79. From these findings it was concluded that the boar was suffering from multicentric lymphosarcoma probably of T‐cell origin.
An Analgesic Evaluation of Isoxsuprine in Horses
Authors: Lizarraga I. , Castillo F. , Valderrama M. E. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryIsoxsuprine is used clinically to treat navicular disease and laminitis in horses. Although it is thought to increase digital and laminar blood flow, isoxsuprine's mechanism of action remains controversial, and analgesia has been suggested recently as such possible mechanism. This research investigated the analgesic potential of isoxsuprine in healthy horses submitted to a mechanical nociceptive test. Isoxsuprine (1.2 mg/kg), xylazine (1.1 mg/kg), distilled water : ethanol 95% (2 : 1, v/v, 20 ml) and saline (0.9%, 20 ml) were injected intravenously, and nociceptive thresholds were measured over 90 min. Only xylazine significantly increased nociceptive thresholds, confirming that α2‐adrenoceptor agonists produce analgesia in horses. Our results do not support an analgesic mechanism of action for isoxsuprine in horses, suggesting that other mechanisms might account for the clinical efficacy of this drug or that mechanical nociceptive testing may not be sufficiently sensitive to demonstrate an analgesic effect for this drug.
Effects of Training on Na+, K+‐ATPase Contents in Skeletal Muscle and K+Homeostasis of African Draught Bulls and Cows
Authors: Veeneklaas R. J. , Harun M. A. S. , Backx A. , Mamade M. , Joosten B. J. L. , Everts M. E. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryIn semiarid parts of Africa animal traction is still one of the most reliable sources for rural work power. However, draught animals have to produce most of their work power at an unfavourable moment of the year that is at the end of the dry season when feedlot is scare. To improve their condition prior to the planting season, a short training could help. The effect of training can be expressed by the changes in contents of Na+, K+‐pumps in the muscle cell membrane. After a training period of 15 days all cattle showed a mean increase in Na+, K+‐ATPase of 24% (P < 0.01) in the semitendinosus muscle of the hind leg, whereas the control group showed no change. Bulls demonstrated already after 8 days of training an increase of 20% (P < 0.05). The principal factor responsible for this up‐regulation of the Na+, K+‐pumps is most probably the excitation of muscles during exercise. In the course of the 15 days training period, the surge of plasma K+in during exercise showed a tendency to decrease, but this was not significant. Nevertheless, the reduced elevations of plasma [K+] may delay the moment of fatigue and so improve endurance. In conclusion, a training period of 8–15 days improves the contents of Na+, K+‐pumps and so the possible work output of draught cattle.
Distribution of Virulence Genes in Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Diarrhoeic Piglets in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Vu‐Khac H. , Holoda E. , Pilipčinec E. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryNinety‐two Escherichia coli isolates from 14 to 28‐day‐old piglets that died because of diarrhoea were examined for genes for fimbriae (F4, F5, F6, F18 and F41), enterotoxins (STa, STb and LT), verotoxin (VT2e or Stx2e) and enteroaggregative heat‐stable enterotoxin 1 (EAST1) by polymerase chain reaction. Twenty‐two strains (24%) carried a gene for F4, whereas genes for F18, F6 and F5 + F41 were detected in 10.8, 3.3 and 1.1% of strains respectively. Genes for STb, LT, STa and Stx2e were detected in 40.2, 26.1, 14.1 and 1.1% of strains respectively. The astA gene was detected in 49 (53.3%) isolates, 35 of which also carried genes for enterotoxins and/or fimbriae. The major genotypes reached at (in decreasing order of prevalence) were F4/STb/LT/EAST1, F18/STa/STb/EAST1, STb/EAST1, F6/STa/STb/EAST1 and F18/STb/EAST1.
Canine Coronavirus Infection in Turkish Dog Population
Authors: Yeşilbağ K. , Yilmaz Z. , Torun S. , Pratelli A. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryCanine coronavirus (CCoV) is one of the most important viral agents affecting the gastrointestinal system of dogs. In this study virological and serological investigations were performed to demonstrate the existence and prevalence of CCoV infection in a Turkish dog population. A total of 269 animals were subjected to the study. Of 179 dogs tested for CCoV antibodies, 112 (62.5%) were found to be positive by serum neutralization test, while 133 (74.3%) were positive by ELISA. The highest prevalence (94.2%) was detected in kennel dogs. Detection of CCoV genome in faeces was performed in samples from 90 diarrhoeic puppies by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Fourteen (15.5%) faeces were positive for CCoV RNA, five of which were characterized as CCoV type I. The widespread CCoV infection in the Turkish dog population may be attributed as an important cause of viral diarrhoea in dogs.
