bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of the psyche in heartburn and dyspepsia
Authors: DROSSMAN D. A. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThere is a complex and incomplete relationship between symptoms and altered gastrointestinal physiology in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease or functional dyspepsia. In patients with reflux disease, symptoms are presumed to relate to the effects of exposure of the oesophageal mucosa to gastric acid and, generally, patients have increased symptoms when damage to the oesophageal mucosa (oesophagitis) occurs. However, it is also recognized that some patients with severe reflux, Barrett's oesophagus or stricture have little history of heartburn: conversely, there is a large group of patients who have acid sensitivity but no oesophagitis or abnormal levels of acid reflux. The relationship between symptoms and delayed gastric emptying is also variable. Clearly, the degree of physiological dysfunction manifested by altered motility (in terms of acid reflux or gastric dysmotility) is not sufficient to account for the symptoms experienced by these patients. One possible explanation for this incomplete association between symptoms and altered gastrointestinal physiology relates to evidence that there are varying degrees of mucosal and neural sensing of the physiological challenges of acid or gastric distension. The evidence for a modulatory role of psychosocial factors, via central nervous system‐enteric pathways, on symptoms of heartburn and dyspepsia is discussed. Preliminary data indicate that psychological treatments may be effective in reducing dyspeptic and psychological symptoms; further work is needed, however, to determine the degree to which these treatments affect gastrointestinal physiology.
Management of endoscopy‐negative reflux disease: progress with short‐term treatment
Authors: LAURITSEN K. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThe efficacy of omeprazole in the treatment of endoscopy‐negative reflux disease has been examined in five recently completed, multicentre, double‐blind, randomized, parallel group studies. A total of 1959 patients with endoscopy‐negative reflux disease took part in these trials in which 20 mg omeprazole once daily (n = 722) was compared with placebo (n = 304) and/or 10 mg omeprazole once daily (n = 624), 150 mg ranitidine twice daily (n = 213), or 10 mg cisapride four times daily (n = 96). In all studies, the primary outcome measures were assessed after 4 weeks of treatment.Absence of heartburn, defined as no episodes of heartburn during the fourth week of treatment, occurred in 14–29% of patients receiving placebo, 31% receiving cisapride, 35% receiving ranitidine, 31–60% receiving 10 mg omeprazole once daily, and 44–62% receiving 20 mg omeprazole once daily. Adequate control of heartburn, defined as only 1 day with episodes of mild heartburn during the seventh week of treatment, occurred in 24% of patients receiving placebo. 46% receiving cisapride, 46% receiving ranitidine, 49–60% receiving 10 mg omeprazole once daily, and 56–63% receiving 20 mg omeprazole once daily, on the basis of data from three of the studies. The differences between the two omeprazole doses and placebo, and between 20 mg omeprazole once daily, and either 10 mg omeprazole once daily, ranitidine or cisapride, were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). Diary cards for most patients who responded to omeprazole showed an absence of heartburn in the first week of treatment. Health‐related quality of life was measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment, using validated questionnaires (i.e. the Psychological General Well‐Being Index and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale). After 4 weeks of treatment, the general well‐being of patients taking 10 or 20 mg omeprazole once daily had improved significantly (P < 0.05) compared with those taking placebo.In conclusion, 10 and 20 mg omeprazole once daily provides effective and rapid control of heartburn in patients with endoscopy‐negative reflux disease. Absence of heartburn and adequate control of heartburn occur significantly more frequently in patients treated with 20 mg omeprazole once daily, compared with patients treated with 10 mg omeprazole once daily, 150 mg ranitidine twice daily, or 10 mg cisapride four times daily. Omeprazole also restores health‐related quality of life, in terms of enhanced well‐being, to the level observed in a healthy population.
