bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Functional Traits of Citrus (Citrus Sp.) Provenance as Effected by Watering Regime in the Nursery
Authors: Falade Ademola , Agele Samuel , Adegbaju Muyiwa
Published: February 2024

Five citrus proevancnes were subjected to watering levels in the nursery. The effects of watering regime were evaluated on the growth, physiological and biochemical attributes while the measured variables were deployed to rank tolerance to soil moisture deficits by citrus species. The watering regimes were 100 % field capacity (1.2 litres at four days interval), moderately watered: 75% field capacity (0.9 litres at four days interval) and 50% field capacity (0.6 litres at four days interval) which imposed at 16 weeks after transplanting. Data were collected on height and leaf development, root and shoot biomass, chlorophyll content, stomata architecture, proline, membrane lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Gluthathione (GSH). Citrus provenances differed in growth traits, stomata architecture, proline, membrane lipid peroxidation and and enzymatic activities. Watering regime induced significant changes in leaf chlorophyll and phenolic contents and enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), membrane lipid peroxidation (malonaldehyde (MDA) and Guaiacol peroxidase (GPx) in citrus. The 75 and 50% FC watering significantly enhanced MDA and proline and activities of enzymatic antioxidant in citrus seedlings compare with 100% FC watering. Activities of CAT and GPx were enhanced by 75% FC while CAT, SOD and GPx were enhanced by 50 % FC watering. Under water limitations, 75% FC watering can support citrus seedling growth and 50% FC for lemon under soil moisture limitation.
Impact of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and it’s Attributing Traits of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)
Authors: Chitla Sreeja Reddy , Dayal Abhinav , Dileep Retineni
Published: February 2024

The experiment was carried out to explore the “Impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and it’s attributing traits on Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)”. The experiment was conducted during 2021-2022 at experimental farm of Department of Horticultural sciences, Naini Agriculture Institute, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF), vermicompost, poultry manure, farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizers were used as treatments. Eight different doses of treatments were recommended for each replication. Experiment was conducted using Randomized Block Design (RBD). The performance of growth and yield was analysed. The Treatment T4 - 100%RDF+ (5t vermicompost +2.5t poultry manure) performed well with a better Plant height of 77 cm at 90 days, number of branches 15.32, days to 50 % flowering 36.32 days, number of fruits per plant 75.32, fruit length 11.64cm, number of seeds per fruit 62.66, test weight of 6.68 g, maximum fruit yield per plant was 845.80 g and maximum fruit yield per plot was 313.25 q/ha. Control treatment shown the lowest growth and yield.
In vivo Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles on the Management of Meloidogyne incognita in Green Gram
Authors: Kumari Suman , Mahanta Bornali , Borah Aparajita , Dutta Pranab
Published: February 2024

In the investigations, on the effect of Ag NPs on the management of M. incognita in green gram, the results showed that all the treatments were found to be effective in increasing all growth parameters. Maximum growth parameter viz., plant height, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root were recorded in the treatment with 0.15 ppm Ag NPs + M. incognita. Maximum reduction in galls, egg masses and final nematode population in soil were recorded in the treatment with 0.15 ppm Ag NPs. All the treatments significantly differed from control except the treatment with 0.0015 ppm Ag NPs + M. incognita.
Polyphenol galangin induces the ROS and ER stress-mediated intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways towards human colon carcinoma HCT-116 cells
Authors: Wang Bo , Fu Xin , Liu Li-Li , Wu Fei-Fei , Zhao Xin-Huai
Published: February 2024

A natural anti-oxidant galangin, a flavonoid compound rich in the root of galangal, has been proved to exert anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction towards various cancer cells. However, its activities and molecular mechanism against colorectal cancer cell lines (e.g. HCT-116) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to reveal the inhibition and apoptosis induction of galangin in the HCT-116 cells. The results of CCK-8 assay demonstrated that galangin at 20-160 μmol/L inhibited the HCT-116 cells growth in a dose-time-dependent manner. Galangin changed cell morphology, arrested cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ and induced early apoptosis in the HCT-116 cells. Based on western blotting results, on one hand, galangin at 80-160 μmol/L up-regulated pro-apoptotic proteins expression such as AIF, PIG3, and Bax, and induced mitochondrial pathway by up-regulating the levels of cleaved caspase-8, cleaved caspase-7, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3, as well as cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). On the other hand, galangin also induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the cell via up-regulation of CHOP and DR5 and then activation of caspase cascades. The results illustrated that galangin induced apoptosis towards the HCT-116 cells through the ROS- and ER stress-mediated both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.

