bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of regrowth and maintenance height on a grass sward with a high density of tillers
Authors: FISHER G. E. J. , DOWDESWELL A. M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA perennial ryegrass sward was grazed by sheep in April 1993 to a target sward surface height (SSH) of 3 cm to create a high density of grass tillers. From 3 May, the sheep were removed and small plots were established on the sward, when the average tiller density (± s.e.) was 35 900 ± 420 live tillers m−2. Different regrowth treatments were then imposed by allowing plots to regrow to target SSHs of 6 cm (18 g dry matter (DM) M−2), 9 cm (78 g DM m−2), 12 cm (132 g DM m−2) or 15 cm (197 g DM m−2). The plots were then maintained by cutting at either 6 or 9 cm SSH until the end of the experiment on 30 September. Live tiller density was reduced by regrowth beyond 8.9 cm (78 g DM m−2, P<0.001) and leaf‐stem ratio and in vitro organic matter digestibility were reduced by regrowth beyond 6.1 cm (18 g DM m−2, P < 0.05). The effect on live tiller density was sustained through the remainder of the season. From the beginning of June to the end of September, maintenance of SSH at an average of 9.1 cm compared with 6.4 cm also resulted in lower live tiller density, live‐dead tiller ratio and leaf‐stem ratio and higher herbage mass (at least P< 0. 05). There were significant interactions between regrowth SSH and maintenance SSH, so that leaf‐stem ratio, live‐dead tiller ratio and live tiller density were reduced by regrowth to a SSH of 16–4 cm followed by maintenance at 9.1 cm, compared with regrowth to 6.1 cm and maintenance at 6.4 cm.
Effect of sward surface height on intake and grazing behaviour by lactating Holstein Friesian cows
Authors: Gibb M. J. , Huckle C. A. , Nuthall R. , Rook A. J. 
Published: April 2006

The effect of sward surface height (SSH) on grazing behaviour and intake by lactating Holstein Friesian cows on continuously stocked grass pastures maintained at mean heights of 5, 7 and 9 cm was studied during the growing season. Intake rate was estimated over periods of 1 h by weighing animals before and after grazing, with a correction made for insensible weight loss. Grazing behaviour during that hour and over 24 h was recorded automatically using sensors to measure jaw movements.Although maintained at the overall mean SSH, swards had a patchy appearance with short, frequently grazed areas interspersed with taller, infrequently grazed areas, which is typical of pastures continuously stocked with cattle. Daily organic matter (OM) intake, calculated as the product of daily grazing time and intake rate, was greater at a SSH of 7 cm than at 5 or 9 cm (14·1 vs. 10·5 and 12·1 kg respectively). On the 5‐cm sward, OM intake per grazing jaw movement (GJM) was reduced compared with that on the 7‐cm sward (0·182 vs. 0·264 g respectively), and because cows were unable either to increase significantly GJM rate (95·8 vs. 90·1 GJM min−1) or the proportion of GJM that were bites (0·80 vs. 0·81) OM intake rate was reduced (16·9 vs. 23·5 g min−1). Cows were unable to increase their grazing time significantly (628 vs. 604 min d−1) to compensate for the reduction in intake rate, and as a result daily intakes were lower. Cows grazing the 9‐cm sward also incurred a reduction in OM intake GJM−1 compared with those on the 7‐cm sward (0·237 vs. 0·264 g respectively) and therefore there was a reduction in OM intake rate (21·6 vs. 23·5 g min−1). These animals did not compensate by increasing the time spent grazing (581 min d−1), probably owing to an increased ruminating requirement per kg of herbage ingested compared with those on 7 cm SSH (2264 vs. 1780 ruminating jaw movements respectively). The results show that SSH can significantly influence intake rate, but, while the cow's only effective strategy to compensate for any reduction in intake rate is to increase grazing time, this may be limited by the requirement for ruminating and non‐grazing, non‐ruminating activities, which is influenced by qualitative and quantitative aspects of the herbage ingested, whereas the cows' only effective strategy to compensate for any reduction in intake rate is to increase grazing time.
