bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indirect exclusion of four candidate genes for generalized progressive retinal atrophy in several breeds of dogs
Authors: Lippmann Tanja , Pasternack Sandra M , Kraczyk Britta , Dudek Sabine E , Dekomien Gabriele 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Generalized progressive retinal atrophy (gPRA) is a hereditary ocular disorder with progressive photoreceptor degeneration in dogs. Four retina-specific genes, ATP binding cassette transporter retina (ABCA 4), connexin 36 (CX 36), c-mer tyrosin kinase receptor (MERTK) and photoreceptor cell retinol dehydrogenase (RDH 12) were investigated in order to identify mutations leading to autosomal recessive (ar) gPRA in 29 breeds of dogs.

Results
Mutation screening was performed initially by PCR and single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, representing a simple method with comparatively high reliability for identification of sequence variations in many samples. Conspicuous banding patterns were analyzed via sequence analyses in order to detect the underlying nucleotide variations. No pathogenetically relevant mutations were detected in the genes ABCA 4, CX 36, MERTK and RDH 12 in 71 affected dogs of 29 breeds. Yet 30 new sequence variations were identified, both, in the coding regions and intronic sequences. Many of the sequence variations were in heterozygous state in affected dogs.

Conclusion
Based on the ar transmittance of gPRA in the breeds investigated, informative sequence variations provide evidence allowing indirect exclusion of pathogenetic mutations in the genes ABCA 4 (for 9 breeds), CX 36 (for 12 breeds), MERTK (for all 29 breeds) and RDH 12 (for 9 breeds).
The mechanism for stochastic resonance enhancement of mammalian auditory information processing
Authors: Hong Dawei , Martin Joseph V , Saidel William M 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundIn a mammalian auditory system, when intrinsic noise is added to a subthreshold signal, not only can the resulting noisy signal be detected, but also the information carried by the signal can be completely recovered. Such a phenomenon is called stochastic resonance (SR). Current analysis of SR commonly employs the energies of the subthreshold signal and intrinsic noise. However, it is difficult to explain SR when the energy addition of the signal and noise is not enough to lift the subthreshold signal over the threshold. Therefore, information modulation has been hypothesized to play a role in some forms of SR in sensory systems. Information modulation, however, seems an unlikely mechanism for mammalian audition, since it requires significanta prioriknowledge of the characteristics of the signal.ResultsWe propose that the analysis of SR cannot rely solely on the energies of a subthreshold signal and intrinsic noise or on information modulation. We note that a mammalian auditory system expends energy in the processing of a noisy signal. A part of the expended energy may therefore deposit into the recovered signal, lifting it over threshold. We propose a model that in a rigorous mathematical manner expresses this new theoretical viewpoint on SR in the mammalian auditory system and provide a physiological rationale for the model.ConclusionOur result indicates that the mammalian auditory system may be more active than previously described in the literature. As previously recognized, when intrinsic noise is used to generate a noisy signal, the energy carried by the noise is added to the original subthreshold signal. Furthermore, our model predicts that the system itself should deposit additional energy into the recovered signal. The additional energy is used in the processing of the noisy signal to recover the original subthreshold signal.
Maternal position during the first stage of labor: a systematic review
Authors: Souza João P , Miquelutti Maria A , Cecatti Jose G , Makuch Maria Y 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Policy makers and health professionals are progressively using evidence-based rationale to guide their decisions. There has long been controversy regarding which maternal position is more appropriate during the first stage of labor. This problem has been examined often and repeatedly and the optimal recommendation remains unclear.

Methods
This is a systematic review of the effect of maternal position during the first stage of labor. The main question addressed here is: Does encouraging women to adopt an upright position or to ambulate during the first stage of labor reduce the duration of this stage? All randomized controlled trials carried out to assess this effect were taken into consideration in this review. The following electronic databases were accessed to identify studies: MEDLINE, Popline, the Scientific Electronic Library On-line and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information. Citation eligibility was independently assessed by two reviewers. The methodological quality of each trial was also evaluated independently by two reviewers and a trial under consideration was included only when consensus had been attained. Allocation concealment and screening for the occurrence of attrition, performance and detection biases were considered when studies were appraised. The decision whether to perform data pooling was based on the clinical similarity of studies.

Results
The search strategy resulted in 260 citations, of which 18 were assessed in full-text. Nine eligible randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Randomization methods were not fully described in eight studies. The allocation concealment was considered adequate in four studies and unclear in five. The investigators pooled the data from seven studies in which the length of the first stage of labor and results were in favor of the intervention, but the high level of heterogeneity (I2 = 88.4%) impaired the meaning of this finding. The intervention did not affect other outcomes studied (mode of delivery, use of analgesia, labor augmentation and condition of the child at birth).

