bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of two different dietary energy and protein contents to define nutritive requirements of lactating buffalo cows
Authors: Bovera F. , Cutrignelli M. I. , Calabrò S. , Piccolo G. , Tudisco R. , D'Urso S. , Infascelli F.
Published: May 2007

Two total mixed rations, differing in energy and protein concentrations (diet A: 6.1 MJ/kg DM of NEl, 112.5 g/kg DM of metabolizable protein, MP, and 101.7 g of protein digestible at the intestinal level, PDI, vs. diet B: 6.4 MJ, 95.1 g of MP, 78.9 g of PDI) were administered ad libitum for 1 year to two groups of 12 buffaloes in which the partial monthly turnover of animals allowed the lactation stage to be maintained close to 160 days. The diets were formulated to obtain, with a daily intake of about 15.5 kg of DM, a balanced energy supply but an excess of protein (diet A); the opposite occurred with diet B. The average dry matter intake recorded during the trial was 14.5 kg for diet A and 15.0 kg for diet B. Milk production was similar for both groups (7.94 kg vs. 7.95 kg). The diet with a higher protein concentration brought about a significant increase in protein, casein and non‐protein nitrogen contents in the milk. A significant increase in milk fat percentage was observed when the animals were fed the diet with a higher energy concentration. The serum urea concentration (8.62 mm/l) of buffaloes fed diet A was outside the physiological range for lactating buffaloes. The energy and protein conversion efficiencies for milk production were more favourable when their supplies were balanced: 3.58 MJ of NEl/kg of FPCM for diet A; 2.50 g of MP or 2.07 g of PDI/g of protein milk for diet B. Moreover, when the requirements were satisfied, greater energy or protein supplies failed to induce significant changes in milk yield and quality. Finally, regarding the great differences between estimated MP requirements and those recorded during the trial, the authors suggest that the equations used in the CPM‐Dairy software, formulated for dairy cows, are not applicable in buffaloes.
Subacute rumen acidosis in lactating cows: an investigation in intensive Italian dairy herds
Authors: Morgante M. , Stelletta C. , Berzaghi P. , Gianesella M. , Andrighetto I.
Published: May 2007

Subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) represents one of the most important metabolic disorders in intensive dairy farms that affects rumen fermentations, animal welfare, productivity and farm profitability. The aim of the present study was to study the occurrence of SARA in intensive Italian dairy herds and to determine the relationship between diet composition, ruminal pH and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration. Ten commercial dairy herds were investigated; twelve cows in each herd were selected randomly among animal without clinical signs of disease, with good body condition and between 5 and 60 day‐in‐milk (DIM), to perform rumenocentesis and obtain rumen fluid. Ruminal pH was determined immediately after sampling and concentration of SCFA in ruminal fluid was determined on samples after storage. An other objective of this research was to study in detail the effects of rumenocentesis on animal health: this study could confirm the extreme validity of this technique as ruminal sampling. Results were subject to anova and correlation analysis using sigma stat 2.03. The results indicated the presence of SARA in three herds (more than 33% cows with rumen pH < 5.5), a critical situation (more than 33% cows with rumen pH < 5.8) in five farms and a normal rumen pH condition in two herds. In particular, dairy herds show on average SCFA concentration of 150, 145, 123 mmol/l for low pH, critical pH and normal pH herds respectively. There were not significant differences among diet composition even if herds with SARA showed a light discordance between initially chemistry composition and residual feed. In the affected herds it was not possible to understand the exact causes of SARA. Animal management seems to be one of the most important factors in developing SARA including total mixed ration preparation.
Use of Silybum marianum fruit extract in broiler chicken nutrition: influence on performance and meat quality
Authors: Schiavone A. , Righi F. , Quarantelli A. , Bruni R. , Serventi P. , Fusari A.
Published: May 2007

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of different doses of silymarin in diet on broiler performances and meat quality. For the trial, 180 male chicks (ROSS 508), were allocated in to three groups (S0, S40 and S80) of 60 animals each receiving a basal diet supplemented with 0 ppm, 40 ppm and 80 ppm of a sylimarin (provided by a dry extract of Silybum marianum fruits) respectively. During the trial feed consumption and live body weight were taken every 20 days. At the age of 40 and 60 days blood samples were taken in order to evaluate protein, aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, tryglicerides and uric acid. At the age of 60 days animals were slaughtered, dressing percentages were evaluated and samples of breast and meat were taken to evaluate chemical composition and susceptibility of lipid peroxidation by means of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Silymarin at the tested doses did not affect growth performances but slightly affected slaughtering yields negatively, no specific hepatoprotective effect was found. Treatments reduced lipid content of both breast and thigh and increased muscles resistance to oxidative stress.
Characterization of Reactions to Powdery Mildew (Podosphaera pannosa) in Resistant and Susceptible Rose Genotypes
Authors: Dewitte A. , Leus L. , Van Huylenbroeck J. , Van Bockstaele E. , Höfte M.
Published: May 2007

