bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Spermidine as a Novel Potential Predictor for Fragility Fractures
Authors: Kong Sung Hye , Kim Jung Hee , Shin Chan Soo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Context
Metabolomics is an emerging tool that provides insights into the dynamics of phenotypic changes. It is a potential method for the discovery of novel serum markers of fracture.

Objective
To identify metabolite parameters that can be used as a proxy for osteoporotic fracture risk

Design
Prospective study based on the Ansung cohort in Korea.

Setting
The general community.

Participants
A total of 1504 participants with metabolomic analyses.

Interventions
None.

Main Outcome Measure
Fragility fractures.

Results
We measured 135 baseline metabolite profiles in fasting serum of the participants. The participants had a mean age of 60.2 years and were comprised of 585 (38.9%) men. During a mean 9-year follow-up, 112 osteoporotic fracture events occurred. Of all metabolites measured, only serum spermidine concentrations were positively associated with the risk of fracture (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 μM of spermidine 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.65, P = 0.020) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, smoking status, previous fracture history, and baseline tibial quantitative ultrasound. Participants with spermidine concentrations &gt;1.57 μM had a 2.2-fold higher risk of fractures (95% CI 1.08–4.51, P = 0.030) compared with those with concentrations ≤1.57 μM after adjustment. In a subgroup analysis, women with baseline spermidine concentrations &gt;1.57 μM also had a 2.4-fold higher risk of fracture than those with concentrations ≤1.57 μM (95% CI 1.02–5.48, P = 0.047).

Conclusions
Increased baseline spermidine concentrations were associated with a risk of osteoporotic fracture during a mean 9-year follow-up. The biological significance of the metabolites in the musculoskeletal system could be a subject for future studies.
Progression of acromegalic arthropathy in long-term controlled acromegaly patients: 9 years of longitudinal follow-up
Authors: Pelsma Iris C M , Biermasz Nienke R , van Furth Wouter R , Pereira Alberto M , Kroon Herman M , Kloppenburg Margreet , Claessen Kim M J A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Context
Joint complaints in patients with acromegaly are common, although the long-term disease course is largely unknown.

Objective
This study aims to evaluate the long-term course of acromegalic arthropathy.

Design and Setting
A prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted in controlled acromegaly patients followed at a tertial referral center, with 3 study visits: at baseline and after a median of 2.6 and 9.1 years.

Patients
We included 31 patients with biochemically controlled acromegaly for 2 or more years (49% female; median age, 60 years) at baseline.

Main Outcome Measures
Radiographic arthropathy of the knee, hip, hand, and cervical and lumbar spine were evaluated using Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) scores, developed for assessment of primary osteoarthritis (OA). Radiographic progression was defined as a KL increase above the smallest detectable change. Joint symptoms were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Progression was defined using existing clinically important cutoff values. Risk factors for progression were investigated using a multivariable model.

Results
All patients had definite radiographic OA at 1 or more joints at baseline. Radiographic progression was observed in 29%, 48%, 84%, and 94% of patients in the knees, hips, hands, and axial joints, respectively. Deterioration in hand-related pain and function was observed in 10 (32.3%) and 11 patients (35.5%), respectively. Solely baseline KL scores of the hip were associated with hip OA progression (OR 1.88; 95% CI, 1.09-3.16).

