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In recent years, United States federal funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), have implemented public access policies to make research supported by funding from these federal agencies freely available to the public. Enforcement is primarily through annual and final reports submitted to these funding agencies, where all peer-reviewed publications must be registered through the appropriate mechanism as required by the specific federal funding agency. Unreported and/or incorrectly reported papers can result in delayed acceptance of annual and final reports and even funding delays for current and new research grants. So, it's important to make sure every peer-reviewed publication is reported properly and in a timely manner. For large collaborative research efforts, the tracking and proper registration of peer-reviewed publications along with generation of accurate annual and final reports can create a large administrative burden. With large collaborative teams, it is easy for these administrative tasks to be overlooked, forgotten, or lost in the shuffle. In order to help with this reporting burden, we have developed the Academic Tracker software package, implemented in the Python 3 programming language and supporting Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems. Academic Tracker helps with publication tracking and reporting by comprehensively searching major peer-reviewed publication tracking web portals, including PubMed, Crossref, ORCID, and Google Scholar, given a list of authors. Academic Tracker provides highly customizable reporting templates so information about the resulting publications is easily transformed into appropriate formats for tracking and reporting purposes. The source code and extensive documentation is hosted on GitHub (https://moseleybioinformaticslab.github.io/academic%5ftracker/) and is also available on the Python Package Index (https://pypi.org/project/academic%5ftracker) for easy installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The left hemisphere is dominant for language in most people, but lateralization strength varies between different tasks and individuals. A large body of literature has shown that handedness is associated with lateralization: left handers have weaker language lateralization on average, and a greater incidence of atypical (right hemisphere) lateralization; but typically, these studies have relied on a single measure of language lateralization. Here we consider the relationships between lateralization for two different language tasks. We investigated the influence of handedness on lateralization using functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD), using an existing dataset (N = 151 adults, 21 left handed). We compared a speech production task (word generation) and a semantic association task. We demonstrated stronger left-lateralization for word generation than semantic association; and a moderate correlation between laterality indices for the two tasks (r = 0.59). Laterality indices were stronger for right than left handers, and left handers were more likely than right handers to have atypical (right hemisphere) lateralization or inconsistent lateralization between the two tasks. These results add to our knowledge of individual differences in lateralization and support the view that language lateralization is multifactorial rather than unitary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent sea surface height (SSH) trends in the South Pacific are substantially greater than trends in the North Pacific. Here, we use the Estimating the Climate and Circulation of the Ocean Version 4 Release 4 ocean state estimate and the Ocean Reanalysis System 5 to identify the forcing and mechanisms underlying that meridional asymmetry during 2005–2015. Thermosteric contributions dominate the spatial structure in Pacific SSH trends, but contributions from local surface heat fluxes are small. Wind stress trends drive a spin‐up of the South Pacific subtropical gyre and a northward shift of the North Pacific subtropical gyre. A reduced gravity model forced with reanalysis winds qualitatively reproduces the meridional seesaw in sea level, suggesting that asymmetric trends in subtropical wind stress drive a cross‐equatorial heat transport. A reversal in forcing associated with this process could impact near‐term rates of coastal sea‐level change, particularly in Pacific Island communities. Plain Language Summary: Recent sea‐surface‐height trends in the South Pacific are substantially greater than trends in the North Pacific. Here, we use the Estimating the Climate and Circulation of the Ocean Version 4 Release 4 ocean state estimate and the Ocean Reanalysis System 5 to identify the forcing and mechanisms underlying that meridional asymmetry during 2005–2015. We show that the anomalous sea‐level trends are associated with a cross‐equatorial transport and Southern Hemisphere accumulation of heat in response to changes in wind forcing. Key Points: Sea‐level trends during 2005–2015 exhibited a meridional asymmetry in the subtropical Pacific OceanThis behavior is qualitatively reproduced by a reduced gravity model forced by surface wind stressResults suggest an important role for anomalous cross‐equatorial Pacific meridional heat flux [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: There is pressure on production veterinarians to reduce the use of antibiotics in intensive beef production systems. Aims: The present study investigated whether preconditioning – the process whereby weaned calves destined for the feedlot are prepared over a period of time – reduced antibiotic treatment events, and improved health and production of calves in a South African feedlot. Methods: Preconditioned calves (n = 301) and control calves (n = 332) were sourced from the same origin on two occasions, and arrived at the feedlot on the same day. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was defined as the 'pulling' of clinically sick calves from feedlot pens, followed by the standard protocol for treatment of BRD (including antibiotic treatment). Outcome variables related to health were BRD overall incidence (pulling), BRD re-pulling and lung lesion scores. Production outcome variables measured were carcass weight, carcass average daily gain (ADG) and days on feed (DOF). Initial carcass weight was estimated from shrunk liveweight in order to estimate the effect of preconditioning on carcass gain, the most economically relevant outcome. Statistical analyses were done using multiple linear, logistic and Cox regression. Predictor variables were preconditioning vs control, gender, starting weight, DOF, pulling for BRD and carcass ADG. Key results: A lower proportion of preconditioned calves were pulled and a lower proportion of pulled calves were re-pulled for BRD compared with control calves (8 vs 17% and 8 vs 16%, respectively, P < 0.01). A higher proportion of preconditioned calves compared with control calves were market ready at 90 DOF (89 vs 67%, P < 0.01). In the multivariable models preconditioning was associated with a 200 g/d increase in carcass growth rate (P < 0.01) and with a 17.7 kg increase in overall carcass gain (P < 0.01) after adjusting for gender and DOF. Conclusions: Preconditioning reduced the incidence and severity of BRD and feedlot standing time and improved production of calves in South African feedlots. Implications: Preconditioning has the potential to add value to the beef feedlot by reducing the formation of antimicrobial resistance while improving the profitability of the feedlot. Regular use of antibiotics in feedlot cattle exposes the environment and the consumer of beef to bacteria with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this experiment we demonstrated that the practice of preconditioning, where calves are carefully prepared