bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of n-3 long-chain PUFA and fish intake with depressive symptoms and low dispositional optimism in older subjects with a history of myocardial infarction
Authors: van de Rest Ondine , de Goede Janette , Sytsma Femke , Oude Griep Linda M. , Geleijnse Johanna M. , Kromhout Daan , Giltay Erik J. 
Published: December 2009

Individuals with CHD are at increased risk of poor mental well-being. Dietary intake of EPA and DHA, the main n-3 fatty acids from fish, may be beneficial to mental well-being. We examined the association of EPA+DHA and fish intake with mental well-being in 644 participants, aged 60–80 years, with a history of myocardial infarction. Habitual food intake was assessed with a 203-item FFQ. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the self-report geriatric depression scale, and dispositional optimism was assessed with the revised life orientation test (LOT-R) and a four-item questionnaire (4Q). In Cox-regression models modified for cross-sectional analyses, we adjusted for sex, age, energy intake, BMI, family history of depression, education, marital status, smoking, physical activity and intake of saturated fat, alcohol and fibre. Compared with the lower tertile, subjects in the higher tertile of EPA+DHA intake had a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms, but this association was not statistically significant (prevalence ratio (PR) 0·78; 95 % CI 0·50, 1·22, P-trend 0·27). The higher tertile of EPA+DHA intake was positively associated with dispositional optimism measured with the 4Q (PR 0·69; 95 % CI 0·46, 1·03, P-trend 0·05), but not according to the LOT-R. Fish intake was not related to either depressive symptoms or dispositional optimism. In conclusion, intake of EPA+DHA was positively associated with dispositional optimism assessed with the 4Q, but not with optimism assessed with the LOT-R or with depressive symptoms.
Epistatic interactions attenuate mutations affecting startle behaviour inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: YAMAMOTO AKIHIKO , ANHOLT ROBERT R. H. , MACKAY TRUDY F. C. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryEpistasis is an important feature of the genetic architecture of quantitative traits. Previously, we showed that startle-induced locomotor behaviour ofDrosophila melanogaster, a critical survival trait, is highly polygenic and exhibits epistasis. Here, we characterize epistatic interactions among homozygousP-element mutations affecting startle-induced locomotion in theCanton-Sisogenic background and in 21 wild-derived inbred genetic backgrounds. We find pervasive epistasis for pairwise combinations of homozygousP-element insertional mutations as well as for mutations in wild-derived backgrounds. In all cases, the direction of the epistatic effects is to suppress the mutant phenotypes. The magnitude of the epistatic interactions in wild-derived backgrounds is highly correlated with the magnitude of the main effects of mutations, leading to phenotypic robustness of the startle response in the face of deleterious mutations. There is variation in the magnitude of epistasis among the wild-derived genetic backgrounds, indicating evolutionary potential for enhancing or suppressing effects of single mutations. These results provide a partial glimpse of the complex genetic network underlying the genetic architecture of startle behaviour and provide empirical support for the hypothesis that suppressing epistasis is the mechanism underlying genetic canalization of traits under strong stabilizing selection. Widespread suppressing epistasis will lead to underestimates of the main effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in mapping experiments when not explicitly accounted for. In addition, suppressing epistasis could lead to underestimates of mutational variation for quantitative traits and overestimates of the strength of stabilizing selection, which has implications for maintenance of variation of complex traits by mutation–selection balance.
Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis: detection of fungal DNA in sinus aspirate using polymerase chain reaction
Authors: El-Morsy S M , Khafagy Y W , El-Naggar M M , Beih A A 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective:This study investigated allergic fungal rhinosinusitis cases, and aimed to compare the detection of fungi in sinus aspirate by culture and by polymerase chain reaction assay, and to relate the presence of fungi in the nasal sinuses to the type of fungal allergen causing disease.Methods:Sixty-eight cases of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis underwent fungal culture and polymerase chain reaction assay for universal fungal, aspergillus and bipolaris DNA. Aspergillus-specific immunoglobulin E levels were measured in sinus aspirate, and total serum immunoglobulin E levels were calculated. A control group of 10 cases was included in the study.Results:Of the 68 allergic fungal rhinosinusitis cases, only 42 (61.7 per cent) had positive fungal cultures; of the 10 controls, only three (30 per cent) had positive cultures. Species from the dematiaceous family were most commonly grown, being isolated in 30 cases (71.4 per cent). Bipolaris was the most commonly isolated species (18 cases) followed by curvularia (11 cases) and alternaria (one case). Polymerase chain reaction assay detected fungal DNA in all the allergic fungal rhinosinusitis cases and also in four controls (40 per cent). Ten patients (of 68; 14.7 per cent) were positive forAspergillus fumigatusspecific immunoglobulin E. The mean concentration of this immunoglobulin was 11.32 ± 4.12 IU/ml in patients and 0 IU/ml in controls, a statistically significant difference.Conclusion:Detection of fungal DNA in nasal aspirate by polymerase chain reaction was superior to fungal cultures as a method of detecting fungal growth. In allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, fungal growth is not always accompanied by an allergic reaction.
Complications of bone-anchored hearing aid implantation
Authors: Hobson J C , Roper A J , Andrew R , Rothera M P , Hill P , Green K M 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIntroduction:Bone-anchored hearing aid implantations have been performed in Manchester for over 20 years. This study examined a range of variables that can occur during the implantation process, and the effect they may have on successful outcome.Method:Retrospective study and literature review.Location:Tertiary referral centre in central Manchester.Results:Details of 602 bone-anchored hearing aid implantation procedures were retrieved from the departmental database. The overall complication rate was 23.9 per cent. The rate of revision surgery was 12.1 per cent.Conclusion:This study involved a significantly larger number of patients than any previously reported, similar study. Possible reasons for differences in outcomes, and recommendations for best practice, are discussed.
Ovine toxoplasmosis
Authors: INNES ELISABETH A. , BARTLEY PAUL M. , BUXTON DAVID , KATZER FRANK 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYCongenital infection withToxoplasma gondiiis an important cause of abortion in sheep worldwide. The cat is the definitive host of the parasite, and infected cats may shed millions of oocysts in their faeces resulting in extensive environmental contamination and an important source of infection for grazing herbivorous animals. Studies looking at development of specific antibodies in sheep, as an indicator of exposure toT. gondii, have shown that there is an increase in seroprevalence associated with age indicating that most infections in sheep occur following birth. The stage of gestation when transplacental transmission ofT. gondiito the developing foetus occurs is critical in determining the clinical outcome. The importance of endogenous transplacental transmission in persistently infected ewes and its clinical importance is a subject of current debate. Ewes infected prior to mating develop immune responses that help protect against disease in a subsequent pregnancy and also against experimental challenge administered during pregnancy. Both innate and adaptive immune responses are activated followingT. gondiiinfection and experiments involving the chronic cannulation of peripheral lymph nodes in sheep have allowed the dynamics of the immune responses to be analysed in real time. A live vaccine, Toxovax® is the only commercially available vaccine worldwide to protect against congenital toxoplasmosis.
Patterns of seed rain and seedling regeneration in abandoned agricultural clearings in a seasonally dry tropical forest in India
Authors: Teegalapalli Karthik , Hiremath Ankila J. , Jathanna Devcharan 
Published: December 2009

Abstract:Forest recovery in abandoned pastures and agricultural fields is often impeded, therefore it is important to understand the factors limiting regeneration. Patterns of seed arrival and regeneration in five abandoned agricultural clearings nested within a seasonally dry tropical forest in India were examined along five transects radiating from the forest edge into the clearings. Wind-dispersed seeds dominated the seed arrival in clearings compared with vertebrate-dispersed seeds: 5563 wind-dispersed seeds and 1094 vertebrate-dispersed seeds of 14 and 13 tree species, respectively, were recorded. Numbers of the former declined steeply with increasing distance from the forest, whereas the latter showed no evident pattern with distance. Seeds of the invasive herb,Chromolaena odorata, were abundant in clearings. Although wind-dispersed seeds greatly outnumbered vertebrate-dispersed seeds, seedlings and saplings of vertebrate-dispersed species were three times more abundant than those of wind-dispersed species, indicating distinct differences in patterns of actual and effective seed dispersal. This points to recruitment limitation, and suggests that seed arrival may not be the principal barrier to regeneration in these clearings. Nonetheless, the clearings are likely to revert to forest over time.
