bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons from developing and running a clinical database for colorectal cancer
Authors: Sehgal Ashu , Davies Elizabeth
Published: November 2005

Background  Recent policy developments in the UK require the routine monitoring of the performance of cancer services. Developing and using clinical databases is one approach to meet this objective, but to date their implementation has been challenging.

Objective  To describe the development of the Thames Cancer Registry clinical database for colorectal cancer, and to present the lessons learnt in the first five years since its establishment.

Methods  Planning of this clinical database began in 1998. Detailed variables for the data set were derived by analysis of national standards and guidelines. Structured pro formas were designed to abstract data from clinical notes. A pilot study over 12 months collected 400 cases from seven hospital trusts in one cancer network. Data collection over the wider North Thames area began in 1999.

Results  The number of new records entered each year into the database rose from 747 in 1999 to 1107 in 2002. By 2004, it held a total of 8500. However, participation and completeness of data collection varied between trusts. Currently only 18 of 26 trusts in the area submit data and only 12 have done so every year. Overall completeness for key demographic and treatment variables has been between 80 and 100% but less so for more detailed diagnostic and treatment variables (40–60%). Barriers to implementation in trusts could be grouped as organizational, professional and data‐related. Organizational barriers have included changes in the cancer networks, variability in trust commitment to different data sets and lack of personnel to enter data consistently. Professional barriers have included competing priorities and varying commitments within the multidisciplinary clinical teams. Data‐related barriers include the wide range of database formats that are used in trusts, and a tendency for data to be collected at the end of the year rather than continuously.

Conclusions Creating and maintaining a clinical database is a time‐consuming and complex undertaking. Completeness of ascertainment and quality are major issues of concern. Key lessons from this project have been that the commitment of clinicians and the ability of trusts to provide consistent support for data collection are crucial.
Variations in the ability of general medical practitioners to apply two methods of clinical audit: a five‐year study of assessment by peer review
Authors: McKay John , Bowie Paul , Lough Murray
Published: November 2005

Introduction  Clinical audit has a central role in the NHS clinical governance agenda and the professional appraisal of medical practitioners in the UK. However, concerns have been raised about the poor design and impact of clinical audit studies and the ability of practitioners to apply audit methods. One method of making informed judgements on audit performance is by peer review. In the west of Scotland a voluntary peer review model has been open to general practitioners since 1999, while general practice trainees are compelled to participate as part of summative assessment. The study aimed to compare the outcomes of peer review for two methods of audit undertaken by different professional and academic groups of doctors.

Methods  Participants submitted a criterion audit or significant event analysis in standard formats for review by two informed general practitioners (GPs) using appropriate instruments. Peer review outcome data and the professional status of doctors participating were generated by computer search. Differences in proportions of those gaining a satisfactory peer review for each group were calculated.

Results  Of 1002 criterion audit submissions, 552 (55%) were judged to be satisfactory. GP registrars were significantly more likely than GP trainers (P < 0.001) and other established GP groups (P < 0.001) to gain a satisfactory peer review. GPs in non‐training practices were less likely to achieve a satisfactory review than registrars (P < 0.001) and colleagues in training practices (P < 0.001). Of 883 SEA submissions, 541 (65%) were judged as satisfactory, with all groups gaining a similar proportion of satisfactory assessments, although GP registrars may have outperformed non‐training practice GPs (P = 0.05).

Conclusion  A significant proportion of GPs may be unable to adequately apply audit methods, potentially raising serious questions about the effectiveness of clinical audit as a health care improvement policy in general medical practice.
Morphological, nanomechanical and cellular structural characterization of human hair and conditioner distribution using torsional resonance mode with an atomic force microscope
Authors: CHEN N. , BHUSHAN B.
Published: November 2005

Characterization of the cellular structure and chemical and physical properties of hair are essential to develop better cosmetic products and advance the biological and cosmetic sciences. Although the morphology of the fine cellular structure of human hair has traditionally been investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy can be used for characterization in ambient conditions without requiring specific sample preparations and surface treatment. In this study, the tapping and torsional resonance modes in an atomic force microscope are compared for measurements of stiffness and viscoelastic properties. The materials were mapped using amplitude and phase angle imaging. The torsional resonance mode showed advantages in resolving the in‐plane (lateral) heterogeneity of materials. This mode was used for investigating and characterizing the fine cellular structure of human hair. Various cellular structures (such as the cortex and the cuticle) of human hair and fine sublamellar structures of the cuticle, such as the A‐layer, the exocuticle, the endocuticle and the cell membrane complex were easily identified. The distribution and thickness of conditioner on the treated hair surface affects the tribological properties of hair. The thickness of the conditioner was estimated using force distance measurements with an atomic force microscope.
Destruction of polymer growth substrates for cell cultures in two‐photon microscopy
Authors: THIBAUD C. , KOUBASSOV V. , DE KONINCK P. , CHIN S. L. , DE KONINCK Y.
Published: November 2005

