bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the promoter region ofmyostatingene are associated with carcass traits in pigs
Authors: Tu P.‐A. , Lo L.‐L. , Chen Y.‐C. , Hsu C.‐C. , Shiau J.‐W. , Lin E.‐C. , Lin R.‐S. , Wang P.‐H. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryHigher average daily gain, more lean meat yield and less fat yield of porcine carcass increase selling profits for animal producers. Myostatin (MSTN), previously calledGDF8, is a member of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily. It is a negative regulator for both embryonic development and adult homeostasis of skeletal muscle. In this study, the genotypes of the previously describedSNPsMSTNg.435G>Aand g.447A>G SNPs in 66Duroc pigs, 33Landrace pigs, 180Duroc × Landrace (DL) pigs and 155Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace (DYL) pigs were determined byTaqmanSNP GenotypingAssays. ForDuroc andLandrace pigs,MSTNg.435GG/g.447AAindividual had greater backfat thickness (p < 0.05) than g.435AA/g.447GGindividual, whereasMSTNg.435AA/g.447GGhad greater meat (p < 0.05) and meat percentage (p < 0.05) than g.435GA/g.447AGindividual. ForDLandDYLpigs, theMSTNg.435GG/g.447AAanimals were greater in backfat at ultrasound 10th rib (p < 0.05) and carcass 10th rib (p < 0.01) than g.435AA/g.447GGindividual. TheMSTNg.435AA/g.447GGindividual also had higher values than g.435GG/g.447AAfor anterior‐end meat (p < 0.05), posterior‐end meat (p < 0.01), total meat weight (p < 0.01) and meat percentage (p < 0.01). This study confirmed evidence thatMSTNg.435G>Aand g.447A>Gaffected carcass traits in pigs. The effects of the mutated alleles were additive with the maximal effects resulting from two copies of the mutated allele. Selection forMSTNg.435A/g.447Gallele is expected to increase muscle of limb and total meat production and decrease backfat thickness.
Magnitudes of departures from equilibrium during regional metamorphism of porphyroblastic rocks
Authors: Kelly E. D. , Carlson W. D. , Ketcham R. A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNumerical models of diffusion‐controlled nucleation and growth of garnet crystals, which successfully replicate diverse textures in 13 porphyroblastic rocks, yield quantitative estimates of the magnitudes of departures from equilibrium during crystallization. These estimates are derived from differences in chemical potential between subvolumes containing stable product assemblages and those containing persistent but metastable reactant assemblages. The magnitude of disequilibrium is evaluated in terms of the thermal overstepping, which is commonly referenced to the garnet‐in isograd; the reaction affinity in the intergranular fluid at the site and time of each nucleation event, and on average throughout the rock, and the ‘latent energy of reaction’ per unit volume, a measure of the average unreacted capacity of the bulk rock, which describes its overall metastability. Across all of the models, the first crystals nucleate after 5–67 °C of thermal overstepping (correspondingly, 0.7–5.8 kJ mol−1 of 12‐oxygen garnet); the maximum reaction affinity averaged across the intergranular fluid is between 4.7 and 16.0 kJ mol−1 of 12‐oxygen garnet; and the maximum latent energy of reaction ranges from 7.3 to 51.7 J cm−3. These results demonstrate that impediments to crystallization significantly delay nucleation and retard reaction, with the consequence that nucleation of new crystals extends throughout nearly the entire crystallization interval. This potential for protracted reaction during prograde metamorphism, with reactions continuing to temperatures and pressures well beyond equilibrium conditions, suggests the likelihood of overstepping of multiple – possibly competing – reactions that can progress simultaneously. Isograds and ranges of stability for metamorphic assemblages along a metamorphic field gradient may therefore be significantly offset from the positions predicted from calculations based on equilibrium assumptions, which poses a substantial challenge to accurate interpretations of metamorphic conditions and processes.
