bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Covariates streamline age‐specific early life survival estimates of two chelonian species
Authors: Arsovski D. , Olivier A. , Bonnet X. , Drilholle S. , Tomović L. , Béchet A. , Golubović A. , Besnard A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDelayed maturity and high survival rates of immatures and adults characterize long‐lived species’ life histories. Understanding how these traits interact in stochastic environments is essential to understand early life in long‐lived species and to assist conservation planning. Unfortunately, available information of demographic traits in immatures are often fragmentary and the logistical difficulties of capturing and recapturing this cohort leave little room for improvement. Published immature chelonian survival estimates vary broadly, are often not age‐specific, and lack precision. In an attempt to overcome this issue, we developed a novel modelling approach based on Capture‐Recapture data to obtain robust age‐specific survival probabilities in two chelonian species (the freshwater European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, and the terrestrial Hermann's tortoise, Testudo hermanni). More specifically, we show that implementing a linear relationship between survival probabilities and age does not distort survival estimates and improves precision. Both species display a progressive increase in survival with age, reaching a plateau at the ages of four to five. As maturity occurs later in both species (8–12 years‐old), the survival plateau might be governed by the final hardening of the carapace, which brings obvious survival benefits. Taking advantage of the flexibility of multievent models we encourage a systematic field approach even when very large samples from immatures cannot be amassed. Only so can demographic traits in chelonians, and more generally in long‐lived species, be properly explored.
Basidiospores as sources of inoculum in the spread of Ganoderma boninense in oil palm plantations in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Pilotti C. A. , Gorea E. A. , Bonneau L. 
Published: July 2018

