bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consistent presence of two normally distributed sperm subpopulations within normozoospermic human semen: a kinematic study
Authors: Chantler Eric , Abraham‐Peskir Joanna , Roberts Chris 
Published: December 2004

SummarySperm motion analysis was performed using computer‐aided semen analysis (CASA) on nine normozoospermic human ejaculates following six fractionation schemes that included Percoll discontinuous gradient centrifugation, swim‐up, hyper and hypo‐osmotic stress in which 4600–13 400 tracks were analysed (depending on the scheme). In addition, the effect of ageing for 2 h in seminal plasma or re‐addition of seminal plasma, on the kinematic properties was investigated. Analysis following sorting of the swimming velocity at 5 μm/sec intervals revealed the presence of two discrete normally distributed subpopulations selected on the basis of path velocity (VAP): these subpopulations were also present in the track speed (VCL) and progressive velocity (VSL) distributions. The validity of the two subpopulations was examined using a two‐component normal mixture model and found to be highly statistically significant (p < 0.00001). The basis for the subpopulations was independent from the possession of midpiece vesicles or hyperactivation. Swim‐up produced subpopulations of sperm that were significantly different from those obtained by Percoll separation. Compared with sperm in seminal plasma, swim‐up and Percoll separation significantly increased the level of hyperactivated sperm at 2 h. Hyperactivation was inhibited by the re‐addition of seminal plasma. Swim‐up enhanced the proportion of sperm in the fast VAP subpopulation (independently of the level of hyperactivation) and whilst this altered distribution was maintained following the addition of homologous seminal plasma the mean velocity of the fast fraction was significantly decreased. Both swim‐up and Percoll separation significantly increased the mean velocity of the fast subpopulation but the increase was greater with swim‐up. This analysis highlights a way in which subpopulations may be detected and analysed. The procedure revealed fundamental differences in the kinematic properties of sperm processed by different methods that are used in assisted reproductive technology and showed that these were independent of hyperactivation.
Vanilloid receptor 1 antagonists attenuate disease severity in dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis in mice
Authors: Kimball E. S. , Wallace N. H. , Schneider C. R. , D'Andrea M. R. , Hornby P. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractNeurogenic mechanisms have been implicated in the induction of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1) has been visualized on nerve terminals of intrinsic and extrinsic afferent neurones innervating the gastrointestinal tract and local administration of a TRPV1 antagonist, capsazepine, reduces the severity of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in rats (Gut 2003; 52: 713–91). Our aim was to test whether systemically or orally administered TRPV1 antagonists attenuate experimental colitis induced by 5% DSS in Balb/c mice. Intraperitoneal capsazepine (2.5 mg kg−1, bid), significantly reduced the overall macroscopic damage severity compared with vehicle‐treated animals (80% inhibition, P < 0.05); however, there was no effect on myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. An experimental TRPV1 antagonist given orally was tested against DSS‐induced colitis, and shown to reverse the macroscopic damage score at doses of 0.5 and 5.0 mg kg−1. Epithelial damage assessed microscopically was significantly reduced. MPO levels were attenuated by approximately 50%, and diarrhoea scores were reduced by as much as 70%. These results suggest that pharmacological modulation of TRPV1 attenuates indices of experimental colitis in mice, and that development of orally active TRPV1 antagonists might have therapeutic potential for the treatment of IBD.
