bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Sperm Parameters and Fertility of Bull Semen Extended in Biociphos‐Plus® and Triladyl®
Authors: Gil J , Januskauskas A , Håård MCh , Håård Mgm , Johanisson A , Söderquist L , Rodriguez‐Mártinez H 
Published: March 2003

ContentsTwenty ejaculates from five dairy AI‐bulls were used to compare, in a split‐sample experiment, the fertility [56 day‐non‐return‐rate (NRR) from more than 14000 AI) and sperm viability post‐thaw of semen diluted with an egg yolk‐ (Triladyl®) or soybean‐based (Biociphos‐Plus®) commercial extender. The in vitro evaluations were divided in two experiments. Experiment 1 (n = 20) included post‐thaw evaluations of motility (subjective and computerized), membrane integrity (CalceinAM/EthD‐1, SYBR‐14/PI, and osmotic resistance test; ORT), and capacitation status (CTC/EthD‐1). Experiment 2 (n = 10) included evaluations of the capacitation‐(CTC/EthD‐1) and acrosome status (FITC‐PSA/EthD‐1) during incubation with/without a challenge with solubilized zona pellucida proteins (SZP). No significant difference in the fertility (69.1 ± 0.8 versus 69.2 ± 0.8) results was found between the two extenders. In experiment 1, the computerized motility evaluations post‐thaw (CASA) showed higher values for Biociphos‐Plus® processed semen for the velocity patterns and lateral sperm head displacement. After 6 h at room temperature (20–22°C) all the CASA motility patterns were significantly higher for Biociphos‐Plus®. The proportion of spermatozoa with intact membranes assessed by CalceinAM was significantly higher in Biociphos‐Plus® (p < 0.001) compared to Triladyl®, but such difference was not seen when using SYBR‐14 or the ORT‐assay. When using the CTC/EthD‐1 assay, a lower proportion of acrosome reacted (AR) spermatozoa post‐thaw (p < 0.01) was found in Biociphos‐Plus® processed semen, as well as a tendency (p < 0.07) for a higher number of uncapacitated spermatozoa. In experiment 2, the proportion of uncapacitated spermatozoa was significantly higher for Biociphos‐Plus® when semen was incubated (38°C and 5% CO2) without SZP at both 0 (p < 0.001) and 30 min (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, Triladyl® showed a higher percentage of capacitated spermatozoa at 0 (p < 0.01), 30 (p < 0.05) and 120 min (p < 0.05). A higher (p < 0.05) incidence of AR‐spermatozoa was seen in Triladyl® at the beginning of the incubation with SZP. No significant difference between extenders was detected for the acrosome status by the FITC‐PSA‐assay. Incubation with SZP induced acrosome reaction of capacitated spermatozoa in both extenders, which was detected by CTC and FITC‐PSA assays. In conclusion, fertility was not affected by Biociphos‐Plus® when 15 × 106 of spermatozoa per AI dose were inseminated. The finding that higher frequencies of spermatozoa seemed more membrane stable post‐thaw, when frozen in Biociphos‐Plus®, might indicate that this extender better protects the sperm viability compared with Triladyl®.
Comparative Analysis of Protein Synthesis, Transcription and Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation of mRNA during Maturation of Bovine Oocytes in vitro
Authors: Tomek W , Torner H , Kanitz W 
Published: March 2003