KEYWORDS: galangin; human colon carcinoma cells; apoptotic mechanism; reactive oxygen species; endoplasmic reticulum stress

 
Stationery Management System
Authors: Baggyalakshmi Dr.N. , Kanishka J , Revathi Dr.R.
Published: February 2024

The Stationery Management System is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline and automate the processes involved in managing stationery inventory for organizations. This system aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity by providing a centralized platform to track, control, and replenish stationery supplies. The system offers a user-friendly interface that allows authorized personnel, such as office administrators or procurement managers, to manage all aspects of stationery inventory effectively. It provides the following key features: Inventory Management: The system maintains a comprehensive database of stationery items, including details such as item name, description, quantity, and unit price. It allows users to easily add new items, update existing ones, and track stock levels in real-time. Purchase and Requisition: Users can generate purchase orders or requisitions directly from the system, ensuring a streamlined procurement process. The system can also integrate with external vendors or suppliers to automate order placement and tracking. Stock Monitoring: The system provides real-time visibility into the current stock levels of stationery items. Users can set up automated alerts to notify them when stock levels fall below a predefined threshold, ensuring timely reordering and preventing stock outs. Issue and Return Tracking: The system facilitates the tracking of stationery items issued to employees or departments. It enables users to record item issuances, monitor their usage, and manage returns efficiently. This feature helps prevent misuse and ensures accountability. Reporting and Analytics: The system generates comprehensive reports and analytics, offering valuable insights into stationery usage, expenditure, and inventory trends. These reports assist in making data-driven decisions, optimizing procurement processes, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Integration and Accessibility: The system can integrate with other existing systems within the organization, such as accounting or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, to ensure seamless data flow and minimize manual data entry. It also provides accessibility across multiple devices, enabling users to manage stationery inventory remotely. Overall, the Stationery Management System provides organizations with a centralized and efficient solution to manage their stationery inventory effectively. By automating key processes and providing real-time visibility, the system optimizes procurement, reduces waste, and enhances productivity, leading to cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
The effect of cereal type and exogenous enzyme supplementation in pig diets on nutrient digestibility, intestinal microflora, volatile fatty acid concentration and manure ammonia emissions from finisher pigs
Authors: O'Connell J.M. , Sweeney T. , Callan J. J. , O'Doherty J. V.
Published: April 2006

A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the interaction between cereal type (wheatv. barley) and an exogenous enzyme supplement (with or without) on nutrient digestibility, large intestinal microflora, volatile fatty acid profile andin vitromanure ammonia emissions from finisher pigs. The enzyme supplement used contained endo-1, 3-β-glucanase (EC 3·2·1·6) and endo-1, 4-β-xylanase (EC 3·2·1·8). The diets were formulated to contain similar concentrations of net energy (9·8 MJ/kg) and lysine (10·0 g/kg). Urine and faeces were collected over seven consecutive days from 16 boars (four boars per treatment, 80·0 kg live weight) that were housed in metabolism crates. After collections, the pigs were slaughtered and the contents of the intestinal tracts were removed for analysis. There was a significant interaction between cereal type and enzyme inclusion in the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DMD), organic matter (OMD) and nitrogen. The inclusion of an enzyme supplement in barley-based diets increased (P< 0·05) DMD, OMD and nitrogen digestibility compared with unsupplemented diets, however there was no effect of enzyme supplementation in wheat-based diets. There was a significant interaction between cereal type and enzyme inclusion in selected components of the gut microflora. Pigs offered unsupplemented barley-based diets had higher populations of bifidobacteria (P< 0·05) in the caecum and colon than those on the enzyme supplemented barley diet, however, there was no effect of enzyme supplementation on bifidobacteria in wheat-based diets. There was a significant interaction between cereal type and enzyme inclusion in volatile fatty acid production and inin vitroammonia emissions. In the absence of an enzyme supplement, barley-based diets reduced the proportion of isovaleric acid (P< 0·05) and isobutyric acid (P< 0·05) in the caecum and colon and also reduced manure ammonia emissions during storage from 0 to 240 h (P< 0·05) compared with the wheat-based diet, however there was no effect of cereal type in enzyme-supplemented diets. In conclusion, the inclusion of an enzyme in barley-based diets increased nutrient digestibility but also increased ammonia emissions.
Genotype by mating type interaction for litter size in Landrace and Large White sows
Authors: Lewis T. W. , Wiseman J. , Woolliams J. A.
Published: April 2006

Data obtained from a detailed base from a commercial breeding company of Landrace and Large White purebred nucleus sows were used to estimate genetic parameters of piglet number born alive (NBA) following artificial insemination and natural service. Heritabilities were small but significantly different from zero, and similar to literature estimates. The genetic correlation (rG) of NBA after AI or natural service using pooled data was 0·71 and was significantly different from one (P<0·01) but not significantly different between breeds (P>0·1). It is concluded that mating type may result in a re-ranking of sow genetic merit for NBA.
Genetic principal components for live ultrasound scan traits of Angus cattle
Authors: Meyer K.
Published: April 2006

Multivariate restricted maximum likelihood analyses were carried out for a large data set comprising records for eye-muscle area, fat depth at the 12/13th rib and the rump P8 site, and percentage intramuscular fat, recorded via live ultrasound scanning of Australian Angus cattle. Records on heifers or steers were treated as separate traits from those on bulls. Reduced rank estimates of the genetic covariance matrix were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood, estimating the leading three, four, five, six, seven and all eight principal components and these were contrasted with estimates from pooled bivariate analyses.