Basal and upper stem rot of oil palm is caused by the agaricomycete Ganoderma boninense. This study investigated the transmission of basal stem rot from Ganoderma‐infected oil palm stumps to young oil palm seedlings. Low seedling mortalities (2.5%) were observed in a field trial after 24 months, but G. boninense could be detected in the rachis, bole and roots of a significant proportion of seedlings that were outwardly healthy. A high level of genetic heterogeneity amongst G. boninense isolates within the trial area was revealed. Furthermore, germinated seedlings growing in close proximity to infected palms in a mature oil palm field contained multiple isolates of G. boninense indicating that colonization of roots by basidiospores and dikaryons, arising from mating between basidiospores, is a common occurrence in oil palm plantations. The probability that basidiospores are a direct source of inoculum in addition to diseased trunk tissue is discussed as a means of explaining the observed heterogeneity in populations of G. boninense on oil palm. Such a scenario presents challenges for the long‐term management of basal stem rot.
MCRiceRepGP: a framework for the identification of genes associated with sexual reproduction in rice
Authors: Golicz Agnieszka A. , Bhalla Prem L. , Singh Mohan B. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryRice is an important cereal crop, being a staple food for over half of the world's population, and sexual reproduction resulting in grain formation underpins global food security. However, despite considerable research efforts, many of the genes, especially long intergenic non‐coding RNA (lincRNA) genes, involved in sexual reproduction in rice remain uncharacterized. With an increasing number of public resources becoming available, information from different sources can be combined to perform gene functional annotation. We report the development of MCRiceRepGP, a machine learning framework which integrates heterogeneous evidence and employs multicriteria decision analysis and machine learning to predict coding and lincRNA genes involved in sexual reproduction in rice. The rice genome was reannotated using deep‐sequencing transcriptomic data from reproduction‐associated tissue/cell types identifying previously unannotated putative protein‐coding genes and lincRNAs. MCRiceRepGP was used for genome‐wide discovery of sexual reproduction associated coding and lincRNA genes. The protein‐coding and lincRNA genes identified have distinct expression profiles, with a large proportion of lincRNAs reaching maximum expression levels in the sperm cells. Some of the genes are potentially linked to male‐ and female‐specific fertility and heat stress tolerance during the reproductive stage. MCRiceRepGP can be used in combination with other genome‐wide studies, such as genome‐wide association studies, giving greater confidence that the genes identified are associated with the biological process of interest. As more data, especially about mutant plant phenotypes, become available, the power of MCRiceRepGP will grow, providing researchers with a tool to identify candidate genes for future experiments. MCRiceRepGP is available as a web application (http://mcgplannotator.com/MCRiceRepGP/).
A novel mutation +5904 C>T of RUNX1 site in the erythroid cell‐specific regulatory element decreases the ABO antigen expression in Chinese population
Authors: Ying Y. , Hong X. , Xu X. , Ma K. , He J. , Zhu F. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundAn erythroid cell‐specific regulatory element (+5·8‐kb) in the first intron of ABO is responsible for the antigen differential expression and the regulatory activity of the element was affected by the nucleotide mutation in the +5·8‐kb region. Currently, many individuals with ABO subgroups were found in the Chinese population, but there was little information about the function of +5·8‐kb region in these individuals. Here, we studied the mechanism of the mutation in the +5·8‐kb region responsible for reducing of antigen expression in 30 ABO subtype Chinese individuals without mutation in the coding region or splicing site.Materials and methodsThe nucleotide sequence of the partial intron 1 covering the +5·8‐kb site was amplified and directly sequenced. The haplotype with the novel mutation was obtained by the TOPO TA cloning. Both of the ABO promoter and the +5·8 kb regulatory element were subcloned into the basic luciferase reporter plasmid using the double endonuclease digestion. The promoter activity was examined by the dual‐luciferase report vector with K562 cells.ResultsA novel nucleotide substitution +5904 C>T located at RUNX1‐binding site in the +5·8 kb site was identified from three individuals with B subtypes. +5890 T>G were found in three Bel and one Ael phenotypes. Cotransfection and luciferase assays demonstrated that the +5904 C>T could obviously reduce activity of the +5·8 kb site.ConclusionThe study suggested that the transcriptional activity of the +5·8 kb site could be downregulated by the single point mutation of RUNX1 motif, leading to reduction in A or B antigen expression.
Risk factors associated with injury and concussion in sanctioned amateur and professional mixed martial arts bouts in Calgary, Alberta
