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Repopulation of denuded murine Descemet's membrane with life-extended murine corneal endothelial cells as a model for corneal cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Corneal endothelial cell transplantation has been an intriguing concept as an alternative to full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty. Using a murine corneal transplantation model, we sought to establish the optimal conditions to repopulate, ex vivo, denuded murine Descemet's membrane with life-extended cell cultures of murine corneal endothelial cells. These ex vivo repopulated corneas were used as donor corneas in a murine orthotopic corneal transplantation model to assess, in vivo, the function of the transplanted, life-extended murine corneal endothelial cells (MCEC). METHODS: Mouse corneas were surgically trephined and the native corneal endothelium was removed mechanically using a sterile cotton swab. Cultured murine corneal endothelial cells (life extended by expression of the SV40 large T antigen) were added onto the denuded Descemet's membrane and allowed to attach in culture at 37 degree C. Evidence of corneal cell attachment to Descemet's membrane was determined between 1 and 8 h by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Donor life-extended corneal endothelial cells were labeled with a fluorescent dye to allow tracking of the donor cells following seeding onto denuded Descemet's membrane. In four independent experiments, the Descemet's repopulated corneas were placed into syngeneic mice and evaluated for corneal clarity after 6 weeks. RESULTS: We could detect attachment of the life-extended murine CEC by scanning and transmission electron microscopy to denuded Descemet's membrane. The optimal time for adherence was 2 h and these repopulated corneas were used as donors in a murine model of penetrating keratoplasty. Of 20 mice evaluated after 6 weeks, 4 displayed corneal clarity, and fluorescent evaluation demonstrated that only the donor corneal endothelial cells were present. CONCLUSIONS: This experimental protocol establishes that "life-extended" MCEC can bind to Descemet's membrane ex vivo and form a distinct monolayer. The repopulated Descemet's membrane allowed us to directly test the hypothesis that cultured life-extended corneal endothelial cells are functional when reintroduced into an in vivo milieu and provides evidence that specific corneal endothelial cell transplantation may be a viable alternative to pentrating keratoplasty.

Animals↗

Extended-duration thromboprophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients with recent reduced mobility: methodology for the EXCLAIM study.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in medical patients. Although thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin reduces the risk of VTE in these patients, the optimal duration of therapy is not currently known. The EXCLAIM (EXtended CLinical prophylaxis in Acutely Ill Medical patients) study is designed to compare the efficacy and safety of extended-duration thromboprophylaxis using enoxaparin with the standard regimen of enoxaparin in acutely ill medical patients with recent reduced mobility. METHODS: All enrolled acutely ill medical patients receive enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously once daily for 10 +/- 4 days. Eligible patients are then randomized in a blinded manner to receive either extended-duration thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously once daily or placebo subcutaneously once daily for an additional 28 +/- 4 days. The primary efficacy endpoint is the incidence of VTE during the 28 +/- 4 days after randomization. This study utilizes a standardized bilateral compression ultrasonography examination protocol that consists of an intensive interrogation of the deep veins of the lower extremities for proximal deep-vein thrombosis. The secondary efficacy endpoints are the rate of symptomatic VTE during the 3 months after randomization and mortality at 3 and 6 months after enrollment. The primary safety endpoint is the incidence of major hemorrhagic complications during the 28 +/- 4 days after randomization. RESULTS: To date, 3,983 patients, with a broad range of medical conditions, have been included in the study. Almost one third of the enrolled patients with reduced mobility are acutely ill due to respiratory insufficiency and one third have infectious diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The EXCLAIM study is designed to show the efficacy and safety of extended-duration thromboprophylaxis using enoxaparin in acutely ill medical patients with recent reduced mobility, which may potentially lead to a reduction in the incidence of late VTE events in these patients. The EXCLAIM (EXtended CLinical prophylaxis in Acutely Ill Medical patients) study, involving 4,726 acutely ill medical patients with recent reduced mobility, is designed to compare the efficacy and safety of extended-duration thromboprophylaxis using 40 mg once daily enoxaparin (38 +/- 4 days) with the standard regimen for enoxaparin (40 mg once daily for 10 +/- 4 days). The objective of this study is to demonstrate that the extended-duration enoxaparin regimen is an effective and safe thromboprophylaxis regimen out of hospital.

