bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of betaine on growth hormone pulsatile secretion and serum metabolites in finishing pigs
Authors: Huang Q‐C. , Xu Z‐R. , Han X‐Y. , Li W‐F. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryAn experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary betaine (0%, 0.125%) on growth performance, growth hormone (GH) pulsatile secretion and serum metabolites in crossbred finishing pigs. Three replications of eight pigs (four barrows and four gilts) were used for each treatment, and blood samples for the determination of GH pulsatile secretion were collected every 15 min for 3 h. The results showed that betaine supplementation resulted in 5.45% (p < 0.05) increase in average daily gain, whereas average daily feed intake and feed to gain ratio were not affected. Serum basal GH level, mean GH level and GH pulse amplitude were elevated by 41.79% (p < 0.01), 48.98% (p < 0.01) and 35.05% (p < 0.05), respectively, with betaine treatment, but GH pulse frequency and pulse duration remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Serum urea nitrogen concentration in pigs fed betaine was 21.58% lower than that of controls (p < 0.01), whereas total protein level was significantly increased with betaine supplementation (p < 0.05). The study suggests that betaine could promote growth by enhancing GH secretion in finishing pigs.
Influence of different calcium contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism in periparturient dairy cows
Authors: Liesegang A. , Chiappi C. , Risteli J. , Kessler J. , Hess H. D. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryAt the initiation of lactation, Ca homeostatic mechanisms have to react to a tremendous increase in demand for Ca. Mobilization of Ca from bone and increased absorption from the gastrointestinal tract are required to re‐establish homeostasis. It has been shown that dietary anions play an important role in the prevention of milk fever by mobilizing Ca from bone and by increasing Ca absorption in the GI tract. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of different Ca contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism of dairy cows. Twenty‐four holstein cows (housed inside, second to fourth lactation) without a milk fever history were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D). Each group was fed a different diet which was given from day 263 of gestation till the day of parturition. Group A and B received a low calcium diet (4 g/kg DM) whereas group C and D received a high Ca diet (8 g/kg DM). In addition group B and D received anionic salts. The DCAD was calculated with the formula: DCAD (mEq/kg DM) = (0.2 Ca2++0.16 Mg2++Na++K+) − (Cl−+0.6 S2−+0.65 P3−). Blood and urine samples were collected on days 256, 270 and 277 of gestation, on the day of parturition as well as the following 5 days and on days 9, 14 and 19 after parturition. Serum Ca, P, Mg, ICTP, OC, VITD, PTH and urinary pH were analysed. The bone resorption marker ICTP showed a significant increase after parturition in all the groups. On the contrary, the bone formation marker OC decreased after parturition in all the groups. The VITD concentrations in group D and the urinary pH in group B were significantly lower compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The Ca concentrations tended to be higher in group B around parturition than in all the other groups. No significant influence of the four different diets on all the other parameters could be shown. In conclusion, this data showed that the addition of anions and the different Ca contents had no significant influence on bone resorption and bone formation markers. This may be because of the fact that the dietary cation–anion balance was not low enough (DCAD – group A: 181 mEq/kg DM, group B: −48 mEq/kg DM, group C: 210 mEq/kg DM and group D: 28 mEq/kg DM) to induce a metabolic acidosis with all its positive effects on calcium metabolism.
Local injection of a sustained‐release antiandrogen formulation into a target prostatic site: an experimental study
Authors: Goya Nobuyuki , Gotanda Kotaro , Sasaki Takako , Okada Mami , Tomizawa Yasuko , Toma Hiroshi 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of one intraprostatic injection with sustained‐release chlormadinone acetate (CMA‐SR) in rats.MATERIALS AND METHODSCMA, a steroidal antiandrogen, was enclosed in microcapsules for sustained‐release (CMA‐SR). Forty‐eight rats were divided into group A (intraprostatic CMA‐SR 8 mg/kg, one injection), group B (as A but with 25 mg/kg), group C (intraprostatic, vehicle only) and group D (subcutaneous, s.c., CMA 10 mg/kg once daily for 4 weeks). Prostate weight, body weight and plasma testosterone levels were measured for up to 4 weeks.RESULTSAfter a s.c. injection with CMA‐SR, residual CMA at the s.c. injection site decreased with time. The injected prostate lobe weighed significantly (P < 0.05) less than the contralateral lobe in groups A and B, and significantly (P < 0.05) less in groups A and B than in group C. Both prostate lobes in group D were significantly (P < 0.05) smaller than in group C (P < 0.05). Plasma testosterone levels were significantly lower in group D than in group C (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSThe sustained release of CMA after one intraprostatic injection persistently decreased the weight of the target prostate. This new concept of antiandrogen therapy might therefore be effective in man, with fewer systemic adverse reactions.