The choice of the growth substrate for cell cultures used in fluorescence microscopy is guided by several factors including the type of cells studied and the type of microscopy used. Usually, cells can be cultured on either polymer or glass substrates. One type of polymer, termed Aclar, presents several attractive features: the adhesive properties are better than those of glass, the optical properties are comparable to those of glass, it is biochemically inert, unbreakable, flexible and has a high surface tension, convenient for seeding cells on the cover slip. However, here we show that when imaging with two‐photon microscopy, which is based on a femtosecond pulsed laser source, local damage of the Aclar substrate occurs, starting at an average intensity of 105 W cm−2 at the focal point and for exposure times insufficient to cause cell damage. This leads to the appearance of gas bubbles on cultures plated on Aclar cover slips, which perturb the imaging. By contrast, this phenomenon does not occur on borosilicate cover slips, probably because of their different physical (thermal conductivity, absorbance, melting point) and material homogeneity properties. Thus, for cell culture applications using pulsed lasers with high intensities, the use of glass is preferable to Aclar. The results also reveal that substrates can be more susceptible to thermal damage than the cells themselves.
Transpiration‐assisted perfusion fixation provides in situ preservation of developing ray parenchyma cells in Eucalyptus nitens
Authors: WILSON L. , TONKIN M. , BOSSINGER G.
Published: November 2005

The technique of animal vascular perfusion fixation was adapted for in situ fixation of the fragile and difficult to access cells of the ray parenchyma system in stems of 10‐year‐old Eucalyptus nitens trees. In situ fixation enabled tissue to be safely dissected for histological processing without risk of damage to microstructure or initiation of wound response. Fixative was perfused through the active vascular system under hydrostatic and transpiration pressure directly to vessel‐associated ray cells. Diffusion from vessels allowed fixative to access nonvessel‐associated ray cells. Acrolein was included to aid diffusion fixation and safranin dye was included to define fixed regions within the xylem. Sections prepared for light and electron microscopy from samples cut from regions showing intense safranin staining showed good microstructural preservation and were free of artefacts caused by mechanical injury or wound response.
Specific and Time‐Dependent Effects of Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonist RU28362 on Stress‐Induced Pro‐Opiomelanocortin hnRNA, c‐fos mRNA and zif268 mRNA in the Pituitary
Authors: Ginsberg A. B. , Frank M. G. , Francis A. B. , Rubin B. A. , O'Connor K. A. , Spencer R. L.
Published: November 2005

This study examined the effects of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist RU28362 on stress‐induced gene expression in the pituitary of rats to investigate mechanisms of glucocorticoid negative feedback in vivo. In an initial experiment, acute restraint stress produced rapid (within 15 min) induction of c‐fos mRNA, zif268 mRNA and pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) hnRNA within the anterior and intermediate/posterior pituitary as determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Treatment with RU28362 (150 µg/kg, i.p.) 60 min before restraint inhibited adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone secretion and selectively suppressed the stress‐induced increase in POMC hnRNA in the anterior pituitary gland. The failure of RU28362 to surpress the stress‐induced rise in c‐fos and expression of zif268 mRNA suggests that the central release of ACTH secretagogues was not affected at this time point by treatment with the GR agonist. Rather, the inhibition of ACTH release appeared to be due to a direct effect of RU28362 within the pituitary. A follow‐up time‐course study varied the interval (10, 60 or 180 min) between RU28362 pretreatment and the onset of restraint. The stress‐induced increase in POMC hnRNA was completely blunted by RU28362 treatment within 10 min of treatment, although the stress induced hormone secretion, c‐fos mRNA and zif268 mRNA were unaffected. The rapid inhibition of the stress‐induced rise in POMC hnRNA in the anterior pituitary appears to reflect direct, GR‐mediated suppression of POMC gene expression. RU28362 pretreatment 180 min before restraint onset was sufficient to suppress the stress‐induced expression in the anterior pituitary gland of all three genes examined. Thus, the delayed negative feedback effects on hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activity that emerged after 180 min after glucocorticoid treatment were not evident at 60 min. Taken together, the data suggest that the inhibition of the stress‐induced release of ACTH apparent within the first hour of glucocorticoid exposure is effected at the level of the pituitary gland. The delayed glucocorticoid effects evident 180 min after RU28362 treatment may include glucocorticoid actions in the brain and additional actions within the pituitary.
Evidence for a Stimulatory Action of Melanin‐Concentrating Hormone on Luteinising Hormone Release Involving MCH1 and Melanocortin‐5 Receptors
Authors: Murray J. F. , Hahn J. D. , Kennedy A. R. , Small C. J. , Bloom S. R. , Haskell‐Luevano C. , Coen C. W. , Wilson C. A.
Published: November 2005

The present series of studies aimed to further our understanding of the role of melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) neurones in the central regulation of luteinising hormone (LH) release in the female rat. LH release was stimulated when MCH was injected bilaterally into the rostral preoptic area (rPOA) or medial preoptic area (mPOA), but not when injected into the zona incerta (ZI), of oestrogen‐primed ovariectomised rats. In rats that were steroid‐primed to generate a surge‐like release of LH, MCH administration into the ZI blocked this rise in LH release: no such effect occurred when MCH was injected into the rPOA or mPOA. In vitro, MCH stimulated gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) release from hypothalamic explants. Double‐label immunohistochemistry showed GnRH‐immunoreactive neurones in the vicinity of and intermingled with immunoreactive MCH processes. MCH is the endogenous ligand of the MCH type 1 receptor (MCH1‐R). Previously, we have shown a role for melanocortin‐5 receptors (MC5‐R) in the stimulatory action of MCH, so we next investigated the involvement of both MCH1‐R and/or MC5‐R in mediating the actions of MCH on GnRH and hence LH release. The stimulatory action of MCH in the rPOA was inhibited by administration of antagonists for either MCH1‐R or MC5‐R. However, in the mPOA, the action of MCH was blocked only by the MC5‐R antagonist. LH release was stimulated by an agonist for MC5‐R injected into the rPOA or mPOA; this was blocked by the MC5‐R antagonist but not the MCH1‐R antagonist. These results indicate that both MCH1‐R and MC5‐R are involved in the central control of LH release by MCH.
Zigzag and Breakup Instabilities of Stripes and Rings in the Two‐Dimensional Gray–Scott Model
Authors: Kolokolnikov T. , Ward M. J. , Wei J.
Published: November 2005

