bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Comparison of Epidural Lidocaine and Xylazine during Total Intravenous Anaesthesia in Iranian Fat‐tailed Sheep
Authors: Vesal N. , Oloumi M. M.
Published: May 2010

The effects of total intravenous anaesthesia using diazepam‐ketamine (D‐K) mixture in combination with epidural lidocaine or xylazine were studied in 17 healthy Iranian fat‐tailed sheep undergoing hindlimb orthopaedic surgery. All sheep were given diazepam (0.4 mg/kg) and ketamine (4 mg/kg) as induction agents. Following endotracheal intubation and administration of oxygen, the animal received lidocaine (2%, 0.2 ml/kg = 4 mg/kg) or xylazine (0.08 mg/kg, diluted in 0.9% NaCl to a volume of 0.2 ml/kg) epidurally. Anaesthesia was maintained for 174.2 ± 7.8 minutes by intermittent injection of D‐K (2.5 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml, respectively). This drug combination provided satisfactory anaesthesia for more than 2.5 hours. The quality of recovery was good. Our results demonstrate that the combination of total intravenous anaesthesia (D‐K) and epidural analgesia (lidocaine or xylazine) provides a suitable technique for hindlimb orthopaedic surgery in sheep. Epidural administration of lidocaine or xylazine provided effective analgesia and significantly decreased the dose of D‐K required to maintain anaesthesia. Further studies would be required to determine details of cardiopulmonary effects of D‐K infusion.
Effect of some Gastrointestinal Hormones on Antral, Small Intestinal and Caecal Myoelectrical Activity in the Conscious Miniature Pig
Authors: Wechsung E. , Houvenaghel A.
Published: May 2010

The effect of IV infusion of gastrin (CCK‐4), cholecystokinin (CCK‐8) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP), 20 and 200 ng/kg/ min for 1 h, on gastrointestinal electrical activity and arterial pressure was studied in conscious miniature pigs. During infusion of CCK‐8 a transient hypertension was observed. In the antrum, the 3 peptides provoked an increase in slow wave activity and a decrease in spike activity. In the intestine, CCK‐8 induced an increase in ileal spiking activity, whereas infusion of PP resulted in an increased frequency of long spike bursts in the caecum.
Regional Differences in the Effect of Cholera Toxin and EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coliInfection on Electrolyte and Fluid Transport in the Porcine Small Intestine
Authors: Grøndahl M. L. , Thorbøll J. E. , Hansen M. Berner , Skadhauge E.
Published: May 2010

The regional differences in secretory and absorptive responses to cholera toxin (CT) and to infection by enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC), producing heat‐stable enterotoxins, were studied in the porcine small intestine. Proximal, mid and distal small intestine from newly weaned piglets were used. Na+and Cl−fluxes and electrical parameters in CT‐stimulated and ETEC‐infected intestine were measured by the Ussing chamber technique. In addition, CT‐induced fluid accumulation in ligated loops was measured. CT induced fluid accumulation, which was highest in the proximal segment and decreased in the aboral direction of the small intestine. In addition, CT induced a net Cl−secretion in the proximal and mid segments, while net Na+absorption was reduced only in the proximal segment. The ETEC‐infected intestine showed a net increase in Cl−secretion in the proximal part and abolished the net Na+absorption in the distal segment. These results demonstrate segmental differences in the epithelial transport responses to enterotoxin fromVibrio choleraeand to ETEC infection. This needs to be taken into consideration in relation to oral rehydration studies.
Longissimus Dorsi Muscle Diameter, Backfat Thickness, Body Condition Scores and Skinfold Values Related to Metabolic and Endocrine Traits in Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Crystalline Fat or Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Bruckmaier R. M. , Gregoretti L. , Jans F. , Faissler D. , Blum J. W.
Published: May 2010

An experiment was performed using 18 dairy cows with ≥ 2 lactations from parturition until week 20 of lactation to investigate the effects of feeding rumen‐protected crystalline fat (group A) or free fatty acids (group B) compared with a control group not fed supplemental fat or fatty acids (group C). The feeding effects studied were those on milk yield and composition, body weight (BW), body conditions scores (BCS), skinfold values (a measure of subcutaneous fat tissue thickness), backfat thickness and longissimus dorsi muscle diameter (measured by ultrasound), as well as on blood plasma metabolic and endocrine traits. Fat and fatty‐acid feeding reduced roughage intake. Net energy and protein balances during the first week of lactation were negative. Milk yield was similar in all groups, but concentrations of milk fat were reduced in group B and of milk protein in groups A and B. BW, BCS, skinfold value, backfat thickness and longissimus dorsi muscle diameter similarly decreased in all groups until weeks 8–12. Concentrations of glucose and fructosamine decreased transiently during early lactation, whereas levels of β‐hydroxybutyrate, urea, total protein and albumin increased reversibly and similarly in all groups. Concentrations of creatinine decreased similarly in all groups until week 4 and those of nonesterified fatty acids until week 12. Triglyceride concentrations increased continuously until week 18, whereas concentrations of phospholipid and cholesterol increased until week 10 and then remained elevated. Triglyceride, phospholipid and cholesterol concentrations were hïgher in group B than in groups A and C throughout the experiment. Concentrations of insulin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, thyroxine and 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine started to increase after the first 6–8 weeks of lactation, while those of growth hormone were transiently low in week 16. None of the hormones exhibited group differences. In this study rumenprotected fat or fatty‐acid supplementation failed to improve the energy and protein balances during early lactation and did not affect milk yield, likely due to decreased roughage intake. BCS, skinfold values and backfat ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous adipose tissue mass and of longissimus dorsi muscle diameter indicated mobilization of fat tissue and protein mobilization in early lactation and were mirrored by typical changes of metabolic and endocrine traits.
Histamine Affects Growth of Sheep Ruminal Epithelial Cells Kept in Primary Culture
Authors: Aschenbach J. R. , Fürll B. , Gäbel G.
Published: May 2010

