bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships of personality and lifestyle with mobile phone dependence among female nursing students
Authors: Ezoe Satoko , Toda Masahiro , Yoshimura Kimio , Naritomi Aki , Den Rei , Morimoto Kanehisa
Published: April 2009

To clarify the relationships of personality and lifestyle with mobile phone dependence, defined as an intermittent craving to use a mobile phone or excessive mobile phone use, we administered a self-report questionnaire to 132 female college students attending a nursing school in Osaka,
Japan. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that scores for extroversion and neuroticism were positively related to the score of the Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (MPDQ; Toda, Monden, Kubo, & Morimoto, 2004), while the score for healthy practices was negatively related
to that of the MPDQ. These findings suggest that mobile phone dependence in female college students is associated with elevated traits of extroversion and neuroticism, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle.
The relationship between bureaucracy and workplace friendship
Authors: Mao Hsiao-Yen , Chen Chien-Yu , Hsieh Ting-Hua
Published: April 2009

The relationship between bureaucracy and workplace friendship remains largely unknown in the organizational literature on workplace friendship. Competing hypotheses for that relationship were proposed. On one hand, bureaucracy's characteristics indicate bureaucratic organizations' attitude
is unfavorable to, and thus detracts from, workplace friendship. On the other hand, those characteristics lead to employees' negative feelings at work and thus promote their workplace friendship. Data collected via a questionnaire survey of 408 employees in the medical, education, governmental,
and banking sectors show that bureaucracy is negatively related to workplace friendship. Our finding provides an organizational perspective, a different angle from the factors of employees' perspective in the extant literature, from which to view and manage the issue of the decrease of workplace
friendship in the organization.
MicroRNA expression in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
Authors: Baltic Vladimir , Baltic Milan , Svircev Zorica , Jerant-Patic Vera
Published: April 2009

MicroRNAs are a class of short, single-stranded, noncoding RNA molecules that negatively regulate the expression target mRNA at posttranslational level. microRNAs as key regulatory molecules play important biological function and might act as tumor suppressor oncogenes in cancer and lymphomas. microRNAs cause the expression of important cancer related genes and might prove useful in the diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment of some lymphomas This review focuses on the role of microRNAs in normal lymphocyte differentiation and in development of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Nucleogenesis and origin of organelles
Authors: Stupar Milanko
Published: April 2009

Division of the ancestral prokaryotic pragenome into two circular double-stranded DNA molecules by genetic recombination is a base for the future separate evolution of the nuclear and mitochondrial gene compartment. This suggests monophyletic origin of both mitochondrion and nucleus. Presumed organism which genome undergoes genetic recombination has to be searched among an aerobic, oxygen non-producing archaeon with no rigid cell wall, but a plasma membrane. Plastids evolve from an aerobic, oxygen producing proto-eukaryot, after mitoplastide genome duplication and subsequent functional segregation. In this proposal, origin of eukaryots occurs by a three-step mechanism. First, replication fork pauses and collapses generating a breakage in the genome of archaeal ancestor of eukaryots. Second, the double-strand break can be repaired intergenomically by complementary strands invasion. Third, this duplicated genome can be fissioned into two compartments by reciprocal genetic recombination. Scenario is accomplished by aberrant fission of the inner membrane surrounding separately those two compartments.
The value of endorectal ultrasonography in rectal cancer staging
Authors: Radovanovic Zoran , Radovanovic Dragana , Breberina Milan , Petrovic Tomislav , Golubovic Andrija , Bokorov Bojana
Published: April 2009

Introduction Preoperative staging of rectal cancer is considered essential to select patients adequately for different therapeutic regimes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of endorectal ultrasonography in preoperative staging of rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty rectal cancer patients (31 men, 19 women) underwent endorectal ultrasonography with a 7.5-MHz probe. Thirty-eight of these patients had preoperative chemoradiation and in these patients examination was done before and after the radiotherapy treatment. The results of examinations were compared with the histological findings of the resected specimens. RESULTS Histopathology showed 4 stage T0, 3 stage T1, 12 stage T2, 30 stage T3, and one stage T4 tumor. Nodal metastases were seen in 17 patients. The overall accuracy of endorectal ultrasonography for determining the depth of invasion (T stage) was 66% (33/50). The accuracy rate of T1 was 100% (1/1), T2 was 45% (9/20), T3 was 79% (22/28), and T4 was 100% (1/1). Overstaging was 18% (9/50) and understaging 16% (8/50). In staging lymph node metastasis, the overall accuracy rate was 70% (18/25) with 18% (9/50) overstaged and 12% (6/50) understaged. With regard to nodal involvement, sensitivity was 65% and specificity 73%. Regarding penetration of the rectal wall (stages T1 and T2 vs stages T3 and T4 / Dukes' classification A versus B), endorectal sonography showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 74%, 68%, and 72%, respectively. CONCLUSION Endorectal ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic modality for rectal cancer staging. It is fast, safe, accurate, well tolerated by the patient and cheap procedure and therefore should be used as a diagnostic modality of the first choice in rectal cancer staging although one must take into consideration possible limitations in cases of preoperative chemoradiation.
Nylon-Darn herniorrhaphy: The method of choice in treatment of primary inguinal hernia
Authors: Ivanov Dejan , Babovic Sinisa , Ivanov Mirjana
Published: April 2009

