bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of haymaking strategies for cow‐calf systems in the Salado Region of Argentina using a simulation model. 3. Exploratory risk assessment
Authors: Romera A. J. , Morris S. T. , Hodgson J. , Stirling W. D. , Woodward S. J. R. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractRisk and cost estimates, calculated using a weather‐driven farm simulation model, were used to evaluate the impact of different haymaking strategies in dryland cow‐calf systems such as those in the Salado region of Argentina. Based on a 100‐ha farm, each strategy was simulated using twenty sequences of 50 years of random weather. A risk‐efficiency methodology was used, using calf live weight sold and considering the economic value of the live weight produced per year minus the cost of haymaking, as a simple measure of profit. The analysis highlighted both production and risk advantages in using hay, especially when a flexible hay management approach was implemented, although some haymaking strategies performed worse than not using hay. When calf live weight sold was considered alone, the risk‐efficient set included strategies with large proportions of the areas being harvested (0.42–1.05; paddocks could be cut more that once a year in some of the strategies) and high proportions of hay not being used. The amount of hay for maximizing risk efficiency for profit was notably lower than that for maximizing cattle production. When haymaking costs were included, the proportion of area harvested for risk‐efficient profit ranged from 0.28 to 0.52, depending on the target stocking rate.
Expression of AMPA Receptor Subunits (GluR1–GluR4) in Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Neurones of Young and Middle‐Aged Persistently Oestrous Rats During the Steroid‐Induced Luteinising Hormone Surge
Authors: Bailey J. D. , Centers A. , Jennes L. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractGlutamate provides excitatory input to gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones and elicits a response indicative of AMPA receptors. To determine if and which AMPA subunits are expressed by GnRH neurones, we conducted triple‐label immunohistochemistry and confocal analyses on tissue obtained at 08.00, 12.00, 16.00 and 20.00 h from young and middle‐aged, persistently oestrous (MA‐PE) rats that were ovariectomised and primed with oestrogen and progesterone to induce a luteinising hormone (LH) surge. Each AMPA subunit was found in GnRH neurones, but in different patterns across the diurnal cycle, which were influenced by age. GluR1 expression increased earlier in young rats and the percentage of Fos‐positive GnRH neurones expressing GluR1 rose significantly and was sustained from 12.00–16.00 h. GluR1 expression was delayed in MA‐PE rats and the percentage of Fos‐positive GnRH neurones expressing GluR1 peaked at 20.00 h. GluR2 expression in GnRH neurones did not change over time and was not affected by age; however, the percentage of Fos‐positive GnRH neurones expressing GluR2 increased earlier and was sustained from 08.00–16.00 h in young rats whereas, in MA‐PE rats, this percentage peaked at 20.00 h. GluR3 expression also increased earlier in young rats and peaked at 12.00 h but was delayed in MA‐PE rats and peaked at 20.00 h. The number of Fos‐positive GnRH neurones that coexpressed GluR3 peaked at 12.00 h in young rats but showed little change from 12.00–20.00 h in MA‐PE rats. GluR4 expression was maintained at higher levels at 08.00 and 12.00 h in young rats; although the percentage of Fos‐positive GnRH neurones expressing GluR4 peaked at 12.00 h in young rats, it showed little change in MA‐PE rats. In summary, our data show that a higher proportion of Fos‐positive GnRH neurones coexpressed AMPA receptor subunits in young rats and the expression, particularly of GluR1 and GluR2, was increased and sustained throughout the surge, whereas GluR3 and GluR4 expression peaked just before. In MA‐PE rats, the rate of expression of GluR subunits and Fos in GnRH neurones was altered in a manner that may explain the delay and attenuation of the LH surge.
Cell Biology of the Ghrelin Receptor
Authors: Camiña J. P. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractGhrelin, a gastric peptide involved in growth hormone release and energy homeostasis, is the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS‐R1a), a G‐protein coupled receptor mainly expressed in the pituitary and hypothalamus. This receptor mediates the main ghrelin‐stimulated endocrine actions and some of the nonendocrine actions. However, a number of nonendocrine actions associated with ghrelin appear to be mediated by various GHS‐R1a‐related receptor subtypes, which are widely distributed in the central and peripheral tissues. This review summarises data concerning the localisation, regulation and function of GHS‐R1a, as well as related receptors.
Evidence for a Role of the GHS‐R1a Receptors in Ghrelin Inhibition of Gastric Acid Secretion in the Rat
Authors: Sibilia V. , Muccioli G. , Deghenghi R. , Pagani F. , De Luca V. , Rapetti D. , Locatelli V. , Netti C. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractGhrelin, the endogenous ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS‐R) has been previously shown to inhibit gastric acid secretion in pylorus‐ligated rats. Two isoforms of GHS‐R have been identified: GHS‐R1a and GHS‐R1b. The present study aimed: (i) to characterise the type of GHS‐R involved in the central gastric inhibitory activity of ghrelin by using des‐octanoyl ghrelin, and synthetic GHS‐R1a agonist (EP1572) and antagonist (D‐Lys3‐GHRP‐6) and (ii) to investigate the relationship between ghrelin and cortistatin (CST) in the control of gastric acid secretion by using the natural neuropeptide CST‐14 and the synthetic octapeptide CST‐8. The specific interactions of all the compounds with GHS‐R1a were determined by comparing their ability to displace labelled ghrelin or somatostatin from its receptors on rat hypothalamic membranes or on rat cardiomyocyte, respectively. Intracerebroventricular administration of 0.01 and 1 nmol/rat des‐octanoyl ghrelin did not affect gastric acid secretion in pylorus‐ligated rats, whereas EP1572 either i.c.v. (0.01–1 nmol/rat) or i.p. (10 and 20 nmol/kg) inhibited acid gastric secretion. Preteatment with D‐Lys3GHRP‐6 (3 nmol/rat, i.c.v.) was able to remove the inhibitory action of ghrelin (0.01 nmol/rat, i.c.v.) on gastric acid volume and acid output, thus indicating that the type 1a GHS‐R likely mediates the gastric inhibitory action of ghrelin. This is supported by binding data showing that D‐Lys3GHRP‐6, but not des‐octanoyl ghrelin, binds to hypothalamic GHS‐R. CST‐14 (1 nmol/rat, i.c.v.) did not affect either basal or ghrelin inhibition of gastric acid secretion. CST‐8 (1 nmol/rat, i.c.v.) was able to counteract the gastric ghrelin response. The observation that CST‐14 binds both GHR‐S and somatostatin receptors, whereas CST‐8 specifically displaces only ghrelin binding, indicates that CST‐8 behaves as a GHS‐R1a antagonist.
Artificial Insemination of Gilts with 1.5 Billion Sperms Stored in Different Periods Associated with Different Pre‐ovulatory Intervals
Authors: Bennemann PE , Diehl GN , Milbradt E , Vidor RM , Fries HCC , Wentz I , Bernardi ML , Bortolozzo FP 
Published: November 2005

