bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of predictive models for determining fetal age‐at‐length in belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) and their application towardin situandex situpopulation management
Authors: Robeck Todd R. , Schmitt Todd L. , Osborn Steve 
Published: November 2014

AbstractFor wild belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), gestation length estimates based on fetal size have produced extreme ranges.Ex situpopulations thereby provide unique opportunities to define this important life history event. Accordingly, research with ultrasound was conducted on six beluga whales over 11 gestations with known conception dates to serially measure fetal changes in biparietal diameter (BP), thoracic diameter (TD), thoracic circumference (TC), and total length (TL). Incremental polynomial regression analyses were performed on each fetal measurement to develop predictive models for determining age based on fetal size and days from parturition. Gestation length (n= 11) was a mean 467 ± 5.4 d with male calves (478 ± 8.6 d) experiencing a longer gestation (P= 0.04) than females (457 ± 3.9 d). Age atTLwas best described using a 2nd order polynomial model, while linear relationships existed forBPD,TD, andTC. Accuracy was improved for predicting age (P= 0.001) or days prior to parturition (P= 0.038) using data from the firstvs. the second half of gestation. The results provide accurate models for aging beluga fetuses based on size in bothin situandex situpopulations.
Yangtze finless porpoises along the main channel of Poyang Lake, China: Implications for conservation
Authors: Dong Lijun , Wang Ding , Wang Kexiong , li Songhai , Mei Zhigang , Wang Shiyong , Akamatsu Tomonari , Kimura Satoko 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPoyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China and flows into the Yangtze River. It is a traditional habitat for the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise, which has not been well investigated. To reveal the distribution of the porpoise in Poyang Lake, 12 passive acoustic surveys were conducted along 123 km of the main channel of the lake during different seasons (spring transition season, wet season, autumn transition season, and dry season) from 2008 to 2012. We counted the number of phonating porpoises encountered and calculated the detection rate (encountered individuals detected per kilometer). The median porpoise detection rates ranged from 0 to 0.65 individuals per kilometer during the different surveys. The highest median detection rate of 0.50 was detected in the autumn transition season. The seasonal shrinking of the lake during the dry season may cause a concentration of porpoises in the narrow channels and a high incidence of collisions with cargo ships and fishing boats. Conservation actions should be focused on the main channel of the lake during the dry and transition seasons. In addition, the expansion of the existing reserve to include areas with high porpoise detection rates is necessary.
Invited review: Animal models of tauopathies and their implications for research/translation into the clinic
Authors: Dujardin Simon , Colin Morvane , Buée Luc 
Published: November 2014

Our aims are to review animal models of tauopathies, which include a number of brain disorders with various aetiologies, including ageing, genetics, infectious diseases, toxins, trauma and other unknown factors. Tauopathies are characterized by the accumulation of filaments of the microtubule‐associated tau protein. The different aetiopathogeneses and distinct molecular events involved in tau aggregation have led to the development of various animal models for these diseases.In this review, rather than listing all current models, we focus on specific animal models addressing, among others, the question of tau hyperphosphorylation, tau aggregation and tau spreading. Physiological conditions, including normal ageing and hibernation, may exhibit tau phosphorylation and some aspects of tauopathies. However, most of the models of tauopathies involve genetically modified animals (mostly rodents, but also fruit fly, zebrafish and worm). Some of these models have been crucial for the development of therapeutic approaches in humans.The present review shows the difficulty in pinpointing a specific mechanism that may be targeted in tauopathies but also opens up new avenues for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Italian midwives' experiences of late termination of pregnancy. A phenomenological–hermeneutic study
Authors: Mauri Paola Agnese , Ceriotti Elisabetta , Soldi Marta , Guerrini Contini Norma Nilde 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this phenomenological–hermeneutic study, we explored how midwives perceive the burden of care, while assisting termination of pregnancy after 16 weeks' gestation. Between February and April 2013, 17 Italian midwives from three different units were interviewed. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Four themes emerged from the interviews: influences, supports, empathy, and emotions. At the end of the study, researchers observed that midwives assert conscientious objection to the termination of pregnancy, which does not influence their experiences and memories. The midwives felt that it was important to share experiences with colleagues, discussing cases together and with the rest of the team. The midwives also suggested some strategies to improve this type of care: organize shifts in a way that could lead to improved and personalized care for women, continuous development, involvement of relatives, and special measures for these women's rooms. Moreover, they considered help from other professionals as fundamental in order to manage the clinical and emotional complexities related to these terminations.