Fungal development of powdery mildew Podosphaera pannosa (Wallr.: Fr.) de Bary on rose leaves depends on constitutive or induced resistance mechanisms present in attacked rose genotypes. The relationship between fungal development and plant resistance was investigated microscopically on young greenhouse leaves of four rose genotypes with different levels of resistance: Rosa wichuraiana, R. laevigata anemoides and R. hybrida cultivars ‘Excelsa’ and ‘Gomery’. Induced plant reactions, hydrogen peroxide production and cross sections through infected leaves were examined. The variation in development of the fungus on these rose genotypes depended on the relative presence of normal haustoria, abnormal haustoria, induced cell reactions, papilla formation or physical barriers. Formation of papillae could arrest up to one third of the successful penetrations. Papillae formation was often succeeded by total cell reaction. Abnormal haustoria were detected as rudimentary haustoria, haustoria with abnormal shape or haustoria without extra haustorial matrix. Post‐haustorial cell reactions, with and without cell collapse, were detected. In non‐collapsed cells, appositions were directed to both cell wall and haustorium. This was followed by accumulation of non‐identified, probably antifungal compounds. Both single and multicell reactions occurred. Hydrogen peroxide was detected during papilla formation and induced cell reactions.
Pathogenicity Confirmation of Ganoderma Disease of Coconut Using Early Diagnosis Technique
Authors: Karthikeyan M. , Radhika K. , Bhaskaran R. , Mathiyazhagan S. , Samiyappan R. , Velazhahan R.
Published: May 2007

The pathogenicity and diagnostic methods were standardized for Ganoderma disease of coconut. The pathogenicity of Ganoderma lucidum isolated from coconut was tested using six types of inoculation techniques. Two diagnostic methods, viz. indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were applied for the confirmation of pathogenicity in coconut seedlings. Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) were raised against mycelial, basidiocarp and specific proteins of Ganoderma and used for detection of Ganoderma in inoculated seedlings through indirect ELISA technique. All the three PAbs could detect Ganoderma in diseased coconut root tissues in early stage of the disease before symptom expression by indirect – ELISA at the antiserum dilution of 1 : 1000 for mycelial protein, 1 : 700 for Ganoderma specific protein and 1 : 3000 for basidiocarp protein. Low cross‐reactions were observed with saprophytic fungi occurring in coconut roots and also with other basidiomycetous fungi. In PCR, primers Gan1 and Gan2 generated from internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA were used the detection that produced a product of 167‐bp size in Ganoderma infected plants. In the present investigation, spawn inoculum responded earlier within 8 weeks compared with other methods of inoculation as expressed by OD value in ELISA test. This was also confirmed by PCR technique. The combination of these two diagnostic methods for detection of Ganoderma infection was highly reliable, rapid and sensitive.
Development and Validation of Conventional and Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for the Detection of Storage Rot Potato Pathogens, Phytophthora erythroseptica, Pythium ultimum and Phoma foveata
Authors: Cullen D. W. , Toth I. K. , Boonham N. , Walsh K. , Barker I. , Lees A. K.
Published: May 2007

The diseases pink rot, watery wound rot and gangrene are important storage rot diseases of potato associated predominantly with Phytophthora erythroseptica (P.), Pythium ultimum (Py.) and Phoma exigua (Phoma) var. foveata respectively. Reliable molecular‐based diagnostic tests are required that will not only allow unequivocal identification of symptoms but will further advance epidemiological studies of these potato diseases to increase our understanding and contribute to more effective management and control strategies to the potato industry. Primers and probes were designed in specific regions of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions to develop conventional and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays able to detect all possible fungal and oomycete pathogens causing pink rot, watery wound rot and gangrene. The specificity of each diagnostic assay was rigorously tested with over 500 fungal/oomycete plant pathogen isolates from potato and reference culture collections, and both conventional and real‐time PCR methods produced similar results. In terms of sensitivity, the detection limits for real‐time PCR went below ag DNA levels compared with pg DNA levels with conventional PCR. The real‐time PCR assays developed to detect Phoma foveata and Py. ultimum on tubers were suitable for the comparative Ct method (ΔΔCt) of quantification using the cytochrome oxidase gene of potato as a normalizer assay; an advantage as the need for a standard curve is eliminated. Each assay detected Phoma species (var. foveata or exigua) from naturally infected tubers showing symptoms of gangrene, and P. erythroseptica or Py. ultimum were also detected following inoculation of Russet Burbank tubers. Each diagnostic assay developed could reliably detect and distinguish between the pink rot, watery wound rot and gangrene‐causing potato pathogens.
Usefulness of oral wash specimens for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis from high‐risk groups in Japan
Authors: Hamasuna Ryoichi , Hoshina Shinji , Imai Hirohisa , Jensen Jørgen Skov , Osada Yukio
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Orogenital sex is recognized as a route for the transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) which thus causes male chlamydial urethritis. Patients with a pharyngeal CT infection have no gross lesions, but CT was tested by pharyngeal swabs. In this study, the usefulness of oral wash specimens for detecting CT was compared to that of swab specimens. In addition, oral wash specimens were also used to screen for CT pharyngeal infection. Eighteen female commercial sex workers in whom CT was detected from pharyngeal swabs were re‐examined using both methods. The positive rate for CT was 44% by swabs and 61% by oral wash specimens. Forty‐eight male students with CT‐positive urine were also screened for pharyngeal CT infection. The positive rates were 6% by swabs and 10% by oral wash specimens. Our findings therefore indicate that oral wash specimens more effectively detected pharyngeal CT infection than pharyngeal swabs.
Parenteral ambroxol treatment causes xanthine and calcium oxalate stones in rats
Authors: Drewa Tomasz , Misterek Bartosz , Pachnowska Hanna , Wolski Zbigniew , Mikulska‐Jovanovic Magdalena , Drewa Joanna
Published: May 2007

Introduction:  Ambroxol (ABX) is known to promote bronchial secretion and is used as an expectorant. This study was undertaken to document the connection between ambroxol parenteral treatment and bladder stones in rats.

