bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An integration of external information for foreign stallions into the Belgian genetic evaluation for jumping horses
Authors: Vandenplas J. , Janssens S. , Buys N. , Gengler N. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to test the integration of external information, i.e. foreign estimated breeding values (EBV) and the associated reliabilities (REL), for stallions into the Belgian genetic evaluation for jumping horses. The Belgian model is a bivariate repeatability Best Linear Unbiased Prediction animal model only based on Belgian performances, while Belgian breeders import horses from neighbouring countries. Hence, use of external information is needed as prior to achieve more accurate EBV. Pedigree and performance data contained 101 382 horses and 712 212 performances, respectively. After conversion to the Belgian trait, external information of 98 French and 67 Dutch stallions was integrated into the Belgian evaluation. Resulting Belgian rankings of the foreign stallions were more similar to foreign rankings according to the increase of the rank correlations of at least 12%. REL of their EBV were improved of at least 2% on average. External information was partially to totally equivalent to 4 years of contemporary horses' performances or to all the stallions' own performances. All these results showed the interest to integrate external information into the Belgian evaluation.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors are effective in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with sustained endogenous insulin‐secreting capacity, a higher body mass index and insulin resistance
Authors: Kozawa Junji , Kitamura Tetsuhiro , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Yasuda Tetsuyuki , Maeda Norikazu , Otsuki Michio , Okita Kohei , Iwahashi Hiromi , Kaneto Hideaki , Funahashi Tohru , Imagawa Akihisa , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAims/IntroductionRecently, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors have become available in Japan. It has not yet been clarified what clinical parameters could discriminate DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients from DPP‐4 inhibitor‐ineffective patients.Materials and MethodsWe reviewed 33 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to Osaka University Hospital for glycemic control. All of the patients were treated with medical nutrition therapy plus insulin therapy to improve fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial glucose below 150 and 200 mg/dL, respectively. After insulin secretion and insulin resistance were evaluated, insulin was replaced by DPP‐4 inhibitors. The efficacy of DPP‐4 inhibitors was determined according to whether glycemic control was maintained at the target levels.ResultsDipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors were effective in 16 of 33 patients. DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients were younger than DPP‐4 inhibitor‐ineffective patients. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients. Endogeneous insulin‐secreting capacity, including insulinogenic index (II), fasting plasma C‐peptide (F‐CPR) and C‐peptide index (CPI), was more sustained in DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients than DPP‐4 inhibitor‐ineffective patients. Insulin resistance evaluated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was significantly higher in DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients than DPP‐4 inhibitor‐ineffective patients. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, the cut‐off values for predicting the efficacy of DPP‐4 inhibitors were 0.07 for II, 1.5 ng/mL for F‐CPR, 1.0 for CPI, 23.0 kg/m2 for BMI, 1.3 for HOMA‐IR and 67.5 years for age.ConclusionsDipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors were effective in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with sustained endogenous insulin‐secreting capacity, a higher BMI and insulin resistance.
The determinants of the molecular substitution process in turtles
Authors: LourençO J. M. , Glémin S. , Chiari Y. , Galtier N. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNeutral rates of molecular evolution vary across species, and this variation has been shown to be related to biological traits. One of the first patterns to be observed in vertebrates has been an inverse relationship between body mass (BM) and substitution rates. The effects of three major life‐history traits (LHT) that covary with BM – metabolic rate, generation time and longevity (LON) – have been invoked to explain this relationship. However, most of the theoretical and empirical evidence supporting this relationship comes from endothermic vertebrates, that is, mammals and birds, in which the environmental conditions, especially temperature, do not have a direct impact on cellular and molecular biology. We analysed the variations in mitochondrial and nuclear rates of synonymous substitution across 224 turtle species and examined their correlation with two LHT (LON and BM) and two environmental variables [latitude (LAT) and habitat]. Our analyses indicate that in turtles, neutral rates of molecular evolution are hardly correlated with LON or BM. Rather, both the mitochondrial and nuclear substitution rates are significantly correlated with LAT – faster evolution in the tropics – and especially so for aquatic species. These results question the generality of the relationships reported in mammals and birds and suggest that environmental factors might be the strongest determinants of the mutation rate in ectotherms.