Introduction Nylon-Darn herniorrhaphy is a classic, open technique, simple to perform with a low recurrence rate. It is a 'tension-free' method of herniorrhaphy. The aim of study was to analyze the results of Nylon-Darn herniorrhaphy at our clinic and point out advantages and disadvantages of the technique. Material and Methods This study, dating back to May 1999 and up to May 2005, included 116 patients who underwent Nylon-Darn herniorrhaphy for primary inguinal hernia. Patients were operated at the Clinic for abdominal and endocrine surgery, Institute of surgery, Clinical center Novi Sad and if without complications, left on the first postoperative day. Two patients had cholelithiasis and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed simultaneously. Intra- and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results The overall complication rate in our study was 22.4%. There was no perioperative mortality and intraoperative complications. The mean age of 112 males and 4 females was 51 years. An average duration of the operative procedure was 49.2 min, and the patients left hospital after 2.17 days. General endotracheal anestesia was performed in 69 cases and spinal in 47. Conclusion Based on the results of Nylon-Darn herniorrhaphy in our study and on the results in the literature, this technique could be the method of choice for primary inguinal hernia repair. It is suitable for registrars and young surgeons working in clinics not specialized in this pathology.
Influence of dexamethasone on appetite and body weight in lung cancer patients
Authors: Sarcev Tatjana , Secen Nevena , Sabo Ana , Povazan Djordje
Published: April 2009

Introduction Anorexia and cachexia are the most common symptoms in cancer patients. They increase morbidity and mortality among cancer patients as well as complications of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The most common drugs for treatment of cancer cachexia are corticosteroids and megestrol acetate. Material and Methods The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of dexamethasone on appetite loss and weight loss in lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Group A (30 patients) was treated with cisplatin, etoposide and standard supportive therapy, while group B (30 patients) received, in addition to this treatment, dexamethasone in the dose of 8 mg intravenously per day (1-3 day of chemotherapy). Results There was a statistically significant difference in appetite loss between two groups after the second chemotherapy cycle favoring group A. The analysis of weight loss showed a statistically significant difference between two groups after both chemotherapy cycles, once again in favor of group A. Concerning the improvement of appetite and weight gain, there was no statistically significant difference between two groups after both chemotherapy cycles. Discussion Many double-blind randomized controlled studies showed beneficial symptomatic effect of corticosteroids in cancer cachexia, especially on the improvement of appetite, food intake and performance status. In most of the studies the weight gain was not recorded. The most effective type of corticosteroids, dose and route of administration have not been established. Conclusion Dexamethasone significantly decreases appetite loss and weight loss in lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy, while it has no influence on appetite improvement and weight gain.
An early contact with the baby: Benefit for the mother
Authors: Djordjevic Gordana , Jovanovic Bozidar , Djordjevic Momcilo
Published: April 2009

Introduction Numerous studies on the early contact between mother and the baby and the time they spend together-common stay stress the fact that these are invaluable for the mothers, infants, family and society in general. The objective of the research. The objective of the research was to establish whether mother benefits from the early contact with her baby and the importance of the time period they spend and share together. Materials and methods The study group consisted of 216 mothers that spend the time with their babies and had the early contact with the babies as well, and the control group consisted of 216 mothers that were detached from their babies. Puerpera were observed in the aspects of the uterus involution, post delivery hemogramme on the third day after the childbirth, sanitary napkin consumption and the hospitalization length. Results For the study group the following was significant: less of the bad uterus involution, less of the post delivery anemia measured in the hemoglobin values and in the number of erythrocytes, less of the sanitary napkin consumption and the shorter hospitalization length. Discussion The early contact and the time spent with their babies after the childbirth influence the less blood loss analyzed by post delivery hemogramme, better uterus involution, less of the sanitary napkin consumption analyzed in the first three days after the childbirth and the shorter hospitalization length. The positive component of the breastfeeding oxytocic reflex is probably responsible for these effects. Conclusion Puerpera benefit from the early contact and the time spent with their babies.
Specific dermatoses of pregnancy: New classification and differential diagnosis
Authors: Medenica Ljiljana , Vesic Sonja , Sretenovic-Vukicevic Jelica
Published: April 2009

Introduction The specific dermatoses of pregnancy represent heterogeneous group of pruritic skin disorders that occur exclusively in pregnancy. Specific Dermatoses of pregnancy The updated classification proposed subdividing specific dermatoses of pregnancy into four main categories: 1. atopic eruption of pregnancy; 2. polymorphic eruption of pregnancy; 3. pemphigoid gestationis; 4. intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Severe pruritius, which is the main symptom in all 4 entities, can impair maternal quality of life. Significant maternal risks are not associated with specific dermatoses of pregnancy; however, pemphigoid gestationis and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy are associated with fetal risks. Conclusion Pathognomonic laboratory tests are not available, except direct immunofluorescence which is diagnostic of pemphigoid gestationis and elevated serum level of bile acids of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Characteristic clinical features provide discrimination between polymorphic eruption of pregnancy and atopic eruption of pregnancy.
Postnatal follow-up of children having antenatal hydronephrosis
Authors: Milosevic Biljana , Stojanovic Vesna
Published: April 2009

