bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulated Individual Best Linear Unbiased Prediction versus Mass Selection in Sugarcane Families
Authors: Brasileiro Bruno Portela , de Paula Mendes Thiago Otávio , Peternelli Luiz Alexandre , da Silveira Luís Cláudio Inácio , de Resende Marcos Deon Vilela , Barbosa Márcio Henrique Pereira
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the method BLUPIS (best linear unbiased prediction individual simulated) with mass selection in terms of efficiency in identifying the best genotypes in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) families. Mass selection was performed by two breeders with 25 yr of experience. The BLUPIS procedure selected families with higher means for tons of cane per hectare (TCH) than the overall mean. The number of plants selected per family was calculated by , where ĝ indicates the genotypic value of the kth family; ĝ the genotypic value of the best family; and nj is equal to the number of plants selected in the best family, determined as nj = 45 in this study. Out of 20 best clones forwarded to the third test phase (T3), BLUPIS selected all in the first test phase (T1) and mass selection only two. Therefore, 100% of the clones in the second test phase (T2) had been selected by BLUPIS. The BLUPIS was most efficient in detecting the best genotypes, since all clones that were promoted up to phase T3 were descendants from the best families. The BLUPIS method should be applied in sugarcane breeding programs to ensure the selection of the best genotypes.
Modeling Genotype × Environment Interaction for Genomic Selection with Unbalanced Data from a Wheat Breeding Program
Authors: Lado Bettina , Barrios Pablo González , Quincke Martín , Silva Paula , Gutiérrez Lucía
Published: January 2016

Genomic selection (GS) has successfully been used in plant breeding to improve selection efficiency and reduce breeding time and cost. However, there is not a clear strategy on how to incorporate genotype × environment interaction (GEI) to GS models. Increased prediction accuracy could be achieved using mixed models to exploit GEI by borrowing information from other environments. The objective of this work was to compare strategies to exploit GEI in GS using mixed models. Specifically, we compared strategies to predict new genotypes by borrowing information from other environments modeling the correlation matrix across environments and to design sets of environments aiming for low GEI to predict genomic performance in new environments. We evaluated 1477 advanced wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines for yield in 35 location–year combinations genotyped with genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS). Mixed models were used to obtain either overall or by‐environment predictions for different sets of environments. Overall accuracy was high (0.5). Borrowing information from relatives evaluated in multiple environments and modeling the correlation matrix across environments was the best strategy to predict new genotypes. On the other hand, the best strategy for predicting the performance of genotypes in new environments was either to predict across locations for single years or to predict within defined mega‐environments (MEs) for any year or location. In summary, higher predictive ability was obtained by characterizing and by modeling GEI in the GS context.
Genetic Structure and Speciation of Zoysiagrass Ecotypes Collected in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Hidenori , Tokunaga Risa , Muguerza Melody , Kitazaki Yasuo , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Sato Shusei , Tabata Satoshi , Akashi Ryo
Published: January 2016

Zoysia japonica Steudel, Z. matrella (L.) Merrill, and Z. pacifica (Goudswaard) M. Hotta and Kuroki [syn. Z. matrella (L.) Merr. var. pacifica Goudswaard] are native turfgrass species in Japan and are the most economically important species of this genus. Interspecific crossing within Zoysia is possible because of the similarity in chromosome number (2n = 4x = 40), and ecotypes with intermediate traits are found along species borders. The objectives of this study were to characterize morphological traits and determine genetic variation and population structure among 248 Zoysia accessions that we have collected throughout Japan since 1996. The accessions were classified into three species, Z. japonica, Z. matrella, and Z. pacifica. By using microsatellite markers and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), we detected high genetic diversity among the accessions. Moreover, both PCoA and Bayesian‐based Structure analysis revealed two distinct populations represented by Z. japonica and Z. pacifica, while both ancestries were found in Z. matrella. On the basis of these results, we suggest that Z. matrella might represent an interspecific hybrid between Z. japonica and Z. pacifica; however, further research is required to confirm this hypothesis. Differentiation among subpopulations (RST) showed a mean value of 0.067 and a mean fixation index of individuals relative to the subpopulations (RIS) of −0.060. This indicated moderate genetic differentiation and an excess of heterozygotes among the accessions, and probably reflected recent adaptive radiation of the species following polyploidization and hybridization in the presence of ongoing gene flow.
Soil Inorganic Carbon Accumulation in Sand Putting Green Soils II: Acid–Base Relationships as affected by Water Chemistry and Nitrogen Source
Authors: Obear Glen R. , Barak Phillip , Soldat Douglas J.
Published: January 2016