What Chance‐Credence Norms Should Not Be
Authors: Pettigrew Richard 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA chance‐credence norm states how an agent's credences in propositions concerning objective chances ought to relate to her credences in other propositions. The most famous such norm is the Principal Principle (PP), due to David Lewis. However, Lewis noticed that PP is too strong when combined with many accounts of chance that attempt to reduce chance facts to non‐modal facts. Those who defend such accounts of chance have offered two alternative chance‐credence norms: the first is Hall's and Thau's New Principle (NP); the second is Ismael's General Recipe (IP). Thus, the question arises: Should we adopt NP or IP or both? In this paper, I argue that IP has unacceptable consequences when coupled with reductionism, so we must accept NP alone.
Rabbi Ben-Tzion Abba Shaul and the Ideology of the Haredi-Sefardi Scholar-Society in Israel
Authors: Leon Nissim 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This article focuses on Rabbi Ben-Tzion Abba Shaul, one of the most prominent ideologues of the Mizrahi-haredi scholar-society and among the most prominent rabbinical figures of the haredi-Mizrahi stream. The article addresses the ideological heritage that he bequeathed to his students concerning the purpose of the scholar-society and, at its center, the institution of the yeshiva and the Torah scholars who study there. Rabbi Ben-Tzion Abba Shaul occupies an important place in our understanding of the ideological depth of the haredizing trends among contemporary Mizrahi Judaism in Israel and the development of its scholar-society, as well as in analyzing the complex relations among the leaders of the haredi-Mizrahi stream themselves, and between this stream and its broader reference group: the Lithuanian-Ashkenazi stream.
The New Egyptian Constitution of 2012
Authors: Bammarny Bawar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Nearly 64% of eligible Egyptians had approved the new Egyptian constitution in a referendum. However, the new Egyptian constitution is very controversial. Some Egyptian politicians see this constitution as a major threat to democracy and call for a solution to reintroduce the Egyptian Constitution of 1971, although in the new constitution as opposed to the old constitution the way to absolutism and autocracy is blocked, mainly due to the limitation of power of the President. In particular the president is now elected for four years instead of six years and may be re-elected only once. The experience in Egypt and other Arab countries since their independence shows that the rulers never want to step down and wish to bequeath the Republics to their children. But there are several contentious issues in the new Egyptian constitution, in particular, about the role of religion.
Football, Politics and Europe
Authors: Gaillard William 
Published: August 2013

Summary
This article examines the place of sports and football in European society and the complex interaction of the sports field and the football sub-field, which has its own codes of behaviour, its own institutional governance, its own ethics, its own judicial culture and its own language. Charting the history of European football and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the author argues that unless one understands how the football habitus interact with the rest of European society, it is difficult to examine the role of sports and, in particular, football in international relations and diplomacy.
1064 nm Nd:YAG long pulse laser after polidocanol microfoam injection dramatically improves the result of leg vein treatment: A randomized controlled trial on 517 legs with a three-year follow-up
Authors: Moreno-Moraga Javier , Smarandache Adriana , Pascu Mihail L , Royo Josefina , Trelles Mario A 
Published: August 2013

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of a new method of clearing varicose veins in the long term. It consists of applying the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser following the injection of polidocanol microfoam, in two consecutive sessions, treating both legs in full in each session. Method Randomized, Polidocanol-controlled, blind evaluation clinical trial comparing the results between 79 legs treated with Polidocanol and 517 treated with Polidocanol + Laser. Photographs were taken preoperatively and at three months, two years and three years after treatment, as well as patient self-assessments. Results Polidocanol + Laser is much more effective than polidocanol microfoam in clearing venulectasias with a diameter under 4 mm ( p < 0.001). After three years, clearing percentages of 89% (Class I veins), 94% (Class II veins) and 95% (Class III veins) are observed, in comparison to 15%, 18% and 17%, respectively when only polidocanol was applied. No unexpected adverse effects were found and 86% of patients stated they were Satisfied or Very Satisfied. Conclusion The method leads to safe, fast and apparently permanent results. The treatment session lasts less than 1 h, and could become a first-choice treatment for the removal of all types of varicose veins with a diameter under 4 mm.
