bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Health Status and Health Care in North-eastern India: A Case Study
Authors: Das Subhrabaran
Published: October 2012

A good state of health of people is essential for socio-economic growth and development as well as technological development. This also determines the average expectation of life, number of persons in productive age bracket, production, productivity, earning capacity, employment, welfare, etc. But this dimension is more or less excluded from our economic growth compared to other developing countries. The society is now fighting against social evils such as leprosy, polio, malaria, infant mortality and maternal mortality, and against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In rural India, government health infrastructure and facilities are not adequate to meet these challenges for the common people. Due to insufficient facilities and lack of infrastructure, the expenditure on health is increasing day by day for the rural person resulting in a huge burden on them. In this article, an attempt has been made to show a comparative study of the north-eastern states in this regard and to examine the possible determinants of health expenditure in rural India. A cross-sectional study is analyzed by taking a small sample of Karimganj district of Assam.
Description of Comprehensive PPTCT Counsellors’ Training: The Backbone of PPTCT Services in India
Authors: Solomon Eileen , Visnegarwala Fehmida , Philip Philimol , Pappachen Jisha Susan , Alexander Glory
Published: October 2012

Counselling prior to and after HIV testing is an important component of Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) services. ASHA Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing PPTCT services since 2002. This includes training of counsellors. The training workshop of 12-days duration comprises of an overview of HIV/AIDS counselling skills, pre- and post-test counselling in the context of PPTCT, supportive counselling for HIV-positive women and their families, universal precautions and recording and documentation. We present the data on paired pre- and post-workshop score results on knowledge of PPTCT among 85 trained counsellors using the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) questionnaire. The mean pre-test score was 16.6 and post-test was 26.9 from a maximum of 39, with a mean percentage change of 26.5 per cent, for the questions focused on PPTCT, which was significantly different from the mean percentage change of 13.5 per cent in the non-PPTCT questions ( p < 0.05).

This showed that training improved their knowledge in PPTCT considerably. Studies to evaluate attitudes, skills and cost effectiveness of a holistic model of PPTCT training need to be undertaken, especially in the wake of the new PPTCT, World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Promoting Contraceptive Use More Effectively Among Unmarried Male Migrants in Construction Sites in China
Authors: He Dian , Cheng Yi-Min , Wu Shi-Zhong , Decat Peter , Wang Zhi-Jin , Minkauskiene Meile , Moyer Eileen
Published: October 2012

Poor sexual and reproductive health status has been reported among rural-to-urban migrants in China. Therefore, some effective and feasible interventions are urgently needed. The authors developed a workplace-based intervention to compare 2 young labor migrant service packages (A and B) on the knowledge, attitude related to contraception, and contraceptive use among unmarried male migrants in Chengdu. Fourteen construction sites were randomly assigned to either of the 2 intervention packages. Interventions were completed in 3 months, and data were collected in 2 rounds independently (before and after interventions). After the intervention, the median scores for knowledge and attitude in migrants in package B were significantly higher than in migrants in package A. Although migrants in both packages increased use of condom, the increase was pronounced in migrants in package B, with odds ratio (OR) = 9.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41-66.28). The rate of unwanted pregnancies was reduced more significantly in migrants in package B than in migrants in package A (OR = 0.16; 95%CI = 0.03-0.45). Unmarried male migrants who received the comprehensive intervention (package B) were more willing to use condoms and avoid unwanted pregnancies effectively.
Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Maroun Mouna
Published: October 2012

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems; deficits in extinction have been implicated as a possible risk factor for the development of these disorders. Fear extinction refers to the ability to adapt as situations change by learning to suppress a previously acquired fear. Attention is directed toward the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the interaction it has with the amygdala as this circuit has crucial roles in both the acquisition and the extinction of fear associations. Here, we review converging evidence from different laboratories pointing to multiple roles that the mPFC has in fear regulation. Research on rodents indicates opposing roles that the different subregions of the mPFC have in exciting and inhibiting fear. In addition, this review aims to survey the findings addressing the mechanisms by which the mPFC regulates fear. Data from our laboratory and others show that changes in plasticity in the mPFC could be one of the mechanisms mediating extinction of fear. Recent findings on rodents and nonhuman primates report that modifying plasticity in the mPFC alters fear and affects extinction, suggesting that targeting plasticity in the mPFC could constitute a therapeutic tool for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Comparison of the Impact of Four Generations of Progestins on Hemostatic Variables
Authors: Oslakovic Sandra , Zadro Renata
Published: October 2012

