bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study for birth weight in Nellore cattle points to previously described orthologous genes affecting human and bovine height
Authors: Utsunomiya Yuri T , do Carmo Adriana S , Carvalheiro Roberto , Neves Haroldo HR , Matos Márcia C , Zavarez Ludmilla B , Pérez O’Brien Ana M , Sölkner Johann , McEwan John C , Cole John B , Van Tassell Curtis P , Schenkel Flávio S , da Silva Marcos VGB , Porto Neto Laercio R , Sonstegard Tad S , Garcia José F 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Birth weight (BW) is an economically important trait in beef cattle, and is associated with growth- and stature-related traits and calving difficulty. One region of the cattle genome, located on Bos primigenius taurus chromosome 14 (BTA14), has been previously shown to be associated with stature by multiple independent studies, and contains orthologous genes affecting human height. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for BW in Brazilian Nellore cattle (Bos primigenius indicus) was performed using estimated breeding values (EBVs) of 654 progeny-tested bulls genotyped for over 777,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Results
The most significant SNP (rs133012258, PGC = 1.34 × 10-9), located at BTA14:25376827, explained 4.62% of the variance in BW EBVs. The surrounding 1 Mb region presented high identity with human, pig and mouse autosomes 8, 4 and 4, respectively, and contains the orthologous height genes PLAG1, CHCHD7, MOS, RPS20, LYN, RDHE2 (SDR16C5) and PENK. The region also overlapped 28 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) previously reported in literature by linkage mapping studies in cattle, including QTLs for birth weight, mature height, carcass weight, stature, pre-weaning average daily gain, calving ease, and gestation length.

Conclusions
This study presents the first GWAS applying a high-density SNP panel to identify putative chromosome regions affecting birth weight in Nellore cattle. These results suggest that the QTLs on BTA14 associated with body size in taurine cattle (Bos primigenius taurus) also affect birth weight and size in zebu cattle (Bos primigenius indicus).
Mitochondria-targeted vitamin E analogs inhibit breast cancer cell energy metabolism and promote cell death
Authors: Cheng Gang , Zielonka Jacek , McAllister Donna M , Mackinnon A Craig , Joseph Joy , Dwinell Michael B , Kalyanaraman Balaraman 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent research has revealed that targeting mitochondrial bioenergetic metabolism is a promising chemotherapeutic strategy. Key to successful implementation of this chemotherapeutic strategy is the use of new and improved mitochondria-targeted cationic agents that selectively inhibit energy metabolism in breast cancer cells, while exerting little or no long-term cytotoxic effect in normal cells.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and alterations in bioenergetic metabolism induced by mitochondria-targeted vitamin E analog (Mito-chromanol, Mito-ChM) and its acetylated ester analog (Mito-ChMAc). Assays of cell death, colony formation, mitochondrial bioenergetic function, intracellular ATP levels, intracellular and tissue concentrations of tested compounds, and in vivo tumor growth were performed.

Results
Both Mito-ChM and Mito-ChMAc selectively depleted intracellular ATP and caused prolonged inhibition of ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate in breast cancer cells, but not in non-cancerous cells. These effects were significantly augmented by inhibition of glycolysis. Mito-ChM and Mito-ChMAc exhibited anti-proliferative effects and cytotoxicity in several breast cancer cells with different genetic background. Furthermore, Mito-ChM selectively accumulated in tumor tissue and inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft model of human breast cancer.

Conclusions
We conclude that mitochondria-targeted small molecular weight chromanols exhibit selective anti-proliferative effects and cytotoxicity in multiple breast cancer cells, and that esterification of the hydroxyl group in mito-chromanols is not a critical requirement for its anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effect.
Malaria and protective behaviours: is there a malaria trap?
Authors: Berthélemy Jean-Claude , Thuilliez Josselin , Doumbo Ogobara , Gaudart Jean 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
In spite of massive efforts to generalize efficient prevention, such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITN) or long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), malaria remains prevalent in many countries and ITN/LLINs are still only used to a limited extent.

Methods
This study proposes a new model for malaria economic analysis by combining economic epidemiology tools with the literature on poverty traps. A theoretical model of rational protective behaviour in response to malaria is designed, which includes endogenous externalities and disease characteristics. Survey data available for Uganda provide empirical support to the theory of prevalence-elastic protection behaviours, once endogeneity issues related to epidemiology and poverty are solved.

Results
Two important conclusions emerge from the model. First, agents increase their protective behaviour when malaria is more prevalent in a society. This is consistent with the literature on "prevalence-elastic behaviour". Second, a ‘malaria trap’ defined as the result of malaria reinforcing poverty while poverty reduces the ability to deal with malaria can theoretically exist and the conditions of existence of the malaria trap are identified.

