bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo prediction of internal fat weight in Scottish Blackface lambs, using computer tomography
Authors: Lambe N.R. , Conington J. , McLean K.A. , Navajas E.A. , Fisher A.V. , Bünger L. ,   Sustainable Livestock Systems Group, SAC
Published: March 2006

SummaryFrom a calibration trial involving computer tomography (CT) scanning and dissection of 45 lambs, a prediction equation was derived to estimate total internal fat weight in Scottish Blackface lambs from measurements taken on cross‐sectional CT images. Using data from two cross‐sectional images (at the hip and loin) internal fat can be predicted with relatively high accuracy (adjusted R2 = 62.2%, r = 0.79). The derived equation was then used to predict internal fat weights in a further 427 Scottish Blackface lambs from a separate trial. Phenotypic correlations were calculated between predicted internal fat weight and weights of total carcass fat, muscle and bone, predicted using previously derived equations. When considering absolute tissue weights, adjusted for fixed effects, internal fat showed the strongest positive correlation with carcass fat (0.58), followed by muscle (0.36), and then by bone (0.32). When tissue weights were adjusted for fixed effects and total carcass weight (so considering tissue weights relative to size), internal fat showed a lower correlation with carcass fat weight (0.36) and negative correlations with muscle (−0.35) and bone (−0.19). These results provide the basis for more complex studies of relationships (phenotypic and genetic) between internal fat in hill lambs and economically important traits, such as carcass composition and survival of lambs, and tissue levels in different depots in hill ewes.
Cytogenetic mapping of 11 functional genes to chicken chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Yuan J. , Zhao Y. , Zhang L. , Li N. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryWith chicken bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) DNA as probes, 11 non‐assigned functional genes were localized to chicken chromosomes 1 or 2 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The 11 genes and their chromosomal positions are as follows: ALVEB5, 1p26‐24; ACO2, 1p16‐14; HSP108, 1p14‐13; CD4, 1q11; HSD3B; 1q11; SOD1, 1q14‐21; LAMP1, 1q24‐31; P2Y5, 1q35‐36; EN2, 2p31‐24; NPY, 2p14‐13 and CA2, 2q31‐32. Metaphase chromosome spreads used for hybridization were prepared from embryonic chicken fibroblast cultures. The gene position was identified according to the international standardized G‐banded karyotype of chicken by measuring the relative fractional length from the telomere of the p‐arm to the hybridization signal (FLpter). The 11 genes mapped newly will enrich the cytogenetic map and serve as additional anchor markers for integrating the cytogenetic map with the genetic map of chicken.
Effect of subsidy regimes on economic values of functional traits in beef cattle breeding
Authors: Wolfová M. , Přibyl J. , Wolf J. , Zahrádková R. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryWe investigated the impact of five monetary subsidy regimes on economic values of traits in a cow–calf pasture production system with surplus calves fed for slaughter. The following regimes were analysed: (1) maximum prices for slaughter animals actually received in the Czech Republic during 2004, with no subsidies of any kind; (2) prices as in (1), with subsidies awarded per hectare of permanent grassland and per calf born; (3) prices as in (1), with subsidies awarded per hectare of agricultural land, per hectare of pasture and meadow, per beef cow in a forage system and per livestock unit; (4) prices as in (1), with subsidies awarded per hectare of agricultural land; (5) no subsidies, but prices received for slaughter animals that covered production costs and resulted in 1% profitability. The modelled farm showed negative profit under real price conditions with no subsidies (regime 1), which led to an underestimation of economic values for functional traits. The same results were obtained in regimes in which subsidies did not depend on the number of animals (3) or on meat production from the enterprise (4). Economic values of production traits (growth and carcass traits) did not vary among subsidy regimes. To determine optimum economic values for functional traits in beef cattle, we advocate using the method applied in subsidy regime 5, no subsidies but prices for slaughter animals that cover production cost and a small profit.
