bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic factors controlling wool shedding in a composite Easycare sheep flock
Authors: Matika O. , Bishop S. C. , Pong‐Wong R. , Riggio V. , Headon D. J. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryHistorically, sheep have been selectively bred for desirable traits including wool characteristics. However, recent moves towards extensive farming and reduced farm labour have seen a renewed interest in Easycare breeds. The aim of this study was to quantify the underlying genetic architecture of wool shedding in an Easycare flock. Wool shedding scores were collected from 565 pedigreed commercial Easycare sheep from 2002 to 2010. The wool scoring system was based on a 10‐point (0–9) scale, with score 0 for animals retaining full fleece and 9 for those completely shedding. DNA was sampled from 200 animals of which 48 with extreme phenotypes were genotyped using a 50‐k SNP chip. Three genetic analyses were performed: heritability analysis, complex segregation analysis to test for a major gene hypothesis and a genome‐wide association study to map regions in the genome affecting the trait. Phenotypes were treated as a continuous or binary variable and categories. High estimates of heritability (0.80 when treated as a continuous, 0.65–0.75 as binary and 0.75 as categories) for shedding were obtained from linear mixed model analyses. Complex segregation analysis gave similar estimates (0.80 ± 0.06) to those above with additional evidence for a major gene with dominance effects. Mixed model association analyses identified four significant (P < 0.05) SNPs. Further analyses of these four SNPs in all 200 animals revealed that one of the SNPs displayed dominance effects similar to those obtained from the complex segregation analyses. In summary, we found strong genetic control for wool shedding, demonstrated the possibility of a single putative dominant gene controlling this trait and identified four SNPs that may be in partial linkage disequilibrium with gene(s) controlling shedding.
Multilevel, cross‐sectional study on social capital with psychogeriatric health among olderJapanese people dwelling in rural areas
Authors: Yuasa Motoyuki , Ukawa Shigekazu , Ikeno Tamiko , Kawabata Tomoko 
Published: July 2013

AimThere has been increasing interest in the effect of social capital (SC) on health over the last decade both inJapan and internationally. This study elucidated whether components ofSCare linked to the psychogeriatric health of older Japanese individuals.MethodData for 169 eligible older people living in three rural areas were collected. Multilevel analyses were performed to examine associations between general trust, informal social interaction and formal group participation with self‐rated health, mini‐mental state examination (MMSE), self‐rated depression scale (SDS) and general self‐efficacy scale (GSES).ResultsOur study revealed thatMMSE,SDSandGSESwere significantly associated with informal social interaction and formal group participation after adjusting for area‐levelSC. However, we observed no relationship between general trust and health outcomes.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the strategic enhancement of social cohesion and social networks for older people may promote their health and quality of later life.
Detection of Anti‐HLA Antibodies in Maternal Blood in the Second Trimester to Identify Patients at Risk of Antibody‐Mediated Maternal Anti‐Fetal Rejection and Spontaneous Preterm Delivery
Authors: Lee JoonHo , Romero Roberto , Xu Yi , Miranda Jezid , Yoo Wonsuk , Chaemsaithong Piya , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Tarca Adi L. , Korzeniewski Steven J. , Hassan Sonia S. , Than Nandor Gabor , Yoon Bo Hyun , Kim Chong Jai 
Published: July 2013

ProblemMaternal anti‐fetal rejection is a mechanism of disease in spontaneous preterm labor. The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) panel‐reactive antibodies (PRA) during the second trimester increases the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery.Methods of studyThis longitudinal case‐control study included pregnant women with spontaneous preterm deliveries (n = 310) and control patients with normal term pregnancies (n = 620), matched for maternal age and gravidity. Maternal plasma samples obtained at 14–16, 16–20, 20–24, and 24–28 weeks of gestation were analyzed for HLA class I and class II PRA positivity using flow cytometry. The fetal HLA genotype and maternal HLA alloantibody epitope were determined for a subset of patients with positive HLA PRA.Results(i) Patients with spontaneous preterm delivery were more likely to exhibit HLA class I (adjusted OR = 2.54, P < 0.0001) and class II (adjusted OR = 1.98, P = 0.002) PRA positivity than those delivering at term; (ii) HLA class I PRA positivity for patients with spontaneous preterm delivery between 28 and 34 weeks (adjusted OR = 2.88; P = 0.001) and after 34 weeks of gestation (adjusted OR = 2.53; P < 0.0001) was higher than for those delivering at term; (iii) HLA class II PRA positivity for patients with spontaneous preterm delivery after 34 weeks of gestation was higher than for those delivering at term (adjusted OR = 2.04; P = 0.002); (iv) multiparous women were at a higher risk for HLA class I PRA positivity than nulliparous women (adjusted OR = 0.097, P < 0.0001 for nulliparity); (v) nulliparous women had a higher rate of HLA class I PRA positivity with advancing gestational age (P = 0.001); and (vi) 78% of women whose fetuses were genotyped had alloantibodies specific against fetal HLA class I antigens.ConclusionPregnant women with positive HLA class I or class II PRA during the second trimester are at an increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery due to antibody‐mediated maternal anti‐fetal rejection.
