bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bias in genomic predictions for populations under selection
Authors: VITEZICA Z. G. , AGUILAR I. , MISZTAL I. , LEGARRA A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryPrediction of genetic merit or disease risk using genetic marker information is becoming a common practice for selection of livestock and plant species. For the successful application of genome-wide marker-assisted selection (GWMAS), genomic predictions should be accurate and unbiased. The effect of selection on bias and accuracy of genomic predictions was studied in two simulated animal populations under weak or strong selection and with several heritabilities. Prediction of genetic values was by best-linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) using data either from relatives summarized in pseudodata for genotyped individuals (multiple-step method) or using all available data jointly (single-step method). The single-step method combined genomic- and pedigree-based relationship matrices. Predictions by the multiple-step method were biased. Predictions by a single-step method were less biased and more accurate but under strong selection were less accurate. When genomic relationships were shifted by a constant, the single-step method was unbiased and the most accurate. The value of that constant, which adjusts for non-random selection of genotyped individuals, can be derived analytically.
The covariance of heterozygosity as a measure of linkage disequilibrium between blocks of linked and unlinked sites in Hapmap
Authors: SVED JOHN A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe covariance of heterozygosity serves as a measure of linkage disequilibrium (LD) between genes at two loci, although one that does not have as much information as a parameter such asr2. However, it may be extended to blocks of loci (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) along a chromosome. This has two advantages when searching for significant associations between different chromosomal regions. Calculations for a data set such as Hapmap are complicated by the large number of pairs of loci (SNPs) that need to be considered. For example, a search for significant associations between SNPs on different chromosomes involves around 1012calculations for a single population. Furthermore, this may not be an efficient way of detecting associations sincer2values calculated from neighbouring pairs will not be independent of each other. The covariance of heterozygosity provides an average measure of association between blocks of any size, and reduces the number of calculations by a factor ofb2, wherebis the block size. Unlike the calculation ofr2, the covariance of heterozygosity uses just diploid data and is not biased by sample size. Calculations using a block size of 50 have been used to look for associations in the Hapmap data set between regions within and between chromosomes. Within chromosomes, a signal is detected up to around 10 cM. No obviously significant associations have been detected between regions on different chromosomes, although there is a low level of association consistent with departures from random mating.
VARIATION OF HUMAN SEX RATIOS AT BIRTH BY THE SEX COMBINATIONS OF THE EXISTING SIBS, AND BY REPRODUCTIVE STOPPING RULES: COMMENTS ON GARENNE (2009)
Authors: JAMES WILLIAM H. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryGarenne (2009) presented data on the sex ratio of a present birth by the numbers of previous brothers and sisters. In unisexual sibships, the probability of a further girl increases with the number of previous girls; and the probability of a further boy increases with the number of previous boys. Garenne noted that there is an asymmetry in that the effect is stronger with regard to girls than boys. He was uncertain of the cause of this. Here I suggest a potential solution to this problem. Garenne also seems to imply that parental reproductive stopping rules cause heterogeneity of sex ratios. I suggest that they may reveal it – but do not cause it. Moreover, I suggest that the effects of such stopping rules may be counter-intuitive.
Invasive species threat: parasite phylogenetics reveals patterns and processes of host-switching between non-native and native captive freshwater turtles
Authors: VERNEAU O. , PALACIOS C. , PLATT T. , ALDAY M. , BILLARD E. , ALLIENNE J.-F. , BASSO C. , DU PREEZ L. H. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYOne of the major threats to biodiversity involves biological invasions with direct consequences on the stability of ecosystems. In this context, the role of parasites is not negligible as it may enhance the success of invaders. The red-eared slider,Trachemys scripta elegans, has been globally considered among the worst invasive species. Since its introduction through the pet trade,T. s. elegansis now widespread and represents a threat for indigenous species. BecauseT. s. eleganscoexists withEmys orbicularisandMauremys leprosain Europe, it has been suggested it may compete with the native turtle species and transmit pathogens. We examined parasite transfer from American captive to the two native species that co-exist in artificial pools of a Turtle Farm in France. As model parasite species we used platyhelminth worms of the family Polystomatidae (Monogenea) because polystomes have been described from American turtles in their native range. Phylogenetic relationships among polystomes parasitizing chelonian host species that are geographically widespread show patterns of diversification more complex than expected. Using DNA barcoding to identify species from adult and/or polystome eggs, several cases of host switching from exotic to indigenous individuals were illustrated, corroborating that parasite transmission is important when considering the pet trade and in reintroduction programmes to reinforce wild populations of indigenous species.