Conclusion
Adoption of the upright position or ambulation during first stage of labor may be safe, but considering the available evidence and its consistency, it cannot be recommended as an effective intervention to reduce duration of the first stage of labor.
Ageing is associated with a decline in peripheral blood CD56bright NK cells
Authors: Chidrawar Shivani M , Khan Naeem , Chan Y L Tracey , Nayak Laxman , Moss Paul AH 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackgroundNatural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that lack CD3 and express variable levels of CD16, CD56 and CD57. In recent years NK cells have been categorised into two major groups based on the level of CD56 expression. This phenotypic classification correlates with functional activity as CD56brightNK cells are the major cytokine producing subset whereas CD56dimNK cells exhibit greater cytotoxic activity. Previous studies have revealed a reduction in total NK cell numbers in association with ageing and this study sought to determine the potential influence of ageing on the number of NK cell subsets within peripheral blood.ResultsThe number of NK (CD56+CD3-) cells within peripheral blood did not change with increasing age. The number of CD56dimNK cells also remained stable with ageing. In contrast the absolute number of CD56brightNK cells within peripheral blood declined by 48% with ageing from a mean of 15.6/μl in individuals aged 20–40 years to 8.1/μl in those aged 60+ years (p = 0.0004).ConclusionThe number of CD56brightNK cells within peripheral blood declines with age. As this population plays a central role in cytokine secretion during the innate immune response this decline may contribute to impaired immune regulation in elderly individuals
Does listening to the sound of yourself chewing increase your enjoyment of food?
Authors: Amos Kirsty E , Anari Shahram , Buswell Charlotte A , McNeill Emma J , Printza Athanasia , Ray Stephen J , Rustom Isam 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Anecdotal evidence suggests that listening to oneself eating results in a more pleasurable eating experience. Maximising the sensory experience of eating can result in increased oral intake and is potentially valuable in improving nutritional status in at-risk patients.

Objective
This pilot study investigates the association between listening to the sound of oneself eating and the consequences on enjoyment of eating.

Design
Prospective, randomized, controlled, cross-over trial of 10 fit, adult volunteers. Participants were timed eating a standardised amount of bread, and were randomized to eat in silence or whilst listening to their own amplified chewing and swallowing. Measurements of pulse and blood pressure were recorded throughout the procedure. Subjective pleasure scores were documented and the procedure repeated in the alternate study arm.

Results
There was no significant relationship demonstrated between listening to oneself chewing and the enjoyment of eating.

Conclusion
Although this small pilot study was unable to demonstrate a significant relationship between listening to oneself chewing and enjoyment of eating, other evidence suggests that distraction techniques have a beneficial effect on dietary intake. Such techniques can be applied in a clinical setting and further work in this area has valuable potential.
Second-order projection from the posterior lateral line in the early zebrafish brain
Authors: Fame Ryann M , Brajon Carole , Ghysen Alain 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Background
Mechanosensory information gathered by hair cells of the fish lateral-line system is collected by sensory neurons and sent to the ipsilateral hindbrain. The information is then conveyed to other brain structures through a second-order projection. In the adult, part of the second-order projection extends to the contralateral hindbrain, while another part connects to a midbrain structure, the torus semicircularis.

Results
In this paper we examine the second-order projection from the posterior lateral-line system in late embryonic/early larval zebrafish. At four days after fertilization the synaptic field of the sensory neurons can be accurately targeted, allowing a very reproducible labeling of second-order neurons. We show that second-order projections are highly stereotyped, that they vary according to rhombomeric identity, and that they are almost completely lateralized. We also show that the projections extend not only to the contralateral hindbrain and torus semicircularis but to many other brain centers as well, including gaze- and posture-controlling nuclei in the midbrain, and presumptive thalamic nuclei.

Conclusion
We propose that the extensive connectivity observed in early brain development reveals a basic scaffold common to most vertebrates, from which different subsets are later reinforced in various vertebrate groups. The large repertoire of projection targets provides a promising system to study the genetic encoding of this differential projection capacity.
BVDV and BHV-1 Infections in Dairy Herds in Northern and Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Kampa J , Ståhl K , Moreno-López J , Chanlun A , Aiumlamai S , Alenius S 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBulk milk samples from 220 dairy herds were collected at 9 public milk collection centres in the northeastern and northern Thailand, and a subset of 11 herds was selected for individual testing. The samples were tested for presence of antibodies to BVDV and BHV-1 using an indirect ELISA. The results from the bulk milk testing demonstrated a moderate level of exposure to BVDV and BHV-1 (73% and 67%, respectively). However, the low proportion of herds with high BVDV antibody-levels (13%) and the low within-herd seroprevalence of BVDV and BHV-1 in the 11 herds (24% and 5%, respectively), particularly among the young stock (15% and 0%, respectively), demonstrated a low prevalence of active BVDV infection and a low rate of reactivation of latent BHV-1. The presence of a self-clearance process was also indicated by the results from the individual testing. Moreover, a surprisingly low prevalence of BVDV and BHV-1 antibody-positive herds at one of the milk centres was found. This centre was established 5–10 years before the others. Our impression is that this reflects the self-clearance process, where consecutive replacement of imported infected animals without further spread has resulted in a nearly total elimination of the infections.Based on our experiences and on these results we are convinced that this process can continue if there is awareness of herd biosecurity. This is especially important in the context of a future intensification of the dairy production.
Cumulative Risk of Bovine Mastitis Treatments in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden
Authors: Valde JP , Lawson LG , Lindberg A , Agger JF , Saloniemi H , Østerås O 
Published: November 2006

