bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of selenium supplementation on plasma progesterone concentrations in pregnant heifers
Authors: Kamada Hachiro , Nonaka Itoko , Takenouchi Naoki , Amari Masahiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIt is known that selenium (Se) has various functions in animals. Many investigations on the biochemical and physiological effects of Se have been previously reported; however, the detailed function of Se in reproduction is not yet clear. We proposed the possibility that Se plays a notable role in progesterone production. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of Se supplementation on progesterone levels of pregnant Holstein heifers. Eight Holstein heifers (−Se) were fed basal diet (containing 0.022 ppm of Se) throughout the experiment. While a 0.3 ppm diet of Se (sodium selenite) was fed to another seven animals (+Se) with basal diet. Blood sampling was carried out every week. Plasma Se concentrations were higher in Se‐supplemented cows compared with controls (−Se) (P < 0.01) throughout the experiment. Se supplementation increased plasma progesterone in the 29–39 weeks of pregnancy from 4.98 ± 0.64 to 6.86 ± 0.49 ng/mL on average (P < 0.05). The present findings suggest that Se contributes to maintaining the function of the corpus luteum and/or placenta in the latter period of pregnancy.
An assessment of reproductive and lifetime performances of Kagoshima Berkshire gilts and sows
Authors: Sasaki Yosuke , Tokunaga Tadaaki , Uemura Ryoko , Sueyoshi Masuo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe investigated the reproductive and lifetime performances of Kagoshima Berkshire gilts and sows. We examined 20 605 parity records of 4419 pigs for 2008 to 2012 on a farrow‐to‐finish commercial farm. The mean parity (± SD) of all animals was 3.0 ± 2.1. For farrowing performance, the highest numbers of total pigs born and pigs born alive were found in sows with parities 5 and 6 and with parity 3–6, respectively (P < 0.05). Regarding weaning and mating performance, sows with parity 2 had the lowest preweaning mortality (P < 0.05). The longest weaning‐to‐first‐mating interval was found in parity 1 pigs, and the interval decreased as parity increased (P < 0.05). Parities 0 and 1 pigs had the lowest farrowing rate and those with parity 4 had the highest farrowing rate (P < 0.05). The mean parity at culling, total number of pigs born alive in a lifetime, and nonproductive days in a lifetime were 5.5 ± 2.93, 49.2 ± 24.72 pigs, and 132.1 ± 83.34 days, respectively. These animals had a lower litter size and fertility that the F1 crossbred sows mainly used in Japan, but a similar tendency for performance by parity.
Cold exposure increases slow‐type myosin heavy chain 1 (MyHC1) composition of soleus muscle in rats
Authors: Mizunoya Wataru , Iwamoto Yohei , Sato Yusuke , Tatsumi Ryuichi , Ikeuchi Yoshihide 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of cold exposure on rat skeletal muscle fiber type, according to myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform and metabolism‐related factors. Male Wistar rats (7 weeks old) were housed individually at 4 ± 2°C as a cold‐exposed group or at room temperature (22 ± 2°C) as a control group for 4 weeks. We found that cold exposure significantly increased the slow‐type MyHC1 content in the soleus muscle (a typical slow‐type fiber), while the intermediate‐type MyHC2A content was significantly decreased. In contrast to soleus, MyHC composition of extensor digitorum longus (EDL, a typical fast‐type fiber) and gastrocnemius (a mix of slow‐type and fast‐type fibers) muscle did not change from cold exposure. Cold exposure increased mRNA expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) in both the soleus and EDL. Cold exposure also increased mRNA expression of myoglobin, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC1α) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in the soleus. Upregulation of UCP3 and PGC1α proteins were observed with Western blotting in the gastrocnemius. Thus, cold exposure increased metabolism‐related factors in all muscle types that were tested, but MyHC isoforms changed only in the soleus.
