bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of calcium intake on phosphorus digestibility in mature ponies
Authors: van Doorn D. A. , van der Spek M. E. , Everts H. , Wouterse H. , Beynen A. C. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryLiterature data show conflicting results on the effect of feeding high calcium (Ca) levels on phosphorus (P) digestibility in ponies. None of the studies reported involved a dose response as to the effect of Ca intake on apparent P digestibility while keeping P intake constant. Thus, the influence of high dietary Ca level on apparent P digestibility was studied in balance trials by feeding six mature ponies three different Ca levels against a constant P intake. The ponies received 148, 316 and 535 mg Ca/kg BW/day with the low, intermediate and high Ca diet. Phosphorus intake was approximately 125 mg P/kg BW and magnesium (Mg) intake was approximately 35 mg Mg/kg BW/day. The intermediate and high Ca level decreased apparent digestibility, renal excretion and retention of P when compared with the low Ca level. However, apparent digestibility and renal excretion of P were not different between the intermediate and high Ca level. The high Ca level resulted in a retention of 66 mg Ca/kg BW/day. The percentage apparent digestibility of Ca was lower for the intermediate and high Ca level compared with the low Ca level. Magnesium digestibility was not affected by high dietary Ca level. In practice, high absolute amounts of Ca should be prevented especially when low amounts of P are fed; P digestibility will be depressed and a negative P balance may occur.
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus is Internalized by Clathrin‐dependent Receptor‐mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Grummer B. , Grotha S. , Greiser‐Wilke I. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae. In contrast to the members of the genus flavivirus, nothing is known about the viral entry route for pestiviruses. In this study, the process of BVDV infection following attachment to the cell surface was examined. BVDV clearly co‐localizes with clathrin, with early endosome antigen‐1 (EEA‐1), an early endosome marker, and also with lysosomal‐associated membrane protein‐2 (LAMP‐2), a lysosomal marker. BVDV internalization is inhibited by compounds that block clathrin‐ but not caveolae‐dependent endocytosis. These findings demonstrate that BVDV enters the cells via the clathrin‐coated pit pathway.
Efficacy of Oral Vaccination in the Final Stage of Fox Rabies Elimination in Switzerland
Authors: Bugnon P. , Breitenmoser U. , Peterhans E. , Zanoni R. 
Published: December 2004

SummarySubsequent to rabies vaccination campaigns, two well‐established methods for the determination of the proportion of vaccinated foxes – the detection of tetracycline (TC) in bones and the detection of virus neutralizing antibodies (VNA) in thoracic fluids – were used and compared. Special emphasis was given to the effect of a new method of bait distribution at the den, which is primarily targeted at young foxes. The overall proportion of vaccinated animals estimated by TC was 60% as compared to 50% by VNA. In young foxes overall, significantly lower proportions of vaccinated animals (58% by TC and 40% by VNA) than in adult foxes (75 and 59%) were estimated with both methods. Low proportions of vaccinated young animals were found after spring (39 and 18%), but also after autumn vaccination (56 and 35%). In contrast, after den vaccination the level of vaccination of young foxes reached that of adult foxes. The theoretical implication of the successful elimination of fox rabies in Switzerland in spite of a relatively low overall proportion of VNA‐positive animals is discussed.
Significance of β2‐ToxigenicClostridium perfringensInfections in Animals and Their Predisposing Factors – A Review
Authors: Schotte U. , Truyen U. , Neubauer H. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe novelβ2‐toxin ofClostridium perfringenshas recently been described as the cause of enteric diseases in animals. The biological activity ofβ2‐toxin is similar to that of theβ1‐toxin with a possibly weaker cytotoxic activity. However, the production ofβ2‐toxinin vitrois not seen in allβ2‐toxin‐gene (cpb2)‐positiveC. perfringensstrains, and to deduce a clinical importance solely from the detection ofcpb2is difficult. Detection ofcpb2‐positiveC. perfringensfrom various animal species with and without enteric diseases demonstrates the wide distribution ofcpb2in nature, and the presence ofcpb2gene is therefore not considered a risk by itself. Predisposing factors like low trypsin activity in the intestinal tract, antibiotic and/or antiphlogistic treatment or changes in diet can result in the selection ofβ2‐toxigenicC. perfringenswhich may lead to enteritis or enterotoxaemia.