Ten, 100 and 1000μM histamine were applied to ruminal epithelial cells in primary culture. Each of these concentrations diminished cell count as well as the protein and DNA contents of cultures by ≈ 20%. On Pappenheim staining, reduced cell count was predominantly attributable to a decrease in relatively chromophobic cells. It is concluded that histamine either induces apoptosis, or increases cell shedding, or interferes with mitosis and cell maturation. Each of these three possibilities implies that histamine may disturb epithelial regeneration after ruminal lactic acidosis.
Flumethasone‐Induced Insulin Resistance In Calves
Authors: Sternbauer K. , Luthman J. , Jacobsson S. O.
Published: May 2010

The impact of one single therapeutic dose of flumethasone (0.5 mg/100.gb.w.) on insulin sensitivity was studied in calves. Hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp tests were performed before and after flumethasone treatment. At 24 h after treatment, insulin‐dependent glucose utilization was reduced by 74% (P < 0.005). No significant changes occurred 72 h post‐treatment.
Biochemical Properties and Usefulness of Boar Semen for Liquid Preservation Following Atropine Administration
Authors: Strzeżek J. , Fraser L. , Holody D. , Wysocki P.
Published: May 2010

Four sexually mature boars were used in two different experiments. In Experiment I, two boars were injected once subcutaneously with atropine and, ejaculates were collected after 30, 60 and 90 min. In Experiment II, each boar was injected weekly with 25, 37.5 and 50 mg of atropine, and ejaculates were collected after 30 min. Ejaculates obtained in Exp. II were diluted with Kortowo‐3 extender (Olsztyn, Poland), with and without the addition of low density lipoprotein fraction (LDF) isolated from hen egg yolk, and stored at 5°C and 16°C for 5–6 days. Atropine caused a decrease in semen volume and an increase in sperm concentration with fewer agglutinated spermatozoa. Changes in sperm motility were not significant. There was a significant increase in the content of fructose, zinc, citric acid and protein in the seminal plasma of atropine‐injected boars. Furthermore, increased antiproteolytic and antiperoxidant activity as well as seminal phosphatases were also observed. No significant changes were observed in the content of free sialic acid, whereas bound sialic acid was significantly increased in Exp. II. A decrease in osmolality and pH of seminal plasma was observed. Electrophoretic studies revealed that there were alterations in the molecular forms of seminal phosphatases and proteinase inhibitors. There were no significant changes in the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, osmotic plasmalemma resistance at the acrosomal region (ORT) and malondialdehyde production in the spermatozoa. AspAT activity recovered from cold shocked spermatozoa was significantly reduced, whereas disturbances in plasma membrane permeability to fluorochrome HO 258 were observed in Exp. I. Semen of atropineinjected boars had increased sperm viability during liquid preservation at 5 and 16°C.
Total Serum Sialic Acid is a General Disease Marker Rather than a Specific Tumour Marker in Dogs
Authors: Thougaard A. V. , Hellmén E. , Jensen A. L.
Published: May 2010

The aim of the present study was to examine the levels of total sialic acid (TSA) in serum of clinically healthy dogs and dogs with various diseases to evaluate the usefulness of TSA as a tumour marker. TSA levels in clinically healthy dogs were not different between sexes, but pregnant and lactating dogs had higher mean (± standard deviation (SD)) TSA levels than clinically healthy female dogs (642 ± 78 vs. 495 ± 73 mg/l, P < 0.001). Eighty‐eight dogs with different tumours (54 malignant and 34 benign tumours of different tissues) had higher mean TSA levels than 148 clinically healthy dogs (675 ± 143 vs. 498 ± 75mg/L P < 0.01). Fifty dogs with other diseases excluding tumours (skin, urinary system, and gastrointestinal diseases, pyometra, other inflammatory diseases, and Cushing's syndrome) had slightly higher TSA levels than the tumour‐bearing dogs (730 ± 159 mg/l, P = 0.02). TSA levels in dogs with malignant tumours did not differ from dogs with benign tumours (682 ± 144 vs. 664 ± 142 mg/l, P = 0.73). A receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) plot revealed a maximum sensitivity and specificity combination of 69% and 91% (TSA cut‐off concentration 595 mg/l) in distinguishing between healthy dogs and dogs with tumours. When evaluating TSA measurements to distinguish dogs with other diseases from dogs with tumours, a maximum sensitivity and specificity combination of 50% and 75% was found (cut‐off concentration 761 mg/l). WHO staging of mammary tumours revealed an increase in TSA levels with increasing stage (P < 0.0001, r, = 0.62). In conclusion, the nonspecificity of increases makes TSA determinations unsuitable as a tumour marker. TSA levels seem instead to be a general disease marker. Whether serial TSA measurements could be used in the follow‐up of dogs operated for malignant tumours should be further investigated.
Effect of Duodenal Glucose Infusion on Blood Glucose Concentration in Endotoxin‐Treated Calves
Authors: Bleniek K.
Published: May 2010

