bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of zinc and copper status in weaned piglets in relation to dietary zinc and copper supply
Authors: Carlson D. , Beattie J. H. , Poulsen H. D. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe aim of the study was to determine the effect of weaning and the effect of increasing dietary zinc concentrations on the zinc and copper status of weaned piglets (study 1) and to study the effect of high concentrations of dietary zinc and/or copper on zinc and copper status of weaned piglets (study 2). Study 1 included 54 piglets (six litters of nine piglets). One piglet from every litter was killed 1 day before weaning. The remaining 48 piglets were allocated at weaning (28 days) to four dietary zinc treatments (100, 250, 1000 or 2500 ppm) and subsequently killed 1–2, 5–6 or 14–15 days after weaning. Study 2 included 48 piglets (six litters of eight piglets) allocated to four dietary treatments, consisting of low or high dietary zinc (100 or 2500 ppm) in combination with low or high dietary copper (20 or 175 ppm). All piglets in study 2 were killed 5–7 days after weaning. In both studies, the trace mineral status was assessed by zinc and copper concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity in plasma and mucosal tissue. In study 2, lymphocyte metallothionein (MT) mRNA and intestinal mucosa MT mRNA concentrations were included as zinc status markers. The results showed that the zinc status, measured as zinc in plasma and mucosa, was not affected by weaning of the piglets. Plasma copper concentrations decreased during the first 2 weeks after weaning. High dietary copper concentrations did not affect the concentration of copper in plasma, but increased the concentration of copper in mucosa and the concentration of zinc in plasma. The dietary zinc treatments increased the zinc concentration in plasma as well as the zinc and MT mRNA concentration in mucosa. Lymphocyte MT mRNA concentrations did not reflect the differences in dietary zinc supplementation.
Blood vitamin concentrations in privately owned dogs fed non‐standardized commercial diets and after intake of diets with specified vitamin concentrations
Authors: Tran J. L. , Horvath C. , Krammer S. , Höller U. , Zentek J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe objective was to investigate in a survey study the blood vitamin concentrations in healthy dogs fed non‐specified commercial complete diets and in an intervention study to determine the effects of defined dietary vitamin intakes on blood vitamin levels and hair and skin condition. Sixty‐four privately owned dogs, aged from 1 to 8 years, without history of skin or coat problems were included. All animals were fed commercial complete diets with uncertain vitamin concentrations before enrolment. The animals were assigned, according to weight and gender, to four groups with graded vitamin intakes. The blood vitamin levels and skin and coat quality of the dogs were investigated at days 0 and day 122. Coat and hair condition was not influenced by the experimental diets. The retinol concentrations were reduced at the end of the experiment compared with the baseline levels, retinyl esters were not influenced. 25‐Hydroxycholecalciferol decreased in all groups, α‐tocopherol was constant or tended to decrease. Ascorbic acid, thiamine pyrophosphate and riboflavin concentrations were not affected by treatment, flavin adenine dinucleotide and pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate were partially reduced on day 122. Cobalamin, pantothenate and biotin concentrations increased with higher dietary intakes, folate levels in tendency. In conclusion, this study gives a survey of blood vitamin concentrations in healthy dogs and provides a data base for the evaluation of the vitamin status in health and disease.
Effect of energy restriction and re‐alimentation in Belgian Blue double‐muscled beef cows on digestibility and metabolites
Authors: Fiems L. O. , Vanacker J. M. , De Boever J. L. , Van Caelenbergh W. , Aerts J. M. , De Brabander D. L. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryFour groups of five non‐lactating and non‐pregnant Belgian Blue double‐muscled (BBDM) cows were used to investigate the effect of energy level (E) on digestion, and blood and urine metabolites. The energy levels of the groups, applied indoors during a 140‐day restriction period, were 100%, 90%, 80% or 70% of their energy requirements (E100, E90, E80, E70) respectively. Afterwards, animals grazed on the same swards for 203 days (re‐alimentation period). Balance trials were conducted at the end of the restriction period (BT1) and at the end of the re‐alimentation period (BT2). Blood was sampled at the end of these trials. Diets consisted of maize silage and straw (80/20 on a dry matter basis) and a mineral–vitamin premix, fed at the appropriate E during BT1, or maize silage and a mineral–vitamin premix, fed at 125% of the maintenance requirements, during BT2. Significant increases of the digestibility coefficients were found during BT1 when E decreased, resulting in a better net energy capture of 7% for E70 compared with E100 (p < 0.05). Slightly, but non‐significantly higher digestibility coefficients were observed for decreasing E during BT2. Plasma concentrations of glucose and creatinine did not differ between treatments during BT1, while differences were found for triacylglycerols and α‐amino nitrogen. A tendency for a linear increase was observed for non‐esterified fatty acids with decreasing E. Differences in blood metabolite concentrations disappeared in BT2. Urinary creatinine excretion was not affected by E, while body nitrogen loss increased linearly with energy restriction in BT1. No differences were found during BT2, suggesting that non‐lactating and non‐pregnant BBDM cows are able to adapt to a cyclic change of body weight and body reserves. These data show that restricted cows mobilized body fat as well as body protein. It is concluded that the qualitative aspects of metabolism during energy restriction are comparable in double‐muscled cows with those in non‐double‐muscled animals, although the magnitude of the effects may be different.
