bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of incorporating small quantities of straw in grass/grass silage‐based diets for dairy cows
Authors: Ferris  , Patterson  , Gordon  , Kilpatrick  
Published: March 2003

Two studies were conducted to examine the effects of incorporating small quantities of straw in the diets of dairy cows. In Experiment 1, forty Holstein Friesian dairy cows were used in a 2 × 4 factorial design experiment, with factors examined consisting of two parities (primiparous and multiparous animals) and four levels of straw inclusion in the diet (0, 0·08, 0·16 and 0·24 of forage dry matter). The basal forage offered in this study was grass silage, and the primiparous and multiparous animals were supplemented with 9·0 and 11·0 kg concentrate d–1 respectively. In Experiment 2, forty‐eight Holstein Friesian dairy cows were used in a 2 × 3 factorial design experiment, with factors examined consisting of two basal forage types (grass silage and zero‐grazed grass) and three levels of straw inclusion (0, 1·0 and 2·0 kg d–1). All animals were offered 7·0 kg d–1 of a concentrate supplement. Both experiments were partially balanced changeover designs, consisting of two, 4‐week periods.In Experiment 1, the total dry‐matter intake followed a significant quadratic relationship (P < 0·05), increasing with low levels of straw inclusion and decreasing at higher levels of inclusion. With increasing levels of straw inclusion, there was a linear decline in milk yield (P < 0·001) and milk protein concentration (P < 0·05), but milk fat concentration was unaffected (P > 0·05).In Experiment 2, the effect of straw inclusion on total dry‐matter intake was quadratic (P < 0·001), with intakes being maximum at the 1·0‐kg level of straw inclusion. Milk yield exhibited a linear decrease (P < 0·001) with increasing level of straw inclusion. Milk fat concentration was lowest at the 1·0 kg rate of straw inclusion (P < 0·05), but milk protein concentration was unaffected by straw inclusion. There were no significant interactions between basal forage type and level of straw inclusion for any of the variables examined (P > 0·05).Despite small increases in total dry‐matter intake at a low level of straw inclusion, there was no evidence that straw inclusion improved either nutrient utilization or animal performance. The reduction in milk yield observed with straw inclusion reflects, to a large extent, a reduction in metabolizable energy intake.
The effect of Calluna vulgaris cover on the performance and intake of ewes grazing hill pastures in northern Spain
Authors: Osoro K. , Oliván M. , Celaya R. , Martínez A. 
Published: March 2003

The effect of the proportion of Calluna vulgaris cover on diet composition, intake and performance of sheep grazing hill vegetation communities in northern Spain is examined. A total of 591 non‐lactating Gallega ewes grazed for five consecutive grazing seasons (June to September) on replicated plots of hill pastures (1700 m.a.s.l.) composed principally of Festuca, Agrostis, Nardus and Calluna spp. but with different proportions of Calluna vulgaris cover, either 0·3 (C0·3) or 0·7 (C0·7) of the total area. In 1 year, twenty‐eight ewes suckling single lambs also grazed the plots. The mean stocking density over the 5 years was 8·7 ewes ha–1. On treatment C0·3, daily liveweight gains (33 g d–1) of non‐lactating ewes were significantly (P < 0·001) greater than on treatment C0·7 (12 g d–1). Likewise in lactating ewes the difference in mean daily liveweight change was 40 g d–1 (–5 vs. –45 g d–1 for C0·3 and C0·7 treatments respectively; P < 0·001). Liveweight gains of lambs were only 80–100 g d–1 from June to August and lambs only maintained live weight during August and September. The effect of lactational status on liveweight changes was not significant. Liveweight gains of non‐lactating ewes increased significantly (P < 0·001) from the first to the last year of the experiment on both treatments.The composition of the diet was significantly affected by treatment (P < 0·001), with a higher proportion of grass species on the C0·3 treatment and a higher digestibility of the diet in the first half of the grazing season (P < 0·001). The proportion of C. vulgaris in the diet was significantly (P < 0·001) higher on the C0·7 treatment and increased significantly (P < 0·001) from July to September on both treatments. There were no significant differences in the composition of the diet selected by lactating and non‐lactating ewes.The results demonstrate that on hill vegetation communities, in which the grass components (Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris, and Nardus stricta) cover at least 0·3 of the area and on which the preferred grass component (Festuca and Agrostis spp.) is maintained at a sward height of at least 2·5 cm, non‐lactating ewes can increase their live weight and body condition, but this increase is influenced by the proportion and quantity of species of grass in the diet, which is affected in turn by the species of grass available and their nutritive quality. However, ewes suckling lambs were not able to maintain their live weight and body condition except when Calluna cover was 0·3 and grass height was more than 3·5 cm.It is concluded that these indigenous vegetation communities can be used in sheep production systems to complement the use of improved pastures at other times of year. In particular, they can be utilized during the non‐lactating period (summer) to increase body condition before the beginning of the mating period in autumn.
