bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences of families when a relative is diagnosed brain stem dead: understanding of death, observation of brain stem death testing and attitudes to organ donation
Authors: Ormrod J. A. , Ryder T. , Chadwick R. J. , Bonner S. M. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBrain stem death may be a difficult concept for relatives to understand. Our ITU practice follows published recommendations that the use of explanatory leaflets showing CT scans and observing brain stem death testing in some cases may help relatives to understand that death has occurred. Using this strategy, we interviewed 27 relatives 12 months after bereavement following certification by brain stem testing, investigating their understanding of brain stem death, subsequent attitudes to organ donation, grief reactions and attitudes of those who had observed the tests. Most relatives understood that the brain stem death tests indicated that survival was not possible, although three relatives had not fully understood this and valued the opportunity to discuss it again. Only five relatives observed the tests, all were pleased that they had done so as this had confirmed their understanding that death had occurred; however, these relatives had more evidence of psychological distress. No relatives who agreed to organ donation regretted this but three who did not allow donation subsequently expressed regret. Several relatives thought that observing the tests would have helped them to understand that death had occurred, making easier the decision to allow organ donation.
Effect of remifentanil with and without atropine on heart rate variability and RR interval in children
Authors: Tirel O. , Chanavaz C. , Bansard J. Y. , Carré F. , Ecoffey C. , Senhadji L. , Wodey E. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryRemifentanil can cause bradycardia either by parasympathetic activation or by other negative chronotropic effects. The high frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability (HRV) is a marker of parasympathetic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of remifentanil on RR interval and on HRV in children. Forty children ASA I or II were studied after approval by the human studies committee and informed parental consent was obtained. After stabilisation at sevoflurane 1 MAC, they were randomly divided into two groups: one received a 20 μg.kg−1 atropine injection (AT + REMI) and the other ringer lactate solution (REMI). Three minutes later, a 1 μg.kg−1 bolus of remifentanil was administered over 1 min, followed by a continual infusion at 0.25 μg.kg−1.min−1 for 10 min increased to 0.5 μg.kg−1.min−1 for a further 10 min. A time varying, autoregressive analysis of RR sequences was used to estimate classical spectral parameters: low (0.04–0.15 Hz; LF) and high (0.15–0.45 Hz; HF) frequency, whereas the root mean square of successive differences of RR intervals (rmssd) was derived directly from the temporal sequence. Statistical analyses were conducted by means of the multiple correspondence analysis and with non parametrical tests. Remifentanil induced an RR interval lengthening, i.e. bradycardia, in both groups compared to pretreatment values and was associated with an increase of HF and rmssd only for the REMI group. The parasympathetic inhibition by atropine did not totally prevent remifentanil's negative chronotropic effect. A direct negative chronotropic effect of remifentanil is proposed.
Comparison of xenon‐based anaesthesia compared with total intravenous anaesthesia in high risk surgical patients*
Authors: Bein B. , Turowski P. , Renner J. , Hanss R. , Steinfath M. , Scholz J. , Tonner P. H. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryXenon, a noble gas with anaesthetic and analgesic properties, has gained renewed interest due to its favourable physical properties which allow a rapid emergence from anaesthesia. However, high costs limit its use to a subset of patients who may benefit from xenon, thereby offsetting its costs. To date, there are only limited data available on the performance of xenon in high risk patients. We studied 39 patients with ASA physical status III undergoing aortic surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to either a xenon (Xe, n = 20) or a TIVA (T, n = 19) group. Global cardiac performance and myocardial contractility were assessed using transoesophageal echocardiography, and myocardial cell damage with troponin T and CK‐MB. Echocardiographic measurements were made prior to xenon administration, following xenon administration, and after clamping of the abdominal aorta, after declamping and at corresponding time points in the TIVA group. Laboratory values were determined repeatedly for up to 72 h. Data were analysed using two‐way anova factoring for time and anaesthetic agent or with ancova comparing linear regression lines. No significant differences were found in global myocardial performance, myocardial contractility or laboratory values at any time during the study period. Mean (SEM) duration of stay on the ICU (xenon: 38 ± 46 vs. TIVA 25 ± 15 h) or in hospital (xenon: 14 ± 12 vs. TIVA 10 ± 6 days) did not differ significantly between the groups. Although xenon has previously been shown to exert superior haemodynamic stability, we were unable to demonstrate an advantage of xenon‐based anaesthesia compared to TIVA in high risk surgical patients.