This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of progestins as part of low-estrogen (ethinyl estradiol [EE2] ≤35 μg) combined oral contraceptives (COCs) on hemostatic variables. One hundred ninety-five healthy women took oral contraceptives with following formulations: 35 EE2/norgestimate (NGM), 35 EE2/cyproterone acetate, 35 EE2/norethisterone, 30 EE2/levonorgestrel, 30 EE2/drospirenone (DRSP), 20 EE2/gestodene, and 20 EE2/DRSP, for 6 months. Hemostatic assays (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, resistance to activated protein C ratio, protein C, protein S, factor VIII [FVIII], antithrombin, plasminogen, α2-antiplasmin, inhibitor of plasminogen activator type 1 [PAI-1] and d-dimers) were performed in 3 time points: at baseline, after 3, and 6 cycles. For each formulation, results were compared according to baseline values, intergroup analysis, and the amount of estrogen or progestin component. Most of the variables were changed except FVIII. Significant difference between oral contraceptives was found in antithrombin, protein C, protein S activities, and PAI-1 values, but changes were mostly within reference range.
Comparative Studies on Branded Enoxaparin and a US Generic Version of Enoxaparin
Authors: Walenga Jeanine M. , Jeske Walter P. , Hoppensteadt Debra , Cunanan Josephine , Khan Hussein , Escalante Vicki , Fareed Jawed , Bakhos Mamdouh
Published: October 2012

Enoxaparin, a complex, biologically derived low-molecular-weight heparin, is approved for a range of clinical indications. This study was carried out to compare the potency profile and pharmacodynamic responses of branded enoxaparin (Lovenox; Sanofi, US) with a generic enoxaparin (enoxaparin sodium injection, USP). Five batches of each product were tested. Although the average molecular weight, anti-factor Xa, and anti-factor IIa potencies were similar for the two products, differences were observed in the in vitro thrombin generation and kinetics of clot formation ( P = .01) and in the ex vivo pharmacodynamics regarding thrombin generation inhibition ( P = .029), tissue factor pathway inhibitor release ( P = .006), and inhibition of the active form of thrombin-activated fibrinolysis inhibitor ( P = .023). These findings suggest that simple analytical characterization can establish good quality control in manufacturing, but they may not assure similarity in biological performance between the branded and the generic enoxaparin.
Balancing of flexible rotor with bow using transfer matrix method
Authors: Deepthikumar MB , Sekhar AS , Srikanthan MR
Published: October 2012

Synchronous lateral vibration is a frequent cause of machine failure and is probably the most common source of machine noise and vibration. Among the broad ranges of faults that cause synchronous vibration, mass unbalance and bow are the most common faults present in the rotor and hence their detailed understanding is required. In the present study, a rotor model having both mass unbalance and bow is analyzed to find the influence of these faults on the synchronous response. The synchronous response of a rotor is a function of influence coefficients due to mass unbalance and bow. The influence coefficients are analytically derived using transfer matrix method for rotor bearing system having both mass unbalance and bow. The correction unbalance vector required to balance the rotor at its first bending critical speed is computed using these analytically derived influence coefficients and the rotor responses measured at a speed much lower than the first bending critical speed. The balancing method needs a good mathematical model for the rotor system in finding the influence coefficients for mass unbalance and bow. This procedure helps in estimating the correction mass in a single trial run and using a single balancing plane, thus reducing the cycle time for balancing flexible rotors. Experiments are carried out on a test rig to verify the procedure.
Medicare, Swing Beds, and Critical Access Hospitals
Authors: Reiter Kristin L. , Holmes George M. , Broyles Ila H.
Published: October 2012

Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) receive cost-based reimbursement from Medicare for inpatient care, including post–acute skilled care provided in swing beds (skilled swing days). Because the reimbursement formula treats swing bed and acute days equally, there is concern that CAH skilled swing days are “overreimbursed” as compared with skilled days provided in other settings. The reimbursement formula is complex; thus, empirical estimates are needed to identify the marginal cost per day to the hospital and the implied Medicare expenditure per day, accounting for fixed cost transfers between services. Using Medicare cost report data, we find that Medicare paid, on average, $581 for the routine portion of a CAH skilled swing day in 2009—more than the estimated marginal cost of $262, but less than the 2009 average per diem of $1,302. Estimates varied widely across the 1,300 CAHs; therefore, payment policy changes would likely have a broad range of effects.
The Importance of “Sexual Proprietariness” in Theoretical Framing and Interpretation of Pregnancy-Associated Intimate Partner Violence and Femicide
Authors: Taylor Rae
Published: October 2012

Using a theoretical framework based on the concept of sexual proprietariness, findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey are presented. Prevalence of physical and sexual violence, stalking, threats of violence, and power and control were examined for the overall NVAW sample, for those women abused by an intimate partner in particular, and those who were physically abused during a pregnancy. Results indicate that women who are physically abused during pregnancy also experience higher levels of all other forms of abuse compared to women who are not pregnant when abused, including nearly twice the level of power and control.
Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Homicide
Authors: Campbell Jacquelyn C.
Published: October 2012

Margo Wilson’s groundbreaking work identifying risk factors for homicide was foundational for development of the Danger Assessment (DA), an instrument for use with victim/survivors of domestic violence to help them accurately determine their risk of lethality. Margo’s work is briefly reviewed as are her lessons on how to conduct collaborative interdisciplinary practice and policy relevant homicide research. The DA was validated in a collaborative interdisciplinary national study and is the basis of several brief risk assessments used in the criminal justice system in several states. Several of the factors on the DA are directly attributable to Margo’s work.
Treatment and long-term follow-up of cats with suspected primary epilepsy
Authors: Pakozdy Akos , Sarchahi Ali Asghar , Leschnik Michael , Tichy Alexander G , Halasz Peter , Thalhammer Johann G
Published: October 2012