Cisplatin, methotrexate and bleomycin for treating advanced penile carcinoma
Authors: Hakenberg Oliver W. , Nippgen Johannes B.W. , Froehner Michael , Zastrow Stefan , Wirth Manfred P. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy with cisplatinum, methotrexate and bleomycin (CMB) in the adjuvant and palliative setting, and its effect on survival in patients with locally advanced or metastatic penile carcinoma, which carries a very poor prognosis.PATIENTS AND METHODSThirteen patients (mean age 54 years) with radically resected local and nodal disease (eight), metastatic disease (two) or metastatic recurrence (three) had chemotherapy with CMB between February 1996 and July 2003. In all, 45 treatment courses were given, with a mean (range) of 3.5 (2–6) courses per patient.RESULTSThree of the eight patients with adjuvant treatment showed no evidence of disease after a mean (range) of 54 (41–76) months, while four in this group died from disease progression after a mean of 11 (5–20) months, and one died from treatment‐related toxicity. All five patients with metastatic disease died from disease progression after three had shown temporary signs of regression.CONCLUSIONSChemotherapy with CMB had little effect on metastatic penile cancer and responses were transient. However, patients with minimal disease after radical local and lymphatic resection seemed to benefit from adjuvant therapy, but the toxicity was high and carried a risk of death.
Impact of surgical margin status on long‐term cancer control after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Orvieto Marcelo A. , Alsikafi Nejd F. , Shalhav Arieh L. , Laven Brett A. , Steinberg Gary D. , Zagaja Gregory P. , Brendler Charles B. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo determine whether previously described technical modifications that significantly decreased the positive surgical margin (PSM) rate have translated into improved long‐term cancer control, as SM status is generally recognized as an independent risk factor for biochemical recurrence (BR) after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), and is the only factor that can be modified by surgical technique.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween March 1994 and December 2004, 996 consecutive patients had RRP as the sole treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer. The surgery was done by one surgeon (C.B.B.) and the data were prospectively reviewed.RESULTSThe overall PSM rate was 8.8%; the PSM rate by pathological stage was 1.7%, 24.2% and 27.1% for men with pT2, pT3a and pT3b disease, respectively (P < 0.001). In all, 968 of 996 (97.2%) patients were available for the follow‐up (mean 6.4 years); 69 of 883 (7.8%) with negative SMs (NSMs) developed BR, vs 29 of 85 (34%) with PSMs (P < 0.001). The actuarial 5‐ and 10‐year biochemical disease‐free survival was 92.1% and 89.6%, and 70.6% and 59.9%, for patients with NSM and PSM, respectively (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, PSM, pathological stage and Gleason grade were the strongest predictors of BR (P < 0.001). The preoperative prostate‐specific antigen level, and clinical stage T1c and T2a disease were not associated with recurrence. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for BR in patients with PSMs was 3.27 (2.1–5.1).CONCLUSIONSRRP including the previously described surgical modifications not only decreased the PSM rate but also resulted in excellent long‐term cancer control. The importance of meticulous surgical technique in RRP cannot be overemphasised.
Correlation between ultrasonographic bladder measurements and urodynamic findings in children with recurrent urinary tract infection
Authors: Yeung Chung‐Kwong , Sreedhar Biji , Leung Yee‐Fong V. , Sit Kam‐Yee F. 