The application of antenatal ultrasound for the evaluation of congenital anomalies in early pregnancy has become a common practice. Hydronephrosis is the most common anomaly observed. Antenatal interventions are experimental and done in advanced centers. Though there are defined criteria of intervention, it is still not clear as to who will benefit. Most patients will have relatively benign course, however identification of those who will have potentially serious postnatal problems permits early intervention. This study gives recommendations for the postnatal examination and follow-up of the newborns having hydronephrosis diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound.
Dilemmas in diagnostics of disseminated echinococcosis
Authors: Lalosevic Dusan , Fenyvesi Attila , Lalosevic Vesna , Popovic Zelimir , Mesaros Antal
Published: April 2009

A case of disseminated peritoneal echinococcosis localized in the small pelvis and ovary was diagnosed in a 12-year old girl. Secondary hydatid echinococcosis following the rupture of a primary liver cyst was presumed. A morphological differential diagnosis of the unilocular and multilocular or alveolar echinococcus in biopsy material was considered. Finding of a protoscolex or at least chitin hooklets suggests a hydatid echinococcus, whereas alveolar or multilocular echinococcus does not produce protoscoleces in humans, hence the absence of their hooklets in the material is considered an important morphological diagnostic criterion.
Nuclear Accumulation of β-Catenin Protein Indicates Activation of wnt Signaling in Chemically Induced Rat Nephroblastomas
Authors: Ehrlich David , Bruder Elisabeth , Thome Martin A. , Gutt Carsten N. , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus , Niggli Felix , Perantoni Alan O. , Koesters Robert
Published: April 2009

Aberrant wnt signaling caused by mutations in CTNNB1 occurs in about 15% of Wilms tumors, and these mutations appear to be dependent on the concomitant mutational inactivation of the zinc-finger protein WT1. Nuclear β-catenin protein, a substitute marker of active wnt signaling, has been detected in an even higher proportion (>50%) of Wilms tumors, suggesting alternative genetic pathways leading to β-catenin activation. Thus, targeting wnt signaling may become an important future therapeutic strategy in Wilms tumor patients. Currently, chemically induced rat nephroblastomas provide the only available rodent model for this tumor. To determine the contribution of active wnt signaling in this model, we investigated 24 chemically induced rat nephroblastomas for β-catenin protein expression and for Ctnnb1 and WT1 mutations. Immunohistochemistry showed focal strong nuclear accumulation of β-catenin protein in 18 of 24 tumors, although in a heterogenous pattern. Blastemal and mesenchymal compartments displayed nuclear-positive cells more frequently than areas of epithelial differentiation. Interestingly, we found no mutation of exon 3 of Ctnnb1 and no mutation within the zinc-finger region of WT1 in any of the 24 tumors analyzed. In conclusion, our findings suggest activation of wnt signaling in the majority (63%) of chemically induced rat nephroblastomas. Nuclear expression of β-catenin in the absence of Ctnnb1 mutations implies, however, alternate mutational targets in rat nephroblastomas.
Clinical and Histopathologic Features of Chordomas in Children and Young Adults
Authors: Ridenour Robert V. , Ahrens William A. , Folpe Andrew L. , Miller Dylan V.
Published: April 2009

Chordoma is a tumor of the axial skeleton that is distinctly uncommon in children and adolescents. Previous observations have suggested that chordomas in pediatric patients differ from adult chordomas in presentation, morphology, and behavior. This study examines the clinical and histologic features of chordomas in young patients (≤25 years old). All cases from the Mayo Clinic files were graphed according to age and a bimodal distribution was observed. The 35 cases representing the youngest population were selected for review. Histopathology ranged from low cellularity tumors with lobulated architecture and abundant myxoid matrix (conventional chordoma), to those with varying amounts of chondroid matrix (chondroid chordoma), to more cellular tumors (atypical chordoma), and finally to neoplasms with high-grade spindle-cell differentiation (dedifferentiated chordoma). Over an average follow-up period of 129 months (range 1 to 501 months), there were 13 deaths (37%) and 3 patients with metastasis. This survival rate was slightly better than the reported mortality rate for adults with chordoma, but there was a subset of young patients (those with atypical chordoma) that had a significantly worse survival rate, suggesting that histologic subtyping may be predictive of prognosis.
Peritubular Contractile Cells in Testis and Epididymis of the Dog, Canis lupus familiaris
Authors: Egger Gunter F. , Witter Kirsti
Published: April 2009