We report an evaluation of the treatment and outcome of cats with suspected primary epilepsy. Phenobarbital therapy was used alone or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs. Outcome after treatment was evaluated mainly on the basis of number of seizures per year and categorised into four groups: seizure-free, good control (1–5 seizures per year), moderate control (6–10 seizures per year) and poor control (more than 10 seizures per year). About 40–50% of cases became seizure-free, 20–30% were considered good-to-moderately controlled and about 30% were poorly controlled depending on the year of treatment considered. The duration of seizure events after treatment decreased in 26/36 cats and was unchanged in eight cats. The subjective severity of seizure also decreased in 25 cats and was unchanged in nine cats. Twenty-six cats had a good quality of life, nine cats an impaired quality of life and one cat a bad quality of life. Despite being free of seizures for years, cessation of treatment may lead to recurrence of seizures in most cats.
New corporate social responsibility models for oil companies in Nigeria’s delta region: What challenges for sustainability?
Authors: Aaron Kiikpoye K.
Published: October 2012

Against the background of new models of corporate-community engagements in response to the failings of old models by oil transnationals, this article attempts an assessment of the implementation of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) by Chevron and Shell on sustainable community development in host communities in Nigeria’s oil belt. It argues that though the GMoU represents a radical departure from the past in terms of participation and ownership of development projects with the benefits these entail, its potency for sustainable development is hampered by a number of old challenges, namely, the enormity of the development challenge in the Delta thrown up by the failings of an absentee state, the structural constraints imposed on corporations by the profit-maximizing motive and cultural factors that not only prevent effective participation but also promote voicelessness of marginalized groups such as women. The implications of these to sustainable development are explored.
Gender, family and care provision in developing countries:Towards gender equality
Authors: Mínguez Almudena Moreno
Published: October 2012

This article describes the way in which the scientific literature approaches the issue of gender and care in developing countries, and also examines some of the main analytical trends which have contributed to this debate. The analysis of the documentation published on this subject is far from exhaustive. These works are also partially biased, and tend to base their analyses of care from a gender perspective in developing countries on certain conceptual and theoretical works on care which take as their point of reference the capitalist economies in developed countries. The analysis presented in this article therefore endeavours to go beyond economicist interpretations of development by introducing the gender perspective, and seeks to quantify unpaid care work in relation to gender equality. The aim of this research work is to contribute empirical evidence on the reproduction of gender inequality in the context of developing countries in the light of feminist theories by going beyond economicist approaches to economic and social development. The analysis essentially involves measuring the amount of paid and unpaid work done by women as compared to men using secondary data from different statistical sources compiled by the project carried out by the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) on Political and Social Economy of Care. Thus, the basic objective of this work is to provide empirical evidence to highlight the importance of care in achieving gender equality, by developing social and gender policies designed to neutralise these inequalities and thereby to advance the construction of a social and democratic citizenship with no gender distinctions, in the context of developing countries.
A comparative analysis of solar home system programmes in China, Laos, Mongolia and Papua New Guinea
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin K. , D’Agostino Anthony L.
Published: October 2012

Solar home systems (SHS) can provide energy services to rural households more cost effectively than extending national grids, and without relying on polluting fuels such as kerosene, diesel and coal. This study explores four recent SHS programmes supported by the World Bank’s Asia Sustainable and Alternative Energy Program in China, Laos, Mongolia and Papua New Guinea that budgeted $328.2 million to distribute a targeted 401,500 such systems to nomadic herders, fishers and teachers. It documents three approaches to promote such systems: a technology improvement and market development model, a cross-subsidization and energy service company model, and an end-user direct lending model. After explaining its primary methods of data collection – research interviews and in-country site visits – the study summarizes each programme before focusing on their benefits and implementation challenges. It then connects the successes and failures of these programs to broader lessons about energy development in general. The study finds that programmes dedicated to technology improvement, market development, cross-subsidization, and energy service companies met their targets, whereas the one programme based on end-user finance in Papua New Guinea performed poorly.
Toxic technical assistance in conditions of state fragility: Field notes from Iraq
Authors: Blunt Peter
Published: October 2012

The toxicity of a single project of US ‘technical assistance’ to Iraq is demonstrated: first, by virtue of its unilateral design and implementation and hence its violation of state sovereignty and basic norms of well-intentioned development; second, by its support of a strong form of decentralization, which risked inflaming an already volatile political condition that its sponsors had helped to create and that could have contributed to the destabilization and fragmentation of the state; third, because the commercial interests of the US implementing firm seemed likely to drive the project along its toxic path at the greatest possible speed; and fourth, because, while the dysfunctional management of the project seemed likely to impose severe constraints on the achievement of its stated objectives and the speed at which it could progress, it nevertheless constituted a bad example of governance and one that seemed likely – whatever its objectives might have been – to do more harm than good. This constituted a striking instance of wilful violation of national sovereignty under the guise of development assistance, one that was perpetrated knowingly in the gravest of national circumstances and by the same hand that had created the crisis in the first place. A method of managing development assistance that gives greater control to the host government is suggested.
Storytelling in a digital age: digital storytelling as an emerging narrative method for preserving and promoting indigenous oral wisdom
Authors: Cunsolo Willox Ashlee , Harper Sherilee L , Edge Victoria L ,   ‘My Word’: Storytelling and Digital Media Lab,   Rigolet Inuit Community Government
Published: October 2012