Conclusions
These results suggest the possible existence of malaria traps, which provides policy implications. Notably, providing ITN/LLINs at subsidized prices is not sufficient. To be efficient an ITN/LLINs dissemination campaigns should include incentive of the very poor for using ITN/LLINs.
Complementary serum proteomic analysis of autoimmune hepatitis in mice and patients
Authors: Li Hongbin , Li Guoshun , Zhao Xinyu , Wu Yongkang , Ma Wen , Liu Yuling , Gong Fengming , Liang Shufang 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease caused by inflammation of the liver. The etiology of AIH remains elusive, and there are no reliable serum biomarkers.MethodsIn order to identify candidate biomarkers, 2-DE analysis of serum proteins was performed using a mouse model of AIH induced by treatment with concanavalin A (ConA). To enrich samples for low abundance molecules a commercial albumin removal reagent was used. In an independent analysis, candidate biomarkers were identified in AIH patient’s serum by a targeted iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) identification. Candidates were validated in independent cohorts of ConA treated mice and AIH patients by ELISA (enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay).ResultsNine proteins were differentially expressed in AIH mice treated with con-A. Two of these, the third component of complement (C3) and alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) were also up-regulated in AIH patient’s sera by a targeted iTRAQ identification. In separate validation studies, serum C3 and A2M levels were increased in mice with ConA treatment after 20-40 h and in 34 AIH patients in a subgroup analysis, females with AIH aged 20–50 years old displayed the largest increases in serum A2M level. Biological network analysis implements the complement cascade and protease inhibitors in the pathogenesis of AIH.ConclusionThe serum proteins C3 and A2M are increased both in a mouse model and in patients with AIH by both 2-DE and iTRAQ methods. This integrated serum proteomics investigation should be applicable for translational researchers to study other medical conditions.
Treatment with bexarotene, a compound that increases apolipoprotein-E, provides no cognitive benefit in mutant APP/PS1 mice
Authors: LaClair Katherine D , Manaye Kebreten F , Lee Dexter L , Allard Joanne S , Savonenko Alena V , Troncoso Juan C , Wong Philip C 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Though the precise cause(s) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain unknown, there is strong evidence that decreased clearance of β-amyloid (Aβ) from the brain can contribute to the disease. Therapeutic strategies to promote natural Aβ clearance mechanisms, such as the protein apolipoprotein-E (APOE), hold promise for the treatment of AD. The amount of APOE in the brain is regulated by nuclear receptors including retinoid X receptors (RXRs). Drugs that activate RXRs, including bexarotene, can increase APOE and ABCA1 production, and have been shown to decrease the Aβ burden and improve cognition in mouse models of Aβ amyloidosis. Although recent bexarotene studies failed to replicate the rapid clearance of Aβ from brains, behavioral and cognitive effects of this compound remain controversial.

Findings
In efforts to clarify these behavioral findings, mutant APP/PS1 mice were acutely dosed with bexarotene. While ABCA1 was upregulated in mutant APP/PS1 mice treated with bexarotene, this drug failed to attenuate Aβ plaques or cognitive deficits in these mice.

Conclusions
We recommend rigorous preclinical study to evaluate the mechanism and utility of such a compound for AD therapy.
Adverse drug reactions reported by consumers for nervous system medications in Europe 2007 to 2011
Authors: Aagaard Lise , Hansen Ebba Holme 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) has traditionally been the sole province of healthcare professionals. In the European Union, more countries have allowed consumers to report ADRs directly to the regulatory agencies. The aim of this study was to characterize ADRs reported by European consumer for nervous system medications.

Methods
ADRs reported by consumers for nervous system medications (ATC group N) from 2007 to 2011 and located in the European ADR database, EudraVigilance, were analysed. Data were categorized with respect to age and sex, category and seriousness of reported ADRs and medications. The unit of analysis was one ADR.

Results
We located 4766 ADRs reported for nervous system medications, and one half of these were serious including 19 deaths. Less than 5% of ADRs were reported in children. Totally, 58% of ADRs were reported for women, 42% for men. The majority of reported ADRs were of the types “nervous system disorders” (18% of total ADRs) followed by “psychiatric disorders” (18% of total ADRs) and “general disorders” (15% of total ADRs) which also were the system organ classes in which the majority of serious ADRs were found. ADR reports encompassed medicines from the therapeutic groups: antiepileptics (ATC group N03) (36% of total ADRs), parasympathomimetics (ATC group N07) (22% of total ADRs) and antidepressants ATC group N06A (9% of total ADRs). Antiepileptics were the therapeutic group with the highest share of serious ADRs (60%) followed by antidepressants (15%). Many serious ADRs were reported for pregabalin and varenicline.

