bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing errors, supplier segregation, and food safety
Authors: Starbird S. Andrew 
Published: May 2007

AbstractDiagnostic tests provide valuable information to buyers about credence attributes such as food safety and GMO content. Errors in testing, however, can mislead buyers and lead to problems such as adverse selection. The ability to segregate suppliers who can deliver safe food from suppliers who cannot depends on the accuracy of the test procedure. In this article we examine the effect of test sensitivity, specificity, and sampling error on the ability to segregate safe and unsafe suppliers. We find that there is a maximum level of error below which unsafe suppliers are deterred from accepting a utility maximizing buyer's bid price. The maximum error depends on the probability that a supplier's production is unsafe and the cost of producing an unsafe lot, among other things. Understanding this relationship makes it possible to design contracts and government regulations that discourage unsafe suppliers from trading.
Increased vitreous levels of hydroimidazolone in type 2 diabetes patients are associated with retinopathy: a case‐control study
Authors: Fosmark Dag S. , Bragadóttir Ragnheid̄ur , Stene‐Johansen Ingar , Berg Jens P. , Berg Tore J. , Lund Terje , Sandvik Leiv , Hanssen Kristian F. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  As advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and the vitreous body are both considered to be involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy and hydroimidazolone is one of the most prominent AGEs, we compared vitreous and serum hydroimidazolone in diabetes patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) to levels in non‐diabetes controls, co‐measuring vitreous albumin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).Methods:  In a cross‐sectional case‐control study design, we used immunoassays to compare vitreous and serum hydroimidazolone and VEGF levels in 23 consecutive type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with a median known diabetes duration of 12 years (range 1–38 years) with those in 32 non‐diabetes age‐matched controls undergoing vitrectomy.Results:  Vitreous hydroimidazolone was increased in the PDR group (median 1.3 U/ml, range 0.5–3.3 U/ml) compared with controls (median 0.8 U/ml, 0.5–2.5 U/ml) (p = 0.026). Hydroimidazolone levels in serum and vitreous correlated (r = 0.49, p = 0.019). In PDR, vitreous VEGF levels were increased (median 1600 pg/ml, range 20–14 700 pg/ml) compared with controls (median 7 pg/ml, range 2–500 pg/ml) (p < 0.001). Similarly, vitreous albumin concentration was increased in PDR (median 1.6 g/l, range 0.7–3.0 g/l) compared with controls (median 0.3 g/l, range 0.08–1.9 g/l) (p < 0.001). Albumin could not explain the differences in vitreous VEGF levels in a logistic regression analysis. No correlation was found between vitreous levels of VEGF and hydroimidazolone (r = 0.12, p = 0.59).Conclusions:  Increased vitreous hydroimidazolone is associated with diabetic retinopathy, possibly due to a blood–retinal barrier breakdown. Irrespective of origin, it may add to the ocular damage and needs further causal investigation. Increased VEGF in diabetic vitreous is probably of intraocular origin. It is not associated with vitreous hydroimidazolone.
Tumour necrosis factor‐α in conjunctivae affected by ocular cicatricial pemphigoid
Authors: Coma Miguel Cordero , Yilmaz Taygan , Foster C. Stephen 
Published: May 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  The presence of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in conjunctivae affected by ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) was investigated.Methods:  Biopsy specimens from the conjunctivae of eight patients with OCP, three patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and two normal subjects were studied for the expression of TNF‐α by immunohistochemistry. Two independent, masked investigators evaluated the specimens. All samples were similarly processed by a third investigator.Results:  No TNF‐α was discerned in the normal conjunctival sections; small amounts of TNF‐α were observed in the atopic keratoconjunctivitis specimens. TNF‐α was present in substantial amounts in conjunctival sections of patients with OCP. The expression of TNF‐α was detected in both epithelial and stromal cells of conjunctivae from OCP patients.Conclusions:  The presence of TNF‐α in conjunctivae affected by OCP may indicate that this cytokine plays an important role in the production and maintenance of conjuctival inflammation response and subsequent conjunctival scarring in patients with OCP. Further studies clarifying this potential role are warranted.
Impact of triamcinolone acetonide on retinal endothelial cells in a retinopathy of prematurity mouse model
Authors: Akkoyun Imren , Yilmaz Gursel , Oto Sibel , Kahraman Burcu , Haberal Nihan , Akova Yonca A. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy of different concentrations of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on retinal endothelial cell proliferation in a retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) mouse model.Methods:  A total of 24 C57BL/J6 mice were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 to day 12. On day 12, 10 mice (group B) were injected with 20 µg intravitreal TA (IVTA) and 14 mice (group C) were injected with 40 µg IVTA in one eye. The contralateral eyes were injected with isotonic saline (control group = group A). Four non‐exposed mice served as negative controls (group D). The mice were killed on day 17 and the eyes removed for quantitative analysis of preretinal neovascularization. Neovascularization was quantified by counting the endothelial cell nuclei on the vitreal side of the inner limiting membrane of the retina.Results:  The endothelial cell count per histological section was lower in groups B (1.4 ± 1.7 cells; p < 0.00001) and C (0.9 ± 1.4 cells; p < 0.000001) compared with the control group (group A, 17.0 ± 4.8 cells). However, there was no significant difference in cell count between groups B and C (p = 0.430).Conclusions:  Triamcinolone acetonide suppresses endothelial cell proliferation in an ROP mouse model in vivo. There is no difference between dosages of 20 µg and 40 µg IVTA in experimental use in the suppression rates of endothelial cell proliferation.
External cephalic version of the term breech baboon (Papio sp.) fetus
Authors: Barrier Breton F. , Joiner Laura Lee Rihl , Jimenez Joe B. , Leland M. Michelle 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  Breech presentation in baboons may be associated with head entrapment and stillbirth during vaginal delivery. For this reason, pregnant dams at our institution typically undergo cesarean delivery for known breech presentation, leading to problems with maternal–infant bonding and increased nursery utilization.Methods  This paper describes a simple, non‐invasive technique called external cephalic version (ECV) that effectively converts the baboon breech fetus into a cephalic presentation.Results  ECV was successful in each of seven attempted cases, with the consistent development of contractions and vaginal bleeding leading to the delivery of a healthy liveborn infant within 72 hours.Conclusions  ECV may offer a safe and effective alternative to cesarean section for delivery of the breech baboon fetus.
Diabetes modulates gene expression in the gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Duarte PM , Neto JBC , Casati MZ , Sallum EA , Nociti FH 
Published: May 2007

