bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heritability of resting metabolic rate in a wild population of blue tits
Authors: NILSSON J.‐Å. , ÅKESSON M. , NILSSON J. F. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe report the first study with the aim to estimate heritability in a wild population, a nest box breeding population of blue tits. We estimated heritability as well as genetic and phenotypic correlations of resting metabolic rate (RMR), body mass and tarsus length with an animal model based on data from a split cross‐fostering experiment with brood size manipulations. RMR and body mass, but not tarsus length, showed significant levels of explained variation but for different underlying reasons. In body mass, the contribution to the explained variation is mainly because of a strong brood effect, while in RMR it is mainly because of a high heritability. The additive variance in RMR was significant and the heritability was estimated to 0.59. The estimates of heritability of body mass (0.08) and tarsus length (0.00) were both low and based on nonsignificant additive variances. Thus, given the low heritability (and additive variances) in body mass and tarsus length the potential for direct selection on RMR independent of the two traits is high in this population. However, the strong phenotypic correlation between RMR and mass (0.643 ± 0.079) was partly accounted for by a potentially strong, although highly uncertain, genetic correlation (1.178 ± 0.456) between the two traits. This indicates that the additive variance of body mass, although low, might still somewhat constrain the independent evolvability of RMR.
The determinants of queen size in a socially polymorphic ant
Authors: MEUNIER J. , CHAPUISAT M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn social animals, body size can be shaped by multiple factors, such as direct genetic effects, maternal effects, or the social environment. In ants, the body size of queens correlates with the social structure of the colony: colonies headed by a single queen (monogyne) generally produce larger queens that are able to found colonies independently, whereas colonies headed by multiple queens (polygyne) tend to produce smaller queens that stay in their natal colony or disperse with workers. We performed a cross‐fostering experiment to investigate the proximate causes of queen size variation in the socially polymorphic ant Formica selysi. As expected if genetic or maternal effects influence queen size, eggs originating from monogyne colonies developed into larger queens than eggs collected from polygyne colonies, be they raised by monogyne or polygyne workers. In contrast, eggs sampled in monogyne colonies were smaller than eggs sampled in polygyne colonies. Hence, eggs from monogyne colonies are smaller but develop into larger queens than eggs from polygyne colonies, independently of the social structure of the workers caring for the brood. These results demonstrate that a genetic polymorphism or maternal effect transmitted to the eggs influences queen size, which probably affects the social structure of new colonies.
Influence of an aerobic fungus grown on solid culture on ruminal degradability and on a mixture culture of anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria
Authors: Hernández‐Díaz R , Pimentel‐González D. J , Figueira A. C , Viniegra‐González G , Campos‐Montiel R. G 
Published: August 2009

SummaryIn this work, the effect of a solid fungal culture of Aspergillus niger (An) grown on coffee pulp on the in situ ruminal degradability (RD) of corn stover was evaluated. In addition, the effect of its extracts on the in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and on a mixed culture of anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria (MCACB) was also investigated. The solid ferment was a crude culture of An, grown on coffee pulp. Regarding in situ RD, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between treatment with 200 g/day of the solid culture and control (no solid culture added) on dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre on RD. All the water extracts (pH 4, 7 and 10) enhanced IVDMD and stimulated the cellulolytic activity on a MCACB. Ultrafiltration results showed that active compounds with a molecular weight lower than 30 kDa were responsible for the effect on MCACB. Such results suggest that the effects of the solid An culture in RD are related to the presence of water soluble compounds having a molecular weight lower than 30 kDa.
Effects of supplementing low‐quality roughages with tree foliages on digestibility, nitrogen utilization and rumen characteristics in sheep: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Patra A. K. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThirty‐six published studies containing 219 treatment means and 1069 sheep were included in the dataset for meta‐analysis to elucidate responses of foliage supplementation on digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen parameters. Major predictive variables were percentages of foliages in diets (FL), crude protein (CP) in foliages (FCP), NDF in foliages (FNDF), NDF in basal forages (BNDF), CP in basal forages (BCP), CP in total diets (DCP) and foliage CP intake (FCPI). Organic matter digestibility increased linearly (p = 0.10) with increasing FL, but responded quadratically to DCP (p = 0.021) and BCP (p < 0.001), with maximal OM digestibility occurred at 14.6% of CP in diets (R2 = 0.12). The digestibility of CP was affected by FL (p = 0.01), FCPI (p < 0.026), FCP (p < 0.001), FNDF (p < 0.001) and DCP (p < 0.032) positively and quadratically, and maximal response was at 14.1% DCP (p < 0.001), 51% FL (p < 0.001), 29% FCP (p < 0.001) and FCPI of 122 g/day (p < 0.001). The digestibility of NDF increased quadratically (p = 0.09) with increasing FL, peaking at 16% foliage levels, decreased quadratically (p = 0.001) with increasing FNDF and decreased linearly (p = 0.048) with increasing FCPI. Digestible OM and CP intakes were the highest at 37.2% and 42.1% FL, respectively. Fecal N excretion increased linearly with increasing FL (p < 0.001) and DCP (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.66). However, FCPI (p = 0.082), FCP (p = 0.003) and BCP (p < 0.001) affected fecal N excretion positively and quadratically. Urinary N excretion increased linearly (p < 0.001) with increasing FL (R2 = 0.45), FCPI (R2 = 0.79), FCP (R2 = 0.51), BCP (R2 = 0.72) and DCP (R2 = 0.77). Rumen NH3 concentration was affected positively and quadratically (p = 0.023) by FL with a peak rumen NH3 level of 160 mg/l at 17.3% FL. However, rumen NH3 concentration (mg/l) increased linearly with increasing FCP (p = 0.001), FCPI (p = 0.01) and DCP (p < 0.001). In conclusion, catalytic foliage supplementation at low levels, preferably, at 16% may enhance nutrient utilization, while foliage levels up to 42% may result greater performance of sheep fed on low‐quality roughages.
