bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term selection for litter size in swine results in shifts in allelic frequency in regions involved in reproductive processes
Authors: Trenhaile M. D. , Petersen J. L. , Kachman S. D. , Johnson R. K. , Ciobanu D. C. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryHigh‐density genotype data were analyzed in three lines of swine that express substantial variation in sow fertility to uncover regions of the genome potentially influenced during selection for litter size traits. The experimental lines examined include the Nebraska Index Line (NIL), which has been subjected to long‐term selection for litter size; a control line derived from the same population that founded NIL; and a commercial Duroc × Hampshire (D × H) population, in which no selection for litter size was practiced. Regions of the genome potentially affected by selection for litter size traits in NIL were determined by multiple lines of evidence, including altered allelic frequency compared to the other lines, loss of heterozygosity and relative extended haplotype homozygosity. Additionally, a genome‐wide association study for litter size traits was conducted in a population based on NIL and commercial maternal line genetics. Several genomic regions identified as putative signatures of selection overlapped with QTL for litter size traits. One of these regions, located on SSC2 (13–14 Mb), includes the candidate gene P2X3R, which plays a role in implantation and sustained release of hormones associated with reproductive processes. Sequencing identified synonymous SNPs in P2X3R that are fixed in NIL but polymorphic with nearly equal frequencies in the D × H line, indicating a potential role of P2X3R in sow fertility. These results suggest that data derived from these lines can help to uncover and understand a portion of the genetic variance associated with fertility traits in swine.
Using proportional modeling to evaluate irrigator preferences for market‐based water reallocation
Authors: Loch Adam , Boxall Peter , Wheeler Sarah Ann 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIrrigators’ policy preferences for water reallocation programs usually take the form of proportional data, where one option will be relatively more or less favored than another in the composition of a government's total budget apportionment to address water reform. This study applies a zero‐one inflated beta regression to model Murray–Darling Basin irrigators’ preferences for market‐based water policy programs. Market‐based arrangements are more likely to provide efficient solutions to water reallocation problems, particularly where future uncertainty and appropriate pricing induce irrigator preferences for such programs. Our modeling of drivers of irrigator preferences for government expenditure on market‐based programs identified different determinants of zero (a corner solution) and proportional outcomes for the reallocation of Murray–Darling Basin water. In addition, the proportional modeling identifies some variables (namely, state regional influences, the type of farm production and recent debt, low income, or water allocation stressors) that increase engagement with market‐based programs. Interestingly, while price variables are important and statistically significant, they appear to be less relevant to program engagement than other influences.
STAT3 inhibition prevents lung inflammation, remodeling, and accumulation of Th2 and Th17 cells in a murine asthma model
Authors: Gavino A. C. , Nahmod K. , Bharadwaj U. , Makedonas G. , Tweardy D. J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundSTAT3 drives development of Th17 cells and cytokine production by Th2 and Th17 cells, which contribute to asthma. Alternative asthma treatments are needed, especially for the Th17 phenotype. We sought to determine whether C188‐9, a small‐molecule STAT3 inhibitor, can block Th2 and Th17 cell expansion and cytokine production to prevent house dust mite (HDM)‐induced airway inflammation and remodeling.MethodsThree groups of C57BL/6 mice were treated intranasally (IN) and intraperitoneally (IP) daily for 3 weeks with the following: (i) vehicle 1 IN and vehicle 2 IP, (ii) HDM IN and vehicle 2 IP, or (iii) HDM IN and C188‐9 IP. Sections of lung were stained with Alcian Blue/PAS and examined microscopically. Total (t) STAT3, STAT3 phosphorylated on Y705 (pSTAT3), IL‐17, IL‐13, IL‐5, and IL‐4 levels were measured in lung protein extracts and serum using Luminex beads. Frequencies of Th2‐type and Th17‐type lymphocytes were assessed in lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by multiparametric flow cytometry.ResultsHDM inhalation markedly increased airway goblet cell numbers and thickness of the epithelium and subepithelial smooth muscle layer, which was accompanied in the whole lung by increased pSTAT3, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐17, and % CD4+ T cells that produce IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐17. HDM inhalation also increased serum IL‐4 and IL‐17 levels and increased BALF % CD4+ T cells that produce IL‐5 and IL‐13. Remarkably, treatment with C188‐9 normalized each endpoint.ConclusionHDM‐induced airway inflammation, remodeling, and Th2/Th17‐type cell accumulation involve STAT3 activation that can be prevented by C188‐9 treatment.