Adult↗

Motility and fertility of equine spermatozoa in a milk extender after 12 or 24 hours at 20 degrees C.

The effects of extender and storage at 20 degrees C on equine spermatozoa were evaluated in two experiments using embryo recovery as the end point. In both experiments, inseminations were every other day, starting on Day 2 or 3 of estrus or after a 35-mm follicle was detected, with 250 x 10(6) progressively motile cells (based on initial evaluation). In Experiment 1, semen from two stallions was used to compare the motility and fertility of spermatozoa maintained in a) heated skim milk extender at 37 degrees C with insemination in <1 h; b) E-Z Mixin extender at 37 degrees C with insemination in <1 h; and c) E-Z Mixin extender at 37 degrees C with cooling to 20 degrees C and insemination after storage for 12 h at 20 degrees C. The percentage of motile spermatozoa was 34% after 12 h compared to 55% at 0 h (P < 0.05). However, the percentage of mares from which an embryo was recovered 6.5 d after ovulation was 62, 56, and 50% for Treatments A, B, and C (P > 0.05). In Experiment 2, semen from three stallions was used to compare the motility and fertility of spermatozoa in a) E-Z Mixin extender at 37 degrees C with insemination in <1 h or b) E-Z Mixin extender at 37 degrees C with cooling to 20 degrees C and insemination after storage for 24 h at 20 degrees C. The percentage of motile spermatozoa was 17% after 24 h compared to 54% at 0 h (P < 0.05). There was no difference between treatments (P > 0.05) in the percentage of mares from which an embryo was recovered 6.0 d after ovulation (68 vs 62%) or among stallions. Thus, stallion semen extended in E-Z Mixin was held at 20 degrees C for 24 h without a marked decline in fertility.

Journal Article↗

Effects of seminal plasma and three extenders on canine semen stored at 4 degrees C.

Semen preservation and artificial insemination (AI) in the canine has become a common practice in veterinary medicine. Chilled dog semen is easy to handle, and several extenders can be used. The aim of this study was to compare the effects on canine spermatozoa of seminal plasma and 3 extenders commonly used for chilled semen preservation in clinical practice. The characteristics evaluated were sperm motility; velocity; plasma membrane status (assessed with a fluorescence staining technique and hypo-osmotic swelling test); acrosome morphology; semen pH; and semen osmolarity. These criteria were monitored daily in the ejaculates of 11 dogs. The ejaculates were divided into 4 aliquots. Each aliquot was extended in autologous seminal plasma, egg-yolk Tris, egg-yolk milk or egg-yolk cream and preserved at 4 degrees C for 4 d. In 10 of 11 semen samples extended in autologous seminal plasma, motility had already decreased to 0% by Day 2, and the percentage of spermatozoa with intact membranes was lower than in the 3 extenders (P < 0.05). Motility up to Day 4 was higher in egg-yolk Tris-stored spermatozoa (53.6%) than in those preserved in egg-yolk milk (30.4%) and egg-yolk cream (14.1%). Spermatozoa stored in egg-yolk Tris also had the highest sperm velocity, whereas no difference was found in plasma membrane or acrosome status (P>0.05). Egg-yolk Tris extender seems to be superior to the other extenders tested, to preserve dog semen at 4 degrees C, although differences were not significant for all the parameters.

Journal Article↗

Relationship of seminal plasma level and extender type to sperm motility and DNA integrity.