Material and Methods:  Forty‐five wild rats (Rattus sp.) were divided into three equal groups. Rats from the first and second groups received ABX s.c. during 2 weeks in total doses of 30 mg/kg per 24 h and 60 mg/kg per 24 h, respectively. Rats from the control group received 1 mL of injection solution s.c. One month after the treatment termination, animals were sacrificed and urinary tracts without urethra were dissected. Stones found in the bladders were measured, weighed and chemically analysed. Voiding cystography was performed to exclude pathology of the lower urinary tract. Photo documentation was produced.

Results:  From the first and second groups, 33% and 47% of rats, respectively, had solitary stones in the bladder. In one case from the second group, there was a huge stone in the bladder and urethra. There were no stones in rats from the control group. The mean length of stones was 1.38 ± 0.23 mm and 1.41 ± 0.60 mm in the first and second groups, respectively. Mean stone weight was 1.2 ± 0.2 × 10−3 g and 1.44 ± 0.54 × 10−3 g. Stones were composed of 67% of xanthine and 33% of calcium oxalate.

Conclusions:  Ambroxol parenteral treatment caused xanthine and oxalate stone formation. Attention should be paid to the possibility of urinary stone formation after long‐term ABX treatment.
Usefulness of laparo‐ or retroperitoneoscopic biopsy for retroperitoneal lymph node swelling of unknown origin
Authors: Hara Isao , Tanaka Kazushi , Yamada Yuji , Miyake Hideaki , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Laparo‐ or retroperitoneoscopic biopsy was performed for five male patients with retroperitoneal lymph node swelling of unknown origin. Previous core needle biopsies were useless or inapplicable in all patients. A laparoscopic approach was used for two patients, with a retroperitoneoscopic approach for the remaining three patients. Sufficient specimens for not only pathological diagnosis but also further examinations such as immunophenotyping or DNA analysis were safely obtained. Convalescence was satisfactory and all patients were treated appropriately according to the resulting diagnosis. This technique should be performed by urologists, who are more familiar with laparo‐ or retroperitoneoscopic approach targeting retroperitoneal organs.
Treatment of men with urethritis negative for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum
Authors: Maeda Shin‐Ichi , Tamaki Masayoshi , Kubota Yasuaki , Nguyen Phuoc Ba , Yasuda Mitsuru , Deguchi Takashi
Published: May 2007

Objective:  Some patients with symptomatic non‐gonococcal urethritis (NGU) are negative for Chlamydia trachomatis, mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas. The optimal antimicrobial chemotherapy for such NGU has not fully been elucidated, though many studies of antimicrobial chemotherapies for C. trachomatis‐positive NGU have been performed. We assessed the efficacy of antimicrobial agents that are active against C. trachomatis on non‐mycoplasmal, non‐ureaplasmal and non‐chlamydial NGU (NMNUNCNGU).

Methods:  One hundred men whose first‐pass urine samples were negative for C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum were treated with levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, minocycline, or clarithromycin for 7 days. Urethritis symptoms and the presence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in urethral smears were assessed before and after treatment.

Results:  Eighty‐eight (88.0%) of 100 men with NMNUNCNGU showed no signs of urethral inflammation after treatment, but two men complained of some symptoms of urethritis. Twelve (12.0%) of 100 men had significant numbers of PMNL in urethral smears, but five of these 12 men had no symptoms of urethritis. The efficacy for normalization of urethral smears was 90.7% for clarithromycin, 89.7% for levofloxacin, 87.5% for gatifloxacin, and 75.0% for minocycline. The 12 men who showed signs of urethral inflammation were retreated with levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, minocycline or clarithromycin for an additional 7 days. The 10 men who returned after the second treatment had negative urethral smears.