Bacteriological study in perianal abscess is not useful and not cost‐effective
Authors: Xu Roland W. , Tan Ker‐Kan , Chong Choon‐Seng 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe detection of gut organisms in perianal abscesses has been postulated to suggest an underlying communication with the anal canal. However, recent studies appear to contradict this observation. The aim of this study is to determine the value of bacteriological studies in perianal abscesses.MethodsA retrospective study of all patients who have had a surgical drainage of their perianal abscesses with concomitant microbiological examination from January 2010 to December 2012 was performed. Patients with known underlying anal fistula, Crohn's disease or previous perianal operations were excluded.ResultsA total of 164 patients, median age of 42.0 years (range 8–87) comprising of 78.7% males formed the study group. Gut organisms were cultured in 143 (87.2%) samples while 12 (7.3%) demonstrated skin organisms and nine did not yield any bacterial growth (5.5%). Twenty‐nine (17.7%) patients developed anal fistula and 34 (20.7%) patients had a recurrence of the perianal abscess. The median follow‐up period was 1450 (14–2391) days. There was no significant association between the presence of gut organism and development of fistulas (odds ratio = 0.48; 95% confidence interval = 0.17–1.37) or recurrence of perianal abscess (odds ratio = 1.66; 95% confidence interval = 0.46–6.01).ConclusionBacteriological culture in perianal abscess is not useful for predicting the development of anal fistula or abscess recurrence. Hence, there is no need to perform this investigation on a routine basis.
Review article: acute severe ulcerative colitis – evidence‐based consensus statements
Authors: Chen J.‐H. , Andrews J. M. , Kariyawasam V. , Moran N. , Gounder P. , Collins G. , Walsh A. J. , Connor S. , Lee T. W. T. , Koh C. E. , Chang J. , Paramsothy S. , Tattersall S. , Lemberg D. A. , Radford‐Smith G. , Lawrance I. C. , McLachlan A. , Moore G. T. , Corte C. , Katelaris P. , Leong R. W. ,   IBD Sydney Organisation and the Australian Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Consensus Working Group
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackgroundAcute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a potentially life‐threatening complication of ulcerative colitis.AimTo develop consensus statements based on a systematic review of the literature of the management of ASUC to improve patient outcome.MethodsFollowing a literature review, the Delphi method was used to develop the consensus statements. A steering committee, based in Australia, generated the statements of interest. Three rounds of anonymous voting were carried out to achieve the final results. Acceptance of statements was pre‐determined by ≥80% votes in ‘complete agreement’ or ‘agreement with minor reservation’.ResultsKey recommendations include that patients with ASUC should be: hospitalised, undergo unprepared flexible sigmoidoscopy to assess severity and to exclude cytomegalovirus colitis, and be provided with venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and intravenous hydrocortisone 100 mg three or four times daily with close monitoring by a multidisciplinary team. Rescue therapy such as infliximab or ciclosporin should be started if insufficient response by day 3, and colectomy considered if no response to 7 days of rescue therapy or earlier if deterioration. With such an approach, it is expected that colectomy rate during admission will be below 30% and mortality less than 1% in specialist centres.ConclusionThese evidenced‐based consensus statements on acute severe ulcerative colitis, developed by a multidisciplinary group, provide up‐to‐date best practice recommendations that improve and harmonise management as well as provide auditable quality assessments.
