bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heart rate turbulence and death due to cardiac decompensation in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Moore Roger K.G. , Groves David G. , Barlow Pauline E. , Fox Keith A.A. , Shah Ajay , Nolan James , Kearney Mark T. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackgroundAs treatment strategies for patients with chronic heart failure (HF) become more sophisticated, identifying patients at high risk of death and predicting mode of death is important. The aim of this study was to explore the potential utility of heart rate turbulence (HRT) to identify patients with HF at high risk of death.Methods and resultsIn a prospective study, 553 ambulant outpatients age 63 ± 10 with symptoms of HF and evidence of cardiac dysfunction were recruited. All patients underwent 24‐h Holter ECG recordings, which were analysed for arrhythmias, heart rate variability and HRT a measurement that is thought to quantify cardiac autonomic regulatory mechanisms. Baseline chest radiograph, biochemistry and 12‐lead electrocardiograms were also obtained. In patients with HRT measurements at 5 years follow up, 146 patients had died, 59 due to decompensated HF. Independent predictors of death from decompensated HF at 5‐year follow up (Cox proportional hazard model) were HRT slope (HR for 10% increment 0.84, 95% CI 0.77–0.91), serum sodium (HR for 10% increment 0.75, 95% CI 0.62–0.91) and serum creatinine (for 10% increment HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08–1.19) all P < 0.01. These 3 variables combined had excellent discrimination between patients dying of decompensated HF and other patients, C‐statistic = 0.82.ConclusionsIn patients with mild‐to‐moderate HF, HRT slope is an independent predictor of death due to decompensated HF. HRT may have the potential to help tailor therapy in this patient group.
A 2200-yr record of hydrologic variability from Foy Lake, Montana, USA, inferred from diatom and geochemical data
Authors: Stevens Lora R. , Stone Jeffery R. , Campbell Josh , Fritz Sherilyn C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA 2200-yr long, high-resolution (∼5 yr) record of drought variability in northwest Montana is inferred from diatoms and δ18O values of bio-induced carbonate preserved in a varved lacustrine core from Foy Lake. A previously developed model of the diatom response to lake-level fluctuations is used to constrain estimates of paleolake levels derived from the diatom data. High-frequency (decadal) fluctuations in the de-trended δ18O record mirror variations in wet/dry cycles inferred from Banff tree-rings, demonstrating the sensitivity of the oxygen-isotope values to changes in regional moisture balance. Low frequency (multi-centennial) isotopic changes may be associated with shifts in the seasonal distribution of precipitation. From 200 B.C. to A.D. 800, both diatom and isotope records indicate that climate was dry and lake level low, with poor diatom preservation and high organic carbon: nitrogen ratios. Subsequently, lake level rose slightly, although the climate was drier and more stable than modern conditions. At A.D. 1200, lake level increased to approximately 6 m below present elevation, after which the lake fluctuated between this elevation and full stage, with particularly cool and/or wetter conditions after 1700. The hydrologic balance of the lake shifted abruptly at 1894 because of the establishment of a lumber mill at the lake's outlet. Spectral analysis of the δ18O data indicates that severe droughts occurred with multi-decadal (50 to 70 yr) frequency.
EarliestCucurbitafrom the Great Lakes, Northern USA
Authors: Monaghan G. William , Lovis William A. , Egan-Bruhy Kathryn C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractDirectly datedCucurbitafrom archaeological sites near Lake Huron expand the range and human usage of adventive, cultivated wild gourds or squash into the Great Lakes region, USA, by 400014C yr BP. The data also show that domesticatedC. peposquash was cultivated there by 300014C yr BP. Although milder Hypsithermal climate may have been a contributing factor, squash and gourds expanded northward during the mid-Holocene mainly by human agency and may be the first human-introduced adventive plant in temperate North America. Even after 300014C yr BP, when domesticated squash generally replaced wild varieties at northern sites, squash stands were probably informally managed rather than intensively cultivated.
