bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Variation in Nuclear DNA Integrity of Frozen–Thawed Spermatozoa from Thai AI Swamp Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Koonjaenak S. , Johannisson A. , Pongpeng P. , Wirojwuthikul S. , Kunavongkrit A. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryIn this study, we investigated the susceptibility of frozen–thawed swamp buffalo sperm nuclear DNA to undergo controlled acid‐induced denaturation in situ, as analysed by flow cytometry, and aimed to correlate the results with sperm head morphology over three seasons in tropical Thailand. Artificial insemination (AI) doses (n = 218) from 18 AI buffalo sires, prepared between 1980 and 1989 and 2003 and 2005, were tested and compared among three seasons, the rainy season, July–October; winter, November–February; and summer, March–June. The overall mean of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (± SD) was 1.84 ± 1.68%, range from 0.19 to 7.92%, with 0.221 ± 0.021 of the x‐DFI ranging from 0.190 to 0.350 and 0.023 ± 0.009 of the SD‐DFI ranging from 0.010 to 0.070. The DFI was consistently low (range 1.40 ± 0.21% to 2.16 ± 0.21%; LSM ± SEM), with x‐DFI ranging from 0.216 ± 0.003 to 0.225 ± 0.003 and SD‐DFI ranging from 0.022 ± 0.001 to 0.024 ± 0.001 across the seasons. The DFI was low enough to be related to high fertility potential. However, DFI values varied statistically among seasons, being lower in the rainy season (1.40 ± 0.21%, P < 0.05) than in winter (2.16 ± 0.21%) or summer (2.00 ± 0.20%), and were also affected by the year of semen collection and processing (P < 0.001). The proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm head shapes was low, with no significant differences between seasons. However, DFI was significantly related to the proportion of loose abnormal sperm heads (r = 0.27, P < 0.01). In conclusion, frozen–thawed swamp buffalo sperm chromatin integrity is not seriously damaged by cryopreservation or affected by the seasonal variations in temperature and humidity seen in tropical Thailand.
Field Trial on the Relationship of Blood Metabolites and Body Condition Score with the Recurrence of Luteal Activity in Estonian Holstein Cows
Authors: Ling K. , Waldmann A. , Samarütel J. , Jaakson H. , Kaart T. , Leesmäe A. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryAssociations of body condition scores and blood metabolites, measured before calving and at different periods during early lactation, with recurrence of luteal activity were investigated in a 250‐head commercial dairy farm during a 4‐year period (1999–2002). The study was conducted on 48 dairy cows (60 lactations) with average 305‐day milk yield of 8149 kg per cow. Blood samples taken 1–14 days before calving and 1–14, 28–42 and 63–77 days after calving were analysed for aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, ketone bodies, triglycerides, non‐esterified fatty acids and cholesterol. Milk progesterone (P4) profiles (samples collected twice a week, P4 levels measured in whole milk by enzyme immunoassay) were used to evaluate the interval from calving to first luteal response, P4 >5 ng/ml, and the interval from calving to first normal cycle. The MIXED procedure of the sas system was used to study the association of investigated parameters.A higher concentration of ketone bodies before calving was associated with shorter interval to recurrence of first normal cycle (P = 0.007) and tended to be related to shorter interval from calving to first luteal response (P = 0.071). A lower prepartum aminotransferase activity showed a tendency to be associated with shorter interval from calving to first luteal response (P = 0.084).Results suggest metabolic status up to 2 weeks prepartum to be related to the resumption of postpartum luteal activity in Estonian Holstein dairy cows.