Characterization of the T‐cell epitopes of a major peanut allergen, Ara h 2
Authors: Glaspole I. N. , De Leon M. P. , Rolland J. M. , O'Hehir R. E. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  The development of safe and effective immunotherapy for peanut allergy has been complicated by the high anaphylactic potential of native peanut extracts. We sought to map the T‐cell epitopes of the major peanut allergen, Ara h 2 in order to develop T‐cell targeted vaccines.Methods:  A panel of eight peanut‐specific CD4+ T‐cell lines (TCL) was derived from eight peanut‐allergic subjects and proliferative and cytokine responses to stimulation with a set of overlapping 20‐mer peptides representing the entire sequence of Ara h 2 determined. Proliferation was assessed in 72 h assays via tritiated thymidine incorporation, while interleukin (IL)‐5 and interferon (IFN)‐γ production were assessed via sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of cell culture supernatants.Results:  Eight of the 17 Ara h 2 peptides were recognized by one or more subjects, with the two peptides showing highest reactivity [Ara h 2 (19–38) and Ara h 2 (73–92)] being recognized by three subjects each. Adjoining peptides Ara h 2 (28–47) and Ara h 2 (100–119) induced proliferative responses in two subjects. Each of these peptides was associated with a Th2‐type cytokine response.Conclusion:  Two highly immunogenic T‐cell reactive regions of Ara h 2 have been identified, Ara h 2 (19–47) and Ara h 2 (73–119), providing scope for the development of safe forms of immunotherapy for peanut allergy.
Scoring atopic dermatitis in infants and young children: distinctive features of the SCORAD index
Authors: Pucci N. , Novembre E. , Cammarata M. G. , Bernardini R. , Monaco M. G. , Calogero C. , Vierucci A. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects infants, children, and adults with a wide degree of severity; several scoring systems have been used in trials and clinical practice. Infants and young children have a typical distribution of the lesions, but a correlation among skin surface involvement, intensity and subjective symptoms has not been reported in age groups.Aims of the study:  To evaluate the clinical features of AD in infants and young children, by using the SCORAD index. A simplified scoring method for clinical practice is also discussed.Methods:  The SCORAD index was assessed in 63 infants and young children with AD [mean age (±SD) 17.5 ± 11.15 months]; the single parameters of the index were evaluated, and compared with each other. Serum eosinophil cationic protein (s‐ECP) and urinary eosinophil protein X (u‐EPX) levels were determined and correlated with the SCORAD index.Results:  The presence of erythema, edema/papulation, and oozing/crust was significantly high in these patients. A strong positive correlation resulted among the three SCORAD index parameters (extent‐intensity: P < 0.001; extent‐subjective symptoms: P < 0.001; intensity‐subjective symptoms: P < 0.001). S‐ECP and u‐EPX levels positively correlated to almost every single parameter of the SCORAD index as well as to its total.Conclusions:  Distinctive intensity items were found in infants and young children with AD. A strong correlation resulted among the extent, intensity, and subjective symptoms; each of the three parameters was positively correlated with the total SCORAD. Immunologic parameters positively correlated to each of the SCORAD index items, which remains the gold standard for assessing disease severity in clinical trials.
Urinary inflammatory mediators and inhalation of hypertonic saline in children
Authors: Mai X.‐M. , Böttcher M. F. , Bruhammar M. , Nilsson L. , Zetterström O. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  The inflammatory mechanisms of hypertonic saline‐induced bronchoconstriction are not well understood.Methods:  Seventeen asthmatics with (n = 11) and without bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) (n = 6) and 18 randomly selected nonatopic nonasthmatic controls without BHR were evaluated by urine samples collected before and 1 h after hypertonic saline provocation test. Histamine, 11β‐PGF2α, and LTE4 were analysed by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and eosinophil protein X (EPX) by radioimmunoassay (RIA).Results:  The levels of leukotriene E4 (LTE4) increased significantly after the challenge tests, both in the asthmatics (median: 354 pg/mg pre‐challenge vs. 628 pg/mg post‐challenge; P = 0.05) and in the controls (median: 294 pg/mg pre‐challenge vs. 460 pg/mg post‐challenge; P < 0.01). The levels of histamine also increased significantly in the latter (median: 299 μmol/mg pre‐challenge vs. 569 μmol/mg post‐challenge; P = 0.03). However, the levels of 11β‐PGF2α and EPX did not change significantly after the challenge tests either in the asthmatics or in the controls.Conclusions:  The inhalation of hypertonic saline increased urinary excretion of LTE4 both in the asthmatics and in the controls. The slight increase of leukotrienes was enough to induce airway obstruction in some of the asthmatics, because of the hyperresponsiveness in their airways.