Evidence for Effects of Testis and Epididymis Expressed Genes on Sperm Quality and Boar Fertility Traits
Authors: Lin C , Tholen E , Jennen D , Ponsuksili S , Schellander K , Wimmers K 
Published: September 2006

ContentsRetinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4), androgen receptor (AR), relaxin (RLN), acrosin (ACR) and osteopontin (polymorphism in intron 6 named OPNin6; polymorphism in promoter region named OPNprom) were addressed as functional candidate genes for sperm quality and boar fertility and investigated for their association with sperm concentration, motility, semen volume per ejaculate, plasma droplets rate, abnormal spermatozoa rate as well as non‐return rate and number of piglets born alive. Therefore 356 AI boars of the purebred Pietrain (PI) and crossbred Pietrain × Hampshire (PI × HA) were genotyped at these loci. Analysis of variance revealed significant associations of RBP4 (p < 0.05), ACR (p < 0.01), and OPNin6 (p < 0.05) with sperm motility. OPNin6 (p < 0.05) was also associated with number of piglets born alive. Moreover, AR (p < 0.05) and OPNprom (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with abnormal spermatozoa rate. For RLN (p < 0.01) there was evidence for effects on sperm volume and ACR significantly affected sperm concentration (p < 0.05) as well as non‐return rate (p < 0.05). No significant effects of any locus on plasma droplets rate were observed.
Factors Affecting Fertility in Loosely Housed Sows and Gilts: Vulvar Discharge Syndrome, Environment and Acute‐phase Proteins
Authors: Oravainen J , Heinonen M , Seppä‐Lassila L , Orro T , Tast A , Virolainen JV , Peltoniemi OAT 
Published: September 2006

ContentsThe effect of vulvar discharge syndrome (VDS) on sow and gilt fertility was studied on 26 farms. Of 824 animals inspected in 21 randomly selected and five VDS problem farms, 19 (2.3%) were afflicted with VDS. Altogether 542/799 of the examined animals (67.8%) farrowed thereafter. Nine of the 19 VDS animals (47.4%) and 533/780 non‐VDS animals (68.3%) farrowed at the first chance after the examination (p = 0.05). None of the unmated gilts in this study had VDS. Environmental and individual factors likely to be associated with fertility and VDS were tested. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with farrowing were VDS, reproductive status, availability of roughage and confinement to individual stalls. None of the variables tested was associated with VDS. However, all of the VDS problem farms were overcrowded and had concrete, partly slatted floors with little or no bedding. The median value of haptoglobin (Hp) was 2.5 (range 1.3–3.1) g/l in VDS animals and 2.3 (0.5–4.3) g/l in controls (p = 0.6). The median C‐reactive protein (CRP) in VDS animals was 30.3 (3.3–171.3) mg/l and in controls 25.9 (3.3–361.1) mg/l (p = 0.7). In conclusion, VDS decreased fertility of gilts and sows in the absence of a systemic acute‐phase response, as indicated by stable concentrations of Hp and CRP.
Effect of Cloprostenol Treatment at Artificial Insemination on Sow Fertility
Authors: Kirkwood RN , De Rensis F , Silva P , Gherpelli M , Alegre B , Dominguez JC 
Published: September 2006

ContentsIn two experiments, we examined the effect of administration of cloprostenol at artificial insemination on fertility of multiparous sows. Lactation length was 21 days and only sows exhibiting estrus by 7 days after weaning were included. Cloprostenol was administered by IM injection (175 μg; n = 126) or supplemented in the semen dose (525 μg; n = 129). Control sows (n = 130) received no hormone. In either experiment, there was no effect of any treatment on subsequent litter sizes. In experiment 1, there was no effect of treatment on farrowing rate, but in experiment 2, farrowing rate was higher (p < 0.05) in sows receiving cloprostenol by injection. Taken together, these results indicate no consistent effect of cloprostenol administration by intramuscular injection or by inclusion in the semen dose on sow fertility and so its routine use is not warranted.