Effect of Flunixin Meglumine on Cytokine Levels in Experimental Endotoxemia in Mice
Authors: Yazar E. , Er A. , Uney K. , Altunok V. , Elmas M. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryIn this study, effect of flunixin meglumine on serum tumour necrosis factor alpha, (TNFα) interleukin‐1 beta and interleukin‐10 levels was investigated in lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxic mice. Healthy 273 Balb/C mice were used and divided into three equal groups. Group 1 was injected lipopolysaccharide (Escherichia coli0111:B4, 250 μg/mouse, intraperitoneally), Group 2 was injected flunixin meglumine (2.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously), and Group 3 was injected lipopolysaccharide + flunixin meglumine. After the treatments, at 0., 1., 2., 3., 6., 12., 24th hours and 3., 5., 7., 14., 21., 28th days blood samples were taken from seven mice in each group. Serum TNFα, interleukin‐1 beta and interleukin‐10 levels were measured using commercially available kits by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Flunixin meglumine did not affect the cytokine levels in healthy animals. While lipopolysaccharide increased serum TNFα, interleukin‐1 beta and interleukin‐10 levels, flunixin meglumine inhibited increases at levels of all cytokines. As result, flunixin meglumine showed depressor effect on cytokine levels in endotoxemia and the effect may be a reason for the first chosen member of nonsteroid anti‐inflammatory drug in endotoxemia.
Pituitary Macroadenoma in a Cat with Diabetes Mellitus, Hypercortisolism and Neurological Signs
Authors: Fracassi F. , Mandrioli L. , Diana A. , Hilbe M. , Grinwis G. , Gandini G. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryA 13‐year‐old neutered male European short‐hair cat was presented because of blindness and behavioural abnormalities. On physical examination, abnormal behaviour, compulsive walking, circling, continuous vocalization and blindness were the main neurological signs. In addition, abdominal alopecia, thin and inelastic skin, weight loss despite polyphagia, polyuria and polydipsia were present. Laboratory investigation revealed diabetes mellitus and pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism. Diagnostic imaging showed bilaterally enlarged adrenals and a large pituitary mass. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of an ACTH‐producing pituitary macroadenoma.
Comparison of Plasma Metabolite Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Beef Cattle Raised by Different Feeding Systems in Korea, Japan and New Zealand
Authors: Mori A. , Urabe S. , Asada M. , Tanaka Y. , Tazaki H. , Yamamoto I. , Kimura N. , Ozawa T. , Morris S. T. , Hickson R. , Kenyon P. R. , Blair H. , Choi C. B. , Arai T. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryConcentrations of metabolites and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism were measured in plasma of Korean and Japanese beef cattle, which were raised by the indoor feeding system programmed to feed larger amount of roughage in their growing periods and larger amount of concentrate diet in their finishing periods (Japanese feeding system), and grazing New Zealand beef cattle. By the Japanese beef grading system, Korean and Japanese beef cattle showed high beef quality score, average grade 3.3 and 3.6, respectively. The plasma free fatty acid and lactate concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in Korean beef cattle were significantly higher than those in Japanese beef cattle. The plasma lactate concentration in Korean beef cattle was 8.40 mmol/l, which was similar to the values observed in lactic acidosis. The higher activities of plasma LDH, MDH and AST may indicate slight liver damage by slightly acidotic conditions in Korean beef cattle. New Zealand beef cattle fed on pasture which they harvest by grazing showed significantly lower plasma glucose, cholesterol, lactate and IRI concentrations and enzyme activities than those in Korean and Japanese beef cattle fed on larger amount of concentrate diets. Plasma metabolite concentrations and energy metabolism‐related enzyme activities may be good indicators for evaluating metabolic conditions of beef cattle raised by different feeding systems.
A Comparison of Tepoxalin–Buprenorphine Combination and Buprenorphine for Postoperative Analgesia in Dogs: A Clinical Study
Authors: Bosmans T. , Gasthuys F. , Duchateau L. , De Bruin T. , Verhoeven G. , Polis I. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe present study compares the analgesic effect of a tepoxalin–buprenorphine combination to that of buprenorphine alone in the 24 h peri‐operative period in 20 dogs undergoing cranial cruciate ligament repair, which were randomly assigned to the two treatment protocols (n = 10). Additionally, possible side effects induced by tepoxalin were investigated. Analgesia was compared using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a multifactorial pain scale (MFPS), by an anaesthetist blinded from treatment. Analysis of the overall VAS‐scores showed a significant decrease over time in both treatment groups. The decrease in the two groups was not significantly different from each other. No significant differences were found between the MFPS‐scores of both protocols. Potential side effects of tepoxalin were investigated by venous blood sampling before premedication and 24 h after extubation, a buccal mucosal bleeding time test and recording of vomiting, diarrhoea and adverse effects at the surgical site. Analysis of the blood parameters showed that fibrinogen levels were overall higher 24 h after surgery in both protocols, but were significantly more elevated in the tepoxalin group.No significant differences were found for the other blood parameters. Statistically, tepoxalin failed to improve analgesia induced by buprenorphine. There was no convincing evidence that the administration of tepoxalin was not associated with gastrointestinal side effects. There were no significant adverse effects on renal function and primary haemostasis.