before entering the feedlot, reduces disease and the use of antibiotics, while simultaneously improving cattle production. Preconditioning of feedlot cattle may therefore reduce the contribution of beef production to AMR development while adding to the profitability of a beef feedlot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-shallow junction layers are required for deep-submicron complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors and quantum devices. The use of low temperature Si molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) has been investigated for the formation of 10 nm ultra-shallow doped layers. Uniformly B-doped Si layers, B delta-doped Si, and uniformly B-doped Si[sub 1 - x] Ge[sub x] (x = 0, 0.2, or 0.4) layers have been studied. Regardless of the growth technique (uniform versus delta-doped) or Ge concentration, the sheet resistance of the optimally-doped, as-grown samples were equivalent to idealized, box profiles having a carrier concentration equal to the B solid solubility limit in Si, 6 × 10[sup 20]/cm³, which is a substantial improvement over the best reported, ion implanted shallow layers. The B in the as-grown, optimally-doped MBE layers is fully electrically active and does not require a post-growth anneal. The thermal budget of the layers was established so that the layers can be employed in a device fabrication process. The MBE-grown shallow-doped layers were not affected by 10 min thermal processing up to 700°C. While substantial B redistribution occurred as a result of the 800 °C 10 min anneal, the sheet resistances of the MBE-grown layers are still less than ion implanted samples having the same junction depth. In addition, it was observed that the Ge alloy layers impeded the diffusion of B at 800 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Long tide gauge records from Fremantle and San Diego are used to examine interdecadal sea level fluctuations and their relationship to Pacific climate variability. The sea level difference between the tide gauges and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) provide a consistent depiction of trade wind variations along the equator over the past century. The sea level difference and SOI exhibit weak interdecadal variability prior to the late 1970s, followed by an extended 40‐year period of high levels at San Diego and low at Fremantle, and low SOI levels signifying weakened equatorial trade winds. By referencing the tide gauge records to global mean sea level, we infer that Pacific trade winds exhibited weak departures from mean conditions on interdecadal time scales prior to the late 1970s and that a prolonged El Niño‐like lull dominated the tropics at the end of the century. A recent shift suggests that the trades are reverting back to the El Niño‐like state. These tropical interdecadal variations have counterparts in the extratropical North Pacific after the 1970s, as captured by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, but the early twentieth century quiescent phase in the tropical Pacific is not reflected in the extratropics, which exhibits more energetic oscillatory behavior over the same time span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiological impact to members of the public living around the Canadian Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) was assessed using environmental monitoring data for tritium, gross alpha, 137Cs and 131I and dose calculations. The monitoring data exhibited concentrations much lower than guidelines and are comparable to other results in Canada. Tritium is the most significant radionuclide and major contributor to the very low dose (µSv y−1), to members of the public. The tritium dose was a fraction of the regulatory dose limit and background radiation dose. The public living around Canadian NPPs is not exposed to radiation that would result in a radiological impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined the growth of indium antimonide on gallium arsenide by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Experimental details; Discussion of the MBE growth of indium antimony; Conclusions.

Presents a study which performed double crystal x-ray analysis on gallium arsenide wafers implanted with sulfur ions, followed by rapid thermal annealing. Experimental details; Numerical calculations; Results and discussion.

The effect of 2 MeV proton irradiation on the current–voltage (IV) characteristics of Si/Si0.6Ge0.4 resonant interband tunneling diodes (RITDs) is reported. A fluence of 5×1014 H+/cm2 causes the peak current to increase by about 4% the valley current to nearly double and the peak-to-valley current ratio to be reduced by about half. At comparable fluences, most minority carrier diodes are inoperational. Radiation-induced changes are compared to changes in the IV curves of irradiated Si- and Ge Esaki diodes, GaSb-based RITDs and InP-based resonant tunneling diodes. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western sand darter,Ammocrypta clara, and the eastern sand darter,A. pellucida, are sand-dwelling fishes that have undergone range-wide population declines, presumably owing to habitat loss. Habitat use studies have been conducted for the eastern sand darter, but literature on the western sand darter remains sparse. To evaluate substrate selection and preference, western and eastern sand darters were collected from the Elk River, West Virginia, one of the few remaining rivers where both species occur sympatrically. In the laboratory, individuals were given the choice to bury into five equally available and randomly positioned substrates ranging from fine sand to granule gravel (0.12–4.0 mm). The western sand darter selected for coarse and medium sand, while the eastern sand darter was more of a generalist selecting for fine, medium, and coarse sand. Substrate selection was significantly different (p= 0.02) between species in the same environment, where the western sand darter preferred coarser substrate more often compared to the eastern sand darter. Habitat degradation is often a limiting factor for many species of rare freshwater fish, and results from this study suggest that western and eastern sand darters may respond differently to variations in benthic substrate composition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The segregation of B from Si[sub 1-x]Ge[sub x] quantum wells grown using molecular beam epitaxy on Si(100) and Si(110) was investigated using secondary ion mass spectrometry. When a 3 nm B doping slab (n = 10[sup 19]/cm³) was placed in the center of a 6 nm Si[sub 1-x]Ge[sub x] quantum well, the B profiles had two distinct exponential decay lengths, Δ[sub SiGe], the Ge-controlled B decay length and Δ[sub Si], the B decay length normally measured in Si. Δ[sub SiGe] was the same for Si(100) and Si(110) and independent of Ge concentration in the well for 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5. As the Ge concentration was increased in the well, the location of the transition point, from Δ[sub SiGe] to Δ[sub Si], which was always found far outside of the SiGe quantum well, increased in distance from the center of the well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new materials characterization system developed at the XMaS beamline, located at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France, is presented. We show that this new capability allows to measure the atomic structural evolution (crystallography) of piezoelectric materials whilst simultaneously measuring the overall strain characteristics and electrical response to dynamically (ac) applied external stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesia rossi causes severe morbidity and mortality in dogs in sub-Saharan Africa, and the complications associated with this disease are likely caused by an unfocused, excessive inflammatory response. During this