Effects of toxic and non‐toxic blue mussel meal on health and product quality of laying hens
Authors: Jönsson L. , Holm L. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryBlue mussels (Mytilus edulis) are a potential protein source in poultry feeds because of their high methionine and cystein content. However, mussels may temporarily be contaminated with the toxin, okadaic acid. The aim of this small scale study was to evaluate the effects on animal health and morphology of the digestive tract of laying hens fed three different diets; a commercial feed and diets containing 15% normal or 15% toxic mussel meal, i.e. a concentration of 198.6 μg toxin per kg feed. Twelve laying hens were divided into six groups and fed the experimental diets for 8 weeks. Animal health, production performance and egg quality were recorded. At sacrifice, tissue samples were prepared for histological evaluation using light microscopy. Okadaic acid did not have any adverse effects on animal health or production parameters and no histological changes indicating disturbances in the digestive tract was observed. Internal egg quality was improved as eggs from hens fed either of the two mussel meal diets had an increased yolk colour. These results show that mussel meal functions as a novel protein source for laying hens and those toxic mussels at this level may be included in the feed without negative effects on parameters evaluated in this study.
Differential response of male and female emerald ash borers (Col., Buprestidae) to (Z)‐3‐hexenol and manuka oil
Authors: Grant G. G. , Ryall K. L. , Lyons D. B. , Abou‐Zaid M. M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe conducted two trapping experiments in green ash plantations in Ontario, Canada to compare the response of the emerald ash borer (EAB),Agrilus planipennis, to (Z)‐3‐hexenol (Z3‐6:OH) and manuka oil. In the first experiment, Z3‐6:OH (7.6 mg/day) in purple prism traps hung 1.5 m above ground caught significantly more EAB than the unbaited controls, with male catches significantly greater than female catches at two locations. Manuka oil (50 mg/day) attracted equal numbers of males and females but they were significantly greater than the controls at only one location. Adding (Z)‐3‐hexenal or (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate in binary or ternary combinations with Z3‐6:OH did not enhance trap catch. In the second experiment, Z3‐6:OH released at two rates (7.6 or 80 mg/day) in light green prism traps placed in the ash canopy also caught significantly more males than females and more males than the unbaited controls or manuka oil‐baited traps. Manuka oil had no significant effect on catches relative to the controls. Combining Z3‐6:OH with manuka oil did not enhance catches of EAB. We conclude that there was a strong male‐biased EAB response to Z3‐6:OH lures, whereas manuka oil, when effective, attracted both sexes equally. Z3‐6:OH in light green prism traps in the canopy is an effective lure for EAB, particularly for males.
Multi‐centre research in Australia: Analysis of a recent National Health and Medical Research Council‐funded project
Authors: KIDD Timothy J. , MARKS Guy B. , BYE Peter T.P. , WAINWRIGHT Claire E. , ROBINSON Philip J. , ROSE Barbara R. , HARBOUR Colin , BELL Scott C. ,   The ACPinCF INVESTIGATORS
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Human research ethics committees provide essential review of research projects to ensure the ethical conduct of human research. Several recent reports have highlighted a complex process for successful application for human research ethics committee approval, particularly for multi‐centre studies. Limited resources are available for the execution of human clinical research in Australia and around the world.Methods:  This report overviews the process of ethics approval for a National Health and Medical Research Council‐funded multi‐centre study in Australia, focussing on the time and resource implications of such applications in 2007 and 2008.Results:  Applications were submitted to 16 hospital and two university human research ethics committees. The total time to gain final approval from each committee ranged between 13 and 77 days (median = 46 days); the entire process took 16 months to complete and the research officer's time was estimated to cost $A34 143.Conclusions:  Obstacles to timely human research ethics committee approval are reviewed, including recent, planned and potential initiatives that could improve the ethics approval of multi‐centre research.
