bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A genome‐wide scan for selection signatures in Nellore cattle
Authors: Somavilla A. L. , Sonstegard T. S. , Higa R. H. , Rosa A. N. , Siqueira F. , Silva L. O. C. , Torres Júnior R. A. A. , Coutinho L. L. , Mudadu M. A. , Alencar M. M. , Regitano L. C. A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBrazilian Nellore cattle (Bos indicus) have been selected for growth traits for over more than four decades. In recent years, reproductive and meat quality traits have become more important because of increasing consumption, exports and consumer demand. The identification of genome regions altered by artificial selection can potentially permit a better understanding of the biology of specific phenotypes that are useful for the development of tools designed to increase selection efficiency. Therefore, the aims of this study were to detect evidence of recent selection signatures in Nellore cattle using extended haplotype homozygosity methodology and BovineHD marker genotypes (>777 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms) as well as to identify corresponding genes underlying these signals. Thirty‐one significant regions (P < 0.0001) of possible recent selection signatures were detected, and 19 of these overlapped quantitative trait loci related to reproductive traits, growth, feed efficiency, meat quality, fatty acid profiles and immunity. In addition, 545 genes were identified in regions harboring selection signatures. Within this group, 58 genes were associated with growth, muscle and adipose tissue metabolism, reproductive traits or the immune system. Using relative extended haplotype homozygosity to analyze high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism marker data allowed for the identification of regions potentially under artificial selection pressure in the Nellore genome, which might be used to better understand autozygosity and the effects of selection on the Nellore genome.
A Practical Technique for Electron Microscopy of Buffy Coats in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Yabuki A. , Sawa M. , Chang H.‐S. , Yamato O. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryPlastic hematocrit tubes (PHTs) are convenient tools for electron microscopy (EM) of peripheral blood buffy coats, and the PHT‐EM technique is expected to be a practical method for veterinary clinical medicine. In this study, fixatives composed of various concentrations of sucrose, glutaraldehyde, and phosphate buffer (PB) were tested for preparing canine and feline buffy coats. The highest quality images were obtained using a fixative consisting of 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 m PB, and it was concluded that this method allows clinicians who are inexperienced in histological techniques can conveniently transport buffy coat samples to diagnostic laboratories for analysis by EM.
Incidence of microcystin‐producing cyanobacteria in Lake Tana, the largest waterbody in Ethiopia
Authors: Mankiewicz‐Boczek Joanna , Gągała Ilona , Jurczak Tomasz , Urbaniak Magdalena , Negussie Yohannes Zerihun , Zalewski Maciej 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms is a serious problem for fast‐developing countries in Africa, such as Ethiopia, that are struggling with significant degradation of the natural environment and limited access to water of good quality. Research undertaken on Lake Tana in Ethiopia between 2009 and 2011 was intended to assess the seasonal threat from cyanobacteria and to select methods for tracking of this threat in the future. The cyanobacterial genus Microcystis was found to be present throughout the monitoring period, and M. aeruginosa was determined as the dominant species. Moreover, in all samples, toxigenic cyanobacteria with the potential to produce microcystins were detected. High levels of microcystins, ranging from 0.58 to 2.65 μg L−1, were detected each November, which indicates that in the postrainy season, water usage should be limited. The correlation between concentrations of chlorophyll‐a and microcystins suggested that chlorophyll‐a could be used as an indicator of the potential presence of cyanobacterial‐derived hepatotoxins in Lake Tana in the future. Furthermore, for quick quantitative confirmation of the presence of microcystins, a simple and rapid ELISA test was recommended.