Leaf dynamics of timothy and meadow fescue under Nordic conditions
Authors: Virkajärvi P. , Järvenranta K. 
Published: March 2003

Leaf production dynamics of timothy (Phleum pratense L. cv. Tarmo) and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds. cv. Kalevi) were studied in Finland under field conditions in mixed swards containing timothy, meadow fescue and red clover (Trifolium pratense L. cv. Björn) harvested by cutting. Fifteen randomly selected tillers of both species were marked and leaf number, leaf appearance rate (LAR), leaf elongation rate (LER), leaf senescence rate (LSR) and leaf live span (LLS) were followed through weekly observations. Concurrently another set of fifteen tillers of each species was dissected on each occasion to determine the number of unemerged leaves and development stage of the apex. The first observation period was between 26 April and 22 June and the second between 22 July and 22 September.The species differed clearly for most of the measured parameters but most differences were dependent on the season. In spring, timothy started growth earlier, had higher LAR (+57%), produced more leaves (+83%) with higher LERgross (+58%), higher LSR (+61%), higher LERnet (+54%) and produced larger tillers (+193% in leaf area) than meadow fescue. In autumn, timothy still had a higher LAR (+80%), produced more leaves (+60%) with higher LERgross (+36%), but had also a higher LSR (+77%) and thus similar LERnet (0%) to meadow fescue. Timothy tillers were only slightly larger than meadow fescue tillers (+20% in leaf area). The consequences of these findings on competition in mixed swards and implications for grazing theories are discussed.
Integrating models of relative abundance of species with the dry‐weight‐rank method for the botanical analysis of forest understorey vegetation
Authors: González‐Estrada E. , Fawcett R. H. , Herrero M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe objective of this work was to determine the applicability of the dry‐weight‐rank (DWR) method for evaluating the botanical composition of forest understorey vegetation. An analysis of plant species abundance was carried out, and instead of ranking the three most abundant species, as is commonly used, up to twelve ranks were scored. Concurrently, four models of relative abundance distribution (RAD) of species were compared for their ability to explain the abundance of species in the study area. The Power‐fraction model resulted in the best goodness‐of‐fit and it was subsequently used to produce the coefficients for the DWR method. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, the adjusted coefficient of determination, the residual standard deviation and Spearman's rank‐order correlation coefficient indicated a good performance of the DWR method. Biomass data and the Shannon index for diversity were also considered. Further analyses showed that there was a trade‐off between the number of ranks scored and the accuracy of the botanical composition produced by the DWR method. It is concluded that, so long as the RAD model that explains the distribution of plant species is known, the DWR method can be applied to forest understorey vegetation.
