bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine mapping of genes on sheep chromosome 1 and their association with milk traits
Authors: Calvo J. H. , Martínez‐Royo A. , Beattie A. E. , Dodds K. G. , Marcos‐Carcavilla A. , Serrano M. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryOn the basis of comparative mapping between cattle/sheep and human for milk trait quantitative trait loci (QTL) on BTA3/OAR1, annexin A9 (ANXA9) and solute carrier family 27 (fatty acid transporter), member 3 (SLC27A3) were selected as candidate genes for fat content (FC) in sheep milk. Two other genes in the same region, cingulin (CGN) and acid phosphatase 6, lysophosphatidic (ACP6), were also considered. DNA fragments of 1931 and 2790 bp corresponding to ANXA9 and SLC27A3 respectively were isolated, and 14 and 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) respectively were found in each gene. ANXA9, SLC27A3, CGN and ACP6 were localized to chromosome 1 between INRA006 and AE57 by linkage mapping using the International Mapping Flock. Across‐family analyses of a daughter design comprising 13 sire families revealed significant sire and SLC27A3 genotype‐nested‐within‐sire effects for FC. Within‐family analyses indicated significant regression coefficients for FC in four of six heterozygous sires. These results could reflect the existence of a QTL for FC linked to SLC27A3 in sheep.
Gene expression profiling of hereditary exencephaly in chickens
Authors: Jaszczak K. , Sazanov A. A. , Sacharczuk M. , Korczak M. , Sazanova A. L. , Parada R. , Malewski T. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryIn this preliminary study, differentially expressed genes were investigated in cranial tissues from chickens with hereditary exencephaly using cDNA microarrays containing 1152 genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Genes showing twofold or greater differences at P < 0.05 between affected and normal cranial cells were considered to be candidates for hereditary exencephaly in chicken. Eighteen ESTs (11 known genes/homologues) were upregulated and 108 ESTs (51 known genes/homologues) were downregulated. The EST AL584231 (ROS006C9), orthologous to human MTHFD1, a known candidate gene for human neural tube defects (NTDs), was expressed at the same level both in normal and affected chicken cranial tissues. ESTs AL584253 (ROS006F7, thioredoxin reductase 1) and AL585511 (ROS024H9, thioredoxin), both involved in NTD pathogenic pathways in mice, were downregulated and had mean ratios of 0.41 and 0.04 for expression in affected vs. normal cells respectively. Expression differences of these two ESTs were confirmed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. These data indicate that ESTs AL584253 and AL585511 are candidates for hereditary exencephaly in chickens.
A Serological Survey of Selected Pathogens in Wild Boar in Slovenia
Authors: Vengust G. , Valencak Z. , Bidovec A. 
Published: February 2006

SummarySerum samples collected from 178 shot wild boars (Sus scrofa) were tested for the presence of antibodies against classical swine fever virus, Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus, swine influenza virus, porcine parvovirus (PPV), swine vesicular disease virus, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Salmonella spp., Brucella spp. and Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) throughout Slovenia during the hunting season 2003/2004. The number of samples corresponds to 3% of the total hunting bag. By enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibodies against ADV were detected in 55 sera (31%), against PRCV in five sera (3%), PPV in 87 sera (49%), APP in 93 sera (52%), M. hyopneumoniae in 38 sera (21%), Salmonella spp. in 85 sera (47%) and HPS in 33 sera (18%).