Effect of Nitazoxanide on Erythrocytes
Authors: Arnold Markus , Lang Elisabeth , Modicano Paola , Bissinger Rosi , Faggio Caterina , Abed Majed , Lang Florian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNitazoxanide, a drug effective against a variety of pathogens, triggers apoptosis and is thus considered to be employed against malignancy. Similar to nucleated cells, erythrocytes may undergo an apoptosis‐like suicidal cell death or eryptosis. Hallmarks of eryptosis include cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the cell membrane with translocation of phosphatidylserine to the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase in cytosolic Ca2+‐activity ([Ca2+]i). The Ca2+‐sensitivity of eryptosis is increased by ceramide. This study explored whether nitazoxanide triggers eryptosis. [Ca2+]i was estimated from Fluo3‐fluorescence, cell volume from forward scatter, phosphatidylserine exposure from annexin‐V‐binding, ceramide abundance utilizing fluorescent antibodies and haemolysis from haemoglobin release. A 48‐hr exposure to nitazoxanide (1–50 μg/ml) did not significantly modify [Ca2+]i but significantly increased ceramide formation, decreased forward scatter (≥10 μg/ml), increased the percentage of annexin‐V‐binding erythrocytes (≥10 μg/ml) and, at higher concentrations (≥20 μg/ml), stimulated haemolysis. The stimulation of annexin‐V‐binding was significantly blunted in the absence of calcium. Nitazoxanide thus stimulates eryptosis, an effect in part due to ceramide formation.
What predicts performance during clinical psychology training?
Authors: Scior Katrina , Bradley Caroline E. , Potts Henry W. W. , Woolf Katherine , de C Williams Amanda C 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesWhile the question of who is likely to be selected for clinical psychology training has been studied, evidence on performance during training is scant. This study explored data from seven consecutive intakes of the UK's largest clinical psychology training course, aiming to identify what factors predict better or poorer outcomes.DesignLongitudinal cross‐sectional study using prospective and retrospective data.MethodCharacteristics at application were analysed in relation to a range of in‐course assessments for 274 trainee clinical psychologists who had completed or were in the final stage of their training.ResultsTrainees were diverse in age, pre‐training experience, and academic performance at A‐level (advanced level certificate required for university admission), but not in gender or ethnicity. Failure rates across the three performance domains (academic, clinical, research) were very low, suggesting that selection was successful in screening out less suitable candidates. Key predictors of good performance on the course were better A‐levels and better degree class. Non‐white students performed less well on two outcomes. Type and extent of pre‐training clinical experience on outcomes had varied effects on outcome. Research supervisor ratings emerged as global indicators and predicted nearly all outcomes, but may have been biased as they were retrospective. Referee ratings predicted only one of the seven outcomes examined, and interview ratings predicted none of the outcomes.ConclusionsPredicting who will do well or poorly in clinical psychology training is complex. Interview and referee ratings may well be successful in screening out unsuitable candidates, but appear to be a poor guide to performance on the course.Practitioner points

While referee and selection interview ratings did not predict performance during training, they may be useful in screening out unsuitable candidates at the application stage

High school final academic performance was the best predictor of good performance during clinical psychology training

The findings are derived from seven cohorts of one training course, the UK's largest; they cannot be assumed to generalize to all training courses
Prognostic impact of baseline serum C‐reactive protein in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with sunitinib
Authors: Beuselinck Benoit , Vano Yann‐Alexandre , Oudard Stéphane , Wolter Pascal , De Smet Robert , Depoorter Lore , Teghom Corine , Karadimou Alexandra , Zucman‐Rossi Jessica , Debruyne Philip R. , Van Poppel Hendrik , Joniau Steven , Lerut Evelyne , Strijbos Michiel , Dumez Herlinde , Paridaens Robert , Van Calster Ben , Schöffski Patrick 
Published: November 2013

Objective
To evaluate the impact of baseline serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) level on outcome in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with sunitinib.
Patients and Methods
We reviewed the charts of patients with mRCC who started sunitinib as a first targeted treatment between 2005 and 2012 in three hospitals in Belgium and France.
Collected data included known prognostic factors for mRCC, anatomical location of metastatic sites, response rate (RR), progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results
A total of 200 eligible patients were identified by retrospective chart review. The median PFS and OS were 12 and 20 months, respectively.
We observed a clear impact of baseline CRP levels on outcome: the median PFS was 25 months in the group with baseline CRP ≤5 mg/L and 8 months in the group with baseline CRP >5 mg/L (hazard ratio [HR] 2.48, 95% CI 1.74–3.59). The median OS in each group was 50 vs 12 months, respectively (HR 3.17, 2.20–4.68). In the group with baseline CRP ≤5 mg/L, 61% of patients experienced a partial response compared with 32% of patients in the group with baseline CRP >5 mg/L (difference = 29%, 95% CI 15–42).
