A case of a twin surviving to term following the abortion of its co-twin at 9 months in an Arabian mare.

Twin pregnancy in mares is one of the leading causes of abortions. Abortion invariably impacts both fetuses. This report describes an unusual case of a twin surviving to term following the abortion of its co-twin at 9 months in a 7-year-old Egyptian Arabian mare. At the time of abortion at 9 months of gestation, the size of the aborted fetus was equivalent to one of approximately 5 months of age while the age of the live co-twin was 9 months. Both fetuses were males. A skin sample was collected from the aborted fetus and hair samples were collected from the dam, sire and live foal for parentage analysis. The parentage analysis confirmed that both fetuses were by the same dam and sire stallion. The authors suggest several scenarios to explain this condition. This report describes a unique case of a twin surviving to term following the abortion of its co-twin at 9 months in a mare.

Feline ocular toxoplasmosis: seroprevalence, diagnosis and treatment outcome of 60 clinical cases.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important protozoa zoonotic diseases worldwide. The present study describes the clinical, seroprevalence findings with ocular toxoplasmosis and the outcome of medicinal treatment of these cats. This study was carried out on 105 cats with various ocular signs, no historical evidence of ocular trauma or drug/vaccine exposure for at least 3 months prior to admission, and without clinical or laboratory evidence of other systemic diseases. Complete case history, physical and ophthalmic examinations were carried out. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was determined using the Toxoplasma Ab Rapid Test and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Out of 105 examined cats with ocular lesions, 60 cats representing 57.14% were seropositive to T. gondii. Out of these 60 cats, 15 cats (25%) had bilateral ocular abnormalities, 25 cats (41.67%) had right-sided ocular disease, and 20 cats (33.33%) had left-sided ocular disease. There were 38 cats (63.33%) with anterior uveitis, 12 cats (20%) with posterior segment involvement, 5 cats (8.33%) with anterior uveitis and anterior chamber abnormalities, 3 cats (5%) with corneal abnormalities and 2 cats (3.34%) with anterior uveitis with concurrent corneal involvement. There was a significant difference in the index values of IgM and IgG between seropositive and seronegative cats with T. gondii antibodies (p⟨0.05). There was no significant difference between the different ages, genders and breeds of cats with seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies as well as between the age and total number of cats with seropositive and seronegative T. gondii. Out of 60 treated cats, 28 cats (46.7%), 25 cats (41.7%) and 7 cats (11.6%) showed complete, partial and poor response to treatment, respectively. In conclusion, cats showing ocular signs without obvious etiology should be examined serologically for toxoplasmosis and the seropositive cats should be treated with both specific topical and systemic treatments.

Marginal adaptation, solubility and biocompatibility of TheraCal LC compared with MTA-angelus and biodentine as a furcation perforation repair material.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the marginal adaptation, solubility and biocompatibility of TheraCal LC compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA-Angelus) and Biodentine when used as a furcation perforation repair material. METHODS: The marginal adaptation was assessed by scanning electronic microscope and presence of any gap between the dentin surface and filling material in each quadrant of the sample was analyzed at 1000 X magnification. The solubility was measured after one week by the ISO standard method. Biocompatibility was evaluated by the inflammatory response and radiography after one month and three months of repair of experimental furcation perforations in dog's teeth. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the marginal adaptation, solubility and biocompatibility of the tested materials (P < 0.05). TheraCal LC showed the highest frequency distribution of gap presence that was followed by the MTA-Angelus then Biodentine. The least soluble material after one week was TheraCal LC that was followed by the MTA-Angelus and Biodentine. After one month and three months, TheraCal LC showed the highest inflammatory response and highest frequency distribution of radiolucency that was followed by the Biodentine then MTA-Angelus. CONCLUSION: Unlike Biodentine, TheraCal LC is incapable of alternating the MTA in furcation perforation repair due to its poor biocompatibility and poor marginal adaptation.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of propolis on regenerative potential of necrotic immature permanent teeth in dogs.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the antibacterial efficiency and ability of propolis to promote regeneration of immature permanent non-vital dogs' teeth. METHODS: Ninety six immature permanent premolars teeth in 6 mongrel dogs were divided randomly into: experimental teeth (N = 72) and control teeth (N = 24). Periapical pathosis was induced in all experimental and positive control teeth. Experimental teeth were classified according to the used intra-canal medication into: group I (N = 36), propolis paste was used and group II (N = 36), triple antibiotic paste (TAP) was used. Bacteriologic samplings were collected before and after exposure to intra-canal medicaments. After the disinfection period (3 weeks), revascularization was induced in all experimental teeth. Each group was subdivided according to the root canal orifice plug into: subgroup A (N = 18), propolis paste was used and subgroup B (N = 18), mineral trioxide aggregates (MTA) was used. Each subgroup was further subdivided according to the evaluation period into 3 subdivisions (6 teeth each): subdivision 1; after 2 weeks, subdivision 2; after one month and subdivision 3; after 2 months. Positive control group had 12 teeth with induced untreated periapical pathosis. Negative control group had 12 untouched sound teeth. All teeth were evaluated with radiography and histology. The bacteriologic and radiographic data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests. The histologic data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni's adjustment and Chi-square test. The significance level was set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the antibacterial effectiveness between TAP and propolis groups (P > .05). In all subdivisions, there was no significant difference between the experimental groups in terms of increase in root length and dentin thickness, decrease in apical closure, new hard tissue formation, vital tissue formation inside the pulp canal and apical closure scores (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Propolis can be comparable with TAP as a disinfection treatment option in regenerative endodontic. As a root canal orifice plug after revascularization of necrotic immature permanent teeth in dogs, propolis induces a progressive increase in root length and dentin thickness and a decrease in apical diameter similar to those of MTA.

