bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacodynamics of clemastine in healthy horses
Authors: Bergvall K. , Ingvast Larsson C. , Broström H. , Törneke K. 
Published: December 2004

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the H1‐receptor inhibitor clemastine (a compound belonging to the first generation of antihistamines) in equine skin after a single intravenous and oral dose. Histamine binds to H1‐receptors involved in pruritus, increased vascular permeability, release of inflammatory mediators and recruitment of inflammatory cells. To counteract these effects antihistamines have classically been used for treatment of allergic hypersensitivity disorders and urticaria in several species including dogs, cats and horses. Six horses received clemastine orally, 200 µg kg−1, by stomach tube and 50 mg kg−1 as an intravenous infusion in a crossover study with crossover design. The ability to reduce wheal formation after intradermal injection of histamine was evaluated. Intradermal injections of 0.07 mL histamine dihydrochloride (0.1 mg mL−1) were given before and at seven time periods ranging from 0.5 to 24 h after clemastine administration. Wheal area was measured 20 min after the injection. Sterile saline (0.07 mL) served as a negative control. There was a marked reduction in wheal size for approximately 6 h after the intravenous administration, indicating that clemastine is distributed to, and effective in inhibiting H1‐receptors in, equine skin. After oral administration the effect was almost negligible, indicating low oral bioavailability of clemastine in the horse. The study was funded by Linnea and Axel Ericsson’s Grant fund at the Veterinary Faculty, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Concurrent hyperadrenocorticism in a minature schnauzer with severe Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection
Authors: Chen C. , Su B. 
Published: December 2004

A 4‐year‐old intact female schnauzer dog was presented with a history greater than 1 year of alopecia, thick crusting and secondary seborrhea with mild pruritus. The dog was diagnosed pituitary‐dependant hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) concurrent with severe Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection. The dog showed generalized alopecia, enlarged pendulous abdomen, mild polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia. Liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) were normal. ACTH stimulation and low‐dose dexamethasone suppression tests were performed prior to therapy. The concentrations of serum cortisol were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and direct enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods. The results of both assay systems indicated PDH. Fungal cultures showed T. mentagrophytes infection in 4 days. Histological examination of a skin biopsy specimen revealed severe irregular acanthosis accompanied by compact hyperkeratosis, and numerous dermatophytic spores and hyphae heavily colonized in the keratin layer. After 3 months of oral terbinafine (25 mg kg−1, once daily) and mitotane therapy, the hair regrew and the result of an ACTH stimulation test were normal. Three sets of biweekly fungal cultures were negative after 6 months. In this case, terbinafine was given concurrently with mitotane without detectable adverse effects (no abnormal clinical signs were observed and liver enzymes remained within normal ranges). Thus, the combination of terbinafine and mitotane appears to be a safe therapeutic protocol in treatment of PDH with dermatophytosis. This study was supported by The Association of Veterinary Dermatology, Taipei.
Systemic candidiasis due to Candida albicans in a dog
Authors: Chen C. , Su C. H. , Lee L. W. 
Published: December 2004

In this case resport, we describe pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis due to Candida albicans that progressed to a systemic infection in a 10‐kg, 1‐year‐old spayed female mixed‐breed dog. The dog had bilaterally enlarged submandibular lymph nodes with peripheral oedema. Fine‐needle aspirate of fluid from a lymph node and associated area was collected for fungal culture; a skin biopsy was also performed at the same time. Growth of budding yeast was observed on mycobiotic agar subcultured via inoculation in human serum. The characteristic germ tube of C. albicans was observed. Histopathology revealed chronic pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis with fungal elements. Lymphadenitis due to C. albicans was diagnosed tentatively. The dog was treated initially with itracononazole (30 mg kg−1 orally once daily) without an adequate response; treatment was changed to fluconazole (150 mg every other day). Leucocytosis, lymphocytosis, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphataes (ALKP) were observed to wane and wax during 4 months of therapy. The skin lesions did not respond to fluconazole therapy and progressed to involve the subcutaneous scapular and ocular regions, and the dog developed generalized lymphadenopathy. Finally, the dog appeared to seizure and the owner requested euthanasia. At necropsy, gross lesions showed disseminated white spots on the cerebrum, pancreas, liver, kidney, lung, heart and all the lymph nodes, especially the abdominal lymph system. Candida albicans was also cultured from the spinal fluid. No obvious invasion site was noted and the dog did not have a previous history of long‐term usage of corticosteroids and/or antibiotics. This study was supported by The Association of Veterinary Dermatology, Taipei.
