bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of breeding objectives across countries with application to sheep indexes in New Zealand and Ireland
Authors: Santos B.F.S. , McHugh N. , Byrne T.J. , Berry D.P. , Amer P.R. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBreeding objectives and selection indexes underpin the direction, the extent and the economic implications of selection in livestock populations under specific production systems. The objective of this study was to describe the methodology to calculate correlations between national selection indexes and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing responses in economically important traits in both the New Zealand and Irish sheep industries. Moderate to strong correlations were calculated among indexes within and between countries, with the strongest correlation (0.86) between the New Zealand and Irish maternal indexes. In both countries, responses to selection in the maternal indexes are largely driven by growth traits; each index, however, has a different balance of traits. Ewe mature weight also accounts for an important proportion of overall response and has significant emphasis in both maternal indexes. The majority of emphasis in terminal indexes of both countries is on growth and meat traits. Results from this study indicate that differences between national breeding objectives are unlikely to be a barrier to exchange of gene stocks among countries. Future research should investigate the extent to which genotype‐by‐environment (G×E) interactions exist at the level of individual traits. The methodology presented in this study is robust and represents an opportunity to inform the potential merits of international exchange of germplasm.
Genetic contributions and their optimization
Authors: Woolliams J.A. , Berg P. , Dagnachew B.S. , Meuwissen T.H.E. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryGenetic contributions were first formalized in 1958 by James and McBride (Journal of Genetics, 56, 55–62) and have since been shown to provide a unifying framework for theories of gain and inbreeding. As such they have underpinned the development of methods that provide the most effective combination of maximizing gain whilst managing inbreeding and loss of genetic variation. It is shown how this optimum contribution technology can be developed from theory and adapted to provide practical selection protocols for a wide variety of situations including overlapping generations and multistage selection. The natural development of the theory to incorporate genomic selection and genomic control of inbreeding is also shown.
Late Pleistocene molecular dating of past population fragmentation and demographic changes in African rain forest tree species supports the forest refuge hypothesis
Authors: Duminil Jérôme , Mona Stefano , Mardulyn Patrick , Doumenge Charles , Walmacq Frédéric , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Hardy Olivier J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimPhylogeographical signatures of past population fragmentation and demographic change have been reported in several African rain forest trees. These signatures have usually been interpreted in the light of the Pleistocene forest refuge hypothesis, although dating these events has remained impracticable because of inadequate genetic markers. We assess the timing of interspecific and intraspecific genetic differentiation and demographic changes within two rain forest Erythrophleum tree species (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae).LocationTropical forests of Upper Guinea (West Africa) and Lower Guinea (Atlantic Central Africa).MethodsSix single‐copy nuclear genes were used to characterize the phylogeographical patterns of the parapatric sister species Erythrophleum suaveolens (characteristic of semi‐deciduous or gallery forests) and Erythrophleum ivorense (characteristic of evergreen forests). The number of gene pools within each species was determined and the timings of their divergence and past demographic changes were estimated using Bayesian‐based coalescent approaches.ResultsThree geographically separated gene pools were identified within E. suaveolens, and a single gene pool was inferred in E. ivorense. All gene pools show signatures of demographic bottlenecks concomitant with the last glacial period (c. 120–12 ka). Species‐tree inferences show that the two species diverged c. 600 ka, whereas the divergence between E. suaveolens gene pools was dated to the late Pleistocene (first divergence c. 120 ka, second c. 60 ka).Main conclusions(1) Molecular dating of demographic changes of two African tropical forest tree species is consistent with the Pleistocene forest refuge hypothesis. (2) Tree species from Guinean evergreen tropical forests might have been less affected by past climate change than semi‐deciduous species. (3) Our phylogeographical data support a recent date (Holocene) of the last opening of the Dahomey Gap.