Pilot study of Biomarkers for predicting effectiveness of ramosetron in diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome: expression of S100A10 and polymorphisms of TPH1
Authors: Shiotani A. , Kusunoki H. , Ishii M. , Imamura H. , Manabe N. , Kamada T. , Hata J. , Merchant J. L. , Haruma K. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundSerotonin type 3 receptor (5‐HT3R) antagonists are potentially useful therapeutic agents for diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D). To identify biomarkers predicting effectiveness of the 5‐HT3R antagonist (ramosetron) in IBS‐D.MethodsIrritable bowel syndrome‐D Japanese subjects received 2.5 or 5 μg of ramosetron once daily for 4 weeks. Colonic mucosal S100A and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) mRNA expression levels were measured before treatment. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood and polymorphisms of TPH1 and TPH2 were analyzed.Key ResultsForty‐two patients (27 men and 15 women, mean age 42 years) with IBS‐D were included for analysis. Improvement of IBS symptoms was seen in 26 (61.9%). Baseline S100A10 (p = 0.02) and TPH1 (p = 0.02) expression were significantly higher in the ramosetron responders than in the non‐responders. The frequencies of the TPH1 rs4537731G allele in linkage disequilibrium with the TPH1 rs7130929 T allele (11.5% vs 50%, p = 0.003; OR: 12; 95% CI: 2.1–69) along with TPH1 rs211105 C allele (3.8% vs 43.8%, p = 0.0003; OR: 19; 95% CI: 2.1–181) were significantly lower in the responders than in the non‐responders. The mean scores of diarrhea at baseline were significantly higher (5.2 vs 3.7, p = 0.005) in patients with TPH1 rs211105 T/T than those with the G allele.Conclusions & InferencesTPH1 gene polymorphisms and S100A10 expression, which correlate with 5‐HT signaling were associated with ramosetron effectiveness in IBS‐D, and may possibly lead to prospective identification of the resistance to treatment.
The potential role of behavioral therapies in the management of centrally mediated abdominal pain
Authors: Keefer L. , Mandal S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundChronic abdominal pain carries a substantial health care burden but little is known about best practices for it management across ambulatory, hospital, and emergency room settings. This is especially true when abdominal pain presents in the absence of peripheral triggers like tissue injury (e.g. appendicitis) or altered bowel movements (e.g. IBS). Unfortunately, once central sensitization has occurred, pain can present wiithout any stimulation or with minimal peripheral stimulation (feeling of clothing on the area) to the abdominal region. Several studies have proven the superior efficacy of behavioral interventions on many centrally mediated pain conditions including headaches and musculoskeletal problems. However, behavioral treatment of centrally mediated abdominal pain is less investigated due to the complexity of the patients involved and the poor understanding of the factors which either initiate or maintain persistent GI pain.PurposeWe examine the evidence for a range of psychological and behavioral interventions in the context of centrally mediated abdominal pain. In addition to a strong rationale for a behavioral approach tied to the fear avoidance model of pain, we describe the structure, therapeutic targets, current evidence and relevance for each class of behavioral interventions.
Genetics of familial melanoma: 20 years after CDKN2A
Authors: Aoude Lauren G. , Wadt Karin A. W. , Pritchard Antonia L. , Hayward Nicholas K. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryTwenty years ago, the first familial melanoma susceptibility gene, CDKN2A, was identified. Two years later, another high‐penetrance gene, CDK4, was found to be responsible for melanoma development in some families. Progress in identifying new familial melanoma genes was subsequently slow; however, with the advent of next‐generation sequencing, a small number of new high‐penetrance genes have recently been uncovered. This approach has identified the lineage‐specific oncogene MITF as a susceptibility gene both in melanoma families and in the general population, as well as the discovery of telomere maintenance as a key pathway underlying melanoma predisposition. Given these rapid recent advances, this approach seems likely to continue to pay dividends. Here, we review the currently known familial melanoma genes, providing evidence that most additionally confer risk to other cancers, indicating that they are likely general tumour suppressor genes or oncogenes, which has significant implications for surveillance and screening.
Shortened telomere in unremitted schizophrenia
Authors: Kota Lakshmi Narayanan , Purushottam Meera , Moily Nagaraj S. , Jain Sanjeev 
Published: November 2014

AimTelomere attrition has been noted in many neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative syndromes, and may indicate a shared molecular pathology across conditions. We evaluated telomere length in subjects with remitted and unremitted schizophrenia and in control subjects.MethodsWe measured telomere length as relative telomere/single‐copy gene ratios in subjects with schizophrenia (n = 71) using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. This was compared with relative telomere/single‐copy gene ratios in age‐matched controls without neuropsychiatric illness (n = 73).ResultsThe relative telomere/single‐copy gene ratios were significantly lower in subjects with unremitted schizophrenia when compared with control subjects (r = −0.281, P = 0.003), as well as the individuals with remitted schizophrenia.ConclusionThe lower relative telomere length in unremitted schizophrenia subjects may thus indicate shared biological pathways with other neurodegenerative disorders that are also characterized by increased cellular senescence.