Two different types of instabilities of equilibrium stripe and ring solutions are studied for the singularly perturbed two‐component Gray–Scott (GS) model in a two‐dimensional domain. The analysis is performed in the semi‐strong interaction limit where the ratio O(ɛ−2) of the two diffusion coefficients is asymptotically large. For ɛ→ 0, an equilibrium stripe solution is constructed where the singularly perturbed component concentrates along the mid‐line of a rectangular domain. An equilibrium ring solution occurs when this component concentrates on some circle that lies concentrically within a circular cylindrical domain. For both the stripe and the ring, the spectrum of the linearized problem is studied with respect to transverse (zigzag) and varicose (breakup) instabilities. Zigzag instabilities are associated with eigenvalues that are asymptotically small as ɛ→ 0. Breakup instabilities, associated with eigenvalues that are O(1) as ɛ→ 0, are shown to lead to the disintegration of a stripe or a ring into spots. For both the stripe and the ring, a combination of asymptotic and numerical methods are used to determine precise instability bands of wavenumbers for both types of instabilities. The instability bands depend on the relative magnitude, with respect to ɛ, of a nondimensional feed‐rate parameter A of the GS model. Both the high feed‐rate regime A=O(1), where self‐replication phenomena occurs, and the intermediate regime O(ɛ1/2) ≪A≪O(1) are studied. In both regimes, it is shown that the instability bands for zigzag and breakup instabilities overlap, but that a zigzag instability is always accompanied by a breakup instability. The stability results are confirmed by full numerical simulations. Finally, in the weak interaction regime, where both components of the GS model are singularly perturbed, it is shown from a numerical computation of an eigenvalue problem that there is a parameter set where a zigzag instability can occur with no breakup instability. From full‐scale numerical computations of the GS, it is shown that this instability leads to a large‐scale labyrinthine pattern.
Efficient analysis in planet transit surveys
Authors: Schwarzenberg-Czerny A. , Beaulieu J.-Ph.
Published: November 2005

With the growing number of projects dedicated to the search for extrasolar planets via transits, there is a need to develop fast, automatic, robust methods with a statistical background in order to carry out the analysis efficiently. We propose a modified analysis of variance (AoV) test particularly suitable for the detection of planetary transits in stellar light curves. We show how labour savings of a factor of over 10 could be achieved by the careful organization of computations. Based on solid analytical statistical formulations, we discuss the performance of our and other methods for different signal-to-noise ratios and numbers of observations.
Enhanced salt tolerance mediated by AtHKT1 transporter‐induced Na+ unloading from xylem vessels to xylem parenchyma cells
Authors: Sunarpi  , Horie Tomoaki , Motoda Jo , Kubo Masahiro , Yang Hua , Yoda Kinya , Horie Rie , Chan Wai‐Yin , Leung Ho‐Yin , Hattori Kazumi , Konomi Mami , Osumi Masako , Yamagami Mutsumi , Schroeder Julian I. , Uozumi Nobuyuki
Published: November 2005

AtHKT1 is a sodium (Na+) transporter that functions in mediating tolerance to salt stress. To investigate the membrane targeting of AtHKT1 and its expression at the translational level, antibodies were generated against peptides corresponding to the first pore of AtHKT1. Immunoelectron microscopy studies using anti‐AtHKT1 antibodies demonstrate that AtHKT1 is targeted to the plasma membrane in xylem parenchyma cells in leaves. AtHKT1 expression in xylem parenchyma cells was also confirmed by AtHKT1 promoter–GUS reporter gene analyses. Interestingly, AtHKT1 disruption alleles caused large increases in the Na+ content of the xylem sap and conversely reduced the Na+ content of the phloem sap. The athkt1 mutant alleles had a smaller and inverse influence on the potassium (K+) content compared with the Na+ content of the xylem, suggesting that K+ transport may be indirectly affected. The expression of AtHKT1 was modulated not only by the concentrations of Na+ and K+ but also by the osmolality of non‐ionic compounds. These findings show that AtHKT1 selectively unloads sodium directly from xylem vessels to xylem parenchyma cells. AtHKT1 mediates osmolality balance between xylem vessels and xylem parenchyma cells under saline conditions. Thus AtHKT1 reduces the sodium content in xylem vessels and leaves, thereby playing a central role in protecting plant leaves from salinity stress.
The time‐dependent effect of gluconasturtiin and phenethyl isothiocyanate on metabolic and antioxidative parameters in rats
Authors: Okulicz M. , Bialik I. , Chichłowska J.
Published: November 2005

