bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigations on functional traits in Simmental: 1. Treatment costs for ten different diseases
Authors: Reinsch N. , Dempfle L. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryAll health‐related events and treatment costs (by veterinarian and non‐veterinarian) were recorded through fortnightly interviews with the herdsmen of 104 Simmental dairy farms in Upper Bavaria from autumn 1987 to spring 1990. The data include 8381 calvings and the subsequent time period. For ten different disease‐classes the sum of all treatment costs from calving up to either the subsequent calving or up to culling were computed. A multiplicative model with three covariates was fitted to these observations. The covariates are farm, parity and type of end of lactation (culling or subsequent calving). Farm effects are significant for almost all diseases. The average sum of treatment costs per calving with an associated disease was estimated as the average expected value for this sum, where averaging is over the farms. These costs range from 29 DM (claw disorders) up to 137 DM (dystocia). The average costs per calving (with or without disease) range from 1.59 DM (injuries of the udder) to 10.90 DM (fertility problems). Corresponding costs per cow and year are 1.74 DM and 12.24 DM.ZusammenfassungAuf 104 Fleckviehbetrieben wurden insgesamt 8381 Kalbungen, alle auf diese Kalbungen folgenden Erkrankungen und die zugehörigen Behandlungskosten erhoben. Für zehn verschiedene Erkrankungsarten wurden jeweils alle Behandlungskosten innerhalb einer Zwischenkalbezit aufsummiert. An diese Beobachtungswerte wurde jeweils ein multiplikatives Modell mit den Einflußfaktoren Betrieb, Laktationsnumner und Art der Zwischenkalbezeit (beendet durch Kalbung bzw. durch Abgang) angepßt. Im Gegensatz zu den beiden anderen Faktoren erweist sich der Betrieb bei fast allen Erkrankungsarten als signifikant. Die durchschnittlichen Kosten innerhalb einer betroffenen Zwischenkalbezeit wurden als durchschnittlicher Erwartungswert über alle Betriebe berechnet. Diese Kosten liegen je nach Erkrankungsart in einem Bereich, der von ca. 29 DM (Klauenerkrankungen) bis zu ca. 137 DM (Schwergeburt) reicht. Umgerechnet auf eine beliebige Kalbung (mit oder ohne folgende Erkrankung) entstehen Kosten zwischen 1,59 DM (Euterverletzungen) und 10,90 DM (Fruchtbarkeitsprobleme). Je Kuh und Jahr betragen die entsprechenden Werte 1,74 DM und 12,24 DM.
Association of genetic variants of bovine growth hormone with milk production traits in Holstein cattle
Authors: Sabour M. P. , Lin C. Y. , Smith C. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryGene and genotype frequencies of alleles, identified by PCR/RFLP technology, at leucine 127/valine127 (L/V) and C/D loci of the growth hormone gene of Ayrshire, Holstein and Jersey breeds were determined. The frequency of the V allele at the L/V mutation locus was 0.29, 0.09 and 0.24 for the Ayrshire, Holstein and Jersey breeds, respectively. The frequencies of the D allele at the C/D mutation locus were 0.00, 0.13 and 0.30 for the three breeds, respectively. Different growth hormone genotypes of Holstein AI bulls were compared for their estimated transmitting abilities (ETA) of milk, fat and protein yields using the samples of unrelated bulls and samples of the top, medium and bottom groups of ETA. The L/V locus was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with fat and protein ETAs of the selected groups and approached significance (p = 0.06) for milk ETA, with the V allele being more frequent in the top than in the bottom group of bulls. The C/D polymorphic locus was significantly (p = 0.02) associated with differences among the top, middle and bottom groups of bulls for milk ETA, but not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with fat and protein