bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A missense mutation in PMEL17 is associated with the Silver coat color in the horse
Authors: Brunberg Emma , Andersson Leif , Cothran Gus , Sandberg Kaj , Mikko Sofia , Lindgren Gabriella 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
The Silver coat color, also called Silver dapple, in the horse is characterized by dilution of the black pigment in the hair. This phenotype shows an autosomal dominant inheritance. The effect of the mutation is most visible in the long hairs of the mane and tail, which are diluted to a mixture of white and gray hairs. Herein we describe the identification of the responsible gene and a missense mutation associated with the Silver phenotype.

Results
Segregation data on the Silver locus (Z) were obtained within one half-sib family that consisted of a heterozygous Silver colored stallion with 34 offspring and their 29 non-Silver dams. We typed 41 genetic markers well spread over the horse genome, including one single microsatellite marker (TKY284) close to the candidate gene PMEL17 on horse chromosome 6 (ECA6q23). Significant linkage was found between the Silver phenotype and TKY284 (θ = 0, z = 9.0). DNA sequencing of PMEL17 in Silver and non-Silver horses revealed a missense mutation in exon 11 changing the second amino acid in the cytoplasmic region from arginine to cysteine (Arg618Cys). This mutation showed complete association with the Silver phenotype across multiple horse breeds, and was not found among non-Silver horses with one clear exception; a chestnut colored individual that had several Silver offspring when mated to different non-Silver stallions also carried the exon 11 mutation. In total, 64 Silver horses from six breeds and 85 non-Silver horses from 14 breeds were tested for the exon 11 mutation. One additional mutation located in intron 9, only 759 bases from the missense mutation, also showed complete association with the Silver phenotype. However, as one could expect to find several non-causative mutations completely associated with the Silver mutation, we argue that the missense mutation is more likely to be causative.

Conclusion
The present study shows that PMEL17 causes the Silver coat color in the horse and enable genetic testing for this trait.
Risk-adjusted cesarean section rates for the assessment of physician performance in Taiwan: a population-based study
Authors: Tang Chao-Hsiun , Wang Han-I , Hsu Chun-Sen , Su Hung-Wen , Chen Mei-Ju , Lin Herng-Ching 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Over the past decade, about one-third of all births nationwide in Taiwan were delivered by cesarean section (CS). Previous studies in the US and Europe have documented the need for risk adjustment for fairer comparisons among providers. In this study, we set out to determine the impact that adjustment for patient-specific risk factors has on CS among different physicians in Taiwan.

Methods
There were 172,511 live births which occurred in either hospitals or obstetrics/gynecology clinics between 1 January and 31 December 2003, and for whom birth certificate data could be linked with National Health Insurance (NHI) claims data, available as the sample for this study. Physicians were divided into four equivalent groups based upon the quartile distribution of their crude (actual) CS rates. Stepwise logistic regressions were conducted to develop a predictive model and to determine the expected (risk-adjusted) CS rate and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each physician. The actual rates were then compared with the expected CS rates to see the proportion of physicians whose actual rates were below, within, or above the predicted CI in each quartile.

Results
The proportion of physicians whose CS rates were above the predicted CI increased as the quartile moved to the higher level. However, more than half of the physicians whose actual rates were higher than the predicted CI were not in the highest quartile. Conversely, there were some physicians (40 of 258 physicians) in the highest quartile who were actually providing obstetric care that was appropriate to the risk. When a stricter standard was applied to the assessment of physician performance by excluding physicians in quartile 4 for predicting CS rates, as many as 60% of physicians were found to have higher CS rates than the predicted CI, and indeed, the CS rates of no physicians in either quartile 3 or quartile 4 were below the predicted CI.

Conclusion
Overall, our study found that the comparison of unadjusted CS rates might not provide a valid reflection of the quality of obstetric care delivered by physicians, and may ultimately lead to biased judgments by purchasers. Our study has also shown that when we changed the standard of quality assessment, the evaluation results also changed.
Development of a new set of reference genes for normalization of real-time RT-PCR data of porcine backfat and longissimus dorsi muscle, and evaluation with PPARGC1A
Authors: Erkens Tim , Van Poucke Mario , Vandesompele Jo , Goossens Karen , Van Zeveren Alex , Peelman Luc J 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
An essential part of using real-time RT-PCR is that expression results have to be normalized before any conclusions can be drawn. This can be done by using one or multiple, validated reference genes, depending on the desired accuracy of the results. In the pig however, very little information is available on the expression stability of reference genes. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a new set of reference genes which can be used for normalization of mRNA expression data of genes expressed in porcine backfat and longissimus dorsi muscle, both representing an economically important part of a pig's carcass. Because of its multiple functions in fat metabolism and muscle fibre type composition, peroxisome proliferative activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PPARGC1A) is a very interesting candidate gene for meat quality, and was an ideal gene to evaluate our developed set of reference genes for normalization of mRNA expression data of both tissue types.