Fertility preservation in women with ovarian malignancy discovered at laparoscopy
Authors: Aharoni  , Levitan  , Condrea  , Zilberman  , Leibovitz  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of deferred surgery on fertility preservation in women with early ovarian malignancy discovered at laparoscopy.MethodsOver a 3‐year period, patients who had laparoscopic surgery for ovarian cysts underwent a defined protocol that included preoperative malignancy assessment, non‐spillage laparoscopic technique and frozen‐section histological determination. In a retrospective analysis, four cases of ovarian malignancy were found in reproductive age patients. Their staging laparotomy was deferred until after the final histological results were obtained. The avoidance of extensive surgery and achievement of pregnancy was considered to be a successful outcome.ResultsDeferring the staging laparotomy until after the final histological results informed us of the grading of the tumour and allowed us to avoid hysterectomy or removal of the contralateral ovary in cases of stage I, grade I tumours. Only one patient underwent hysterectomy. Two patients had wedge resection from the contralateral ovary, and one had bilateral ovariectomy. The latter three have already achieved pregnancy, including the patient with bilateral ovariectomy who had a successful IVF treatment with donor ova.ConclusionIn cases of ovarian malignancy discovered at laparoscopy, deferring the staging laparotomy till after the final histological results may give the opportunity of preserving fertility as well as that of scheduling a gynaecological oncologist for the operation.
Pregnancy following rollerball endometrial ablation
Authors: Opperman  , Browning  , Child  , Laverty  , Fraser  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo report a pregnancy occurring after rollerball endometrial ablation, and to review the literature in order to place this uncommon event in a clinical perspective.Case reportAn intrauterine pregnancy proceeded to a successful Caesarean delivery at term in a 43‐year‐old woman who conceived 33 months after a therapeutically effective rollerball endometrial ablation.World perspectiveSome 39 pregnancies following endometrial ablation have now been reported in the literature. Most (n = 27) of the known pregnancies have miscarried or been terminated. There has been one report of an ectopic pregnancy, and 11 pregnancies have proceeded beyond 20 weeks’ gestation. In the latter group the risk of obstetric complications is very high. Many pregnancies appear to have gone unreported.ConclusionComplete removal of the endometrium and complete obliteration of the tubal ostia cannot be guaranteed, and thus concurrent tubal interruption or continued contraception need to be considered for women proceeding to endometrial ablation.
Measurement of β‐hCG in cul‐de‐sac fluid vs. serum in the rapid detection of ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Bosteels Jan , Delattin Philippe , Van Boxelaer Jean Pierre , De Bruyn Marcel , Moerman Jan , De Vos Paul , Vermylen Paul 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveThis study was designed to assess the value of measuring the cul‐de‐sac fluid to serum β‐hCG ratio as a rapid test for the detection of ectopic pregnancy.Main outcome measureThe parameter chosen was the level of the β‐hCG in cul‐de‐sac fluid vs. that in serum (D/S ratio).DesignThis prospective controlled hospital‐based study included 53 patients. The control group was 25 patients, who were being treated with in vitro fertilization. Group A comprised 15 patients who had had an intra‐uterine miscarriage, histologically proven after suction curettage. Group B included 13 patients treated by laparoscopy for a histologically proven ectopic pregnancy. In each group β‐hCG was measured in both serum and cul‐de‐sac fluid and the appropriate D/S ratio was calculated.ResultsIn the control group the mean D/S ratio was 0.49 (SEM = 0.03). The mean D/S ratio in group A was 0.78 (SEM = 0.14). In group B the mean D/S ratio was 8.47 (SEM = 2.53). The differences in D/S ratio between the control group and group A were statistically significant (P < 0.05).The differences in D/S ratio between the control group and group B were statistically highly significant (P < 0.00001). Of more interest is the fact that the difference in the D/S ratio between group A and group B was also statistically highly significant (P < 0.0005).ConclusionThe D/S ratio for β‐hCG can be used as a rapid and reliable biochemical test to distinguish between eutopic and ectopic implantation in the pathological pregnancy.