Conclusions
Acromegalic arthropathy showed significant radiographic progression over 9.1 years of follow-up in patients in remission, whereas clinical progression was observed less frequently. Future studies should focus on adequate prevention and treatment strategies of acromegalic arthropathy.
Uterine Epithelial Progesterone Receptor Governs Uterine Receptivity Through Epithelial Cell Differentiation
Authors: Gebril Mona , Hirota Yasushi , Aikawa Shizu , Fukui Yamato , Kaku Tetsuaki , Matsuo Mitsunori , Hirata Tomoyuki , Akaeda Shun , Hiraoka Takehiro , Shimizu-Hirota Ryoko , Takeda Norihiko , Taha Tamer , Balah Osama Al , Elnoury Mohamed Amr H , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Progesterone receptor (PGR) is indispensable for pregnancy in mammals. Uterine PGR responds to the heightened levels of ovarian progesterone (P4) after ovulation and regulates uterine gene transcription for successful embryo implantation. Although epithelial and stromal P4-PGR signaling may interact with each other to form appropriate endometrial milieu for uterine receptivity and the subsequent embryo attachment, it remains unclear what the specific roles of epithelial P4-PGR signaling in the adult uterus are. Here we generated mice with epithelial deletion of Pgr in the adult uterus (Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice) by crossing Pgr-floxed and Ltf-Cre mice. Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice are infertile due to the impairment of embryo attachment. Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ uteri did not exhibit epithelial growth arrest, suggesting compromised uterine receptivity. Both epithelial and stromal expressions of P4-responsive genes decreased in Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice during the peri-implantation period, indicating that epithelial Pgr deletion affects not only epithelial but stromal P4 responsiveness. In addition, uterine LIF, an inducer of embryo attachment, was decreased in Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice. The RNA-seq analysis using luminal epithelial specimens dissected out by laser capture microdissection revealed that the signaling pathways related to extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, and cell proliferation are altered in Pgr fl/flLtf Cre/+ mice. These findings suggest that epithelial PGR controls both epithelial and stromal P4 responsiveness and epithelial cell differentiation, which provides normal uterine receptivity and subsequent embryo attachment.
Accelerator or Brake? Cash for Clunkers, Household Liquidity, and Aggregate Demand
Authors: Green Daniel , Melzer Brian T. , Parker Jonathan A. , Rojas Arcenis 
Published: October 2020

This paper evaluates the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS ) by comparing the vehicle purchases and disposals of households with eligible “clunkers” to those of households with similar but ineligible vehicles. CARS caused roughly 500,000 purchases during the program period. The provision of liquidity, through a rebate usable as a down payment, was critical in generating this large response. Participation was rare among households that owned clunkers with outstanding loans, which required loan repayment. This decline in participation is attributed to households’ preference for lower down payments and distinguished from the effects of income, other indebtedness, and the program subsidy. (JEL E23, E62, G51, H24, H31)
Development Of Learning Models For Industrial Dressmaking At Fashion Technologi Vocational School
Authors: Karlina Nadya , Hasanah Uswatun , Doriza Shinta 
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the research is to develop a project-based independent learning model in Vocational Fashion Technology. The research and development method uses 10 steps from Borg and Gall. The results of the development Project Based Independent Learning (PBIL) models are accompanied by PBIL learning manuals for educators. The steps of implementing the PBIL model, namely determining the fundamental questions, compiling project planning, preparing a schedule, monitoring students and project progress, analyzing project results and evaluating experience. Learning activities consist of face-to-face, independent learning by Android-based learning media and monitoring by social media. Effectiveness test results indicate , learning by PBIL models, students easier to learn lessons (97%); students helped in solving problems (91%); increase students’ courage to share opinions (85%); support students to work in a team(94%); motivate students to reach achievement (97%); students able to solve post test questions easier than before (97%); motivating students to complete tasks (97%); learning by PBIL model, students is closer to their teacher (97%).
Fruit and berry plants of forest belts as a factor of species diversity of ornithofauna during the breeding season and autumn migration period
Authors: Pesotskaya V. V. , Chaplygina A. B. , Shupova T. V. , Kratenko R. I. 
Published: October 2020