Results
The mRNA expression stability of 10 reference genes was determined. The expression of RPL13A and SDHA appeared to be highly unstable. After normalization to the geometric mean of the three most stably expressed reference genes (ACTB, TBP and TOP2B), the results not only showed that the mRNA expression of PPARGC1A was significantly higher in each of the longissimus dorsi muscle samples than in backfat (P < 0.05), but also that the expression was significantly higher in the most cranial of the three muscle samples (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
This study provides a new set of reference genes (ACTB, TBP and TOP2B) suitable for normalization of real-time RT-PCR data of backfat and longissimus dorsi muscle in the pig. The obtained PPARGC1A expression results, after application of this set of reference genes, are a first step in unravelling the PPARGC1A expression pattern in the pig and provide a basis for possible selection towards improved meat quality while maintaining a lean carcass.
Scottish survey of diabetes services for minority ethnic groups
Authors: Baradaran Hamid R , Jamieson Joan , Gardee Rafik , Knill-Jones Robin P 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background
In the UK, all ethnic minority groups have higher rates of diabetes than the general population. Although there have been a number of projects to assess diabetic care amongst minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom, little is known about the extent to which the needs of ethnic minority groups are actually met by the National Health Service (NHS) Scotland. Therefore we conducted this study to understand of the current situation for diabetes care available to minority ethnic groups in Scotland.

Methods
We conducted this cross-sectional study in all health boards in Scotland. A questionnaire was designed based on expert comments. It was completed by Local Health Care Cooperatives (LHCC) managers, chairs, diabetes specialist nurses and public health practitioners.

Results
57 of questionnaires were returned (response rate = 69.5%). Of these LHCCs, 71% responded that diabetes was part of their LHCC plan. However 69% answered that ethnic group was not recorded by community services and GPs, and 80% of LHCCs did not monitor trends of complications of diabetes by ethnic group.

Conclusion
Improvement is needed in quality, completeness, and availability of minority ethnic group data for diabetes at a national level, particularly if NHS Primary Care Organisations are to be responsible for providing diabetes care as laid out in the Scottish Diabetes Framework.
A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Fillion Myriam , Mergler Donna , Passos Carlos José Sousa , Larribe Fabrice , Lemire Mélanie , Guimarães Jean Rémy Davée 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Fish is considered protective for coronary heart disease (CHD), but mercury (Hg) intake from fish may counterbalance beneficial effects. Although neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) are well established, cardiovascular effects are still debated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate blood pressure in relation to Hg exposure and fish consumption among a non-indigenous fish-eating population in the Brazilian Amazon.

Methods
The study was conducted among 251 persons from six communities along the Tapajós River, a major tributary of the Amazon. Data was obtained for socio-demographic information, fish consumption, height and weight to determine body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and Hg concentration in hair samples.

Results
Results showed that overall, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were relatively low (mean: 113.9 mmHg ± 14.6 and 73.7 mmHg ± 11.0). Blood pressure was significantly associated with hair total Hg (H-Hg), age, BMI and gender. No association was observed between fish consumption and blood pressure, although there were significant inter-community differences. Logistic regression analyses showed that the Odds Ratio (OR) for elevated systolic blood pressure (≥ 130 mmHg) with H-Hg ≥ 10 μg/g was 2.91 [1.26–7.28], taking into account age, BMI, smoking, gender and community.

Conclusion
The findings of this preliminary study add further support for Hg cardiovascular toxicity.
Abdominal wall implantation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Aldahham Ali , Boodai Shurooq , Alfuderi Adel , Almosawi Ahmad , Asfer Sami 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Percutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) became a popular method for diagnosis of hepatic masses. Abdominal wall implantation from FNAC is rare.

Case presentation
We report a female patient who presented with a right upper abdominal wall mass 3 years following a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and resection of a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from the liver. The mass proved to be a metastatic HCC; it was locally resected with safety margins. To date (20 months later) she remains well with no recurrence.

