bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of digestible energy value of extruded dog food: comparison of methods
Authors: Hervera M. , Baucells M. D. , Torre C. , Buj A. , Castrillo C. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe proposal of National Research Council (NRC), based on the use of modified Atwater factors, is nowadays the widely used method to estimate digestible energy (DE) content of pet foods. Recently, alternative methods have been suggested for predicting energy content of commercial canine dry food. Factorial equations including food fibre content as estimator, in vitro digestions methods or near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) techniques have been considered as good approaches to predict the energy content of dog foods. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of some of those estimation methods. Seventeen samples of commercial extruded dog food were used to validate and compare some estimation methods of energy digestibility (Ed, %) and DE value [MJ/kg dry matter (DM)]. The apparent Ed and DE of each food were previously determined by in vivo trials. In vivo Ed and DE of foods ranged from 79.30% to 91.05% and from 16.25 to 21.82 MJ/kg DM, respectively, and their crude fibre (CF) content ranged from 0.72% to 3.28% (in DM base). The % Ed of each sample was estimated by the factorial equation (% Ed = 91.2 − 1.43 × CF %) and by the in vitro digestion method [% Edin vitro = −2.45 + 0.98 organic matter (OM) disappearancein vitro%]. The set of samples also was analysed by NIRS, using a calibration equation developed from a set of 69 samples of commercial extruded dog food (0.76 and 0.89 cross‐validation r2 and 2.33 and 0.61 cross‐validation SE for Ed and DE respectively). The in vitro method gave better estimations of Ed in vivo than NIRS and factorial methods, although all the methods assessed showed a very good and similar accuracy in the prediction of DE value. These three methods showed a slight better accuracy than that previously proposed by the NRC. To consider constant digestibility values of nutrient content of food can result in bias and error in the estimated energy values. The alternative prediction methods used in this study take into account differences of ingredient composition and availability of nutrients of different extruded dog foods thus could be better systems of valuating energy content in a wider range of different kind of foods than in use method.
Prediction of rabbit caecal fermentation characteristics from faeces by in vitro gas production technique: roughages
Authors: Bovera F. , Calabrò S. , Cutrignelli M. I. , Infascelli F. , Piccolo G. , Nizza S. , Tudisco R. , Nizza A. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTo find equations able to estimate the fermentation characteristics of the caecum from that of faeces, caecal content and faeces of 10 hybrid Hyla rabbits were used as inocula for an in vitro gas production trial. About 1 g of 12 roughages, 11 hays (ryegrass, alfalfa, sulla, oat, vetch, sulla‐lolium, vetch‐oat, sulla‐oat, clover, ryegrass‐clover, sulla‐vetch‐oat) and a wheat straw, was weighed, in triplicate per inoculum, in 120‐ml flasks; 75 ml of anaerobic medium and 4 ml of reducing solution were added and the flasks were placed at 39 °C. Caecal content and faeces were diluted respectively 1:2 (CI) and 1:8 (FI) with anaerobic medium and were introduced into their respective flasks (10 ml). Gas production was recorded 20 times at 2–24 h intervals throughout fermentation (120 h). The fermentation characteristics (i.e. degraded organic matter, OMd; potential gas production, A; maximum fermentation rate, Rmax; volatile fatty acid, VFA; ammonia, NH3) were studied by inocula and substrates. The two inocula did not differ in OMd but CI produced significantly higher gas (A, 213.1 vs. 199.4 ml/g, respectively, for CI and FI, p < 0.01) in less time (Rmax, 3.08 vs. 2.24 ml/h, respectively, for CI and FI, p < 0.01). CI also produced higher levels of total VFA (57.86 vs. 46.70 mmol/g OM, respectively, for CI and FI, p < 0.01) and showed a higher branched chain proportion (0.023 vs. 0.018, respectively, for CI and FI, p < 0.01). For some parameters (as OMd pH and propionate) the equations for the estimation of caecal fermentation characteristics from that of faeces were accurate (R2 > 0.8828) and reliable (CV < 10.78%) suggesting that faeces can be successfully used for the estimation of these parameters.