Surgical decision making in a teaching hospital: a linguistic analysis
Authors: Bezemer Jeff , Murtagh Ged , Cope Alexandra , Kneebone Roger 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to gain insight in the involvement of non‐operating surgeons in intraoperative surgical decision making at a teaching hospital. The decision to proceed to clip and cut the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy was investigated through direct observation of team work.MethodEleven laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by consultant surgeons and specialty trainees at a London teaching hospital were audio and video recorded. Talk among the surgical team was transcribed and subjected to linguistic analysis, in conjunction with observational analysis of the video material, sequentially marking the unfolding operation.ResultsTwo components of decision making were identified, participation and rationalization. Participation refers to the degree to which agreement was sought within the surgical team prior to clipping the cystic duct. Rationalization refers to the degree to which the evidential grounds for clipping and cutting were verbalized.ConclusionThe decision to clip and cut the cystic duct was jointly made by members of the surgical team, rather than a solitary surgeon in the majority of cases, involving verbal explication of clinical reasoning and verbal agreement. The extent of joint decision making appears to have been mitigated by two factors: trainee's level of training and duration of the case.
Effect of VRTN gene polymorphisms on Duroc pig production and carcass traits, and their genetic relationships
Authors: Nakano Hikaru , Sato Shuji , Uemoto Yoshinobu , Kikuchi Takashi , Shibata Tomoya , Kadowaki Hiroshi , Kobayashi Eiji , Suzuki Keiichi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe thoracic vertebral number is associated with body length and carcass traits, and represents one of the most important traits in the pig industry. Recent studies have shown that vertnin (VRTN) gene is associated with variations in the vertebral number in commercial European pigs. However, the genetic relationships and effect of this VRTN gene in pig production and carcass traits remain uncertain. Therefore, we investigated the genetic relationships among traits such as vertebral numbers, carcass weight and length‐related traits, and meat production traits, and the effect of VRTN gene polymorphisms on these traits in a Duroc purebred population selected for its meat production traits. Highly positive genetic correlations were obtained between the thoracic vertebral numbers and length‐related traits (0.56 to 0.84), whereas low correlations were obtained with production traits and carcass weight (−0.16 to 0.05). VRTN gene polymorphisms indicated that the number of thoracic vertebrae and length‐related traits were significantly associated with the VRTN genotype, but had no significant effect on production traits and carcass weight. The results indicate that VRTN gene may be used as an effective selection marker to obtain pigs with high thoracic vertebral numbers and length‐related traits, without adversely affecting meat production traits.
Genotype, production system and sex effects on fatty acid composition of meat from goat kids
Authors: Özcan Mustafa , Demirel Gulcan , Yakan Akın , Ekiz Bülent , Tölü Cemil , Savaş Türker 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTwo trials were performed to assess the meat fatty acid profile of goat kids from different genotypes, production systems and sex. In the first trial, genotype effect was determined in 24 suckling male kids from Turkish Saanen, Maltese and Gokceada breeds. In the second trial, male and female Gokceada Goat kids were used to compare the effect of extensive and semi‐intensive production systems on fatty acid composition of meat. Significant genotype effect was observed in the percentages of myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1 n‐9), linolenic acid (C18:3 n‐3), arachidonic acid (C20:4 n‐6) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n‐3), despite no differences on the ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (PUFA/SFA) and n‐6/n‐3 (P > 0.05). The effect of production system had also significant effects on fatty acids, but sex only influenced significantly stearic acid (C18:0), C18:1 n‐9 and C18:3 n‐3 fatty acids and total PUFA level and PUFA/SFA ratio. This study confirms that dairy breeds are prone to produce higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids in their muscle. Meanwhile, meat from Gokceada goat kids, which is one of the indigenous breeds in Turkey, had similar PUFA/SFA and n‐6/n‐3 ratios to Turkish Saanen and Maltase.