Conclusion:  Our present findings suggest that antimicrobial agents active against C. trachomatis are effective against NMNUNCNGU and that a 7‐day treatment regimen with an appropriate antimicrobial agent may be sufficient to manage patients with NMNUNCNGU.
Case of hypoparathyroidism, deafness and renal dysplasia (HDR) syndrome associated with nephrocalcinosis and distal renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Kato Yuji , Wada Naoki , Numata Atsushi , Kakizaki Hidehiro
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Hypoparathyroidism, deafness and renal dysplasia (HDR) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness and renal dysplasia. Herein, we report a case of HDR syndrome associated with nephrocalcinosis and distal renal tubular acidosis. A 34‐year‐old woman was admitted to investigate recurrent stone formation and bilateral nephrocalcinosis. As a 3‐year‐old child, she had been diagnosed with HDR syndrome without chromosome evaluation. She had spontaneous stone passages on several occasions. On laboratory examination, serum calcium and intact parathyroid hormone at lower levels. Urinary citrate excretion was extremely low at 51.6 mg/day. On an ammonium chloride loading test, complete distal renal tubular acidosis was proved. To prevent the nephrocalcinosis from deteriorating, she was given potassium‐sodium citrate. Since administration, she has not experienced spontaneous stone passage or renal colic. Nephrocalcinosis and recurrent urolithiasis will strongly affect renal prognosis in this case and we consider that citrate medication is an effective therapy in avoiding progress of her nephrocalcinosis.
Modeling the norketamine metabolite in children and the implications for analgesia
Authors: HERD DAVID W. , ANDERSON BRIAN J. , HOLFORD NICHOLAS H.G.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Norketamine, a metabolite of ketamine, is an analgesic with a potency one‐third that of ketamine. The aim of this study was to describe norketamine pharmacokinetics in children in order to predict time–concentration profiles for this metabolite after racemic ketamine single dose and infusion administration. The possible analgesic potential resulting from norketamine concentration may then be predicted using simulation.

Methods:  Ketamine and norketamine data were available from two sources: (i) children presenting for procedural sedation in an emergency department given ketamine 1–1.5 mg·kg−1 IV as a bolus dose; and (ii) a literature search of those studies describing ketamine and norketamine time–concentration profiles after either IV or IM single‐dose ketamine in adults and children. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was undertaken using nonlinear mixed effects models (NONMEM). A two‐compartment (central, peripheral) linear disposition model was used to fit the parent drug. An additional metabolite compartment was linked to the central compartment by series of intermediate compartments to account for norketamine delayed formation. Norketamine volume of distribution was fixed equivalent to central volume. Simulation was used to predict norketamine time–concentration profiles in children given either ketamine as an i.v. bolus 2 mg·kg−1 or as an analgesic infusion 0.2 mg·kg−1·h−1 for 24 h.

Results:  The analysis comprised 621 observations from 70 subjects. There were 57 children (age 8.3, sd: 3.5 years, range: 1.5–14; weight 32.5, sd: 15.6 kg, range: 10.8–74.8) and 13 adults. Population parameter estimates for the parent drug, standardized to a 70 kg person using allometric models were central volume (V1) 22 (BSV 89.6%) l.70 kg−1, peripheral volume of distribution (V2) 129 (30.9%) l.70 kg−1, clearance other than that metabolized to norketamine (CLother) 47.8 (37.7%) l·h−1·70 kg−1 and intercompartment clearance (Q) 216 (54.5%) l·h−1·70 kg−1. The norketamine formation clearance (CL2M) was 12.4 (127%) l·h−1·70 kg−1, elimination clearance (CLM) was 13.5 (145%) l·h−1·70 kg−1, and the rate constant for intermediate compartments was 26.5 (59.1%) h−1.

Conclusions:  Ketamine has a longer elimination half‐life (2.1 h) than norketamine (1.13 h). Simulation suggested that norketamine contributes to analgesia for 4 h after 2 mg·kg−1 i.v. bolus, provided the assumption that a norketamine concentration above 0.1 mg·l−1 contributes analgesia is true. Similarly, the norketamine metabolite may contribute to analgesia for 1.5 h after low‐dose infusion (0.2 mg·kg−1·h−1) cessation.
A 6‐year review of surgical morbidity and oncological outcome after high anterior resection for colorectal malignancy with and without splenic flexure mobilization
Authors: Katory M. , Tang C. L. , Koh W. L. , Fook‐Chong S. M. C. , Loi T. T. , Ooi B. S. , Ho K. S. , Eu K. W.
Published: May 2007

Objective  High anterior resection (HAR) for colorectal cancer is traditionally performed with routine mobilization of the splenic flexure. This is a retrospective review of mortality and morbidity following HAR in which the splenic flexure has been preserved.

Method  From a prospective database, all patients who had undergone elective HAR for colorectal cancer between 1999 and 2005 were identified. Morbidity, mortality, pathology and survival data for patients having HAR with and without splenic flexure mobilization were analysed.

Results  A total of 707 patients were identified. Five hundred and thirty‐one had HAR with preservation of the splenic flexure. In these patients outcome was: anastomotic leak (0.4%), wound infection (3.6%), anastomotic stricture (0.4%) and 30‐day mortality (0.9%). No statistical significant difference was found for postoperative morbidity (P = 0.1926), 30‐day mortality (P =0.3285), lymph node harvest (P = 0.2127) or survival (P = 0.1457) compared with patients in whom the splenic flexure was mobilized. Longitudinal resection margins were greater following HAR with splenic flexure mobilization (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion  No morbidity, oncological or survival disadvantage in performing splenic flexure preserving HAR was found.
Open Innovation – The Dutch Treat: Challenges in Thinking in Business Models
Authors: Van Der Meer Han
Published: May 2007