ETAs. The results suggest a possible association of growth hormone gene polymorphism with milk production traits in Holstein bulls. However, the results were not conclusive due to the small sample size and low frequencies of the V and D alleles. Much larger sample sizes are needed to obtain a reasonable number of VV and DD genotypes for a critical comparison.ZusammenfassungZusammenhang genetischer Varianten des Rinderwachstumshormons mit Milchleistungsmerkmalen bei Holstein RindernGene und Genotyp Frequenzen von Allelen, identifiziert mittels PCR/RFLP Technik, an Leucin127/Valin127 (L/V) und C/D Loci des Wachtumshormon Genes wurden bei Ayrshire, Holstein und Jerseys bestimmt. Die Häufigkeiten des V Alleles waren 0.29, 0.09 und 0.24, jene des D Alleles 0, 0.13, und 0.30 bei den drei Rassen. Der Vergleich verschiedener Genotypen bei Holstein KB Stieren hinsichtlich geschätzter Nachkommenüberlegenheit (ETA) für Milch, Fett und Protein Mengen umfaßte Stiere mit hohen, mittleren und niedrigen ETA. Der L/V Locus zeigte statistisch signifikanten Einfluß bei Fettund ProteinETA und p = 0.06 bei Milch, wobei das V Allel in der Spitzengruppe häufiger als bei neidrigen war. Der C/D Locus war signifikant (p<0.02) mit Unterschieden hinsichtlich Milch, nicht aber mit jenen hinsichtlich Fett und Protein assoziiert. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf Zusammenhänge, jedoch beinträchtigt geringe Zahl der Tiere und niedrige Häufigkeit der V und D Allele allgemeine und bindende Schlußfolgerungen.
Use of molecular markers for the identification of River Buffalo chromosomes: chromosome one
Authors: Nahas S. M. El , Oraby H. O. , Othman O. E. , Hondt H. A. de , Bosma A. A. , Womack J. E. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryA standard karyotype for the River Buffalo has recently been established. The largest five chromosomes are biarmed and, based on the banding homology between cattle and buffalo chromosomes, were suggested to originate from the fusion of cattle acrocentric chromosomes. The origin of buffalo chromosome 1 is controversial due to the difficulty in differentiating between the small acrocentric cattle chromosomes. Using molecular markers assigned to cattle chromosomes, synteny between CD18, a marker for BTA1, and markers for small acrocentric cattle chromosomes BTA 24 to BTA 29 was investigated in buffalo/hamster somatic cell hybrids. The investigation revealed that CD18 is syntenic with ANT1, a marker for cattle chromosome 27. The present results confirm that buffalo BBU1 results from fusion of cattle BTA 1 and BTA 27. They also underline the importance of biarmed buffalo chromosomes for the identification of small cattle acrocentrics.
Advances and Prospects in Wheat Eyespot Research: Contributions from Genetics and Molecular Tools
Authors: Wei Le , Muranty Helene , Zhang Huaigang 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEyespot disease caused by the soil‐borne facultative fungi Oculimacula yallundae and O. acuformis is the major component of the stem‐base disease complex of wheat in temperate regions of the world with a cool and wet climate. In this review, we focus on results of genetic studies concerning both partners of the host–pathogen interaction. This comprises analyses of genetic diversity of the pathogen and identification of particular genes within it, evaluation and screening methods for host resistance, resistance sources and genetics of these resistances, breeding of resistant cultivars in wheat, and application of genetic markers in tagging and tracking of eyespot resistance genes. We also attempt to foresee some of the key issues and developments that may occur in future. The identification of markers tightly linked to eyespot resistance genes is the important research focus opening the door to marker‐assisted selection of resistant varieties.