FIB‐SEM tomography of human skin telocytes and their extracellular vesicles
Authors: Cretoiu Dragos , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Hummel Eric , Zimmermann Hans , Simionescu Olga , Popescu Laurentiu M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe have shown in 2012 the existence of telocytes (TCs) in human dermis. TCs were described by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as interstitial cells located in non‐epithelial spaces (stroma) of many organs (see www.telocytes.com). TCs have very long prolongations (tens to hundreds micrometers) named Telopodes (Tps). These Tps have a special conformation with dilated portions named podoms (containing mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and caveolae) and very thin segments (below resolving power of light microscopy), called podomers. To show the real 3D architecture of TC network, we used the most advanced available electron microscope technology: focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) tomography. Generally, 3D reconstruction of dermal TCs by FIB‐SEM tomography revealed the existence of Tps with various conformations: (i) long, flattened irregular veils (ribbon‐like segments) with knobs, corresponding to podoms, and (ii) tubular structures (podomers) with uneven calibre because of irregular dilations (knobs) – the podoms. FIB‐SEM tomography also showed numerous extracellular vesicles (diameter 438.6 ± 149.1 nm, n = 30) released by a human dermal TC. Our data might be useful for understanding the role(s) of TCs in intercellular signalling and communication, as well as for comprehension of pathologies like scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, etc.
Milling of Glutinous Rice by Semidry Method to Produce Sweet Dumplings
Authors: Tong Li‐Tao , Gao Xiaoxu , Zhou Xianrong , Zhong Kui , Liu Liya , Wang Lili , Zhou Sumei 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTo investigate the effects of semidry milling method on the quality attributes of glutinous rice flour and sweet dumpling, the glutinous rice flour were prepared by wet, dry and semidry milling, respectively. As a result, the content of damaged starch in dry‐milled rice flour was significantly higher than that in wet‐milled rice flour (P < 0.05). When the rice was tempered to 33% moisture, the content of damaged starch of semidry‐milled glutinous rice flour was the same as that of wet milling. The wet‐milled rice flour and semidry‐milled glutinous rice flour at 33% moisture showed similar microstructures. The semidry milling at 33% moisture had properties of texture and cooking of sweet dumplings similar to wet milling. These results indicated that the semidry milling at 33% moisture showed protective effects on the characteristics of glutinous rice flour and qualities of sweet dumplings by reducing the degree of starch damage and protecting the integrity of the starch granules.Practical ApplicationsThe findings in the present study demonstrated the beneficial effects of semidry milling method on the qualities of glutinous rice flour and sweet dumplings. The semidry milling at 33% moisture showed better characteristics of glutinous rice flour and qualities of sweet dumplings by reducing the degree of starch damage and protecting the integrity of the starch granules. Therefore, the present study demonstrated a new milling method comparable to wet milling for standardization and large‐scale industrial production of sweet dumplings.
Pretreatment prediction of symptom response to proton pump inhibitor therapy
Authors: Nagahara Akihito , Miwa Hiroto , Asaoka Daisuke , Shimada Yuji , Sasaki Hitoshi , Matsumoto Kenshi , Osada Taro , Hojo Mariko , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimThis prospective pilot study investigated whether it is possible to predict the therapeutic response in both the early phase (1 week) and sustained phase (4 weeks) before starting proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for functional dyspepsia (FD) or non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD).MethodsWe administered rabeprazole 10 mg for 4 weeks to NERD/FD patients, who also answered a modified version of the Frequency Scale for Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (FSSG), which added a pain score to the FSSG. Total score (TS), reflux score (RS), dysmotility score (DS), and pain score (PS) were analyzed. Symptom improvement was defined as ≥ 50% improvement in each score.ResultsWe enrolled 83 patients (age [mean ± SD] 50.8 ± 15.8 years, 29 males, 54 females), of whom 62 could be classified into four groups: achieved symptom improvement within 1 week and maintained it for 4 weeks (Early‐R, 40.3%); achieved symptom improvement within 1 week but lost it after 4 weeks (Temp‐R, 9.7%); did not achieve symptom improvement within 1 week but did after 4 weeks (Late‐R, 9.7%); and no improvement (Non‐R, 40.3%). Mean TS, RS, DS, and PS in the Non‐R group were significantly higher than in the Early‐R group (23.9, 10.5, 11.0, and 2.4 vs 14.3, 6.8, 6.4, and 1.2). However, the Temp‐R, Late‐R, and Non‐R groups could not be distinguished by TS, RS, or DS.ConclusionThe magnitude of the pretreatment modified FSSG score seemed to be associated with the response at 1 week and 4 weeks.