Cellular Composition and Viability of Cloned Bovine Embryos Using Exogene‐Transfected Somatic Cells
Authors: Lee S‐L , Kumar BM , Kim J‐G , Ock S‐A , Jeon B‐G , Balasubramanian S , Choe S‐Y , Rho G‐J 
Published: September 2006

ContentsThe present study compared the efficiency of transgenic (TG) cloned embryo production by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) with fetal‐derived fibroblast cells (FFCs) which were transfected with pEGFP‐N1 to in vitro‐fertilized (IVF), parthenogenetic and SCNT counterparts by evaluating the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation, apoptosis rate at different developmental stages, cell number, ploidy and gene expression in blastocysts. In SCNT and TG embryos, the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of IVF controls, but it did not differ between SCNT and TG embryos. In IVF control, 86.7% embryos displayed diploid chromosomal complements and the rates were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of SCNT and TG embryos. Most TG embryos (79%) with FFCs expressed the gene by both PCR and under fluorescence microscopy. The expression of apoptosis by TUNEL was first detected at six to eight cell stages in all embryos of IVF, SCNT and TG groups, but the expression rate at each developmental stages was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in SCNT and TG embryos than in IVF counterparts. The expression rate in inner cell mass (ICM) of TG embryos was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in SCNT and IVF embryos. These results indicate that the high occurrence of apoptosis observed in SCNT and TG embryos compared with IVF counterparts might influence the developmental competence. Moreover, the SCNT embryos derived using non‐transfected donor cells exhibited a lower apoptosis expression in ICM cells than in TG embryos derived using pEGP‐N1‐transfected donor cells suggesting a possible role of negative gene effect in TG embryos.
Comparative IFN‐τ Secretion after Hatching by Bovine Blastocysts Derived Ex Vivo and Completely Produced In Vitro
Authors: Neira JA , Tainturier D , L'Haridon RM , Martal J 
Published: September 2006

ContentsThe interferon‐tau (IFN‐τ) secretion levels after hatching by bovine blastocysts derived from in vitro maturated oocytes (Group A) and from in vivo (Group B) were investigated considering embryo quality. Only very homogeneous blastocysts of excellent or good quality were considered from day 7 of culture (Group A) and day 7 after artificial insemination with frozen‐thawed from the same bull used for in vitro fertilization (Group B). All embryos were individually cultured into a 50 μl droplet of synthetic oviduct fluid medium with 10% fetal calf serum. After 24‐h culture both Group A (n =44) and B (n = 40) secreted <54 pm IFN‐τ. After 48‐, 72‐, 96‐ and 120‐h culture, Group A daily secreted 143 ± 24 pm IFN‐τ (n = 19) vs 85 ± 12 pm IFN‐τ (n = 21) for Group B (p < 0.01), 491 ± 128 pm IFN‐τ (n = 29) vs 216 ± 37 pm IFN‐τ (n = 23) (NS), 499 ± 135 pm IFN‐τ (n = 26) vs 353 ± 93 pm IFN‐τ (n = 21) (NS), 559 ± 136 pm IFN‐τ (n = 22) vs 333 ± 75 pm IFN‐τ (n = 20) (NS), respectively. Taken all together during 5 days, Group A produced per embryo 1690 ± 290 pm IFN‐τ (n = 22) vs 982 ± 182 pm IFN‐τ (n = 20) for Group B (p < 0.05). For all culture time there were sizable percentages of embryos that did not produce concentrations of IFN‐τ above a certain cut‐off level, and as such were not used to compute the means. In respect of the embryo quality whatever the groups after days 7–12 of culture, IFN‐τ secretions were 1815 ± 453 pm (n = 10) for the embryos of excellent quality vs 1356 ± 200 pm (n = 28) for those of good quality (NS) and 360 ± 188 pm (n = 4) (p < 0.05) for embryos of fair quality. A positive relationship between IFN‐τ production and in vitro development of quality I embryos was observed, whatever the embryos origins and, the embryos completely produced in vitro secreted more IFN‐τ than the embryos produced in vivo.