Atrial fibrillation in haemodialysis patients: Do the guidelines for anticoagulation apply?
Authors: TO ANDREW CY , YEHIA MAHA , COLLINS JOHN F 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in haemodialysis patients, but the risks and benefits of anticoagulation in this group are not well characterized. We investigated the prevalence of AF, its associated risk factors, and the incidence of stroke and haemorrhage in a cohort of haemodialysis patients.Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed 155 patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis on 1 April 2003 (age 56.9 ± 13.5 years; men 62.6%; mean duration of haemodialysis 39.3 ± 37.5 months). Patients with paroxysmal or permanent AF were identified, and baseline clinical and echocardiographic data were obtained. The incidence of cerebrovascular accidents, major haemorrhage and all‐cause mortality was assessed during the 26 month average follow‐up period.Results:  AF was present in 25.8% of patients, paroxysmal in 18.1%, and permanent in 7.7%. Patients with AF were more likely to be older (64.2 ± 9.4 vs 54.4 ± 13.8 years; P < 0.005), have underlying ischaemic heart disease or congestive heart failure, and have a lower serum albumin (P < 0.05 for all). Only 12.5% of AF patients were anticoagulated, although 47.5% had contraindications to warfarin. Cerebrovascular events occurred in 5.2% of all patients (30.4 episodes/1000 patient‐years), and major haemorrhage in 20.0% (106.4 episodes/1000 patient‐years). All‐cause mortality was 29.7%. The endpoints for the AF group did not significantly differ from the non‐AF group.Conclusion:  AF is common in haemodialysis patients. The incidence of major haemorrhage was over three times that of cerebrovascular accidents. Guideline recommendations for anticoagulation in AF in the general population may not be appropriate for the haemodialysis population.
Comparison of chronic renal failure rats and modification of the preparation protocol as a hyperphosphataemia model
Authors: TERAI KAZUHIRO , MIZUKAMI KAZUHIKO , OKADA MASAMICHI 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARY:Background:  Several animal models with chronic renal failure have been established and used for demonstrating complications including hyperphosphataemia. Although long‐time feeding is required to cause hyperphosphataemia in animals, a few modifications have been reported to provide more useful models for research.Methods:  Three separate experiments were carried out in the present study. First, characteristics of commonly used subnephrectomized (5/6Nx) rats and rats fed an adenine diet (0.75% adenine in normal diet) were compared as hyperphosphataemia models. Next, using adenine‐diet rats, the inhibitory effect of sevelamer hydrochloride (Sev) on serum phosphorus elevation was examined. Third, oral adenine dosing for induction of hyperphosphataemia and validation as a model using Sev were examined.Results:  Serum phosphorus in 5/6Nx rats became elevated in 8–17 weeks, but the levels and time points of elevation differed among animals. In adenine‐fed rats, the elevation was more clearly demonstrated with less diversity at 4 weeks. The data revealed a potential shorter model preparation period and the importance of controlling feeding amounts. Oral adenine dosing induced hyperphosphataemia by 12 days, and Sev treatment was inhibitory. After a maintenance period of over a month (no treatments), Sev‐treated rats showed hyperphosphataemia as did oral adenine‐dosed control rats. The serum phosphorus levels significantly decreased on further Sev treatment.Conclusion:  Oral dosing with adenine made the model preparation period definitely shorter, and its usefulness as a hyperphosphataemia model was revealed using Sev.
