Equine antibody response to larval Parascaris equorum excretory-secretory products.

Parascaris equorum is an intestinal nematode of foals and young horses that can produce mild to severe pathology. Current diagnosis is limited to detection of patent infections, when parasite eggs are identified during fecal examinations. This study examined the use of larval P.

In vitro culture of Parascaris equorum larvae and initial investigation of parasite excretory-secretory products.

Currently, diagnosis of Parascaris equorum infection in equids is limited to patent infections. The goals of this study were to culture P. equorum larvae in vitro and identify excretory-secretory (ES) products for prepatent diagnostic testing.

Multiple metals predict prolactin and thyrotropin (TSH) levels in men.

Exposure to a number of metals can affect neuroendocrine and thyroid signaling, which can result in adverse effects on development, behavior, metabolism, reproduction, and other functions. The present study assessed the relationship between metal concentrations in blood and serum prolactin (PRL) and thyrotropin (TSH) levels, markers of dopaminergic, and thyroid function, respectively, among men participating in a study of environmental influences on male reproductive health. Blood samples from 219 men were analyzed for concentrations of 11 metals and serum levels of PRL and TSH.

Negative effects of serum p,p'-DDE on sperm parameters and modification by genetic polymorphisms.

Objective: Effects of ambient exposure to DDT and its metabolites (DDE-DDT) on human sperm parameters and the role of genetic polymorphisms in modifying the association were investigated.

Methods: Demographics, medical history data, blood and semen samples were obtained from the first 336 male partners of couples presenting to 2 infertility clinics. Serum was analyzed for organochlorines (OC) and DNA for polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 and CYP1A1.

Cadmium, lead, and other metals in relation to semen quality: human evidence for molybdenum as a male reproductive toxicant.

Background: Evidence on human semen quality as it relates to exposure to various metals, both essential (e.g., zinc, copper) and nonessential (e.

Environmental exposure to metals and male reproductive hormones: circulating testosterone is inversely associated with blood molybdenum.

Objective: To explore associations between exposure to metals and male reproductive hormone levels.

Design: Cross-sectional epidemiology study with adjustment for potential confounders.

Setting: University Medical Center.

A pilot study associating urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites and semen quality.

Phthalates are ubiquitous industrial chemicals that are reported to adversely affect human reproductive outcomes. Divergent effects on semen quality have been reported in a limited number of studies. To assess the possible contribution of regional differences in phthalate exposure to these results, we wished to determine if ambient phthalate exposure of men from the Great Lakes region was associated with human sperm parameters.

Ambient manganese exposure is negatively associated with human sperm motility and concentration.

Background: Occupational and experimental animal studies indicate that exposure to high levels of manganese impairs male fertility, but the effects of ambient manganese in humans are not known.

Methods: We measured blood levels of manganese and selenium in 200 infertility clinic clients in a cross-sectional study. Correlations between metals and semen variables were determined, adjusting for other risk factors.

Evidence to support horses as natural intermediate hosts for Sarcocystis neurona.

Opossums (Didelphis spp.) are the definitive host for the protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona, the causative agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Opossums shed sporocysts in feces that can be ingested by true intermediate hosts (cats, raccoons, skunks, armadillos and sea otters).

Effect of daily administration of pyrantel tartrate in preventing infection in horses experimentally challenged with Sarcocystis neurona.

Objective: To determine whether daily administration of pyrantel tartrate can prevent infection in horses experimentally challenged with Sarcocystis neurona.

Animals: 24 mixed-breed specific-pathogen-free weanling horses, 10 adult horses, 1 opossum, and 6 mice.

Procedure: Sarcocystis neurona-naïve weanling horses were randomly allocated to 2 groups.

Cross-sectional study of serum antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona in cats tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii.

Objective: To determine apparent seroprevalence of antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona in a population of domestic cats previously tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population: Serum from 196 domestic cats.