Prevention of Microsporum canis infection in a cat challenge model
Authors: Moriello K. , Deboer D. J. , Volk L. , Blum J. 
Published: December 2004

Oral lufenuron is reportedly an effective treatment for some cats with existing dermatophytosis. We sought to determine if lufenuron, when used as a pre‐treatment prior to challenge exposure and infection, would prospectively protect against development of infection by direct application of Microsporum canis spores. Three groups (n = 6 per group) of juvenile cats were treated with either monthly oral lufenuron (30 or 133 mg kg−1) or placebo. After 2 months of treatment, kittens were challenged using 105Microsporum canis spores applied to the skin under occlusion. Cats were observed weekly, including: Wood’s lamp examination; scoring for scale/crust, erythema, induration; lesion size; and development of satellite lesions. Fungal cultures were performed biweekly. All cats became infected; the infections progressed, and then regressed, in a similar fashion in all groups. There were no consistent statistically significant differences in weekly infection scores throughout the study. Treated cats did not recover faster than untreated cats. We concluded that oral lufenuron at the dosing schedule and conditions used in this study did not prevent dermatophyte infection by direct topical challenge. Further studies are warranted to evaluate alternate dosing schedules, less severe challenge exposures, varying strains of M. canis, and other factors that may be present under field conditions. This study was funded by Novartis Animal Health.
Putrescentiae and Lepidoglyphus destructor in normal dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mueller R. S. , Fieseler K. V. , Rosychuk R. A. W. , Greenwalt T. 
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the threshold concentration for the storage mites Tyrophagus putrescentiae and Lepidoglyphus destructor in intradermal testing of healthy and atopic dogs, and to compare the incidence of positive reactions in the two groups. Twenty‐one healthy dogs and twenty‐six atopic dogs were tested intradermally with T. putrescentiae and L. destructor extracts at 1000, 500, 250, 125, 63, 32 and 16 PNU mL−1. Reactions were evaluated objectively and subjectively. A Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to determine differences in grade of reaction to storage mites between healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis. Positive reactions to storage mite extract were most common at 1000 PNU mL−1, with approximately one‐third of normal and atopic dogs showing a positive reaction to T. putrescentiae and an even higher number to L. destructor. No positive reactions were seen in normal dogs at a concentration of 63 PNU mL−1 of L. destructor extract and 32 PNU mL−1 of T. putrescentiae extract. There was no significant difference in the incidence of positive reactions between normal versus atopic dogs for any of the Tyrophagus or Lepidoglyphus extract concentrations. Based on the findings in this study, the preliminary recommended concentrations for intradermal testing with T. putrescentiae and L. destructor extract are 16 and 32 PNU mL−1, respectively. Storage mite extracts were provided by Heska Corporation, Fort Collins, CO.
Effect of recent cropping history and herbicide use on the degradation rates of isoproturon in soils
Authors: Walker A , Austin C R 
Published: December 2004

SummaryFive soil samples were taken from each of five fields with different crop management histories. Three of the fields were in an arable rotation, the fourth field was temporary grassland, and the final field was under permanent grass. Of the three arable fields, two had been cropped with winter wheat in three of the preceding 6 years, and the third had last been cropped with winter wheat once only, 6 years previously. With one exception, the winter wheat had been sprayed with the herbicide isoproturon. The rate of isoproturon degradation in laboratory incubations was strongly related to the previous management practices. In the five soils from the field that had been treated most regularly with isoproturon in recent years, <2.5% of the initial dose remained after 14 days, indicating considerable enhancement of degradation. In the soils from the field with two applications of the herbicide in the past 6 years, residues after 27 days varied from 5% to 37% of the amount applied. In soils from the other three sites, residue levels were less variable, and were inversely related to microbial biomass. In studies with selected soils from the field that had received three applications of isoproturon in the previous 6 years, kinetics of degradation were not first‐order but were indicative of microbial adaptation, and the average time to 50% loss of the herbicide (DT50) was 7.5 days. In selected soils from the field that had received just one application of isoproturon, degradation followed first‐order kinetics, indicative of cometabolism. Pre‐incubation of isoproturon in soil from the five fields led to significant enhancement of degradation only in the samples from the two fields that had a recent history of isoproturon application.