Conclusions
The majority of ADRs from nervous system mediations reported by consumers that were identified from the EudraVigilance database were serious. The value of consumer reports in pharmacovigilance still remains unclarified.
High-precision vision-based mobile augmented reality system for context-aware architectural, engineering, construction and facility management (AEC/FM) applications
Authors: Bae Hyojoon , Golparvar-Fard Mani , White Jules 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Background
Many context-aware techniques have been proposed to deliver cyber-information, such as project specifications or drawings, to on-site users by intelligently interpreting their environment. However, these techniques primarily rely on RF-based location tracking technologies (e.g., GPS or WLAN), which typically do not provide sufficient precision in congested construction sites or require additional hardware and custom mobile devices.

Method
This paper presents a new vision-based mobile augmented reality system that allows field personnel to query and access 3D cyber-information on-site by using photographs taken from standard mobile devices. The system does not require any location tracking modules, external hardware attachments, and/or optical fiducial markers for localizing a user’s position. Rather, the user’s location and orientation are purely derived by comparing images from the user’s mobile device to a 3D point cloud model generated from a set of pre-collected site photographs.

Results
The experimental results show that 1) the underlying 3D reconstruction module of the system generates complete 3D point cloud models of target scene, and is up to 35 times faster than other state-of-the-art Structure-from-Motion (SfM) algorithms, 2) the localization time takes at most few seconds in actual construction site.

Conclusion
The localization speed and empirical accuracy of the system provides the ability to use the system on real-world construction sites. Using an actual construction case study, the perceived benefits and limitations of the proposed method for on-site context-aware applications are discussed in detail.
Usefulness of EGI EEG system in brain computer interface research
Authors: Wójcik Grzegorz M. , Mikołajewska Emilia , Mikołajewski Dariusz , Wierzgała Piotr , Gajos Anna , Smolira Marcin 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Despite the quick development of medicine and associated medical technology, there are still many patients with very severe neurological deficits who need far more sophisticated solutions, such as brain computer interfaces (BCIs). Our research aims at becoming familiar with BCI technology and the assessment of the possibilities of selected subjects in the area of P300-based BCI. An indirect aim is a discussion on the procedures of patient preparation for BCI installation, possible threats and limitations. Our research presents one of the possible efforts towards better documentation of investigating neural correlates of brain processing.
Imaging of the heart with phonocardiography
Authors: Sochocka Anna , Kawa Tomasz , Kopański Konrad , Kujdowicz Monika , Lasko Paweł , Micek Stanisław , Płaneta Roman , Smoleń Magda , Sosin Zbigniew , Sobczyk Dorota 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
This paper focuses on techniques of phonocardiographic image registration. Simultaneous measurements of sound wave amplitudes from above the chest of a healthy person were performed by means of piezoelectric microphones. The location of the source of sound waves can be determined by implementing the size of the amplitudes. Sound source changes its position in time and moves the wheel tracks covering the entire heart or accumulate in some places. A comparison of the results of heart auscultation with an image received by echocardiography was possible due to the fact that the collected phonocardiographic measurements and echocardiographic examination were obtained with ECG sampling. The occurrence of the specific events from the heart auscultation was attributed to their genesis mechanism.
Structural role of exons in hemoglobin
Authors: Piwowar Monika , Banach Mateusz , Konieczny Leszek , Chomilier Jacques , Roterman Irena 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The role of exons can be studied on many levels, one of which pertains to protein structure. It is a well-known fact that secondary structural motifs do not directly correspond to exons: helices, β-sheets and loops have all been identified as encoded by more than one exon. The relation between exon fragments and their involvement in shaping the three-dimensional (3D) structure of a protein body is subject to ongoing studies. In particular, the role of exons in stabilizing tertiary structures can be related to the structure of the hydrophobic core of the protein. Participation of specific polypeptide fragments (single exons) in hydrophobic stabilization reveals the role played by each fragment. In the course of the presented research, exons in selected proteins have been identified on the basis of GenBank files, imported from the nucleotide database at the National Center of Biotechnology Information. Amino acid sequences representing each exon were subsequently traced to parts of 3D structural forms. The participation of each exon fragment in shaping the hydrophobic core of the protein was measured using divergence entropy calculations. It was found that each protein contains at least one exon which encodes a structural fragment in accordance with the theoretical hydrophobic core model. This implies that the likely role of at least one exon in each protein is to generate a hydrophobic core which is, in turn, responsible for tertiary structural stabilization.
Time-frequency analysis of accelerometry data for seizure detection
Authors: Korohoda Przemysław , Kołodziej Jacek , Stępień Jacek 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
This article presents an algorithm based on a short-time Fourier transform for reliable detection of epileptic seizures measured with three-dimensional (3D) accelerometry. The objective of the described work is to provide basic technical information to create useful alarm models for epileptic seizure detection using a mobile phone. The presented material is based on experimental measurements. Finally, the possibility of increasing smartphone detection capability by attaching a triaxial piezoelectric accelerometer to the patient’s wrist is suggested.
Assessment of thermal diffusion in the natural biological environment
Authors: Sypka Przemysław , Korohoda Przemysław , Kucza Jarosław 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
In this article, the application of the Ångström method in estimating the thermal diffusion parameter in an example of natural biological environment is described. The present study is based on measurements performed in forest soils. The main advantage of the suggested procedure is that it does not need the collection of samples of the soil for a later study in the laboratory. Collecting such data is typically very laborious and requires the preservation of the natural content and structure of all elements of the soil profile in the samples, such as organic components, soil parts, or rocks. The harmonic time runs necessary to implement the Ångström method were computed with the short-time Fourier transform. The obtained results, compared with reference values taken from literature, confirm the accuracy of the proposed methodology.
Impact of Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting on the Symptoms of Reflux in Oronasal Fistulas: A Patient-Related Outcome Study
Authors: Pepper Hannah B. , Revington Peter J. , Deacon Scott , Thomas Steve 
Published: June 2013