Detection of estrogenically active substances in diets for sows by an in vitro bioassay supported by HPLC analysis
Authors: Winter P. , Nau H. , Lampen A. , Kamphues J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThere is considerable evidence that exogenous estrogenic compounds can have adverse effects on fertility. The main reason cited in literature for hyperestrogenism in pigs is contamination of feedstuffs by the mycotoxin zearalenone (Boehm, 2000), but further estrogenically active substances might also be involved in cases of impaired fertility with symptoms like enlarged, red‐coloured vulvae in piglets, irregular estrus cycles and anestrus of sows (Bennetts et al., 1946; Drane et al., 1981). It is well known that soy used in diets for pigs as a main protein source contains phytoestrogens. Amongst them, isoflavones like genistein and daidzein are of particular interest. Aim of this study was to optimize and use an established bioassay (Kluczka, 2003) to determine estrogenic activity in feedstuffs for pigs related to isoflavones and further substances with estrogenic potential. This bioassay is a reporter gene assay based on stably transfected human embryonal kidney cells (HEK 293) that contains either α or β estrogen receptor (α‐ or β‐HEK). The estrogenic activity measured in the luciferase assay was expressed in estradiol‐equivalents (EEQ) and the results were compared with the isoflavone content (genistein, daidzein) obtained by chemical analysis using high performance liquid chromatography–Ultraviolet (HPLC–UV). Mean estrogenic activity in diets fed to sows in herds with altered fertility was 275.8 μg EEQ/kg feed in α‐HEK cells and 295.0 μg EEQ/kg feed in β‐HEK cells. Feedstuffs from herds without any altered fertility showed an average estrogenic activity of 204.9 μg EEQ/kg feed in α‐HEK and 213.3 μg EEQ/kg feed in β‐HEK. The estrogenic activity was strongly related to the concentration of the isoflavones (α‐HEK, r2 = 0.9488; β‐HEK, r2 = 0.9427). Clinically relevant zearalenone concentrations (>50–150 μg/kg feed) displayed estrogenic effects in the bioassay that did not differ significantly from those caused by high isoflavone concentration because of the use of soy as protein source.
Estimation of protein requirement for maintenance in adult parrots (Amazona spp.) by determining inevitable N losses in excreta
Authors: Westfahl C. , Wolf P. , Kamphues J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryEspecially in older pet birds, an unnecessary overconsumption of protein – presumably occurring in human custody – should be avoided in view of a potential decrease in the excretory organs’ (liver, kidney) efficiency. Inevitable nitrogen (N)‐losses enable the estimation of protein requirement for maintenance, because these losses have at least to be replaced to maintain N equilibrium. To determine the inevitable N losses in excreta of adult amazons (Amazona spp.), a frugivor‐granivorous avian species from South America, adult amazons (n = 8) were fed a synthetic nearly N‐free diet (in dry matter; DM: 37.8% starch, 26.6% sugar, 11.0% fat) for 9 days. Throughout the trial, feed and water intake were recorded, the amounts of excreta were measured and analysed for DM and ash content, N (Dumas analysis) and uric acid (enzymatic‐photometric analysis) content. Effects of the N‐free diet on body weight (BW) and protein‐related blood parameters were quantified and compared with data collected during a previous 4‐day period in which a commercial seed mixture was offered to the birds. After feeding an almost N‐free diet for 9 days, under the conditions of a DM intake (20.1 g DM/bird/day) as in seeds and digestibility of organic matter comparable with those when fed seeds (82% and 76% respectively), it was possible to quantify the inevitable N losses via excrements to be 87.2 mg/bird/day or 172.5 mg/kg BW0.75/day. Assuming a utilization coefficient of 0.57 this leads to an estimated protein need of approximately 1.9 g/kg BW0.75/day (this value does not consider further N losses via feathers and desquamated cells; with the prerequisite that there is a balanced amino acid pattern).