ContentsThis study evaluated the reproductive performance of gilts inseminated at three intervals before ovulation (0–12, 13–23, 24–30 h) with sperm doses (SD) stored for 0–48 and 96–120 h. A total of 218 PIC Camborough 22® gilts were inseminated once with SD of 1.5 × 109 sperms. Pregnant gilts (n = 166) were slaughtered 30.8 ± 3.7 days after artificial insemination. The number of corpora lutea (CL) and total embryos (TE) was counted. Pregnancy rates (PR) were analysed by chi‐square test. TE and embryonic survival (ES), obtained as the ratio between viable embryos and CL, were analysed by GLM procedure (SAS) and mean values were compared by Tukey's test. Pregnancy rate was similar among artificial insemination–ovulation (AIOV) intervals when semen was stored for 0–48 h. However, the lowest PR was observed in the 24–30 h AIOV interval with storage time (ST) of 96–120 h (p < 0.05). There was a significant effect of the interaction between ST and AIOV (p < 0.05) on TE and ES variables. Total embryos and ES did not differ (p > 0.05) among AIOV intervals in ST of 0–48 h. However, gilts inseminated at 24–30 h AIOV interval with ST of 96–120 h showed a reduction of 6.7 embryos (p < 0.05) compared with gilts in the same interval inseminated with semen stored for 0–48 h. ES for the 24–30 h AIOV interval and ST of 96–120 h was lower than that observed in the other groups (p < 0.05).
Effect of Semen Extender and Density Gradient Centrifugation on the Motility and Fertility of Turkey Spermatozoa
Authors: Morrell JM , Persson B , Tjellström H , Laessker A , Nilsson H , Danilova M , Holmes PV 
Published: November 2005

