bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating maternal effects on production traits in Duroc pigs using animal and sire models
Authors: Dube B. , Mulugeta S.D. , Dzama K. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryVariance components for production traits were estimated using different models to evaluate maternal effects. Data analysed were records from the South African pig performance testing scheme on 22 224 pigs from 18 herds, tested between 1990 and 2008. The traits analysed were backfat thickness (BFAT), test period weight gain (TPG), lifetime weight gain (LTG), test period feed conversion ratio (FCR) and age at slaughter (AGES). Data analyses were performed by REML procedures in ASREML, where random effects were successively fitted into animal and sire models to produce different models. The first animal model had one random effect, the direct genetic effects, while the additional random effects were maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects. In the sire model, the random effects fitted were sire and maternal grand sire effects. The best model considered the covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects or between sire and maternal grand sire effects. Fitting maternal genetic effects into the animal model reduced total additive variance, while the total additive variance increased when maternal grand sire effects were fitted into the sire model. The correlations between direct and maternal genetic effects were all negative, indicating antagonism between these effects, hence the need to consider both effects in selection programmes. Direct genetic correlations were higher than other correlations, except for maternal genetic correlations of FCR with TPG, LTG and AGES. There has been direct genetic improvement and almost constant maternal ability in production traits as shown by trends for estimated (EBVs) and maternal breeding values (MBVs), while phenotypic trends were similar to those for EBVs. These results suggest that maternal genetic effects should be included in selection programmes for these production traits. Therefore, the animal–maternal model may be the most appropriate model to use when estimating genetic parameters for production traits in this population.
Genetic deletion or TWEAK blocking antibody administration reduce atherosclerosis and enhance plaque stability in mice
Authors: Sastre Cristina , Fernández‐Laso Valvanera , Madrigal‐Matute Julio , Muñoz‐García Begoña , Moreno Juan A. , Pastor‐Vargas Carlos , Llamas‐Granda Patricia , Burkly Linda C. , Egido Jesús , Martín‐Ventura Jose L. , Blanco‐Colio Luis M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractClinical complications associated with atherosclerotic plaques arise from luminal obstruction due to plaque growth or destabilization leading to rupture. Tumour necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12 (TNFSF12) also known as TNF‐related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a proinflammatory cytokine that participates in atherosclerotic plaque development, but its role in plaque stability remains unclear. Using two different approaches, genetic deletion of TNFSF12 and treatment with a TWEAK blocking mAb in atherosclerosis‐prone mice, we have analysed the effect of TWEAK inhibition on atherosclerotic plaques progression and stability. Mice lacking both TNFSF12 and Apolipoprotein E (TNFSF12−/−ApoE−/−) exhibited a diminished atherosclerotic burden and lesion size in their aorta. Advanced atherosclerotic plaques of TNFSF12−/−ApoE−/− or anti‐TWEAK treated mice exhibited an increase collagen/lipid and vascular smooth muscle cell/macrophage ratios compared with TNFSF12+/+ApoE−/− control mice, reflecting a more stable plaque phenotype. These changes are related with two different mechanisms, reduction of the inflammatory response (chemokines expression and secretion and nuclear factor kappa B activation) and decrease of metalloproteinase activity in atherosclerotic plaques of TNFSF12−/−ApoE−/−. A similar phenotype was observed with anti‐TWEAK mAb treatment in TNFSF12+/+ApoE−/− mice. Brachiocephalic arteries were also examined since they exhibit additional features akin to human atherosclerotic plaques associated with instability and rupture. Features of greater plaque stability including augmented collagen/lipid ratio, reduced macrophage content, and less presence of lateral xanthomas, buried caps, medial erosion, intraplaque haemorrhage and calcium content were present in TNFSF12−/−ApoE−/− or anti‐TWEAK treatment in TNFSF12+/+ApoE−/− mice. Overall, our data indicate that anti‐TWEAK treatment has the capacity to diminish proinflamatory response associated with atherosclerotic plaque progression and to alter plaque morphology towards a stable phenotype.