Mustard allergy confirmed by double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges: clinical features and cross‐reactivity with mugwort pollen and plant‐derived foods
Authors: Figueroa J. , Blanco C. , Dumpiérrez A. G. , Almeida L. , Ortega N. , Castillo R. , Navarro L. , Pérez E. , Gallego M. D. , Carrillo T. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Mustard IgE‐mediated allergy is supposed to be a rare cause of food allergy, and its clinical features and cross‐reactivities have not been fully elucidated.Methods:  A prospective study was carried out, recruiting mustard allergic patients, and paired control subjects. A clinical questionnaire was administered, and skin‐prick tests (SPT) with panels of aeroallergens and foods, serum extraction for in vitro tests and double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) were performed.Results:  Thirty‐eight mainly adult patients, with 10.5% reporting systemic anaphylaxis, were included in the study [age (mean ± SD): 21.9 ± 8.6 years]. DBPCFC were performed in 24 patients, being positive in 14 cases (58.3%). Patients with positive outcome showed significantly greater mustard SPT than those with negative outcome (8.2 ± 3.7 vs 5.3 ± 2.4 mm, P < 0.05), and the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis yielded a cut‐off value for mustard commercial SPT of 8 mm, with a specificity of 90% (95% CI, 55.5–98.3), and a sensitivity of 50% (95% CI, 23.1–76.9). A significant association between mustard hypersensitivity and mugwort pollen sensitization was found (97.4% of patients), with partial cross‐reactivity demonstrated by UniCAP System inhibition assays. All patients showed sensitization to other members of Brassicaceae family, and cross‐reactivity among them was also confirmed. Moreover, significant associations with nut (97.4%), leguminous (94.7%), corn (78.9%), and Rosaceae fruit (89.5%) sensitizations were also shown. Around 40% of these food sensitizations were symptomatic, including food‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis in six patients.Conclusions:  Mustard allergy is a not‐uncommon disorder that can induce severe reactions. Significant associations with mugwort pollinosis and several plant‐derived food allergies are demonstrated, suggesting a new mustard–mugwort allergy syndrome. A relationship between this syndrome and food‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis is also reported.
Efficacy of the Non‐antibiotic Paste Protexin®Hoof‐Care for Topical Treatment of Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Cows
Authors: Kofler J. , Pospichal M. , Hofmann‐Parisot M. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn this study, the efficacy of the non‐antibiotic paste Protexin®Hoof‐Care containing metallic salts and organic acids, was tested for local treatment of 26 acute digital dermatitis lesions. The control group (26 cases) was treated with local application of oxytetracycline spray. These 52 affected limbs with digital dermatitis were diagnosed in 47 dairy cows from eight different farms with slatted floors. The therapeutic effect was evaluated using a scoring system for weightbearing at stance, lameness at walk and pain of the digital dermatitis lesions. The pre‐treatment and control examination scores were documented on days 0, 4, 10 and 28. Both treatment regimens were effective, no statistical differences regarding the examined parameters was found between the group treated with the non‐antibiotic Protexin®Hoof‐Care paste and the group treated with oxytetracycline spray. Twenty‐seven digital dermatitis lesions required only one treatment with one of these products. A second topical treatment was carried out on day 4 in 13 lesions of the study group and in 12 lesions of the control group. The data of this pilot study indicate that the non‐antibiotic paste Protexin®Hoof‐Care could be a valuable alternative to topical antibiotic treatment for digital dermatitis in dairy cattle.