Results from analyses fitting five or six genetic principal components agreed closely with estimates from bivariate and eight-variate analyses and literature results. Heritabilities and variances for ‘fatness’ traits measured on heifers or steers were higher than those recorded for bulls, and genetic correlations were less than unity for the same trait measured in different sexes. Eye-muscle area showed little association with the other traits.

Reduced rank estimation decreased computational requirements of multivariate analyses dramatically, in essence corresponding to those of an m-variate analysis for m principal components considered. Five or six principal components appeared to be necessary to model genetic covariances adequately. The first three of these components then explained about 97% of the genetic variation among the eight traits.

A simulation study showed that errors in reduced rank estimates of the genetic covariance matrix were small, once three or more principal components from analyses fitting five or more components were used in constructing the estimates. Similarly, accuracy of genetic evaluation for the eight traits using the first four components was only slightly less than that using all principal components.

Results suggest that reduced rank estimation and prediction is applicable for the eight scan traits considered. The leading three to four principal components sufficed to describe the bulk of genetic variation between animals. However, five or more principal components needed to be considered in estimating covariance matrices and the ‘loadings’ of the original traits to the principal components.
Every Child Matters and the Voluntary and Community Sector
Authors: Vallender Ian
Published: April 2006

Children's services in England are undergoing a radical reorganisation. New arrangements for local authorities and statutory partners impact significantly on organisations in the voluntary and community sector that are encouraged to deliver more public services. Local voluntary organisations will need help to organise themselves and to build capacity if they are to be effective partners at all stages of the planning and delivery process. Copyright © 2006 The Author(s). Journal compilation © 2006 National Children's Bureau.
Black Point is associated with reduced levels of stress, disease‐ and defence‐related proteins in wheat grain
Authors: MAK YUNXIAN , WILLOWS ROBERT D. , ROBERTS THOMAS H. , WRIGLEY COLIN W. , SHARP PETER J. , COPELAND LES
Published: April 2006

Black Point in wheat is a dark discoloration at the embryo end of the grain, which causes substantial financial losses to wheat growers due to down‐grading of otherwise high‐grade wheat. There does not appear to be a single cause for Black Point, although evidence suggests that fungal infection is the main link to Black Point symptoms. We sought to identify grain proteins from Black Point‐affected and Black Point‐free wheat cultivar SUN239V, which is known to be very susceptible to Black Point. The proteomes of both the germ and endosperm‐bran components of Black Point‐affected and Black Point‐free grain were compared using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) with six replicate gels run for each protein sample. Approximately 1478 discrete protein spots were found in 2‐DE gels from the germ fraction of the grain, of which 354 were identified by mass spectrometry (MS). Similarly, 1360 discrete protein spots were found from the endosperm‐bran fraction, of which 303 were identified by MS. No proteins of fungal or bacterial origin were positively identified, suggesting that, at least in some cases, Black Point is not associated with microbial activity. Of the germ proteins, 252 were differentially expressed in Black Point‐affected tissue, with 67 of these proteins identified by MS. Of the endosperm‐bran proteins, 317 were differentially expressed in Black Point‐affected tissue, with 86 identified. The largest of 12 functional classes to which the differentially abundant proteins were assigned was the ‘stress’ class, i.e. products of genes associated with stress, disease and defence. Higher levels of these proteins were found in Black Point‐free grain, suggesting that protection from the disease might be afforded by increased levels of the ‘stress’ proteins.
von Willebrand factor propeptide in malaria: evidence of acute endothelial cell activation
Authors: Hollestelle Martine J. , Donkor Cynthia , Mantey Ebenezer Akrofi , Chakravorty Srabasti J. , Craig Alister , Akoto Alex Osei , O'Donnell James , Van Mourik Jan A. , Bunn James
Published: April 2006

The pathogenicity of Plasmodium falciparum is thought to relate to the unique ability of infected erythrocytes to adhere to and subsequently activate the vascular endothelium. To study the state of endothelial activation during falciparum malaria, we measured plasma levels of both von Willebrand factor (VWF) and its propeptide, indices of chronic and acute endothelial cell perturbation, respectively. Results were correlated with clinical and biochemical markers of disease severity, including plasma lactate. Our data show that acute endothelial cell activation is a hallmark of malaria in children, indicated by a significant rise in VWF and VWF propeptide. The highest VWF and propeptide levels were seen in cerebral and non‐cerebral severe malaria, and associations found between VWF propeptide level and lactate (P < 0·001). Mean VWF propeptide levels (nmol/l) were in cerebral malaria 33·4, non‐cerebral severe malaria 26·3, mild malaria 22·1, non‐malaria febrile illness 10·2, and controls 10·1. Differences between patient and control groups were highly significant (P < 0·005). Follow‐up of 26 cerebral malaria cases showed that levels of VWF propeptide, but not VWF fell by 24 h, following the clinical course of disease and recovery. These novel findings potentially implicate acute, regulated exocytosis of endothelial cell Weibel–Palade bodies in the pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Growth and phenology of mature temperate forest trees in elevated CO2
Authors: ASSHOFF ROMAN , ZOTZ GERHARD , KÖRNER CHRISTIAN
Published: April 2006