During migration, the availability of food that affects the success of bird movements, the nature and timing of their movements, is critical for many bird species. The relationship between migration routes and the ripening of fruit and berry plants along the route is important. Four types of forest belts were studied: wind-blown maple-ash, latticed maple-linden, dense oak-maple-linden, wind-blown oak-maple-poplar. During the study 43 bird species were identified consuming 9 major fruit and berry plant species: Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus laevigata, Rosa canina, Prunus padus, Sorbus aucuparia, Rhamnus cathartica, Morus nigra, Prunus cerasus. The highest average number of birds feeding in forest belts (4.14 ind./km) was registered in oak-maple-linden dense forest belts, while the lowest number (1.48 ind./km) was recorded in wind-blown maple-ash ones. Maple-linden latticed forest belts characterize the best index data of α-diversity of birds. In the summer-autumn diet, succulent fruit are the most important: Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) – 11.8% of the total number of birds observed to feed on this food resource, Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) – 11.3%, Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) – 9.3%, Song thrush (Turdus philomelos) – 7.3%, Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) – 7.1%, Blackbird (Turdus merula) – 5.4%. 42 species of birds were observed to feed on black elderberry. More than half (51.2%) of the species composition of birds feeding on fruit and berry plants were migratory birds. Consequently, juicy berries are an important food during bird migrations.
Beam enhancement capacity of a thin fibre-reinforced polymer liner
Authors: Shan Z. , Porter I. , Nemcik J. , Baafi E. 
Published: October 2020

This study investigates a glass-reinforced polymeric thin spray-on liner and its ability to reinforce substrate surface in underground excavations by the use of laboratory testing. Twenty-three hydrostone beams uncoated and coated with 5 mm thick fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) coating were subjected to four-point bending tests to study their strength. The hydrostone beams coated with FRP experienced 1·3 times increase in strength when compared to the plain uncoated beams. Experiments also showed that in addition to the increased strength, the beams failure modes were also altered where the uncoated beams failed in tension while the polymer-coated specimens failed predominantly in shear. To study the influence of the FRP on fractured and notched surfaces, several beams with artificially induced rectangular and V-shaped notches were also tested. The results indicated that a single notch located at the bottom centre of the uncoated specimens led to strength reduction by 86% while polymer-coated notched beams had 13-fold increase in strength compared to a notched but uncoated specimen. The specimen strength further increased when the notch was infilled with the polymer material. Substantial reinforcement of rock substrate in an underground tunnel is possible with the application of this polymeric liner.
Potenziale von PROFIenergy in der Prozessindustrie
Authors: Niemann Karl-Heinz , Würger Andreas 
Published: October 2020

Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt Einsatzpotenziale des Energiemanagementprofils PROFIenergy in der Prozessindustrie. Der Blick auf den Status von Energieeffizienzmaßnahmen in der Prozessindustrie zeigt, dass diese im Wesentlichen innerhalbder verfahrenstechnischen Optimierung angesiedelt sind. Noch hat sich der durchgängige Einsatz von technischen Energiemanagementsystemen (tEnMS) nicht etabliert. Diese Arbeit fokussiert Vorteile des tEnMS-Einsatzes und präsentiert „Best Practice“-Beispiele in der Prozessindustrie. Abschließend wird aufgezeigt, welches Potenzial das Energiemanagementprofil PROFIenergyliefern kann und welche Anwendungsfälle sich damit abdecken lassen.
Variation in the expression of a transmembrane protein influences cell growth in Arabidopsis thaliana petals by altering auxin responses.
Authors: Miller Charlotte N. , Dumenil Jack , Lu Fu Hao , Smith Caroline , McKenzie Neil , Chapman Volodymyr , Ball Joshua , Box Mathew , Bevan Michael Webster 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

The same species of plant can exhibit highly diverse sizes and shapes of organs that are genetically determined. Characterising genetic variation underlying this morphological diversity is an important objective in evolutionary studies and it also helps identify the functions of genes influencing plant growth and development. Extensive screens of mutagenised Arabidopsis populations have identified multiple genes and mechanisms affecting organ size and shape, but relatively few studies have exploited the rich diversity of natural populations to identify genes involved in growth control.

Results

We screened a relatively well characterised collection of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes for variation in petal size. Association analyses identified sequence and gene expression variation on chromosome 4 that made a substantial contribution to differences in petal area. Variation in the expression of a previously uncharacterised gene At4g16850 (named as KSK ) had a substantial role on variation in organ size by influencing cell size. Over-expression of KSK led to larger petals with larger cells and promoted the formation of stamenoid features. The expression of auxin-responsive genes known to limit cell growth was reduced in response to KSK over-expression. ANT expression was also reduced in KSK over-expression lines, consistent with altered floral identities. Auxin responses were reduced in KSK over-expressing cells, consistent with changes in auxin-responsive gene expression. KSK may therefore influence auxin availability during petal development.