The effect of endotoxemia on the intestinal absorption of glucose was evaluated in nine experiments performed on seven 3‐ to 5‐week‐old calves fitted with a duodenal cannula. An intraduodenal glucose load trial (infusion of 2 g glucose/kg b.w. as a 10% aqueous solution through the cannula over 60 min) was conducted in a group of 5 calves three times during the 4‐day period: 48 h before and at 2 and 24 h after i.v. injection of E. coli 0111:B4 endotoxin (LPS) at a dose of 0.1 μg/kg b.w. Control calves were treated similarly but instead of glucose they were infused intraduodenally with deionised water at a volume of 20 ml/kg b.w. In trial with glucose load performed 48 h before LPS administration, blood glucose concentration increased during the absorptive phase from 4.32 ± 0.32 mmol/l to 11.45 ± 0.87 mmol/l at 60 min and then decreased to a minimum value of 3.16 ± 0.51 mmol/l at 240 min. During the initial phase of endotoxemia, blood glucose concentration did not change from baseline values in both groups of calves. Glucose concentration in control calves started to decrease at 165 min reaching a minimum value of 1.39 ± 0.17 mmol/l at 210 min and then increased to 2.44 ± 0.11 mmol/l at 480 min after LPS administration. The intraduodenal infusion of glucose at 2 h after LPS administration resulted in an increase in blood glucose concentration during the absorptive phase only in one calf. Blood glucose concentration in this calf increased between 30 and 90 min reaching a maximum value of 7.19 mmol/l at 60 min, and then decreased to a minimal value of 0.94 mmol/l at 180 min after glucose load. In the remaining four calves in this group, blood glucose concentration ranged from 3.89 ± 0.37 mmol/l to 4.48 ± 0.45 mmol/l up to 120 min, and then steadily decreased to a minimal value of 2.41 ± 0.41 mmol/l at 300 min. In trial with glucose load performed 24 h after LPS administration, the rate of entry of glucose into the circulation during the absorptive phase was similar to that observed in the trial performed 48 h before LPS administration. In conclusion, these results indicate that endotoxemia impairs the intestinal absorption of glucose in calves. The magnitude of the absorption disturbance may vary in individual calves, and the inhibitory effect of LPS on the intestinal glucose absorption lasts less than 24 h.
The Association Between Selected Metabolic Parameters and Left Abomasal Displacement in Dairy Cows
Authors: Geishauser T. , Leslie K. , Duffield T. , Sandals D. , Edge V.
Published: May 2010

The objective of this study was to examine the association between selected metabolic parameters and subsequent left displaced abomasum (LDA) diagnosis in dairy cows. Forty‐four LDA cows sampled in the third week ante partum (a.p.) which was at a median of 34 days prior to LDA diagnosis, 36 LDA cows sampled in the first week post partum (p.p.) which was at a median of 14 days prior and 28 LDA cows sampled in the second week p.p., which was at a median of 9 days prior to LDA diagnosis were used. Each case was matched to 3 controls by herd and calving date. Data were available from a large field study. Aspartate‐aminotransferase (AST) activity, the concentrations of β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, calcium and urea in blood, and the body condition score (BCS) were studied. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between these parameters and subsequent LDA, adjusting for the effects of parity and pretreatment. A separate model was used for each sampling week and each parameter. In the third week a.p. none of the parameters were significantly associated with LDA. AST and BHB sampled in the first week p.p. and in the second week p.p. were significantly associated with LDA diagnosis. The higher the AST and BHB, the higher the odds of being diagnosed subsequently with LDA. The lower glucose and Ca in the second week p.p. the higher the odds of subsequent LDA diagnosis. Urea and BCS were not significantly associated with LDA in any of the weeks examined. We conclude that AST and BHB in the first and second week p.p. might be used as tests for subsequent LDA. Glucose, calcium, urea and body condition were either not significantly associated with LDA or significantly associated only in the second week p.p.; this may limit their use as tests for LDA.
Measurement of Serum and Synovial Fluid Keratan Sulphate and Antibody to Collagen Type II in Equine Osteoarthritis
Authors: Okumura M. , Tagami M. , Fujinaga T.
Published: May 2010

Keratan sulphate (KS) concentration and anticollagen type II antibody levels were measured in the serum and synovial fluid (SF) of clinically normal horses and horses with osteoarthritis (OA). Serum KS in OA was significantly higher than that in normal horses, while no significant difference was found in KS levels of SF between normal and OA. Assays of antibody to collagen type II showed no significant increase in sera and SF of OA. It was suggested that levels of serum KS would be of value in the pathological detection of OA in the joint, although there was no evidence that the measurable autoimmunity to collagen antigens would reflect the process of OA.
A Dose Titration Study on the Effect of Virginiamycin on Gilt/Sow and Piglet Performance
Authors: Kantas D. , Vassilopoulos V. , Kyriakis S. C. , Saoulidis K.
Published: May 2010