Allergen immunotherapy in people, dogs, cats and horses - differences, similarities and research needs.

In human patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis sensitized to grass pollen, the first successful allergen immunotherapy (AIT) was reported in 1911. Today, immunotherapy is an accepted treatment for allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and hypersensitivities to insect venom. AIT is also used for atopic dermatitis and recently for food allergy. Subcutaneous, epicutaneous, intralymphatic, oral and sublingual protocols of AIT exist. In animals, most data are available in dogs where subcutaneous AIT is an accepted treatment for atopic dermatitis. Initiating a regulatory response and a production of "blocking" IgG antibodies with AIT are similar mechanisms in human beings and dogs with allergic diseases. Although subcutaneous immunotherapy is used for atopic dermatitis in cats, data for its efficacy are sparse. There is some evidence for successful treatment of feline asthma with AIT. In horses, most studies evaluate the effect of AIT on insect hypersensitivity with conflicting results although promising pilot studies have demonstrated the prophylaxis of insect hypersensitivity with recombinant antigens of biting midges (Culicoides spp.). Optimizing AIT using allergoids, peptide immunotherapy, recombinant allergens and new adjuvants with the different administration types of allergen extracts will further improve compliance and efficacy of this proven treatment modality.

Regenerative potential following revascularization of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps.

AIM: To assess the regenerative potential of immature teeth with necrotic pulps following revascularization procedure in dogs. METHODOLOGY: Necrotic pulps and periapical pathosis were created by infecting 108 immature teeth, with 216 root canals in nine mongrel dogs. Teeth were divided into three equal groups according to the evaluation period. Each group was further subdivided into six subgroups according to the treatment protocol including MTA apical plug, revascularization protocol, revascularization enhanced with injectable scaffold, MTA over empty canal. All root canals were disinfected with a triple antibiotic paste prior to revascularization with the exception of control subgroups. After disinfection, the root length, thickness and apical diameter were measured from radiographs. Histological evaluation was used to assess the inflammatory reaction, soft and hard tissue formation. RESULTS: In the absence of revascularization, the length and thickness of the root canals did not change over time. The injectable scaffold and growth factor was no more effective than a revascularization procedure to promote tooth development following root canal revascularization. The tissues formed in the root canals resembled periodontal tissues. CONCLUSION: The revascularization procedure allowed the continued development of roots in teeth with necrotic pulps.