Conclusions

Understanding how genetic variation influences plant growth is important for both evolutionary and mechanistic studies. We used natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana to identify sequence variation in a promoter region of Arabidopsis ecotypes that mediated differences in the expression of a previously undescribed membrane protein. This variation contributed to altered auxin availability and cell size during petal growth.
Machine learning is the key to diagnose COVID-19: a proof of concept study.
Authors: Gangloff Cedric , Rafi Sonia , Bouzillé Guillaume , Soulat Louis , Cuggia Marc 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Two tests are currently available to diagnose COVID-19: chest-CT and RT-PCR. These tests are sub-optimal when they are used independently but their combination on every suspected COVID-19 patient requires considerable resources. The potential contribution of machine learning in this situation has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate machine learning models to diagnose COVID-19 among post-emergency hospitalized patients. Methods: All post-emergency hospitalized adults patients admitted in our academic hospital between 2020/03/20 and 2020/05/05 and explored for COVID-19 were included in the study. Three types of machine learning models were created: logistic regressions, random forests, and neural networks. Each type of model was trained to diagnose COVID-19 with different sets of variables. Area under the ROC curve was the primary outcome to evaluate model’s performances. Results: 536 patients were included in the study: 106 in the COVID group, 430 in the NOT-COVID group. AUC of chest-CT increased from 0.778 to 0.889 with the contribution of machine learning. Similarly, AUC of RT-PCR increased from 0.852 to 0.929 with machine learning.Conclusions: After generalization, machine learning models will allow to increase chest-CT and RT-PCR performances to diagnose COVID-19.
Targeted exome sequencing identified a&nbsp;novel USH2A&nbsp;mutation in a&nbsp;Chinese Usher syndrome family: a case report
Authors: Xing Dongjun , Zhou Huaiyu , Yu Rongguo , Wang Linni , Hu Liying , Li Zhiqing , Li Xiaorong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Usher syndrome is a disease with a heterogeneous phenotype and genotype. Our purpose was to identify the gene mutation in a Chinese family with Usher syndrome type 2 and describe the clinical features.Case presentation: A 23-year-old man complained of a 10-year duration of nyctalopia and a 3-year decline in visual acuity of both eyes accompanied by congenital dysaudia. To clarify the diagnosis, the clinical symptoms were observed and analysed in combination with comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations as well as genetic analysis (targeted exome sequencing, TES). A typical clinical presentation of Usher syndrome of the fundus was found, including a waxy yellow-like disc, bone-spicule formations and retinal vessel stenosis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) showed loss of the ellipsoid zone and a reduction in paracaval vessel density in both eyes. Genetic analysis identified a novel homozygous c.8483_8486del (p.Ser2828*) mutation in USH2A. The mutation resulted in premature termination of translation and caused the deletion of 19 fibronectin type 3 domains (FN3), transmembrane (TM) region and PDZ-binding motif domain, which play an important role in protein binding. After combining the clinical manifestations and genetic results, the patient was diagnosed with Usher syndrome type 2.Conclusion: We found a novel c.8483_8486del mutation in the USH2A gene through TES techniques. The results broaden the spectrum of mutations in Usher syndrome type 2 and suggest that a combination of clinical information and molecular diagnosis via TES could help Usher syndrome patients obtain a better diagnosis.
Social gradient in health-related quality of life among urban middle-age residents in Limassol, Cyprus: Research article
Authors: Ellina Panagiota , Middleton Nicos , Lambrinou Ekaterini , Kouta Christiana 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Social inequalities in health threaten social cohesion and, therefore, their investigation is an important research field. Monitoring the health of the population is necessary to identify health needs, design programs focused in people’s needs and to evaluate the effectiveness of health policies.Methods: A cross-sectional survey using primary data was applied. The study investigates the size and the extent of social inequalities in quality of life and health behaviours in Limassol, Cyprus. Data collection was done by door-to-door survey, in the form of interviews. The sample consisted of 450 residents aged 45-64 across 45 randomly selected neighbourhoods, that met the selection criteria. The tools used were: Demographic questionnaire, SF 36 