Splanchnic hemodynamics: cirrhotic versus non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension
Authors: SCHIEDERMAIER PETER 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  Portal hypertension, defined as an increase in the hepatic venous pressure gradient above 5 mmhg, can be related to cirrhosis as well as non‐cirrhotic disorders. Based on the site of increased resistance, portal hypertension can be classified as presinusoidal, sinusoidal and postsinusoidal. Wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP) measurement distinguishes between presinusoidal (low WHVP reflecting normal sinusoidal pressure) and sinusoidal portal hypertension (high WHVP).According to the equation portal pressure = portal venous flow × portal venous outflow resistance, increase in pressure can result from an increase in inflow into the portal vascular system or by an elevated portal outflow resistance. Both, blood flow and resistance to flow can be estimated by means of Doppler ultrasound. The congestion index increases with the outflow resistance in the portal vein and the hepatic and splenic arterial resistance index reflects the outflow resistance in the downstream vascular region (i.e. the hepatic parenchyma or the whole portal vascular system).In cirrhosis, a sinusoidal form of portal hypertension, the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is increased while portal blood flow is decreased. The congestion index of the portal vein as well as the resistance index of the hepatic artery and the spleen parenchyma are increased.Prehepatic portal hypertension due to an increased inflow through an enlarged spleen is characterized by an increased portal blood flow, a decreased splenic resistance index and an only slightly elevated HVPG. Vice versa, splenomegaly of portal hypertensive origin is characterized by a decrease in portal blood flow and an increase in the splenic artery resistance index. In idiopathic portal hypertension or non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis, portal and splenic blood flow are increased and there is a gradient between elevated intrasplenic and normal or only slightly elevated wedged hepatic venous pressure. Schistosomiasis, the other presinusoidal intrahepatic form of portal hypertension, is characterized by a normal wedged hepatic venous pressure and portal blood flow seems to be preserved, too.Posthepatic portal hypertension, such as the Budd–Chiari syndrome, shows a very low HVPG due to an increase in both FHVP and WHVP together with a decrease in portal blood flow and sometimes a compensatory increase in hepatic artery flow.
Choosing to practice in rural dietetics: What factors influence that decision?
Authors: Heaney Susan E. , Tolhurst Helen , Baines Surinder K. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective:  The present study aimed to identify those factors that influence the decision of a dietitian to consider working in a rural area. Design:  A qualitative design using focus groups was chosen for this study to allow for in‐depth data to be obtained. Setting:  University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus. Subjects:  Twenty‐three students/new graduates from the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) degree at the University of Newcastle. Main Outcome Measures:  Not applicable, this project was an exploratory study. Results:  A number of factors that influence the decision of dietetic students and newly graduated dietitians to consider working in a rural area were identified. These fell into the following main thematic areas: job prospects; rural lifestyle; comfort zones; support networks; promotion opportunities/professional development; type of work/work role; rural needs; and time frame. Conclusions:  The present study found that choosing a location to work (whether it be a rural one or not) is a complex process and involves a number of interacting factors. Also those factors that may influence one dietitian to choose a career in a rural area may also be the factors that influence another dietitian not to choose a career in a rural area. What is already known on this subject:  Australian rural areas are understaffed with dieticians by more than 50% of optimal numbers. Rural dieticians see variety of work, rural lifestyle, and professional autonomy and responsibility as incentives for working in rural areas, and limited professional development opportunities, professional support, career structure and specialization opportunities as disincentives. What does this paper add?:  Career choice by dietetics students is a complex process with some issues such variety of work being incentives for some students and disincentives for others. Students have a ‘comfort zone’ that is a geographical area in which they feel comfortable living and working and even if they will unemployed in an urban area some students are unwilling to move outside of their comfort zone in order to find work.
