bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory Fitness is Associated with Glycated Hemoglobin and
Triglyceride Levels in Severely Obese Men: A Retrospective Clinical Data
Analysis
Authors: Wilms Britta , Keppler Rahel , Ernst Barbara , Schmid Sebastian M. , Thurnheer Martin , Schultes Bernd 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Background Even subjects with severe obesity show a wide range of
metabolic health states, with some showing marked alterations in glucose and
lipid metabolism whereas others do not. In severely obese women, we could
recently show that the degree of cardiorespiratory fitness is, independently of
body mass and age, associated with several markers of glucose and lipid
metabolism.
Aims In our retrospective study on a clinical data set, we questioned
whether such an association also exists in severely obese men.
Methods Cardiorespiratory fitness, i. e. workload
(Wpeak) and oxygen uptake (V̇O2,peak) at peak
exercise, was assessed by a bicycle spiroergometry in 133 severely obese men
(all BMI>35 kg m−2). The following metabolic
blood markers were also measured: Fasting serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides
(TG), total, low-, high-density cholesterol (Chol, LDL, HDL), uric acid, and
whole blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The Chol/HDL ratio and
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were also
calculated.
Results Multiple stepwise linear regression models including age, body
mass, and smoking status as independent variables revealed that Wpeak
and V̇O2,peak, explained 4.5 to 10.7% of variance in
HbA1c and TG (all beta<− 0.22; all p<0.02).
Including fat free mass instead of body mass in respective models revealed that
both Wpeak and V̇O2,peak were predictors of HbA1c
and TG (all beta<− 0.265; all p<0.013),
respectively, while Wpeak also accounted for variance in glucose and
Chol (both beta<− 0.259; both p<0.023).
Conclusions Similar to previous observations in women, our data indicate
that cardiorespiratory fitness assessed by bicycle ergospirometry test is
associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in severely obese men. The strength
of the found associations suggest a mild to moderate influence of
cardiorespiratory fitness on metabolic health in severe obesity.
Differential Expression of MicroRNAs and miR-206-Mediated Downregulation of BDNF Expression in the Rat Fetal Brain Following Maternal Hypothyroidism
Authors: Xing Qian , Shan Zhongyan , Gao Yun , Mao Jingyuan , Liu Xiu , Yu Jiashu , Sun Huakun , Fan Chenling , Wang Hong , Zhang Hongmei , Teng Weiping 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTo investigate the mechanism responsible for the neurological alterations, miRNA expression profile and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated in brain tissues of fetal or neonatal rats and from maternal rats with hypothyroidism. Ninety female Wistar rats were divided into a control and a hypothyroid group, which were mated. Brain samples of the offspring were obtained at maternal embryonic day (E) E13 and E17 as well as postnatal day (P) P0 and P7, and the hippocampus and cortex were separated at P7. BDNF mRNA at E13 was tested by real-time PCR and protein expression by Western blot. Luciferase assays were used to conﬁrm that miR-206 targets the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of BDNF. In the brain tissues of fetal and neonatal rats from maternal rats with hypothyroidism, differentiation miRNAs profile were found at E13, E17, P0, and P7. Compared with the control group, miR-206 levels in the hypothyroidism group were increased by 3.1-fold by micro-array, and were higher as measured by SYBR green real-time qRT–PCR (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the BDNF mRNA levels at E13 between the hypothyroidism group and the control group (1.767±0.477 vs. 1.798±0.462, respectively; p>0.05), but pro-BDNF and mature BDNF protein levels in the hypothyroid group at E13 were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). miR-206 targeted 3′-UTR of BDNF. Our data highlight the role of miR-206 as a post-transcriptional inhibitor of BDNF at E13 in pregnant hypothyroid rats.
MCO: towards an ontology and unified vocabulary for a framework-based annotation of microbial growth conditions
Authors: Tierrafría V H , Mejía-Almonte C , Camacho-Zaragoza J M , Salgado H , Alquicira K , Ishida C , Gama-Castro S , Collado-Vides J 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Motivation
A major component in increasing our understanding of the biology of an organism is the mapping of its genotypic potential into its phenotypic expression profiles. This mapping is executed by the machinery of gene regulation, which is essentially studied by changes in growth conditions. Although many efforts have been made to systematize the annotation of experimental conditions in microbiology, the available annotations are not based on a consistent and controlled vocabulary, making difficult the identification of biologically meaningful comparisons of knowledge derived from different experiments or laboratories.