ContentsIn many species, large numbers of macromolecules are accumulated during oocyte growth. The messenger and ribosomal RNAs produced in these cells are far in excess of those necessary to support protein synthesis. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the processes of translational regulation during meiotic maturation. The relationship between transcription, translation and polyadenylation of mRNA during in‐vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes was investigated. The results presented here show that overall protein synthesis is stimulated during meiotic maturation (approximately three times) concomitantly with the onset of germinal vesicle breakdown after 6 to 10 h of IVM. However, in metaphase II, the incorporation of [35S]methionine into proteins showed only basal levels, as in the germinal vesicle (GV) stage. Furthermore, in the course of IVM, de‐novo transcription strongly declines as determined by measuring the incorporation of [3H]uridine into RNA. In contrast to this finding, the incorporation of [3H]adenosine increased and showed a peak during the time interval from 6 to 10 h of IVM, parallel with the onset of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and translation. In the further course of maturation, only a moderate decrease of [3H]adenosine incorporation was observed. These results indicate that (i) translation increased at the time of GVBD; (ii) these processes were accompanied by polyadenylation of mRNA; and (iii) although transcription declines, polyadenylated mRNA is accumulated until metaphase II (as shown by poly(U)‐hybridization), in which protein synthesis is low. The correlation of these processes is discussed here. A detailed knowledge of the biochemical and molecular processes which occur during oocyte maturation can be useful for the improvement of IVM conditions.
Assessment of Suitable Porcine Semen for Freezing, According to the Ejaculate Characteristics in the Iberico × Landrace Breed
Authors: Gosálvez LF , Valdelvira JJ , Vidal A , Alvariño JMR 
Published: March 2003

ContentsA total of 35 ejaculates were studied in order to assess the suitability of porcine semen for freezing according to the ejaculate characteristics. The effects of the freezing procedure were identified; a decrease in motility and acrosome quality was found after thawing. The best results on motility were linked to the ejaculates with a volume of less than 100 ml of the sperm‐rich fraction, a concentration lower than 450 × 106 spermatozoa/ml and an agglutination score below 2. However, the best normal apical ridge (NAR) was found when the volume of the sperm‐rich fraction was greater than 150 ml. For this reason, an intermediate volume of the sperm‐rich fraction of the ejaculate for the best motility and the best NAR, a concentration lower than 450 × 106 spermatozoa/ml and a rate of agglutination below 2 should provide the best quality after freezing. This study also attempted to determine whether a positive effect of ejaculate selection on the overall freezing performance might be expected.
Cell‐specific Distribution of Progesterone Receptors in the Bovine Ovary
Authors: Van den Broeck W , D'haeseleer M , Coryn M , Simoens P 
Published: March 2003

ContentsThis study describes the localization of progesterone receptors (PR) in the bovine ovary. Ovaries were obtained from 11 non‐pregnant and two pregnant cows. Progesterone receptors were visualized by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections. Nuclear staining for PR was observed in cells of the follicles, corpora lutea, theca layers, surface epithelium, tunica albuginea, and in superficial and deep stroma cells. No staining was noticed in apoptotic bodies of atretic follicles. Expression of PR in follicle cells indicates an intrafollicular role of progesterone. The higher expression in thecal cells compared with follicle cells indicates that thecal cells mediate some effects of progesterone on the follicular development. Superficial stroma cells showing high expression might have a similar influence on primordial and primary follicles. In general, luteal cells had a lower expression than follicle cells, which may be explained by the down‐regulatory effect of locally produced progesterone. The lower expression in luteal cells during pregnancy can be due to the longer life span of this corpus luteum and concomitant degeneration of its PR. The high and rather constant expression of PR in cells of the surface epithelium remains to be elucidated.
Improving the Reproductive Efficiency, Pregnancy Diagnosis and Monitoring the Resumption of Luteal Activity in Indigenous Damascus Goats
Authors: Al‐Merestani MR , Zarkawi M , Wardeh MF 
Published: March 2003