Tuberculin skin test and QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐tube Test for latent tuberculosis in Thai HIV‐infected adults
Authors: Khawcharoenporn Thana , Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Phetsuksiri Benjawan , Rudeeaneksin Janisara , Srisungngam Sopa , Mundy Linda M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveLimited data exist for the performance of QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐tube Test (QFT‐IT) in comparison to tuberculin skin test (TST) for detecting latent tuberculosis (LTB) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from tuberculosis (TB)‐endemic Asia‐Pacific countries.MethodsA cohort study of Thai HIV‐infected patients without history of TB or LTB treatment was conducted from March 2012 through March 2013. Each patient underwent simultaneous TST and QFT‐IT.ResultsAmong the 150 enrolled subjects, the median age was 40 years (range 17–65), 53% were male, and the median CD4 count was 367 cells/μL (range 8–1290). Reactive TST and positive QFT‐IT were 16% and 13%, respectively, with low concordance between tests (kappa = 0.26); correlation between TST reaction size and level of interferon‐γ was moderate (r = 0.34). Independent factors associated with discordant results were long‐term smoking (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.74; P = 0.002) for TST‐reactive, QFT‐IT‐negative subjects, and age greater than 52 years (aOR 5.56; P = 0.02) and female gender (aOR 4.40; P = 0.04) for TST non‐reactive, QFT‐IT‐positive subjects. The level of agreement between both tests improved when using a TST cut‐off of ≥10 mm (kappa = 0.39).ConclusionsIn our setting where QFT‐IT is available but has limited use due to cost, TST with a cut‐off of 10 mm for reactivity should be the initial LTB test. HIV‐infected women and persons older than 52 years with non‐reactive TST and long‐term smokers with reactive TST may benefit from subsequent QFT‐IT.
Assessing spatial patterns of HIV knowledge in rural Mozambique using geographic information systems
Authors: Buehler Charlotte P. , Blevins Meridith , Ossemane Ezequiel B. , González‐Calvo Lázaro , Ndatimana Elisée , Vermund Sten H. , Sidat Mohsin , Olupona Omo , Moon Troy D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo conduct a cross‐sectional mapping analysis of HIV knowledge in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, and to examine spatial patterns of HIV knowledge and associated household characteristics.MethodsA population‐based cluster survey was administered in 2010; data were analysed from 201 enumeration areas in three geographically diverse districts: Alto Molócuè, Morrumbala and Namacurra. We assessed HIV knowledge scores (0–9 points) using previously validated assessment tools. Using geographic information systems (GIS), we mapped hot spots of high and low HIV knowledge. Our multivariable linear regression model estimated HIV knowledge associations with distance to nearest clinic offering antiretroviral therapy, respondent age, education, household size, number of children under five, numeracy, literacy and district of residence.ResultsWe found little overall HIV knowledge in all three districts. People in Alto Molócuè knew comparatively most about HIV, with a median score of 3 (IQR 2–5) and 22 of 51 (43%) enumeration areas scoring ≥4 of 9 points. Namacurra district, closest to the capital city and expected to have the best HIV knowledge levels, had a median score of 1 (IQR 0–3) and only 3 of 57 (5%) enumeration areas scoring ≥4 points. More HIV knowledge was associated with more education, age, household size, numeracy and proximity to a health facility offering antiretroviral therapy.ConclusionsHIV knowledge is critical for its prevention and treatment. By pinpointing areas of poor HIV knowledge, programme planners can prioritize educational resources and outreach initiatives within the context of antiretroviral therapy expansion.
Effective reimbursement rates of the rural health insurance among uncomplicated tuberculosis patients in China
Authors: Wei Xiaolin , Zou Guanyang , Yin Jia , Walley John , Zhang Xin , Li Renzhong , Sun Qiang 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveChina has established universal health coverage for 830 million rural residents through the rapid expansion of the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS). This study accesses the effective reimbursement rates of NCMS among patients with tuberculosis (TB) who lived in counties where their schemes covered costs within TB dispensaries and those who did not.MethodsWe randomly selected 50 patients with uncomplicated TB from each of the eight counties in two provinces. We reviewed all patient clinical charts and conducted face‐to‐face surveys. Effective reimbursement was measured as the proportion of patients who received reimbursement from NCMS and the average reimbursement rate of total medical costs.ResultsA total of 393 patients with TB were included with 186 from Zhejiang and 206 from Sichuan. In the covered group, only 41% of patients with TB received reimbursements for medical costs in TB dispensary in Zhejiang as compared to 84% in Sichuan, because patients in Zhejiang needed to keep their bills and claim later, while Sichuan had patient medical costs automatically deducted at the point of care. Patients in the covered group had a significantly higher average reimbursement rate compared with those in the uncovered group (13% vs. 8% in Zhejiang and 17% vs. 12% in Sichuan). For all patients, the biggest cost was due to hospitalisation, and their overall reimbursement rates were low.ConclusionNew Cooperative Medical Scheme has not relieved the financial burden of TB‐related medical costs. NCMS should cover costs in TB dispensaries. Measures are also needed to minimise unnecessary hospitalisation, and lower the barriers to claims.