Sex differences in mortality among patients admitted with affective disorders in North Norway: a 33‐year prospective register study
Authors: Høye Anne , Nesvåg Ragnar , Reichborn‐Kjennerud Ted , Jacobsen Bjarne K. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivePrevious studies from North Norway showed significantly increased mortality in patients with schizophrenia and personality disorder. The aim of the present study was to investigate total and cause‐specific mortality in inpatients with affective disorder in a 33‐year follow‐up cohort, with a specific focus on sex differences.MethodsBased on a hospital case register covering all admissions to psychiatric hospital in the two northernmost counties in Norway from 1980 to 2012, 790 men and 866 women with major depressive disorder and 331 men and 514 women with bipolar disorder were included. The cohort was linked to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. The relative mortality in men compared to women was tested using Cox regression with attained age as the time variable. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of the patients when compared to the general population in Norway was calculated.ResultsPatients with affective disorders had twice the mortality of the general Norwegian population [SMR = 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9–2.3]. For major depressive disorder, the SMR for total mortality was higher among men (2.6, 95% CI: 2.2–3.0) than women (1.8, 95% CI: 1.5–2.1). For bipolar disorder, no difference was seen between men and women. The SMR for suicide among women showed an increasing trend throughout the period 1980–1990: 20.0 (95% CI: 10.4–38.4); 1991–2001: 27.0 (95% CI: 15.7–46.2); 2002–2012: 40.4 (95% CI: 23.0–71.2).ConclusionsThe substantially increased mortality in patients with affective disorders in Norway has been persistent over a period of 33 years, despite extensive reforms in psychiatric health care. Indications of increasing SMR for suicide in women call for further research.
Hypothyroidism risk compared among nine common bipolar disorder therapies in a large US cohort
Authors: Lambert Christophe G , Mazurie Aurélien J , Lauve Nicolas R , Hurwitz Nathaniel G , Young S Stanley , Obenchain Robert L , Hengartner Nicolas W , Perkins Douglas J , Tohen Mauricio , Kerner Berit 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesThyroid abnormalities in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have been linked to lithium treatment for decades, yet other drugs have been less well studied. Our objective was to compare hypothyroidism risk for lithium versus the anticonvulsants and second‐generation antipsychotics commonly prescribed for BD.MethodsAdministrative claims data on 24,574 patients with BD were analyzed with competing risk survival analysis. Inclusion criteria were (i) one year of no prior hypothyroid diagnosis nor BD drug treatment, (ii) followed by at least one thyroid test during BD monotherapy on lithium carbonate, mood‐stabilizing anticonvulsants (lamotrigine, valproate, oxcarbazepine, or carbamazepine) or antipsychotics (aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone, or quetiapine). The outcome was cumulative incidence of hypothyroidism per drug, in the presence of the competing risk of ending monotherapy, adjusted for age, sex, physician visits, and thyroid tests.ResultsAdjusting for covariates, the four‐year cumulative risk of hypothyroidism for lithium (8.8%) was 1.39‐fold that of the lowest risk therapy, oxcarbazepine (6.3%). Lithium was non‐statistically significantly different from quetiapine. While lithium conferred a higher risk when compared to all other treatments combined as a group, hypothyroidism risk error bars overlapped for all drugs. Treatment (p = 3.86e‐3), age (p = 6.91e‐10), sex (p = 3.93e‐7), and thyroid testing (p = 2.79e‐87) affected risk. Patients taking lithium were tested for hypothyroidism 2.26–3.05 times more frequently than those on other treatments.ConclusionsThyroid abnormalities occur frequently in patients with BD regardless of treatment. Therefore, patients should be regularly tested for clinical or subclinical thyroid abnormalities on all therapies and treated as indicated to prevent adverse effects of hormone imbalances on mood.
DYNAMICS BETWEEN NORTH AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL FUTURES PRICES DURING TURMOIL AND FINANCIALIZATION
Authors: Adämmer Philipp , Bohl Martin T. , von Ledebur Ernst‐Oliver 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTNorth American and European agricultural futures markets faced significant changes in recent years, i.e., the financialization which originated in the USA, the increase of futures trading in Europe and the recent price turmoils in international commodity markets. We analyse the long‐ and short‐run dynamics between North American and European agricultural futures prices during these institutional changes. The empirical results show that the US markets lead in terms of price transmissions and volatility spillovers. US markets, however, predominantly react to deviations from the long‐run equilibrium which indicates a rising impact of European agricultural markets on a global scale.
