bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of gene profiling to evaluate the effects of a feed additive on immune function in periparturient dairy cattle
Authors: Wang Y.‐Q. , Puntenney S. B. , Burton J. L. , Forsberg N. E. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryObjectives were to investigate mechanisms by which a nutritional supplement alters immunity in dairy cattle. Our hypothesis was that feeding this product to dairy cattle altered neutrophil gene expression. Eight periparturient Jersey cattle were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: control and treated. Control animals were fed a dry cow ration for 1 month prior to calving. The treated cows were fed the same ration supplemented with OmniGen‐AF. Following calving, blood samples were taken and neutrophils were prepared after which RNA was extracted. Gene expression in neutrophils of treated versus control‐fed animals was then assessed using bovine‐total leukocyte (BOTL‐5) arrays. Eighteen genes were differentially regulated in the experimental group and of these, twice as many were up‐regulated as down‐regulated. Patterns of changes indicated that the additive might alter neutrophil apoptosis, signaling and sensitivity. Two of the regulated genes [interleukin‐1β converting enzyme (ICE) and interleukin‐4 receptor (IL‐4R)] were investigated in more detail using quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (QRT‐PCR). Each was found to be elevated by the feeding of experimental product. Increased expression of ICE indicates potential for enhanced neutrophil expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), a cytokine which plays roles in the inflammatory response and which stimulates adaptive immunity following innate immune activation. Altered expression of IL‐4R indicates potential for changes in neutrophil apoptosis. The experiment identified mechanisms by which the additive altered neutrophil gene expression. While many nutrients support the immune system, we have shown that a non‐traditional nutritional approach may also have utility in modulating immune function.
Attraction of Planococcus ficus males to racemic and chiral pheromone baits: flight activity and bait longevity
Authors: Zada A. , Dunkelblum E. , Assael F. , Franco J. C. , Silva E. B. da , Protasov A. , Mendel Z. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe vine mealybug (VM), Planococcus ficus (Signoret), is a worldwide pest and affects mainly grapevine and figs. In Israel, (S)‐lavandulyl senecioate [(S)‐LS] and (S)‐lavandulyl isovalerate [(S)‐LI] were identified from VM reared for several generations on potato sprouts, when compared with the identification of only (S)‐LS from feral females. Racemic lavandulyl senecioate (LS) can be used for fieldwork because the unnatural enantiomer is benign and does not affect the activity of the pheromone. Lures loaded with 200 μg of LS remained active for 24 weeks but it is recommended to replace lures after 12 weeks to preserve constant and high attractiveness. Delta sticky traps, baited with 50 or 200 μg of LS were used to determine the daily flight pattern and the seasonal flight activity including vine plant infestation. A positive correlation between peak mealybug density and male capture was observed strengthening the usefulness of the pheromone traps for monitoring the pest. Addition of racemic or the two enantiomers of lavandulyl isovalerate (LI) to LS decreased the capture of VM males. The level of inhibition varied during 2003–2004. Both enantiomers of LI displayed the same antagonistic activity. Addition of (S)‐lavandulol to the pheromone resulted in shut‐down of the traps. Inhibition by the antipode, (R)‐lavandulol, was moderate indicating a certain degree of chiral discrimination.
Pseudomonas fluorescens enhances resistance and natural enemy population in rice plants against leaffolder pest
Authors: Saravanakumar D. , Lavanya N. , Muthumeena B. , Raguchander T. , Suresh S. , Samiyappan R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPlant growth promoting fluorescent pseudomonad strains Pf1, TDK1 and PY15 were evaluated for their efficacy against leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) pest in rice plants under field conditions individually and in combinations. Application of mixtures of Pseudomonas fluorescens strains Pf1, TDK1 and PY15 significantly reduced the leaffolder damage in rice plants compared with untreated control. Interestingly, natural enemy population in plots treated with P. fluorescens was greater than the chemical and untreated controls. Further, support for these results was gathered by assaying activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lipoxygenase (LOX) under glasshouse conditions. The results showed the higher activity of PPO and LOX in plants treated with P. fluorescens mixtures (Pf1 + TDK1 + PY15) than the plants treated with individual strains, chemical and untreated controls. Further, fluorescent pseudomonad mixtures increased the rice yield compared with individual strain and non‐bacterized treatments. The present study reveals that in addition to plant growth promotion, plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains‐mediated induction of PPO and LOX in rice plants could be involved in enhanced natural enemy populations and resistance mechanisms against leaffolder attack.