Analysis of recessive lethality on swine chromosome 6 in a Göttingen miniature resource family
Authors: Mikawa S. , Kishi H. , Ogawa H. , Iga K. , Uenishi H. , Yasue H. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryPreviously, we reported recessive gene(s) that terminate fetal development on swine chromosome (SSC) 6 between SW855 and SW122. The affected alleles originated from a Göttingen miniature pig used for construction of a Göttingen miniature pig × Meishan resource population. However, it is not known when the gene(s) are activated during fetal development, which is one of the important factors in selecting candidate genes responsible for fetal death. In the present study, a second swine population consisting of 159 progeny was produced by mating pigs carrying the deleterious allele(s). This population allowed us to narrow the genetic region harbouring the affected gene(s) and to demonstrate that the region was confined between RYR1 and SW782 (5.7 cM on the National Institute of Animal Industry (NIAI) map and 100 cR on the INRA/University of Minnesota porcine radiation hybrid panel map). In order to determine when the affected gene(s) are activated and in turn terminate fetal development, embryos produced in the second population were collected at several development stages and genotyped for markers in the region. Genes in the homozygous state affected embryo development between 9 and 11 days post‐coitus.
Analysis of public single nucleotide polymorphisms in commercial pig populations
Authors: Kollers S. , Mégy K. , Rocha D. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryMore than 5500 pig single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were recently identified and deposited in the public domain. To test the usefulness of these public SNPs, 109 SNPs were analysed for polymorphism within six commercial pig populations. A functional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was obtained for 103 SNPs and it was possible to validate c. 59% by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. Furthermore, polymorphism was found using a relatively limited number of genomic DNA samples, indicating that these polymorphisms are segregating at a useful frequency in these populations. The high percentage of validated markers demonstrates the utility of these public pig SNPs to identify loci responsible for economically important traits in commercial pig populations.
High‐resolution typing for chicken BF2 (MHC class I) alleles by automated sequencing
Authors: Livant E. J. , Ewald S. J. 
Published: September 2005

SummarySequence‐based typing (SBT) was developed for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II alleles in humans. We report here the development and application of a SBT method for alleles of the chicken BF2 locus (the more polymorphic of the two MHC class I loci in chickens). Exon 2 of the BF2 gene was selectively amplified from genomic DNA using a BF2 locus‐specific PCR primer. Exon 2 sequences were sufficient to identify the 21 distinct BF2 alleles described in standard B haplotypes of Leghorns and in commercial broiler‐breeder lines. Sixty‐six samples from MHC typed, pedigreed chickens were tested, including 50 different heterozygous combinations. BF2 sequences from all B homozygotes were successfully amplified, and all combinations of BF2 alleles in heterozygotes were co‐amplified equally. The two different BF2 alleles in heterozygotes could be identified unambiguously by distinct sequence motif patterns. In tests of samples of unknown B genotype in commercial broiler‐breeder flocks, we identified expected BF2 alleles as well as an allele not previously encountered in one of the lines.