Forests on ultramafic-derived soils in Borneo have very depauperate termite assemblages
Authors: Jones David T. , Rahman Homathevi , Bignell David E. , Prasetyo Anggoro H. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract:Previous studies in Sundaland (Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Peninsular Malaysia) have shown that termite assemblages in natural forests have a characteristic structure. These typical forest assemblages contain many soil-feeding species. However, this study investigated four natural forest sites in Borneo with depauperate termite assemblages, and compared their soils with soils from four other sites that have typical termite assemblages. In contrast to the typical assemblages, the four depauperate assemblages all have low species density (<35%), low relative abundance (<30%), a virtual absence of soil-feeders, significantly fewer wood-feeders, and a near-absence of species of Rhinotermitidae, Amitermes-group, Termes-group, Pericapritermes-group and Oriensubulitermes-group. The depauperate sites are on ultramafic-derived soils and have significantly higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, nickel, chromium, cobalt, copper and zinc compared with the non-ultramafic soils at sites with typical assemblages. In addition, soil pH at the depauperate sites is significantly higher (>pH 5.4) compared with soils at the typical sites (which are all below pH 4.7). Possible mechanisms to explain the depauperate termite assemblages on ultramafic soils include metal toxicity, high pH disrupting gut physiology, and microbial interactions with metals.
Computer-assisted assessment of free-text answers
Authors: Pérez-Marín Diana , Pascual-Nieto Ismael , Rodríguez Pilar 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe automatic assessment of students’ free-text answers has recently received much attention, due to the necessity of exploring and taking advantage of new and more complex computer-based assessment methods. In this paper, a review of the state-of-art of the field is presented, focusing on the techniques that underpin these systems and their evaluation metrics. Although there is still a long way to go so as to reach the ideal system, the fact that the existing systems are already being used commercially and as a second opinion in exams such as GMAT proves the uptake of this field.
Maternal depression and socio-economic status moderate the parenting style/child obesity association
Authors: Topham Glade L , Page Melanie C , Hubbs-Tait Laura , Rutledge Julie M , Kennedy Tay S , Shriver Lenka , Harrist Amanda W 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to test the moderating influence of two risk factors, maternal depression and socio-economic status (SES), on the association between authoritarian and permissive parenting styles and child obesity.DesignCorrelational, cross-sectional study. Parenting style was measured with the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ). Maternal depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). BMI-for-age percentile was used to categorize children by weight status (children with BMI-for-age ≥95th percentile were classified as obese). SES was computed from parent education and occupational status using the four-factor Hollingshead index.SettingRural public schools in a mid-western state in the USA.SubjectsOne hundred and seventy-six mothers of first-grade children (ninety-one boys, eighty-five girls) enrolled in rural public schools.ResultsBoth maternal depression and SES were found to moderate the permissive parenting style/child obesity association, but not the authoritarian/child obesity association. For depressed mothers, but not for non-depressed mothers, more permissive parenting was predictive of child obesity. Similarly more permissive parenting was predictive of child obesity among higher SES mothers, but not for lower SES mothers.ConclusionsMaternal depression and SES interact with permissive parenting style to predict child obesity. Future research should examine the relationship among these variables using a longitudinal design.
Member‐Approved Governance Changes: An Important Watershed in AGU's History
Authors: Grove Timothy L. 