Sex and age differences in meat composition of Yeso sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) reared for a short period after capture in the wild
Authors: Hayashida Maki , Souma Kousaku , Sugo Kazuki , Araki Shin‐ichi , Ishizaka Fumiaki , Ueda Masami , Kasai Takamasa , Masuko Takayoshi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractYeso sika deer captured in winter around Lake Akan in Hokkaido were reared for 8–10 months at Tokyo University of Agriculture in Abashiri. Six 1‐year‐old females and males and six 2‐year‐old or older (adult) females and males were slaughtered and their carcasses were processed. The chemical composition, mineral contents and fatty acid composition of the loin were measured. No marked influence of gender or age was noted in the chemical composition of loin. In the mineral contents, significant differences were noted. The potassium and sulfur contents were lower and the sodium content was higher in adult deer meat (P < 0.05, respectively) and the potassium content was higher in male deer meat (P < 0.05). Arsenic, cadmium or lead were not detected. In the unsaturated fatty acid, a significant interaction was detected (P < 0.05), and it was high in 1‐year‐old female deer meat and low in 1‐year‐old male deer meat. Significant gender or age differences were noted only in the mineral contents in the loin of deer reared for a short period after capture.
Preventing Ultimate Harm as the Justification for Biomoral Modification
Authors: Murphy Timothy F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMost advocates of biogenetic modification hope to amplify existing human traits in humans in order to increase the value of such traits as intelligence and resistance to disease. These advocates defend such enhancements as beneficial for the affected parties. By contrast, some commentators recommend certain biogenetic modifications to serve social goals. As Ingmar Persson and Julian Savulescu see things, human moral psychology is deficient relative to the most important risks facing humanity as a whole, including the prospect of Ultimate Harm, the point at which worthwhile life is forever impossible on the planet. These risks can be mitigated, they say, by enhancing moral psychology in novel ways. Persson and Savulescu argue that some parents should modify the underlying biogenetics of their children's moral psychology, if such measures were safe and effective, but they admit these interventions may not decouple humanity from Ultimate Harm. Neither are these modifications the only options, they concede, for addressing risks to humanity. Even with these concessions, saving humanity from itself is a fairly poor reason to modify the moral psychology of children. In most ways, adults would be better candidates, morally speaking, for modifications of psychology. Even then, there is no direct link between morally enhanced human beings and the hoped‐for effect of better protection from Ultimate Harm. Asserting a general duty of all to contribute to the avoidance of Ultimate Harm is a better moral strategy than intervening in the moral psychology of some, even though meeting that duty may involve substantial interference with the free exercise of one's interests.
Patient Report of Guideline‐Congruent Gestational Weight Gain Advice From Prenatal Care Providers: Differences by Prepregnancy BMI
Authors: Waring Molly E. , Moore Simas Tiffany A. , Barnes Katharine C. , Terk Daniel , Baran Inna , Pagoto Sherry L. , Rosal Milagros C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundPrenatal care provider weight gain advice consistent with the Institute of Medicine recommendations is related to guideline‐adherent gestational weight gain (GWG), yet many women may not receive guideline‐congruent advice. We examined pregnant women's recall of prenatal care provider GWG advice in relation to prepregnancy body mass index (BMI).MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of women (n = 149) receiving prenatal care for a singleton pregnancy at a large academic medical center in 2010. Data were collected via a survey during late pregnancy and medical record abstraction.ResultsThirty‐three percent of women did not recall receiving the provider GWG advice; 33 percent recalled advice consistent with 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations. Recalled advice differed by prepregnancy BMI; 29 percent of normal weight, 26 percent of overweight, and 45 percent of obese women reported not receiving advice, and 6, 37, and 39 percent, respectively, recalled advice exceeding Institute of Medicine recommendations. Among the 62 percent who recalled that their provider had labeled their prepregnancy BMI, 100 percent of normal weight, 32 percent of overweight, and 23 percent of obese women recalled the labels “normal weight,” “overweight,” and “obese,” respectively.ConclusionsHelping providers give their patients memorable and guideline‐consistent GWG advice is an actionable step toward preventing excessive GWG and associated maternal and child health consequences.