Effects of soil compaction on root development of perennial grass leys in northern Norway
Authors: SVEISTRUP T. E. , HARALDSEN T. K. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe effects of soil compaction on root development in leys were investigated at three locations in northern Norway: Sortland, Tromsø and the Pasvik Valley. At these sites, different soil amelioration measures and drainage methods of peat soils had been used. The investigations were carried out in 5‐year‐old Phleum pratense/Festuca pratensis or P. pratense/Poa pratensis leys. Tractor traffic decreased the maximum root depth at all sites, and the number of roots at 10‐25 cm depth in the plough layer. The influence of compaction on root development in the upper 5 cm of the soils varied between the sites. A significant decrease was found for all compaction treatments at the Pasvik Valley, whereas only the heaviest compaction, with the use of double rear wheels, caused a significantly decreased number of roots in the upper 5 cm of the soil at Sortland. Soil compaction significantly decreased the infiltration rate at all sites. A significant positive correlation was found between infiltration rate and air‐filled porosity.
Physiotherapy following elective orthopaedic procedures
Authors: DE KLEIJN P. , BLAMEY G. , ZOURIKIAN N. , DALZELL R. , LOBET S. 
Published: April 2006

Summary.  As haemophilic arthropathy and chronic synovitis are still the most important clinical features in people with haemophilia, different kinds of invasive and orthopaedic procedures have become more common during the last decades. The availability of clotting factor has made arthroplasty of one, or even multiple joints possible. This article highlights the role of physiotherapy before and after such procedures.Synovectomies are sometimes advocated in people with haemophilia to stop repetitive cycles of intra‐articular bleeds and/or chronic synovitis. The synovectomy itself, however, does not solve the muscle atrophy, loss of range of motion (ROM), instability and poor propriocepsis, often developed during many years. The key is in taking advantage of the subsequent, relatively safe, bleed‐free period to address these important issues.Although the preoperative ROM is the most important variable influencing the postoperative ROM after total knee arthroplasty, there are a few key points that should be considered to improve the outcome. Early mobilization, either manual or by means of a continuous passive mobilization machine, can be an optimal solution during the very first postoperative days. Muscle isometric contractions and light open kinetic chain exercises should also be started in order to restore the quadriceps control. Partial weight bearing can be started shortly after, because of quadriceps inhibition and to avoid excessive swelling. The use of continuous clotting factor replacement permits earlier and intensive rehabilitation during the postoperative period.During the rehabilitation of shoulder arthroplasty restoring the function of the rotator cuff is of utmost importance. Often the rotator cuff muscles are inhibited in the presence of pain and loss of ROM. Physiotherapy also assists in improving pain and maintaining ROM and strength. Functional weight‐bearing tasks, such as using the upper limbs to sit and stand, are often discouraged during the first 6 weeks postoperatively. This may be influenced by the condition of the joints of the lower limbs. Attention should be given to the total chain of motion, of which the shoulder itself is only a part.We conclude that physiotherapy management is of major importance in any invasive or orthopaedic procedure, regardless of which joints are involved. Both pre‐ and postoperative physiotherapy, as part of comprehensive care is needed to achieve optimal functional outcome and therefore optimal quality of life for people with haemophilia.
Levamisole synergizes experimental F4ac+ Escherichia colioral vaccine in stimulating ileal Peyer's patch T cells in weaned pigs
Authors: BOŽIĆ F. , LACKOVIĆ G. , KOVŠCA‐JANJATOVIĆ A. , SMOLEC O. , VALPOTIĆ I. 