Point‐of‐care monitoring of anticoagulant therapy by rural community pharmacists: Description of successful outcomes
Authors: Jackson Shane L. , Peterson Gregory M. , House Murray , Bartlett Timothy 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Warfarin is a recognised high‐risk drug for adverse events. Patients from rural and remote regions are at increased risk of these events because of problems of access to health care providers and services, and there is some reluctance to prescribe warfarin to patients in rural areas because of the difficulties in monitoring anticoagulated patients. The availability of portable international normalised ratio (INR) monitors is particularly attractive in rural or remote settings because of the lack of access to pathology services. Pharmacists and other health professionals in rural areas are ideally placed to assist general practitioners in the management of their anticoagulated patients through the use of portable INR monitors. The present article describes three cases of successful outcomes of pharmacist‐assisted anticoagulation monitoring in the rural setting. Innovative service delivery models like these are needed to meet the needs of the increasing number of rural Australians requiring warfarin therapy. What is already known on this subject:  There is clear evidence of the under use of warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and under use is greatest in rural areas. One of the barriers to the use of warfarin in these areas is the relative lack of access to pathology services for regular international normalised ratio (INR) testing. What does this study add:  Through case studies, the present study demonstrates the practical utility of point‐of‐care INR monitoring in rural and remote communities. Such monitoring has the potential to lead to safer and more effective use of warfarin and therefore to better management of anticoagulated patients in rural and remote areas.
Follicular development and induction of ovulation with human chorionic gonadotropin in the pregnant rat
Authors: KAGABU SATOSI , UMEZU MOTOAKI 
Published: December 2004

Aims: The number of ovarian follicles and ovulations after human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) was given at various doses during pregnancy were investigated in rats.Methods: On designated days of pregnancy, rats were injected with hCG at 13.00 hours and the number of ova were observed. The same rats were then killed at 13.00 hours the next day. The ovaries were cut into complete sections. All sections were observed and the size of each follicle was measured.Results: The number of large (≥550 µm), healthy, non‐atretic follicles (Graafian follicles) ranged from 1.5 to 11 during pregnancy. Ovulation was induced in rats at any stage of pregnancy with intramuscular injections of 40 or 50 IU hCG, but 10 IU had no effect and 20 or 30 IU had an incomplete effect. The number of ovulations after 40 IU hCG was 2–12 and there was not a significant difference between the number of ovulations and the number of large, healthy follicles at any point in the pregnancy.Conclusion: Graafian follicles existed through the pregnancy. Results suggest that although hCG induces ovulation in large ovarian follicles (≥550 µm) during pregnancy, the responsiveness to hCG is lower than in recurrent estrus‐stage rats. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 201–204)
Bisphenol A‐induced morphological alterations in Sertoli and spermatogenic cells of immature Shiba goats in vitro: An ultrastructural study
Authors: ANDRIANA BIBIN BINTANG , TAY TAT WEI , HIRAMATSU RYUJI , AWAL MOHAMMAD ABDUL , KANAI YOSHIAKIRA , KUROHMARU MASAMICHI , HAYASHI YOSHIHIRO 
Published: December 2004

Background and aims: There is no information currently available regarding the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on testes in ruminants. Therefore, to establish and clarify the effects of BPA in ruminants, testicular tissue cultures were obtained from immature Shiba goats.Methods: The testes of 2‐month‐old Shiba goats were cut into smaller pieces and seeded in medium. At 1, 3, 6 and 9 h after administration of various concentrations of BPA, the specimens underwent light and transmission electron microscopic observationsResults: At 1 h after BPA treatment, vacuolization and nuclear membrane rupture appeared within the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. Such alterations tended to gradually increase in number in time‐ and dose‐dependent manners. Thus, because of BPA treatment, apoptotic spermatogenic cells, necrotic spermatogenic cells, apoptotic Sertoli cells and necrotic Sertoli cells could be identified. Particularly in the Sertoli cell, ruptured vesicles could be found within the multivesicular nuclear body.Conclusion: The treatment with BPA at a low concentration tends to lead spermatogenic and Sertoli cells to apoptosis, whereas a higher concentration tends to lead spermatogenic and Sertoli cells to necrosis. Therefore, this study showed that testicular tissue culture is an advantageous avenue for screening the testicular toxicity of chemicals in ruminants. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 205–210)