Virginiamycin (VM), a compound with proven performance‐promoting properties in pigs, can also be considered as sow performance enhancer. The present dose titration study investigates the long‐term effects of VM on gilt/sow and litter performance. A total of 140 healthy gilts, in 35 sets of 2 + 2 siblings each, were used in this trial; gilts in each set were randomly allocated to the four treatments (35 gilts per each treatment group): VMO = negative control, virginiamycin 0 mg/kg, VM20 = virginiamycin 20 mg/kg, VM40 = virginiamycin 40 mg/kg and VM60 = virginiamycin 60 mg/kg of feed. VM was added to the gilt/sow feed for a period starting from 6 months of age up to conception of the fourth parity, covering three complete breeding cycles (pregnancy, lactation and weaning‐to‐conception interval). The feed given did not contain any other antibacterial agent or performance enchancer. Piglets were given exactly the same quantity of creep feed from the fifth day onwards; it did not contain any antibacterial agent or performance enchancer. The lactation period was the same in all gilts/sows (21 days). Results indicate that VM supplementation of the feed improved gilt/sow performance by: (i) increasing (P < 0.05) the mean body weight at each farrowing, (ii) decreasing (P < 0.05) the mean weight loss from farrowing to weaning, and (iii) decreasing (P < 0.05) the mean weaning‐to‐conception intervals. VM supplementation of gilt/sow feed also resulted in improved litter size and litter performance in terms of: (i) a higher (P < 0.05) mean number of piglets born alive at each birth, (ii) a higher (P < 0.05) mean number of piglets weaned, (iii) a higher (P < 0.05) mean piglet body weight at each birth, and (iv) a higher (P < 0.05) mean piglet body weight at each weaning. These beneficial effects of VM were more pronounced in the VM40 group.
Nephelometric Determination of Haptoglobin Plasma Concentrations in Fattening Pigs
Authors: Lipperheide C. , Diepers N. , Lampreave F. , Alava M. , Petersen B.
Published: May 2010

The haptoglobin plasma concentrations in 110 fattening pigs living on three commercial farms and in 28 animals on the university pilot farm were measured using a nephelometric detection method based on an immunoassay. Following calibration of the automated analyser (Nephelometer BN 100) with a human haptoglobin standard, the measurements were performed using anti‐human antiserum from rabbits. Differences in age, gender or breed of apparently healthy animals seem to have no influence on the plasma concentration of the protein. The average plasma level of haptoglobin in animals suffering from acute respiratory diseases was significantly higher. Furthermore, an increase was observed in animals without clinical symptoms living on a farm characterized by obvious defects in housing conditions.

Comparison studies of the nephelometric method by use of a human or porcine standard for calibration and different anti‐human or anti‐porcine antisera with radial immunodiffusion as a reference method resulted in high correlation coefficients for all variations. Optimal accuracy was obtained by calibrating the analyser with a porcine standard.

Haptoglobin determinations have been shown to be a useful tool for health monitoring during the integrated pig‐production process, allowing recognition of performance‐reducing conditions. The immunonephelometric determination method is suitable for quantifying porcine plasma haptoglobin for routine checks. The use of animal‐specific standards for calibration improves the accuracy of this method.
Prolonged Sevoflurane, Isoflurane and Halothane Anaesthesia in Oxygen Using Rebreathing or Non‐rebreathing System in Cats
Authors: Hikasa Y. , Yamashita M. , Takase K. , Ogasawara S.
Published: May 2010

Effects of prolonged sevoflurane, isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia in oxygen on clinical, cardiopulmonary, haematologic, and serum biochemical findings were compared in healthy, premedicated cats breathing spontaneously during 6h of anaesthesia using rebreathing (semi‐closed circuit) or non‐rebreathing (Bain coaxial circuit) system. Recovery from anaesthesia with sevoflurane was more rapid than that with halothane or isoflurane in both systems. Respiration and heart rates during sevoflurane anaesthesia were similar to those during isoflurane rather than halothane anaesthesia in both systems. The degree of respiratory acidosis during prolonged sevoflurane anaesthesia was similar to that during isoflurane anaesthesia, and was less than that during halothane anaesthesia in both rebreathing and non‐rebreathing systems. Prolonged sevoflurane anaesthesia induced mean arterial pressure similar to isoflurane or halothane anaesthesia in the non‐rebreathing system, but it depressed mean arterial pressure less than isoflurane or halothane anaesthesia in the rebreathing system. Time‐related increase in the arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure was observed during halothane anaesthesia especially in the rebreathing system, however, no significant time‐related changes in cardiopulmonary variables were observed during either sevoflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia in both systems. There were no significant differences among sevoflurane, isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia in serum biochemical values in both systems.
Transplacental Transfer of Radionuclides. A Review
Authors: Von Zallinger C. , Tempel K.
Published: May 2010