The relationship between seminal plasma level (0, 10, or 20%) and extender type [Kenney type (EZ-Mixin-CST) or Kenney-modified Tyrodes-KMT] to the susceptibility of sperm DNA to denaturation and sperm motility measures were investigated in cooled (5 degrees C) stallion sperm. Three ejaculates from each of three fertile stallions were collected in an artificial vagina and processed as follows: diluted one part uncentrifuged semen with four parts of extender to a final concentration of 20% seminal plasma in either CST or KMT (20% CST; 20% KMT); diluted to a final concentration of 25 million sperm/mL in either CST or KMT (10% CST; 10% KMT); centrifuged to remove virtually all seminal plasma and resuspended in either CST or KMT (0% CST-Cent; 0% KMT-Cent); centrifuged semen to remove virtually all seminal plasma and resuspended with previously filtered seminal plasma from the same stallion in either CST or KMT to a final concentration of 20% seminal plasma (20% CST-Cent; 20% KMT-Cent). Sperm motion characteristics were determined by CASA and DNA integrity (%COMP, percent of cells outside the main population) evaluated by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay prior to cooling, and after 24 and 48 h cooled-storage at 5 degrees C. After 48 h of storage at 5 degrees C, extenders with 0% seminal plasma (0% CST-Cent, 0% KMT-Cent) maintained highest quality DNA (P < 0.05), but 0% KMT-Cent maintained higher velocity measures (P < 0.05) than 0% CST-Cent. Total sperm motility was highest (P < 0.05) in 0% CST-Cent, 0% KMT-Cent, 10% CST, 20% CST-Cent, and 20% CST compared to the other treatment groups. Progressive sperm motility was highest (P < 0.05) after 48 h of storage in the treatment with 10% seminal plasma in Kenney extender (10% CST), despite a reduction in DNA integrity. Regardless of extender type, addition of 20% seminal plasma following centrifugation resulted in almost a two-fold increase in %COMP(alpha t), even though one of the treatments (20% CST-Cent) maintained total and progressive motility similar to treatments with no seminal plasma, suggesting that sperm motility and DNA integrity may respond independently to environmental conditions. Overall, better quality sperm features (motility and DNA) were maintained in sperm from which seminal plasma was removed followed by resuspension in either Kenney extender or modified Kenney Tyrodes-type extender.

Animals↗

A synthetic glycine-extended bombesin analogue interacts with the GRP/bombesin receptor.

alpha-amidation of a peptide (which takes place from a glycine-extended precursor) is required to produce biologically active amidated hormones, such as gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)/Pyr-Gln-Arg-Leu-Gly-Asn-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-Met-NH(2) (bombesin). It was shown that glycine-extended gastrin mediates mitogenic effects on various cell lines by interacting with a specific receptor, different from the classical CCK(1) or CCK(2) receptors. On the basis of this observation, we have extended the concept of obtaining active glycine-extended forms of others amidated peptides to produce new active analogues. In this study, we have tested the biological behaviour of a synthetic analogue of the glycine-extended bombesin (para-hydroxy-phenyl-propionyl-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-Met-Gly-OH or JMV-1458) on various in vitro models. We showed that compound JMV-1458 was able to inhibit specific (3-[125I]iodotyrosyl(15)) GRP ([125I]GRP) binding in rat pancreatic acini and in Swiss 3T3 cells with K(i) values of approximately 10(-8) M. In isolated rat pancreatic acini, we found that JMV-1458 induced inositol phosphates production and amylase secretion in a dose-dependent manner. In Swiss 3T3 cells, the glycine-extended bombesin analogue dose-dependently produced [3H]thymidine incorporation. By using potent GRP/bombesin receptor antagonists, we showed that this synthetic glycine-extended bombesin analogue induces its biological activities via the classical GRP/bombesin receptor.