Evaluation of a New HTLV‐I/II Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Vrielink H. , Zaaijer H. L. , Cuypers H. T. M. , van der Poel C. L. , Woerdeman M. , Lelie P. N. , Winkel C. , Reesink H. W. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Aim: Evaluation of a qualitative HTLV‐I/II DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the detection of HTLV‐I/II DNA (Roche Diagnostic Systems, Branchburg, N.J., USA) in various panels. Methods: The panels consisted of fresh EDTA blood samples from blood donors who were anti‐HTLV‐I/II ELISA repeatably reactive: 53 were Western blot (WB) positive, 228 were WB indeterminate and 15 were WB negative. Elevent ELISA‐negative blood donors were used as negative controls. Furthermore, specimens from 1 HTLV‐II‐infected intravenous drug user and from 1 HTLV‐II‐infected blood donor were included in the panel. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were prepared by red blood cell lysis with the Roche washing solution and stored at < –23 °C until processing. Amplification products were analyzed with the HTLV‐I/II detection kit. Results: All 53 anti‐HTLV‐I/II ELISA‐ and WB‐positive samples and both HTLV‐II‐positive samples tested positively by PCR. All 228 anti‐HTLV‐I/II ELISA‐positive and WB‐indeterminate, all 15 ELISA‐positive and WB‐negative and all 11 ELISA‐negative control samples tested negative by PCR. Conclusion: The Roche Amplicor HTLV‐I/II test is a simple test, suitable for the confirmation of HTLV‐I and ‐II infection in individuals with indeterminate or positive WB patterns.
Identification of Novel Factor VIII Inhibitor Epitopes using Synthetic Peptide Arrays
Authors: Palmer Douglas S. , Dudani Anil K. , Drouin Jeanne , Ganz Peter R. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: Mapping the antibody‐binding sites on the factor VIII (FVIII) protein opens the prospect of studying the development of FVIII inhibitors and the alteration of inhibitor specificities over time. This paper describes a novel approach to the mapping of FVIII antibody‐binding sites. Methods: Immobilized synthetic peptide arrays covering 80% of the complete 2351 amino acid sequence of factor VIII (FVIII) were used to determine epitope specificity of 6 alloantibodies and 3 autoantibodies inhibitory to FVIII activity. This detailed assessment was carried out using a modified enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay with plasma from normal persons or hemophilia A patients without inhibitors as negative controls. Results: Antibody‐combining sites could be differentiated in both a qualitative and quantitative manner and were patient‐specific. Highly reactive peptides were restricted to specific sites in the Al‐A3 and Cl‐C2 domains and were not proximal to known proteolytic cleavage sites. Free peptides incubated in vitro with the plasmas of 3 patients significantly reduced residual inhibitor titers in a dose‐dependent manner. Conclusion: This technique permits the study of the development and specificity of FVIII inhibitors, can detect and differentiate between inhibitory and noninhibitory antibodies using immobilized or free peptides respectively, permits correlation of antibody‐combining sites with inhibition of FVIII activity and provides a basis for the development of inhibitor adsorption or neutralization technology.
