bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of short‐term feeding duration of diets containing commercial whole‐cell yeast or yeast subcomponents on immune function and disease resistance in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Welker T. L. , Lim C. , Yildirim‐Aksoy M. , Klesius P. H. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryJuvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were fed diets supplemented with yeast or yeast subcomponents (YYS) as commercial preparations of β‐glucan (MacroGard® and Betagard A®), mannan oligosaccharide (Bio‐Mos® Aqua Grade), or whole‐cell Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Levucell SB20®) at the manufacturers’ recommended levels. Fish were fed experimental diets for 1 or 2 weeks prior to disease challenge (pre‐challenge feeding periods) and sampled at the end of each feeding period to measure haematological and immune parameters and to determine the effects of dietary YYS on resistance to Edwardsiella ictaluri, the causative agent of enteric septicaemia disease (ESC). Feeding of experimental diets continued for 3 weeks post‐challenge. In channel catfish fed diets supplemented with MacroGard®, Betagard A®, or Levucell SB20®, survival in the 1 week pre‐challenge feeding group and antibody titres in the 2 week feeding group were significantly higher post‐E. ictaluri challenge in relation to catfish fed with the control diet. In fish fed these same three diets, survival to ESC was significantly higher after 1 week vs. 2 weeks feeding, while the antibody response was significantly higher after 2 weeks vs. 1 week. Lysozyme activity was also higher in the 1 week feeding group, but the increased activity was unrelated to diet. Feeding YYS‐supplemented diets for a shorter duration of 1 week prior to challenge may prove beneficial in increasing resistance to ESC in channel catfish. However, we cannot discount that feeding YYS diets during the recovery period may have contributed to ‘glucan overload’ and reduced survival in the 2 week feeding group.
Coordinated gene expression in adipose tissue and liver differs between cows with high or low NEFA concentrations in early lactation
Authors: van Dorland H. A. , Sadri H. , Morel I. , Bruckmaier R. M. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryDairy cows with high and low plasma non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in early lactation were compared for plasma parameters and mRNA expression of genes in liver and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The study involved 16 multiparous dairy cows with a plasma NEFA concentration of >500 μmol/l [n = 8, high NEFA (HNEFA)] and <140 μmol/l [n = 8, low NEFA (LNEFA)] in the first week post‐partum (pp). Blood samples, adipose and liver tissues were collected on day 1 (+1d) and at week 3 pp (+3wk). Blood plasma was assayed for concentrations of metabolites and hormones. Subcutaneous adipose and liver tissues were analysed for mRNA abundance by real‐time qRT‐PCR encoding parameters related to lipid metabolism. Results showed that mean daily milk yield and milk fat quantity were higher in HNEFA than in LNEFA cows (p < 0.01), and the NEB was more negative in HNEFA than in LNEFA in +3wk too (p < 0.05). HNEFA cows had slightly lower (p < 0.1) insulin concentrations than LNEFA cows across the study period, and the body condition score decreased more from +1d to +3wk in HNEFA than in LNEFA (p = 0.09). The mRNA abundance of genes in the liver related to fatty acid oxidation (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 and very long chain acyl‐coenzyme A dehydrogenase) and ketogenesis (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A synthase 2) were lower in HNEFA than in LNEFA cows. No differences between the two groups were observed for mRNA expression of genes in adipose tissue. The number of calculated significant correlation coefficients (moderately strong) between parameters in the liver and in adipose tissue was nearly similar on +1d, and higher for HNEFA compared with LNEFA cows in +3wk. In conclusion, dairy cows with high compared with low plasma NEFA concentrations in early lactation show differentially synchronized mRNA expression of genes in adipose tissue and liver in +3wk that suggests a different orchestrated homeorhetic regulation of lipid metabolism.
