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Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and endocrinological effects of different applications of misoprostol (MIS) and aglepristone (AGL) for the induction of abortion in bitches. For this purpose, 28 healthy pregnant bitches from different breeds, ages, body weights (Body weigt, BWs, 10–40 kg), and between Days 25 to 35 of gestation were used. Bitches were randomly assigned to four groups. In group 1 (GI, n = 7), AGL (10 mg/kg BW, s.c. on 2 consecutive days); in group 2 (GII, n = 7), AGL (as in GI), intravaginal MIS (IVag, 200 μg for bitches with ≤20 kg BW, 400 μg for bitches with >20 kg BW, daily intravaginally until completion of abortion); in group 3 (GIII, n = 7), AGL (as in GI), ICVag (as in GII), per os MIS (400 μg for bitches with ≤20 kg BW, 800 μg for bitches with >20 kg BW, daily orally, until completion of abortion); in group 4 (GIV, n = 7), AGL (as in GI), per os MIS (as GIII) were used. Clinical, vaginal, and ultrasonographic examinations were performed daily until abortion was completed. For measurement of serum progesterone, blood samples were collected in all groups immediately after the first AGL administration and every other day until completion of abortion. No statistical differences were found between groups concerning the duration until completion of abortion after treatment (nonsignificant); however, in GII, one bitch completed abortion 2 days after the start of treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The role of the seismic soil–pile–structure interaction (SSPSI) is usually considered beneficial to the structural system under seismic loading since it lengthens the lateral fundamental period and leads to higher damping of the system in comparison with the fixed-base assumption. Lessons learned from recent earthquakes show that fixed-base assumption could be misleading, and neglecting the influence of SSPSI could lead to unsafe design particularly for structures founded on soft soils. In this study, in order to better understand the SSPSI phenomena, a series of shaking table tests have been conducted for three different cases, namely: (i) fixed-base structure representing the situation excluding the soil–structure interaction; (ii) structure supported by shallow foundation on soft soil; and (iii) structure supported by floating (frictional) pile foundation in soft soil. A laminar soil container has been designed and constructed to simulate the free field soil response by minimising boundary effects during shaking table tests. In addition, a fully nonlinear three dimensional numerical model employing FLAC3D has been adopted to perform time-history analysis on the mentioned three cases. The numerical model adopts hysteretic damping algorithm representing the variation of the shear modulus and damping ratio of the soil with the cyclic shear strain capturing the energy absorbing characteristics of the soil. Results are presented in terms of the structural response parameters most significant for the damage such as foundation rocking, base shear, floor deformation, and inter-storey drifts. Comparison of the numerical predictions and the experimental data shows a good agreement confirming the reliability of the numerical model. Both experimental and numerical results indicate that soil–structure interaction amplifies the lateral deflections and inter-storey drifts of the structures supported by floating pile foundations in comparison to the fixed base structures. However, the floating pile foundations contribute to the reduction in the lateral displacements in comparison to the shallow foundation case, due to the reduced rocking components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

IntroductionCarbon monoxide (CO) toxicity may cause persistent injuries in tissues sensitive to hypoxia. Neuropsychiatric sequelae may be observed in about 67% of cases after severe CO exposure.AimThe aims of this study were to demonstrate the usefulness of S-100beta and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in CO intoxications, show the degree of neurological response, and determine the indications for hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) as biochemical markers.ResultsThe S-100beta and NSE levels of the sera of 30 patients were studied upon admittance and at the third and sixth hours. S-100beta levels were found to be high in all 3 analyses. There was no significant change in NSE levels. When the S-100beta levels were compared with Glasgow Coma Scale levels, a strong negative correlation was found for all hours (r = --0.7, --0.8; P = .00). The correlation between S-100beta and carboxyhemoglobin levels at the initial hour was found to be statistically significant (r = 0.4; P = .01). The S-100beta levels in patients receiving HBOT showed a considerable decrease compared with those in patients not receiving the treatment. The same decrease was valid for NSE, although it was insignificant.ConclusionS-100beta may be useful in evaluating intoxications as an early biochemical marker in CO intoxications, as well as in the differential diagnosis due to other causes, and in determining HBOT indications. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TraceMontage allows authors to quickly merge neuronal reconstructions. • Such reconstructions can be from multiple tracers or methods of automatic tracing. • The software is freely available as a plugin for Fiji/ImageJ. The ability to reconstruct neuronal networks, local microcircuits, or the entire connectome is a central goal of modern neuroscience. Recently, advancements in sample preparation (e.g., sample expansion and Brainbow labeling) and optical (e.g., confocal and light sheet) techniques have enabled the imaging of increasingly large neural systems with high contrast. Tracing neuronal structures from these images proves challenging, however, necessitating tools that integrate multiple neuronal traces, potentially derived by various methods, into one combined (montaged) result. Here, we present TraceMontage, an ImageJ/Fiji plugin for the combination of multiple neuron traces of a single image, either redundantly or non-redundantly. Internally, it uses graph theory to connect topological patterns in the 3-D spatial coordinates of neuronal trees. The software generates a single output tracing file containing the montage traces of the input tracing files and provides several measures of consistency analysis among multiple tracers. To our knowledge, our software is the first dedicated method for the combination of tracing results. Combining multiple tracers increases the accuracy and speed of tracing of densely-labeled samples by harnessing collaborative effort. This utility is demonstrated using fluorescence microscope images from the hippocampus and primary visual cortex (V1) in Brainbow-labeled mice. TraceMontage provides researchers the ability to combine neuronal tracing data generated by either the same or different method(s). As datasets become larger, the ability to trace images in this parallel manner will help connectomics scale to increasingly larger neural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic disease that has serious implications on human and animal health. In animals, brucellosis affects reproduction, causing abortion mainly in cows. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in different tissues of the bovine fetuses and to analyze whether the amount of the DNA detected changes after formaldehyde treatment and putrefication. Methods & Materials: The material studied was composed of 70 aborted cattle fetuses brought to Adana Veterinary Control and Research Institute during 3-year period. From each fetus, tissues from lung, liver, kidney, heart, spleen and abomasus were analyzed freshly, after 15 days of 10% formaldehyde treatment and after 15 days stay at 20 °C using commercial Brucella genus detection kit on Real-time PCR device (Roche Light Cycler 2.0). Results: Brucella spp. was found positive in all of the tissues of 10 (14%) of the fetuses, lung revealing the highest DNA amount and both putrefication and formaldehyde treatment reduced significantly the DNA that could be detected by PCR, results after formaldehyde being better than putrefied material. Conclusion: Real-time PCR is safe and sensitive technique for the detection of Brucella in tissues of abortus materials of infected animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Compression fracture of the vertebral body is common, especially in older adults. Injuries to the spinal column are one of the most frequent injuries by accidents and falls from heights. Vertebral fracture associated with minor trauma, however, is a rare occasion.Case Report: Five cases were injured in the inner city buses after passing onto speed bumps are presented. On presentation, four patients complained of severe pain in the thoracolumbar region, while in the other patient, physical examination revealed pain and tenderness on the neck. No neurologic deficit was noted except for one patient with tenderness on thoracic spines. Examination of the thoracolumbar X-ray and computed tomography displayed compression fractures in four patients. Other laboratory data obtained on admission were within normal limits. Posterior instrumentation was applied to three patients. All patients recovered well except for the one with cervical fracture.Conclusion: Drivers should be strongly warned and educated on the potential hazards of traversing past such bumps in roads too fast and such barriers should be built regarding tested standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists offer an alternative to surgical sterilization in prepubertal dogs, preserving ovarian and uterine functions. However, the clinical and hormonal effects of GnRH agonist application during the late-prepubertal stage remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect (flare-up) and hormonal changes, specifically serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) levels, in bitches treated with 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate (DA) implants (Suprelorin®, Virbac, F) during the late prepubertal period. Sixteen clinically healthy kangal cross-breed bitches, aged 7–8 months, with a mean body weight of 20.5 ± 0.8 kg, were implanted with DA. Estrus signs were monitored daily, and blood and vaginal cytological samples were collected every other day for four weeks. Cytological changes were analyzed for overall and superficial cell index. Six out of sixteen DA-treated bitches (EST group; n = 6) exhibited clinical proestrus 8.6 ± 0.6 days after implant insertion. The mean serum concentrations of P4 and E2 at the onset of estrus were 1.38 ± 0.32 ng/ml and 37.38 ± 10.07 pg/ml, respectively. Notably, all non-estrus (N-EST group; n = 10) bitches demonstrated an increase in superficial cell index, in addition to expected cytological changes observed in the EST group. On the 18th day post-implantation, the EST group exhibited a significantly higher number of superficial cells compared to the N-EST group (p < 0.001). DA implantation resulted in cytological profile alterations accompanied by a slight increase in estrogen concentrations in all dogs. However, the flare-up response exhibited significant variability, differing from that observed in adult dogs. This study highlights the importance of meticulous timing and breed-specific considerations when utilizing DA for puberty manipulation in late-prepubertal bitches. The observed cytological and hormonal changes in response to DA implants provide valuable insights, but the variability in flare-up responses warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Magnesium is an N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor blocker and is known to have analgesic effect. Hypomagnesemia can often be seen in liver transplantation and may be associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of intraoperative magnesium sulfate administration on postoperative tramadol requirement in liver transplant patients. Methods Liver transplant patients >18 years of age were screened prospectively from October 2014 to April 2015. Of these, 35 randomly selected patients with normal blood magnesium level (≥1.8 mmol/L) were included in a control group and another 35 randomly selected patients with low magnesium level (<1.8 mmol/L) were given 50 mg/kg intravenous magnesium sulfate replacement in the last 30 minutes of the operation. All patients received standard anesthesia induction and maintenance. Patient's age, sex, body mass index, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, 24-hour tramadol requirement, mechanical ventilation duration, and time of 1st tramadol need were recorded. Results In the magnesium group, mean 24-hour total tramadol requirement (3.7 mg/kg/d) and duration of mechanical ventilation (6.3 h) were significantly lower and time of 1st tramadol need (17.5 h) was significantly higher than in the control group ( P < .001 for each). In the multivariate analysis, duration of mechanical ventilation was decreased by the usage of magnesium sulfate ( P < .001). Conclusions Intraoperative use of magnesium sulfate in liver transplantation reduces the need for postoperative tramadol and duration of mechanical ventilation and therefore it is a candidate to be adjuvant agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, a nickel sulfate bath containing SiC nanoparticles (between 100 and 1000nm) was used to obtain hard and wear-resistant nanoparticle reinforced Nion steel surfaces for anti-wear applications, such as dies, tools and working parts. The influence of stirring speed and surfactant concentration on particle distribution, microhardness and wear resistance of nano-composite coatings has been studied. The nickel films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The depositions were controlled to obtain a specific thickness (between 50 and 200μm) and particle volume fraction in the matrix (between 0.02 and 0.12). The hardness of the resulting coatings was also measured and found to be 280–571Hv, depending on the particle volume in the Ni matrix. The effects of the surfactant on the zeta potential, co-deposition and distribution of SiC particles in the nickel matrix, as well as the tribological properties of composite coatings, were investigated. The tribological behaviors of the electrodeposited SiC nano composite coatings sliding against M50 steel ball (Ø 10mm) were examined on a CSM Instrument. All friction and wear tests were performed without lubrication at room temperature and in the ambient air (relative humidity 55–65 %). The results showed that the wear resistance of the nano composites was approximately 2–2.2 times higher than unreinforced Ni deposited material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We compared the effect of two inhalation anesthetics desflurane and isoflurane on postoperative hepatic and renal functions as well as coagulation profiles in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy. This study was performed on 80 patients who were randomly allocated to group D (desflurane, n = 40) or group I (isoflurane, n = 40) after Faculty Ethics Committee approval. After induction, isoflurane or desflurane was used with air/oxygen for anesthetic maintenance. The isoflurane or desflurane concentration was set at one minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). Remifentanil was infused for analgesia as well as cisatracurium. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), international normalized ratio (INR), albumin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, platelet count, and hemoglobin levels were analyzed preoperatively at end of the operation, and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 30. Both AST and ALT differed significantly and continually except on POD 30. AST showed significant elevations from the end of the operation to POD 2 and ALT, from the end of the operation to POD 5 in group I compared with group D. INR was significantly higher from the end of the operation to POD 3 in group I and to POD 2 in group D. At the end of the operation as well as on POD 1 and POD 2, INR was significantly increased in group I compared with group D. Albumin level was significantly lower at the end of the operation in both groups, but it was not different. No patient developed hepatic or renal failure. Our study showed better postoperative hepatic tests and INR using desflurane than isoflurane at equivalent doses of 1 MAC in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present work, Ni/Al2O3 metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings were prepared from a modified Watt''s type electrolyte containing nano-α-Al2O3 particles by direct current (DC) plating method to increase the surface hardness and wear resistance of the electrodeposited Ni. For these purposes, particle concentration in electrolyte, the effect of surfactant concentration, current density, and bath pH, etc. were investigated for optimization to obtain high quality coatings. Al2O3 nano-powders with average particle size of 80nm were co-deposited with nickel matrix on the steel substrates. The depositions were controlled to obtain specific thickness (between 50 and 200μm) and particle volume fraction in the matrix (between 0.03 and 0.12). The characterization of the coatings was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) facilities. The hardness of the resultant coatings was also measured and found to be 280–641Hv depending on the particle volume in the Ni matrix. The effects of the surfactant on the zeta potential, co-deposition, and distribution of Al2O3 particles in nickel matrix, and tribological properties of composite coatings were investigated. The results showed that the wear resistance of the nano-composites was approximately 2–3.5 times increased compared with unreinforced Ni deposited material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • ML & biogeochemical (BGC) models are hybridized for Chl-a climate change scenarios. • Multi-Layer Perceptron and Random Forest ML algorithms are tested in the Venice case. • WQ data from automatic detection stations equipped with multi-parameter probes. • Hybrid predictions under RCP8.5 prospect a rising occurrence of high Chl-a values. • In 2100 a strong increase in higher Chl-a values is expected during the spring season. Climate change presents a significant challenge to lagoon ecosystems, which are highly valued coastal environments known for their provision of unique ecosystem services. As important as fragile, lagoons are vulnerable to both natural processes and anthropogenic activities, and this vulnerability is exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, which are likely to result in severe ecological consequences. The complexity of water quality (WQ) processes, characterized by compounding and interconnected pressures, highlights the importance of adequate sophisticated methods to estimate future ecological impacts on lagoon environments. In this setting, a hybrid framework is introduced where Machine Learning (ML) and biogeochemical (BGC) models are integrated in a sequential modelling approach. This integration exploits the unique strengths offered by both models. The ML model allows capturing and learning linear and nonlinear correlations from historical data; the BGC interprets and simulates complex environmental systems subject to compounded pressures, building on identified causal relationships. Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and Random Forest (RF) ML algorithms are trained, validated and tested within the Venice lagoon case study to assimilate historical WQ data (i.e., water temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen) and spatio-temporal information (i.e., monitoring station location and month), and to predict changes in chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) conditions. Then, projections from the BGC model SHYFEM-BFM for 2019, 2050, and 2100 timeframes under RCP 8.5 are integrated into the ML model (composing the hybrid ML-BGC model) to evaluate Chl-a variations under future biogeochemical conditions forced by climate change projections. Moreover, the SHYFEM-BFM standalone Chl-a projections are also used to compare the hybrid and the BGC scenarios. Annual and seasonal Chl-a predictions are developed by classes based on two classification modes (median and quartiles) established on the descriptive statistics computed on historical data. Results from the case study showed as the RF successfully classifies Chl-a with an overall model accuracy of about 80% for the median and 61% for the quartiles modes. Concerning future climate change scenarios, results revealed a decreasing trend for the lowest Chl-a values (below the first quartile, i.e. 0.85 µg/l) moving to the far future (2100), with an opposite rising trend for the highest Chl-a values (above the fourth quartile, i.e. 2.78 µg/l). On the seasonal level, summer remains the season with the highest Chl-a values in all scenarios, although in 2100 a strong increase in higher Chl-a values is also expected during the springtime one. The proposed hybrid framework represents a valuable approach to strengthen both multivariate Chl-a modelling and scenarios analysis, by placing artificial intelligence-based models alongside biogeochemical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we investigated the course of atrophy in canine uterine tissue and the expression of estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) within 6 months after ovariectomy (OE). In nine primipar bitches of different breeds, bilateral OE and removal of one horn was performed. Six months after surgery, the remaining uterine tissue was removed. The tissue was examined for signs of inflammation and proliferation, and for expression of ER, PR and Ki67 by means of immunohistochemistry (IHC); furthermore transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ), transforming growth factor-ß ( TGF-ß ), epithelial growth factor ( EGF ), platelet activating factor ( PAF ), tumor necrosis factor α ( TNFα ), and their specific receptors was determined by means of RT-qPCR. Serum concentrations of estrogen and progesterone were measured immediately before the first and second operation. Six month after OE, no inflammation was seen in any uterine tissue, the thickness of the stump was decreased in most bitches. Protein expression of Ki67 revealed high individual differences after the second operation. Concentration of both hormones was not significantly changed, the estrogen concentration always revealed high individual differences. The expression of ER was significantly decreased in stromal and smooth muscle cells of the uterine tissue (p < 0.01), and the expression of PR in stromal cells only (p < 0.05). The gene expression of growth factors did not change significantly between first and second operation. We conclude that complete atrophy did not occur within 6 months after OE, instead, a high percentage of uterine cells still expressed ER and PR, rendering the stump susceptible to hormone treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary hypertension is one of the problems that can be encountered before liver transplantation. It is not expected in cases with no additional disease in postoperative period. Herein, we report on a 43-year-old woman who developed idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in the early postoperative period. Further investigation both pathologically and clinically is needed in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation that may help to solve the problems such as pulmonary arterial hypertension before it occurs and manage complex hemodynamic changes successfully in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In reproductive tissues, GnRH participates in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation by direct binding to the GnRH-R, which is essential for embryo implantation. However, there is no study on the expression and cellular localization of GnRH and GnRH-R in the canine uterus and placenta. Therefore, bitches were ovariohysterectomized 10 to 12 days after mating (vaginal cytology and progesterone measurement), the uteri were flushed, and if embryos were detectable, bitches were allocated to the embryo positive group (E-pos.; preimplantation, n = 5). Other bitches were operated at later stages and, dependent on the gestational age, either allotted to the post-implantation group (Day 18–25 after mating, n = 9), or the mid-gestation group (Day 30–40 after mating, n = 3). Dogs negative in embryo flushing served as controls (E-neg.; controls, n = 5). Samples of the entire uterine wall were taken from the middle of the horn in E-neg. and E-pos. groups, and from placental and interplacental uterine sites in post-implantation and mid-gestation groups. GnRH-R expression was localized at the mRNA and protein levels