Review article: Pathophysiology of the intestinal mucosa in inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis: similarities and dissimilarities in clinical findings
Authors: ORCHARD T. , JEWELL Derek P. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYAlthough apparently dissimilar in both structure and function, the gut and locomotor system are linked by a number of clinical syndromes in which both are involved. In inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal mucosal inflammation is the primary problem, but may be associated with both axial and peripheral arthropathies. In the seronegative spondyloarthropathies the primary problem is in the locomotor system, but intestinal abnormalities may also be present. In addition, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs used in their treatment, may cause a distinct enteropathy which may be confused with the disease‐related intestinal abnormalities. The clinical, histological and genetic features of these conditions are examined in order to assess their relationship and the central role of the intestinal mucosa in their pathogenesis.
Review article: Role of the enteric microflora in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation and arthritis
Authors: SARTOR R. B. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYStrong associations exist between intestinal inflammation and arthritis, ranging from infections with enteric pathogens to idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. Increased exposure of the lamina propia and systemic circulation to enteric microflora and their products are a result of increased proliferation of the luminal bacteria, pathogenic invasion or enhanced mucosal permeability. Data suggest that anaerobic bacteria and other constituents of the normal luminal microbial flora induce and sustain chronic intestinal inflammation and arthritis. However, the normal host develops a tolerance to such bacteria and maintains homeostasis through a controlled inflammatory response and an almost impermeable mucosal barrier.
Emergence of Oblong School Shape: Models and Empirical Data of Fish
Authors: Hemelrijk Charlotte K. , Hildenbrandt Hanno , Reinders José , Stamhuis Eize J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe main benefit of the oblong shape of schools of fish is supposed to be the protection against predation. Models of self‐organised travelling groups have shown that this shape may arise as a side effect of the avoidance of collisions with group members. These models were developed for schools of fish in open water, whereas the oblong shape of schools of real fish has mostly been observed in schools in tanks. Therefore, it is not known how school shape in a tank originates neither in models nor in real fish. To find out what causes this shape, we use the combination of a theoretical and an empirical study. We test the predictions produced by our earlier models regarding the effect of school size on the school shape both in a model of self‐organised schooling in a tank and empirically. Empirically, we study the 3D positions of all individuals in the schools of 10–60 real mullets (Chelon labrosus). We calculate for each individual its distance to its nearest neighbour and its velocity and we measure per school its length and width. The relation between school shape and size in the model and in the real mullets supports our prediction and thus supports the hypothesis that school shape may be emergent from the avoidance of collisions during coordinated travelling.
In Ovo Olfactory Experience Influences Post‐hatch Feeding Behaviour in Young Chickens
Authors: Bertin Aline , Calandreau Ludovic , Arnould Cécile , Nowak Raymond , Levy Frederic , Noirot Virginie , Bouvarel Isabelle , Leterrier Christine 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn several mammalian species, prenatal exposure to odours can elicit later positive consummatory behaviour in response to substrates bearing that odorant. In birds, the sense of smell has been considerably underestimated, and very little is known about the effects of early sensory experience on the regulation of feeding behaviour. We tested the hypothesis that the feeding behaviour of the domestic chicken could be regulated by olfactory learning during the embryonic life. To that end, chicken embryos were exposed to an olfactory stimulus (blend of essential oil of orange and nature identical vanillin) from embryonic day (ED) 12 to ED20, and chicks were tested between 4 and 9 d of age. In short‐term choice tests, at day 4 and 5, chickens previously exposed to a low concentration (LC) of the olfactory stimulus spent a higher proportion of time eating a familiar or an unfamiliar food bearing the olfactory stimulus compared to non‐exposed control chickens. Conversely, chickens previously exposed to a high concentration (HC) of the olfactory stimulus were found to avoid all foods bearing the olfactory stimulus. On a 24‐ h time scale at day 7–8, LC and HC birds, but not controls, ingest significantly less familiar food containing the olfactory stimulus. This result indicated a long‐term effect of the early olfactory experience on feeding preferences. We demonstrated that chickens can utilize information from their pre‐hatch chemosensory environment to guide their later feeding behaviour. A pre‐hatch effect of the intensity of odour signals in the regulation of feeding behaviour is reported here for the first time.
