bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Properties and Usefulness of Boar Semen for Liquid Preservation Following Atropine Administration
Authors: Strzeżek J. , Fraser L. , Holody D. , Wysocki P. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryFour sexually mature boars were used in two different experiments. In Experiment I, two boars were injected once subcutaneously with atropine and, ejaculates were collected after 30, 60 and 90 min. In Experiment II, each boar was injected weekly with 25, 37.5 and 50 mg of atropine, and ejaculates were collected after 30 min. Ejaculates obtained in Exp. II were diluted with Kortowo‐3 extender (Olsztyn, Poland), with and without the addition of low density lipoprotein fraction (LDF) isolated from hen egg yolk, and stored at 5°C and 16°C for 5–6 days. Atropine caused a decrease in semen volume and an increase in sperm concentration with fewer agglutinated spermatozoa. Changes in sperm motility were not significant. There was a significant increase in the content of fructose, zinc, citric acid and protein in the seminal plasma of atropine‐injected boars. Furthermore, increased antiproteolytic and antiperoxidant activity as well as seminal phosphatases were also observed. No significant changes were observed in the content of free sialic acid, whereas bound sialic acid was significantly increased in Exp. II. A decrease in osmolality and pH of seminal plasma was observed. Electrophoretic studies revealed that there were alterations in the molecular forms of seminal phosphatases and proteinase inhibitors. There were no significant changes in the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, osmotic plasmalemma resistance at the acrosomal region (ORT) and malondialdehyde production in the spermatozoa. AspAT activity recovered from cold shocked spermatozoa was significantly reduced, whereas disturbances in plasma membrane permeability to fluorochrome HO 258 were observed in Exp. I. Semen of atropineinjected boars had increased sperm viability during liquid preservation at 5 and 16°C.
Total Serum Sialic Acid is a General Disease Marker Rather than a Specific Tumour Marker in Dogs
Authors: Thougaard A. V. , Hellmén E. , Jensen A. L. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to examine the levels of total sialic acid (TSA) in serum of clinically healthy dogs and dogs with various diseases to evaluate the usefulness of TSA as a tumour marker. TSA levels in clinically healthy dogs were not different between sexes, but pregnant and lactating dogs had higher mean (± standard deviation (SD)) TSA levels than clinically healthy female dogs (642 ± 78 vs. 495 ± 73 mg/l, P < 0.001). Eighty‐eight dogs with different tumours (54 malignant and 34 benign tumours of different tissues) had higher mean TSA levels than 148 clinically healthy dogs (675 ± 143 vs. 498 ± 75mg/L P < 0.01). Fifty dogs with other diseases excluding tumours (skin, urinary system, and gastrointestinal diseases, pyometra, other inflammatory diseases, and Cushing's syndrome) had slightly higher TSA levels than the tumour‐bearing dogs (730 ± 159 mg/l, P = 0.02). TSA levels in dogs with malignant tumours did not differ from dogs with benign tumours (682 ± 144 vs. 664 ± 142 mg/l, P = 0.73). A receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) plot revealed a maximum sensitivity and specificity combination of 69% and 91% (TSA cut‐off concentration 595 mg/l) in distinguishing between healthy dogs and dogs with tumours. When evaluating TSA measurements to distinguish dogs with other diseases from dogs with tumours, a maximum sensitivity and specificity combination of 50% and 75% was found (cut‐off concentration 761 mg/l). WHO staging of mammary tumours revealed an increase in TSA levels with increasing stage (P < 0.0001, r, = 0.62). In conclusion, the nonspecificity of increases makes TSA determinations unsuitable as a tumour marker. TSA levels seem instead to be a general disease marker. Whether serial TSA measurements could be used in the follow‐up of dogs operated for malignant tumours should be further investigated.