This article outlines the methodological process of a transdisciplinary team of indigenous and nonindigenous individuals, who came together in early 2009 to develop a digital narrative method to engage a remote community in northern Labrador in a research project examining the linkages between climate change and physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being. Desiring to find a method that was locally appropriate and resonant with the narrative wisdom of the community, yet cognizant of the limitations of interview-based narrative research, our team sought to discover an indigenous method that united the digital media with storytelling. Using a case study that illustrates the usage of digital storytelling within an indigenous community, this article will share how digital storytelling can stand as a community-driven methodological strategy that addresses, and moves beyond, the limitations of narrative research and the issues of colonization of research and the Western analytic project. In so doing, this emerging method can preserve and promote indigenous oral wisdom, while engaging community members, developing capacities, and celebrating myriad stories, lived experiences, and lifeworlds.
Working Inside the Firehouse
Authors: Frattaroli Shannon , Pollack Keshia M. , Bailey Maryanne , Schafer Heather , Cheskin Lawrence J. , Holtgrave David R.
Published: October 2012

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of on-duty death among U.S. firefighters among whom volunteers comprise 71% of the fire service. We sought to understand CVD risk among volunteer firefighters and to develop a CVD intervention based on their input. To accomplish these aims, we conducted a series of focus groups with volunteer firefighters and firefighters who serve with volunteers in Maryland. We conducted two additional focus groups with fire service leaders. Ninety-eight people participated in 15 focus groups. Participants discussed health and wellness, stress and the demanding nature of the volunteer fire service, and the challenges associated with healthy eating. They talked about food in the firehouse and the lack of quick, healthy, satisfying, and affordable food. Several suggestions for interventions to improve the food environment and firefighters’ ability to choose and prepare healthy meals and snacks emerged. An intervention reflecting the participants’ recommendations resulted. The way volunteer firefighters understand health and wellness and the specific factors that influence their food intake are valuable insights for addressing CVD risks in this population. To our knowledge, this is the first study that systematically brings firefighters into the process of developing an intervention to reduce CVD risk among this high-risk population.
Revascularization by Angioplasty of Type D Femoropopliteal and Long Infrapopliteal Lesion in Diabetic Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Faglia Ezio , Clerici Giacomo , Airoldi Flavio , Tavano Davide , Caminiti Maurizio , Curci Vincenzo , Mantero Manuela , Morabito Alberto , Edmonds Mike
Published: October 2012

Feasibility of revascularization of type D femoropopliteal and long infrapopliteal lesions by angioplasty (peripheral translumenal angioplasty [PTA]) in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) according to the TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II recommendations was studied. A total of 292 diabetic patients were admitted for CLI; 308 limbs underwent a PTA. Out of 211 femoropopliteal lesions treated with PTA, 44 were TASC II type A, 45 type B, 48 type C, and 76 type D lesions. In 44 of the 76 patients with type D lesions revascularized by PTA, no artery was patent down to the foot before the PTA. In 172 limbs with all infrapopliteal arteries occluded, revascularization was carried out down to the foot in 167 limbs. Follow-up was 3.1 ± 0.3 years. A first episode of restenosis occurred in 66/308 limbs with an incidence/year of 7.9. PTA procedures were successfully repeated in 57/66 restenosis episodes: secondary patency was 97.1%. The incidence/year of type D femoropopliteal lesions was 5.4, the incidence/year in others was 5.0, without statistically significant differences: P = .417. The only variable found significantly associated with restenosis occurrence on logistic analysis was the presence of lesions in both femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal axes. A total of 26/308 above-the-ankle amputations were performed, with an incidence/year of 2.5. Multivariate analysis showed the independent role of only crural artery occlusion after PTA. These data show that the choice to refer to angioplasty diabetic patients with type D and/or long infrapopliteal lesions without good run-off at the foot and/or high surgical risk allowed high revascularization feasibility, with an optimal amputation outcome.
A Revolution in Rights: Reflections on the Democratic Invention of the Rights of Man
Authors: Gündoğdu Ayten
Published: October 2012

This commentary aims to bring to the fore the revolutionary elements of the democratic politics inaugurated by the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. This founding event places rights at that gap or hiatus between constituent and constituted power, and it reminds us that rights are not simply normative constraints on an existing political and legal order but also democratic inventions that can institute a new order. The commentary examines the works of two thinkers who offer crucial insights into the key features of this democratic politics of rights: Claude Lefort and Étienne Balibar.
Uncertainty analysis for multilayer water vapor transmission test method: As exemplified by testing highly permeable membranes
Authors: Pazera Marcin , Salonvaara Mikael
Published: October 2012