Generation of marker‐free, bacterial blight‐resistant transgenic sterile line and hybrid rice with Xa21
Authors: Gao Lifen , Xia Zhihui , Jiang Guanghuai , Peng Hai , Zhao Xianfeng , Zhai Wenxue 
Published: February 2011

With 6 figures and 4 tables AbstractBacterial blight (BB) of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a major production constraint in commercial hybrid rice production because most of the parental lines used in hybrid production are susceptible to Xoo. In this study, the cloned BB resistance gene Xa21 was transferred into ‘D62B’, a maintainer line of three‐line indica hybrid rice using the double right‐border vector pDRBXa21 through an Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated system. Molecular and resistance analysis revealed that Xa21 was integrated into the genome of transgenic ‘D62B’, and the homozygous, single‐copy and marker‐free maintainer line D62B‐Xa21 was obtained in the T2 generation. D62B‐Xa21 was then backcrossed with ‘D62A’ to produce a homozygous transgenic sterile line D62A‐Xa21. The introduction of Xa21 did not cause any obvious alteration to sterility and other agronomic traits of the sterile line through iodine–potassium iodide (I2/KI) staining of pollen grains and field observation. Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction revealed a normal expression pattern of the Xa21 gene in the transgenic lines. The hybrid combinations derived from D62A‐Xa21 could inherit high resistance to BB.
Induction of Parturition with Aglepristone in the Majorera Goat
Authors: Batista M , Reyes R , Santana M , Alamo D , Vilar J , González F , Cabrera F , Gracia A 
Published: February 2011

ContentsThis study assessed the efficacy of aglepristone at inducing parturition in pregnant goats. Six experimental groups were defined: group A‐5 (n = 12), group A‐3.3 (n = 12), group A‐2.5 (n = 12) and group A‐1.5 (n = 12) in which goats were injected SC once with 5.0, 3.3, 2.5 and 1.5 mg of aglepristone per kg body weight of goat, respectively, group L (n = 11), which was treated IM with 3.75 mg of luprostiol; and group Ct (n = 11), which was injected SC with 1 ml of saline solution. Different parameters associated with parturition were thereafter investigated. In addition, plasma progesterone concentrations were defined after treatments till parturition. Aglepristone effectively induced parturition in all of the goats. In the A‐5, A‐3.3 and A‐2.5 groups, the time to parturition was around 30–34 h, and the majority of goats (97.2%, 35/36) started kidding between 25 and 40 h after the aglepristone injection. However, the goats in group A‐1.5 showed a significantly (p < 0.01) higher time to parturition (mean: 46.8 h). Overall, the incidence of dystocia registered in aglepristone‐induced goats (20.8%, 10/48) and luprostiol‐induced goats was not different from that observed after a spontaneous parturition. The percentage of live kids was very similar between A‐5, A‐3.3, A.2.5 and L groups (95.7, 95.3, 95.0 and 96.3%, respectively) but was higher that observed in the control (83.4%) and A‐1.5 (81.2%) groups. In addition, no maternal mortality was registered in any groups. No changes in plasma progesterone were observed during the first 24 h after treatment, and high plasma progesterone concentrations were present at kidding (6.7, 5.5, 4.5 and 3.6 ng/ml for groups A‐5, A‐3.3, A‐2.5 and A‐1.5, respectively), confirming that aglepristone does not induce parturition via luteolysis. This study demonstrates that aglepristone can be used to induce parturition in goats with satisfactory efficacy, inducing pregnancy termination without direct or immediate modifications of luteal function.
Role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the preoperative investigation of branchial cysts
Authors: Slater Jacqueline , Serpell Jonathan W. , Woodruff Stacey , Grodski Simon 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground:  Successful preoperative diagnosis of a branchial cyst requires a systematic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate methods of investigation of a lateral neck swelling suspicious for a branchial cyst, and to highlight cases where a less benign cause for the swelling should be suspected and therefore management altered appropriately.Methods:  A retrospective case study of 24 patients with presumed branchial cysts managed operatively was undertaken. Demographic, clinical, imaging, cytology and histopathological data were analysed to formulate an approach to the work‐up of a lateral neck swelling suspected to be a branchial cyst.Results:  All 24 patients presented with a lateral neck mass thought to be a branchial cyst preoperatively underwent preoperative fine‐needle aspiration cytology. The overall accuracy of cytology in predicting a benign branchial cyst histopathologically was 83.3% (20 out of 24).Conclusion:  Successful preoperative diagnosis of a branchial cyst requires a combination of imaging and cytology. If there is concern that a lateral neck swelling is not a branchial cyst on clinical, imaging or cytological features, then a full preoperative work‐up, including computed tomography scan of the neck and upper aero‐digestive tract endoscopy should be performed, prior to an excisional biopsy.