Results
We curated terms related to experimental conditions that affect gene expression in Escherichia coli K-12. Since this is the best-studied microorganism, the collected terms are the seed for the Microbial Conditions Ontology (MCO), a controlled and structured vocabulary that can be expanded to annotate microbial conditions in general. Moreover, we developed an annotation framework to describe experimental conditions, providing the foundation to identify regulatory networks that operate under particular conditions.

Availability and implementation
As far as we know, MCO is the first ontology for growth conditions of any bacterial organism, and it is available at http://regulondb.ccg.unam.mx and https://github.com/microbial-conditions-ontology. Furthermore, we will disseminate MCO throughout the Open Biological and Biomedical Ontology (OBO) Foundry in order to set a standard for the annotation of gene expression data. This will enable comparison of data from diverse data sources.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ImaGEO: integrative gene expression meta-analysis from GEO database
Authors: Toro-Domínguez Daniel , Martorell-Marugán Jordi , López-Domínguez Raúl , García-Moreno Adrián , González-Rumayor Víctor , Alarcón-Riquelme Marta E , Carmona-Sáez Pedro 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Summary
The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database provides an invaluable resource of publicly available gene expression data that can be integrated and analyzed to derive new hypothesis and knowledge. In this context, gene expression meta-analysis (geMAs) is increasingly used in several fields to improve study reproducibility and discovering robust biomarkers. Nevertheless, integrating data is not straightforward without bioinformatics expertise. Here, we present ImaGEO, a web tool for geMAs that implements a complete and comprehensive meta-analysis workflow starting from GEO dataset identifiers. The application integrates GEO datasets, applies different meta-analysis techniques and provides functional analysis results in an easy-to-use environment. ImaGEO is a powerful and useful resource that allows researchers to integrate and perform meta-analysis of GEO datasets to lead robust findings for biomarker discovery studies.