AbstractData from the national dairy cow recording systems during 1997 were used to calculate lactation-specific cumulative risk of mastitis treatments and cumulative risk of removal from the herds in Denmark, Finland Norway and Sweden. Sweden had the lowest risk of recorded mastitis treatments during 305 days of lactation and Norway had the highest risk. The incidence risk of recorded mastitis treatments during 305 days of lactation in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden was 0.177, 0.139, 0.215 and 0.127 for first parity cows and 0.228, 0.215, 0.358 and 0.204 for parities higher than three, respectively. The risk of a first parity cow being treated for mastitis was almost 3 times higher at calving in Norway than in Sweden. The period with the highest risk for mastitis treatments was from 2 days before calving until 14 days after calving and the highest risk for removal was from calving to 10 days after calving in all countries.The study clearly demonstrated differences in bovine mastitis treatment patterns among the Nordic countries. The most important findings were the differences in treatment risks during different lactations within each country, as well as differences in strategies with respect to the time during lactation mastitis was treated.
A Serological Survey of Ruminant Livestock in Kazakhstan During Post-Soviet Transitions in Farming and Disease Control
Authors: Lundervold M , Milner-Gulland EJ , O'Callaghan CJ , Hamblin C , Corteyn A , Macmillan AP 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe results of a serological survey of livestock in Kazakhstan, carried out in 1997–1998, are reported. Serum samples from 958 animals (cattle, sheep and goats) were tested for antibodies to foot and mouth disease (FMD), bluetongue (BT), epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD), rinderpest (RP) and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) viruses, and to Brucella spp. We also investigated the vaccination status of livestock and related this to changes in veterinary provision since independence in 1991. For the 2 diseases under official surveillance (FMD and brucellosis) our results were similar to official data, although we found significantly higher brucellosis levels in 2 districts and widespread ignorance about FMD vaccination status. The seroprevalence for BT virus was 23%, and seropositive animals were widespread suggesting endemicity, despite the disease not having being previously reported. We found a few seropositives for EHDV and PPRV, which may suggest that these diseases are also present in Kazakhstan. An hierarchical model showed that seroprevalence to FMD and BT viruses were clustered at the farm/village level, rather than at a larger spatial scale. This was unexpected for FMD, which is subject to vaccination policies which vary at the raion (county) level.
BISON: bio-interface for the semi-global analysis of network patterns
Authors: Besemann Christopher , Denton Anne , Carr Nathan J , Prüβ Birgit M 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
The large amount of genomics data that have accumulated over the past decade require extensive data mining. However, the global nature of data mining, which includes pattern mining, poses difficulties for users who want to study specific questions in a more local environment. This creates a need for techniques that allow a localized analysis of globally determined patterns.

Results
We developed a tool that determines and evaluates global patterns based on protein property and network information, while providing all the benefits of a perspective that is targeted at biologist users with specific goals and interests. Our tool uses our own data mining techniques, integrated into current visualization and navigation techniques. The functionality of the tool is discussed in the context of the transcriptional network of regulation in the enteric bacterium Escherichia coli. Two biological questions were asked: (i) Which functional categories of proteins (identified by hidden Markov models) are regulated by a regulator with a specific domain? (ii) Which regulators are involved in the regulation of proteins that contain a common hidden Markov model? Using these examples, we explain the gene-centered and pattern-centered analysis that the tool permits.

Conclusion
In summary, we have a tool that can be used for a wide variety of applications in biology, medicine, or agriculture. The pattern mining engine is global in the way that patterns are determined across the entire network. The tool still permits a localized analysis for users who want to analyze a subportion of the total network. We have named the tool BISON (B io-I nterface for the S emi-global analysis O f N etwork patterns).
Hyperlactatemia during cardiopulmonary bypass: determinants and impact on postoperative outcome
Authors: Ranucci Marco , De Toffol Barbara , Isgrò Giuseppe , Romitti Federica , Conti Daniela , Vicentini Maira 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Hyperlactatemia during cardiopulmonary bypass is relatively frequent and is associated with an increased postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine which perfusion-related factors may be responsible for hyperlactatemia, with specific respect to hemodilution and oxygen delivery, and to verify the clinical impact of hyperlactatemia during cardiopulmonary bypass in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality rate.