Evidence of a major genetic factor conditioning freezing sensitivity in winter wheat
Authors: Skinner D. Z. , Garland‐Campbell K. A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe inheritance of freezing tolerance in F2‐derived F4 populations from all possible crosses of winter wheat cultivars ‘Kestrel’, ‘Eltan’, ‘Tiber’, ‘Froid’ and germplasm line Oregon Feed Wheat #5 (ORFW) was investigated. When frozen to a temperature equal to the LT50 of the least freezing tolerant parent (ORFW), survival frequency distributions were skewed to greater survival in six of the 10 crosses, however, very few of the progeny from the four crosses to ORFW survived. The inheritance of this freezing sensitivity was investigated with freezing of F2:4 populations from the crosses of ORFW to ‘Eltan’ or ‘Tiber’ to the LT50 of the hardier parent. Very few of the F2:4 populations survived as well as ‘Eltan’ or ‘Tiber’, indicating a small number of strongly dominant genetic factors in ORFW that conditioned freezing sensitivity. Molecular analysis indicated these factors were not spring‐type vernalization alleles.
Combining ability and heterosis under pest epidemics in a broad‐based global wheat‐breeding population
Authors: Ortiz R. , Wagoire W. W. , Stølen O. , Alvarado G. , Crossa J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWheat breeders rarely apply population improvement schemes or select parental sources according to combining ability and heterotic patterns. They rely on pedigree selection methods for breeding new cultivars. This experiment was undertaken to assess the advantages of using diallel crosses to define combining ability and understand heterosis in a broad‐based wheat‐breeding population across different environments affected by yellow rust. Sixty‐four genotypes derived from a full diallel mating scheme were assessed for grain yield in two contrasting growing seasons at two locations for two consecutive years. Parental genotypes showed significant combining ability for grain yield that was affected by yellow rust and genotype‐by‐environment (GE) interactions, both of which affected heterosis for grain yield. Significant GE interactions suggested that decentralized selection for specific environments could maximize the use of this wheat germplasm. Cultivar effects and specific heterosis were the most important factors influencing grain yield. Some crosses capitalized on additive genetic variation for grain yield. This research shows the power of available quantitative breeding tools to help breeders choose parental sources in a population improvement programme.
Psychological profile of Taiwanese interstitial cystitis patients
Authors: Fan Yu‐Hua , Lin Alex TL , Wu Hsiu‐Mei , Hong Chen‐Jee , Chen Kuang‐Kuo 
Published: March 2008

Objectives:  The correlation between anxiety and interstitial cystitis has, as best we know, not yet been reported on. The present study investigated the psychological profile, including anxiety and depression, of patients suffering from interstitial cystitis (IC).Methods:  A total of 47 IC patients, all of whom met National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) criteria, plus a group of 31 age‐matched, asymptomatic women received a structured interview on depression (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression) and also on anxiety symptoms (Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety). IC patients also completed questionnaires relating to IC symptom severity, including urgency and frequency (visual analog scale) and O'Leary Sant index.Results:  A total of 85% of our IC patients featured significant affective symptoms. The average depression scores were 16.6. Fifteen patients (31.9%) featured mild depressive symptoms, five (10.6%) had mild to moderate and 20 (42.6%) had moderate to severe depression symptoms. The mean anxiety score was 21.0, with 21 (44.7%), nine (19.1%) and 17 (36.2%) patients revealing mild, mild to moderate, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, respectively. Further, IC patients reported a significantly greater extent of depression and anxiety than was the case for controls. Pain scale and O'Leary Sant index were significantly correlated to anxiety and depression score.Conclusions:  Most of our IC patients feature significant depression and anxiety. The extent of affective symptoms would appear to correlate well with IC symptom severity.
LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY IN CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMATIC GALLSTONE DISEASE
Authors: Leandros Emmanuel , Albanopoulos Konstandinos , Tsigris Christos , Archontovasilis Fotios , Panoussopoulos Sotirios G. , Skalistira Maria , Bramis Costas , Konstandoulakis Manousos M. , Giannopoulos Athanasios 
Published: March 2008

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome in patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease.Methods:  Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 34 patients operated between March 1998 and April 2006.Results:  There were 19 male and 15 female patients with a median age of 62 years. Cirrhosis aetiology was viral hepatitis in 25 patients, alcohol in 6, primary biliary cirrhosis in 2 and in 1 patient the cause was not identified. Twenty‐three were classified as Child–Pugh–Turcotte stage A and 11 as Child–Pugh–Turcotte stage B. The median Model For End‐Stage Liver Disease score was 12. Median operating time was 96 min. In three patients there was conversion to open cholecystectomy. Postoperatively, one patient died and six more patients had complications. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. Patients with acute cholecystitis did not have increased morbidity, but had significantly longer hospital stay.Conclusion:  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be carried out with acceptable morbidity in selected patients with well‐compensated Child A and B stages liver cirrhosis. Patients with evidence of significant portal hypertension and severe coagulopathy should avoid surgery.