Availability and implementation
ImaGEO is accessible at http://bioinfo.genyo.es/imageo/.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Frontoparietal Networks Mediate the Behavioral Impact of Alpha Inhibition in Visual Cortex
Authors: Wiesman Alex I , Groff Boman R , Wilson Tony W 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Alpha oscillations are known to play a central role in the functional inhibition of visual cortices, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. One noninvasive method for modulating alpha activity experimentally is through the use of flickering visual stimuli that “entrain” visual cortices. Such alpha entrainment has been found to compromise visual perception and affect widespread cortical regions, but it remains unclear how the interference occurs and whether the widespread activity induced by alpha entrainment reflects a compensatory mechanism to mitigate the entrainment, or alternatively, a propagated interference signal that translates to impaired visual processing. Herein, we attempt to address these questions by integrating alpha entrainment into a modified Posner cueing paradigm, while measuring the underlying dynamics using magnetoencephalography. Our findings indicated that alpha entrainment is negatively related to task performance, such that as neural entrainment increases on the attended side (relative to the unattended side) accuracy decreases. Further, this attentional biasing is found to covary robustly with activity in the frontoparietal attention network. Critically, the observed negative entrainment effect on task accuracy was also fully mediated by activity in frontoparietal regions, signifying a propagation of the interfering alpha entrainment signal from bottom-up sensory to top-down regulatory networks.
Money creation under full-reserve banking: a stock–flow consistent model
Authors: Lainà Patrizio 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
This paper presents a stock–flow consistent model of full-reserve banking. The paper investigates money creation through government spending in a full-reserve banking system. The results are contrasted against the cases in which government spending is increased under full-reserve banking without money creation and under endogenous money, that is, the current monetary system. It is found that output, employment and inflation evolve almost identically. In contrast to other cases, money creation in a full-reserve banking system leads to a permanent reduction in consolidated government debt. Monetary policy transmits effectively as an increase in central bank reserves translates into an almost equal increase in demand deposits. Furthermore, an unusually large change in the money supply induces only smooth and relatively small changes in interest rates. In addition, the paper compares three additional ways to create money. Money creation through tax cuts or citizen’s dividend generates roughly the same results as creating money through government spending. In contrast, money creation through quantitative easing affects only monetary aggregates and interest rates but not the real economy. Although in every money creation experiment banks are able to fully satisfy the demand for loans, temporary credit crunches can occur under full-reserve banking. The occurrence of credit crunches depends on changes in private behaviour and economic policy as well as safety margins adopted by banks.
A flux-ratio anomaly in the CO spectral line emission from gravitationally lensed quasar MG J0414+0534
Authors: Stacey H R , McKean J P 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
We present an analysis of archival observations with the Atacama Large (sub-)Millimetre Array (ALMA) of the gravitationally lensed quasar MG J0414+0534, which show four compact images of the quasar and an Einstein ring from the dust associated with the quasar host galaxy. We confirm that the flux-ratio anomalies observed in the mid-infrared and radio persist into the sub-mm for the continuum images of the quasar. We report the detection of CO (11–10) spectral line emission, which traces a region of compact gas around the quasar nucleus. This line emission also shows evidence of a flux-ratio anomaly between the merging lensed images that is consistent with those observed at other wavelengths, suggesting high-excitation CO can also provide a useful probe of substructures that is unaffected by microlensing or dust extinction. However, we do not detect the candidate dusty dwarf galaxy that was previously reported with this data set, which we conclude is due to a noise artefact. Thus, the cause of the flux-ratio anomaly between the merging lensed images is still unknown. The composite compact and diffuse emission in this system suggest lensed quasar starbursts will make excellent targets for detecting dark sub-haloes and testing models for dark matter.
Understanding the Motivations, Morale, and Retention of Special Constables: Findings from a National Survey
Authors: Callender Matthew , Cahalin Kathryn , Cole Sam J , Hubbard Luke , Britton Iain 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Special Constables have an established history within British policing. The Special Constabulary has represented an under-researched aspect of policing, with motivations to join, morale, factors relating to length of service and reasons for leaving being poorly understood. This article draws upon data from a national survey of Special Constables undertaken across all police forces in England and Wales. The analysis illustrates differences in motivations, dependent on age, and length of service, with younger Special Constables viewing the role as a pathway to future paid employment as a Regular police officer. The results contradict perspectives that attribute attrition from the Special Constabulary primarily to changes in personal circumstances for Specials, demonstrating how such changes are less important than satisfaction with the experience of being a Special Constable. The article concludes by identifying the significance of the findings for future policy and practice in respect of the Special Constabulary.
Optimal Dynamic Capital Budgeting
Authors: Malenko Andrey 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
I study optimal design of a dynamic capital allocation process in an organization in which the division manager with empire-building preferences privately observes the arrival and properties of investment projects, and headquarters can audit projects at a cost. Under certain conditions, a budgeting mechanism with threshold separation of financing is optimal. Headquarters: (1) allocate a spending account to the manager and replenish it over time; (2) set a threshold, such that projects below it are financed from the account, while projects above are financed fully by headquarters upon an audit. Further analysis studies when co-financing of projects is optimal and how the size of the account depends on past performance of projects.
Juvenile dermatomyositis: novel treatment approaches and outcomes
Authors: Varnier Giulia C. , Pilkington Clarissa A. , Wedderburn Lucy R. 
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review
The aim of this article is to provide a summary of the recent therapeutic advances and the latest research on outcome measures for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Recent findings
Several new international studies have developed consensus-based guidelines on diagnosis, outcome measures and treatment of JDM to standardize and improve patient care. Myositis-specific antibodies together with muscle biopsy histopathology may help the clinician to predict disease outcome. A newly developed MRI-based scoring system has been developed to standardize the use of MRI in assessing disease activity in JDM. New data regarding the efficacy and safety of rituximab, especially for skin disease, and cyclophosphamide in JDM support the use of these medications for severe refractory cases.

