bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PMCHAP: a new approach for haplotype inference using nuclear families with only one parent and multiple offspring
Authors: Ding X.D. , Zhang Q. , Simianer H. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryA new approach is suggested to perform joint haplotype reconstruction and haplotype frequency estimation in families consisting of multiple full sibs where only one parent is genotyped. It can also deal with the mixed data structures with 0 and 1 parent genotyped. The approach is based on the maximum likelihood principle using the expectation‐maximization algorithm and thus combines pedigree information within families and linkage disequilibrium information between families with assumption of no recombination. In a simulation study of single nucleotide polymorphisms, the new algorithm termed PMCHAP (parent multiple children haplotyping) is shown to provide significantly better results than an approximation used so far, especially providing better estimates with increasing family sizes. It will be especially helpful for research in multiparous species like pigs, dogs, fish, and many lab animals where it is easy to collect families with multiple siblings.
Application of individual increase in inbreeding to estimate realized effective sizes from real pedigrees
Authors: Cervantes I. , Goyache F. , Molina A. , Valera M. , Gutiérrez J. P. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe objective of this study was to test the performance of a recently proposed methodology for the estimation of realized effective size (Ne) based on individual increase in inbreeding (ΔFi) on several real pedigrees: (a) an experimental mice population; (b) a closed pedigree of fighting bulls; (c) the Spanish Purebred (SPB, Andalusian) horse pedigree; (d) the Carthusian strain of SPB pedigree; (e) the Spanish Arab horse pedigree; and (f) the Spanish Anglo‐Arab horse pedigree. Several reference subpopulations were defined on the basis of generation length in order to consider only animals in the last generation, to assess the influence of the pedigree content on the estimates of Ne. The estimates of realized Ne computed from ΔFi () tended to be higher than those obtained from regression on equivalent generations. The new parameter remained approximately stable when pedigree depth achieved about five equivalent generations. Estimates of take into account the genetic history of the populations, the size of their founder population, and the mating policy or bottlenecks caused by poor use of reproducing individuals. The usefulness of the realized Ne computed from individual increase in inbreeding in real pedigrees is also discussed.
Biological attributes of three introduced parasitoids as natural enemies of fruit flies, genus Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Cancino J. , Ruiz L. , Montoya P. , Harris E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe biological attributes of three introduced species of parasitoids which attack the fruit fly Anastrepha ludens were evaluated. Larvae and eggs of A. ludens were exposed to larval parasitoids Diachasmimorpha longicaudata and D. tryoni and the egg parasitoid Fopius arisanus. Parasitoid longevity and fecundity were determined using larvae and eggs of A. ludens. Likewise, the parasitism rates of these parasitoid species in infested host fruits were recorded. The intrinsic rate of increase for F. arisanus was 0.1019 followed by D. tryoni with a rate of 0.1641 and D. longicaudata with the highest rate of 0.2233. Although F. arisanus females had the highest levels of fecundity, only 50% of them remained alive until reproductive age. These results in combination with the longer generation time (in comparison with D. longicaudata and D. tryoni), can be considered as the most important factors explaining F. arisanus reduced rate of increase. However, we note that oviposition activity caused egg mortality which reduced Anastrepha egg hatch by ca. 20%. This result suggests that F. arisanus has a high potential as a natural enemy of A. ludens, in accordance with our research efforts to develop a new F. arisanus strain specialized for development in Anastrepha eggs. The results show that D. tryoni is not a good candidate for biological control of Anastrepha. Meanwhile, D. longicaudata continues to be the most important exotic parasitoid for suppression of Anastrepha fruit fly populations.
First record of the Red Gum Lerp Psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hem.: Psyllidae), in Europe
Authors: Valente C. , Hodkinson I. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe eucalypt‐feeding psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hom.: Psyllidae), an Australian insect, is reported for the first time in Europe. It was initially detected in Portugal and Spain, in September 2007, on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. At present, G. brimblecombei has only been found associated with E. camaldulensis and E. tereticornis Smith, being apparently absent from E. globulus Labill., the main eucalypt species planted on the Iberian Peninsula. Generalist predators, such as ants, spiders and ladybeetles, were observed in trees attacked by G. brimblecombei, but no psyllid parasitoids were detected.
Life‐history evolution of an invasive tephritid
Authors: Diamantidis A. D. , Carey J. R. , Papadopoulos N. T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractNatural selection and genetic drift may cause divergence in several life‐history and behavioural traits among populations of cosmopolitan insect species that have evolved in allopatry. The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) represents a unique model to address questions on the evolution of life history because of its (1) wide geographical distribution, (2) known invasion history and well studied population genetics, and (3) significance as an important model in demographic research. We summarize recent data of common garden experiments studying demographic and behavioural traits of medfly biotypes obtained from Greece, Portugal, Kenya, Brazil, Guatemala and Hawaii. These results reveal differences among the above populations in major demographic traits, such as longevity and reproduction schedule, and behavioural ones, such as male sexual signalling. In all biotypes and under constant laboratory conditions males outlived females. However, the gender gap in longevity differed a great deal among biotypes. Considering female longevity medfly biotypes obtained from Guatemala, Kenya and Hawaii are classified as short lived, and those from Greece, Portugal and Brazil as long lived. Nevertheless, taking into consideration male longevity, Kenyan and Hawaiian flies are grouped with Greek, Brazilian and Portuguese (long lived) and only Guatemalan males are classified as short lived. We also reviewed biological and behavioural data derived from wild medfly populations, and combined them with existing information on the Mediterranean fruit fly population genetics and global invasion history aiming at understanding shifts in demographic and behavioural traits in this important pest.
Patterns of unsuccessful shell‐crushing predation along a tidal gradient in two geographically separated salt marshes
Authors: Dietl Gregory P. , Alexander Richard R. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractGradients in salt marsh ecosystems that result from reduced tidal inundation time in the high marsh offer an opportunity to assess the importance of predation as a selective agent (indexed by the time‐averaged record of unsuccessful predation, which integrates potentially confounding short‐term – inter‐seasonal and inter‐annual – fluctuations in predation pressure). Spatial patterns in selection pressure are expected to decrease landward from the seaward edge of the marsh. Interaction between shell‐breaking predators and their snail prey, Littoraria irrorata, however, generated a pattern in the frequency of sublethal injury (shell repair), standardized for snail size, that did not follow this simple, single‐variable prediction of decreasing repair frequencies with distance from the seaward edge of the marsh, based on inundation time alone. Patterns of repair frequency increased landward from the seaward edge of the marsh, only declining as predicted after a zone of dense stands of salt marsh grass. The interaction of tidal inundation time and primary habitat structure (e.g. physical vegetative barriers to dispersion of predators into the marsh) is hypothesized to shape selection gradients in salt marshes, as inferred from the record of unsuccessful predation.
Seminal Plasma Proteins and Sperm Resistance to Stress
Authors: Muiño‐Blanco T , Pérez‐Pé R , Cebrián‐Pérez JA 
Published: September 2008