Are mature forest trees carbon limited at current CO2 concentrations? Will ‘mid‐life’, 35 m tall deciduous trees grow faster in a CO2‐enriched atmosphere? To answer these questions we exposed ca. 100‐year‐old temperate forest trees at the Swiss Canopy Crane site near Basel, Switzerland to a ca. 540 ppm CO2 atmosphere using web‐FACE technology. Here, we report growth responses to elevated CO2 for 11 tall trees (compared with 32 controls) of five species during the initial four treatment years. Tested across all trees, there was no CO2 effect on stem basal area (BA) increment (neither when tested per year nor cumulatively for 4 years). In fact, the 4th year means were almost identical for the two groups. Stem growth data were standardized by pretreatment growth (5 years) in order to account for a priori individual differences in vigor. Although this experiment was not designed to test species specific effects, one species, the common European beech, Fagus sylvatica, showed a significant growth enhancement in the first year, which reoccurred during a centennial drought in the third year. None of the other dominant species (Quercus petraea, Carpinus betulus) showed a growth response to CO2 in any of the 4 years or for all years together. The inclusion or exclusion of single individuals of Prunus avium and Tilia platyphyllos did not change the picture. In elevated CO2, lateral branching in terminal shoots was higher in Fagus in 2002, when shoots developed from buds that were formed during the first season of CO2 enrichment (2001), but there was no effect in later years and no change in lateral branching in any of the other species. In Quercus, there was a steady stimulation of leading shoot length in high‐CO2 trees. Phenological variables (bud break, leaf fall, leaf duration) were highly species specific and were not affected by elevated CO2 in any consistent way. Our 4‐year data set reflects a very dynamic and species‐specific response of tree growth to a step change in CO2 supply. Stem growth after 4 years of exposure does not support the notion that mature forest trees will accrete wood biomass at faster rates in a future CO2‐enriched atmosphere.
Do geographic distribution, niche property and life form explain plants' vulnerability to global change?
Authors: BROENNIMANN OLIVIER , THUILLER WILFRIED , HUGHES GREG , MIDGLEY GUY F. , ALKEMADE J. M. ROBERT. , GUISAN ANTOINE
Published: April 2006

We modelled the future distribution in 2050 of 975 endemic plant species in southern Africa distributed among seven life forms, including new methodological insights improving the accuracy and ecological realism of predictions of global changes studies by: (i) using only endemic species as a way to capture the full realized niche of species, (ii) considering the direct impact of human pressure on landscape and biodiversity jointly with climate, and (iii) taking species' migration into account. Our analysis shows important promises for predicting the impacts of climate change in conjunction with land transformation. We have shown that the endemic flora of Southern Africa on average decreases with 41% in species richness among habitats and with 39% on species distribution range for the most optimistic scenario. We also compared the patterns of species' sensitivity with global change across life forms, using ecological and geographic characteristics of species. We demonstrate here that species and life form vulnerability to global changes can be partly explained according to species' (i) geographical distribution along climatic and biogeographic gradients, like climate anomalies, (ii) niche breadth or (iii) proximity to barrier preventing migration. Our results confirm that the sensitivity of a given species to global environmental changes depends upon its geographical distribution and ecological proprieties, and makes it possible to estimate a priori its potential sensitivity to these changes.
Modelling soft drink purchasers’ preferences for stimulant beverages
Authors: Sorenson Douglas , Bogue Joe
Published: April 2006

The main objective of this study was to identify the optimal extrinsic and intrinsic attributes, in terms of new product design, for a range of novel stimulant beverages targeted at specific market segments. A conjoint‐based survey was administered to 400 purchasers of soft drinks in Cork between September and November 2004. This research identified new market segments for stimulant beverages beyond the consumer groups traditionally targeted with stimulant drinks. New product development (NPD) opportunities exist for innovative stimulant juice‐based beverages positioned on a platform that emphasises functional refreshment and naturalness. Understanding consumers’ choice motives and value systems, through the integration of the voice of the consumer during the concept stage of the NPD process, can lead to increased new product success. This research can assist soft drink manufacturers optimally design a range of stimulant juice‐based beverages, and provide guidance for effective positioning and pricing strategies of innovative functional beverages.
Trace heavy metal contents of some spices and herbal plants from western Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Divrikli Umit , Horzum Nesrin , Soylak Mustafa , Elci Latif
Published: April 2006

Trace metal levels in eleven different spice and herbal plant species from western Anatolia, Turkey were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The contents of trace metals in the herbal plant samples were found in the ranges: 3.8–35.4 μg g−1 for copper, 0.2–2.7 μg g−1 for cadmium, 0.1–2.8 μg g−1 for lead, 1.4–11.3 μg g−1 for nickel, 0.1–9.7 μg g−1 for chromium, 30.0–945.3 μg g−1 for iron, 7.9–152.5 μg g−1 for manganese and 5.2–83.7 μg g−1 for zinc. Results obtained are in agreement with data reported in the literature.
Revalidation of the postpartum stress scale
Authors: Hung Chich‐Hsiu
Published: April 2006

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to test further and validate the postpartum stress scale developed for Taiwanese women.