Summary
International network studies, new biomarkers and outcome measures have led to significant progress in understanding and managing the rare inflammatory myositis conditions such as JDM.
Preventing Posttraumatic Stress in ICU Survivors: A Single-Center Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of ICU Diaries and Psychoeducation*
Authors: Kredentser Maia S. , Blouw Marcus , Marten Nicole , Sareen Jitender , Bienvenu O. Joseph , Ryu Jennifer , Beatie Brooke E. , Logsetty Sarvesh , Graff Lesley A. , Eggertson Shauna , Sweatman Sophia , Debroni Braeden , Cianflone Nina , Arora Rakesh C. , Zarychanski Ryan , Olafson Kendiss 
Published: August 2018

Objectives:
Critical illness can have a significant psychological impact on patients and their families. To inform the design of a larger trial, we assessed feasibility of ICU diaries and psychoeducation to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety following ICU stays.

Design:
Four-arm pilot randomized controlled trial.

Setting:
A 10-bed tertiary ICU in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Patients:
Critically ill patients greater than 17 years old with predicted ICU stays greater than 72 hours and mechanical ventilation duration greater than 24 hours.

Interventions:
Patients were randomized to usual care, ICU diary, psychoeducation, or both ICU diary and psychoeducation.

Measurements and Main Results:
Our primary objective was to determine feasibility measured by enrollment/mo. Secondary outcomes included acceptability of the ICU diary intervention and psychological distress, including patients’ memories 1 week post ICU using the ICU Memory Tool, posttraumatic stress disorder (Impact of Events Scale-Revised), depression, and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) 30 and 90 days post ICU. Over 3.5 years, we enrolled 58 patients, an average of 1.9 participants/mo. Families and healthcare providers wrote a mean of 3.2 diary entries/d (sd, 2.9) and indicated positive attitudes and low perceived burden toward ICU diary participation. A majority of patients reported distressing memories of their ICU stay. Those who received the diary intervention had significantly lower median Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety (3.0 [interquartile range, 2–6.25] vs 8.0 [interquartile range, 7–10]; p = 0.01) and depression (3.0 [interquartile range, 1.75–5.25] vs 5.0 [interquartile range, 4–9]; p = 0.04) symptom scores at 90 days than patients who did not receive a diary.

Conclusions:
ICU diaries are a feasible intervention in a tertiary Canadian ICU context. Preliminary evidence supports the efficacy of ICU diaries to reduce psychological morbidity following discharge.
Protocolized Thoracic Ultrasonography in Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsies
Authors: Matus Ismael , Raja Haroon 
Published: August 2018

Background:
Widespread implementation of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLCB) in the diagnostic approach to diffuse parenchymal lung disease has prompted a call for standardization of technique to optimize safety and diagnostic yield. Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is proving effective in detecting postconventional transbronchial biopsy pneumothorax (PTX). However, TUS does not obviate the need for chest radiography (CXR) which quantifies and guides treatment of PTX. To our knowledge, this is the first experience evaluating TUS’s reliability to rule-out PTX post-TBLCB in diffuse parenchymal lung disease.

Methods:
Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing TBLCB. A standardized pre-TBLCB/post-TBLCB TUS was performed to detect the presence or absence of sliding lung (SL). TUS’ findings were then compared with CXR performed at 1 hour after TBLCB.