Helicobacter pylori infection and histological changes in siblings of young gastric cancer patients
Authors: Nam Ji Hyung , Choi Il Ju , Cho Soo‐Jeong , Kim Chan Gyoo , Lee Jong Yeul , Nam Su Youn , Park Sook Ryun , Kook Myeong‐Cherl , Nam Byung‐Ho , Kim Young‐Woo 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Helicobacter pylori infection is a risk factor for gastric cancer. We evaluated whether H. pylori infection and premalignant histological changes are more prevalent in siblings of young gastric cancer patients.Methods:  Young (age ≤ 40) gastric cancer patients (n = 185), their young siblings (n = 130), and young control participants (n = 287) were recruited. H. pylori infection and histological changes were assessed using the updated Sydney system in biopsy specimens from three regions. We analyzed the association of H. pylori infection and histological changes with gastric cancer using logistic regression analysis.Results:  The H. pylori infection rate was significantly higher in young cancer patients than their siblings (odds ratio [OR] = 2.42, P = 0.001) or control participants (OR = 3.60, P < 0.001). In H. pylori‐infected subjects, corpus gastritis and premalignant changes of the corpus lesser curvature (LCv) were also more prevalent in patients than in siblings or controls. In terms of the antrum, intestinal metaplasia was more prevalent in H. pylori‐infected patients than in siblings or controls, while atrophy was not affected. Siblings also had a higher H. pylori infection rate (OR = 1.60, P = 0.046) and higher prevalence of intestinal metaplasia at the corpus LCv (OR = 2.88, P = 0.027) than control participants.Conclusions:  Even in young adults, H. pylori infection is a risk factor for gastric cancer. Young adults with histological findings including corpus predominant gastritis, corpus atrophy, or intestinal metaplasia are at increased risk. Since young siblings share risk factors, screening and treatment should be considered for these family members.
Are Scandinavian Countries Different? A Comparison of Relative Incomes for Older People in OECD Nations
Authors: Haynes Philip 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRecent research has cast some doubt on the consistency of models that isolate Scandinavian countries as different to other nations in terms of egalitarian welfare states. For example, it has been argued that if occupational welfare polices have their contribution to national welfare better accounted for in comparative models, or if there is a focus on specific aspects of welfare coverage, then Scandinavian welfare states look less different to other European countries.Using case‐based methods that try to balance the demand for generalizations and the qualitative integrity of the case, this research examines the specific case of income protection for the older population post‐retirement, to see if Scandinavian countries emerge as consistently different when compared with other OECD nations.Scandinavia can be clearly identified in a separate cluster, but it is not alone and other countries also share its similarities. In particular, Scandinavia emerges in a cluster that provides more income replacement and protection for women. In part, this is reinforced by the high rate of labour participation by women in Scandinavian countries. However, there is little evidence of Scandinavian countries retaining noticeable differences and divergence in income protection policies for men.
Gender Equality Revisited – Changes in Nordic Childcare Policies in the 2000s
Authors: Eydal Guðný Björk , Rostgaard Tine 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe Nordic childcare policy model is often reviewed and even recommended internationally for its contribution to gender equality, high female labour force participation and, perhaps more indirectly, to a high fertility rate. Nordic childcare services and parental leave schemes have thus been portrayed in the literature as policies which have managed to facilitate a work–family model of dual earners and dual carers. However, the recent introduction of cash‐for‐care schemes seems to go against the Nordic dual earner/dual carer model and ideals of gender equality, in supporting parental (maternal) care of the child in the home. At the same time, new upcoming trends of political fatherhood and the perspective of lifelong learning for the child are also changing the Nordic childcare model.This article provides an analysis of how new childcare policy goals have been articulated into policies from the late 1990s to the late 2000s and how these may challenge the traditional goals of the Nordic welfare states.
Swedish Family Policy – Continuity and Change in the Nordic Welfare State Model
Authors: Earles Kimberly 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe main question addressed in this regional issue is whether or not the Nordic welfare states can still be considered a distinct welfare regime cluster given recent changes, such as the introduction of more private elements into the welfare state. The Nordic welfare states are often described as emphasizing full employment, economic and gender equality, and universal access to cradle‐to‐grave welfare state benefits and services. In the case of Sweden, often pointed to as the model of a social democratic welfare state, such elements remain intact in most aspects of the welfare state, even given the challenges presented by the global neo‐liberal economic paradigm since the 1970s. One way to determine whether or not the Nordic welfare states remain a distinct cluster is to provide an in‐depth examination of various welfare state policies in each Nordic country. To contribute to this analysis, an investigation of family policy in the Swedish context will be provided. Even given recent challenges, such as the introduction of private for‐profit childcare providers and a home care allowance, I argue that Swedish family policy has remained largely social democratic in its underlying goals, and thus acts to support the case for a distinct Nordic welfare regime cluster.