There is a widely held belief in the turfgrass industry that bicarbonate from irrigation water can accumulate and cause physical problems in the soil despite a lack of evidence for this claim. The objective of this study was to quantify accumulation of carbonate (soil inorganic C [SIC]) from irrigation water in a simulated root zone of a sand putting green fertilized with two different N sources (ammonium sulfate or potassium nitrate). To track SIC additions from irrigation water, sand columns were irrigated with low salinity, carbonate‐enriched water containing 13C‐labeled bicarbonate and compared with a control irrigated with deionized water. After 20 mo, which was equivalent to about 3.5 yr of typical irrigation on a golf course, soil pH, SIC, and δ13C were measured by depth. Acidity from nitrification of ammonium sulfate applications offset alkalinity inputs from carbonate‐enriched irrigation water and resulted in net acidification of soils, especially from 0 to 5 cm in depth. Soil inorganic C accumulation was observed in columns irrigated with carbonate‐enriched water but did not result in decreased air permeability of the root zone. There were no significant differences in soil δ13C among experimental treatments despite δ13C differences in turf leaf tissue. This suggests that SIC applied through irrigation may accumulate in the soil, but is subject to isotopic exchange with atmospheric CO2 (gas). These findings do not support the claim that irrigating turfgrass with water containing elevated levels of bicarbonate will negatively impact soil physical properties.
An experimental approach to reduce the parametric dimensionality for rainfall–runoff models
Authors: Chen Jie , Arsenault Richard , Brissette François P.
Published: January 2016

Sobol’ sensitivity analysis has been used successfully in the past to reduce the parametric dimensionality for hydrological models. However, the effects of its limitation, in that it assumes an independence of parameters, need to be investigated. This study proposes an experimental approach to assess the commonly used Sobol’ analysis for reducing the parameter dimensionality of hydrological models. In this approach, the number of model parameters is directly pitted against an efficiency criterion within a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA), thus allowing both the identification of key model parameters and the optimal number of parameters to be used within the same analysis. The proposed approach was tested and compared with the Sobol’ method based on a conceptual lumped hydrological model (HSAMI) with 23 free parameters. The results show that both methods performed very similarly, and allowed 11 out of 23 HSAMI parameters to be reduced with little loss in model performance. Based on this comparison, Sobol’ appears to be an effective and robust method despite its limitations. On the other hand, the MOGA algorithm outperformed Sobol’ analysis for further reduction of the parametric space and found optimal solutions with as few as eight parameters with minimal performance loss in validation.
A comparison of three prediction models for predicting monthly precipitation in Liaoyuan city, China
Authors: Luo Jiannan , Lu Wenxi , Ji Yefei , Ye Dajun
Published: January 2016

Accurate prediction of precipitation is of great importance for irrigation management and disaster prevention. In this study, back propagation artificial neural network (BPANN), radial basis function artificial neural network (RBFANN) and Kriging methods were applied and compared to predict the monthly precipitation of Liaoyuan city, China. An autocorrelation analysis method was used to determine model input variables first, and then BPANN, RBFANN and Kriging methods were applied to recognize the relationship between previous precipitation and later precipitation with the monthly precipitation data of 1971–2009 in Liaoyuan city. Finally, the three models' performances were compared based on models accuracy, models stability and models computational cost. Comparison results showed that for model accuracy, RBFANN performed best, followed by Kriging, and BPANN performed worst; for stability and computational cost, RBFANN and Kriging models performed better than the BPANN model. In conclusion, RBFANN is the best method for precipitation prediction in Liaoyuan city. Therefore, the developed RBFANN model was applied to predict the monthly precipitation for 2010–2019 in the study area.
Treatment of petrochemical secondary effluent by an up-flow biological aerated filter (BAF)
Authors: Fu L. Y. , Wu C. Y. , Zhou Y. X. , Zuo J. E. , Ding Y.
Published: January 2016

In this study, petrochemical secondary effluent was treated by a 55 cm diameter pilot-scale biological aerated filter (BAF) with a media depth of 220 cm. Volcanic rock grains were filled as the BAF media. Median removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) was 29.35 and 57.98%, respectively. Moreover, the removal profile of the COD, NH3-N, total nitrogen and total organic carbon demonstrated that the filter height of 140 cm made up to 90% of the total removal efficiency of the final effluent. By gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, removal efficiencies of 2-chloromethyl-1,3-dioxolane, and benzonitrile, indene and naphthalene were obtained, ranging from 30.12 to 63.01%. The biomass and microbial activity of the microorganisms on the filter media were in general reduced with increasing filter height, which is consistent with the removal profile of the contaminants. The detected genera Defluviicoccus, Betaproteobacteria_unclassified and the Blastocatella constituted 1.86–6.75% of the identified gene, enhancing the COD and nitrogen removal in BAF for treating petrochemical secondary effluent.
Pulmonary Arterial Pressure Response During Exercise in COPD: A Correlation with C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)
Authors: Varga Janos , Palinkas Attila , Lajko Imre , Horváth Ildikó , Boda Krisztina , Somfay Attila
Published: January 2016

Background:

The non-invasive assessment of pulmonary haemodynamics during exercise provides complementary data for the evaluation of exercise tolerance in patients with
COPD.