Broken needle tip in Cooper's ligament: high occurrence rate with the EndostitchTM suturing device
Authors: Brölmann  , Ter Haar  , Scholten  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo study the frequency of needle breakage with the EndostitchTM needleholder while performing Burch laparoscopic colposuspension, and its consequences for patient and doctor.DesignA retrospective observational multicentred study, after selection of the centres by questionnaire.SettingThree general hospitals in the Netherlands with resident training facilities and special interest in endoscopic surgery.Subjects35 consecutive patients with genuine stress incontinence.InterventionLaparoscopic Burch colposuspension using the Endostitch needleholder.Main outcome measureNeedle complications and postoperative recovery.ResultsIn five patients (14%) six needles broke off in the Cooper's ligament. Four needle tips in three patients could not be located despite dissecting the ligament and intensive search, and were ultimately left in the patients. The recovery of all patients with and without needle complications was uneventful.ConclusionsThe Endostitch is designed for intracorporeal suturing and knot tying, but because of its shape it is not suited for suturing Cooper's ligament. Mesh stapling techniques save operating time, but result in foreign (mostly non‐absorbable) material being left in the patient and the stability of the suspension in the longer term is not yet established. At the present time, conventional suturing and knot tying seem to be preferable in laparoscopic suspension procedures, as they lead to more similarity between the laparoscopic method and the ‘open’ approach whose efficacy is well accepted.
Comparison between suction curettage, transvaginal sonography and hysteroscopy for the diagnosis of endometrial polyp
Authors: Maia Hugo , Maltez Amelia , Calmon Luis C. , Marques Dilson , Oliveira Maíta , Coutinho Elsimar 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of suction curettage, hysteroscopy and transvaginal sonography in the diagnosis of endometrial polyps in both pre‐ and postmenopausal patients.SettingThe study was carried out in a private hospital with facilities for endoscopic surgery.DesignComparative clinical study involving different techniques for the diagnosis of endometrial polyps in pre‐ and postmenopausal patients.Subjects74 patients with endometrial polyps.InterventionsPatients with abnormal transvaginal sonograms were submitted to diagnostic hysteroscopy to confirm the presence of polyps. A suction curettage using a 4‐ or 5‐mm Karman curette was carried out after hysteroscopy to obtain fragments of polyps for pathological examination. Polypectomy followed by endometrial resection was performed using the 27F resectoscope after the uterine cavity was aspirated using an 8‐mm Karman curette.ResultsThe percentage of positive histopathological diagnoses of endometrial polyps was low whenever suction curettage was performed with a 4‐mm curette. The value increased to 80% when the 5‐mm curette was used to sample the uterine cavity in patients with a hysteroscopic diagnosis of polyps. The 8‐mm suction curette was effective in removing large fragments of polyps prior to polypectomy in all cases.ConclusionSuction curettage can be used to diagnose endometrial polyps in over 80% of patients, if curettes with diameters equal to or greater than 5 mm are used. Use of suction cannulae of less than 4 mm in diameter leads to the diagnosis of endometrial polyps being missed in 90% of cases.
Finding of an unsuspected endometrial stromal sarcoma by hysteroscopic endometrial resection
Authors: Hansen Ulla D. , Lund Claus O. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveCase report of unexpected finding of an endometrial stromal sarcoma.SubjectA 34‐year‐old patient, admitted with irregular menstrual bleeding despite oral contraception.InterventionsAn ultrasonic scan showed an intrauterine fibroma‐like tumour. The finding was confirmed at hysteroscopic endometrial resection. Histological examination of the resected fragments showed low grade stromal sarcoma. Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed.ConclusionsWe draw attention to endometrial stromal sarcomas and stress the importance of histological examination of tissue resected from the endometrium.
Laparoscopic ilioinguinal nerve injury
Authors: Parker Jim , Hayes Chris , Wong Felix , Carter Jonathan 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo report a case of laparoscopic ilioinguinal nerve damage due to direct trauma from a secondary trocar placed in the right iliac fossa.DesignCase report and literature review.SettingTertiary referral hospital in an Australian city.ConclusionPatients with ilioinguinal neuralgia present significant diagnostic and management problems. This report highlights the need for gynaecologists to have a knowledge of the anatomical relations of the inguinal nerves in the lower abdominal wall, so that iatrogenic injury can be avoided.