ContentsThe role of seminal plasma (SP) in mammalian sperm function remains largely a matter of speculation as both inhibitory and stimulating effects have been found. Specific components of SP, particularly proteins, are adsorbed onto the surface of ejaculated sperm as they pass through the male and female reproductive tracts. These sperm coating components seem to have the important function of maintaining the stability of the membrane up to the process of capacitation (decapacitation factors). Therefore, they must be removed, modified or masked before the spermatozoa undergo the acrosome reaction, an essential process for successful fertilization. It is well known that low temperatures alter the function of spermatozoa. Cold shock results in the destabilization of sperm membranes and impairment of sperm function, and it is also well known that ram spermatozoa are more sensitive to cold‐shock stress than those of other species. The addition of SP proteins to spermatozoa before and/or after cooling is able to minimize cryoinjury effects. The major proteins in ram SP which are able to protect and repair the cold‐shock damage to sperm contain fibronectin‐II domains. The significance of this domain and the role of these proteins in sperm capacitation and gamete interaction are discussed.
Embryonic Stem Cells in Cattle
Authors: Muñoz M , Díez C , Caamaño JN , Jouneau A , Hue I , Gómez E 
Published: September 2008

ContentsBecause of the potential use of embryonic stem cells (ESC), especially for genetic modifications, there is great interest in establishing domestic animals‐related ESCs. Unfortunately, despite considerable efforts, validated ESC lines in species other than mice and primates are yet to be isolated. In this paper, we will summarize the current knowledge on bovine ESCs in an attempt to understand why derivation of domestic animal ESC is still unsuccessful and we will discuss some promising future approaches.
Consequences of In Vitro Culture Conditions on Embryo Development and Quality
Authors: Rizos D , Clemente M , Bermejo‐Alvarez P , De La Fuente J , Lonergan P , Gutiérrez‐Adán A 
Published: September 2008

ContentsDespite major efforts directed at improving the yield of blastocysts from immature oocytes in vitro, the quality of such blastocysts continually lags behind that of blastocysts produced in vivo. These differences are manifested at the level of morphology, metabolism, gene expression and cryotolerance, and may have a knock‐on effect further along the developmental axis. Evidence suggesting that in vitro culture conditions, while capable of producing blastocysts in relatively high numbers, are far from optimal with deficiencies being manifested in terms of abnormally large offspring. It is clear nowadays that modification of the post‐fertilization culture environment in vitro can improve blastocyst quality to some extent.
Sperm Cryopreservation in Brown Bear (Ursus arctos): Preliminary Aspects
Authors: Anel L , Álvarez M , Martínez‐Pastor F , Gomes S , Nicolás M , Mata M , Martínez AF , Borragán S , Anel E , De Paz P 
Published: September 2008