Adipose tissue gene expression in obese dogs after weight loss
Authors: Leray V. , Serisier S. , Khosniat S. , Martin L. , Dumon H. , Nguyen P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBody weight (BW) mainly depends on a balance between fat storage (lipogenesis) and fat mobilization (lipolysis) in adipocytes. BW changes play a role in insulin resistance (IR), the inability of insulin target tissue to respond to physiological levels of insulin. This results in inhibition of lipogenesis and stimulation of lipolysis. Weight gain leads to IR whereas, weight loss improves insulin sensitivity (IS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of weight loss and recovery of IS on the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis in weight losing dogs. Gene expression was studied in both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. Obese dogs received a hypoenergetic low fat high protein diet (0.6 × NRC recommendation). Before and after weight loss, IS was assessed using the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp. Gene expression of IRS‐2, SREBP, intracellular insulin effectors, ACC, FAS, FABP, ADRP, PEPCK, lipogenesis key proteins, perilipin and HSL, lipolysis key proteins were quantified using real‐time RT‐PCR in subcutaneous and visceral fat. BW decreased from 15.2 ± 0.5 to 11.4 ± 0.4 kg (p < 0.05) over 78 ± 8 days. When obese, dogs were insulin resistant. After weight loss, IS was improved. In the subcutaneous adipose tissue, the expression of only the IRS‐2 was increased. In the visceral adipose tissue, the expression of the genes involved in the lipogenesis was decreased whereas one of the genes implied in the lipolysis did not change. The expression profile of genes involved in lipid metabolism, as measured after weight loss, is indicative for a lower lipogenesis after weight loss than in obese dogs. Our results also confirm dramatic differences in the lipid metabolism of visceral and subcutaneous fat. They should be completed by comparing gene expression during weight losing and normal weight steady state.
Opportunistic immunisation of infants admitted to hospital: Are we doing enough?
Authors: Ressler Kelly‐Anne , Orr Karen , Bowdler Suzie , Grove Sandra , Best Pauline , Ferson Mark J 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To determine the accuracy and effectiveness of opportunistic immunisation of children admitted to the paediatric unit of a large teaching hospital using retrospectively collected data.Methods:  Immunisation status, documented using clinical indicator (CI) forms, of all admissions over a 1‐year period was compared with that recorded by the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. In order to determine the effectiveness of providing catch‐up plans, we analysed the difference in catch‐up times of the children with and without a catch‐up plan on their CI form.Results:  The details of 614 admissions in the study period were included. Comparing the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register with the CI for assessing immunisation status, we found that 83 of the 573 (14.5%) were incorrectly recorded, and only 25 of the 82 admissions in which the infant was overdue were identified on the ward. Children were more likely to be vaccinated within 30 days and 90 days of admission if they had been given a catch‐up plan. Of the children who had not been given a catch‐up plan, almost half were still overdue at 90 days.Conclusions:  Admission to hospital provides opportunities for both routine and catch‐up immunisation; however, for opportunistic immunisation to be effective, health service screening and immunisation documentation must be accurate.
Growth patterns in preterm infants born appropriate for gestational age
Authors: Dodrill Pamela , Cleghorn Geoff , Donovan Tim , Davies Peter 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  This study aimed to document the growth patterns of a contemporary cohort of preterm infants born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). It was hypothesised that preterm AGA (PT‐AGA) infants would display poorer growth than full‐term AGA (FT‐AGA) infants.Methods:  Sixty‐four PT‐AGA infants and 64 FT‐AGA infants were assessed at 0, 4, 8 and 12 months of corrected age (CA). Measurements of weight and length were recorded at each of the specified ages. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth data were used to calculate Z‐scores for weight and length based on CA.Results:  The mean length and weight Z‐scores of PT‐AGA infants were found to be significantly less than those of FT‐AGA infants at term, 4, 8 and 12 months of CA (P < 0.001). The mean weight Z‐score of PT‐AGA infants was found to be less than their mean length Z‐score at each time point, though the differences were not significant.Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that PT‐AGA infants are likely to display poorer growth than FT‐AGA infants until at least 1 year of CA. Long‐term growth monitoring in this population is recommended.
