bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evacuation of sand from the equine intestine with mineral oil, with and without psyllium
Authors: Hotwagner K. , Iben C. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the evacuation of sand from the equine intestine after a double treatment with psyllium and mineral oil or mineral oil only. A crossover study was conducted. Twelve healthy horses were fed 1 kg sand once a day for 5 days. Subsequently, these horses were divided into two groups: A and B. From day 6–10, both groups were treated with 2 l of mineral oil once a day and group B received an additional 0.5 kg of psyllium twice a day. The trial was repeated after 2 weeks with treatment crossover of groups A and B. The horses were housed sand free and 1.8 kg hay/100 kg body weight was offered to meet the maintenance energy requirement. Prior to the sand administration, faeces were collected from each horse for 3 days and the crude ash was determined to establish a baseline output of ash. There was no difference between the baseline crude ash output of the first and second treatment. From day 6–10, faeces were collected daily and the fresh weight and the dry matter and the crude ash contents were determined. For administration, sand or psyllium was mixed with 1 l of Irish mash (concentrate mixed with water), respectively, and mineral oil was administered via a nasogastric tube. All horses showed higher crude ash excretion when treated with psyllium and mineral oil compared with the mineral oil administration only. On the second, third and fourth day of the treatment, the difference was significant. Faeces crude ash weight corrected for baseline crude ash output while treated with psyllium plus oil and oil solely, reached a mean of 51.0 (SD 20.5) and 26.1 (SD 17.7) % of the administered sand mass, respectively. The results of this trial show that the ash output differed highly between the horses. Nevertheless, all horses showed a higher total ash output within the 5 days treatment period when the psyllium semen and mineral oil were used for the treatment than when treated with mineral oil solely.
Body composition and heat expenditure in broiler chickens fed diets with or without trans fatty acids
Authors: Javadi M. , Geelen M. J. H. , Everts H. , Hovenier R. , Javadi S. , Kappert H. , Beynen A. C. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe effect of a diet containing trans fatty acids (TFA) on the fatty acid composition and fat accumulation was investigated in broiler chickens. Female broilers were fed a control or a TFA‐containing diet. The difference between the diets was that a part of cis 18:1 in the control diet was replaced by the TFA. Body composition, energy balance and the fatty acid composition were examined. Over the time‐period studied (15 days), the body fat content and the protein content did not differ significantly between the TFA‐fed group and the control. In energy balance studies, total energy intake, energy loss in excreta, energy expenditure and energy storage did not differ between the treatments. Compared to the control diet, the TFA diet resulted in significantly higher amounts of 14:0 and 18:1n‐7 and lower amounts of 18:1n‐9 and 20:4n‐6 in the body. In conclusion, the data suggest that feeding TFA for 15 days to female broilers had no effect on energy retention, energy expenditure and energy loss in excreta or in body composition in terms of fat and protein. Only the fatty acid composition in the body was affected by the treatment with TFA. In addition, 50% of ingested TFA was incorporated into the body fat. This may have a negative effect on the diethetic value of chicken meat.
