bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple fossil calibrations, nuclear loci and mitochondrial genomes provide new insight into biogeography and divergence timing for true seals (Phocidae, Pinnipedia)
Authors: Fulton Tara L. , Strobeck Curtis 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim  To better understand the historical biogeography of the true seals, Phocidae, by combining nuclear DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in a divergence time analysis using multiple fossil calibrations.Location  Arctic, Antarctic, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Lake Baikal, Caspian Sea.Methods  Fifteen nuclear genes totalling 8935 bp plus near‐complete mitochondrial genome sequences were used in a Bayesian divergence time analysis, incorporating eight soft‐bound fossil calibrations across the phylogeny. All species of true seals were included, plus the walrus, three otariids and seven carnivore outgroups. The majority of the nuclear sequences and four phocid mitochondrial genomes (plus three non‐phocid mitochondrial genomes) were newly generated for this study using DNA extracted from tissue samples; other sequences were obtained from GenBank.Results  Using multiple nuclear genes and multiple fossil calibrations resulted in most divergence time estimations within Phocidae being much more recent than predicted by other molecular studies incorporating only mtDNA and using a single calibration point. A new phylogenetic hypothesis was recovered for the Antarctic seals.Main conclusions  Incorporating multiple nuclear genes and fossil calibrations had a profound effect on the estimated divergence times. Most estimated divergences within Phocinae (Arctic seals) correspond to Arctic oceanic events and all occur within the last 12 Myr, a time when the Arctic and Atlantic oceans were freely exchanging and perennial Arctic sea ice existed, indicating that the Arctic seals may have had a longer association with ice than previously thought. The Monachinae (‘southern’ seals) split from the Phocinae c. 15 Ma on the eastern US coast. Several early trans‐Atlantic dispersals possibly occurred, leaving no living descendants, as divergence estimates suggest that the Monachus (monk seal) species divergences occurred in the western Atlantic c. 6 Ma, with the Mediterranean monk seal ancestor dispersing afterwards. The tribes Lobodontini (Antarctic seals) and Miroungini (elephant seals) are also estimated to have diverged in the eastern Atlantic c. 7 Ma and a single Lobodontini dispersal to Antarctica occurred shortly afterwards. Many of the newly estimated dates are used to infer how extinct lineages/taxa are allied with their living relatives.
Whole blood cytokine attenuation by cholinergic agonists ex vivo and relationship to vagus nerve activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bruchfeld A. , Goldstein R. S. , Chavan S. , Patel N. B. , Rosas‐Ballina M. , Kohn N. , Qureshi A. R. , Tracey K. J. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract.  Bruchfeld A, Goldstein RS, Chavan S, Patel NB, Rosas‐Ballina M, Kohn N, Qureshi AR, Tracey KJ. (Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore University Hospital‐LIJ Health System, Manhasset, NY, USA; and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden) Whole blood cytokine attenuation by cholinergic agonists ex vivo and relationship to vagus nerve activity in rheumatoid arthritis. J Intern Med 2010; 268:94–101.Objective.  The central nervous system regulates innate immunity in part via the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway, a neural circuit that transmits signals in the vagus nerve that suppress pro‐inflammatory cytokine production by an α‐7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) dependent mechanism. Vagus nerve activity is significantly suppressed in patients with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has been suggested that stimulating the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway may be beneficial to patients, but it remains theoretically possible that chronic deficiencies in this pathway will render these approaches ineffective.Methods.  Here we addressed the hypothesis that inflammatory cells from RA patients can respond to cholinergic agonists with reduced cytokine production in the setting of reduced vagus nerve activity.Results.  Measurement of RR interval variability (heart rate variability, HRV), in RA patients (n = 13) and healthy controls (n = 10) revealed that vagus nerve activity was significantly depressed in patients. Whole blood cultures stimulated by exposure to endotoxin produced significantly less tumour necrosis factor in samples from RA patients as compared to healthy controls. Addition of cholinergic agonists (nicotine and GTS‐21) to the stimulated whole blood cultures however significantly suppressed cytokine production to a similar extent in patients and healthy controls.Conclusion.  These findings suggest that it is possible to pharmacologically target the α7nAChR dependent control of cytokine release in RA patients with suppressed vagus nerve activity. As α7nAChR agonists ameliorate the clinical course of collagen induced arthritis in animals, it may be possible in the future to explore whether α7nAChR agonists can improve clinical activity in RA patients.