Transplacental transfer of tritium (H), cesium (Cs), iodine (I), strontium (Sr) and plutonium (Pu) has been observed in all examined species with an active transfer mechanism for iodine, strontium and plutonium. Cesium and tritiated water freely cross the placenta and are distributed approximately uniformly in maternal as well as in fetal tissue. In pregnant mice, 137Cs concentrations in maternal organs were 4–6 times higher than in the foetus. With increasing weight, Cs amounts rise in the foetus. 131I distribution in the foetus before and after the beginning of thyroid function is totally different. In an 8‐week‐old human foetus, there was almost no accumulation of 131I in the thyroid gland, while on week 14 of gestation more than 40% of the fetal iodine was accumulated in the thyroid gland. Radioiodine given only once results in distinctly higher fetal‐maternal ratios than after long‐term exposure. Experiments performed to evaluate the extent of placental barrier of Sr in comparison to Ca showed a maximum of Sr/Ca discrimination early in pregnancy while at the end of pregnancy Sr and Ca are transported to almost equal proportions across the placenta. A well‐known phenomenon is the accumulation of Pu in the yolk‐sack of rats such that 80% of the total activity is contained in the feto‐placental unit. For the extrapolation of results from animals to man, experiments should not be confined to laboratory animals but include primates. Furthermore, computer softwares like MIRDOSE could be used to simulate transplacental distribution.
Successful Treatment of an Equine Preputial Fibrosarcoma Using 5‐Fluorouracil/Evaluation of the Treatment Using Quantitative PCNA and KI67 (MIB 1) Immunostaining (Case Report)
Authors: Roels S. , Ducatelle R. , van De Vijver B. , De Kruif A.
Published: May 2010

An 18‐month‐old cross‐bred Fjord pony colt presenting a fibrosarcoma of the prepuce with severe infiltrative growth, was treated by topical application of 5‐fluorouracil. Biopsies were taken before and after a treatment period of 2 months. As a control, preputial tissue from a healthy horse was biopsied. Tissue sections were stained immunohistochemically for Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and Proliferation related factor — Ki67 (MIB1). Using computerized quantitative image analysis of these sections, Mitotic index (PCNA), Growth Fraction (Ki67) and total nuclear area percentage of the dermis were calculated.

The Mitotic index, growth fraction and total nuclear area percentage were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced at the end of the treatment period compared to the initial biopsy tissue, but they still were significantly higher than the control values, due to a remnant inflammatory reaction to the cytostatic drug. After treatment of the lesion, the pony fully recovered with no visible residual lesions on the prepuce. On follow‐up 6 months after treatment, the horse showed no signs of recurrence.

The success of the present treatment should encourage further clinical trials in cases of malignant fibrous tumours of skin in horses. The quantitative analysis of cell proliferation in biopsies can be used to evaluate treatment follow‐up.
Weights and Blood Profiles of the West African Hinge‐Backed Tortoise,Kinixys erosaand the Desert Tortoise,Gopherus agassizii
Authors: Oyewale J. O. , Ebute C. P. , Ogunsanmi A. O. , Olayemi F. O. , Durotoye L. A.
Published: May 2010

The body weight and blood profile were determined in the adult wild West African hinge‐backed tortoise,Kinixys erosaand the adult wild desert tortoise,Gopherus agassiziikept under identical environmental conditions. A comparison between sexes showed the maleK. erosahad significantly higher packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration and lower body weight and plasma alkaline phosphatase values than the female, while no significant sex differences appeared in these parameters inG. agassizii.The haematological parameters and plasma levels of electrolytes, enzymes, proteins and metabolites did not differ significantly between the two species, suggesting that the blood values ofK. erosaresembled those ofG. agassiziiunder identical environmental conditions.
Inhalation Anaesthesia for the Castration of Piglets: CO2Compared to Halothane
Authors: Kohler I. , Moens Y. , Busato A. , Blum J. , Schatzmann U.
Published: May 2010

General anaesthesia with 80% CO2/20% O2and 5% halothane in O2(mask induction) was compared for castration of 3–4‐week‐old piglets. One group was castrated without anaesthesia. Of the noncastrated control groups one had CO2‐and one halothane anaesthesia, one breathed room air through the induction system, and one was held in castration position. The behaviour to induction and castration was assessed, and the cortisol‐, ACTH‐ and β‐endorphin plasma concentrations were determined to quantify the stress elicited by anaesthesia, castration and handling. Violent struggling and vocalization were elicited by CO2and positioning into the mask induction system while breathing room air; halothane induction was quiet. CO2induced profound surgical anaesthesia; whereas under halothane anaesthesia some animals exhibited still a slight reaction to castration. Recovery was fast, smooth and quiet. Permanent violent struggling and vocalization were elicited by castration without anaesthesia. Plasma cortisol was not a sensitive tool to judge castration stress. The high ACTH and β‐endorphin plasma concentrations elicited by CO2anaesthesia confirm our clinical experience. General anaesthesia is fast and safely induced with CO2in piglets and castration can be performed without any reaction, but with CO2anaesthesia the stress is not reduced.
Large‐scale folding in the Asemi‐gawa region of the Sanbagawa Belt, southwest Japan
Authors: Mori Hiroshi , Wallis Simon
Published: May 2010

