bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast milk sodium content in rural Gambian women: between‐ and within‐women variation in the first 6 months after delivery
Authors: Richards Anna A. , Darboe Momodou K. , Tilling Kate , Smith George Davey , Prentice Andrew M. , Lawlor Debbie A. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryRichards AA, Darboe MK, Tilling K, Smith GD, Prentice AM, Lawlor DA. Breast milk sodium content in rural Gambian women: between‐ and within‐women variation in the first 6 months after delivery. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 255–261.It has been suggested that infancy is a particularly sensitive period with respect to the effect of dietary sodium on future risk of hypertension. One difficulty of researching the effects of early sodium intake on later health is accurately measuring sodium intake from breast milk. In observational studies, sodium content has been calculated by estimating breast milk volume consumed and assuming a fixed sodium concentration for all women at all times (a standardised measure). The objectives of this study were to investigate the variation in breast milk sodium concentration in the first 6 months postpartum within women and test whether the pattern of change in sodium concentration differs between women. The study population was 197 rural Gambian women. Multilevel models were used to investigate whether the sodium content of breast milk changed over time within and between women. Fractional polynomials were used to identify the best‐fitting functions of age to be included in the within and between variance functions.Sodium levels decreased with time; the reduction was initially rapid (levels decreasing by 17.7% between 30 and 60 days after delivery). Immediately after birth, there was substantial variation in breast milk sodium content between women but this reduced with time. Our results suggest that it is not appropriate to use a standardised measure of breast milk sodium content when direct measurement is possible – particularly when there is a research interest in measuring sodium intake in very early infancy.
Season of birth and diagnosis for childhood cancer in Northern England, 1968–2005
Authors: Basta Nermine O. , James Peter W. , Craft Alan W. , McNally Richard J. Q. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryBasta NO, James PW, Craft AW, McNally RJQ. Season of birth and diagnosis for childhood cancer in Northern England, 1968–2005. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 309–318.The aim of this study was to investigate seasonal variation in the incidence of cancer in children aged 0–14 years. Details of 2959 primary malignant cases (1659 males, 1300 females), diagnosed during the period 1968–2005, were extracted from a specialist registry (the Northern Region Young Persons' Malignant Disease Registry). Seasonal variation was analysed with respect to month of birth and diagnosis. The chi‐squared heterogeneity test was used to test for non‐uniform variation. Poisson regression analysis was used to fit sinusoidal (harmonic) models to the data, using month of birth and month of diagnosis, respectively, as covariates in separate models.There was significant sinusoidal variation based on month of birth for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) aged 1–6 years (P = 0.04; peak in March). For 0‐ to 14‐year‐old boys, there was statistically significant sinusoidal variation in month of birth for acute non‐lymphocytic leukaemia (P = 0.04; peak in September) and astrocytoma (P = 0.03; peak in October). Based on month of diagnosis, there was statistically significant sinusoidal variation in girls for all lymphomas (P = 0.048; peak in March) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (P = 0.005; peak in January), and in boys for osteosarcoma (P = 0.049; peak in October). This study confirms previous findings of seasonal variation around the month of birth for childhood ALL (at the peak ages) and provides further evidence of seasonal variation around month of birth for astrocytoma and around month of diagnosis for HL. The results are consistent with a role for environmental factors in the aetiology of these diagnostic groups. Further studies are needed to examine putative candidate agents.
Lactational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and infant growth: an analysis of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Babies Study
Authors: Pan I‐Jen , Daniels Julie L. , Herring Amy H. , Rogan Walter J. , Siega‐Riz Anna Maria , Goldman Barbara D. , Sjödin Andreas 
Published: April 2010