Immune mechanisms of resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep
Authors: HEIN W. R. , PERNTHANER A. , PIEDRAFITA D. , MEEUSEN E. N. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryInfections with gastrointestinal nematode parasites are a major problem for the sheep industry in Australia and New Zealand and have been the subject of intensive research to define mechanisms of resistance. The ability to take continuous biopsy samples of infected organs and cannulate both afferent and efferent lymphatics of draining lymph nodes has been particularly useful in illuminating the kinetics of immune responses at the site of infection. Distinct localized immune responses were shown to occur within and between sheep breeds at different sensitization regimes, as well as at different developmental stages of the parasite within the host. Using localized antibodies derived from mucus and lymph nodes, two major antigens have been identified on the infective L3 stage, which may be responsible for inducing protection and have potential as vaccine targets. Recent advances in sheep genomics also offer the potential of gaining further insight into the underlying genetics of resistance to nematode infections.
Feasibility of exhaled nitric oxide measurements at various flow rates in children with asthma
Authors: Robroeks Charlotte M. H. H. T. , Van Vliet Dillys , Hendriks Han J. E. , Dompeling Edward , Jöbsis Quirijn 
Published: February 2010

Robroeks CMHHT, van Vliet D, Hendriks HJE, Dompeling E, Jöbsis Q. Feasibility of exhaled nitric oxide measurements at various flow rates in children with asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e222–e228. © 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell MunksgaardMeasurement of bronchial and alveolar exhaled nitric oxide (NO) levels could be of clinical importance for the treatment of asthma. To discriminate between alveolar and bronchial NO, measurements need to be assessed at various flow rates. To study the feasibility, linearity, and long‐term repeatability of NO measurements at four different exhalation flow rates in children with asthma. Twenty‐one children with moderate persistent asthma, aged 6–12 yrs, were included in the study. NO was measured according to the ATS/ERS guidelines, using the NIOX® analyzer with flow restrictors of 30, 50, 100, and 200 ml/s. Duration of the measurements ranged from 6–10 s, depending on the flow rate. The tests were repeated 3 and 6 months after the first NO measurement. Feasibility of NO measurements at these four flow rates increased from 67% to 91% and 95% at the first, second and third visit, respectively. A significant learning effect was present. Age and lung function indices did not influence success or failure of the tests. At the first measurements occasions, no problems occurred during the NO analysis at a 100 ml/s flow rate. There was a 75–90% success rate when performing the test using flow rates of 30, 50, and 200 ml/s. However, repeating the tests resulted in a 100% success rate. Measurements were not successful if: (i) children ran out of air; (ii) NO concentration exceeded 200 ppb; (iii) the measured NO flow was unstable; and (iv) the NO plateau was not formed. This study showed good feasibility and linearity of NO measurements in asthmatic children of 6 yrs and over at flow rates between 50–200 ml/s. A significant learning effect was present. The long‐term reproducibility of alveolar and bronchial NO values during 6 months was moderate.
The phylogeographic system survey of native sheep breeds in the eastern and southern Central Asia
Authors: Sun W. , Chang H. , Tsunoda K. , Musa H.H. , Yang Z.P. , Ma Y.H. , Guan W.J. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryThe genetic diversity and phylogenetic survey of native sheep breeds in the eastern and southern Central Asia were assessed in the present study. The clustering, principal components, structure and F statistics all demonstrate that the native sheep breeds in these regions be classified into two genetic groups: Mongolia‐Tibetan sheep group and South‐Southeast Asia sheep group. The Mongolia sheep group and the Tibetan sheep group had a certain degree of gene communication from the ancient times. In the present study we demonstrated that the Chinese native sheep populations belonged to Mongolia‐Tibetan sheep group. However, the relationships among the sheep populations in Mongolia sheep group in China were not closely related to the geographical distance among sheep populations.