This is a follow-up to the article “ Multilayer Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Testing of Construction Materials” in which the authors discussed the development of an alternative approach to the standardized ASTM E96:2010 test method when testing highly permeable materials. The approach denoted as a “multilayer” water vapor transmission test method involves testing simultaneously several stacked material layers each separated by an equivalent air gaps. Determining uncertainties for a novel test method is critical to establish the accuracy of the single test and the estimate for the mean value of the measured property. This is of particular importance for a multilayer experimental system that includes several test specimens and multitude of temperature and relative humidity sensors. The measurements obtained from the experiment include continuous weight readings for the whole system and continuous temperature and relative humidity readings obtained near the opposing specimen surfaces. The authors identify all contributing sources of uncertainty and describe the general approach to uncertainty analysis in the multilayer water vapor transmission test method.
Targeted genomic sequencing of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma identifies recurrent alterations in antiapoptotic and chromatin-remodeling genes
Authors: Giulino-Roth Lisa , Wang Kai , MacDonald Theresa Y. , Mathew Susan , Tam Yifang , Cronin Maureen T. , Palmer Gary , Lucena-Silva Norma , Pedrosa Francisco , Pedrosa Marcia , Teruya-Feldstein Julie , Bhagat Govind , Alobeid Bachir , Leoncini Lorenzo , Bellan Cristiana , Rogena Emily , Pinkney Kerice A. , Rubin Mark A. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Yelensky Roman , Tam Wayne , Stephens Philip J. , Cesarman Ethel
Published: October 2012

To ascertain the genetic basis of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma (pBL), we performed clinical-grade next-generation sequencing of 182 cancer-related genes on 29 formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded primary pBL samples. Ninety percent of cases had at least one mutation or genetic alteration, most commonly involving MYC and TP53. EBV(−) cases were more likely than EBV(+) cases to have multiple mutations (P < .0001). Alterations in tumor-related genes not previously described in BL were identified. Truncating mutations in ARID1A, a member of the SWI/SNF nucleosome remodeling complex, were seen in 17% of cases. MCL1 pathway alterations were found in 22% of cases and confirmed in an expanded panel. Other clinically relevant genomic alterations were found in 20% of cases. Our data suggest the roles of MCL1 and ARID1A in BL pathogenesis and demonstrate that comprehensive genomic profiling may identify additional treatment options in refractory disease.
Analysis of a slow-growing line reveals wide genetic variability of carcass and meat quality-related traits
Authors: Chabault Marie , Baéza Elisabeth , Gigaud Vérane , Chartrin Pascal , Chapuis Hervé , Boulay Maryse , Arnould Cécile , D’Abbadie François , Berri Cécile , Le Bihan-Duval Elisabeth
Published: October 2012

Background

Slow-growing lines are widely used in France for the production of high quality free-range chickens. While such production is mainly dedicated to the whole carcass market, new prospects are opening up for the development of cuts and processed products. Whether the body composition and meat quality of slow-growing birds can be improved by selection has thus become an important issue. The genetic parameters of growth, body composition and breast meat quality traits were evaluated in relation to behaviour at slaughter in a large pedigree population including 1022 male and female slow-growing birds.

Results

The heritability coefficients (h2) of body weight and body composition traits varied from 0.3 to 0.5. Abdominal fat percentage was genetically positively correlated with body weight but negatively correlated with breast muscle yield. The characteristics of the breast meat (i.e., post-mortem fall in pH, colour, drip loss, shear-force and lipid content) were all heritable, with h2 estimates ranging from 0.18 to 0.48. The rate and extent of the fall in pH were under different genetic control. Strong negative genetic correlations were found between the ultimate pH and the lightness, yellowness and drip loss of the meat. Wing flapping on the shackle line was significantly heritable and exhibited marked genetic correlations with the pH at 15 min post-slaughter and the redness of the meat. The genetic relationships between meat quality traits, body weight and body composition appeared slightly different between males and females.

Conclusion

This study suggested that there are a number of important criteria for selection on carcass and breast meat quality in slow-growing birds. Selection for reduced abdominal fatness and increased breast muscle yield should be effective as both traits were found to be highly heritable and favourably correlated. Substantial improvement in meat quality could be achieved by selection on ultimate pH which was highly heritable and strongly correlated with the colour and water-holding capacity of the meat. Moreover, this study revealed for the first time that the behaviour at slaughter is partly genetically determined in the chicken.
Controllable fabrication of PS/Ag core-shell-shaped nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Chunjing , Zhu Xianfang , Li Haixia , Khan Imran , Imran Muhammad , Wang Lianzhou , Bao Jianjun , Cheng Xuan
Published: October 2012