Economic impact of exotic insect pests in Brazilian agriculture
Authors: Oliveira C. M. , Auad A. M. , Mendes S. M. , Frizzas M. R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAgriculture represents one of the major strengths of the economic sector in Brazil. The need to avoid economic losses because of insect pest populations is one of the greatest challenges faced by this sector. Insect pests have caused annual losses of US$12.0 billion to the Brazilian economy, of which approximately US$1.6 billion are because of exotic pest species. Furthermore, exotic insect species often show greater potential to cause harm than native species. In Brazil, since the late nineteenth century, 24 species of insect pests have been introduced into the country, and they have caused significant economic losses. Many of these species, including Bemisia tabaci, Hypothenemus hampei, Ceratitis capitata, Oryzophagus oryzae and Anthonomus grandis, are major crop pests, and they were accidentally introduced during trading of agricultural products. In this review, we present an overview of Brazilian agriculture, a brief history of the introduction of insect pests in the country and the Brazilian legislation on agricultural defence, and we estimate the economic losses caused to the Brazilian economy by the main insect pest species that have been introduced into Brazil over the last 112 years.
Effects of Zataria multifloraBoiss., Rosmarinus officinalisL. and Mentha longifoliaL. Essential Oils on Growth and Gene Expression of Enterotoxins C and E in Staphylococcus aureusATCC 29213
Authors: Azizkhani Maryam , Akhondzadeh Basti Afshin , Misaghi Ali , Tooryan Fahimeh 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGiven the side effects associated with the use of synthetic preservatives, an attractive alternative may reside in the evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of herbal essential oils (EOs) for use in the food industry. This study was conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Zataria multiflora Boiss., Rosmarinus officinalis L and Mentha longifolia L. EOs for Staphylococcus aureus and the effect of subMICs of EOs on growth and production of enterotoxins C and E. MIC of EOs were 0.03, 0.4 and 1.4% (v/v) for Z. multiflora Boiss., R. officinalis L. and M. longifolia L., respectively. Seventy‐five percent MIC decreased the growth rate significantly; after 180 and 360 min of EO treatment, optical density600 values were 48.3 and 47.2% with respect to the control for Z. multiflora Boiss., 61.9 and 66.5% for R. officinalis L. and 71.4 and 80.69% for M. longifolia L. SubMICs of EOs decreased the gene expression of staphylococcal enterotoxins and the effectiveness of EOs was as follows: Z. multiflora Boiss. > R. officinalis L. > M. longifolia L.Practical ApplicationStaphylococcal food poisoning is considered to be one of the most medically and economically important diseases worldwide, thus preservatives are used in food products to inhibit the growth of this microorganism. Concerns over the safety of some chemical preservatives and negative consumer reaction to those perceived as being of chemical and/or artificial origin have prompted increased interest in more natural or “green” alternatives for the maintenance or extension of product shelf life. Many spices and herbs exert antimicrobial activity conferred by phenolic compounds present in their essential oil (EO) fractions, some of which are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe substances. These compounds, or even their originating EOs, could therefore be of considerable interest for use in the food industry as naturally occurring inhibitors of the postharvest growth of native and contaminating bacteria.