SummaryPan IJ, Daniels JL, Herring AH, Rogan WJ, Siega‐Riz AM, Goldman BD, Sjödin A. Lactational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and infant growth: an analysis of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Babies Study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 262–271.Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), 2,2‐bis(p‐chlorophenyl)‐1,1,1‐trichloroethane (p,p’‐DDT) and 2,2‐bis(p‐chlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dichloroethylene (p,p’‐DDE), the most stable metabolite of p,p’‐DDT, are persistent organic pollutants and environmental endocrine disruptors. Infant exposure to these chemicals through breast feeding may influence children's growth, but this potential adverse effect could be complicated by the coexisting benefits of breast feeding. This study examined the associations between lactational exposure to these chemicals and infant growth in the first 12 months by using data from the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition Babies Study in central North Carolina, United States, 2004–06. The study population was restricted to the infants who were breast fed for 6 months or longer. PCBs, p,p’‐DDT and p,p’‐DDE were measured in breast milk at 3 months postpartum. Lactational exposure up to 12 months of age was estimated as the product of chemical concentrations and the duration of breast feeding. The infant's weight and length were recorded from the medical record for each routine paediatric well‐child visit in the first 12 months. Women–child pairs who breast fed for 6 months or longer and returned the growth card (n = 210) were included in the study. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the associations between chemical concentrations in breast milk and longitudinal infant weight and length measurements in the first 6 months. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the relationships between lactational exposure to chemicals until 12 months of age and the z‐scores of infant weight, length and weight‐for‐length at 12 months.Overall, no association was observed. Breast feeding for 6 months or longer, with lactational exposure to PCBs, p,p’‐DDT and p,p’‐DDE at the low background level concentrations studied here, resulted in no measurable influence on infant growth in the first 12 months.
The constitutional t(11;22): implications for a novel mechanism responsible for gross chromosomal rearrangements
Authors: Kurahashi H , Inagaki H , Ohye T , Kogo H , Tsutsumi M , Kato T , Tong M , Emanuel BS 
Published: April 2010

Kurahashi H, Inagaki H, Ohye T, Kogo H, Tsutsumi M, Kato T, Tong M, Emanuel BS. The constitutional t(11;22): implications for a novel mechanism responsible for gross chromosomal rearrangements.The constitutional t(11;22)(q23;q11) is the most common recurrent non‐Robertsonian translocation in humans. The breakpoint sequences of both chromosomes are characterized by several hundred base pairs of palindromic AT‐rich repeats (PATRRs). Similar PATRRs have also been identified at the breakpoints of other nonrecurrent translocations, suggesting that PATRR‐mediated chromosomal translocation represents one of the universal pathways for gross chromosomal rearrangement in the human genome. We propose that PATRRs have the potential to form cruciform structures through intrastrand‐base pairing in single‐stranded DNA, creating a source of genomic instability and leading to translocations. Indeed, de novo examples of the t(11;22) are detected at a high frequency in sperm from normal healthy males. This review synthesizes recent data illustrating a novel paradigm for an apparent spermatogenesis‐specific translocation mechanism. This observation has important implications pertaining to the predominantly paternal origin of de novo gross chromosomal rearrangements in humans.
Experimental evolution of local parasite maladaptation
Authors: ADIBA S. , HUET M. , KALTZ O. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSign and magnitude of local adaptation in host–parasite systems may vary with ecological, epidemiological or genetic parameters. To investigate the role of host genetic background, we established long‐term experimental populations of different genotypes of the protozoan Paramecium caudatum, infected with the bacterial parasite Holospora undulata. We observed the evolution of an overall pattern of parasite local maladaptation for infectivity, indicating a general coevolutionary disadvantage of this parasite. Maladaptation extended to host populations with the same genetic background, similar to extending from the local to a higher regional level in natural populations. Patterns for virulence were qualitatively similar, but with less statistical support. A nonsignificant correlation with levels of (mal)adaptation for infectivity suggests independent evolution of these traits. Our results indicate similar (co)evolutionary trajectories in populations with different genetic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the correlated clines of genetic distance and parasite performance illustrate how genetic background can shape spatial gradients of local adaptation.
Mutual Mate Choice for Colorful Traits in King Penguins
Authors: Nolan Paul M. , Stephen Dobson F. , Nicolaus Marion , Karels Tim J. , McGraw Kevin J. , Jouventin Pierre 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWhile studies of mate choice based on male color pattern are ubiquitous, studies of mate choice based on ornamental color traits in sexually monomorphic species are less common. We conducted manipulative field experiments on two color ornaments of king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus), the size of auricular patches of orange feathers and degree of UV reflectance from beak spots, to determine how the degree of ornamentation influenced pairing rate. In a reduction of auricular patch size, females paired significantly more quickly than males in both control and experimental samples. When this bias was taken into account statistically, pairing of individuals with reduced auricular patches was significantly delayed. We also reduced, but did not eliminate, UV reflectance from beak spots by applying a UV filter; no sex difference in pairing rate was evident in this experiment. Treated birds paired significantly more slowly than untreated control individuals, taking more than a week longer to pair on average than their unmanipulated counterparts, a result that was significant for males and approached significance for females. Our results may indicate mutual mate choice via UV reflectance of the beak spot. Given that this is a species where breeding is extremely slow and considerable investment by both males and females is required for successful reproduction, our results support the hypothesis that in such species, sexual selection might act on the same ornament in both sexes.
Analyses of the cis‐Regulatory Regions Responsible for the Transcriptional Activation of the N Resistance Gene by Tobacco mosaic virus
Authors: Kobayashi Michie , Ishihama Nobuaki , Yoshioka Hirofumi , Takabatake Reona , Tsuda Shinya , Seo Shigemi , Ohashi Yuko , Mitsuhara Ichiro 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAlthough the tobacco N gene, which confers resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), is transcriptionally induced by infection with TMV, the regulatory mechanism has not previously been elucidated. We found that a 5′‐flanking region of the N gene exhibits TMV‐inducible promoter activity and that the region from −290 to −271 includes a cis‐acting element in response to infection. The activity required N protein and signal components of N‐mediated resistance. These results suggest that transcription of the N gene is positively regulated by N‐mediated resistance signalling.
Objective Sperm Motion Analysis to Assess Dairy Bull Fertility Using Computer‐Aided System – A Review
Authors: Kathiravan P , Kalatharan J , Karthikeya G , Rengarajan K , Kadirvel G 
Published: April 2010