Published: April 2006

Recent findings demonstrate that priming by levamisole of weaned pigs experimentally vaccinated against postweaning colibacillosis (PWC) contributes to immune protection from challenge‐induced clinical disease through stimulation of the mesenteric lymph node cells that participate in cell‐mediated immunity. With the objective of better understanding the mechanisms by which levamisole induces protective mucosal cell‐mediated immune response to vaccination against PWC, it was tested whether the drug synergizes experimental F4ac+ Escherichia colioral vaccine in stimulating T cells also in the jejunal lamina propria (JLP) and ileal Peyer's patch (IPP) upon virulent challenge. Commercial crossbred pigs weaned at 4 weeks were allocated into two equal groups. The experimental group was i.m. primed with levamisole at an immunostimulatory dose of 2.5 mg/kg once daily, for 3 consecutive days, and controls received saline. Both groups were vaccinated orally with the vaccinalE. colistrain on day 0 and challenged with the virulentE. colistrain 7 days later. All pigs were killed on postchallenge day 6. The results determined by immunophenotyping of isolated cells indicate that priming by levamisole of the vaccinated weaned pigs selectively recruited and activated T cells in the IPP, a lymphoid organ‐generating B lymphocytes. The pig IPP is normally populated with up to 5% of CD3+T cells and CD6 is an activation antigen expressed exclusively by T cells in swine. Therefore, a significantly higher number of CD3+(P < 0.01) and CD6+(P < 0.001) cells observed within the IPP follicles of the primed‐vaccinated vs. unprimed‐vaccinated challenge‐infected pigs suggest enhanced T cell‐mediated immunity in this B‐cell compartment induced by the potentiating action of the drug and vaccine. The ability of levamisole to influence interaction between activated T cells and B cells in the IPP of primed‐vaccinated weaned pigs, and the possibility that this interaction plays a role in regulating B‐cell maturation within the IPP follicles, are discussed.
Poly‐gamma‐glutamate in bacteria
Authors: Candela Thomas , Fouet Agnès 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPoly‐γ‐glutamate (PGA), a natural polymer, is synthesized by several bacteria (all Gram‐positive), one archaea and one eukaryote. PGA has diverse biochemical properties, enabling it to play different roles, depending on the organism and its environment. Indeed, PGA allows bacteria to survive at high salt concentrations and may also be involved in virulence. The minimal gene sets required for PGA synthesis were recently defined. There are currently two nomenclatures depending on the PGA final status: cap, for ‘capsule’, when PGA is surface associated or pgs, for ‘polyglutamate synthase’, when PGA is released. The minimal gene sets contain four genes termed cap or pgs B, C, A and E. The PGA synthesis complex is membrane‐anchored and uses glutamate and ATP as substrates. Schematically, the reaction may be divided into two steps, PGA synthesis and PGA transport through the membrane. PGA synthesis depends primarily on CapB‐CapC (or PgsB‐PgsC), whereas PGA transport requires the presence, or the addition, of CapA‐CapE (or PgsAA‐PgsE). The synthesis complex is probably responsible for the stereochemical specificity of PGA composition. Finally, PGA may be anchored to the bacterial surface or released. An additional enzyme is involved in this reaction: either CapD, a γ‐glutamyl‐transpeptidase that catalyses anchorage of the PGA, or PgsS, a hydrolase that facilitates release. The anchoring of PGA to the bacterial surface is important for virulence. All cap genes are therefore potential targets for inhibitors specifically blocking PGA synthesis or anchorage.
Characteristics of basal cell carcinoma amongst Asians in Singapore and a comparison between completely and incompletely excised tumors
Authors: Goh Boon Kee , Ang Por , Wu Ying Juan , Goh Chee Leok 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Most published series of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are based on Caucasian populations. Very little is known about the characteristics of incompletely excised BCCs in Asians.Objectives  This study examines the characteristics of BCCs in Asian residents in Singapore, and compares incompletely with completely excised tumors after conventional surgical excision.Patients and methods  A retrospective study was conducted using the case records of patients who had a primary BCC excised at the National Skin Centre between 1991 and 1995.Results  A total of 185 histologically confirmed BCCs were recorded in 166 patients (male to female ratio, 0.95; mean age, 70.9 years). The highest proportion (27.1%) was in the 81–90‐year age group. Compared with census data, a significantly higher proportion of patients with BCCs were Chinese (P < 0.001). The tumors averaged 12.0 mm in diameter and the majority (84.3%) were located on the head and neck. In 28 lesions (15.1%), the tumors were incompletely excised, with those on the nose and nasolabial folds being most frequent. Incompletely excised BCCs were more likely than completely excised lesions to be located on the mid‐face and trunk (P = 0.003), but there was no significant correlation with tumor size, tumor duration, or patient age, race, and gender. The overall recurrence rate was 1.6% over a mean follow‐up time of 74 months.Conclusions  BCCs are more common amongst Chinese in Singapore and occur chiefly in the elderly. Conventional surgical excision with margin control achieves a satisfactory tumor clearance rate of 84.9%. Incomplete excision is associated with tumor location on the mid‐face and trunk rather than tumor size or duration.
