bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship of site and stand characteristics to Armillaria root disease incidence on ponderosa pine in the Black Hills, South Dakota
Authors: Klutsch J. G. , Kallas‐Richlefs M. A. , Reich R. M. , Harris J. L. , Jacobi W. R. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryPonderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) in the Black Hills National Forest, SD, USA, was surveyed for Armillaria root disease (ARD). The root pathogen Armillaria ostoyae occurred on ponderosa pine seedlings, saplings, pole‐size trees and large‐diameter trees. The mean incidence of aboveground disease symptoms by stem count was low (0.2%), but in certain areas, the incidence was higher, affecting the regeneration success and tree longevity. Symptomatic ponderosa pine were in areas characterized by having higher elevation, greater annual precipitation, more seedlings, bigger large‐diameter trees and greater odds of past harvesting activity than in areas without root disease. Stump density was positively spatially correlated with root disease incidence. No particular soil type was related to disease occurrence; though, in areas with symptomatic trees, soil available water holding capacity (AWC) was greater and soil permeability was less where root disease was present. Spatial analysis confirmed the relationships found in linear correlations, with soil AWC and stump density positively and soil permeability negatively correlated with per cent infected stems ha−1 and basal area infected.
Evaluations of the nutritional value of Jatropha curcas protein isolate in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Kumar V. , Makkar H. P. S. , Becker K. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryJatropha curcas seeds are rich in oil and protein. The oil is used for biodiesel production. Jatropha seed cake (JSC) obtained after oil extraction is rich in protein; however, it is toxic (phorbol esters content 1.3 mg/g) and consists of 50–60% shells, which are indigestible. The principle of isoelectric precipitation was used to obtain Jatropha protein isolate (JPI) from JSC and it was detoxified (DJPI). Carp (n = 45, 20.3 ± 0.13 g) were randomly distributed into five groups with three replicates and for 12‐week fed iso‐nitrogenous diets (crude protein 38%): Control [fishmeal (FM)‐based protein]; J50 and J75 (50% and 75% of FM protein replaced by DJPI); S50 and S75 (50% and 75% of FM protein replaced by soy protein isolate). Growth performance and nutrient utilisation parameters were highest in S75 group and not significantly different to those in J50 and S50 groups but were significantly higher than those for all other groups. Similar trend was observed for protein and energy digestibilities of experimental diets, whereas opposite trend was observed for the feed to gain ratio. Activities of intestinal digestive enzymes did not different significantly between the five groups. In conclusion, DJPI is a good quality protein source for carp.
Propionate absorbed from the colon acts as gluconeogenic substrate in a strict carnivore, the domestic cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Verbrugghe A. , Hesta M. , Daminet S. , Polis I. , Holst J. J. , Buyse J. , Wuyts B. , Janssens G. P. J. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryIn six normal‐weight and six obese cats, the metabolic effect of propionate absorbed from the colon was assessed. Two colonic infusions were tested in a crossover design with intervals of 4 weeks. The test solution contained 4 mmol sodium propionate per kg ideal body weight in a 0.2% NaCl solution. Normal saline was given as control solution. Solutions were infused into the hindgut over 30 min. Blood samples were obtained prior to and at various time points after starting the infusion. As body condition did not affect evaluated parameters, all data were pooled. Plasma glucose concentrations showed differences neither over time nor during or after infusion with propionate or control. Plasma amino acid concentrations rose over time (p < 0.001), but were similar for both infusions. Plasma propionylcarnitine rose markedly towards the end of the propionate infusion and decreased afterwards (p < 0.001), whereas 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutarylcarnitine was lower 30 (p = 0.005) and 60 min (p = 0.032) after ending propionate infusions and acetylcarnitine tended to fall at the same time points (p = 0.079; p = 0.080), suggesting inhibition of gluconeogenesis from pyruvate and amino acids, but initiation of propionate‐induced gluconeogenesis. In conclusion, propionate absorbed from the colon is hypothesized to act as gluconeogenic substrate, regardless of the cat’s body condition.