Accuracy of predicting milk yield from alternative milk recording schemes
Authors: Berry D. P. , Olori V. E. , Cromie A. R. , Veerkamp R. F. , Rath M. , Dillon P. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe effect of reducing the frequency of official milk recording and the number of recorded samples per test-day on the accuracy of predicting daily yield and cumulative 305-day yield was investigated. A control data set consisting of 58 210 primiparous cows with milk test-day records every 4 weeks was used to investigate the influence of reduced milk recording frequencies. The accuracy of prediction of daily yield with one milk sample per test-day was investigated using 41 874 testday records from 683 cows. Results show that five or more test-day records taken at 8-weekly intervals (A8) predicted 305-day yield with a high level of accuracy. Correlations between 305-day yield predicted from 4-weekly recording intervals (A4) and from 8-weekly intervals were 0.99, 0.98 and 0.98 for milk, fat and protein, respectively. The mean error in estimating 305-day yield from the A8 scheme was 6.8 kg (s.d. 191 kg) for milk yield, 0.3 kg (s.d. 10 kg) for fat yield, and −0.3 kg (s.d. 7 kg) for protein yield, compared with the A4 scheme. Milk yield and composition taken during either morning (AM) or evening (PM) milking predicted 24-h yield with a high degree of accuracy. Alternating between AM and PM sampling every 4 weeks predicted 305-day yield with a higher degree of accuracy than either all AM or all PM sampling. Alternate AM-PM recording every 4 weeks and AM + PM recording every 8 weeks produced very similar accuracies in predicting 305-day yield compared with the official AM + PM recording every 4 weeks.
Effect of dietary supplementation of sows with quillaja saponins during gestation on colostrum composition and performance of piglets suckled
Authors: Llsley S. E. , Miller H. M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the effect of dietary saponins, extracted from the plant Quillaja saponaria, on the concentrations of immunoglobulins in sow colostrum and milk, and additionally to observe any effect on piglet performance. Twenty-two sows were allocated to each of two dietary treatments on day 72 of gestation, balancing for parity, fatness and past reproductive performance. Treatments were : control (C) and supplemented (Q; 2.5 g saponin per day as a top-dressing). Sows received 2.5 kg food once per day throughout gestation. Between days 72 and 93 of gestation Q sows received a saponin top-dressing as described. After day 93, all sows were given the same diet and managed in an identical manner. Colostrum samples were taken from all sows at farrowing on delivery of the first piglet then 4, 8, 24 and 72 h later and again on day 21 of lactation. A group of eight sows from each treatment were also blood sampled at farrowing, day 3 and day 21 of lactation. Concentrations of immunoglobulins IgG and IgA in the colostrum, milk and blood were not affected by sow treatment during gestation at any sampling point. Fat, lactose and cell counts were also similar across treatments in colostrum and milk. Protein tended to be higher in milk on day 3 but lower on day 21 (P< 0.1) in Q sows. Piglet performance was not affected by sow treatment during week 1 of lactation. However pigs suckling Q sows grew more slowly between days 8 to 14 (P< 0.05) and days 15 to 21 (P< 0.1). Q sows also had fewer stillborn piglets in their litters at farrowing (7.67 v. 13.25%,P< 0.05, s.e. = 1.93). It is concluded that dietary quillaja saponin given during this time period has no influence on sow lacteal immunoglobulin secretions. However an adverse effect on performance of the sucking piglet was observed, the reasons for which are unclear, but may be related to reduced milk protein concentrations. Dietary quillaja saponin during gestation does however appear to reduce the incidence of stillborn piglets.