Incidence and Prevention of Early Parturition in Sows
Authors: Vanderhaeghe C , Dewulf J , Jourquin J , De Kruif A , Maes D 
Published: September 2010

ContentsA retrospective study, based on 60 990 farrowing records from 35 commercial herds, was performed to determine the incidence of early parturition (<114d) and to investigate the relationship between early parturition and total number of piglets born, number of piglets born alive and percentage of stillborn piglets per litter. The mean gestation length was 115.4 ± 1.62d, and early parturition occurred in 10% of all farrowing records. Sows with early parturition had significantly more stillborn piglets and a larger litter size compared to sows with a normal gestation length (114–117d). Sows with a gestation length <114d were 1.2 times (95% CI: 1.19–1.21; p < 0.001) more likely to have an early parturition at the subsequent parity. A second study was performed in four herds (n = 329) to investigate the efficacy of altrenogest administration on 110–112d (T112) or 111–113d (T113) of gestation for preventing early parturition and to investigate the effect of this treatment on the reproductive performance of sows. The interval between the last altrenogest treatment and the onset of parturition was 3.3 ± 1.32 (T112) or 2.0 ± 0.89 (T113) days. The gestation length of sows of the altrenogest group (T112 + T113) (115.3 ± 1.23d) was significantly longer compared to gestation length of the non‐treated sows (114.7 ± 1.69d) (p < 0.01). Altrenogest treatment had no negative effect on the reproductive performances of the sows. In conclusion, the administration of altrenogest in late gestation is an effective and safe method to prevent early parturition and can counteract the reproductive losses because of premature farrowing, which may occur in a substantial part of the farrowing events.
Early Pregnancy Detection of Iraqi Riverine Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Using the BioPRYN Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for PSPB and the Progesterone Assay
Authors: Abdulkareem TA , Al‐Sharifi SAM , Ishak MA , Eidan SM , Alnimr MA , Passavant CW , Branen JR , Sasser RG 
Published: September 2010

ContentsThis study was undertaken to detect pregnancy in Iraqi riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using three different methods (rectal palpation, plasma progesterone concentration and detection of the presence of pregnancy‐specific protein B (PSPB) with the BioPRYN® enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The aim of the study was to identify the most sensitive, early and accurate method for detecting pregnancy. Twenty‐two female riverine buffalo that were 6.0 ± 0.93 years old were used. Four blood samples per buffalo were taken via jugular venipuncture at days 22–24, 32–34, 42–44 and 58–61 post‐mating (PM) to measure the progesterone concentration (ng/ml) and to detect the presence of plasma PSPB. The rectal palpation method was employed to evaluate all buffalo on days 42–44 and 58–61 PM. The BioPRYN® test differed (p < 0.01) from the other tests with earlier accuracy for detecting pregnant and non‐pregnant buffalo. Eighty‐eight percent of pregnant and 76.9% of non‐pregnant buffalo were distinguished early (days 22–24 PM) using BioPRYN® and plasma PSPB‐ELISA level (2.09 ± 0.12 ng/ml) in relation to 66.7% and 53.9% detected using the progesterone assay at similar days (4.30 ± 0.40 ng/ml). In conclusion, these results described, for the first time, the early and accurate pregnancy detection of water riverine buffalo using BioPRYN® technology and provided the plasma levels of PSPB using an ELISA test. These findings will improve the reproductive and productive efficiency of Iraqi riverine buffalo by adapting the recent management and reproductive strategies in Iraq and in the world.