Clinical features of eosinophilic esophagitis: Differences between Asian and Western populations
Authors: Ishimura Norihisa , Shimura Shino , Jiao Dijin , Mikami Hironobu , Okimoto Eiko , Uno Goichi , Aimi Masahito , Oshima Naoki , Ishihara Shunji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe prevalence and incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) have been rapidly increasing in Western countries. It is thought to be more common among Caucasians than other racial or ethnic groups, but epidemiological studies have not been fully evaluated in Asian populations, and its clinical manifestation is rarely documented. In this review, recent reports regarding EoE in Asian countries have been collected, and differences in the clinical features, including symptoms and endoscopic findings, between Asian and Western populations have been evaluated. In Asia, EoE is still much less prevalent than in Western countries. Baseline values for average age, male/female ratio, and personal history of allergic disease were comparable to those in Western populations. Predominant symptoms were dysphagia, and food impaction was extremely rare among Asian patients. Although the frequency of abnormal endoscopic findings varies among studies, over 90% of patients with EoE have shown abnormal findings such as linear furrow, which is the most common findings, in recent prospective studies in Asia. There are few reports regarding the treatment of EoE and no prospective studies evaluating drugs or elimination diet in patient with EoE have been reported in Asia. Overall, EoE had similar clinical characteristics in Asian populations. Because the incidence of EoE could increase in the future with the increase in allergic disorders in Asian countries, large‐scale, nationwide prospective studies should be performed to more fully understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of EoE in Asian populations.
Social Organization as the Framework for Interpreting Demographic Measures of Urban Emigration among the Canela of South Central Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Fisher William H. 
Published: March 2015

ResumenEste trabajo procura indagar en las razones por las cuales, a pesar de décadas de familiaridad, oportunidad y establecimiento de redes sociales que conectan áreas urbanas y rurales, sólo una fracción de los casi 2.000 Ramkôkamekra Canela del Maranhão, Brasil, se ha trasladado a las ciudades. La evidencia histórica y etnográfica resalta la importancia de las interacciones con vecinos regionales y con autoridades estaduales y federales para lograr la supervivencia de una tribu. La historia de estas interacciones regionales demuestran que las mitades con clases de edad y la autoridad derivada de la posición jerárquica dentro de dichos grupos continúan siendo cauces para la influencia colectiva y personal dentro del ámbito urbano. Dentro de la economía política regional, el sistema ceremonial Canela produce individuos de elevado estatus que sirven de intermediarios con la élite local no‐indígena. La organización ceremonial configura las motivaciones personales y, al mismo tiempo, las formas organizacionales que reúnen los fondos sociales distribuidos por el gobierno federal y estadual, y el dinero resultante de la venta de recursos naturales y productos de las tierras indígenas. Este trabajo analiza cómo estos factores desincentivan la migración.
The impact of depression on fatigue in patients with haemodialysis: a correlational study
Authors: Bai Yu‐Ling , Lai Liu‐Yuan , Lee Bih‐O , Chang Yong‐Yuan , Chiou Chou‐Ping 
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the fatigue levels and important fatigue predictors for patients undergoing haemodialysis.BackgroundFatigue is a common symptom for haemodialysis patients. With its debilitating and distressing effects, it impacts patients in terms of their quality of life while also increasing their mortality rate.DesignA descriptive correlational study.MethodsConvenience sampling was conducted at six chosen haemodialysis centres in Southern Taiwan. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from 193 haemodialysis patients. The scales involved in this study were socio‐demographic details, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Fatigue Scale for haemodialysis patients. Data analysis included percentages, means, standard deviations and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe fatigue level for haemodialysis patients was in the moderate range. Results from the hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that age, employment status, types of medications, physical activity and depression were significant. Of those variables, depression had the greatest impact on the patients' fatigue level, accounting for up to 30·6% of the explanatory power. The total explanatory power of the regression model was 64·2%.ConclusionThis study determined that for haemodialysis patients, unemployment, increased age, taking more medications or lower exercise frequencies resulted in more severe depression, which translated in turn to higher levels of fatigue. Among all these factors, depression had the greatest impact on the patients' fatigue levels.Relevance to clinical practiceNot only is this finding beneficial to future studies on fatigue as a source of reference, it is also helpful in our understanding of important predictors relating to fatigue in the everyday lives of haemodialysis patients. It is recommended that when caring for fatigued patients, more care should be dedicated to their psychological states, and assistance should be provided in a timely way so as to reduce the amount of fatigue suffered.