experimental B. rossi study we investigated inflammatory marker and cytokine kinetics during infection and after treatment. We aimed to determine whether infectious dose and treatment would influence the progression of the inflammatory response and clinical disease. Six healthy male beagle dogs formed the study population, one was used to raise the infectious inoculum, three were administered a high B. rossi infectious dose (HD group) and two a low infectious dose (LD group). Clinical examination, complete blood count (CBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined daily. Cytokines were quantified on stored plasma collected during the study, using a canine specific cytokine magnetic bead panel (Milliplex©). The experiment was terminated and treatment administered when predetermined experimental or humane endpoints were reached. Parasitemia occurred on day 1 and 3 in the HD and LD groups respectively. The rate of increase in parasitemia in the HD group was significantly faster than that seen in the LD group. Significant differences were found in heart rate, blood pressure, interferon gamma (INFγ), keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), INFγ-induced protein 10 (IP10), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10 IL-15, IL-18, CRP, neutrophils and monocytes between groups at multiple time points during the course of the infection. Our findings suggest that the initiation of inflammation occurs before the onset of clinical disease in B. rossi infection and infectious dose influences the onset of the inflammatory response. Treatment enhances the inflammatory response in the immediate post-treatment period which may contribute to disease associated complications. Finally, we found that there is an imbalance in pro/anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations during infection which may promote parasite replication. • Experimental Babesia rossi infection using a cryopreserved wild-type strain. • Markers of inflammation including cytokines, C-reactive protein, and leukocytes. • Progression of inflammation during infection and after treatment. • Influence of infectious dose on progression of clinical disease and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are entering a very exciting era in umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT), where many of the associated formidable challenges may become treatable by ex vivo graft manipulation and/or adoptive immunotherapy utilizing specific cellular products. We envisage the use of double UCBT rather than single UCBT for most patients; this allows for greater ability to treat larger patients as well as to manipulate the graft. Ex vivo expansion and/or fucosylation of one cord will achieve more rapid engraftment, minimize the period of neutropenia and also give certainty that the other cord will provide long-term engraftment/immune reconstitution. The non-expanded (and future dominant) cord could be chosen for characteristics such as better HLA matching to minimize GvHD, or larger cell counts to enable part of the unit to be utilized for the development of specific cellular therapies such as the production of virus-specificT-cells or chimeric-antigen receptor T-cells which are reviewed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate management of the effects of human activities on animal populations requires quantification of the rate at which animals encounter stressors. Such activities are heterogeneously distributed in space, as are the individual animals in a population. This will result in a heterogeneous exposure rate, which is also likely to vary over time. A spatially explicit analysis of individual exposure is therefore required. We applied Bayesian spatially explicit capture-recapture models to photo-identification data to estimate the home range of well-marked individuals in a protected coastal population of bottlenose dolphins. Model results were combined with the estimated distribution of boat traffic to quantify how exposure to this disturbance varied in time and space. Variability in exposure between individuals was also investigated using a mixed-effects model. The cumulative individual exposure to boat traffic varied between summers, depending both on the overall area usage and the degree of individual movement around the activity centres. Despite this variability, regions of higher risk could be identified. There were marked inter-individual differences in the predicted amount of time dolphins spent in the presence of boats, and individuals tended to be consistently over- or underexposed across summers. Our study offers a framework to describe the temporal, spatial and individual variation in exposure to anthropogenic stressors when individuals can be repeatedly identified over time. It provides opportunities to map exposure risk and understand how this evolves in time at both individual and population levels. The outcome of such modelling can be used as a robust evidence base to support management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial bridging, which is defined as cardiac muscle overlying a part of a coronary artery, is the most common congenital coronary artery anomaly. Myocardial bridging is usually benign, but has been associated with exercise-related cardiac events. Guidelines for athletic participation in these patients are primarily based on reports from the general population with myocardial bridging. We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Ovid and Google Scholar for articles addressing exercise-related cardiac events associated with myocardial bridging. We identified 69 cases of which only 35 were well defined. We conclude that there are insufficient data to form definitive guidelines as to how physically active individuals with myocardial bridging should be managed. Prudence suggests that management should be individualized for those with possible symptoms. Beta adrenergic blockade is recommended as initial medical therapy. Surgery should be restricted to those with continued symptoms despite beta blocker therapy. There is no evidence that asymptomatic individuals without clinical evidence of ischemia should be restricted from vigorous activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:This research examined the proposition that the direct costs of care were no different in an open-bay (OPBY) as compared with a single-family room (SFR) neonatal intensive care (NICU) environment.Study Design:This was a sequential cohort study.Result:General linear models were implemented using clinical and cost data for all neonates admitted to the two cohorts studied. Costs were adjusted to year 2007 U.S. dollars. Models were constructed for the unadjusted regression and subsequently by adding demographic variables, treatment variables, length of respiratory support and length of stay. With the exception of the last, none were found to achieve significance. The full model had R2=0.799 with P=0.0095 and predicted direct costs of care less in the SFR NICU.Conclusion:For the time, location and administrative practices in place, this study demonstrates that care can be provided in the SFR NICU at no additional cost as compared with OPBY NICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of Cryptosporidium at species, subtype family and subtype level in diarrhoeic children was investigated in four provinces in South Africa. A total of 442 stool samples from children <5 years of age were collected under a large rotavirus surveillance programme and analysed by Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining. Fifty-four (12.