The effect of gluconasturtiin (GNST) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) on some metabolic changes and antioxidative parameters in the rat was tested using different doses of PEITC and duration of GNST or PEITC ingestion. Their effect on antioxidative processes was previously observed, however, their influence on metabolic changes is still poorly characterized. In the performed experiment, the effect of GNST (0.5 mg/kg BW) and PEITC (0.1 mg/kg BW or 0.3 mg/kg BW) administered intragastrically after 4 h or 14 days to growing male rats was studied. PEITC at both doses after 4 h of its administration caused a considerable increase in liver cholesterol and triglyceride content with a concomitant drop in the amount of glycogen. Blood glucose, free fatty acids, phospholipids and total, free, esterified cholesterol as well as cholesterol in high‐density lipoprotein were not altered. GNST, at its short‐time ingestion, augmented significantly the concentration of triglycerides in blood serum. The compounds tested had no influence on metabolic changes after a longer period of action with the exception of glycogen values in liver, which were substantially augmented by PEITC at both doses. Our trial revealed a lack of GNST and PEITC influence on the content of liver sulphhydryl groups and on glutathione peroxidase and glutathione‐S‐transferase activities. The only distinct change in the content of malonodialdehyde was observed after short‐time action of lower dose of PEITC. Our research showed that the short‐term PEITC action constituted a significant factor interfering with liver metabolism. Although PEITC has been repeatedly advocated as very promising anticancer agent, in our experiment, the lower dose of PEITC was revealed as a pro‐oxidative substance. These inconsistent properties seem to depend on its dose and time of action.
Effect of sodium phytate supplementation on fat digestion and cholesterol metabolism in female rats
Authors: Yuangklang C. , Wensing Th. , Lemmens A. G. , Jittakhot S. , Beynen A. C.
Published: November 2005

The effects of sodium phytate supplementation on fat digestion and cholesterol metabolism were investigated in female rats. On the basis of an in vitro experiment showing that phytate raised the solubility of bile acids, it was predicted that phytate feeding would depress faecal bile acid excretion, raise apparent fat digestibility and elevate serum cholesterol concentrations. The experimental diets with or without sodium phytate were either cholesterol‐free or cholesterol‐rich and had a normal calcium concentration. Rats fed on the cholesterol‐rich diet with sodium phytate showed enhanced faecal bile acid excretion, but there was no effect on fat digestibility. In rats fed the cholesterol‐free diets, phytate did neither affect fat digestion nor bile acid excretion. Sodium phytate inclusion in the cholesterol‐rich diet raised serum cholesterol concentrations, but reduced liver cholesterol concentration. Thus, the in vivo data do not agree with the in vitro observations. Both phytate and cholesterol feeding influenced mineral and trace element metabolism. Liver zinc concentrations were raised by phytate feeding. Cholesterol consumption reduced hepatic concentrations of copper, iron and zinc. Both phytate and cholesterol feeding reduced the apparent absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Vitamin A nutrition of growing cockatiel chicks (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Authors: Koutsos E. A. , Klasing K. C.
Published: November 2005

The experiments examined the physiological response of growing cockatiel chicks to varying levels of dietary vitamin A (VA) or β‐carotene and the rate of liver VA uptake. Adult cockatiels breeding pairs (n = 10 pairs) were fed a VA‐deficient diet for approximately 90 days prior to onset of egg laying. Breeding pairs were then allowed to feed their chicks diets containing either 0 IU VA/kg, 4000 IU VA/kg, or 2.4 mg β‐carotene/kg. After 5 weeks, chicks fed 0 IU VA developed poor feathering, facial dermatitis and reduced body weight (p < 0.05). Liver VA was higher in chicks fed 4000 IU VA or 2.4 mg β‐carotene vs. those fed 0 IU VA (p < 0.05). Duodenal β‐actin and 15,15′‐dioxygenase mRNA expression was similar to that of growing chickens, and greatest for cockatiel chicks fed 0 IU VA (p < 0.01). Chicks fed 0 IU VA had keratinization of the bursa and oral mucosa, and reduced bursa development and lymphocyte density (p < 0.05). Finally, when chicks fed 0 IU VA were orally gavaged with 20 IU VA/g body weight, maximal liver retinol uptake occurred between 0 and 24 h and reached a plateau at 36 h. These data demonstrate that VA deficiency can be prevented with 4000 IU VA/kg diet or 2.4 mg β‐carotene/kg diet, although β‐carotene conversion to VA may be lower in cockatiels than chickens.
Precaecal and faecal digestibility of inulin (DP 10–12) or an inulin/Enterococcus faecium mix and effects on nutrient digestibility and microbial gut flora
Authors: Böhmer B. M. , Branner G. R. , Roth‐Maier D. A.
Published: November 2005

The aim of the present study was to investigate the precaecal and faecal digestibility of inulin (DP 10–12) and inulin/Enterococcus faecium mix, and the effects of these substances on nutrient digestibility and microbial gut flora. For the experiment four of eight male pigs were fitted with an end‐to‐end ileo‐rectal anastomosis (IRA) with preserved ileo‐caeco‐colic valve. The residual pigs were used as intact partner (IN). The animals received 1.5 kg/day of a diet based on corn, wheat, barley and soybean meal, supplemented with either 8 × 109 CFU E. faecium/kg, 2% inulin or a mixture of both substances. The digestibility trial was carried out from weeks 4 to 8 after surgery. Precaecal digestibility of inulin was assessed to be 57%. The addition of E. faecium to the diet resulted in a similar precaecal digestibility of inulin of 55%. Supplementation of E. faecium, inulin, and a mixture of E. faecium and inulin did not affect precaecal and faecal nutrient digestibility with the exception of the precaecal digestibility of CF which increased when inulin alone was supplemented. Bacterial population in the digesta of IRA and IN pigs were not affected by the experimental diets except the concentration of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. The supplementation of E. faecium to the diet significantly decreased the concentration of bifidobacteria and the population of lactobacilli inclined to decrease when IN pigs received the probiotic diet. The combination of E. faecium and inulin prevented a reduction of enterococci in faeces of IN pigs. The daily digesta excretion (DM) tended to decrease in IRA and IN pigs when inulin was supplemented. The results indicate that inulin (DP 10–12) in pig nutrition did partly react as a prebiotic as has been confirmed for humans. A combination of E. faecium and inulin improves the survival of the probiotic strain through the upper intestinal tract and allocates the synbiotic effect. Furthermore inulin might be able to show positive effects on precaecal and faecal microbial characteristics.
Phytic acid–induced metabolic changes in the rat
Authors: Szkudelski T.
Published: November 2005