3T3 Cells↗

Extended prostate needle biopsy improves concordance of Gleason grading between prostate needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We examined the concordance of Gleason scores in prostate needle biopsy specimens and the corresponding radical retropubic prostatectomy specimens in a cohort of patients grouped according to the number of cores obtained during diagnostic needle biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed clinical and pathological data on a cohort of 466 men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer by needle biopsies who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between January 1, 1990 and July 31, 2001. Two study groups were identified, including 126 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by extended needle biopsies (10 or more cores) and 340 diagnosed with cancer by nonextended needle biopsies (9 or fewer cores). Mean age was 60 years and median prostate specific antigen was 5.8 ng./ml. The median number of cores in the extended and nonextended biopsy groups was 12 and 6, respectively. The concordance of Gleason score in the needle biopsy and prostatectomy specimens was compared and correlated with the number of cores on needle biopsy. RESULTS: In the whole cohort 311 patients (67%) had identical Gleason scores on the needle biopsy and prostatectomy specimens, while 53 (11%) were over graded and 102 (22%) were under graded on needle biopsy. In patients who underwent extended needle biopsies the accuracy rate for Gleason scoring was 76% with 10% over and 14% under graded. The highest accuracy rates were in patients with 13, 14 and 16 cores (89%, 87% and 100%, respectively). No patients in the extended needle biopsy group had a discrepancy of more than 2 Gleason units in grade in the biopsy and surgical specimens. In those who underwent nonextended needle biopsies the accuracy rate for Gleason scoring was 63% with 12% over and 25% under graded. There were significantly different rates of accuracy (p = 0.008) and under grading (p = 0.01) in the 2 needle biopsy groups. Patients with a needle biopsy Gleason score of less than 7 had significantly higher concordance with the prostatectomy Gleason score when extended biopsies were done compared with nonextended biopsies (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer grading by extended needle biopsy is a better predictor of the final Gleason score than nonextended needle biopsy, as determined by radical prostatectomy histological evaluation. Therefore, extended prostate needle biopsy provides better guidance to determine the appropriate treatment in patients with prostate cancer.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Randomized prospective evaluation of extended versus limited lymph node dissection in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: The low rate of pelvic node metastasis in most contemporary series of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for carcinoma of the prostate has been attributed to earlier and better patient selection than historical series. Alternatively, it has been suggested that the limited dissection commonly performed misses nodal metastasis in a substantial number of patients. To assess the value of an extended node dissection in detecting nodal metastasis, we performed a randomized prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 123 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were randomized to an extended node dissection on the right versus the left side of the pelvis with the other side being a limited dissection. The extended dissection included removal of all external iliac nodes to a point above the bifurcation of the common iliac artery, the obturator nodes and the presacral nodes. The limited dissection included only the nodes along the external iliac vein and obturator nerve. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 61 years. Clinical stage was T1c in 88 patients (72%), T2a in 26 (21%), T2b in 7 (6%) and T3 in 2 (1%). Mean preoperative prostate specific antigen was 7.4 ng./ml. Pelvic lymph node metastasis was histologically confirmed in 8 patients (6.5%). Positive nodes were found on the side of the extended dissection in 4 patients, on the side of the limited dissection in 3 and on both sides in 1. Complications possibly attributable to the node dissection included lymphocele in 4 patients, lower extremity edema in 5, deep venous thrombosis in 2, ureteral injury in 1 and pelvic abscess in 1. These complications occurred 3 times more often on the side of the extended dissection (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Extended node dissection in contemporary series of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy identifies few with nodal metastases not found by a more limited dissection. A trend toward an increased risk of complications attributable to the lymphadenectomy occurs with an extended dissection.

Aged↗

Reduced perception of urgency in treatment of overactive bladder with extended-release tolterodine.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of once-daily, extended-release tolterodine on urinary urgency in patients with overactive bladder. METHODS: Patients with urinary frequency (eight or more micturitions per 24 hours) and urge incontinence (five or more episodes per week) were randomized to oral treatment with tolterodine extended release 4 mg once daily (n=398) or placebo (n=374) for 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by use of patient perception evaluations. RESULTS: The results presented are a secondary analysis of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Of patients treated with tolterodine extended release, 44% reported improved urgency symptoms (compared with 32% for placebo), and 62% reported improved bladder symptoms (placebo, 48%) (both P<.001 compared with placebo). The odds of reducing urgency and improving bladder symptoms were 1.68 and 1.78 times greater, respectively, for patients in the tolterodine extended release group than for patients receiving placebo. In response to urgency, there was a more than six-fold increase in the proportion of patients able to finish a task before voiding in the tolterodine extended release group. The proportion of patients unable to hold urine upon experiencing urgency was also decreased by 58% with tolterodine, compared with 32% with placebo (P<.001). The proportion of patients reporting "much benefit" from treatment was greater for tolterodine extended release than for placebo (43% versus 24%; P<.001). The only adverse events with an incidence of greater than 5% were dry mouth, headache, and constipation, with only dry mouth markedly more frequent with tolterodine than with placebo. CONCLUSION: Tolterodine extended release has demonstrable efficacy in reducing the severity of urinary urgency and is associated with improvements in overactive bladder symptoms that are meaningful to patients.

