bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic or aneurysmal aberrant subclavian arteries: results of surgical and hybrid repair
Authors: Weiss Salome , Haligür Didem , Jungi Silvan , Schönhoff Florian S , Carrel Thierry , Schmidli Jürg , Wyss Thomas R 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Indications and techniques of repair for symptomatic or aneurysmal aberrant subclavian arteries (ASA) are controversial. This study analyses presentation, treatment and outcome of patients with symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ASA.

METHODS
Retrospective analysis of consecutive adult patients undergoing symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ASA repair between January 2000 and June 2016.

RESULTS
Of 12 patients (4 females) with a median age of 66 years (range 24–75), 10 had right ASA and 2 had left ASA originating from a right aortic arch. Six patients (50%) had Kommerell’s diverticulum and 6 patients had aneurysmal dilatation of the ASA itself. Six patients presented with symptoms (dysphagia n = 4, chest pain n = 1, recurrent aspiration n = 1). Nine patients (75%) were treated by open ASA resection/ligation with or without aortic repair. Three patients (25%) underwent hybrid repair using thoracic endovascular aortic repair to exclude the aberrant artery. ASA revascularization was achieved by subclavian–carotid transposition (n = 7), carotid–subclavian bypass (n = 1), aorto-subclavian bypass (n = 3) or reimplantation after aortic graft replacement (n = 1). Thirty-day mortality was 8% (n = 1). The median follow-up duration was 44 months (range 24–151). Symptoms were relieved in 4 and persisted partially in 1, while symptom relief remained unknown in 1 patient who died during follow-up. Imaging after a median of 34 months (range 2–134) after the operation showed patent ASA revascularization in all patients and no endoleaks in the hybrid group.

CONCLUSIONS
Surgical and hybrid repair allows satisfying results in patients with symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ASA. The optimal procedure has to be defined on an individual patient basis. Further studies, preferably with a multicentre approach, are required to answer more specific questions on the management of these patients and especially to assess long-term results following hybrid repair.
Reintegration of Amnestied LRA Ex-Combatants and Survivors’ Resistance Acts in Acholiland, Northern Uganda
Authors: Akello Grace 
Published: March 2019

Abstract∞
This article examines the social dynamics among survivors and amnestied Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) ex-combatants living together in Acholiland, asking how and if Acholi survivors have forgiven Acholi LRA returnees, forgotten past violence and moved on, as stated in northern Uganda’s amnesty framework. The amnestied LRA ex-combatants interviewed stated that they wanted and needed to reintegrate among Acholi survivors. Yet, after two decades of amnesty, the magnitude of the brutality of the war remains etched in survivors’ minds. My ethnographic findings suggest feigned compliance as well as resistance to amnesty by-laws. Many practise what I call survivors’ acts of resistance, which includes name calling, attributing misfortune to the presence of ex-combatants, stigmatization and stealing. In short, survivors make returnees’ lives unbearable. My analysis is framed in reference to and critique of conventional transitional justice mechanisms and I underscore the importance of memory in the cessation of war violence and the restoration of peace.
Assessing the collective utility of multiple analyses on clinical alcohol use disorder data
Authors: Kummerfeld Erich , Rix Alexander , Anker Justin J , Kushner Matt G 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the potential of combining graph learning methods with latent variable estimation methods for mining clinically useful information from observational clinical data sets.Materials and MethodsThe data set contained self-reported measures of psychopathology symptoms from a clinical sample receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder. We used the traditional graph learning methods: Graphical Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator, and Friedman's hill climbing algorithm; traditional latent variable estimation method factor analysis; recently developed graph learning method Greedy Fast Causal Inference; and recently developed latent variable estimation method Find One Factor Clusters. Methods were assessed qualitatively by the content of their findings.ResultsRecently developed graphical methods identified potential latent variables (ie, not represented in the model) influencing particular scores. Recently developed latent effect estimation methods identified plausible cross-score loadings that were not found with factor analysis. A graphical analysis of individual items identified a mistake in wording on 1 questionnaire and provided further evidence that certain scores are not reflective of indirectly measured common causes.Discussion and ConclusionOur findings suggest that a combination of Greedy Fast Causal Inference and Find One Factor Clusters can enhance the evidence-based information yield from psychopathological constructs and questionnaires. Traditional methods provided some of the same information but missed other important findings. These conclusions point the way toward more informative interrogations of existing and future data sets than are commonly employed at present.