Methods:

Exercise echocardiography in the semi-supine position was performed in 27 patients with COPD (C) with a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of
36±12% predicted and 13 age and gender-matched non-COPD subjects (NC). COPD patients also underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with gas exchange detection (CPET). Furthermore, serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a marker of
systemic inflammation, was also measured.

Results:

The maximal work rate (WRmax) and aerobic capacity (VO2peak) were
significantly reduced (WRmax: 77±33 Watt, VO2peak: 50±14 %pred) in COPD.
Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PAPs) was higher in COPD versus controls both at
rest (39±5 vs. 31±2 mmHg, p<0.001), and at peak exercise (72±12 vs. 52±8 mmHg,
p<0.001). In 19 (70%) COPD patients, the increase in PAPs was above 22 mmHg. The
change in pressure (dPAPs) correlated with hsCRP (r2=0.53, p<0.0001) and forced vital
capacity (FVC) (r2=0.18, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

PAPs at rest and during exercise were significantly higher in COPD patients
and correlated with higher hsCRP. This may indicate a role for systemic inflammation
and hyperinflation in the pulmonary vasculature in COPD.

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov webpage with NCT00949195 registration number.
Efficacy of Adolescent Suicide Prevention E-Learning Modules for Gatekeepers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ghoncheh Rezvan , Gould Madelyn S , Twisk Jos WR , Kerkhof Ad JFM , Koot Hans M
Published: January 2016

Background

Face-to-face gatekeeper training can be an effective strategy in the enhancement of gatekeepers’ knowledge and self-efficacy in adolescent suicide prevention. However, barriers related to access (eg, time, resources) may hamper participation in face-to-face training sessions. The transition to a Web-based setting could address obstacles associated with face-to-face gatekeeper training. Although Web-based suicide prevention training targeting adolescents exists, so far no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to investigate their efficacy.

Objective

This RCT study investigated the efficacy of a Web-based adolescent suicide prevention program entitled Mental Health Online, which aimed to improve the knowledge and self-confidence of gatekeepers working with adolescents (12-20 years old). The program consisted of 8 short e-learning modules each capturing an important aspect of the process of early recognition, guidance, and referral of suicidal adolescents, alongside additional information on the topic of (adolescent) suicide prevention.

Methods

A total of 190 gatekeepers (ages 21 to 62 years) participated in this study and were randomized to either the experimental group or waitlist control group. The intervention was not masked. Participants from both groups completed 3 Web-based assessments (pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up). The outcome measures of this study were actual knowledge, and participants’ ratings of perceived knowledge and perceived self-confidence using questionnaires developed specifically for this study.

Results

The actual knowledge, perceived knowledge, and perceived self-confidence of gatekeepers in the experimental group improved significantly compared to those in the waitlist control group at posttest, and the effects remained significant at 3-month follow-up. The overall effect sizes were 0.76, 1.20, and 1.02, respectively, across assessments.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that Web-based suicide prevention e-learning modules can be an effective educational method to enhance knowledge and self-confidence of gatekeepers with regard to adolescent suicide prevention. Gatekeepers with limited time and resources can benefit from the accessibility, simplicity, and flexibility of Web-based training.

Trial Registration

Netherlands Trial Register NTR3625; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3625 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6eHvyRh6M)
Discrimination of tectonic dynamism, quiescence and third order relative sea level cycles of the Cauvery Basin, South India
Authors: Ramkumar Muthuvairavasamy
Published: January 2016

Application of integrated stratigraphic modeling of sedimentary basins with
the help of sequence and chemostratigraphic methods for improved
understanding on the relative roles of depositional pattern and history of a
Barremian-Danian stratigraphic record of the Cauvery Basin, India was
attempted. Through enumeration of facies characteristics, tectonic structures
and geochemical characteristics of the sedimentary rocks the use of
geochemical signatures in distinguishing the relative roles of major factors
has been evaluated. The results indicate that the geochemical signatures of
the sedimentary rocks accurately record the prevalent geological processes
and an ability to distinguish them through employing stratigraphic variations
of compositional values and discrimination diagrams help in understanding the
basinal history better. In addition, predomination of relative sea level
fluctuations and active nature of tectonic movements during few time slices,
which in turn was overwhelmed by sea level fluctuations are also inferred.
Clogging of water supply wells in alluvial aquifers by mineral incrustations, central Serbia
Authors: Majkic-Dursun Brankica , Vulic Predrag , Dimkic Milan
Published: January 2016