DisseminatedMycobacterium avium–intracellulareInfection in a Persian Cat
Authors: Knippel A. , Hetzel U. , Baumgärtner W. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThis report describes a disseminated infection with mycobacteria of the avium/intracellulare complex in a Persian cat in the absence of cutaneous lesions. Postmortem examination revealed severe granulomatous inflammation with numerous intrahistiocytic acid‐fast bacilli in multiple organs. A gastrointestinal port of entry seems likely, as the ileocaecal lymph node was most severely affected.
A Spontaneous and Fatal Jejunal Intussusception in a European Brown Hare Associated withEimeria leporis
Authors: McCulloch C. R. , Prosl H. , Schmidt P. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA recently dead adult female European brown hare (Lepus europaeusPallas) was found in the wild with no evidence of trauma or external injury. Necropsy revealed symptoms consistent with endotoxic shock and a haemorrhagic jejuno‐jejunal intussusception with a necrotic intussusceptum. Small, unattached nodules were present extensively in the jejunal lumen and within the intussuscipiens. These nodules proved to be masses of unsporulatedEimeria leporisoocysts. Review of the literature revealsE. leporisto be a common parasite of wild hares, with protracted pathogenic potential under some circumstances. This is the first report of intussusception in this species and the most severe lesion seen associated withE. leporis. This case suggests thatE. leporismay be more harmful to the wild European brown hare population than previously supposed.
Intrapancreatic pseudoaneurysm associated with pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic tumor
Authors: HASHIMOTO MASAJI , WATANABE GORO , MATSUDA MASAMICHI , MORI MASAYA 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA 48‐year‐old man, who had suffered a bout of acute pancreatitis in September 2000, was found in March 2001 to have an increased concentration of serum amylase. A tumor in the pancreas body associated with stenosis and prestenotic dilatation of the main pancreatic duct was detected using imaging techniques. Distal pancreatectomy was performed under the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. An intrapancreatic hematoma due to rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the intrapancreatic artery was found in the resected specimen. This case illustrates how difficult it is to diagnose a small cancerous tumor in the pancreas and the rare presentation of this intrapancreatic pseudoaneurysm, which developed in a patient with a recent history of acute pancreatitis.
Effects of obstructive jaundice on neutrophil production and acquisition of chemotactic activity in the bone marrow
Authors: SHIMATANI MASAAKI , TSUJI KAZUYUKI , AZE YOSHIYA , YAMAMOTO SHIN , SHIBATANI NOBUYUKI , IMAI YOSHIHITO , TAKAMIDO SHOICHIROH , KUBOTA YOSHITSUGU , OKAZAKI KAZUICHI 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Increased numbers and enhanced functions of peripheral neutrophils have been observed in obstructive jaundice. However, the effects of obstructive jaundice on the bone marrow, that is neutrophil production and acquisition of neutrophil chemotactic activity, have been poorly understood. In the present study, differentials of bone marrow cells and chemotactic activity of bone marrow neutrophils were evaluated in bile duct‐obstructed rats.Methods:  Male Wistar rats underwent either bile duct obstruction for 10 days or bile duct obstruction for 4 days followed by 6 days’ internal biliary drainage. Differentials of peripheral blood and bone marrow cells were sequentially determined. Chemotactic activity of peripheral and bone marrow neutrophils was evaluated with a modified Boyden method using interleukin‐8 (recombinant rat Gro‐β) as a chemoattractant.Results:  Numbers of peripheral neutrophils significantly increased after bile duct obstruction. Significant increases in the myeloid/erythroid (M/E) ratio of bone marrow cells were observed after bile duct obstruction. The neutrophil proliferative pool (promyelocytes and myelocytes) increased initially, followed by an increased neutrophil storage pool (metamyelocytes, bands, and segmented neutrophils). The M/E ratio as well as the neutrophil proliferative and storage pools normalized after internal biliary drainage. Chemotactic activity was enhanced in both peripheral and bone marrow neutrophils after bile duct obstruction, and enhanced chemotaxis was alleviated with internal biliary drainage.Conclusion:  The present results strongly suggest the principal role of the bone marrow in increasing the number of neutrophils and their chemotactic activity during obstructive jaundice.