Manual lymphatic drainage in chronic venous disease: A duplex ultrasound study
Authors: dos Santos Crisóstomo Rute Sofia , Candeias Miguel Sandu , Ribeiro Ana Margarida Martins , da Luz Belo Martins Catarina , Armada-da-Silva Paulo AS 
Published: August 2013

Objectives To compare the effect of call-up and reabsorption maneuvers of manual lymphatic drainage on blood flow in femoral vein and great saphenous vein in patients with chronic venous disease and healthy controls. Methods Forty-one subjects participated in this study (mean age: 42.68(15.23)), 23 with chronic venous disease (chronic venous disease group) with clinical classification C1–5 of clinical-etiological-anatomical-pathological (CEAP) and 18 healthy subjects (control group). Call-up and reabsorption maneuvers were randomly applied in the medial aspect of the thigh. The cross-sectional areas, as well as the peak and the mean blood flow velocity at femoral vein and great saphenous vein, were assessed by Duplex ultrasound at the baseline and during maneuvers. The venous flow volume changes were calculated. Results The venous flow volume in femoral vein and great saphenous vein increased during both manual lymphatic drainage maneuvers and in both groups ( P < 0.05). The two maneuvers had a similar effect on femoral vein and great saphenous vein hemodynamics, and in both the chronic venous disease and control groups. As a result of the call-up maneuver, the flow volume augmentations, as a result of call-up maneuver, decreased with the severity of chronic venous disease in those patients measured by the clinical classification of CEAP ( r = −0.64; P = 0.03). Conclusions Manual lymphatic drainage increases the venous blood flow in the lower extremity with a magnitude that is independent from the specific maneuver employed or the presence of chronic venous disease. Therefore, manual lymphatic drainage may be an alternative strategy for the treatment and prevention of venous stasis complications in chronic venous disease.
Prediction of relapse after discontinuation of infliximab therapy in severe sarcoidosis
Authors: Vorselaars Adriane D.M. , Verwoerd Anouk , van Moorsel Coline H.M. , Keijsers Ruth G.M. , Rijkers Ger T. , Grutters Jan C. 
Published: August 2013

Infliximab is effective as a third-line therapeutic for severe sarcoidosis; however, long-term efficacy is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the relapse rate after discontinuation of infliximab in sarcoidosis patients and predict relapse by analysis of the activity marker soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET).In this retrospective cohort study, the proportion of relapse was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and predicting factors were studied using Cox regression.47 sarcoidosis patients who started infliximab therapy were included in the risk analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a median time to relapse of 11.1 months and showed that 25% of the cohort relapsed within 4 months. Both mediastinal SUVmax≥6.0 on FDG PET (hazard ratio 3.77, p<0.001) and serum sIL-2R ≥4000 pg·mL−1(hazard ratio 2.24, p=0.033) at start of therapy predicted relapse. In multivariate analysis, a mediastinal SUVmax≥6.0 at initiation of therapy was an independent predictor of relapse (hazard ratio 4.33, p<0.001).The majority of patients that discontinued infliximab therapy relapsed. High serum sIL-2R and high SUVmaxon FDG PET at initiation of therapy were significant predictors of relapse. These results suggest close monitoring of patients in this category when they discontinue infliximab treatment.
Grading the severity of airways obstruction: new wine in new bottles
Authors: Quanjer Philip H. , Pretto Jeffrey J. , Brazzale Danny J. , Boros Piotr W. 
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to redesign the current grading of obstructive lung disease so that it is clinically relevant and free of biases related to age, height, sex and ethnic group.Spirometric records from 17 880 subjects (50.4% female) from hospitals in Australia and Poland, and 21 191 records (53.0% female) from two epidemiological studies (age range 18–95 years) were analysed. We adopted the American Thoracic Society(ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) criteria for airways obstruction based on an forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/(forced) vital capacity ((F)VC) ratio below the fifth percentile and graded the severity of pulmonary function impairment using z-scores for FEV1, which signify how many standard deviations a result is from the mean predicted value.Using the lower limit of normal for FEV1/(F)VC and z-scores for FEV1of -2, -2.5, -3 and -4 to delineate severity grades of airflow limitation leads to close agreement with ATS/ERS severity classifications and removes age, sex and height related bias.The new classification system is simple, easily memorised and clinically valid. It retains previously established associations with clinical outcomes and avoids biases due to the use of per cent predicted FEV1. Combined with the Global Lung Function prediction equations it provides a worldwide diagnostic standard, free of bias due to age, height, sex and ethnic group.