The formation of incrustations on public water supply well screens reduces
their performance considerably. The incrustations increase hydraulic losses,
reduce the capacity of the well and screen, affect the quality of the pumped
water and increase maintenance costs. In alluvial environments, the most
common deposits are iron and manganese hydroxides. However, the rates of
formation, compositions and levels of crystallization vary, depending on the
geochemical characteristics of the alluvial environment, the microbiological
characteristics of the groundwater and the abstraction method. Samples of 15
incrustations were collected from wells that tap shallow alluvial aquifers
and were found to be dominated by iron. XRD analyses detected low-crystalline
ferrihydrite and manganese hydroxide in the samples collected from the water
supply source at Trnovce (Velika Morava alluvial). The incrustations from the
Belgrade Groundwater Source revealed the presence of ferrihydrite and a
substantial amount of goethite ?-FeOOH. Apart from goethite, greigite (Fe3S4)
was detected in three samples, while one sample additionally contained
bernalite Fe(OH)3 and monoclinic sulfur S8. Among carbonates, only siderite
was detected. Iron oxidizing bacteria generally catalyze deposition processes
in wells, while sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) play a role in the biogenic
formation of greigite. Determining the nature of the deposited material
allows better selection of rehabilitation chemicals and procedure.
Methodological guidelines for geoheritage site assessment: A proposal for Serbia
Authors: Maran-Stevanovic Aleksandra
Published: January 2016

Various minerals, rocks, soil types, ore and fossiliferous deposits,
structural and tectonic elements, surface and subterranean landforms, all
those natural phenomena representing geodiversity in a small scale contribute
to our understanding the significant events and episodes of the geological
history of the Earth. Intended methodology for qualitative and quantitative
assessment is presented, including valuing criteria and their numerical
indicators, which serve as analytical instruments to identify and select
potential geoheritage objects in Serbia. Objective assessing and categorizing
the geoheritage objects are the starting points for their rational
utilization, adequate conservation, proper interpretation and promotion.
Influence of the call forwarding busy service on the traffic distribution in the group of telephone channels
Authors: Mitic Dragan , Lebl Aleksandar , Trenkic Branimir , Markov Zarko
Published: January 2016

In this paper we consider the influence of a call forwarding service on the
traffic process in modern telecommunication networks. We analyse in detail
only the case when the called user is busy. It is proved that call forwarding
not only increases utilization of servers and the percent of successful calls
but it also increases the call loss. On the simple example, we showed that
this call loss increase is greater in the case of local (internal) and
incoming calls, but smaller in the case of outgoing calls. The reason for
such behaviour is in the role of call forwarding function in the case of
internal and incoming traffic. In that situation call forwarding function
decreases the effect of limited number of users on the decrease of offered
traffic, comparing to the case of internal and incoming traffic without call
forwarding (Engset traffic model). This statement is illustrated by
comparative graphics of traffic loss without call forwarding function, and
with this function when considering, separately, internal, incoming, and
outgoing traffic.
Investigating the Need for Transparent Disclosures of Political Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures by U.S. Private Prison Corporations
Authors: Scott Winifred D.
Published: January 2016

Transparency is a fundamental principle of good corporate governance. A disclosure is an important mechanism that enhances corporate governance through increased transparency and better informed stakeholders. When a government operation contractually assigns prison services to a nongovernment for-profit entity, then that entity is fulfilling a public interest role of incarceration and should be accountable to the citizen taxpayers (i.e., the stakeholders). Accountability is important. But what happens to accountability when the mission statements and business strategies of the nongovernment for-profit entities diverge from the original government operation? The private prison industry, annually, spends thousands and sometimes millions of dollars toward political campaigns and lobbyists to influence and educate legislatures as a part of their corporate political strategy to ensure a steady stream of growing revenues. Consequently, various laws have been implemented resulting from successful lobbying efforts that affect the public interest. These nontrivial amounts are not disclosed in their annual reports or proxy statements. However, this information is reported in a disaggregated way in various non-SEC filings. This study shows that tracking federal and state lobbying expenditures and political campaign contributions is a complicated task for a trained staff of researchers, and would be quite difficult for most stakeholders; thus, current reporting obscures transparency. I thus argue for greater transparency by requiring mandatory disclosures of political contributions and lobbying expenditures in the financial statements of publicly held private prison corporations. Benefits of audited annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission would enhance the reliability of management assertions about expenditures related to political contributions and lobbying costs reported by private prison corporations and the detailed information would be presented in a single, complete disclosure. This new disclosure requirement would improve corporate governance, increase accountability, decrease information asymmetry that exists between the private prison corporations and stakeholders, and allow external stakeholders to make informed judgments about whether those in the business of incarceration are fulfilling their public interest role.
The Relationship between Board-Level Technology Committees and Reported Security Breaches
Authors: Higgs Julia L. , Pinsker Robert E. , Smith Thomas J. , Young George R.
Published: January 2016