Systematic review of hypertension clinical practice guidelines based on the burden of disease: a global perspective
Authors: Chen Yin , Hu Shilian , Li Youping , Yan Boxi , Shen Gan , Wang Li 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo perform a systematic review for the development, geographical distribution, and subject classification of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for hypertension worldwide.MethodsCPGs for the management of hypertension were identified through the searching of Ovid, EMbase, and Chinese electronic databases. Major guidelines websites such as NGC (National Guideline Clearinghouse), GIN (Guidelines International Network), NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) and CPGN (Clinical Practice Guideline Network), as well as Google Scholar were also screened for additional information. EndNote X3 and Excel 2007 were used for extracting and analyzing the data of included CPGs.ResultsA total of 375 hypertension CPGs were included, involving 6 continents, 33 countries, 4 regions, and 3 international organizations. The publication date ranged from the year of 1971 to 2012, with the number of CPGs increased year by year. The CPGs were mainly developed by North America, Europe, and Asia. Their subjects covered 3 categories and 11 sub‐classes, which mainly focused on the management of adult hypertension (44.53%).ConclusionThe number of CPGs varies in regions, countries, and academic organizations, with the development process differently. The regional disparity between the number CPGs and burden of hypertension were observed. The CPGs made a point of the management of adult hypertension.
Development and characterization of two monoclonal antibodies against grouper iridovirus 55L and 97L proteins
Authors: Hu S‐L , Liou C‐J , Cheng Y‐H , Yiu J‐C , Chiou P P , Lai Y‐S 
Published: January 2014

AbstractGrouper iridovirus (GIV) is one of the most important viral pathogens in grouper, particularly at the fry and fingerling stages. The study of GIV pathogenicity has been hampered by the lack of proper immunological reagents to study the expression and function of viral proteins in the infected cells. In this study, two mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against GIV 55L and 97L proteins were produced. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting were used to screen these hybridomas, resulting in the identification of two high‐affinity mAbs named GIV55L‐mAb‐2 and GIV97L‐mAb‐3, respectively. Both mAbs belong to the IgG1 isotype and were effective in detecting their respective target viral protein. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot analyses of GIV‐infected GK cells revealed that GIV 97L is an immediate early gene, whereas GIV 55L a late one. The localization of 55L and 97L in GIV‐infected cells was further characterized by immunofluorescence microscopy with the mAbs. The 55L protein mainly aggregated in the cytoplasm while 97L distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of the infected cells. These studies demonstrate the validity of the two mAbs as immunodiagnostic and research reagents.
High‐grade localized metasomatic alteration of the granitic gneiss surrounding a clinopyroxene‐rich pegmatoid dyke: Söndrum stenhuggeriet, Halmstad, SW Sweden
Authors: Harlov D. E. , Van Den Kerkhof A. , Johansson L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe Söndrum stone quarry (Halmstad, SW Sweden) exposes a transition from migmatized granitic gneissic country rock into a foliated clinopyroxene‐free granitic gneiss, and then a central pegmatoid dyke dominated by clinopyroxene megacrysts. This transition zone represents a fracture‐controlled, fluid‐alteration zone that developed under conditions of 650–700 °C and 790 MPa. Mineral chemical trends in F, Cl, Fe, Ti, Mn and Y are interpreted as documenting a fluid infiltration event associated with the formation of the pegmatoid dyke. Fluid inclusions from the pegmatoid dyke are CO2 dominant, whereas in the surrounding country rock they are dominated by H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2. Fluid inclusions from the intermediate foliated clinopyroxene‐free granitic gneiss are a mixture of the two types. The pegmatoid dyke appears to have originated from a high Ca activity, Fe‐Mg enriched, fluid‐rich granitic melt with a CO2 component, which was emplaced along a tectonic fracture in a regionally migmatized granitic gneiss in the lower crust. This was accompanied by limited partial melting of the surrounding granitic gneiss. The Ca activity of the melt was high enough to allow for the formation of clinopyroxene megacrysts as opposed to orthopyroxene. H2O‐enriched fluids expelled from the crystallizing pegmatoid dyke, which retained the majority of the CO2 helping to stabilize the clinopyroxene. The expelled fluids coarsened and chemically affected the surrounding country rock resulting in trends in the mineral and fluid inclusion chemistry seen today in the foliated and regional granitic gneiss.