Published: November 2006

Authors from Hong Kong evaluated the role of ultrasonographically measured bladder variables in assessing bladder dysfunction in children with UTI. In a relatively large study, they confirmed the finding that the bladder volume and wall thickness index is a sensitive method for diagnosing bladder dysfunction in children.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the role of bladder variables measured by ultrasonography (US) in assessing bladder dysfunction in children with urinary tract infections (UTIs).PATIENTS AND METHODSChildren presenting with recurrent UTI (with or with no vesico‐ureteric reflux) were prospectively recruited. At entry, each patient had US and both natural‐ filling (NFC) and conventional‐filling (CFC) cystometry. Bladder volume and wall thickness index (BVWI) was calculated, and based on US studies and the bladder pattern on US, were classified as thick (BVWI <70), normal (70–130) and thin (>130) as previously reported. The criteria for diagnosing urodynamic patterns included normal, overactive and hypocontractile, as reported previously. The correlation between the US measured variables and urodynamic findings were then evaluated. Sixty‐one children (38 boys and 23 girls; mean age 4.82 years, range 1–11) were selected for further evaluation.RESULTSOf the 61 children, 16 had a normal BVWI, 36 a ‘thick’ value and nine ‘thin’. When the BVWI was correlated with the urodynamic findings, 14 of 16 with a normal BVWI had a normal bladder pattern, whereas 92% of the patients with a BVWI of <70 had overactive bladder (P < 0.001). Among children with a BVWI of >130, six of nine had a hypocontractile pattern. The mean (sd) bladder capacity (on CFC) compared to that expected for age was significantly lower, at 56.7 (32.3)% in ‘thick’ bladders, vs children with normal and thin bladders, at 91.3 (23.8)% and 98.7 (31.8)%, respectively (P < 0.001). A high voiding detrusor pressure was significantly associated with children who had a thick bladder rather than normal or thin bladder (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThis study further confirmed that the BVWI is a sensitive tool for diagnosing bladder dysfunction in children, and it can be used as a reliable guide for the appropriate choice of further invasive urodynamic studies.
Biochemical markers of bone turnover in patients with localized and metastasized prostate cancer
Authors: Hegele Axel , Wahl Hans Günther , Varga Zoltan , Sevinc Selim , Koliva Liseta , Schrader Andres Jan , Hofmann Rainer , Olbert Peter 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate and compare the value of several markers of bone turnover in different stages of prostate cancer, as bone metastases are a common feature in this disease, and for assessing bone metastases both bone formation and bone resorption markers are diagnostic.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe prospective study included 219 men, i.e. 129 undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and 25 with bone metastases due to prostate cancer, and 65 with benign urological disorders who served as controls. Before any treatment the concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, serum C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (S‐CTX) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase type 5b (TRACP5b) were determined.RESULTSMen undergoing RRP were divided into those with lymph node‐negative, localized (pT3, 101) and lymph node‐positive (28) disease, after histological examination. The controls had the lowest marker levels while patients with bone metastases due to prostate cancer had the highest levels, with significance for ALP, osteocalcin and TRACP5b. Patients with lymph node‐positive cancer had significantly high serum levels of TRACP5b and ALP but not for osteocalcin and S‐CTX.CONCLUSIONSBone turnover markers represent a new diagnostic tool in prostate cancer; the present data show that both bone resorption and bone formation are crucial for detecting bone metastases in prostate cancer. The value of bone turnover markers in high‐risk patients should be evaluated in a longitudinal study.
Ureteric replacement with Meckel’s diverticulum
Authors: Adams Judith , Djakovic Nenad , Gilfrich Christian , Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Buse Stefan , Haferkamp Axel , Hohenfellner Markus 
Published: November 2006

Authors from Germany describe the rather inventive use of Meckel’s diverticulum as a substitute for the ureter when a ureteric replacement is required. I thought that this paper would be of general interest to our readers, who may need to use this technique when presented with such a problem in their practice.OBJECTIVETo report on four patients with obstruction of the upper urinary tract due to severe ureteric strictures at different levels, in whom a Meckel’s diverticulum was used for ureteric replacement.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe patients were aged 3–64 years at the time of operation. In every patient, a Meckel’s diverticulum was used to bridge a ureteric defect after recurrent reconstructive procedures.RESULTSThe mean (range) follow‐up was 36 (12–69) months. There were no surgical complications, apart from mucus production in one case and renal function was normal in all patients after surgery. In one case, the invaginated Meckel’s diverticulum was used for reflux protection.CONCLUSIONSA Meckel’s diverticulum, if present, appears to be an ideal intestinal substitute for a ureteric defect. The advantages of its use are its unique blood supply, its mobility, and its minimization of functional bowel length resection.
