bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moist‐Soil Plants as Ecohydrologic Indicators for Recovering the Flood Pulse in the Illinois River
Authors: Ahn Changwoo , White David C. , Sparks Richard E. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract The hydrologic regime of the Illinois River has been substantially altered by locks and dams, floodplain levees, water diversion, and development of the watershed over the past 100 years. The natural flood pulse, a fundamental rhythm to which the plants and animals of both the river and its floodplain had adapted, has been disrupted. State, federal, and non‐governmental organizations are currently trying to naturalize the Illinois floodplain‐river system. Little, however, is known about how to recover those elements of the flood pulse essential to the native biota. In this study we propose moist‐soil plants, whose life history is dependent upon flood pulsing, as ecohydrologic indicators of the flood pulse. We explain how moist‐soil plants are supported by the natural flood pulse and present a conceptual framework that links the flooding regimes of the river and the reproductive success of the plants. Successful germination and full growth of moist‐soil plants can be a useful indicator for optimum naturalization of flood regimes. The framework also shows how the interdisciplinary linkages between hydrology, ecology, and spatial analysis assist in predicting, measuring, and comparing consequences of alternative naturalization scenarios. A new ecohydrologic parameter, lowest elevation for successful moist‐soil plant production, is presented.
Factors Controlling Vegetation Establishment and Water Erosion on Motorway Slopes in Valencia, Spain
Authors: Bochet Esther , García‐Fayos Patricio 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn semiarid Mediterranean areas, the widespread environmental impact caused by the construction of motorways, railways, and pipelines has created an increasing need for effective restoration. We examined the influence of slope characteristics on vegetation and water erosion on 71 motorway slopes in a semiarid Mediterranean region. Specifically, we studied the effect of slope angle, type (roadfill vs. roadcut) and aspect (north vs. south) on soil properties, vegetation cover, species richness, floristic composition, and water‐caused erosion. Temporal dynamics of soil water content was monitored and related to the soil water potential in order to explain possible differences in vegetation cover between slope types. The main factors influencing vegetation on motorway slopes were the angle, type, and aspect of the slope. Vegetation was almost completely lacking on roadcuts with slopes greater than 45°. On gentler slopes, vegetation cover was 44–78% on roadfills but did not reach 10% on roadcuts, regardless of aspect. The main soil properties affected by the slope type and aspect were the organic matter content, soil available P, and water content. Rill erosion, gully erosion, and mass movement were all significantly higher on roadcuts than roadfills. A total of 308 spontaneous colonizers and seeded species were recorded. The type and aspect of the slope also controlled species composition. The short duration of available water in the soil with respect to soil water potential proved to be a limiting factor to plant colonization on roadcuts and south‐facing slopes as well as the low soil fertility in the case of roadcuts. Our results underscore the difficulty of revegetating slopes with angles greater than 45°, where the probability of seeds moving downhill is high. Future efforts should focus on increasing the surface roughness or building terraces at regular intervals in order to reduce slope angle to less than 45° and favor seed trapping and germination. On gentler slopes, adjusting of seed mixes according to dominant species associated with each slope type and aspect should improve considerably the success of roadside revegetation.
Influence of selected hydrocolloids on triticale starch rheological properties
Authors: Korus Jarosław , Juszczak Lesław , Witczak Mariusz , Achremowicz Bohdan 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe aim of the study was to define the influence of selected nonstarch polysaccharides (guar gum, xanthan gum and arabic gum) on several rheological properties of triticale starch pastes/gels, at constant polysaccharide concentration (6.5 g/100 g). These included pasting characteristics, flow curves at 50 °C and mechanical spectra at 25 °C. It was found that the presence of a gum in a system modified the rheological properties of triticale starch gels/pastes, depending on the type and concentration of the gums. In the case of guar and xanthan gums, higher pasting viscosity was observed and the shear stress was increased compared with native starch. The presence of guar gum reduced the degree of thixotropy hysteresis, negative values for this being found for systems with xanthan in spite of their shear‐thinning behaviour. Systems containing arabic gum displayed lower values of pasting and flow viscosity. The type and concentration of gums added to the polysaccharide influenced the viscoelastic properties of the gels.