Authors: Curran-Sills Gwynn , Abedin Tasnima 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThere is limited literature that examines risk factors for injury and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in mixed martial arts (MMA). An examination of previously unstudied bout and athlete characteristics that may pose health risks while partaking in this sport is warranted.Hypothesis/purposeTo determine the incidence of injury and concussion, along with the identification of risk factors that contribute to injury and mTBI in amateur and professional MMA bouts in Calgary, Alberta.Study designA retrospective cohort study with case–control design.MethodsCalgary amateur and professional MMA records were examined from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the incidence of injury and concussion, along with univariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for injury and mTBI.ResultsThe injury rate per 100 athlete exposure (AE), the injury rate per 100 min of exposure and the concussion rate per 100 AE were 23.6 (95% CI 20.5 to 27.0), 4.1 (95% CI 3.48 to 4.70) and 14.7 (95% CI 11.8 to 17.2), respectively. The most common location of injury was the head and mTBI was the most common type of injury. Athletes whose bout was finished by a knockout/technical knockout, corner stoppage, draw, no contest or physician, and those whose country of origin was non-Canadian, were more likely to sustain an injury. No risk factors for concussion were shown to be significant.ConclusionEngaging in MMA exposes athletes to inherent risk and several recommendations are proposed to reduce these risks. Future prospective investigations are necessary to better delineate the findings in this study.
Occupational exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene and styrene and risk of prostate cancer in a population-based study
Authors: Blanc-Lapierre Audrey , Sauvé Jean-François , Parent Marie-Elise 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesWhile several monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are classified as definite or possible carcinogens to humans, little data exist on their role in prostate cancer (PCa). We examined occupational exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) and styrene and PCa risk in a population-based case–control study in Montreal, Canada.MethodsCases aged ≤75 years diagnosed with PCa in 2005–2009 (n=1920) and population controls frequency-matched on age (n=1989) provided detailed work histories. Experts evaluated the certainty, frequency and concentration of exposure to monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in each job lasting ≥2 years. Logistic regression estimated OR and 95% CIs for PCa risk, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsExposures to BTX were highly intercorrelated, except for durations of exposure at substantial levels. Ever exposure to any BTX was associated with overall PCa (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.53), while the OR for styrene was 1.19. However, increases in risk were largely confined to low-grade tumours, with ORs of 1.33 (95%CI 1.08 to 1.64) and 1.41 (95% CI 0.85 to 2.31) for ever exposure to any BTX and styrene, respectively, and a duration response pattern for any BTX. Risks for low-grade tumours were elevated among men exposed ≥25 years at substantial levels of benzene (OR 2.32) and styrene (OR 2.44). Some cumulative exposure categories showed increased risks but without clear trends.ConclusionExposure to any BTX was associated with higher risks of overall PCa. Prolonged exposures at the substantial level to benzene and styrene increased risks of low-grade tumours. These novel findings were independent from PCa screening.
Would placing pictorial health warnings on waterpipe devices reduce waterpipe tobacco smoking? A qualitative exploration of Egyptian waterpipe smokers’ and non-smokers’ responses
Authors: Mostafa Aya , Mohammed Heba Tallah , Hussein Wafaa Mohamed , Elhabiby Mahmoud , Safwat Wael , Labib Sahar , Aboul Fotouh Aisha , Hoek Janet 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundAlthough Egypt places four generic pictorial health warnings (PHWs) on the front and back half of waterpipe tobacco packs (WTPs), waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) rates have continued to rise. It has been suggested that PHWs would be more salient if placed on the waterpipe device itself. This qualitative study explored how participants perceived the effects placing PHWs on waterpipe devices would have on warning salience and uptake or quitting of WTS.MethodsWe conducted 10 focus groups and 10 in-depth interviews with 90 adult waterpipe smokers and non-smokers, men and women, who lived in rural, semi-urban and urban regions of Egypt. We presented participants with four novel PHWs of different sizes positioned randomly at four locations on a waterpipe device (the glass body, metal holder, mouthpiece or hose), one at a time. At each session, participants viewed a PHW on all four locations. Novel warnings were shown on plain labels with a dark uniform background and featured pictures, text and the quitline number. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants thought placing PHWs on waterpipe devices might increase salience, prevent WTS initiation or trigger quit attempts; they favoured placing PHWs on the glass body, mouthpiece or waterpipe hose. Both waterpipe smoker and non-smoker participants thought these potential effects would affect non-smokers or non-established smokers more than established waterpipe users.ConclusionsOur exploratory study suggests that PHWs featured prominently on waterpipe devices could potentially deter experimentation with waterpipe tobacco products and promote cessation, especially among non-established users.
Implantable Ventricular Assist Device Use and Outcomes in People With End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Walther Carl P. , Niu Jingbo , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Cheema Faisal H. , Nair Ajith P. , Morgan Jeffrey A. , Fedson Savitri E. , Deswal Anita , Navaneethan Sankar D. 
Published: July 2018