Use of oral midazolam in pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Rafeey Mandana , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Feizo Allah Zadeh Hosain , Majidi Hamideh 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground: The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the safety and efficacy of oral versus i.v. midazolam in providing sedation for pediatric upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.Methods: Sixty‐one children (age <16 years) scheduled for upper GI endoscopy were studied. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral or i.v. midazolam. Measurements were made and compared for vital signs, level of sedation, pre‐ and post‐procedure comfort, anxiety during endoscopy, ease of separation from parents, ease and duration of procedure, and recovery time.Results: Patients were aged 1–16 years (mean 7.5 ± 3.42 years); 30 patients received oral medication, and 31 received i.v. medication. There were no statistically significant differences in age or gender between groups. There were no significant differences in level of sedation, ease of separation from parents, ease of ability to monitor the patient during the procedure, heart rate, systolic arterial pressure, or respiratory rate. Oxygen saturation was significantly lower in the i.v. group than the oral group 10 and 30 min after removal of the endoscope, and recovery time was longer in the oral than the i.v. group.Conclusions: Oral administration of midazolam is a safe and effective method of sedation that significantly reduces anxiety and improves overall tolerance for children undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Tunica albuginea urethroplasty for anterior urethral strictures: A urethroscopic analysis
Authors: Mathur Raj K , Sharma Adittya K , Odiya Sudarshan 
Published: August 2009

Objective:  To assess the efficacy of tunica albuginea urethroplasty (TAU) for anterior urethral strictures.Methods:  We assessed 206 patients with anterior urethral strictures who underwent TAU. The procedure involves mobilization of strictured urethra and laying it open with a dorsal slit. Edges of the slit‐open urethra are sutured to edges of the urethral groove with a silicon catheter in situ. Thus in neourethra, the roof is formed by tunica albuginea of the urethral groove. Results were assessed at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months by comparative analysis of patient satisfaction along with retrograde urethrogram, urethrosonogram, uroflowmetry, and were categorized as good, fair and poor. Good and fair results were considered as successful. Thirty patients were taken for postoperative urethroscopic analysis to allow better understanding of both successful and failed cases.Results:  Postoperative evaluation at 6 months showed a 96.6% success rate, which decreased to 94.7% at 1 year, 93.2% at 2 years and over 90% at the end of 3 years. The overall failure rate was 9.2%, which required revision surgery. Urethroscopic visualization of the reconstruction site showed wide, patent and distensible neourethra uniformly lined by urothelium over roof formed by tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa in successful cases. Failure cases showed diffuse fibrotic narrowing or circumferential scarring.Conclusion:  Tunica albuginea is a locally available distensible tissue, sufficient to maintain the patency of the neourethra, without any graft or flap. TAU is easier and useful when patients have unhealthy oral mucosa due to tobacco chewing.
c‐Fos expression in preoptic nuclei as a marker of sleep rebound in the rat
Authors: Dentico Daniela , Amici Roberto , Baracchi Francesca , Cerri Matteo , Del Sindaco Elide , Luppi Marco , Martelli Davide , Perez Emanuele , Zamboni Giovanni 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThermoregulation is known to interfere with sleep, possibly due to a functional interaction at the level of the preoptic area (POA). Exposure to low ambient temperature (Ta) induces sleep deprivation, which is followed by sleep rebound after a return to laboratory Ta. As two POA subregions, the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) and the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO), have been proposed to have a role in sleep‐related processes, the expression of c‐Fos and the phosphorylated form of the cAMP/Ca2+‐responsive element‐binding protein (P‐CREB) was investigated in these nuclei during prolonged exposure to a Ta of −10 °C and in the early phase of the recovery period. Moreover, the dynamics of the sleep rebound during recovery were studied in a separate group of animals. The results show that c‐Fos expression increased in both the VLPO and the MnPO during cold exposure, but not in a specific subregion within the VLPO cluster counting grid (VLPO T‐cluster). During the recovery, concomitantly with a large rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) rebound and an increase in delta power during non‐rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), c‐Fos expression was high in both the VLPO and the MnPO and, specifically, in the VLPO T‐cluster. In both nuclei, P‐CREB expression showed spontaneous variations in basal conditions. During cold exposure, an increase in expression was observed in the MnPO, but not in the VLPO, and a decrease was observed in both nuclei during recovery. Dissociation in the changes observed between c‐Fos expression and P‐CREB levels, which were apparently subject to state‐related non‐regulatory modulation, suggests that the sleep‐related changes observed in c‐Fos expression do not depend on a P‐CREB‐mediated pathway.