Preventive role of genistein in an experimental non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis model
Authors: Yalniz Mehmet , Bahcecioglu Ibrahim Halil , Kuzu Nalan , Poyrazoglu Orhan Kursat , Bulmus Ozgur , Celebi Selman , Ustundag Bilal , Ozercan Ibrahim Hanefi , Sahin Kazim 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the preventive role of genistein, a phytoestrogen with a wide variety of pharmacological effects, in an experimental non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model.Methods:  Thirty‐six Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 (control) received only a standard rat diet, group 2 (placebo) was given a high fat diet (HFD) plus 0.5 mL/day saline subcutaneously, and group 3 (genistein group) a HFD plus subcutaneous genistein injection at dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. All rats were killed after 6 weeks. Serum aminotransferases, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, and plasma and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Additionally, steatosis, ballooning degeneration and inflammation of the liver were examined histopathologically.Results:  Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.001 for each), plasma and liver tissue MDA and plasma TNF‐α levels (P < 0.001, <0.001, <0.01, respectively) were found to be higher in the placebo group than in the control group. TGF‐β levels, however, were comparable in the placebo and control groups (P > 0.05). Histopathologically, steatosis, inflammatory cells per mm2 and ballooning degeneration were significantly higher in the placebo group than in the control group (P < 0.001 for each). Nevertheless, AST and ALT (P < 0.05 for each), plasma and liver tissue MDA (P < 0.05 for each) and plasma TNF‐α levels (P < 0.001) were significantly decreased in the genistein group compared to the placebo group. Histopathologically, steatosis (P < 0.05), inflammatory cells per mm2 and ballooning degeneration (P < 0.01 for each) in the genistein group were also significantly lower than in the placebo group.Conclusions:  Genistein, a strong antioxidant agent, significantly decreased the plasma TNF‐α level and remarkably prevented the emergence of NASH by improving the biochemical and histopathological abnormalities via attenuating oxidative stress.
CORRELATIONS BETWEEN VIDEO CAPSULE ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS AND CLINICAL ACTIVITY IN CROHN’S DISEASE
Authors: Morita Eijiro , Tanaka Torao , Nakamura Tetsuya , Terabe Fumitaka , Hirata Ichiro , Katsu Kenichi , Takazoe Masakazu , Terano Akira 
Published: September 2006

Background and Aims:  Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) has become increasingly important as a simple method for observing the entire small intestine. The indications for VCE are obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and investigation of Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the correlation between endoscopic findings obtained by VCE and clinical findings in known cases of CD is not clear, and we therefore investigated this in the present study.Patients and methods:  In 30 patients with known CD (Crohn’s disease activity index [CDAI] 0–420; median = 158.3), double contrast enteroclysis (ENT) was performed 1–3 weeks prior to VCE. The relationship between the VCE findings and hematological analysis/CDAI was examined.Results:  In 17 of 30 patients, the entire small intestine could be investigated by VCE, whereas in the remaining 13 patients the terminal ileum could not be investigated. The following exhibited positive correlations: total lesions and CDAI (correlation coefficient values: rs = 0.661, adjusted P < 0.0061), ulcers and C‐reactive protein (CRP) (rs = 0.607, adjusted P < 0.0061), total lesions and CRP (rs = 0.604, adjusted P < 0.0061).Conclusions:  Analysis with VCE suggests that CDAI and CRP indicate the activity of intestinal lesions in patients with known CD, and that CRP, in particular, is associated with the activity of ulcerative lesions of the intestine. This may contribute to revised guidelines for VCE in the future.
EFFICACY OF HIGH‐LEVEL DISINFECTANTS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPE DISINFECTION AGAINST STRONGYLOIDES STERCORALIS
Authors: Hirata Tetsuo , Kishimoto Kazuto , Uchima Nobufumi , Kinjo Nagisa , Hokama Akira , Kinjo Fukunori , Fujita Jiro 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Guidelines for high‐level disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes have been published in many countries; however, none of them have a statement for disinfection against the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis. To establish a method for gastrointestinal endoscope disinfection against Strongyloides stercoralis, we examined the disinfection efficacy of high‐level disinfectants (3% glutaraldehyde, 0.55% ortho‐phthalaldehyde, and 0.3% peracetic acid) and 70% ethanol by in vitro tests.Methods:  Strongyloides stercoralis larval suspension (0.05 mL) was added to 0.95 mL of each disinfectant and disinfection time measured under low magnification microscopy.Results:  Among the high‐level disinfectants, peracetic acid was more efficacious for disinfection against Strongyloides stercoralis than glutaraldehyde and ortho‐phthalaldehyde. Ethanol was also efficacious for parasite killing.Conclusion:  These results suggested that peracetic acid be recommended for gastrointestinal endoscope disinfection in regions with endemic Strongyloides stercoralis.