Aim:  This study evaluated whether diabetes modulates gene expression [interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α; interferon (IFN)‐γ, receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG)] in sites with periodontitis.Materials and Methods:  Gingival biopsies were harvested and divided into three groups – Control group: systemically and periodontally healthy subjects (n = 10); Periodontitis group: systemically healthy subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (n = 20); Diabetes group: type 1 diabetic subjects, diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (n = 20). Total RNA was obtained and analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:  Data analysis demonstrated that, except for OPG, mRNA levels for all factors were increased by inflammation (P < 0.001). Interleukin‐1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐6, IL‐8, IFN‐γ, and RANKL mRNA levels were higher in the diabetic group when compared with the control non‐periodontitis group (P < 0.05), whereas IL‐10 and OPG were lower (P < 0.05). No difference was observed for TNF‐α between diabetic and control groups (P > 0.05). Diabetes lowered IL‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐10, TNF‐α, RANKL, and OPG mRNA levels in sites with comparable type of periodontitis (P < 0.001). Moreover, increased RANKL:OPG and IL‐6:IL‐10 ratios were found.Conclusion and clinical relevance:  Taken together, these data suggest that decreased levels of IL‐10 and OPG may play an important role in the periodontal breakdown in diabetic patients.
The effects of up to 240 days of tacrolimus therapy on the gingival tissues of rats – a morphological evaluation
Authors: Nassar CA , Nassar PO , Andia DC , Guimarães MR , Spolidorio LC 
Published: May 2007

