bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of stage of maturity of whole‐crop barley on intake and liveweight gain by dairy steers differing in initial live weight
Authors: Rustas B.‐O. , Nadeau E. , Johnsson S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe effect of maturity at harvest of whole‐crop barley for ensiling on intake and liveweight gain of dairy steers differing in initial live weight (LW) was evaluated in an experiment over two years. Light (104–120 kg) and heavy (402–419 kg) dairy steers were fed diets containing predominantly whole‐crop barley silage harvested at the milk stage [dry matter (DM) content of 284 g kg−1 and neutral‐detergent fibre (NDF) concentration of 526 g kg−1 DM] or the dough stage of maturity (DM content of 328 g kg−1 and NDF concentration of 445 g kg−1 DM) and supplemented with up to 1 kg of concentrate. Dry matter intake (g kg−1 LW) was higher for whole‐crop barley harvested at the dough stage than at the milk stage of maturity and the difference was greater in heavy than in light steers (P < 0·001). Liveweight gain was higher and feed conversion ratio was lower for dough‐stage compared with milk‐stage silage (P < 0·05) but there was no interaction with size of steer. Whole‐crop barley harvested at the dough stage of maturity promoted higher liveweight gains in dairy steers compared with whole‐crop barley harvested at the milk stage due to a higher DM intake.
Effect of season, soil type and fertilizer on the biomass production and chemical composition of five tropical shrub legumes with forage potential
Authors: Tiemann T. T. , Franco L. H. , Peters M. , Frossard E. , Kreuzer M. , Lascano C. E. , Hess H. D. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe biomass production and the nutritive value of three tropical shrub legumes with condensed tannins (CT) (Calliandra calothyrsus,Flemingia macrophylla,Leucaena leucocephala) and two without CT (Cratylia argentea,Desmodium velutinum) as nitrogen‐rich feed supplements for ruminants were assessed in two field experiments in Colombia. In one experiment, conducted on two different typical tropical soils (mollisol vs. oxisol; pH, 7·8 vs. 5·0; P content, 43 vs. 2 mg kg DM−1), the effects of low and high levels of fertilizer application with P, K, Ca, Mg and S were tested in both the dry and rainy seasons. In a second experiment on the oxisol, the effect of a lower level of application of either P or S fertilizer was assessed. On the oxisol,C. calothyrsusandF. macrophyllahad the highest biomass production (93 and 100 g DM plant−1in 9 weeks respectively) but the dry season caused extremely low DM yields in all species tested.Leucaena leucocephaladid not grow on the oxisol but had the highest biomass production on the mollisol (454 g DM plant−1in 9 weeks). On the oxisol, the mineral concentrations of the forage were below the requirements of ruminant livestock. Fertilizer treatment had no clear effects on the nutrient composition of the forage. The non‐CT shrubC. argenteahad the highest concentrations of most minerals in its forage.
Transplanted XY germ cells produce spermatozoa in testes of XXY mice*
Authors: Lue Y. , Liu P. Y. , Erkkila K. , Ma K. , Schwarcz M. , Wang C. , Swerdloff R. S. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryXXY mouse has been characterized as an experimental model for men with Klinefelter’s syndrome (XXY male phenotype). To test whether donor XY germ cells could proliferate and differentiate in the XXY testicular environment, donor testicular cells from adult (2–3 months old) and immature (10 days old) XY green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic mice were transplanted into the seminiferous tubules of adult (4–7 months old) and young (6 weeks old) XXY recipient mice respectively. Twelve weeks after transplantation, GFP positive spermatogonia were found in 21.74% (five out of 23) of adult XXY recipients who received adult donor cells. The GFP positive segments of seminiferous tubules were observed in 44.44% (four out of nine) young XXY recipients who received donor cells from 10 days old GFP mice. We found using immunohistochemistry and cell morphology that donor‐derived GFP positive germ cells were spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids and spermatozoa in some of the seminiferous tubules of young XXY recipient mice. The results demonstrated that the donor XY germ cells were able to qualitatively complete spermatogenesis in some of the seminiferous tubules of XXY mice.