Efficacy of swaddling and heel warming on pain response to heel stick in neonates: a randomised control trial
Authors: Shu Shao‐Hui , Lee Ying‐Li , Hayter Mark , Wang Ruey‐Hsia 
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectivesTo determine the efficacy of swaddling and heel warming on pain response in neonates following heel stick.BackgroundSwaddling has been suggested to reduce pain response in neonates during heel stick. Heel warming is also often performed for drawing blood easily before heel stick. However, the efficacy of both on pain response is unclear.DesignA randomised controlled study was used.MethodsTwenty‐five neonates were randomly assigned to each of the control, swaddling and heel‐warming groups. Heart rate, oxygen saturation Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and duration of crying were used to assess pain reactivity and pain recovery. A greater heart rate and Neonatal Infant Pain Scale increase, or oxygen saturation decrease, indicated higher pain reactivity. A longer duration of heart rate and oxygen saturation changes after heel stick back to baseline indicated a longer pain recovery.ResultsThe decrease in oxygen saturation in swaddling group was significantly greater than that in heel‐warming group. The increase in the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale in control group was significantly higher than that in swaddling group. The heart rate recovery time in control group and swaddling group was significantly longer than that in heel‐warming group. The oxygen saturation recovery time in control group was significantly longer than that in heel‐warming group. The duration of crying in control group was significantly longer than those in swaddling group and heel‐warming group.ConclusionBoth swaddling and heel warming decreased the pain response of neonates during heel stick. Heel warming resulted in a lower pain response than did swaddling for neonates, particularly in terms of pain recovery.Relevance to clinical practiceHeel warming could become a routine practice to decrease the pain response of neonates during heel stick.
Prehospital emergency care for patients with suspected hip fractures after falling – older patients' experiences
Authors: Aronsson Kenneth , Björkdahl Ida , Wireklint Sundström Birgitta 
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectivesTo describe and explain older patients' lived experiences of prehospital emergency care in cases of suspected hip fractures after falling.BackgroundFalls among the elderly is an issue internationally and a public health problem that seems to be on the increase. In the emergency medical services, older people are frequent patients after having suffered a fall, but there is little information on how older patients experience prehospital emergency care in cases of suspected hip fractures after falling.DesignQualitative interview study.MethodsTen older patients were interviewed. These depth interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed for meanings.ResultsThe comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon is: ‘Glad to have been rescued, despite bad experiences as well as good'. The older patient is offered care in an open and friendly atmosphere concurrently with feeling anxiety about the treatment. Intervention with streamlined care and treatment can thus simultaneously be beneficial as well as doing harm. Patients experience confusion and the need to ask questions about what really happened in the ambulance. Bad experiences remain unexplained. These findings are based on three themes with relevant subthemes: efficiency, concerned encounters and suffering from care.ConclusionsOur study shows that prehospital emergency care when hip fracture is suspected – from patients' point of view – is insufficient and unsatisfying. Prehospital emergency care for these vulnerable patients could be improved through more compassion being shown towards older patients' existential needs and their increased participation. Furthermore, alternative methods of prehospital pain relief need to be developed.Relevance to clinical practiceResponsibility for patients' safety regarding pain relief is emphasised. Pain relief in the emergency medical services should be individualised. This development should focus on care that is already good and gradually eradicate compassionless care.