Liver X receptor alpha and beta genes have the potential role on loin lean and fat content in pigs
Authors: Yu M. , Geiger B. , Deeb N. , Rothschild M.F. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryLiver X receptor alpha (LXRA) and beta (LXRB) are members of the nuclear receptor subfamily and are important regulators of genes involved in lipid, fatty acid and glucose metabolism in liver, and adipose tissue as well as in skeletal muscle. To investigate whether the two LXR genes play a role in influencing lean and fat growth in pigs, we discovered and examined two polymorphisms in LXRA (LXRA Bsl in exon 2, and LXRA HpyCH4 III in intron 8) and one polymorphism in LXRB (LXRB Aci I in exon 5) for genetic linkage and association analyses. Linkage analyses using a three‐generation resource family of a cross between the Berkshire and Yorkshire (BY) pig breeds assigned LXRA to SSC2 and LXRB to SSC6. Association analyses were carried out among those polymorphisms and traits evaluated in the BY F2 family and four pig commercial populations. These analyses indicated that the LXRA HpyCH4 III polymorphism was significantly associated with loin eye area and total lipid in individuals from the BY family. Significant associations were also found between Bsl I polymorphism in LXRA and boneless loin (%), as well as marbling score in one commercial line. The LXRB Aci I polymorphism was significantly associated with lean meat and fat content in the BY family and a number of the commercial lines examined. Our current findings suggested that LXRA and LXRB might have potential effects, especially for loin lean and fat content.
First Record of Fusarium Wilt of Tobacco in Greece Imported as Seedborne Inoculum
Authors: Tjamos S. E. , Markakis E. A. , Antoniou P. , Paplomatas E. J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractLeaf yellowing and brown discoloration was observed in tobacco plants cv. Burley TN97 in tobacco fields of central Greece in 2002. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. nicotianae was isolated from symptomatic plants and Koch's postulates were fulfilled. The pathogenicity of the isolated fungus was examined on five tobacco cultivars (Burley TN97, BurleyB21, VirginiaBE9, Virginia Niki and Anatolika KE26/2). The pathogen was present in tobacco seed batches imported in 2000 and 2001, which indicates that the infected seed is most probably the primary source of the disease in Greece. As Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum can also cause vascular wilt in tobacco, the hypothesis that the isolated F. oxysporum strain belongs to f. sp. vasinfectum was excluded by a pathogenicity test to cotton cv. Acala SJ‐2. This is the first report of F. oxysporum f. sp. nicotianae in Greece and the second in the European Union, although the seedborne nature of the pathogen has not been previously reported in Europe.
Educational and health service needs of Australian general practitioners in managing hepatitis C
Authors: Gupta Leena , Shah Sangeeta , Ward Jeanette E 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:  There has been interest in recent years in the role of primary care practitioners in managing hepatitis C, but there has been minimal research to identify educational and health service needs. A national survey of Australian general practitioners (GPs) was therefore conducted to assess their needs and identify areas for service development.Methods:  A self‐administered questionnaire was developed that included questions to assess caseload, confidence in patient management, educational needs and approaches to management and prevention. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of Australian GPs. Returned questionnaires were coded, frequencies tabulated and significant associations identified.Results:  A 70% response rate was achieved from 658 eligible GPs. A total of 76% of respondents had managed one patient in the previous year with hepatitis C. While 69% reported feeling more confident about their management of hepatitis C than 5 years previously, 55% identified a high level of need for hospital‐based clinics. Financial benefits for case conferences and chronic case management were not considered useful by most GPs. Topics identified for further skills development included therapeutics and diagnostic testing. Only 39% were highly likely to discuss psychosocial issues as part of initial patient management and 37% reported finding it difficult to play a central role in the medical and psychosocial care of patients with hepatitis C.Conclusion:  These results have significant implications for policy and service development, as well as identifying areas where GPs need support. The findings invite further discussion between health authorities about the source and magnitude of funding for hospital‐based services and further consideration of how to provide services to address patients’ psychosocial needs.