Administration, Oral↗

Preliminary study of the safety and efficacy of extended-release oxybutynin in children.

OBJECTIVES: To test the safety and efficacy of extended-release oxybutynin in children with bladder dysfunction. The efficacy of oxybutynin in children has been limited by side effects. A new extended-release formulation of oxybutynin has some benefits versus traditional oxybutynin but has never been evaluated in children. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 25 children who had been treated with extended-release oxybutynin. Fourteen had neurogenic bladder dysfunction and 11 had urinary frequency and urgency and urge incontinence but no neurologic abnormalities. Patients and families were asked to semiquantitatively (0 to 10 grading with 10 = severe) assess the effects of the medication on efficacy, as well as side effects and compliance with medication schedules. RESULTS: All 25 patients had improvement in incontinence and/or voiding dysfunction on extended-release oxybutynin. Twelve (48%) experienced no side effects. Of the 13 who did, 10 complained of dry mouth (grade 4.6 plus minus 0.5), 4 had constipation (grade 5.8 plus minus 1.8), 4 had heat intolerance (grade 5.1 plus minus 0.9), and 3 had drowsiness (grade 5.3 plus minus 2.4). Of patients previously treated with oxybutynin, the extended-release oxybutynin was equally or more efficacious and had the same or fewer side effects, especially less dry mouth. Families reported much better patient compliance with the medication regimen using extended-release oxybutynin compared with oxybutynin. Patient and family satisfaction was very high, and 21 of 25 have continued using the medication. CONCLUSIONS: Extended-release oxybutynin is safe and efficacious in children. In this preliminary evaluation, it had benefits over traditional, immediate-release oxybutynin.

Adolescent↗

Effect of differential addition of glycerol and pyruvate to extender on cryopreservation of Mediterranean buffalo (B.bubalis) spermatozoa.

The composition of the extender in which semen is diluted before freezing plays a major role in successful cryopreservation of spermatozoa. Substances of high osmolarity, like glycerol, protect sperm cells during the freezing process and energy-rich compounds, like pyruvate provide extra energy during capacitation and fertilization. Since cryopreservation procedures for Buffalo spermatozoa have not been adequately defined, the aim of the study was to improve the survival rate of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa after cryopreservation by optimizing the timing for adding glycerol and by enriching the cryoprotectant extender with an energy source substrate. Semen was collected with an artificial vagina from 5 bulls and the ejaculates were immediately evaluated for motility, forward progressive motility and for viability, pooled and held at room temperature (28 degrees C) for 1 h. Then aliquots of pooled semen were subjected to dilution and equilibration in triplicate as follows: Experiment 1. Glycerol (3%) in a commercial extender was added to the semen at 28 degrees C and cooled to 5 degrees C for 1 h; then extender with 11% glycerol was added before further equilibration (initial glycerol addition; IGA) and the samples held at 5 degrees C for 1, 3 or 5 additional hours (IGA 1, n = 24; IGA 3, n = 24; IGA 5, n = 24) before freezing. Experiment 2. Glycerol (3%) was added and the mixture brought to 5 degrees C as described above. Then extender with 11% glycerol was added (late glycerol addition; LGA) and after equilibration for 1, 3 and 5 h (LGA 1, n= 24; LGA 3, n = 24; LGA 5, n = 24) the samples were frozen. In Experiments 3 and 4 Na pyruvate (1.25 mM) was added to the extender as described for IGA and LGA above (IPA and LPA samples). The effect of addition time (initial vs late) of glycerol and pyruvate was evaluated by measuring sperm motility, progressively forward motility and viability. After freezing-thawing the percentage of motile spermatozoa was significantly higher (0.001<P<0.01) after a late addition of glycerol and pyruvate (LGA 5 and LPA 5). The optimizing of the timing of the glycerol addition and the presence in the extender of an energy source rendered a higher efficiency in thawed spermatozoa.

Animals↗

Comparison of Biociphos-Plus and TRIS-egg yolk extender for cryopreservation of bull semen.