Significance of acanthosis nigricans in childhood obesity
Authors: Guran Tulay , Turan Serap , Akcay Teoman , Bereket Abdullah 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is among the most common dermatologic manifestations of obesity and hyperinsulinism. In this study, we aimed to find the clinical and laboratory differences in obese children with AN and without AN (non‐AN).Methods:  In total, 160 obese children were included in the study. The duration of obesity, body mass index (BMI), BMI z‐scores, birth weight, parental BMI, lipid profile, fasting and post‐meal (PM) glucose and insulin levels were compared in 67 obese with AN and 93 obese without AN.Results:  Age was similar in both groups. AN group had higher male to female ratio (42/25 in AN, 43/50 in non‐AN; P = 0.03), higher BMI (30.3 ± 6.1 in AN, 26.4 ± 3.6 in non‐AN; P < 0.001) and weight for height (162.6 ± 28.8 in AN, 144.6 ± 15.8 in non‐AN; P < 0.001) than non‐AN group. There were no significant differences between the groups in birth weight, parental BMI and blood pressure. AN group had higher fasting (19.9 ± 16.2 mU/L in AN, 10.4 ± 7.6 mU/L in non‐AN; P < 0.001) and PM insulin (88.6 ± 87.3 mU/L in AN, 51.1 ± 42.0 mU/L in non‐AN; P = 0.01) and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (4.0 ± 2.5 in AN, 2.2 ± 1.8 in non‐AN; P < 0.001) than non‐AN group. However, fasting and PM glucose, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein‐, high‐density lipoprotein‐ and total cholesterol levels were similar in both groups.BMI was correlated with HOMA‐IR in both groups (r = 0.40 for AN, r = 0.28 for non‐AN). PM glucose and PM insulin were correlated in both groups (r = 0.56 for AN, r = 0.39 for non‐AN). However, fasting glucose and fasting insulin were correlated in only non‐AN (r = 0.25), but not in AN group.Conclusions:  Obese children with AN show higher insulin levels and HOMA‐IR. AN is an important predictor of the insulin resistance in childhood obesity. Insulin secretory dynamics seem to be disrupted in fasting state initially, which is reflected as the loss of fasting insulin–glucose correlation in AN group.
Bibbulung Gnarneep (‘solid kid’): Causal pathways to poor birth outcomes in an urban Aboriginal birth cohort
Authors: Eades Sandra , Read Anne W , Stanley Fiona J , Eades Francine N , McCaullay Daniel , Williamson Anna 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To explore the causal pathways leading to poor birth outcomes among a cohort of Aboriginal infants.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted. Data were collected via face‐to‐face interviews conducted 6–12 weeks post partum and links to the WA Midwives' Notification System. Two hundred and seventy‐three Aboriginal infants and their families from Perth, Western Australia were recruited in the mid to late 1990s.Results:  Poor birth outcome was defined as low birth weight and/or preterm birth. Criteria for poor birth outcome were met by 12.3% of the cohort. A history of maternal hypertension, vaginal bleeding and consumption of excess spirits in pregnancy were independent predictors of poor birth outcome. Mother being raised on a mission, maternal education, smoking during pregnancy and being exposed to passive smoke during pregnancy were also important risk factors.Conclusions:  Results indicate that maternal social exposures, maternal ill‐health before the index pregnancy and maternal ill‐health during the index pregnancy are all important contributors to poor birth outcomes for urban Aboriginal infants. While the causes of poor birth outcomes are complex, the current study highlights several areas where preventive measures may be useful.
Kawasaki disease with lymphadenopathy and fever as sole initial manifestations
Authors: Kubota Masaru , Usami Ikuya , Yamakawa Masaru , Tomita Yasuhiko , Haruta Tsunekazu 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  Initial presentation with only cervical lymphadenopathy and fever is one of the pitfalls in the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD). As the number of such patients is small, their clinical features have remained uncertain. The purpose of the present study is to characterise the features of such KD patients, especially in comparison with those of patients with common onset.Methods:  We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 136 consecutive KD patients admitted to Kobe City General Hospital from April of 2000 to March of 2006. Twenty‐nine of the 136 patients initially presented with only cervical lymphadenopathy and fever and were classified into the lymphadenopathy‐KD (LKD); they were compared with the remaining 107 KD patients with other presentations (other‐KD).Results:  Age, days of fever to diagnosis, and duration of fever were significantly higher or longer in LKD patients, who also showed higher C‐reactive protein levels and neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity. There were no significant differences between two groups in gender, duration of hospitalization, frequency of high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration, coronary artery lesions (CALs), white blood cell or platelet counts, and levels of hemoglobin or albumin on admission.Conclusions:  Although a delay in diagnosis and stronger inflammation were found in LKD patients, such differences did not have any significant effect on patients' outcomes as assessed by the frequency of IVIG administration and the presence of CALs.