Repeatability and accuracy of applanation resonance tonometry in healthy subjects and patients with glaucoma
Authors: Salvetat Maria L. , Zeppieri Marco , Tosoni Claudia , Brusini Paolo 
Published: July 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the repeatability and accuracy of the applanation resonance tonometer (ART) used in the automatic servo‐controlled version, and to evaluate the influence of central corneal thickness (CCT) on the ART intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements.Methods:  This prospective, randomized, single‐centre study included one eye of 153 subjects (35 healthy volunteers and 118 patients with glaucoma). All participants underwent ultrasonic CCT measurement, followed by IOP evaluation with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and ART in random order. A single operator measured the IOP with each tonometer three times. Intra‐examiner variability was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CoV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and test–retest differences. Intermethod agreement was assessed using the Bland–Altman method. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between IOP measurements and CCT.Results:  The mean IOP was 17.7 ± 4.4 mmHg with GAT and 20.6 ± 5.3 mmHg with ART (p < 0.001). CoV and ICC were, respectively, 5 ± 3% and 0.99 for GAT, and 8 ± 4% and 0.96 for ART (intermethods differences, p = 0.001). The ART test–retest differences significantly increased with increasing mean IOP (p = 0.003). The mean IOP difference (ART minus GAT) was 3.0 ± 4.0 mmHg, which increased with increasing mean IOP (p < 0.001). Both GAT IOP and ART IOP readings were significantly directly related to the CCT values (p = 0.03 and p = 0.004, respectively; intermethods difference, p = 0.32).Conclusions:  The ART intra‐examiner repeatability was excellent, although significantly lower than that of GAT, and decreased at higher IOP levels. ART significantly overestimated GAT IOP measurements, especially at higher IOP range. Both GAT and ART appeared similarly influenced by CCT value.
Parental Sense of Coherence in the first 2 years of life is not related to parental and child diurnal cortisol rhythm or proxies of anthroposophic lifestyle
Authors: Swartz Jackie , Alm Johan , Theorell Töres , Lindblad Frank 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimSense of Coherence (SOC) is hypothesized to have direct physiological consequences on endocrine and immunological processes. In this study, we compare parental SOC scores from pregnancy in groups of infants and parents representing different lifestyles (anthroposophic, partly anthroposophic and nonanthroposophic). We also analyse whether these could predict cortisol levels of the parents and their infants at 6–24 months postpartum.MethodsParental SOC‐13 was collected during the third trimester of pregnancy from a birth cohort of families with different lifestyles. Salivary samples were collected from the whole family when the child was 6 months (n = 210), 12 (n = 178) and 24 months of age (n = 149), and cortisol levels were analysed with radioimmunoassay technique.ResultsSense of Coherence scores did not differ between the three lifestyle groups, and there were no correlations between SOC scores and salivary cortisol concentrations in separate analyses of mothers, fathers and children at any sampling age or at any sampling time during the day (morning, afternoon, bedtime).ConclusionSense of Coherence scores did not vary in parents with different lifestyles and were not associated with salivary cortisol levels in parents or in children.
