bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in direct and maternal genetic effects for meat production traits in Egyptian Zaraibi goats
Authors: Shaat I. , Mäki‐Tanila A. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryMulti‐trait analyses were carried out to quantify the (co)variation in meat production traits in Zaraibi goats. The data were obtained from a research station. There were birth weight records on 6610 kids, of which 5970 and 5237 had also pre‐and postweaning gain record, respectively. The kids were progeny of 115 bucks and 1387 does, which had altogether 3603 litter size and milk yield records in different parities and which were daughters of 109 sires and 721 dams. Single‐trait analyses were carried out as preliminary to a three‐trait (litter size, birth weight, early growth) and five‐trait (litter size, milk and growth traits) analyses. The analyses containing birth weight data required the highest number of iteration rounds in estimating the variance components using AI REML. The maternal genetic component was important for the genetic variation of birth weight and preweaning gain. In general, direct heritability was low (0.03–0.12) for growth traits, possibly due to the low‐input environment. The estimates on genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects within these traits indicated mostly favourable relationship. Genetic antagonism was found between birth weight and early growth. Heritability (repeatability) for 90‐day and total milk yield was 0.16–0.23 and 0.23–0.24 (0.28 and 0.39–0.40), respectively and 0.04–0.05 (0.10–0.11) for litter size. The genetic correlation between 90‐day (total) milk yield and litter size was 0.45 (0.22). The correlation between the milk yield and the maternal genetic effects for the preweaning gain was very high (0.94). Selection schemes aiming to improve meat (litter size and growth) and milk production simultaneously are feasible. The increased milk production serves also for the acceleration of early growth in kids.
Canola oil increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids and decreases in oleic acid in drought‐stressed Mediterranean‐type environments
Authors: Aslam M. N. , Nelson M. N. , Kailis S. G. , Bayliss K. L. , Speijers J. , Cowling W. A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSeed fatty acid (FA) composition, oil and protein (meal) was assessed on five canola (Brassica napus) varieties in 14 cropping environments in southern Australia, including several low rainfall drought‐stressed environments. We modelled the relationship between seed quality attributes and growing season rainfall and temperature using a linear mixed model. Variance components for variety and years within locations were relatively large, but variance components for variety × environment interaction were small or insignificant for most seed quality traits. Mean oleic acid content varied from 57% in ‘Surpass 300TT’ to 62% in ‘ATR‐Beacon’. As growing season rainfall decreased from 300 mm (moderate) to 150 mm (severe drought stress), mean oleic acid decreased by 3.8%, linoleic acid increased by 2.0%, linolenic acid increased by 1.7%, and saturated FA decreased by 0.4%. Seed oil (% dry weight) decreased by 3.2% and protein in meal (% dry weight) increased by 3.9% across the same rainfall range. High oleic acid composition was associated with higher rainfall and cooler average minimum and maximum temperatures during the growing season.
Undiagnosed dementia and value of serial cognitive impairment screening in developing countries: A population‐based study
Authors: Jitapunkul Sutthichai , Chansirikanjana Sirintorn , Thamarpirat Jittima 
Published: February 2009

Background:  We conducted a population‐based prospective study in 420 older persons to examine the prevalence of undiagnosed dementia and validity of the Chula Mental Test (CMT) as well as value of serial administration of the CMT and its score evolution over 2 years.Methods:  The CMT score was obtained in 1997 and 1999 surveys. In 1999, all participants were evaluated by a geriatrician to make diagnoses of dementia according to the 4th edn of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria. Information on previous diagnosis of dementia by physicians was collected. Validity of the CMT was determined by the receiver–operator curve. The pattern of cognitive evolution over 2 years was analyzed.Results:  Of 420 subjects, 23 had dementia, of which 22 (95.6%) were undiagnosed. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of dementia and undiagnosed dementia were 5.5% (3.3–7.7%) and 5.3% (4.1–6.3%), respectively. With original cut‐off (15/14) of the CMT, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.74 and 0.86, respectively. The best cut‐off found in this study was 16/15 which provided better sensitivity (0.91) but worse specificity (0.76) than those of the original cut‐off. Pattern of cognitive evolution was heterogeneous. The heterogeneous change was substantial in subjects with mild low CMT score. Cognitive evolution pattern showed that serial administration of the CMT could reduce workload of primary care physicians and might be useful in a screening protocol.Conclusion:  The prevalence of undiagnosed dementia in community‐dwelling Thai older persons was high. The CMT was valid for use in a community. Heterogeneous evolution of cognitive function and value of serial cognitive impairment screening was found.