Background.  The postpartum stress scale was developed to measure postpartum stress in Taiwanese women. However, over the last decade, the social context in Taiwan has changed and several items in the scale needed to be re‐examined.

Design.  Non‐experimental quantitative research with repeated measures at the first and fifth week of the postpartum period was conducted for this study.

Methods.  A proportional stratified quota was used to sample from the 10 hospitals and six clinics with the highest birth rates in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Participants were 505 and 518 postpartum women at each time point, respectively.

Results.  Factor analysis at two points in time identified three attributes of postpartum stress: (a) maternal role attainment, (b) lack of social support, and (c) negative body changes. The Cronbach's alphas at each time point were 0·94 and 0·92, respectively.

Conclusions.  The results support the postpartum stress scale as a validated instrument that has been conceptualized, created, and tested with Taiwanese postpartum women.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study was done in the hope that women experiencing specific postpartum stressors would be detected and subsequently helped by supportive nursing intervention that provides stressor‐specific coping resources.
A comparison of HIV positive and negative pregnant women at a public sector hospital in South Africa
Authors: Bodkin Candice , Klopper Hester , Langley Gayle
Published: April 2006

Aim.  The aim of the study was to compare HIV positive and negative pregnant women with respect to maternal and neonatal outcome to inform the development of clinical practice guidelines.

Background.  HIV infection in pregnancy places an added burden on the physical ability of the woman's body to cope with pregnancy. As a result HIV causes an exaggeration of the problems related to pregnancy.

Method.  Data were collected by means of a retrospective record review conducted on 212 stratified randomly selected HIV positive and 101 matched HIV negative pregnant women. The two sample t‐test and Fisher exact test were used to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of HIV positive and negative pregnant women.

Results.  HIV positive pregnant women had a significantly lower haemoglobin (10·85 vs. 11·48 g/dl; P = 0·001), attended significantly fewer antenatal clinic appointments (4·03 vs. 4·63; P = 0·04), weighed significantly less (72·07 vs. 76·69 kg; P = 0·02) and were significantly more likely to present with an abnormal vaginal discharge (32·55 vs. 24·75%; P = 0·02) than HIV negative pregnant women. The difference in the prevalence in HIV positive pregnant women of pregnancy induced hypertension (16·98 vs. 9·90%; P = 0·06), syphilis infection (5·95 vs. 0·99%; P = 0·062) and urinary tract infection (15·53 vs. 7·92%; P = 0·06) approached significance when compared with HIV negative pregnant women. HIV positive pregnant women were significantly more likely to present with intrauterine growth retardation (4·72 vs. 0%; P = 0·03), significantly more likely to deliver earlier (37·92 vs. 38·51 weeks; P = 0·03) and significantly more likely to deliver neonates weighing less (2969·98 vs. 3138·43 g; P = 0·01) than HIV negative pregnant women.

Conclusion.  The Department of Health attributes the high rate of HIV and AIDS related maternal morbidity and mortality in South Africa to the absence of accepted and practical guidelines for midwives’ antenatal assessment and management of HIV positive pregnant women.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study identifies maternal and neonatal outcomes related to HIV infection in pregnancy and provides evidence required to inform the development of clinical practice guidelines.
Does Booby Egg Dumping Amount to Quasi‐Parasitism?
Authors: Osorio‐Beristain Marcela , Pèrez‐Staples Diana , Drummond Hugh
Published: April 2006

Quasi‐parasitism occurs when a paired male facilitates dumping in its own nest by an extra‐pair female with which it has recently copulated. Although numerous observations hint at quasi‐parasitism in diverse avian species, direct behavioral confirmation of male complicity is required to exclude the alternative adaptive explanations enumerated by Griffith et al. [Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol.56(2004) 191]. Our direct observations on dumping by female blue‐footed boobies (Sula nebouxii) show apparent male ambivalence: males were hostile to eggs dumped by their extra‐pair partners but half‐hearted in repelling those partners after the act of dumping. Hostility was evidenced when a host male that was present during dumping destroyed the extra‐pair partner's egg and when extra‐pair partners selectively dumped when the host male was absent or distracted rather than when it was alone on the territory. Host males appear to deter dumping by their extra‐pair partners rather than facilitating it, and their partial tolerance of females that have dumped may be a result of their general tolerance of unaccompanied females. Although paired male boobies sometimes copulate with females that dump into their nests, apparently this is not quasi‐parasitism.
Optimally fitted tracheal tubes decrease the probability of postextubation adverse events in children undergoing general anesthesia
Authors: SUOMINEN PERTTI , TAIVAINEN TOMI , TUOMINEN NETTA , VOIPIO VILLE , WIRTAVUORI KARI , HILLER ARJA , KORPELA REIJO , KARJALAINEN TIINA , MERETOJA OLLI
Published: April 2006

Background : The air leak test is recommended for assessing the appropriate size of an uncuffed tracheal tube (TT) in children. Our objectives were to determine whether there is a certain threshold air leak value beyond which a higher risk for adverse events after removal of TT can be predicted and to define other risk factors related to extubation.

