bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis thaliana nicotinate/nicotinamide mononucleotide adenyltransferase (AtNMNAT) is required for pollen tube growth
Authors: Hashida Shin‐nosuke , Takahashi Hideyuki , Kawai‐Yamada Maki , Uchimiya Hirofumi 
Published: January 2007

SummaryWhile mammals and fungi possess nicotinate/nicotinamide mononucleotide adenyltransferase (NMNAT) isoforms, Arabidopsis thaliana only contains a single NMNAT gene, AtNMNAT (At5g55810). We analyzed the enzymatic activity of the AtNMNAT‐encoded protein to determine the role of AtNMNAT in plant development. AtNMNAT catalyzed the synthesis of nicotinate adenine dinucleotide (NaAD) from nicotinate mononucleotide (NaMN) in the Preiss–Handler‐dependent pathway, and of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) from nicotiamide mononucleotide (NMN) in the Preiss–Handler‐independent pathway. Prominent AtNMNAT expression was detected in the male gametophyte. Moreover, AtNMNAT expression was spatio‐temporally regulated during microspore development and pollen tube growth. Disruption of the AtNMNAT gene (atnmnat mutant) was characterized by a decrease in NAD content in pollen. Cytological examinations revealed that the atnmnat mutant was gametophytically impaired in in vivo and in vitro pollen tube growth. Our results suggest that metabolic fulfillment via the NAD pathway is indispensable for normal pollen growth and subsequent normal seed production.
Effect of chronic oxidative/corticosterone‐induced stress on ascorbic acid metabolism and total antioxidant capacity in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Maurice D. , Lightsey S. F. , Toler J. E. , Canty S. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe consequences of chronic corticosterone‐induced stress (CCIS) on ascorbic acid (AsA) metabolism in chickens, an animal that syntheses the vitamin, are not known. This study was conducted to determine whether CCIS alters AsA synthesis, as measured by l‐gulonolactone oxidase (GLO) activity, tissue AsA, lipid peroxides and tissue total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Stress was induced by dietary administration of corticosterone from 2 to 4 weeks of age and measurements were made at 0, 7 and 14 days post‐treatment. Ascorbic acid synthesis was not influenced by CCIS but hepatic, cardiac, renal, bursal and duodenal AsA concentrations were significantly decreased and plasma TAC and uric acid concentrations were significantly elevated. Stress caused significant hepatomegaly and hepatic lipidosis but hepatic peroxides were not elevated despite the slight decrease in hepatic TAC. Tissue TAC varied in different organs. It was markedly elevated in the kidney, reduced by 49% in the spleen, and changes were not detected in the heart and duodenum even though AsA concentration was significantly decreased in all tissues. We conclude that CCIS caused a significant reduction in tissue AsA concentration but did not inhibit GLO activity. The change in AsA concentration was associated with increase, decrease or no change in TAC in tissues examined. The findings suggest that CCIS may alter AsA recycling, influx or turnover in different tissues of chickens.
Responses of non‐starch polysaccharide‐degrading enzymes on digestibility and performance of growing pigs fed a diet based on corn, soya bean meal and Chinese double‐low rapeseed meal
Authors: Fang Z. F. , Peng J. , Liu Z. L. , Liu Y. G. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of two distinct enzyme preparations on nutrients’ digestibility and growth performance of growing pigs fed diets based on corn, soya bean meal and Chinese double‐low rapeseed meal (DLRM). The two enzyme preparations were Enzyme R, a preparation extracted from fermentation of a non‐GMO fungus Penicillum funiculosum, developed for multi‐grain and multi‐animal species; and Enzyme P, a xylanase preparation from Trichoderma longibrachiatum, for pigs fed corn‐based diets only. Both enzymes were tested at 0, 0.25 and 0.50 g/kg feed using 70 crossbred male pigs (Large Yorkshire × Landrace) in five dietary treatments and seven replicates in each treatment, for growth period from 27 to 68 kg live weight in 49 days. Results showed that the supplementation of both enzymes (1) increased total‐tract digestibility of dietary energy from 77.5% (control) to 81.4% (Enzyme R, p < 0.05) and 81.9% (Enzyme P, p < 0.05); of neutral detergent fibre from 41.0% (control) to 57.8% (Enzyme R, p < 0.05) and 60.0% (Enzyme P, p < 0.05); (2) improved average daily gain from 786 g (control) to 829 g (Enzyme R, p < 0.05) and 846 g (Enzyme P, p < 0.05); and numerical increases in feed intake from 1.96 kg/pig/day (control) to 2.01 (Enzyme R) and 2.00 (p > 0.05) and feed conversion ratio from 2.50 (control) to 2.42 (Enzyme R) and 2.36 (Enzyme P, p < 0.05); (3) there was a dose response but no significant differences were observed in enzyme efficacy between the two enzyme preparations. The present study demonstrated beneficial effects of applying xylanase‐based enzymes to improve feeding values of pig diets based on corn, soya bean meal and DLRM.
Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) as an inert marker in digestibility studies with dogs, blue foxes and mink fed diets containing different protein sources
Authors: Vhile S. G. , Skrede A. , Ahlstrøm Ø. , Hove K. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe study evaluated the use of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) as an inert marker in studies of apparent total tract digestibility in dogs, blue foxes and mink. Comparison was made with total faecal collection, and use of chromic oxide (Cr2O3) as marker respectively. Four experimental diets were added 0.1 g/kg yttrium oxide and 10 g/kg chromic oxide and fed to four animals of each species. Faecal recovery of yttrium oxide was 94.4% (SEM ± 1.0), and of chromic oxide 105.8% (SEM ± 1.5). The digestibilities of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, starch and total carbohydrates obtained by total collection and yttrium oxide as marker showed close similarity, and in most cases not significant differences, independent of species and diets. In dogs, overall digestibilities of main nutrients with chromic oxide as marker were not significantly different from overall means obtained with yttrium oxide (p > 0.05). Overall digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and total carbohydrates in blue foxes and mink was significantly higher with chromic oxide than with yttrium oxide (p < 0.05). In dogs and blue foxes, digestibilities of individual amino acids determined by use of yttrium oxide were not different from values obtained using total collection of faeces, both within diets and for overall mean (p > 0.05). Overall amino acid digestibilities in dogs determined with chromic oxide as marker were similar to corresponding figures for yttrium oxide, whereas use of chromic oxide resulted in significantly higher digestibilites for a number of amino acids compared with yttrium oxide in foxes and mink (p < 0.05). The digestibilities of most main nutrients and amino acids revealed no interaction between diet and method (p > 0.05). The study showed that yttrium oxide can be used in low concentration in the feed, and allows high accuracy of analyses and thereby precise digestibility determination. It is concluded that yttrium oxide is an alternative inert marker to chromic oxide in the studied species.
Sources of Resistance to Anthracnose in Traditional Common Bean Cultivars from Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Vidigal Filho P. S. , Gonçalves‐Vidigal M. C. , Kelly J. D. , Kirk W. W. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractPathogenicity of physiologically distinct races of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum originating from Andean (races 7, 19 and 55) and Mesoamerican (races 9, 31, 65, 69, 73, 81, 89, 95 and 453) locations of the new world were evaluated on 26 landrace genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from Paraná State, Brazil. Races 7 (Andean), 65, 73 and 89 (Mesoamerican) were the most pathogenic, while race 31 (Mesoamerican) was the least pathogenic. Most of the landrace genotypes evaluated (88%) were resistant to race 31, except Carioca 3, Preto 1 and Preto 2. In addition, about 50% of the landrace genotypes had resistance to races 9, 19, 55 and 453; and about 30% to races 7, 65, 69, 73, 81, 89 and 95. The resistance index, which measured the pathogenicity response averaged across all the physiologically distinct Andean and Mesoamerican races of C. lindemuthianum, of the landrace genotypes ranged from 8% to 83%. The most resistant cultivars were Carioca Pintado 1, Carioca Pintado 2, Jalo Vermelho and Jalo de Listras Pretas. In contrast, the most susceptible cultivars were Jalo Pardo, Jalo Pintado 1 and Bolinha that showed resistance only to the least pathogenic race 31. These results indicated that many of the common bean landrace cultivars evaluated have genes that could be useful in breeding programmes to enhance resistance to Andean and Mesoamerican races of C. lindemuthianum.
Doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system versus tamsulosin for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A study in Chinese patients
Authors: Xue Zhaoying , Zhang Yuanfang , Ding Qiang , He Zhishong , Wang Jiangong , Xu Ke 
Published: January 2007

Aim:  The efficacy and safety profiles of two α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists, doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system, a controlled‐release formulation of doxazosin, and tamsulosin, were compared in Chinese men with confirmed benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods:  After a 2‐week placebo run‐in phase, 117 patients were randomized to daily treatment with doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system (4 mg doxazosin) (n = 60) or 0.2 mg tamsulosin (n = 57) for 6 weeks with no titration of study medications. Efficacy was measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume, and quality‐of‐life score from the International Prostate Symptom Score. Adverse events were recorded.Results:  Both drugs significantly improved the International Prostate Symptom Score (total, irritative subscore and obstructive subscore) and maximum urinary flow rate. Doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system reduced postvoid residual urine volume significantly more than tamsulosin (−25 ± 5 mL vs 2 ± 5 mL, P = 0.041) in patients with residual volume >0 mL at baseline. Other differences between groups were not statistically significant.Conclusions:  The doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system and tamsulosin were effective and well tolerated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Chinese men.
Combined assay of CYFRA21‐1, telomerase and vascular endothelial growth factor in the detection of bladder transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Bian Wei , Xu Zhishun 
Published: January 2007

Background:  CYFRA21‐1, telomerase and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are regarded as useful tumor markers in the detection of bladder transitional cell carcinoma. However, the sensitivity of each single marker seemed to be unsatisfactory. In the current study, we assessed the sensitivity of the combined assay of these three markers in the detection of human bladder transitional cell carcinoma.Methods:  Voided urine samples of 100 patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma were obtained and each sample was aliquoted for the various assay. Urinary CYFRA21‐1 and VEGF were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and telomerase detected by the telomeric repeat amplification protocol. The sensitivity of combined assay was compared to that of each single marker and urinary cytology, respectively.Results:  In the 100 patients, the sensitivity was 74% for urinary CYFRA21‐1, 71% for telomerase, 69% for VEGF, and 38% for cytology. CYFRA21‐1, telomerase and VEGF proved significantly more sensitive than cytology, respectively (P = 0.000). The sensitivity of the combined assay in the current study was 94% and it was significantly higher than that of cytology, urinary telomerase, CYFRA21‐1 or VEGF (P = 0.000). In 50 patients with hematuria but without bladder cancer, the overall specificity of the assays was 78% for CYFRA21‐1, 84% for telomerase, 88% for VEGF, and 92% for cytology.Conclusions:  Combined assay of the markers which show different characteristics of the tumor behaviors seemed to be of interest in the detection of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.
Hemolytic‐uremic syndrome and myocardial dysfunction in a 9‐month‐old boy
Authors: TOBIAS JOSEPH D. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryCardiovascular dysfunction in patients with hemolytic‐uremic syndrome (HUS) may be related to secondary issues such as volume overload, hypertension or electrolyte disturbances including hyperkalemia. Additionally, primary myocardial involvement has been increasingly recognized as a potential comorbid feature of HUS. We report a 9‐month‐old child with HUS who developed clinical signs of poor myocardial function with depressed myocardial function noted by echocardiography. Supportive care including mechanical ventilation and inotropic agents were necessary for approximately 10 days. Follow‐up echocardiography revealed return of normal ventricular function. Previous reports of primary cardiac involvement with HUS have included thrombotic microangiopathy of the coronary vasculature resulting in myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction or depressed myocardial function, myocarditis, congestive heart failure with dilated cardiomyopathy and pericardial effusion with tamponade. Given the potential for morbidity and mortality during the preoperative period in patients with HUS, anesthesiologists involved in the care of such patients should be aware of the potential for myocardial involvement in this disease process. Preoperatively, the routine evaluation of myocardial function may be indicated.