Flow‐Cytometric Quantitation of Anti‐D Antibodies
Authors: Hildén Jan‐Olof , Backteman Karin , Nilsson Joacim , Ernerudh Jan 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: Quantitation of Rh antibodies is important clinically in predicting the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn. We describe a flow cytometry method for the quantitation of anti‐D antibodies that we developed in parallel to a recently described method. Methods: As a secondary antibody we used whole IgG instead of Fab molecules. The advantages, besides lower cost, include a stronge fluorescence signal with no need for amplification, and the possibility of diluting samples to minimize the risk of agglutination by IgM antibodies. We did extensive studies on reproducibility. Results: Reproducibility was superior to the autoanalyzer method. The two methods were roughly in agreement in estimating low, medium, or high levels of anti‐D with a correlation coefficient of 0.89. The autoanalyzer measures the in vitro agglutination of all anti‐D antibodies whereas flow cytometry measures the amount of IgG anti‐D bound to red cells, which is more like the in vivo situation. Conclusion: Further studies in a clinical setting will show whether flow‐cytometric quantitation may improve the diagnostic value of anti‐D concentration measurement.
Sensitive Determination of the Rh D Genotype in Mixed Samples Using Fluorescence‐Based Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Tonn T. , Westrup D. , Seidl C. , Kirchmaier C. M. , Seifried E. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: Prenatal determination of the fetal RhD status in pregnancies of Rh‐negative (Rh‐neg) women by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on DNA has become of increasing importance. Since determination of the RhD genotype in these cases is usually performed in samples containing both maternal Rh‐neg and fetal Rh‐neg or Rh‐positive (Rh‐pos) DNA, the sensitivity and specificity of PCR‐based DNA detection are of crucial importance in the diagnosis of the fetal RhD status. Methods: We developed a method for RhD typing using the PCR and a fluorescence‐based detection method that allows us to determine RhD‐pos DNA even if it is mixed with large amounts of Rh‐neg DNA. Results: Using this approach, Rh‐pos DNA could be detected in dilutions with Rh‐neg DNA of as high as 1 in 10,000 (Rh‐pos/Rh‐neg). Furthermore PCR amplification could also be carried out on DNA samples from persons with weak (Dweak) or partial (Dcat) RhD antigens. Conclusion: This method will be valuable in prenatal RhD typing after amniocentesis or after the isolation of fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood.
Report of EPFA/NIBSC Workshop ‘Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAT) for the Detection of Blood‐Borne Viruses’ Held on 31 October 1996 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Authors: Rogers P. M. , Saldanha J. , Allain J. P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe 3rd annual European Plasma Fractionators Association/National Institut of Biological Standard and Control (EPFA/NIBSC) meeting provided a forum for regulators, blood product and test kit manufacturers and organisations developing standards to present and discuss their latest data. The main conclusions were as follows. There has been substantial progress during the last year in the development of NAT technology specifically for improving the safety of blood products though there is an urgent need for the development of international reference materials. The technology is not yet sufficiently developed to be used as a routine screening test though testing of plasma pools for hepatitis C virus may be achieved within a year. Introduction of testing should not result in the creation of dual standards for plasma derived and cellular products. Once the technology is fully developed it could significantly improve the safety of all blood products, particularly those derived from starting materials with a high incidence of viral markers.
Gel Test Application for IgG Subclass Detection in Auto‐Immune Haemolytic Anaemia
Authors: Fabijańska‐Mitek J. , Θopieńska H. , ¿upańska B. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: Commercially available gel test microtubes are not available with antisera for the determination of IgG subclasses. The aim of this study was to adapt the gel technique for this purpose and apply it to the investigation of patients with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). Materials and methods: We studied 66 red cell samples from 49 patients with AIHA of the warm‐active IgG type. Standard serologic and haematologic methods were used. We adapted the DiaMed gel test by using IgG‐subclass antisera. Results: We found the adapted test useful in determining the subclass of autoantibodies in eluates. We could identify the IgG subclass in all the AIHA patients, even those that were ‘Coombs‐negative’, with less than 200 IgG molecules bound in vivo per red cell. Comparison of the gel test with the standard spin tube test and the microtiter plate test showed the superiority of the gel test, i.e., detection of IgG subclasses was much better than with the tube test and the results were more clear‐cut than those of the microplate test. The gel test is also the simplest and least time‐consuming and permits a later reading of results. Application of the test in our 66 samples confirmed that IgG1 was the most frequent (96%). In 59% of the cases it was accompanied by IgG of other subclasses. Multiple subclasses were most common in the cases with stronger in vivo IgG red cell sensitization and severe haemolysis. Accompanying IgG3 was detected only in patients with obvious haemolysis. Conclusion: The gel test is more sensitive than other procedures for the determination of IgG subclass and has the advantages of simplicity, rapidity, low cost, and stability of the agglutinates.