ContentsMotility is one of the most important characteristics associated with the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa and is an expression of their viability and structural integrity. Computer‐assisted semen analyser (CASA) provides precise and accurate information on different sperm motion characteristics. This article reviews various aspects of computer‐aided motility analysis of bull sperm like sample preparation, standardization of instrument settings, importance of various motility parameters evaluated by the system and its impact on basic functional studies of spermatozoa. It gives special emphasis to various aspects of bull sperm motion analysis especially sub‐populations of spermatozoa, hyper‐activation, motion characteristic in different genetic and age groups, etc. and their utility in predicting the fertility of dairy bulls. The need to fill the gap in research and the necessity of universal standardization of the equipment has been discussed.
Neuronal Responses in the Brainstem and Hypothalamic Nuclei Following Insulin Treatment During the Late Follicular Phase in the Ewe
Authors: Ghuman SPS , Morris R , Scherzer J , Routly JE , Mobasheri A , Smith RF , Dobson H 
Published: April 2010

ContentsThe aim of this study was to determine the neuronal responses following insulin administration during the late follicular phase. Intact ewes were given either saline or insulin (5 IU/kg, i.v.) at 35 h after progesterone withdrawal and killed 3 h later. There was a marked increase in the number of Fos‐positive noradrenergic neurones in the caudal brainstem of insulin‐treated ewes. In the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, insulin treatment increased the presence of Fos‐positive corticotrophin‐releasing hormone neurones (from 2% to 98%) and Fos‐positive arginine vasopressin parvocellular neurones (from 2% to 46%). Interestingly, after insulin treatment, despite a general increase in Fos‐positive neurones in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), there was a marked reduction (from 47% to 1%) in Fos‐positive β‐endorphin neurones. Similarly, colocalized Fos and oestradiol receptor (ER) α‐positive neurones decreased in the ARC after insulin (from 7% to 3%). Conversely, in the ventromedial nucleus, ERα‐positive neurones with Fos increased (from 7% to 22%) alongside a general increase in Fos‐positive neurones. Overall, a complex system of neurones in brainstem and hypothalamus is activated following insulin administration during the late follicular phase.
Use of Laparoscopy for the Evaluation of the Reproductive Status of Tench (Tinca tinca)
Authors: Macrì F , Rapisarda G , Marino G , De Majo M , Aiudi G 
Published: April 2010