Changes in Activities of Daily Living, Nutrient Intake, and Systemic Inflammation in Elderly Adults Receiving Recuperative Care
Authors: Dennis Richard A. , Johnson Larry E. , Roberson Paula K. , Heif Muhannad , Bopp Melinda M. , Garner Kimberly K. , Padala Kalpana P. , Padala Prasad R. , Dubbert Patricia M. , Sullivan Dennis H. 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTo determine the relationships between physical function, systemic inflammation, and nutrient intake in elderly adults who are deconditioned or recovering from medical illness.DesignProspective observational study.SettingRecuperative care and rehabilitation setting of a Veterans Affairs hospital.ParticipantsOlder adults assessed to be in need of and likely to benefit from specialized inpatient care (N = 336, aged 78.9 ± 7.5, median length of stay 24 days).MeasurementsFunctional assessments and plasma analyses for albumins and inflammatory markers were performed at admission and discharge. Complete nutrient intake assessments were performed daily. Katz (independence in activities of daily living) and walking endurance (distance capability and summation of need for assistive device and human help) scores were based on direct observation and provider query. Data were analyzed using least‐squares and logistic regression analyses.ResultsChanges in physical function between admission and discharge were positively correlated with change in nutrient intake and inversely correlated with inflammation at admission and its change. Participants in the upper quartile of change for nutrient intake (particularly improved protein intake) were two to three times as likely to experience a clinically significant change in functional status during the hospitalization. Similarly, the odds of experiencing an improvement in physical function were two to four times as great for participants whose C‐reactive protein levels declined as for those whose levels increased. These relationships remained significant after controlling for age, length of stay, and other baseline indicators of health status.ConclusionProtein intake and inflammation are significantly correlated with functional recovery for aging individuals undergoing recuperative care and rehabilitation. Future studies should investigate whether combined interventions that target these factors improve recovery during hospitalization for this population.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation and Cognitive Impairment in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Rossom Rebecca C. , Espeland Mark A. , Manson JoAnn E. , Dysken Maurice W. , Johnson Karen C. , Lane Dorothy S. , LeBlanc Erin S. , Lederle Frank A. , Masaki Kamal H. , Margolis Karen L. 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTo examine the effects of vitamin D and calcium on cognitive outcomes in elderly women.DesignPost hoc analysis of a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial.SettingForty Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical centers across the United States.ParticipantsFour thousand one hundred forty‐three women aged 65 and older without probable dementia at baseline who participated in the WHI Calcium and Vitamin D Trial and the WHI Memory Study.InterventionTwo thousand thirty‐four women were randomized to receive 1,000 mg of calcium carbonate combined with 400 IU of vitamin D3 (treatment) and 2,109 to placebo.MeasurementsPrimary: classifications of probable dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) based on a four‐phase protocol that included central adjudication. Secondary: global cognitive function and individual cognitive subtests.ResultsMean age of participants was 71. During a mean follow‐up of 7.8 years, 39 participants in the treatment group and 37 in the placebo group developed incident dementia (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71–1.74, P = .64). Likewise, 98 treatment participants and 108 placebo participants developed incident MCI (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.72–1.25, P = .72). There were no significant differences in incident dementia or MCI or in global or domain‐specific cognitive function between groups.ConclusionThere was no association between treatment assignment and incident cognitive impairment. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of vitamin D and calcium separately, on men, in other age and ethnic groups, and with other doses.
SIG1273: a new cosmetic functional ingredient to reduce blemishes and Propionibacterium acnes in acne prone skin
Authors: Fernandéz José R , Rouzard Karl , Voronkov Michael , Feng Xuyan , Stock Jeffry B , Stock Maxwell , Gordon Joel S , Shroot Braham , Christensen Michael S , Pérez Eduardo 
Published: November 2012

SummaryBackgroundPropionibacterium acnes is a major contributing factor to the inflammatory component of acne. The interaction of P. acnes with keratinocytes leads to an innate immune response via activation of toll‐like receptors (TLR2, TLR4) resulting in the production and secretion of pro‐inflammatory mediators. SIG1273, an isoprenylcysteine small molecule modulates inflammatory signaling pathways and kills P. acnes. SIG1273 represents a novel cosmetic functional ingredient that provides relief from blemishes in acne prone skin.ObjectiveTo assess the keratinocyte response and microbial growth of SIG1273 in vitro and evaluate the tolerability of SIG1273 gel applied topically in acne prone subjects.MethodsFor in vitro studies, human keratinocytes were exposed in culture to live P. acnes and peptidoglycan (PGN) to induce IL‐8 production. P. acnes were cultured to determine minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration values. A total of 30 subjects were randomized in a double‐blind controlled trial receiving 3% SIG1273 gel or vehicle for 6 weeks. Evaluation included inflammatory lesions, noninflammatory lesions, microcomedones, Sebutape scores, and P. acnes counts.ResultsIn vitro studies demonstrate SIG1273 inhibits P. acnes‐induced IL‐8 production and inhibits P. acnes growth. SIG1273 gel was well tolerated with no signs of stinging, redness, or itching. Furthermore, improvement in some aspects of acne was observed in subjects applying SIG1273 gel, including inflammatory lesions, microcomedone counts and Sebutape scores. Facial scrubs taken to measure P. acnes colony‐forming units showed those applying SIG1273 gel had ~1.0 Log 10 colony reduction over the length of the study, a statistically significantly improvement when compared with vehicle. No significant effects above vehicle were observed for noninflammatory lesions.ConclusionsSIG1273 represents a novel cosmetic functional ingredient that provides a safe dual modulating benefit to individuals with acne prone skin by reducing P. acnes counts and reducing inflammation.