HAEMORRHOIDECTOMY WITH ELECTROCAUTERY OR ULTRASHEARS AND STAPLED HAEMORRHOIDOPEXY
Authors: Leventoğlu Sezai , Menteş B. Bülent , Akin Murat , Oğuz Mehmet 
Published: March 2008

Background:  This study evaluated in a randomized, prospective manner the possible differences in operative time, postoperative pain and analgesic requirement, early complications, time off‐work and patient satisfaction between patients undergoing haemorrhoidectomy using the electrocautery (ECH), UltraShears (ultrasonically activated scalpel; USH) or stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH).Methods:  Patients with symptomatic third‐degree or fourth‐degree haemorrhoids were randomized into one of the three groups: ECH, SH (PPH stapler; Ethicon Endo‐Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA) or USH groups. The operative times and complications, if any, were recorded. An identical anaesthetic technique was used for all patients, and postoperative analgesia was also standardized according to the pain scores. Pain was evaluated preoperatively and at 8 and 24 h and 2, 7, 14 and 28 days, postoperatively, by means of a visual analogue scale. The numbers of narcotic and non‐narcotic analgesics used, the time required for full return to daily activities and the incontinence scores at 4 months postoperatively were evaluated, as well as patient satisfaction.Results:  No significant differences with respect to age or sex existed between the three groups, each consisting of 20 patients. USH was significantly faster than both ECH and SH (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons) in operation time, and SH was faster than ECH (P < 0.0001). Comparing any two groups, the mean pain scores in the ECH group were significantly higher than in the SH and USH groups at postoperative 8 and 24 h, and day 2, but the groups reached comparable pain scores at day 7, 14 and 28. The numbers of narcotic and non‐narcotic analgesics used in the ECH group were significantly higher than in the SH and USH groups (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). The early postoperative complication rate was higher in the ECH group (25%), compared with the SH (P = 0.017) and USH (P < 0.0001) groups. Only 12 patients (60%) in the ECH group could be discharged within the first postoperative 24 h, whereas all of the patients (100%) in the SH and 17 patients (85%) in the USH groups could be treated as day cases. The time required for full return to daily activities was similar in the SH and USH groups (P = 0.841), but it was significantly longer in the ECH group (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). The 70% patient satisfaction rate in the ECH group was significantly lower than in the SH (95%; P = 0.008) and the USH (100%, P = 0.002) groups.Conclusion:  Our short‐term results have shown that SH and ultrasonic dissector haemorrhoidectomies were superior to ECH haemorrhoidectomy, in terms of surgical utility, postoperative pain, analgesic intake, time off‐work and patient satisfaction. Some advantages of USH over SH also appeared.
WARM SITZ BATH DOES NOT REDUCE SYMPTOMS IN POSTHAEMORRHOIDECTOMY PERIOD: A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED STUDY
Authors: Gupta Pravin J. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Warm water sitz bath is routinely recommended after anal surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of sitz bath with regards to pain scores, analgesic requirements and patient satisfaction ratings after haemorrhoidectomy.Methods:  Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive antibiotics and analgesics alone (control patients) or a twice‐daily sitz bath along with identical antibiotics and analgesics (sitz bath group). Weekly pain score and patient satisfaction score were evaluated on visual analogue scores. The number of analgesic tablets consumed in each week was also assessed.Results:  There was no significant difference in age, gender distribution and the number of excised haemorrhoid piles between the two groups. No significant difference in postoperative mean pain score between groups (P = 0.234) was noticed. Likewise, no relevant differences in analgesic requirements between sitz bath and no sitz bath group (P = 0.435) were seen. The satisfaction score was higher in the sitz bath group when compared with the control group; however, it did not reach a statistically significant level.Conclusions:  This study shows that sitz bath does not offer pain relief, wound healing or reduction in consumption of analgesics and thus there is no evidence to prescribe sitz bath in the post‐haemorrhoidectomy period.
EMERGENCE OF ‘RETROPRO’ STUDIES IN THE SURGICAL LITERATURE
Authors: Hall John C. , Hall Jane L. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  The surgical published work now contains several studies that involve retrospective evaluations of prospectively collected data. These types of studies – that are referred to as ‘RetroPro’ studies – have the potential to be a valuable source of information about the care of surgical patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of RetroPro studies in the surgical published work.Methods:  Original articles from 21 surgical journals were selected for study. Rejected from study were case reports, short communications, editorials, and surgical narratives (history, opinions and orations). Each original article was evaluated to determine the source of the study, the topic under evaluation, the sample size, the study design and the use of statistics.Results:  Retrospective studies accounted for 34% of the 1386 original articles. The other main components were single‐group prospective studies (20%), non‐clinical experimental studies (13%), RetroPro studies (10%), review articles (9%) and clinical trials (5%). Almost one‐third of the RetroPro studies evaluated more than 1000 patients and 58% of them included some form of multivariable regression or an analysis of survival; that is, they attempted to model the outcome of surgical patients.Conclusion:  RetroPro studies are now an important source of information about the outcome of surgical patients. They should be recognized as a specific form of clinical investigation.