A phylogenetic analysis of morphological and molecular characters of Boraginaceae: evolutionary relationships, taxonomy, and patterns of character evolution
Authors: Cohen James I. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe angiosperm family Boraginaceae includes ca. 1600 species distributed among ca. 110 genera. Some floral features are constant within the family, but many vegetative, floral, pollen, and nutlet traits vary. Utilizing 224 species of Boraginaceae and related taxa, five matrices were constructed with various combinations of morphological characters, three chloroplast DNA regions, and one nuclear ribosomal DNA region. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted for these matrices, and patterns of character evolution were examined. Boraginaceae is resolved as monophyletic, with Wellstedia as its sister. Codon is sister to Boraginaceae + Wellstedia. Although most of the investigated morphological characters have a low consistency index, particular character states are synapomorphies for large clades in each of the tribes of the family. In Boraginaceae, the breeding system heterostyly evolved at least 12 times, which is the largest number of origins resolved in any family; therefore Boraginaceae can serve as a model for the evolution and development of heterostyly. Nutlet ornamentation is most diverse in Cynoglosseae and Trichodesmeae, while pollen and floral features are most variable in Boragineae and Lithospermeae. Phylogenetic relationships and patterns of character evolution identified in the present study set the stage for future work creating an updated taxonomic system of Boraginaceae.
Consequences of needle tract seeding of hepatocellular cancer after liver transplant
Authors: Lopez Kristi T. , Kuwada Scott K. , Wong Linda L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAlthough liver biopsy is a relatively safe procedure, needle tract seeding (NTS) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is described in up to 5% of patients after liver biopsy. The rate of NTS in patients with HCC who had liver transplantation is unknown. We performed a retrospective analysis of 759 HCC cases from August 1992 to August 2011. Demographics, ethnicities, risk factors, tumor characteristics, treatments, recurrence, and survival were collected. Patients who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy, resection, and transplant were identified. In all, 359 underwent biopsy to diagnose HCC and 42 patients underwent liver transplant. None of 171 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation alone had seeding. None of the 11 patients who had biopsy and radiofrequency ablation performed in a single session developed NTS; however, two of 12 patients who had biopsy and radiofrequency ablation performed at separate sessions had NTS. Two patients underwent liver transplantation and subsequently developed needle tract seeding eventually died from HCC. Although the incidence of needle tract seeding was low in liver transplant patients, it can potentially change a curative therapy into a non‐curative one. Single‐session liver biopsy and radiofrequency ablation may reduce the risk of needle tract seeding of HCC.
Genistein and endothelial function in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Irace Concetta , Marini Herbert , Bitto Alessandra , Altavilla Domenica , Polito Francesca , Adamo Elena Bianca , Arcoraci Vincenzo , Minutoli Letteria , Di Benedetto Antonino , Di Vieste Giacoma , de Gregorio Cesare , Gnasso Agostino , Corrao Salvatore , Licata Giuseppe , Squadrito Francesco 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevious data have suggested that genistein could exert beneficial effects on endothelial function and on predictors of cardiovascular risk in healthy postmenopausal women. In a randomized clinical trial, we studied the effects of genistein on endothelial function in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MS).MethodsTwenty postmenopausal women with MS, according to modified NCEP‐ATP III criteria were randomly assigned to receive placebo or genistein (54 mg/day) for 6 months, along with a Mediterranean‐style diet. Postmenopausal women without MS (n = 15), served as controls. The primary goal was the assessment of endothelial function by flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) of brachial artery; moreover, time‐to‐peak dilation in the FMD response has been evaluated. Secondary outcomes were fasting glucose, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, visfatin, adiponectin and homocysteine blood levels. Data on adverse events were also recorded.ResultsAfter 6 months of treatment, FMD at 50s and peak FMD significantly increased in genistein recipients compared with placebo. Moreover, genistein significantly decreased the blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine and visfatin compared with placebo, while blood adiponectin levels were increased. Genistein recipients neither experienced more side–adverse effects than placebo nor discontinued the study.ConclusionsSix months of treatment with genistein effectively improves brachial artery flow‐mediated vasodilation in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.