Endoscopic grading of gastroesophageal flap valve and atrophic gastritis is helpful to predict gastroesophageal reflux
Authors: Kim Gwang Ha , Song Geun Am , Kim Tae Oh , Jo Hong Jae , Kim Do Hoon , Heo Jeong , Cho Mong , Kang Dae Hwan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The endoscopic grading of the gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) has been suggested to be a good predictor of reflux status. Atrophic gastritis is inversely associated with reflux esophagitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between GEFV, atrophic gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux.Methods:  A total of 608 patients (252 men and 356 women; mean age 51.1 years) who underwent endoscopy, esophageal manometry and ambulatory 24‐h pH monitoring were included. GEFV was graded I through IV using Hill's classification: the GEFV was largely classified into two groups: the normal GEFV group (grades I and II) and the abnormal GEFV group (grades III and IV). Atrophic gastritis was classified into two groups by endoscopic atrophic border: closed‐type (C‐type) and open‐type (O‐type). Findings of endoscopy, esophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring were compared among the groups.Results:  The incidence of reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease was associated with an abnormal GEFV grade and was inversely associated with open‐type atrophic gastritis. The patients with a coexisting abnormal GEFV and closed‐type atrophic gastritis showed a significantly higher incidence of reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease than the patients with a coexisting normal GEFV and open‐type atrophic gastritis (OR, 20.6 [95% CI, 6.2–68.4], 11.4 [95% CI, 6.3–20.7], respectively).Conclusions:  Endoscopic grading of GEFV and atrophic gastritis is simple and provides useful information on the status of gastroesophageal reflux.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the infraspecific taxa of Erigeron thunbergii A. Gray distributed in ultramafic rock sites
Authors: KAWASE DAIJU , YUMOTO TAKAKAZU , HAYASHI KAZUHIKO , SATO KEN 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe aimed to determine the evolutionary patterns of plants, especially focusing on plants that occur in habitats composed of ultramafic rock. We carried out molecular phylogenetic analyses of the infraspecific taxa of Erigeron thunbergii composed of varieties and the closely related species Erigeron miyabeanus. Most of these plants are distributed in serpentine, peridotite, limestone, diabase and non‐ultramafic areas of high mountains, meadows and seashores in Japan. Using data derived from sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, 5.8S ribosomal DNA and ITS2) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA, we identified Clade 1, which was composed of populations from Hokkaido Island and the north‐east Honshu district group, and Clade 2, which was comprised of populations from central Honshu Island, Oga Peninsula and Mt Shokanbetsu. In addition, we identified three subclades within Clade 2 in detail. The phylogenetic tree showed the possibility of two major Erigeron phylogenies, that is, from the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Chinese continent. Moreover, the plants distributed in serpentine soils on Mt Yubari and in Shimukappu showed phylogenetically closer relationships than plants distributed in more closely located non‐ultramafic sites.
Torsion response of a cracked stainless steel shaft
Authors: LISSENDEN C. J. , TISSOT S. P. , TRETHEWEY M. W. , MAYNARD K. P. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTPump shafts used for power generation are susceptible to fatigue cracking while often in near‐continuous operation. Technology based on torsional vibration is under development for condition‐based assessment of shaft health. The focus of this paper is on the relationship between a crack, which propagated due to bending loads, and the torsional stiffness of the shaft. An analytical method to determine the compliance associated with a crack has been implemented for a semi‐elliptical surface crack. A 3‐D finite element model of a shaft section with a crack has also been used to predict the effect of a crack on stiffness. Fatigue cracks were seeded in shafts on a three‐point bend apparatus. A benchtop test rig was constructed to evaluate the torsional natural frequencies of a cracked shaft system. Quasistatic torsional stiffness tests indicated that crack closure has an effect on the results. A torsional finite element model of the benchtop test rig indicates that the first torsional natural frequency is reduced by the propagation of a crack. The reduction in torsional stiffness of the shaft inferred from the natural frequency results is in reasonable agreement with the quasistatic results and the model predictions.
Colorectal tubulovillous adenomas identified on fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans
Authors: Hemandas A. K. , Robson N. K. , Hickish T. , Talbot R. W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective  The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the significance of incidental focal colonic lesions on fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scans in patients undergoing staging for noncolorectal cancer.Method  Of the 110 patients in our PET/CT database, 10 were found to have abnormally high uptake of tracer in their large bowel.Results  Seven patients who underwent further endoscopic evaluation of these abnormalities had intermediate to high‐risk adenomatous polyps.Conclusion  Benign colonic polyps produce high‐intensity focal FDG uptake in large bowel. Endoscopic evaluation is recommended before curative resectional surgery of the presenting cancer where appropriate.