Multidrug Resistance and Distribution of Salmonella Serovars in Slaughtered Pigs
Authors: Molla B. , Berhanu A. , Muckle A. , Cole L. , Wilkie E. , Kleer J. , Hildebrandt G. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe present study was undertaken to estimate the occurrence and distribution of multidrug resistance (MDR) among Salmonella serovars isolated from slaughtered pigs at Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. A total of 501 different samples were examined of which 42 (41.6%) of 101 mesenteric lymph nodes, 22 (21.8%) of 101 tongues, 17 (16.8%) of 101 caecal contents, 11 (11.1%) of 99 livers and two (2%) of 99 muscle (diaphragm and abdomen) samples were Salmonella positive. Of the 94 Salmonella isolates representing 15 different serovars, 69 (73.4%) were multidrug resistant (resistance to two or more antimicrobials). Among the Salmonella serovars a high level of MDR was observed in S. Hadar, S. Kentucky, S. Blockley and S. Enteritidis mainly to tetracycline (88.6%), streptomycin (82.9%), nitrofurantoin (74.3%), nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin (42.9% each), sulfisoxazole (21.1%) and spectinomycin (20%). The pattern of MDR varied from two to eight antimicrobials among the resistant Salmonella serovars. The common profiles of resistance among the MDR serovars were the combined resistance to nitrofurantoin, streptomycin and tetracycline (R type NitStrTet, 51.4%), ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid and nitrofurantoin (R type CipNalNit, 10%), ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, spectinomycin, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole and tetracycline (R type CipNalSptStrSulTet, 14.3%) and to ciprofloxacin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, neomycin, nitrofurantoin, streptomycin and tetracycline (R type CipKanNalNeoNitStrTet, 10%). Results of the present study indicate the widespread occurrence and distribution of MDR Salmonella serovars in slaughtered pigs which could be a potential source of human MDR Salmonella infections.
Prevalence of Antibodies to Pestiviruses in Goats in Austria
Authors: Krametter‐Froetscher R. , Loitsch A. , Kohler H. , Schleiner A. , Schiefer P. , Moestl K. , Golja F. , Baumgartner W. 
Published: February 2006

SummarySerological investigations were carried out to determine the prevalence of pestiviral infections in goats in Austria, and to investigate the possible relations to herd management practices. The prevalence of antibodies to pestiviruses was investigated in 549 goats in 80 flocks from four regions of Austria. The examination for antibodies was performed using an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay detecting antibodies to the border disease virus (BDV) and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). The observed individual prevalence was 11.5% and the flock prevalence was 31.3%. Comparative neutralization studies on the 63 seropositive samples with BVDV‐1, BVDV‐2 and the BDV yielded in 32 samples higher titres (4‐fold) to BVDV‐1 and in two samples to BDV. The remaining samples did not show distinct differences in antibody titres against the pestivirus strains tested because of the cross‐reactions. There was a significant (P < 0.05) association between the prevalence of antibodies to pestiviruses and the presence of cattle on the farm. Significant (P < 0.05) geographical variations in individual prevalence were obtained, ranging from 3.5% in lower Austria to 20.2% in Vorarlberg.
Oesophagoscopy and Detection of Viral Nucleic Acids in Oesophageal Biopsies – A Contribution to BVDV Diagnosis
Authors: Franz S. , Möstl K. , Benetka V. , Hofer J. , Baumgartner W. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe endoscopic appearance of the oesophagus of animals infected with bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) but without signs of acute mucosal disease (MD) was investigated for any common or ‘early warning’ lesions. Thirty‐seven BVDV‐infected animals [36 persistently infected (PI) and one transiently infected] were examined clinically and endoscopically for typical erosions of the oronasal and oesophageal mucosa, respectively. During oesophagoscopy, mucosal biopsies were taken and tested for pestivirus‐specific nucleic acids by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The results were compared with those of RT‐PCR with various sample materials (blood, nasal and conjunctival swabs and faecal samples) usually used for routine diagnosis of BVDV infection. The average age of the 36 PI animals was 13.5 months, eight animals were 24 months or older. None of the PI animals had clinically visible erosions of the oronasal mucous membranes. During oesophagoscopy, all animals showed a reddening but unexpectedly no erosions or ulcerations of the oesophageal mucosa. Although in 21 of 36 PI animals all samples tested positive, the oesophageal biopsies were with no exception constantly RT‐PCR positive in contrast to all other materials investigated. Remarkably, in the transiently infected animal all samples tested negative except for the oesophageal biopsy. Hence, this infection would have been missed by conventional diagnostic sampling.
