bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signatures of contemporary selection in the Israeli Holstein dairy cattle
Authors: Glick G. , Shirak A. , Uliel S. , Zeron Y. , Ezra E. , Seroussi E. , Ron M. , Weller J. I. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryStrong selection in the Israeli Holstein dairy cattle population over the last three decades should have left clear signatures of selection. Two experimental approaches were applied to detect evidence of contemporary selection based on the 54K BeadChip genotypes of ~1000 Israeli Holstein bulls: (i) the long‐range haplotype test, which searches for structural evidence resulting from selective sweep, and (ii) direct analysis of the changes in haplotypes frequencies over time combined with linkage disequilibrium blocks haplotype‐based association analysis. Ten traits were analyzed: the PD07 Israeli selection index, milk, milk fat, % fat, milk protein, % protein, somatic cell score, female fertility, milk production persistency and herd life. The long‐range haplotype test detected ~15% of the 3288 haplotypes that showed significant positive frequency trends (P < 0.05) and was significantly correlated with the substitution effects of the haplotypes and the selection intensities for the different traits. Thirty signatures of recent selection, which correspond to both approaches and affect the Israeli PD07 selection index, were identified on 17 of the 29 autosomes. The second experimental approach also was used to estimate the selection intensity of the different traits. The correlation between the selection intensities for the traits analyzed, derived from changes in haplotype frequencies in the population of bulls, and those derived from trait‐based analysis of the cow population was 0.93 over all traits. Thus, the changes in haplotypes frequencies in the bulls’ population accurately estimate genetic trends in the general cow population and can be used to detect signatures of recent selection.
Herbicide application and direct drilling improves establishment and yield of chicory and plantain
Authors: Glassey C. B. , Clark C. E. F. , Roach C. G. , Lee J. M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe herbs chicory (
C

ichorium intybus
L.) and plantain (
P

lantago lanceolata
L.) are increasingly popular summer forage cropping options for dairy producers. However, the impact of different establishment methods on their productivity is largely unknown. Four establishment methods for chicory and plantain crops sown into non‐cultivated ryegrass pastures in spring were compared. Establishment methods included direct‐drilling or broadcasting seed into existing pastures, with or without herbicide application before sowing in a 2 × 2 factorial design. It was hypothesized that plant establishment and growth would be enhanced by spraying to kill existing ryegrass pasture and direct‐drilling herbs (Spray and Drill, SD) compared with broadcasting seed with no herbicide application (Unsprayed and Broadcast, UB). This hypothesis was supported with an additional 2·1–2·3 t DM ha−1 grown over 201 d from swards established by SD, compared with swards established by UB. The SD method also increased the plant density of the herbs and reduced the proportion of weed species. Spraying and direct drilling is more expensive than broadcasting seed with no herbicide application, but the increase in yield means that extra feed can be supplied at less than half the cost of purchasing the equivalent amount of feed. Therefore, for optimal economic outcomes, chicory and plantain swards should be established by applying herbicide to existing pasture and direct‐drilling seed.
Paediatric oral pathology in a Chilean population: a 15‐year review
Authors: ZUÑIGA MANUEL DONOSO , MÉNDEZ CRISTIAN ROSAS , KAUTERICH RAFAEL RUBÍ , PANIAGUA DANIEL CARPIO 
Published: June 2012

Background.  There is only limited information available in Chile regarding the frequency of biopsied oral lesions in paediatric patients.Aim.  To determine the frequency of histologically diagnosed lesions in oral pathology specimens from paediatric patients in a Chilean population over a 15‐year period.Design.  Oral and maxillofacial biopsy records of patients aged 16 years or under were retrieved by visual inspection from the archives of public and private Oral Pathology Health Services in Valdivia, Chile, during the period 1995–2010. Records that contained anatomical site and histopathological diagnoses of the specimen were included. The study population was divided into three age groups according to dentition stage. Oral lesions were classified as inflammatory/reactive, cystic, or tumour/tumour‐like.Results.  A total of 542 biopsy specimens from children were found. These represented 20.6% of all oral biopsies. The average age was 11.1 years, with female predilection. The most common category of oral lesions was inflammatory/reactive (75.8%), followed by tumour/tumour‐like (16.8%) and cystic (7.4%) lesions. The mucocele was the most commonly found lesion, followed by pyogenic granuloma and irritation fibroma, which taken together accounted for 63.8% of all paediatric oral biopsies. The most common localisation for lesions was the lower lip (50.3%).Conclusions.  The vast majority of oral lesions found were predominantly inflammatory/reactive and benign types, although malignant lesions can present themselves in children.