Pemphigus in the Mediterranean region of Turkey: A study of 148 cases
Authors: Uzun Soner , Durdu Murat , Akman Ayse , Gunasti Suhan , Uslular Canan , Memisoglu Hamdi R. , Alpsoy Erkan 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical features, course, response to treatment, and prognosis of pemphigus in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.Methods  All patients with confirmed pemphigus were prospectively enrolled in two major dermatology departments in the cities of Adana and Antalya in the Mediterranean region between March 1998 and March 2004. Details including demography, findings of clinical examinations, treatment, course, and prognosis were recorded.Results  One hundred and forty‐eight patients with pemphigus were diagnosed during the 6‐year period, with a prevalence of 1.46 and an annual incidence of 0.24 per 100,000 in this region. There was a female predominance with a male to female ratio of 1 : 1.4. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) was the most common clinical subtype, identified in 123 patients (83%). The mean age of onset was 43. In 101 (82%) patients with PV, disease began as persistent oral ulcers. The majority of the patients with PV could be managed with middle or high‐dose steroids (60–140 mg/day). Complete clinical remission was obtained in 41 (39.4%) patients. The mortality rate was 4.8%.Conclusions  A moderately high incidence of pemphigus was found in the Mediterranean region of Turkey as compared with that encountered in other countries. The commonest clinical subtype was PV with a 9.5‐fold higher incidence than pemphigus foliaceus. It is more frequent in middle‐aged people and has a female predominance. Although a relatively higher dose of steroid was needed to control the PV, the disease completely remitted in a significant proportion of the patients.
The association between malignant melanoma and noncutaneous malignancies
Authors: Wu Yu‐Hung , Kim Gene H. , Wagner Jeffrey D. , Hood Antoinette F. , Chuang Tsu‐Yi 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Both increases and decreases in the incidence of subsequent malignancies in melanoma patients have been reported. We examined the database of the Indiana University Cancer Center to determine whether there is an association between malignant melanoma and noncutaneous malignancies.Objective  We searched for evidence of noncutaneous malignancies in a cohort of melanoma patients.Methods  Patients with microscopically confirmed malignant melanoma diagnosed between January 1987 and March 2001 were analyzed. This cohort was investigated for noncutaneous malignancies occurring either before or after the diagnosis of melanoma. The standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated as the ratio of the observed to the expected number of patients with second malignancies, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) around the SIR were estimated from the cumulative Poisson distribution.Results  A total of 955 patients with melanoma (498 males and 457 females) were documented over the 14‐year period. Sixty‐nine noncutaneous malignancies were identified in 59 (6.2%) melanoma patients (39 males and 20 females). There was a higher risk of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (SIR = 1.91; 95% CI, 0.88–3.62) in men and renal cell carcinoma (SIR = 2.41, 95% CI, 0.97–4.97) in men. In female patients, however, there was no higher risk of noncutaneous malignancies.Conclusions  This study did not show a higher risk of prostate cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, leukemia, endometrial cancer, or cancer of the nerve and neuroendocrine systems in melanoma patients. No female patients incurred a higher risk of noncutaneous cancers. The increased risk of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and renal cell carcinoma in men might be attributed to a mutual carcinogenic exposure, an aberration of cell‐mediated immunity, a shared genetic susceptibility, increased medical surveillance among cancer patients, a post‐therapy effect after cancer management, or factors not as yet clear. Close monitoring of melanoma patients for signs of second malignancy is warranted.