Poecilus lucublandus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Pterostichus mutus Do Not Feed on Hair Fescue, Red Sorrel, and Poverty Oatgrass Seeds
Authors: Loureiro Alexandre M M C , Cutler G Christopher , Nams Vilis O , White Scott N 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPoecilus lucublandus (Say), Pterostichus mutus (Say), and Harpalus rufipes (De Geer) are abundant Carabidae in lowbush blueberry fields and may contribute to weed seed predation. We used laboratory no-choice test experiments to determine if these beetles feed on seeds of hair fescue (Festuca filiformis Pourr., Poales: Poaceae), poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata L.), and red sorrel (Rumex acetosella L., Caryophyllales: Polygonaceae), which are common weeds in lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait., Ericales: Ericaceae) fields. Poecilus lucublandus and P. mutus did not feed on seeds of the test weed species, but H. rufipes consumed on average over 30 seeds of each species. There are other weed seeds in blueberry fields that could be palatable to P. lucublandus and P. mutus, which warrants further research on the granivory potential of these important carabid species.
Work and Employment
Authors: Bantekas Ilias , Pennilas Facundo , Trömel Stefan 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which is devoted to the right to work and employment. The right to work and employment in the disability context requires that disabled persons are not discriminated on the basis of their disability and that the workplace and conditions of work are such that allow disabled workers to offer their full potential. Accessibility and non-discrimination are therefore key elements in the implementation of Article 27.
National Implementation and Monitoring
Authors: Aichele Valentin 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 33 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The overarching objective of Article 33 is to provide the CRPD with a means of review, further develop existing structures relating to the implementation of the CRPD by states parties, and further establish a framework structure for monitoring national implementation. These provisions spell out the existing obligations of a state party under the CRPD by introducing the essential elements of such frameworks (minimum standard). Article 33 sets forth stand-alone, positive obligations that relate to institutional and procedural prerequisites intended to ensure effective implementation and arrangements aimed at making it possible to address any deficits in implementation that may arise.
Cooperation between States Parties and the Committee
Authors: Gledhill Kris 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Committee oversees the implementation of the CRPD by its states parties through an assessment of periodic reports and by hearing disputes submitted under the CRPD’s Optional Protocol. Article 37 CRPD contains two distinct obligations: that owed by the signatory states of cooperation with the Committee (article 37(1)), and that of the Committee to bear in mind the need to augment domestic capacities to give effect to the CRPD (article 37(2)). An understanding of the import of this turns on the ‘ordinary meaning’ of the words used ‘in their context’ and bearing in mind their ‘object and purpose’. Accordingly, this chapter examines various relevant features and looks at the practice of the Committee to date in order to suggest the meaning of these obligations.
Relationship of the Committee with Other Bodies
Authors: Bantekas Ilias 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 38 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which aims to foster cooperation between the Committee and a wide range of entities—inter-governmental, governmental, or private—with a view towards enhancing its work in the field of disability rights and protection. Unlike the past, recent practice within the UN has effectively abolished most barriers that prevented human rights treaty bodies from openly and officially communicating with external actors, at least in respect of country reports and general interaction in issues of common interest. In some cases, treaty bodies have proceeded to initiate a confidential inquiry on the basis of information received by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Article 38 not only allows the Committee to receive information, expert advice, and reports from other UN bodies, national human rights institutions, NGOs, but also renders such representation by specialized agencies and UN organs an entitlement.