ContentsIn the absence of commercially viable methods for cryopreserving turkey spermatozoa, new processing methods are required to extend the functional life of stored turkey spermatozoa for artificial insemination. The present study evaluates the efficacy of a new extender (Turkey Semen Extend) and investigates the use of density gradient centrifugation in processing turkey spermatozoa for artificial insemination. The new extender is compared with two commercially available turkey semen extenders, Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender and Ovodyl. Turkey spermatozoa in Turkey Semen Extend were still motile 20 h after collection, representing a considerable improvement over the other semen extenders (40%, 0% and 8% for Turkey Semen Extend, Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender and Ovodyl, respectively). A field trial on a commercial turkey farm showed improved fertilization rates following insemination of turkey hens with semen extended in Turkey Semen Extend (89.7%) compared with Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (86.9%). This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05). Processing on a density gradient, optimized for turkey spermatozoa, also increased sperm survival (50% gradient‐prepared spermatozoa still motile after 18 h compared with <10% non‐processed spermatozoa). Preliminary studies indicate that gradient preparation of spermatozoa may aid survival during cryopreservation.
Effects of Freezing–Thawing on DNA Integrity of Boar Spermatozoa Assessed by the Neutral Comet Assay
Authors: Fraser L , Strzeżek J 
Published: November 2005

ContentsA modified version of the neutral comet assay was employed to evaluate the effect of the freezing–thawing process on boar‐sperm DNA integrity. The sperm‐rich fractions were collected from four mature boars and frozen into aluminium tubes and straws after extension in lactose–hen egg yolk–glycerol extender (lactose‐HEY‐G) or an extender containing lactose, lyophilized lipoprotein fractions extracted from ostrich egg yolk and glycerol (lactose‐LPFo‐G). The semen samples were also frozen in a standard boar semen extender (Kortowo‐3), without the addition of cryoprotective substances. Post‐thaw sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity, assessed by SYBR‐14/PI and Hoechst 33258 stains, declined (p ≤ 0.05) with a corresponding increase (p ≤ 0.05) in sperm DNA damage, regardless of the extender type and packaging material. Spermatozoa frozen in lactose‐HEY‐G or lactose‐LPFo‐G extender showed lower (p ≤ 0.05) DNA damage than those frozen in the absence of cryoprotective substances. The addition of HEY or LPFo to the freezing extender helped reduce the rate of cryo‐damage to sperm DNA, which varied among the boars. Inter‐boar variations in post‐thaw DNA damage were more pronounced in sperm samples frozen in lactose‐HEY‐G or lactose‐LPFo‐G extender. The results of this study show that the freezing–thawing process affects the DNA integrity of boar spermatozoa, irrespective of the extender type and packaging material. Furthermore, the use of whole hen egg yolk and ostrich lyophilized lipoprotein fractions in the freezing extender gave similar results regarding sperm DNA integrity. It can be concluded that the neutral comet assay can be used in conjunction with routine sperm parameters for assessment of post‐thaw quality of boar semen.
Ultrasonographic and Gross Pathological Findings in the Mammary Glands of Weaned Sows Having Suffered Recidiving Mastitis Metritis Agalactia
Authors: Baer C , Bilkei G 
Published: November 2005

ContentsIn a large pig breeding herd with high prevalence of post‐parturient diseases of the sows, weaned sows of different parity groups with (n = 663) or without (n = 1125) recidiving mastitis metritis agalactia (MMA) in their previous history were subjected to ultrasonography. A total of 114 of 663 sows with recidiving MMA in their previous history and with ultrasonographic visible mammary gland changes, and 157 of sows without recidiving MMA in their previous history were culled and subjected to gross pathological and bacteriological examination of their mammary glands. The sows having suffered MMA had more (p < 0.001) hyperechogenic images in their mammary glands compared with the sow having suffered no recidiving MMA. Abdominal glands were more (p < 0.01) prone to pathological changes compared with the pectoral ones. Sows of high parity had more hyperechogenic images and gross pathological changes in their mammary glands compared with the sows of low parity.
Effect of Nutrition on Plasma Progesterone Levels, Metabolic Parameters and Small Follicles Development in Unstimulated Goats Reared Under Constant Photoperiod Regimen
Authors: Rondina D , Freitas VJF , Spinaci M , Galeati G 
Published: November 2005