Conclusion
Implantation of tumor cells after FNAC for HCC is rare, but can happen. The availability of dynamic imaging of the liver should reduce the need for this technique in the diagnostic workup of patients suspected of having HCC
The development of the larval nervous system, musculature and ciliary bands of Pomatoceros lamarckii (Annelida): heterochrony in polychaetes
Authors: McDougall Carmel , Chen Wei-Chung , Shimeld Sebastian M , Ferrier David EK 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
To understand the evolution of animals it is essential to have taxon sampling across a representative spread of the animal kingdom. With the recent rearrangement of most of the Bilateria into three major clades (Ecdysozoa, Lophotrochozoa and Deuterostomia) it has become clear that the Lophotrochozoa are relatively poorly represented in our knowledge of animal development, compared to the Ecdysozoa and Deuterostomia. We aim to contribute towards redressing this balance with data on the development of the muscular, nervous and ciliary systems of the annelid Pomatoceros lamarckii (Serpulidae). We compare our data with other lophotrochozoans.

Results

P. lamarckii develops locomotory and feeding structures that enable it to become a swimming, planktotrophic larva within 24 hours. Formation of the trochophore includes development of a prototroch, metatroch and neurotroch, development of apical and posterior nervous elements at similar times, and development of musculature around the ciliary bands and digestive tract prior to development of any body wall muscles. The adult nervous and muscular systems are essentially preformed in the late larva. Interestingly, the muscular systems of the larvae and juvenile worms do not include the circular muscles of the body wall, which are considered to be plesiomorphic for annelids, although the possibility that circular muscles develop after these stages cannot be ruled out at this point.

Conclusion
A comparison between polychaetes shows variability in the timing (heterochrony) of development of body wall muscles and elements of the nervous system. These heterochronies are one route for evolution of different life history strategies, such as adaptations to feeding requirements.
Kinetic Study on the Free Radical-Scavenging and Vitamin E-Regenerating Actions of Caffeic Acid and Its Related Compounds
Authors: Ohara Keishi , Ichimura Yoko , Tsukamoto Kumi , Ogata Mayumi , Nagaoka Shin-ichi , Mukai Kazuo 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
A kinetic study involving 4-hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCAs) was performed in order to clarify the mechanism for free radical-scavenging and vitamin E-regenerating. The second-order rate constants of the radical-scavenging reaction (ks) observed for caffeic acid derivatives are larger than those for ferulic acid derivatives. The result may be explained by i) the lower oxidation potential coming from the existence of the more electron-donating hydroxy group comparing with methoxy group, and ii) the stabilization effect of the corresponding radicals produced in the radical-scavenging reaction through intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The radical-scavenging activity of HCAs in ethanol mainly occurs via the hydrogen atom transfer from the phenolic OH-protons. The pH dependence of ks for ferulic acid in the aqueous Triton X-100 micelle solutions suggests the importance of the phenolic OH proton on the radical-scavenging reaction. On the other hand, the pH dependence of ks for caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid suggests the occurence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and an electron-transfer process in the radical-scavenging reaction.
Interaction of Aromatic Amino Acids with Metal Hexacyanochromate(III) Complexes: A Possible Role in Chemical Evolution
Authors: Ali Shah Raj , Kamaluddin  
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Metal cyanogen complexes have been proposed to be efficient prebiotic catalysts. Insoluble metal cyanogen complexes are thought to have concentrated biomonomers from dilute prebiotic soup which facilitated a class of prebiotic reactions. Thus, large biopolymers were able to form during the course of chemical evolution and the origin of life. Based on this hypothesis, the interaction of two naturally occurring α-aromatic amino acids, tryptophan and phenylalanine, with cobalt(II), copper(II), and cadmium(II) hexacyanochromate(III) has been studied, and the interaction was found to be strongest at neutral pH (≈7.0). Cobalt(II) hexacyanochromate(III) adsorbed the largest amount of both amino acids while tryptophan had a stronger affinity than phenylalanine. Infrared spectral studies of the metal hexacyanochromate(III) complexes, amino acids and metal hexacyanochromate(III)–amino acid adducts indicated the involvement of NH2 as well as COO− groups of amino acids and surface metal ions present in the lattice of the metal hexacyanochromate(III) complexes.
New β-Caryophyllene-Derived Terpenoids from the Formosan Soft Coral Sinularia gibberosa
Authors: Chen Shin-Pin , Chao Chih-Hua , Huang Ho-Cheng , Wu Yang-Chang , Lu Chung-Kuang , Dai Chang-Feng , Sheu Jyh-Horng 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Seven new β-caryophyllene-derived terpenoids (1–7) were isolated from EtOAc extracts of the Formosan soft coral Sinularia gibberosa. The structures of compounds 1–7 were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with the spectral data of related metabolites. Cytotoxicity evaluation of the above metabolites towards a limited panel of cancer cell lines also will be described.
Substituent Effects on the Spectroscopic and Structural Parameters of Several New 1,3,2-Diazaphosphorinanes. Syntheses, Spectroscopic Characterization, and X-ray Crystallography
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Shariatinia Zahra , Yaghmaian Fariba , Faramarzpour Halin 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
New 1,3,2-diazaphosphorinanes with the formula (X = F (1), Cl (2), Br (3), and I (4)) were synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR and IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The structures have been determined for compounds 3 and 4 by X-ray crystallography.
Some psychologic aspects of deafness
Authors: Piker Philip 
Published: October 2006