Phytic acid (PA) is present in considerable amounts in the seeds of many plant species consumed by animals. Little is known about its influence on metabolic processes. In the performed experiment the effect of rats feeding a standard laboratory diet (Murigran) with increasing supplements of PA on some hormones and biochemical parameters was tested. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of eight animals each. In the first group (control) rats were fed a diet without any supplement whereas the groups II–V received food with added PA: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 1%. After 20 days animals were decapitated, blood serum, liver and tight muscles were sampled. In rats fed a diet enriched in PA the concentration of thyroid hormones was diminished. Simultaneously, T3/T4 ratio was slightly reduced. These changes were accompanied by a rise in blood glucose level and an augmentation in liver and muscle glycogen stores and were found in spite of unchanged blood insulin. Consumption of food with increased amounts of PA resulted in a substantial reduction of liver triglyceride content, but serum triglycerides were not affected. In rats from groups II and III serum free‐fatty acids concentration was reduced. However, in animals receiving highest PA supplement this effect was not observed. Serum calcium and magnesium were not affected by PA. Serum iron was significantly reduced, but only in rats on the highest supplement of the tested compound. Results obtained in this experiment clearly indicate that the PA is able to induce hormonal and metabolic changes in animals. These changes seem to result not only from reduced bioavailability of minerals but also from interactions of PA with nutrients and enzymes in the liver.
Comparing two commercial enzymes to estimate in vitro proteolysis of purified or semi‐purified proteins
Authors: Chaudhry A. S.
Published: November 2005

Two experiments compared the suitability of two commercial enzymes to estimate in vitro proteolysis of different proteins. Experiment 1 compared the proteolytic activity over various incubation times of a microbial enzyme (protease from Streptomyces griseus) with a plant enzyme (papain from Papaya latex) by using either 1.33 (high, H) or 0.4 (low, L) units (U, amount) of each enzyme per mg crude protein (CP) of purified proteins including bovine (BA) or egg albumin (EA). Experiment 2 compared the activity of 0.66 U of each of these enzymes per mg CP of semi‐purified proteins including casein, wheat gluten (WG) and maize gluten meal (MG). Each incubation was terminated by adding trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and the TCA soluble supernatant collected to estimate concentration of total amino acids (AA) as the measure of proteolysis of each protein over each time. The data on proteolysis over time were fitted into a non‐linear model to derive constants for solubility (a) and rate (c) and extents (a + b) of proteolysis of each food by each amount of each enzyme. All data on proteolysis over time and the derived constants were statistically analysed to study the effect of food, enzyme, amount and their interactions. Significant differences were observed between foods, enzymes, enzyme amount (H vs. L for Experiment 1 only) for the proteolysis at most incubation times in both experiments (p < 0.001). The mean proteolysis over all times for BA was 1.6 (SD, 0.52) times greater than EA (p < 0.001). While the protease gave about four times (SD, 2.1) more proteolysis than papain (p < 0.001), the high amount of enzyme gave only about two times (SD, 0.28) greater proteolysis than that of the low amount (p < 0.001). On average, the protease was over three times faster (c) than papain (p < 0.001) and high amount was two times faster than the low amount of enzyme (p < 0.001). While both purified foods were similar in solubility (p > 0.05), they differed in the rate and extent of proteolysis (p < 0.001). The BA was degraded about four times faster than EA (p < 0.001). Amongst semi‐pure proteins, casein gave the highest but MG the lowest proteolysis at each incubation (p < 0.001). However, the magnitude of proteolysis depended upon enzyme, food and hours of incubation. On average, casein was degraded at a much faster rate than WG or MG by both enzymes. It appeared that the protease and not papain can be used to estimate in vitro proteolysis of pure and semi‐pure food proteins. However, further studies are needed to standardise the relevant procedures when using protease to estimate proteolysis of ruminant foods.
Effects of dietary ruminally protectedl‐carnitine on plasma metabolites in sheep following a sub‐lethal ammonia challenge
Authors: Walker D. K. , Lambert B. D. , Woodworth J. C.
Published: November 2005

InExperiment 1, lambs were randomly assigned to 0.25, 1.00, 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 g/day of dietary ruminally protectedl‐carnitine (RPLC) and were allowed to adapt for 20 days. Plasma samples were obtained at 0, 120 and 240 min after RPLC feeding. Plasmal‐carnitine (LC) concentrations increased (p < 0.01) for all levels of RPLC treatment, however, no differences were observed due to level of RPLC or time. Plasma LC concentrations were 27.05 and 57.83 μmol/l for baseline and pooled RPLC treated sheep, respectively. InExperiment 2, lambs were randomly assigned to 0, 0.125, 1.06 and 2.0 g/day of RPLC and were adapted as inExperiment 1. Plasma was collected at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, 240 and 360 min after oral ammonia challenge (300 mg/kg BW urea). Plasma LC concentrations increased with treatment relative to control (p < 0.01). Plasma LC concentrations were 35.7, 44.2, 60.5 and 65.7 μmol/l for the 0, 0.125, 1.06 and 2.0 g/day treatments, respectively. RPLC tended to decrease plasma ammonia at some time points (time × treatment; p = 0.10). We conclude that RPLC increased plasma LC concentrations, but had only modest effects on plasma ammonia concentrations and had no effect on plasma urea or glucose concentrations.
Using Environmental and Feeding Enrichment to Facilitate Feline Weight Loss
Authors: Clarke D. L. , Wrigglesworth D. , Holmes K. , Hackett R. , Michel K.
Published: November 2005