The use of coarse maize silage as a dietary source of roughage for finishing Limousin bulls: effects on growth performance, feeding behaviour and meat quality
Authors: Cozzi G. , Gottardo F. , Andrighetto I. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTwo isonitrogenous, isocaloric and isofibrous diets for finishing beef cattle differing only in their roughage constituents were compared in a feeding trial with Limousin bulls. A control maize silage (chop length = 9 mm) and wheat straw were the roughage sources of the former diet representing 0·23 and 0·09 of the dietary dry matter (DM) respectively. These roughage sources were fully replaced in the latter by the inclusion of a coarsely chopped maize silage (19 mm) at a level of 0·45 of the total dietary DM. Two balanced groups of 20 Limousin bulls (425·8 ± 20·3 kg live weight) each allotted in four pens were given the two diets ad libitum for a finishing period of 138 days. The different dietary roughages did not affect either bull growth performance (average daily gain = 1·39 ± 0·25 kg/day) or food conversion ratio. However, the diet containing the coarse silage significantly (P < 0·05) reduced the intake of both DM (8·30 v. 9·02 kg/day) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) (2·64 v. 2·92 kg/day). Although total ruminating time was similar for both diets, bulls given the coarse maize silage diet spent more time ruminating 1 kg of DM or NDF, probably due to the higher percentage of dietary forage NDF. No food selection activity towards specific chemical constituents was observed in either diet. Slaughter measurements and meat quality were satisfactory and unaffected by the type of dietary roughage. Based on cattle growth performance, feeding behaviour, and meat quality, the use of coarse maize silage as a dietary source of roughage can be considered a feasible alternative in beef cattle finishing.
Quantitative aspects of ruminant predicting animal performance
Authors: Hanigan M. D. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractRations for dairy cattle are currently balanced to meet needs for energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. While individual vitamins and minerals are considered, energy and protein are generally treated in aggregate even though entities within those aggregates can affect milk yield and composition. Significant efforts have been undertaken to describe ruminal metabolism in detail, but descriptions of post-absorptive metabolism assume constant fractional conversions of energy and protein to milk. A quantitative understanding of nutrient metabolism by the post-absorptive tissues is required, and the splanchnic tissues are critical components of the post-absorptive system as they mediate absorption of nutrients and play a rôle in regulation of metabolite availability.Glucogenic precursor supply can significantly affect endocrine status as well as splanchnic release of glucose, acetate, lactate, ketones, and the non-essential amino acids. Although the relative affinities of the splanchnic tissues for the essential amino acids (AA) are low as compared with the udder, net clearance on a daily basis represents approximately 2/3 of the net supply to the animal due largely to recycling of AA back to the tissue bed. This could be significantly reduced by stimulating removal and use by the udder as splanchnic affinities are much lower than mammary affinities. Additionally, the essential AA composition of absorbed protein is significantly modified by these tissues due to differing affinities for each of the AA. The extent of that modification is not a fixed constant but rather a function of several factors including milk yield. The accuracy of our current feeding systems could be improved if such variable rates of substrate removal replaced current static estimates.
Mapping of multiple quantitative trait loci for growth and carcass traits in a complex commercial sheep pedigree
Authors: McRae A. F. , Bishop S. C. , Walling G. A. , Wilson A. D. , Visscher P. M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe confirmation of the segregation of experimentally populations is required before their commercial design of such confirmation experiments has the the pedigree while maintaining the power to detect chromosomes of a complex pedigree of 570 Charollais contained a moderately sized half-sib family which was wide level were detected in the half-sib analysis and analysis of the complex pedigree using identity-by-estimation of QTL effects was achieved by fitting all observed in the single QTL models. Both methods of different regions, and the variance components method demonstrates the viability of applying a variance inbreeding.