In this paper, based on the previous steps, a facile in situ reduction method was developed to controllably prepare polystyrene/Ag (PS/Ag) core-shell-shaped nanostructures. The crucial procedure includes surface treatment of polystyrene core particles by cationic polyelectrolyte polyethyleneimine, in situ formation of Ag nanoparticles, and immobilization of the Ag nanoparticles onto the surface of the polystyrene colloids via functional group NH from the polyethyleneimine. The experimental parameters, such as the reaction temperature, the reaction time, and the silver precursors were optimized for improvement of dispersion and Ag coat coverage of the core-shell-shaped nanostructures. Ultimately, the optimum parameters were obtained through a series of experiments, and well-dispersed, uniformly coated PS/Ag core-shell-shaped nanostructures were successfully fabricated. The formation mechanism of the PS/Ag core-shell-shaped nanostructures was also explained.
Opposing effects of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 on synaptic stability in the spinal cord after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Freria Camila Marques , Velloso Licio Augusto , Oliveira Alexandre LR
Published: October 2012

Background

Glial cells are involved in the synaptic elimination process that follows neuronal lesions, and are also responsible for mediating the interaction between the nervous and immune systems. Neurons and glial cells express Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which may affect the plasticity of the central nervous system (CNS). Because TLRs might also have non-immune functions in spinal-cord injury (SCI), we aimed to investigate the influence of TLR2 and TLR4 on synaptic plasticity and glial reactivity after peripheral nerve axotomy.

Methods

The lumbar spinal cords of C3H/HePas wild-type (WT) mice, C3H/HeJ TLR4-mutant mice, C57BL/6J WT mice, and C57BL/6J TLR2 knockout (KO) mice were studied after unilateral sciatic nerve transection. The mice were killed via intracardiac perfusion, and the spinal cord was processed for immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blotting, cell culture, and reverse transcriptase PCR. Primary cultures of astrocytes from newborn mice were established to study the astrocyte response in the absence of TLR2 and the deficiency of TLR4 expression.

Results

The results showed that TLR4 and TLR2 expression in the CNS may have opposite effects on the stability of presynaptic terminals in the spinal cord. First, TLR4 contributed to synaptic preservation of terminals in apposition to lesioned motor neurons after peripheral injury, regardless of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) expression. In addition, in the presence of TLR4, there was upregulation of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor and downregulation of interleukin-6, but no morphological differences in glial reactivity were seen. By contrast, TLR2 expression led to greater synaptic loss, correlating with increased astrogliosis and upregulation of pro-inflammatory interleukins. Moreover, the absence of TLR2 resulted in the upregulation of neurotrophic factors and MHC I expression.

Conclusion

TLR4 and TLR2 in the CNS may have opposite effects on the stability of presynaptic terminals in the spinal cord and in astroglial reactions, indicating possible roles for these proteins in neuronal and glial responses to injury.
Ano-genital human papillomavirus type 97 infection is detected in Canadian men but not women at risk or infected with the human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Landry Marie-Eve , Salit Irving E , Rodrigues-Coutlée Catherine , Money Deborah , Rebbapragada Anu , Tinmouth Jill , Hankins Catherine , Gorska-Flipot Isabelle , Archambault Jacques , Franco Eduardo L , Coutlée François
Published: October 2012

Background

Human papillomavirus type 97 (HPV97) DNA was detected in nearly 5% of anal samples collected from HIV-seropositive men living in Montreal, Canada. The rate of detection of HPV97 in the genital tract of Canadian women is unknown. Whether HPV97 is a local epidemic in HIV-seropositive men living in Montreal is also unknown. The prevalence of human papillomavirus type 97 (HPV97) was assessed in cervicovaginal cells from women living in Canada and in anal samples from HIV-seropositive men living in Toronto.

Findings

Cervicovaginal lavages collected from 904 women (678 HIV-seropositive, 226 HIV-seronegative) women living in Canada and anal cells collected from 123 HIV-seropositive men living in Toronto were tested for the presence of HPV97 with PCR. HPV97-positive samples were further tested by PCR-sequencing for molecular variant analysis to assess if all HPV97-positive men were infected with the same strain. All cervicovaginal samples were negative for HPV97. HPV97 was detected in anal samples from 6 HIV-seropositive men (4.9%, 95% confidence interval 2.0-10.5%), of whom five had high-grade and one had low-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia, in addition to 2 to 8 HPV genital genotypes per sample. Four HPV97 variants were defined by four variation sites in the viral control region.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that HPV97 infects in the anal canal of HIV-seropositive men but is not detected in the genital tract of women.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine Causes Analgesia by Reinforcing the Endogenous Activation of Type-2 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors
Authors: Bernabucci Matteo , Notartomaso Serena , Zappulla Cristina , Fazio Francesco , Cannella Milena , Motolese Marta , Battaglia Giuseppe , Bruno Valeria , Gradini Roberto , Nicoletti Ferdinando
Published: October 2012

Background:

Pharmacological activation of type-2 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu2 receptors) causes analgesia in experimental models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Presynaptic mGlu2 receptors are activated by the glutamate released from astrocytes by means of the cystine/glutamate antiporter (System x−c or Sx−c). We examined the analgesic activity of the Sx−c activator, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), in mice developing inflammatory or neuropathic pain.