Laparoscopic lymph node dissection
Authors: Mettler Liselotte 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveLaparoscopic lymph node dissection in the treatment of endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancer, endoscopic axillary dissection in breast cancer and endoscopic inguinal dissection in vulval cancer are surgical techniques that have been developed over the last 10 years. The careful investigation of this endoscopic field in selected cases of gynaecological malignancy was attempted in a combined study. It is the aim of the present paper to assess the endoscopic possibilities of lymphadenectomy while observing the same oncological principles as the laparotomy approach. Endoscopic surgical techniques may give patients a better quality of life within the treatment of their malignant condition.DesignClinical retrospective evaluation.SettingThe study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Kiel, Germany and at the Oncological Centre in Warsaw, Poland.Subjects60 patients were treated by endoscopic lymphadenectomy, and 38 of these were treated for endometrial cancer stages I and II according to the FIGO (International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) classification.InterventionsEndoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomies and laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomies (LAVH) were performed.Main outcome measuresEase of performance of pelvic lymphadenectomies, and number of lymph nodes obtained compared with laparotomy.ResultsAn average of 14 nodes per patient was removed. There were no complications.ConclusionsThe surgical approach to patients with endometrial cancer has changed. After laparoscopic surgical staging of endometrial cancer, the combined laparoscopic and vaginal surgical approach to treatment is possible, in properly selected patients by well‐trained surgeons. Lymphadenectomy and LAVH seem to be optimal surgical techniques for the treatment of endometrial cancer.
Case report of ovarian transposition and review of literature
Authors: Hart Roger , Sawyer Elinor , Magos Adam 
Published: March 2003

ObjectivePelvic radiotherapy is frequently used to treat pelvic tumours in premenopausal women. As there is a high probability of premature ovarian failure in this situation, ovarian repositioning is often required. This can now be done laparoscopically. We aimed to develop a modified technique that maintained the relationship between the ovaries and the fallopian tubes for potential future conception without the requirement for further surgery.SettingA teaching hospital.SubjectAn 18‐year‐old girl with a medulloblastoma who after craniectomy required craniospinal irradiation. To avoid ovarian irradiation she was referred to our unit for ovarian transposition.InterventionAt the time of laparoscopic surgery the utero‐ovarian ligaments were divided and the ovaries were sutured as a unit to the psoas muscle without distortion of the fallopian tube.ResultAfter surgery, X‐ray examination revealed that the lateral displacement of the right ovary was insufficient and consequently the procedure was repeated on this side. The patient's gonadotrophin levels remained in the premenopausal range after surgery.ConclusionOvarian transposition that maintains the relationship between the ovaries and fallopian tubes can be achieved by laparoscopic surgery.
Microlaparoscopy using an optical Veress needle inserted at Palmer's point
Authors: Okeahialam Majella G. , O'Donovan Peter J. , Gupta Janesh K. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo avoid vascular and visceral injury in a patient undergoing laparoscopic adhesiolysis and known to have extensive intra‐abdominal adhesions.DesignAn optical Veress needle was used to establish pneumoperitoneum under direct vision through Palmer's point. Safe sites were identified for the insertion of the secondary trocars.ResultSatisfactory laparoscopic adhesiolysis was performed without any complications.ConclusionMicrolaparoscopy using an optical Veress needle inserted through Palmer's point seems to be a safe technique for avoiding laparoscopic injury when extensive adhesions are suspected.
Gross bilateral haematosalpinges presenting 5 years following endometrial resection
Authors: Narayansingh Gordon V. , Parkin David E. , Dillon Philip 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo report a case of large bilateral haematosalpinges presenting 5 years following transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE).MethodsThe clinical, radiological, biochemical, surgical and histopathological course of a 46‐year‐old woman who presented with a 3‐month history of colicky lower abdominopelvic pain 5 years after TCRE were reviewed.ResultsClinical and sonographic findings demonstrated an immobile abdominopelvic mass with sigmoid colon compression. The CA125 was 567 U l−1. These features were highly suggestive of ovarian carcinoma. At laparotomy large bilateral haematosalpinges were found. The lower three‐quarters of the uterine cavity was obliterated with marked distension of both cornua superiorly.ConclusionThe finding of haematosalpinges following TCRE resulted from retrograde cyclical bleeding of the spared cornual endometrium and was considered to be a long‐term complication of this procedure.