Persistent gut barrier damage and commensal bacterial influx following eradication of Giardia infection in mice
Authors: Chen Tzu-Ling , Chen Shin , Wu Hsiu-Wei , Lee Tsung-Chun , Lu Yen-Zhen , Wu Li-Ling , Ni Yen-Hsuan , Sun Chin-Hung , Yu Wei-Hsuan , Buret Andre G , Yu Linda Chia-Hui 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies ofGiardia lambliaoutbreaks have indicated that 40–80% of infected patients experience long-lasting functional gastrointestinal disorders after parasitic clearance. Our aim was to assess changes in the intestinal barrier and spatial distribution of commensal bacteria in the post-clearance phase ofGiardiainfection.MethodsMice were orogastrically inoculated withG. lambliatrophozoites (strain GS/M) or pair-fed with saline and were sacrificed on post-infective (PI) days 7 (colonization phase) and 35 (post-clearance phase). Gut epithelial barrier function was assessed by Western blotting for occludin cleavage and luminal-to-serosal macromolecular permeability. Gut-associated, superficial adherent, and mucosal endocytosed bacteria were measured by agar culturing and were examined by fluorescencein situhybridization. Intracellular bacteria cultured from isolated mucosal cells were characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing. Neutrophil-specific esterase staining, a myeloperoxidase activity assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for cytokine concentrations were used to verify intestinal tissue inflammation.ResultsTight junctional damage was detected in the intestinal mucosa ofGiardia-infected mice on PI days 7 and 35. Although intestinal bacterial overgrowth was evident only during parasite colonization (PI day 7), enhanced mucosal adherence and endocytosis of bacteria were observed on PI days 7 and 35. Multiple bacterial strains, includingBacillus,Lactobacillus,Staphylococcus, andPhenylobacterium, penetrated the gut mucosa in the post-infective phase. The mucosal influx of bacteria coincided with increases in neutrophil infiltration and myeloperoxidase activity on PI days 7 and 35. Elevated intestinal IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-1β levels also were detected on PI day 35.ConclusionsGiardia-infected mice showed persistent tight junctional damage and bacterial penetration, accompanied by mucosal inflammation, after parasite clearance. These novel findings suggest that the host’s unresolved immune reactions toward its own microbiota, due to an impaired epithelial barrier, may partly contribute to the development of post-infective gut disorders.
Functional DNA quantification guides accurate next-generation sequencing mutation detection in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor biopsies
Authors: Sah Sachin , Chen Liangjing , Houghton Jeffrey , Kemppainen Jon , Marko Adam C , Zeigler Robert , Latham Gary J 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy is a challenging sample for molecular assays such as targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). We compared three methods for FFPE DNA quantification, including a novel PCR assay (‘QFI-PCR’) that measures the absolute copy number of amplifiable DNA, across 165 residual clinical specimens. The results reveal the limitations of commonly used approaches, and demonstrate the value of an integrated workflow using QFI-PCR to improve the accuracy of NGS mutation detection and guide changes in input that can rescue low quality FFPE DNA. These findings address a growing need for improved quality measures in NGS-based patient testing.
Synthetic versus plaster of Paris casts in the treatment of fractures of the forearm in children
Authors: Inglis M. , McClelland B. , Sutherland L. M. , Cundy P. J. 
Published: August 2013

Fractures of the forearm (radius or ulna or both) in children have traditionally been immobilised in plaster of Paris (POP) but synthetic cast materials are becoming more popular. There have been no randomised studies comparing the efficacy of these two materials. The aim of this study was to investigate which cast material is superior for the management of these fractures. We undertook a single-centre prospective randomised trial involving 199 patients with acute fractures of the forearm requiring general anaesthesia for reduction. Patients were randomised by sealed envelope into either a POP or synthetic group and then underwent routine closed reduction and immobilisation in a cast. The patients were reviewed at one and six weeks. A satisfaction questionnaire was completed following the removal of the cast. All clinical complications were recorded and the cast indices were calculated. There was an increase in complications in the POP group. These complications included soft areas of POP requiring revision and loss of reduction with some requiring re-manipulation. There was an increased mean padding index in the fractures that lost reduction. Synthetic casts were preferred by the patients. This study indicates that the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction are superior using synthetic casts with no reduction in safety. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1285–9.