Questionnaire, IPAQ- International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form.Results: The social gradient appears in all social indicators. As for the physical dimension of health has a strong relationship between health-related quality of life with the education index. Specifically, the range is 12 points for men and 14 points for women (p = 0.16). Profession systematically appears to have a stronger relationship with men than with women, and is present in both physical and mental dimensions. Specifically, the range is 13 points for men and 10 points for women (p = 0.31).Conclusions: It seems that young male individuals, who are highly educated, employed full time, earning high incomes and engaging in mild physical activity, have significantly higher level of health-related life quality, compared to other middle age adult groups, living in Limassol. This finding is in agreement with other studies that show correlations between gender and the patterns of risk factors.
Analyzing German consumers’ willingness to pay for green electricity tariff attributes - a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Danne Michael , Meier-Sauthoff Saramena , Musshoff Oliver 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: In order to achieve an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy supply, it is necessary that this goal is supported by society. In different countries worldwide it has been shown that one way consumers want to support the energy transition is by switching to green electricity. However, few people make the leap from their intention to a buying decision. This study explores parameters that influence whether German consumers would hypothetically decide to switch to a green electricity tariff.Methods: A quota-representative online survey including a discrete choice experiment with 371 German private households was conducted in 2016. For the econometric analysis, a generalized multinomial logit model in willingness to pay space was employed, enabling the estimation of WTP values to be as realistic as possible.Results: The results show that consumers’ decision whether or not to make the switch to green energy is mainly influenced by the source of green energy, whether a person can outsource the switching process, and a person’s attitude towards the renewable energy sources levy that currently exist in Germany.Conclusions: The findings indicate that politics should focus on supporting wind and solar energy as German consumers prefer these sources over biogas. As the results suggest, the EEG levy is a reason why consumers have lower WTP for switching to a green tariff. Therefore a switching bonus with a specifically “framed” bonus in the amount of the current EEG levy could be a promising strategy for the increase of green energy tariff acceptance. Furthermore, attention should be given to psychological and behavioral aspects, as the results indicate that these factors influence the consumer’s choice for a green electricity tariff.JEL classifications: C23, C25, Q40, Q50
Long-term trends in colorectal cancer: incidence, localization, and presentation
Authors: Høydahl Øystein , Edna Tom-Harald , Xanthoulis Athanasios , Lydersen Stian , Endreseth Birger Henning 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to assess trends in incidence and presentation of colorectal cancer (CRC) over a period of 37 years in a stable population in Mid-Norway. Secondarily, we wanted to predict the future burden of CRC in the same catchment area.Methods All 2268 patients diagnosed with CRC at Levanger Hospital between 1980 and 2016 were included in this study. We used Poisson regression to calculate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and analyse factors associated with incidence.Results The incidence of CRC increased from 43/100,000 person-years during 1980–1984 to 84/100,000 person-years during 2012–2016. Unadjusted IRR increased by 1.8% per year, corresponding to an overall increase in incidence of 94.5%. Changes in population (ageing and sex distribution) contributed to 28% of this increase, whereas 72% must be attributed to primary preventable factors associated with lifestyle. Compared with the last observational period, we predict a further 40% increase by 2030, and a 70% increase by 2040. Acute colorectal obstruction was associated with tumours in the left flexure and descending colon. Spontaneous colorectal perforation was associated with tumours in the descending colon, caecum, and sigmoid colon. The incidence of obstruction remained stable, while the incidence of perforation decreased throughout the observational period. The proportion of earlier stages at diagnosis increased significantly in recent decades.Conclusion CRC incidence increased substantially from 1980 to 2016, mainly due to primary preventable factors. The incidence will continue to increase during the next two decades, mainly due to further ageing of the population.