bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Force Plate Gait Analysis in Doberman Pinschers with and without Cervical Spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Foss K. , da Costa R.C. , Rajala‐Shultz P.J. , Allen M.J. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundThe most accepted means of evaluating the response of a patient with cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) to treatment is subjective and based on the owner and clinician's perception of the gait.ObjectiveTo establish and compare kinetic parameters based on force plate gait analysis between normal andCSM‐affectedDobermans.AnimalsNineteenDoberman Pinschers: 10 clinically normal and 9 withCSM.MethodsForce plate analysis was prospectively performed in all dogs. At least 4 runs of ipsilateral limbs were collected from each dog. Eight force platform parameters were evaluated, including peak vertical force (PVF) and peak vertical impulse (PVI), peak mediolateral force (PMLF) and peak mediolateral impulse, peak braking force and peak braking impulse, and peak propulsive force (PPF) and peak propulsive impulse. In addition, the coefficient of variation (CV) for each limb was calculated for each parameter. Data analysis was performed by a repeated measures approach.ResultsPMLF(P = .0062),PVI(P = .0225), andPPF(P = .0408) were found to be lower inCSM‐affected dogs compared with normal dogs. Analysis byCVas the outcome indicated more variability inPVFinCSM‐affected dogs (P = 0.0045). The largest difference in theCVofPVFwas seen in the thoracic limbs of affected dogs when compared with the thoracic limbs of normal dogs (P = 0.0019).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTheCVofPVFin all 4 limbs, especially the thoracic limbs, distinguished clinically normalDobermans from those withCSM. Other kinetic parameters less reliably distinguishedCSM‐affected from clinically normalDobermans.
Effect of Weight Loss in Obese Dogs on Indicators of Renal Function or Disease
Authors: Tvarijonaviciute A. , Ceron J.J. , Holden S.L. , Biourge V. , Morris P.J. , German A.J. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundObesity is a common medical disorder in dogs, and can predispose to a number of diseases. Human obesity is a risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease.ObjectivesTo investigate the possible association of weight loss on plasma and renal biomarkers of kidney health.AnimalsThirty‐seven obese dogs that lost weight were included in the study.MethodsProspective observational study. Three novel biomarkers of renal functional impairment, disease, or both (homocysteine, cystatin C, and clusterin), in addition to traditional markers of chronic renal failure (serum urea and creatinine, urine specific gravity [USG], urine protein‐creatinine ratio [UPCR], and urine albumin corrected by creatinine [UAC]) before and after weight loss in dogs with naturally occurring obesity were investigated.ResultsUrea (P = .043) and USG (P = .012) were both greater after weight loss than before loss, whilst UPCR, UAC, and creatinine were less after weight loss (P = .032, P = .006, and P = .026, respectively). Homocysteine (P < .001), cystatin C (P < .001) and clusterin (P < .001) all decreased upon weight loss. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed associations between percentage weight loss (greater weight loss, more lean tissue loss; r = −0.67, r2 = 0.45, P < .001) and before‐loss plasma clusterin concentration (greater clusterin, more lean tissue loss; r = 0.48, r2 = 0.23, P = .003).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThese results suggest possible subclinical alterations in renal function in canine obesity, which improve with weight loss. Further work is required to determine the nature of these alterations and, most notably, the reason for the association between before loss plasma clusterin and subsequent lean tissue loss during weight management.