Patient personality predicts postoperative stay after colorectal cancer resection
Authors: Sharma A. , Sharp D. M. , Walker L. G. , Monson J. R. T. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective  Postoperative length of stay (LOS) is an important outcome after colorectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the putative effects of personality, mood, coping and quality of life on LOS.Method  A consecutive series of 110 eligible patients undergoing elective resection for colorectal cancer were invited to participate in the study. A battery of psychometric questionnaires including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (colorectal), the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale, the Positive and Negative Affectivity Scale and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) were administered 5–12 days before surgery. Nonparametric correlations were computed for psychometric scores, demographic variables and the LOS. Factors found to be significantly correlated on this analysis were entered into a multiple regression model to determine the independent predictors of LOS.Results  One hundred and four patients with colorectal cancer participated. Seventy were male (67%) and the mean age was 68 years (range 39–86). The median LOS was 10 days (range 4–108). LOS was negatively correlated with pre‐ and postoperative albumin levels, PANAS +ve affect, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy questionnaire with the colorectal module functional well‐being score and EPQ extroversion score. LOS was strongly positively correlated with postoperative morbidity. LOS was positively correlated with CECS anger score, age and being male. Postoperative morbidity (β = 0.379, P = 0.007) and extroversion (β = −0.318, P = 0.05) were independent predictors of LOS.Conclusion  Personality as measured by EPQ predicts postoperative LOS in patients with colorectal cancer. Extroverts have a higher pain threshold and this may be part of the explanation.
Macroecology, global change and the shadow of forgotten ancestors
Authors: Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola , Bini Luis Mauricio 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTMany recent studies have evaluated how global changes will affect biodiversity, and have mainly focused on how to develop conservation strategies to avoid, or at least minimize, extinctions due to shifts in suitable habitats for the species. However, these complex potential responses might be in part structured in phylogeny, because of the macroecological traits underlying them. In this comment, we review recent analytical developments in phylogenetic comparative methods that can be used to understand patterns of trait changes under environmental change. We focus on a partial regression approach that allows for partitioning the variance of traits into a fraction attributed to a pure ecological component, a fraction attributed to phylogenetically structured environmental variation (niche conservatism) and a fraction that may be attributed to phylogenetic effects only. We then develop a novel interpretation for linking these components for multiple traits with potential responses of species to global environmental change (i.e. adaptation, range shifts or extinctions). We hope that this interpretation will stimulate further research linking evolutionary components of multiple traits with broad‐scale environmental changes.
Feelings About Work: A Review of the Socio‐emotional Impact of Supported Employment on People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Jahoda Andrew , Kemp Jeremy , Riddell Sheila , Banks Pauline 
Published: June 2007

Background Work is an aspiration for many people with intellectual disability and is regarded as a vital goal by policy‐makers in pursuit of social inclusion. The aim of this study was to consider the impact of supported employment on the socio‐emotional well‐being of people with intellectual disabilities.Method A systematic search was conducted. The review included case‐controlled and longitudinal studies measuring outcomes for: (1) quality of life (QOL), (2) social life and (3) autonomy.Results While results for QOL, well‐being and autonomy were largely positive, there was a lack of perceived social acceptance. The findings are interpreted in the light of methodological strengths and weaknesses.Conclusions Implications for the socio‐emotional support required by some individuals in employment, and directions for future research are discussed.
Intensive Interaction as a Novel Approach in Social Care: Care Staff's Views on the Practice Change Process
Authors: Firth Graham , Elford Helen , Leeming Catherine , Crabbe Marion 
Published: June 2007

Background  Intensive Interaction is an approach to developing the pre‐verbal communication and sociability of people with severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities and autism. Previous research has indicated many potential benefits; however, the approach is not consistently used in social care.Aim  To report on the significant and influential issues for care staff when adopting Intensive Interaction as a novel approach in the social care setting for clients with profound and multiple learning disabilities.Materials and Methods  Twenty‐nine care staff from four residential settings were trained and supported in the use of Intensive Interaction over a 6‐month period. Interviews with staff members and researcher field‐notes were analysed using a Grounded Theory methodology.Results and Conclusions  Increased and novel client responses were reported which were consistent with previous research. However, some practical and philosophical difficulties were highlighted by staff regarding their adoption of the approach. Consideration of care staff's experiences and perspective could enable future Intensive Interaction interventions to be more successfully planned and supported.