Nursing personnel's attitudes towards fever and antipyresis of adult patients: cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Kiekkas Panagiotis , Konstantinou Evangelos , Psychogiou Kalliopi‐Styliani , Tsampoula Iliana , Stefanopoulos Nikolaos , Bakalis Nick 
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the attitudes of nurses caring for hospitalised adult patients towards fever and antipyresis and to identify the predictors of these attitudes.BackgroundFever is a host defence mechanism, whose harmful effects are limited to specific patients. Findings about antipyretic treatment have further challenged the need for routine or aggressive fever suppression. Unfortunately, nurses continue to be fever phobic, while their attitudes towards fever and antipyresis considerably affect antipyretic practice.DesignProspective, cross‐sectional, multicentre survey.MethodsA convenience sample of registered and assistant nurses employed in surgical/medical wards and intensive care units of nine Greek hospitals was enrolled. The developed questionnaire included 10 multiple‐choice, knowledge‐evaluating items about fever and antipyresis, 10 Likert‐type attitude‐evaluating items towards fever and 10 towards antipyresis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of attitudes towards fever and antipyresis.ResultsThe attitudes of the 458 participants were found to be relatively positive towards both fever and antipyresis. Lower fever/antipyresis knowledge score predicted both negative attitude towards fever (p = 0·001) and positive attitude towards antipyresis (p < 0·001), while longer professional experience predicted positive attitude towards antipyresis (p = 0·002).ConclusionsAdvancing nurses' evidence‐based knowledge about fever and antipyresis is expected to limit their tendency to overtreat fever and favour fever care based on the assessment of actual patient demands.Relevance to clinical practiceThese findings highlight the need for continuing education programmes to eliminate fever phobia and improve nurses' competency for individualised fever care.
Rapid genetic adaptation precedes the spread of an exotic plant species
Authors: Vandepitte Katrien , de Meyer Tim , Helsen Kenny , van Acker Kasper , Roldán‐Ruiz Isabel , Mergeay Joachim , Honnay Olivier 
Published: January 2014

AbstractHuman activities have increasingly introduced plant species far outside their native ranges under environmental conditions that can strongly differ from those originally met. Therefore, before spreading, and potentially causing ecological and economical damage, non‐native species may rapidly evolve. Evidence of genetically based adaptation during the process of becoming invasive is very scant, however, which is due to the lack of knowledge regarding the historical genetic makeup of the introduced populations and the lack of genomic resources. Capitalizing on the availability of old non‐native herbarium specimens, we examined frequency shifts in genic SNPs of the Pyrenean Rocket (Sisymbrium austriacum subsp. chrysanthum), comparing the (i) native, (ii) currently spreading non‐native and (iii) historically introduced gene pool. Results show strong divergence in flowering time genes during the establishment phase, indicating that rapid genetic adaptation preceded the spread of this species and possibly assisted in overcoming environmental constraints.
Intestinal helminth fauna of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the western Mediterranean: No effects of host body length, age and sex
Authors: Mateu Paula , Raga Juan Antonio , Fernández Mercedes , Aznar Francisco Javier 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe intestine of 52 (28 males and 24 females) striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from western Mediterranean waters was examined for helminths. Animals were found stranded along the Spanish coasts during the morbillivirus epizootic in 1990. In accordance with observations from other pelagic tetrapods, including cetaceans from other geographical regions, the intestinal helminth community was depauperate. Four helminth species were found: three tetrabothriid cestodes, Tetrabothrius forsteri (prevalence: 96.2%; mean intensity [95% CI]: 47.4 [34.4–68.2]), Trigonocotyle globicephalae (9.6%; 1.8 [1.0–2.2]), and Strobilocephalus triangularis (23.1%; 5.3 [2.9–10.2]), and immature individuals of the acanthocephalan Bolbosoma vasculosum (51.9%; 2.7 [2.0–3.4]). Schluter's variance test indicated a weak, but statistically significant association of occurrence of helminth species in dolphins, suggesting that some tetrabothriid species might use the same intermediate or paratenic hosts. Neither the abundance of helminth species nor infracommunity descriptors were significantly affected by sex, host body length or age. The absence of predictable effects of body size and age on the recruitment rate of helminths could be related to the fact that the host sample was largely composed of adults. This study provides quantitative evidence about helminth community structure of striped dolphins, based on a large sample size.