Between a cap and a higher price: Modelling the price of dairy quotas under price ceiling legislation
Authors: Chernoff Alex W. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper considers various policy alternatives to price ceiling legislation in the market for production quotas in the dairy farming sector in Quebec. I develop a model of farmers’ demand for quotas and estimate a structural parameter that is required for the counterfactual experiments. Using my econometric results and the modelled equilibrium price, I estimate the price of dairy quotas over the period 1993–2011. The counterfactual experiments indicate that the price of quotas could be reduced to the ceiling price through a 4.16% expansion of the aggregate supply of quotas, or through moderate trade liberalization of Canadian dairy products.
Predictive value of E/A and E/E′ Doppler indexes for cardiac events in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Ambrosi Pierre , Macé Loic , Habib Gilbert 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundDoppler‐derived indexes associated with high left ventricular filling pressures are risk factors for cardiac events in various populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of two of these Doppler indexes during the long‐term follow‐up of heart transplantation.Methods and ResultsIn this cohort study, we measured E/A ratio combining early filling velocity (E) with late filling velocity (A) and E/E′ ratio combining E wave with relaxation velocity on tissue doppler (E′) in 122 transplant heart recipients, 6.9±5.9 years after transplantation. The patients were followed for 97±32 months after Doppler measurements. We found an E/A>2 in 68 patients and an E/E′>15 in 23 patients. Forty patients had a cardiac event (cardiac death, retransplantation, acute coronary events, hospitalization for heart failure, treated acute rejection episodes, and coronary revascularization procedures) during the follow‐up. In multivariate analysis, E/A and E/E′ were significantly associated with cardiac events (hazard ratio 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.4; P=.02 and hazard ratio 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–4.8; P=.02, respectively). E/E′, E/A, and significant coronary stenoses were the strongest predictors of cardiac events.ConclusionsE/A and E/E′ Doppler indexes may be used to predict cardiac events during the long‐term follow‐up of heart transplant recipients.
Invasive willows drive instream community structure
Authors: McInerney Paul J. , Rees Gavin N. , Gawne Ben , Suter Phil , Watson Garth , Stoffels Rick J. 
Published: May 2016

Summary

Exotic invasive species are known to influence taxonomic communities and ecological processes. Few studies have examined the impact on taxonomic communities across trophic levels because it is time consuming and requires a wide range of identification skills.

Here, we examined the impacts of invasive willow trees (Salix spp.) on microbial and macroinvertebrate composition using a combination of high resolution ecogenomic and classical approaches. Aquatic communities were compared and contrasted between stream reaches with and without willow infestation in three temperate Australian streams.

Willows significantly altered in‐stream fungal, algal and macroinvertebrate communities. Macroinvertebrate diversity was similar between riparian types. Willow‐infested sites were characterised by lower macroinvertebrate abundance and Australian biotic index scores, indicating the presence of taxa generally more tolerant to pollution.

At invaded sites, grazers were replaced by generalist collector–gatherer taxa and the proportions of macroinvertebrate functional‐feeding groups (FFG) were altered such that the primary trophic pathway was changed from an autotrophic algal‐based pathway to a heterotrophic, detrital‐based pathway.

Riparian invasion by willows may change the primary source of energy from autotrophy to heterotrophy in small streams, with knock‐on effects on community structure across trophic levels.