Increased in vitro Immunosuppressive Action of Anti‐CMV and Anti‐HBs Intravenous Immunoglobulins due to Higher Amounts of Interferon‐Gamma Specific Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Denys C. , Toungouz M. , Dupont E. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: We previously found that interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) antibodies in intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) can block not only IFN‐γ production and tumor necrosis factor‐α secretion, but also T‐cell proliferation. Since the presence of IFN‐γ antibodies has been attributed to previous viral infection, we hypothesized that the viral status of the plasma donors used for IVIG pools might be a decisive factor in controlling the immunosuppressive capacity of IVIG. Materials and methods: We tested three different pooled, human IVIG preparations for the presence of IFN‐γ antibodies by ELISA. Results: Comparison of the immunomodulatory activity of polyvalent IVIG with that of specific CMV and HBs IVIG showed that the latter had higher levels of IFN‐γ antibodies and an increased capacity to block mixed lymphocyte reaction and cytokine production. Conclusion: We propose that these in vitro assays constitute a basis for the selection of plasma intended for manufacturing IVIG aimed at immunosuppression in the transplant setting.
Prestorage Leukocyte Reduction with In‐Line Filtration of Whole Blood: Evaluation of Red Cells and Plasma Storage
Authors: Rapaille André , Moore Glenn , Siquet Jean , Flament Jocelyne , Sondag‐Thull Danièle 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: Prestorage filtration of blood components appears to be an effective method to reduce leukocyte‐induced adverse reactions and other complications. To determine whether it is better to filter whole blood before component separation, we compared the efficiency of in‐line filtration of whole blood with that of postseparation filtration. Methods: Blood was collected from normal, healthy donors into either regular triple‐bag containers or into whole‐blood integral‐filter container systems. We then compared the in vitro storage values of leukocyte‐depleted red blood cell concentrates (RBCC) kept at 4 °C, and plasma frozen for 1 year with nonfiltered blood components as control. Results: All counts of white blood cells after filtration were < 1 × 106 per unit. For almost all storage parameters no significant differences were found between leukocyte‐reduced RBCC and control units. The plasma fibrinopeptide A values below 30 ng/ml prior to freezing indicate that filtration does not activate the coagulation factors. Furthermore, the filtration did not influence either the biological values or the coagulation factors of plasma units. Conclusions: Whole blood filtration prior to component preparation seems to offer a useful alternative technique for obtaining leukocyte‐reduced RBCC and plasma.
Transfusion‐Related Acute Lung Injury following Random Donor Platelet Transfusion: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Triulzi Darrell J. , Logan Theodore F. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) following random donor platelet (RDP) transfusion is a rare complication of transfusion without any well‐documented case reported in the English language literature. We describe 2 patients in whom TRALI occurred following RDP transfusion. Methods: Conventional clinical and laboratory methods. Results: Both patients developed acute shortness of breath 30–60 min after completion of RDP transfusion and required mechanical ventilatory support. Chest X‐ray (CXR) in both cases revealed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Patient 1 required vasopressors for hypotension. Right heart catheterization ruled out fluid overload. Patient 2 remained hemodynamically stable. Both patients improved rapidly with continued respiratory support and were extubated within 48 h. CXR at this time showed clearing of infiltrates. In both cases a granulocyte antibody was identified in the plasma of a platelet donor supporting the diagnosis of TRALI. Conclusions: In suspected cases of TRALI, HLA and granulocyte antibody testing is indicated for the recipients and for donors of implicated components. Implicated donors need not be excluded from the donor pool, but can be used for fractionated plasma and plasma‐free components.