Effect of Duodenal Glucose Infusion on Blood Glucose Concentration in Endotoxin‐Treated Calves
Authors: Bleniek K. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe effect of endotoxemia on the intestinal absorption of glucose was evaluated in nine experiments performed on seven 3‐ to 5‐week‐old calves fitted with a duodenal cannula. An intraduodenal glucose load trial (infusion of 2 g glucose/kg b.w. as a 10% aqueous solution through the cannula over 60 min) was conducted in a group of 5 calves three times during the 4‐day period: 48 h before and at 2 and 24 h after i.v. injection of E. coli 0111:B4 endotoxin (LPS) at a dose of 0.1 μg/kg b.w. Control calves were treated similarly but instead of glucose they were infused intraduodenally with deionised water at a volume of 20 ml/kg b.w. In trial with glucose load performed 48 h before LPS administration, blood glucose concentration increased during the absorptive phase from 4.32 ± 0.32 mmol/l to 11.45 ± 0.87 mmol/l at 60 min and then decreased to a minimum value of 3.16 ± 0.51 mmol/l at 240 min. During the initial phase of endotoxemia, blood glucose concentration did not change from baseline values in both groups of calves. Glucose concentration in control calves started to decrease at 165 min reaching a minimum value of 1.39 ± 0.17 mmol/l at 210 min and then increased to 2.44 ± 0.11 mmol/l at 480 min after LPS administration. The intraduodenal infusion of glucose at 2 h after LPS administration resulted in an increase in blood glucose concentration during the absorptive phase only in one calf. Blood glucose concentration in this calf increased between 30 and 90 min reaching a maximum value of 7.19 mmol/l at 60 min, and then decreased to a minimal value of 0.94 mmol/l at 180 min after glucose load. In the remaining four calves in this group, blood glucose concentration ranged from 3.89 ± 0.37 mmol/l to 4.48 ± 0.45 mmol/l up to 120 min, and then steadily decreased to a minimal value of 2.41 ± 0.41 mmol/l at 300 min. In trial with glucose load performed 24 h after LPS administration, the rate of entry of glucose into the circulation during the absorptive phase was similar to that observed in the trial performed 48 h before LPS administration. In conclusion, these results indicate that endotoxemia impairs the intestinal absorption of glucose in calves. The magnitude of the absorption disturbance may vary in individual calves, and the inhibitory effect of LPS on the intestinal glucose absorption lasts less than 24 h.
The Association Between Selected Metabolic Parameters and Left Abomasal Displacement in Dairy Cows
Authors: Geishauser T. , Leslie K. , Duffield T. , Sandals D. , Edge V. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe objective of this study was to examine the association between selected metabolic parameters and subsequent left displaced abomasum (LDA) diagnosis in dairy cows. Forty‐four LDA cows sampled in the third week ante partum (a.p.) which was at a median of 34 days prior to LDA diagnosis, 36 LDA cows sampled in the first week post partum (p.p.) which was at a median of 14 days prior and 28 LDA cows sampled in the second week p.p., which was at a median of 9 days prior to LDA diagnosis were used. Each case was matched to 3 controls by herd and calving date. Data were available from a large field study. Aspartate‐aminotransferase (AST) activity, the concentrations of β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, calcium and urea in blood, and the body condition score (BCS) were studied. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between these parameters and subsequent LDA, adjusting for the effects of parity and pretreatment. A separate model was used for each sampling week and each parameter. In the third week a.p. none of the parameters were significantly associated with LDA. AST and BHB sampled in the first week p.p. and in the second week p.p. were significantly associated with LDA diagnosis. The higher the AST and BHB, the higher the odds of being diagnosed subsequently with LDA. The lower glucose and Ca in the second week p.p. the higher the odds of subsequent LDA diagnosis. Urea and BCS were not significantly associated with LDA in any of the weeks examined. We conclude that AST and BHB in the first and second week p.p. might be used as tests for subsequent LDA. Glucose, calcium, urea and body condition were either not significantly associated with LDA or significantly associated only in the second week p.p.; this may limit their use as tests for LDA.
Measurement of Serum and Synovial Fluid Keratan Sulphate and Antibody to Collagen Type II in Equine Osteoarthritis
Authors: Okumura M. , Tagami M. , Fujinaga T. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryKeratan sulphate (KS) concentration and anticollagen type II antibody levels were measured in the serum and synovial fluid (SF) of clinically normal horses and horses with osteoarthritis (OA). Serum KS in OA was significantly higher than that in normal horses, while no significant difference was found in KS levels of SF between normal and OA. Assays of antibody to collagen type II showed no significant increase in sera and SF of OA. It was suggested that levels of serum KS would be of value in the pathological detection of OA in the joint, although there was no evidence that the measurable autoimmunity to collagen antigens would reflect the process of OA.