Influence of urease activity in the intestinal tract on the results of 13C‐urea breath test
Authors: Urita Yoshihisa , Hike Kazuo , Torii Naotaka , Kikuchi Yoshinori , Kanda Eiko , Kurakata Hidenori , Sasajima Masahiko , Miki Kazumasa 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  A late rise in 13CO2 excretion in the 13C‐urea breath test (UBT) should be found when the substrate passes rapidly through the stomach and makes contact with the colonic bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of intestinal urease activity on the results of the UBT.Method:  A total of 143 subjects who were diagnosed as Helicobacter pylori negative by serology, histology and rapid urease test were recruited. At the end of endoscopy, the tip of the endoscope was placed to the second part of the duodenum and 20 mL of water containing 100 mg of 13C‐urea was sprayed into the duodenum. Breath samples were taken at baseline and at 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 min after administration.Results:  Of 143 subjects, breath Δ13CO2 values higher than 2.5‰ were detected in six (4.2%), four (2.8%) and five (3.5%) subjects at 20, 30 and 60 min, respectively. There was no subject with high Δ13CO2 values at 5 and 10 min. Only one subject had an immediate rise at 60 min.Conclusion:  Variability derived from urease activity in the intestinal tract appears to be minimal up to 60 min after ingestion of the test urea.
REVIEW OF PATIENTS WITH PERITONEAL MALIGNANCY TREATED WITH PERITONECTOMY AND HEATED INTRAPERITONEAL CHEMOTHERAPY
Authors: Hadi Reema , Saunders Vanessa , Utkina Olga , Clingan Philip , Kam Peter , Links Matthew , Morris David L. 
Published: March 2006

Background:  Peritoneal dissemination of malignancy is usually considered incurable. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of intraperitoneal chemohyperthermia and cytoreductive surgery.Methods:  The present article is a retrospective review of prospectively recorded data in 60 patients who underwent 71 peritonectomy procedures between January 1996 and May 2004. Hospital records, a database and department notes were studied. Conditions treated were pseudomyxoma peritoneii (PMP) and appendiceal cancer (23), mesothelioma (7), colorectal cancer (CRC, 15), ovarian cancer (6) and other forms of malignancy (9). Following cytoreductive surgery, early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) was given in 47 procedures, five with added i.v. mitomycin C. In 34 procedures, heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was administered. A policy change was made from intravenous to intraperitoneal mitomycin C chemotherapy in December 2001. Peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was calculated for all procedures.Results:  Of the procedures, 23 had PCI ≤ 10, 37 had PCI of 11–20, and 11 had PCI > 20. The median operation time was 9 h. Blood units transfused and length of hospital stay have declined. Mortality was 4/60 patients (6.7%), caused by pancytopenia and sepsis. Morbidity occurred in 28/71 procedures. The 3‐year survival rate for the HIPEC group was 71% compared with 28% for the no HIPEC group. In the complete excision group, the 3‐year survival rate was 52% compared with 13% for the incomplete excision group. The 3‐year survival rate for PMP and appendiceal cancer was 74%. The 2‐year survival rate for ovarian cancer was 67%, mesothelioma 57%, and CRC 50%, respectively.Conclusions:  Morbidity is significantly associated with duration of surgery and units of blood transfused. Our findings are consistent with the international experience in patients treated with combined peritonectomy and HIPEC.