Mitochondrial genomes reveal the global phylogeography and dispersal routes of the migratory locust
Authors: MA CHUAN , YANG PENGCHENG , JIANG FENG , CHAPUIS MARIE‐PIERRE , SHALI YASEN , SWORD GREGORY A. , KANG LE 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, is the most widely distributed grasshopper species in the world. However, its global genetic structure and phylogeographic relationships have not been investigated. In this study, we explored the worldwide genetic structure and phylogeography of the locust populations based on the sequence information of 65 complete mitochondrial genomes and three mitochondrial genes of 263 individuals from 53 sampling sites. Although this locust can migrate over long distances, our results revealed high genetic differentiation among the geographic populations. The populations can be divided into two different lineages: the Northern lineage, which includes individuals from the temperate regions of the Eurasian continent, and the Southern lineage, which includes individuals from Africa, southern Europe, the Arabian region, India, southern China, South‐east Asia and Australia. An analysis of population genetic diversity indicated that the locust species originated from Africa. Ancestral populations likely separated into Northern and Southern lineages 895 000 years ago by vicariance events associated with Pleistocene glaciations. These two lineages evolved in allopatry and occupied their current distributions in the world via distinct southern and northern dispersal routes. Genetic differences, caused by the long‐term independent diversification of the two lineages, along with other factors, such as geographic barriers and temperature limitations, may play important roles in maintaining the present phylogeographic patterns. Our phylogeographic evidence challenged the long‐held view of multiple subspecies in the locust species and tentatively divided it into two subspecies, L. m. migratoria and L. m. migratorioides.
Minimal requirements for inhibition of MraY by lysis protein E from bacteriophage ΦX174
Authors: Tanaka Shiho , Clemons Jr William M. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe DNA phage ΦX174 encodes the integral membrane protein E whose expression leads to host cell lysis by inhibition of the peptidoglycan synthesis enzyme MraY. Here we use mutagenesis to characterize the molecular details of the E lysis mechanism. We find that a minimal 18‐residue region with the modified wild‐type sequences of the conserved transmembrane helix of E is sufficient to lyse host cells and that specific residues within and at the boundaries of this helix are important for activity. This suggests that positioning of the helix in the membrane is critical for interactions with MraY. We further characterize the interaction site of the transmembrane helix with MraY demonstrating E forms a stable complex with MraY. Triggering cell lysis by peptidoglycan synthesis inhibition is a traditional route for antimicrobial strategies. Understanding the mechanism of bacterial cell lysis by E will provide insights into new antimicrobial strategies using re‐engineered E peptides.