Chondrules born in plasma? Simulation of gas–grain interaction using plasma arcs with applications to chondrule and cosmic spherule formation
Authors: MORLOK A. , SUTTON Y. C. , BRAITHWAITE N. St. J. , GRADY Monica M. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract–We are investigating chondrule formation by nebular shock waves, using hot plasma as an analog of the heated gas produced by a shock wave as it passes through the protoplanetary environment. Precursor material (mainly silicates, plus metal, and sulfide) was dropped through the plasma in a basic experimental set‐up designed to simulate gas–grain collisions in an unconstrained spatial environment (i.e., no interaction with furnace walls during formation). These experiments were undertaken in air (at atmospheric pressure), to act as a “proof‐of‐principle”—could chondrules, or chondrule‐analog objects (CAO), be formed by gas–grain interaction initiated by shock fronts? Our results showed that if accelerating material through a fixed plasma field is a valid simulation of a supersonic shock wave traveling through a cloud of gas and dust, then CAO certainly could be formed by this process. Melting of and mixing between starting materials occurred, indicating temperatures of at least 1266 °C (the olivine‐feldspar eutectic). The production of CAO with mixed mineralogy from monomineralic starting materials also shows that collisions between particles are an important mechanism within the chondrule formation process, such that dust aggregates are not necessarily required as chondrule precursors. Not surprisingly, there were significant differences between the synthetic CAO and natural chondrules, presumably mainly because of the oxidizing conditions of the experiment. Results also show similarity to features of micrometeorites like cosmic spherules, particularly the dendritic pattern of iron oxide crystallites produced on micrometeorites by oxidation during atmospheric entry and the formation of vesicles by evaporation of sulfides.
Outcome analysis of childhood pilocytic astrocytomas: a retrospective study of 148 cases at a single institution
Authors: Colin C. , Padovani L. , Chappé C. , Mercurio S. , Scavarda D. , Loundou A. , Frassineti F. , André N. , Bouvier C. , Korshunov A. , Lena G. , Figarella‐Branger D. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundPilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) are characterized by an excellent prognosis although several factors of adverse outcome have been reported. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway plays a major role in their tumorigenesis.AimTo report a series of 148 PAs in children to define clinicopathological and biological prognostic factors.MethodsClinical data were collected from patient files and mail inquiry. Pathological specimens were centrally reviewed. The three major KIAA1549:BRAF fusion subtypes were analysed by reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in a subset of 47 frozen cases and by fluorescence in situ hybridization on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue in 23 cases. Tumour location, age at surgery, extent of surgical removal, histological subtype and KIAA1549:BRAF fusion by RT‐PCR were searched for prognostic significance.ResultsPilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) and the hypothalamo‐chiasmatic (H/C) location were associated with a worse prognosis [P < 0.001 for overall survival (OS) and P = 0.001 for progression‐free survival (PFS)]. Patients who underwent complete surgical excision had a better OS (P = 0.004) and a longer PFS (P < 0.001) than the others. Age was also a strong prognostic factor for OS but not for PFS. Infants (<1 year) and young children (<3 years) had a much worse outcome than the others (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004 respectively). KIAA1549:BRAF fusion status was not predictive of outcome.ConclusionThis study highlights the good prognostic factors of PAs but H/C PA remains a subgroup with dismal prognosis associated with young age, PMA variant and incomplete surgery. Search for KIAA1549:BRAF fusion in tumours with PA pattern is recommended even though the prognostic impact is still unclear.
Accounting for internal variation in nationalist mobilization: unofficial referendums for independence in Catalonia (2009–11)
Authors: Muñoz Jordi , Guinjoan Marc 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBetween September 2009 and April 2011, around one‐half of the Catalan municipalities held unofficial referendums on independence from Spain, in which more than 800,000 citizens took part. However, the participation rates were unevenly distributed across Catalonia. In this paper, using an original data set, we aim to respond to two relevant questions: first, why in some municipalities the referendum took place and in others it did not occur. Second, why did the referendum achieve high rates of turnout in some localities and much lower participation in others. We find that the resources available to the movement, the intensity of the mobilization efforts, the participatory tradition of the municipalities and the size of the nationalist ‘sentiment pool’ in each locality explain to a great extent the internal variation in nationalist mobilization in Catalonia.
Micronutrient challenges across the age spectrum: Is there a role for red meat?