MANAGEMENT OF MUSCLE‐INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER IN VICTORIA, 1990–1995
Authors: Millar Jeremy L. , Frydenberg Mark , Toner Guy , Syme Rodney , Thursfield Vicky , Giles Graham G. ,   Urology Study Committee of the Victorian Co‐operative Oncology Group
Published: March 2006

Background:  The management and outcomes of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer are described in this article.Methods:  A retrospective survey of medical practitioners involved in the management of bladder cancer was conducted. The survey obtained at least 5 years of follow‐up data on all patients. The sample was taken from the public and private health sectors in Victoria. All were cases of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer diagnosed between 1990 and 1995. The main outcome measures included reported management by staging, treatment and survival.Results:  Completed questionnaires were returned for 743 (89.6%) of 829 cases. Of these, 523 (70.4%) were men, and the mean age was 72.7 years. More than 75% of the cases (560) presented with macroscopic haematuria. The majority (696, 94%) had transitional cell carcinoma. A variety of treatments were given in various sequences, with 231 cases (31.1%) having initial surveillance. Eventually, 303 cases (40.8%) proceeded to ‘definitive’ management with either radiotherapy (132, 17.8%) or cystectomy (171, 23.0%). In addition, chemotherapy was given to 254 patients (34.2%) at some time. Most patients (613, 82.5%) have subsequently died; 402 (54%) died from bladder cancer. Crude 5‐year survival was 13.0%, and disease‐specific survival was 27.7%. Multivariate analysis identified the following predictors of greater disease‐specific survival: grade 1 or 2 histopathology (P = 0.0003), T2 primary (P < 0.0001), N0 disease (P = 0.04), M0 disease (P < 0.0001), radiation dose in BED10 >70 Gy and cystectomy (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  Muscle‐invasive bladder cancer in Victoria typically occurs in elderly patients, and a notable proportion of these patients do not proceed onto ‘definitive’ treatment. Disease stage, cystectomy and the use of high doses of radiation are associated with better outcomes. Chemotherapy was given to approximately one‐third of patients at some point in their disease management. Our data are similar to population‐based data from North America, and provide a baseline against which potential changes in management of bladder cancer can be compared.
THE SURGICAL TRAINEE LOG WE NEED: MINIMUM OF WORK, MAXIMUM OF OUTPUT
Authors: Merry Chris , Goodall‐Wilson Darrin , Guest Glenn , Papas Chris , Selvidge Jannie , Watters David A. K. 
Published: March 2006

Background:  The objective of this study was to design a trainee logbook suitable for both surgical training and surgical audit. The fields of the logbook should conform to both the current requirements for surgical trainee logbooks and the minimum and recommended datasets for surgical audit. The database should be able to share information with other databases including hospital information systems. The current logbook requirements do not include much outcome data. Therefore, keeping the logbook does not train the young surgeon to collect all the information necessary for surgical audit, particularly the recently promoted minimum (12 fields) and recommended (22 fields) datasets.Methods:  An electronic logbook was developed as part of the hospital's clinical information system (CORDis). Patient identifier information was available in the system and did not need to be re‐entered (e.g. name, number, date of birth and sex). The trainee only input the necessary fields for his/her logbook and was able to derive information already available from CORDis on complications, outcome and final diagnosis of the patient.Results:  Thirteen of 16 trainees used the program over a period of 2.5 years, and more than 4600 operative procedures were recorded. Information on outcome and complications was included in the logbook, regardless of who in the team entered the data. This also facilitated surgical audit presentations. Logbook reports for the Advanced Training Board were produced with the click of a mouse rather than by spending a whole weekend counting items in the operation register at the end of a 6‐month rotation. This system could be used at different hospitals or the data can be exported to another database including databases on a hand‐held device.Conclusion:  The logbook contains all the data for reporting to the Specialty Training Board and Surgical Audit. Duplication of data entry was reduced, and presentation of unit/trainee surgical audits was facilitated. The data can be exchanged with other common databases when the trainee rotates out of Geelong.
Increasing underrepresentation of elderly patients with advanced colorectal or non‐small‐cell lung cancer in chemotherapy trials
Authors: Jennens R. R. , Giles G. G. , Fox R. M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground: Elderly patients are underrepresented in chemotherapy trials for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) and non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the change in underrepresentation over time has not been documented.Aims: This study aimed to quantify (i) the change in the median age of patients enrolled in clinical trials for metastatic CRC and NSCLC between 1982–1991 and 1992–2001 compared with the general colorectal and lung cancer population, and (ii) the proportion of trials with an upper age limit for eligibility.Methods: A retrospective review of data from the Victorian Cancer Registry and all large published randomized chemotherapy trials for advanced CRC and NSCLC between 1982 and 2001 was conducted.Results: The median age of patients with CRC enrolled in clinical trials remained constant between the two decades (62.0 and 62.2 years), whereas the median age of the CRC population increased from 68.4 to 70.2 years, increasing the median age difference from 6.4 to 8.0 years. The median age of patients with lung cancer in clinical trials increased from 59.8 to 61.8 years, whereas the median age of the lung cancer population increased from 67.4 to 70.4 years, widening the age difference from 7.6 to 8.6 years. More trials set an upper age limit for eligibility in the first decade than in the second decade for both CRC (51 vs 29%, P = 0.04) and NSCLC (68 vs 41%, P = 0.03).Conclusion: International clinical trials for CRC and NSCLC are becoming increasingly unsuitable for application to Australian patients because of the increasing age discrepancy, despite fewer trials restricting eligibility by age.
