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Biomedical subjects

Paul Smith

Publications and source records attributed to Paul Smith.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Ruminosignatures associated with methane emissions and feed efficiency across geographies and cattle breeds.

The cattle rumen microbiota represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem whose organization and relationship to host phenotypes are important for food security and environmental sustainability. We analyzed rumen microbiota profiles from 2496 cattle representing five breeds and production systems across five countries, identifying microbial co-abundance groups termed Ruminosignatures. We detected 14 distinct Ruminosignatures, including 2 observed across all populations dominated by Prevotella and UBA2810. Additional Ruminosignatures showed breed- and diet-specific patterns and collectively explained 96%-99% of variance in rumen microbial composition. Integrative cross-country analysis confirmed 10 out of 14 Ruminosignatures identified in cohort-specific analyses. Several Ruminosignatures were associated with methane emissions and feed efficiency traits and were partially under host genetic control, with heritability estimates ranging from 0.09 to 0.58. Structural equation modeling revealed consistent negative genetic and phenotypic correlations between the UBA2810-dominated Ruminosignature (RS_UBA2) and methane emissions across cohorts (rg = -0.40 to -0.65), with structural coefficients concordant in sign across all populations, supporting the expected direction of phenotypic response to selection on RS_UBA2. Meta-analysis confirmed positive associations of RS_UBA2 with average daily gain and negative associations with methane-related traits and feed conversion ratio. Functional genome-based predictions suggested RS_UBA2 may reduce methanogenesis through alternative hydrogen utilization pathways competing with methanogenic archaea. Production system type influenced both Ruminosignature occurrence and relationships with host phenotypes, emphasizing the relevance of context-specific strategies for microbiome modulation. Our findings highlight the potential of the Ruminosignatures framework for microbiome-informed breeding programs aimed at improving feed efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of cattle production.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Effects of degree of enzymatic interesterification on the physical properties of margarine fats: solid fat content, crystallization behavior, crystal morphology, and crystal network.

In this study enzymatic-interesterified margarine fats with different conversion degrees were produced in a packed-bed reactor. The effects of conversion degree on the formation of free fatty acids and diacyglycerols, solid fat content, crystallization behavior, microstructure, and crystal network were investigated, and the enzymatically interesterified products were compared with a chemically interesterified product. Formation of free fatty acids and diacyglycerols increased slightly with increasing conversion degree. The solid fat content was higher at 10 and 20 degrees C and lower at 30, 35, and 40 degrees C with increasing conversion degree. Increased conversion degree from the blend to products, measured by X-ray with addition of 50% of rapeseed oil for dilution, caused the content of beta to decrease from 100% to 33%, and 30% and eventually to pure beta' crystal. However, double chain packing was observed for both the blend and products. Isothermal crystallization kinetics was characterized by the Fisher-Turnbull model. The highest free energy was observed for the blend. A small deformation with oscillation tests shows a significant difference between the blend and interesterified products. The differences of microstructure between the blend, different conversion degree, and chemical randomized product were observed.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed2004

Follicular lymphoma international prognostic index.

The prognosis of follicular lymphomas (FL) is heterogeneous and numerous treatments may be proposed. A validated prognostic index (PI) would help in evaluating and choosing these treatments. Characteristics at diagnosis were collected from 4167 patients with FL diagnosed between 1985 and 1992. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to propose a PI. This index was then tested on 919 patients. Five adverse prognostic factors were selected: age (> 60 years vs < or = 60 years), Ann Arbor stage (III-IV vs I-II), hemoglobin level (< 120 g/L vs > or = 120 g/L), number of nodal areas (> 4 vs < or = 4), and serum LDH level (above normal vs normal or below). Three risk groups were defined: low risk (0-1 adverse factor, 36% of patients), intermediate risk (2 factors, 37% of patients, hazard ratio [HR] of 2.3), and poor risk (> or = 3 adverse factors, 27% of patients, HR = 4.3). This Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) appeared more discriminant than the International Prognostic Index proposed for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Results were very similar in the confirmation group. The FLIPI may be used for improving treatment choices, comparing clinical trials, and designing studies to evaluate new treatments.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Polymorphism in wild-type p53 modulates response to chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo.