Effects of seasonal variation in host quality and availability on parasitism by the egg parasitoid Telenomus coloradensis
Authors: Legault Simon , Hébert Christian , Berthiaume Richard , Brodeur Jacques 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), is one of the most important defoliator in North American forests. The common egg parasitoid Telenomus coloradensis Crawford (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) plays a significant role as a natural control agent, with parasitism levels in spring typically higher than in fall. The objectives of this study were to quantify changes in host acceptance and reproductive performance of the parasitoid in relation to (1) host egg fertilization in fall, (2) host diapause status, (3) host embryonic development in spring, and (4) host deprivation during summer. Our results indicate that T. coloradensis do not have the capacity to develop in unfertilized host eggs, whereas early‐diapausing eggs are more suitable for the parasitoid than post‐diapausing eggs. Furthermore, the host physiological suitability decreases with embryonic development in spring. Finally, a host deprivation period during the summer tends to negatively affect the parasitic activity of T. coloradensis. These laboratory results confirm previous hypotheses concerning T. coloradensis seasonal ecology and contribute to a better understanding of the effect of hemlock looper egg physiology and availability on the reproductive potential of T. coloradensis.
Evaluation of the population structure of Anguilla bicolor and A. bengalensis using total number of vertebrae and consideration of the subspecies concept for the genus Anguilla
Authors: Watanabe Shun , Miller Michael J. , Aoyama Jun , Tsukamoto Katsumi 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe population structures of two tropical species, Anguilla bicolor and Anguilla bengalensis, collected from several localities of each species range were evaluated using statistical analyses of total number of vertebrae (TV) data, which also included previously published data. There were significant differences in TV values between A. bicolor specimens from the Indian and Pacific oceans and between A. bengalensis specimens from the eastern and western Indian Ocean. These results suggest that A. bicolor is separated clearly into Indian Ocean and Pacific/Indonesian Seas populations and A. bengalensis has eastern and western populations in the Indian Ocean, which both correspond to the historical subspecies designations of these eels. The existence of different spawning populations of other species such as the widely distributed tropical eel A. marmorata raises the question about how to categorise these subspecies or populations. Regardless of the taxonomic category used, each of these spawning populations should be considered to be a distinct ecological unit for conservation and sustainable management purposes.
Chemotherapy followed by modified donor lymphocyte infusion as a treatment for relapsed acute leukemia after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation without in vitro T‐cell depletion: superior outcomes compared with chemotherapy alone and an analysis of prognostic factors
Authors: Yan Chen‐Hua , Wang Jing‐Zhi , Liu Dai‐Hong , Xu Lan‐Ping , Chen Huan , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe retrospectively compared the antileukemic effects of chemotherapy alone and chemotherapy followed by modified donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) in 82 patients with relapsed acute leukemia after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) without in vitro T‐cell depletion. We also investigated prognostic factors in patients receiving chemotherapy followed by modified DLI. Thirty‐two patients received chemotherapy alone, and the remaining 50 patients received chemotherapy followed by modified DLI. In patients receiving chemotherapy followed by modified DLI, complete remission rate was significantly higher (64.0% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.000), the incidence of relapse was significantly lower (50.0% vs. 100.0%, P = 0.000), and disease‐free survival was significantly improved (36.0% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.000) compared with patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) after intervention (P = 0.000) and patients receiving chemotherapy followed by modified DLI (P = 0.037) were associated with a lower relapse rate. Furthermore, in patients receiving chemotherapy followed by modified DLI, multivariate analysis demonstrated that chronic GVHD after modified DLI (P = 0.039) and duration of minimal residual disease (MRD) (−) ≥4 months after modified DLI (P = 0.001) were associated with a lower relapse rate. Our study is the first to suggest that chemotherapy followed by modified DLI is associated with stronger antileukemic effects and better survival in relapsed acute leukemia after haploidentical HSCT without in vitro T‐cell depletion. Furthermore, our study suggests that lack of chronic GVHD and duration of MRD (−) <4 months after modified DLI are associated with higher relapse rates in patients receiving chemotherapy followed by modified DLI.