After several high-profile data security breaches (e.g., Target Corporation, Michaels Stores, Inc., The Home Depot), corporate boards are prioritizing the oversight of Information Technology (IT) risk. Firms are also increasingly faced with disclosure decisions regarding IT security breaches. This study proposes that firms can use the creation of a board-level technology committee as part of the firm's information technology governance (ITG) to signal the firm's ability to detect and respond to security breaches. Using reported security breaches during the time period 2005–2014, results indicate that firms with technology committees are more likely to have reported breaches in a given year than are firms without the committee. Further analysis suggests that this positive association is driven by relatively young technology committees and external source breaches. Specifically, as a technology committee becomes more established, its firm is not as likely to be breached. To obtain further evidence on the perceived value of a technology committee, this study uses a returns analysis and finds that the presence of a technology committee mitigates the negative abnormal stock returns arising from external breaches. Findings add to the evolving ITG literature, as well to the signaling theory and disclosure literatures.
Myeloid Deletion of α1AMPK Exacerbates Atherosclerosis in LDL Receptor Knockout (LDLRKO) Mice
Authors: Cao Qiang , Cui Xin , Wu Rui , Zha Lin , Wang Xianfeng , Parks John S. , Yu Liqing , Shi Hang , Xue Bingzhong
Published: January 2016

Macrophage inflammation marks all stages of atherogenesis, and AMPK is a regulator of macrophage inflammation. We therefore generated myeloid α1AMPK knockout (MAKO) mice on the LDL receptor knockout (LDLRKO) background to investigate whether myeloid deletion of α1AMPK exacerbates atherosclerosis. When fed an atherogenic diet, MAKO/LDLRKO mice displayed exacerbated atherosclerosis compared with LDLRKO mice. To determine the underlying pathophysiological pathways, we characterized macrophage inflammation/chemotaxis and lipid/cholesterol metabolism in MAKO/LDLRKO mice. Myeloid deletion of α1AMPK increased macrophage inflammatory gene expression and enhanced macrophage migration and adhesion to endothelial cells. Remarkably, MAKO/LDLRKO mice also displayed higher composition of circulating chemotaxically active Ly-6Chigh monocytes, enhanced atherosclerotic plaque chemokine expression, and monocyte recruitment into plaques, leading to increased atherosclerotic plaque macrophage content and inflammation. MAKO/LDLRKO mice also exhibited higher plasma LDL and VLDL cholesterol content, increased circulating apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels, and higher liver apoB expression. We conclude that macrophage α1AMPK deficiency promotes atherogenesis in LDLRKO mice and is associated with enhanced macrophage inflammation and hypercholesterolemia and that macrophage α1AMPK may serve as a therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Inhibition of miR-200c Restores Endothelial Function in Diabetic Mice Through Suppression of COX-2
Authors: Zhang Huina , Liu Jian , Qu Dan , Wang Li , Luo Jiang-Yun , Lau Chi Wai , Liu Pingsheng , Gao Zhen , Tipoe George L. , Lee Hung Kay , Ng Chi Fai , Ma Ronald Ching Wan , Yao Xiaoqiang , Huang Yu
Published: January 2016

Endothelial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the development of diabetic vasculopathy. Our initial quantitative PCR results showed an increased miR-200c expression in arteries from diabetic mice and patients with diabetes. However, whether miR-200c is involved in diabetic endothelial dysfunction is unknown. Overexpression of miR-200c impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations (EDRs) in nondiabetic mouse aortas, whereas suppression of miR-200c by anti–miR-200c enhanced EDRs in diabetic db/db mice. miR-200c suppressed ZEB1 expression, and ZEB1 overexpression ameliorated endothelial dysfunction induced by miR-200c or associated with diabetes. More importantly, overexpression of anti–miR-200c or ZEB1 in vivo attenuated miR-200c expression and improved EDRs in db/db mice. Mechanistic study with the use of COX-2−/− mice revealed that COX-2 mediated miR-200c–induced endothelial dysfunction and that miR-200c upregulated COX-2 expression in endothelial cells through suppression of ZEB1 and increased production of prostaglandin E2, which also reduced EDR. This study demonstrates for the first time to our knowledge that miR-200c is a new mediator of diabetic endothelial dysfunction and inhibition of miR-200c rescues EDRs in diabetic mice. These new findings suggest the potential usefulness of miR-200c as the target for drug intervention against diabetic vascular complications.
Nine-Year Effects of 3.7 Years of Intensive Glycemic Control on Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors:   The ACCORD Study Group
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

In the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial, ∼4 years of intensive versus standard glycemic control in participants with type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors had a neutral effect on the composite cardiovascular outcome, increased cardiovascular and total mortality, and reduced nonfatal myocardial infarction. Effects of the intervention during prolonged follow-up were analyzed.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All surviving ACCORD participants were invited to participate in the ACCORD Follow-on (ACCORDION) study, during which participants were treated according to their health care provider’s judgment. Cardiovascular and other health-related outcomes were prospectively collected and analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach according to the group to which participants were originally allocated.