Obesity is regarded as the most common form of malnutrition seen by veterinarians. An estimated 25% of cats are described as overweight or obese and this condition is a known risk factor for other diseases. It is crucial to find effective and practical ways for veterinarians and pet owners to achieve safe weight loss in cats. The objective of this 4–week trial was to promote weight loss by increasing the activity levels of 18 cats through feeding enrichment, food motivated play, increased intensity play sessions, and the introduction of new enrichment structures. The body condition score (BCS) of the cats was determined by one veterinarian (normal, 4; slightly overweight, 5; overweight, 6; obese, 7). Group 1 was composed of eight cats, which were considered to be overweight or obese (median BCS: 6; range: 5–7), while the remaining 10 cats (Group 2) were normal or slightly overweight (median: BCS 5; range: 4–5). The cats were weighed weekly to monitor for safe weight loss in Group 1 and weight maintenance in Group 2. The change in weight from baseline was evaluated with a paired Student t test. Both groups of cats were fed individually to meet maintenance requirements; with Group 1 being fed a weight reduction dry formula and Group 2 fed a feline maintenance canned diet. The cats were exercised three times daily. Two of the exercise sessions (10 min each) used food as motivation and reward for physical activity. The third session (15 min) consisted of intense play using a variety of new toys and enrichment structures, such as tunnels, large paper bags, boxes, and a custom‐built play tower. The cats’ participation in all play sessions was voluntary. The cats were fed twice daily. Half of their ration offered was in an enriched feeding container that required effort and activity to access the food and the balance was offered in a standard dish. The relative amounts of food consumed from either the enrichment container or the dish was recorded. Group 1 cats lost an average of 62 ± 26 g from baseline (−1.1 ± 0.06% body weight) (p = 0.0003) through exercise and feeding enrichment alone. The Group 2 cats did not experience a significant change in weight from baseline, with an average loss of 64 ± 106 g (−0.9 ± 0.7% body weight) (p = 0.09). Despite the short duration of this trial, environmental and feeding enrichment resulted in a small but significant weight loss in Group 1.
Peroxidative protection of high lipid : low dextrose parenteral admixture by D‐α‐tocopherol
Authors: Becvarova I. , Saker K. E.
Published: November 2005

A practical alternative to traditional central line delivery of parenteral admixtures (PA) for small animal patients is utilization of a peripheral route. Admixtures delivered via this route should be a lower osmolarity to prevent complications; to attain this goal a high lipid:low dextrose (HL:LD) is formulated. Lipid peroxidation is a common sequella of PA containing high lipid content. This in vitro peroxidation can lead to oxidative injury of biological membranes in vivo. Despite this concern, peripheral PA have many benefits and continue to be utilized. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to measure lipid hydroperoxides in HL:LD PA; and to determine the optimal dose of d‐α‐tocopherol to minimize peroxidation in the PA during a 24 h hang time. This in vitro experiment included three identical blocks consisting of 14 bags (n = 7 control; n = 7 treatment) filled aseptically with 109 ml of HL:LD PA. Total lipid content per bag was 8 g as soybean oil (Intralipid®). Natural d‐α‐tocopherol (Vital E‐300™) was added to the treatment bags as 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 64 IU/g of lipid. Control bags contained Vital E‐300™ equivalent amounts of ethanol and benzyl alcohol. Bags were hung for 24 h at room temperature under fluorescent light exposure. Hydroperoxides were measured by FOX assay and tocopherols by HPLC at times 0 and 24 h. The level of hydroperoxides was expressed as μM equivalents tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (μM = TBH). A Repeated Measures anova was used for data analysis, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Detectable levels of hydroperoxides were found in all PA at time 0 and 24. Mean TBH concentrations in control bags were 380 and 383 μM at time 0 and 24 respectively. A 3‐way interaction (time x treatment x α‐toc) was observed, p = 0.0018. d‐α‐tocpherol supplementation at 24–64 IU/g lipid decreased (p < 0.0001) TBH production from controls at time 0. By time 24 h, significant reduction in TBH was observed with Vit E concentrations of 48 and 64 IU/g lipid of d‐α‐tocopherol. In conclusion: lipid peroxidation of HL:LD PA occurs immediately following lipid administration, and d‐α‐tocopherol, as Vital E‐300™, appears to significantly minimize this peroxidation process in vitro based on concentration and time of exposure to lipid. This has clinical implications for parenteral feeding in critically ill patients.
Application of surrogate indicators of insulin sensitivity to critically ill cats
Authors: Chan D. L. , Freeman L. M.
Published: November 2005