Outcomes and Costs of Residential Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Taiwan: A Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Chou Yueh‐Ching , Lin Li‐Chan , Pu Cheng‐Yun , Lee Wan‐Ping , Chang Shu‐Chuan 
Published: June 2007

Background  The disability policy in Taiwan has traditionally emphasized residential care in large institutions and, more recently, medium‐sized group homes. This paper compares the relative costs, services provided and outcomes between the traditional institutions, medium‐sized group homes and new small‐scale community living units that were launched in 2004 in Taiwan.Materials and Methods  Cross‐sectional analysis was used to investigate the three current residential service models. A total of 248 participants with intellectual disabilities were interviewed, including all residents from the existing 25 small residential units and purposively sampled respondents from the other two residential models.Results  Outcomes for the Taiwanese participants were consistent with the existing literature on deinstitutionalization from Western societies. Small homes provided better subjective and objective quality of life than both medium‐sized community‐based units and traditional institutions.Conclusion  Participants living in small residential homes experienced better outcomes at lower cost than persons living in medium‐sized group homes or institutions.
Sex‐Specific Effects of AGT‐6 and ACE I/D on Pulse Pressure After 6 Months on Antihypertensive Treatment: The GenHAT Study
Authors: Lynch A. I. , Arnett D. K. , Davis B. R. , Boerwinkle E. , Ford C. E. , Eckfeldt J. H. , Leiendecker‐Foster C. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryResearch suggests pulse pressure (PP) is a predictor of cardiovascular disease, and genes likely influence PP levels. Additionally, gender may be an effect modifier between PP and cardiovascular disease. This study addresses whether two renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) variants are associated with PP in a sex‐specific manner (genotype‐by‐sex interaction).Subjects comprised 35,048 GenHAT study participants over 55 years old, approximately half were women and half non‐Hispanic white. Blood pressure measurements were obtained 6 months after randomization to one of four antihypertensive medications. The polymorphisms considered were AGT‐6 and ACE‐I/D. We employed linear regression to assess the interaction. AGT‐6 showed a significant (p < 0.001) genotype‐by‐sex interaction. Men with the ‘G/G’ genotype had a higher PP (0.6 mm HG) than men carrying an ‘A’ allele, while ‘G/G’ women had a lower PP (0.7 mm Hg) than women carrying an ‘A’ allele. Three of the four treatment groups (chlorthalidone, amlodipine and lisinopril) suggested a consistent interaction in sub‐group analyses (only amlodipine was statistically significant, p < 0.001), whereas doxazosin did not. The interaction was evident among non‐Hispanic participants but not among Hispanic participants. For ACE‐I/D no evidence for a genotype‐by‐sex interaction was detected.This finding of genotype‐by‐sex interaction on PP helps our understanding of the complexity of genetic effects on blood pressure.
