Besnoitiosis of the reproductive tract of male goats

Because of high morbidity of caprine besnoitiosis in different provinces of Iran and its significant adverse economic impact on goat production in this area, this study was undertaken to study the macroscopic and microscopic changes of the scrotum, testis, and epididymis of animals at different age groups associated with Besnoitia spp. The testicles, epididymides, and scrotums of 106 male goats slaughtered at Shiraz slaughterhouse from different surrounding villages at different time intervals were randomly selected for pathological studies. From 106 examined goats of different age groups, 20 (18.9%) were infected with Besnoitia cysts. Grossly, most of the infected testicles showed mild to extensive mineralization on the surface of their longitudinal incision. While goats less than 1 year old showed no sign of infection, the prevalence of the infection increased with the age of the animals. The head of the epididymis showed the highest rate of infection, and it was followed by the scrotum, testis, and tail of the epididymis. Some of the infected epididymides and testicles also showed mild to severe tubular degeneration, necrosis, fibrosis, mineralization, sperm retention, sperm granuloma, chronic interstitial orchitis, and epididymitis. Granulomatous reactions were also found around the degenerating cysts. Cysts were localized in the tunica albugina and tunica vaginalis too. The lumina of some of the blood vessels in the epididymis and testis were partially or completely occluded by the Besnoitia cysts. Spermatogenic activity was retarded relevant to the rate of infection of the testicles. The scrotums showed mild to severe besnoitiosis, and the cysts were mainly localized in the superficial regions of their dermis and to some extent in the deep dermis. It seems that besnoitiosis is a serious problem in this area and not only has an impact on economical loss in the skin and leather industries but it also could have an adverse effect on spermatogenesis in male goats and indirectly affect goat production.     

The role of cattle in the epidemiology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinococcus granulosus</Emphasis> in an endemic area of southern Italy

An epidemiological and molecular survey was conducted to investigate the role of cattle in the transmission chain of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the Campania region of southern Italy. Out of a total of 434 cattle examined for CE, 45 (10.4%) were found infected. A total of 363 cysts were collected from the infected animals: 239 in the liver and 124 in the lungs. The cysts were either sterile (42.7%) or calcified/caseous (57.3%); no fertile cysts were found. Most of the cysts had sizes <3 cm (77.1%) and were unilocular (78.8%). The results of the linear regression model did not show any significant correlation between the age of infected cattle and the number of cysts. The sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene of 40 hydatid cysts produced sequences of 419 bp for each sample analyzed. Alignment of the obtained sequences with those present in GenBank showed 100% identity with the common sheep G1 (n = 21 cysts), the Tasmanian sheep G2 (n = 2 cysts), and the buffalo G3 (n = 17 cysts) strains, which constitute the species Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. The findings reported in the present study show that CE is widespread in cattle bred in the Campania region of southern Italy. However, the absence of fertile cysts and of the cattle strain (G5, E. ortleppi) suggests that cattle would not have any role in the persistence of this important zoonosis but rather a role as indicators of CE infection in this endemic area.     

Phenotypic analysis of peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations in hydatid patients

Peripheral T-lymphocytes were analyzed in three groups of people: (1) individuals with current liver hydatid disease (hydatid patients, n = 20), (2) persons who had undergone surgical cyst removal at least 2 years previously (recovered patients, n = 9), and (3) a control group of healthy volunteers (uninfected controls, n = 13). Group 1 was subdivided according to cyst status, relapse of disease, and the presence or absence of symptoms. Percentages of lymphocytes expressing CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, CD25, CD45RA, CD45RO, and HLA-DR were determined. Symptomatic patients had proportionally fewer CD3+ CD8+ lymphocytes than the control group (P=0.038). Hydatid patients with active cysts had proportionally more natural killer cells (CD56+ CD8−) than the control group (P = 0.028). Received: 31 May 1999 / Accepted: 8 May 1999     

Safety and tolerability of sputum induction in adolescents and adults with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis

Sputum induction by the inhalation of hypertonic saline may increase the yield of microbiological diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). This is particularly relevant in paucibacillary TB, such as in children or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Sputum induction must be shown to be safe and tolerable in community settings where invasive diagnostic methods are unavailable. The objective of this study was to describe the changes in physiological parameters and adverse events occurring during sputum induction in ambulatory adult and adolescent TB suspects recruited in community clinics. Sputum induction was performed in HIV-infected (n = 35) and HIV-uninfected (n = 67) TB suspects (n = 102). Oxygen saturation (%), blood pressure (mm Hg), heart rate (/minute), respiratory rate (/minute), and adverse events were monitored at baseline, continuously during the salbutamol pre-treatment and saline nebulization phases, and for 30 min afterwards. During nebulization, there was a statistically significant increase in oxygen saturation (1%, p < 0.0001), systolic BP (7 mm Hg, p < 0.0001), and diastolic BP (2 mm Hg, p = 0.008). Post-nebulization decrease in the systolic BP occurred (4 mm Hg, p = 0.016). These changes were not considered to be clinically significant. Eight minor, transitory, self-resolving adverse events occurred (labored breathing, n = 2; chest pain, n = 2; paroxysmal coughing, n = 1; elevated heart rate, n = 1; vomiting, n = 1; hypotension, n = 1), leading to procedure termination in four participants. No serious adverse events occurred. Induced sputum is safe, tolerable, and feasible in adult and adolescent TB suspects in a community healthcare setting.     

Prevalence of toxin genes in consecutive clinical isolates of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Staphylococcus aureus</Emphasis> and clinical impact

Even if Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL), toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEB and SEC), and exfoliative toxins (ETA and ETB) may be associated with severe infections, the clinical significance of their presence in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus remains poorly documented. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of toxin genes and the relationship between their presence and the severity of infection. We screened for the presence of these six toxin genes among 186 consecutive S. aureus clinical isolates (resistant or not to methicillin) during a two-month period. We compared the toxin gene profile between strains recovered from patients presenting uncomplicated infections (n = 151) and from patients suffering from severe infections (n = 35). At least one toxin gene was detected in 55 (29.6%) isolates as follows: pvl (n = 1), tst + sec (n = 5), seb (n = 19), seb + sec (n = 1), sec (n = 28), and eta (n = 1). The proportion of toxin-producing strains among patients with uncomplicated infections (27.8%) and patients with severe infections (37.1%) was not statistically different (p = 0.3044), even if the severity of infection tended to be associated with the presence of sec (p = 0.0655). Although the prevalence of toxin genes was relatively high herein, no statistically significant association between the severity of infection and the presence of toxin genes was observed.     

Detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fasciola gigantica</Emphasis> infection in buffaloes by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The process of isolation of the 27-kDa glycoprotein from the somatic antigen of Fasciola gigantica was standardized and the diagnostic potentiality was evaluated for the detection of bubaline fasciolosis by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Initially, the test was standardized using the sera from experimentally noninfected(n = 20) and infected (n = 5)animals. Further, the sensitivity and the specificity of the test were evaluated through the sera of buffaloes with different natural infections, i.e., F. gigantica (n = 8 animals), F. gigantica and Gastrothylax crumenifer(n = 15), F. gigantica and Gigantocotyle explanatum (n = 6), trematode infections other than F. gigantica (n = 9), only G. crumenifer (n = 36), only G. explanatum (n = 18), G. crumenifer and G. explanatum positive (n = 39), and PM negative (n = 102). All animals came from the slaughterhouses of Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh, India) and Patna (Bihar, India). The level of sensitivity observed in the present study was 81.0%, while 97–98% specificity against G. crumenifer, G. explanatum, or a mixed infection with both parasites was noted. The study showed F. gigantica prevalence rate of 18–20% in the buffaloes of the study area. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a 27-kDa glycoprotein could be a feasible diagnostic method for the early detection of bovine fasciolosis.     

Frequent concomitant inactivation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">miR-34a</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">miR-34b/c</Emphasis> by CpG methylation in colorectal,pancreatic, mammary,ovarian, urothelial,and renal cell carcinomas and soft tissue sarcomas