RESULTS

A total of 8,601 people, representing 98% of those who did not suffer a primary outcome or death during the ACCORD trial, were monitored for a median of 8.8 years and a mean of 7.7 years from randomization. Intensive glucose lowering for a mean of 3.7 years had a neutral long-term effect on the primary composite outcome (nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death), death from any cause, and an expanded composite outcome that included all-cause death. Moreover, the risk of cardiovascular mortality noted during the active phase (hazard ratio 1.49; 95% CI 1.19, 1.87; P < 0.0001) decreased (HR 1.20; 95% CI 1.03, 1.39; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In high-risk people with type 2 diabetes monitored for 9 years, a mean of 3.7 years of intensive glycemic control had a neutral effect on death and nonfatal cardiovascular events but increased cardiovascular-related death.
Modulation of Epileptic Activity in Rats: Focus on Sleep, Physical Exercise and Nitric Oxide–mediated Neurotransmission in a Model of Homocysteine Thiolactone–induced Seizures
Authors: Hrncic Dragan , Rasic-Markovic Aleksandra , Susic Veselinka , Djuric Dragan , Stanojlovic Olivera
Published: January 2016

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent epileptic seizures. Understanding the mechanisms by which it initiates and develops, as well as its modulating factors, are of great scientific interest. Experimental models of epilepsy are useful for understanding these mechanisms.

Homocysteine, an amino acid endogenously generated in the body, together with its reactive metabolite, homocysteine thiolactone (HCT), is recognised as a risk factor for a variety of diseases. HCT-induced seizures are a model of generalised epilepsy in which the coexistence of two types of epileptic activity has been documented. Th e complex interplay between sleep and epilepsy is still only poorly understood. Additionally, the relationship between physical exercise and epilepsy is quite intriguing, especially the mechanism underlying this relationship. Th e role of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated neurotransmission in the development of epileptic activity is highly debated in the existing scientific literature .

In this review article, we described the modulation of epileptic activity in rats and focused on sleep, physical activity and NO-mediated signalling. First, we explain the characteristics of the experimental models of epileptic activity and the unique features of HCT-induced seizures. Second, the modulating eff ects of sleep and regular physical exercise training on epileptic activity, along with works from the authors, are discussed. Finally, the anticonvulsive eff ects of NO that is produced via nNOS and iNOS in HCT-induced seizures are reviewed.
Systemic Manifestations of Pseudoexfoliation
Authors: Sarenac-Vulovic Tatjana S. , Janicijevic Petrovic Mirjana A. , Vulovic Dejan D. , Pavlovic Sladjana M. , Simovic Sladjana , Zdravkovic Nemanja S.
Published: January 2016

Objective: Th e aim of our study was to establish a correlation between pseudoexfoliation and its systemic manifestation.

Findings: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is an agerelated systemic disorder that leads to the overproduction and accumulation of the pseudoexfoliated materials in the visceral organs and in the eye. Many vascular diseases are closely related with pseudoexfoliation manifestations. Our results indicated that there were no statistically significant diff erences (p>0.05) among patients regarding the presence of hypertension in all groups: PEX glaucoma - 45% (9 patients); PEX syndrome- 40% (8 patients); and control groups- 35% (7 patients). Ischemic heart disease was statistically significant present in the sPEX syndrome- 20% (5 patients) and PEX glaucoma- 25% (5 patients) patient groupss, in comparison with those of the control group-10%, (p<0.05). Aortic aneurism was statistically significant present in patients with PEX (syndrome-5% or glaucoma-15%), compared to those in the control group, which included no patients with aneurisms, (p<0.05). Our results indicated that a statistically significant number of patients with aneurism were in the group of patients who developed PEX glaucoma (p<0.05). Cerebrovascular diseases were detected in all groups of patients, but a significant decrease in this metric was noted in the control group- 5% (2 patients), compared with patients with PEX syndrome- 15% and PEX glaucoma-25%, (p<0.05). Hearing loss, as a concomitant sign of PEX manifestation, was recorded in all patients, but in the group with PEX (syndrome-55% or glaucoma-75%), these results showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in comparison with those of patients in the control group (10%). Among the patients with PEX (syndrome and glaucoma), there were no statistically significant diff erences in the selected categories of systemic manifestations (p<0.05). Th is result indicates that the main risk for systemic manifestation is the presence of PEX and that other ocular and vascular complications are, in fact, consequences of PEX.

Conclusion: Pseudoexfoliation is strongly related to systemic vascular disturbances. A detailed examination of patients with PEX by specialists in internal disease or by neurologists should be performed. Such recommended examinations can be helpful in the prevention of diff erent vascular diseasess among patients with PEX, especially atthose in the early stages.
Susceptibility of Diabetic Heart to Catecholamine-induced Arrhythmias is Independent of Contractile Dysfunction
Authors: Adameova Adriana , Elimban Vijayan , Rodriguez-Leyva Delfin , Tappia Paramjit S. , Dhalla Naranjan S
Published: January 2016

Background: Diabetes is associated with myocardial electrical instability and prolongation of action potential duration that result in disturbances in the rhythm of the heart.

Objective: Th is study was undertaken to examine the role of circulating catecholamines in abnormal cardiac rhythm and contractility during diff erent stages of diabetes.