by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The expression of GnRH and GnRH-R mRNA was assessed by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, both GnRH and GnRH-R mRNA were expressed in all tissues examined until mid-gestation. Relative expression of GnRH was higher than that of GnRH-R (P < 0.05). During the post-implantation stage, GnRH-R expression was significantly higher in uteroplacental than in interplacental tissues. In the uterus, GnRH-R stained strongly in the surface and glandular epithelial cells, and seemed to be weaker in myometrium and stroma. Placental signals were predominantly localized in fetal trophoblast cells and to a lesser extent in maternal decidual cells. These findings suggest a local regulatory function of GnRH during early canine pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-acting GnRH agonists have been used both for canine estrus induction and prevention. The objective of the study was to investigate the use of a deslorelin implant as a long-term and reversible contraceptive in prepubertal bitches with special regard to the time of epiphyseal closure. Thirteen healthy, crossbreed, medium-sized prepubertal female dogs were used in this study. An implant containing 9.4 mg (G1, n = 5) and 4.7 mg (G2, n = 4) deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin) or a placebo (sodium chloride 0.9%; G3, n = 4) was inserted subcutaneously in the interscapular region. Estrus was monitored once daily by physical and sexual behavioral changes. Body development, vaginal cytology, and serum progesterone and estradiol 17β concentration were monitored weekly for the first 5 weeks, and then every 3 weeks throughout the treatment period. Radiographic examinations were performed monthly to determine the epiphyseal closure. Half of the deslorelin-treated bitches (G1: n = 2 and G2: n = 2) came into estrus during the 83-week observation period. All animals in the control group showed estrus between the 39th and 64th weeks of observation. Time to puberty averaged 82.7 ± 8.9 and 61.9 ± 9.7 weeks in the deslorelin-treated (G1 and G2) and the control bitches, respectively (P < 0.02). Both deslorelin implants (9.4 and 4.7 mg) can be used efficiently for the long-term prevention of estrus in prepubertal bitches; however, epiphyseal closure is clearly delayed which was without any clinical effect in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and endocrinological effects of four different treatments for the induction of abortion in bitches. For this purpose, 28 pregnant bitches between days 25 and 35 of gestation, were randomly assigned to four groups. In group I (n = 7), only aglepristone (AGL, 10mg/kg bw, two injections 24 h apart, s.c.) was administered. In group II (n = 7), AGL (as in group I), cabergolin (CAB, 5 μg/kg, daily p.o., until completion of abortion) and misoprostol (MIS, 200 μg for bitches with ≤ 20 kg bw, 400 μg for bitches with > 20 kg bw, daily intravaginally, until completion of abortion) were administered. In group III (n = 7), AGL (as in group I) and MIS (as in group II) were administered. In group IV (n = 7) AGL, (as in group I) and cloprostenol (CLO, 1μg/kg bw, s.c., two injections 24 h apart with the AGL injections) were combined. In all groups, bitches were examined daily, clinically and ultrasonographically to monitor resorptions/abortions. To measure serum progesterone (P4) and total estrogen (TE) concentrations, blood samples were collected in all groups immediately after the first AGL administration and every other day until completion of abortion. No statistical differences were found between groups concerning the duration until completion of abortion following treatment (n.s.); however, in Group III, 6 d after the start of treatment all pregnancies were terminated whereas in Group I, II and IV, only 57.1% (4/7), 85.7 % (6/7) and 42.8 % (3/7) of pregnancies were terminated. In the latter groups, all pregnancies were terminated between days 8 and 10 after the start of treatment. In Group IV, P4 concentrations on days two and one before the beginning of abortion and the day the abortion started was significantly lower than in the other groups (P < 0.01). No statistical differences were found between groups for TE concentrations (P > 0.05). In Groups I, II and III, no severe side effects occurred. Severe vomiting after each treatment and until the end of abortion was observed in Group IV only. In conclusion, only when a combination of AGL and MIS was used abortion was completed within 6 d in all bitches whereas the additional use of CAB did not improve the treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, resorption/abortion was induced between days 25 and 45 of gestation with aglepristone (group IRA, n =10). The aim was to observe the change in the distribution of progesterone (PR) and estrogen receptors (ER), in comparison to a group of spontaneous resorptions/abortions (group SRA, n =5), and a further group of normal healthy pregnant animals, ovariohysterectomized