Esophageal distension parameters as potential biomarkers of impaired gastrointestinal function in diabetes patients
Authors: Frøkjær J. B. , Brock C. , Brun J. , Simren M. , Dimcevski G. , Funch‐Jensen P. , Drewes A. M. , Gregersen H. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, postprandial fullness, and abdominal pain, are frequent in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The pathogenesis is complex and multi‐factorial. To determine easy accessible and valid biomarkers for disordered GI function in DM patients, we aimed to study esophageal mechanical parameters and their relation to symptoms typically arising from the digestive tract.Methods  Seventeen patients with longstanding DM and GI symptoms and 13 healthy controls were studied using ultrasound monitored esophageal distension. The sensory response was recorded and their symptoms registered. Biomechanical parameters, such as compliance and stiffness were computed from luminal diameters during distension based on the ultrasound images and from pressure data. Biomechanical and sensory parameters were correlated with the clinical data.Key Results  Diabetes patients had reduced esophageal sensitivity compared with controls (P = 0.046). The esophageal compliance was reduced (P = 0.004) and the esophageal stiffness was increased (P = 0.004) in the diabetes patients. Among patients, both postprandial fullness/early satiety and bloating correlated negatively to the esophageal compliance parameters (all P < 0.05).Conclusions & Inferences  Patients with long‐standing DM and GI symptoms had reduced esophageal sensitivity together with reduced compliance and increased stiffness, which were correlated to the patients’ GI symptoms. Biomechanical parameters obtained during distension may serve as biomarker for similar pathophysiologic effects of diabetes in the stomach and small bowel. They may contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying GI dysfunction and symptoms in patients with longstanding DM.
The Impact of Early Age at First Childbirth on Maternal and Infant Health
Authors: Gibbs Cassandra M. , Wendt Amanda , Peters Stacey , Hogue Carol J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe objective of this review was to assess whether early age at first childbirth is associated with increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. Early age at childbirth is variously defined in studies of its effect on maternal and infant health. In this systematic review, we limit analysis to studies of at least moderate quality that examine first births among young mothers, where young maternal age is defined as low gynaecological age (≤2 years since menarche) or as a chronological age ≤16 years at conception or delivery. We conduct meta‐analyses for specific maternal or infant health outcomes when there are at least three moderate quality studies that define the exposure and outcome in a similar manner and provide odds ratios or risk ratios as their effect estimates. We conclude that the overall evidence of effect for very young maternal age (<15 years or <2 years post‐menarche) on infant outcomes is moderate; that is, future studies are likely to refine the estimate of effect or precision but not to change the conclusion. Evidence points to an impact of young maternal age on low birthweight and preterm birth, which may mediate other infant outcomes such as neonatal mortality. The evidence that young maternal age increases risk for maternal anaemia is also fairly strong, although information on other nutritional outcomes and maternal morbidity/mortality is less clear. Many of the differences observed among older teenagers with respect to infant outcomes may be because of socio‐economic or behavioural differences, although these may vary by country/setting. Future, high quality observational studies in low income settings are recommended in order to address the question of generalisability of evidence. In particular, studies in low income countries need to consider low gynaecological age, rather than simply chronological age, as an exposure. As well, country‐specific studies should measure the minimum age at which childbearing for teens has similar associations with health as childbearing for adults. This ‘tipping point’ may vary by the underlying physical and nutritional health of girls and young women.
Evidence‐based disparities: examining the gap between health expectations and experiences
Authors: Vashdi Dana R. , Zalmanovitch Yair 
Published: June 2012

AbstractContext In a time of economic austerity, one of the most daunting questions is who decides on healthcare rationing? In the current study, we sought to examine if the public can in fact provide meaningful information regarding healthcare policy issues. Based on theories of public policy, this paper tries to find out if patients behave akin to ‘responsible citizens’ and can provide differentiated expectations between three healthcare dimensions.Methods One thousand two‐hundred eleven individuals participated in a telephone interview. Participants were asked two series of questions, one regarding their views on the primary care, prevention and promotion practices they experience with their healthcare provider and one regarding the importance of these practices to them. We calculated a difference score representing the gap in each healthcare dimension.Findings In all three healthcare dimensions, the mean gap is in the positive side of the axis indicating that the public does not receive what it expects to receive, or in policy terms there is ‘a responsiveness deficit’. The mean gap in relation to primary care is significantly lower than the mean gap in both preventive care and health promotion.Conclusions The public can provide meaningful information even in areas of endless demand and can provide an addition point of view to be considered by policy makers in complicated healthcare rationing decisions.