Structuring of Amazonian bat assemblages: the roles of flooding patterns and floodwater nutrient load
Authors: Pereira Maria João Ramos , Marques João Tiago , Santana Joana , Santos Carlos David , Valsecchi João , De Queiroz Helder Lima , Beja Pedro , Palmeirim Jorge M. 
Published: July 2009

Summary 1. River system dynamics results in ecological heterogeneities that play a central role in maintaining biodiversity in riverine regions. In central Amazonia, large expanses of forest are seasonally flooded by nutrient‐rich water (várzea forests) or by nutrient‐poor water (igapó forests). Inundation patterns and the nutrient load of floodwaters are perhaps the most important abiotic factors determining spatial ecological variations in lowland Amazonia, and so they are expected to strongly influence the structuring of animal communities. 2. We examined how inundation patterns and water‐nutrient load influence the structure of neotropical assemblages of bats, one of the most diverse vertebrate groups in tropical forests. Bat assemblages were sampled with mist nets in central Brazilian Amazonia, across a mosaic of várzea, igapó, and non‐flooding nutrient‐poor terra firme forests in the low‐ and high‐water seasons. 3. An ordination analysis clearly separated the assemblages of the three forest types, demonstrating the structural relevance of both flooding and floodwater‐nutrient load. Flooded forests had lower species richness because of the absence or rarity of species that make roosts out of leaves of understorey plants, and of those that feed on fruits of shrubs. Gleaning insectivores, also partly dependent on the understorey, were less abundant in flooded forests, but aerial insectivores more abundant, presumably because they benefited from a less cluttered foraging environment. These differences suggest that flooding affects bat assemblages mostly because it reduces the availability of niches associated with understorey vegetation, which tends to be sparser in flooded forests. 4. Nutrient‐rich várzea forests had a bat biomass twice that of nutrient‐poor igapó and unflooded forests. This difference was not only mostly due to a greater overall abundance of bats, but also attributable to a disproportionate higher abundance of large‐bodied bat species. 5. We concluded that both flooding and floodwater‐nutrient load are very important in the structuring of lowland Amazonian bat assemblages, with inundation mostly constraining the species composition of the assemblages, and water‐nutrient load mostly influencing the abundance of species. The distinctiveness of bat assemblages associated with flooding emphasizes the need to preserve inundated forests, which are under particular pressure in Amazonia.
The lived experiences of brokered brides who have attempted suicide in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yao‐Yu , Huang Xuan‐Yi , Chen Chung‐Ying , Shao Wen‐Chuan 
Published: July 2009

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of brokered brides who have attempted suicide in Taiwan.Background.  There has been a significant rise in number of brokered brides since the 1970s in Western world and since the 1990s in several Asian countries. However, there is a great lack of research on brokered brides’ suicide around the world.Design.  A descriptive phenomenological study was used to explore the lived experiences of brokered brides who have attempted suicide.Methods.  Purposive sampling, one‐on‐one, in‐depth with semi‐structural interviews were conducted to collect data. Narratives were analysed by Colaizzi’s (1978) seven‐step method.Results.  Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 12 brokered brides. The study group was comprised of females whose average age was 33. Three themes and the sub‐themes were: being a chrysalis (loss of support, loneliness, suffering abused experience, loss of self‐esteem), death of a chrysalis (loss of hope and seeking salvation) and birth of a chrysalis (regaining hope and sense of self‐worth).Conclusions.  These brokered brides suffered from numerous pressures and difficulties in life. Their hopelessness led to suicidal behaviours as a way to get out of trouble. Hence, the need to provide brokered brides with substantial assistance and support in their lives is an issue that cannot be neglected. The results of this study could be used as a reference to provide professionals and the public with a deeper understanding of suicide in this vulnerable group, and provide more appropriate help and care.Relevance to clinical practice.  The suffering may be alleviated by giving brokered brides a reliable support system that they so obviously need. Several recommendations have been made, including amendments in terms of policy, society and the services offered by healthcare professionals.