Deleterious Effects of Progestagen Treatment in VEGF Expression in Corpora Lutea of Pregnant Ewes
Authors: Letelier CA , Sanchez MA , Garcia‐Fernandez RA , Sanchez B , Garcia‐Palencia P , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A , Flores JM 
Published: September 2010

ContentsThe aim of the current study was to determine the possible effects of progestagen oestrous synchronization on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression during sheep luteogenesis and the peri‐implantation period and the relationship with luteal function. At days 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 21 of pregnancy, the ovaries from 30 progestagen treated and 30 ewes cycling after cloprostenol injection were evaluated by ultrasonography and, thereafter, collected and processed for immunohistochemical evaluation of VEGF; blood samples were drawn for evaluating plasma progesterone. The progestagen‐treated group showed smaller corpora lutea than cloprostenol‐treated and lower progesterone secretion. The expression of VEGF in the luteal cells increased with time in the cloprostenol group, but not in the progestagen‐treated group, which even showed a decrease between days 11 and 13. In progestagen‐treated sheep, VEGF expression in granulosa‐derived parenchymal lobule capillaries was correlated with the size of the luteal tissue, larger corpora lutea had higher expression, and tended to have a higher progesterone secretion. In conclusion, the current study indicates the existence of deleterious effects from exogenous progestagen treatments on progesterone secretion from induced corpora lutea, which correlate with alterations in the expression of VEGF in the luteal tissue and, this, presumably in the processes of neoangiogenesis and luteogenesis.
The use of artificial neural networks in analysing the nutritional ecology ofChrysomya megacephala(F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), compared with a statistical model
Authors: Bianconi André , Von Zuben Cláudio J , De Souza Serapião Adriane B , Govone José S 
Published: September 2010

AbstractArtificial neural networks (ANNs) have been widely applied to the resolution of complex biological problems. An important feature of neural models is that their implementation is not precluded by the theoretical distribution shape of the data used. Frequently, the performance of ANNs over linear or non‐linear regression‐based statistical methods is deemed to be significantly superior if suitable sample sizes are provided, especially in multidimensional and non‐linear processes. The current work was aimed at utilising three well‐known neural network methods in order to evaluate whether these models would be able to provide more accurate outcomes in relation to a conventional regression method in pupal weight predictions ofChrysomya megacephala, a species of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae), using larval density (i.e. the initial number of larvae), amount of available food and pupal size as input data. It was possible to notice that the neural networks yielded more accurate performances in comparison with the statistical model (multiple regression). Assessing the three types of networks utilised (Multi‐layer Perceptron, Radial Basis Function and Generalised Regression Neural Network), no considerable differences between these models were detected. The superiority of these neural models over a classical statistical method represents an important fact, because more accurate models may clarify several intricate aspects concerning the nutritional ecology of blowflies.
New species of ant‐mimicking jumping spiders of the genus Myrmarachne MacLeay, 1839 (Araneae: Salticidae) from north Queensland, Australia
Authors: Ceccarelli F Sara 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBased on taxonomic characters such as male and female genitalia and male chelicerae, four new species of Myrmarachne from Townsville, north Queensland are described. The proposed new species include: Myrmarachne rubra, Myrmarachne aurea, Myrmarachne gurgulla and Myrmarachne smaragdina. Information is also provided on the biology and ecology of these species and a comparison between the species is also presented, supported by data collected over 2.5 years.
Factors contributing to neonatal mortality rates in Macao: Evidence from 1957–2006 data
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Van Iat K. , Ng Wai I. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and demographic changes, economic instability, and health resource availability in Macao. A retrospective design was used, where yearly data from Macao were collected for the period of 1957–2006. The NMR was the dependent variable and the demographic factors, socioeconomic status, and health resources were the three main explanatory variables. The results showed that higher unemployment rates, higher levels of educated women, and a greater supply of nurses are associated with a lower NMR. The results also indicated that socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are at a significantly higher risk of neonatal mortality. In contrast, increasing the number of nurses in health care significantly reduces the risk of neonatal mortality. Further international evidence suggested that greater efforts should be directed towards removing the barriers that impede access to health‐care services and increasing preventive care for disadvantaged populations, particularly during economic downturns.