One‐step technique for esthetic earlobe repair
Authors: Yadav Savita , Sarangal Rishu , Dogra Sunil 
Published: November 2012

SummaryEarlobe tear is a common cause for earlobe disfigurement. Different techniques described in the literature for earlobe repair usually require re‐piercing of the ear after some time at a different site avoiding the scar tissue. If re‐piercing is performed at the original site because of cosmetic reasons, there is risk of tract elongation. We describe a new technique in which polypropylene deep buried suture is left in situ to strengthen the repaired scar tissue with preservation of perforation at the upper end of the slit, thereby giving good cosmetic result to the patient in single sitting.
Stem cells and the skin
Authors: Dahl Mark V 
Published: November 2012

SummaryStem cells live long lives, renew themselves, and differentiate into more mature, less potent, specialized cells, such as epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Stem cells can be embryonic, if derived from an embryo, or adult/somatic if derived from postembryonic tissue. By producing new skin cells, stem cell division and differentiation can potentially rejuvenate skin and restore hair. To reproduce, stem cells can undergo symmetric nondifferentiative or differentiative divisions, or asymmetric differentiative divisions. Asymmetric divisions reproduce the stem cell and provide a more differentiated, but less potent transient amplifying cell. Divisions and differentiation of transient amplifying cells regenerate tissues by producing cells of a specific lineage, for example, keratinocytes. Epidermal stem cells lie in niches in the interfollicular epidermis, sebaceous gland, and in the bulge regions of hair follicles. These epidermal stem cells renew the epidermis, the sebaceous glands, and hair follicles after mature cells die. Dermal stem cells lie in the hair papillae, around pericytes, and elsewhere among other dermal cells. These form pericytes, myoblasts, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and other specialized dermal cells. Along with other signaling pathways, the Wnt signaling pathway controls stem cell fate. Wnt signals enlist two functionally and chemically different gene coactivators to direct the time and type of replicative divisions. Stem cells may help to heal wounds, repair damaged tissues, regenerate aged skin, and reinvigorate growth of skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes.
Monitoring Managers: Does It Matter?
Authors: CORNELLI FRANCESCA , KOMINEK ZBIGNIEW , LJUNGQVIST ALEXANDER 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTWe study how well‐incentivized boards monitor CEOs and whether monitoring improves performance. Using unique, detailed data on boards' information sets and decisions for a large sample of private equity–backed firms, we find that gathering information helps boards learn about CEO ability. “Soft” information plays a much larger role than hard data, such as the performance metrics that prior literature focuses on, and helps avoid firing a CEO for bad luck or in response to adverse external shocks. We show that governance reforms increase the effectiveness of board monitoring and establish a causal link between forced CEO turnover and performance improvements.