Immunological footprint: the development of a child's immune system in environments rich in microorganisms and parasites
Authors: DJUARDI YENNY , WAMMES LINDA J. , SUPALI TANIAWATI , SARTONO ERLIYANI , YAZDANBAKHSH MARIA 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYThe shaping of a child's immune system startsin utero, with possible long-term consequences in later life. This review highlights the studies conducted on the development of the immune system in early childhood up to school-age, discussing the impact that environmental factors may have. Emphasis has been put on studies conducted in geographical regions where exposure to micro-organisms and parasites are particularly high, and the effect that maternal exposures to these may have on an infant's immune responses to third-party antigens. In this respect we discuss the effect on responses to vaccines, co-infections and on the development of allergic disorders. In addition, studies of the impact that such environmental factors may have on slightly older (school) children are highlighted emphasizing the need for large studies in low to middle income countries, that are sufficiently powered and have longitudinal follow-up components to understand the immunological footprint of a child and the consequences throughout life.
An evaluation of melarsomine hydrochloride efficacy for parasitological cure in experimental infection of dairy cattle with Trypanosoma evansi in Thailand
Authors: DESQUESNES MARC , KAMYINGKIRD KETSARIN , VERGNE TIMOTHÉE , SARATAPHAN NACHAI , PRANEE RODTIAN , JITTAPALAPONG SATHAPORN 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYMelarsomine hydrochloride can cure Trypanosoma evansi infection in camels at a dose of 0·25 mg/kg, but at that dose relapses occur in cattle. In our study, the efficacy of an intramuscular injection of melarsomine hydrochloride at 0·5 mg/kg was assessed in 3 normal and 3 splenectomized dairy cattle experimentally infected with a stock of T. evansi from Thailand. The animals were monitored for 5 months by haematocrit centrifugation, blood- or cerebrospinal fluid-mouse inoculation, polymerase chain reaction, the card agglutination test (CATT) for T. evansi, and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay‑T. evansi. Parasitological and DNA tests became and remained negative just after treatment. By the end of the experiment, CATT was negative and ELISA scores were below or very close to the cut-off value. One of the splenectomized cattle died from anaplasmosis during the experiment, but tested negative for surra. It was concluded that the parasites had been cleared from the cattle, and melarsomine hydrochloride at 0·5 mg/kg can be recommended for treatment against T. evansi infection in dairy cattle in Thailand. Further work is necessary to validate the efficacy of the treatment in the event of confirmed CSF-infection.
Characterization of monomeric DNA-binding protein Histone H1 inLeishmania braziliensis
Authors: CARMELO EMMA , GONZÁLEZ GLORIA , CRUZ TERESA , OSUNA ANTONIO , HERNÁNDEZ MARIANO , VALLADARES BASILIO 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYHistone H1 inLeishmaniapresents relevant differences compared to higher eukaryote counterparts, such as the lack of a DNA-binding central globular domain. Despite that, it is apparently fully functional since its differential expression levels have been related to changes in chromatin condensation and infectivity, among other features. The localization and the aggregation state ofL. braziliensisH1 has been determined by immunolocalization, mass spectrometry, cross-linking and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Analysis of H1 sequences from theLeishmaniaGenome Database revealed that our protein is included in a very divergent group of histones H1 that is present only inL. braziliensis.An antibody raised against recombinantL. braziliensisH1 recognized specifically that protein by immunoblot inL. braziliensisextracts, but not in otherLeishmaniaspecies, a consequence of the sequence divergences observed amongLeishmaniaspecies. Mass spectrometry analysis andin vitroDNA-binding experiments have also proven thatL. braziliensisH1 is monomeric in solution, but oligomerizes upon binding to DNA. Finally, despite the lack of a globular domain,L. braziliensisH1 is able to form complexes with DNAin vitro, with higher affinity for supercoiled compared to linear DNA.