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, of which 25 were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequence analyses of the 18S rRNA gene. The majority of genotyped specimens were identified as C. hominis (76%), and a high genetic diversity was found with five different C. hominis subtype families (Ia, Ib, Id, Ie and If). Cryptosporidium parvum was found in 20% of the isolates, and three subtype families were identified (IIc, IIe and IIb), with subtype family IIc being the most common. One specimen was identified as C. meleagridis of the subtype family IIId. These results are in accordance with findings from other developing countries and report for the first time the presence in South Africa of C. meleagridis, various subtypes of C. parvum and the subtype family Ie of C. hominis. The results suggest that C. hominis and anthroponotic C. parvum subtypes are the major cause of cryptosporidiosis in South Africa. Further molecular studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and public health importance of Cryptosporidium in humans in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regions of high primary production along the oligotrophic west coast of Australia between 34 and 22°S in May-June 2007 (midway through the annual phytoplankton bloom) were found around mesoscale features of the Leeuwin Current. At 31°S, an anticyclonic eddy-forming meander of the Leeuwin Current had a mixed layer depth of >160 m, a depth-integrated chlorophyll a (Chl a)-normalised primary production of 24 mg C mg Chl a day compared to the surrounding values of <18 mg C mg Chl a day. In the north between 27 and 24°S, there were several stations in >1,000 m of water with a shallow (<100 m) and relatively thin layer of high nitrate below the mixed layer but within the euphotic zone. These stations had high primary production at depths of ~100 m (up to 7.5 mg C m day) with very high rates of production per unit Chl a (up to 150 mg C mg Chl a day). At 27-24°S, the majority of the phytoplankton community was the ubiquitous tropical picoplankters, Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus. There was a decline in the dominance of the picoplankters and a shift towards a more diverse community with more diatoms, chlorophytes, prasinophytes and cryptophytes at stations with elevated production. Photosynthetic dinoflagellates were negligible, but heterotrophic dinoflagellate taxa were common. Haptophytes and pelagophytes were also common, but seemed to contribute little to the geographical variation in primary production. The mesoscale features in the Leeuwin Current may have enhanced horizontal exchange and vertical mixing, which introduced nitrate into the euphotic zone, increasing primary production and causing a shift in phytoplankton community composition in association with the annual winter bloom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Guidelines from the United Kingdom and the United States on risk stratification after polypectomy differ, as do recommended surveillance intervals.Objective: To compare risk for advanced colorectal neoplasia at 1-year colonoscopy among patients cross-classified by U.S. and U.K. surveillance guidelines.Design: Pooled analysis of 4 prospective studies between 1984 and 1998.Setting: Academic and private clinics in the United States.Patients: 3226 postpolypectomy patients with 6- to 18-month follow-up colonoscopy.Measurements: Rates of advanced neoplasia (an adenoma ≥1 cm, high-grade dysplasia, >25% villous architecture, or invasive cancer) at 1 year, compared across U.S. and U.K. risk categories.Results: Advanced neoplasia was detected 1 year after polypectomy in 3.8% (95% CI, 2.7% to 4.9%) of lower-risk patients and 11.2% (CI, 9.8% to 12.6%) of higher-risk patients by U.S. criteria. According to U.K. criteria, 4.4% (CI, 3.3% to 5.4%) of low-risk patients, 9.9% (CI, 8.3% to 11.5%) of intermediate-risk patients, and 18.7% (CI, 14.8% to 22.5%) of high-risk patients presented with advanced neoplasia; U.K. high-risk patients comprised 12.1% of all patients. All U.S. lower-risk patients were low-risk by U.K. criteria; however, more patients were classified as low-risk, because the U.K. guidelines do not consider histologic features. Higher-risk U.S. patients were distributed across the 3 U.K. categories. Among all patients with advanced neoplasia, 26.3% were reclassified by the U.K. criteria to a higher-risk category and 7.0% to a lower-risk category, with a net 19.0% benefiting from detection 2 years earlier. Overall, substitution of U.K. for U.S. guidelines resulted in an estimated 0.03 additional colonoscopy every 5 years per patient.Limitations: Patients were enrolled 15 to 20 years ago, and quality measures for colonoscopy were unavailable. Patients lacking follow-up colonoscopy or with surveillance colonoscopy after 6 to 18 months and those with cancer or insufficient baseline adenoma characteristics were excluded (2076 of 5302).Conclusion: Application of the U.K. guidelines in the United States could identify a subset of high-risk patients who may warrant a 1-year clearing colonoscopy without substantially increasing rates of colonoscopy.Primary Funding Source: European Union Public Health Programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Frameworks and methods for the radiological protection of non-human biota have been evolving rapidly at the International Commission on Radiological Protection and through various European initiatives. The International Atomic Energy Agency has incorporated a requirement for environmental protection in the latest revision of its Basic Safety Standards. In Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has been legally obligated to prevent unreasonable risk to the environment since 2000. Licensees have therefore been meeting generic legal requirements to demonstrate adequate control of releases of radioactive substances for the protection of both people and biota for many years. In the USA, in addition to the generic requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy facilities have also had to comply with specific dose limits after a standard assessment methodology was finalised in 2002. Canadian regulators developed a similar framework for biota dose assessment through a regulatory assessment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act in the late 1990s. Since then, this framework has been applied extensively to satisfy legal requirements under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. After approximately a decade of experience in applying these methods, it is clear that simple methods are fit for purpose, and can be used for making regulatory decisions for existing and planned nuclear facilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thompson PM, Cruz DA, Olukotun DY, Delgado PL. Serotonin receptor, SERT mRNA and correlations with symptoms in males with alcohol dependence and suicide. Objective: This study tested the hypothesis that abnormalities in components of the serotonin (5HT) system in the prefrontal cortex are associated with suicide in alcohol-dependent subjects. Second, we assessed the relationship of lifetime impulsivity and mood symptoms with prefrontal cortex 5-HT measures. Method: Tissue was obtained from Brodmann's areas (BA) 9 and 24 in postmortem samples of individuals who were alcohol dependent with suicide ( n = 5), alcohol dependent without suicide ( n = 9) and normal controls ( n = 5). Serotonin receptor (5HT) and serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) mRNA were measured. Interviews with next of kin estimated lifetime impulsivity and mood symptoms in the last week of life. Results: Serotonin receptor 1A (5HT1A) mRNA in BA 9 was elevated in the alcohol dependence without suicide group compared with controls. In the alcohol dependence with suicide group, anxiety symptoms were associated with decreased BA 24 SERT mRNA and depressive symptoms with BA 9 5HT1A mRNA expression. In the alcohol dependent only group impulsivity is correlated with increased BA 9, and BA 24 serotonin receptor 2A mRNA. Conclusion: Our data suggest region-specific change, rather than global serotonin blunting is involved in alcohol dependence and suicide. It also suggests that symptoms are differentially influenced by prefrontal cortex serotonin receptor mRNA levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current diagnostic tools are inadequate for reliable prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness in patients with localised disease. This results in many patients being exposed to potentially unnecessary invasive treatment and its associated morbidities. In order to develop appropriate treatment strategies, it is essential to understand the differences between patients who will develop aggressive disease and those who will not. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in men with localised PCa on active surveillance for their disease in which 140 subjects were followed every 3 months for up to 5 years. Change in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) over time (PSA velocity) was used as a marker for PCa progression. Subjects were categorised as slow, intermediate and fast progressors based on tertiles of PSA velocity. Differences in baseline markers were investigated using logistic regressions. Two approaches were used, slow progressors were compared with fast progressors (model 1) and slow progressors were compared with combination of intermediate and fast progressors (model 2). Results: Aspirin was negatively associated with high PSA velocity in model 1 (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.24 (0.06, 0.94), P-value = 0.04) and model 2 (odds ratio = 0.22 (0.08, 0.59), P-value = 0.003), whereas smoking was positively associated with high PSA velocity in model 1 (1.03 (0.92, 1.13), P-value = 0.01). Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of aspirin and smoking in PCa progression. They have potential towards risk stratification as well as PCa prevention and hence need to be investigated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attributes of egg production that elicit values-based responses include the price and availability of eggs, environmental impacts, food safety or health concerns, and animal welfare. Different social groups have distinct interests regarding the sustainability of egg production that reflect these diverse values. Current scientifically based knowledge about how values and attitudes in these groups can be characterized is uneven and must be derived from studies conducted at varying times and using incomplete study methods. In general, some producer and consumer interests are translated through markets and are mediated by market mechanisms, whereas others are poorly reflected by economic behavior. An array of survey and focus group research has been performed to elicit consumer and activist beliefs about performance goals they would expect from an egg production system. These studies provide evidence that consumers' market behavior may be at odds with their ethical and political beliefs about performance goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: MP470 is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with potent activity against mutant c-Kit, PDGFRα, Flt3, c-Met and c-Ret that is being evaluated as an anticancer agent. The plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pharmacokinetics of MP470 were studied in a non-human primate model that is highly predictive of CSF penetration in humans. Methods: Oral MP470, 300 mg, was administered to four non-human primates. Serial samples of blood were collected from four animals and CSF samples from three animals for pharmacokinetic studies. Plasma and CSF concentrations were measured using an LC-MS/MS assay. Both model-independent and model-dependent methods were used to analyze the pharmacokinetic data. Results: Following a one-time oral dose of 300 mg, the MP470 plasma area under the curve (AUC) was 1,690 ± 821 nM h (mean ± SD). The half-life of MP470 in the plasma was 11.0 ± 3.4 h. There was no measurable MP470 in the CSF. Conclusions: Although CSF penetration is minimal, MP470 has demonstrated potent activity against cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo, and further clinical investigation is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welfare of animals in livestock production systems is now widely defined in terms of 3 classes of measures: veterinary health, mental well-being (or feelings), and natural behaviors. Several well-documented points of tension exist among welfare indicators in these 3 classes. Strategies that aim to improve welfare using genetics can increase resistance to disease and may also be able to relieve stress or injury. One strategy is to reduce the genetic proclivity of the bird to engage in behaviors that are frustrated in modern production systems. Another is to develop strains less prone to behaviors hurtful to other hens. Yet another is to make overall temperament a goal for genetic adjustments. These genetic approaches may score well in terms of veterinary and psychological well-being. Yet they also involve changes in behavioral repertoire and tendencies of the resulting bird. Although it has seemed reasonable to argue that such animals are better off than frustrated or injured animals reflecting more species-typical behaviors, there is a point of view that holds that modification of a species-typical trait is ipso facto a decline in the well-being of the animal. Additionally, a significant amount of anecdotal evidence has been accumulated that suggests that many animal advocates and mernbers of the public find manipulation of genetics to be an ethically unacceptable approach to animal welfare, especially when modifications in the environment could also be a response to welfare problems. Hence, though promising from one perspective, genetic strategies to improve welfare may not be acceptable to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 272 beef heifers were studied from just before their first breeding season (October 15, 2003), through their second breeding season, and until just after they had weaned their first calves in March, 2005. This study was performed concurrently with another study testing the economic effects of an estrous synchronization protocol using PG. Reproductive tract scoring (RTS) by rectal palpation was performed on the group of heifers 1 d before the onset of their first breeding season. The effect of RTS on several fertility and production outcomes was tested, and the association of RTS with the outcomes was compared with that of other input variables such as BW, age, BCS, and Kleiber ratio using multiple or univariable linear, logistic, or Cox regression. Area tinder the curve for receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare the ability of different input variables to predict pregnancy outcome. After adjustment for BW and age, RTS was positively associated with pregnancy rate to the 50-d AT season (P < 0.01), calf weaning weight (r = 0.22, P < 0.01), and pregnancy rate to the subsequent breeding season (P < 0.01), and negatively associated with days to calving (r = 0.28, P < 0.01). Reproductive tract scoring was a better predictor of fertility than was Kleiber ratio and similar in its prediction of calf weaning weight. It was concluded from this study that RTS is a predictor of heifer fertility, compares well with other traits used as a predictor of production outcomes, and is likely to be a good predictor of lifetime production of the cow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A longitudinal study was performed in the Kruger National Park, South Africa to investigate the role of impala ( Aepyceros melampus) in maintaining SAT serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. Three sampling sites with different histories of FMD outbreaks in impala and also of varying ecology were chosen. At three monthly intervals approximately 40 impala were bled and examined for clinical FMD at each of these sites for a period of 6 