Is portal hypertension associated with protein‐losing enteropathy?
Authors: GEORGOPOULOS PHILIPPOS , MOWAT CRAIG , MCMILLAN DONALD C , KINGSTONE KATHLEEN , GHOSH SUBRATA , STANLEY ADRIAN J 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Hypoalbuminemia in patients with decompensated cirrhosis has traditionally been assumed to be a result of to impaired liver synthesis; however, protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) may also contribute. The aim of this study was to assess whether hypoalbuminemic cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension had evidence of PLE.Methods:  Sixteen patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, hypoalbuminemia and portal hypertension underwent whole gut lavage with polyethylene glycol solution. The effluent obtained was analyzed for albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig)G and α1‐antitrypsin (α1‐AT). Serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) was also measured to assess the systemic inflammatory response.Results:  Twelve of the 16 enrolled patients had a persistently low albumin concentration at the time of lavage. Only one patient (who was subsequently found to have celiac disease) had elevated concentrations of lavage albumin, α1‐AT and IgG levels. There was a significant correlation between lavage albumin and α1‐AT (r = 0.671, P = 0.024), and between lavage albumin and IgG (r = 0.614, P = 0.045). There was no correlation between serum albumin and lavage proteins. Six patients had elevated serum CRP levels, but serum albumin or lavage protein concentrations did not correlate with serum CRP.Conclusion:  There is no evidence of a significant PLE in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, hypoalbuminemia and portal hypertension.
PGE1 abolishes the mitochondrial‐independent cell death pathway induced by D‐galactosamine in primary culture of rat hepatocytes
Authors: SIENDONES EMILIO , JIMÉNEZ‐GÓMEZ YOLANDA , MONTERO JOSÉ LUÍS , GÓMEZ‐DÍAZ CONSUELO , VILLALBA JOSÉ MANUEL , MUNTANÉ JORDI 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  PGE1 reduces in vivo and in vitro D‐galactosamine (D‐GalN)‐induced cell death in hepatocytes. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the intracellular pathway by which D‐GalN induces cell death in cultured hepatocytes. In addition, we evaluated if PGE1 was able to modulate different parameters related to D‐GalN‐induced apoptosis in cultured rat hepatocytes.Methods:  Hepatocytes were isolated from male Wistar rats (225–275 g) by the classical collagenase procedure. PGE1 (1 µM) was administered 2 h before D‐GalN (5 mM) in primary culture of rat hepatocytes. Apoptosis was determined by DNA fragmentation and caspase‐3, ‐6, ‐8 and ‐9 activation in hepatocytes. Caspase activation was evaluated by the detection of the related cleaved product and its associated activity. Cell necrosis was determined by the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in culture medium. To elucidate the role of mitochondria, we measured neutral (nSMase) and acid (aSMase) sphingomyelinase, as well as the expression of cytochrome c in mitochondria and cytoplasm fractions from D‐GalN treated hepatocytes.Results:  D‐GalN induced caspase‐3 activation and DNA fragmentation in hepatocytes. This apoptotic response was not associated with the activation of caspase‐6, ‐8 or ‐9. The use of specific inhibitors confirmed that only caspase‐3 was involved in D‐GalN‐induced apoptosis. D‐GalN did not modify nSMase and aSMase activities, nor mitochondrial cytochrome c release in hepatocytes.Conclusions:  D‐GalN induced apoptosis through caspase‐3 activation but without modification of the activity of caspase‐6, ‐8, ‐9, SMases or cytochrome c release. PGE1 appears to prevent D‐GalN‐induced apoptosis by a mitochondria‐independent mechanism.