Mapping of plumage colour and blood protein loci on the microsatellite linkage map of the Japanese quail
Authors: Miwa M. , Inoue‐Murayama M. , Kayang B. B. , Vignal A. , Minvielle F. , Monvoisin J. L. , Takahashi H. , Ito S. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe objective of this work was to map classical markers (plumage colours and blood proteins) on the microsatellite linkage map of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The segregation data on two plumage colours and three blood proteins were obtained from 25 three‐generation families (193 F2 birds). Linkage analysis was carried out for these five classical markers and 80 microsatellite markers. A total of 15 linkage groups that included the five classical loci and 69 of the 80 microsatellite markers were constructed. Using the BLAST homology search against the chicken genome sequence, three quail linkage groups, QL8, QL10 and QL13, were suggested to be homologous to chicken chromosomes GGA9, GGA20 and GGA24, respectively. Two plumage colour loci, black at hatch (Bh) and yellow (Y), and the three blood protein loci, transferrin (Tf), haemoglobin (Hb‐1) and prealbumin‐1 (Pa‐1), were assigned to CJA01, QL10, QL8, CJA14 and QL13, respectively.
Whole‐genome scan to detect QTL for milk production, conformation, fertility and functional traits in two US Holstein families
Authors: Schnabel R. D. , Sonstegard T. S. , Taylor J. F. , Ashwell M. S. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryA genome scan was conducted in two US Holstein half‐sib families to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting milk production and conformation traits using the granddaughter design. The sires of the two studied families were related as sire and son and had 96 and 212 sons respectively. A total of 221 microsatellite loci were scored in both families. Statistical analysis was performed using two different analytical methods; half‐sib least squares regression and Bayesian Monte Carlo Markov Chain. Traits analysed included five traditional milk production traits, somatic cell count, daughter pregnancy rate, male fertility and 20 conformation traits. A total of 47 tests achieved at least genome‐wise significance. However, results from the two methods of analysis were only concordant for QTL location and level of significance in eight instances.
Prandial regulation of ghrelin secretion in humans: does glucagon contribute to the preprandial increase in circulating ghrelin?
Authors: Soule Steven , Pemberton Chris , Hunt Penny , Cole David , Raudsepp Sara , Inder Warrick 
Published: September 2005

SummaryObjective  Glucagon secretion is stimulated by fasting and inhibited postprandially, a pattern that mimics the secretory profiles of both ghrelin and GH. We thus hypothesized that glucagon may be a determinant of the changes in circulating ghrelin and GH that occur in relation to meals. The objective of the study was to explore this hypothesis by determining the ghrelin and GH response to a bolus of glucagon or saline in healthy subjects.Subjects and measurements  Nine healthy volunteers, mean age 47 years (range 33–58) and body mass index (BMI) 24 kg/m2 (range 20·9–27·6) were recruited and received either 1 mg glucagon (n = 9) or 1 ml saline (n = 6) subcutaneously on separate days between 0800 and 0830 h after an overnight fast. Venous blood was then sampled at 15‐min intervals during the first hour, followed by 30‐min intervals up to 4 h for glucose, insulin, GH, cortisol, somatostatin and ghrelin.Results  Mean ± SE basal ghrelin was 213·1 ± 34·3 pmol/l and decreased significantly by 15 min after glucagon administration to 179·3 ± 28 pmol/l (P = 0·01), then remaining suppressed relative to the basal value until 240 min after glucagon. Plasma insulin increased from a basal value of 46·7 ± 7·7 pmol/l to a peak of 327·1 ± 54·9 pmol/l (P < 0·0001). There was an inverse statistical relationship between the increase in insulin over the first 120 min and the decrease in ghrelin (P = 0·005), while somatostatin, GH and glucose were not significant contributors to the decrease in ghrelin (P > 0·05). Mean ± SE basal GH was 7·3 ± 2·9 µg/l and increased by 150 min after glucagon to a peak of 20·5 ± 6·8 µg/l (P = 0·006). Changes in neither ghrelin nor glucose were related to the increase in GH (P = 0·7). Saline administration did not produce any significant change in ghrelin, insulin or somatostatin although the expected diurnal reduction in cortisol (P < 0·05) was observed.Conclusions  Our study found no evidence that glucagon stimulates ghrelin secretion in humans and supports the hypothesis that insulin is a negative regulator of ghrelin secretion in the postprandial state. We did not find a negative relationship between endogenous somatostatin and ghrelin despite earlier reports that exogenously administered somatostatin analogues suppress plasma ghrelin. Finally, glucagon‐induced GH secretion is not mediated by an increase in plasma ghrelin.