Effect of an education programme on the utilization of a medical emergency team in a teaching hospital
Authors: Jones D. , Bates S. , Warrillow S. , Goldsmith D. , Kattula A. , Way M. , Gutteridge G. , Buckmaster J. , Bellomo R. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground: Medical Emergency Teams (MET) have been developed to identify, review and manage acutely unwell ward patients. Previous studies have suggested that there may be obstacles to the utilization and activation of the MET.Aims: To determine the effect of a detailed education programme on the rate of utilization of the MET system 3.5 years after its introduction in a University teaching hospital.Methods: Prospective interventional study involving a detailed programme of education, feedback and decision support for nursing and medical staff given before, during and after implementation of a MET system. We measured the number of MET calls per month for both medical and surgical patients for 109 250 consecutive admissions to the acute care campus of Austin Health from August 2000 to June 2004.Results: Overall activation of the MET increased from 25 calls per month to a peak of 79 calls per month over the study period (average increase of one MET call/month). After standardization for monthly admissions, the increase in MET utilization for surgical patients (increase by 1.13 MET/1000 admissions/month) was 4.9‐fold greater than for medical patients (increase by 0.23 MET/1000 admissions/month; P < 0.0001). At the peak level of activity (April 2004), the MET was called to review 8.4% of surgical and 2.7% of medical admissions (P < 0.0001).Conclusions: There was a progressive increase in the utilization of the MET service in the 3.5 years after implementation, with the rate of uptake 4.9 times greater for surgical than for medical patients. Sustained uptake of the MET system is possible, but increased utilization may take several years to develop. Short‐term studies testing the efficacy of the MET system are likely to significantly underestimate its effect on reducing adverse events. Intensive care unit resource adjustments will become necessary to meet increased demand.
Neuropathic pain: are we out of the woods yet?
Authors: Cavenagh J. , Good P. , Ravenscroft P. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPatients suffering from neuropathic pain continue to pose challenges in clinical practice. This descriptive review discusses the continuing debate on the definition and concerns about increasing incidence of neuropathic pain. The clinical features of neuropathic pain are outlined, and the current understanding of the possible mechanisms of neuropathic pain is highlighted. Current management strategies are reviewed, and future advances in our understanding of the mechanisms, accurate clinical diagnosis and more effective treatment strategies are eagerly awaited.
The pharmacokinetics of a single rectal dose of paracetamol (40 mg·kg−1) in children with liver disease
Authors: CORMACK C.R.H. , SUDAN S. , ADDISON R. , KEATING J. , SHERWOOD R.A. , ASHLEY E.M.C. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground:  The aim of our study was to measure the serum paracetamol concentrations achieved following a single rectal loading dose of 40 mg·kg−1 in children with chronic liver disease.Methods:  We recruited 17 children (3–15 years, 10.6–75 kg) undergoing minor surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Paracetamol was administered at the end of surgery and blood samples were taken for analysis at 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 h postdose.Results:  The mean Cmax of 11.4 mg·l−1 [coefficient of variation (CV) 66%] was achieved at a Tmax of 2.7 h (CV 42%). The relative bioavailability (F) of the suppository formulation was not estimated, but clearance (Cl/F) estimates 0.73 l·kg−1·h−1 (CV 87%) and time–concentration profiles for these children were similar to the normal pediatric population.Conclusions:  There are currently no biologic markers available for monitoring possible hepatotoxicity in this cohort of patients with liver disease, but our data suggest that a single‐dose suppository is a satisfactory analgesic alternative.