Effect of sildenafil on gastric emptying in healthy adults
Authors: Cho Seung Hyun , Park Hyojin , Kim Jung Hwan , Ryu Young Hoon , Lee Sang In , Conklin Jeffrey L 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim: Phosphodiesterase type 5 hydrolyzes and inactivates cyclic guanosine monophosphate produced by the nitric oxide‐stimulated guanylate cyclase. Sildenafil is a potent, reversible, and highly selective inhibitor of this phosphodiesterase. It causes smooth muscle relaxation by increasing intracellular concentrations of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that sildenafil alters gastric emptying and the intragastric distribution of food in healthy adults.Methods: Nine normal subjects (mean age 28 years, range 25–33) were given a placebo or a tablet of sildenafil (50 mg) at different times along with radio‐opaque markers. A gastric emptying scan was used to calculate the t1/2for gastric emptying (the time taken for the initial radioactivity to fall by 50%). Intragastric food distribution was also assessed using the gastric emptying scan to calculate proximal gastric emptying t1/2, the proximal volume (the highest activity value in the proximal stomach at any time point in the study), and the distal volume (the highest activity value in the distal stomach at any time point in the study. Gastric emptying of an indigestible solid meal was assessed by calculating gastric clearance of radio‐opaque markers.Results: Sildenafil did not change total gastric emptying or gastric clearance of radio‐opaque markers. It shortened the proximal T1/2, decreased proximal volume, and significantly increased distal volume.Conclusion: Sildenafil alters the intragastric distribution of food rather than causing gastric stasis.
Endoscopic ultrasonograph evaluation of vascular structures in the gastric cardia predicts esophageal variceal recurrence following endoscopic treatment
Authors: Seno Hiroshi , Konishi Yasuhiro , Wada Manabu , Fukui Hirokazu , Okazaki Kazuichi , Chiba Tsutomu 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  In patients with portal hypertension, early recurrence of esophageal varices often occurs following endoscopic variceal ligation therapy or ligation and injection‐sclerotherapy combined treatment. To assess the recurrence risk following endoscopic treatment, this study investigated the association between recurrence‐free time and severity of esophagogastric vascular structures before treatment as determined by endoscopic ultrasonography.Methods:  Sixty‐three patients with esophageal varices at high bleeding risk were treated by endoscopic variceal ligation therapy or ligation and injection‐sclerotherapy combined treatment. Before the treatment, conventional endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography with a 20‐MHz catheter probe were performed. Submucosal, perforating and adventitial veins in the esophagus and gastric cardia were examined. According to the endoscopic ultrasonography findings, the vascular structures were classified into two grades: mild and severe. The relationships between the endoscopic ultrasonography grades and variceal recurrence‐free time were analyzed by the Kaplan‐Meyer method.Results:  Patients with severe as opposed to mild grade perforating veins in the gastric cardia had a significantly shorter recurrence‐free time (P < 0.05). Those with severe paracardial veins also had a significantly shorter recurrence‐free time (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  Endoscopic ultrasonography analysis for gastric cardial vascular structures before endoscopic treatment can be useful to predict the recurrence of esophageal varices.
Effects ofSilybum marianumon serum hepatitis C virus RNA, alanine aminotransferase levels and well‐being in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Gordon Adam , Hobbs Daryl A , Bowden D Scott , Bailey Michael J , Mitchell Joanne , Francis Andrew JP , Roberts Stuart K 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground/Aims: Silybum marianumis a herbal preparation commonly used by subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aims of this pilot study were to assess the efficacy and safety ofS. marianumon serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, alanine aminotransferase levels and well‐being in patients with CHC.Methods: Twenty‐four subjects with CHC were enrolled into a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study. Subjects received 12 weeks ofS. marianum(either 600 mg or 1200 mg/day) and placebo separated by a 4‐week washout interval. Baseline biochemical, virological, psychological and quality‐of‐life tests were performed, with biochemical tests repeated monthly, and HCV RNA titer and quality‐of‐life and psychological assessments repeated at the end of both treatment periods.Results: Seventeen patients completed the trial. Mean changes in HCV RNA titers, serum ALT levels and Short Form‐36 scores were not significantly different for subjects onS. marianumcompared to those on placebo. There was no significant change in mean State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory State‐Anxiety scores onS. marianumfrom baseline. Adverse events were similar withS. marianumand placebo.Conclusions: S. marianumis well tolerated in subjects with CHC, but does significantly affect serum HCV RNA, alanine aminotransferase levels, quality of life or psychological well‐being in subjects with this condition.