A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 4 results in expression of either arginine (72R) or proline (72P) at codon 72 of p53. We demonstrate that the in vitro response of cells exposed to anticancer agents is strongly influenced by this SNP in wild-type p53. In inducible systems and in cells expressing the endogenous protein, expression of 72P wild-type p53 results in a predominant G1 arrest, with only a minor apoptosis, at drug concentrations causing extensive apoptosis in cells expressing the 72R wild-type variant. The superior apoptosis-inducing activity of the 72R form correlates with more efficient induction of specific apoptosis-associated genes, and is maximal in the presence of serine 46 (S46). In vivo, the outcome of chemo-radiotherapy of squamous carcinomas is more favourable in cancers retaining a wild-type 72R allele, such cases having higher response rates and longer survival than those with wild-type 72P. Together, these results reveal that this SNP is an important determinant of response to anticancer agents in cells expressing wild-type p53. Analysis of complete p53 genotype (mutation and SNP) merits detailed investigation as a simple means for prediction of treatment response and survival in clinical oncology.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2004

Matt finish.

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Efficiency, Organizational↗
PubMed2004

Growing pains.

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Decision Making, Organizational↗
PubMed2004

Missing link.

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Black People↗
PubMed2004

Air apparent.

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England↗
PubMed2004

Robotic grid loading system for a transmission electron microscope.

The design, construction, and testing of a robotic grid loading system for a transmission electron microscope is presented. The system, when integrated with automated data collection software, has the potential to carry out large scale multi-grid experiments, as required, for example, by 2D protein crystallization screening trials. We present a detailed description of the system that utilizes a 6 axis articulate robotic arm to load microscope grids into a specimen holder and then load the holder into the microscope. Grids are stored in trays with a capacity of 96 that are based on the format of a standard 96-well microtiter plate. The system has been integrated with an FEI Tecnai microscope and does not require any modification to the microscope and only minor modifications to the specimen holder. Preliminary results regarding cycle time, failure rates, positioning accuracy and a 96 grid screening experiment are presented.

Automation↗
PubMed2004

Caffeine lowers perceptual response and increases power output during high-intensity cycling.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine ingestion on a 'preloaded' protocol that involved cycling for 2 min at a constant rate of 100% maximal power output immediately followed by a 1-min 'all-out' effort. Eleven male cyclists completed a ramp test to measure maximal power output. On two other occasions, the participants ingested caffeine (5 mg. kg(-1)) or placebo in a randomized, double-blind procedure. All tests were conducted on the participants' own bicycles using a Kingcycle test rig. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; 6-20 Borg scale) were lower in the caffeine trial by approximately 1 RPE point at 30, 60 and 120 s during the constant rate phase of the preloaded test (P <0.05). The mean power output during the all-out effort was increased following caffeine ingestion compared with placebo (794+/-164 vs 750+/-163 W; P=0.05). Blood lactate concentration 4, 5 and 6 min after exercise was also significantly higher by approximately 1 mmol. l(-1) in the caffeine trial (P <0.05). These results suggest that high-intensity cycling performance can be increased following moderate caffeine ingestion and that this improvement may be related to a reduction in RPE and an elevation in blood lactate concentration.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Mechanically braked Wingate powers: agreement between SRM, corrected and conventional methods of measurement.

In this study, we assessed the agreement between the powers recorded during a 30 s upper-body Wingate test using three different methods. Fifty-six men completed a single test on a Monark 814E mechanically braked ergometer fitted with a Schoberer Rad Messtechnik (SRM) powermeter. A commercial software package (Wingate test kit version 2.21, Cranlea, UK) was used to calculate conventional and corrected (with accelerative forces) values of power based on a resistive load (5% body mass) and flywheel velocity. The SRM calculated powers based on torque (measured at the crank arm) and crank rate. Values for peak 1 and 5 s power and mean 30 s power were measured. No significant differences (P >0.05) were found between the three methods for 30 s power values. However, the corrected values for peak 1 and 5 s power were 36 and 23% higher (P <0.05) respectively than those for the conventional method, and 27 and 16% higher (P <0.05) respectively than those for the SRM method. The conventional and SRM values for peak 1 and 5 s power were similar (P >0.05). Power values recorded using each method were influenced by sample time (P <0.05). Our results suggest that these three measures of power are similar when sampled over 30 s, but discrepancies occur when the sample time is reduced to either 1 or 5 s.

Anaerobic Threshold↗
PubMed2004

Two-stage grafting of flexor tendons: results after mobilisation by controlled early active movement.

We present the results of two-stage flexor tendon grafting to the hand followed by early active mobilisation. Twenty-six digits from 22 patients were assessed over a 10-year period between 1991 and 2001. Using the LaSalle and Strickland assessment for surgical outcome, we found that 20 digits (77%) achieved excellent or good results. Two ruptured (8%) and one developed adhesions (4%). We think that our results are achieved through meticulous attention to surgical technique with the use of mid-lateral incisions for surgical access, strong bony fixation of the graft that allows a good interface between tendon and distal phalanx, and a closely supervised early active mobilisation regimen after the repair.

Adolescent↗