Evaluation of desmoglein enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Indian patients with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Sharma Vinod K. , Prasad H. R. Y. , Khandpur Sujay , Kumar Ashok 
Published: April 2006

AbstractObjective  To evaluate the role of the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for the detection of antibodies to desmoglein 1 (dsg1) and desmoglein 3 (dsg3) in the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), and its correlation with disease severity and clinical presentation (mucosal PV, cutaneous PV, mucocutaneous PV).Methods  Twenty‐seven active PV patients and 26 controls with other dermatologic disorders were included in the study. The severity of oral and cutaneous involvement was assessed and recorded. ELISA test for the measurement of anti‐dsg1 and anti‐dsg3 antibodies was performed (Medical and Biological Laboratories Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan). The cut‐off ELISA value for both anti‐dsg1 and anti‐dsg3 was taken as 20.Results  Of the 27 patients, 26 were ELISA positive for anti‐dsg1 antibodies and 23 for anti‐dsg3 antibodies. Of the controls, two were positive for anti‐dsg1 and none for anti‐dsg3 antibodies. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA for anti‐dsg1 in the diagnosis of PV were 96.3% and 92.3%, respectively. For anti‐dsg3, they were 85.2% and 100%, respectively. The different morphologic types of PV could not be differentiated on the basis of antibody profile; however, a direct correlation between anti‐dsg3 titers and the severity of oral disease was noted, and also between anti‐dsg1 titers and the severity of cutaneous disease.Conclusions  ELISA (dsg1 and dsg3) is an efficient tool for confirming the diagnosis of PV. Specific antibody titers correlate with disease severity; however, desmoglein testing cannot differentiate between the various morphologic subtypes of PV.
Crystalloid formation in protochlorophyll‐accumulating plastids from the inner seed coat of Cyclanthera explodens
Authors: RYBERG HANS , LILJENBERG CONNY , SUNDQVIST CHRISTER 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe development of fruit, seed and plastids in the inner seed coat of Cyclanthera explodens Naud. was studied. Large amounts of protochlorophyll, in at least three different in vivo‐forms, accumulated during maturation and was 14 mg/g fresh weight of the inner seed coat in mature seeds. In earlier stages plastid‐membrane‐lipids increased simultaneously with the pigment. This could also be seen in electron micrographs as an increased amount of membranes. During later stages the amount of pigment continued to increase without an increase in the lipids. At this stage large crystalloids were found in the plastids. The data presented led to the conclusion that the protochlorophyll form fluorescing at 691 nm is crystalline.
Female Preference for Male Lateral Projection Area in the Shortfin Molly, Poecilia mexicana: Evidence for a Pre‐existing Bias in Sexual Selection
Authors: David MacLaren R. , Rowland William J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) males possess a large dorsal fin (sailfin) and perform an elaborate courtship display. Females prefer to associate and mate with males of greater body and sailfin size. Evidence supports a single origin for the sailfin species complex from a shortfin ancestor. Unlike sailfin species, males of the shortfin species complex are sexually monomorphic in fin size and exhibit little or no courtship behavior. In this study, we tested the pre‐existing bias and lateral projection area (LPA) hypotheses for sexual selection by examining female mating preferences in the shortfin molly, P. mexicana. Specifically, we presented females with pairs of dummy males differing in: (1) dorsal fin and body size together (holding fin:body size ratio constant); (2) body size (holding dorsal fin size constant); (3) dorsal fin size (holding body size constant); and dorsal fin:body size ratio (holding total LPA constant). Females spent more time near dummies of greater body and dorsal fin size. The preference functions based on the first three sets of stimuli showed a similar pattern: the greater the LPA difference between paired dummies, the stronger the preference for the larger of the two. However, in the fourth experiment, neither fin size, body size, nor any particular dorsal fin + body size combination was preferred. These findings support the LPA hypothesis suggesting that increased LPA is more stimulating to sexually receptive females and that females consequently prefer larger males. Moreover, these data are consistent with results obtained in an identical series of experiments conducted on P. latipinna. The preference for increased male dorsal fin size/LPA by both female P. latipinna and P. mexicana supports the pre‐existing bias hypothesis. Thus, a bias for increased male LPA and consequent selection for enlarged dorsal fins may have preceded the appearance of the sailfin trait within the Molliensia lineage.