Challenges in providing breast and cervical cancer screening services to Vietnamese Canadian women: the healthcare providers’ perspective
Authors: Donnelly Tam Truong 
Published: May 2008

Breast cancer and cervical cancer are major contributors to morbidity and mortality among Vietnamese Canadian women. Vietnamese women are at risk because of their low participation rate in cancer‐preventative screening programmes. Drawing from the results of a larger qualitative study, this paper reports factors that influence Vietnamese women's participation in breast and cervical cancer screening from the healthcare providers’ perspectives. The women participants’ perspective was reported elsewhere.Semistructured interviews were conducted with six healthcare providers. Analysis of these interviews reveals several challenges which healthcare providers encountered in their clinical practice. These include the physicians’ cultural awareness about the private body, patient's low socioeconomic status, the healthcare provider–patient relationship, and limited institutional support.This is the first Canadian study to identify the healthcare providers’ perspective on giving breast and cervical cancer preventive care to the Vietnamese immigrant women. The insight gained from these healthcare providers’ experiences are valuable and might be helpful to healthcare professionals caring for immigrant women of similar ethno‐cultural backgrounds. Recommendations for the promotion of breast cancer and cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese women include: (i) effort should be made to recruit Vietnamese‐speaking female healthcare professionals for breast and cervical health‐promotion programmes; (ii) reduce woman–physicians hierarchical relationship and foster effective doctor–patient communication; (iii) healthcare providers must be aware of their own cultural beliefs, values and attitudes that they bring to their practice; and (iv) more institutional support and resources should be given to both Vietnamese Canadian women and their healthcare providers.
Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy: Our experience with 74 cases
Authors: El‐Moula Mohamed Gad , Abdallah Adel , El‐Anany Fathy , Abdelsalam Yaser , Abolyosr Ahmad , Abdelhameed Diaa , Izaki Hirofumi , Elhaggagy Abdelmoneim , Kanayama Hiro‐omi 
Published: May 2008

Objectives:  We retrospectively evaluated our experience with a relatively uncommon procedure, the laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, for the treatment of ureteral stones.Methods:  Between April 2002 and October 2006, a total of 74 patients (56 males, 18 females) with upper (54 cases), middle (18 cases) and lower (two cases) ureteral stones underwent laparoscopic ureterolithomy. The mean age was 39.4 years (range, 19–74). The stones were in the right side in 44 cases (59.5%) and in the left side in 30 (40.5%) cases. The mean stone size was 1.8 cm (range 1.5–2.8). The procedure was retroperitoneal in 66 cases (89.2%) and transperitoneal in eight (10.8%) cases. Laparoscopic guided flexible ureterorenoscopic extraction of kidney stone was carried out in one case as an adjuvant procedure. The ureter was stented and not sutured in 64 cases (86.5%).Results:  The procedure was successfully completed in 94.6% of cases and an open conversion was carried out in four (5.4%) patients. The mean operative time was 58.7 min, and the mean blood loss was 90.6 mL. No major complications were encountered. Prolonged urinary leakage occurred in one patient. The mean hospital stay was 6.4 days. One patient developed ureteral stricture during follow up and was treated by endoscopic dilatation and stenting.Conclusion:  In our experience laparoscopic ureterolithotomy represents a safe and effective treatment option for ureteral stones either as primary for large impacted stones or as a salvage procedure after failed shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy. This procedure fulfills the advantages of minimal blood loss and analgesia requirements, good cosmetic appearance, short hospital stay and convalescence period.