Methods : We enrolled 234 cases ranging from newborn to 9 years of age requiring tracheal intubation for elective or emergency surgery. General anesthesia was induced by a mask or intravenously. The TT size was calculated using the formula: [age (years)/4] + 4.5. After the induction of anesthesia, the patient's trachea was intubated and the correct position was confirmed. The attending anesthetist assessed the leak pressure. Incidences of adverse events (prolonged or barking cough, obstructed or prolonged inspiration or expiration, subcostal and sternal retractions, arterial desaturation, or laryngospasm) were recorded after removal of TT.

Results : Ten patients were excluded from the study. A total of 218 children underwent 224 operations under general anesthesia. Children who had an absent air leak at 25 cmH2O pressure had 2.8 times more adverse events during emergence from anesthesia than those with an audible air leak. Adverse events after the removal of TT were 3.7 times more likely to occur in children whose anesthesia was provided by a less experienced anesthesia trainee.

Conclusions : Adverse events after removal of TT were more likely to occur in children with an absent air leak at 25 cmH2O pressure and in children whose anesthesia was provided by a less experienced anesthetist.
Caudal 0.2% ropivacaine is less effective during surgery than 0.2% levobupivacaine and 0.2% bupivacaine: a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: INGELMO PABLO M. , LOCATELLI BRUNO G. , SONZOGNI VALTER , GATTONI CHIARA , CADISCO ALBERTO , LORINI MONIA , SORA GLORIA N. , FUMAGALLI ROBERTO
Published: April 2006

Background : We hypothesized that without the analgesic effects of volatile anesthetics, caudal 0.20% ropivacaine would be less effective during surgical stimulation than 0.20% bupivacaine or 0.20% levobupivacaine. This trial was designed to examine whether the combination of a caudal block with 0.20% ropivacaine and i.v. anesthesia resulted in reduced analgesic efficacy during surgery compared with caudal 0.20% levobupivacaine or 0.20% bupivacaine in children.

Methods : Ninety ASA I–II children between 1 and 7 years old, scheduled for inguinal hernia repair or orchidopexy under propofol anesthesia were randomized to receive a caudal block with 1 ml·kg−1 of 0.2% bupivacaine, 0.2% ropivacaine or 0.2% levobupivacaine. The primary outcome measure of the study was the clinical efficacy of the caudal block during surgery. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative pain relief and residual motor blockade.

Results : Four children were excluded and 86 were analyzed. The proportion of children with effective caudal block during surgery was significantly higher in children receiving levobupivacaine (26/28) or bupivacaine (27/29) compared with patients receiving ropivacaine (21/29) (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences among groups in the analgesic onset time (P = 0.1), incidence of residual motor blockade (P = 0.4), number of patients requiring analgesia after operation or in the time from caudal injection to the first administration of analgesic medication (P =  0.3).

Conclusions : Combined with propofol anesthesia, 0.2% levobupivacaine and 0.2% bupivacaine are more effective than 0.2% ropivacaine for caudal use in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair or orchidopexy.
Severe withdrawal syndrome in three newborns subjected to continuous opioid infusion and seizure activity dependent on brain hypoxia – ischemia. A possible link
Authors: BACHIOCCO VALERIA , LORENZINI LAURA , BARONCINI SIMONETTA
Published: April 2006

Background : The aim of this investigation was to verify whether brain hypoxia represented a risk factor for the occurrence and severity of opioid abstinence syndrome.

Methods : Three newborns who manifested seizure activity as a result of hypoxia, focal brain ischemia, and hypoxia and sepsis, respectively, were compared with 17 neonates who suffered from hypoxia without developing seizure activity.

Results : The first three neonates suffered a severe withdrawal syndrome (a rating on the neonatal abstinence score >17), the others did not.

Conclusions : It is hypothesized that brain hypoxia facilitated the occurrence and severity of the withdrawal syndrome because some key neurochemical processes (such as N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate activation, protein kinase C activation and nitric oxide production) are common to both phenomena.
Cultural context and social technology transfer: the case of Canton, China
Authors: Szto Peter P.
Published: April 2006

This research examines social technology transfer by taking into account the role of cultural context – the interplay between geography, maritime trade, role of the state and foreign intercourse. The southern port city of Canton, China is the focus, and provides a case study to examine why Western merchants and missionaries came to this particular location to transfer various social technologies, i.e. hospitals, insane asylums, schools, colleges and homes for the blind. The relevance of these institutions to the development of China's social welfare is considered in terms of Canton's shifting welfare mix. Implications of this case study are considered relevant to critical understanding of international social welfare from an East–West perspective.
Distance influences the foraging decisions of emperor and saddleback tamarins
Authors: Bicca‐Marques J. C.
Published: April 2006