A Dose Titration Study on the Effect of Virginiamycin on Gilt/Sow and Piglet Performance
Authors: Kantas D. , Vassilopoulos V. , Kyriakis S. C. , Saoulidis K. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryVirginiamycin (VM), a compound with proven performance‐promoting properties in pigs, can also be considered as sow performance enhancer. The present dose titration study investigates the long‐term effects of VM on gilt/sow and litter performance. A total of 140 healthy gilts, in 35 sets of 2 + 2 siblings each, were used in this trial; gilts in each set were randomly allocated to the four treatments (35 gilts per each treatment group): VMO = negative control, virginiamycin 0 mg/kg, VM20 = virginiamycin 20 mg/kg, VM40 = virginiamycin 40 mg/kg and VM60 = virginiamycin 60 mg/kg of feed. VM was added to the gilt/sow feed for a period starting from 6 months of age up to conception of the fourth parity, covering three complete breeding cycles (pregnancy, lactation and weaning‐to‐conception interval). The feed given did not contain any other antibacterial agent or performance enchancer. Piglets were given exactly the same quantity of creep feed from the fifth day onwards; it did not contain any antibacterial agent or performance enchancer. The lactation period was the same in all gilts/sows (21 days). Results indicate that VM supplementation of the feed improved gilt/sow performance by: (i) increasing (P < 0.05) the mean body weight at each farrowing, (ii) decreasing (P < 0.05) the mean weight loss from farrowing to weaning, and (iii) decreasing (P < 0.05) the mean weaning‐to‐conception intervals. VM supplementation of gilt/sow feed also resulted in improved litter size and litter performance in terms of: (i) a higher (P < 0.05) mean number of piglets born alive at each birth, (ii) a higher (P < 0.05) mean number of piglets weaned, (iii) a higher (P < 0.05) mean piglet body weight at each birth, and (iv) a higher (P < 0.05) mean piglet body weight at each weaning. These beneficial effects of VM were more pronounced in the VM40 group.
Nephelometric Determination of Haptoglobin Plasma Concentrations in Fattening Pigs
Authors: Lipperheide C. , Diepers N. , Lampreave F. , Alava M. , Petersen B. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe haptoglobin plasma concentrations in 110 fattening pigs living on three commercial farms and in 28 animals on the university pilot farm were measured using a nephelometric detection method based on an immunoassay. Following calibration of the automated analyser (Nephelometer BN 100) with a human haptoglobin standard, the measurements were performed using anti‐human antiserum from rabbits. Differences in age, gender or breed of apparently healthy animals seem to have no influence on the plasma concentration of the protein. The average plasma level of haptoglobin in animals suffering from acute respiratory diseases was significantly higher. Furthermore, an increase was observed in animals without clinical symptoms living on a farm characterized by obvious defects in housing conditions.Comparison studies of the nephelometric method by use of a human or porcine standard for calibration and different anti‐human or anti‐porcine antisera with radial immunodiffusion as a reference method resulted in high correlation coefficients for all variations. Optimal accuracy was obtained by calibrating the analyser with a porcine standard.Haptoglobin determinations have been shown to be a useful tool for health monitoring during the integrated pig‐production process, allowing recognition of performance‐reducing conditions. The immunonephelometric determination method is suitable for quantifying porcine plasma haptoglobin for routine checks. The use of animal‐specific standards for calibration improves the accuracy of this method.
Prolonged Sevoflurane, Isoflurane and Halothane Anaesthesia in Oxygen Using Rebreathing or Non‐rebreathing System in Cats
Authors: Hikasa Y. , Yamashita M. , Takase K. , Ogasawara S. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryEffects of prolonged sevoflurane, isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia in oxygen on clinical, cardiopulmonary, haematologic, and serum biochemical findings were compared in healthy, premedicated cats breathing spontaneously during 6h of anaesthesia using rebreathing (semi‐closed circuit) or non‐rebreathing (Bain coaxial circuit) system. Recovery from anaesthesia with sevoflurane was more rapid than that with halothane or isoflurane in both systems. Respiration and heart rates during sevoflurane anaesthesia were similar to those during isoflurane rather than halothane anaesthesia in both systems. The degree of respiratory acidosis during prolonged sevoflurane anaesthesia was similar to that during isoflurane anaesthesia, and was less than that during halothane anaesthesia in both rebreathing and non‐rebreathing systems. Prolonged sevoflurane anaesthesia induced mean arterial pressure similar to isoflurane or halothane anaesthesia in the non‐rebreathing system, but it depressed mean arterial pressure less than isoflurane or halothane anaesthesia in the rebreathing system. Time‐related increase in the arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure was observed during halothane anaesthesia especially in the rebreathing system, however, no significant time‐related changes in cardiopulmonary variables were observed during either sevoflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia in both systems. There were no significant differences among sevoflurane, isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia in serum biochemical values in both systems.