Expression of endothelin receptors in the gastric mucosa of portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Kai Seiichiro , Bandoh Toshio , Ohta Masayuki , Matsumoto Toshifumi , Tominaga Masayuki , Kitano Seigo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  Portal hypertensive gastropathy is an abnormal circulatory state in gastric mucosa with vascular dilatation due to portal hypertension. The aim of the present study was to evaluate expression of endothelin receptors and their roles in the portal hypertensive gastric mucosa.Methods:  Portal hypertensive rats were generated by staged portal vein occlusion. Expression of endothelin‐A receptor and endothelin‐B receptor mRNA was examined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, and protein were examined by immunohistochemistry. The changes of mucosal microcirculation by endothelin receptor antagonists were measured with in vivo microscope.Results:  Expression of endothelin‐A receptor mRNA was increased significantly in portal hypertensive rats in comparison with sham‐operated control rats (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in endothelin‐B receptor mRNA expression. Vessels of the gastric mucosa were dilated, and intravessel blood flow was increased significantly in the portal hypertensive group (P < 0.05). Diameters of mucosal vessels and blood flow were increased significantly by endothelin‐A receptor antagonist (BQ‐485) in the portal hypertensive rats. Endothelin‐B receptor antagonist (IRL‐1038) had no significant effect on mucosal microcirculation.Conclusion:  These data suggest that increased expression of endothelin‐A receptor in the portal hypertensive gastric mucosa may be related to the regulation of gastric microcirculation.
Factors predicting success of endoscopic variceal ligation for secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding
Authors: Harewood Gavin C , Baron Todd H , Wong Kee Song Louis M 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIntroduction: Endoscopic obliteration of esophageal varices by endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is an effective form of secondary prophylaxis. However, there is no consensus regarding the technical aspects of EVL for secondary prophylaxis. The present study compares the technical aspects of EVL (frequency of sessions, number of sessions and number of bands used) in patients who rebled following secondary prophylaxis of esophageal varices by EVL compared to those who did not rebleed.Methods: All patients who underwent EVL for treatment of acute variceal bleeding followed by EVL for secondary prophylaxis and who subsequently developed recurrent variceal bleeding at Mayo Clinic, Rochester between January 1995 and May 2003 were identified. A control group of patients undergoing EVL for secondary prophylaxis who did not rebleed was identified.Results: During the study period, 216 patients with acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage underwent emergent EVL treatment with follow‐up EVL for secondary prophylaxis, of whom 20 (9.3%) subsequently rebled. Both rebleeding and non‐rebleeding patient groups were well‐matched with respect to liver function (Child–Pugh class), number and size of variceal trunks, endoscopic stigmata of hemorrhage and beta‐blocker usage. The median interval between EVL sessions in the rebleeding group (2 weeks, interquartile range 0–2 weeks) was significantly shorter compared to the non‐rebleeding group (5 weeks, interquartile range 3–7 weeks;P = 0.004). Adjusting for age, gender, and Child–Pugh class, interbanding interval ≥ 3 weeks was associated with increased likelihood of not rebleeding, hazard ratio 3.84 (95% confidence interval: 1.69–11.79;P = 0.0007).Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the importance of technical aspects of EVL on patient outcome, suggesting the benefit of longer interbanding intervals. Future prospective studies are required to define the optimal intersession interval. Standardizing procedural aspects of EVL will aid in objectively evaluating the benefit of this procedure when compared to other modalities such as medical treatment.