Risk Factors for Mortality in Grow‐finishing Pigs in Belgium
Authors: Maes D. G. D. , Duchateau L. , Larriestra A. , Deen J. , Morrison R. B. , de Kruif A. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe present study investigated risk factors for mortality in grow‐finishing pigs of 137 pig herds belonging to one integration company during a period of 2.5 years. Mortality data, expressed as the number of dead pigs divided by the number of pigs placed in the fattening unit were investigated retrospectively. The following potential risk factors were evaluated: type of pig herd, season and year of placement in the fattening unit, pig density in the municipality, management practices (density of the pigs in the barn, origin of the pigs), housing conditions and feeding practices. The overall average mortality percentage was 4.70%. Three variables in a multivariable regression model were significantly associated with mortality: season of placement in the fattening unit, origin of the piglets and duration of the fattening period. Pigs placed in October, November and December, were at higher risk than pigs placed in other months. Herds that purchased pigs from a merchant, used pigs from other herds with an excess of piglets for filling their fattening units or herds that purchased pigs from more than five origin herds also suffered higher mortality. The mortality also increased in case of longer duration of the fattening period. This study documented for the first time that in addition to seasonal effects and a longer duration of the fattening period, purchasing feeder pigs from one or a limited number of herds is of crucial importance to achieve low mortality in the grow‐finishing pigs.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella spp. in Non‐diarrhoeic Dogs in Trinidad
Authors: Seepersadsingh N. , Adesiyun A. A. , Seebaransingh R. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe estimated prevalence and antimicrobial resistances of Salmonella spp. in non‐diarrhoeic dogs across Trinidad was determined. The serotypes of Salmonella spp. isolated were also identified. Of a total of 1391 dogs sampled, 50 (3.6%) were positive for Salmonella spp. with 28 different serotypes, the predominant serotypes were Javiana (12), Newport (6), Arechavaleta (5) and Heidelberg (5). Fifty‐seven (85.1%) of 67 isolates exhibited resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents. Of eight antimicrobial agents tested, resistance was exhibited to streptomycin (80.6%), cephalothin (37.3%), neomycin (38.8%) and gentamicin (9.0%). All isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, norfloxacin, choramphenicol and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim. It was concluded that the isolation of the Salmonella spp. from non‐diarrhoeic dogs could pose health hazard to their owners as most serotypes are known to be virulent. Furthermore, the prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial agents amongst the Salmonella isolates from these animals indicates susceptibility testing may influence chemotherapeutic choices when treating these isolates.
Rabies in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) Experimentally Infected with European Bat Lyssavirus Type 1
Authors: Vos A. , Müller T. , Neubert L. , Zurbriggen A. , Botteron C. , Pöhle D. , Schoon H. , Haas L. , Jackson A. C. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe susceptibility of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to European bat lyssavirus type 1 (EBLV‐1) infection was examined. Eight foxes were inoculated intramuscularly (i.m.) with 104.9 foci‐forming units (FFU) (n = 4) and 105.1 FFU (n = 4) and observed for up to 90 days. All foxes showed manifestations of a neurologic disorder (e.g. seizures, myoclonus, agitation), starting as early as 5 days post‐infection (p.i.). Subsequently, all animals showed improvement followed by one or more relapses. One fox was killed 3 days after it recovered, 26 days post‐infection. Two other foxes were also killed 38 and 54 days post‐infection after severe neurologic signs returned. All foxes developed a humoral immune response against EBLV‐1 as determined in serum and brain tissues. However, no rabies virus antigen was detected in the brain, other tissues and secretions examined (e.g. salivary gland, saliva, tonsils, lungs) by using different standard diagnostic techniques [fluorescent antibody test, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), rabies tissue culture inoculation test], with the exception of one fox in which EBLV‐1 RNA was detected by RT‐PCR in only the spinal cord. Brain tissues showed moderate to severe multifocal, mononuclear encephalomyelitis in the three foxes that were killed during the observation period, although no EBLV‐1 virus was detectable in these tissues.