Lack of cytosolic glutamine synthetase1;2 in vascular tissues of axillary buds causes severe reduction in their outgrowth and disorder of metabolic balance in rice seedlings
Authors: Ohashi Miwa , Ishiyama Keiki , Kusano Miyako , Fukushima Atsushi , Kojima Soichi , Hanada Atsushi , Kanno Keiichi , Hayakawa Toshihiko , Seto Yoshiya , Kyozuka Junko , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Yamaya Tomoyuki 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe development and elongation of active tillers in rice was severely reduced by a lack of cytosolic glutamine synthetase1;2 (GS1;2), and, to a lesser extent, lack of NADH‐glutamate synthase1 in knockout mutants. In situ hybridization using the basal part of wild‐type seedlings clearly showed that expression of OsGS1;2 was detected in the phloem companion cells of the nodal vascular anastomoses and large vascular bundles of axillary buds. Accumulation of lignin, visualized using phloroglucin HCl, was also observed in these tissues. The lack of GS1;2 resulted in reduced accumulation of lignin. Re‐introduction into the mutants of OsGS1;2 cDNA under the control of its own promoter successfully restored the outgrowth of tillers and lignin deposition to wild‐type levels. Transcriptomic analysis using a 5 mm basal region of rice shoots showed that the GS1;2 mutants accumulated reduced amounts of mRNAs for carbon and nitrogen metabolism, including C1 unit transfer in lignin synthesis. Although a high content of strigolactone in rice roots is known to reduce active tiller number, the reduction of outgrowth of axillary buds observed in the GS1;2 mutants was independent of the level of strigolactone. Thus metabolic disorder caused by the lack of GS1;2 resulted in a severe reduction in the outgrowth of axillary buds and lignin deposition.
Evidence for an unusual transmembrane configuration of AGG3, a class C Gγ subunit of Arabidopsis
Authors: Wolfenstetter Susanne , Chakravorty David , Kula Ryan , Urano Daisuke , Trusov Yuri , Sheahan Michael B. , McCurdy David W. , Assmann Sarah M. , Jones Alan M. , Botella José R. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryHeterotrimeric G proteins are crucial for the perception of external signals and subsequent signal transduction in animal and plant cells. In both model systems, the complex comprises one Gα, one Gβ, and one Gγ subunit. However, in addition to the canonical Gγ subunits (class A), plants also possess two unusual, plant‐specific classes of Gγ subunits (classes B and C) that have not yet been found in animals. These include Gγ subunits lacking the C–terminal CaaX motif (class B), which is important for membrane anchoring of the protein; the presence of such subunits gives rise to a flexible sub‐population of Gβ/γ heterodimers that are not necessarily restricted to the plasma membrane. Plants also contain class C Gγ subunits, which are twice the size of canonical Gγ subunits, with a predicted transmembrane domain and a large cysteine‐rich extracellular C–terminus. However, neither the presence of the transmembrane domain nor the membrane topology have been unequivocally demonstrated. Here, we provide compelling evidence that AGG3, a class C Gγ subunit of Arabidopsis, contains a functional transmembrane domain, which is sufficient but not essential for plasma membrane localization, and that the cysteine‐rich C–terminus is extracellular.
Level 1 Hecke algebras of modular forms modulo
Authors: Bellaïche Joël , Khare Chandrashekhar 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we study the structure of the local components of the (shallow, i.e. without $U_{p}$) Hecke algebras acting on the space of modular forms modulo $p$ of level $1$, and relate them to pseudo-deformation rings. In many cases, we prove that those local components are regular complete local algebras of dimension $2$, generalizing a recent result of Nicolas and Serre for the case $p=2$.
Random triangular groups at density
Authors: Antoniuk Sylwia , Łuczak Tomasz , Świa̧tkowski Jacek 
Published: November 2014

AbstractLet ${\rm\Gamma}(n,p)$ denote the binomial model of a random triangular group. We show that there exist constants $c,C>0$ such that if $p\leqslant c/n^{2}$, then asymptotically almost surely (a.a.s.) ${\rm\Gamma}(n,p)$ is free, and if $p\geqslant C\log n/n^{2}$, then a.a.s. ${\rm\Gamma}(n,p)$ has Kazhdan’s property (T). Furthermore, we show that there exist constants $C^{\prime },c^{\prime }>0$ such that if $C^{\prime }/n^{2}\leqslant p\leqslant c^{\prime }\log n/n^{2}$, then a.a.s. ${\rm\Gamma}(n,p)$ is neither free nor has Kazhdan’s property (T).