Serum bFGF levels are reduced in Japanese overweight men and restored by a 6-month exercise education.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) concentrations before and after weight reduction in Japanese overweight men are associated with changes in body mass index (BMI), visceral, subcutaneous fat, VO(2) and work rate (WR) at ventilatory threshold (VT). DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical intervention study with exercise education. SUBJECTS: In total, 30 Japanese overweight men (BMI, 29.0+/-2.2 kg/m(2)) and 31 normal-weight men (BMI, 22.5+/-1.6 kg/m(2)) at baseline were enrolled: 30 overweight men (BMI, 29.0+/-2.2 kg/m(2)) were further enrolled into a 6-month exercise program. MEASUREMENTS: Fat distribution evaluated by visceral fat (V) and subcutaneous fat (S) areas measured with computed tomography scanning at umbilical levels, angiogenic peptides including VEGF and bFGF, exercise tests at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS: In normal-weight and overweight subjects at baseline, VEGF positively correlated with S area (r=0.350, P=0.007) but not with V area. In contrast, bFGF negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.619, P<0.001), S (r=-0.457, P<0.001) and V areas (r=-0.466, P<0.001). By intervention with exercise education, 30 overweight subjects showed reduction in BMI (29.0+/-2.2 to 28.0+/-2.0, P<0.001), V and S areas, increase in VO(2) and WR at VT, increase in bFGF (9.21+/-5.82-21.2+/-7.04 ng/ml, P<0.001), and no change in VEGF (1.45+/-0.72-1.88+/-0.52 ng/ml, P=0.016). The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that DeltaBMI (beta=-6.052) and DeltaVO(2) (beta=2.806) were independently related to DeltabFGF (P<0.001) and all other variables including DeltaS area, and DeltaV area, and DeltaWR did not enter the equation at significant levels. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated a negative correlation between serum bFGF levels and BMI at baseline as well as an association of DeltaBMI and DeltaVO(2) with DeltabFGF after exercise intervention. The exercise-induced elevation of bFGF may be beneficial in the prevention of the atherosclerosis in overweight subjects.

Pregnancy diagnosis by milk progesterone on days 18, 22, and 24 postbreeding in dairy cows.

Milk samples were collected from 91 dairy cows on days 18, 22, and 24 postbreeding. The progesterone values of these samples were assayed, using enzyme-immuno-assay for pregnancy diagnosis. These animals were classified by nonpregnant (low progesterone values, 5 ng/ml or less) and pregnant (high progesterone values, more than 5 ng/ml). The accuracy of diagnosis on days 18, 22, and 24 postbreeding were 56%, 78%, and 79% for pregnant cows and 90%, 93%, and 93% for nonpregnant animals. The sampling date had a significant effect on diagnostic accuracy (P less than 0.05).

[Ca2+, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (C-kinase) in the rat placental chorion].

C-kinase is one of the enzymes which phosphorylate cellular proteins, and is reported to be involved in transmission of the extracellular signals regarding hormones, etc. to inside the cell. This enzyme is widely distributed in many tissues and organs and several C-kinase-mediated cellular responses were reported. However, in the placenta, the presence of C-kinase has not been reported. In this paper we reported for the first time the purification of C-kinase from rat placental chorion and investigated the physiological functions of C-kinase. The results were as follows: A considerable amount of C-kinase was detected in the membrane fraction of rat placenta. C-kinase specifically phosphorylated several membrane proteins, and the phosphorylation pattern was different from those of mid pregnancy and late pregnancy. The C-kinase activity in late pregnancy was 6 times higher than that of mid pregnancy. Hemin and Polylysine inhibited partially-purified membrane-bound C-kinase. Substrate specificity C-kinase from rat placenta was similar to those from other organs.

Cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase in human placenta.

There have been few reports on cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase in the human placenta. As our first study on this enzyme we here report the confirmation of its existence in human placental chorion and its chemical characteristics and the measured activities of the enzyme in each gestational trimester. 1. Chemical characteristics: (1) pH Profile: Maximum specific activity was found to be between pH7.5 and 8.5. (2) Effects of Mg2+: Magnesium ions activated protein kinase activity. Maximum specific activity was found to be 5mM. (3) Km for ATP: Km was found to be 4.94 microM. 2. Activity of cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase of human placental chorion in each gestational trimester: The specific activities (p moles ATP/mg protein/minute) of each gestational trimester were 44.67 +/- 5.29 for the first, 45.24 +/- 9.13 for the second and 34.19 +/- 4.95 for the third trimester. There was a significantly lower value in the third trimester (t less than 0.001), compared to the first and second trimester.

[Studies on prolyl hydroxylase activity, hydroxyproline content and solubility of collagen in the human uterus during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum involution (author's transl)].