ContentsSeventy‐five female Damascus goats aged between 1.5 and 5.5 years were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intravaginal sponges and prostaglandin analogue on oestrous synchronization and fecundity; to diagnose pregnancy and to monitor the resumption of the luteal activity. Females were divided randomly, during the breeding season, into three equal groups, S, P and C. Females in group S were fitted with sponges containing 45 mg of flugestone acetate (FGA) for 14 days and injected with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) at the sponge withdrawal. Females in group P were given two injections of prostaglandin F2α analogue at 11‐day intervals, whereas females in group C (control) received no treatment. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in oestrous exhibition between females in group S as compared with those in groups P and C, with means being 30 ± 10, 172 ± 115 and 217 ± 75 h for groups S, P and C, respectively. Kidding rates resulting from the first and all matings were 80 and 88, 52 and 88, and 68 and 80% for groups S, P and C, respectively. Fecundity rates were 215, 175 and 180% for groups S, P and C, respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the S and both P and C groups. Using an ultrasound pregnancy detector performed on days 57 ± 3 after mating, positive pregnancy diagnosis was 93.3% and 100% for non‐pregnancy. Females in the control group showed functional corpus luteum starting in September. It is concluded that FGA sponges plus PMSG treatment could be successfully used to synchronize oestrus and improve fecundity; whereas prostaglandin treatment was not effective to synchronize oestrus. It is also concluded that pregnancy can be diagnosed accurately and successfully using an ultrasound pregnancy detector. In addition, ovarian activity in the Damascus goat in Syria resumes in September.
Quality improvement projects: Finding a pathway through policies
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Horsfall Jan 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: It is increasingly common for mental health nurses to develop and implement quality improvement and/or research projects. The requirement that these activities be conducted in accordance with local, state and national policy; organizational accreditation frameworks; and within ethical frameworks is daunting. This paper aims to define relevant terms, relate some of the competing demands to each other and outline a pathway for developing nurse‐based quality‐related projects. When a specific exemplar is required, protocols from Central Sydney Area Mental Health Service will be drawn upon as it is likely that policy developed in this health area will not be significantly different to that of other health areas in New South Wales and other Australian States.
The experience of nursing home life
Authors: Fiveash Barb 
Published: March 2003

Fiveash B. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1998; 4: 166–174 The experience of nursing home life This study explored the articulate resident’s experience of nursing home living. Using an ethnographic approach, data was collected through progressive, in‐depth, open‐ended interviews and participant observation from two 80‐bed nursing homes in New South Wales. Employing purposeful sampling, eight key informants were selected concurrent with data collection and analysis according to the adequacy of information and appropriateness of subjects. Four major themes emerged from the data: (i) against my will, (ii) living in a public domain, (iii) cultural implications of living with others, and (iv) the impact of nursing home residency. Findings indicate that whilst some residents find the experience acceptable, for others the experience is both constraining and dehumanising.
On reflection in action: Unaddressed issues in refocusing the debate on reflective practice
Authors: Clinton Michael 
Published: March 2003

Clinton M. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1998; 4: 197–202 On reflection in action: Unaddressed issues in refocusing the debate on reflective practice Reflective practice is now widely debated as a means of improving nursing practice. However, assumptions about reflective practice are rarely clarified and seldom subjected to critique. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to take up Clarke, James & Kelly’s suggestion that limits to the scope and depth of reflection be considered. This is achieved by reflecting on what these authors claim it means to reflect in action. Four arguments are presented: (i) that nurses cannot be conscious of all aspects of nursing practice because there are aspects of practice that cannot be represented in consiousness, (ii) that those aspects of practice that can be represented in consciousness can be so only imperfectly, (iii) that all such representations are not reflexive, and (iv) that any representation in the form of an internal dialogue that could be regarded as reflection is overdetermined. Implications for reflexivity are then considered.
Pb, Nd, and Sr isotopic constraints on the origin of Miocene basaltic rocks from northeast Hokkaido, Japan: Implications for opening of the Kurile back‐arc basin
Authors: Ikeda Yasuo , Stern Robert J. , Kagami Hiroo , Sun Chih‐Hsien 
Published: March 2003