When adding baseline CRP (with a log transformation) to the six variables of the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) model in a multivariable Cox regression model, baseline CRP was independently associated with poor PFS (HR for each doubling in CRP level: 1.14, 95% CI 1.03–1.26; P = 0.01) and OS (HR: 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.43; P < 0.001).
Adding baseline CRP to the model increased the c‐statistic of PFS at 5 years from 0.63 (0.59–0.68) to 0.69 (0.65–0.73), and the c‐statistic of OS at 5 years from 0.65 (0.60–0.69) to 0.70 (0.66–0.74).
Patients with elevated baseline CRP levels had a poor prognosis independent of the IMDC risk group, whereas patients with a low baseline CRP in the IMDC favourable risk group had a very good outcome.
Conclusion
Baseline serum CRP level is a strong independent variable linked with RR, PFS and OS in patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib.
Endozoochory and Fire as Germination Triggers in Neotropical Dry Forests: an Experimental Test
Authors: Peguero Guille , Espelta Josep M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEndozoochory and fire are crucial ecological factors determining germination success and recruitment in many plant species. Fire is a well‐known germination trigger while endozoochory may allow seed dispersal along with an increase in germination. Their interaction has rarely been addressed, however, even though both factors are pervasive in human‐transformed ecosystems like most Neotropical Dry Forests (NDF). For three common Mesoamerican tree species (Acacia pennatula, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, and Guazuma ulmifolia), we used feeding trials to assess the preference of cattle, which are their main seed dispersal agent. We also experimentally tested the interaction between gut passage and fire as triggers of germination. The fruits of the three species were eaten by cattle, but the small seeds of G. ulmifolia were ingested 10‐fold more than those of the other species. While gut passage did not have any effect on germination, heat‐shocks above 90 °C increased the number of germinating seeds by 15 percent. These results suggest that cattle may be a key dispersal vector in NDF, but that fire may be an important germination trigger. Physical dormancy in these species may have been selected for by extinct megaherbivores because it was a key trait ensuring seed survival after gut passage. However, in light of the recent expansion of cattle‐ranching and fire occurrence in NDF, it has become a useful exaptation facilitating the colonization of disturbed areas.
Investing in the relationship: practitioners’ relationships with looked‐after children and care leavers in Social Work Practices
Authors: Ridley Julie , Larkins Cath , Farrelly Nicola , Hussein Shereen , Austerberry Helen , Manthorpe Jill , Stanley Nicky 
Published: November 2013

AbstractProviding more consistent and continuous relationships for looked‐after children and care leavers is a current preoccupation in social work in light of many criticisms of the quality of such relationships. Recommendations for more direct work have spurred new models of service delivery in children's services aimed at improving individual outcomes. Independent Social Work Practices (SWPs), a new organizational model piloted in some areas of England between 2009 and 2012, were established to enable social workers and other practitioners to spend more time in direct work and thus to improve the practitioner/child/young person relationship. This paper uses findings from interviews with 169 children and young people across 11 local authorities and 5 SWPs, undertaken as part of a 3‐year national matched control evaluation of pilot SWPs, to identify key elements of good quality practitioner relationships with children or young people. Focusing on children's and young people's perspectives and experiences, the study demonstrates that more direct work and consistent relationships are valued. The paper deploys Recognition Theory to further understanding of effective practice as defined by children and young people.