IMPACT OF ENDOSCOPIC TRANSPAPILLARY NASO‐GALLBLADDER DRAINAGE AFTER ENDOSCOPIC SPHINCTEROTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS AND CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS
Authors: Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Kurihara Toshio , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Moriyasu Fuminori 
Published: September 2006

Aim:  To evaluate prospectively the efficacy of endoscopic transpapillary naso‐gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in patients with acute cholecystitis with choledocholithiasis.Patients:  Twenty‐six patients with acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis, but without pericholecystic liver abscess, were evaluated. After ES and extraction of stones, ETGBD was performed immediately.Results:  In 24 of the 26 patients with ES, complete bile duct clearance was achieved. In the other two cases treated with ES, stones could be completely removed in an additional session after ETGBD. ETGBD was successfully performed in 23 patients (88%). In three patients with unsuccessful ETGBD, a percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) was performed. Of the 23 patients that underwent ETGBD, a positive clinical response at 72 h was seen in 22 (96%) patients. In one patient who did not show a clinical response at 72 h, catheter drainage was continued and a positive clinical response was seen 5 days after the procedure. In three patients treated with PC, a clinical response at 72 h was seen in all cases (100%). No major procedure‐related complications occurred.Conclusions:  ETGBD after ES proved useful in the management of acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis.
EFFICACY OF AN ACCELERATED COLONOSCOPY TRAINING WEEK: AUDIT FROM ONE NATIONAL COLONOSCOPY TRAINING CENTER IN THE UK
Authors: Suzuki Noriko , Thomas‐Gibson Siwan , Vance Maggie , Fraser Chris , Swain David , Schofield Gillian , Saunders Brain P. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Poor performance and inadequate training in colonoscopy in the UK has been reported. Several centers across the UK run intensive hands‐on training courses but their efficacy has not been established.Methods:  To assess the benefit of the accelerated colonoscopy training course, an audit was conducted for the 50 trainees who individually attended the course. The course objectives were to increase core knowledge and improve the basic hand skills required for colonoscopy on a one‐to‐one basis. This includes three microteaching, two computer simulator and four hands‐on training sessions within 4 days. They performed two multiple‐choice question (MCQ) papers. Performance parameters measured at the beginning and end of the course were the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) using visual analog scales for all aspects of colonoscopy technique.Results:  The MCQ score significantly increased: mean score 57%vs 66% (P < 0.0001). DOPS demonstrated an improvement in clinical skills. Pre‐ and post‐course mean scores were: general approach 75 vs 81 (P = 0.007), basic handling technique 59 vs 67 (P = 0.002), understanding and control of looping 54 vs 67 (P < 0.0001), cecal/ileal intubation 61 vs 76 (P < 0.0001) and extubation technique 65 vs 77 (P < 0.0001), respectively. All trainees had a high level of satisfaction and found the hands‐on training most beneficial.Conclusion:  This intensive course improves core knowledge and clinical skills in colonoscopy, which maximizes hands‐on training, which may accelerate the learning curve.
Metabolic syndrome in older people in Taiwan: a hospital‐based study
Authors: Lai S.‐W. , Liao K.‐F. , Li T.‐C. , Lin H.‐F. , Lin W.‐Y. , Lin C.‐H. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in older people in Taiwan.Methods: This was a hospital‐based, cross‐sectional study. We retrospectively analysed subjects receiving self‐referred health examination at one medical centre in Taiwan from 2000 to 2004. In all, 696 older people without any acute illness were enrolled in this study, 352 men (50.6%) and 344 women (49.4%). The mean age was 70.2 ± 4.6 years (age range 65–87). Metabolic syndrome was estimated according to the criteria proposed by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III in 2001 and by International Diabetes Foundation in 2005, with the cut‐off values of the waist circumference greater than or equal to either 90 or 80 cm for men or women, respectively.Results: Among this group, 94% of the individuals presented with at least one condition of metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome defined by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III was 44.1% and was higher in women than in men (52.6 vs 35.8%, P < 0.001). Defined by International Diabetes Foundation, the prevalence was also 44.1% and was higher in women than in men (55.5 vs 33.0%, P < 0.001).Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome remains relatively high in Taiwanese older people.