The single nucleotide polymorphism A118G alters functional properties of the human mu opioid receptor
Authors: Kroslak Thomas , LaForge K. Steven , Gianotti Robert J. , Ho Ann , Nielsen David A. , Kreek Mary Jeanne 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe most common single nucleotide polymorphism in the coding region of the human mu opioid receptor gene is the A118G variant, an adenine to guanine transition at nucleotide position 118 of the coding sequence of the gene. This polymorphism codes for an asparagine to aspartic acid substitution at amino acid 40 in the amino‐terminus, thereby removing a potential extracellular glycosylation site. Usingin vitrocellular expression assays, this variant has been reported to change binding of the endogenous agonist beta‐endorphin and signaling of the receptor following binding of beta‐endorphin. Three clinical studies report that A118G genotype affects opioid antagonist‐mediated increases in cortisol levels. These studies demonstrate a functional role of this variant in responses to endogenous and exogenous opioids. To further characterize function, we expressed the prototype and variant receptors in two types of cells (human 293 embryonic kidney cells and Syrian hamster adenovirus‐12‐induced tumor cells). Stable expression of variant and prototype receptors was characterized by differences in levels of cell surface binding capacity (Bmax), forskolin‐induced cAMP accumulation, as well as agonist‐induced accumulation of cAMP (EC50) for several agonists, but not for beta‐endorphin. In contrast, transiently expressed variant receptors showed only a minor difference in cell surface binding capacity compared to the prototype, and no differences in cAMP EC50values.
Serotonin catabolism in the central and enteric nervous systems of rats upon induction of serotonin syndrome
Authors: Squires Leah N. , Talbot Kristen N. , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Sweedler Jonathan V. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSerotonin, a well‐known neurotransmitter in mammals, has been linked to a number of neurological and gastrointestinal disorders. One of these disorders, serotonin syndrome, is a potentially deadly condition caused by increased levels of serotonin in the extracellular space. Information on the neurochemical effects of serotonin syndrome on serotonin catabolism is lacking, particularly in relation to the enteric system of the gastrointestinal tract. Here the catabolism of serotonin is monitored in rats with pharmacologically induced serotonin syndrome, with the catabolites characterized using a specialized capillary electrophoresis system with laser‐induced native fluorescence detection. Animals induced with serotonin syndrome demonstrate striking increases in the levels of serotonin and its metabolites. In the brain, levels of serotonin increased 2‐ to 3‐fold in animals induced with serotonin syndrome. A major serotonin metabolite, 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid, increased 10‐ to 100‐fold in experimental animals. Similar results were observed in the gastrointestinal tissues; in the small intestines, serotonin levels increased 4‐ to 5‐fold. Concentrations of 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid increased 32‐ to 100‐fold in the intestinal tissues of experimental animals. Serotonin sulfate showed surprisingly large increases, marking what may be the first time the compound has been reported in rat intestinal tissues.
Platelet activating factor‐induced neuronal apoptosis is initiated independently of its G‐protein coupled PAF receptor and is inhibited by the benzoate orsellinic acid
Authors: Ryan Scott D. , Harris Cory S. , Mo Fan , Lee Haemi , Hou Sheng T. , Bazan Nicolas G. , Haddad Pierre S. , Arnason John T. , Bennett Steffany A. L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe bioactive lipid mediator platelet activating factor (PAF) is recognized as a key effecter of neuronal apoptosis, yet it is not clear whether its G‐protein coupled receptor (PAFR) initiates or prevents PAF neurotoxicity. Using PAFR−/− and congenic wild‐type mice, we show that PAF triggers caspase‐3/7 activity and neuronal death in PAFR−/− but not PAFR+/+ cerebellar granule neurons. Restoring receptor expression by recombinant adenoviral infection protected cells from PAF challenge. Neuronal death was not mediated by nitric oxide or N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor signaling given that N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester and MK‐801 did not inhibit PAF‐induced neuronal loss in PAFR−/− neurons. To intervene in PAFR‐independent neurotoxicity, the anti‐apoptotic actions of three structurally distinct PAF antagonists were compared to a panel of plant and fungal benzoic acid derivatives. We found that the PAF antagonist BN 52021 but not FR 49175 or CV 3988 inhibited PAFR‐independent neurotoxicity. Orsellinic acid, a fungal‐derived benzoic acid, blocked PAF‐mediated neuronal apoptosis without affecting PAFR‐mediated neuroprotection. These findings demonstrate that PAF can transduce apoptotic death in primary neurons independently of its G‐protein coupled receptor, that PAFR activation is neuroprotective, and that orsellinic acid effectively attenuates PAFR‐independent neuronal apoptosis.