Rare case of giant cystic adenomyoma mimicking a uterine malformation, diagnosed and treated by hysteroscopy
Authors: Pontrelli Giovanni , Bounous Valentina Elisabetta , Scarperi Stefano , Minelli Luca , Di Spiezio Sardo Attilio , Florio Pasquale 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe describe a case of giant cystic uterine adenomyoma that was diagnosed and treated by hysteroscopy. In a 27‐year‐old woman with menometrorrhagia, severe dysmenorrhea, and chronic pelvic pain, pelvic ultrasonography revealed an enlarged uterine cavity filled with homogeneous low echogenic fluid content. A large cornual hematometra of 8.0 cm in diameter in a bicornuate uterus was suspected, and this hypothesis was also supported by magnetic resonance imaging findings. On the contrary, hysteroscopy revealed a bilocular huge cystic lesion of the posterior uterine wall that was removed by means of monopolar loop resection. The operative finding and the histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of cystic adenomyoma of the uterus. Hysteroscopy may represent a valid tool for diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of cystic adenomyoma, including those of large volume. Its use is helpful in differential diagnosis between cystic adenomyoma and uterine malformations as a possible cause of pelvic pain.
Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Under 6 kg and Premature Infants
Authors: BASPINAR OSMAN , SAHIN DERYA AYDIN , SULU AYSE , IRDEM AHMET , GOKASLAN GOKHAN , SIVASLI ERCAN , KILINC METIN 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundTranscatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has always been considered risky for infants weighing <6 kg and preterms. We present our findings regarding transcatheter closures of PDA.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were a weight of <6 kg and the presence of PDA symptoms. The study subjects were divided into two groups: <6 kg and premature infants.ResultsA total of 69 infants were included. The mean ages and weights of the <6 kg and the preterms were 5.4 ± 2.7 months and 30.3 ± 19.9 days, and 4.6 ± 0.8 and 1.7 ± 0.3 kg, respectively. Type C PDAs were most frequently observed in the premature group, and type A was in <6 kg. Sixteen of the patients were premature infants, and 81.2% of them had an extremely low birth weight. All of the premature infants had comorbidities, and had been receiving respiratory support therapy. Transcatheter closure was successfully completed in 81.2% of the premature infants and 94.3% of the <6‐kg infants. Major complications occurred in 4 patients (one death and three device embolizations). The patient's age was found to be the main risk factor. The most frequently used device was the Amplatzer duct occluder II in additional sizes (84.6%) in the preterms and the Amplatzer duct occluder I (34%) and II (34%) in the <6‐kg group.ConclusionThe transcatheter closure of PDA is relatively safe and effective in preterms and in infants <6 kg. The selection of a suitable device based on the type of PDA is critical to the success of the procedure.
Recruitment patterns and potential mechanisms of community assembly in an Andean cloud forest
Authors: Ledo Alicia , Cayuela Luis , Manso Rubén , Condés Sonia 
Published: April 2015

AbstractQuestionWhat are the conditions necessary for the establishment and development of seedlings and an early stage sapling community in an old‐growth cloud forest? Cloud forests are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world; however, recruitment patterns in these forests remain largely unknown.LocationCloud Forest, Northern Peruvian Andes.MethodsWe constructed a sapling community model through the unconstrained technique of non‐metric multidimensional scaling. We related the distribution of saplings of each species to the distance from conspecific adult (potential parent) trees through a point pattern analysis. We also used zero‐inflated Poisson models to investigate the relationship between sapling distributions and environmental conditions and forest structure.ResultsWe found that recruitment in woody plant species tends to be widely spread throughout the forest. The distribution of some sapling species was either positively or negatively related to the position of adult conspecific trees. Several species tended to occur within particular microhabitat conditions, with some differentiation between canopy and understorey species.ConclusionsCloud forest species recruitment may require the cover provided by the forest canopy. Under closed canopy conditions, both dispersal assembly and niche assembly mechanisms appear to simultaneously influence sapling distribution. The different strategies of various species may result in a trade‐off between the importance of microhabitat conditions and distance mechanisms, with one prevailing over the other, depending on species and forest structure conditions.