Diagnostic lobectomy is not routinely required to exclude malignancy in thyroid nodules greater than four centimetres
Authors: Raj Mariolyn D. , Grodski Simon , Woodruff Stacey , Yeung Meei , Paul Eldho , Serpell Jonathan W. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground:  Surgical excision has been recommended as a diagnostic test for thyroid nodules ≥4 cm, due to the supposedly higher rate of cancer in larger nodules and the higher reported false‐negative rates of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) testing (>10%). The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of thyroid cancer in nodules ≥4 cm, to examine if a relationship between increasing nodule size and malignancy rate was present and to study the accuracy of preoperative FNAC diagnosis.Methods:  Retrospective analysis of data from patients with thyroid nodules ≥4 cm undergoing surgical resection between 1994 and 2008. Malignancy rates, cytology results and indications for surgery were analysed.Results:  A total of 223 patients with thyroid nodules ≥4 cm underwent thyroid resection between 1994 and 2008. The overall prevalence of thyroid cancer was 7.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.2–11.4%). The malignancy rate did not vary significantly with increasing nodule size. The sensitivity of FNAC was 93.8% (95% CI: 69.8–99.8%), while the specificity of FNAC was 62.2% (95% CI: 54.9–69.2%). The most common indicator for surgery was compression symptoms. A positive FNAC test was the most significant indicator of underlying malignancy, with a likelihood ratio of 2.5 (95% CI: 2.0–3.1).Conclusions:  Many patients with large thyroid nodules undergo thyroidectomy for symptom relief alone, regardless of their FNAC results. In such patients where other clinical indicators for thyroidectomy are not present, a benign FNAC result can reassure both patient and surgeon that mandatory surgical excision is not needed to exclude malignancy.
Nasal septum malignancy
Authors: Ho Yiu M. , Coman William B. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction:  Malignancies of the nasal septum are rare diseases and fewer than 400 cases were reported. The understanding of the disease is limited due to its rarity.Methods:  We present a series of patients with nasal septum malignancies, who were referred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ear, Nose and Throat Department from 2007 to 2010.Results:  Seventeen patients were found to have nasal septum malignancies. The average age was 59.5 years old (range: 36 to 83 years old). The commonest initial symptom on presentation was nasal obstruction (nine out of 17, 53%), seconded by epistaxis (eight out of 17, 47%). The average time from the initial onset of symptoms to presentation averaged 18.8 months (range: 1 to 48 months). The commonest physical finding on presentation was nasal masses (11 out of 17, 65%), followed by nasal septum ulcers (four out of 17, 24%). The histology of the lesions was predominantly squamous cell carcinoma. The mean duration of follow‐up was 24.7 months. The overall 3‐year survival was 81.9% with the relapse free survival 66.7%.Discussion:  Nasal septum malignancies are highly treatable with good prognoses when in early stages. They required high degree of suspicion to be detected early. Treatment options include surgical resection and radiotherapy and they offered similar 3‐year survival rate. Combined therapy is adopted in larger tumours; however, it is not verified with randomized trials. Vigilant follow‐up is vital to detect early recurrence, which is common in advanced stage lesions.
Predicting weight using postmenstrual age – neonates to adults
Authors: Sumpter Anita L , Holford Nick H. G. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryObjectives:  To describe the pattern and variability of body weight with postmenstrual age (PMA) using nonlinear mixed effect modeling and to create a single mathematical function that can be used from prematurity to adulthood.Background:  PMA has been shown to predict functional properties of humans such as glomerular filtration rate and drug clearance. Widely used growth charts use postnatal age to predict weight in an idealized population and are not available as a mathematical function.Methods:  We modeled 7164 body weight and PMA observations from a pooled database of 5031 premature neonates, infants, children, and adults. All subjects were participants in pharmacokinetic or renal function studies. PMA ranged from 23 weeks to 82 years. A mixed effect model was used to describe fixed (PMA, sex) and random between‐subject variability.Results:  A model based on the sum of three sigmoid hyperbolic and one exponential functions described the data. Females were typically 12% lighter in weight. Part of the between‐subject variability in weight decreased exponentially with a half‐life of 3.5 PMA years, while the remainder stayed a constant fraction of the weight asymptote for each of the four functions.Conclusions:  The change of weight with PMA and sex can be described with a simple equation. This is suitable for simulation of typical weight–age distributions and may be useful for evaluation of appropriate weight for age in children requiring medical treatment.