Methods: Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg, i.v.). Epinephrine (4-128 μg/kg, i.v.) -induced arrhythmias and plasma levels of epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine (NE) were determined in control, 4- and 8-wk diabetic animals. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac remodeling and contractile function.

Results: Although diabetes induced cardiac dysfunction, there were no significant differences in cardiac output, ejection fraction, left ventricle (LV) dimensions, LV fractional shortening between the 4- and 8-wk diabetic animals. Th e electrocardiogram of both diabetic groups showed deep S wave as well as changes in T wave and ST segment. In addition, prolongation of the RR interval in the 4- and 8-wk diabetic animals was seen, while prolongation of the QT and PR intervals were only seen in the 8-wk diabetic animals. Th e severity of Epi-induced ventricular arrhythmias, as assessed by arrhythmia score, was significantly lower in the 8-wk diabetic rats, as compared to the 4-wk diabetic animals. Circulating Epi levels were significantly decreased in the 8-wk diabetic rats, whereas NE levels were increased in the 4-wk diabetic rats.

Conclusions: Th e sensitivity of the diabetic heart to catecholamine- triggered arrhythmias may be dependent on circulating Epi rather than NE and thus it can be proposed that the increased incidence of sudden cardiac death in diabetics may not be associated with response to catecholamines.
The Influence of Antipsychotics on the Quality of Life of Patients with Schizophrenia in a Long-stay Psychiatric Facility
Authors: Kitic Aleksandra Petrovic , Jankovic Slobodan
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Many factors concomitantly influence the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia in a long-stay psychiatric facility. Th e appropriate selection of antipsychotics and the intensity of their adverse effects exert a significant influence on the quality of life of these patients. Th e aim of this study was to identify the influence of antipsychotic-related factors on the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: Th e study included 102 beneficiaries at the Institute for Accommodation of Adults “Male Pčelice” in Kragujevac. Th e patients were interviewed on in one day using the questionnaire issued by the World Health Organization. The specified data were obtained from the health files of the beneficiaries. We performed a comparison between patients receiving only atypical antipsychotics, typical antipsychotics or a combination thereof.

Results: Th e patients who were receiving only atypical antipsychotics demonstrated better physical health quality of life scores in comparison to those who received combined antipsychotics (77.14 vs. 68.57; U = 332.0; p = 0.02). A statistically significant difference in the mental health quality of life domain was observed between groups of patients receiving various antipsychotic treatments (31.96 vs. 55.27 vs. 49.46; c2 = 7.02; p = 0.03).

Conclusion: Patients in a long-stay psychiatric facility who received atypical antipsychotics demonstrated a better quality of life in comparison to those who received typical antipsychotics, possibly due to the superior safety profile of atypical antipsychotics and a greater feeling of individual contentment.
Unfolded Protein Response Is Activated in the Hearts of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (Cpvt) Mice
Authors: Bakiu Rigers
Published: January 2016

Isoform 2 of calsequestrin (CSQ2) is the main calciumbinding protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and is expressed in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. CSQ2 acts as an SR calcium (Ca2+) sensor and regulates SR Ca2+ release via interactions with triadin, junctin, and the ryanodine receptor. Various mutations of the csq2 gene lead to altered Ca2+ release and contractile dysfunction and contribute to the development of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in young individuals affected by CPVT . Transgenic mice carrying one of the identified CSQ2 point mutations (R33Q) associated with CPVT were developed, and a drastic reduction in the mutated protein was observed. Following a biomolecular approach, several analyses were performed using different antibody treatments to identify when the reduction of CSQ2 begins, to unveil the mechanism involved in the reduction of CSQ2 and to verify whether other proteins are affected by the presence of the mutated protein. Th e results of this study showed that mutated CSQ2 levels decreased soon after birth, in conjunction with decreased levels of other important junctional SR proteins, including triadin (TD). Th e up-regulation of proteins associated with the unfolded protein response (UPR) was also observed, and the ATF6- dependent pathway was activated by the UPR. The presence of the R33Q mutation induced the decrease of CSQ2 via UPR activation and subsequent proteasomal degradation.
Behavioural Effects of Short-term Total Food Restriction in Rats
Authors: Selakovic Dragica , Joksimovic Jovana
Published: January 2016

Reducing food intake can decrease anxiety indices in rats. Th e aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of short-term (48 hours) total food restriction on the behavioural characteristics, the motor coordination and balance, of rats. Th ree-month-old male Wistar albino rats (n=20) weighing 350-400 g were divided into a control group (food and water intake ad libitum) and an experimental group (total food restriction 48 hours before testing). Behavioural studies were performed using the open field, elevated plus maze, Barnes maze, beam walking, evoked beam walking and linear locomotor tests. Th e total distance moved, the velocity, the movement and the frequency in the centre zone of the open field were significantly higher in the treated group. Th e cumulative duration in the centre zone of the open field did not significantly increase in the treated group. Th e number of entries into the open arms, the total time spent in the open arms and the total distance moved in the elevated plus maze significantly increased with no change in the velocity in the food-restricted animals. Th e 48 hours of total food restriction did not affect the Barnes maze test parameters or the parameters of the linear locomotor test. Th e velocity recorded during the beam walking test was not affected by the food restriction, but the velocity recorded during the evoked beam walking test significantly decreased in the treated group. In summary, short-term total food restriction did not produce significant changes in the physical performance of rats but did result in anxiolytic- like behaviour accompanied by food-seeking behaviour due to enhanced motivation to forage for food.
The Role of Autophagy in Immunity and Autoimmune Diseases / Uloga Autofagije U Imunskom Odgovoru I Autoimunskim Bolestima
Authors: Markovic Bojana Simovic , Vucicevic Ljubica , Bojic Sanja , Volarevic Vladislav
Published: January 2016