Authors: Ruxton C. H. S. , Derbyshire E. , Pickard R. S. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryIn recent years, there has been controversy about the healthiness of red meat, prompting suggestions that people should limit their consumption. However, national dietary surveys indicate that UK diets can be low in nutrients typically found in red meat, e.g. vitamin B2, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and potassium, particularly among low‐income groups, teenagers and females. This article examines the nutritional challenges from infanthood to old age and considers whether there is still a role for red meat in helping people to achieve their dietary requirements. The fossil record indicates that early man evolved as an omnivore, with meat representing a significant source of protein and nutrients in the prehistoric diet. Modern diets offer substantially more variation in protein sources yet the range of nutrients supplied by red meat and their high bioavailability may make meat particularly suitable for human diets. Studies suggest that low intakes of red meat are a marker for iron insufficiency, while inclusion of red meat in the diet is associated with higher mineral intakes. Moderate amounts of lean red meat provide a wide range of important nutrients, without substantially increasing intakes of energy and saturated fatty acids. While concerns have been raised about the potential impact of red meat on the risk of chronic disease, the data are mostly observational and may be confounded by cooking methods or other dietary factors. In conclusion, integrating red meat into diets across the age spectrum, from infanthood to old age, may help to narrow the present gap between micronutrient intakes and recommendations.
Benzamidine derivatives inhibit the virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Fröhlich E. , Kantyka T. , Plaza K. , Schmidt K.‐H. , Pfister W. , Potempa J. , Eick S. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryWe have previously shown that benzamidine‐type compounds can inhibit the activity of arginine‐specific cysteine proteinases (gingipains HRgpA and RgpB); well‐known virulence factors of Porphyromonas gingivalis. They also hinder in vitro growth of this important periodontopathogenic bacterium. Apparently growth arrest is not associated with their ability to inhibit these proteases, because pentamidine, which is a 20‐fold less efficient inhibitor of gingipain than 2,6‐bis‐(4‐amidinobenzyl)‐cyclohexanone (ACH), blocked P. gingivalis growth far more effectively. To identify targets for benzamidine‐derived compounds other than Arg‐gingipains, and to explain their bacteriostatic effects, P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 and P. gingivalis M5‐1‐2 (clinical isolate) cell extracts were subjected to affinity chromatography using a benzamidine–Sepharose column to identify proteins interacting with benzamidine. In addition to HRgpA and RgpB the analysis revealed heat‐shock protein GroEL as another ligand for benzamidine. To better understand the effect of benzamidine‐derived compounds on P. gingivalis, bacteria were exposed to benzamidine, pentamidine, ACH and heat, and the expression of gingipains and GroEL was determined. Exposure to heat and benzamidine‐derived compounds caused significant increases in GroEL, at both the mRNA and protein levels. Interestingly, despite the fact that gingipains were shown to be the main virulence factors in a fertilized egg model of infection, mortality rates were strongly reduced, not only by ACH, but also by pentamidine, a relatively weak gingipain inhibitor. This effect may depend not only on gingipain inhibition but also on interaction of benzamidine derivatives with GroEL. Therefore these compounds may find use in supportive periodontitis treatment.
Highly variable ‘Arhar’ simple sequence repeat markers for molecular diversity and phylogenetic studies in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millisp.]
Authors: Dutta Sutapa , Mahato Ajay K. , Sharma Priti , Raje Ranjeet S. , Sharma Tilak R. , Singh Nagendra K. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPigeonpea is an important tropical grain legume widely cultivated in South and South‐East Asia for versatile end usage as food, feed, fodder and fuel. Recent publication of draft genome sequence of pigeonpea (‘Arhar’) has allowed mining of large numbers of genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers most of which are either not validated or show very little polymorphism in simple agarose gel–based assays. Here, we describe a special category of 370 validated highly variable ‘Arhar’ genomic SSR (HASSR) markers, which provide much higher level of polymorphism than a random set of SSR markers. These markers were validated for consistent amplification in a set of eight pigeonpea varieties and 152 of these (41%) showed allelic polymorphism on agarose gel electrophoresis. Twenty‐four highest polymorphic HASSR markers were used on a larger set of forty pigeonpea varieties and eight wild Cajanus species for the analysis of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship. Genomic HASSR markers described here are highly suitable for genetic diversity and phylogenic studies in pigeonpea.