years, followed by 4 years of less frequent sampling. During the 10 years of the study, clinical disease was only observed once at a single sampling site, while at two of the three locations, serological evidence of infection was detected; in one locality this was a frequent occurrence. The discrepancy between clinically evident disease and serological evidence of infection indicated that sub-clinical infection with these viruses may be more regular than previously suspected. Furthermore, there was evidence that either SAT-serotype infection is maintained within local impala populations for prolonged periods or that re-infection of impala by buffalo occurs repetitively, sometimes at frequent intervals. A mixed-effects logistic regression model showed that females and older animals had a higher risk of seropositivity, while summer and autumn also represent periods when there is a heightened risk of seropositivity (as opposed to winter and spring which previous studies had shown to be associated with clinical disease). Comparison of impala and buffalo ratios in the three sampling regions indicated that the higher the impala density, the more likely disease transmission is from buffalo to impala, and that this is independent of buffalo numbers (presumably above an undetermined threshold). This study confirmed the potential role of impala for propagating FMD in southern Africa and this factor should therefore be considered when designing control strategies where wildlife and domestic animals interact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granular cell tumours (GCTs) are benign tumours rarely found in the larynx even though they are common in the head and neck region. The laryngeal tumour may be asymptomatic but typically patients present with hoarseness of voice, stridor, haemoptysis and dysphagia. The lesion can mimic squamous cell thus deep biopsy must be taken with adjacent normal tissue to confirm this pathology. Immuno-histochemical staining is also used. Complete surgical resection of this tumour is the treatment of choice. We present a 25 year old woman with a laryngeal granular cell tumour involving the right vocal cord diagnosed after direct laryngoscopy and biopsy. She was treated by right cordectomy via a laryngofissure approach. We present the case due to the rarity of the laryngeal granular cell tumour and the need to highlight the importance of taking deep biopsies. If biopsies are superficial, an inexperienced pathologist would mistake it for well differentiated carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adapting a 256 contact dense array system lo perform miiltiday long-term EEG and video moniloring requires additional technical attention compared to standard long-term monitoring (LTM). Areas of concern are patient comfort, electrode maintenance, and increased time for record review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim was to systematically review evidence about the effectiveness of in-home community nurse-led interventions for older persons with, or at risk of, mental health disorders, to inform best practice nursing care with this focus. The primary review question was 'How effective are in-home community nurse-led interventions for older persons with or at risk of mental health disorders for improving mental health?' The outcome indices of interest were nursing actions to determine incidence or prevalence of mental health disorders, any change in a patient's attitude towards their mental health condition, any change in objective measurement of mental health, or a change in diagnostic status. BACKGROUND: The rising incidence of mental health disorders in older persons is a major concern for community nurses in developed countries. Effectively facilitating improved mental health for older persons is necessary in this era of ageing populations with increased demands on health funding. Disseminating systematically reviewed evidence for in-home community nursing that positively impacts on the mental health of older persons is crucial to ensure effective care is provided to this vulnerable patient group. RESULTS: This review reveals that there is evidence to support the superiority of applying validated screening tools for mental health disorders over relying on community nurses' opinions and non-validated tools about this matter. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Search of electronic databases. CONCLUSION: A clear need for replication and multi-centre trials of reviewed pertinent studies is identified. Relevance to clinical practice. Community nurses should consider using validated screening tools for this focus. Until such time as higher quality evidence is available about other nursing interventions, the reviewers suggest that the prime nursing action should be the identification of whether older persons receiving community nursing care might have a mental health disorder and, if so, then collaborative referral is made to appropriate services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term test-retest reliability of the 10-metre fast walk test (10mFWT) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was evaluated in 31 ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP), with subgroup analyses in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels I (n=9), II (n=8), and III (n=14). Sixteen females and 15 males participated, mean age 9 years 5 months (SD 3y 7mo, range 4y 3mo-18y 2mo). Twenty had spastic diplegia, while the others had another form of CP. Retest interval varied from 1 to 4 weeks (mean 10.6d [SD 6.4]). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) estimated reliability. The 10mFWT ICC was 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.90) across participants, and >0.59 in GMFCS subgroups (95% CI lower bound >0.01). The 6MWT ICC was 0.98, and >0.90 in GMFCS subgroups (95% CI lower bound >0.64). Bland-Altman plots indicated bias towards higher 6MWT retest distances in GMFCS Level I. Minimum detectable change (95% CI) was 61.9, 64.0, and 47.4m for the 6MWT within GMFCS Levels I, II, and III respectively. The conclusion is that while the 10mFWT showed inadequate test-retest reliability given its wide 95% CI, the 6MWT demonstrated good to excellent reliability. Investigation of the need for a practice walk when administering the 6MWT with children in GMFCS Level I is recommended to establish their fastest pace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To assess if mode of delivery is associated with increased symptoms of anal incontinence following childbirth. Design Systematic review of all relevant studies in English. Data sources Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, bibliographies of retrieved primary articles and consultation with experts. Study selection and data extraction Data were extracted on study characteristics, quality and results. Exposure to risk factors was compared between women with and without anal incontinence. Categorical data in 2 × 2 contingency tables were used to generate odds ratios. Results Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria with 12 237 participants. Women having any type of vaginal delivery compared with a caesarean section have an increased risk of developing symptoms of solid, liquid or flatus anal incontinence. The risk varies with the mode of delivery ranging from a doubled risk with a forceps delivery (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.47–2.74, P < 0.0001) to a third increased risk for a spontaneous vaginal delivery (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04–1.68, P = 0.02). Instrumental deliveries also resulted in more symptoms of anal incontinence when compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.22–1.78). This was statistically significant for forceps deliveries alone (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.19–1.89, P = 0.0006) but not for