This article covers the subject of the practical application of the principles of open innovation in Dutch industry. Open innovation is considered to be the third stage in evolving systems for innovation management. The results of the study showed that innovative Dutch companies have successfully adopted the principles of open innovation regarding open innovation culture and importing mechanisms. Some challenges are found in the use of exporting mechanisms; but the biggest challenges for innovative Dutch companies lie in the flexible and open way of handling their business models.
Winning, Losing and Satisfaction with Democracy
Authors: Blais André , Gélineau François
Published: May 2007

Previous research has shown that those who won an election are more satisfied with the way democracy works than those who lost. What is not clear, however, is whether it is the fact of winning (losing), per se, that generates (dis)satisfaction with democracy. The current study explores this winner/loser gap with the use of the 1997 Canadian federal election panel study. It makes a theoretical and methodological contribution to our understanding of the factors that foster satisfaction with democracy. At the theoretical level, we argue that voters gain different utility from winning at the constituency and national levels in a parliamentary system, and that their expectations about whether they will win or lose affect their degree of satisfaction with democracy. On the methodological front, our analysis includes a control group (non-voters) and incorporates a control for the level of satisfaction prior to the election. The results indicate that the effect of winning and losing on voters' satisfaction with democracy is significant even when controlling for ex ante satisfaction before the election takes place, and that the outcome of the election in the local constituency matters as much as the outcome of the national election. They fail to show, however, that expectations about the outcome of the election play a significant role in shaping satisfaction with democracy.
Democratic ‘Misfit’? Conceptions of Civil Society Participation in France and the European Union
Authors: Saurugger Sabine
Published: May 2007

The European Union's attempts to improve its democratic character increasingly often lead to debates about how to include civil society organizations in its decision-making processes. However, this interpretation of participatory democracy seems at odds with democratic traditions in a number of member states. Among those, France is said to be at the diametrically opposite end of the EU democratization debate spectrum. French democratic thought is based on government through electoral representation. The aim of this article is to analyze both theoretically and empirically the discourse and participatory processes in both the EU and France. While normative approaches to democratic patterns in the EU and French political debate show important differences, empirical evidence suggests that the misfit between the European and French conception of democracy is less developed than one might believe.
State Sovereignty after 9/11: Disorganised Hypocrisy
Authors: Acharya Amitav
Published: May 2007

This article examines the implications of the 9/11 attacks and the US-led ‘global war on terror’ for debates about state sovereignty. To support its attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq, the Bush administration put forth a ‘selective sovereignty’ thesis that would legitimise intervention in states that are accused of supporting terrorists. This new rationale for intervention was paradoxically justified as a means of ensuring a ‘well-ordered world of sovereign states’, which had been imperilled by transnational terrorist networks. This article argues that the ‘selective sovereignty’ thesis exaggerates the challenge posed by terrorist organisations to Westphalian sovereignty, and understates the US's own unprincipled violation of its core norm of non-intervention. A related argument of this article is that on the face of it, the ‘selective sovereignty’ approach fits the notion of ‘organised hypocrisy’ put forward by Stephen Krasner, which refers to ‘the presence of long-standing norms [in this case non-intervention] that are frequently violated’ for the sake of some ‘higher principles’ – violations that are generally tolerated by the international community. But the higher principles evoked by the US to justify its war on Iraq, such as the human rights of the Iraqis, and democracy promotion in the Middle East, are now clearly seen to have been a façade to mask the geopolitical and ideological underpinnings of the invasion. In this sense, the war on terror has revived national security and naked self-interest as the principal rationale for intervention, notwithstanding the self-serving efforts by some Bush administration officials to ‘graft’ the ‘selective sovereignty’ thesis on to the evolving humanitarian intervention principle. This policy framework is hypocrisy for sure, but as the international response to the war on Iraq (including the lack of UN authorisation for the war and the transatlantic discord it generated) demonstrates, it should be viewed more as a case of ‘disorganised hypocrisy’.
Turning up the Heat: Partisanship in Deliberative Innovation
Authors: Hendriks Carolyn M. , Dryzek John S. , Hunold Christian
Published: May 2007

Two forum types have featured prominently in deliberative practice: (1) forums involving partisans (such as key ‘stakeholders’) and (2) forums involving non-partisans (such as ‘lay citizens’). Drawing on deliberative theory and cases from Germany, we explore the relative merits of these forum types in terms of deliberative capacity, legitimacy and political impact. The two types offer deliberative governance something different. Non-partisan forums such as citizens' juries or consensus conferences rate favorably in deliberative capacity, but can fall short when it comes to external legitimacy and policy impact. Contrary to expectations, partisan forums can also encounter substantial legitimation and impact problems. How can designed forums contribute to deliberative democratization, given that partisanship is an inevitable fact of politics? We offer some suggestions about how deliberative theory and practice might better accommodate the reality of partisanship, while securing benefits revealed in non-partisan forums.
Spontaneous preterm birth of liveborn infants in women at low risk in Australia over 10 years: a population‐based study
Authors: Tracy SK , Tracy MB , Dean J , Laws P , Sullivan E
Published: May 2007

Objectives  To describe a 10‐year trend in preterm birth.

Design  Population‐based study.

Setting  Australia.

Population  All women who gave birth during 1994–03.