Postnatal development of franciscana's (Pontoporia blainvillei) biosonar relevant structures with potential implications for function, life history, and bycatch
Authors: Frainer Guilherme , Huggenberger Stefan , Moreno Ignacio Benites 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFranciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) are the most endangered species of the western South Atlantic Ocean. The major cause of their vulnerability is incidental bycatch in fishery gill nets. Ontogenetic changes of biosonar relevant structures in Pontoporia were analyzed in five specimens (one female neonate, two male neonates and two male adults) using digital imaging technology (MRI, CT) and macroscopic dissections to compare structures involved in sound production and reception. These data were compared to an ontogenetic series of 69 macerated skulls of Pontoporia in order to elucidate the correlation between soft tissue structures and bones of the epicranial complex and to describe the development‐related changes in the mandible. Postnatal developmental shape changes of the posterior part of the right vestibular air sac followed bone formation and the melon with its right branch elongated, paralleling the flatter facial depression of adults. Minor postnatal developmental modifications were verified in the tympano‐periotic complex but a shape change of the mandible was visible by a ventral deviation of the posterior part of the mandible in adults. These results reveal postnatal changes in allometry and shape of biosonar relevant structures that may be one of the causes that increase bycatch of neonate and young Pontoporia individuals.
Management of resistant hypertension: Aldosterone antagonists or intensification of diuretic therapy?
Authors: Verdalles Ursula , García de Vinuesa Soledad , Goicoechea Marian , Macías Nicolas , Santos Alba , Perez de Jose Ana , Verde Eduardo , Yuste Claudia , Luño Jose 
Published: March 2015

AbstratObjectiveNo consensus has been established as to which is the best fourth‐line agent in patients with resistant hypertension (RHT). The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of intensifying diuretic treatment with loop diuretic (furosemide) or aldosterone antagonist (spironolactone) on blood pressure (BP) control in RHT.MethodsThe study population comprised 30 patients with RHT who were divided into two treatment arms. Fifteen patients received furosemide 40 mg/day and 15 patients received spironolactone 25 mg/day. Ambulatory BP monitoring was performed baseline, 3 and 6 months.ResultsBaseline BP was 162 ± 8/90 ± 6 mmHg, 70% men, mean age 63.3 ± 9.1 years 56.1% diabetic and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 55.8 ± 16.5 mL/min per 1.73 m2. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline in age, gender, percentage diabetics, eGFR, BP, number of antihypertensive drugs, or aldosterone levels. At 6 months, systolic BP decreased by 24 ± 9.2 mmHg (from 163.6 ± 8.6 to 139.6 ± 8.1 mmHg) in the spironolactone group, compared with 13.8 ± 2.8 mmHg (from 162 ± 7.9 to 148 ± 6.4 mmHg) in the furosemide group (P < 0.01). Diastolic BP fell 11 ± 8.1 mmHg in the spironolactone group compared with 5.2 ± 2.2 mmHg in the furosemide group (P < 0.01). Significant reduction in urinary albumin creatinine ratio (from 173 ± 268 to 14 ± 24 mg/g, P < 0.01) was observed in the spironolactone group at 6 months. Multiple regression analysis showed that only treatment with spironolactone was associated with control of BP < 140/90 mmHg at 6 months. No severe adverse events were recorded.ConclusionSpironolactone is more effective than furosemide for control of BP in RHT patients, with a positive added effect on albuminuria. Spironolactone is safe in patients with mild kidney impairment, although serum potassium should be closely monitored, especially in diabetics.