Gluten weight in ancient and modern wheat and the reactivity of epitopes towards R5 and G12 monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Gélinas Pierre , McKinnon Carole 
Published: May 2016

SummaryDifferences in the level of coeliac‐active gluten epitopes in wheat might have some significance for individuals reporting noncoeliac gluten sensitivity. The aim of this study was to compare the reactivity of epitopes towards ELISA R5 and G12 monoclonal antibodies in ancient (emmer; Khorasan wheat; spelt) and modern wheat (common bread wheat; durum), and to check whether the bread‐making process leads to the degradation of epitopes. Data from ELISA R5 and G12 did not match gluten dry weight in wheat. Bread dough fermentation and extensive baking did not change the reactivity of coeliac‐active epitopes towards monoclonal antibodies. Compared to hexaploid bread‐type wheat (spelt; common bread wheat), ancient and modern pasta‐type tetraploid wheat (emmer; Khorasan; durum) had less epitopes reactive towards ELISA R5 and G12 and might be preferable for wheat‐sensitive individuals looking for food with reduced coeliac‐active epitopes.
Liver test abnormalities in patients admitted for severe psoriasis: prevalence and associated risk factors
Authors: Finet A. , Viguier M. , Chazouillères O. , Amatore F. , Paul C. , Richard M.A. , Chosidow O. , Bachelez H. , Sbidian E. ,   the Groupe de Recherche sur le Psoriasis de la Société Française de Dermatologie
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundFew epidemiologic data are available regarding biologic liver abnormalities during psoriasis flares.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of biological liver test abnormalities (LTA) in a psoriasis population and the risk factors associated with LTA.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study in four hospital dermatology tertiary care centres included patients admitted for severe psoriasis flare between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2011. During the same period, a control population was selected comprising patients admitted for contact and/or atopic eczema. Data were collected on hospital records and biology software. LTA was defined as serum AST and/or ALT and/or ALP concentration above the upper normal limit (UNL) and/or GGT concentration above 2 UNL. Prevalence of LTA with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was compared between the psoriatic and control populations. Factors associated with LTA at P < 0.05 were considered for the final multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsTwo hundred and forty psoriasis patients and 96 eczema control patients were included. One hundred and fifty‐five(64.6%) of the psoriasis patients were male, aged 55 years on average (±17.6); 192 (80.0%) had plaque‐type psoriasis (PV) and 52 (21.6%) had localized (n = 32) or generalized (n = 20) pustular psoriasis (PP). Prevalence of LTA was 36% (95% CI, 30–42) in the psoriatic population, significantly higher than in controls (17%, 95% CI 9.5–25). Risk factors independently associated with LTA comprised PV (OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.48–9.65), PP (OR 3.80; 95% CI 1.40–10.25) and previously diagnosed liver disease (underlying hepatic steatosis, viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption) (OR 3.88; 95% CI 2.02–7.45). No association was found with systemic antipsoriatic drug therapies.ConclusionIn severe psoriasis, liver impacting comorbidities and/or specific psoriatic inflammation, the latter mostly in PP cases, more than drug‐related liver toxicity, appears to predominantly account for LTA. Clinicians should be aware of this, to avoid unjustified withdrawal of useful systemic drugs.
Tuberculids: cutaneous indicator diseases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in young patients
Authors: Hallensleben N.D.L. , de Vries H.J.C. , Lettinga K.D. , Scherpbier H.J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn the past years the incidence of tuberculosis has dropped significantly in most parts of Europe and the presentation of symptomatic tuberculosis cases have become increasingly rare. With the recent influx of refugees in Europe coming from tuberculosis endemic areas like the Middle East and Africa, it is expected that the incidence of tuberculosis will increase.ObjectivesCutaneous symptoms are important hallmarks that can be of aid for the correct diagnosis of an underlying disease, like tuberculosis.MethodsWe describe 2 young patients with tuberculids, respectively lichen scrofulosorum and papulonecrotic tuberculids, caused by a systemic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.ResultsTuberculids are cutaneous immunological reactions triggered by a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection elsewhere in the body. The three main manifestations of cutaneous tuberculids are: lichen scrofulosorum, papulonecrotic tuberculids and erythema induratum of Bazin. Whereas the latter is more common, the first two presentations are rare.ConclusionIt is of importance that clinicians, including dermatologists, are aware of the spectrum of clinical presentations of tuberculosis to halt this destructive and highly contagious disease early in its course.