Contractile cells surrounding the tubular system of the mammalian testis and epididymis are supposed to contribute to the initial transport of spermatozoa from the testis to epididymis. Testicular peritubular smooth muscle cells have been characterised in detail especially in rodents and humans. The aim of our study was to assess the distribution of peritubular contractile cells of the canine tubuli seminiferi, rete testis channels, ductuli efferentes, and ductus epididymidis by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy and to classify these cells with respect to their possible physiological function. The entire tubular system of the canine testis and epididymis is surrounded by contractile cells expressing smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle myosin and desmin, which are enveloped, at least partly, by a basal lamina. Some contractile cells of the tubuli seminiferi, rete channels, and efferent ducts and sometimes also single peritubular cells of the ductus epididymidis express vimentin. Contractile cells of seminiferous tubules and efferent ducts represent an intermediate cell type exhibiting characteristics of both smooth muscle cells (SMC) and myofibroblasts, those of rete channels stellate myofibroblasts, and those of the ductus epididymidis SMC. Differences in structure and arrangement of the contractile cells between seminiferous tubules, rete channels, efferent ducts, and ductus epididymidis suggest different functions. Myofibroblasts and contractile cells similar to them could be mainly responsible for the maintenance of an appropriate tissue turgor, whereas contraction of SMC of the ductus epididymidis might cause propulsion of spermatozoa by peristaltic waves.
In Vitro Contractile Response of Rabbit Myometrium to BKCa and KATP Potassium Channel Openers
Authors: Fraňová Soňa , Janíček František , Nosáľová Gabriela , Šutovská Martina , Višňovský Jozef
Published: April 2009

The aim of the study was to evaluate the participation of ligand-sensitive potassium large conductance calcium-activated channels (BKCa) and ATP-sensitive potassium channels in uterine smooth muscle reactivity during different stages of the experimentally induced proliferatory and secretory phase in the sexual cycle in ovariectomised rabbits in vitro. The myometrial reactivity to oxytocin (10-6 mol l-1) was investigated by an in vitro method in female rabbits 14 days after ovariectomy treated with 17β-estradiol - 1 mg/kg/day i.m. for 7 days, or with a combination of progesterone 2 mg/kg/day s.c. for 7 days and 17β-estradiol - 0.2 mg/ kg/day (day 3–7). The strips of myometrial smooth muscle were incubated with a specific opener (NS 1619) and an antagonist (TEA) of potassium large conductance calcium-activated channel, or with a specific opener (pinacidil) and an antagonist (glybenclamide) of ATP-sensitive potassium channels before the administration of oxytocin. NS1619 produced more potent inhibition of the oxytocin-induced contraction during the gestagen dominance (experimental secretory phase) than the one observed during the oestrogen dominance (experimental proliferatory phase). TEA antagonized the NS1619 induced inhibition of the myometrial contraction. In the matter of KATP potassium channels, after the administration of pinacidil we observed a similar situation in the changes of myometrial contractility. Pinacidil produced more pronounced inhibition of oxytocin-induced contraction during the secretory phase, and its effect was abolished by the selective inhibitor glybenclamide. Our experimental results indicate that both potassium large conductance calcium-activated channels and ATP-sensitive potassium channels significantly participate in the regulation of myometrial oxytocin-induced contractions and the activity of these channels is probably influenced by the levels of oestrogens and gestagens.
Microelement Supplementation in Dairy Cows by Mineral Lick
Authors: Krys Štěpán , Lokajová Eva , Podhorský Aleš , Pavlata Leoš
Published: April 2009

The aim of this experiment was to verify the option of providing microelement supplementation to dairy cows in the dry period through supplemented mineral lick, and then to compare the content of microelements in the blood, colostrum and milk. The experiment was carried out on a farm with Czech Fleckvieh dairy cows. We formed an experimental group (E), supplied with mineral lick ad libitum enhanced with organic forms of microelements (Se, Zn, Cu, Mn) for four to five weeks before parturition and 1 week after parturition. The control group (C) did not receive any mineral lick. The use of mineral lick by cows was very uneven, its total consumption oscillated between 0 to 250 g of lick per animal per day. Lick feeding did not result in evidential increase of concentrations of monitored microelements in the cows’ blood, colostrum and milk. Only a tendency to increased concentrations of Se and Cu in the blood of group E of cows was observed; the average Se concentration increased by 60 μg l-1 (Cu by 9 μmol l-1), whereas in group C, Se increased only by 30 μg l-1 (Cu by 6 μg l-1). The concentration of microelements in colostrum after parturition dropped quickly. Significant drops were determined for Se, Cu and Zn on the first (for Mn on the second) day after parturition. Selenium concentration in the first colostrum was 5 times higher than in milk, Cu concentration 3 times higher, Zn concentration 4 times higher and Mn concentration 1.3 times higher.
Indicators of the Internal Environment of Gasconne Calves during Rearing
Authors: Pavlík Aleš , Zahrádková Radka , Bureš Daniel , Jelínek Pavel , Havlíček Zdeněk
Published: April 2009

Selected indicators of the internal environment were determined in 11 bulls and 11 heifers of the Gasconne breed. Blood was sampled and the live weight was recorded on a regular basis at ages of 64, 99, 127, 155, 190, 216 and 253 days. Plasma concentrations of total proteins, urea, glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, total bilirubin, activity of alkaline phosphatase, alanine- and aspartate aminotransferase, concentrations of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc and copper were assessed. The effects of sex (p < 0.01) on changes in the concentration of total proteins, urea and total cholesterol (p < 0.05) were found. Enhanced growth intensity had a positive effect on the concentration of total cholesterol (r = 0.52; p < 0.05) but a negative correlation was detected between the growth intensity and activity of ALT (r = -0.50; p < 0.05), AST (r = -0.46; p < 0.05), and magnesium (r = -0.35; p < 0.05). The age of the animals affected the concentration of plasma triodothyronine (r = -0.45; p < 0.05), ALP (r = -0.64; p < 0.05), urea (r = -0.66; p < 0.05) and iron (r = -0.34; p < 0.05). The indicators of internal environment determined in this study were within the physiological range and therefore helped to specify the health and nutritional status of animals reared in extensive suckling cows systems.
Effects of Enriched Housing Design on Broiler Performance, Welfare, Chicken Meat Composition and Serum Cholesterol
Authors: Simsek Ulku Gulcihan , Dalkilic Bestami , Ciftci Mehmet , Cerci Ibrahim Halil , Bahsi Muammer
Published: April 2009