Complex adaptive systems and nursing
Authors: Paley John 
Published: August 2007

Complex adaptive systems and nursingThere have been numerous references to complexity theory and complex systems in the recent healthcare literature, including nursing. However, exaggerated claims have (in my view) been made about how they can be applied to health service delivery, and there is a widespread tendency to misunderstand some of the concepts associated with complexity thinking (usually justified by describing the misconception as a metaphor). These conceptscanbe extended to systems and structures in healthcare organisations but, at this stage in the development of complexity science, only in a modest and very cautious way. In this paper I first outline some of the key ideas in the theory of complex adaptive systems, and then suggest that they have been distorted by a series of influential articles in the medical literature. I go on to present a simple case study of my own and undertake a complexity analysis of it. In the conclusion I suggest that we should beware of some outdated ideas being trotted out in the guise of complexity — an exciting and diverse area of enquiry that those old ideas do not, in fact, resemble.
An examination of nervios among Mexican seasonal farm workers
Authors: England Margaret , Mysyk Avis , Gallegos Juan Arturo Avila 
Published: August 2007

An examination of nervios among Mexican seasonal farm workers The purpose of this exploratory descriptive study was to examine a process model of the nervios experience of 30 Mexican seasonal farm workers. Focused interviews were conducted in Spanish to determine the workers’ perspectives on their experiences of nervios while residing in rural, southwest Ontario. Data for analysis originated from variables created to represent key themes that had emerged from open coding of the interviews. Simultaneous entry, multiple regression analyses revealed that provocation, control salience, and cognitive sensory motor distress directly explained 67.2% of the variation in worker expressions of negative affectivity. The combination fear, feeling trapped, and giving in mediated the relationship of provocation, control salience and cognitive sensory motor distress to expressions of negative affectivity (R2 = 88.1%). Control salience and its dampening effect on other elements of the nervios experience, however, appeared to be key to whether subjects experienced negative reactions to being provoked or distressed. This evidence points to nervios being a powerful, holistic idiom of distress with at least six variables contributing to its affective negativity. This information is important to our understanding of how nervios unfolds and for accurate specification of a nervios model for clinical practice and research. It also sets the stage for improved therapeutic alliances with nervios sufferers, and social action to reduce factors that provoke nervios.
Prisoners signify: a political discourse analysis of mental illness in a prison control unit
Authors: Cloyes Kristin Gates 
Published: August 2007

Prisoners signify: a political discourse analysis of mental illness in a prison control unitIncreasingly, US prisoners diagnosed with mental illness are housed in control units, the most restrictive form of confinement in the US prison system. This situation has led to intense debate over the legal, ethical and clinical status of mental illness. This is a semiotic struggle with profound effects, yet most related work treats mental illness as a neutral, individual variable. Few analyses locate mental illness within a larger sociopolitical context. Fewer still focus on discursive practice. None critically analyze the accounts of control unit prisoners, who talk about extreme marginality and risk for victimization. This paper has two aims: (i) to develop a systematic method of analysis that accounts for signification as discourse‐in‐action; and (ii) to show how prisoners’ signification of mental illness articulates agency through and against marginalizing discourse. Political discourse analysis demonstrates how control unit prisoners with psychiatric diagnoses signify mental illness, and articulate safer identifications in the process.
Admitting hospital patients: a qualitative study of an everyday nursing task
Authors: Jones Aled 
Published: August 2007

Admitting hospital patients: a qualitative study of an everyday nursing task In recent years new modes of nursing work have been introduced globally in response to radical changes in healthcare policies, technology and new ideologies of citizenship. These transformations have redefined orthodox nurse–patient relationships and further complicated the division of labour within health‐care. One distinctive feature of the work of registered nurses has been their initial assessment of patients being admitted to hospital, and it is of interest that this area of nursing practice remains central to the registered nurse's role at a time where other areas of practice have been relinquished to other occupational groups. This qualitative study, drawing on conversation analysis and ethnographic techniques, explores this area of everyday nursing work. Initial nursing assessments have attracted considerable interest in the nursing literature, where it is clearly stated that assessments should be patient centred and seen as the important first step on the road to a therapeutic nurse–patient relationship. Results from this study lead to the conclusion that the actual nursing practice of patient assessment on admission to hospital is at odds with the recommendations of the literature and that a more routinised, bureaucratic form of work is devised by nurses as a means of expediting the process of admission.