Transcriptome analysis reveals season‐specific rbcS gene expression profiles in diploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Sathish Puthigae , Withana Nimali , Biswas Margaret , Bryant Catherine , Templeton Kerry , Al‐Wahb Muhannad , Smith‐Espinoza Claudia , Roche John R. , Elborough Kieran M. , Phillips Jonathan R. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a major grass species used for forage and turf throughout the world, and gains by conventional breeding have reached a plateau. Perennial ryegrass is an outcrossing, self‐incompatible diploid (2n = 2x = 14) with a relatively large genome (4067 Mbp/diploid genome; Evans, G.M., Rees, H., Snell, C.L. and Sun, S. (1972) The relation between nuclear DNA amount and the duration of the mitotic cycle. Chrom. Today, 3, 24–31). Using tissues sourced from active pastures during the peak of the autumn, winter, spring and summer seasons, we analysed the ryegrass transcriptome employing a Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE™) protocol, with the dual goals of understanding the seasonal changes in perennial ryegrass gene expression and enhancing our ability to select genes for genetic manipulation. A total of 159 002 14‐mer SAGE™ tags was sequenced and mapped to the perennial ryegrass DNA database, comprising methyl‐filtered (GeneThresher®) and expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences. The analysis of 14 559 unique SAGE™ tags, which were present more than once in our SAGE™ library, revealed 964, 1331, 346 and 131 exclusive transcripts to autumn, winter, spring and summer, respectively. Intriguingly, our analysis of the SAGE™ tags revealed season‐specific expression profiles for the small subunit of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco), LprbcS. The transcript level for LprbcS was highest in spring, and then decreased gradually between summer and winter. Five different copies of LprbcS were revealed in ryegrass, with one possibly producing splice variant transcripts. Two highly expressed LprbcS genes were reported, one of which was not active in autumn. Another LprbcS gene showed an inverse expression profile to the autumn inactive LprbcS in a manner to compensate the expression level.
The additive value of second opinion teleconsulting in the management of patients with challenging inflammatory, neoplastic skin diseases: a best practice model in dermatology?
Authors: Lozzi GP , Soyer HP , Massone C , Micantonio T , Kraenke B , Fargnoli MC , Fink‐Puches R , Binder B , Di Stefani A , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R , Peris K 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  Telemedicine is the practice of healthcare using interactive processes of communication to facilitate healthcare delivery, including diagnosis, consultation and treatment, as well as education and transfer of medical data. The aim of teledermatology, just as telemedicine, is to promote best practice procedures and to improve the consistency and competence of health care.Aim  To investigate the diagnostic additive value of second opinion teleconsulting in patients with challenging dermatoses, among dermatologists working in two different dermatology departments.Setting  Thirty‐three cases of patients with challenging inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases at the University of L’Aquila Department of Dermatology were sent for teleconsultation to the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.Methods  All cases were selected in the outpatient service in L’Aquila. After face‐to‐face consultation with a local colleague had been completed, images were sent using a store‐and‐forward (SAF)‐based system (http://www.telederm.org) to Graz. Histopathological examination together with follow‐up of the patient represents the diagnostic gold standard for this study.Results  Telediagnosis was correct in 26 of 33 (78.8%) cases. Sixteen of 33 cases (48.5%) had already been diagnosed face‐to‐face by at least one of the two dermatologists in L’Aquila. In 10 of 33 cases (30.3%), the correct diagnosis was made in teleconsultation only.Conclusions  Second opinion teleconsulting may represent an additive value in the diagnosis of numerous challenging inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases. It may be particularly useful as a best practice model for smaller departments in order to discuss and/or to confirm diagnoses and also for the management of patients with unusual difficult dermatoses.