Use of molecular marker diversity to increase forage yield in timothy (Phleum pratense L.)
Authors: Tanaka Tsuneki , Tamaki Hiroyuki , Ashikaga Kazunori , Fujii Hiroki , Yamada Toshihiko 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMolecular marker technologies may provide a tool to overcome the forage yield plateau in timothy (Phleum pratense L.). Therefore, a study was designed to investigate the relationship between marker‐based genetic distance (GD) estimates and yield. Genetic distances were estimated using Dice coefficients framed by 28 simple sequence repeat markers. In Experiment 1, parents with high general combining ability (GCA) from two contrasting first‐generation synthetic strains (exhibiting high and low yields) were compared. Average GDs of each strain were 0.74 (high) and 0.68 (low). These differences indicated that GD may be partially the basis for contrasting yields. In Experiment 2, GDs among 40 parents of a polycross were used for calculating general genetic distance (GGD), which is indicative of their allelic complementation. Analyses revealed a significant (P < 0.01) moderate correlation (r) between GGD and GCA for yield (r = 0.45) and a significant (P < 0.01) residual mean square for the regression of yield on GGD, suggesting that considerable non‐additive effects were associated with GCA. The results are indicative of the potential use of GD estimation for yield improvement in timothy.
Associations of biological factors and affordances in the home with infant motor development
Authors: Saccani Raquel , Valentini Nadia C , Pereira Keila RG , Müller Alessandra B , Gabbard Carl 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundWhereas considerable work has been published regarding biological factors associated with infant health, much less is known about the associations of environmental context with infant development – the focus of the present cross‐sectional study.MethodsData were collected on 561 infants, aged newborn to 18 months. Measures included the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development–Infant Scale, Alberta Infant Motor Scale, and selected bio/medical factors. Correlation and regression were used to analyze the data.ResultsHome environmental factors were associated with children's motor development as much as some typically high‐risk biologic factors.ConclusionThe home environment partially explained infant development outcomes and infants at risk could possibly be helped with a home assessment for affordances.
Urban–rural disparity in physical fitness of elementary schoolchildren in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Jiun‐Hao , Wu Min‐Chen , Chang Hung‐Hao 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundChildhood fitness is generally evaluated by a battery of health‐related estimators to assess pediatric health status. More so than the fitness level at any other stage of life, the level of physical fitness in childhood will have a marked effect on an individual's physical development and overall health in adolescence and adulthood. This paper contributes to this issue by investigating the differences in the distribution of the physical fitness of elementary schoolchildren aged 9–12 by gender, region and ethnicity.MethodsData were drawn from a nationwide dataset of physical fitness test profiles of elementary school students, conducted by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan in 2008. In total, 134 546 schoolchildren in fourth to sixth grade aged from 9 to 12 were included. Three components of physical fitness are measured: explosive power; muscle strength; and flexibility. Each fitness test was carried out by the school teachers during physical education classes. A statistical test procedure was then used to test the distribution differences in each category of physical fitness by age, gender and region. By further using the official recommended levels, the proportions of schoolchildren who have poor physical fitness performance were also examined.ResultsIn general, boys have better physical fitness than girls except in the area of flexibility. In addition to gender differences, the present results are supportive of there being differences in the rural and urban populations. The rural children perform better than urban children in bent‐leg curl‐ups and standing long jump tests.ConclusionsPhysical fitness has been recognized not only as an integrated predictor of the body's functional status, but also as an important marker of health outcomes. Although considerable attention had been paid to examining the urban–rural differences in physical fitness, it is necessary to further consider the differences in ethnicity.