Results:
A total of 24 patients’ records reviewed. In total, 21 of 24 patients had SL in all lung zones on TUS before and after TBLCB, with a negative CXR for PTX in all 21 patients. The negative predictive value was 100% (95% confidence interval, 84%-100%). Three patients did not have SL in all lung zones on TUS, of which 2 showed the absence of SL in all lung zones on both pre-TBLCB and post-TBLCB TUS, with negative CXR for PTX. 1 of the 3 showed SL in all zones pre-TBLCB and in only 2 zones post-TBLCB. CXR confirmed PTX in this 1 patient.

Conclusion:
Our study demonstrates a 100% negative predictive value for the exclusion of PTX via TUS’ verification of SL. The practical value of TUS post-TBLCB may lie in its application as a rule-out study, thereby avoiding CXR.
Newborn screening in the developing countries
Authors: Therrell Bradford L. , Padilla Carmencita D. 
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review
We review newborn screening (NBS) publications from the developing countries to identify global progress in improving child health.

Recent findings
Many developing countries do not yet have national NBS. As infant mortality rates decline, NBS gains in public health priority. Local incidence and outcome data are used to persuade health officials to include screening in priority health spending. Congenital hypothyroidism is the most cost-effective screened condition in most countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, India and some parts of Asia, screening for hemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-dehydrogenase deficiency are also important. Expanded screening for metabolic conditions is most needed in areas of high consanguinity. Screening for hearing disorders and critical congenital heart defects is increasing globally. The largest birth cohorts are India and China, but only China has successful NBS. Reports from completed government research projects in India support initiation of NBS.

Summary
Government activities around NBS are increasing in India and there is increased emphasis on pilot programs for sickle cell NBS in sub-Saharan Africa. Genetic counseling training in Asia and Africa is increasing and will be helpful as part of NBS. To build successful screening programs, partnerships among health professionals, parents, policy makers and industry stakeholders are essential.
Preclinical Experience Using a New Robotic System Created for Microsurgery
Authors: van Mulken Tom J. M. , Boymans Clint A. E. M. , Schols Rutger M. , Cau Raimondo , Schoenmakers Ferry B. F. , Hoekstra Lisette T. , Qiu Shan S. , Selber Jesse C. , van der Hulst René R. W. J. 
Published: August 2018

Background:
Robotic assistance in microsurgery could enhance human precision and dexterity to improve clinical outcomes. Because no robotic device has been designed primarily for microsurgery, the authors developed a dedicated microsurgical robotic system. This preclinical study investigates whether microsurgical anastomosis can be successfully completed on silicone vessels using a prototype of this new robotic system, and compares outcomes of robot-assisted versus conventional microsurgery.

Methods:
Three participants at different levels of microsurgical training completed 10 anastomoses by hand and 10 anastomoses with robotic assistance. Four blinded, experienced microsurgeons evaluated the quality of the microsurgical skills using a modified version of the Structured Assessment of Microsurgical Skills. Time to perform the anastomosis and adverse events were recorded.

Results:
The total time to perform the anastomoses with and without robotic assistance decreased to 35.1 minutes and 12.5 minutes, respectively, during the study. The overall performance and indicative skill of the Structured Assessment of Microsurgical Skills improved with the conventional method (from 2.8 to 3.6 and from 2.6 to 3.7, respectively) and the robot-assisted method (from 2.3 to 3.0 and from 2.3 to 3.1, respectively).

Conclusions:
It is feasible to complete anastomotic microsurgery on silicone vessels using the MicroSure robotic system. In comparison with the conventional method, time to perform the anastomosis was longer and quality of microsurgical skills was lower in the robot-assisted group. However, the robot-assisted performance showed steeper learning curves for both surgical time and domains of microsurgical skills. The encouraging results indicate further development of the system and (pre)clinical trials.