The meaning of being a middle‐aged close relative of a person who has suffered a stroke, 1 month after discharge from a rehabilitation clinic
Authors: Bäckström Britt , Sundin Karin 
Published: August 2007

The meaning of being a middle‐aged close relative of a person who has suffered a stroke, 1 month after discharge from a rehabilitation clinicThe sudden and unexpected impact of stroke may have a stressful affect on close relatives. To illuminate the essential meaning in the lived experience of a middle‐aged close relative of a person who has suffered a stroke, narrative interviews were conducted with 10 close relatives of people who had suffered their first stroke where both parties were aged over 18 and under 65. A phenomenological‐hermeneutic interpretation of the narratives was then conducted. Three intimately intertwined themes emerged during the analysis: ‘being called to mission’, ‘feeling lost and set adrift’ and ‘struggling to keep going’. The middle‐aged close relatives felt unreflectively duty bound. There was a struggle with suffering and enduring the process of coping with life and overcoming a feeling of helplessness. Life turned out to be a struggle with overwhelming feelings. They felt alienated in a restricted life situation, disconnected from themselves and others, and from a world that supports feelings of being lost and set adrift (i.e. feeling homeless). Strength was found in moments when the situation improved, in being related to oneself and others, and when feelings of normality were regained.
Type I cystinuria and its genetic basis in a population of Turkish school children
Authors: Tanzer Fatos , Ozgur Arzu , Bardakci Fevzi 
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  Cystinuria is a common inherited disorder characterized by an abnormal urinary excretion of cystine and dibasic amino acids resulting in nephrolithiasis. The SLC3A1 gene, which encodes a dibasic amino acid transporter protein, is involved in the pathogenesis of cystinuria. In the present study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of cystinuria among children in Sivas province (Central Anatolia, Turkey) and to study M467T and M467K mutations and 231T/A polymorphism in patients with cystinuria.Methods:  A total of 8500 children were screened for cystinuria. The cyanide‐nitroprusside test was applied to urine samples of all children. Children having a positive cyanide‐nitroprusside test were further analyzed. M467T and M467K mutations (exon 8) and 231T/A polymorphism (exon 1) in the SCL3A1 gene were studied using a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay.Results:  We have found that the prevalence of cystinuria (11 cystinuric patients) is 1/772 in our population. Results of mutation analysis in the patients with cystinuria showed that M467T was the only mutation that was found in six cystinuric patients. One patient was homozygous and five were heterozygous for this mutation.Conclusions:  The frequency of cystinuria in Sivas Province is the highest among the other populations studied to date. The frequency of M467T mutation is relatively higher than those reported for most populations. High frequency of cystinuria in this region could be due to consanguineous marriages.
Prostate specific antigen nadir determined using ultra‐sensitive prostate specific antigen as a predictor of biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy in Japanese males
Authors: Kinoshita Hidefumi , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Nakamura Eijiro , Matsuda Tadashi , Ogawa Osamu 
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  We examined whether the prostate specific antigen (PSA) nadir is a good predictor of biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy.Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed clinico‐pathological data in 257 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. Twenty‐nine patients of whom PSA nadir did not reach 0.1 ng/mL and three patients in whom second line therapy was started before biochemical failure were excluded, and 225 patients were subject to this study. We evaluated the changes in PSA value at very low (from less than 0.01–0.10 ng/mL) levels using an ultra‐sensitive PSA assay after radical prostatectomy. Biochemical failure was defined as three consecutive elevations of PSA to above 0.1 ng/mL.Results:  Biochemical failure‐free survival was attained by 89.9% of patients at 1 year, 83.0% at 2 years, and 81.0% at 5 years. PSA nadir more than 0.01 ng/mL was strongly associated with biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (P < 0.0001). Mean time to reach PSA nadir was 3.1 months. Preoperative PSA > 20 ng/mL (P = 0.0013), clinical T stage = T2 (P = 0.0462), Gleason score 8–10 (P = 0.0243) were also independent predictors of biochemical progression.Conclusions:  Prostate specific antigen nadir determined by ultra‐sensitive PSA assay is an important parameter that is objective, reliable, and easily measured, and useful for predicting the subgroups of patients both most likely and unlikely to exhibit biochemical progression.