ContentsThe development of sperm cryopreservation procedures in brown bear is the basis for establishing a specific genetic resource bank aimed at the preservation of a Cantabric brown bear population, which is seriously threatened. Several issues complicate the development of these cryopreservation procedures: lack of previous specific studies, a high incidence of urospermia and spermagglutination observed in bear ejaculates. Moreover, the availability of individuals for research from these threatened populations is problematic. In the case of the Cantabric brown bear, we have used males from other populations, but of the same species, as surrogates, to carry out a direct extrapolation of the results. Urospermia – Moreover, 70% of the ejaculates are urine contaminated and spermagglutination have a detrimental effect on post‐thawing cell quality recovery in this species. Considering the high value of these samples (autochthonous population with few individuals), a pre‐selection of the ejaculates is not a viable alternative. Preventive methods reducing the mentioned detrimental effects need to be developed. On the basis of previous data, we can suppose that bear spermatozoa resist freezing injuries well. Nevertheless, because of the scarcity of this information, it is necessary to conduct further research on bear semen freezing under field conditions. Epidydimal spermatozoa can be important for genetic resource banking of threatened populations and thus specific cryobiological protocols need to be assayed. To date, 168 brown bear ejaculates have been frozen by the ITRA‐ULE group at the University of León (Spain) in the development of methodologies for the preservation of brown bear sperm.
RANZCR 2006 Peer review audit instrument
Authors: Toohey J , Shakespeare TP , Morgan G 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe Royal Australian and New Zealand College Radiologists (RANZCR) continuing professional development programme incorporates audit with feedback as one important activity. The 2004 audit tool improves radiation oncologist practice quality; however, the instrument is designed to be regularly refined. To refine the 2004 audit tool and present the new instrument we incorporated comments and suggestions from: (i) the auditor and radiation oncologist from the single machine unit trial; (ii) members of RANZCR Post‐Fellowship Education Committee; (iii) New South Wales Department of Health mandatory prescription requirements; and (iv) the International Atomic Energy Agency audit tool. In July 2006, the revised instrument was designed then endorsed by Post‐Fellowship Education Committee. Important changes include: (i) combining criteria which separately scored documentation and correctness for similar items; (ii) scoring treatment schedule more explicitly; (iii) separating target volume coverage and critical structure dose; (iv) altering performance criteria scoring to be sensitive to peer review when no consensus can be reached; and (v) strengthening instructions for use and notes to improve comprehension and acceptance. The refined 2006 instrument should be more user‐friendly while increasing its usefulness.
Importance of daily electronic portal imaging in radiotherapy*
Authors: Bell LJ , Shakespeare TP , Willis A 
Published: September 2008

SummaryAn audit was conducted on 20 randomly selected patients who had daily electronic portal imaging during the course of their radiotherapy treatment. The daily images were reviewed to determine whether they were within tolerance according to departmental protocol. If they were not, the actions that were taken were documented. Four treatment areas (spine, chest, breast and prostate) were compared among five patients belonging to each of these categories. The patients were also categorized according to their treatment intent (radical or palliative). A total of 889 electronic portal images of 475 fractions were audited and 33.5% of all fractions were outside tolerance. It was found that 95% of patients needed an action during their treatment and 80% of the patients needed a treatment centre move during the course of their treatment. We found that errors occurred throughout the treatment and it was not possible to predict patients who could have daily imaging omitted. Concordance between radiation therapists and radiation oncologists for identification of error was also investigated. Despite the use of familiar electronic portal imaging protocols, image reviewers (radiation therapists and radiation oncologists) disagreed in interpretation 10% of the time. Our results support the hypothesis that daily imaging may be a useful tool for patients undergoing radiotherapy and that imaging may be ideally carried out before each fraction. Image assessments would be ideally carried out by a team approach, with all images reviewed by both radiation therapists and radiation oncologists. This approach has significant resource implications and may require review of current Medicare and Health Program Grant reimbursements.
Multidetector CT pulmonary angiography features of pulmonary embolus
Authors: Hoang JK , Lee WK , Hennessy OF 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPulmonary embolism (PE) is a life‐threatening condition. Multidetector CT pulmonary angiography is currently the imaging method of choice for the detection of PE. The aim of this pictorial essay is to review the appearances of PE on multidetector CT pulmonary angiography, including signs that differentiate acute and chronic PE and markers of severity. The features of a non‐diagnostic study and pitfalls leading to a false‐positive or false‐negative study are presented.
Imaging of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia
Authors: Lisle DA , Monsour PAJ , Maskiell CD 
Published: September 2008