The effect of excess cobalt on milk fatty acid profiles and transcriptional regulation of SCD, FASN, DGAT1 and DGAT2 in the mammary gland of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Karlengen I. J. , Harstad O. M. , Taugbøl O. , Berget I. , Aastveit A. H. , Våge D. I. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of excess cobalt (Co) on gene expression of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD), fatty acid synthase (FASN), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) of lactating dairy cows in relation to milk fatty acid profile. Seven multiparous cows of the Norwegian Red cattle breed (NRF) had their basal diet supplemented with 1.4 g Co as a 24 g/l solution of Co‐acetate per os twice daily for 7 days followed by a 9‐day depuration period. Udder biopsies were performed prior to the treatment period, after 1 week of treatment and immediately after the depuration period. Excess Co reduced the proportion of all cis‐9 monounsaturated fatty acids and increased the proportion of 18:0 in milk. However, gene expression levels of SCD, DGAT1, DGAT2 and FASN were not significantly altered. Our results indicate that the effect of Co on milk fatty acid profile is mediated at the post‐transcriptional level by reduced activity of SCD in the mammary gland. Potential mechanisms explaining how Co might reduce stearoyl‐CoA desaturation are discussed.
Inhibition of the pro‐inflammatory NF‐κB pathway by a grape seed and grape marc meal extract in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Gessner D. K. , Ringseis R. , Siebers M. , Keller J. , Kloster J. , Wen G. , Eder K. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryIn pigs and other monogastric animal, the weaning phase is commonly accompanied by an increased susceptibility to gut disorders such as diarrhoea owing to the induction of an inflammatory process in the intestine during weaning. Given the unfavourable effects of intestinal inflammation on feed consumption, digestive capacity of the intestine and growth of animals, controlling intestinal inflammation is a reasonable approach for the maintenance of performance characteristics of livestock animals. Therefore, this study aimed to study the anti‐inflammatory potential of a commercial polyphenol‐rich grape seed (GS) and grape marc (GM) meal‐based feed additive in a well‐established in vitro intestinal epithelium model (polarized Caco‐2 cells). The anti‐inflammatory potential was evaluated by studying the effect of an ethanolic extract obtained from the GS and GM meal‐based feed additive (GSGME) on the pro‐inflammatory transcription factor NF‐κB, which is considered to play a key role in the induction of weaning‐associated intestinal inflammation. The highest non‐cytotoxic concentrations of the ethanolic GSGME dose dependently reduced TNFα‐induced NF‐κB transactivation and decreased TNFα‐induced mRNA levels of the NF‐κB target genes IL‐1β, IL‐8, MCP‐1 and CXCL1 in Caco‐2 intestinal cells (p < 0.05). No effect of the ethanolic GSGME was observed on the cytoprotective Nrf2 pathway in Caco‐2 cells as evidenced by an unaltered Nrf2 transactivation and unchanged mRNA levels of Nrf2 target genes, such as GPX‐2, NQO1, CYP1A1 and UGT1A1. In conclusion, this study shows that an ethanolic GSGME exerts anti‐inflammatory effects in intestinal cells under in vitro conditions. Thus, polyphenol‐rich GSGM meal‐based feed additives may be useful for the inhibition or prevention of inflammatory processes in the intestine of livestock animals, in particular during states with inappropriate NF‐κB activation in the intestinal tissue, such as the weaning phase. Future studies are warranted to prove the in vivo anti‐inflammatory potential of GSGM meal‐based feed additives.