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Safety Concerns: A Lesson from the Tuberculosis Ultraviolet Shelter Study Murphy's Law Affirmed
Authors: Brickner Philip W. , Vincent Richard L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractConcerns about the safety of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) applications on human beings have been an issue at least since the introduction of this technology for practical use in the 1930s. The resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States in the mid‐1980s led to a revival of interest in UV technology, a focus that had almost disappeared because alternate means of controlling TB had inaccurately been deemed successful. These failures in TB control led to a revival of UVGI use. And with that revival grew necessary and appropriate concerns about attempts to eliminate human overexposure. For all those working in the field of UVGI, safety issues must be a concern because when UVGI fixtures are placed improperly, or precautions ignored, room occupants are placed at risk of photokeratoconjunctivitis and photodermatitis. If safety is so prominent a concern, why do incidents of UV side effects continue to occur? See Murphy's Law.
The Effect of Lipid Composition on the Permeability of Fluorescent Markers from Photosensitized Membranes
Authors: Ytzhak Shany , Weitman Hana , Ehrenberg Benjamin 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThere is evidence indicating that the cellular locus ofPDTaction by amphiphilic sensitizers are the cellular membranes. The photosensitization process causes oxidative damage to membrane components that can result in the cell's death. However, it was not yet established whether lipid oxidation can cause free passage of molecules through the membrane and, as a result, be the primary cause of the cell's death. In this work, we studied the effect of liposomes' lipid composition on the kinetics of the leakage of three fluorescent dyes, calcein, carboxyfluorescein andDTAF, which were trapped in the intraliposomal aqueous phase, after photosensitization with the photosensitizer deuteroporphyrin. We found that as the degree of fatty acid unsaturation increased, the photosensitized passage of these molecules through the lipid bilayer increased. We also found that the rate of leakage of these molecules was affected by their size and bulkiness as well as by their net electric charge. In liposomes that are composed of a lipid mixture similar to that of natural membranes, the observed passage of molecules through the membrane is slow. Thus, the photodynamic damage to lipids does not appear to be severe enough to be an immediate, primary cause of cell death in biological photosensitization.
Synergy Between Cell‐Penetrating Peptides and Singlet Oxygen Generators Leads to Efficient Photolysis of Membranes
Authors: Muthukrishnan Nandhini , Johnson Gregory A. , Erazo‐Oliveras Alfredo , Pellois Jean‐Philippe 
Published: December 2012

AbstractCell‐penetrating peptides such as TAT or R9 labeled with small organic fluorophores can lyse endosomes upon light irradiation. The photoendosomolytic activity of these compounds can in turn be used to deliver proteins and nucleic acids to the cytosol of live cells with spatial and temporal control. In this report, we examine the mechanisms by which such fluorescent peptides exert a photolytic activity using red blood cells as a membrane model. We show that the peptides TAT and R9 labeled with tetramethylrhodamine photolyze red blood cells by promoting the formation of singlet oxygen in the vicinity of the cells' membranes. In addition, unlabeled TAT and R9 accelerate the photolytic activity of the membrane‐bound photosensitizer Rose bengal in trans, suggesting that the cell‐penetrating peptides participate in the destabilization of photo‐oxidized membranes. Peptides and singlet oxygen generators therefore act in synergy to destroy membranes upon irradiation.
Role of Pigmentation in Protecting Aspergillus niger Conidiospores Against Pulsed Light Radiation
Authors: Esbelin Julia , Mallea Sabine , J Ram Arthur F. , Carlin Frédéric 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe photoprotective potential of fungus pigments was investigated by irradiating conidiospores of three Aspergillus niger strains possessing the same genetic background, but differing in their degree of pigmentation with pulsed light (PL) and monochromatic (254 nm) UV‐C radiation. Spores of A. niger MA93.1 and JHP1.1 presenting, respectively, a fawn and a white pigmentation were more sensitive to PL and continuous UV‐C radiation than the wild‐type A. niger strain N402 possessing a dark pigment. Both spores of the dark A. niger N402 and the fawn‐color mutant were equally resistant to moist heat at 56°C while spores of the white‐color mutant were highly sensitive. These results indicate that melanin protects pigmented spores of A. niger from PL.