The Sanbagawa Belt generally shows higher metamorphic grade at higher structural levels. This inversion can be interpreted as reflecting an original inverted thermal structure typical of subduction zone environments. However, repetitions in the distribution of the metamorphic zones seen in central Shikoku, Japan, clearly show the original thermal structure has been affected by deformation after the peak of metamorphism. This repetition has been attributed to both the action of tectonic discontinuities and regional folding. It is important to distinguish between these two interpretations to determine the extent to which the original subduction zone sequence is preserved. Analyses of lithological and structural data reveal the presence of a large‐scale post‐metamorphic fold in the central part of the highest grade region. This folding has an axis that coincides with the thermal axis implied by the distribution of the metamorphic zonation, suggesting the repetition of metamorphic zones in this area can be accounted for by folding without the need for major discontinuities.
Industrial experiences of bending fatigue strength in table liner for cement mill
Authors: BAEK S.‐H. , CHO S.‐S. , JOO W.‐S.
Published: May 2010

A table liner for the vertical roller mill has been used to grind natural limestone. Unexpected fatigue failure accidents have occurred during portland cement manufacturing process. The design life of a table liner is 4 × 107 cycles, but the actual fatigue life of a table liner is 2 × 106 to 8 × 106 cycles. The fatigue crack of a table liner initiates from the outside edge of the grinding path of the limestone. When such a crack occurs, the table liner has to be replaced, and this requires 30% of the total maintenance cost of the vertical roller mill. Therefore, this study examines the fatigue failure of a table liner by plane‐bending fatigue test, stress measurement test, finite element analysis and fatigue fracture analysis.
T‐stress corrected notch stress intensity factors with application to welded lap joints
Authors: RADAJ D.
Published: May 2010

The definition, content and application of the notch stress intensity factors (NSIFs) characterizing the stress field at rounded slit tips (keyholes) is discussed. The same is done in respect of the T‐stress transferred from the corresponding pointed slit tips. A T‐stress based correction of the NSIF K1,ρ is found to be necessary. The applicability of the T‐stress term supplemented by higher‐order terms in Williams’ solution to the slit tip stresses in tensile‐shear loaded lap joints is discussed in more detail. The role of the T‐stress in constituting the near‐field stresses of rounded slit tips is shown to cause a difference between internal and external slit tip notches. The notch stress equations for lap joints proposed by Radaj based on structural stress and by Lazzarin based on a finite element model of the rounded notch are reconsidered and amended based on the derivations above.
Web of ecological interactions in an experimental gut microbiota
Authors: Trosvik Pål , Rudi Knut , Strætkvern Knut Olav , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Næs Tormod , Stenseth Nils Chr.
Published: May 2010

The dynamics of all ecosystems are dictated by intrinsic, density‐dependent mechanisms and by density‐independent environmental forcing. In spite of the importance of the gastrointestinal microbiota in health and disease, the ecology of this system remains largely unknown. Here, we take an ecological approach to gut microbial community analysis, with statistical modelling of time series data from chemostats. This approach removes effects of host forcing, allowing us to describe a network of intrinsic interactions determining the dynamic structure of an experimental gut microbiota. Surprisingly, the main colonization pattern in this simplified model system resembled that of the human infant gut, suggesting a potentially important role of density‐dependent interactions in the early gut microbiota. Knowledge of ecological structures in microbial systems may provide us with a means of controlling such systems by modifying the strength and nature of interactions among microbes and between the microbes and their environment.
The dating game: a reply to Heads (2010)
Authors: Goswami Anjali , Upchurch Paul
Published: May 2010

Goswami, A. & Upchurch, P. (2010). The dating game: a reply to Heads (2010). —Zoologica Scripta, 39, 406–409.

In a recent paper, Heads (2010) argued for the use of continental break‐up dates as calibration points for molecular clocks when the taxon of interest is widely distributed but dispersal across open oceans is considered improbable. Using this method, he estimated that the placental mammal clade Primates originated in the Early Jurassic, requiring a 130 million year ghost lineage before the first euprimate fossils appear in the record. We demonstrate that this argument is flawed for several reasons: 1) Heads's description of the “transmogrification” of fossil calibration dates is inaccurate; 2) the dispersal abilities of primates are not known or estimated in any way; 3) transoceanic barriers can form over long periods, and modern ocean current regimes do not necessarily, or often, reflect past conditions; 4) continental breakup times are more poorly constrained than fossil occurrences; and 5) Heads's descriptions of the mammalian fossil record, the affinities of several fossil mammals, and evolutionary rates are erroneous. While we agree that palaeogeography is a valuable subject for evolutionary studies, the methodology described by Heads is problematic and unlikely to improve the accuracy of divergence time estimates. Consequently, Heads' conclusions concerning primate evolution are unsubstantiated and probably incorrect.
Influence diagnostics for multivariate GARCH processes
Authors: Dark Jonathan , Zhang Xibin , Qu Nan
Published: May 2010

This article presents diagnostics for identifying influential observations when estimating multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) models. We derive influence diagnostics by introducing minor perturbations to the conditional variances and covariances. The derived diagnostics are applied to a bivariate GARCH model of daily returns of the S&P500 and IBM. We find that univariate diagnostic procedures may be unable to identify the influential observations in a multivariate model. Importantly, the proposed curvature‐based diagnostic identified influential observations where the correlation between the two series had a major change. These observations were not identified as influential using the univariate diagnostics for each asset separately. When estimating the bivariate GARCH model allowing for weights at influential observations, we found that the time‐varying correlations behaved differently from that implied by the model ignoring influential observations. The application therefore highlights the importance of extending univariate diagnostic procedures to multivariate settings.
Rehabilitation as Presented in British Film: Shining a Light on Desistance from Crime?
Authors: SAUNDERS DAVID , VANSTONE MAURICE
Published: May 2010