The Effects of Foreign Direct Investment in Mexico since NAFTA
Authors: Waldkirch Andreas 
Published: February 2010

AbstractForeign direct investment (FDI) into Mexico has increased dramatically since the inception of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), raising questions about its effect on the Mexican economy. This paper studies the impact of FDI on industry productivity and wages over the first 10 years of NAFTA, paying particular attention to the source country and destination industry of investments. It also offers a detailed description of the evolution of FDI, its components, sectoral composition and sources from 1994–2005. There is evidence of a positive effect of FDI on productivity, particularly total factor productivity (TFP). The effect on wages is negative or zero at best, suggesting a divergence from productivity over this time period. The positive productivity effect stems largely from US FDI into non‐maquiladora industries, which receive over two‐thirds of manufacturing FDI. There is no evidence that more distant source countries have a differential effect. Consistent with theoretical expectations, FDI into maquiladoras benefits unskilled workers at the expense of skilled workers.
Launch of the HILJ Strategic Plan 2010–2014
Authors: Grant Maria J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe 2010‐2014 strategic plan builds on the reputation of Health Information and Libraries Journal (HILJ) as a dynamic internationally inclusive journal and will ensure that the journal remains relevant to the day‐to‐day practices of its readership. The plan seeks to maintain the high quality of the journal, build on the already strong relationship with the Health Libraries Group (HLG), and find new ways to engage with the HILJ readers and writers.
Assessing Tribal Youth Physical Activity and Programming Using a Community‐Based Participatory Research Approach
Authors: Perry Cynthia , Hoffman Barbara 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT
Objective: American Indian youth experience a greater prevalence of obesity compared with the general U.S. population. One avenue to reverse the trend toward increasing obesity prevalence is through promoting physical activity. The goal of this project was to understand tribal youths' current patterns of physical activity behavior and their beliefs and preferences about physical activity.Design and Sample: This assessment used a community‐based participatory research approach. Sample included 35 Native youth aged 8–18.Measures: A Community Advisory Board was created that specifically developed an exercise survey for this assessment to explore physical activity patterns, preferences, and determinants. Twenty‐six youth completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were analyzed, exploring differences by age group. Nine youth participated in 2 focus groups. Qualitative data were analyzed with thematic analysis.Results: Youth distinguished between sports and exercise, with each possessing different determinants. Common motivators were friends, coach, and school, and barriers were lack of programs and school or work. None of the youth reported meeting the recommended 60 min of strenuous exercise daily.Conclusions: This tribal academic partnership responded to a tribal concern by developing an exercise survey and conducting focus groups that addressed tribal‐specific questions. The results are informing program development.
Barriers and Facilitators to the Incorporation of Environmental Health into Public Health Nursing Practice
Authors: Hill Wade G. , Butterfield Patricia , Kuntz Sandra 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To describe the environmental health (EH) demands placed on public health nurses (PHNs) as well as the barriers and facilitators to incorporating EH into PHN practice.Design and Sample: A cross‐sectional multimode (Web and pencil/paper) survey was used to collect data from PHNs in 1 rural western state. Research participants included 141 PHNs from a total of 228 survey invitations (61% response).Measures: A 39‐item questionnaire was developed to measure the frequency of EH demands experienced by PHNs as well as the barriers and facilitators to the incorporation of EH into PHN practice and standard demographics.Results: Significant numbers of PHNs reported less than baccalaureate preparation (29%), suggesting that EH competencies cannot be assumed. PHNs are often asked for basic EH information and cite lack of time and lack of interest on the part of the populations being cared for as barriers to incorporating EH into their practice. Facilitators included free or inexpensive continuing education programs offered via the Internet and additional Internet resources or staff resource people.Conclusion: PHNs represent a significant portion of the public health workforce and have implied and explicit mandates to address EH issues in their practice. Resources should be directed toward helping PHNs become better prepared to address the current and future EH needs of populations.