Results:

A single injection of NAC (100 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced nocifensive behavior in the second phase of the formalin test. NAC-induced analgesia was abrogated by the Sx−c inhibitor, sulphasalazine (8 mg/kg, i.p.) or by the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist, LY341495 (1 mg/kg, i.p.). NAC still caused analgesia in mGlu3−/− mice, but was inactive in mGlu2−/− mice. In wild-type mice, NAC retained the analgesic activity in the formalin test when injected daily for 7 days, indicating the lack of tolerance. Both single and repeated injections of NAC also caused analgesia in the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of chronic inflammatory pain, and, again, analgesia was abolished by LY341495. Data obtained in mice developing neuropathic pain in response to chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve were divergent. In this model, a single injection of NAC caused analgesia that was reversed by LY341495, whereas repeated injections of NAC were ineffective. Thus, tolerance to NAC-induced analgesia developed in the CCI model, but not in models of inflammatory pain. The CFA and CCI models differed with respect to the expression levels of xCT (the catalytic subunit of Sx−c) and activator of G-protein signaling type-3 (AGS3) in the dorsal portion of the lumbar spinal cord. CFA-treated mice showed no change in either protein, whereas CCI mice showed an ipislateral reduction in xCT levels and a bilateral increase in AGS3 levels in the spinal cord.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that pharmacological activation of Sx−c causes analgesia by reinforcing the endogenous activation of mGlu2 receptors. NAC has an excellent profile of safety and tolerability when clinically used as a mucolytic agent or in the management of acetaminophen overdose. Thus, our data encourage the use of NAC for the experimental treatment of inflammatory pain in humans.
Trigeminal-Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Circuitry is Involved in Orofacial Hyperalgesia Contralateral to Tissue Injury
Authors: Chai Bryan , Guo Wei , Wei Feng , Dubner Ronald , Ren Ke
Published: October 2012

Background:

Our previous studies have shown that complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced masseter inflammation and microinjection of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) into the subnucleus interpolaris/subnucleus caudalis transition zone of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Vi/Vc) can induce contralateral orofacial hyperalgesia in rat models. We have also shown that contralateral hyperalgesia is attenuated with a lesion of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), a critical site of descending pain modulation. Here we investigated the involvement of the RVM-Vi/Vc circuitry in mediating contralateral orofacial hyperalgesia after an injection of CFA into the masseter muscle.

Results:

Microinjection of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (5 nmol, n=6) into the ipsilateral Vi/Vc attenuated the CFA-induced contralateral hyperalgesia but not the ipsilateral hyperalgesia. Intra-RVM post-treatment injection of the NK1 receptor antagonists, RP67580 (0.5-11.4 nmol) and L-733,060 (0.5-11.4 nmol), attenuated CFA-induced bilateral hyperalgesia and IL-1β induced bilateral hyperalgesia. Serotonin depletion in RVM neurons prior to intra-masseter CFA injection prevented the development of contralateral hyperalgesia 1–3 days after CFA injection. Inhibition of 5-HT3 receptors in the contralateral Vi/Vc with direct microinjection of the select 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, Y-25130 (2.6-12.9 nmol), attenuated CFA-induced contralateral hyperalgesia. Lesions to the ipsilateral Vc prevented the development of ipsilateral hyperalgesia but did not prevent the development of contralateral hyperalgesia.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the development of CFA-induced contralateral orofacial hyperalgesia is mediated through descending facilitatory mechanisms of the RVM-Vi/Vc circuitry.
Estimates of marker effects for measures of milk flow in the Italian brown Swiss dairy cattle population
Authors: Gray Kent A , Maltecca Christian , Bagnato Alessandro , Dolezal Marlies , Rossoni Attilio , Samore Antonia B , Cassady Joseph P
Published: October 2012

Background

Milkability is a complex trait that is characterized by milk flow traits including average milk flow rate, maximum milk flow rate and total milking time. Milkability has long been recognized as an economically important trait that can be improved through selection. By improving milkability, management costs of milking decrease through reduced labor and improved efficiency of the automatic milking system, which has been identified as an important factor affecting net profit. The objective of this study was to identify markers associated with electronically measured milk flow traits, in the Italian Brown Swiss population that could potentially improve selection based on genomic predictions.

Results

Sires (n = 1351) of cows with milk flow information were genotyped for 33,074 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers distributed across 29 Bos taurus autosomes (BTA). Among the six milk flow traits collected, ascending time, time of plateau, descending time, total milking time, maximum milk flow and average milk flow, there were 6,929 (time of plateau) to 14,585 (maximum milk flow) significant SNP markers identified for each trait across all BTA. Unique regions were found for each of the 6 traits providing evidence that each individual milk flow trait offers distinct genetic information about milk flow. This study was also successful in identifying functional processes and genes associated with SNPs that influences milk flow.