Methods  The proportion of spontaneous preterm births (greater than or equal to 22 weeks of gestation and less than 37 completed weeks of gestation) was calculated by dividing the number of women who had a live spontaneous preterm birth (excluding elective caesarean section and induction of labour) by the total number of women who had a live birth after spontaneous onset of labour (excluding elective caesarean section and induction of labour). This method was repeated for the selected population of women at low risk.

Main outcome measure  Preterm birth rates among the overall population of women; preterm birth among all women with a spontaneous onset of labour; and preterm birth in a selected population of women who were either primiparous or multiparous, non‐Indigenous; aged 20–40 years and who gave birth to a live singleton baby after the spontaneous onset of labour.

Results  Over the 10‐year study period, the proportion of all women having a live preterm birth in Australia increased by 12.1% (from 5.9% in 1994 to 6.6% in 2003). Among women with a spontaneous onset of labour, there was an increase of 18.3% (from 5.7 to 6.7%). Among the selected population of low‐risk women after the spontaneous onset of labour, the rate increased by 10.7% (from 5.6 to 6.2%) among first time mothers and by 19.2% (4.4–5.2%) among selected multiparous women.

Conclusions  Over the 10‐year period of 1994–03, the rate of spontaneous preterm birth among low‐risk women having a live singleton birth has risen in Australia.
Number of children and coronary heart disease risk factors in men and women from a British birth cohort
Authors: Hardy R , Lawlor DA , Black S , Wadsworth MEJ , Kuh D
Published: May 2007

Objective  To examine the association between number of children and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in women and men.

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  Britain.

Sample  A total of 2977 individuals (51% women) from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development, a birth cohort study of individuals born in Britain in 1946 and followed up regularly throughout life.

Main outcome measures  Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), total, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) measured at age of 53 years.

Results  Number of children showed no consistent relationship with CHD risk factors at age 53 years in either men or women, and no obvious and consistent sex differences were observed. Mean BMI (95% CI) increased with increasing numbers of children (P = 0.01) in women from 27.4 kg/m2 (26.6–28.2) in those with one child to 28.6 kg/m2 (27.6–29.6) in those with four or more children. WHR and type II diabetes in women and HbA1C in men were the only other risk factors exhibiting a linearly increasing trend with increasing number of children. These associations were largely explained by adjustment for behavioural and lifestyle variables.

Conclusion  Our findings suggest that any association between number of children and CHD risk factors is a result of lifestyle and behaviours associated with family life rather than being as result of the biological impact of pregnancy in women.
A randomised placebo‐controlled trial to determine the effect of iron supplementation on pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with haemoglobin ≥ 13.2 g/dl
Authors: Ziaei S , Norrozi M , Faghihzadeh S , Jafarbegloo E
Published: May 2007

Objective  To study the effect of iron supplementation on pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with haemoglobin (Hb) ≥13.2 g/dl.

Design  A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting  Routine health services.

Population  Seven hundred and twenty‐seven pregnant women with Hb ≥13.2 g/dl in the early stage of the second trimester.

Methods  Each woman took one tablet of 50 mg of ferrous sulphate daily in the case group (n = 370) or placebo in the control group (n = 357) throughout pregnancy.

Main outcome measures  Pregnancy outcome.

Results  While there were no significant differences in demographic and obstetric characteristics between the two groups before any intervention, small‐for‐gestational‐age birth rate and the number of women with hypertension disorder increased significantly in the case group in comparison with the control group (57 [15.7%] versus 36 [10.3%], P = 0.035, 10 [2.7%] versus 3 [8%], P = 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions  Our finding proves that routine iron supplementation in nonanaemic women is not rational and may be harmful.
Placenta weight percentile curves for singleton deliveries
Authors: Thompson JMD , Irgens LM , Skjaerven R , Rasmussen S
Published: May 2007

Objective  To produce population‐based, gender‐ and gestational‐age‐specific centile curves for placental weight.

Design  Population study.

Setting  Medical Birth Registry of Norway

Population  All singleton live births in Norway from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2002.

Methods  In a cohort of children born in Norway, placental weights and the ratio of the birthweight to the placental weight were analysed to produce percentile curves.

Main outcome measures  Placental weight, birthweight‐to‐placental weight ratio.

Results  Tables and figures are presented for placental percentiles curves according to gestational age and gender. Also, tables and figures are presented for the ratio of birthweight to placental weight.

Conclusions  To our knowledge, this is the first time that population percentile curves have been produced for placental weights and hence for the ratio of birthweight to placental weight. These percentile curves may act as a reference for other populations as well until population‐specific curves can be produced.
Obstetric fistulae: a study of women managed at the Monze Mission Hospital, Zambia
Authors: Holme A , Breen M , MacArthur C
Published: May 2007

Objective  The objective of this study was to describe and compare characteristics of women with obstetric fistula.

Design  Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Setting  Zambia’s primary fistula repair centre, Monze Mission Hospital.

Sample  All women, August 2003 to December 2005.

Method  Review of case notes to obtain data on socio‐demographic and obstetric characteristics, causative pregnancy, clinical details, and treatment. Comparison of characteristics with national data was undertaken.