Effect of high‐temperature setting on gelling characteristic of surimi from some tropical fish
Authors: Benjakul Soottawat , Visessanguan Wonnop , Chantarasuwan Chakkawat 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe effect of setting at 40 °C on the textural properties and the changes in myofibrillar proteins in surimi produced from threadfin bream (Nemipterus bleekeri), bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus), barracuda (Sphyraena jello) and bigeye croaker (Pennahai macrophthalmus) was investigated. An increase in the time of setting generally resulted in higher breaking force and also the deformation of both suwari and kamaboko gels. Maximum increases in gel‐breaking force were obtained in 1 h for threadfin bream, 2 h for bigeye snapper, 1.5 h for barracuda and 3 h for bigeye croaker. Extended setting time caused decreases in breaking force and deformation in all surimi, except that produced from bigeye croaker. Gel strengthening was associated with an increase in non‐disulphide covalent bond formation. Degradation of proteins occurred with prolonged setting. Therefore, setting at 40 °C for an appropriate time is a promising means to improve the gelling property of surimi produced from tropical fish.
Werner‐type metal complexes of potato starch
Authors: Ciesielski Wojciech , Tomasik Piotr 
Published: May 2004

SummaryIt was shown that potato starch formed Werner‐type complexes. In these complexes a metal atom is ligated by the lone electron pairs of hydroxyl groups from d‐glucose units and phosphate groups in starch. Acetate, chloride and nitrate were counter‐ions to the transition metal atoms. The metal cations bound preferentially to the phosphoric acid moiety of amylopectin, but secondarily they were co‐ordinated by the hydroxyl groups of the d‐glucose units. This resulted in the formation of clathrate cages in which a significant number of the water molecules were trapped. Such structures were able to co‐ordinate further metal cations. Only Mn(II) and Co(II) ions, with acetate counter‐ions, neither formed clathrate cages nor were co‐ordinated by the hydroxyl groups of the d‐glucose of starch.
Viability and activity of bifidobacteria in yoghurt containing fructooligosaccharide during refrigerated storage
Authors: Akalın Ayşe Sibel , Fenderya Serap , Akbulut Necati 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe viability of yoghurt bacteria and two commercial strains of bifidobacteria was assessed in either yoghurt containing chicory fructooligosaccharide (FOS) or without any prebiotic, during 28 days storage at 4 °C. All the products showed a decrease in the viable count of yoghurt bacteria and bifidobacteria during storage. Numbers of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus decreased faster than those for Streptococcus thermophilus. The viability of bifidobacteria in yoghurt was affected by the strain type and the presence of FOS. Bifidobacterium animalis exhibited better stability in the yoghurt than B. longum. The recommended level of 1 million cells was exceeded for B. animalis throughout storage. The highest viable number of bifidobacteria (3.59–2.25 × 107 CFU g−1) was obtained in the product containing B. animalis and FOS. Viability of B. longum in yoghurt containing FOS remained above 106 CFU g−1 for up to 21 days, whereas this level was maintained for only 7 days for that organism in yoghurt without any prebiotic.
d‐Lactic Acidosis in Calves as a Consequence of Experimentally Induced Ruminal Acidosis
Authors: Gentile A. , Sconza S. , Lorenz I. , Otranto G. , Rademacher G. , Famigli‐Bergamini P. , Klee W. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryIn order to test the hypothesis that ruminal drinking in calves can lead to d‐lactic metabolic acidosis, ruminal acidosis was induced in nine calves by intraruminal application of untreated whole milk via a stomach tube. The amount of the daily force‐fed liquid was 3 × 1 l. The experimental design called for an end of intraruminal applications if two or more of the following signs were observed: severe depression, estimated degree of dehydration >10%, absence of sucking reflex, lack of appetite for two consecutive feedings, severe metabolic acidosis with calculated Actual Base Excess (ABE) <−15 mmol/l. The procedure was scheduled to be discontinued on the 17th day of experiment. The onset of ruminal acidification occurred rapidly, and mean pH value fell from 6.70 (±0.48) to 4.90 (±0.38) after the first application. The following days the pH values varied between 4 and 5. Rumen acidity was characterized biochemically by a significant increase in both isomers of lactic acid. The effects of the intraruminal administration on the calves were detrimental; eight of nine calves showed an acute disease process. According to the pre‐established clinical standard, seven of nine calves were removed from the intraruminal feeding schedule. All but one of the calves developed severe systemic acidosis. The increase in anion gap demonstrated the net acid load. In all the calves d‐lactate levels were found to show a significant and rapid increase. On the contrary, l‐lactate never deviated from physiological levels. These observations confirm that, in young calves as in adult cattle, ruminal acidosis may lead to a clinically manifested d‐lactic metabolic acidosis.