Host‐induced post‐transcriptional hairpin RNA‐mediated gene silencing of vital fungal genes confers efficient resistance against Fusarium wilt in banana
Authors: Ghag Siddhesh B. , Shekhawat Upendra K. S. , Ganapathi Thumballi R. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryFusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is among the most destructive diseases of banana (Musa spp.). Because no credible control measures are available, development of resistant cultivars through genetic engineering is the only option. We investigated whether intron hairpin RNA (ihpRNA)‐mediated expression of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeted against vital fungal genes (velvet and Fusarium transcription factor 1) in transgenic banana could achieve effective resistance against Foc. Partial sequences of these two genes were assembled as ihpRNAs in suitable binary vectors (ihpRNA‐VEL and ihpRNA‐FTF1) and transformed into embryogenic cell suspensions of banana cv. Rasthali by Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation. Eleven transformed lines derived from ihpRNA‐VEL and twelve lines derived from ihpRNA‐FTF1 were found to be free of external and internal symptoms of Foc after 6‐week‐long greenhouse bioassays. The five selected transgenic lines for each construct continued to resist Foc at 8 months postinoculation. Presence of specific siRNAs derived from the two ihpRNAs in transgenic banana plants was confirmed by Northern blotting and Illumina sequencing of small RNAs derived from the transgenic banana plants. The present study represents an important effort in proving that host‐induced post‐transcriptional ihpRNA‐mediated gene silencing of vital fungal genes can confer efficient resistance against debilitating pathogens in crop plants.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Atopic Eczema in Turkish Adolescents
Authors: Akcay Ahmet , Tamay Zeynep , Ergin Ahmet , Guler Nermin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAtopic eczema (AE) is the most common childhood inflammatory skin condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AE and its relation to various risk factors. In a cross‐sectional study, 9,991 children ages 13 to 14 years in 61 primary schools in 32 districts of Istanbul were evaluated. The prevalence of AE and associated symptoms was assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood protocol. The relationship between risk factors and AE was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Ten thousand nine hundred eighty‐four questionnaires were distributed to 13‐ and 14‐year‐old children in 61 schools in 32 districts of Istanbul, 9,991 of which were suitable for analysis, for an overall response rate of 91.7%. There were 4,746 boys (47.9%) and 5,166 girls (52.1%) (M/F ratio 0.920). The rates of itchy rash ever, 12‐month itchy rash, and doctor‐diagnosed AE ever were 18.2%, 12.0%, and 2.8%, respectively. The difference between rates for itchy rash ever, 12‐month itchy rash and doctor‐diagnosed AE was high (12.8–31.3, 5.8–24.8, and 0–17.2, respectively) between the districts of Istanbul. Female sex, AE family history, watching television more than 5 hours a day, region of the district, and tonsillectomy history were found to be significantly associated with doctor‐diagnosed AE at p < 0.05 in multivariate analysis. This study found a low prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed AE and related symptoms in Istanbul. Several risk factors were found to be associated with doctor‐diagnosed AE.
The Role of Microsite Conditions in Restoring Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) from Seed
Authors: Schott Kaitlin M. , Karst Justine , Landhäusser Simon M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractEncouraging natural regeneration of Populus tremuloides Michx (trembling aspen) from seed is a largely unexplored means for reintroducing the species into reclamation areas. We evaluated the effects of microsite (surface contour and substrate type) on aspen seedling establishment and growth on a reclaimed coal mine. The 4.6 ha study site was divided into six 48 m‐wide strips that had 15 or 40 cm capping material salvaged from a nearby forest floor added to the mine surface. We surveyed 126 m long transects located in the center of each strip for microsite conditions, and the presence and height of aspen seedlings. We found that aspen seedlings generally preferred mineral‐organic substrates and concave microsites. To facilitate the regeneration of aspen by seed, we suggest that land managers increase small‐scale roughness and microtopographic diversity on reclaimed sites.