ContentsThe aim of the study was to evaluate the use of laparoscopy for the assessment of the reproductive tract and stage of gonadal development of the tench (Tinca tinca). Laparoscopy was carried out from February to March 2009, on 30 anesthetized tenchs, 15 males and 15 females, of approximately 250 g bodyweight and 30 cm length, using a 1.9‐mm rigid cystoscope. Male and female gonads, attached to the swim bladder, were visualized. Testes were orange with a striped appearance. Mature ovaries were cluster‐shaped and whitish. Histological samples were collected, from the reproductive organs of both the sexes, with a forceps and showed the presence of gametes at different stages of maturity. The application of this minimally invasive diagnostic imaging technique could clinically be used as a powerful tool to evaluate the gender and to establish the reproductive status of tench and other fish.
Effect of the Medium Replacement Interval on the Viability, Growth and In Vitro Maturation of Isolated Caprine and Ovine Pre‐Antral Follicles
Authors: Magalhães DM , Fernandes DD , Mororó MBS , Silva CMG , Rodrigues GQ , Bruno JB , Matos MHT , Campello CC , Figueiredo JR 
Published: April 2010

ContentsThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different medium replacement intervals on the viability, antral cavity formation, growth and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes from caprine and ovine pre‐antral follicles. Pre‐antral ovarian follicles (≥150 μm) were isolated from the ovarian cortex of goats and sheep and were individually cultured for 24 days using two different medium replacement intervals [2 days (T1) or 6 days (T2)]. Follicle development was evaluated on the basis of antral cavity formation, increases in follicular diameter and the presence of healthy cumulus oocyte complexes and fully grown oocytes. For caprine species, results showed a higher percentage (p < 0.05) of viable follicles in T1 than T2 from day 6 until the end of the culture. In addition, when comparing both treatments after the same culture duration, the rate of antrum formation was significantly higher in T1 than in T2 from day 12 onwards. Yet, in ovines, when both treatments were compared on day 24 of the culture, there were more viable follicles in T2 than in T1 (p < 0.05). In the caprine species, percentages of fully grown oocytes (≥110 μm) acceptable for IVM after 24 days of culture were significantly higher in normal follicles cultured in T1 (30.0%) than in T2 (6.7%; p < 0.05). On the other hand, in ovines, at the end of the culture, the percentage of oocytes destined for IVM was higher in T2 than in T1 (23.5% vs 2.9%; p < 0.05). In conclusion, under the same conditions, the frequency of medium replacement significantly affected the in vitro development of caprine and ovine pre‐antral follicles. To improve the efficiency of the culture system, the medium must be replaced every 2 and 6 days for goat and sheep pre‐antral follicles, respectively.
Plasma Cortisol Concentrations after CIDR Insertion in Beef Cows
Authors: Long ST , Thinh NC , Yusuf M , Nakao T 
Published: April 2010

ContentsThe objective of this study was to show plasma cortisol concentration after treatment with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) in non‐suckling beef cows. On day 9 after oestrus, two cows were inserted with CIDR into the vagina for 24 h and the other two cows were treated as a control group. Four days later, the two control cows were treated with CIDR and the other two CIDR‐treated cows were used as controls. Cortisol concentrations were determined by ELISA in plasma samples collected before, during and after insertion of CIDR. There was a significant increase in plasma cortisol concentrations (p < 0.01) after insertion of CIDR. Mean (±SEM) plasma cortisol concentrations increased from 1.3 ± 0.4 to a peak of 8.8 ± 1.1 ng/ml at 5 h and then decreased to basal concentrations at 7 h after insertion of the device. In conclusion, the insertion of intra‐vaginal device causes an increase in plasma cortisol concentrations in beef cows, although the pathophysiological significance of the elevation of cortisol is not known.
Quantification, Morphology and Ultrastructure of Preantral Follicles of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Foetuses
Authors: Santos SSD , Ferreira MAP , Lima MYS , Sampaio RV , Cordeiro MS , Silva TVG , Costa NN , Miranda MS , Ohashi OM 
Published: April 2010