Transplacental Transfer of Radionuclides. A Review
Authors: Von Zallinger C. , Tempel K. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryTransplacental transfer of tritium (H), cesium (Cs), iodine (I), strontium (Sr) and plutonium (Pu) has been observed in all examined species with an active transfer mechanism for iodine, strontium and plutonium. Cesium and tritiated water freely cross the placenta and are distributed approximately uniformly in maternal as well as in fetal tissue. In pregnant mice, 137Cs concentrations in maternal organs were 4–6 times higher than in the foetus. With increasing weight, Cs amounts rise in the foetus. 131I distribution in the foetus before and after the beginning of thyroid function is totally different. In an 8‐week‐old human foetus, there was almost no accumulation of 131I in the thyroid gland, while on week 14 of gestation more than 40% of the fetal iodine was accumulated in the thyroid gland. Radioiodine given only once results in distinctly higher fetal‐maternal ratios than after long‐term exposure. Experiments performed to evaluate the extent of placental barrier of Sr in comparison to Ca showed a maximum of Sr/Ca discrimination early in pregnancy while at the end of pregnancy Sr and Ca are transported to almost equal proportions across the placenta. A well‐known phenomenon is the accumulation of Pu in the yolk‐sack of rats such that 80% of the total activity is contained in the feto‐placental unit. For the extrapolation of results from animals to man, experiments should not be confined to laboratory animals but include primates. Furthermore, computer softwares like MIRDOSE could be used to simulate transplacental distribution.
Successful Treatment of an Equine Preputial Fibrosarcoma Using 5‐Fluorouracil/Evaluation of the Treatment Using Quantitative PCNA and KI67 (MIB 1) Immunostaining (Case Report)
Authors: Roels S. , Ducatelle R. , van De Vijver B. , De Kruif A. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryAn 18‐month‐old cross‐bred Fjord pony colt presenting a fibrosarcoma of the prepuce with severe infiltrative growth, was treated by topical application of 5‐fluorouracil. Biopsies were taken before and after a treatment period of 2 months. As a control, preputial tissue from a healthy horse was biopsied. Tissue sections were stained immunohistochemically for Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and Proliferation related factor — Ki67 (MIB1). Using computerized quantitative image analysis of these sections, Mitotic index (PCNA), Growth Fraction (Ki67) and total nuclear area percentage of the dermis were calculated.The Mitotic index, growth fraction and total nuclear area percentage were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced at the end of the treatment period compared to the initial biopsy tissue, but they still were significantly higher than the control values, due to a remnant inflammatory reaction to the cytostatic drug. After treatment of the lesion, the pony fully recovered with no visible residual lesions on the prepuce. On follow‐up 6 months after treatment, the horse showed no signs of recurrence.The success of the present treatment should encourage further clinical trials in cases of malignant fibrous tumours of skin in horses. The quantitative analysis of cell proliferation in biopsies can be used to evaluate treatment follow‐up.
Weights and Blood Profiles of the West African Hinge‐Backed Tortoise,Kinixys erosaand the Desert Tortoise,Gopherus agassizii
Authors: Oyewale J. O. , Ebute C. P. , Ogunsanmi A. O. , Olayemi F. O. , Durotoye L. A. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe body weight and blood profile were determined in the adult wild West African hinge‐backed tortoise,Kinixys erosaand the adult wild desert tortoise,Gopherus agassiziikept under identical environmental conditions. A comparison between sexes showed the maleK. erosahad significantly higher packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration and lower body weight and plasma alkaline phosphatase values than the female, while no significant sex differences appeared in these parameters inG. agassizii.The haematological parameters and plasma levels of electrolytes, enzymes, proteins and metabolites did not differ significantly between the two species, suggesting that the blood values ofK. erosaresembled those ofG. agassiziiunder identical environmental conditions.