Published: December 2009

Over the past month, AGU members have made their voices heard, overwhelmingly supporting the Council‐endorsed governance changes reflected in what are now our new bylaws and articles of incorporation. There were more than 11,600 ballots cast, which is a high turnout for an AGU election. Nearly 97% of you voted in favor of these changes. As your leader, I am inspired by your commitment to change.This vote is an important watershed in AGU's history. It marks the culmination of more than a year's work by leaders throughout the Union to envision a structure that combines sound member fiduciary oversight with even greater attention to our science. The soon‐to‐be‐formed Board of Directors will partner with staff leadership to guide the business of running the $34‐million institution that is AGU. At the same time, the expanded AGU Council will benefit by having not only section leaders but also focus group and key committee leaders as it considers the challenges facing our science and our members. This clear delineation of roles should result in a much more nimble, more member‐ and scientifically responsive organization, well positioned for many years to come.
Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase and correlation with telomerase activity in placentas with and without intrauterine growth retardation
Authors: IZUTSU TOSHIHIKO , IZUTSU NAOKO , IWANE AYAKO , TAKADA ANNA , NAGASAWA TAKAYUKI , KANASUGI TOMONOBU , SUGIYAMA TORU 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase has been found in telomerase‐positive tumor tissues, but not in telomerase‐negative nonmalignant somatic cells. Methods. Thirty‐two first‐trimester chorionic villi specimens (Group A), 33 second‐ and third‐trimester placenta specimens without asymmetric intrauterine growth retardation (Group B) and 13 specimens of placenta tissue from cases with intrauterine growth retardation (Group C) were examined for telomerase activity and expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results. Telomerase activity was detected in 29 of the 32 specimens (90.6%) in Group A, in 20 of the 33 specimens (60.6%) in Group B and none of the 13 specimens (0.0%) in Group C. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase was identified in all 32 specimens of Group A (100%), all 33 specimens of Group B (100%) and 2 of the 13 specimens in Group C (15.4%) by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Copy numbers of human telomerase reverse transcriptase were 202.3±73.0 (n=32), 8.8±2.9 (n=33) and 0 (n=13) in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. Significant differences were observed between Groups A and B, Groups A and C, and Groups B and C (p<0.01, p<0.01, and p<0.01, respectively). Conclusions. Our findings indicate that human telomerase reverse transcriptase expression is the rate‐limiting determinant of telomerase activity in chorionic villi during the first trimester. Telomerase activity was not detected in placentas with intrauterine growth retardation, whereas human telomerase reverse transcriptase was expressed in some placentas with intrauterine growth retardation.
Adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: 35 cases in a single Korean institute
Authors: KIM Y. M. , JUNG M. H. , KIM K. R. , KIM J. H. , KIM Y. T. , NAM J. H. , MOK J. E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary is an uncommon neoplasm. The overall prognosis is favorable. The prognostic factors that are related to survival have not been well defined and are discussed in the literature amidst controversy. Methods. Thirty‐five patients diagnosed with adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, pathologic findings, treatments, and survival times were reviewed and analyzed for prognostic significance. Results. Of the 35 cases, there were 30 cases representing stage I tumors, one case at stage II, four cases at stage III, and no cases at stage IV. The mean overall survival time of all patients was 140.3 months. The 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates were 92.0% and 85.8% respectively. The FIGO stage was the only independent prognostic factor. Conclusions. Despite the small number of patients, the study showed that the less advanced stage is the only favorable prognostic factor of significance.