Specific type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor ameliorates thioacetamide‐induced liver injury in rats
Authors: MATSUHASHI TAMOTSU , OTAKA MICHIRO , ODASHIMA MASARU , JIN MARIO , KOMATSU KOGA , KONISHI NORIAKI , WADA ISAO , SATO TOSHIHIRO , HORIKAWA YOUHEI , OHBA REINA , OYAKE JINKO , HATAKEYAMA NATSUMI , WATANABE SUMIO 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Rolipram  is a specific type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor that suppresses the activity of immune cells and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we assessed the effect of rolipram on acute liver injury using thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced liver injury in rats as a model.Methods:  Rats were treated with rolipram (0.5–5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or vehicle and injected 30 min later with TAA (100 mg/kg, subcutaneously). Serum transaminase concentrations and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and growth related oncogene/cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1 (GRO/CINC‐1) levels were measured and livers were examined for microscopic changes. Dose‐dependent protection against TAA liver injury was based on transaminase levels and inflammatory cytokine production, and was measured 9 h after TAA when the peak release of cytokines occurred.Result:  Rolipram suppressed liver injury based on serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and histology and reduced TNF‐α, IL‐1β and GRO/CINC‐1 levels. Rolipram, at doses of 0.5–5 mg/kg, suppressed serum transaminase and TNF‐α production in a dose‐dependent manner, and these effects were significant at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg.Conclusion:  In our rodent model of acute liver injury, rolipram clearly reduced liver damage and inhibited pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. These results suggest that specific type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as rolipram, have potent hepatoprotective effects that are associated with suppressing inflammatory cytokine production.
Impact of 24‐h esophageal pH monitoring on the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Defining the gold standard
Authors: MADAN KAUSHAL , AHUJA VINEET , GUPTA SIDDARTH DUTTA , BAL CHANDRASEKHAR , KAPOOR ANU , SHARMA MAHESH PRAKASH 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The tests that are currently available for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) lack the desired diagnostic accuracy. To date, only pH monitoring has been shown to have a good sensitivity and specificity, but recent studies have failed to confirm this. Thus there is a need to find a test with acceptable sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing GERD. The present study aimed to find a single test or a combination of tests that could serve as a gold standard for the diagnosis of GERD and to identify an evidence‐based diagnostic work‐up for GERD in clinical and research settings.Methods:  A prospectively conducted masked study was carried out in which 109 GERD patients were recruited on the basis of symptom score evaluation (heartburn and/or regurgitation). After informed consent was given, the patients underwent various tests, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy from the lower esophageal mucosa during the first visit, followed by omeprazole challenge test (OCT), radionuclide scintigraphy, barium swallow and finally 24‐h esophageal pH monitoring. A positive concordance of three or more tests was taken as the gold standard.Results:  The results of all six tests were available for 70 patients. As a single diagnostic test, pH testing had the best combination of sensitivity and specificity (Youden's J = 0.69). Even in cases of endoscopy‐negative reflux disease, pH monitoring was the most sensitive and specific test (93.3% and 90.4%, respectively; J = 0.83). OCT, endoscopy and histopathology also had good sensitivity (84.4%, 64.4%, 82.2%, respectively). A combination of OCT, endoscopy and histopathology achieved a sensitivity of 100%.Conclusions:  A combination of OCT, endoscopy and histology will identify all cases of GERD. As these investigations are easily available, they should form the diagnostic work‐up in clinical situations. 24‐h esophageal pH testing, despite being the gold standard, has no utility in routine clinical settings and hence its availability should be limited to tertiary care settings.