between days 25 and 45 of gestation (controls, n =7). The receptors were assessed by means of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-PCR, at the placental and interplacental sites of the uterine horn as well as in the corpus uteri. Significant differences were observed between the controls on one side and the groups of resorption/abortion on the other side. The total scores of the progesterone receptors (TPR) in the placental and interplacental part of the uterine horn, was significantly lower in the endometrial stromal cells (ESC) of the control group than in those of the SRA- and IRA-group, respectively (placenta: 5.8 vs. 6.5 and 6.7, p <0.01; interplacental sites: 5.6 vs. 6.6 and 6.6, p <0.05). In contrary, the total scores of the estrogen receptors (TER) at interplacental sites and the corpus uteri, respectively, was significantly higher in the myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMC) and the ESC (p <0.05) of the controls. We therefore conclude, that the here observed differences between groups point to an up-regulation of TPR- and a down-regulation of TER-scores in endometrial stromal cells at different uterine sites during resorption/abortion, which indicates a special role of these cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of two medications on two subsequent abortions and plasma hormone concentrations of dogs. For this purpose, two groups of bitches (n =5 each), received the antiprogesterone aglepristone (Alizine®) at 10mg/kg body weight on two subsequent days around day 30 after mating. In group II, the antiprolactin cabergoline (Galastop®) was additionally administered po at 5μg/kg body weight until the start of abortion. The plasma concentrations of relaxin, progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17β (E2) were measured before, during and after each abortion. During the next cycle after the abortion, the same bitches were mated again and in pregnant animals, induction of abortion was performed as before. During the third cycle, pregnant bitches were allowed to whelp. Termination of first pregnancy occurred significantly earlier after the combined treatment (6.8 versus 10.6 days, p <0.05). In both groups and during both abortions, relaxin varied between individuals; however, there was a continuous decrease after the abortions and no significant differences between groups (p >0.05). In one bitch with high relaxin concentrations before treatment (11.6ng/ml), a cystic endometrial hyperplasia was diagnosed. In the aglepristone only group, P4 concentrations increased significantly after the first application (p <0.05), then decreased continuously until day 45 after the beginning of abortion. In the combined group, there was a continuous decrease until day 45 (p >0.05). At this time, P4 concentrations between 0.47 and 84.9nmol/l were measured in both groups. The level of E2 over time was not influenced by any medication. We therefore note that the two medications mainly influenced plasma concentrations of P4 in different ways, probably due to specific treatment-hormone interactions. However, all measurements fell within the range considered normal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Gingival hyperplasia is a well-known complication of cyclosporine therapy, affecting 21% to 35% of renal transplant patients. Metronidazole, clarithromycin, and azithromycin, all azalid antimicrobial agents derived from the macrolide antibiotic erythromycin, have been used for treatment. Marked improvements in gingival hyperplasia have been recorded in particular with azithromycin. The aim of the present study was to investigate histopathological features of cyclosporine-induced gingival hyperplasia and to evaluate the quantitative efficacy of short-term azithromycin therapy. Methods: Eighteen renal transplant patients with cyclosporine-induced gingival hyperplasia were included in the study. All patients received azithromycin with a dose of 500 mg/d for 3 consecutive days. Changes in gingival hyperplasia were evaluated by measuring the gingival sulcus depth to the cementum-enamel junction of every tooth in each of the four quadrants on days 0, 7, 30, 90, 180. Gum biopsies were obtained on days 0 and 30; the degree of inflammation was classified as “mild,” “intermediate,” and “severe”. Results: Gingival hyperplasia was reduced in all treated patients throughout the study. The degree of improvement was more significant between 0 to 7 and 7 to 30 days than at other times (respectively, P < .0001 and P < .002). Histopathologically, eight patients had severe and one patient moderate chronic inflammation at the beginning of therapy. Three other biopsies were reported as papilloma, mucosal hyperplasia, and normal gingival tissue biopsy. Conclusions: Azithromycin appears to be useful to treat cyclosporine-induced gingival hyperplasia in renal transplant patients. Treatment is inexpensive and free from known adverse effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]