The microRNA encoding genes miR-34a and miR-34b/c represent direct p53 target genes and possess tumor suppressive properties as they mediate apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and senescence. We previously reported that the miR-34a gene is subject to epigenetic inactivation by CpG methylation of its promoter region in primary prostate cancer and melanomas, and in 110 different cancer cell lines of diverse origin. Here we analyzed the methylation status of miR-34a and miR-34b/c in additional primary tumors of divergent sites. We found methylation of miR-34a or miR-34b/c in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples from 178 patients with the following frequencies: colorectal cancer (74% miR-34a, 99% miR-34b/c; n = 114), pancreatic cancer (64%, 100%; n = 11), mammary cancer (60%, 90%; n = 10), ovarian cancer (62%, 69%; n = 13), urothelial cancer (71%, 57%; n = 7), and renal cell cancer (58%, 100%; n = 12). Furthermore, soft tissue sarcomas showed methylation of miR-34 gene promoters in FFPE samples (64%, 45%; n = 11), in explanted, cultured cells (53%, 40%; n = 40), and in frozen tissue samples (75%, 75%, n = 8). In the colorectal cancer samples a statistically significant correlation of miR-34a methylation and the absence of p53 mutation was detected. With the exception of sarcoma cell lines, the inactivation of miR-34a and miR-34b/c was concomitant in most cases. These results show that miR-34 inactivation is a common event in tumor formation, and suggest that CpG methylation of miR-34a and miR-34-b/c may have diagnostic value. The mutual exclusiveness of miR-34a methylation and p53 mutation indicates that miR-34a inactivation may substitute for loss of p53 function in cancer.     

Serological prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in captive wild ruminants in Saudi Arabia

Serum samples from sand gazelles (n = 227), mountain gazelles (n = 232), and Arabian oryx (n = 96) reared in captivity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were tested for the presence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies using an indirect enzyme immunoassay. C. burnetii antibodies were present in 18.3%, 7.3%, and 46.9% of these animals, respectively. The difference in serological prevalence between the three species was statistically significant. Age- and sex-related differences in prevalence were also observed. This study is the first record of C. burnetii antibodies in Arabian gazelles.     

Diagnostic value of procalcitonin in pleural effusions

This study was to determine the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) in the differentiation of infectious and non-infectious causes of pleural effusion. From January 2005 to April 2005, we measured the PCT levels of pleural effusion from 76 patients using an immunoluminometric assay. The types of pleural infusions studied were para-pneumonic effusion (n = 26), empyema (n = 7), tuberculous pleurisy (n = 8), malignant pleural effusion (n = 25) and transudative pleural effusion (n = 8). The PCT levels were low in transudative pleural effusions (0.188 ± 0.077 ng/mL) and tuberculous pleurisy (0.130 ± 0.069 ng/mL), but high in empyema (5.147 ± 3.056 ng/mL), para-pneumonic effusion (1.091 ± 0.355 ng/mL), and malignant pleural effusion (0.241 ± 0.071 ng/mL). The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis for an optimal discrimination between empyema and para-pneumonic effusion from non-para-pneumonic effusion could be performed at a cut-off point of 0.18 ng/mL with area under the curve of 0.776 (sensitivity: 69.7%, specificity: 72.1%). The correlation was found between pleural effusion PCT and serum PCT levels in 16 patients (r ² = 0.967, p < 0.001). In conclusion, a high pleural effusion PCT level suggests the presence of empyema and para-pneumonic effusion.     

Claudin-18 in biliary neoplasms. Its significance in the classification of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Claudin-18 (CLDN18), a tight junction protein specific to stomach and lung, is aberrantly expressed in preinvasive and invasive neoplasms of the pancreas. To investigate the significance of CLDN18 expression in biliary neoplasms, immunohistochemical analysis was performed. CLDN18 expression was frequently observed in the epithelial cells of extrahepatic bile duct carcinomas (90%, n = 99), intrahepatic intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNBs, 100%, n = 11), and extrahepatic IPNBs (89%, n = 9), while it was less frequent in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs, 43%, n = 83). Interestingly, CLDN18 expression was also frequently observed in precancerous lesions such as biliary intraepithelial neoplasias (78%, n = 18). Among ICCs, CLDN18-positive cases showed higher frequencies of periductal infiltrative growth, perineural invasion, and lymph node metastasis. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that positive CLDN18 expression was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in ICCs. Furthermore, CLDN18 expression was associated with poor overall survival by univariable analysis, as well as lymph node metastasis. These results suggest that CLDN18 may play an important role in biliary carcinogenesis, and especially in ICCs, it is associated with aggressive behavior and serves as a useful marker for the classification of ICC.     

Cyclin D3 gene amplification in bladder carcinoma in situ

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a non-papillary high-grade, potentially aggressive, and unpredictable manifestation of bladder urothelial carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess patterns of Cyclin D3 gene amplification in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-treated CIS and correlate gene status with recurrence-free and progression-free survival. A sequential cohort series of 28 primary (isolated) or secondary (concomitant) bladder CIS samples in which there was enough tissue material to assess Cyclin D3 gene status by fluorescent in situ hybridization was the study group. Cyclin D3 gene amplification was present in 29% of secondary CIS; none of primary CIS samples had Cyclin D3 gene amplification. Cyclin D3 amplification was related to recurrence- (p = 0.046) and progression-free survival (p = 0.002). Type of bladder CIS (primary vs. secondary) was unrelated to recurrence- or progression-free survival in the current series. Cox’s regression analysis selected Cyclin D3 as an independent predictor of progression-free survival (p = 0.041, relative risk = 61.503, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–274.710). None of primary CIS cases recurred on follow-up; nine secondary CIS recurred and four of them progressed to invasive bladder carcinoma HG T1 (n = 1), T2b N0M0 (n = 1), T3b N1M0 (n = 1) and T4aN1M1 (n = 1). Mean recurrence ± SD (months) occurred at 19.5 ± 2.06 (95% (confidence interval (CI)), 15.5–23.6); mean progression (months) occurred at 23.8 ± 1.46 (95% (CI), 20.9–26.7). Our study suggests that Cyclin D3 gene amplification might be a predictor of aggressiveness in BCG-treated CIS.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamydia trachomatis</Emphasis> serovar distribution and other concurrent sexually transmitted infections in heterosexual men with urethritis in Italy

The distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis serovars among 157 heterosexual male patients with urethritis and the presence of coinfections with other sexually transmitted infections were studied. One hundred seventeen (74.5%) patients, with a mean age of 33.7 years, were Italians, whereas 40 (25.5%) were immigrants coming from eastern European countries, Africa, and South America. All the immigrants and 82 (70.0%) Italian patients reported sex with prostitutes. Out of 157 patients, 73 (46.5%) were found positive for C. trachomatis in urethral secretions and eight different C. trachomatis serovars were identified. The most common serovars were E (n = 18; 24.7%), D (n = 15; 20.5%), G (n = 14;19.2%), and F (n = 12; 16.4%). The sequencing data showed a high degree of conservation of the omp1 gene. Thirty-six (46.7%) out of the 73 C. trachomatis-positive patients were coinfected with another sexually transmitted infection. The most common coinfection was gonorrhoea detected in 22 (30.1%) patients, followed by condyloma in eight (8.2%) patients, syphilis in five (6.8%), and HIV in three (4.1%).     

Feline myelonecrosis and myelofibrosis: 22 cases 1996–2006

A 10-year retrospective study of bone marrow reports was conducted to identify cats with myelonecrosis or myelofibrosis. Of 167 reports that were included in the study, seven (4.2%) had myelonecrosis alone, three (1.8%) had myelofibrosis alone, and 12 (7.2%) had myelonecrosis and myelofibrosis. These cases were divided into five disease categories including immune-mediated anemia (n = 6), myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative disease (n = 5), infectious diseases (n = 4), chronic renal disease (n = 3), and other conditions (n = 4). Only two cats tested positive for feline leukemia virus infection. All but one cat had a nonregenerative anemia, and some cats were neutropenic or thrombocytopenic. In most cats, myelonecrosis was characterized by diffuse individual cell lysis. Myelofibrosis was characterized by the presence of fibroblasts or collagen or reticulin fibers. The results of this study indicate that myelonecrosis and myelofibrosis occur relatively frequently in cats, that they are associated with a variety of disease conditions, and that myelofibrosis may be a sequela of myelonecrosis.     

Proliferating activity in columnar cell lesions of the breast

With the introduction of mammographic screening, columnar cell lesions (CCLs) are observed more and more frequently because they are often associated with microcalcifications. Until now, the proliferative activity of these lesions has not been previously evaluated. Ki67 index was performed by immunohistochemistry in CCLs without atypia [columnar cell change (CCC) n = 20 and columnar cell hyperplasia without atypia (CCH without atypia) n = 20], flat epithelial atypia (FEA DIN1A n = 20), low-grade intraductal carcinoma (DIN1C n = 20), high-grade intraductal carcinoma (DIN 2–3 n = 20). Adjacent terminal duct-lobular unit (TDLU) of normal breast tissue served as control. Ki-67 index is extremely low and close in CCLs without atypia (CCC mean 0.1% and CCH mean 0.76%) and paradoxically is lower than in normal TDLU (mean 2.4%) (p < 0.001). In the FEA, in comparison with normal TDLU and CCLs without atypia, the Ki67 is higher (mean 8.2%) (p < 0.001) but extremely close to those of DIN1C (mean 8.9%) (p = 0.6 NS). Lastly, the Ki67 index is higher in DIN 2–3 (mean 25.4%) than in CCLs without atypia and FEA (p < 0.001). CCLs are disparate lesions having in common cells with columnar configuration but different proliferative characteristics. These data represent findings of biological interest which could help us to better understand these controversial lesions.     