Specific and non‐specific immunity of piglets from sows fed diets containing specific fatty acids in field conditions
Authors: Benzoni G. , Foresti F. , Archetti I. L. , Coceva G. , Guyonvarch A. , Alborali L. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe transfer of passive immunity from sows to piglets is important and it is the first immune protection of the new born piglet. Improving sows immunity by adding immuno‐stimulating product in sows diet can positively affect colostrum composition and transfer of immune molecules to piglets. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the benefit of a different solution, made of specific fatty acids from marine origin that have been used in human medicine for decades, for sows and piglets. Two trials were conducted in commercial farm, involving 240 sows at different periods of the year. Sows were divided in a control group, without supplementation, and a test group, supplemented with the feed additive from the 90th day of gestation to weaning. Sows body condition, piglets viability and growth were recorded. Milk immunoglobulin content was measured, as well as Aujeszky antibodies in sows and piglets blood as marker of specific immunity, and blood bactericidal activity, complement activity and lysozyme as markers of non specific immunity. No effect of the product was observed on piglets zootechnical criteria and specific immunity parameters but significant improvement of piglet non specific immunity, was observed. No difference was observed neither in the piglets blood PRRSV and PCV2 antibodies and viruses nor in Aujeszky antibodies. Blood complement activity seems to be an accurate indicator of immuno‐stimulating additive efficiency. Giving alkyl‐glycerol fatty acids to sows in late gestation and lactation can improve the passive immunity transfer to piglets.
True blue: S‐opsin is widely expressed in different animal species
Authors: Amann B. , Hirmer S. , Hauck S. M. , Kremmer E. , Ueffing M. , Deeg C. A. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryColour vision in animals is an interesting, fascinating subject. In this study, we examined a wide variety of species for expression of S‐opsin (blue sensitive) and M‐/L‐opsin (green‐red sensitive) in retinal cones using two novel monoclonal antibodies specific for peptides from human opsins. Mouse, rat and hare did not express one of the investigated epitopes, but we could clearly prove existence of cones through peanut agglutinin labelling. Retinas of guinea pig, dog, wolf, marten, cat, roe deer, pig and horse were positive for S‐opsin, but not for M‐/L‐opsin. Nevertheless all these species are clearly at least dichromats, because we could detect further S‐opsin negative cones by labelling with cone arrestin specific antibody. In contrast, pheasant and char had M‐/L‐opsin positive cones, but no S‐opsin expressing cones. Sheep, cattle, monkey, men, pigeon, duck and chicken were positive for both opsins. Visual acuity analyzed through density of retinal ganglion cells revealed least visual discrimination by horses and highest resolution in pheasant and pigeon. Most mammals studied are dichromats with visual perception similar to red‐green blind people.
Reliability, validity and sensitivity of the Chinese (simple) Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF‐36v2) in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zhou K. N. , Zhang M. , Wu Q. , Ji Z. H. , Zhang X. M. , Zhuang G. H. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe purpose of the study was to evaluate reliability, validity and sensitivity of the Chinese (simple) SF‐36v2 in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Four hundred and sixty patients were recruited and allocated to CHB (CHB without cirrhosis) (n = 323) and CHB‐related cirrhosis (n = 137) groups. Internal consistency reliability was estimated with Cronbach's α‐coefficient. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed by item–scale–component correlation. Factorial validity was explored by principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation. Sensitivity was measured with Cohen's effect size (ES), and independent sample t‐test between the CHB and CHB‐related cirrhosis groups and between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normal and abnormal groups after stratifying illness stages. The results showed that Cronbach's α of the total SF‐36v2 was 0.92, with the range from 0.72 to 0.87 in the eight scales and 0.76 to 0.77 in the two summary components. Most of the hypothesized item–scale–component correlations were 0.40 or over, and all of such hypothesized correlations were higher than the alternative ones, indicating satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Two and seven factors were extracted after varimax rotation at the scale level and item level. The eligible ES with statistically significant independent sample t‐test was found in the physical component summary (PCS) and physical function (PF), role‐physical (RP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), social functioning (SF) scales by comparison between CHB and CHB‐related cirrhosis groups, and in the PCS and PF, GH, SF scales by comparison between the ALT normal and abnormal groups in the stratification of patients with CHB. In conclusion, the Chinese (simple) SF‐36v2 has acceptable reliability, validity and sensitivity in patients with CHB.