Objective To establish for the first time the prevalence of fistula symptoms and the effectiveness of secondary alveolar bone grafting to treat these symptoms in a single surgeon cohort in Bristol, United Kingdom. Design Direct questioning of 233 consecutive patients with cleft before and after secondary alveolar bone grafting as to the presence of fistula symptoms. Setting Southwest and South Wales Cleft Centre, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom. Participants Consecutive patients with cleft who were being treated for secondary alveolar bone grafting. Outcome Measure Patients reporting presence of fistula symptoms. Data collection on cleft type (unilateral, bilateral), date of birth, and age at secondary alveolar bone grafting. Results Of the 167 unilateral patients with cleft lip and palate and 66 patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate, 45% had symptoms of a fistula before alveolar bone grafting and 10% had symptoms of a fistula after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences between the presence of symptoms before or after secondary alveolar bone grafting between cleft types or by age at secondary alveolar bone grafting. Conclusion This is the first study examining the rates of fistula symptoms before and after secondary alveolar bone grafting in the United Kingdom. This study used the patient-centered outcome of the presence of symptoms as a way of measuring the presence of fistulas in this group. Secondary alveolar bone grafting reduces the incidence of symptomatic fistula in this setting.
Smoking and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Younger, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults
Authors: Tolstrup Janne S. , Hvidtfeldt Ulla A. , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Spiegelman Donna , Heitmann Berit L. , Bälter Katarina , Goldbourt Uri , Hallmans Göran , Knekt Paul , Liu Simin , Pereira Mark , Stevens June , Virtamo Jarmo , Feskanich Diane 
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We investigated associations of smoking and coronary heart disease (CHD) by age. Methods. Data came from the Pooling Project on Diet and Coronary Heart Disease (8 prospective studies, 1974–1996; n = 192 067 women and 74 720 men, aged 40–89 years). Results. During follow-up, 4326 cases of CHD were reported. Relative to never smokers, CHD risk among current smokers was highest in the youngest and lowest in the oldest participants. For example, among women aged 40 to 49 years the hazard ratio was 8.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.0, 14) and 3.1 (95% CI = 2.0, 4.9) among those aged 70 years or older. The largest absolute risk differences between current smokers and never smokers were observed among the oldest participants. Finally, the majority of CHD cases among smokers were attributable to smoking. For example, attributable proportions of CHD by age group were 88% (40-49 years), 81% (50-59 years), 71% for (60-69 years), and 68% (≥ 70 years) among women who smoked. Conclusions. Among smokers, the majority of CHD cases are attributable to smoking in all age groups. Smoking prevention is important, irrespective of age.
Correlates of HIV Infection Among Transfemales, San Francisco, 2010: Results From a Respondent-Driven Sampling Study
Authors: Rapues Jenna , Wilson Erin C. , Packer Tracey , Colfax Grant N. , Raymond H. Fisher 
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We evaluated the use of respondent-driven sampling (RDS) among a high-risk population of transfemales. We also obtained up-to-date epidemiological data on HIV infection and related correlates among this population. Methods. We evaluated the utility of RDS in recruiting a sample of 314 transfemales in San Francisco, California, from August to December 2010 by examining patterns of recruitment and assessing network sizes and equilibrium. We used RDS weights to conduct bivariate and multivariate analyses of correlates of HIV infection. Results. The sample had moderate homophily and reached equilibrium at the eighth wave of recruitment. Weighted HIV prevalence among transfemales was 39.5%. Being a transfemale of color, using injection drugs, and having low educational attainment were independently associated with HIV infection and having a high number of sexual partners and identifying as female were not. Conclusions. RDS performed well and allowed for analyses that are generalizable to the population from which the sample was drawn. Transfemales in San Francisco are disproportionately affected by HIV compared with all other groups except men who have sex with men who also inject drugs.