Studies on great apes, Old World monkeys, and New World monkeys suggest that anthropoid primates may retain a detailed spatial representation of the distribution of important food resources in their home range. This is evidenced by selecting the shortest travel routes between sets of feeding sites. In this research, I tested whether distance influences between‐patch foraging decisions of free‐ranging social groups of black‐chinned emperor tamarins Saguinus imperator imperator and Weddell's saddleback tamarins Saguinus fuscicollis weddelli living in a 100‐ha forest reserve (Zoobotanical Park of the Universidade Federal do Acre) located in Rio Branco, State of Acre, Brazil. Four artificial feeding sites (feeding stations) were established within the home ranges of one group of each species. They were distributed in a diamond configuration and located from 58 to 256 m from each other. Each feeding station was composed of eight feeding platforms (two of which baited with one banana). Data collection was conducted from 3 October to 28 November 1997 (54 days). To determine whether distance among feeding sites influences tamarin daily between‐patch foraging decisions, it was recorded whether a group visited the nearest, intermediate or farthest station after departing from a particular one. The emperor tamarin group visited the feeding stations 207 times (average=3.8 visits day−1) and the saddleback tamarin group visited the feeding stations 265 times (average=4.9 visits day−1). After arriving at a feeding station, both species tended to choose the nearest station to visit and to avoid the farthest one at a frequency greater than chance, supporting the contention that these tamarins know the distribution and spatial relationships of their main food resources.
Sex, outcome expectancy, and cardiovascular response to a masculine challenge
Authors: Wright Rex A. , Lockard Stephanie
Published: April 2006

Male and female participants were led to believe they could secure a low or high chance of winning a prize by meeting a modest standard on a purportedly masculine task, that is, a task on which men ostensibly had higher ability. As expected, systolic blood pressure responses measured during performance were greater for women than men when the chance of winning was high, but low for both groups when the chance of winning was low. Similar effects were observed for diastolic and mean arterial pressure responses, although analysis of the mean arterial pressure data produced only a main effect for the chance factor. These results conceptually replicate cardiovascular findings obtained in a previous sex difference study. They also confirm the implication of previous ability perception studies that effort‐related cardiovascular responses should be low for both sexes when the importance of meeting a gender‐relevant challenge is low.
Modulation of gentamicin‐induced renal dysfunction and injury by the phenolic extract of soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Ekor Martins , Farombi Ebenezer Olatunde , Emerole Godwin O.
Published: April 2006

Gentamicin (GM) is one of the most important of the aminoglycoside antibiotics used widely for the treatment of serious and life‐threatening infections and whose clinical use is limited by its nephrotoxicity. As the pathogenesis of GM‐induced renal dysfunction and injury involves reactive oxygen species, the polyphenolic constituents of soybean with antioxidant property may protect against GM‐induced renal toxicity. We therefore tested this hypothesis using phenolic extract of soybean (PESB) on GM‐induced nephrotoxicity rat model. Administration of GM (80 mg/kg, s.c.) for 12 days to rats induced marked renal failure, characterized by a significantly increased plasma creatinine, urea and Na+ ions levels, with K+ depletion. This was also associated with decreases in the activity of the renal antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST)] measured and depletion of both blood and renal reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. The activities of membrane‐bound glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) and 51‐nucleotidase (51‐NTD) enzymes as well as γ‐glutamyltransferase (γ‐GT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (enzymes that are located in the proximal tubule) were decreased. Renal histology examination further confirmed the damage to the kidney as it reveals severe necrosis of the proximal renal tubules with deposition of colloid casts. These alterations were ameliorated in rats pretreated with PESB. The decrease in the activities of SOD, CAT, GST as well as GSH depletion observed in GM‐treated rats was prevented in the rats pretreated with PESB. The activities of γ‐GT, AST and G6Pase were also increased in the kidney. These protective effects were dose dependent except for G6Pase activity and GSH levels that were preserved only at 500 mg/kg dose of PESB, and 5′‐NTD activity that was dose dependently decreased. Furthermore, the extent of tubular damage induced by GM was reduced in rats that also received PESB. The lower dose (500 mg/kg) of the extract, however, appeared to provide better histological protection. These results suggest that the PESB has protective effects on GM‐mediated nephropathy and this may be related to the action of the antioxidant polyphenolic content of the soybean.
Characterization ofβ‐adrenoceptor antagonists as substrates and inhibitors of the drug transporter P‐glycoprotein1
Authors: Bachmakov Iouri , Werner Ulrike , Endress Beate , Auge Daniel , Fromm Martin F.
Published: April 2006