Common nature in the effects of thalidomide on embryo‐fetal development in Kbl:JW and Kbl:NZW rabbits
Authors: Kawamura Yoshinori , Shirotsuka Yasuki , Awatsuji Hirofumi , Matsumoto Kiyoshi , Sato Keiichiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe effects of thalidomide on the embryo‐fetal development (EFD) of rabbit fetuses and the sensitive periods (SP) for the various malformations were compared between Kbl:JW and Kbl:NZW rabbits to investigate possible strain differences. The post‐implantation loss rate and number of placental remnants were increased and the number of live fetuses was decreased in both of the strains in the EFD study and in Kbl:NZW at 300 mg/kg dosed on GD 7–8 in the SP study. In the external and skeletal examinations, head, limb and tail malformations were observed in both the strains in the EFD and SP studies at the same dose levels in the same dosing period. In the visceral examination, hydrocephaly, cardiovascular malformations, absent pulmonary intermedial lobe, diaphragmatic hernia and/or abnormal liver lobation were also observed in both of the strains in the EFD and SP studies at the same dose levels and in the same dosing period. Plasma concentrations of thalidomide were equivalent between the two strains in the SP study. There were strain differences in some parameters, such as the post‐implantation loss rate and the frequencies of malformations in forelimb and hindlimb and pulmonary intermedial lobe, but similar types of malformations or variations were induced at the same dose levels on the same dosing period in both strains. Therefore, it is concluded that there were no essential differences in sensitivity of the fetuses to thalidomide between Kbl:JW and NZW rabbits and both of the strains are useful to evaluate the teratogenic effects of thalidomide.
From capsules to nutlets—phylogenetic relationships in the Boraginales
Authors: Weigend Maximilian , Luebert Federico , Gottschling Marc , Couvreur Thomas L.P. , Hilger Hartmut H. , Miller James S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMultiple family‐level subdivisions of Boraginales have been proposed in the past. The relationships of several constituent genera have been enigmatic, including Codon (Codonaceae), Hoplestigma (Hoplestigmataceae), Pholisma (Lennoaceae), Vahlia (Vahliaceae), and Wellstedia (Wellstediaceae), all of which are included in the present study. We present a molecular analysis with four chloroplast loci, including 89 ingroup taxa and a broad outgroup sampling in the asterids. The genus Vahlia is excluded from Boraginales and appears to represent an early branching lineage of Lamiales. The study provides a well supported topology for the relationships within Boraginales, including all of the genera with previously unclear relationships. Within Boraginales, two major clades are recognized, with “herbaceaous” Boraginales I resolved as [Codonaceae,[Wellstediaceae,[Boraginaceae]]] and “woody” Boraginales II resolved as [Hydrophyllaceae I,[Hydrophyllaceae II,[Heliotropiaceae,[Cordiaceae,[Ehretiaceae,Lennoaceae]]]]. A close relationship between Ehretiaceae and Lennoaceae is well supported, but the exact placement of Lennoaceae remains unresolved. The Cordiaceae lineage includes the monotypic genus Coldenia and the aberrant western and central African genus Hoplestigma. Woody Boraginales II are retrieved in two highly supported clades. Hydrophyllaceae are retrieved in two separate clades, but with poor support. There appear to be clear morphological progressions in vegetative, floral, and fruit morphology in both major Boraginales lineages. Thus capsular fruits are found in the first branching lineages of both clades, whereas reduced seed numbers in indehiscent fruits predominate in the more derived phylogenetic positions. Based on these results, we advocate the recognition of eight morphologically well defined clades in the order, namely Boraginaceae s.str., Codonaceae, Cordiaceae (incl. Coldenia and Hoplestigmataceae), Ehretiaceae (incl. Lennoaceae), Heliotropiaceae, Hydrophyllaceae I and Hydrophyllaceae II, and Wellstediaceae.
Self‐expandable metal stents in the treatment of benign anastomotic stricture after rectal resection for cancer
Authors: Lamazza A. , Fiori E. , Sterpetti A. V. , Schillaci A. , Scoglio D. , Lezoche E. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the use of self‐expandable metallic stents to treat patients with symptomatic benign anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection.MethodTen patients with a benign symptomatic anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection were treated with endoscopic placement of a self‐expandable metal stent.ResultsThe stent was placed successfully in all 10 patients without any major morbidity. At a mean follow‐up of 18 months the stenosis was resolved successfully in 7 out 10 patients (70%). The remaining three patients were subsequently treated successfully with balloon dilatation.ConclusionSelf‐expandable metal stents represent a valid alternative to balloon dilatation to treat patients with benign symptomatic anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection for cancer.