Survival of a child without sequelae after tracheoarterial fistula
Authors: GHAI BABITA , MAKKAR JEETINDER KAUR , BAKSHI JAYAMANTI , RANA SHELLY , SINGH RANA SANDIP , BHAGAT SANJEEV 
Published: January 2007

SummaryTracheoarterial fistula (TAF) involves erosion through the tracheal wall into the innominate artery resulting in bleeding. It is a rare but lethal complication of tracheostomy. Mortality is 100% without operative interference. Even with appropriate management, a survival rate of only 14.3% has been reported. We report a case of TAF in a child, where rapid institution of resuscitative and operative measures resulted in survival. Initial temporary control of bleeding was achieved by hyperinflation of cuff. Computed tomography (CT) angiography confirmed the diagnosis. The damaged segment of the eroded artery was resected and ligated. This case highlights the role of early diagnosis and prompt aggressive therapy for management of this potentially lethal complication.
Prospective study of the diagnostic evaluation of faecal incontinence and leakage in male patients
Authors: Titi M. , Jenkins J. T. , Urie A. , Molloy R. G. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective  Male faecal incontinence (FI) has received little attention. No consistent pathophysiological abnormality has been identified in those studies that have specifically assessed male patients with FI or faecal leakage (FL). This study was designed to re‐examine the different theories relating to the pathophysiology of male incontinence and to assess if manometric and ultrasound assessment yields clinically relevant information that directs patient care.Method  This was a prospective study of all men referred to a Coloproctology clinic with incontinence. The Wexner Incontinence score was used to assess severity of symptoms. Specific investigations included anal manometry, rectal sensation and endo‐anal ultrasound (EAUS). Results were compared with a group of 20 normal male controls.Results  A total of 59 symptomatic male patients were investigated (36 FI, 23 FL). FL and control groups had similar maximum resting (MRP) and maximum squeeze pressure (MSP). The incontinence group had a significantly lower MRP & MSP compared with controls [MRP: FI 58 (42–75.5) vs control 85 (72–104)] (P < 0.0001), [MSP: FI 167 (125–215) vs control 248 (192–302)] (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in rectal sensation between the groups and the defecation index was also similar. EAUS detected only one external anal sphincter defect amongst the 23 male patients with FL. One external sphincter defect and three internal sphincter defects were identified amongst the 36 patients with incontinence. Of these five patients with sphincter defects, four had previously undergone anorectal surgery. [Results expressed as median (interquartile range): manometry expressed as mmHg].Conclusion  Male patients presenting with faecal incontinence frequently show impaired sphincter function which may be associated with sphincter defects. In contrast, those presenting predominantly with FL have no morphological or physiological changes that might account for their symptoms. Investigating such patients with anorectal physiology and EAUS is usually unhelpful and can be omitted.
Is anaemia relevant in the referral and diagnosis of colorectal cancer?
Authors: Masson S. , Chinn D. J. , Tabaqchali M. A. , Waddup G. , Dwarakanath A. D. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective  Current efforts to improve the outcome from colorectal cancer aim to shorten the delay between referral and diagnosis. Investigation of iron‐deficiency anaemia has a high yield for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal malignancy and its presence is included in current referral guidelines. We explored the relationship between anaemia and colorectal cancer.Method  We reviewed hospital and laboratory database records of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between January 2003 and June 2004. The site of colorectal cancer was correlated with the presence of anaemia at the time of referral. Anaemia was defined according to local practice (Hb < 12.0 g/dl in females and <13.0 g/dl in males), compared with the threshold recommended in current national referral guidelines (Hb < 10 g/dl in females and <11 g/dl in males).Results  Over 18 months, 143 patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Anaemia was present in 48% of males and 50% of females using local practice and 24% of males and 16% of females using national referral guidelines. Those with right‐sided and non‐rectal cancers were significantly more likely to be anaemic than those with left‐sided and rectal cancers, respectively.Conclusion  In approximately half of cases the diagnosis of colorectal cancer is not associated with anaemia. Anaemia is more common with proximal lesions but this is not a consistent finding. The current threshold for anaemia at which national guidelines suggest referral also appears to be insensitive.