Abstract: Violent crime is one of the great subjects of world cinema; and oblique appeals for social reform – especially, for example, vis‐à‐vis capital punishment – also play a role in countless scores of films. However, explicit studies on the nature of self‐reform and the professional social services which might help effect it are few and far between. While still keeping an eye on the broader international context, in this article we examine four British films – I Believe in You; The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner; A Sense of Freedom; and McVicar – each of which is notable for the unusual directness of its comments on how people deal with the problems of rehabilitation and desistance. Only one film dramatises formalised social work intervention, but they all reflect what might be described as a natural process of rehabilitation aided by the influence of significant others and all touch on psychological theories about causation and cure. Apart from The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, which is a forensic, if fictional, account of how reform programmes go wrong, these films show very clearly that individual change is an incremental, often imperceptible, process of increasing self‐awareness, motivation and self‐challenge. They also show that, while this process can be helped along by professional intervention, it is often dependent on the accruing of social capital and movement through stages of life familiar to us all. In this context, we argue that, despite the limited attention given by British film to the subject of rehabilitation, it has nevertheless produced some surprisingly accurate reflections of how desistance works.
Metabolism of acetyl‐l‐carnitine for energy and neurotransmitter synthesis in the immature rat brain
Authors: Scafidi Susanna , Fiskum Gary , Lindauer Steven L. , Bamford Penelope , Shi Da , Hopkins Irene , McKenna Mary C.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 820–831.

Acetyl‐l‐carnitine (ALCAR) is an endogenous metabolic intermediate that facilitates the influx and efflux of acetyl groups across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Exogenously administered ALCAR has been used as a nutritional supplement and also as an experimental drug with reported neuroprotective properties and effects on brain metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine oxidative metabolism of ALCAR in the immature rat forebrain. Metabolism was studied in 21–22 day‐old rat brain at 15, 60 and 120 min after an intraperitoneal injection of [2‐13C]acetyl‐l‐carnitine. The amount, pattern, and fractional enrichment of 13C‐labeled metabolites were determined by ex vivo13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Metabolism of the acetyl moiety from [2‐13C]ALCAR via the tricarboxylic acid cycle led to incorporation of label into the C4, C3 and C2 positions of glutamate (GLU), glutamine (GLN) and GABA. Labeling patterns indicated that [2‐13C]ALCAR was metabolized by both neurons and glia; however, the percent enrichment was higher in GLN and GABA than in GLU, demonstrating high metabolism in astrocytes and GABAergic neurons. Incorporation of label into the C3 position of alanine, both C3 and C2 positions of lactate, and the C1 and C5 positions of glutamate and glutamine demonstrated that [2‐13C]ALCAR was actively metabolized via the pyruvate recycling pathway. The enrichment of metabolites with 13C from metabolism of ALCAR was highest in alanine C3 (11%) and lactate C3 (10%), with considerable enrichment in GABA C4 (8%), GLN C3 (∼ 4%) and GLN C5 (5%). Overall, our 13C‐NMR studies reveal that the acetyl moiety of ALCAR is metabolized for energy in both astrocytes and neurons and the label incorporated into the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA. Cycling ratios showed prolonged cycling of carbon from the acetyl moiety of ALCAR in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Labeling of compounds formed from metabolism of [2‐13C]ALCAR via the pyruvate recycling pathway was higher than values reported for other precursors and may reflect high activity of this pathway in the developing brain. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to determine the extent and pathways of ALCAR metabolism for energy and neurotransmitter biosynthesis in the brain.
Delayed pre‐conditioning by 3‐nitropropionic acid prevents 3,4‐methylenedioxymetamphetamine‐induced 5‐HT deficits
Authors: Puerta Elena , Pastor Fiona , Dvoracek Jan , De Saavedra María D. M. , Goñi‐Allo Beatriz , Jordán Joaquín , Hervias Isabel , Aguirre Norberto
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 843–852.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether late pre‐conditioning using 3‐nitropropionic acid (3NP) prevents the 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) deficits caused by the amphetamine derivative 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the rat. For this purpose we administered 3NP 24 h before MDMA (3 × 5 mg/kg i.p., every 2 h) and rats were killed 7 days later. Pre‐treatment of 3NP afforded complete protection against MDMA‐induced 5‐HT deficits independent of any effect on MDMA‐induced hyperthermia or 5‐HT transporter activity. To identify the transductional mechanisms responsible for the neuroprotective effect of 3NP, we first examined the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) by using selective inhibitors of all three nitric oxide synthase isoforms. Inhibition of endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase, but not inducible nitric oxide synthase, reversed 3NP‐induced pre‐conditioning. The NO donor S‐Nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicilamine mimicked 3NP effects further suggesting the involvement of NO in mediating 3NP protection. To investigate the involvement of NOS/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)/protein kinase G/mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive potassium channels (mitoKATP) signaling pathway we examined the effect of 5‐hydroxydecanoate (5‐HD), a selective mitoKATP blocker, and 1H‐(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxaline‐1‐one, a potent inhibitor of sGC, on 3NP‐induced tolerance. 5‐hydroxydecanoate, but not 1H‐(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxaline‐1‐one, suppressed 3NP‐mediated protection suggesting that mitoKATP opening, but not NO‐mediated activation of sGC, participates in the mechanism underlying tolerance to MDMA. Our data also showed that the protective effect of 3NP was abolished by cycloheximide, supporting the involvement of de novo protein synthesis. In conclusion, 3NP‐induced delayed tolerance against 5‐HT deficits caused by MDMA occurs via NO production.
Giprotein coupling to adenosine A1–A2Areceptor heteromers in human brain caudate nucleus
Authors: Casadó Vicent , Barrondo Sergio , Spasic Milena , Callado Luis F. , Mallol Josefa , Canela Enric , Lluís Carmen , Meana Javier , Cortés Antoni , Sallés Joan , Franco Rafael
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 972–980.