Thrombophilia in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers‐a study on patients with or without post‐thrombotic syndrome
Authors: Zutt M. , Krüger U. , Rosenberger A. , Schön M.P. , Neumann C. , von Ahsen N. , Kretschmer L. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  Chronic venous leg ulcers (CVU) cause considerable burden of disease for the patients as well as enormous costs for health care systems. The pathophysiology of CVU is complex and not entirely understood. So far reliable pathogenic and/or prognostic parameters have not been identified.Objectives  We studied the role of thrombophilia in patients referred to a University dermatology department for treatment of CVU.Patients and methods  A cohort of 310 patients with active chronic venous leg ulcers (CEAP 6) was stratified into two comparably large groups according to the presence or absence of post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS+; PTS−) as determined using duplex scan and/or phlebography. In addition, several thrombophilia parameters were assessed.Results  The prevalence of protein S deficiency and factor V Leiden mutation was significantly higher in PTS+ patients compared with the PTS− group. However, patients in both subgroups revealed high prevalences of thrombophilia (antithrombin deficiency, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, activated protein C resistance, factor V mutation or elevated homocysteine).Conclusion  Based on these data, it is conceivable that thrombophilia contributes to the pathogenesis of CVU, possibly through induction of microcirculatory dysregulations.
Telomere‐dependent senescent phenotype of lens epithelial cells as a biological marker of aging and cataractogenesis: the role of oxidative stress intensity and specific mechanism of phospholipid hydroperoxide toxicity in lens and aqueous
Authors: Babizhayev Mark A. , Vishnyakova Khava S. , Yegorov Yegor E. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCataract formation represents a serious problem in the elderly and has a large impact on healthcare budget. Aging and cataract formation are relatively complex phenomena, both in vivo and in vitro. Telomeres are special structures at the end of chromosomes. They shorten during each round of replication, and this has been characterized as a mitotic counting mechanism. Our review analysis in this work shows that the rate of telomere shortening in human lens epithelial cells during aging and cataract formation is modulated by oxidative stress as well as by differences in antioxidative defense capacity of the normal and cataractous crystalline lenses. Presented in this review studies suggest that telomere shortening in human lens cells and increased oxidative stress are the result of the peroxidative damage to the lens cell membranes and biomolecules induced in the lack of reductive detoxification of phospholipid hydroperoxides as the triggering mechanism of cataractogenesis. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is a causative factor of cataract. The increased concentrations of primary molecular LPO products (diene conjugates, lipid hydroperoxides) and end fluorescent LPO products were detected in the lipid moieties of the aqueous humor samples obtained from patients with senile and complicated cataracts when compared to normal donors. The progressive accumulation of oxidative damage may act as an important mechanism for organism aging and cataractogenesis. The oxidative stress form and intensity might determine the lens senescence rate and cataract type, making efforts in the cataract prevention challenge more complex. The analyzed challenge in this work is that the reduction in telomere shortening rate and damages in telomeric DNA make an important contribution to the anticataract and life‐extension effect of carnosine administered systemically in the formulations stabilizing a dipeptide from the enzymatic hydrolysis with carnosinase, or topically administered to the eye with carnosine ophthalmic prodrug N‐acetylcarnosine and lubricant formulations thereof including corneal absorption promoters. Telomere length in the human crystalline lens cells is a reflection of aging, cataractogenesis, and lifespan in biogerontological studies.