AbstractLate Miocene (7–9 Ma) basaltic rocks from the Monbetsu‐Kamishihoro graben in northeast Hokkaido have chemical affinities to certain back‐arc basin basalts (referred to herein as Hokkaido BABB). Pb‐, Nd‐ and Sr‐isotopic compositions of the Hokkaido BABB and arc‐type volcanic rocks (11–13 Ma and 4–4.5 Ma) from the nearby region indicate mixing between the depleted mantle and an EM II‐like enriched component (e.g. subducted pelagic sediment) in the magma generation. At a given 87Sr/86Sr, Hokkaido BABB have slightly lower 143Nd/144Nd and slightly less radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb compared with associated arc‐type lavas, but both these suites are difficult to distinguish solely on the basis of isotopic compositions. These isotopic data indicate that while generation of the Hokkaido BABB involves smaller amounts of the EM II‐like enriched component than do associated arc lavas, Hokkaido BABB are isotopically distinct from basalts produced at normal back‐arc basin spreading centers. Instead, northeast Hokkaido BABB are more similar to basalts erupted during the initial rifting stage of back‐arc basins. The Monbetsu‐Kamishihoro graben may have developed in association with extension that formed the Kurile Basin, suggesting that opening of the basin continued until late Miocene (7–9 Ma).
Predictors of surgical outcomes
Authors: NELSON HEIDI 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe foundation of surgical decision‐making has always been the risk‐to‐benefit ratio. Traditionally, the risks of complications and death, predicted by comorbid conditions, have been balanced against the benefits of disease management; that is, relief of symptoms or prevention of disease‐related complications. Increasingly, patient preference and quality‐of‐life outcomes are entering into the decision‐making process even at the price of modest increases in risk. In addition, the role of the surgeon as a predictor of outcomes has come under close scrutiny and has been demonstrated as having an effect on a number of important surgical outcomes. In the future, our methods for analyzing and reporting surgical outcomes will have to accommodate new predictors.
Plasma levels of mevalonate and 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one in chronic liver disease
Authors: Yoshida Tadashi , Honda Akira , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Shoda Junichi , Abei Masato , Tanaka Naomi , Osuga Toshiaki 
Published: March 2003

Background and Aims: Cholesterol levels in blood tend to be preserved despite hepatic impairment, in contrast to albumin levels and other markers of liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). We reported previously that the levels of plasma mevalonate (MVA) and 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one (7α3one) closely reflect hepatic synthetic rates of cholesterol and bile acids. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hepatic cholesterogenesis and bile acid synthesis in hepatocellular impairment using these indices.Methods: The plasma indices were measured in patients with LC (n = 38) or chronic hepatitis (CH; n = 11) and in normal controls (n= 22). The severity of LC was assessed by the Child–Pugh score.Results: There were no significant differences in plasma MVA levels between CH, LC and control groups. However, plasma 7α3one levels were significantly lower in LC than in CH and control groups (P < 0.01). While MVA levels did not correlate with the Child–Pugh score, there was a significant correlation between 7α3one level and Child–Pugh score (P < 0.005). The plasma 7α3one level in controls correlated positively with MVA levels (P< 0.01); however, there was no significant correlation between these indices in CH and LC.Conclusion: In chronic liver disease, there was a tendency for hepatic cholesterogenesis to be sustained in the face of hepatocellular impairment, while bile acid synthesis declined in parallel with the severity of impairment.
Findings and benefit of liver biopsies in 46 patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Piratvisuth Teerha , Siripaitoon Pisud , Sriplug Hutcha , Ovartlarnporn Bancha 
Published: March 2003

Aims: The aim of this work is to evaluate the role of liver biopsy and to determine the histological findings in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have abnormal liver function tests (LFT). Methods: We performed a percutaneous liver biopsy in 46 HIV‐seropositive patients with abnormal LFT. Parts of biopsied tissue were used for bacterial and fungal culture and the rest was processed for histological examination including special staining. Results: Of these 46 patients, 41 patients were males and five were females. The median age was 31 ± 6 years. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most common histological finding (15 cases). Of 15 tuberculosis patients, 11 (73.3%) had lymphadenopathy and positive acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) in node aspiration or biopsy. The other findings included AFB‐negative granuloma (eight cases), histoplasmosis (six cases), cryptococcosis (six cases), penicillosis (four cases), viral hepatitis: hepatitis C virus (HCV; one case), hepatitis B virus and HCV infection (one case), fatty liver (two cases), drug‐induced hepatitis (one case) and non‐specific changes (five cases). There were double infections in three patients. We were able to demonstrate opportunistic infections in 41 cases (89.3%). Conclusions: Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most common histological finding in HIV patients with abnormal LFT in Thailand. Liver biopsy was a useful procedure in evaluating abnormal LFT in HIV patients.
Genotyping as a diagnostic aid in genetic haemochromatosis
Authors: Rossi Enrico , Henderson Sandra , Chin Christine , Olynyk John , Beilby John , Reed William , Jeffrey Gary 
Published: March 2003