Hyperglycaemia associated with critical illness is a common finding in non‐diabetic human patients and has important implications for nutritional support. The aetiology of the hyperglycaemia is multi‐factorial but believed to involve alterations in hormones regulating glucose metabolism and the development of insulin resistance. We have previously demonstrated that hyperglycaemia in critically cats similarly involves alterations in circulating concentrations of insulin, glucagon, and cortisol. Namely, with critical illness cats had hypoinsulinaemia, hyperglucagonaemia, and hypercortisolaemia. However, direct determinations of insulin sensitivity in critically ill cats have remained untested due to the complexity of calculations and frequent blood sampling required. Such techniques have, therefore, been limited to experimental models. In the interest of studying insulin sensitivity in clinical cases, surrogate indicators of insulin sensitivity, e.g, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA), and Quantitative Insulin Check Index (QUICKI), have been recently applied to cats and shown to correlate to more traditional insulin sensitivity testing. HOMA is calculated ([insulin]x[(glucose)/22.5]), while QUICKI is (1/ [log insulin + log glucose]).The goal of this study was to apply the HOMA and QUICKI indices to hyperglycaemic critically ill cats and compare them to those of euglycaemic critically ill cats and controls. Twenty‐six critically ill, and 21 healthy control cats were evaluated. Groups were matched for age, weight, and body condition. Of the critically ill cats, 10 were euglycaemic, and 14 were hyperglycaemic (glucose > 180 mg/dL). As compared to euglycaemic critically ill cats, HOMA was found to be significantly greater in hyperglycaemic cats [median 5.30 (range 0.90 – 25.14) vs. [2.19 (0.69 – 7.33); p = 0.016], while QUICKI was significantly lower in hyperglycaemic cats [median 0.30 mg/dl (0.25 – 0.39 mg/dl) vs. [0.34 mg/dl (0.29 – 0.38 mg/dl); p = 0.039]. Higher HOMA and lower QUICKI indices are consistent with an insulin resistant state. However, HOMA and QUICKI were not significantly different between hyperglycaemic and control cats. While the application of these indices may prove useful in determining insulin sensitivity in critically ill cats, future studies are needed to resolve discrepancies demonstrate in the current study.
Taurine And Cobalamin Status of Cats Fed Vegetarian Diets
Authors: Wakefield L., A. , Michel K. E.
Published: November 2005

Cats are obligate carnivores and have essential requirements for certain nutrients that are only found in animal tissues. Notwithstanding this, some caregivers choose to feed their pets vegetarian diets. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional status of cats fed commercial vegetarian diets that were formulated to meet feline nutritional requirements. Caregivers of cats that had been fed vegetarian diets for ≥1 year were recruited nationally through the study web site and at an animal welfare conference. Inclusion criteria for this part of the study included use of commercially available vegetarian diets. Cats on owner‐formulated diets were excluded. Consent was obtained for venipuncture of the cats. Blood and plasma were submitted to the Amino Acid Analysis Laboratory at UC Davis to determine plasma and whole blood taurine concentrations. Serum was submitted to the Texas A&M University Gastrointestinal Laboratory to determine serum cobalamin concentrations. A telephone survey was conducted with each caregiver to gather information about their feeding practices. Results were compared to the normal reference intervals established by the reporting laboratories. Blood was obtained from 16 cats (taurine analysis is pending for one cat). In two instances plasma was not submitted so plasma taurine concentrations were available for only 13/16 of the cats. The mean plasma taurine concentration was 123 ± 42 nmol/ml (median: 125 nmol/ml, range: 52–188 nmol/ml, normal reference range: 60–120 nmol/ml). Only one sample was below the normal reference range and none were below the critical level of 40 nmol/ml. The mean whole blood taurine concentration was 382 ± 121 nmol/ml (median: 346 nmol/ml, range: 224–672 nmol/ml, normal reference range: 300–600 nmol/ml). Three cats fell below the normal range, but were above the critical level of 200 nmol/l. Serum cobalamin for all cats fell within the normal reference range (mean: 883 ± 334 ng/l, median: 1014 ng/l, range: 299–1201 ng/l, normal reference range: 290–1499 ng/l). The cats in this study had sufficient cobalamin intake to maintain normal serum values. Whole blood taurine, a more reliable indicator of taurine status, was normal for the majority of the cats tested. However, three cats had blood values between the normal reference range and the critical level indicating that their dietary intake was marginal.
Feeding Practices of Dog and Cat Owners Reflect Attitudes Toward Pet Foods
Authors: Willoughby K. N. , Michel K. E. , Abood S. K. , Bauer C. , Crabb S. E. , Fascetti A. J. , Fleeman L. M. , Freeman L. M. , Kemp B. L. E. , Van Doren J. R. , Laflamme D. P.
Published: November 2005