Carbonic anhydrase IX is expressed in mesothelioma and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma of the lung

High immunohistochemical expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is found in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but no studies have assessed CAIX in metastatic ccRCC (mccRCC) of the lung. As 75% of patients with mccRCC show lung involvement, characterization of protein expression in these lesions is warranted. This investigation analyzed CAIX immunohistochemical expression in pulmonary/pleural tumors including mccRCC (n = 22), mesothelioma (n = 19), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 27), small cell carcinoma (n = 9), and adenocarcinoma (n = 49), as well as other mesothelial lesions (n = 4). Membranous immunoreactivity was semiquantitatively evaluated for percent of cells stained and intensity. All cases of mccRCC (1+, 4.5%; 3+, 95.5%) and mesothelioma (2+, 10.5%; 3+, 89.5%) expressed CAIX. Most cases of lung squamous cell carcinoma (0, 11.1%; 1+, 25.9%; 2+, 22.2%; 3+, 40.7%) and small cell carcinoma were reactive (0, 11.1%; 1+, 22.2%; 2+, 33.3%; 3+, 33.3%), while CAIX was detected less frequently in pulmonary adenocarcinoma (0, 61.2%; 1+, 16.3%; 2+, 12.2%; 3+, 10.2%). In addition, CAIX was positive in adenomatoid tumor (3+, 100%) and mesothelial hyperplasia (3+, 100%). We demonstrate that CAIX is sensitive for mccRCC within the lung and a novel immunohistochemical marker for mesothelial proliferations, notably mesothelioma. Variable immunoreactivity is present among primary pulmonary epithelial tumors. Knowledge of expression overlap between these entities may prevent an incorrect interpretation of immunohistochemical results, particularly when limited tissue is available. As new carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are being evaluated, testing additional tumors for CAIX may lead to novel treatment options.     

Tumor budding and dedifferentiation in gallbladder carcinoma: potential for the prognostic factors in T2 lesions

Dedifferentiation (DD) is often encountered in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) and poor prognosis with budding (BD) has been reported for other malignancies. However, the features of DD and BD in GBC remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the features and prognostic potential of DD and BD in GBC. A total of 80 patients with GBC (excluding intramucosal cancer) were enrolled. DD was histopathologically evaluated as tumors in which the grade of the invasive front is higher than the grade at the surface. BD was defined as an isolated single cancer cell or a cluster of fewer than five cancer cells at the invasive front. Of the 80 patients, 47 (58.8%) were positive for BD and 33 (41.2%) were positive for DD. Both BD and DD correlated significantly with disease-specific survival in univariate analysis (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0013, respectively), but they were not identified as independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. In univariate analysis according to T stage, both BD and DD correlated significantly with survival in patients with T2 (n = 32) tumor (P = 0.0011 and P = 0.0018, respectively), whereas no prognostic impact in patients with T1b (n = 8), T3 (n = 34), or T4 (n = 6) tumor. Both DD and BD are frequently observed in GBC and reflect prognosis, particularly for T2 lesions. Therefore, the status of BD and DD should be taken into consideration in pathological reports on GBC.     

A Retrospective Study of Feline Pancytopenia

To better define the incidence and causes of feline pancytopenia we reviewed cases of pancytopenia submitted to the University of Minnesota, Veterinary Teaching Hospital over an 18-month period. Pancytopenia was defined as a combination of anaemia (packed cell volume < 26%), neutropenia (segmented neutrophils < 3000/μl), and thrombocytopenia (platelet counts < 200 000/μl). Of 2011 complete blood counts reviewed, pancytopenia was detected in 56 (2.8%). Associated clinical disorders included drug-associated disorders (n = 9) infectious diseases (n= 14) immune-mediated haematological diseases (n= 3), chronic renal failure (n = 3), idiopathic aplastic anaemia (n= 3), and other causes (n= 5). Results of this study indicate that feline pancytopenia has multiple causes and that the prognosis is dependent on the cause of the pancytopenia. Differentiation of the various causes of pancytopenia requires a systematic approach that includes evaluation of infectious, drug-induced, and immune-mediated causes, and examination of bone marrow.     