Effect of dietary citric acid on the performance and mineral metabolism of broiler
Authors: Islam K. M. S. , Schaeublin H. , Wenk C. , Wanner M. , Liesegang A. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary citric acid (CA) on the performance and mineral metabolism of broiler chicks. A total of 1720 Ross PM3 broiler chicks (days old) were randomly assigned to four groups (430 in each) and reared for a period of 35 days. The diets of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were supplemented with 0%, 0.25%, 0.75% or 1.25% CA by weight respectively. Feed and faeces samples were collected weekly and analysed for acid insoluble ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg). The pH was measured in feed and faeces. At the age of 28 days, 10 birds from each group were slaughtered; tibiae were collected from each bird for the determination of bone mineral density, total ash, Ca, P, Mg and bone‐breaking strength, and blood was collected for the measurement of osteocalcin, serum CrossLaps®, Ca, P, Mg and 1,25(OH)2Vit‐D in serum. After finishing the trial on day 37, all chicks were slaughtered by using the approved procedure. Birds that were fed CA diets were heavier (average body weights of 2030, 2079 and 2086 g in the 0.25%, 0.75% and 1.25% CA groups, respectively, relative to the control birds (1986 g). Feed conversion efficiency (weight gain in g per kg of feed intake) was also higher in birds of the CA‐fed groups (582, 595 and 587 g/kg feed intake for 0.25%, 0.75% and 1.25% CA respectively), relative to the control birds (565 g/kg feed intake). The digestibility of Ca, P and Mg increased in the CA‐fed groups, especially for the diets supplemented with 0.25% and 0.75% CA. Support for finding was also indicated in the results of the analysis of the tibia. At slaughter, the birds had higher carcass weights and higher graded carcasses in the groups that were fed the CA diets. The estimated profit margin was highest for birds fed the diet containing 0.25% CA. Birds of the 0.75% CA group were found to have the second highest estimated profit margin. Addition of CA up to a level of 1.25% of the diet increased performance, feed conversion efficiency, carcass weight and carcass quality, but only in numerical terms. The addition of CA up to 0.75% significantly increased the digestibility of macro minerals, bone ash content, bone mineral density and bone strength of the broiler chicks. It may, therefore, be concluded that the addition of 0.75% CA in a standard diet is suitable for growth, carcass traits, macromineral digestibility and bone mineral density of broiler chicks.
Influence of feeding Tinospora cordifolia peripartum on lactation parameters in crossbred cows
Authors: Mallick S. , Prakash B. S. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryFor studying the effect of dietary supplementation of guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) peripartum on lactation an investigation was conducted on 15 pregnant Karan Fries crossbred cows which were divided into two groups: treatment group of eight cows which were supplemented with guduchi at 60 g/day for 45 days prepartum and 120 g/day for 45 days postpartum; control group of seven pregnant cows which were not supplemented with guduchi. Jugular blood samples were collected from all cows during the periparturient period for analysis of various blood cell and plasma parameters. A significantly higher total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was recorded in the guduchi supplemented treatment group in comparison to untreated control cows throughout the experimental period. The increase of milk production over 305 days of lactation due to guduchi supplementation was significant (p < 0.05). A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in somatic cell count was also observed during the experimental period. Milk composition (fat, protein, lactose and SNF) was similar (p > 0.05) for both the groups. Plasma non esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in cows supplemented with guduchi throughout the course of study. Plasma concentration of growth hormone in the treated cows was also significantly higher beginning on the day of parturition up to 3 weeks postpartum (p < 0.05) in comparison to unsupplemented group.
Species assignment and antifungal susceptibilities of black aspergilli recovered from otomycosis cases in Iran
Authors: Szigeti Gyöngyi , Sedaghati Ebrahim , Mahmoudabadi Ali Zarei , Naseri Ali , Kocsubé Sándor , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Varga János 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBlack aspergilli are among the main causative agents of otomycosis worldwide. In this study, the species assignment of black aspergilli isolated from otomycosis cases in Iran was carried out using sequence analysis of part of the calmodulin gene. The results indicate that Aspergillus niger is not the only black Aspergillus species involved in otomycosis cases in Iran: Aspergillus awamori and Aspergillus tubingensis are also able to cause ear infections. Antifungal susceptibility tests were carried out against five antifungal drugs including amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and terbinafine. All isolates were highly susceptible to terbinafine, while they exhibited moderate susceptibilities against amphotericin B, fluconazole and ketoconazole. Aspergillus niger and A. awamori were found to have higher minimal inhibitory concentrations for azoles than A. tubingensis, in accordance with previous findings.