A fungal perspective on conservation biology
Authors: Heilmann‐Clausen Jacob , Barron Elizabeth S. , Boddy Lynne , Dahlberg Anders , Griffith Gareth W. , Nordén Jenni , Ovaskainen Otso , Perini Claudia , Senn‐Irlet Beatrice , Halme Panu 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHitherto fungi have rarely been considered in conservation biology, but this is changing as the field moves from addressing single species issues to an integrative ecosystem‐based approach. The current emphasis on biodiversity as a provider of ecosystem services throws the spotlight on the vast diversity of fungi, their crucial roles in terrestrial ecosystems, and the benefits of considering fungi in concert with animals and plants. We reviewed the role of fungi in ecosystems and composed an overview of the current state of conservation of fungi. There are 5 areas in which fungi can be readily integrated into conservation: as providers of habitats and processes important for other organisms; as indicators of desired or undesired trends in ecosystem functioning; as indicators of habitats of conservation value; as providers of powerful links between human societies and the natural world because of their value as food, medicine, and biotechnological tools; and as sources of novel tools and approaches for conservation of megadiverse organism groups. We hope conservation professionals will value the potential of fungi, engage mycologists in their work, and appreciate the crucial role of fungi in nature.Una Perspectiva Micótica de la Biología de la Conservación
Histological insights into the pathogenesis of post‐Roux‐en‐Y hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
Authors: Lash R. W. , Giordano T. J. , Moraitis A. G. , Hodish I. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundβ‐cell hyperplasia has been implicated in the aetiology of post Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, but the pathogenesis of this condition is still unclear.Case reportWe report a case of a 52‐year‐old man with post‐Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia who underwent distal pancreatectomy to alleviate his symptoms. Pancreatic histopathology showed chronic pancreatitis with a corresponding loss of exocrine tissue and islet retention. Amyloid deposition was found in pancreatic islets. These features are more typically associated with Type 2 diabetes.DiscussionThis case highlights the potential multifactorial pathogenesis of symptomatic hypoglycaemia after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass.
Estimated insulin sensitivity predicts regression of albuminuria in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bjornstad P. , Maahs D. M. , Johnson R. J. , Rewers M. , Snell‐Bergeon J. K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo test the hypothesis that greater baseline insulin sensitivity would predict regression of albuminuria over 6 years in adults with Type 1 diabetes.MethodWe enrolled 81 people aged 30–48 years with albuminuria at baseline in the present study and re‐examined them 6 years later. Urinary albumin excretion rate was measured and albuminuria was defined as urinary albumin excretion rate ≥ 20 μg/min. Regression of albuminuria was defined as normoalbuminuria (urinary albumin excretion rate < 20 μg/min) at follow‐up. Predictors of regression of albuminuria were examined in stepwise logistic regression. The variables age, diabetes duration, sex, serum uric acid, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, BMI, baseline albumin excretion rate, estimated insulin sensitivity at baseline, change in estimated insulin sensitivity from baseline to follow‐up and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker use were considered for inclusion in the model.ResultsEstimated insulin sensitivity was significantly higher at both baseline (4.6 ± 1.2 vs 3.4 ± 1.7; P = 0.002) and follow‐up (5.2 ± 1.9 vs. 3.5 ± 1.7; P < 0.0001) in people who had regression of albuminuria vs those who did not. HbA1c (odds ratio 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.8; P = 0.006), estimated insulin sensitivity (odds ratio 2.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.9; P = 0.006) at baseline and change in estimated insulin sensitivity from baseline to follow‐up (odds ratio 2.7, 95% CI 1.4–5.3; P = 0.003) were independently associated with regression of albuminuria in a multivariable stepwise model.ConclusionsIn conclusion, over 6 years, higher baseline estimated insulin sensitivity and change in estimated insulin sensitivity independently predicted regression of albuminuria. Improving insulin sensitivity in people with Type 1 diabetes is a potential therapeutic target to increase rates of regression of albuminuria.