Botulinum A toxin as a treatment for overactive rectum with associated faecal incontinence
Authors: Bridoux V. , Gourcerol G. , Kianifard B. , Touchais J.‐Y. , Ducrotte P. , Leroi A.‐M. , Michot F. , Tuech J.‐J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim  Rectal hypercontractility can lead to faecal incontinence (FI). Botulinum toxin (BT) has been used successfully for the treatment of bladder overactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic value of intrarectal injections of BT in inhibiting colorectal contractions and relieving FI in patients suffering from FI as a result of overactive rectal contractions.Method  A prospective open study was carried out in Rouen University Hospital. Six patients (four men and two women) with severe FI related to overactive rectal contractions underwent intrarectal submucosal injections of BT placed in three rows of 10, 1‐ml injections (50 U/1 ml; Dysport®) starting 1 cm above the dentate line and repeated twice, at intervals of 5 cm proximally. The end‐points included improvement in the FI score, in faecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL) and of manometric abnormality.Results  All patients reported improvement in the FI score [18.2 ± 1.1 at baseline vs 9.0 ± 1.7 at 3 months (P = 0.04)] and in FIQL. Rectal contractile activity was reduced. The frequency of contractions remained unaffected (28.1 ± 6.6/h; P = 0.46 vs baseline). High‐amplitude contractions of > 50 cmH2O were significantly decreased in all patients (16.6 ± 3.9 vs 6.6 ± 4.1/h; P = 0.03).Conclusion  Patients with an ‘overactive rectum’ are a heterogeneous group, with varying causes of dysfunction. The dose of BT used was arbitrarily selected. Nevertheless, the study introduces a further therapeutic option in the treatment of FI caused by rectal overactivity.
The non‐hierarchical, non‐uniformly branching topology of a leuconoid sponge aquiferous system revealed by 3D reconstruction and morphometrics using corrosion casting and X‐ray microtomography
Authors: Hammel Jörg U. , Filatov Maxim V. , Herzen Julia , Beckmann Felix , Kaandorp Jaap A. , Nickel Michael 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHammel, J.U., Filatov, M.V., Herzen, J, Beckmann, F., Kaandorp, J.A. and Nickel M. 2011. The non‐hierarchical, non‐uniformly branching topology of a leuconoid sponge aquiferous system revealed by 3D reconstruction and morphometrics using corrosion casting and X‐ray microtomography. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00:1–12.As sessile filter feeders, sponges rely on a highly efficient fluid transport system. Their physiology depends on efficient water exchange, which is performed by the aquiferous system. This prominent poriferan anatomical character represents a dense network of incurrent and excurrent canals on which we lack detailed 3D models. To overcome this, we investigated the complex leucon‐type architecture in the demosponge Tethya wilhelma using corrosion casting, microtomography, and 3D reconstructions. Our integrative qualitative and quantitative approach allowed us to create, for the first time, high‐resolution 3D representations of entire canal systems which were used for detailed geometric and morphometric measurements. Canal diameters lack distinct size classes, and bifurcations are non‐uniformly ramified. A relatively high number of bifurcations show previously unknown and atypical cross‐sectional area ratios. Scaling properties and topological patterns of the canals indicate a more complex overall architecture than previously assumed. As a consequence, it might be more convenient to group canals into functional units rather than hierarchical clusters. Our data qualify the leucon canal system architecture of T. wilhelma as a highly efficient fluid transport system adapted toward minimal flow resistance. Our results and approach are relevant for a better understanding of sponge biology and cultivation techniques.