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of enrichment housing design on performance, selected welfare indicators, chicken meat composition and serum cholesterol concentration of broiler chicken. For this purpose, 480 Ross-308 chicks were assigned to two groups, Control and Test, each with 4 replications. The pens of the Test Group were enriched with perches and sand bedding. At the end of the study, 8 males and 8 females whose live weights were close to the group average from each group were slaughtered. Their blood was collected and serum was separated. For chemical analysis of the chicken meat, whole carcasses of 4 males and 4 females, and half of the breast and left thigh from the remaining 4 males and 4 females were collected. In the carcass group, whole carcass with its bones was minced, whereas in the other groups breast and tight meat were separated from the bones and minced in a meat grinder, homogenized with an electronic mixer, then flash frozen (-40 °C, 8–10 h) and stored (-20 °C, 3–4 weeks) until analysed. There was no significant difference between the groups in body weight, daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and survivability. Litter moisture of the sand bedding was lower than that of the wood shavings. Contact dermatitis of hocks was reduced in the Test Group (P < 0.05). Length, width, bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the left tibiotarsus were similar between groups. The protein ratio of thigh meat was higher (P < 0.01), and fat ratio of the meat was lower (P < 0.05) in the Test Group. Enriched housing design increased serum HDL cholesterol level and decreased thigh meat cholesterol level (P < 0.05). In conclusion, it was found that housing enriched with perches and sand bedding in addition to wood shavings bedding improved broiler welfare and meat quality.
Effects of Genotype, Age and Their Interaction on Egg Quality in Brown-Egg Laying Hens
Authors: Zita Lukáš , Tůmová Eva , Štolc Ladislav
Published: April 2009

The experiment compared the effects of strain and age on egg quality characteristics in ISA Brown, Hisex Brown and Moravia BSL brown-egg laying hens. One hundred and eight ISA Brown hens, forty-five Hisex Brown and forty-five Moravia BSL 20 to 60 weeks old were housed in conventional cages (550 cm2 per hen). Feed and water were available ad libitum. Eggs were sampled at 21-day intervals, every collecting week 150 eggs per genotype in three age periods, from 20 to 26 weeks, 37 to 43 weeks and 54 to 60 weeks of age. A total of 4,050 eggs were examined. Egg quality characteristics were affected by genotype and age. Egg weight, yolk weight and percentage, Haugh Units increased with the hens’ age in all genotypes, but albumen and eggshell percentage decreased, eggshell thickness and strength improved with age. The highest egg weight (65.3 g) and yolk quality (yolk index 45.1%) were found in Moravia BSL at the end of the experiment. In contrast, the best albumen quality (albumen percentage 60.0) values were in Hisex Brown and the eggshell quality measurements (eggshell thickness 0.38 mm) were higher in ISA Brown.
Body Size and Behaviour Traits of Dogs in Czech Households
Authors: Baranyiová Eva , Holub Antonín , Tyrlík Mojmír
Published: April 2009

The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of body size of dogs on their coexistence with humans in Czech households. For this purpose we used questionnaire data on 246 dogs indicating the breed. The dogs were divided into five body size groups, i.e. toy (T, up to 5 kg body mass, n = 32), small (S, 5 - 10 kg body mass, n = 52), medium size (M, 10 - 17 kg body mass, n = 39), large (L, 17 - 33 kg body mass, n = 70), giant (G, over 33 kg body mass, n = 53). The largest dogs surpassed the body mass of the smallest dogs at least seven times, and giant dogs weighed at least one half and toy dogs less than one tenth of the average body mass of people in the Czech human population. Despite this the majority of the studied traits regardless of body mass of the dogs showed no significant differences. In the vast majority of Czech households all dogs were considered household members, taken on travels or vacations, photographed and their birthdays were celebrated. Aggressiveness of the dogs did not correlate with their body size. Among the 84 traits of the behaviour of dogs and their owners, which were analysed, only 23, i.e. 27.4% traits were significantly related to their body mass. Larger and heavier dogs were more frequently kept in houses with yards and gardens, in rural environments. Toy and small dogs prevailed in urbanised environments, in apartments. They were allowed to use furniture, sleep in beds of household members. Moreover, toy dogs predominated in one-person households. Large dogs were more often trained, sometimes by professional trainers, obeyed commands better and were more often described as obedient. They were considered not only as companions but also as working dogs. Giant size dogs were also more often trained to be protective. These data show that the differences in the body size of dogs modified their co-existence with humans only to a limited extent.
Experimental Assessment of a New Type of Carbon-Coated ARTECOR® Vascular Prosthesis in Sheep
Authors: Podlaha Jiří , Dvořák Martin , Žižková Věra , Dvořák Rudolf , Kabeš Radovan , Jelínek Miroslav , Veselý Karel
Published: April 2009