Social Discount Rates and Welfare Weights for Public Investment Decisions under Budgetary Restrictions: The Case of Cyprus*
Authors: Evans David J. , Kula Erhun 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis paper focuses on the estimation of key welfare parameters for incorporation into social cost–benefit analysis (CBA) with special reference to Cyprus and its unique regional problems. In particular, the theory and application of social discount rates and regional welfare weights are considered from the perspective of the European Commission as both supranational planner and provider of major funding for investment in the EU‐12 area. The aim is to provide answers to three main questions. First, should different discount rates be applied in the appraisal of projects impacting on the Turkish and Greek regions of the island? Second, if different discount rates apply, then what approach should be taken in the discounting of costs and benefits for projects impacting on the entire island? Finally, what is the best method to estimate regional welfare weights for Cyprus and how should these weights be applied in social CBA in order to take proper account of the considerably lower average standard of living in North Cyprus? This particular case study serves to highlight a practical procedure, with suitable theoretical underpinnings, for the calculation and incorporation of regional welfare weights in social CBA more generally and especially with regard to Europe.
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase is Involved in the Induction of Nerve Growth Factor‐Induced Neck Muscle Nociception
Authors: Isaak Andreas , Ellrich Jens 
Published: March 2011

(Headache 2011;51:734‐743)Background.— Neck muscle nociception mediated by nitric oxide may play a role in the pathophysiology of tension‐type headache.Objective.— The present study addresses the involvement of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the facilitation of neck muscle nociception after local application of nerve growth factor (NGF).Methods.— After administration of NGF into semispinal neck muscles, the impact of neck muscle noxious input on brainstem processing was monitored by the jaw‐opening reflex in anesthetized mice. The modulatory effect of preceding and subsequent administration of an inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase on central facilitation was addressed in a controlled study.Results.— With preceding i.p. application of saline or 0.096 mg/kg of the specific nNOS inhibitor Nω‐propyl‐L‐arginine (NPLA), NGF induced a sustained reflex facilitation within 60 minutes. Preceding injection of 0.96 mg/kg or 1.92 mg/kg NPLA completely prevented the potentially facilitatory effect of NGF. Subsequent administration of 0.96 mg/kg NPLA did not affect established NGF‐evoked reflex facilitation. Thus, NPLA prevents facilitation of brainstem processing by noxious myofascial input from neck muscles in a dose‐dependent manner.Conclusion.— These findings suggest that nNOS is involved in the induction but not the maintenance of NGF‐evoked facilitation of nociception in the brainstem. These results from an experimental animal model may support the idea of NOS and nNOS as potential targets for pharmacological treatment of tension‐type headache.
Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Desmitis of the Accessory Ligament of the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon in the Horse
Authors: Waguespack R. Wayne , Burba Daniel J. , Hubert Jeremy D. , Vidal Martin A. , Lomax Larry G. , Chirgwin Sharon R. , Lopez Mandi J. 
Published: March 2011

Objective:To evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on collagenase‐induced lesions in the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) of horses.Study Design:Paired, blinded controlled study.Animals:Eight Thoroughbred horses (3 mares, 5 geldings; mean±SD weight, 464±26 kg, mean age, 8±1.7 years).Methods:Lesions were created in both ALDDFTs of all horses by injection of 2 × 103IU of collagenase type I. Percent lesion and structure (fiber alignment and echogenicity) were quantified with ultrasonographic imaging 3, 6, and 9 weeks after collagenase injection. After ultrasound examinations, ESWT (1000 shocks at 0.15 mJ/mm2) was applied to 1 ALDDFT in each horse. ALDDFT were harvested 15 weeks after collagenase injection and the microstructure, mRNA levels of collagen types I and III, and collagen and glycosaminoglycan content were evaluated.Results:There were no differences in percent lesion, echogenicity, or fiber alignment between control‐ and ESWT‐treated ligaments at each evaluation time; however, compared with 3‐week values, there was a significant increase in percent lesion and echogenicity for EWST treated ligaments at 6 weeks and significant decrease in both variables for treated and control ligaments at 12 weeks. Fiber alignment improved significantly at 9 weeks in controls and at 12 weeks in treated and control ligaments. Collagen type I mRNA levels were significantly higher in the ESWT treatment group compared with the control group 15 weeks after collagenase injection though differences in other mRNA levels, microstructure, and composition were not significant.Conclusions:Our results do not support an effect of ESWT on collagenase‐induced lesions in the equine ALDDFT.