Background:  Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplantation, has been reported not to induce gingival overgrowth. However, prevalence studies are limited, and the methods used for assessing gingival overgrowth varies among studies.Objective:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of up to 240 days of tacrolimus therapy on gingival tissues of rats.Materials and methods:  Rats were treated for 60, 120, 180 and 240 days with daily subcutaneous injections of 1 mg/kg body weight of tacrolimus. After histological processing, the oral and connective tissue, volume densities of fibroblasts (Vf), collagen fibers (Vcf) and other structures (Vo) were assessed in the region of the lower first molar.Results:  After 60 and 120 days of treatment with tacrolimus, gingival overgrowth was not observed. The gingival epithelium, connective tissue, as well as the values for Vf, Vcf, and Vo were similar to those of the control rats (P > 0.05). After 180 and 240 days of the treatment, gingival overgrowth was associated with a significant increase in the gingival epithelium and connective tissue as well as an increase in the Vf and Vcf (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Within the limits of the experimental study, it may be concluded that the deleterious side effects of tacrolimus on the gingival tissues of rats may be time‐related.
Estimation of nutritive value and dry matter intake of forage
Authors: ABE Akira 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTSince the 1900s, proximate analysis has been the mainstream method of feed analysis. In addition to this method, the detergent method, which was developed in the 1960s, has become a popular methodology for feed composition and nutritive value evaluation. One fundamental characteristic of this method is that fractionated carbohydrates are classified as either the fiber of feed in terms of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) or non‐fiber carbohydrates (NFC), which include sugar and starch. Meanwhile, in Japan another method, the enzymatic method, has been developed. The characteristic of this method is that fractionated carbohydrates are classified as either the fiber contained in feed in terms of organic cell wall (OCW) or nitrogen‐cell wall free extracts (NCWFE, non‐structural carbohydrates). One important fraction of feed nutrition is digestible carbohydrates, which are the sum of digestible non‐structural carbohydrates and the digestible fiber. The content of digestible non‐structural carbohydrates is obtained based on the nutritional uniformity of NFC and NCWFE in the detergent and enzymatic method, individually. The digestible fiber is obtained in the detergent method from the potential digestibility of NDF and lignifications, and obtained in the enzymatic method from the highly digestible organic a fraction and the poorly digestible organic b (Ob) fraction. The amount of digestible carbohydrates obtained by these two methods of analysis is sometimes significantly different. The Ob fraction obtained by the enzymatic method shows a significant negative correlation, and a 1% increase in the Ob content of hay dry matter suppresses the dry matter intake of dairy cattle by 0.17 kg.
The novel polymorphism of the beta 3‐adrenergic receptor gene and its distribution in domestic pigs and wild boars in Asia
Authors: TANAKA Kazuaki , IWAKI Yoshiatsu , TAKIZAWA Tatsuya , MURAKAMI Masaru , MANNEN Hideyuki , MAEDA Yoshizane , KUROSAWA Yaetsu , DANG Vu‐Binh , CHHUM PHITH Loan , BOUAHOM Bounthong , YAMAMOTO Yoshio , DAING Than , NAMIKAWA Takao 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe beta 3‐adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) is a G protein‐coupled receptor that is involved in regulating energy homeostasis. We have studied DNA sequences of porcine ADRB3 to find candidate genetic polymorphisms for economically important growth and performance traits in pigs. Five novel haplotypes derived from the three In/dels and 44 SNPs were identified among domestic pigs and wild boars. Three of them encode non‐synonymous amino acid sequences by five missense polymorphisms and a frameshift by a thymine insertion. The amino acid polymorphic sites were distributed as follows: one substitution was in extracellular loop 1, three substitutions were in intracellular loop3 and one substitution and the deletion of two amino acids were at the carboxyl‐terminal. There was no polymorphism in the transmembrane domains. In addition, we surveyed the allelic frequency of the thymine insertion that cause frameshift in South‐east Asian local pigs, including some commercial breeds and wild boars. This thymine insertion was distributed widely in the domestic pigs and wild boars. The frequencies of this allele were relatively low in Western improved breeds, while they were very common in Asian breeds and wild boars in Asia. This result indicates that this insertion originally occurred in ancient Asian wild boars and then circulated among Asian domestic pigs. This allele also spread over Western breeds, probably through the introgression of Asian pigs into European stocks during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Effect of presence of rumen protozoa on degradation of cell wall constituents in gastrointestinal tract of cattle