Hypothyroid Goitre in a Ram: Chemical Analysis gives Indirect Evidence for a Structurally Altered Type of Ovine Thyroglobulin
Authors: Sipos W. , Miller I. , Fountoulakis M. , Schmoll F. , Patzl M. , Schwendenwein I. , Rapp E. , Taxacher A. , Gemeiner M. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe thyroglobulin of a ram of the East Friesian milk sheep breed suffering from goitre was investigated by physico‐ and immunochemical methods. The respective ram was the only animal amongst the other sheep of the flock, that exhibited severe goitre, additionally showing depressed behaviour. Results of the thyroid‐stimulating hormone response test were indicative of hypothyroidism. The dysfunction of the thyroid gland could be treated by additional iodine supplementation quite successfully, although all sheep had been given iodinated cattle salt throughout the course of the history. Without reducing conditions sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) of isolated thyroglobulin molecules of the ram and control sheep did not reveal different band patterns, but under reducing conditions different band patterns were evident for the respective animals: the ram's thyroglobulin displayed two main bands, those of healthy reference sheep only one. Both bands reacted equally with anti‐thyroglobulin antibodies, even with those produced by immunizing rabbits with single bands. The reduced single thyroglobulin band of healthy sheep corresponded to a truncated form of that molecule, whereas the additional main band of the ram was a more resistent, intact thyroglobulin subunit, as was shown by mass spectrometry. In conclusion, results of physico‐ and immunochemical investigations gave evidence of a modification of thyroglobulin with suspected different iodine binding properties in the ram. The latter finding may have clinical relevance in similar cases in other species, as it is an example of the impact that a minor change in a protein molecule may have on a complete metabolic pathway. Additionally, it could be shown, that in the ovine species the generally found single main band of thyroglobulin after reduction is a truncated form and not an intact subunit. This truncation seems to be induced in vitro by the reductive sample pretreatment prior to SDS‐PAGE.
Effect of Energy Density in the Diet and Milking Frequency on Plasma Metabolites and Hormones in Early Lactation Dairy Cows
Authors: Andersen J. B. , Friggens N. C. , Larsen T. , Vestergaard M. , Ingvartsen K. L. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe effects of energy density in the diet [low = 0.86 SFU/kg dry matter (DM) or high = 1.06 SFU/kg DM] and daily milking frequency (two or three times) in early lactation on plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones were evaluated in 40 Holstein dairy cows arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial block design. The four treatment combinations were L2, L3, H2 and H3, and the experimental period comprised the first 8 weeks of lactation. Plasma glucose, insulin and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I concentrations were on average 8 (3.43 versus 3.19 mmol/l), 114 (41.6 versus 19.4 pmol/l) and 60% (91.9 versus 57.4 ng/ml) higher, whereas β‐hydroxybutyrate (BOHB), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were on average 18 (0.73 versus 0.89 mmol/l1), 14 (7.18 versus 8.35 mmol/l), and 63% (1.0 versus 2.6 ng/ml1) lower for cows fed diet H than for cows fed diet L. Cows milked three times daily had a 6% (3.20 versus 3.42 mmol/l) lower plasma glucose concentration and a 19% (0.88 versus 0.74 mmol/l1) higher plasma concentration of BOHB compared with cows milked two times daily. Plasma non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration was not affected by either treatment. Overall, it is concluded that increasing the daily milking frequency creates a higher metabolic imbalance in early lactation. Cows in early lactation will benefit from receiving a high energy density diet and thereby avoid a too high metabolic imbalance when mobilizing body tissue in support of milk production.