For optimizing routine freezing of bull semen, we examined three different cryopreservation methods using either TRIS-egg yolk-citrate extender or Biociphos-Plus. Biociphos-Plus (IMV, France) has been marketed as an extender, in which egg yolk is replaced by a sterile soybean extract to reduce the contamination risk derived from animal borne substances. We used 78 bulls of various breeds (Brown Swiss, Holstein, Simmental) between 12 and 23 months of age, and we produced a total of 800-1000 straws (0.25 ml, 20 x 10(6) spermatozoa) from each bull using three different methods. In method A, we used TRIS-egg yolk as extender and packaged at 4 degrees C. In method B, we also used TRIS-egg yolk but packaged at room temperature (RT) between 18 and 22 degrees C. In method C, Biociphos-Plus served as extender and we packaged at RT. We compared methods A, B and C by using post-thaw motility, viability, morphology and osmotic resistance as semen quality parameters. In addition, we recorded 75-day nonreturn rates (NR75) to detect the effect of extenders on fertility. With the exception of primary defects, all laboratory parameters investigated were significantly (P < 0.05) better in methods A (TRIS-egg yolk, 4 degrees C) and B (TRIS-egg yolk, RT), compared to method C (Biociphos-Plus, RT). We recorded no significant difference between methods A and B. We could not verify the differing laboratory results by fertility data (NR75). However, when we analyzed NR75 for a single breed, significant (P < 0.05) differences existed between methods A and B compared to method C in Simmental and Holstein but not in Brown Swiss. We obtained best results in Simmental using method A (69%, n = 3384), while method C (61.4%, n = 763) was superior to methods A (57.6%, n = 698) and B (57.3%, n = 737) in Holstein. After considering various factors like preparation of extender, cost of materials and ambient working temperature, we concluded from our data that bull semen processing using TRIS-egg yolk extender and RT for packaging (method B) produced the best semen quality and field fertility.

Animals↗

Influence of extender, temperature, and addition of glycerol on post-thaw sperm parameters in ram semen.

Using a two-step extension methodology, two experiments were conducted using a split-sample design to compare the effect on post-thaw ram sperm parameters of a milk-based extender (Experiment 1) containing four different egg yolk concentrations (5% [M5], 10% [M10], 15% [M15], and 20% [M20]), and a commercially available extender (Bioexcell); IMV, L'Aigle, France) free from additives of animal origin, containing two different final glycerol concentrations (3.2% [B] and 6.4% [BB]) (Experiment 2). In both experiments, glycerol was added either at 5 degrees C or at 15 degrees C together with the second fraction of each extender. The sperm characteristics assessed were motility (measured subjectively [SM] and by means of cell motion analysis (CASA), membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI), and capacitation status (chlortetracycline (CTC)/EthD-1). Results of Experiment 1 showed no significant positive effect of increasing the concentration of egg yolk above 10% on post-thaw motility, membrane integrity, or induction of sperm capacitation-like changes. In Experiment 2, Bioexcell (BB) yielded similar post-thaw results as did the milk extender (control). In both experiments, post-thaw sperm parameters were better preserved when glycerol was added at 5 degrees C, although the results were not always statistically significant for all variables studied. In conclusion, when using milk-based extenders for freezing ram semen, low (5-10%) concentrations of egg yolk and the addition of glycerol at 5 degrees C are recommended. Furthermore, the results indicate that when freezing ram semen, Bioexcell containing 6.4% glycerol may be used as an alternative extender to the conventional milk extender containing 5% egg yolk.

Acrosome Reaction↗

Characterization of lower temperature storage limitations of fresh-extended porcine semen.