A review of the role of emergency nurses in management of chemotherapy‐related complications
Authors: Considine Julie , Livingston Patricia , Bucknall Tracey , Botti Mari 
Published: July 2009

Aims and objectives.  To examine the role of emergency nurses in caring for patients who receive chemotherapy in ambulatory oncology settings. Reasons for emergency department presentations are examined, specific sources of clinical risk for patients receiving chemotherapy who require emergency care are discussed and cost implications of emergency department presentations related to chemotherapy are analysed.Background.  Given the increased administration of chemotherapy in ambulatory settings, emergency nurses play an important role in the management of patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. Emergency departments are the major entry point for acute inpatient hospital care of complications arising from chemotherapy.Design.  Systematic review.Results.  Chemotherapy‐related emergency department presentations have considerable clinical and cost implications for patients and the healthcare system. Strategies to improve emergency department management of chemotherapy complications and reduction in preventable emergency department presentations has significant implications for improving cancer patients’ quality of life and reducing the cost of cancer care.Conclusions.  Nurses are well placed to play a pivotal role in chemotherapy management and lead interventions such as a specialist oncology nursing roles that provide information and support to guide patients through their chemotherapy cycles. These interventions may prevent emergency department presentations for patients receiving chemotherapy in ambulatory settings.Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients receiving chemotherapy require access to specialised care to manage distressing symptoms, as they are at significant clinical risk because of immunosuppression and may not exhibit the usual signs of critical illness. A team approach both within and across nursing specialities may improve care for patients receiving chemotherapy and increase effective use of healthcare resources.
The Streptococcus pneumoniae adhesin PsrP binds to Keratin 10 on lung cells
Authors: Shivshankar Pooja , Sanchez Carlos , Rose Lloyd F. , Orihuela Carlos J. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryPneumococcal serine‐rich repeat protein (PsrP) is a pathogenicity island‐encoded adhesin that mediates attachment to lung cells. It is a member of the serine‐rich repeat protein family and the largest bacterial protein known. PsrP production by S. pneumoniae was confirmed by immunoblotting and a truncated version of the protein was determined to be glycosylated. Using isogenic psrP mutants complemented with various PsrP constructs and competitive inhibition assays with recombinant proteins, we determined that PsrP requires an extended SRR2 domain for function and that adhesion is mediated through amino acids 273–341 of its basic region (BR) domain. Affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescent‐activated cell sorting (FACS) and immunofluorescent colocalization studies determined that PsrP binds to Keratin 10 (K10) on the surface of lung but not nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Unglycosylated K10 bound to wild type but not psrP deficient pneumococci; suggesting that unlike other serine‐rich repeat proteins, PsrP‐mediated adhesion is independent of lectin activity. Finally, mice immunized with recombinant (r)PsrPBR had significantly less bacteria in their blood and improved survival versus controls following intranasal challenge. We conclude that the BR domain of PsrP binds to K10 in a lectin‐independent manner, that K10 is expressed on lung cells and that vaccination with rPsrPBR is protective against pneumococcal disease.
Demodex injai infestation and dorsal greasy skin and hair in eight wirehaired fox terrier dogs
Authors: Ordeix Laura , Bardagí Mar , Scarampella Fabia , Ferrer Lluís , Fondati Alessandra 
Published: July 2009

Abstract Demodex injai mites were detected on trichoscopic examinations and/or deep skin scrapings in eight wirehaired fox terrier dogs with dorsal greasy skin and hair. Histological examination performed in five dogs revealed marked sebaceous gland hyperplasia with lympho‐plasmacytic periadnexal dermatitis in all of them. One mite section was observed in one patient. Seven dogs were parasitologically cured after 2 to 7 months of oral ivermectin treatment. Greasy skin and hair resolved in four dogs, was partially reduced in two dogs and persisted in the remaining dog. Skin biopsies were repeated after parasitological cure in two dogs and revealed the persistence of sebaceous gland hyperplasia with mild lympho‐plasmacytic periadnexal dermatitis and no parasites. Based on the findings in this case series, the terrier dog breed might be at increased risk for the development of D. injai mite infestation associated with dorsal greasy skin and hair, and microscopically with sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Persistence of sebaceous gland hyperplasia after parasitological cure in some patients suggested that this histological finding may not always be resulting from Demodex infestation. Moreover, low numbers of adult mites and variable clinical responses to acaricidal therapy suggested a contributory rather than a major role of D. injai in this skin condition. Dermatopathological diagnosis of sebaceous gland hyperplasia, particularly in case of dorsal trunk specimens from terrier dog breeds, warrants the search for D. injai mites on trichoscopic examinations and/or deep skin scrapings.