Regional Integration Organizations
Authors: Cogan Jacob Katz 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 44 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). For decades, international organizations have been permitted to become parties to certain multilateral treaties. No human rights treaty, however, had done the same until the CRPD, which in its Articles 42 and 43 for the first time provided such opportunities to ‘regional integration organizations’ (RIOs). The inclusion of a RIO clause in the CRPD allows international organizations for the first time to consent to be bound by a treaty in the area of human rights. Article 44 defines a RIO; clarifies that RIOs are to be considered ‘states parties’ for purposes of the Convention within the limits of their competence, excludes a RIO’s accession from having any consequence under the entry into force provisions of Articles 45 and 47; and establishes voting rules in the Conference of States Parties for RIOs and any of their member states that are also Convention parties.
Sounding stellar cycles with Kepler – III. Comparative analysis of chromospheric, photometric, and asteroseismic variability
Authors: Karoff C , Metcalfe T S , Montet B T , Jannsen N E , Santos A R G , Nielsen M B , Chaplin W J 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT
By combining ground-based spectrographic observations of variability in the chromospheric emission from Sun-like stars with the variability seen in their eigenmode frequencies, it is possible to relate the changes observed at the surfaces of these stars to the changes taking place in the interior. By further comparing this variability to changes in the relative flux from the stars, one can obtain an expression for how these activity indicators relate to the energy output from the stars. Such studies become very pertinent when the variability can be related to stellar cycles as they can then be used to improve our understanding of the solar cycle and its effect on the energy output from the Sun. Here, we present observations of chromospheric emission in 20 Sun-like stars obtained over the course of the nominal 4 yr Kepler mission. Even though 4 yr is too short to detect stellar equivalents of the 11 yr solar cycle, observations from the Kepler mission can still be used to analyse the variability of the different activity indicators thereby obtaining information of the physical mechanism generating the variability. The analysis reveals no strong correlation between the different activity indicators, except in very few cases. We suggest that this is due to the sparse sampling of our ground-based observations on the one hand and that we are likely not tracing cyclic variability on the other hand. We also discuss how to improve the situation.
Renal handling of zinc in chronic kidney disease patients and the role of circulating zinc levels in renal function decline
Authors: Damianaki Katerina , Lourenco Joao Miguel , Braconnier Philippe , Ghobril Jean-Pierre , Devuyst Olivier , Burnier Michel , Lenglet Sebastien , Augsburger Marc , Thomas Aurelien , Pruijm Menno 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Zinc deficiency is commonly encountered in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aims of this study were to assess whether zinc deficiency was related to increased renal excretion of zinc and to the progression of CKD.

Methods
Plasma and 24-h urinary zinc levels, urinary electrolytes and uromodulin were measured in 108 CKD patients and 81 individuals without CKD. Serum creatinine values were collected for 3 years to calculate the yearly change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess the association between baseline zinc levels and yearly change in eGFR.

Results
CKD patients had lower circulating zinc levels and higher 24-h urinary zinc excretion than non-CKD participants (612.4 ± 425.9 versus 479.2 ± 293.0 µg/day; P = 0.02). Fractional excretion (FE) of zinc was higher and it significantly increased at more advanced CKD stages. Zinc FE was correlated negatively with 24-h urinary uromodulin excretion (r=−0.29; P &lt; 0.01). Lower baseline plasma zinc levels were associated with a faster yearly decline of renal function in age, gender, diabetes and hypertension adjusted models, but this relationship was no longer significant when baseline eGFR or proteinuria were included.

Conclusions
Zinc levels are lower in CKD, and not compensated by reduced renal zinc excretion. The inverse association between urinary zinc excretion and uromodulin possibly points to an impaired tubular activity, which could partly account for zinc imbalance in CKD. These data suggest that zinc status is associated with renal function decline, but further studies elucidating the underlying mechanisms and the potential role of zinc supplements in CKD are needed.