Comparison of growth curves of three strains of female dairy cattle
Authors: Berry D. P. , Horan B. , Dillon P. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to compare growth curves for live weight (LW) and body size of three strains of female dairy cattle reared under common environments in Ireland. One strain (HP) was selected from a predominantly North-American/European Holstein-Friesian genetic pool selected for high milk production. The second strain (HD) represented a predominantly North-American/European Holstein-Friesian genetic pool selected for high milk production but with greater selection emphasis on functional non-production traits. The third strain (NZ) consisted of New Zealand Holstein-Friesian females of high genetic merit for profitability in New Zealand. The data consisted of 99 animals (33 animals in each strain) with records on LW, length, girth and height from birth to a minimum of 594 days of age. The von Bertalanffy growth function was fitted to each animal's records separately and least-squares analyses were used to investigate the effect of strain on birth LW/body size, parameters of the growth function and average daily gains. Average mature live weight of the HD animals (591 kg) was significantly larger than that of the HP (566 kg) or NZ (543 kg) strain; the HD strain matured more slowly. The HD (134 cm) and HP (135 cm) strains were significantly taller than the NZ (128 cm) strain. Although the data set was relatively small there are indications that dairy females of North-American genetic origin were heavier at birth, grew faster, and were heavier and taller at maturity than dairy females of New Zealand origin.
Chemokine receptor CCR6 as a prognostic factor after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: UCHIDA HIROKI , IWASHITA YUKIO , SASAKI ATSUSHI , SHIBATA KOHEI , MATSUMOTO TOSHIFUMI , OHTA MASAYUKI , KITANO SEIGO 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Chemokines and their receptors have recently been shown to have major roles in cancer metastasis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the interaction between chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) and its ligand, macrophage inflammatory protein‐3 alpha (MIP‐3α), correlates with metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:  To observe the reaction of CCR6 expressed cancer cells to MIP‐3α stimulation, chemotactic and actin polymerization assays for both CCR6 high cells (HepG2) and CCR6 low cells (MCF‐7) were performed. CCR6 mRNA levels in tumor specimens from 30 HCC patients were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Patients were classified into two groups, high (≥ 20 copies; n = 10) CCR6 and low (<20 copies; n = 20) CCR6 on the basis of CCR6 expression, and the groups were compared with respect to clinicopathological features.Results:  When HepG2 cells (CCR6 high) were stimulated with MIP‐3α, they migrated in a dose‐dependent manner, and formation of pseudopodia was observed. These phenomena were not observed in the CCR6 low cells. The incidence of intrahepatic metastasis was higher in the high CCR6 expression group than in the low CCR6 expression group (P < 0.05). Disease‐free survival was significantly poorer in the high CCR6 expression group than in the low CCR6 expression group (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  It was indicated that CCR6 might be associated with intrahepatic metastasis of HCC and might be able to become one of the prognostic factor after hepatic resection for HCC.
Survey of consent practices for inpatient colonoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at a tertiary referral center
Authors: Seow Cynthia H , Leber Jacqueline M , Ee Hooi C , Yusoff Ian F 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  The purpose of the present paper was to determine informed consent practices for inpatient, open‐access colonoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) at a tertiary referral center.Methods:  A two‐part prospective study incorporating (i) an audit of consent practices for colonoscopy and ERCP; and (ii) a questionnaire directed at gastroenterologists and interns regarding information imparted to patients in the process of acquiring informed consent, was undertaken at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Western Australia. Study subjects consisted of inpatients undergoing open‐access colonoscopy and/or ERCP at the study center commencing May 2003; and gastroenterologists and interns at the study center.Results:  Written consent was obtained by junior medical staff in 89% of cases. Response rates for the questionnaire was 100% from interns, and 91% from gastroenterologists. Of interns surveyed, 93% had witnessed a colonoscopy, and 59% had witnessed an ERCP. For 12% of interns, colonoscopic bleeding or perforation were not always mentioned. Colonoscopy failure rate and perforation were overestimated by 51% and 63% of interns, respectively. Only 56% of interns always mentioned pancreatitis as a complication of ERCP. The rate of post‐ERCP pancreatitis was overestimated by 25% of interns. Only 40% of gastroenterologists always provided additional information to patients whose consent was obtained by someone else. Written material was not routinely provided for patients. Consent was usually obtained on the day of the procedure.Conclusions:  Written consent for inpatients undergoing open‐access colonoscopy and ERCP is rarely obtained by the proceduralist. There is substantial variability in the information provided to patients. Guidelines are required to ensure best practice in this area.