Melioidosis in Animals: A Review on Epizootiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Presentation
Authors: Sprague L. D. , Neubauer H. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryMelioidosis, an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei is an emerging disease with high impact on animals and man. In different animal species, the clinical course varies and delayed diagnosis poses risks for the dissemination of the agent in non‐endemic areas. Not only migration and transport of animals around the world but also tourism increases the risk that melioidosis can leave its endemic boundaries and establish itself elsewhere. Detection of the agent is a major challenge, as the agent has to be handled in laboratories of biosafety level 3 and test kits are not yet commercially available. Veterinarians and doctors should be aware of melioidosis not only as an agent of public interest but also in terms of a bioterrorist attack. The aim of this review is to describe the agent, its aetiology, the manifestation in a variety of animal species as well as to describe diagnostic procedures, typing techniques and countermeasures.
In vivo expression of aquaporin‐4 by reactive microglia
Authors: Tomás‐Camardiel Mayka , Venero José L. , De Pablos R. M. , Rite I. , Machado Alberto , Cano Josefina 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is the most abundant aquaporin in the brain and it is widely accepted that this AQP is solely expressed by astrocytes and ependymal cells. AQP4 is particularly enriched in plasma membranes of ependymal cells and astrocyte membrane domains facing blood vessels and pia. AQP4 has gained much attraction due to its involvement in the physiopathology of brain edema, a major cause of death in humans. Consequently, it is of paramount importance to ascertain the phenotypic nature of AQP4 mRNA‐expressing cells in the CNS before attempting future clinical studies aimed at minimizing the development of brain edema. We have used intranigral injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent immunostimulant that causes disruption of the blood brain barrier, vasogenic edema, loss of reactive astrocytes and activation of microglial cells. These LPS‐induced features are ideal for testing the possibility that reactive microglial cells express AQP4 in the adult brain. We have studied AQP4 at the mRNA and protein level. We provide strong evidence that reactive microglial cells highly express AQP4 mRNA and protein in response to LPS injections.
Operator dependent variability in quantitative analysis of myocardial perfusion images
Authors: Åkesson L. , Svensson A. , Edenbrandt L. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate variability in the quantification of myocardial perfusion images obtained by a group of experienced operators using two widely used programs. The Cedars Emory quantitative analysis program (CEqual) was used to quantify the size of perfusion defects and the Cedars‐Sinai quantitative gated single‐photon emission tomography program was used to quantify left ventricular function. Five patients with reversible apical defects, five with fixed apical defects and three patients with normal perfusion were selected. Eight experienced medical laboratory technologists processed the studies from raw projection data. The manual steps consisted of defining two alignment axes parallel to the long axis of the left ventricle, and for the CEqual program selecting apex and base in the short axis slices in the rest and stress studies. Wide variability between the operators in the quantification of reversibility could be seen in all three vascular territories. A range >10% was found in at least one vascular territory for nine of the 13 patients. The differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between operators were <5% for all 13 patients. The large variability in the quantification of reversible apical perfusion defects may influence the clinical interpretation and cause false conclusions. In contrast, inter‐operator variability for the quantification of the LVEF was low.
Myocardial SPECT perfusion defect size compared to infarct size by delayed gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute or chronic infarction
Authors: Hedström Erik , Palmer John , Ugander Martin , Arheden Håkan 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBackground:  Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) perfusion imaging has been considered a reference method for non‐invasive estimation of infarct size in man. Recently, delayed gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI) has evolved as an accurate tool to quantify infarct size. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare perfusion defect size by SPECT to hyperenhanced volume by DE‐MRI.Methods:  DE‐MRI was performed in 30 patients. Fourteen were patients with revascularized first‐time acute infarctions, eight revascularized chronic infarctions, and eight clinically referred non‐revascularized patients. SPECT was performed in the same patients and analysed by a commercial package.Results:  The hypoperfused volume by SPECT was larger than the hyperenhanced volume by DE‐MRI by 8 ± 8 ml (6% ± 5 percentage points), 10 ± 18 ml (6% ± 11 percentage points), and 26 ± 30 ml (12% ± 10 percentage points) in the acute, chronic and clinical populations, respectively. Left ventricle wall volume was smaller by SPECT in all settings.Conclusion:  The SPECT perfusion defect size was comparable with but generally slightly larger than the hyperenhanced volume by DE‐MRI in both absolute and relative terms in patients with acute and chronic infarction. The results may be related to systematic differences between modalities but could also be influenced by biological phenomena such as wall thinning or hypoperfused but viable myocardium.