Subjective expectations regarding length and health‐related quality of life in Hungary: results from an empirical investigation
Authors: Péntek Márta , Brodszky Valentin , Gulácsi Ádám László , Hajdú Ottó , van Exel Job , Brouwer Werner , Gulácsi László 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundSubjective expectations regarding future health are rarely studied, yet may have implications for medical decision making, health behaviour and health economic analysis.ObjectiveTo study people's subjective expectations regarding length and future quality of life in Hungary and compare these with previous findings from the Netherlands.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was performed, using a questionnaire that was put on a highly frequented web journal during 1 day. Main socio‐demographic variables and health status of the voluntary participants were registered using the EQ‐5D questionnaire. People were asked about the age they expected to live and the health status they expected to have at ages 60, 70, 80 and 90, using the EQ‐5D descriptive system. Responses were matched and compared to age‐ and gender‐specific life expectancy data from the Hungarian National Statistics and to age‐ and gender‐specific EQ‐5D scores from a prior nationally representative survey in Hungary.ResultsIn total, 9407 people were included in the analysis with mean age of 36.1 (SD 10.6) years, mainly qualified (degree 74.0%), employed (86.0%) men (67.1%). People overestimated their life expectancy (women, 1.6; men, 8.2 years) and expected a sharp deterioration in health at the age 70. Age, current health status, perception of a healthy lifestyle and kins' age at death were important explanatory factors for subjective expectations. Subjective life expectancy correlates strongly with expected future health status.ConclusionsThe striking similarities between two surveys from distinct nations suggest that people's (mis)expectations regarding length and future quality of life are probably rather generalizable between jurisdictions within Europe.
Calcium‐Dependent Tolerant Response of Cell Wall in Maize Mesocotyl Under Flooding Stress
Authors: Porto B. N. , Alves J. D. , Magalhães P. C. , Castro E. M. , Campos N. A. , Souza K. R. D. , Magalhães M. M. , Andrade C. A. , Santos M. O. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to find out the effect of calcium on flooded maize seedlings by anatomical and ultra‐structural analyses and by measuring the enzyme activity and gene expression of polygalacturonase (PG) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). For this, maize seeds were placed to germinate in germination paper saturated with CaCl2 0.75 %. Then, 4‐day‐old seedlings were subjected to flooding in the presence or absence of CaCl2. Mesocotyl sections were sampled daily for the anatomical and ultra‐structural analyses, RT‐qPCR and activity of SOD and PG. The results showed that the presence of calcium in the flooding buffer increases the tolerance of maize seedlings by 1 day when compared to seedlings flooded in the absence of this element. The reason for this longer survival is that calcium maintains the integrity of the cell wall and attenuates the effects of oxidative stress. Owing to this fact, the seedlings remained alive and firm for up to 7 days.
Treatment strategy for rectal carcinoids: A clinicopathological analysis of 229 cases at a single cancer institution
Authors: Kasuga Akiyoshi , Chino Akiko , Uragami Naoyuki , Kishihara Teruhito , Igarashi Masahiro , Fujita Rikiya , Yamamoto Noriko , Ueno Masashi , Oya Masatoshi , Muto Tetsuichiro 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  A treatment strategy for tumors with only venous invasion and characteristics of small rectal carcinoids with metastasis have not been clearly documented. The present study aims to determine the risk factors for lymph node metastasis and to elucidate characteristics of small tumors with metastasis.Methods:  We investigated a total of 229 patients with rectal carcinoids. The relationship between each clinicopathological variable and the presence of lymph node metastasis was evaluated.Results:  Tumor size (larger than 10 mm), presence of central depression, depth of tumor invasion, lymphatic invasion, and venous invasion were significantly associated with the incidence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (odds ratio: 63.3, P < 0.001) and venous invasion (odds ratio: 40.9, P < 0.001) were independently predictive of lymph node metastasis. In 204 patients with small (no larger than 10 mm) tumors, 10 patients had lymph node metastasis. All 10 tumors had low proliferation values indicated by mitosis and Ki‐67 index. Multivariate analysis for the 204 patients revealed that only venous invasion was independently associated with metastasis (odds ratio: 40.1, P < 0.001). Five‐year disease free survival rates of the total patients with metastasis and without metastasis were 81.1% and 95.5%, respectively (P < 0.001, log‐rank test).Conclusions:  Venous invasion as well as tumor size and lymphatic invasion indicates high malignant potential to metastasize to lymph node and would provide useful information in considering the addition of radical surgery. Postoperative pathological examinations of specimens obtained by local resection are very important to avoid underestimation.