ContentsSixteen local adult goats were submitted for 9 weeks to 2.09 (high group) and 0.54 (low group) × dietary maintenance respectively. During the experimental period, goats were weighed, oestrus was detected and plasma insulin, urea, non‐esterified fatty acids and progesterone concentrations were assessed. At the end of the experiment, ovarian small follicles population was studied by histological analysis. Final weight loss in low group was 18.37 ± 2.02%, whereas weight gain of high group was 13.84 ± 2.70%. Insulin and urea were lower in low group, while non‐esterified fatty acids were significantly higher. A lower number of fasted goats was in oestrus or ovulated and an extended length of oestrus (p < 0.05) and a higher frequency of short or long cycles (p < 0.05) were also observed. Fed animals showed heavier ovaries (p < 0.01) and a lower number of primordial follicles (p < 0.05). In restricted goats a significant qualitative alteration of follicle classes involved in the initiation process of primordial pool was found. In this phase, granulosa thickness and oocyte size were the most affected (p < 0.01). However in small follicles beyond the primary stage no differences were found between the groups in either number or qualitative characteristics (p > 0.05). Collectively, these results indicate that opposite dietary intakes for a medium period induce a composite reproductive response in goats and can regulate the early onset of follicle growth.
Small bowel volvulus among adults
Authors: HUANG JEN‐CHIEH , SHIN JENG‐SHIANN , HUANG YUE‐TING , CHAO CHE‐JEN , HO SHIH‐CHI , WU MING‐JER , HUANG TZ‐JEN , CHANG FON‐JEN , YING KUNG‐SHIH , CHANG LI‐PIN 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground:  To elucidate clinical experience associated with rare cases of small bowel volvulus among adults, we conducted a retrospective study.Methods:  From January 1993 to March 2003 inclusively, we reviewed the presentation and management of 19 patients featuring small bowel volvulus. All study‐included patients underwent surgical treatment to confirm their diagnosis. We also analyzed their signs, symptoms, radiological examination details, clinical course and surgical results.Results:  The mean age of the study‐included 19 patients (13 males, six females) was 61.3 years (range = 16–83 years). All patients suffering from small bowel volvulus were categorized as displaying either primary (no obvious predisposing factors) or secondary volvulus (specific predisposing anatomical abnormalities present). Among them, nine patients were categorized as having primary volvulus, and the remaining 10 were patients with secondary volvulus; this comprised one pregnancy, two malignant stromal tumors of the jejunum, six jejunal diverticula, and one adhesion band. Nine examples of volvulus occurred in the jejunum, four in the ileum, and six in both jejunum and ileum. There were five examples of a counter clockwise rotation of small bowel volvulus. Two patients exhibited bowel wall gangrene, both of whom died subsequent to surgery. The overall mortality rate was 11%.Conclusions:  Although small bowel volvulus is rarely seen among adults, when a patient presents with intestinal obstruction, the possibility of small bowel volvulus must be considered. Early surgical intervention should be undertaken in order to prevent vascular compromise.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Colorectal cancer surgical care and survival: do private health insurance, socioeconomic and locational status make a difference?
Authors: Hall Sonja E. , Holman C. D’Arcy J. , Platell Cameron , Sheiner Harry , Threlfall Timothy , Semmens James 
Published: November 2005

Background: The purpose of the present paper was to examine patterns of surgical care and the likelihood of death within 5 years after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, including the effects of demographic, locational and socioeconomic disadvantage and the possession of private health insurance.Methods: The Western Australian Data Linkage System was used to extract all hospital morbidity, cancer and death records for people with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer from 1982 to 2001. Demographic, hospital and private health insurance information was available for all years and measures of socioeconomic and locational disadvantage from 1991. A logistic regression model estimated the probability of receiving colorectal surgery. A Cox regression model estimated the likelihood of death from any cause within 5 years of diagnosis.Results: People were more likely to undergo colorectal surgery if they were younger, had less comorbidity and were married/defacto or divorced. People with a first admission to a private hospital (odds ratio (OR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16−1.48) or with private health insurance (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.14−1.42) were more likely to undergo surgery. Living in a rural or remote area made little difference, but a first admission to a rural hospital reduced the likelihood of surgery (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66−0.87). Residency in lower socioeconomic areas also made no difference to the likelihood of having surgical treatment. The likelihood of death from any cause was lower in those who were younger, had less comorbidity, were elective admissions and underwent surgery. Residency in lower socioeconomic status and rural areas, admission to a rural hospital or a private hospital and possession of private health insurance had no effect on the likelihood of death.Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that socioeconomic and locational status and access to private health care had no significant effects on surgical patterns of care in people with colorectal cancer. However, despite the higher rates of surgery in the private hospitals and among those with private health insurance, their survival was no better.
Salvage with supracricoid partial laryngectomy after radiation failure
Authors: Clark Jonathan , Morgan Gary , Veness Michael , Dalton Chris , Kalnins Inar 
Published: November 2005