Keratinocytes treated with peptidoglycan from Staphylococcus aureus produce vascular endothelial growth factor, and its expression is amplified by the subsequent production of interleukin‐13
Authors: Ruíz‐González Verónica , Cancino‐Diaz Juan C. , Rodríguez‐Martínez Sandra , Cancino‐Diaz Mario E. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐transgenic mice develop psoriasiform plaques that resemble human psoriasis, demonstrating that VEGF is an important factor in the development of psoriasis. In human keratinocytes, VEGF is regulated by human cathelicidin LL37, and the expression of this peptide, as well as interleukin‐13 receptor‐alpha1 (IL‐13Rα1) and VEGF, is increased in psoriatic skin. Peptidoglycan (PGN) stimulates innate immunity, inducing cytokines and antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidins), but PGN can also activate psoriatic T‐helper‐1 (Th1) lymphocytes. As neither the bacterial component that induces LL37 and VEGF expression nor the function of IL‐13 in keratinocytes has been clarified, the role of PGN in the induction of these molecules was evaluated in this work.Methods  HaCaT keratinocytes were treated with PGN from Staphylococcus aureus, recombinant VEGF (rVEGF), and recombinant IL‐13 (rIL‐13). The mRNA expression of LL37, VEGF, and IL‐13 was evaluated by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and VEGF and IL‐13 production was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results  Keratinocytes treated with PGN show increased expression of LL37 at 24 h, VEGF at 36 h, and IL‐13 at 72 h post‐treatment. Anti‐Toll‐like receptor 2 (anti‐TLR2) antibody blocked the production of these molecules. LL37 and VEGF expression in keratinocytes treated with PGN was dose dependent. rVEGF induced IL‐13 production and rIL‐13 induced VEGF production at 36 h. The anti‐Flt‐1 antibody blocked IL‐13 expression.Conclusions  These results suggest that PGN from S. aureus can induce LL37 and VEGF expression in keratinocytes, and that this VEGF production can be amplified by subsequent IL‐13 overproduction.
Differential outcomes in 3 types of acute antibody‐mediated rejection
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad A. , De Boccardo Graciela , Schröppel Bernd , Bromberg Jonathan S. , Sehgal Vinita , Dinavahi Rajani , Murphy Barbara , Akalin Enver 
Published: July 2009

Abstract: Introduction:  The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence, predictors, and clinical outcomes of acute antibody‐mediated rejection (AAMR).Methods:  Retrospective analysis of 833 adult patients who received kidney transplantation between 1/1/2001 and 8/15/2007.Results:  The prevalence of AAMR and acute cellular rejection was 2% and 8.2%, respectively. Eight patients had type I, seven type II, and two type III AAMR. All patients had at least one strong donor‐specific anti‐HLA antibodies (DSA) with a median fluorescence intensity (MFI) value of over 6000 and the mean number of strong DSAs was 2.0 ± 0.7. Fifteen of 17 patients received pre‐transplant desensitization treatment. During a median 28 months of follow‐up (range: 12–38 months), two patients died (88% patient survival), and nine lost their allografts (35% graft survival). While all type I AAMR patients responded to treatment, all type III patients, and four of seven patients with type II AAMR lost their allografts earlier, and three type II AAMR patients later due to transplant glomerulopathy.Conclusions:  AAMR is mainly seen in patients with pre‐transplant strong DSAs. There is a striking difference in clinical outcomes of AAMR that types II and III AAMR patients have poor prognosis compared to type I AAMR patients.
Prevalence of childhood obesity from 1978 to 2007 in Japan
Authors: Yoshinaga Masao , Ichiki Tomoko , Tanaka Yuji , Hazeki Daisuke , Horigome Hitoshi , Takahashi Hideto , Kashima Katsuro 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  There are few cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies on identification of the age of onset of obesity. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate 30 years of cross‐sectional and longitudinal changes in the prevalence of obesity from 1978 to 2007 in Japanese children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years of age, using population‐based samples.Methods:  Subject data were obtained from the Annual Reports of the School Health Survey published by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for age and gender based on the reference years from 1979 to 1981 in Japan. The BMI was calculated as weight in kg/(height in m)2.Results:  Cross‐sectional analysis of 5‐, 8‐, 11‐, 14‐, and 17‐year‐olds showed that the prevalence of obesity has gradually decreased since the early 2000s, with the highest prevalence in the late 1990s to early 2000s, except for in 17 year‐old boys. Longitudinal studies showed that the critical periods for developing obesity were in late infancy (between 5 and 6 years of age) and in the high school period in boys, and mainly in late infancy in girls.Conclusions:  Intervention to prevent obesity should be focused on late infancy in both genders and male adolescents in Japan.