Excretion of lactose in urine as a measure of increased permeability of the lactating breast during inflammation
Authors: FETHERSTON CATHERINE M. , LAI CHING TAT , MITOULAS LEON R. , HARTMANN PETER E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractHypothesis. The increased excretion of lactose in urine will be an accurate predictor of increased breast permeability during inflammation of the breast and therefore could predict whether there is a relationship between the severity and type of symptoms suffered during mastitis and changes in breast permeability. Methods. Twenty‐six mothers were followed prospectively from Day 5 postpartum to the end of their lactation. Milk from each breast, blood, 24‐hour urine samples, and data on breast and systemic pathologies were collected at reference intervals during the first three months postpartum, daily during the occurrence of any breast inflammation and 7 days after resolution of symptoms. Results. The 24‐h excretion of lactose in urine was higher during mastitis (p<0.001), peaking at the commencement of the mastitis and decreasing over time until there was no significant difference at the time of follow‐up when compared to mothers without mastitis (p<0.25). The changes in lactose in urine were consistent with the changes in sodium, chloride, and lactose in milk, confirming milk expressed for sample analysis was representative of milk from the site of inflammation. Increased severity of breast symptoms experienced during mastitis was a significant predictor for an increased excretion of lactose in urine (p<0.022). Conclusions. The use of 24‐h excretion of lactose in urine provided a reliable marker of changes occurring in breast permeability and subsequently has shown that an increasing area of inflammation of the breast was predictive of an increase in breast permeability and associated changes in milk composition.
Ovarian cancer and genetic susceptibility in relation to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Occurrence, clinical importance and intervention
Authors: SØGAARD MARIE , KRÜGER KJÆR SUSANNE , GAYTHER SIMON 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe Nordic countries have the highest incidences of ovarian cancer in the world (around 15 cases per 100,000 women). We have conducted a review of the recent literature with focus on the Nordic countries, on genetic susceptibility to ovarian cancer, and the clinical implications in relation to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. One of the strongest risk factors for ovarian cancer is a family history of ovarian and/or early‐onset breast cancer. It is thought that germline mutations in BRCA1/2 might be responsible for as much as 10% of all ovarian cancer cases and all families containing either multiple case, site‐specific ovarian cancer cases or breast and ovarian cancers together. Data from several international studies suggest that the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in a BRCA1 mutation carrier can vary from 18 to 56% and from 14 to 27% in a BRCA2 carrier, depending on the presence/absence of a family history of the disease. Genetic evaluation and testing is used in many countries to identify families with BRCA1/2 mutations. Once a mutation has been identified, genetic counseling and testing can be offered to unaffected family members. Prophylactic oophorectomy in unaffected mutation carriers will eliminate the risk of ovarian cancer, although there is a slight residual risk of peritoneal cancer. During oophorectomy, the Fallopian tube should also be removed. If a woman does not want prophylactic oophorectomy, then tubal ligation or oral contraceptive use can be considered as these have been shown to reduce ovarian cancer risk also in mutation carriers.
Helping parents to tell their children about the use of donor insemination (DI) and determining their opinions about open‐identity sperm donors
Authors: LEEB‐LUNDBERG SARA , KJELLBERG SVANTE , SYDSJÖ GUNILLA 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective. To look at the level of compliance with Swedish law whether or not parents intend to tell their child about donor insemination. We also wanted to look at the parents’ attitudes towards open‐identity sperm donors and at relationships within the family. Method. All parents who were treated and gave birth to a child through donor insemination from 1997 to 2003 were included in the study. Sixteen of 20 couples (80%) were willing to take part in an interview, where the men and women were interviewed separately. The children of these couples had an average age of 2.9 years. Results. Three of the 16 couples had told their child about donor insemination and 9 couples intended to tell the child when he/she was older. Thus 12 couples (75%) had disclosed or planned to inform their child in the future. Fourteen of 16 couples had told others about the donor insemination. The majority (20 of 31 individuals) had a positive attitude towards open‐identity for sperm donors and 21 of 31 would have chosen an open‐identity sperm donor if they had had the choice between that and an anonymous donor. All the parents felt they had an equal relationship with their child. Conclusion. Couples who conceived a child through donor insemination are open about the donor insemination, both to other people in their surroundings and in their intention to tell the child. These families seem to be functioning well with relaxed attitudes towards the donor insemination process.