Pharmacological characterization of adenosine A1and A2Areceptors in human brain caudate nucleus membranes led to non‐cooperative binding of radiolabelled ligands. In human caudate nucleus but not in cortex, the agonist binding to A1receptors was modulated by the agonist binding to A2Areceptors indicating a functional negative cross‐talk. Accordingly, the A1receptor‐activation‐mediated Gi‐dependent guanosine 5′‐o‐(3‐[35S]thio‐triphosphate) binding was modulated by agonist binding to A2Areceptors. A2Areceptors occupation led to a decrease in the potency of A1receptor agonists. These results indicate that A1but not A2Areceptors activation, likely occurring at low adenosine concentrations, engages a Gi‐mediated signaling; however, when both receptors are occupied by adenosine, there is an A2Areceptor‐mediated impairment of Gi‐operated transducing units. These findings are relevant to get insight into the complex relationships derived from co‐expression of multiple neurotransmitter/neuromodulator receptors subtypes that individually are coupled to different G proteins. A further finding was the demonstration that the A2Areceptor agonist, CGS 21680, at high concentrations able to significantly bind to the A1receptor, behaved as a partial agonist of the later receptor. This fact might be taken into account when characterizing CGS 21680 actions in human cells expressing A1receptors when the compound is used at micromolar concentrations.
Pre‐moult patterns of habitat use and moult site selection by Brent Geese Branta bernicla nigricans: individuals prospect for moult sites
Authors: LEWIS TYLER L. , FLINT PAUL L. , SCHMUTZ JOEL A. , DERKSEN DIRK V.
Published: May 2010

In environments where habitat quality varies, the mechanism by which individuals assess and select habitats has significant consequences on their spatial distribution and ability to respond to environmental change. Each year, thousands of Black Brent Geese Branta bernicla nigricans migrate to the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area (TLSA), Alaska, to undergo a flightless wing‐moult. Over the last three decades, moulting Brent Geese have changed their distribution within the TLSA, redistributing from inland, freshwater wetlands towards coastal, brackish wetlands. To understand better the mechanism by which Brent Geese select a moult site, as well as reasons behind the long‐term shift of moulting distributions, we examined movements and habitat use of birds marked with GPS‐transmitters during the pre‐moult period. Brent Geese did not generally migrate directly to their moulting site during the pre‐moult period, defined as the time from arrival at the moulting grounds to the onset of flightlessness. Rather, individuals used an average of 3.7 ± 0.6 (se) wetland complexes and travelled a minimum of 95.14 ± 15.84 km during the pre‐moult period. Moreover, 69% of Brent Geese visited their final moult site only to leave and visit other sites before returning for the flightless moult. Brent Geese spent significant time in both inland freshwater and coastal estuarine habitats during the pre‐moult, irrespective of the habitat in which they ultimately moulted. Whereas previous research suggested that Brent Geese choose moult sites based largely upon the experience of previous years, our observations suggest a mechanism of moult site selection whereby Brent Geese ‘prospect’ for moult sites, visiting multiple potential moult sites across varied habitat types, presumably gathering information from each site and correspondingly using this information to choose an appropriate moult site. By allowing individuals to adjust their distributions in response to habitat quality cues that may change annually, such as forage type and availability, prospecting may have influenced the long‐term shift in moulting distributions of Brent Geese in the TLSA.
Between‐year variations in Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax population densities are influenced by agricultural intensification and rainfall
Authors: DELGADO ANA , MOREIRA FRANCISCO
Published: May 2010

The Little Bustard is suffering a widespread population decline mainly due to agricultural intensification. This study evaluates the effects of intensification level, habitat availability and rainfall on the population dynamics of this species. The population density of males was monitored for 7 years (2002–2008) at 184 points located within three sites with contrasting levels of agricultural intensification in southern Portugal. Densities decreased along the intensification gradient from 8.2 to 2.3 males / km2. Overall, there was an approximately 50% population decline during the period 2002–2008, driven by a decline observed in one of the less intensive sites, whereas in the other two sites densities remained fairly constant. Yearly variations in male densities were influenced by intensification level, amount of grassland habitat and rainfall patterns. Thus, agricultural intensification is having a negative effect on population densities of this threatened species, particularly through the loss of grasslands (fallow fields and pastures) suitable for displaying males. The results also suggest a positive impact of rainfall on male densities, although this is more likely in grasslands within less intensive agricultural regions of poorer soil quality, where higher breeding male densities occur. Grassland habitat quality, driven by both climate and human management, probably plays a major role in the population dynamics of this threatened steppe bird in its strongholds.