Effect of exercise, aging and functional capacity on acute secretory immunoglobulin A response in elderly people over 75 years of age
Authors: Sakamoto Yuzuru , Ueki Shouzoh , Kasai Toshiyuki , Takato Jinro , Shimanuki Hideki , Honda Haruhiko , Ito Tsunehisa , Haga Hiroshi 
Published: February 2009

Background:  Age‐associated decline in immune function and regulation, referred to as immunosenescence, brings about an increased incidence of infectious diseases in the aged; however, there are few data on the effect of aging and exercise on mucosal immune function in elderly people. Moreover, there is no evidence on whether the change in functional capacity affects mucosal immunity in elderly people. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of exercise, aging and functional capacity on mucosal immune function in elderly people over 75 years of age.Methods:  The subjects were 92 community‐dwelling elderly women aged over 75 years who lived in a rural community in Miyagi Prefecture. The subjects periodically performed approximately 20 min of low intensity exercise. Saliva samples were collected before and after exercise, and saliva flow (SF), secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentration (SIgA‐C) and SIgA secretion rate (SIgA‐SR) were determined. The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG‐IC) was used to measure functional capacity.Results:  In comparison with before exercise, SF, SIgA‐C and SIgA‐SR were significantly increased after exercise in elderly subjects. In addition, when low and high value groups of resting SIgA levels were compared, acute SIgA responses were observed only in the low value group; however, there was no significant effect of aging and decline in functional capacity on exercise‐induced SIgA response.Conclusion:  These results suggest that resting SIgA levels influence the mucosal immune function response to exercise in elderly people over 75 years of age.
Bibliographical investigation of complementary alternative medicines for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kikuchi Motoo , Matsuura Kentaro , Matsumoto Yoshifuji , Inagaki Toshiaki , Ueda Ryuzo 
Published: February 2009

Background:  A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are provided to the elderly. We investigated the efficacy and safety of CAM substances that are available to patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both in Japan and overseas.Methods:  Information on CAM products was collected from the World Wide Web, using the keywords “arthritis” and “supplement” in five languages (Japanese, English, French, Italian and German) using a popular search engine for each of the languages. References to published work on the products were researched using PubMed with the keywords of “arthritis”, “anti‐inflammatory” and “analgesics”. Such published work was classified according to the evidence levels established by the Cochrane Library.Results:  Two‐hundred and sixty CAM products for OA or RA were available in Japan, of which 41 CAM products had been tested in randomized controlled trials (RCT); there was no scientific evidence for the remaining 219 CAM products. Most of the previous RCT suggested that CAM was effective in OA or RA. Herein, we confirmed the significant OA relieving effects of chondroitin sulfate through a meta‐analysis. Effectiveness was assessed using subjective scores, not disease‐specific immunological or serological markers for assessment. Toxicological investigations had only been performed for a few CAM products.Conclusion:  Some CAM products that are effective against RA may be used together with biological therapy. However, some of the CAM products available in Japan should be tested using objective markers. Some CAM products for OA could be used for the relief of pain.
Fall risk factors in elderly patients with cognitive impairment on rehabilitation wards
Authors: Vassallo Michael , Mallela Santhosh Kumar , Williams Andrew , Kwan Joseph , Allen Steve , Sharma Jagdish C 
Published: February 2009

Background:  Confusion and cognitive impairment, are risk factors for falls in hospital. Evidence for reducing falls in cognitively‐impaired patients is limited and to date no intervention has consistently been shown to reduce falls in this group of patients. We explored characteristics associated with falls in cognitively‐impaired patients in a rehabilitation setting.Methods:  In a prospective observational study, 825 consecutive patients were studied. Patient characteristics were assessed on admission. Factors predisposing to falls in cognitively‐impaired patients were identified.Results:  Cognitively‐impaired patients were more likely to be fallers or recurrent fallers and more likely to sustain an injury than cognitively intact patients. They had a higher incidence of nursing home discharges and a significantly higher mortality. Logistic regression analysis showed that an unsafe gait (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.57) was the only independent risk factor for falls in this group of patients. There was a cumulative higher risk of falling associated with an unsafe gait demonstrable throughout the patients' stay.Conclusion:  Unsafe gait was the only significant independent risk factor for falls among cognitively‐impaired patients in a rehabilitation environment. Interventions that improve gait patterns or that enhance safety for patients with abnormal gait are required if fall reduction in this group of patients is to be achieved.