Autophagy is a catabolic mechanism in the cell that involves the degradation of unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components by the lysosomal machinery. Recent studies have indicated that autophagy is a source of autoantigens, thus highlighting its potential role in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. There are at least three different forms of autophagy: macroautophagy, microautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). The physiological role of autophagy is to maintain cellular homeostasis by removing long-lived, damaged proteins and dysfunctional organelles and by providing energy. Aberrant autophagy may contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases.

An understanding of the complex relationships between autophagy and autophagy-related genes in each autoimmune disease creates the possibility of developing more specific and effective therapeutic strategies. Given the importance of autophagy in immune functions, this review article summarises current knowledge about the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
Detection of macrolide resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae in England, September 2014 to September 2015
Authors: Brown Rebecca J , Macfarlane-Smith Louissa , Phillips Sarah , Chalker Victoria J
Published: January 2016

Mycoplasma pneumoniaeinfection can cause pneumonia, particularly in children. Global increase in macrolide-resistantM. pneumoniaeis of concern due to limited therapeutic options. We describe the detection of macrolide resistance-conferring mutations in 9.3% of 43 clinical specimens whereM. pneumoniaewas detected in England and Wales from September 2014‒September 2015. This study aims to impact by highlighting the presence of macrolide resistance inM. pneumoniaepositive patients, promoting increased clinical vigilance.
Tuberculosis treatment outcome in the European Union and European Economic Area: an analysis of surveillance data from 2002‒2011
Authors: Karo Basel , Hauer Barbara , Hollo Vahur , van der Werf Marieke J. , Fiebig Lena , Haas Walter
Published: January 2016

Monitoring the treatment outcome (TO) of tuberculosis (TB) is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and to identify potential barriers for TB control. The global target is to reach a treatment success rate (TSR) of at least 85%. We aimed to assess the TB TO in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) between 2002 and 2011, and to identify factors associated with unsuccessful treatment. Only 18 countries reported information on TO for the whole observation period accounting for 250,854 new culture-confirmed pulmonary TB cases. The 85% target of TSR was not reached in any year between 2002 and 2011 and was on average 78%. The TSR for multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB cases at 24-month follow-up was 49%. In the multivariable regression model, unsuccessful treatment was significantly associated with increasing age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.02 per a one-year increase, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.02), MDR-TB (OR = 8.7, 95% CI: 5.09–14.97), male sex (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.28–1.52), and foreign origin (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.03–1.70). The data highlight that special efforts are required for patients with MDR-TB and the elderly aged ≥65 years, who have particularly low TSR. To allow for valid monitoring at EU level all countries should aim to report TO for all TB cases.
Ongoing outbreak of invasive listeriosis, Germany, 2012 to 2015
Authors: Ruppitsch Werner , Prager Rita , Halbedel Sven , Hyden Patrick , Pietzka Ariane , Huhulescu Steliana , Lohr Dorothee , Schönberger Katharina , Aichinger Elisabeth , Hauri Anja , Stark Klaus , Vygen Sabine , Tietze Erhard , Allerberger Franz , Wilking Hendrik
Published: January 2016

Listeriosis patient isolates in Germany have shown a new identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern since 2012 (n = 66). Almost all isolates (Listeria monocytogenes serotype 1/2a) belonged to cases living in southern Germany, indicating an outbreak with a so far unknown source. Case numbers in 2015 are high (n = 28). No outbreak cases outside Germany have been reported. Next generation sequencing revealed the unique cluster type CT1248 and confirmed the outbreak. Investigations into the source are ongoing.
Tula hantavirus infection in a hospitalised patient, France, June 2015
Authors: Reynes Jean Marc , Carli Damien , Boukezia Nourredine , Debruyne Monique , Herti Samir
Published: January 2016

We report an infection with Tula virus in June 2015, leading to hospitalisation, in a patient living approximately 60 km east of Paris with no previous remarkable medical history. Clinical symptoms were limited to a fever syndrome with severe headache. The main laboratory findings included thrombocytopenia and elevated transaminase levels. Based on S (small) gene sequence analysis, the strain affecting the patient was closely related to strains detected in Central Europe, especially to a south-east German strain.