The outcome of tibial diaphyseal fractures in the elderly
Authors: Clement N. D. , Beauchamp N. J. F. , Duckworth A. D. , McQueen M. M. , Court-Brown C. M. 
Published: August 2013

We describe the outcome of tibial diaphyseal fractures in the elderly (≥ 65 years of age). We prospectively followed 233 fractures in 225 elderly patients over a minimum ten-year period. Demographic and descriptive data were acquired from a prospective trauma database. Mortality status was obtained from the General Register Office database for Scotland. Diaphyseal fractures of the tibia in the elderly occurred predominantly in women (73%) and after a fall (61%). During the study period the incidence of these fractures decreased, nearly halving in number. The 120-day and one-year unadjusted mortality rates were 17% and 27%, respectively, and were significantly greater in patients with an open fracture (p < 0.001). The overall standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was significantly increased (SMR 4.4, p < 0.001) relative to the population at risk, and was greatest for elderly women (SMR 8.1, p < 0.001). These frailer patients had more severe injuries, with an increased rate of open fractures (30%), and suffered a greater rate of nonunion (10%). Tibial diaphyseal fractures in the elderly are most common in women after a fall, are more likely to be open than in the rest of the population, and are associated with a high incidence of nonunion and mortality. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1255–62.
The relationship between sagittal spinopelvic parameters and the degree of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration in young adult patients with low-grade spondylolytic spondylolisthesis
Authors: Oh Y-M. , Eun J-P. 
Published: August 2013

We investigated the relationship between spinopelvic parameters and disc degeneration in young adult patients with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. A total of 229 men with a mean age of 21 years (18 to 26) with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis were identified. All radiological measurements, including pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, sacral inclination, lumbosacral angle (LSA), and sacrofemoral distance, were calculated from standing lateral lumbosacral radiographs. The degree of intervertebral disc degeneration was classified using a modified Pfirrmann scale. We analysed the spinopelvic parameters according to disc level, degree of slip and disc degeneration. There were significant positive correlations between the degree of slip and pelvic incidence (p = 0.009), sacral slope (p = 0.003) and lumbar lordosis (p = 0.010). The degree of slip and the LSA were correlated with disc degeneration (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). There was also a significant difference between the degree of slip (p < 0.001) and LSA (p = 0.006) according to the segmental level of disc degeneration. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1239–43.
Changes in the pattern of fractures of the hip in patients 60 years of age and older between 2001 and 2010
Authors: Lakstein D. , Hendel D. , Haimovich Y. , Feldbrin Z. 
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to identify changing trends in the pattern of distribution of the type and demographics of fractures of the hip in the elderly between 2001 and 2010. A retrospective cross-sectional comparison was conducted between 179 fractures of the hip treated in 2001, 357 treated in 2006 and 454 treated in 2010. Patients aged < 60 years and those with pathological and peri-prosthetic fractures were excluded. Fractures were classified as stable extracapsular, unstable extracapsular or intracapsular fractures. The mean age of the 179 patients (132 women (73.7%)) treated in 2001 was 80.8 years (60 to 96), 81.8 years (61 to 101) in the 357 patients (251 women (70.3%)) treated in 2006 and 82.0 years (61 to 102) in the 454 patients (321 women (70.1%)) treated in 2010 (p = 0.17). There was no difference in the gender distribution between the three study years (p = 0.68). The main finding was a steep rise in the proportion of unstable peritrochanteric fractures. The proportion of unstable extracapsular fractures was 32% (n = 57) in 2001, 35% (n = 125) in 2006 and 45% (n = 204) in 2010 (p < 0.001). This increase was not significant in patients aged between 60 and 69 years (p = 0.84), marginally significant in those aged between 70 and 79 years (p = 0.04) and very significant in those aged > 80 years (p < 0.001). The proportion of intracapsular fractures did not change (p = 0.94). At present, we face not only an increasing number of fractures of the hip, but more demanding and complex fractures in older patients than a decade ago. This study does not provide an explanation for this change. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1250–4.