Background

People with end‐stage renal disease (
ESRD
) are at risk for advanced heart failure, but little is known about use and outcomes of durable mechanical circulatory support in this setting. We examined use and outcomes of implantable ventricular assist devices (
VAD
s) in a national
ESRD
cohort.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries with
ESRD
who underwent implantable
VAD
placement from 2006 to 2014. We examined in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality, all‐cause and cause‐specific hospitalizations, and heart/kidney transplantation outcomes. We investigated as predictors demographic factors, time‐period of
VAD
implantation, primary or post‐cardiotomy implantation, and duration of
ESRD
before
VAD
implantation. We identified 96 people with
ESRD
who underwent implantable
VAD
placement. At time of
VAD
implantation, 74 (77.1%) were receiving hemodialysis, 10 (10.4%) were receiving peritoneal dialysis and 12 (12.5%) had renal transplant. Time from incident
ESRD
to
VAD
implantation was median 4.0 (interquartile range 1.1, 8.2) years. Mortality during the implantation hospitalization was 40.6%. Within 1 year of implantation 61.5% of people had died. On multivariable analysis, males had half the mortality risk of females. Lower mortality risk was also seen with
VAD
implantation in a primary setting, and with more recent year of implantation, but these results did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Medicare beneficiaries with
ESRD
are undergoing durable
VAD
implantation, often several years after incident
ESRD
, although in low numbers. Mortality is high among these patients, highlighting the need for investigations to improve treatment selection and management.
Association Between Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Use and Outcome in Myocardial Infarction Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Löfman Ida , Szummer Karolina , Olsson Henrik , Carrero Juan‐Jesus , Lund Lars H. , Jernberg Tomas 
Published: July 2018

Background

There are no studies of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (
MRA
) treatment examining outcome in unselected real‐life patients with myocardial infarction (
MI
) and heart failure (
HF
). There is uncertainty regarding effects of
MRA
in relation to left ventricular ejection fraction (
LVEF
) and chronic kidney disease (
CKD
). The aim was to assess
MRA
use and compare outcomes in
MI
patients with
HF
in relation to
LVEF
and
CKD
.

Methods and Results

Patients with
MI
and
HF
registered in the Swedish myocardial infarction registry,
SWEDEHEART
, 2005–2014, were included. Associations between
MRA
use and all‐cause mortality up to 3 years were assessed with multivariable Cox regression, stratified by
EF
groups and presence of
CKD
(estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
). Of 45 071 patients with
MI
and
HF
, 4470 (9.9%) received
MRA
. Those with
HF
and
LVEF
<40% more often had
MRA
(19.6%) compared with those with
LVEF
40% to 49% (9.1%) or
LVEF
≥50% (4.7%). 8.6% of patients with
CKD
received
MRA
. After adjustment,
MRA
use was associated with lower mortality in those with
LVEF
<40% (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.81 [0.75–0.88]) and
LVEF
40% to 49% (0.88 [0.75–1.03]) but not in those with
LVEF
≥50% (1.29 [1.09–1.53]), with significant interaction between
MRA
and
LVEF
(
P
<0.0001). The association between
MRA
use and mortality was similar in those without (0.96 [0.88–1.05]) and with (0.92 [0.85–0.99])
CKD
.

Conclusions

In patients with
MI
and
HF
,
MRA
use was associated with better long‐term survival in patients with
LVEF
<40% but not in those with
LVEF
≥50%, while the mortality risk was similar in
MRA
‐treated patients with or without
CKD
.
The Juggler of Notre Dame and the Medievalizing of Modernity
Authors: Ziolkowski Jan M. 
Published: July 2018