Etiology of first‐ever ischaemic stroke in European young adults: the 15 cities young stroke study
Authors: Yesilot Barlas N. , Putaala J. , Waje‐Andreassen U. , Vassilopoulou S. , Nardi K. , Odier C. , Hofgart G. , Engelter S. , Burow A. , Mihalka L. , Kloss M. , Ferrari J. , Lemmens R. , Coban O. , Haapaniemi E. , Maaijwee N. , Rutten‐Jacobs L. , Bersano A. , Cereda C. , Baron P. , Borellini L. , Valcarenghi C. , Thomassen L. , Grau A. J. , Palm F. , Urbanek C. , Tuncay R. , Durukan Tolvanen A. , van Dijk E. J. , de Leeuw F.‐E. , Thijs V. , Greisenegger S. , Vemmos K. , Lichy C. , Bereczki D. , Csiba L. , Michel P. , Leys D. , Spengos K. , Naess H. , Tatlisumak T. , Bahar S. Z. 
Published: July 2013

Background and purposeRisk factors for IS in young adults differ between genders and evolve with age, but data on the age‐ and gender‐specific differences by stroke etiology are scare. These features were compared based on individual patient data from 15 European stroke centers.MethodsStroke etiology was reported in detail for 3331 patients aged 15–49 years with first‐ever IS according to Trial of Org in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria: large‐artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolism (CE), small‐vessel occlusion (SVO), other determined etiology, or undetermined etiology. CE was categorized into low‐ and high‐risk sources. Other determined group was divided into dissection and other non‐dissection causes. Comparisons were done using logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, and center heterogeneity.ResultsEtiology remained undetermined in 39.6%. Other determined etiology was found in 21.6%, CE in 17.3%, SVO in 12.2%, and LAA in 9.3%. Other determined etiology was more common in females and younger patients, with cervical artery dissection being the single most common etiology (12.8%). CE was more common in younger patients. Within CE, the most frequent high‐risk sources were atrial fibrillation/flutter (15.1%) and cardiomyopathy (11.5%). LAA, high‐risk sources of CE, and SVO were more common in males. LAA and SVO showed an increasing frequency with age. No significant etiologic distribution differences were found amongst southern, central, or northern Europe.ConclusionsThe etiology of IS in young adults has clear gender‐specific patterns that change with age. A notable portion of these patients remains without an evident stroke mechanism according to TOAST criteria.
A Spatially Disaggregated Areal Interpolation Model Using Light Detection and Ranging‐Derived Building Volumes
Authors: Sridharan Harini , Qiu Fang 
Published: July 2013

Dasymetric areal interpolation is the process by which data are transferred from a spatial unit system for which they are available (source units) to another system for which they are required (target units) with the aid of ancillary information (control units). We propose a spatially disaggregated areal interpolation model for population data using light detection and ranging (LiDAR)‐derived building volumes as an ancillary variable. Innovative methods are proposed for model initialization, iterative regression and adjustment, and stopping criteria to deal effectively with control units of unequal size. The model is derived and applied at the control unit level to minimize the modifiable areal unit problem, and an iterative adjustment process is utilized to overcome the spatial heterogeneity problem encountered in earlier approaches. The use of building volume to disaggregate the population into finer scales ensures maximum correspondence with the unit at which the original population data were collected and models not only the horizontal but also the vertical population distribution. A case study forRoundRock,Texas, demonstrates that the proposed spatially disaggregated model usingLiDAR‐derived building volumes outperforms earlier areal interpolation models using traditional area‐ and length‐based ancillary variables.密度区域插值是在辅助信息的帮助下（控制元），从一个可测空间单元系统（源单元）转换至所需空间单元系统（目标元）的过程。本文提出了一个利用激光雷达（LiDAR）测量建筑物体积作为辅助变量的人口数据空间分解区域插值模型（SDAIM），一系列创新方法用于模型初始化、迭代回归和调整方法，并给出了可有效处理不等大小控制单元的停止准则。该模型从控制单元层次来最小化可变区域单元问题（MAUP），并通过迭代调整过程来克服现有方法中的空间异质性问题。利用建筑物体积将从更精细尺度进行人口空间分解，保证了原始人口数据与模型的符合度达到最大，且模型可同时反映人口的水平与垂直分布特征。以德克萨斯州的Round Rock城市为例，验证了SDAIM方法优于已有基于面积和长度辅助变量的区域插值方法。