A retrospective analysis of anesthesiologic complications in pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: ALEKSIC VALENTINA , RADULOVIC DANILO , MILAKOVIC BRANKO , NAGULIC MIRJANA , VUCOVIC DRAGAN , ANTUNOVIC VASO , DJORDJEVIC MOMCILO 
Published: July 2009

SummaryBackground and objective:  Different clinical and surgical factors can influence the occurrence of anesthesiologic complications in pediatric neurosurgery. Preoperative knowledge of these factors is of great importance in the application of safe anesthetics and a favorable surgical outcome. The objective was to establish the importance of clinical and surgical risk factors on the frequency of anesthesia complications in pediatric neurosurgery.Data and method:  The research, from 1996 to 2000, involved 705 children, aged from <1 year to 15 years, who underwent surgery for elective neurosurgical pathology and severe head injuries. We analysed the influence that: age, the preoperative neurologic diagnosis, the urgency of the operation, additional disorders, the surgical position, and the duration of anesthesia had on the frequency of anesthesia complications. To test the statistical relevance and to confirm the hypothesis, the Pearson’s chi‐square test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used.Results:  Anesthesia complications (cardiovascular, respiratory, air embolism, allergic reactions) were present in 68/705 (9.6%) patients. Their frequency was statistically greater in children for whom the surgery was >240 min, who were in the sitting position and when comorbidity was evident. Neither age nor the urgency of the operation or reoperation had any significant influence on the occurrence of anesthetic complications.Conclusion:  The duration of anesthesia, the sitting position of the patient, and the presence of comorbidities significantly increase the risk of anesthesia complications in pediatric neurosurgery.
Intraoperative radiotherapy during radical prostatectomy for intermediate‐risk to locally advanced prostate cancer: treatment technique and evaluation of perioperative and functional outcome vs standard radical prostatectomy, in a matched‐pair analysis
Authors: Rocco Bernardo , Jereczek‐Fossa Barbara A. , Matei Deliu‐Victor , Verweij Fabrizio , Santoro Luigi , Vavassori Andrea , Ospina Juan Camillo , Cedeira Francisco , Ciocca Mario , Orecchia Roberto , De Cobelli Ottavio 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate a novel approach with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) administered in the surgical field, after pelvic lymphadenectomy (PL) and before radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), evaluating acute and late toxicity, complications and biochemical progression‐free survival (bPFS), as the adequate treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer is still a controversial issue.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween June 2005 and October 2007, 33 consecutive patients with intermediate‐risk or locally advanced prostate cancer were selected for PL + IORT + RRP. IORT was delivered by a mobile linear accelerator in the operating room (electron beam, 12 Gy at 90% isodose). According to the pathological findings further adjuvant radio‐ or hormone therapy could be administered. The median follow‐up was 16 months. This group was compared retrospectively with a historical group of 100 patients who had undergone RRP and further adjuvant therapy, selected with equivalent criteria. The comparison was conducted as a matched‐pair analysis. The perioperative outcomes (surgical time, estimated blood loss, blood transfusions, days of catheterization, days of drainage, days of hospitalization), continence as the functional outcome, acute and late toxicity, rate of complications and bPFS were evaluated and compared.RESULTSThe baseline characteristics of the two groups were equivalent but the node count and the number of positive lymph nodes was higher in the IORT group. The IORT group had longer surgery, and a shorter hospital stay and catheterization. There were no differences in continence rate, and no major complications in either group. The acute and late toxicity and bPFS were equivalent. A retrospective comparison and the short follow‐up were the major limitations.CONCLUSIONSIORT administered before RRP seems a feasible approach, with little effect on the variables evaluated.