Risk factors for hip fracture in Japanese elderly women with osteoporosis: Applicability of biochemical markers in bone turnover
Authors: Shiga Toshiki , Tsuji Yoshiro , Fujioka Mikihiro , Kubo Toshikazu 
Published: February 2009

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors for hip fracture in 169 Japanese elderly women.Methods: Patients were divided into three groups: 53 patients had osteoporosis with hip fractures (FX‐G), 59 patients had osteoporosis without hip fractures (NFX‐G) and 57 patients had low back pain with neither osteoporosis nor hip fracture (NOP‐G). Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine, bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were compared among the three groups.Results: The mean BMD of FX‐G and NFX‐G was lower than that of NOP‐G, but there was no significant difference between FX‐G and NFX‐G. Although the mean BAP of FX‐G was similar to that of NOP‐G, both were lower than NFX‐G (P < 0.05). However, the mean DPD of FX‐G was higher than the other groups (P < 0.05, vs NFX‐G,P < 0.001, vs NOP‐G). The percentage of patients who showed BAP levels less than 35 IU/L and DPD levels of 7.5 nmoL/mmol‐Cr or more, was highest in FX‐G (72.7%). This percentage was lower for NFX‐G (30.9%) and NOP‐G (16.4%). The odds ratio of hip fracture occurring was 5.77 (95% confidence interval, 2.25−14.66).Conclusion: Bone turnover consisting of increase in bone resorption and decrease in bone formation apart from BMD of lumbar spine resulted in a higher incidence of hip fracture for Japanese elderly women with osteoporosis.
Longitudinal patterns of unawareness of memory deficits in mild Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Akai Tomotaka , Hanyu Haruo , Sakurai Hirofumi , Sato Tomohiko , Iwamoto Toshihiko 
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) frequently demonstrate impaired awareness of their cognitive difficulties. However, less is known about the longitudinal progression of this phenomenon. We examined the longitudinal evolution of unawareness in patients with mild AD to determine whether impaired awareness progresses with cognitive decline.Methods:  Based on Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score changes after a 1‐year follow up, 39 patients were regarded as the stabilized group and 19 patients were regarded as the non‐stabilized group. The unawareness of memory impairment was evaluated with a standardized questionnaire system based on the Everyday Memory Checklist (EMC). The EMC scores for the patient's own rating, the caregivers' rating and the unawareness score, defined as the difference between these (caregiver rating – patient rating), were analyzed.Results:  Although unawareness scores were similar in the two groups at the initial examination, they were significantly higher in the non‐stabilized group than in the stabilized group at the follow up examination. There was a significant and negative correlation between change in unawareness score and change in MMSE score over time (r = −0.56, P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  Our results indicated that impaired awareness progressed with cognitive decline. The EMC may be a simple and useful tool for the monitoring of progression in patients with AD.
Acute and transient psychosis in old age and the subsequent risk of dementia: A nationwide register‐based study
Authors: Kørner Alex , Lopez Ana Garcia , Lauritzen Lise , Andersen Per Kragh , Kessing Lars Vedel 
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Using the unique Danish psychiatric and somatic health registers, we investigated the rate of subsequent dementia in patients with late‐onset acute and transient psychosis.Methods:  By linkage of the psychiatric and the somatic nationwide registers of all patients with in‐ or outpatient hospital contact in Denmark, we included all patients with a first ever contact during the period 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2001 with one of the main index diagnoses: late‐onset acute and transient psychosis or osteoarthritis. Data on the general population were also included. The first diagnosis of dementia for each individual at discharge or at outpatient contact was established. Poisson regression models were used to compare the cohorts of patients with dementia as the outcome of interest.Results:  Using a cut‐off age of 60 years, 8062 individuals were included. Significant associations were found between a subsequent diagnosis of dementia and the index diagnosis, age and calendar time. Overall, the rate ratio for developing dementia in late‐onset acute and transient psychosis compared to osteoarthritis patients was 10.86 (95% confidence intervals, 8.42 and 14.00, respectively), however, the magnitude of the rate ratio varied according to sex, age, duration since diagnosis and calendar time. Compared to the general population, the rate ratio was 8.12 (95% confidence intervals, 6.77 and 9.74, respectively).Conclusion:  The present study has established that subjects with late‐onset acute and transient psychosis are at 11 times higher risk of subsequently getting a diagnosis of dementia compared to patients with osteoarthritis, and at 8 times higher risk compared to the general population.
Very high cycle fatigue behaviour of 2000‐MPa ultra‐high‐strength spring steel with bainite–martensite duplex microstructure
Authors: NIE Y. H. , FU W. T. , HUI W. J. , DONG H. , WENG Y. Q. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTThe very high cycle fatigue and fatigue crack growth (FCG) behaviours of 2000‐MPa ultra‐high‐strength spring steel with different bainite–martensite duplex microstructures (designated as B‐M1 and B‐M2) obtained through isothermal quenching and fully martensite (designated as M) for comparison were studied in this paper by using ultrasonic fatigue testing and compact‐tension specimens. It was found that for the B‐M1 sample with well‐controlled thin and uniformly distributed bainite, the fatigue crack threshold ΔKth is higher and FCG rate da/dN at an early stage is lower than those of the M sample. Therefore, the former has rather longer fatigue life at high stress amplitude, though both have almost identical fatigue strength. However, the fatigue properties of bainite–martensite duplex microstructure are significantly deteriorated with the formation of large bainite. Furthermore, like that of the M sample, the S–N curves of the B‐M1 and B‐M2 samples also display continuous declining type and fish‐eye marks were always observed on the fracture surface in the case of internal fractures, which were mainly induced by inclusion. A granular bright facet (GBF) was observed in the vicinity around the inclusion. For each of the three samples, the stress intensity factor range at the boundary of inclusion (ΔKinc) decreases with increasing the number of cycles to failure (Nf), while the stress intensity factor range at the front of GBF(ΔKGBF) is almost constant with Nf and equals to its ΔKth. This indicates that ΔKGBF might be the threshold value governing the beginning of stable crack propagation.