ventouse deliveries (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.97–1.77, P = 0.08). When symptoms of solid and liquid anal incontinence alone were assessed, these trends persisted but were no longer statistically significant. Conclusion Symptoms of anal incontinence in the first year postpartum are associated with mode of delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of product claims about food animal welfare or well-being have appeared in the global food industry and global market in recent years. These claims have significant consequences for producers, processors, transporters, retailers, consumers, and the animals themselves. Furthermore, recent restructuring of the global food industry has altered the power relationships of various actors. Regulation of the industry is moving toward greater private control, and the power of retailers has dramatically increased. The changing structure of the industry carries implications both in terms of how standards are created and in terms of the types of standards themselves. The purpose of this article is to provide a greater understanding of how these product claims are made, their implications, and the challenges they present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous studies suggest that challenge of most wine-sensitive asthmatic patients may not result in a reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Objective The aim of this study was to assess whether changes in bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) occur following wine challenge of asthmatic patients who report sensitivity to wine, and whether such changes could help clarify the role of sulphite additives in wine-induced asthmatic responses. Methods Eight self-reporting wine-sensitive asthmatic patients completed double-blind challenges with high- and low-sulphite wines on separate days. FEV1 and histamine PC20 were measured before and after consumption of 150 mL of wine. Results None of the eight subjects demonstrated a clinically significant (≥15%) reduction in FEV1 following challenge with either high- or low-sulphite wine. In contrast, one patient demonstrated clinically significant increase in BHR following challenge with both high- and low-sulphite wines, and a smaller increase in BHR following placebo challenge. A second patient showed a significant increase, while another showed a significant decrease in BHR following challenge with low-sulphite wine. A fourth patient showed borderline increases in BHR following challenge with both high- and low-sulphite wines. Conclusions Although changes in BHR, in the absence of reductions in FEV1, were observed in some asthmatic patients following wine challenge, these changes were not consistent with a single aetiology. Consequently, this study did not support a major role for the sulphite additives in wine-induced asthmatic responses in the patients studied. The aetiology of wine-induced asthma is likely to be complex and appears to vary among individuals who are sensitive to these drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotyping of the South African, registered, Brahman cattle population for the 470del20 mutation in the CHRNE gene causing congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) was carried out in 1,453 animals. Overall prevalence of carriers was 0.97% (0.50 to 1.68%, 95% confidence interval). Carrier prevalence among breeding bulls in 2004 was 1.22% (0.65 to 2.15%, 95% confidence interval), and had not changed significantly since 2000. Using segregation analysis, CMS genotype probabilities were calculated for all 612,219 animals in the pedigree, leading to the identification of 2 founder animals as the most likely original carriers. Pedigree analysis revealed no ancestors common to all known carriers, but rather that the mutation had been introduced at least twice into the South African Brahman population, probably via animals imported from the United States. The effects of CMS genotype probability on adjusted birth, 200-d, 400-d, and 600-d BW, as well as on EBV for birth, 200-d, 400-d, and 600-d BW, and milk, were estimated, accounting for effects of sire. Heterozygosity for the CHRNE 470del20 mutation was associated with a 13.3-kg increase in adjusted 600-d BW (P = 0.03). Positive effects of CMS carrier status on all BW EBV were found, but no effect was found on milk EBV. We conclude that CMS carriers have a BW advantage at 600 d and possibly also at birth, 200 d, and 400 d. This may confer a selective advantage and tend to increase the frequency of the mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation efforts are often constrained by uncertainty over the factors driving declines in marine mammal populations. In Scotland, there is concern over the potential impact of unrecorded shooting of seals, particularly where this occurs near Special Areas of Conservation. Here, we show that the abundance of harbour seals Phoca vitulina in the Moray Firth, north-east Scotland, declined by 2–5% per annum between 1993 and 2004. Records from local salmon fisheries and aquaculture sites indicated that 66–327 harbour seals were shot each year between 1994 and 2002. Matrix models and estimates of potential biological removal indicate that this level of shooting is sufficient to explain observed declines. Nevertheless, uncertainty over the number and identity of seals shot means that other factors such as changes in food availability may be contributing. Recent conservation measures markedly reduced the recorded levels of shooting in 2003 and 2004. In 2005, a coordinated management plan was developed to protect salmon fisheries interests while minimizing impacts on local seal populations. Comprehensive monitoring of future population trends and improved regulation of culls are now required to provide more robust assessments of the impact of human persecution on harbour seal populations in the Moray Firth and in other parts of the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the factors associated with adherence and persistence to bisphosphonate therapy in osteoporosis. Cross-sectional survey. National survey in the UK. Participants were recruited through the National Osteoporosis Society and advertisements in the press and on the radio and included 533 women over age 50 with osteoporosis who were currently taking or had taken bisphosphonate therapy within the previous 12 months. Self-reported factors influencing adherence and persistence to bisphosphonate therapy in osteoporosis: fracture history, pain, practical difficulties taking medication (frequency of dosing, dealing with comedications, impact on daily routine), perceptions of therapy, and concerns about bisphosphonate therapy. Adherence to bisphosphonate therapy was 48% and was associated with previous fracture [odds ratio (OR) 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–3.02], concerns about medication (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.01–2.20), and less dissatisfaction with medication (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44–0.97). Nonpersistence was associated with dissatisfaction with medication (hazard ratio (HR) 1.83, 95% CI 1.38–2.43), side effects (HR 3.69, 95% CI 2.74–4.97), and concerns about bisphosphonate therapy (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.48–3.30). For both daily (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.1–2.33) and weekly bisphosphonates (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.17–3.07), practical difficulties taking bisphosphonate medication—in particular, too frequent dosing—were associated with nonpersistence. Self-reported nonadherence to daily and weekly bisphosphonates is independent of the decision to stop taking treatment (nonpersistence). Nonpersistence is associated with side effects and other factors that could be modified in clinical practice through education, information, and