CRISPR-interference-based modulation of mobile genetic elements in bacteria
Authors: Nyerges Ákos , Bálint Balázs , Cseklye Judit , Nagy István , Pál Csaba , Fehér Tamás 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Spontaneous mutagenesis of synthetic genetic constructs by mobile genetic elements frequently results in the rapid loss of engineered functions. Previous efforts to minimize such mutations required the exceedingly time-consuming manipulation of bacterial chromosomes and the complete removal of insertional sequences (ISes). To this aim, we developed a single plasmid-based system (pCRIS) that applies CRISPR-interference to inhibit the transposition of bacterial ISes. pCRIS expresses multiple guide RNAs to direct inactivated Cas9 (dCas9) to simultaneously silence IS1, IS3, IS5 and IS150 at up to 38 chromosomal loci in Escherichia coli, in vivo. As a result, the transposition rate of all four targeted ISes dropped to negligible levels at both chromosomal and episomal targets. Most notably, pCRIS, while requiring only a single plasmid delivery performed within a single day, provided a reduction of IS-mobility comparable to that seen in genome-scale chromosome engineering projects. The fitness cost of multiple IS-knockdown, detectable in flask-and-shaker systems was readily outweighed by the less frequent inactivation of the transgene, as observed in green fluorescent protein (GFP)-overexpression experiments. In addition, global transcriptomics analysis revealed only minute alterations in the expression of untargeted genes. Finally, the transposition-silencing effect of pCRIS was easily transferable across multiple E. coli strains. The plasticity and robustness of our IS-silencing system make it a promising tool to stabilize bacterial genomes for synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology applications.
Enabling large-scale genome editing by reducing DNA nicking
Authors: Smith Cory J. , Castanon Oscar , Said Khaled , Volf Verena , Khoshakhlagh Parastoo , Hornick Amanda , Ferreira Raphael , Wu Chun-Ting , Güell Marc , Garg Shilpa , Myllykallio Hannu , Church George M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTo extend the frontier of genome editing and enable the radical redesign of mammalian genomes, we developed a set of dead-Cas9 base editor (dBE) variants that allow editing at tens of thousands of loci per cell by overcoming the cell death associated with DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and single-strand breaks (SSBs). We used a set of gRNAs targeting repetitive elements – ranging in target copy number from about 31 to 124,000 per cell. dBEs enabled survival after large-scale base editing, allowing targeted mutations at up to ~13,200 and ~2610 loci in 293T and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), respectively, three orders of magnitude greater than previously recorded. These dBEs can overcome current on-target mutation and toxicity barriers that prevent cell survival after large-scale genome engineering.One Sentence SummaryBase editing with reduced DNA nicking allows for the simultaneous editing of >10,000 loci in human cells.
Genome-Wide Polygenic Risk Scores and Prediction of Gestational Diabetes in South Asian Women
Authors: Lamri Amel , Mao Shihong , Desai Dipika , Gupta Milan , Paré Guillaume , Anand Sonia S. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTGestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects 1 in 7 births and is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes for both mother and child. GDM is suspected to share a large common genetic background with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The first aim of this study, was to characterize different GDM polygenic risk scores (PRSs) using data from the South Asian Birth Cohort (START). The second aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of GDM.PRSs were derived for 832 South Asian women from START using the pruning and thresholding (P+T), LDpred, and GraBLD methods. Weights were derived from multi-ethnic (Mahajan et al., 2014) and white Caucasian (Scott et al., 2017) studies of the DIAGRAM consortium. Association with GDM was tested using logistic regression. Heritability of GDM was estimated using the GRMEL approach. Results were replicated in samples from the UK Biobank (UKB) study.The top P+T, LDpred and GraBLD PRSs were all based on Mahajan et al. The best PRS was highly associated with GDM in START (AUC=0.62, OR=1.60 [95% CI=1.44–1.69]), and in South Asian (AUC=0.65) and white British (AUC=0.58) women from UKB. Heritability of GDM approximated 0.55±0.83 in START and 0.18±0.22 in white British women from UKB.Our results highlight the importance of combining genome-wide genotypes and summary statistics from large multi-ethnic studies to optimize PRSs in South Asians.