The role of treatment delay in predicting 5-year outcomes in an early intervention program
Authors: Norman R. M. G. , Manchanda R. , Windell D. , Harricharan R. , Northcott S. , Hassall L. 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundPast research on the relationship between treatment delay and outcomes for first-episode psychosis has primarily focused on the role of duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in predicting symptomatic outcomes up to 2 years. In the current study we examine the influence of both DUP and duration of untreated illness (DUI) on symptoms and functioning at 5 years follow-up while controlling for other early characteristics.MethodA total of 132 patients with first-episode psychosis and treated in an early intervention program were prospectively followed up for 5 years. Outcomes assessed included positive and negative symptoms, overall functioning, weeks on disability pension and weeks of full-time competitive employment.ResultsWhile DUP showed a significant correlation with level of positive symptoms at follow-up, this was not independent of pre-morbid social adjustment. DUI emerged as a more robust independent predictor of negative symptoms, social and occupational functioning and use of a disability pension.ConclusionsDelay between onset of non-specific symptoms and treatment may be a more important influence on long-term functioning for first-episode patients than DUP. This suggests the possible value of treating such signs and symptoms as early as possible regardless of the effectiveness of such interventions in reducing likelihood or severity of psychotic symptoms.
Concepts and religious experiences: Wayne Proudfoot on the cultural construction of experiences
Authors: BUSH STEPHEN S. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe constructivist position, that mystical experiences are determined by the experiencer's cultural context, is now more prevalent among scholars of religion than the perennialist position, which maintains that mystical experiences have a common core that is cross-culturally universal. In large part, this is due to the efforts of Wayne Proudfoot in his widely accepted book,Religious Experience. In this article, I identify some significant unresolved issues in Proudfoot's defence of constructivism. My aim is not to defend perennialism, but to specify some objections to the constructivist thesis that constructivists need to address more adequately.
Older People in Canada: Their Victimization and Fear of Crime
Authors: Hayman Stephanie 
Published: July 2011

RÉSUMÉLes personnes âgées sont davantage touchées par la peur du crime et de la victimisation, tout en étant à faible risque pour les dommages que n’importe quel autre groupe de la population canadienne. Le crime, la victimisation et la peur ne sont pas ressentis d’une manière uniforme chez les citoyens canadiens et résidents plus âgées, en partie parce que les personnes âgées ne forment pas un groupe homogène. Faire partie d’une minorité ethnique, religieuse ou sexuelle, ou d’être fragile mentalement, peuvent avoir un impact sur la perception et l’expérience du risque d’un individu. Cette analyse explore la victimisation des personnes âgées, tout en soulignant le manque de cohérence dans les données disponibles.
Social Support, Caregiving, and Aging
Authors: Chappell Neena L. , Funk Laura M. 
Published: July 2011

RÉSUMÉCet article examine la littérature internationale rédigée en anglais sur le thème du soutien social et des soins gérontologiques depuis le début des années 1990. La littérature s’est développée, mais il manque de consensus sur le sens des termes et sur la mesure. L’intérêt reste une constante pour l’aide pratique, les prestations de soutien social, et la demande et les résultats négatifs pour les aidants, avec de plus en plus de questions plus théoriques, auxquelles on accorde de moins en moins d’importance, sur les résultats négatifs du soutien reçu, ainsi que sur les conséquences positives de la prestation de soins. Le soutien social, néanmoins, est dûment reconnu comme un déterminant social de la santé et reçoit l’attention au niveau des politiques—qui sont tous deux d’importants changements à partir de deux décennies—et ajoutent a l’intérêt ce domaine recevra de chercheurs dans les décennies à venir. Il reste de nombreuses questions sans réponses quant à l’évolution du contexte sociétal, mais il est clair que le soutien social des personnes – y compris la vieillesse et tout au long de la vie – se poursuivra dans l’avenir, quoique dans des formes toujours renouvelées.