Retention of mutualism in a geographically diverging interaction
Authors: Thompson John N. , Laine Anna‐Liisa , Thompson Jill F. 
Published: September 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1368–1377AbstractA current challenge in coevolutionary biology is to understand how interactions between pairs of species change as they diversify into multispecific interactions. We tested whether the previously demonstrated pairwise mutualism between the widespread pollinating floral parasite Greya politella and its Lithophragma hostplants is ecologically enhanced or diminished in a region in which another Greya species, Greya obscura, uses the same host, Lithophragma cymbalaria. Field surveys and experimental trials showed that pollination efficacy by G. politella was more than an order of magnitude higher than by G. obscura, but G. politella abundance varied greatly between years. Greya obscura had a strongly positive effect on seed set in a year when G. politella densities were exceptionally low. Our results suggest that the coevolving mutualism between Greya and Lithophragma has potentially been enhanced rather than diminished as this interaction has diversified in the number of pollinating Greya species.
Virulence of an emerging pathogenic lineage of Vibrio nigripulchritudo is dependent on two plasmids
Authors: Le Roux Frédérique , Labreuche Yannick , Davis Brigid M. , Iqbal Naeem , Mangenot Sophie , Goarant Cyrille , Mazel Didier , Waldor Matthew K. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryVibrioses are the predominant bacterial infections in marine shrimp farms. Vibrio nigripulchritudo is an emerging pathogen of the cultured shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris in New Caledonia and other regions in the Indo‐Pacific. The molecular determinants of V. nigripulchritudo pathogenicity are unknown; however, molecular epidemiological studies have revealed that recent pathogenic V. nigripulchritudo isolates from New Caledonia all cluster into a monophyletic clade and contain a small plasmid, pB1067. Here, we report that a large plasmid, pA1066 (247 kb), can also serve as a marker for virulent V. nigripulchritudo, and that an ancestral version of this plasmid was likely acquired prior to other virulence‐linked markers. Additionally, we demonstrate that pA1066 is critical for the full virulence of V. nigripulchritudo in several newly developed experimental models of infection. Plasmid pB1067 also contributes to virulence; only strains containing both plasmids induced the highest level of shrimp mortality. Thus, it appears that these plasmids, which are absent from non‐pathogenic isolates, may be driving forces, as well as markers, for the emergence of a pathogenic lineage of V. nigripulchritudo.
Putting the call out for more research: The poor evidence base for treating methamphetamine withdrawal
Authors: PENNAY AMY E. , LEE NICOLE K. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIssues. Treatment seeking for methamphetamine withdrawal is low in Australia. Insufficient knowledge regarding the withdrawal syndrome of methamphetamine and the appropriate management of these symptoms may be a contributing factor to the low treatment attendance. Approach. A systematic review was performed using a range of electronic databases. Key Findings. Common methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms include symptoms relating to depression, agitation, cognitive impairment and fatigue. These symptoms may last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Methamphetamine withdrawal is most commonly undertaken in an outpatient setting, and psychosocial interventions remain the primary treatment approach in Australia. Two withdrawal scales (Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire and Amphetamine Cessation Symptom Assessment) have been validated for the assessment of methamphetamine withdrawal. Only a small number of medications for methamphetamine withdrawal have been investigated, and to date no medications stand out over the others. Implications. Current recommendations for methamphetamine withdrawal tend to be based on clinical opinion and subsequently vary between settings. More research in the area is essential to ensure the development of more targeted, timely and effective withdrawal treatment interventions. Conclusion. The review exposed a lack of well‐conducted research targeted towards the management of methamphetamine withdrawal. Further research is essential, and should focus on understanding the nature of methamphetamine withdrawal, its duration, course and effective treatment.[Pennay AE, Lee NK. Putting the call out for more research: The poor evidence base for treating methamphetamine withdrawal. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]