Discrimination between prion‐infected and normal blood samples by protein misfolding cyclic amplification
Authors: Tattum M. Howard , Jones Samantha , Pal Suvankar , Collinge John , Jackson Graham S. 
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of prion disease from blood samples requires the detection of minute quantities of misfolded protein (PrPSc) against a high background of correctly folded material (PrPC). Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) is a technique that can amplify small amounts of seed PrPSc to a level detectable by conventional methods. Application of PMCA to the testing of whole blood samples enhances the ability to detect PrPSc and allows antemortem detection of prion infection and could facilitate blood screening.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The PMCA method was used to detect prion infection in blood samples obtained from mice experimentally infected with prion disease. Mice were culled at various time points throughout the incubation period for disease and subjected to serial PMCA (sPMCA). Amplified samples were then analyzed by Western blotting to confirm the presence or absence of infection.RESULTS: After sPMCA, blood samples from Rocky Mountain Laboratory–infected mice showed amplification of PrPSc to levels readily detectable by Western blotting. Control samples obtained from mice mock inoculated with sterile phosphate‐buffered saline did not yield any amplification products.CONCLUSION: sPMCA performed on small volumes of whole blood gave amplification of PK‐resistant material to a level detectable by standard methods. Discrimination between infected and control samples was achieved without the need for processing or fractionation of whole blood. The use of whole blood as an analyte circumvents the need to identify the optimal blood compartment for analysis and guarantees the totality of misfolded PrP will be available for detection.
Viral ssRNA Induces First Trimester Trophoblast Apoptosis through an Inflammatory Mechanism
Authors: Aldo Paulomi B. , Mulla Melissa J. , Romero Roberto , Mor Gil , Abrahams Vikki M. 
Published: February 2010

Citation Aldo PB, Mulla MJ, Romero R, Mor G, Abrahams VM. Viral ssRNA induces first‐trimester trophoblast apoptosis through an inflammatory mechanism. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 27–37Problem  Infection during pregnancy represents a significant cause of mobility and mortality. While viruses pose a major threat, little is known about their effect on early pregnancy, or the mechanisms involved. The objective of this study was to characterize the trophoblast response following exposure to viral ssRNA.Method of study  First trimester trophoblast cells were treated with or without viral ssRNA. Cytokine production was measured using multiplex analysis and ELISA. Apoptosis was determined using Hoechst staining, cell viability, and caspase activity assays.Results  Treatment of trophoblasts with viral ssRNA increased their secretion of IL‐8, IL‐6, and IFNβ. However, the ssRNA also induced trophoblast apoptosis. To test whether the viral ssRNA‐induced inflammatory response was responsible for this induction of apoptosis, conditioned media (CM) from trophoblasts were added to a fresh culture of cells. The CM from viral ssRNA‐treated induced higher levels of trophoblast apoptosis than the control CM. Moreover, recombinant IFNβ induced trophoblast apoptosis.Conclusion  We demonstrate that viral ssRNA induces a pro‐inflammatory and type I interferon response in the trophoblast and this inflammatory process may indirectly induce trophoblast apoptosis. These results provide a novel mechanism by which certain viral infections might compromise placental integrity and function, and therefore, pregnancy outcome.