Current relevance of pharmacogenetics in immunomodulation treatment for Crohn's disease
Authors: Roberts Rebecca L , Barclay Murray L 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNo drug therapy is completely risk free, and the costs associated with non‐response and adverse effects can exceed the cost of the therapy. The ultimate goal of pharmacogenetic research is to find robust genetic predictors of drug response that enable the development of prospective genetic tests to reliably identify patients at risk of non‐response or of developing an adverse effect prior to the drug being prescribed. Currently, thiopurine S‐methyltransferase (TPMT) deficiency is the only pharmacogenetic factor that is prospectively assessed before azathioprine or 6‐mercaptopurine immunomodulation is commenced in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). As yet no other inherited determinant of drug response has made the transition from bench to bedside for the management of this disease. In this review we summarize what is known about TPMT deficiency and explore whether there is evidence to support a role of other genetic polymorphisms in predicting the response of CD patients to thiopurine drugs, methotrexate, and anti‐tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) therapy.
Stories of women involved in a postpartum depression peer support group
Authors: Montgomery Phyllis , Mossey Sharolyn , Adams Sara , Bailey Patricia H. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTLiving through postpartum depression (PPD) might lead women to seek a variety of support to re‐establish their well‐being, including a hybrid of traditional and non‐traditional services. Within this mix, some women participate in peer groups; however, there is a paucity of research regarding their subjective experiences of engaging in this type of support. The purpose of this study was to describe how women talked about living through PPD in the context of a peer support group. This focused ethnography was a component of a larger participatory action study in northern Ontario, Canada. The seven members of a 5‐week peer support group described their postpartum experiences through written, visual, and spoken stories. Using structural narrative analysis, stories about recovery were identified across the data. Three groups of recovery stories were labelled as illness, mothering wisdom, and mobilizing. The findings suggested that women actively sought and established a therapeutic space for PPD recovery with peers. As such, health‐care providers are encouraged to acknowledge the merits and advocate for the multiple and diverse alliances women might require to actualize recovery.
Factors associated with the use of intrusive measures at a tertiary care facility for children and youth with mental health and developmental disabilities
Authors: Stewart Shannon L. , Baiden Philip , Theall‐Honey Laura 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThis study seeks to identify some of the explanatory factors associated with the use of intrusive measures among children with mental health and developmental disabilities in psychiatric facilities. Intrusive intervention data were collected using an organizational database that was developed internally at a tertiary care facility. The sample was composed of 338 children/youth aged between 6 and 18 years (mean = 12.33, standard deviation = 2.70) admitted within a 2‐year period. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between chemical restraint, physical restraint and secure isolation, and programme type after controlling for demographic and other relevant client characteristics. The study found that the number of chemical restraints and secure isolations was higher for clients with developmental disabilities than for clients with mental health, whereas the number of physical restraints was lower for clients with developmental disabilities than clients with mental health issues. Demographic variables also predicted specific types of intrusive measures. The results of this study outline the differential factors associated with specific types of intrusive measures to control aggressive and self‐harm behaviours. The paper also outlines cultural change initiatives, organizational interventions, and policy implications for best practice services for children/youth in psychiatric facilities to further reduce intrusive measures.