Authors: KASUYA Natsuki , WADA Itsuko , SHIMADA Mimune , KAWAI Hiroshi , ITABASHI Hisao 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe cell wall constituents of feces from three faunated and three defaunated (without ruminal ciliate protozoa) cattle fed on a Sudangrass hay and concentrate mixture (8:5) were analyzed. There was little difference in digestibility of dry matter between the faunated and defaunated cattle. Analysis of the fecal sugar residues revealed that the digestibilities of arabinose and galactose, derived from pectic and hemicellulosic substances located within the compound middle lamella, were higher in the defaunated cattle than the faunated cattle (P < 0.05), whereas the digestibilities of glucose and xylose, derived mainly from cellulose and xylan, were unchanged by the removal of protozoa. The digestibility of lignin was not different between the faunated and defaunated cattle, but those of mannose and p‐coumaric acid were lower in the defaunated than in the faunated animals (P < 0.05). The ratio of primary cell wall to secondary cell wall in fecal plant materials was lower for the defaunated than for the faunated cattle. The results in this study suggested that the defaunation enhanced the microbial degradation of the thin cell walls, but depressed the degradation of developed cell walls.
Effects of different weaning programs on growth of Saanen kids
Authors: UGUR Feyzi , ATASOGLU Cengiz , TOLU Cemil , DIKEN Figen , PALA Akin 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe aim of the study reported here was to compare the performances of kids reared according to three different weaning programs. In the first program (T1), the dams were not milked in the evening and the kids accompanied their dams from 17.00 hours until the next morning. In the second program (T2), the dams of the kids were milked at 17.00 hours and then the kids accompanied their dams until the next morning, being separated from their dams at 08.00 hours. In the third program (T3), the kids were subjected to the T1 program for the first 4 weeks of the study, and to the T2 program for the last 4 weeks of the study. The kids in all the groups were weaned at 8 weeks of age. The weaning programs had significant effects on average daily weight gains (ADG) of the kids during weeks 1–4 and weeks 1–8 of the study (P < 0.05). In the weeks 1–8 period, the kids on the T1 program had a higher ADG than those on the T2 program (P < 0.05). However, the kids on T1, T2 and T3 programs had similar ADG post‐weaning. The dry matter intake of the starter feed of the kids of the T3 program was higher than that of the kids of the T1 and T2 programs. The results of the present study indicated that the three weaning programs did not result in any significant effect on the growth of Saanen kids. Hence, the T3 program can be used if the starter feed intake is desirable.
Behavior, physiology, performance and physical condition of layers in conventional and large furnished cages in a hot environment
Authors: SHIMMURA Tsuyoshi , HIRAHARA Satoshi , EGUCHI Yusuke , UETAKE Katsuji , TANAKA Toshio 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to compare old layers' level of welfare and performance between conventional and large furnished cages under hot environmental conditions. At the age of 80 weeks, 104 Boris Brown layers were divided into two groups: 12 conventional cages (two hens/cage) and four large furnished cages (20 hens/cage, 240 cm wide × 62 cm deep). The room temperature was set to fluctuate between 25 and 33°C in a day. The hens' behavior, immune response, performance and physical condition were measured. Aggression and moving were more frequent in furnished than in conventional cages (P < 0.05 for both items). Egg production (P < 0.05), egg mass (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) were better in conventional cages than in furnished cages. No significant differences were found in the birds' immune responses or physical condition between the cage designs. In conclusion, under a hot environment, the performance of old layers in large furnished cages was lower compared with that in small conventional cages, which might be due to their greater aggressive interactions. However, it was not evident that welfare level was lower in large furnished cages compared with conventional cages. Hereafter, additional studies about large furnished cages using young layers over a long term should be performed.
Isolation and characterization of sulfur oxidizing bacteria from cattle manure compost
Authors: ASANO Ryoki , SASAKI Takako , NAKAI Yutaka 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTHydrogen sulfide causes offensive odors. We attempted to isolate sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) from cattle manure compost. A most probable number assay could not detect SOB by using a Cha medium which had been applied in order to isolate the SOB from active sewage. Cultivation using a Cha plate medium revealed 5.75 × 107 colony forming unit/g of bacteria. A single strain of SOB was isolated from a colony formed on the plates and identified as Halothiobacillus neapolitanus. This is the first report that H. neapolitanus has been found in cattle manure compost.
The Efficacy and Safety of Vardenafil in East Asian Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Kuang-Kuo , Paick Jae-Seung , Ishii Nobuhisa ,   on behalf of the Vardenafil Study Group
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Previous clinical studies assessing the efficacy and safety of vardenafil, an oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) have consisted mostly of Caucasian patients.