A preliminary study of transcaecal ileostomy as an alternative to defunctioning ostomies
Authors: Monzón‐Abad A. , Gracia‐Roche C. , Martínez‐Germán A. , Barranco‐Domínguez I. , Sánchez‐Fuentes N. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the usefulness of a transcaecal ileostomy catheter for protecting distal lower rectal anastomosis as an alternative to conventional ileostomy.MethodPatients with a rectal cancer located 3–10 cm from the anal verge were included in the study. In all cases, an open low or ultra‐low anterior resection of the rectum was performed with total mesorectal excision. A balloon catheter was inserted through the caecum and ileocaecal valve, with the catheter's distal end placed in terminal ileum. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed 7 days postoperatively to check the integrity of the anastomosis; the transcaecal catheter was withdrawn if no complications were detected.ResultsEighteen patients were treated with a transcaecal catheter. Two patients developed cellulitis (11.1%) in the catheter exit wound. In both cases, successful healing was achieved within a month of surgery. One patient had anastomotic dehiscence (5.5%) after removal of the catheter following a normal CT examination. The median hospital stay was 10 days (range 8–13 days).ConclusionA transcaecal ileostomy catheter to protect a distal rectal anastomosis is a potential alternative to loop ileostomy with potentially fewer complications and without need for a second procedure for closure.
OCT1 genetic variants are associated with long term outcomes in imatinib treated chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Koren‐Michowitz Maya , Buzaglo Zehavit , Ribakovsky Elena , Schwarz Michaela , Pessach Ilias , Shimoni Avichai , Beider Katia , Amariglio Ninette , Ie Coutre Philipp , Nagler Arnon 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectivesOne third of CML patients treated with first line imatinib have suboptimal responses or treatment failures with increased risk for disease progression. Imatinib is actively transported into cells by the SLC22A1 transporter (hOCT1) and its genetic variants may affect intracellular drug import. We studied the effect of SLC22A1 genetic variants on long‐term outcomes of imatinib treated patients.MethodsA total of 167 patients, 94% in chronic phase, were analyzed for rs41267797, rs683369, rs12208357, and rs628031 variants using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform.ResultsRates of CHR, MCyR, CCyR, and MMolR were not significantly different according to allelic variants. However, patients with AA or GA rs628031 genotypes had a higher incidence of poor response to imatinib compared to the GG genotype (47% compared to 29%, P = 0.06), and a higher rate of KD mutation discovery (8/16 vs. 5/27, P = 0.04), suggesting that secondary resistance was more common in these genotypes. Median EFS was shorter for rs628031 genotype AA/AG compared with the GG genotype (61 months and not reached, respectively, P = 0.05), and 5 yr OS rates were lower for patients with the rs628031 genotypes AA/AG compared with the GG genotype (88% and 97%, respectively, P = 0.03). Patients with AA/GA rs628031 and additional rare genotypes had worse EFS and OS compared to patients with only AA/GA rs628031 (P = 0.02 for EFS and 0.01 for OS). There was no difference in pretreatment SLC22A1 mRNA expression levels in patients with rs628031 genotypes GG/AA or GA.ConclusionsStudying SLC22A1 genetic variants prior to TKI initiation could influence treatment decisions.
Online decoding of object‐based attention using real‐time fMRI
Authors: Niazi Adnan M. , van den Broek Philip L. C. , Klanke Stefan , Barth Markus , Poel Mannes , Desain Peter , van Gerven Marcel A. J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractVisual attention is used to selectively filter relevant information depending on current task demands and goals. Visual attention is called object‐based attention when it is directed to coherent forms or objects in the visual field. This study used real‐time functional magnetic resonance imaging for moment‐to‐moment decoding of attention to spatially overlapped objects belonging to two different object categories. First, a whole‐brain classifier was trained on pictures of faces and places. Subjects then saw transparently overlapped pictures of a face and a place, and attended to only one of them while ignoring the other. The category of the attended object, face or place, was decoded on a scan‐by‐scan basis using the previously trained decoder. The decoder performed at 77.6% accuracy indicating that despite competing bottom‐up sensory input, object‐based visual attention biased neural patterns towards that of the attended object. Furthermore, a comparison between different classification approaches indicated that the representation of faces and places is distributed rather than focal. This implies that real‐time decoding of object‐based attention requires a multivariate decoding approach that can detect these distributed patterns of cortical activity.