Histopathological Effects of Boldenone in Cattle
Authors: Groot M. J. , Biolatti B. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryHistopathology of male cattle previously found positive for béta‐boldenone in urine in the Netherlands and in Italy was studied. The animals were derived from practice and several weeks had passed after the finding of béta‐boldenone before the animals were examined. The animals consisted of 34 male veal calves and one finishing bull. In the prostate gland hypersecretion, cyst formation (45%) and hyperplasia of the urethral epithelium was observed, in the bulbo‐urethral gland similar alterations were present. The testis showed reduced development and degeneration of the germinal epithelium (70%), leading to debris and syncytial cell formation in the lumina. Stromal proliferation was evident. In some animals the liver was sampled and showed periportal fibrosis, bile duct proliferation and sometimes necrosis. The bull also showed degeneration of the germinal epithelium of the testis and absence of sperm production, the prostate gland showed some secretion and had an atrophic appearance. It is concluded that béta‐boldenone may lead to degeneration of the germinal epithelium of the testis and hypersecretion and cyst formation in the prostate and bulbo‐urethral gland, which alterations may heal in time.
Addition of montelukast versus double dose of inhaled budesonide in moderate persistent asthma
Authors: YILDIRIM Zeki , OZLU Tevfik , BULBUL Yilmaz , BAYRAM Hasan 
Published: May 2004

Background:  Although current guidelines suggest the use of inhaled corticosteroids as the first line therapy in persistent asthma, the concerns about high‐dose corticosteroids may limit their usage. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of inhaled budesonide plus oral montelukast versus a double dose of inhaled budesonide.Methodology:  Thirty patients with moderate asthma took part in the study. Following a 2‐week run in period, the patients were randomized into two groups to receive 400 µg/day of inhaled budesonide plus 10 mg/day of montelukast (BUD + M group) or 800 µg/day of inhaled budesonide (high BUD group). The patients were evaluated at 2‐week intervals (during a total treatment period of 6 weeks) for symptom scores, asthma exacerbations, lung function, use of short‐acting β2 agonist, blood eosinophil counts and adverse events.Results:  At the end of the study, morning and daytime symptom scores were significantly reduced within the groups. Although there was a significant decrease in the frequency of short‐acting β2 agonist use in the BUD + M group, the decrease in the high BUD group was not significant. During the study period, no patient in either group experienced an asthma exacerbation. Blood eosinophil levels significantly declined in both the BUD + M (0.87 ± 0.31%) and high BUD groups (0.67 ± 0.29%) as compared with baseline levels (BUD + M = 2.60 ± 0.65%, high BUD group = 2.60 ± 0.47%; P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Our results suggest that the addition of montelukast to low‐dose inhaled budesonide is as effective as a double dose of inhaled budesonide in asthma control.
Protease inhibitor phenotypes and serum alpha‐1‐antitrypsin levels in patients with COPD: A study from Hong Kong
Authors: KWOK Janette S. Y. , LAWTON John W. M. , YEW Wing Wai , CHAU Chi Hung , LEE Joseph , WONG Poon Chuen 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  Many studies have suggested that an imbalance of protease activation and inhibition might result in COPD with emphysema. Levels of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (α1‐AT), the key protease inhibitor, are genetically determined by alleles that present in many phenotypes/subtypes, some of which are associated with deficiency of the protein. We prospectively evaluated the prevalence of the protease inhibitor (Pi) alleles and phenotypes together with the serum α1‐AT levels in Chinese patients with COPD.Methodology:  The study population comprised 356 patients with COPD. The male‐to‐female ratio was 4 : 1 with a mean age of 72.4 years (range 44–93 years). Isoelectric focusing was used for Pi phenotyping/subtyping. The frequencies of Pi alleles and phenotypes were compared with the frequencies in 1085 healthy unrelated Chinese control subjects. The serum α1‐AT levels were measured by the Cobas Fara assay.Results:  PiZ was not detected. No significant difference in distribution of PiM phenotypes/subtypes between patients with COPD and healthy controls was observed, except for M1M3 and M2M3. There was also a significant difference in the proportion of variant S and F alleles between the disease group and the control population.Conclusion:  The low prevalence of deficiency Pi phenotypes/subtypes suggests a lack of contribution of α1‐AT deficiency to the pathogenesis of COPD in Chinese patients. The strategy of launching an α1‐AT deficiency detection program among COPD patients, based on the recommendation of the World Health Organization, may not be readily applicable in our local setting.