The aim of the study was to test and verify the characteristics of a new type of carbon-coated ARTECOR® vascular prosthesis developed at the Knitting Research Institute, a.s. Brno. Eight healthy Merino sheep, aged between 2 and 3 years, were implanted four types (A, B, C with diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating and D as a control without DLC) of vascular prostheses. The site of implantation was the common carotid artery; the length of the implant was 7 cm. All sheep received antibiotics prophylactically in accordance with the theory of the so-called “protected coagulum”. Doppler ultrasound examination was performed before finishing the operation to verify the patency of each prosthesis. During the study period the animals were closely observed. Prostheses were extirpated on day +/- 100 in 6 sheep and on day 182 in 2 sheep. Type B prosthesis showed better results according to its postoperative patency. The implant lumen was constantly 7 mm, whereas the use of other types resulted in lumen narrowing. Type B prosthesis has a deposition of DLC coating of a thickness of 20 nm with a high content of sp3 bonds (more diamond-like ones). The experimental type B of prosthesis ARTECOR® appears to be the most successful of the tested prostheses (at the end of the study all B-type prostheses remained patent). This prosthesis appears to better satisfy the rheologic characteristics for healing.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oil in Mice
Authors: Juhás Štefan , Bukovská Alexandra , Čikoš Štefan , Czikková Soňa , Fabian Dušan , Koppel Juraj
Published: April 2009

Essential oils are plant secondary metabolites possessing various pharmacological properties, primarily anti-oxidative, antimicrobial or immunomodulative, but they can exhibit toxic and allergic effects as well. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil dietary administration in carrageenan paw oedema and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis. ICR mice received rosemary essential oil at three concentrations (1 250, 2 500 and 5 000 ppm) in the standard laboratory diet starting two weeks before the experiments. The inflammation of paws induced by carrageenan application was evaluated by measurement of paw swelling, paw weight and myeloperoxidase activity. In the TNBS model the mice were killed by cervical dislocation 3 days after colitis induction and the mortality, changes in the body weight of mice, colon weight : body weight ratio, macroscopical scores and myeloperoxidase activity were analysed. Furthermore, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokine levels in colonic tissue were quantified using ELISA assay. Dietary supplementation with 5 000 ppm of rosemary essential oil initially after 2 h increased but after 24 h suppressed the extent of paw oedema. The same dose in the TNBS model exhibited protective effects on colonic mucosa and significantly decreased macroscopic scores for colonic inflammation. On the other hand, in colon samples from mice fed the diet with 1 250 ppm of rosemary essential oil we detected decreased myeloperoxidase activity and significantly lower levels of IL-6 compared to TNBS control animals. Our results indicate that rosemary essential oil is able to influence several variables of murine experimental inflammatory models depending on the concentration used. We conclude that the anti-inflammatory effects of rosemary essential oil should be interpreted carefully due to its timeand dose-related effects.
Disposition Kinetics and Optimal Dosage of Ciprofloxacin in Healthy Domestic Ruminant Species
Authors: Javed Ijaz , Iqbal Zahid , Zia-Ur-Rahman None , Khan M. Zargham , Muhammad Faqir , Aslam Bilal , Sandhu Mansoor A. , Sultan Javed I.
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this experimental study was to determine the disposition kinetics and optimal dosages of ciprofloxacin in healthy domestic ruminant species including adult female buffalo, cow, sheep and goat. The drug was given as a single intramuscular dose of 5 mg/kg. The plasma concentrations of the drug were determined with HPLC and pharmacokinetic variables were determined. The biological half-life (t1/2 β was longer in cows (3.25 ± 0.46 h) followed by intermediate values in buffaloes (3.05 ± 0.20 h) and sheep (2.93 ± 0.45 h) and shorter in goats (2.62 ± 0.39 h). The volume of distribution (Vd) in buffaloes was 1.09 ± 0.06 l/kg, cows 1.24 ± 0.16 l/kg, sheep 2.89 ± 0.30 l/kg and goats 3.76 ± 0.92 l/kg. Total body clearance (ClB) expressed in l/h/kg was minimum in buffaloes 0.25 ± 0.02 followed by values in cows 0.31 ± 0.02 and sheep 0.75 ± 0.04 and maximum in goats 1.09 ± 0.11. An optimal dosage regimen for 12-h interval consisted of 5.17, 5.62, 6.54 and 6.10 mg/kg body weight as priming and 4.84, 5.37, 6.26 and 5.91 mg/kg body weight as maintenance intramuscular dose in buffalo, cow, sheep and goat, respectively. The manufacturers of ciprofloxacin have claimed 5 mg/kg dose to be repeated after 24 h. However, the investigated dosage regimen may be repeated after 12 h to maintain MIC at the end of the dosage interval. Therefore, it is imperative that an optimal dosage regimen be based on the disposition kinetics data determined in the species and environment in which a drug is to be employed clinically.
Risk Assessment and Consequences of Retained Placenta for Uterine Health, Reproduction and Milk Yield in Dairy Cows
Authors: Könyves László , Szenci Ottó , Jurkovich Viktor , Tegzes Lászlóné , Tirián Attila , Solymosi Norbert , Gyulay Gyula , Brydl Endre
Published: April 2009