Criteria for assessing operating room utilization in a free‐standing children’s hospital
Authors: Ferrari Lynne R. , Micheli Anne , Whiteley Christopher , Chazaro Raoul , Zurakowski David 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBackground:  The staffed hours of operation in any surgical facility are a valuable institutional resource. The realistic target for the utilization of this resource is dependent on many factors including scheduling, efficiency, and culture of the facility. There is no previously reported measure for the actual utilization of staffed regular operating room (OR) hours in an academic pediatric institution. The leadership of the perioperative services at Children’s Hospital Boston (CHB) sought to define the utilization of surgical suite staffed block time hours at that institution and in addition determine whether changes in workflow could increase the measured utilization.Methods:  Operating room efficiency in fiscal year 2009 was measured using two variables: utilization and turnover measured in hours for each month in fiscal year 2009, recorded in hours expressed as ratios (observed/expected) and as differences (observed – expected). A total of 27 851 cases from October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009, were analyzed. All elective cases were scheduled electronically following institutional guidelines; urgent or emergent procedures were scheduled into vacant time slots on the day of the procedure. Time series analysis based on a generalized autoregressive moving average process was used to compare expected with observed utilization and to evaluate changes in utilization and turnover ratios.Results:  Efficiency as measured by capped utilization divided by total available time in the OR averaged 79%. Utilization ratios ranged from a low of 73% in February 2009 to a high of 87% in July 2009. An improvement in on‐time first‐case starts may have contributed to the increase in the utilization of staffed block time. Turnover time as defined by turnover ratio decreased significantly over time, indicating an improved efficiency in the OR starting in April 2009.Conclusions:  Adhering to the specific guidelines that are followed at CHB, the mean utilization of scheduled block time was 79%. This was achieved by maximizing workflow in the surgical, anesthesia, and nursing disciplines to shorten turnover time, fill gaps in the elective schedule with emergency procedures, and provide staffing to accommodate cases that extend beyond the scheduled staffed time prior to the reporting period. Simulated models from other pediatric institutions suggest that the optimal utilization of designated time periods in a surgical facility may range from 85% to 90%.
Spinal blocks
Authors: Kokki Hannu 
Published: September 2011

SummaryEvery anesthetist should have the expertise to perform lumbar puncture that is the prerequisite to induce spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia is easy and effective technique: small amount of local anesthetic injected in the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid provides highly effective anesthesia, analgesia, and sympathetic and motor block in the lower part of the body. The main limitation of spinal anesthesia is a variable and relatively short duration of the block with a single‐injection of local anesthetic. With appropriate use of adjuvant or combining spinal anesthesia with epidural anesthesia, the analgesic action can be controlled in case of early recovery of initial block or in patients with prolonged procedures. Contraindications are rare. Bleeding disorders and any major dysfunction in coagulation system are rare in children, but spinal anesthesia should not be used in children with local infection or increased intracranial pressure. Children with spinal anesthesia may develop the same adverse effects as has been reported in adults, but in contrast to adults, cardiovascular deterioration is uncommon in children even with high blocks. Most children having surgery with spinal anesthesia need sedation, and in these cases, close monitoring of sufficient respiratory function and protective airway reflexes is necessary. Postdural puncture headache and transient neurological symptoms have been reported also in pediatric patients, and thus, guardians should be provided instructions for follow‐up and contact information if symptoms appear or persist after discharge. Epidural blood patch is effective treatment for prolonged, severe headache, and nonopioid analgesic is often sufficient for transient neurological symptoms.