Vascular endothelial growth factor protects hepatoma cells against oxidative stress‐induced cell death
Authors: Osada Shinji , Imai Hisashi , Tomita Hiroyuki , Tokuyma Yasuharu , Okumura Naoki , Sakashita Fumio , Nonoka Kenichi , Sugiyama Yasuyuki 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to examine coordination of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor (Flk‐1) system and to study control of VEGF expression by oxidative stress, which is considered a model for chronic liver disease.Methods:  Cell viability was determined by test method with 3‐[4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2, 5‐dephenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). Expressions of cellular proteins were evaluated by western blot analysis.Results:  The c‐Met tyrosine phosphorylation in PLC/PRF/5 hepatoma cells was increased by treatment with 20 ng/mL hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) was also activated. Although Flk‐1 was phosphorylated in response to VEGF (>50 ng/mL), phosphorylated ERK was not detected at these concentrations. A total of 5.0 and 10 µmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) caused cell death in a dose‐dependent manner after 24 h. On western blot analysis at 1 h with H2O2, rapid phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) was observed. In the first 6 h, H2O2 induced cell death for 58.4 ± 6.8%, whereas the presence of 100 ng/mL VEGF improved the survival rate to 77.2 ± 4.2%. The VEGF significantly decreased H2O2‐induced cell death after 12 h, whereas HGF (20 ng/mL) did not have a similar effect. When cells were incubated with 5 µmol/L H2O2, expression of VEGF protein was detected. Furthermore, H2O2‐induced phosphorylation of ERK and JNK was also reduced by VEGF (100 ng/mL). In contrast, HGF did not induce phosphorylation of ERK and JNK.Conclusion:  Hepatoma cells might be able to survive under continuous oxidative stress through expression of VEGF.
Low number of omental preadipocytes with high leptin and low adiponectin secretion is associated with high fasting plasma glucose levels in obese subjects
Authors: Bakker A. H. F. , Nijhuis J. , Buurman W. A. , Van Dielen F. M. H. , Greve J. W. M. 
Published: February 2006

Objective:  This study investigates whether fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in obese subjects are associated with the number of preadipocytes and their adipokine‐secretion capabilities.Design:  Abdominal subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues were obtained from 10 female and four male obese subjects (age 37 ± 8 years; BMI 48 ± 13 kgm2) with a wide range of FPG (range: 4.3–10.6 mm). Stromal vascular cells (SVC) were isolated and cultured and the number of attached SVC (aSVC) per gram adipose tissue determined. The aSVCs were differentiated in vitro to become adipocytes, and the secretion of the adipokine leptin and adiponectin in the culture media was determined. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were calculated between FPG and preadipocyte number and adipokine secretion.Patients:  Subject‐inclusion criteria: BMI >40 kg/m2 and for severe comorbid conditions BMI >35 kg/m2. Subject‐exclusion criteria: severe cardiopulmonary pathology (ASA class 3), history of bariatric surgery, manifest psychopathology, 18 years < age > 60 years and for upper‐abdominal surgery, age >50 years. All females in the study had regular menstrual periods. None of participants received glucose‐lowering medication.Results:  No association was observed between BMI and fasting glucose levels. More than 90 ± 20% of the cultured aSVC fraction was able to store fat droplets, indicating the presence of preadipocytes. A strong negative association was observed between omental preadipocyte number and FPG. A strong association was observed between adipokine secretion by the omental preadipocytes and FPG. No association was observed between subcutaneous preadipocyte number and adipokine secretion and FPG.Conclusions:  In morbid obese subjects, low number of omental preadipocytes with high‐leptin‐ and low‐adiponectin‐secretion profiles is associated with high FPG.