Prolyl hydroxylase activity, hydroxyproline content and solubility of collagen in the human pregnant and post-partum uterus were studied. The results were as follows: 1. Prolyl hydroxylase activity in the uterine cervix was slightly elevated during pregnancy, and the highest level was observed on the 4th day post-partum. On the other hand, in the uterine body the highest activity was observed immediately after delivery. 2. Hydroxyproline content in the pregnant uterine cervix was slightly less than that of nonpregnant control and the lowest level was observed immediately after delivery, but on the 4th day post-partum it increased slightly. In the uterine body, there were no remarkable changes in content during pregnancy, but immediately after delivery it decreased remarkably. 3. Pepsin-soluble collagen in the uterine cervix increased significantly from an early pregnancy to immediately after delivery compared with nonpregnant control, but on the 4th day post-partum it decreased significantly compared with that immediately after delivery. In the uterine body, no significant changes in solubility were observed throughout pregnancy. 4. Comparing these data obtained on the cervix and the body at different stages of nonpregnancy, pregnancy and post-partum, enzyme activities in the body were always higher. Hydroxyproline content in the body of nonpregnant uterus showed a lower value than that in the cervix, but no remarkable differences were found between the cervix and the body throughout pregnancy and immediately after delivery. The significant decrease in pepsin-soluble collagen in the body was observed immediately after delivery.

Activities of Ca2+-ATPase and Na+ + K+-ATPase in human placenta.

Although there have been a few reports on Ca2+-ATPase and Na+ + K+-ATPase in human placenta, they are still insufficient for getting more detailed information about human placenta. In this study we investigated some characteristics of the Ca2+-ATPase and measured the activity of Ca2+-ATPase and Na+ + K+-ATPase at various gestational periods. Maximum activity of Ca2+-ATPase was seen at 3 mM and pH 9.0. The enzyme was distinguished from ALP (i.e., Alkaline phosphatase) by such tests as adding L-phenylalanine and heat treatment. Our measurement results of Ca2+-ATPase activity (mumoles Pi/mg protein/30 min) in human placental chorion were 21.9 +/- 2.4 (Mean +/- S.D.) at 10-15 gestational weeks, 19.1 +/- 1.4 at 16-27 gestational weeks, 31.4 +/- 7.2 at 28-35 gestational weeks, and at 36-42 gestational weeks, the AFD group showed 25.8 +/- 4.6, the LFD group, 27.9 +/- 2.1, and the SFD group, 21.2 +/- 1.9. Those of Na+ + K+-ATPase activity (mumoles Pi/mg protein/30 min) were 0.98 +/- 0.05 at 10-15 gestational weeks, 0.82 +/- 0.02 at 16-27 gestational weeks, 1.85 +/- 0.42 at 28-35 gestational weeks and at 36-42 gestational weeks, the AFD group showed 1.58 +/- 0.45, the LFD group, 1.49 +/- 0.37, and the SFD group, 1.68 +/- 0.36. As a result, Ca2+-ATPase activity tended to be higher at 28-35 gestational weeks than for other periods, while it showed lower for the SFD group than for the AFD group. As regards to Na+ + K+-ATPase activity, there were not seen any significant differences between the AFD placenta and the LFD placenta as compared with the AFD placenta.

[Collagen metabolism in the human cervix during pregnancy, delivery and puerperium (author's transl)].

Prolyl hydroxylase activity, hydroxyproline content and collagen solubility in the human cervix were studied in early pregnancy, immediately after delivery and on the 4th postpartum-day. The results were as follows: 1) Prolyl hydroxylase activity in early pregnancy and immediately after delivery showed a more slight increase than that in the non-pregnant period, and on the 4th postpartum-day it showed a significant increase by 3 folds of the non-pregnant. 2) Hydroxyproline content in early pregnancy showed a more slight decrease than that in the non-pregnant period, and immediately after delivery it showed a significant decrease of 30.9% of the non-pregnant. But, on the 4th postpartum-day it showed a significant increase 159.9% of the immediately after delivery. 3) The proportion of pepsin-soluble fraction in early pregnancy and immediately after delivery showed a significant increase compared to that in the non-pregnant period, but the 4th postpartum-day it showed a significant decrease compared to that immediately after delivery; on the other hand, insoluble fraction was contrary to pepsin-soluble fraction. These findings suggest that cervical collagen undergoes significant biochemical changes during pregnancy and in labor, as well as in the puerperium, which might play an important role in cervical dilatation and postpartum involution.

Potential anticancer agents IX. Isolation of a new simaroubolide, 6alpha-tigloyloxychaparrinone, from Ailanthus integrifolia ssp. calycina (Simaroubaceae).

Chaparrinone (1) and 6alpha-tigloyoxychaparrinone (2) were shown to be responsible for the antitumor and cytotoxic activities of the root bark of Ailanthus integrifolia ssp. calycina. The structure of the latter compound was established by analysis of spectral data. Compound 2 exhibited a more pronounced biological activity than chaparrinone (1) and demonstrates, for the first time, anticancer activity of a simaroubolide ester substituted at only the 6-position.