Multiple non‐tumorous arterioportal shunts due to chronic liver disease mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma: outcomes and the associated elevation of alpha‐fetoprotein
Authors: Takayasu Kenichi , Muramatsu Yukio , Mizuguchi Yasunori , Moriyama Noriyuki , Okusaka Takuji 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To elucidate the morphologic appearance of small non‐tumorous arterioportal (AP) shunts mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma on helical computed tomography (CT), their associated outcomes, and their relationship with alpha‐fetoprotein levels in patients with chronic liver disease.Materials and Methods:  Ten patients with multiple AP shunts on dynamic helical CT were evaluated. A non‐tumorous AP shunt was defined as no increase or spontaneous regression in size on follow‐up CT scans. The number and shape of shunts more than 5 mm in diameter were studied on a segment‐by‐segment basis on the initial CT scan, and compared with those on follow‐up CT scans. Alpha‐fetoprotein levels were measured at the same time as CT scanning was performed.Results:  Ten patients with 86 AP shunts (range 0.5–3.8 cm; mean 1.2 cm) underwent arterial, portal and delayed phase imaging of the entire liver. The AP shunts were geographic (44%), round (33%) or wedge‐like (23%) in shape. All shunts changed from high‐ to iso‐attenuation on the delayed phase CT. A follow‐up CT (mean 73 days) revealed spontaneous disappearance in all but three (97%) of the 86 AP shunts. Furthermore, 16 new shunts appeared in different segments from the primary ones in four patients. The rapid elevation of alpha‐fetoprotein levels to 5–10‐fold higher than the baseline level was recognized at the same time as the initial appearance of AP shunts in three patients (30%). Further follow‐up CT scans detected solitary hepatocellular carcinomas in four patients at a mean 1283 days after the initial CT. The location of the hepatocellular carcinomas was quite different from those of the initially recognized AP shunts.Conclusions:  Non‐tumorous AP shunts varied in CT appearance and demonstrated iso‐attenuation in the delayed phase, most of which disappeared within 4 months. For these multiple small stains in chronic liver disease, periodic follow‐up CT is recommended rather than alternative invasive interventions, even though there was an association with rapid elevation of alpha‐fetoprotein levels.
Tetracycline, metronidazole and amoxicillin‐metronidazole combinations in proton pump inhibitor‐based triple therapies are equally effective as alternative therapies against Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Matsushima Masashi , Suzuki Takayoshi , Kurumada Tomoyuki , Watanabe Sumio , Watanabe Kenichi , Kobayashi Kenji , Deguchi Ryuzo , Masui Aya , Takagi Atsushi , Shirai Takayuki , Muraoka Hiroe , Kobayashi Intetsu , Mine Tetsuya 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  A proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐based triple therapy with clarithromycin (CAM) and amoxicillin (AMPC) is now a standard regimen for Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication in Japan. However, the CAM‐resistant rate has increased recently and alternative therapies are sorely needed. Therefore the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the PPI–tetracycline (TC)–metronidazole (MNZ) regimen (the PTM regimen) as an alternative therapy in comparison with the PPI–AMPC–MNZ (PAM) regimen.Methods:  Sixty‐four HP‐positive patients visiting the HP‐eradication clinic in Tokai University Hospital from July 1998 to March 2003 were treated with either PTM or PAM as alternative therapies. The HP eradication was assessed by urea breath test (UBT), HP stool antigen test, or HP culture method more than 2 months after completion of the treatments. The drug resistances against CAM, AMPC, TC, and MNZ were assessed by the agar dilution method.Results:  Fifty‐six patients (26 PTM and 30 PAM) completed medication and evaluation of the eradication. The eradication rates of PTM were 82.8% (24/29) and 92.3% (24/26), while those of PAM were 74.3% (26/35) and 89.7% (26/29) by intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analysis, respectively. The differences between the regimens were not statistically significant. There were no severe adverse effects observed in either of the regimens. The drug‐resistance analyses showed 15 CAM‐ and one MNZ‐resistant cases but no TC or AMPC resistance in the available 25 samples.Conclusion:  The PTM and PAM regimens were equally effective and safe as alternative HP eradication therapies. And PTM would be particularly useful in penicillin allergy cases.