‘That which does not kill us only makes us stronger’: the role of carbon monoxide in thermophilic microbial consortia
Authors: Techtmann Stephen M. , Colman Albert S. , Robb Frank T. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryCarbon monoxide (CO), while a potent toxin, is also a key intermediate in major autotrophic pathways such as methanogenesis and acetogenesis. The ability of purple sulfur bacteria to use CO as an energy source was first described by Uffen in 1976. The prototype extremely thermophilic carboxydotroph Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans was described in 1991. Eight bacteria and one archaeon that utilize CO have since been isolated and described from diverse geothermal environments. They derive energy from the oxidation of CO with water to form CO2 and H2. Most of these isolates thrive with headspace CO partial pressures around 1 atm, which is grossly elevated relative to CO concentrations in geothermal effluents. To account for this, we suggest that under consortial growth conditions the carboxydotrophs occupy microniches in which biogenic CO accumulates locally to high concentrations. CO oxidizers dissipate these potentially toxic CO hot spots with the production of H2, CO2 and acetate whose subsequent oxidation fuels other thermophiles. The identification of genes related to anaerobic CO oxidation in many metagenomic databases attests to widespread distribution of carboxydotrophs. Current evidence suggests that CO‐oxidizing bacteria and archaea hold a vital niche in thermophilic ecosystems.
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with selective control of the renal parenchyma: initial experience with a novel laparoscopic clamp
Authors: Simon Jörg , Bartsch Jr Georg , Finter Florian , Hautmann Richard , De Petriconi Robert 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo report a laparoscopic device that facilitates regional ischaemia in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).PATIENTS AND METHODSMimicking the shape of a clamp successfully applied in open PN, we developed a laparoscopic device that allows selective clamping in LPN. After obtaining transperitoneal access to the renal mass, the laparoscopic clamp was placed around the tumour 1–2 cm proximal to the line of resection. After excising the tumour, haemostasis was mainly achieved by applying a haemostyptic agent.RESULTSThree patients with elective indications had LPN using this novel laparoscopic clamp. The tumours were in the upper and lower pole of the kidney in one and two patients, respectively. The tumour diameter was 2.4, 2.6 and 3.2 cm, and the selective clamping time 23, 27 and 38 min. Blood loss was minimal in all three cases, with no complications after LPN. The final pathology showed a papillary and clear cell renal carcinoma in two and one patients, respectively. There were no positive margins on histological assessment.CONCLUSIONLPN with clamping of the renal parenchyma using this novel device can be used in selected patients with peripheral tumours. Resection of the tumour in a bloodless field is possible. The main advantage is that ischaemia occurs only in the renal parenchyma next to the tumour, facilitating nephron‐sparing surgery without being pressed for time.
The feasibility of establishing a programme of adjuvant autologous vaccination for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Prestwich Robin J. , Scott Karen J. , Brown Joanne , Harnden Patricia , Whelan Peter , Cartledge Jon , O’Donnell Dearbhaile , Pandha Hardev S. , Selby Peter J. , Banks Rosamund E. , Merrick Alison E. , Melcher Alan A. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo report the results of a programme aimed at determining the feasibility of autologous renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissue collection and vaccine preparation within the setting of a UK National Health Service Cancer Centre.PATIENTS AND METHODSPatients undergoing nephrectomy for suspected renal tumours were identified from theatre lists between April 2005 and July 2007. Samples of tumour were freshly cut from nephrectomy specimens. If tissue collection failed the reason was recorded prospectively. Cell viability was assessed after sample sieving. Freeze‐thaw lysates were prepared from viable tumour cells, and the immunogenicity tested by pulsing onto dendritic cells (DC).RESULTSOf 84 patients, 83 had a histological diagnosis of RCC; samples were obtained from 29 of these 83 (35%). Reasons for failure in tissue collection included that the tumour was too small or haemorrhagic/necrotic, pre‐surgical embolization, and difficulties with fresh tumour collection out of normal working hours. Viable tumour cells were obtained in 12 of the 29 samples (41%); no factor was able to predict the production of viable cells. Unmodified lysates did not activate DC.CONCLUSIONAn autologous RCC vaccination programme might fail to generate vaccines for a substantial proportion of eligible patients in the setting of a clinical cancer centre.