A systematic fMRI investigation of the brain systems subserving different working memory components in schizophrenia
Authors: Henseler I. , Falkai P. , Gruber O. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWorking memory impairment is one of the cardinal cognitive disturbances in schizophrenia and considerable evidence suggests that it can be traced to functional alterations in the brain. The exact allocation of specific deficits to regional specific dysfunctions, however, remains elusive. The aim of this study was to examine the functional integrity of three distinguishable brain systems underlying maintenance‐related subprocesses of working memory (articulatory rehearsal, non‐articulatory maintenance of phonological information, maintenance of visuospatial information) in patients with schizophrenia. Using an experimental paradigm, which had been designed to selectively activate these different brain systems, we assessed the brain activation of patients and controls with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Compared with controls, patients showed reduced activation of the fronto‐opercular, intraparietal and anterior cingulate cortex during the non‐articulatory maintenance of phonological information, as well as attenuated deactivation of the hippocampus. Additionally, we found prefrontal activation to depend critically on the patients’ current symptom status. During visuospatial maintenance, patients showed impaired activation of the superior parietal, temporal and occipital cortex, combined with enhanced activation of the frontal eye field and the inferior parietal cortex. No abnormal activations were observed during the articulatory rehearsal task. All activation differences were independent of group differences in task performance. Our fine‐grained analysis of dysfunctions in particular aspects of working memory circuitry provides evidence for a differential impairment of the brain systems supporting working memory subcomponents in schizophrenia and extends knowledge of the relationship between cognitive deficits, brain activation abnormalities and symptoms in schizophrenia.
Effects of thyroid hormone replacement on associative learning and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in adult hypothyroid rats
Authors: Fernández‐Lamo Iván , Montero‐Pedrazuela Ana , Delgado‐García José María , Guadaño‐Ferraz Ana , Gruart Agnès 
Published: August 2009

AbstractActivity‐dependent changes taking place at the hippocampal perforant pathway–dentate gyrus synapse during classical eyeblink conditioning were recorded in adult thyroidectomized (hypothyroid) and control (euthyroid) rats, and in animals treated with thyroid hormones 20 days after thyroidectomy (recovery rats). The aim was to determine the contribution of thyroid hormones and the consequences of adult‐onset hypothyroidism to both associative learning and the physiological potentiation of hippocampal synapses during the actual learning process in alert behaving animals. Control and recovery rats presented similar learning curves, whereas hypothyroid animals presented lower values. A single pulse presented to the perforant pathway during the conditioned–unconditioned inter‐stimulus interval evoked a monosynaptic field excitatory postsynaptic potential in dentate granule cells (whose slope was linearly related to the rate of acquisition in the control group), but not in hypothyroid and recovery animals. Input–output relationships and long‐term potentiation evoked by train stimulation of the perforant pathway were significantly depressed in hypothyroid animals. Thyroid hormone treatment failed to normalize these two neurophysiological abnormalities observed in hypothyroid animals. In contrast, paired‐pulse facilitation was not affected by thyroidectomy. The results indicate that thyroid hormone treatment after a short period of adult hypothyroidism helps to restore some hippocampally dependent functions, such as classical conditioning, but not other hippocampal properties, such as the synaptic plasticity evoked during associative learning and during experimentally induced long‐term potentiation. The present results have important clinical implications for the handling of patients with adult‐onset thyroid diseases.
Atrophy of the sphincters of continence in an experimental model
Authors: Banahan M. , Peirce C. , Buffini M. , O’Herlihy C. , O’Connell P. R. , Jones J. F. X. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground  Pudendal nerve injury during childbirth may result in external anal sphincter (EAS) atrophy. Recently, balloon compression of the pelvic side wall has been shown to result in EAS atrophy in an experimental model. The aim of this study was to determine whether other sphincters of continence are similarly affected.Method  Sixteen adult female virgin Wistar rats (eight controls) were studied 4 weeks after surgery. Anal and urethral canals were dissected, snap frozen and sectioned using a cryostat (100 μm thickness). Masses of EAS, internal anal sphincter (IAS) and external urethral sphincter (EUS) were calculated stereologically and stained with succinate dehydrogenase histochemistry to differentiate striated from smooth muscle. Sphincter length was determined and total sphincter mass calculated. Data were analysed with an unpaired Student’s t‐test.Results  Atrophy of EAS (30.9 ± 1.7 to 21.3 ± 1.7 mg/ kg, P = 0.001), IAS (98.1 ± 11.3 to 67.1 ± 5.0 mg/kg, P = 0.01) and EUS (9.6 ± 0.98 to 7.4 ± 0.8 mg/kg, P = 0.05) was found 4 weeks after the injury.Conclusion  In an experimental model of obstetric pudendal nerve injury, significant atrophy of striated and smooth muscle sphincters of continence occurs and may contribute to altered continence following vaginal childbirth.