Metabolic differences between male and female adolescents with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, as detected by ultrasound
Authors: Fernandes MTB , Ferraro AA , De Azevedo RA , Fagundes Neto U 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground:  Age, developmental stage and gender are risk factors for paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Aims:  The aim of this study was to identify differences in clinical or laboratory variables between sexes in adolescents with NAFLD.Methodology:  Ninety obese adolescents including 36 males and 54 females were evaluated. Inclusion criteria for this study were a Body Mass Index above the 95th percentile, as set forth by the National Center for Health Statistics, and an age of 10–19 years. A clinical and laboratory evaluation was conducted for all adolescents.Results:  The variables that were found to be predictive of NAFLD in adolescence were visceral fat, Aminotransferase, Gamma‐Glutamyl Transferase, triglyderides, cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol. We also observed that cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol variables were influenced by gender, i.e. there was a significant statistical difference in the values of these variables between male and female adolescents. With regard to cholesterol serum concentrations, the risk was 6.99 times greater for females, compared with 1.2 times for males; and for LDL‐cholesterol serum concentrations the risk was 8.15 times greater for females, compared with and 1.26 times for males.Conclusion:  Female adolescents with NAFLD showed a significantly different metabolic behaviour than males.
Collaborative relationship in preventive home visits to older people
Authors: Yamada Yukari , Vass Mikkel , Hvas Lotte , Igarashi Ayumi , Hendriksen Carsten , Avlund Kirsten 
Published: February 2010

yamada y., vass m., hvas l., igarashi a., hendriksen c. & avlund k. (2010) Collaborative relationship in preventive home visits to older people. International Journal of Older People Nursing 6, 33–40 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00213.xAim.  To describe what characterizes preventive home visits with collaborative relationships among non‐disabled home‐dwelling older people in Japan.Background.  Preventive home visits have the potential to result in improved health outcomes among older people. Collaboration, mutual understanding and trust between visitor and the visited person seem to work as a vehicle, but little is known about which part of the encounters contributes to a collaborative relationship.Methods.  We performed a retrospective qualitative analysis of visiting records written by preventive home visitors immediately after the visits were made. A collaborative relationship was predefined as a favourable change in behaviour seen in the visited person during the study period. Visitor characteristics were analysed from 248 records where 37 cases of collaborative relationships were documented.Results.  The three most important elements associated with a collaborative relationship were (i) visitor communication skills i.e. mastering ‘enhancing motivation’ and ‘having patience and coping with frustrations’ in difficult and problematic situations, (ii) professionalism, which includes ‘professional instruction and guidance’ based on documented knowledge in health and social domains combined with an overall ‘caring approach’ and (iii) practical actions which imply an ‘immediate concrete response to identified needs or problems’ and ‘individually tailored advice’ to suit the older person’s daily life.Conclusions.  Preventive home visitor communication skills and professionalism, and practical actions after the visits characterized cases, where favourable changes in behaviour were obtained in non‐disabled home‐dwelling older people in Japan.Relevance to clinical practice.  Education should be emphasized, because preventive home visitor competence may be the most important element of proactive assessment schemes to obtain beneficial outcomes.
Seroprevalence of Aichi Virus in a Spanish Population from 2007 to 2008
Authors: Ribes Juan Manuel , Montava Rebeca , Téllez-Castillo Carlos J. , Fernández-Jiménez Manuel , Buesa Javier 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

Viruses are among the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis. In recent years, new viruses causing outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis have been described. Among these, Aichi virus was identified in Japan in 1989. Aichi virus belongs to the
Kobuvirus
genus in the family
Picornaviridae
. This virus has been detected in outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with oyster consumption and in pediatric stool samples, but little is known about its epidemiology or pathogenesis. In the present study, the prevalence of antibodies to Aichi virus in a Spanish population was determined between 2007 and 2008 by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As in previous studies, a high seroprevalence of antibodies to Aichi virus (70%) was observed, with levels differing according to age. We observed significant differences in titers of antibody to Aichi virus among different age groups, grouped by decades. We report high ELISA and neutralizing antibody titers, and both titers fitted a sigmoid curve significantly. However, this virus is seldom detected; therefore, further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of its importance as a pathogenic agent.