ContentsThe objective of this study was to determine the number, morphology and ultrastructure of preantral ovarian follicles of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) foetuses at different ages. Quantification revealed number of primordial, primary and secondary follicles of 48 857 ± 17 506, 26 000 ± 20 452, 18 428 ± 10 875 and 18 375 ± 19 690, 225 ± 349, 326 ± 288 at 12–34 cm and 35–60 cm crown rump length (CRL), respectively. Follicular diameter values were 28.9 (±3.4), 34.7 (±5.9) and 59.4 (±12.6) μm; oocyte diameters were 21.7 (±2.8), 24.3 (±3.4) and 33.0 (±7.7) μm, and the numbers of follicular cells in the follicle equatorial section were 7.1 (±1.4), 12.0 (±2.4) and 13.8 (±2.4) for primordial, primary and secondary follicles, respectively. The primordial follicle consisted of an oocyte surrounded by a layer of flattened follicular cells with a normally eccentric oocyte nucleus. Dispersed Golgi complex, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rounded mitochondria and several lipid vesicles were observed in the cytoplasm and cell junctions between the follicle cell membranes and the oocyte. This work describes the number, morphometry and ultrastructure of preantral follicles of buffalo foetuses, concluding that folliculogenesis is established between 8 and 34 cm CRL and that follicle number varies individually and according to age and that further studies are needed in this species.
Corticosteroid phobia and other confounders in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis explored using parent focus groups
Authors: Smith Saxon D , Hong Esther , Fearns Samantha , Blaszczynski Alex , Fischer Gayle 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTBackground/Objectives:  Anxieties associated with corticosteroid treatment and preference for ‘safer natural therapy’ are common in parents of children with atopic dermatitis. We used focus groups to explore the source of these attitudes.Methods:  The study involved 16 parents. Parents expressed difficulties with living with and treating atopic dermatitis which were categorized into themes using qualitative data analysis software.Results:  Themes identified include: emotional impact of atopic dermatitis; difficulty in accepting ‘control’ verses ‘cure’; topical corticosteroid negative perceptions; anxiety and confusion with treatment; preference for ‘natural’ therapy; and attitude‐changing positive experiences.Conclusions:  Our findings illustrate the emotional impact of atopic dermatitis and the frustration with the lack of potential cure. ‘Corticosteroid phobia’ was universal among parents in our cohort and is a fear generated by doctors, pharmacists, close acquaintances and information from the internet. Participants expressed high levels of parental guilt linked to a desire for an eradicable ‘cause’ for atopic dermatitis, despite intellectually understanding this is a genetically determined condition. Parents were willing to change attitudes with accurate information from perceived reliable sources, positive hospitalization experiences and a relationship with a trusted dermatologist. Parents' suggestions to improve confidence included the provision of readily available information and better access to doctor‐ and nurse‐led paediatric dermatology services.
Factors influencing the processing of visual information from non‐verbal communications
Authors: Matsumoto Kenya , Shibata Sanae , Seiji Shimosato , Mori Chizuru , Shioe Kunihiko 
Published: April 2010

Aims:  This paper examines the relationship between observational behavior and the observers' result assumptions, using a contained diagram that includes significant non‐verbal information, such as gestures. The ability of care workers to assess a patient's mental status on the basis of non‐verbal information would be considered an important skill necessary to understanding patient condition.Methods:  One hundred and eleven subjects were asked to take a test exploring two types of psychological status, and their eye movements were monitored during testing. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships among eye movements, individual personalities, and test results.Results:  In stimulus 1, the neuroticism of the personality was determined. In stimulus 2, openness was determined in the range of eye movement. There is a relationship between the total length of eye fixation time and the answer time at the eye fixation point. Although there was no significant influence found in stimulus 1, the openness still tended to influence the eye fixation point.Conclusions:  The eye fixation point increased among those people with high openness scores. It was theorized that they attempted to obtain information from the stimulus being provided.