Oxidized eclogites and garnet‐blueschists from Oman: P–T path modelling in the NCFMASHO system
Authors: WARREN C. J. , WATERS D. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractEclogites and garnet‐blueschists exposed at the deepest structural levels of the Oman Mountains in north‐eastern Saih Hatat, Oman, indicate that the Arabian continental margin was subducted and subsequently exhumed. The peak metamorphic pressure has been a matter of debate for over a decade, with initial thermobarometric estimates, based on garnet–clinopyroxene–phengite barometry and the presence of radial cracks around quartz inclusions in garnet, yielding values in excess of 20 kbar; these estimates have been questioned by some researchers. The high‐pressure minerals (glaucophane, omphacite and epidote) contain significant amounts of ferric iron, previously postulated to displace the stability fields of the eclogite and blueschist assemblages to less extreme conditions. In the present study, we have calculated phase diagrams and pseudosections in the model system NCFMASHO, using the program thermocalc and the thermodynamic database of Holland and Powell, which incorporates data for Fe3+‐bearing end‐members. It is found that the phase compositions and modal abundances for typical bulk compositions are matched successfully at 520 ± 15 °C and 20 ± 1.6 kbar for the eclogites and 510–530 °C and 17–20 kbar for the garnet blueschists. These results support the original high‐pressure estimates for the eclogites, and indicate that crossitic amphibole and aegirine‐rich pyroxene do not necessarily reflect lower pressure conditions. The data set and activity models are applicable to other oxidized high (and ultra‐high) pressure mineral assemblages.
Prevalence of Influenza Vaccination and Correlates of Intention to Be Vaccinated Among Hong Kong Chinese
Authors: Mok Esther , Yeung Shuk Hing , Chan Moon Fai 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To explore influenza vaccination rates and investigate correlates of intention to be vaccinated among adults attending a Hong Kong outpatient clinic.Design: Descriptive cross‐sectional survey.Sample: Convenience sample of adults attending outpatient clinic (452 participants).Method: Self‐administered written questionnaire including socio‐demographic items, health items, influenza vaccination history, and questions based on the Health Belief Model and Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling Causes in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation framework.Results: The response rate was 78.9%. Of the participants, 27% had been vaccinated in the past year; 51% reported intention to be vaccinated this year. Intention to be vaccinated did not vary according to gender, marital status, occupation, or household income. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, intention to be vaccinated was significantly associated with chronic disease, having received the flu shot in the previous year, perceived susceptibility (“I am likely to get the flu if I do not get a yearly flu shot”), and reinforcing factors (“My family encouraged me to get a flu shot last year” and “My doctor encouraged me to get a flu shot last year”).Conclusions: The government can successfully promote vaccination by educating the public about susceptibility to flu and the benefits of vaccination, by publicizing locations where vaccinations are available, and by having family and physicians encourage patients to be vaccinated.
The Impact of Social Support and Job Stress on Public Health Nurses' Organizational Citizenship Behaviors in Rural Taiwan
Authors: Chu Cheng‐I , Lee Ming‐Shinn , Hsu Hsiang‐Ming 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
Objective: To examine the relationship between job stress, social support, and organizational citizenship behaviors, by using job satisfaction and organizational commitment as intervening variables among public health nurses (PHNs) in rural areas of Taiwan.Design: A cross‐sectional design was used to sample all 265 PHNs in two rural counties of Taiwan. Of those, 231 (87.2%) PHNs responded.Method: A mailed survey questionnaire was sent to subjects for completion in early 2004. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analyses, and multiple regression analyses. With six multiple regression models, intervening effects were explored by the approach of Baron and Kenny (1986).Results: Supervisor support indirectly influenced organizational citizenship behaviors through the intervening effect of organizational commitment, whereas, kinship support, role ambiguity, and workload demonstrated direct impacts on organizational citizenship behaviors.Conclusions: This study provides insights into how social support and job stress impacted PHNs' organizational citizenship behaviors. Those PHNs who experienced more supervisor support exhibited higher levels of organizational citizenship behaviors via the intervening effect of organizational commitment.