Infliximab and surgical treatment of complex anal Crohn’s disease
Authors: Duff S. , Sagar P. M. , Rao M. , Dolling S. , Sprakes M. , Hamlin P. J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Perianal fistulae in Crohn’s disease are frequently complex, involve the anal sphincter complex and surgical treatment can be associated with poor healing of wounds and damage to the mechanism of continence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and duration of response to infliximab in the long‐term management of perianal fistulae in Crohn’s disease in routine clinical practice.Method  A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with Crohn’s disease and complex anal fistulae who were treated with infliximab (primary treatment, three initial infusions followed by maintenance therapy). Patients who received infliximab for luminal disease or for enterocutaneous, peristomal or rectovaginal fistulae were excluded from this study.Results  Fifty‐two patients [25 male, median age 24 (range 15–72) years] were treated with infliximab for perianal Crohn’s fistulae for a median of 66 (7–124) months. Twenty‐six of the patients underwent pre‐infliximab MRI scans and 38 had an examination under anaesthetic (EUA) prior to commencement of treatment, 22 of whom had seton(s) inserted into their fistulae. Maintenance therapy was possible in 42 (81%) of 52 patients. Twenty‐two (42.3%) patients had a complete response to treatment, 23 (44.2%) had a partial response and 7 (13.5%) had no response. Less than complete response to infliximab was associated with a greater risk of requiring surgical intervention (Fisher’s exact test, d.f. 1, P = 0.005).Conclusion  The response rates of Crohn’s related complex perianal fistulae to infliximab are good. Complete response is associated with a reduced need for surgical intervention.
No effect of perianal application of topical anaesthetic on patient comfort during nonsedated flexible sigmoidoscopy: a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Cengiz C. , Pampal H. K. , Ozdemir B. , Boyacioglu S. , Kuzu M. A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  A literature review revealed no data on the effects of topical anaesthetic on patient comfort during flexible sigmoidoscopy. We therefore aimed to evaluate this in a randomized manner.Method  One hundred and forty‐six patients who underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy were randomly allocated to one of three groups. Vaseline (n = 49), 2% lidocaine gel (n = 51) or a cream of 2.5% lidocaine plus 2.5% prilocaine (n = 46) were applied to the patients 30 min before the procedure. Demographic data and haemodynamic monitoring during procedures were recorded. Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and anxiety levels by the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI‐I and STA‐II).Results  Median pre‐procedural STAI‐I scores were 45, 46 and 40.5 and median post‐procedural STAI‐I scores were 35, 34 and 33.5 for the vaseline, lidocaine, and lidocaine/prilocaine treatments, respectively. There was no statistical difference among the groups in terms of STAI‐I and II scores. However, post‐procedural STAI‐I scores were significantly lower than pre‐procedural values in each group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in VAS scores among the groups. In all groups there were statistically higher VAS scores during the procedure compared with the pre‐ and post‐procedural scores (P < 0.001).Conclusion  Perianal application of topical anaesthetic does not influence patient comfort during sigmoidoscopy.
Current practice in preoperative therapy and surgical management of locally advanced rectal cancer: a bi‐national survey1
Authors: Ooi K. , Frizelle F. , Ong E. , Faragher I. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  The Australasian colorectal surgeon’s current approach to preoperative rectal cancer management was compared with international guidelines.Method  Members of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand were surveyed in 2010, on the use of MRI and the management of locally advanced rectal cancer. Surgeons had to decide the appropriate management in five scenarios that were developed from national guidelines.Results  Of 174 invitations sent, 108 (62.1%) replies were received. Most surgeons (98.1%) had access to MRI. Ninety‐three (86.1%) would use MRI routinely for staging. The majority selected a tumour‐specific mesorectal resection for upper rectal cancer (58.2%) and a total mesorectal excision for distal cancer (100%). Almost all restorative operations included a covering ileostomy. One third of surgeons recommended that patients with a favourable cT3 mid‐rectal tumour (N0, clear circumferential resection margins) should not have preoperative therapy and should proceed directly to surgery. When high‐risk features, such as threatened resection margins or cN1 stage, were present, 5% and 15% of surgeons, respectively, would continue to treat by standard resection without preoperative therapy.Conclusion  Evidence‐based international guidelines for the management of rectal cancer have changed little in the last 10 years. Despite this, there is a clear gap between these and clinical practice. The main variance relates to the role of radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. Despite considerable evidence that radiotherapy reduces local recurrence for all stages of rectal cancer, current practice in Australasia is for its selective use.