Conclusions

In addition to verifying the presence of previously identified milking speed quantitative trait loci (QTL) within the Italian Brown Swiss population, this study revealed a number of genomic regions associated with milk flow traits that have never been reported as milking speed QTL. While several of these regions were not associated with a known gene or QTL, a number of regions were associated with QTL that have been formerly reported as regions associated with somatic cell count, somatic cell score and udder morphometrics. This provides further evidence of the complexity of milk flow traits and the underlying relationship it has with other economically important traits for dairy cattle. Improved understanding of the overall milking pattern will aid in identification of cows with lower management costs and improved udder health.
Nutritive quality of romanian hemp varieties (Cannabis sativa L.) with special focus on oil and metal contents of seeds
Authors: Mihoc Marcela , Pop Georgeta , Alexa Ersilia , Radulov Isidora
Published: October 2012

Background

The study aims to determine the nutritional value of hemp seed expressed by the oil content and by the concentration of metals (Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cd), for five varieties of monoecious and dioecious hemp seeds approved in Romania, comparative with the concentration of these metals in the soil.

Results

The content of oil in hempseed registers a slight decrease in the production records of 2011, losses due to drought and low levels of precipitation during the growth period. The greatest loss is found in Diana monoecious variety (26.54-20.82%) followed by Zenit varieties (27.37-22.97%), Armanca (29.27-25.32%), Silvana (28.89-25.04%) and Denise (26.96-25.30%). Siccative hemp oil has a yellowish green color and an iodine index of 140–156 g I2/100 g oil. Hemp seed are rich in mineral based Ca (144–955 mg/100 g seed), Mg (237–694 mg/100 g seed), K (463–2821 mg/100 g seed), Fe (1133-2400 mg.kg-1), Mn (63–110 mg.kg-1) and Zn (42-94 mg.kg-1). For the soil the following macroelements concentrations were determined: Ca (2100–2520 mg.kg-1), Mg (320–376 mg.kg-1) and K (232–257 mg.kg-1). Mn (156–197 mg.kg-1) and Zn (54–67 mg.kg-1) remain within normal limits for Romania. The soils in the experience area contain large amounts of Fe (19000–20430 mg.kg-1). The presence of K in large quantities determines the accumulation of large quantities of Fe in the soil.

Conclusion

Hempseed belonging to the five Romanian varieties are rich source of nutrients (Ca, Mg, K) and unsaturated oil easily digestible by the body, but the presence of Cd concentrations above the upper limit puts a question mark over the use of seeds in various food products. Hemp extracts easily certain metals from the soil. Significant amounts of Fe (1133–2400 mg.kg-1), Mn (63–110 mg.kg-1), Zn (42–94 mg.kg-1) and Cd (1.3-4.0 mg.kg-1) are found in hemp seeds. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is included among plants suitable for phytoremediation of soil contaminated with cadmium, zinc and iron.
Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 limits the recurrence of Clostridium difficile-Induced colitis following vancomycin withdrawal in mice
Authors: Fitzpatrick Leo R , Small Jeffrey S , Greene Wallace H , Karpa Kelly D , Farmer Sean , Keller David
Published: October 2012

Background

Recently, we found that the probiotic strainBacillus coagulansGBI-30, 6086 (GanedenBC30) improved indices ofClostridium difficile (C. difficile)-induced colitis in mice (Fitzpatrick et al.,Gut Pathogens, 2011). Our goal was to determine if BC30 could also prevent the recurrence ofC. difficile-induced colitis in mice, following initial treatment with vancomycin. During study days 0 through 5, mice were treated with antibiotics. On day 6, theC. difficilestrain VPI 10463 was given by oro-gastric gavage at ≈ 5x104CFU to induce colitis. Mice were treated on study days 6 to 10 with vancomycin (50 mg/kg) (vanco) or vehicle (saline) by gavage. On days 10 to16, mice were dosed by gavage with saline vehicle or BC30 (2 x 109CFU per day). Mice were monitored for mortality, weight loss and diarrhea. On study days 14, 16 and 17, stools and colons were collected for analyzing other parameters of colitis.

Results

The mean stool consistency score in Vehicle/C.difficile/Vanco mice increased from 0.4 (day 10) to a range of 1.1 to 1.4 (days 14 to 17), indicating the recurrence of colitis. On days 13 through 17, the stool consistency scores for the vancomycin/BC30 mice were significantly lower (p< 0.05) than for the vancomycin/vehicle cohort of animals. On day 17, 88.9% of mice treated with BC30 had normal stools, while this value was 0% with vehicle treatment (p value = 0.0004). Colonic myeloperoxidase (Units/2 cm colon) was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from 4.3 ± 0.7 (Vehicle/C.difficile/Vanco) to 2.6 ± 0.2 (BC30/C. Difficle/Vanco). The colonic histology score and Keratinocyte derived-chemokine level in the colon were also lower in BC30 treated mice.

In BC30-treated mice, there was evidence of better stool consistency, as well as improved biochemical and histological indices of colitis, following initial treatment of animals with vancomycin.

Conclusion

BC30 limited the recurrence ofCD-induced colitis following vancomycin withdrawal in mice.