bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent breeding history of dog breeds in Sweden: modest rates of inbreeding, extensive loss of genetic diversity and lack of correlation between inbreeding and health
Authors: Jansson M. , Laikre L. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryOne problem in modern dogs is a high occurrence of physical diseases, defects and disorders. Many breeds exhibit physical problems that affect individual dogs throughout life. A potential cause of these problems is inbreeding that is known to reduce the viability of individuals. We investigated the possible correlation between recent inbreeding and health problems in dogs and used studbook data from 26 breeds provided by the Swedish Kennel Club for this purpose. The pedigrees date back to the mid‐20th century and comprise 5–10 generations and 1 000–50 000 individuals per pedigree over our study period of 1980–2010. We compared levels of inbreeding and loss of genetic variation measured in relation to the number of founding animals during this period in the investigated dog breeds that we classified as ‘healthy’ (11 breeds) or ‘unhealthy’ (15) based on statistics on the extent of veterinary care obtained from Sweden's four largest insurance companies for pets. We found extensive loss of genetic variation and moderate levels of recent inbreeding in all breeds examined, but no strong indication of a difference in these parameters between healthy versus unhealthy breeds over this period. Thus, recent breeding history with respect to rate of inbreeding does not appear to be a main cause of poor health in the investigated dog breeds in Sweden. We identified both strengths and weaknesses of the dog pedigree data important to consider in future work of monitoring and conserving genetic diversity of dog breeds.
Changes in oral antidiabetic prescriptions and improved glycemic control during the years 2002–2011 in Japan (JDDM32)
Authors: Oishi Mariko , Yamazaki Katsuya , Okuguchi Fuminobu , Sugimoto Hidekatsu , Kanatsuka Azuma , Kashiwagi Atsunori ,   Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management Study Group
Published: December 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionSix kinds of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), including the new dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, are available. The present study aimed to define trends within the prescribing patterns of OADs, as well as changes in glycemic control in Japan over a 10‐year period from 2002 to 2011.Materials and MethodsWe carried out a cross‐sectional study using data of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from 24 clinics for 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2011. OAD use was analyzed combined with clinical data.ResultsSulfonylureas (SUs) were the most commonly used OAD, but their use for monotherapy markedly decreased over the study period. Biguanides (BGs) were the second most commonly used OAD, and their prescribing rate increased both for mono‐ and combination therapy. DPP‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4I), released in 2009, were the third most commonly prescribed OAD in 2011 both for mono‐ and combination therapy. Among combination therapies, two OADs were mostly prescribed, but the use of three OADs and four OADs in 2011 was two‐ and 14.8‐fold those in 2002. These trends were accompanied by an improvement in average glycated hemoglobin from 7.5 ± 1.2% in 2002 to 7.1 ± 0.9% in 2011.ConclusionsThe OAD prescribing trend has moved away from monotherapy with SUs and toward combination therapies to achieve better glycemic control. Increased use of BGs and DPP‐4I was predominant in 2011. These trends were accompanied by an improvement of the glycated hemoglobin level.
The consequences of malnutrition following discharge from rehabilitation to the community: a systematic review of current evidence in older adults
Authors: Marshall S. , Bauer J. , Isenring E. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of malnutrition in the rehabilitation setting is estimated to be 30–50%, with older adults at higher nutritional risk. Malnutrition also exists in the community setting, where 10–30% of adults are malnourished; however, the relationship between the two settings has been little explored. The present study aimed to determine the association between malnutrition in older adults admitted for rehabilitation and nutrition status, functional status, quality of life, institutionalisation, acute care admissions and mortality once discharged to the community.MethodsSix electronic databases were searched for relevant publications (1990–2013) using controlled vocabulary. Longitudinal papers were included in which older adults (≥65 years) were admitted for rehabilitation if nutrition assessment was performed during admission with relevant outcomes measured following discharge to the community.ResultsFive observational studies were eligible for review which had similar populations. The five reviews comprised 1020 participants in total and, once discharged, follow‐up ranged from immediate to 26 months. Malnutrition during rehabilitation was negatively associated with physical function and quality of life, and positively associated with risk of institutionalisation, hospitalisation and mortality. Although these studies were of high quality and strength, the overall contribution to the evidence is limited as a result of the small number of heterogenic studies. No intervention studies were identified.ConclusionsMalnutrition in older adults admitted for rehabilitation has a negative effect on functional recovery and quality of life following discharge to the community. This review highlights an evidence gap along the continuum of care for malnourished older adults, where further observational and intervention research is needed following discharge from rehabilitation to the community.
Hand‐held health records for individuals with intellectual disability: a systematic review
Authors: Nguyen M. , Lennox N. , Ware R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundHand‐held health records (HHHRs) aim to empower individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and improve the communication between all those involved in their health care. HHHRs can be used to identify additional health needs and contribute to improved treatment for individuals with ID. This review summarises evidence concerning the use of HHHRs with individuals with ID.MethodsSystematic searching of electronic databases and email contact with established researchers in the field were used to identify relevant articles related to the use of HHHRs among individuals with ID.ResultsSeven articles were identified and included for review. Studies involved the development, evaluation, acceptability and facilitators and barriers of implementation of HHHRs. HHHRs did not lead to improved short‐term healthcare activity, but did lead to more discussion about health problems, increased health‐related knowledge and awareness of personal health issues.ConclusionsHHHRs are well accepted among users with ID. However, no short‐term benefits were found and future research needs to examine the long‐term effects of HHHRs.
Parkin reverses TDP‐43‐induced cell death and failure of amino acid homeostasis
Authors: Hebron Michaeline , Chen Wenqiang , Miessau Matthew J. , Lonskaya Irina , Moussa Charbel E.‐H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin plays a central role in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases. Parkin promotes specific ubiquitination and affects the localization of transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43), which controls the translation of thousands of mRNAs. Here we tested the effects of lentiviral Parkin and TDP‐43 expression on amino acid metabolism in the rat motor cortex using high frequency 13C NMR spectroscopy. TDP‐43 expression increased glutamate levels, decreased the levels of other amino acids, including glutamine, aspartate, leucine and isoleucine, and impaired mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle. TDP‐43 induced lactate accumulation and altered the balance between excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitters. Parkin restored amino acid levels, neurotransmitter balance and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism, rescuing neurons from TDP‐43‐induced apoptotic death. Furthermore, TDP‐43 expression led to an increase in 4E‐BP levels, perhaps altering translational control and deregulating amino acid synthesis; while Parkin reversed the effects of TDP‐43 on the 4E‐BP signaling pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that Parkin may affect TDP‐43 localization and mitigate its effects on 4E‐BP signaling and loss of amino acid homeostasis.
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TDP‐43 increases 4E‐BP levels and alters translational control, leading to elevation in glutamate (Glu) and lactate (Lac) and attenuation of glutamine (Gln), aspartate (Asp), leucine (Leu), and isoleucine (IsoLeu). TDP‐43 decreases GABA levels and inhibits mitochondrial tri‐carboxylic acid cycle (TCA), leading to neuronal loss. Parkin facilitates nuclear TDP‐43 translocation to the cytoplasm and decreases oxidative stress, protects TCA cycle and promotes cell survival.
An Exploration of the Perception of Minerality in White Wines by Projective Mapping and Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Heymann Hildegarde , Hopfer Helene , Bershaw Dwayne 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMinerality is a way for wine writers to associate wines with their terroir. Little research has been carried out on the concept of minerality. In this study white wines were compared by projective mapping (PM) performed by wine industry professionals to a standard sensory descriptive analysis (DA) by trained judges. The PM found minerality to be positively correlated with acid taste and citrus, fresh, wet stone, and chemical aromas, and negatively correlated to butter, butterscotch, vanilla, and oak aromas. The PM panel minerality was associated with both aroma and taste perception. The DA found minerality to be positively correlated with reduced, chalky, and grassy aromas and bitter taste, and negatively correlated with barrel, caramel, honey, juicy fruit, musty, and cat pee aromas. Wine groupings were similar between the two panels. Minerality was highly associated with malic acid, tartaric acid, and titratable acidity, and moderately associated with free and total sulfur dioxide.Practical ApplicationsThere were similar concepts for minerality between the two types of panels, but there were also differences. This gives us the hope that teasing out the exact concept of minerality in white wines should be possible.
Protest Suicide: A Systematic Model with Heuristic Archetypes
Authors: Spehr Scott , Dixon John 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSuicide as a form of political protest is a little studied social phenomenon that cannot be dismissed simply as being irrational or patholognomic. We consider protest suicide to be a meaningful social action as purposive political act intended to change oppressive policies or practices. This paper synthesizes theoretical propositions associated with suicide in general, and protest suicide in particular, so as to construct a general explanatory model of protest suicide as a social phenomenon. Then, it analyzes protest suicide as a meaningful social action. People considering protest suicide have to discern the logic of the situation in which such action is to take place. This involves answering two fundamental questions: Is suicide an acceptable course of social action? Is the envisaged protest suicide likely to achieve their hopes, aspirations and goals? How these questions are answered gives rise to a set of protest suicide archetypes. Our analysis generates a more sophisticated understanding of the potential reasons for, and motivations behind, protest suicide as a social phenomenon.
Tempo and mode of the multiple origins of salinity tolerance in a water beetle lineage
Authors: Arribas Paula , Andújar Carmelo , Abellán Pedro , Velasco Josefa , Millán Andrés , Ribera Ignacio 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSalinity is one of the most important drivers of the distribution, abundance and diversity of organisms. Previous studies on the evolution of saline tolerance have been mainly centred on marine and terrestrial organisms, while lineages inhabiting inland waters remain largely unexplored. This is despite the fact that these systems include a much broader range of salinities, going from freshwater to more than six times the salinity of the sea (i.e. >200 g/L). Here, we study the pattern and timing of the evolution of the tolerance to salinity in an inland aquatic lineage of water beetles (Enochrus species of the subgenus Lumetus, family Hydrophilidae), with the general aim of understanding the mechanisms by which it was achieved. Using a time‐calibrated phylogeny built from five mitochondrial and two nuclear genes and information about the salinity tolerance and geographical distribution of the species, we found that salinity tolerance appeared multiple times associated with periods of global aridification. We found evidence of some accelerated transitions from freshwater directly to high salinities, as reconstructed with extant lineages. This, together with the strong positive correlation found between salinity tolerance and aridity of the habitats in which species are found, suggests that tolerance to salinity may be based on a co‐opted mechanism developed originally for drought resistance.
Yersinia Ysc‐Yop type III secretion feedback inhibition is relieved through YscV‐dependent recognition and secretion of LcrQ
Authors: Li Yunlong , Li Lamei , Huang Li , Francis Matthew S. , Hu Yangbo , Chen Shiyun 
Published: December 2013

SummaryHuman pathogenic Yersinia species share a virulence plasmid encoding the Ysc‐Yop type III secretion system (T3SS). A plasmid‐encoded anti‐activator, LcrQ, negatively regulates the expression of this secretion system. Under inducible conditions, LcrQ is secreted outside of bacterial cells and this activates the T3SS, but the mechanism of targeting LcrQ for type III secretion remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the regulatory role of the export apparatus component YscV. Depletion or overexpression of YscV compromised Yop synthesis and this primarily prevented secretion of LcrQ. It followed that a lcrQ deletion reversed the repressive effects of excessive YscV. Further characterization demonstrated that the YscV residues 493–511 located within the C‐terminal soluble cytoplasmic domain directly bound with LcrQ. Critically, YscV‐LcrQ complex formation was a requirement for LcrQ secretion, since YscVΔ493–511 failed to secrete LcrQ. This forced a cytoplasmic accumulation of LcrQ, which predictably caused the feedback inhibition of Yops synthesis. Based on these observations, we proposed a model for the YscV‐dependent secretion of LcrQ and its role in regulating Yop synthesis in Yersinia.
Deciphering the genetic basis of Moraxella catarrhalis complement resistance: a critical role for the disulphide bond formation system
Authors: de Vries Stefan P. W. , Rademakers Rob J. A. , van der Gaast‐de Jongh Christa E. , Eleveld Marc J. , Hermans Peter W. M. , Bootsma Hester J. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe complement system is an important innate defence mechanism, and the ability to resist complement‐mediated killing is considered a key virulence trait of the respiratory tract pathogen M. catarrhalis. We studied the molecular basis of complement resistance by transcriptional profiling and Tn‐seq, a genome‐wide negative‐selection screenings technology. Exposure of M. catarrhalis to human serum resulted in increased expression of 84 genes and reduced expression of 134 genes, among which genes encoding ABC transporter systems and surface proteins UspA1 and McaP. By subjecting a ∼ 15 800 transposon mutant library to serum, mutants of 53 genes were negatively selected, including the key complement‐resistance factor uspA2H. Validation with directed mutants confirmed Tn‐seq phenotypes of uspA2H and 11 newly identified genes, with mutants of MCR_0424, olpA, MCR_1483, and dsbB most severely attenuated. Detailed analysis showed that both components of the disulphide bond formation (DSB) system, DsbB and DsbA, were required for complement‐resistance in multiple isolates, and fulfil a critical role in evasion of IgG‐dependent classical pathway‐mediated killing. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structure and membrane stability were severely affected in ΔdsbA strains, suggesting a pivotal role for the DSB system in LOS structure safeguarding and membrane stability maintenance.
Where should we operate on the preterm neonate?
Authors: Jenkins Ian A. , Kelly Ugarte Lauren R. , Mancuso Thomas J. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe ideal venue for neonatal surgical procedures has been the subject of a contentious debate between the leading pediatric hospitals throughout the world. Bias toward the location of neonatal surgery tends to be based on institutional practices. The following opposing viewpoints from two leading pediatric institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States highlight the relevant issues.
Add‐on therapy with montelukast in the treatment of Henoch–Schönlein purpura
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Hua , Liao Pei‐Yuan , Chen Xiao‐Qing , Yin Pei‐Ling , Dong Ling 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies suggested that leukotrienes (LT) were involved in the pathogenesis of Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP). This study investigated the efficacy of an add‐on therapy with montelukast in the treatment of HSP.MethodsIn this four‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel paired comparative study, 130 children with HSP were divided into two large groups: 84 patients without nephritis and 46 patients with nephritis. For each pair of patients with the same severity of disease, one subject was randomly allocated to one subgroup and the other allocated to the other subbroup; one subgroup received routine treatment plus placebo treatment, while the other subgroup received routine treatment plus montelukast treatment for 3 months. The efficacy was determined using Severity Scale Score (SSS). Blood eosinophil count, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), IgE, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17, LTB4, and urinary LTE4 were measured.ResultsAdd‐on therapy with montelukast alleviated the symptoms of HSP including purpura, abdominal pain, stool occult blood, arthritis, proteinuria and hematuria, and, accordingly, shortened the length of hospital stay, and lowered blood eosinophil count, ECP, IgE, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17, LTB4, and urinary LTE4 production, and also lowered the HSP relapse rate during the 3 months of treatment, but did not alter the outcome of nephritis at the end of follow up.ConclusionsAdd‐on therapy with montelukast alleviated the symptoms of HSP. HSP may be improved by add‐on therapy with a leukotriene receptor antagonist.
Factors related to patterns of body mass index in early infancy: 18 month longitudinal study
Authors: Fujiwara Tohru , Oguni Tatsuya , Unishi Gen , Tanabe Takuya , Ohbayashi Kazuhiko , Kaneko Kazunari 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundChildren with early adiposity rebound (AR), measured using individual body mass index (BMI) growth curves, have an increased risk of metabolic disease as adults. The children with early AR, however, are not fully characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of the infants who develop early AR.MethodsA total of 1248 full‐term children and their mothers participated in the present study. Pre‐pregnancy, prenatal, birth, 4 month and 18 month records were collected. Children were classified into two groups: a decrease (D) group, in which the 18 month BMI was lower than the 4 month BMI (n = 1097), in keeping with the standard BMI percentile curve, and an increase (I) group, in which the 18 month BMI was higher than the 4 month BMI (n = 151).ResultsAlthough children in both groups had similar body size at birth, those in the I group had a lower weight at 4 months and higher weight at 18 months than those in the D group (P < 0.001). Fewer mothers in the I group exclusively breast‐fed their infants (P = 0.012). These characteristics of infants in the I group suggested a pattern of low fatness level followed by rapid increased fat gain.ConclusionsApproximately 10% (151/1248) of infants did not follow the standard BMI percentile curves between 4 months and 18 months of age. They were more likely not to be exclusively breast‐fed. This finding further stresses the importance of breast‐feeding in early infancy.
Clinical features of late‐onset schizophrenia in Japan: comparison with early‐onset cases
Authors: Yasuda Manabu , Kobayashi Toshiyuki , Kato Satoshi , Kishi Koichiro 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders abandoned the use of the specifier ‘late‐onset’, a considerable number of studies have reported clinical characteristics of late‐onset schizophrenia. Still, only limited research has been conducted on late‐onset schizophrenia, especially in Asian countries. In this epidemiological study, the clinical characteristics of late‐onset schizophrenia were examined in comparison with early‐onset schizophrenia.MethodsAll patients with schizophrenia admitted to the psychiatric ward of Jichi Medical University Hospital between 1 April 1993 and 31 March 2006 were divided into two groups according to age at first onset: ≥40 years (late‐onset group) and <40 years (early‐onset group). The sex ratio, presence or absence of depression, schizophrenia subtype, premorbid character, marital history, and employment history at first onset were compared between the two groups.ResultsOf the 316 patients with schizophrenia identified, 38 patients were assigned to the late‐onset group and 278 patients to the early‐onset group. Mean age at onset was 23.9 ± 8.2 years for all men and 28.0 ± 13.5 years for all women. The late‐onset group was characterized by more women, more paranoid type, more depressive symptoms, less introverted premorbid character, better premorbid adaptation and less neuroleptics.ConclusionThe characteristics of late‐onset schizophrenia in Japan are in line those reported previously.
Culture Within Sites, Culture as Resources, and Culture as Wider Contexts: A Typology of How Culture Works in Social Movement Theory
Authors: Fuist Todd Nicholas 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSociologists of social movements agree that culture matters for studying collective action, and have proposed a variety of theoretical concepts to understand culture and mobilization, including framing, free spaces, and collective identity. Despite this, what we mean when we say “culture matters” remains unclear. In this paper, I draw on 30 years of social movement theory and research to construct a typology of three ways that culture is seen as shaping social movement activity: (i) culture renders particular sites fruitful for social movements to mobilize out of; (ii) culture serves as a resource that assists in movement action; and (iii) culture provides wider contexts that shape movement activity. This typology represents the analytic building blocks of theories about culture and social movements, and is presented towards the end of clarifying and sharpening our theoretical concepts. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research that draw on, refine, and extend these three building blocks.