This ambitious and vivid study in six volumes explores the journey of a single, electrifying story, from its first incarnation in a medieval French poem through its prolific rebirth in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The Juggler of Notre Dame tells how an entertainer abandons the world to join a monastery, but is suspected of blasphemy after dancing his devotion before a statue of the Madonna in the crypt; he is saved when the statue, delighted by his skill, miraculously comes to life.
Jan Ziolkowski tracks the poem from its medieval roots to its rediscovery in late nineteenth-century Paris, before its translation into English in Britain and the United States. The visual influence of the tale on Gothic revivalism and vice versa in America is carefully documented with lavish and inventive illustrations, and Ziolkowski concludes with an examination of the twentieth century explosion of interest in The Juggler of Notre Dame and its place in mass culture today.
Volume 2: Medieval Meets Medievalism deals with the influence of the tale in nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century Europe and America, and the development of literary medievalism at this time.
Presented with great clarity and simplicity, Ziolkowski’s work is accessible to the general reader, while its many new discoveries will be valuable to academics in such fields and disciplines as medieval studies, medievalism, philology, literary history, art history, folklore, performance studies, and reception studies.
Phosgene-Free Synthesis of Carbamates Using CO2 and Titanium Alkoxides
Authors: Yuan Hao-Yu , Zhang Qiao , Fukaya Norihisa , Lin Xiao-Tao , Fujitani Tadahiro , Choi Jun-Chul 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
A facile one-pot, phosgene-free method for the synthesis of N-phenylcarbamates is developed. Using this method, various aromatic carbamates could be prepared from aromatic amines, CO2 and metal alkoxides. Aniline reacted with titanium methoxide (Ti(OMe)4) in the presence of CO2 (5 MPa) to give methyl N-phenylcarbamate in 85% yield, in 20 min. Titanium residue could be regenerated by reaction with dimethyl carbonate at 220 °C for 16 h.
Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Blue Crabs Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) from Akyatan Lagoon in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey.
Authors: KILERCIOGLU BIGE GULMEN , CENGIZLER IBRAHIM , DAGLIOGLU NEBILE , KILERCIOGLU SERDAR 
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of organochlorine-based pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the edible muscle tissue of blue crabs Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) that are harvested from Akyatan Lagoon in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey. The crabs were harvested in October 2010, January 2011 and March 2011. A total of fifty crabs were studied. A quantitative determination of residue levels was carried out through a Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD), and compared with acceptable contaminant levels. PCBs were the greatest source of contamination.. The predominant compounds were α-HCH, o,p’-DDE, PCB 28 (2,2',4,4'-PCB) and PCB 52 (2,2’,5,5’-PCB), with mean concentrations of 22.39, 59.45, 347.31 and 362.86 ng/gwet weights, respectively. The present work is highly significant and points out a chronic exposure to pollutants in Akyatan Lagoon. This ecosystem is protected under the Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat).
Promoting men’s awareness, self-examination, and help-seeking for testicular disorders: a systematic review of interventions
Authors: Saab Mohamad M. , Davoren Martin P. , Murphy Aileen , Murphy David , Cooke Eoghan , Landers Margaret , Fitzgerald Serena , Richardson Noel , Rovito Michael J. , Von Wagner Christian , Murphy Mike , Dahly Darren , Hegarty Josephine 
Published: July 2018

Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is commonly diagnosed among men aged 15-40 years. The incidence of TC is on the rise. Benign testicular disorders such as testicular torsion and epididymitis can lead to testicular ischemia, sepsis, and infertility if left untreated. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of studies promoting men’s knowledge and awareness of testicular disorders and/or self-examination, behaviours and/or intentions to examine their testes, and help-seeking behaviours and/or intentions for testicular symptoms. Methods: Academic Search Complete, Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO, ERIC, the Cochrane Library, the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Clinicaltrials.gov, Grey Literature Report, and Open Grey were searched for studies published between November 2014 and April 2018. The methodological quality and level of evidence per outcome were assessed. Results: There were five papers included: two were experimental studies, two were systematic reviews, and one was an integrative review. The majority of the reviewed interventions were successful in increasing men’s awareness of TC and self-examination. Examples include a television show featuring a celebrity with TC, a university campaign, and interactive educational sessions. The impact of the reviewed interventions on health beliefs (i.e. perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy) varied across the reviewed literature. Studies promoting help-seeking for testicular symptoms and awareness of benign testicular disorders were lacking. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of evaluating educational interventions aimed at younger men, whilst raising their awareness of testicular disorders and increasing their help-seeking intentions for testicular symptoms. Given the lack of consensus around scheduled testicular self-examination among younger men, clinicians are encouraged to instruct men to familiarise themselves with the look and feel of their own testes and to seek timely medical attention for abnormalities. Registration: The review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD42018093671.