Disparities in diabetes prevalence and preventable hospitalizations in people with intellectual and developmental disability: a population‐based study
Authors: Balogh R. S. , Lake J. K. , Lin E. , Wilton A. , Lunsky Y. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimsTo describe and compare population‐level aspects of diabetes and diabetes primary care among people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.MethodsAdministrative health data accessed from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences was used to identify a cohort of Ontarians with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of 30 and 69 years (n = 28 567). These people were compared with a random sample of people without intellectual and developmental disabilities (n = 2 261 919) according to diabetes prevalence, incidence, age, sex, rurality, neighbourhood income and morbidity. To measure diabetes primary care, we also studied hospitalizations for diabetes‐related ambulatory care‐sensitive conditions.ResultsAdults with intellectual and developmental disabilities had a consistently higher prevalence and incidence of diabetes than those without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Disparities in prevalence between those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities were most notable among women, younger adults and those residing in rural or high income neighbourhoods. In terms of hospitalizations for diabetes‐related ambulatory care‐sensitive conditions, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were 2.6 times more likely to be hospitalized.ConclusionsAdults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at high risk of developing and being hospitalized for diabetes. The findings of the present study have a number of important implications related to the early detection, prevention and proper management of diabetes among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Adolescents' views and experiences of treatments for Type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study
Authors: Turner K. M. , Percival J. , Dunger D. B. , Olbers T. , Barrett T. , Shield J. P. H. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo explore adolescents' views and experiences of different treatments for Type 2 diabetes, in order to improve treatment concordance and consider how the current treatment pathway for adolescent Type 2 diabetes could be improved.MethodsIn‐depth interviews were held with 12 adolescents who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Adolescents were sampled from a UK cohort study. Data were analysed thematically.ResultsInterviewees struggled to maintain lifestyle changes. Insulin, metformin and liraglutide were described as effective but, in some cases, as resulting in side effects. Injected treatments were viewed less favourably than oral medications. Weight loss surgery was considered an acceptable treatment for obese adolescents who had tried other treatments for their diabetes. It was apparent that some adolescents had not been surprised by their diagnosis and did not fully appreciate the implications of having diabetes. It was also evident that some individuals had not told peers about their diagnosis due to fearing how they would react. Factors identified as improving treatment concordance included reminders and viewing treatment as effective and easy to take.ConclusionsAdolescents want treatments that are effective, discrete, easy to take and do not make them different from their peers. As liraglutide was described as effective, and surgery viewed as acceptable in certain circumstances, greater consideration should be given to their potential role in treating adolescent Type 2 diabetes. Practitioners need to ensure that adolescents appreciate the implications of having diabetes and may want to address adolescents' concerns regarding how others view this condition.
Dorothy Hodgkin Lecture 2014 Understanding genes identified by genome‐wide association studies for Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rutter G. A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWhilst the heritable nature of Type 2 diabetes has been recognized for many years, only in the past two decades have linkage analyses in families and genome‐wide association studies in large populations begun to reveal the genetic landscape of the disease in detail. Whilst the former have provided a powerful means of identifying the genes responsible for monogenic forms of the disease, the latter highlight relatively large genomic regions. These often harbour multiple genes, whose relative contribution to exaggerated disease risk is uncertain. In the present study, the approaches that have been used to dissect the role of just a few (TCF7L2, SLC30A8, ADCY5, MTNR1B and CDKAL1) of the ~ 500 genes identified at dozens of implicated loci are described. These are usually selected based on the strength of their effect on disease risk, and predictions as to their likely biological role. Direct determination of the effects of identified polymorphisms on gene expression in disease‐relevant tissues, notably the pancreatic islet, are then performed to identify genes whose expression is affected by a particular polymorphism. Subsequent functional analyses then involve perturbing gene expression in vitro in β‐cell lines or isolated islets and in vivo in animal models. Although the majority of polymorphisms affect insulin production rather than action, and mainly affect the β cell, effects via other tissues may also contribute, requiring careful consideration in the design and interpretation of experiments in model systems. These considerations illustrate the scale of the task needed to exploit genome‐wide association study data for the development of new therapeutic strategies.