Statistical inference is overemphasized in cluster investigations: the case of the cluster of breast cancers at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation studios in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Coory M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe aim of statistical analyses in cluster investigations is to estimate the probability that the aggregation of cases could be due to chance. As a result of several statistical problems – including the post‐hoc nature of the analysis and the subjective nature of implied multiple comparisons – this cannot be carried out with any certainty. In cluster investigations, expert opinion should carry much more weight than P‐values, which are exceedingly difficult to interpret.
Consensus guidelines for ‘rainy day’ autologous stem cell harvests in New South Wales
Authors: Trotman J. , Presgrave P. , Kwan Y. , Tiley C. , Estell J. , Watson A. M. , O’Brien T. A. , Peters D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAutologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has a well‐established role in the treatment of haematological malignancies. Stem cells are commonly collected following salvage chemotherapy although there may be advantages in collecting earlier in the disease course. A ’rainy day’ harvest (RDH) refers to the collection of autologous haemopoietic stem cells for long‐term storage. Although there are few data to support RDH, there is increasing evidence that such harvests are being carried out, creating storage pressures in stem cell laboratories across New South Wales. The Bone Marrow Transplant Network New South Wales conducted a three‐staged exercise to develop consensus‐based RDH guidelines. Using available evidence, guidelines were developed supporting RDH for specific patients with acute and chronic myeloid leukaemias, follicular and other lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. Physician agreement with these disease‐specific guidelines ranged between 58 and 100%. These consensus guidelines will improve equity of access to appropriate RDH and assist the planning of future storage requirements in New South Wales.
X‐ray fractography of a diesel engine crankshaft
Authors: PARIENTE I. FERNÁNDEZ , GUAGLIANO M. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTX‐ray (XR) diffraction is a well‐known experimental technique used for measuring residual stresses in metallic materials. If we apply the XRD technique to the fracture surface of a broken part, it becomes a fractographical technique, that is to say that it is possible to relate the results of the measurement to the loading condition that lead a component to fail. However, in the past this technique was mainly used to analyse standard specimens and not mechanical components and there are few experimental investigations concerning the possibility of using this technique to investigate the cause of fatigue failures. In this paper, after a brief introduction to the technique, XRD fractography is applied to a diesel engine crankshaft that failed under known fatigue loading. It was possible to determine the load that lead the crankshaft to fail and to evidence some original aspects about the application of this technique to real machine parts. Comparison with finite element results served to confirm that XRD can be used as complementary tool to scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation or as a substitute to SEM observation, in the case of damaged fracture surface.
Improving fatigue life for aluminium cruciform joints by weld toe grinding
Authors: YE N. , MOAN T. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe increase of fatigue life in aluminium cruciform joints by weld toe grinding was the focus of the current study. The test data are presented by both a nominal stress range approach and by the more refined structural and notch stress range approaches. The influence of the weld toe angle, weld leg length and weld toe radius on the structural and notch stress concentration factor (SCF) was systematically studied by means of finite element analysis. Experimental data based on 18 pieces of as‐welded and 13 pieces of weld toe‐ground specimens made of 12 mm thick plates showed a significant improvement in fatigue life in aluminium by grinding the weld toe and confirmed the permitted improvement in fatigue life by design codes.
ADAM2 promotes migration of neuroblasts in the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb
Authors: Murase Shin‐ichi , Cho Chunghee , White Judith M. , Horwitz Alan F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractNeuroblasts migrate from the subventricular zone along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to the olfactory bulb (OB). While the migration occurs by movement over other cells, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. We have found that ADAM2 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease 2) is expressed in migrating RMS neuroblasts and functions in their migration. The brains from ADAM2 knockout (KO) mice showed a smaller OB than that seen in wild‐type (WT) mice at postnatal day 0. In addition, the RMS in ADAM2 KO mice appeared thinner and less voluminous in its rostral part and thicker in its caudal part. Estimates of migration in vivo using bromodeoxyuridine labeling revealed that neuroblasts from KO mice show a decreased migration rate compared with those from WT mice. Direct assays of migration by imaging living slices also showed a decreased migration speed and loss of directionality in the KO mice. This phenotype was similar to that seen in RMS containing slices from WT mice exposed to a peptide that mimicked the disintegrin loop of ADAM2. Finally, RMS explants from KO or WT mice that were cultured in Matrigel also revealed striking differences. The cells migrating out of explants from WT mice showed robust cell–cell interactions. In contrast, fewer cells migrated out of explants from ADAM2 KO mice, and those that did were largely dispersed and their migration inhibited. These experiments suggest that ADAM2 contributes to RMS migration, possibly through cell–cell interactions that mediate the rapid migration of the neuroblasts to their endpoint.