Reliability of three commercially available heart rate variability instruments using short‐term (5‐min) recordings
Authors: Sandercock G. R. H. , Bromley P. , Brodie D. A. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryAim:  To assess the reliability of heart rate variability (HRV) measures made by three commercially available analysers in healthy subjects.Methods:  Twenty‐nine volunteers (20 males, mean age 35 ± 13 years and nine females, mean age 29 ± 11 years) underwent repeated HRV measures under three conditions: lying supine, standing, lying supine with controlled breathing. HRV was measured simultaneously by three instruments. Reliability was assessed statistically by calculating coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement (LoA).Results:  A wide range of values were found for CV (1–235%) and ICC (R = 0·16–0·99) dependent on the HRV measure assessed and the position in which the measurement was made. For the most part the analysers gave similar values in each condition. The values for CV and ICC were high but within the range reported in the literature. Values for LoA were also high and showed a wide range of values.Conclusions:  The similarity in measures between systems indicates that biological variation and experimental error play a major role in determining the repeatability of HRV measurements. It is therefore recommended that population‐specific reliability coefficients should be published where possible and that authors should take into account the reliability of measures when making sample size calculations.
Gender differences in rival characteristics that evoke jealousy in response to emotional versus sexual infidelity
Authors: Buunk Bram P. , Dijkstra Pieternel 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPrevious research has shown that in men jealousy is evoked more by a rival's status‐related characteristics than in women, whereas in women jealousy is evoked more by a rival's physical attractiveness than in men. The present study examined whether the occurrence of this gender difference depends upon the type of infidelity one's partner engages in, i.e., emotional or sexual infidelity, and whether these types of jealousy evoke different emotional responses. An experiment was conducted using hypothetical jealousy situations with a 2 (participant gender: male vs. female) × 2 (rival physical attractiveness: high vs. low) × 2 (rival dominance: high vs. low) × 2 (type of infidelity: sexual vs. emotional) mixed‐factor design. Jealousy evoked by emotional infidelity was primarily characterized by feelings of threat, and jealousy after sexual infidelity was primarily characterized by feelings of betrayal and anger. Following emotional infidelity, in men, a rival's dominance, and in women, a rival's physical attractiveness, evoked feelings of threat but not feelings of anger‐betrayal. In contrast, after sexual infidelity, in men, but not in women, a rival's physical attractiveness evoked feelings of betrayal‐anger but not anxiety or suspicion.
How do holidays influence relationship processes and outcomes? Examining the instigating and catalytic effects of Valentine's Day
Authors: Morse Katherine A. , Neuberg Steven L. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMight Valentine's Day, despite its marketing as a holiday to enhance romantic relationships, paradoxically facilitate their demise? Because Valentine's Day provides a useful opportunity for exploring the potential influences of recurring culture‐wide events on relationships, we asked college students in romantic relationships about relationship stability, quality, beliefs, and processes, both 1 week prior to and 1 week after Valentine's Day. As predicted, those participating during the time period straddling Valentine's Day were more likely to break up than were those participating in comparison time periods. This increase in relationship dissolution appeared attributable to the catalyzing effect that Valentine's Day had on moderately strong and weak relationships already on a downward trajectory: These relationships were particularly likely to dissolve during the Valentine's Day period. We view this research as a useful illustration of how to conceptualize and empirically investigate the effects of holidays and other cultural events on relationship dynamics and outcomes.
Scripts, close relationships, and symbolic meanings of contraceptives
Authors: Conley Terri D. , Rabinowitz Joshua L. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn four studies, we documented the symbolic meanings of the progression of contraceptive use in close relationships. In Study 1A, participants perceived a couple in which one partner suggests changing contraceptive method from condoms to the pill (a normative transition script) as having a more positive relationship than a couple in which one partner suggests changing from the pill to condoms (a counternormative transition script). In Study 1B, participants believed that couples who followed a counternormative transition script had higher likelihood of infidelity/STDs and a lower degree of closeness than couples who followed a normative transition script. In Study 2A, the association of counternormative transition with perceptions of greater infidelity and lower closeness was demonstrated among a group of college students imagining their own relationship partners suggesting the transition. In Study 2B, participants who imagined that their partner suggested a counternormative transition reported more negative emotions than did participants who imagined that their partner suggested a normative transition. These findings suggest that the symbolic meaning of condoms and birth control pills may contribute to the relative lack of safer sex behaviors in close relationships.