SummaryFibrous dysplasia is a relatively common disorder of bone. It may affect the bones of the face and skull and, in so doing, produce a wide variety of clinical presentations. Plain film assessment of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia may be difficult because of varying appearances and complex, overlapping structures. The MRI appearances of fibrous dysplasia are often non‐specific and may be confusing. Findings on CT are also variable, but more commonly lead to a specific diagnosis. This is because of the characteristic ground‐glass appearance of woven bone, seen on CT in most if not all cases of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia.
Diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography in acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Chua AE , Ridley LJ 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe aim of the study was to carry out a systematic review determining the accuracy of CT angiography in the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. A search of published work in Medline and manual searching of reference lists of articles was conducted. Studies were included if they compared CT angiography to a reference standard of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, angiography or surgery in the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Eight published studies evaluating 129 patients were included. Data were used to form 2 × 2 tables. Computed tomography angiography showed pooled sensitivity of 86% (95% confidence interval 78–92%) and specificity of 95% (95% confidence interval 76–100%), without showing significant heterogeneity (χ2 = 3.5, P = 0.6) and (χ2 = 5.4, P = 0.6), respectively. Summary receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.93. Computed tomography angiography is accurate in the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and can show the precise location and aetiology of bleeding, thereby directing further management. Strong recommendations for use of CT cannot be made from this review because of the methodological limitations and further large prospective studies are needed to define the role of CT in acute gastrointestinal bleeding.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and the role of gadolinium contrast media
Authors: Van Der Molen AJ 
Published: September 2008

SummaryNephrogenic system fibrosis is a rare disease affecting patients with severe renal insufficiency or dialysis. Its aetiology is incompletely understood. Evidence is growing that gadolinium contrast media is a major risk factor, whereby risk increases with larger cumulative doses. The role of other risk factors, such as inflammation or electrolyte disturbances, is less clear. All published cases to date received gadodiamide, gadopentetate or gadoversetamide, which are considered to be less stable due to a linear molecular structure. The aetiological significance of stability differences between the non‐ionic linear, ionic linear and macrocyclic agents remains to be shown. For prevention, strict indications for MRI in risk patients can be combined with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMEA) guidelines. These recommend checking for renal impairment by history or laboratory tests. The FDA recommends avoidance of all gadolinium contrast media in patients with renal insufficiency grades 4 and 5 (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2) or any grade of acute renal failure in liver transplantation patients or candidates. The EMEA differentiates between agents and advises avoidance of only gadodiamide and gadopentetate in the same patient categories. Other gadolinium contrast media should only be used after careful consideration of risks versus benefits. Post‐procedural haemodialysis is only indicated in patients on regular dialysis.
Functional CT in a rabbit model: Evaluation of the perfusion characteristics before and after Ar‐He cryoablation therapy
Authors: Sun C , Liu C , Wang X‐m , Chen J , Wang D , Merges R 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the perfusion characteristics of rabbit liver tumours before and after Ar‐He (argon–helium) cryoablation using functional CT and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Ar‐He cryoablation. VX‐2 tumour was implanted into the livers of 30 New Zealand white rabbits. Two weeks after tumour implantation, Ar‐He cryoablation was performed on these rabbits. Functional CT was performed on the rabbits before and after treatment on days 1, 5, 14, 21 and 35. In the meantime, five rabbits were killed, and the livers were removed for histopathological examination at each of the time points mentioned above. Perfusion characteristics of the tumour and hot spot, such as blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV) and permeability, were analysed based on multislice CT. Histopathological studies corresponding to functional CT were observed, and the therapeutic effects (whether the tumour disappeared completely or still remained) were judged. The two‐tailed student’s t‐test was used to compare the differences between the effect of pre‐ and post‐Ar‐He cryoablation treatment on tumour perfusion parameters. After cryoablation treatment, the number of tumours exhibiting complete necrosis was 13 (52%), and their perfusion parameters, such as BF, BV and permeability values, were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). After treatment, the number of incomplete necrotic tumours was 12 (48%). In the earlier stage (within 14 days of treatment), the whole tumour perfusion parameters of BF, BV and permeability were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). In the late stage (more than 14 days of treatment), the whole tumour perfusion parameters of BF, BV and permeability were not significantly different compared with the pretreatment results (P > 0.05). The hot spot perfusion parameters of incomplete necrotic tumours, such as BF, BV and permeability values, showed no significant differences compared with pretreatment (P > 0.05). Functional CT can measure the perfusion characteristics of hepatic tumours and is consistent with histopathological changes in the tumour after Ar‐He cryoablation. Functional CT might also be accurate in judging the therapeutic effect of Ar‐He cryoablation.