Methods
Five hundred consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were admitted to this prospective observational study. During cardiopulmonary bypass, serial arterial blood gas analyses with blood lactate and glucose determinations were obtained. Hyperlactatemia was defined as a peak arterial blood lactate concentration exceeding 3 mmol/l. Pre- and intraoperative factors were tested for independent association with the peak arterial lactate concentration and hyperlactatemia. The postoperative outcome of patients with or without hyperlactatemia was compared.

Results
Factors independently associated with hyperlactatemia were the preoperative serum creatinine value, the presence of active endocarditis, the cardiopulmonary bypass duration, the lowest oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass, and the peak blood glucose level. Once corrected for other explanatory variables, hyperlactatemia during cardiopulmonary bypass remained significantly associated with an increased morbidity, related mainly to a postoperative low cardiac output syndrome, but not to mortality.

Conclusion
Hyperlactatemia during cardiopulmonary bypass appears to be related mainly to a condition of insufficient oxygen delivery (type A hyperlactatemia). During cardiopulmonary bypass, a careful coupling of pump flow and arterial oxygen content therefore seems mandatory to guarantee a sufficient oxygen supply to the peripheral tissues.
Recurrent insertion and duplication generate networks of transposable element sequences in the Drosophila melanogaster genome
Authors: Bergman Casey M , Quesneville Hadi , Anxolabéhère Dominique , Ashburner Michael 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Background
The recent availability of genome sequences has provided unparalleled insights into the broad-scale patterns of transposable element (TE) sequences in eukaryotic genomes. Nevertheless, the difficulties that TEs pose for genome assembly and annotation have prevented detailed, quantitative inferences about the contribution of TEs to genomes sequences.

Results
Using a high-resolution annotation of TEs in Release 4 genome sequence, we revise estimates of TE abundance in Drosophila melanogaster. We show that TEs are non-randomly distributed within regions of high and low TE abundance, and that pericentromeric regions with high TE abundance are mosaics of distinct regions of extreme and normal TE density. Comparative analysis revealed that this punctate pattern evolves jointly by transposition and duplication, but not by inversion of TE-rich regions from unsequenced heterochromatin. Analysis of genome-wide patterns of TE nesting revealed a 'nesting network' that includes virtually all of the known TE families in the genome. Numerous directed cycles exist among TE families in the nesting network, implying concurrent or overlapping periods of transpositional activity.

Conclusion
Rapid restructuring of the genomic landscape by transposition and duplication has recently added hundreds of kilobases of TE sequence to pericentromeric regions in D. melanogaster. These events create ragged transitions between unique and repetitive sequences in the zone between euchromatic and beta-heterochromatic regions. Complex relationships of TE nesting in beta-heterochromatic regions raise the possibility of a co-suppression network that may act as a global surveillance system against the majority of TE families in D. melanogaster.
Regulation of TNF mediated antiapoptotic signaling in human neutrophils: role of δ-PKC and ERK1/2
Authors: Kilpatrick Laurie E , Sun Shuang , Mackie DeMauri , Baik Fred , Li Haiying , Korchak Helen M 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
TNF is implicated in the suppression of neutrophil apoptosis during sepsis. Multiple signaling pathways are involved in TNF-mediated antiapoptotic signaling; a role for the MAP kinases (MAPK), ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK has been suggested. Antiapoptotic signaling is mediated principally through TNF receptor-1 (TNFR-1), and the PKC isotype-delta (δ-PKC) is a critical regulator of TNFR-1 signaling. δ-PKC associates with TNFR-1 in response to TNF and is required for NFκB activation and inhibition of caspase 3. The role of δ-PKC in TNF-mediated activation of MAPK is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the MAPK, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK are involved in TNF antiapoptotic signaling and whether δ-PKC is a key regulator of MAPK activation by TNF. In human neutrophils, TNF activated both p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 principally via TNFR-1. The MEK1/2 inhibitors PD098059 and U0126, but not the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, decreased TNF antiapoptotic signaling as measured by caspase 3 activity. A specific δ-PKC antagonist, V1.1δ-PKC-Tat peptide, inhibited TNF-mediated ERK1/2 activation, but not p38 MAPK. ERK1/2 inhibition did not alter recruitment of δ-PKC to TNFR-1, indicating δ-PKC is acting upstream of ERK1/2. In HL-60 cells differentiated to a neutrophilic phenotype, δ-PKC depletion by δ-PKC siRNA resulted in inhibition of TNF mediated ERK1/2 activation but not p38 MAPK. Thus, ERK1/2, but not p38 MAPK, is an essential component of TNF-mediated antiapoptotic signaling. In human neutrophils, δ-PKC is a positive regulator of ERK1/2 activation via TNFR-1 but has no role in p38 MAPK activation.