Acute Chikungunya and persistent musculoskeletal pain following the 2006 Indian epidemic: a 2-year prospective rural community study
Authors: CHOPRA A. , ANURADHA V. , GHORPADE R. , SALUJA M. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYChikungunya virus (CHIKV) data from population studies are sparse. During the 2006 epidemic, 509 clinical cases (43% attack rate) were identified in a village survey (West India); laboratory investigations demonstrated normal blood cell counts, elevated acute-phase reactants [erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] and excluded malaria and dengue. Acute CHIKV was characterized by high fever, severe peripheral polyarthralgias, axial myalgias and intense fatigue in over 90% of cases; skin rash (34%) and headache (19%) were uncommon. There were 49% and 62% of survey cases seropositive for IgM (rapid assay) and IgG (immunofluorescence) anti-CHIKV antibodies, respectively. Sixty-five percent of cases recovered within 4 weeks. None of the cases died. Of the population, 4·1% and 1·6% suffered from persistent rheumatic pains, predominantly non-specific, at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Chronic inflammatory arthritis was uncommon (0·3% at 1 year) although serum IL-6 often remained elevated in chronic cases. A larger population study is required to describe post-CHIKV rheumatism and its prognosis.
Comparing two definitions of ethnicity for identifying young persons at risk for chlamydia
Authors: HAASNOOT A. , KOEDIJK F. D. H. , DE COUL E. L. M. OP , GÖTZ H. M. , VAN DER SANDE M. A. B. , VAN DEN BROEK I. V. F. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYEthnic disparities in chlamydia infections in The Netherlands were assessed, in order to compare two definitions of ethnicity: ethnicity based on country of birth and self-defined ethnicity. Chlamydia positivity in persons aged 16–29 years was investigated using data from the first round of the Chlamydia Screening Implementation (CSI, 2008–2009) and surveillance data from STI centres (2009). Logistic regression modelling showed that being an immigrant was associated with chlamydia positivity in both CSI [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2·3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·0–2·6] and STI centres (aOR 1·4, 95% CI 1·3–1·5). In both settings, 60% of immigrants defined themselves as Dutch. Despite the difference, classification by self-defined ethnicity resulted in similar associations between (non-Dutch) ethnicity and chlamydia positivity. However, ethnicity based on country of birth explained variation in chlamydia positivity better, and is objective and constant over time and therefore more useful for identifying young persons at higher risk for chlamydia infection.
Alzheimer's disease is TH17 related autoimmune disease against misfolded beta amyloid
Authors: Hu Wan-Jiung 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAlzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder. However, its exact etiology is still unknown. There were several mechanisms proposed such as the tau hypothesis and amyloid hypothesis. However, there is evidence challenging the above two hypotheses. Here, I propose the immune-amyloid hypothesis as a mechanism for Alzheimer's disease. Th17 related autoimmunity contributes to the disease pathogenesis. Accumulation of misfolded beta amyloid can trigger heat shock protein which in turn induces TH17 immunity. By microarray analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, there is up-regulation of many TH17 related molecules after Alzheimer's disease. After knowing the exact disease pathogenesis, we can develop new therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat the detrimental disorder.