A Retrospective Study of Feline Pancytopenia

To better define the incidence and causes of feline pancytopenia we reviewed cases of pancytopenia submitted to the University of Minnesota, Veterinary Teaching Hospital over an 18-month period. Pancytopenia was defined as a combination of anaemia (packed cell volume < 26%), neutropenia (segmented neutrophils < 3000/μl), and thrombocytopenia (platelet counts < 200 000/μl). Of 2011 complete blood counts reviewed, pancytopenia was detected in 56 (2.8%). Associated clinical disorders included drug-associated disorders (n = 9) infectious diseases (n= 14) immune-mediated haematological diseases (n= 3), chronic renal failure (n = 3), idiopathic aplastic anaemia (n= 3), and other causes (n= 5). Results of this study indicate that feline pancytopenia has multiple causes and that the prognosis is dependent on the cause of the pancytopenia. Differentiation of the various causes of pancytopenia requires a systematic approach that includes evaluation of infectious, drug-induced, and immune-mediated causes, and examination of bone marrow.     

PI3-Kinase-dependent electrogenic intestinal transport of glucose and amino acids

Intestinal glucose and amino acid transport is stimulated by the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase isoforms SGK1, SGK2, and SGK3 and protein kinase B which are, in turn, stimulated following activation of the phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3 kinase). The present study has been performed to explore whether pharmacological inhibition of the PI3 kinase affects electrogenic jejunal transport of glucose and amino acids. In Ussing chamber experiments, glucose (20 mM), phenylalanine (20 mM), glutamine (20 mM), cysteine (20 mM), and proline (20 mM) generated lumen negative currents (I _glc, I _phe, I _gln, I _cys, and I _pro), respectively, which gradually declined following application of the PI3 kinase inhibitor Wortmannin (1 μM). Within 40 min, Wortmannin treatment significantly decreased I _glc by 39 ± 10% (n = 5), I _phe by 70 ± 7% (n = 4), I _gln by 69 ± 8% (n = 4), I _cys by 67 ± 8% (n = 6), and I _prol by 79 ± 12% (n = 3). A similar decline of I _glc was observed following application of the PI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 (50 μM). Exposure to the inhibitors did not significantly alter transepithelial potential difference and resistance in the absence of substrates for electrogenic transport. The observations suggest that the electrogenic transport of glucose and several amino acids requires the continued activity of PI3 kinase. R. Rexhepaj and F. Artunc shared first authorship.     

Endometritis in gilts: reproductive data, bacterial culture, histopathology, and infiltration of immune cells in the endometrium

The aim of the present study was to quantify the number of immune cells infiltrated in the endometrium of endometritis gilts. Based on gross morphology, a selected 28 genital organs of endometritis gilts were investigated. The gilts were classified according to the ovarian appearance into three groups, i.e. follicular, luteal, and ovarian quiescent phases. Historical data, reason for culling, histopathology, bacterial identification, and number and type of immune cells in different layers of the endometrium were examined. The gilts were culled at 336 ± 63 days of age at a body weight of 142 ± 20 kg. The culling reasons included abnormal vaginal discharge (n = 10), repeat breeding (n = 6), anestrus (n = 6), abortion (n = 4), and not pregnant (n = 2). Bacteria identified from pus exudates included Escherichia coli (33.3%), Staphylococcus sp. (17.5%), α-hemolytic Streptococcus sp. (14.3%), and β-hemolytic Streptococcus sp. (9.5%). Neutrophils were the most common immune cells in the epithelial and subepithelial tissue layers of the endometrium, while lymphocytes were the most common immune cells in the glandular layer. Neutrophils in the epithelial and subepithelial layers of the endometrium in the luteal phase were lower than in the follicular and ovarian quiescent phase. During the acute stage, neutrophils were the most common immune cells in the endometrium, while during the chronic stages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils were the dominant immune cells. In conclusion, the number and type of immune cells in the endometrium of the endometritis gilts varied according to both the reproductive cycles and the stage of endometritis. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils indicate stages and the severity of endometritis.