Irreversible damage caused by cold shock has been assumed to occur when boar semen is exposed to temperatures below 15 degrees C. Identification of the lower critical temperature at which extended boar semen undergoes cold shock, however, has yet to be defined. The aims of this study were to 1) identify the cold-shock critical temperature and time on extended boar semen as assessed by sperm motility and morphology, and 2) determine the effects on fertility of using extended porcine semen exposed to this critical temperature and time. For Objective 1, ejaculates from 18 boars were collected, analyzed and extended in Androhep to 50 x 10(6) sperm/mL. Doses (4 x 10(9) sperm) from each ejaculate were exposed to 5 storage temperatures (8, 10, 12, 14 and 17 degrees C). Sperm motility and morphology (including acrosomes) were assessed following collection and at 12-h intervals for 48-h. Decreases in sperm motility occurred within the first 12-h at all temperatures. Sample motility dropped below 70% within 12-h in the 8 degrees C group and by 48-h in the 10 degrees C group. Sample motility was > 75% in the 12, 14 and 17 degrees C (control) groups throughout the trial. The percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm cells, including acrosomes, did not change within or between treatment groups over the 48-h storage period. In Objective 2, boar ejaculates (n = 9) were handled as in the first objective and were equally divided into treated (12 degrees C for < or = 60-h) and control (17 degrees C for < or = 60-h) groups. Using a timed, double insemination technique, 135 sows were bred by AI using either 12 degrees C (n = 74) or 17 degrees C (n = 61) extended, stored semen. No differences were observed in the farrowing rate (93 vs 95%), total offspring born (11.58 vs 11.61) or number live born (10.68 vs 10.63) between 12 and 17 degrees C groups, respectively. The results demonstrate that acceptable fertility can be obtained with Androhep extended boar semen exposed to temperatures as low as 12 degrees C for up to 60-h, and that cold shock appears to occur in vitro when extended boar semen is exposed to storage temperatures below 12 degrees C.

Acrosome↗

Phase III, randomized, double-blind study of clarithromycin extended-release and immediate-release formulations in the treatment of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.

BACKGROUND: Clarithromycin has an established efficacy and safety profile in the treatment of respiratory tract infections. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and bacteriologic efficacy and tolerability of clarithromycin extended-release and immediate-release formulations in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB). METHODS: In a phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter study. patients aged > or =12 years with signs and symptoms of AECB and a productive cough with purulent sputum received treatment with extended-release (two 500-mg tablets once daily) or immediate-release (one 500-mg tablet twice daily) clarithromycin for 7 days. Assessments were performed before treatment, within 48 hours after treatment, and at the test-of-cure visit (study days 19-21). Patients who took > or =1 dose of study drug were included in the safety analysis. RESULTS: Of 620 patients randomized and treated, 182 were clinically and bacteriologically assessable (100 in the extended-release group and 82 in the immediate-release group). Treatment groups were well matched with respect to demographic characteristics and medical and social history. At the test-of-cure visit, 83% (83/100) of patients in the extended-release and 82% (67/82) of patients in the immediate-release group achieved clinical cure; 86% (85/99) and 85% (70/82), respectively, demonstrated bacteriologic cure. Overall pathogen eradication rates were 86% (100/116) in the extended-release group and 88% (86/98) in the immediate-release group. The most frequently reported adverse events were diarrhea (6% in extended-release group vs 4% in immediate-release group; no significant difference), taste alterations (4% in each group), and nausea (3% in each group); no clinically meaningful changes in laboratory values or vital signs, as assessed by the investigator, were observed. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that clarithromycin extended-release and immediate-release formulations have equivalent clinical and bacteriologic efficacy and tolerability in patients with AECB.