Development and Evaluation of an Efficient Process for the Detoxification of Jatropha Oil and Meal
Authors: Gaur Sarthak , Viswanathan Balaji , Seemamahannop Rachadaporn , Kapila Shubhender , Book Neil 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe poster deals with an often mentioned bioenergy plant - Jatopha curcas. The potential of the plant as a sustainable energy source has been hampered by toxicity of its oil and protein rich seeds. The research done by our group describes a simple process for detoxification of the protein rich Jatropha meal thereby making it suitable for animal feed. The process will accelerate use of Jatropha as an energy and feed source thereby enhancing its economic viability.
Preoperative Nasal Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Status, Surgical Prophylaxis, and Risk-Adjusted Postoperative Outcomes in Veterans
Authors: Gupta Kalpana , Strymish Judith , Abi-Haidar Youmna , Williams Sandra A. , Itani Kamal M. F. 
Published: July 2011

Objectives.To determine whether preoperative nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage is a significant predictor of postoperative infections, after accounting for surgical infection risk and surgical prophylaxis.Design.Retrospective cohort study.Patients.Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston patients who had nasal MRSA polymerase chain reaction screening performed in the 31 days before clean or clean contaminated surgery in 2008–2009.Methods.Postoperative MRSA clinical cultures and infections, total surgical site infections (SSIs), and surgical prophylaxis data were abstracted from administrative databases. MRSA infections were confirmed via chart review. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for each outcome was conducted using Poisson regression. SSI risk index was calculated for a subset of 1,551 patients assessed by the VA National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.Results.Among 4,238 eligible patients, 279 (6.6%) were positive for preoperative nasal MRSA. Postoperative MRSA clinical cultures and infections, including MRSA SSIs, were each significantly increased in patients with preoperative nasal MRSA. After adjustment for surgery type, vancomycin prophylaxis, chlorhexidine/alcohol surgical skin preparation, and SSI risk index, preoperative nasal MRSA remained significantly associated with postoperative MRSA cultures (relative risk [RR], 8.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.01–25.82) and infections (RR, 8.46; 95% CI, 1.70–42.04). Vancomycin prophylaxis was associated with an increased risk of total SSI in those negative for nasal MRSA (RR, 4.34; 95% CI, 2.19–8.57) but not in patients positive for nasal MRSA.Conclusions.In our population, preoperative nasal MRSA colonization was independently associated with MRSA clinical cultures and infections in the postoperative period. Vancomycin prophylaxis increased the risk of total SSI in nasal MRSA-negative patients.
Trends in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Adult Intensive Care Units—United States, 1990–2007
Authors: Burton Deron C. , Edwards Jonathan R. , Srinivasan Arjun , Fridkin Scott K. , Gould Carolyn V. 
Published: July 2011

Background.Over the past 2 decades, multiple interventions have been developed to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The CAUTI prevention guidelines of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee were recently revised.Objective.To examine changes in rates of CAUTI events in adult intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States from 1990 through 2007.Methods.Data were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System from 1990 through 2004 and the National Healthcare Safety Network from 2006 through 2007. Infection preventionists in participating hospitals used standard methods to identify all CAUTI events (categorized as symptomatic urinary tract infection [SUTI] or asymptomatic bacteriuria [ASB]) and urinary catheter–days (UC-days) in months selected for surveillance. Data from all facilities were aggregated to calculate pooled mean annual SUTI and ASB rates (in events per 1,000 UC-days) by ICU type. Poisson regression was used to estimate percent changes in rates over time.Results.Overall, 36,282 SUTIs and 22,973 ASB episodes were reported from 367 facilities representing 1,223 adult ICUs, including combined medical/surgical (505), medical (212), surgical (224), coronary (173), and cardiothoracic (109) ICUs. All ICU types experienced significant declines of 19%–67% in SUTI rates and 29%–72% in ASB rates from 1990 through 2007. Between 2000 and 2007, significant reductions in SUTI rates occurred in all ICU types except cardiothoracic ICUs.Conclusions.Since 1990, CAUTI rates have declined significantly in all major adult ICU types in facilities reporting to the CDC. Further efforts are needed to assess prevention strategies that might have led to these decreases and to implement new CAUTI prevention guidelines.