Genomic analyses underpin the feasibility of concomitant genetic improvement of milk yield and mastitis resistance in dairy sheep
Authors: Banos Georgios , Clark Emily L. , Bush Stephen J. , Dutta Prasun , Bramis Georgios , Arsenos Georgios , Hume David A. , Psifidi Androniki 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMilk yield is the most important dairy sheep trait and constitutes the key genetic improvement goal via selective breeding. Mastitis is one of the most prevalent diseases, significantly impacting on animal welfare, milk yield and quality, while incurring substantial costs. Our objectives were to determine the feasibility of a concomitant genetic improvement programme for enhanced milk production and resistance to mastitis. Individual records for milk yield and four mastitis-related traits were collected monthly throughout lactation for 609 ewes of the Chios breed. All ewes were genotyped with a mastitis specific custom-made 960 single nucleotide polymorphism array. We performed genomic association studies, (co)variance component estimation and pathway enrichment analysis, and characterised gene expression levels and the extent of allelic expression imbalance. Presence of heritable variation for milk yield was confirmed. There was no significant genetic correlation between milk yield and mastitis. Environmental factors appeared to favour both milk production and udder health. Four Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) affecting milk yield were detected on chromosomes 2, 12, 16 and 19, in locations distinct from those previously identified to affect mastitis resistance. Pathways, networks and functional gene clusters for milk yield were identified. Seven genes (DNAJA1, DNAJC10, FGF10, GHR, HMGCS1, LYPLA1, OXCT1) located within the QTL regions were highly expressed in both the mammary gland and milk transcriptome, suggesting involvement in milk synthesis and production. Furthermore, the expression of four genes (DNAJC10, FGF10, OXCT1, EMB) was enriched in immune tissues implying a favourable pleiotropic effect or likely role in milk production during udder infection. In conclusion, the absence of genetic antagonism between milk yield and mastitis resistance suggests that simultaneous genetic improvement of both traits be achievable. The detection of milk yield QTLs with the mastitis array underpins the latter’s utility as a breeding tool for the genetic enhancement of both traits.
Treatment Failure among People living with HIV taking Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia
Authors: Getaneh Yimam , Egziabhier Atsbeha G , Zealiyas Kidist , Tilahun Rahel , Girma Mulu , Michael Gebremedihin G , Deressa Tekalign , Abate Ebba , Kassa Desta , Assefa Yibeltal 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough treatment failure (TF) among population on antiretroviral therapy (ART) become a major public health threat, its magnitude of and factors leading to it are poorly defined. Hence, we aimed to estimate the magnitude of TF and its determinants in Ethiopia.MethodsA follow-up study was conducted from March 2016 to 2017. Clinical and laboratory data were captured from paticipants’ medical record. Socio-demographics and explanatory variables were collected using structured questionnaire. Participants with baseline viral load (VL) >1000 copies/ml were followed for three to six month to clasify virologic failure (VF). Logistic regression was conducted to assess associated risk factors and statistical significance was set at P-value < 0.05.ResultsA total of 9,284 adults from 63 health facilities were included in the study.Viral load suppression (VLS) were found to be 8,180 (88.1%). Thirty-five percent of the study participants with VL>1000 copies/ml at baseline of the study were re-suppressed after three to six month of adherence counseling and hence VF was found to be 983 (11%). Immunologic and clinical failure was significantly improved from 21.5% and 16.5% at ART initiation to 576 (6.2%) and 470 (5.0%) at baseline of the study, respectively. Adherence, disclosure of HIV status, missed appointment to ART, history of ART exposure prior to initiation, residency and marital status had significant association with VLS.ConclusionsVLS (88.1%) could explain the success of ART program in Ethiopia towards the UNAIDS global target. Eleven percent of the population is maintained on a failed first-line regimen. Improving adherence, ensuring disclosure of HIV status and appointment follow-up could improve treatment outcome.