Bone loss in males with ankylosing spondylitis: its relation to sex hormone levels
Authors: Aydin Teoman , Karacan İlhan , Demir Saliha Eroglu , Sahin Zerrin 
Published: September 2005

SummaryObjective  Osteoporosis is a common complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of the present study was to assess the association of sex hormone levels with bone loss in males with AS.Design  A cross‐sectional study.Patients  The study group consisted of 58 male patients with primary AS. The mean age was 38·2 years (range 18–59 years).Measurements  Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in the left proximal femur. Serum FSH, LH, total testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), oestradiol (E2) and progesterone levels were measured.Results  Bone loss was observed in 54·5% of cases at the femoral neck and in 52·3% of cases at the trochanter and total hip. Bone loss was found in 40 (69%) cases in at least one of these three regions. Serum DHEAS was low in 12 (30·8%) of the cases with bone loss, and one (5·9%) of those without (P = 0·043). The ratio of serum T/DHEAS was higher in those with bone loss (5·24 ± 3·70) than in those without (3·58 ± 3·16) (P = 0·026).Conclusions  The results showed that bone loss might be related to low serum DHEAS levels in males with AS.
Electron backscattered diffraction characterization technique for analysis of a Ti2AlNb intermetallic alloy
Authors: WYNICK G. L. , BOEHLERT C. J. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThis investigation was conducted to ascertain the benefits of electropolishing after mechanical polishing for electron backscattered diffraction of a Ti2AlNb intermetallic Ti−21Al−29Nb (at.%) alloy containing the orthorhombic (O) and body‐centered‐cubic (BCC) phases. Electropolishing was performed at −40 °C in 6% H2SO4 methanol solution. Atomic force microscopy was used to measure the surface topography in attempt to correlate nano‐scale surface roughness with electron backscatter diffraction pattern quality. The results suggest that mechanically polishing with colloidal silica (SiO2) or alumina followed by electropolishing is a sufficient surface preparatory technique for producing quality electron backscattered diffraction patterns for O + BCC microstructures. However, poor pattern quality results after mechanically polishing without electropolishing. High‐quality orientation maps for O‐dominated O + BCC microstructures were only possible through mechanical polishing followed by electropolishing. The data also suggest that surface roughness, on the order of 50 nm, has less effect on pattern quality than subsurface deformation. Overall, removing the near‐surface damage was more critical than reduction of topography.
Stage‐extension device for transmission light microscopes
Authors: KERN M. A. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryFor routine applications, more and more professional microscope users have removed the slide holders from their transmission light microscopes and frequently look over their histological specimens by moving them manually on the microscope stage. This method allows the operator to scan the specimen quickly under survey magnification and thus helps to save time. However, when using detail magnification, moving the sample by hand is simply not precise enough. This drawback becomes particularly evident with photo‐documentations or video demonstrations. Here I describe an innovative stage‐extension device that allows quick movement of the slide by hand as well as precise positioning of the specimen by using the micrometre fine adjustment of the coaxial stage‐drive mechanism.