The objective of the study was to determine the value of metabolic indicators characterising the energy and acid-base metabolism of dairy cows for predicting the risk of retained placenta (RP). The connection between RP and different factors analysed, and the effect of RP on the development of puerperal metritis (PM) as well as on reproduction and milk production was studied. A total of 105 Holstein-Friesian cows were included and sampled between days -14–0 prepartum and then on days 4, 10–14, 28–35, 56–63 and 84–91 postpartum, for metabolic tests. From day 4, at times coinciding with the days of metabolic sampling, uterine involution and metritis were monitored by clinical examination, and from days 28–35 ovarian activity was monitored by ultrasonography. On days -14–0, the plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration showed a positive Odds Ratio (OR) 102.1, P < 0.05; while urinary net acid-base excretion (NABE) exhibited a negative correlation (OR 0.99; P < 0.05) with the odds of RP. NEFA and NABE were negatively correlated (Pearson’s coefficient: -0.24; P < 0.05). Ketonuria of grade ≥ 2+ increased the probability of RP (OR: Infinite; P < 0.05). On day -14–0 prepartum, elevated plasma NEFA concentration, decreasing urinary NABE and grade ≥ 2+ ketonuria indicates a higher risk of RP. The odds of RP were not influenced by parity, sex and viability of the calf, and the calving assistance. RP increased the risk of PM (OR: 27.3; P < 0.0001). The RP alone did not exert an influence on the metabolic status, reproductive performance or milk production of cows.
A parallel implementation of 3D CT image reconstruction on the Cell Broadband Engine
Authors: Sakamoto M. , Murase M.
Published: April 2009

Cone‐beam X‐ray computed tomography (CT) is attracting increasing attention due to its applications in medicine, biomedical sciences, material engineering, and non‐destructive industrial evaluation. Rapid volumetric image reconstruction is highly desirable in all these fields for prompt visualization and analysis of complex structures of interest. However, in most applications, volumetric image reconstruction is still a very demanding computational task. The Cell Broadband Engine architecture (CBEA) is a novel microprocessor architecture designed to provide power‐efficient and cost‐effective high‐performance processing for some of the world's most demanding applications, including next generation game consoles. Applications that show special promise of benefiting from CBEA are medical imaging, security and surveillance, digital media, entertainment, communications, and certain scientific workloads. We believe that the CBEA is a good vehicle for processing 3D CT image reconstructions because it has the capability of reaching 200 Gfps. We implemented 3D CT image reconstruction on the CBEA. However, the programming scheme of the CBEA is different from single‐core architectures. To archive peak performance on the CBEA, coding optimizations are needed to exploit the unique features of the hardware. In this paper, we describe the parallelization of the 3D image reconstruction algorithm on the CBEA. The results show that the CBEA can achieve significant run time savings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper‐Catalyzed N‐Arylation of Hindered Substrates Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Wentzel Michael T. , Hewgley J. Brian , Kamble Rajesh M. , Wall Philip D. , Kozlowski Marisa C.
Published: April 2009

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A mild, efficient method utilizing a copper‐diamine catalyst at room temperature is reported for the coupling of hindered imidazoles with unsubstituted, ortho‐substituted, and bis‐ortho‐substituted boronic acids in good to excellent yields. Aryl halides do not reaction under these conditions permitting sequential N‐arylation reactions.
The Use of Copper Flow Reactor Technology for the Continuous Synthesis of 1,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Bogdan Andrew R. , Sach Neal W.
Published: April 2009

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A library of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles was synthesized using a copper flow reactor. Organic azides, generated in situ from alkyl halides and sodium azide, were reacted with acetylenes using the copper‐catalyzed Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. This process eliminates both the handling of organic azides and the need for additional copper catalyst and permits the facile preparation of numerous triazoles in a continuous flow process.
Catalytic Asymmetric Ring‐Opening Reaction of meso‐Epoxides with Aryl Selenols and Thiols Catalyzed by a Heterobimetallic Gallium‐Titanium‐Salen Complex
Authors: Sun Jiangtao , Yang Minghua , Yuan Fang , Jia Xuefeng , Yang Xia , Pan Yi , Zhu Chengjian
Published: April 2009

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A chiral heterobimetallic Lewis acid complex has been developed as an efficient catalyst. The enantioselective desymmetrization of meso‐epoxides with aryl selenols and thiols catalyzed by the heterobimetallic complex has been optimized. The optically active β‐arylseleno alcohols and β‐hydroxy sulfides were obtained in good yields and high enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee and 92% ee, respectively). A strong synergistic effect between different Lewis acids was exhibited in the catalytic process.
Ionic Liquid (IL) as an Effective Medium for the Highly Efficient Hydroacylation Reaction of Aldehydes with Azodicarboxylates
Authors: Ni Bukuo , Zhang Qianying , Garre Satish , Headley Allan D.
Published: April 2009