Colonoscopic classification of internal hemorrhoids: Usefulness in endoscopic band ligation
Authors: FUKUDA AKIHISA , KAJIYAMA TORU , KISHIMOTO HIROYUKI , ARAKAWA HIROAKI , SOMEDA HITOSHI , SAKAI MASAHIKO , SENO HIROSHI , CHIBA TSUTOMU 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground:  Bleeding is one of the main symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. However, the conventional Goligher's classification of internal hemorrhoids does not consider the severity of bleeding. We intended to establish a useful method for evaluating internal hemorrhoids using a colonoscope that reflected the severity of the symptoms.Methods:  Using a colonoscope in the retroflexed and forward viewing position, 104 patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids were evaluated based on the criteria of range, form and red color signs (RCS). Range was determined by the circumferential distribution of internal hemorrhoids and scaled from 0 to 4. Form was determined by size and scaled from 0 to 2. The presence of RCS was also evaluated. Symptoms were determined by interview and scaled from 0 to 3. Patients were treated by endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and were examined endoscopically before and 4 weeks after the treatment.Results:  Before the treatment, range, form and RCS were significantly correlated to bleeding (P < 0.01), and form was significantly correlated to prolapse (P < 0.05). The endoscopic classification scores at 4 weeks after EBL improved significantly (range from 3.25 ± 0.05–0.56 ± 0.08 [P < 0.01] and form from 2.81 ± 0.04–0.56 ± 0.07 P < 0.01).Conclusion:  The new endoscopic classification of internal hemorrhoids proved to be closely correlated to symptoms, particularly bleeding, and thus highly useful in evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment.
Addressing the epidemic of chronic kidney disease in Australia
Authors: MATHEW Timothy 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY:  The Australia Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AUSDIAB) study provided, for the first time in Australia, a snapshot of the prevalence of kidney damage, reduced kidney function, hypertension and diabetes in the adult population. With this information, and the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) registry, that has recorded kidney failure statistics for many years, the extent of the chronic kidney disease burden in Australia is being better defined. This burden is even more pronounced in the Indigenous population where the incidence of kidney disease and kidney failure is increased several‐fold.Diabetes is the second most common cause of kidney failure among Australians. The number of patients with diabetes accepted to dialysis has doubled in the last 7 years, the mean body weight of patients commencing dialysis has increased 7 kg in the past decade and the mean age at acceptance to dialysis is rising in a linear fashion (presently 60 years). These facts, together with a static transplant rate, all point to the prevalence of dialysis likely staying at or increasing beyond the present yearly growth rate of 6–7%.The evidence shows that a large proportion of chronic kidney disease patients are dying of cardiovascular risk factors before they reach dialysis or transplantation. There are many gaps in delivering appropriate preventative treatment to these patients. A relatively small reduction in the rise in dialysis numbers that might flow from an effective prevention of progression program, could make a significant impact on the spiralling numbers and associated cost of kidney failure treatment in Australia. We now need to develop and implement a national kidney disease strategy designed to address the whole continuum of chronic kidney disease from its earliest stage right through to dialysis and transplantation.
Barriers to access by Indigenous Australians to kidney transplantation: The IMPAKT study
Authors: CASS Alan , DEVITT Jeannie , PREECE Cilla , CUNNINGHAM Joan , ANDERSON Kate , SNELLING Paul , ERIS Josette , AYANIAN John 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY:  Although Indigenous Australians represent less than 2% of the national population, they account for 8–10% of new patients commencing treatment for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Almost half come from remote regions lacking renal disease treatment services. In those regions, their incidence of ESRD is up to 30 times the incidence for all Australians.Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for ESRD. Compared with long‐term dialysis, it results in better quality of life, longer life expectancy and lower costs of health care. Indigenous Australians with ESRD receive transplants at approximately one‐third the rate of non‐Indigenous patients. There are similar disparities in access to kidney transplants for Native Americans, Aboriginal Canadians and New Zealander Maori. The reasons for such disparities have not been studied in any detail.IMPAKT (Improving Patient Access to Kidney Transplantation) is an NHMRC‐funded study, involving eight major renal units. It aims to identify the reasons for Indigenous Australians’ poor access to transplantation. It will systematically examine each of the steps a new dialysis patient must negotiate in order to receive a transplant. Each of these steps can become a barrier.