AbstractI would like to emphasize that the psychologic reaction of an individual to a given situation depends much more on the individual to a given situation depends much more on the individual than it does on the specific situation. John Brown will respond differently to a certain set of circumstances than will James Smith. The reasons for the difference in responses result from the differences in the personalities of Brown and Smith; therefore, it is somewhat misleading to speak of the psychological aspects of deafness, as though deafness in itself were possessed of a psychology and could be depended upon to provide the same sort of reaction in everyone whom it touched. Some of us behave thus and so as the result of the loss of a limb, or the sudden accumulation of wealth; while others exhibit entirely different patterns of behavior under similar conditions. The personality of each human being is an exceedingly complex thing, and no two personalities are exactly the same. It is this personality of ours with which we attempt to adjust to life, to find contentment, to achieve a measure of success. Because our personalities are so varied, our efforts to adjust are laid along different lines. What is desirable to one individual is unimportant to the next. Each of us measures happiness in his own terms; and likewise, disappointment, frustration, and unhappiness are interpreted and evaluated by people in manners characteristic of themselves.
Effect of inflammation on the ventilatory function of the eustachian tube
Authors: Bluestone Charles D. , Cantekin Erdem I. , Beery Quinter C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn an attempt to determine the effect of an upper respiratory tract infection on the ventilatory function of the Eustachian tube, 20 children who had recurrent acute or chronic middle ear effusions were studied. Baseline Eustachian tube function testing was obtained when there were no signs or symptoms of upper respiratory infection. These tests were repeated at six‐week intervals and whenever an upper respiratory tract infection supervened.The results of this study were the following:

In the absence of an upper respiratory tract infection, the Eustachian tube function tests indicated that all 20 children had a persistent function al obstruction of the Eustachian tube, which was attributed to an inefficient active tubal opening mechanism or increased tubal compliance, or both.
During periods of upper respiratory tract infection, Eustachian tube function became worse, which was attributed to intrinsic mechanical obstruction.
During the course of the study, middle ear effusion or atelectasis recurred in some of the children, which was not necessarily in association with an upper respiratory tract infection.

The basic problem in all of the children was functional obstruction of the Eustachian tube that could result in a middle ear effusion; however, in the absence of an effusion, their poor Eustachian tube function would place them at particularly high risk for developing one, especially during periods of upper respiratory infection. Since management of the functional Eustachian tube obstruction remains obscure at present, therapy should be directed toward alleviating the transient or persistent middle ear negative pressure or the intrinsic mechanical Eustachian tube obstruction when an upper respiratory infection is present
Carcinoma of the tonsil: Results of radical irradiation with surgery reserved for radiation failure
Authors: Kaplan Raymond , Million Rodney R. , Cassisi Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis analysis reviews the treatment results of 58 patients with squa‐mous cell carcinoma of the tonsil who were treated by radical irradiation to the primary, with operation reserved for radiation failures. Postirradia‐tion radical neck dissection was sometimes added as part of the initial treatment plan.The local control and absolute survival rates for Ti‐Ta lesions were quite good, and complications were minimal. On the other hand, the local control and absolute survival for T3‐T4 lesions were only fair, and complications generally more severe, although mandibulectomy for osteonecrosis was not required in this small series.There appears to be no justification for combining operation with radiation in the initial attack for Tj‐To lesions. Although the Tl‐T2 lesions might as well be cured by operation alone, it would entail the loss of part of the mandible, pharyngeal wall, possibly some tongue and soft palate, and at least one radical neck dissection.At attempt at combining operation and irradiation for some T3 (T4) lesions appears justified by the high failure rate of radical irradiation alone. However, therapeutic zeal should be tempered by the realization that many of these patients are elderly or in poor general health, and an aggressive combined treatment approach may be unrealistic
Description of a new device: An Intranasal Airway/Splint
Authors: Doyle Donald E. , House Leland F. , Hall William P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOver the past two decades, the concept and practice of using septal splints has gained in popularity. Various methods have been used including X‐ray film, sheets of Teflon and strips of Polyethylene. In this presentation a new device is introduced which incorporates the principles of septal splinting, along with the simultaneous use of nasal breathing tubes. A brief history of septal surgery and splinting is discussed, and the new device is described, both in its configuration and usage