Results  Of 259 women, 239 had socio‐demographic and obstetric records and 254 had surgical records. Educational status and height of women were significantly below the national averages, while antenatal care uptake (97.5%) and proportion from the Northern Province were significantly above. Most women (77.9%) weighed ≤50 kg. Median age at marriage was 18 and at development of fistula was 22 years. 15.1% of women were divorced, 49.0% were primiparous, and 27.6% were parity four +. 67.5% of women had spent 2 days or longer in labour. Delays in receiving emergency obstetric care (EmOC) were experienced at home (67.5%) and at clinics (49.4%), usually due to transport difficulties. 89.1% delivered in a health facility, 50.2% of deliveries were by caesarean section, and 78.1% of babies were stillborn. 72.9% of repairs were successful, 17.3% resulted in residual stress incontinence, and 9.8% failed. Failure was significantly associated with previous repair.

Conclusion  More obstetric fistulae occur in areas where early marriage and pregnancy before pelvic maturity is attained is common and where obstetric care is inaccessible. In this study, age at marriage and fistula development was older than usually found, which may indicate that poor access to EmOC contributes more to this problem within Zambia.
Triangulating Patient and Clinician Perspectives on Clinically Important Differences in Health‐Related Quality of Life among Patients with Heart Disease
Authors: Wyrwich Kathleen W. , Metz Stacie M. , Kroenke Kurt , Tierney William M. , Babu Ajit N. , Wolinsky Fredric D.
Published: May 2007

Objective. To use triangulation methodology to better understand clinically important differences (CIDs) in the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with heart disease.

Data Sources/Study Setting. We used three information sources: a nine‐member expert panel, 656 primary care outpatients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or congestive heart failure (CHF), and the 46 primary care physicians (PCPs) treating these outpatients. From them, we derived CIDs for the Modified Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire (CHQ) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36‐Item Health Status Survey, Version 2 (SF‐36).

Study Design. The expert physician panel employed Delphi and consensus methods to obtain CIDs. The outpatients received bimonthly HRQoL interviews for 1 year that included the CHQ and SF‐36, as well as retrospective assessments of HRQoL changes. Their PCPs assessed changes in the patient's condition at follow‐up clinic visits that were linked to HRQoL assessments to determine change over time.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Patient‐ and PCP‐assessed changes were categorized as trivial (no change), small, moderate, or large improvements or declines. Moderate or large changes in HRQoL reflect the added risk or investment associated with some treatment modifications. Estimates for each categorization were calculated by finding the mean change scores within anchored change classifications.

Principal Findings. The small CID for the CHQ domains was consistently one to two points using the patient‐assessed change categorizations, but small CIDs varied greatly for the SF‐36. PCP‐assessed changes differed substantially from patient estimates for both the CHQ and SF‐36, while the panel‐derived estimates were generally larger than those derived from patients.

Conclusions. Triangulation methodology provides a framework for securing a deeper understanding of each informant group's perspective on CIDs for these patient‐reported outcome measures. These results demonstrate little consensus and suggest that the derived estimates depend on the rater and assessment methodology.
Survival and factors affecting survival in small ruminants and camelids attacked by dogs: 62 cases (1994–2004)
Authors: Dukti Sarah A. , Southwood Louise L. , Van Metre David C.
Published: May 2007

Objective: To determine the survival rates and factors affecting survival in small ruminants and camelids attacked by dogs.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Two university teaching hospitals.

Animals: Thirty goats, 28 sheep, 3 alpacas, and 1 llama.

Measurements and main results: Medical records were reviewed to obtain signalment, time between injury and admission, hospitalization length, lesion site, treatment, complications, survival rate, and cost. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone conversation with the owner. Sixty‐two patients met the inclusion criteria. Six animals were euthanized at admission and thus excluded. Of the 56 animals that were treated, 43 (77%) were discharged, 5 (9%) died, and 8 (14%) were euthanized. Animals that had thoracic or abdominal injuries, required surgery, or received more potent analgesic therapy were less likely to survive to discharge from hospital compared with animals that did not. Complications developed in 50 (82%) animals. Animals with respiratory complications were also less likely to survive to discharge from hospital than animals that did not. Long‐term follow up was available on 38/43 (88%) animals that were discharged. Thirty‐five of 38 (92%) animals were discharged and recovered from their injuries and 5 animals had long‐term complications.

Conclusions: Small ruminants and camelids that are attacked by dogs have a good prognosis for short‐term survival. Short‐term survival is affected by lesion location and complications.
Successful treatment of severe salt intoxication in a dog
Authors: Pouzot Céline , Descone‐Junot Christelle , Loup Julien , Goy‐Thollot Isabelle
Published: May 2007

Objective: To report successful treatment of severe salt intoxication and hypernatremia in a dog.