Diabetes mellitus is associated with severe Peyronie’s disease
Authors: Kendirci Muammer , Trost Landon , Sikka Suresh C. , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the severity of penile deformity and penile blood flow variables in men with Peyronie’s disease (PD) and diabetes mellitus (DM), and those with no risk factors.PATIENTS AND METHODSMen with PD and DM (59 men, group 1) and those with no risk factors (109, group 2) were compared for penile blood flow variables, severity of penile deformity, patient’s age, duration of PD, the presence of pain on erection, and the degree of erectile dysfunction (ED). The men were evaluated with penile duplex Doppler ultrasonography and were categorized into specific vascular groups, using established criteria. Penile curvature was objectively measured and stratified according to the Kelâmi classification. Results were compared using Student’s t‐test.RESULTSMen with PD and DM (group 1) were significantly older than those in group 2. The duration of disease was significantly longer in group 1 than in group 2 (median 24 vs 12 months). The mean degree of penile deformity in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (45.2° vs 30.2°). The rate of severe penile curvature (>60°) was more frequent in group 1 (27.1% vs 5.5%). Pain on erection was significantly higher in group 2 (39.7% vs 25.5%), whereas the rate of ED was more common in group 1 (81% vs 47%). Group 1 had poorer peak‐systolic velocity values and significantly higher rates of arterial insufficiency and mixed vascular disease. Nonvascular causes were twice as common in group 2 than in group 1.CONCLUSIONSThis comparative clinical study suggests that the presence of DM as the only risk factor significantly increases the severity of PD. Furthermore, DM as a risk factor is associated with significantly worse vascular status, as shown by penile duplex Doppler ultrasonography, in men with PD.
Model-Based Estimates of the Finite Population Mean for Two-Stage Cluster Samples With Unit Non-Response
Authors: Yuan Ying , Little Roderick J. A. 
Published: January 2007

Summary
We propose new model-based methods for unit non-response in two-stage survey samples. A commonly used design-based adjustment weights respondents by the inverse of the estimated response rate in each cluster (method WT). This approach is consistent if the response probabilities are constant within clusters but is potentially inefficient when the estimated cluster response rates are very variable. Clusters can be collapsed to increase precision, but this may introduce bias. We consider here the model-based approach to survey inference that treats the clusters as random effects. We note that, from a model-based perspective, a missing data mechanism that assumes that the response rate varies across clusters is non-ignorable, and we propose the term cluster-specific non-ignorable (CSNI) non-response to describe this mechanism. We show that the standard random-effects model estimator RE of the population mean is biased under CSNI non-response, and we propose two modifications of RE to correct this bias. One approach includes the observed response rate as a cluster level covariate (method RERR), and the other is based on a probit model for response (method NI1). The RERR approach is simpler than NI1 but approximate, in that uncertainty in estimating the response rates is not taken into account. In addition, a simple method that corrects the bias of RE by reweighting (method RWRE) is also discussed. We show by simulations that estimators from RERR and NI1 can correct the bias of RE under CSNI non-response and have comparable or lower root-mean-squared error than WT in a variety of simulation settings, and RWRE has similar performance to WT. We also consider another non-ignorable response model estimate of the population mean (NI2) that removes the bias of WT, RWRE, RERR and NI1 under an outcome-specific non-ignorable response mechanism where non-response depends directly on the individual level survey outcomes. However, that estimate is not robust to model misspecification. The various methods are compared on a data set from the Detroit Dental Health Project.
BAKHTIN ON HEARING GOD'S VOICE
Authors: SLATER PETER 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBakhtin's dialogical (not dialectical) philosophy of the everyday, double‐voiced prosaic and poetic discourse of asymmetrically interrelated, embodied selves, each answerable to others and the world, found liberating wisdom in modern novelizing texts, notably those of Rabelais and Dostoevsky, with the Chalcedonian Christ prototype as background. He suggests how language is used in Christian contexts by attending to different voices in confessional utterances that may include God's voice/an interlocutory infinite “third”—heard in and through others’ voices—without collapsing perspectival pluralism into relativism. Current work on comparative theology, contrasted with old‐style comparative religion, echoes his insights.