Long‐term effectiveness of an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program for elderly COPD patients: Comparison between young‐elderly and old‐elderly groups
Authors: KATSURA Hideki , KANEMARU Akiko , YAMADA Kouichi , MOTEGI Takashi , WAKABAYASHI Ritsuko , KIDA Kozui 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  To evaluate the long‐term effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in elderly COPD patients, we monitored patients for 1 year after they completed a 2‐week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program. We also compared the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on young‐elderly (age 65–74 years) and old‐elderly (age 75 years or over) COPD patients.Methodology:  Fifty‐nine elderly COPD patients (mean age 72.8 years) were studied. They underwent a comprehensive 2‐week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program incorporating 10 exercise sessions, each of which included endurance training of the lower extremities, peripheral muscle conditioning training of the upper and lower extremities, and stretching, along with various education sessions. The effects of pulmonary rehabilitation were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after completion of the program.Results:  Overall, patient health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) as assessed by a QoL scale, and dyspnoea as assessed by an oxygen cost diagram, improved significantly over the 12‐month period. Exercise capacity assessed by a 6‐min walking distance test (6MWD) was similarly significantly improved. However, there was some fall‐off in terms of the distance walked 12 months after pulmonary rehabilitation. The improvements in exercise capacity, dyspnoea, and HRQoL did not differ between the two groups, with the exception that the 6MWD (P < 0.01) and the QoL scale (P < 0.05) at 3 months post‐pulmonary rehabilitation were significantly higher in the old‐elderly group.Conclusions:  Pulmonary rehabilitation is an effective treatment in terms of improving dyspnoea, exercise capacity and HRQoL in elderly COPD patients, and the benefits are almost comparable for young‐elderly and old‐elderly patients.
Outcome of coronavirus‐associated severe acute respiratory syndrome using a standard treatment protocol
Authors: LAU Arthur Chun‐Wing , SO Loletta Kit‐Ying , MIU Flora Pui‐Ling , YUNG Raymond Wai‐Hung , POON Edwin , CHEUNG Thomas Man‐Tat , YAM Loretta Yin‐Chun 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  There is so far no consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for the coronavirus‐associated severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We aimed to analyse the outcomes of a standard treatment strategy comprising antibiotics, a combination of ribavirin, a 3‐week step‐down course of corticosteroids, and the possibility of pulsed methylprednisolone rescue in the event of deterioration.Methodology:  This was a prospective cohort study performed at a major public‐funded hospital in Hong Kong. Eighty‐eight World Health Organisation/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention probable cases of SARS (97% laboratory‐confirmed) were treated with a standard protocol previously reported. Seventy‐one patients treated de novo were analysed in detail with regard to time to clinical stabilization after combination treatment, requirement of additional therapy (pulsed methylprednisolone; assisted ventilation); and final outcomes (recovery, mortality).Results:  The mean age was 42. Twenty‐one patients (24%) had comorbidities. Three of 71 treated de novo recovered with antibiotics alone. The remaining 68 received combination treatment at a mean of 5.8 days after symptom onset, of whom 30 subsequently required pulsed methylprednisolone rescue (independent predictors: older age and higher LDH) and 18 required assisted ventilation (independent predictors: older age, higher oxygen requirement and creatinine level). Their median time to clinical stabilization was 8.0 days after combination treatment (independent predictor for longer time to stabilization: median age of 41 or above). Common complications were hyperglycaemia (58%), pneumo‐mediastinum/thoraces (13%), psychiatric manifestations (7%) and ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2%). One patient (1%) died of SARS‐related respiratory failure. All‐cause mortality was 3.4%, occurring in patients aged > 65 years only. None of the discharged survivors required continuation of oxygen therapy.Conclusions:  This standard treatment protocol resulted in overall satisfactory outcomes. Randomized controlled trial is suggested to confirm its efficacy.