Acute Disease↗

Phase III, randomized, double-blind study of clarithromycin extended-release and immediate-release formulations in the treatment of adult patients with acute maxillary sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Clarithromycin has an established bacteriologic efficacy and safety profile in the treatment of respiratory tract infections. OBJECTIVE: This study compares the efficacy and tolerability of extended-release and immediate-release formulations of clarithromycin in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis. METHODS: Fourteen days' treatment with once-daily clarithromycin was compared with the immediate-release, twice-daily formulation in a phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter study. Patients aged > or =12 years with signs, symptoms, and a radiologically confirmed diagnosis of acute maxillary sinusitis were eligible. Patients were assessed before treatment, within 48 hours after treatment, on study days 16 to 18, and at the test-of-cure visit on study days 24 to 31. Patients who received > or =1 dose of study drug were included in the safety analysis. RESULTS: Of 283 patients treated, 245 were included in the efficacy analysis (122 in the extended-release group, 123 in the immediate-release group). Treatment groups were well matched with respect to demographic characteristics and medical condition and history. At the test-of-cure visit, 85% of patients in the clarithromycin extended-release group and 79% in the immediate-release group were deemed clinical cures; 89% and 91% in the extended-release and immediate-release groups, respectively, demonstrated radiographic success. Overall incidences of study drug-related adverse events were similar in the 2 treatment groups (32% in the extended-release group and 28% in the immediate-release group); however, significantly fewer patients receiving extended-release clarithromycin (2/142 11%]), compared with those receiving the immediate-release formulation (10/141 [7%]: P = 0.02) discontinued therapy because of drug-related gastrointestinal symptoms or abnormal taste. No clinically meaningful changes in laboratory values or vital signs were observed during the study. CONCLUSION: Although the efficacy of the 2 formulations was comparable, once-daily clarithromycin extended-release was better tolerated than the twice-daily immediate-release formulation by patients with acute maxillary sinusitis.

Acute Disease↗

The effect of extend bar containing uncooked cornstarch on night-time glycemic excursion in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ingesting a snack bar containing uncooked cornstarch (Extend Bar, Clinical Products, Limited, Key Biscayne, FL) on nocturnal glycemic excursion in 28 adults (ages 22-78 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean HbAlc 8.21+/-1.28%). Thirteen subjects were treated with oral agents, eight with a combination of insulin and oral agents, and seven with insulin alone. Subjects ingested the study bar (Extend Bar, containing 30 g of total carbohydrate, including 5 g of uncooked cornstarch, 3 g protein, and 3 g fat) for three evenings followed by a placebo bar for 3 evenings (30 g of total carbohydrate, 3 g protein, and 3 g fat), or vice versa. Pre-snack before bedtime, midnight and before breakfast finger stick blood glucose levels were compared to determine the incidence of hypoglycemia (<60 mg/dl), hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dl), and to calculate any differences in the group's mean blood glucose levels when ingesting the study versus the placebo bar. There were no episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. The mean blood glucose levels pre-snack at bedtime were nearly identical (Extend Bar value 117.5+/-45.6 mg/dl; placebo bar value 117.3+/-40.0 mg/dl; P=0.977), and lower at midnight and before breakfast on the Extend Bar nights compared to the placebo bar nights (Extend Bar, midnight value 127.9+/-31.0 mg/dl; placebo bar midnight value 148.2+/-32.1 mg/dl; P=0.0001; Extend Bar breakfast value 114.2+/-15.8 mg/dl; placebo bar breakfast value 158.49+/-30.3 mg/dl; P<0.0001). These data suggest that ingesting Extend Bar containing uncooked cornstarch as the nighttime snack may be an effective strategy to lesson the frequency of nocturnal and morning hyperglycemia in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent↗

[Prostate cancer diagnosis using 24 cores extended biopsy].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic performance of extended prostatic biopsy (PB) in prostate cancer (PC) and variables affecting positivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 147) underwent 24 cylinder PB at the Arquitecto Marcide Hospital, Ferrol, La Coruña, between December 2002-September 2004. Inclusion criteria were the following: patients aged < or = 70 with one or more negative PB or aged < or = 75 with two or more negative PB. An univariate analysis was carried out using the chi-squared test for the qualitative variables and the t-Student and U Mann-Whitney tests in the case of the quantitative variables, plus a logistical regression analysis in order to identify those variables related to the extended PB positivity. RESULTS: 60 patients (40.82%) were identified as having PC. Significant differences were observed in prostatic volume, free/total PSA ratio in the initial PB, free/total PSA ratio in the extended PB, PSA-density in the extended PB as well as the existence of chronic prostatitis in previous PB. During the multivariate analysis it was found that the PSA-density and the presence of chronic prostatitis in previous PB independently predicted the positivity of the extended PB. CONCLUSIONS: Extended PB allows for the detection of PC in 40.82% of patients with previous negative PB. The increase in PSA density is associated with a greater probability of PC, whilst the existence of chronic prostatitis in prior PB significantly reduces the probability of PC in the extended PB.

Aged↗