Image‐based determination of chord lengths in air‐dried lungs
Authors: ROSENTHAL F. S. , BEGUM Z. A. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryAn image‐based method was developed in order to determine chord lengths in sections of dog and sheep lungs air‐dried at 25 cm H2O transpulmonary pressure. To facilitate image processing, optical contrast in the sections was optimized with respect to section thickness, stain type, stain concentration, staining temperature, staining time and clearing method. Digital processing of images used standard procedures, e.g. thresholding, dilation and thinning, as well as algorithms written to subtract background, delete spots and measure chord lengths. Correlation of image‐based vs. manual determination of mean chord length in 17 sections from a sheep lung, stained for optimal contrast yielded an R2 of 0.82 (P < 0.0001). For 95 sections from three dog lungs, stained with lower contrast, R2 was 0.65 (P < 0.0001). Weaker correlations were observed between image‐based and manual determinations of the standard deviation, the geometric standard deviation, and the 95th percentile of chord lengths (P < 0.05). The results show that image‐based stereology of inflated air‐dried lungs can provide valid measures of mean chord length and other statistics of chord length distribution.
Sex Allocation in a Colobine Monkey
Authors: Ostner Julia , Borries Carola , Schülke Oliver , Koenig Andreas 
Published: September 2005

AbstractIn polygynous, sexual dimorphic species with higher variance in male reproductive success compared with females, females are expected to invest more heavily in sons than daughters within the constraints imposed by their physical condition (Science 1973; 179:90). Mothers in good condition, usually those of high rank, should produce more sons than females in poor condition or of low rank. We investigated sex allocation and sex‐biased maternal investment in a population of wild Hanuman langurs using rank and group size as approximations of female physical condition. Our results show that reproductive costs of sons were higher with both significantly longer interbirth intervals following male births and longer lactational periods for sons. Not in all groups did analyses of rank‐dependent sex allocation reveal the expected pattern of high‐ranking mothers producing more sons. However, sex ratio was significantly influenced by group size, with females from larger groups, i.e., in worse physical condition, producing a daughter‐biased sex ratio. In fact, only females of population‐wide superior physical condition can be expected to produce sons, because in Hanuman langurs males disperse and compete population‐wide. Thus, our results support the Trivers–Willard model and may explain the mixed evidence accruing from studies of single groups. We present a graphical model of how group size and dominance‐related differences in energy gain may influence sex allocation under different competitive regimes relative to overall resource availability. Tests of adaptive sex allocation models should consider whether reproductive competition of the preferred sex takes place primarily within a group or within the population.
Effects of Male Vocal Learning on Female Behavior in the Budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus
Authors: Hile Arla G. , Burley Nancy Tyler , Coopersmith Carol B. , Foster Valerie S. , Striedter Georg F. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractParrots are unusual among birds and animals in general in the extent of their ability to learn new vocalizations throughout life and irrespective of season. The budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), a small parrot that is well suited for laboratory studies, has been the subject of numerous studies investigating the neurobiology of vocal learning. To date, few studies have focused on the function of vocal imitation by parrots. Previous work from our research group has shown that vocal imitation in budgerigars is sex‐biased, as males paired with females learn vocalizations from their new mates, but not vice versa. This bias led us to hypothesize that vocal learning has a reproductive function. To test this hypothesis, we conducted two experiments. In the first experiment, we tutored males so that they could produce a call similar to one shared by a group of experimental females. The experimental females were then presented with one of the tutored males and another, equally unfamiliar, male that had not been tutored. We found that the females spent a greater proportion of time in proximity of, and made more affiliative displays toward, the tutored males. In the second experiment, seven males received small bilateral brain lesions that disrupt vocal learning. These males and an equal number of control males were then released into an aviary containing females and reproductive resources. We found that lesioned and control males were equally successful in obtaining social mates, but females mated to lesioned males were more likely to engage in extra‐pair activities. These experiments indicate that a male's ability to imitate a female's call can influence the sexual behavior of the female even though lack of imitation ability does not appear to influence social pairing. We hypothesize that mate choice in budgerigars has multiple stages. Upon meeting a strange male, a female quickly assesses its ability for social acquisition of calls by the presence or absence of a call type similar to its own in its repertoire. As courtship proceeds into pair formation, the female assesses the ability of male to learn more directly by the extent of the male's perfection of imitation.