Aim
The aim of this article is to describe the efficacy and safety of vardenafil in men of East Asian ethnicity with ED.

Methods
Data were pooled from two 12-week, double-blind studies that included 306 East Asian men randomized to placebo or 10 mg of vardenafil.

Main Outcome Measures
Efficacy variables included the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain score, questionnaires of Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP2 and SEP3), and a Global Assessment Question (GAQ). Safety assessments included laboratory tests, vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiogram recordings, and patients' reporting of adverse events.

Results
A total of 306 East Asian men with ED were treated with placebo (N=151) or vardenafil (N=155). Mean baseline IIEF-EF domain scores (placebo, 13.4; vardenafil, 14.2) were consistent with moderate ED. At end point, the patients treated with vardenafil had a significantly greater increase in IIEF-EF domain score compared with placebo (24.2 vs. 15.9; P &lt;0.0001). The average per patient penetration (SEP2) success rate was significantly higher in the vardenafil group compared with placebo (88% vs. 58%; P &lt;0.0001). Moreover, the average per patient intercourse completion (SEP3) success rate was significantly higher in the vardenafil group compared with placebo (69% vs. 23%; P &lt;0.0001). Positive GAQ responses were reported by 85% of patients receiving vardenafil, compared with 33% of those receiving placebo. The most frequent adverse events were vasodilatation (primarily facial flushing), rhinitis, and headache, all of which were of mild intensity.

Conclusion
Vardenafil is an effective, well-tolerated oral drug for the treatment of East Asian men with moderate ED of broad-spectrum etiology.
Controversies in Sexual Medicine: Penile Rehabilitation Should Become the Norm for Radical Prostatectomy Patients
Authors: Mulhall John P. , Morgentaler Abraham 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Journal of Sexual Medicine (JSM) held a debate at the annual fall meeting of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). The motion was “Penile Rehabilitation Should Become the Norm for Radical Prostatectomy Patients.” At the suggestion of several SMSNA members, it was requested that this debate might be of interest to JSM readers in the form of a published controversy.

Methods
Two debate speakers with expertise and/or strong opinions in the area of penile rehabilitation submitted their literature-review, evidence-based opinions on the topic.

Main Outcome Measure
Literature review of laboratory basic science and clinical research studies on penile rehabilitation.

Results
Penile rehabilitation involves prophylactic procedures designed to improve oxygen delivery to penile erectile tissues, aimed at preserving erectile tissue health and minimizing erectile tissue damage that otherwise occurs during the period of neural recovery to the autonomic cavernosal nerve following radical prostatectomy. There are several studies in the sexual medicine literature on penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy, and the positive results appear to support this concept, the rationale, and mechanism. The use of prophylactic penile rehabilitation programs has not been fully elucidated, nor have the results been replicated in large multicenter placebo-controlled trials.

Conclusion
Penile rehabilitation may be performed along with counseling with the couple, vacuum erection therapy, and vacuum erection device therapy if it is the patient and partner's preference, provided that it is undertaken in a safe and effective manner and is monitored closely.