Inhalation Anaesthesia for the Castration of Piglets: CO2Compared to Halothane
Authors: Kohler I. , Moens Y. , Busato A. , Blum J. , Schatzmann U. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryGeneral anaesthesia with 80% CO2/20% O2and 5% halothane in O2(mask induction) was compared for castration of 3–4‐week‐old piglets. One group was castrated without anaesthesia. Of the noncastrated control groups one had CO2‐and one halothane anaesthesia, one breathed room air through the induction system, and one was held in castration position. The behaviour to induction and castration was assessed, and the cortisol‐, ACTH‐ and β‐endorphin plasma concentrations were determined to quantify the stress elicited by anaesthesia, castration and handling. Violent struggling and vocalization were elicited by CO2and positioning into the mask induction system while breathing room air; halothane induction was quiet. CO2induced profound surgical anaesthesia; whereas under halothane anaesthesia some animals exhibited still a slight reaction to castration. Recovery was fast, smooth and quiet. Permanent violent struggling and vocalization were elicited by castration without anaesthesia. Plasma cortisol was not a sensitive tool to judge castration stress. The high ACTH and β‐endorphin plasma concentrations elicited by CO2anaesthesia confirm our clinical experience. General anaesthesia is fast and safely induced with CO2in piglets and castration can be performed without any reaction, but with CO2anaesthesia the stress is not reduced.
Large‐scale folding in the Asemi‐gawa region of the Sanbagawa Belt, southwest Japan
Authors: Mori Hiroshi , Wallis Simon 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe Sanbagawa Belt generally shows higher metamorphic grade at higher structural levels. This inversion can be interpreted as reflecting an original inverted thermal structure typical of subduction zone environments. However, repetitions in the distribution of the metamorphic zones seen in central Shikoku, Japan, clearly show the original thermal structure has been affected by deformation after the peak of metamorphism. This repetition has been attributed to both the action of tectonic discontinuities and regional folding. It is important to distinguish between these two interpretations to determine the extent to which the original subduction zone sequence is preserved. Analyses of lithological and structural data reveal the presence of a large‐scale post‐metamorphic fold in the central part of the highest grade region. This folding has an axis that coincides with the thermal axis implied by the distribution of the metamorphic zonation, suggesting the repetition of metamorphic zones in this area can be accounted for by folding without the need for major discontinuities.
Industrial experiences of bending fatigue strength in table liner for cement mill
Authors: BAEK S.‐H. , CHO S.‐S. , JOO W.‐S. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTA table liner for the vertical roller mill has been used to grind natural limestone. Unexpected fatigue failure accidents have occurred during portland cement manufacturing process. The design life of a table liner is 4 × 107 cycles, but the actual fatigue life of a table liner is 2 × 106 to 8 × 106 cycles. The fatigue crack of a table liner initiates from the outside edge of the grinding path of the limestone. When such a crack occurs, the table liner has to be replaced, and this requires 30% of the total maintenance cost of the vertical roller mill. Therefore, this study examines the fatigue failure of a table liner by plane‐bending fatigue test, stress measurement test, finite element analysis and fatigue fracture analysis.
T‐stress corrected notch stress intensity factors with application to welded lap joints
Authors: RADAJ D. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTThe definition, content and application of the notch stress intensity factors (NSIFs) characterizing the stress field at rounded slit tips (keyholes) is discussed. The same is done in respect of the T‐stress transferred from the corresponding pointed slit tips. A T‐stress based correction of the NSIF K1,ρ is found to be necessary. The applicability of the T‐stress term supplemented by higher‐order terms in Williams’ solution to the slit tip stresses in tensile‐shear loaded lap joints is discussed in more detail. The role of the T‐stress in constituting the near‐field stresses of rounded slit tips is shown to cause a difference between internal and external slit tip notches. The notch stress equations for lap joints proposed by Radaj based on structural stress and by Lazzarin based on a finite element model of the rounded notch are reconsidered and amended based on the derivations above.