The PET DINER study was a telephone survey conducted to better understand why pet owners make certain nutritional decisions for their pets. Both dog and cat owners were included, which allowed us to differentiate the way people feed pet cats vs. pet dogs and how that might reflect owners’ attitudes about pet foods. Prospective survey respondents were selected from local telephone books using a randomized process. A total of 18,194 calls were made from the five study sites between May and August, 2004. 1074 people (6%) representing 619 dogs and 455 cats completed the survey. Detailed information about feeding practices was collected. Pet owners’ perceptions were assessed based on agreement/disagreement with statements regarding pet foods and the pet food industry. The Mann–Whitney Rank Sum test was used to detect differences between dog and cat owners and the Kruskal–Wallis one‐way analysis of variance on ranks was used to evaluate differences among pet owners based on both type of pet and feeding practices (≥75% commercial vs. ≥50% home‐prepared diets). More cats than dogs ate commercial pet food as ≥75% of their main diet (96% vs. 87%, respectively; p < 0.001), and more dogs than cats ate a home‐prepared food as ≥50% of their main diet (6% vs. 3%, respectively; p < 0.009). For five of the statements, a difference in the attitudes of cat vs. dog owners was detected (p < 0.05). In general, this reflected more positive attitudes regarding commercial foods and less positive attitudes regarding home‐prepared foods on the part of cat vs. dog owners. Analysis based on both type of pet and feeding practices identified significant differences among groups for 18/26 statements. However, when the Dunn's Method for pairwise multiple comparisons was applied, significant differences were due to feeding practices rather than type of pet for 17/18 statements. Only differences in attitudes about the statement ‘raw bones can be safely fed to pets’ remained significant for cat vs. dog owners feeding commercial foods. In conclusion, more cat owners than dog owners feed ≥75% commercial foods to their pets and this is reflected in different attitudes about the nutritional soundness of commercial pet foods.
Moderate dietary vitamin C supplement does not affect urinary oxalate concentration in cats
Authors: Yu S. , Gross K. L.
Published: November 2005

To investigate the effect of dietary vitamin C supplement on urinary oxalate concentration in cats, 48 adult American Domestic Short Hair cats were stratified into four groups based on body weight, age, and sex, 12 cats in each group. Cats were fed a nutritionally complete and balanced dry control food for 2 weeks before they were fed one of the four foods (the control food, food 1, food 2, and food 3) for additional 4 weeks. Foods 1–3 were made by supplementing the control food with l‐ascorbyl‐2‐polyphosphate, a stable form of vitamin C. Analysed vitamin C was 40 mg/kg, 78 mg/kg, 106 mg/kg, and 193 mg/kg in the control food, food 1, food 2, and food 3 respectively. Fresh tap water was always available to cats. At the end of the study, dietary vitamin C supplement up to 193 mg/kg did not affect urinary oxalate concentration in cats, even after correction by urinary creatinine excretion (Table 1).

There was a positive linear correlation between vitamin C intake and vitamin C concentrations in the serum (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) and urine (r = 0.33, p = 0.023) but not urinary oxalate concentration (r = –0.07, p = 0.658). Average daily food intake and body weight were similar among dietary groups during the study. In conclusion, dietary vitamin C supplement up to 193 mg/kg does not affect urinary oxalate concentration in cats.

Measurements in cats fed various amounts of vitamin C for 4 weeks

Dietary groups
Control
Food 1
Food 2
Food 3
p‐values

Dietary Vitamin C (mg/kg)
40
78
106
193
 

Body weight (kg)
3.7 ± 0.3
3.8 ± 0.3
3.6 ± 0.4
3.8 ± 0.3
0.445

Food intake (g/day)
40 ± 5
40 ± 6
39 ± 6
40 ± 7
0.950

Vitamin C intake (mg/day)
1.6 ± 0.2
3.1 ± 0.4
4.1 ± 0.6
7.7 ± 1.4
<0.01

Serum vitamin C (μg/ml)
1.5 ± 0.8
2.1 ± 1.0
2.3 ± 0.5
3.4 ± 0.6
<0.01

Urine vitamin C (μg/ml)
5.3 ± 7.1
4.7 ± 3.9
12.8 ± 11
15 ± 14
0.026

Urine oxalate (mM)
0.73 ± 0.1
0.77 ± 0.1
0.74 ± 0.2
0.74 ± 0.2
0.895

Urine oxalate/creatinine
1.6 ± 0.4
1.8 ± 0.3
1.8 ± 0.3
1.9 ± 0.3
0.316

Values in the table are mean ± SD, n = 12; p‐values: GLM analysis
Post Treatment Skeletal Mineral Accretion in Malnourished, Growing Animals
Authors: Lauten S. D. , Bartges J. W. , Kirk C. A. , Klaphake E. A.
Published: November 2005

Cases of rickets and other conditions of malnutrition in growing animals have been uncommon in recent years, but the popularity of raw and homemade diets in companion and exotic animals have resulted in an increased number of cases presented to veterinary clinics and teaching hospitals.

Growing animals, including four puppies, two cougars, two jaguars and one serval, fed non‐commercial diets were diagnosed radiographically with multiple fractures and/or folding fractures. All animals were undersized, exhibited lameness of varying degrees, or were beginning to exhibit neurological signs. A review of diets indicated that they were either imbalanced in calcium:phosphorus or were deficient in calcium. Dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans were performed prior to correction of nutrition imbalances and were followed up with scans at intervals of 30 days and/or 60 and 90 days. Upon discharge, animals were fed commercial growth diets appropriate for their species and were administered calcium carbonate (250 mg PO q 24 h). DEXA scans performed at 30 days showed a significant accretion of bone mineral at fracture sites, with insignificant increase in bone mineral density of long bones. Subsequent radiographs and DEXA scans showed increased cortical bone density, bone healing, and remodelling of fracture sites. It appears that the initial period following correction of mineral malnutrition may involve preferential directing of dietary calcium towards sites of bone injury, without significant improvement in overall bone mineral deficits. The appropriateness of calcium supplementation during correction of calcium malnutrition and normalization of calcium ‘set point’ is not well documented. Additionally, an optimal dose of calcium supplementation that will maximize calcium accretion without a negative feedback response is desired. When treating cases of malnutrition, it is prudent to limit activity during the first 4–6 weeks of treatment to protect the animal from further injury until general increases in bone mineral density occur.