Background:  Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) is an alternative to total laryngectomy (TL) for selected glottic and supraglottic carcinomas but its role in the setting of radiation failure is unclear. The aim of the present study was to present a series of patients with laryngeal cancer undergoing salvage surgery for local recurrence and examine the morbidity associated with this intervention.Methods:  A retrospective review of 111 patients presenting with laryngeal cancer between 1997 and 2002 was performed. A total of 21 patients with recurrent disease following radiation therapy were identified, of which salvage surgery was performed in 18 patients. Minimum follow up of survivors was 22 months.Results:  The 5‐year cumulative local control and disease‐specific survival was 76% and 85%, respectively. Surgical salvage consisted of TL in 12 patients and SCPL in six. The mortality and major morbidity rates for TL were 0% and 33%, and for SCPL they were 33% and 50%, respectively. Median length of hospital stay was similar in both groups (21 and 19 days). No patient undergoing SCPL developed recurrent disease at a median follow up of 19 months.Conclusions:  Supracricoid partial laryngectomy is an oncologically sound alternative to TL as salvage for radiation failure. The operative morbidity and potential for mortality is high in this setting.
Colorectal carcinoma among Indigenous people: a public hospital‐based study in Townsville and Cairns, North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Lu Ping‐Yan , Turner Richard , Roberts Val , Ho Yik‐Hong 
Published: November 2005

Introduction:  There are very little clinical and pathological data on colorectal cancer among Indigenous people in Australia.Methods:  A retrospective study on Indigenous patients treated for colorectal cancer at the Townsville and Cairns Base Hospitals from 1999 to 2004 was carried out in order to better characterise this disease in the Indigenous population.Results:  There were 25 patients (12 M, 13 F) with a median age of 57.3 years. The majority (56%) of the tumours were left‐sided, being in the sigmoid colon, rectosigmoid junction and rectum. Of the patients, 60% had American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system Stage I and II disease at presentation. There was a relatively high proportion of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (40%). Six patients died of the disease. The median follow‐up was 20.5 months (range 2−51).Conclusions:  Comparisons were made with available data on colorectal cancer in the general Australian population. The limitations and deficiencies of the study, as well as problems of data collection on Indigenous people were discussed.
Serum intact parathyroid hormone as a predictor of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy
Authors: Soon Patsy S. H. , Magarey Christopher J. , Campbell Peter , Jalaludin Bin 
Published: November 2005

Background:  Hypocalcaemia from hypoparathyroidism is a complication of total thyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to determine whether an early postoperative level of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) after total thyroidectomy predicts the development of significant hypocalcaemia and the need for treatment.Methods:  Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy had their serum level of intact PTH checked 1 h after removal of the thyroid gland. Serum calcium level was checked on the following morning. Oral calcium and/or calcitriol was commenced if the patient developed hypocalcaemic symptoms, or if the corrected serum calcium level was <2.0 mmol/L.Results:  Seventy‐nine patients were included in the present study. Thirteen patients had symptoms of hypocalcaemia on postoperative days 1 or 2 and 66 patients remained asymptomatic. The postoperative intact PTH, day 1 calcium and day 2 calcium was 0.32 ± 0.60 pmol/L, 2.01 ± 0.11 mmol/L, and 2.02 ± 0.16 mmol/L, respectively, for the symptomatic group and 1.98 ± 1.25, 2.21 ± 0.13, and 2.19 ± 0.14, respectively, for the asymptomatic group. Calcium support was given to 25 patients, of whom 14 also required calcitriol.Conclusion:  Serum PTH 1‐h after total thyroidectomy is a reliable predictor of hypocalcaemia and can allow safe early discharge of patients from hospital.