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The highly efficient hydroacylation reaction of aldehydes with azodicarboxylates has been carried out in the ionic liquid,1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, [BMIM] [NTf2]. The products were readily separated by extraction from the reaction medium and the ionic liquid could be recycled up to 8 times and the yields of the reactions were not affected. Compared to conventional solvents, high yields were achieved with aliphatic saturated aldehydes, and the reaction can be conducted under normal to mild conditions without the use of a catalyst.
A Highly Efficient, Metal‐Free and Convenient Diarylallyl Ether/Thioether Formation via Oxidative C‐H Activation
Authors: Li Yan , Bao Weiliang
Published: April 2009

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A metal free highly efficient and concise oxidative‐coupling ether formation between 1,3‐diarylallylic sp3 C‐H and aliphatic alcohols promoted by 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyanoquinone (DDQ) is reported. This system is also applied to form CS bonds from 1,3‐diarylpropylene and thiols/thiophenols. The corresponding diarylallyl ethers/thioethers are obtained in good yields.
Ionic Liquids‐Based Catalysis with Solids: State of the Art
Authors: Gu Yanlong , Li Guangxing
Published: April 2009

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Topics related to ionic liquid (IL)‐based catalysis with solids not only open new ways for studies of heterogeneous catalysts, but also minimize many of the negative effects that current ILs have encountered. This review evaluates the various examples in solid‐based heterogeneous catalytic systems that have been developed with the aid of ILs. Catalysis over ready‐made solid catalysts in the presence of ILs, immobilizations of homogeneous organic and organometallic catalysts with the concepts of supported ionic liquid phase catalysis, metal nanoparticles catalysts in ILs, catalysis over supported ILs as well as metal complexes and the preparation of solid catalysts by using ILs as solvents have been described. In several cases, detailed information on the performance concerning catalytic activity and recyclability is available.
Highly Convenient, Clean, Fast, and Reliable Sonogashira Coupling Reactions Promoted by Aminophosphine‐Based Pincer Complexes of Palladium Performed under Additive‐ and Amine‐Free Reaction Conditions
Authors: Bolliger Jeanne L. , Frech Christian M.
Published: April 2009

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Sequential addition of 1,1′,1′′‐phosphinetriyltripiperidine and 1,3‐diaminobenzene or resorcinol to toluene solutions of (cyclooctadiene)palladium dichloride [Pd(cod)(Cl)2] under nitrogen in “one pot” almost quantitatively yielded the aminophosphine‐based pincer complexes {[C6H3‐2,6‐(XP{piperidinyl}2)2]Pd(Cl)} (X=NH 1; X=O 2). Complex 1 (and to a minor extent 2) proved to be efficient Sonogashira catalysts, which allow the quantitative coupling of various electronically deactivated and/or sterically hindered and functionalized aryl iodides and aryl bromides with several alkynes as coupling partners within very short reaction times and low catalyst loadings. Importantly, in contrast to most of the Sonogashira catalysts, which either are both air‐ and moisture‐sensitive and/or require the addition of co‐catalysts, such as copper(I) iodide [CuI], for example, or a large excess of an amine, the coupling reactions were carried out without the use of amines, co‐catalysts or other aditives and without exclusion of air and moisture. Moreover, the desired products were exclusively formed (no side‐products were detected) without employing an excess of one of the substrates. Ethylene glycol and potassium phosphate (K3PO4) were found to be the ideal solvent and base for this transformation. Experimental observations strongly indicate that palladium nanoparticles are not the catalytically active form of 1 and 2. On the other hand, their transformation into another homogeneous catalytically active species cannot be excluded.
Year‐round high physical activity levels in agropastoralists of Bolivian Andes: Results from repeated measurements of DLW method in peak and slack seasons of agricultural activities
Authors: Kashiwazaki Hiroshi , Uenishi Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Toshio , Rivera Jose Orias , Coward William A. , Wright Antony
Published: April 2009

By the repeated use of the doubly labeled water method (DLW), this study aimed to investigate (1) the extent of changes in energy expenditure and physical activity level (PAL) in response to increased agricultural work demands, and (2) whether the seasonal work demands induce the changes in the fairly equitable division of work and similarity of energy needs between men and women observed in our previous study (Phase 1 study; Kashiwazaki et al., 1995: Am J Clin Nutr 62: 901–910). In a rural small agropastoral community of the Bolivian Andes, we made the follow‐up study (Phase 2, 14 adults; a time of high agricultural activity) of the Phase 1 study (12 adults; a time of low agricultural activity). In the Phase 2 study, both men and women showed very high PAL (mean±SD), but there was no significant difference by sex (men; 2.18 ± 0.23 (age; 64 ± 11 years, n = 7), women; 2.26 ± 0.25 (63 ± 10 years, n = 7)). The increase of PAL by 11% (P = 0.023) in the Phase 2 was equally occurred in both men and women. The factorial approach underestimated PAL significantly by ≈15% (P < 0.05). High PAL throughout the year ranging on average 2.0 and 2.2 was attributable to everyday tasks for subsistence and domestic works undertaking over 9–11 h (men spent 2.7 h on agricultural work and 4.7 h on animal herding, whereas women spent 7.3 h almost exclusively on animal herding). The seasonal increase in PAL was statistically significant, but it was smaller than those anticipated from published reports. A flexible division of labor played an important role in the equitable energetic increase in both men and women. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.