A framework to develop a clinical learning culture in health facilities: ideas from the literature
Authors: Henderson A. , Briggs J. , Schoonbeek S. , Paterson K. 
Published: February 2011

HENDERSON A., BRIGGS J., SCHOONBEEK S., & PATERSON K. (2011) A framework to develop a clinical learning culture in health facilities: ideas from the literature. International Nursing Review58, 196–202Background:  Internationally, there is an increase in demand to educate nurses within the clinical practice environment. Clinical practice settings that encourage teaching and learning during episodes of care delivery can be powerful in educating both the existing nursing workforce and nursing students.Aim:  This paper presents a framework, informed by the literature, that identifies the key factors that are needed to encourage the interactions fundamental to learning in clinical practice.Key concepts:  Learning occurs when nurses demonstrate good practice, share their knowledge through conversations and discussions, and also provide feedback to learners, such as students and novices. These types of interactions occur when positive leadership practices encourage trust and openness between staff; when the management team provides sessions for staff to learn how to interact with learners, and also when partnerships provide support and guidance around learning in the workplace.Application of concepts:  This framework presents how the concepts of leadership, management and partnership interact to create and sustain learning environments. The feedback from proposed measurement tools can provide valuable information about the positive and negative aspects of these concepts in the clinical learning environment. Analysis of the subscales can assist in identifying appropriate recommended strategies outlined in the framework to guide nurses in improving the recognized deficits in the relationship between the concepts.Conclusion:  Leadership, management and partnerships are pivotal for the creation and maintenance of positive learning environments. Diagnostic measurement tools can provide specific information about weaknesses across these areas. This knowledge can guide future initiatives.
Towards an ecosystem approach to fisheries in Europe: a perspective on existing progress and future directions
Authors: Jennings Simon , Rice Jake 
Published: February 2011

AbstractEuropean countries are committed to adopting an ecosystem approach. These commitments are expected to influence the forthcoming reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and thus progress towards implementing an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF). We suggest that the major impediments to adopting an EAF in the current CFP are the low specificity and incompatibility of environmental, social and economic objectives, no agreed guidance on the priority to be given to objectives when trade‐offs have to be made, a decision‐making system that is strongly influenced by short‐term national interests, and low societal and political will to pay the high short‐term costs of making the transition to sustainability. Notwithstanding, a high‐level policy framework to support the ecosystem approach and EAF, along with many of the tools needed to support an operational system, is now emerging. The rate of progress towards an operational EAF following CFP reform will be influenced by the requirement for a reformed management system to help achieve Good Environmental Status for ecosystem components and attributes, in support of European policy for the marine environment (principally the Marine Strategy Framework Directive). However, the willingness and capacity of member states to meet high short‐term transition costs, the extent of their support for transferring tactical decision‐making to regional bodies and their views on acceptable transition rates are likely to have more influence on progress towards meeting the objectives of an EAF.
CAN FAMILISM BE JUSTIFIED?
Authors: CHENG KAM‐YUEN , MING THOMAS , LAI AARON 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper argues against the continued practice of Confucian familism, even in its moderate form, in East Asian hospitals. According to moderate familism, a physician acting in concert with the patient's family may withhold diagnostic information from the patient, and may give it to the patient's family members without her prior approval. There are two main approaches to defend moderate familism: one argues that it can uphold patient's autonomy and protect her best interests; the other appeals to cultural relativism by construing the principle of ‘family autonomy’ to be incommensurable with that of individual autonomy. We respond to the first approach by explaining how the familist arguments either depend on some unreasonable assumptions or simply fail to articulate. The critique of the second approach is based on our recent survey showing that there is no dichotomy of relevant values between the East and the West: we believe that the result can effectively block the familist's reliance on certain traditional or cultural values to explain their resistance to the incorporation of pluralist values. Despite our disagreement with familism, we consider the Eastern emphasis on the family to be conducive to the communication between patient, family members and medical personnel, which is indispensible to the patient's well being and autonomy. We conclude that respect for patient autonomy is perfectly consistent with the involvement of the family in making medical decision as long as the family plays a merely consultant role.