Background: Two mutations in a newly described gene, HFE, have been proposed as genetic markers for the inherited iron overload disease, genetic haemochromatosis. Methods: We assessed the frequency of both mutations in a cohort of genetic haemochromatosis patients and compared these with a control population. The patients were genetic haemochromatosis patients from Western Australia whose diagnosis met strict criteria for phenotypic expression. Control patients had other liver disease where iron overload was excluded. Results: Genomic DNA of 72 genetic haemochromatosis patients and 69 controls was examined for the C282Y and H63D mutations of the HFE gene using polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction enzyme digestion. In genetic haemochromatosis patients, the C282Y mutation was homozygous in 64 of 72, giving a sensitivity of 89% (95% confidence interval 82–96%), heterozygous in five (7%) and absent in another three (4%), whereas none of the control subjects were homozygous. The H63D mutation was present in one genetic haemochromatosis patient and was not useful as a diagnostic marker. In this cohort of Western Australian patients with phenotypic expression of genetic haemochromatosis, the specificity of a homozygous C282Y mutation for genetic haemochromatosis was 100%. Conclusions: The results indicate that genotyping for the C282Y mutation is a useful test for the diagnosis of genetic haemochromatosis in clinical practice.
CASE REPORT: Hepatocellular carcinoma in type 1a glycogen storage disease with identification of a glucose‐6‐phosphatase gene mutation in one family
Authors: Nakamura Toshifumi , Ozawa Takachika , Kawasaki Tsunehisa , Yasumi Kazuhiko , Wang Dong‐Yu , Kitagawa Mutsuo , Takehira Yasunori , Tamakoshi Katsutoshi , Yamada Masami , Kida Hideo , Sugie Hideo , Nakamura Hirotoshi , Sugimura Haruhiko 
Published: March 2003

Abstract A 40‐year‐old man with glycogen storage disease type 1a (von Gierke disease, GSD1a) developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cold single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) with 12% glycerol identified the G727T mutation in the glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) gene, which has been reported to be the most common mutation in Japanese GSD1a patients. This case report is the first documentation of HCC in a case with G727T mutation. Given the prevalence of HCC in GSD1a with various germline mutations, analysis is needed to confirm that the germline mutation in this case is really related to hepatocarcinogenesis. DNA analysis of the family pedigree of this case, revealed three individuals with GSD1a and seven heterozygous carriers of the G727T mutation. As the diagnosis of GSD1a in this family was made only after these three patients reached adulthood, DNA diagnosis may help early identification of GSD1a patients and prevention of the progression of the disease. This DNA‐based diagnosis permits prenatal diagnosis in at‐risk patients and may facilitate screening and counselling of patients clinically suspected of having this disease.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd
Cardiopulmonary dysfunction in cirrhosis
Authors: Liu Hongqun , Lee Samuel 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Cirrhosis is associated with several circulatory abnormalities. These include hyperkinetic systemic and splanchnic circulation, hepatopulmonary syndromes including pulmonary hypertension, and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Hepatopulmonary syndrome generally refers to hypoxaemia seen in patients with chronic liver disease and appears to be relatively common, although often subclinical. However, significant pulmonary hypertension occurs in 0.2–0.7% of cirrhotic patients. Nitric oxide and/or other vasodilators appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome through induction of pulmonary capillary dilatation which increases the alveolar‐arterial oxygen gradient. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy refers to abnormal left ventricular function which is manifested under conditions of physiological or pharmacological stress. The emergence of liver transplantation as an effective treatment for end‐stage liver disease has led to recognition of previously subclinical cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure accounts for significant morbidity and mortality after this procedure. Diminished myocardial β‐adrenergic receptor function has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of this condition. The contributions of other factors including nitric oxide, catecholamines and membrane fluidity changes are under investigation. Cirrhotic patients also have an increased incidence of other cardiac abnormalities, such as endocarditis and pericardial effusions.© 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd