bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentially methylated genomic fragments related with sexual dimorphism of rice pests, Sogatella furcifera
Authors: Zhang Mei , Chen Jia‐Lin , Liang Shi‐Ke , Li Guang‐Hong , Wang Fang‐Hai , Ahmad Ijaz 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSogatella furcifera (Hovarth) is a major rice pest with sexual dimorphism. The objective of the current research was to monitor differentially cytosine methylation at CCGG sequences in male and female adults of S. furcifera to determine the association between gene methylation and sexual phenotypes using methylation‐sensitive representational difference analysis. After the second subtractive hybridization, four differentially methylated DNA bands were obtained and sequenced. Ten different fragments were found. One fragment from the positive hybridization was 120 bp, and highly similar to the tramtrack genes from Nasonia vitripennis. Another fragment from the reverse hybridization was 414 bp, and homologous to the 28S rRNA gene of S. furcifera with a similarity rate as high as 99%. We also discussed how DNA methylation of tramtrack and 28S rRNA genes produced effects on sexual differentiation and development. These results provide potential evidence that DNA methylation of some genes may be related to sexual phenotype variations in S. furcifera and will facilitate future studies on the epigenetic mechanisms of insect sexual dimorphism.
Thymectomy and transpericardial nodal dissection
Authors: Galetta Domenico , Spaggiari Lorenzo 
Published: October 2014

AbstractNeuroendocrine thymic tumors (NETTs) are rare neoplasms. Surgical resection of the tumor and the involved lymph node remains the treatment of choice. We describe the surgical technique adopted in a patient with preoperative diagnosis of thymic malignant tumor and subcarinal nodal involvement. Through a median sternotomy, an extended thymectomy was performed as a first step. Then, through the transpericardial approach (opening of the anterior and posterior pericardium and isolation of ascending aorta, superior vena cava, and main right pulmonary artery), mediastinal nodal dissection (#2R, #4R, #4L, #5 and #7) was performed. Definitive pathology showed a NETT without nodal involvement. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy, and is alive without disease 19 months after the surgery. Complete surgical excision and adjuvant therapy appears to offer the best hope for prolonged survival for NETTs. The surgical technique should be individualized according to tumor location. Thoracic surgeons should be familiar with this technique, which provides a good technical and oncological result.
Neuromuscular blockade for optimising surgical conditions during abdominal and gynaecological surgery: a systematic review
Authors: MADSEN M. V. , STAEHR‐RYE A. K. , GÄTKE M. R. , CLAUDIUS C. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundThe level of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) that provides optimal surgical conditions during abdominal surgery has not been well established. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate current evidence on the use of neuromuscular blocking agents in order to optimise surgical conditions during laparoscopic procedures and open abdominal surgery.MethodsA wide search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane library and Embase with systematic approach including PRISMA recommendations. Individual risk of bias was assessed and systematic data extraction were performed.ResultsFifteen studies with data from 998 patients were included. There is good evidence that the use of deep NMB compared with moderate NMB is associated with optimised surgical conditions during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, hysterectomy and nephrectomy/prostatectomy. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy during low pressure pneumoperitoneum, deep NMB marginally improves the surgical conditions. However, to ensure acceptable surgical conditions, it may be necessary to increase the intra‐abdominal pressure in up to half of the patients regardless of level of NMB. There is good evidence that moderate NMB improves surgical conditions in some cases during open radical retropubic prostatectomy. However, good and excellent surgical conditions may be achievable even without NMB. There is good evidence to recommend deep NMB in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, nephrectomy and prostatectomy to improve surgical conditions. There is insufficient evidence to recommend an ideal level of NMB creating optimal surgical condition during laparotomy.ConclusionUse of deep NMB in certain laparoscopic procedures may improve surgical conditions. In open abdominal surgery, use of NMB may optimise surgical conditions under certain circumstances.
Analysis of commonly reported medical conditions amongst patients receiving dental implant therapy in private practice
Authors: Austin S , Bailey D , Chandu A , Dastaran M , Judge R 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe population seeking implants in private practice is a demographically and medically unique group. Understanding their medical needs can improve treatment planning and service delivery specifically for this population.MethodsPrivately practising dental clinicians from Victoria, Australia, participated in a five‐year retrospective study. Data were collected from the medical histories of 4116 patients who met the inclusion criterion of at least one implant placed within the study period of 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2009. Descriptive statistics were used to describe patient demographics and commonly reported medical conditions.ResultsThe most common age group to receive implant therapy was between 51 and 60 years (30.4% of patients). The patient population reported a broad range of co‐morbidities including psychiatric disorders (83 patients), cardiovascular disorders (253 patients), gastrointestinal disorders (224 patients) and respiratory disorders (502 patients). Smoking was less prevalent amongst the study population compared to the general population.ConclusionsThe population assessed in this study was a medically diverse group. Clinicians must be familiar with their target demographic and understand how the common co‐morbidities amongst this patient group can influence clinical decision making and outcomes.
A genome‐wide scan for selection signatures in Yorkshire and Landrace pigs based on sequencing data
Authors: Wang Zhen , Chen Qiang , Yang Yumei , Yang Hongjie , He Pengfei , Zhang Zhe , Chen Zhenliang , Liao Rongrong , Tu Yingying , Zhang Xiangzhe , Wang Qishan , Pan Yuchun 
Published: October 2014

SummaryPigs have experienced dramatic selection due to domestication, which has led to many different phenotypes when compared to their wild counterparts, especially in the last several decades. Currently, genome‐wide scans in both cattle and humans showing positive selection footprints have been investigated. However, few studies have focused on porcine selection footprints, particularly on a genome‐wide scale. Surveying for selection footprints across porcine genomes can be quite valuable for revealing the genetic mechanisms of phenotypic diversity. Here, we employed a medium sequencing depth (5–20x/site per individual, on average) approach called genotyping by genome reducing and sequencing (GGRS) to detect genome‐wide selection signatures of two domestic pig breeds (Yorkshire and Landrace) that have been under intensive selection for traits of muscle development, growth and behavior. The relative extended haplotype homozygosity test, which identifies selection signatures by measuring the characteristics of haplotypes’ frequency distribution within a single population, was also applied to identify potential positively selected regions. As a result, signatures of positive selection were found in each breed. However, most selection signatures were population specific and related to genomic regions containing genes for biological categories including brain development, metabolism, growth and olfaction. Furthermore, the result of the gene set enrichment analysis indicated that selected regions of the two breeds presented a different over‐representation of genes in the Gene Ontology annotations and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Our results revealed a genome‐wide map of selection footprints in pigs and may help us better understand the mechanisms of selection in pig breeding.
Factors affecting spermatogenesis upon gonadotropin‐replacement therapy: a meta‐analytic study
Authors: Rastrelli G. , Corona G. , Mannucci E. , Maggi M. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryA meta‐analysis was performed to systematically analyse the results of gonadotropin and GnRH therapy in inducing spermatogenesis in subjects with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HHG) and azoospermia. An extensive Medline and Embase search was performed including the following words: ‘gonadotropins’ or ‘GnRH’, ‘infertility’, ‘hypogonadotropic’, ‘hypogonadism’ and limited to studies in male humans. Overall, 44 and 16 studies were retrieved for gonadotropin and GnRH therapy, respectively. Of those, 43 and 16 considered the appearance of at least one spermatozoa in semen, whereas 26 and 10 considered sperm concentration upon gonadotropin and GnRH, respectively. The combination of the study results showed an overall success rate of 75% (69–81) and 75% (60–85) in achieving spermatogenesis, with a mean sperm concentration obtained of 5.92 (4.72–7.13) and 4.27 (1.80–6.74) million/mL for gonadotropin and GnRH therapy, respectively. The results upon gonadotropin were significantly worse in studies involving only subjects with a pre‐pubertal onset HHG, as compared with studies involving a mixed population of pre‐ and post‐pubertal onset [68% (58–77) vs. 84% (76–89), p = 0.011 and 3.37 (2.25–4.49) vs. 12.94 (8.00–17.88) million/mL, p < 0.0001; for dichotomous and continuous data, respectively]. A similar effect was observed also upon GnRH. No difference in terms of successful achievement of spermatogenesis and sperm concentration was found for different FSH preparations. Previous use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) did not affect the results obtained with gonadotropins. Finally, a higher success rate was found for subjects with lower levels of gonadotropins at the baseline and for those using both human chorionic gonadotropin and FSH. Gonadotropin therapy, even with urinary derivatives, is a suitable option in inducing/restoring fertility in azoospermic HHG subjects. Gonadotropins appear to be more efficacious in subjects with a pure secondary nature (low gonadotropins) and a post‐pubertal onset of the disorder, whereas previous TRT does not affect outcome.
Comparative morphology, morphometry and distribution pattern of the trigeminal nerve branches supplying the bill tip in the ostrich (Struthio camelus) and emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Authors: Crole Martina Rachel , Soley John Thomson 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe subdivisions of the trigeminal nerve (N. ophthalmicus R. medialis and N. intramandibularis) innervating the upper and lower bill tip, respectively, were well developed in both the ostrich and emu and displayed extensive branching. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that both nerves displayed features typical of a mixed, peripheral nerve. Nerve fibre size in the ostrich and emu was larger than that reported in domestic poultry. There were a significantly higher number of myelinated nerve fibres in the N. ophthalmicus R. medialis in the emu by comparison with the same nerve in the ostrich, or by comparison with the N. intramandibularis of either species. As myelinated nerve fibres supply Herbst corpuscles, and these structures have been demonstrated in this region in these two species, this may indicate that the upper bill of the emu is more sensitive to vibrational stimuli than the upper bill of the ostrich or the lower bill of both species. The large size of the nerve fibres, the high nerve fibre count and the particular distribution of the nerves in the bill tip support the existence of a well‐developed sensory area in this region of the ostrich and emu.
Dissociation between the behavioural and electrophysiological effects of the face and body composite illusions
Authors: Soria Bauser Denise A. , Schriewer Elisabeth , Suchan Boris 
Published: October 2014

Several studies have reported similarities between perceptual processes underlying face and body perception, particularly emphasizing the importance of configural processes. Differences between the perception of faces and the perception of bodies were observed by means of a manipulation targeting a specific subtype of configural processing: the composite illusion. The composite face illusion describes the fact that two identical top halves of a face are perceived as being different if they are presented with different bottom parts. This effect disappears, if both halves are laterally shifted. Crucially, the effect of misalignment is not observed for bodies. This study aimed to further explore differences in the time course of face and body perception by using the composite effect. The present results replicated behavioural effects illustrating that misalignment affects the perception of faces but not bodies. Thus, face but not body perception relies on holistic processing. However, differences in the time course of the processing of both stimulus categories emerged at the N170 and P200. The pattern of the behavioural data seemed to be related to the P200. Thus, the present data indicate that holistic processes associated with the effect of misalignment might occur 200 ms after stimulus onset.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indole Derivatives as Anti‐HIV‐1 Agents
Authors: Ashok Penta , Lu Cui‐Lin , Chander Subhash , Zheng Yong‐Tang , Murugesan Sankarnarayanan 
Published: October 2014

A novel series of 1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐9H‐pyrido [3,4‐b]indole derivatives were synthesized using DL‐tryptophan as starting material. All the compounds were characterized by spectral analysis such as 1H NMR, Mass, IR, elemental analysis and evaluated for inhibitory potency against HIV‐1 replication. Among the reported analogues, compound 7g exhibited significant anti‐HIV activity with EC50 0.53 μm and selectivity index 483; compounds 7e, 7i, and 7o displayed moderate activity with EC50 3.8, 3.8, and 2.8 μm and selectivity index >105, >105, and 3.85, respectively. Interestingly, compound 7g inhibited p24 antigen expression in acute HIV‐1IIIB infected cell line C8166 with EC50 1.1 μm. In this study, we also reported the Lipinski rule of 5 parameters, predicted toxicity profile, drug‐likeness, and drug score of the synthesized analogues.
Water fluoridation, dentition status and bone health of older people in Ireland
Authors: O′Sullivan Vincent , O′Connell Brian C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo examine some of the potential benefits and risks of water fluoridation for older adults.MethodsThis study used ‘The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing’, to access a nationally representative sample of 4977 people aged 50 and older. The sample was used to estimate associations between the percentage of households in a respondent's local area with a currently fluoridated water supply and the probability of two binary outcomes: the respondent having all their own teeth and having normal bone density. Past exposure of individuals to fluoridated water was not assessed; the prevalence of fluoridated water in local supplies was obtained from the 2006 Census of Ireland. The Census data indicated that there was considerable variation in the proportion of households with fluoridated water supplies, especially in rural areas. Bone mineral density was estimated from a heel ultrasound of each respondent, and their number of teeth was self‐reported. A range of individual variables, such as educational attainment, housing wealth, age and health behaviours, was controlled for.ResultsIt was found that the greater the percentage of households with a fluoridated water supply in an area, the higher the probability that respondents had all their own teeth. There was no significant relationship between the proportion of households with a fluoridated water supply in an area and bone health.ConclusionThis study suggests that water fluoridation provides a net health gain for older Irish adults, though the effects of fluoridation warrant further investigation.
Limitations on the Market Power Generated by the Single Desk of the Canadian Wheat Board
Authors: Brewin Derek G. 
Published: October 2014

Prior to 2012, the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) was a dominant regulatory force in the Canadian grain sector. This paper looks at the historical justifications of the single desk authority of the CWB and reviews previous research examining its performance. In a simulation of price discrimination based on 2013 wheat markets, a possible premium of $7.60/metric tonne is generated assuming a price discriminating CWB. The implications of recent changes in the grain market are discussed, including the increasing area seeded to canola in Canada and the removal of the single desk for the Australian Wheat Board. While the model, as assumed, suggests the CWB's market power was increased by these changes, these gains are reliant on the model assumptions and are modest compared to the recent rise in grain prices and the potential for gains and losses observed in recent export basis variation.Avant 2012, la Commission canadienne du blé (CCB) était une autorité dominante dans le secteur canadien des grains. Dans le présent article, nous examinons les justifications historiques du monopole de la CCB et nous passons en revue les recherches antérieures qui en ont analysé le rendement. D'après une simulation de discrimination par les prix fondée sur les données du marché du blé en 2013, l'hypothèse d'une discrimination par les prix de la part de la CCB engendrerait une prime possible de 7,60 $/tonne métrique. Nous traitons des répercussions des récents changements sur le marché des grains, y compris l'accroissement des superficies consacrées à la culture du canola au Canada et l'abolition du monopole de la Commission australienne du blé (CAB). Bien que le modèle, comme nous l'avions supposé, autorise à penser que les récents changements ont accru le pouvoir de marché de la CCB, ces gains dépendent des hypothèses du modèle et sont modérés comparativement à la hausse récente du prix des grains et au potentiel de gains et de pertes observé dans le récent écart du seuil d'exportation.
Identification of policies for a sustainable legal trade in rhinoceros horn based on population projection and socioeconomic models
Authors: Di Minin Enrico , Laitila Jussi , Montesino‐Pouzols Federico , Leader‐Williams Nigel , Slotow Rob , Goodman Peter S. , Conway Anthony J. , Moilanen Atte 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBetween 1990 and 2007, 15 southern white (Ceratotherium simum simum) and black (Diceros bicornis) rhinoceroses on average were killed illegally every year in South Africa. Since 2007 illegal killing of southern white rhinoceros for their horn has escalated to >950 individuals/year in 2013. We conducted an ecological–economic analysis to determine whether a legal trade in southern white rhinoceros horn could facilitate rhinoceros protection. Generalized linear models were used to examine the socioeconomic drivers of poaching, based on data collected from 1990 to 2013, and to project the total number of rhinoceroses likely to be illegally killed from 2014 to 2023. Rhinoceros population dynamics were then modeled under 8 different policy scenarios that could be implemented to control poaching. We also estimated the economic costs and benefits of each scenario under enhanced enforcement only and a legal trade in rhinoceros horn and used a decision support framework to rank the scenarios with the objective of maintaining the rhinoceros population above its current size while generating profit for local stakeholders. The southern white rhinoceros population was predicted to go extinct in the wild <20 years under present management. The optimal scenario to maintain the rhinoceros population above its current size was to provide a medium increase in antipoaching effort and to increase the monetary fine on conviction. Without legalizing the trade, implementing such a scenario would require covering costs equal to approximately $147,000,000/year. With a legal trade in rhinoceros horn, the conservation enterprise could potentially make a profit of $717,000,000/year. We believe the 35‐year‐old ban on rhinoceros horn products should not be lifted unless the money generated from trade is reinvested in improved protection of the rhinoceros population. Because current protection efforts seem to be failing, it is time to evaluate, discuss, and test alternatives to the present policy.
Representation of the elderly in trials of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Schiphorst A. H. W. , Pronk A. , Borel Rinkes I. H. M. , Hamaker M. E. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimMost patients with colorectal cancer are elderly, but there are few data on the optimal surgical treatment for this age group and most studies are observational. We have reviewed the characteristics of randomized trials reporting laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer to determine the degree to which the elderly are represented.MethodA search was conducted of the NIH clinical trial registry and the ISRCTN register for randomized trials on laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. Trial characteristics and end‐points were extracted from the registry website and supplemented by published results where available.ResultsOf 52 trial protocols the majority did not state any restrictions regarding cardiac [40 (77%)] or pulmonary function [41 (79%)]. More than half [30 (58%)] had no restrictions regarding American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Twenty‐three (44%) trials excluded the elderly either simply on age or by comorbidity or organ function. When an upper age limit was set, half of the studies had no restriction regarding organ function, indicating that chronological age rather than physical condition was taken as the reason for exclusion. In 45 (86%) of the trials the average age of participants was < 70 years, and no details of concurrent disease were given.ConclusionParticipation of the elderly in trials of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is very limited. This should be remedied in future trials if adequate information on the majority of patients with colorectal cancer is to be obtained.
UNC51‐like kinase 1, autophagic regulator and cancer therapeutic target
Authors: Chen Y. , He J. , Tian M. , Zhang S.‐Y. , Guo M.‐R. , Kasimu R. , Wang J.‐H. , Ouyang L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAutophagy, the cell process of self‐digestion, plays a pivotal role in maintaining energy homoeostasis and protein synthesis. When required, it causes degradation of long‐lived proteins and damaged organelles, indicating that it may play a dual role in cancer, by both protecting against and promoting cell death. The autophagy‐related gene (Atg) family, with more than 35 members, regulates multiple stages of the process. Serine/threonine protein kinase Atg1 in yeast, for example, can interact with other ATG gene products, functioning in autophagosome formation. One mammalian homologue of Atg1, UNC‐51‐like kinase 1 (ULK1) and its related complex ULK1–mAtg13–FIP200 can mediate autophagy under nutrient‐deprived conditions, by protein–protein interactions and post‐translational modifications. Although specific mechanisms of how ULK1 and its complex transduces upstream signals to the downstream central autophagy pathways is not fully understood, past studies have indicated that ULK1 can both suppress and promote tumour growth under different conditions. Here, we summarize some properties of ULK1 which can regulate autophagy in cancer, which may shed new light on future cancer therapy strategies, utilizing ULK1 as a potential new target.