concordant partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spreadsheet model was constructed to describe the change in allelic frequency over time for a lethal recessive mutation in an animal population. The model allowed relative fitness to differ between genotypes, between sexes, and over time. Whereas a lethal recessive allele is naturally eliminated very slowly from a population, a small selective disadvantage of the heterozygote results in a large increase in the rate of elimination. With selective advantage of the heterozygote through linkage with a production trait or pleiotropy, the allele is never naturally eliminated but tends toward a stable equilibrium frequency. The model was used to investigate various alternative control programs based on the detection of heterozygotes by genotyping and their exclusion from breeding. The programs (genotyping males only, genotyping males and 50% of females, and genotyping all breeding animals) were modeled for various initial heterozygote frequencies, and the results were described in terms of the number of generations, number of tests, and number of culls required to reduce the heterozygote frequency to a predefined level. The model can be used to compare the feasibility and cost of various control strategies and to illustrate clearly to breeders the expected outcomes, as well as the danger of prematurely terminating a control program when there is a selective advantage of the heterozygote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creation of bone to restore form and function following disease, growth disorders, and trauma is possible with bone-replacement scaffolds by controlling the complex sequence of new bone formation at the scaffold interface with the surrounding biologic milieu. Much is known about the influence of scaffold nano-scale (<1 μm) features on biocompatibility and the influence of micro-scale (1–20 μm) features on the type of tissue that develops. Meso-scale (20–1000 μm) features have been less well characterized, in part because it was not possible to regulate this feature size until solid freeform fabrication techniques became available. Experimental results of animal studies of bone ingrowth into scaffolds fabricated using these technologies confirm that meso-scale features can have profound effects on the extent and pattern of bone formation. They also indicate that we do not yet have sufficient information to optimize the size of these features. Macro-scale features (>1 mm) provide anatomic form and delimit the extent of the scaffold, serving as a platform to integrate other length-scale features. Many of the main effects of features at each length scale are understood but interactions across length scales still need investigation. Major improvements in bone replacement are now possible—but optimization of the process remains an as-yet unrealized goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) treatment has been used extensively for the treatment of cervical dystonia. In most studies, there is significant improvement following treatment for head posture and pain. The common side effects following treatment include dysphagia, dry mouth, and neck weakness. There are five brands and two serotypes of BoNT available. The dosing of each serotype and brand differs. Perhaps more importantly, each brand and serotype may differ in immunogenic potential and occurrence of secondary unresponsiveness, an issue that is currently under active investigation. Although many aspects of the technique of injection have not been adequately studied, general guidelines are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth, morbidity, and slaughter data from 2,036 calves in 2 South African feedlots were used to estimate the effect of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and of lung lesion type and extent on growth during the early (processing to d 35) and late (d 35 to slaughter) finishing periods. Calves were weighed at processing (d 5 after arrival), on d 35, and at slaughter after a mean of 137 d on feed. All calves were monitored twice daily and were treated for BRD if rectal temperature was >40°C or if other specific signs of BRD were present. After slaughter, the occurrence and extent of parenchymal bronchopneumonic lesions and pleural adhesions were recorded. Subclinical BRD (never treated but with lung lesions at slaughter) occurred in 29.7% and clinical BRD in 22.6% of calves. Lung lesions were present in 43% of calves at slaughter; 8.6% had parenchymal lesions and 38.8% had pleural adhesions. Using a combined case definition (treated for BRD and/or lung lesions present at slaughter), the incidence of BRD was 52.5%. During the early finishing period, clinical BRD reduced ADG by 216 g (P < 0.001), subclinical BRD reduced ADG by 91 g (P < 0.001), and the combined effect of BRD was a 143 g reduction in ADG (P < 0.001). After d 35, animals treated for BRD tended to grow faster than those with subclinical BRD (P = 0.11), indicating that treatment was generally successful in reducing economic losses. The extent of bronchopneu- monic lesions at slaughter was not associated with reduced growth during the early finishing period (P = 0.27), but extensive lesions reduced ADG by 88 g during the late period (P = 0.02). In contrast, the extent of pleural adhesions was not associated with reduced growth rate during the late finishing period (P = 0.37) but was strongly associated with reduced ADG before d 35; there was a 101 g reduction (P < 0.00 1) and a 220 g reduction (P = 0.01) for adhesions involving <50% and >50% of the pleural surfaces, respectively. Thus, although the presence of bronchopneumonic lesions and pleural adhesions at slaughter were both associated with reductions in overall ADG, they were indicative of production losses having occurred at different times during the finishing period. The overall effect of BRD was a 24 g reduction in ADG (P = 0.02) and a 5.1 d increase in days on feed (P < 0.001). The hidden cost of reduced growth rate due to BRD amounted to $3.41 per calf with clinical or subclinical BRD, or $1.79 per animal entering the feedlot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Airway remodelling is a characteristic feature of chronic asthma and there is evidence that an airway imbalance between levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is associated with airway remodelling. On this basis, we hypothesised that polymorphisms in the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 genes were associated with the disease process. Methods: A number of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 gene polymorphisms were examined in an adult white Australian population of mild (n = 259), moderate (n =213) and severe (n = 71) asthmatics and non-asthmatic controls (n = 406) using PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP analyses. Results: MMP-9 -1562C>T and 836G>A (Arg279Gln) were not associated with asthma (p⩾0.15) or asthma severity (p⩾0.13), and TIMP-1 434T>C (Phe124Phe) was not associated with asthma in women (p = 0.094) or men (p = 0.207). In this population, MMP-9 -861C>T and TIMP-1 323C>T (Pro87Pro) were not informative (with minor allele frequencies of <1%), and MMP-9 -1702T>A and TIMP-1 595C>T (Ser 178Phe) were not detectable. However, a novel polymorphism was detected in the TIMP-1 gene 536C>T (lIe 158lIe) which was significantly associated with asthma in women (p = 0.011; OR = 5.54, 95% CI 1.66 to 34.4) but not in men (p = 1.0). 536C>T was found to be in linkage disequilibrium with 434T>C, and haplotype analysis supported an association with asthma (p = 0.014). Conclusions: This is the first reported association between a polymorphism in the TIMP-1 gene and asthma, and supports the hypothesis that the protease/antiprotease balance has an important role in this common disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]