Transporter proteins such as P‐glycoprotein are major determinants of intracellular drug concentrations. Moreover, inhibition or induction of transporters is an important mechanism underlying drug interactions in humans. However, very little is known whetherβ‐adrenoceptor antagonists are substrates and/or inhibitors of P‐glycoprotein. Therefore, we investigated the P‐glycoprotein‐mediated transport of propranolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol and sotalol in P‐glycoprotein‐expressing Caco‐2 monolayers and inhibition of P‐glycoprotein‐mediated digoxin transport by theβ‐adrenoceptor antagonists. A significant inhibition of polarized, basal to apical drug transport by the P‐glycoprotein inhibitor PSC‐833 was observed for bisoprolol (0.5 and 5 μm) and carvedilol (0.5 μm). Moreover, propranolol and carvedilol inhibited P‐glycoprotein‐mediated digoxin transport with IC50values of 24.8 and 0.16 μm, respectively, whereas metoprolol and sotalol had no effect. Bisoprolol significantly inhibited directional digoxin transport at 50 and 250 μmby 31% and 44%, respectively. Taken together, P‐glycoprotein is likely to be one determinant of bisoprolol and carvedilol disposition in humans. In addition, theβ‐adrenoceptor antagonists propranolol and carvedilol significantly inhibit P‐glycoprotein function thereby possibly contributing to drug interactions in humans (e.g. digoxin–carvedilol and cyclosporine–carvedilol).
Segmental lung lobe torsion in a 7‐week‐old Pug
Authors: Hansen Naomi L. , Hall Scott A. , Lavelle Roger , Christie Bruce A. , Charles Jennifer A.
Published: April 2006

Case summary:A 7‐week‐old, intact female Pug was referred with an acute history of expiratory dyspnea, tachypnea, and pyrexia. Radiologic evaluation revealed bilateral pleural effusion and a poorly demarcated area of soft tissue opacity cranial to the heart. The presence of air bronchograms in the cranial lung lobes suggested alveolar parenchymal pathology consistent with pulmonary edema, congestion, or cellular infiltration. Exploratory thoracotomy revealed a segmental torsion of the left cranial lung lobe. The affected lobe was removed and the puppy recovered uneventfully.

Unique information:Lung lobe torsion tends to occur more frequently in mature large breed dogs at a mean age of 3 years. The age, breed, and segmental nature of the torsion in the reported case are contrary to most of the previously documented cases of lung lobe torsion. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of lung lobe torsion in a 7‐week‐old dog.
A descriptive analysis of international transfusion practice and bleeding outcomes in patients with acute leukemia
Authors: Heddle Nancy M. , Cook Richard J. , Sigouin Chris , Slichter Sherrill J. , Murphy Mike , Rebulla Paolo ,   BEST Collaborative (Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion)
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  Recently, bleeding has been used in platelet (PLT) trials rather than surrogate outcomes. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive summary of data from PLT studies conducted in four countries and exploratory analyses to determine the relationship between bleeding and PLT count.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  A descriptive analysis was performed on original data from the Italian trigger study, the US TRAP study, the Canadian febrile reaction study, and a clinical chart review from one hospital site in the United Kingdom. The relationship between bleeding and PLT count was explored with the Italian data.

RESULTS:  A total of 897 patients with acute leukemia received 10,506 PLT transfusions. Grade 3 or Grade 4 WHO bleeding frequency was 28.1 percent (252/897) but varied by country: Italy, 10.8 percent (27/250); United States, 36.4 percent (217/598); Canada, 18.9 percent (7/37); and the United Kingdom, 8.3 percent (1/12). Grade 1 or Grade 2 bleeding was reported only in the Italian study (46.4%[116/250] and 11.6%[29/250], respectively). The relative rates of WHO Grade 2, 3, or 4 bleeding for PLT counts in the ranges of 0 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 to 19 (×109/L) were 8.8, 1.9, 1.8, and 1.2, respectively, compared to those counts within the range of 20 to 29 (×109/L).

CONCLUSION:  The study provides descriptive data on PLT use and frequency of bleeding. When PLT counts were 0 × 109 to 4 × 109 per L there was an eightfold increase in bleeding and a twofold risk increase when counts were 5 × 109 to 14 × 109 per L compared to the 20 × 109 to 29 × 109 per L reference range. The increased rate of bleeding at low counts occurred despite PLT therapy.
Elimination and multiplication of bacteria during preparation and storage of buffy coat–derived platelet concentrates
Authors: Mohr Harald , Bayer Anette , Gravemann Ute , Müller Thomas H.
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  The prevalence of bacterial contamination of random‐donor platelet concentrates (PCs) is considerably lower than that of blood donations. Which key steps of the preparation procedure contribute to the elimination of bacteria was investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Ten bacteria species were used. Blood donations were spiked with bacteria and stored at 22°C for 8 hours. The buffy coats were kept for 6 hours. PCs were prepared from pools of 4 buffy coats. At each preparation step and during PC storage, bacteria contents were measured. In additional experiments, the titers of spiked blood and buffy coats were determined after storage at 20, 22, or 24°C for 8 and up to 24 hours, respectively.

RESULTS:  Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Yersinia enterocolitica were completely inactivated during storage in blood or buffy coats. Titer reduction was between 3.32 and 4.62 log. Bacillus cereus, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis did not multiply. Compared with their values in spiked blood the titers in the PCs were reduced by 1.7 to 2.8 log. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the only species that grew in blood. With the exception of P. acnes, those species that were not removed by the preparation process multiplied in the PCs. Remarkable donor‐to‐donor variations of the bactericidal activities of buffy coats were detected when the storage time was prolonged to 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS:  Bacteria are significantly eliminated by the preparation procedure for random donor PCs. Also, blood and buffy coats are bactericidal for most species. When buffy‐coat storage is prolonged, it cannot, however, be predicted whether specific strains vanish or multiply.