Case summary: A 5‐year‐old intact female Doberman Pinscher was admitted to the intensive care unit with a history of seizures and coma. The owner had administered approximately 100 g of cooking salt to induce vomiting following ingestion of a nontoxic dose (10 g) of chocolate. Upon admission, the dog was comatose with intermittent seizures and vomiting. Diagnostic tests confirmed salt intoxication (Na: 200 mEq/L, Cl: 180 mEq/L) and metabolic acidosis (pH: 7.18; pCO2: 39 mmHg; HCO3: 14.3 mmol/L). Immediate treatment included intravenous fluid therapy, an anticonvulsant, antiemetic, diuretic, low molecular weight heparin, and supplemental oxygen. A fluid therapy protocol was initiated to decrease serum sodium concentration by approximately 2 mEq/L/hr. After 24 hours of intensive care, the patient regained consciousness and volume and acid‐base abnormalities improved. The patient developed a variety of abnormal clinical signs as a result of the severe hypernatremia. After 5 days of treatment, the serum sodium concentration returned to the established reference range. The patient recovered completely in 10 days.

New information provided: Severe hypernatremia due to salt ingestion is a rare condition in dogs. All dogs in previous case reports of salt intoxication have died. This case report is the first to report survival of a dog with severe salt intoxication.
Administration of acepromazine maleate to 31 dogs with a history of seizures
Authors: McConnell Janice , Kirby Rebecca , Rudloff Elke
Published: May 2007

Objective:To retrospectively evaluate the incidence of seizures in dogs presenting with a history of seizures that were treated with acepromazine (ACE) during hospitalization.

Design:Retrospective study.

Setting:Privately owned emergency and referral hospital.

Animals:Thirty‐one client‐owned dogs.

Interventions:Administration of ACE.

Measurements and main results:The medical records from dogs with an acute or chronic seizure history that received ACE were reviewed. Factors evaluated included presenting complaint, seizure history, ACE dosage, duration of observation, seizure activity, and other medications used. Thirty‐one dogs qualified for the study: 20 males and 11 females. Age range was 3 months to 14.9 years. Presenting complaint was seizure in 28/31 dogs. There was a prior history of seizures in 22/31 dogs, and 15/22 were currently on antiseizure medication. ACE was given 1–5 times per dog. Mean ACE dose was 0.029 mg/kg IV (range: 0.008–0.057 mg/kg;n=46), 0.036 mg/kg IM (range: 0.017–0.059 mg/kg;n=14), 0.53 mg/kg PO (n=2). Twenty‐seven dogs did not seizure after administration of ACE within the observation period (mean: 16.4 hours, range: 0.25–66 hours). Twenty‐five dogs received antiseizure medication before ACE. Eight seizure episodes occurred in 4 dogs (all of whom presented for seizures) within 0.3–10 hours after ACE administration.

Conclusions:There was no observed correlation between ACE administration in dogs with a seizure history and the recurrence of seizure activity during hospitalization. The time from ACE administration to seizure activity was greater than expected for measurable effects to be seen in 1 dog (10 hour). Further studies with a larger group and alternative ACE doses are needed to more thoroughly evaluate the safety of short‐term ACE use in dogs with a seizure history.
Linkages between biodiversity conservation and global climate change in small island developing States (SIDS)
Authors: Cherian Anilla
Published: May 2007

Global climate change is an important cause of biodiversity loss. The conservation, sustainable management and use of biodiversity resources are key factors that can be effectively used to minimize the adverse impacts of global climate change. Efforts to understand and address the linkages between global climate change and biodiversity loss are both urgent and timely.

Integrating responses related to these two global environmental challenges is especially relevant for small island developing States (SIDS) because the adverse impacts of climate change can impose severe stresses on biodiversity resources that are fragile, vulnerable and already under stress and the people who depend upon them. This paper argues that comprehensive assessments of adverse impacts of global climate change on the biodiversity resources of SIDS, and an improved understanding of relevant climate change related adaptation measures and sustainable energy policies (that are based on the principles of conservation, sustainable management and use of biodiversity resources) will enable SIDS to become more resilient and to develop better response capacities.
Critical considerations for future action during the second commitment period: A small islands’ perspective
Authors: Nurse Leonard , Moore Rawleston
Published: May 2007

If the objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is to be achieved, Parties must commit themselves to meeting meaningful long‐term targets that, based on current knowledge, would minimize the possibility of irreversible climate change. Current indications are that a global mean temperature rise in excess of 2–3 °C would enhance the risk of destabilizing the climate system as we know it, and possibly lead to catastrophic change such as a shutdown of the deep ocean circulation, and the disintegration of the West Arctic Ice Sheet. Observations have shown that for many small island developing States (SIDS), life‐sustaining ecosystems such as coral reefs, already living near the limit of thermal tolerance, are highly climate‐sensitive, and can suffer severe damage from exposure to sea temperatures as low as 1 °C above the seasonal maximum. Other natural systems (e.g., mangroves) are similarly susceptible to relatively low temperature increases, coupled with small increments of sea level rise. Economic and social sectors, including agriculture and human health, face similar challenges from the likely impacts of projected climate change. In light of known thresholds, this paper presents the view that SIDS should seek support for a temperature cap not exceeding 1.5–2.0 °C above the pre‐industrial mean. It is argued that a less stringent post‐Kyoto target would frustrate achievement of the UNFCCC objective. The view is expressed that all countries which emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases should commit to binding reduction targets in the second commitment period, but that targets for developing countries should be less stringent than those agreed for developed countries. Such an arrangement would be faithful to the principles of equity and would ensure that the right of Parties to attain developed country status would not be abrogated.