bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an HMGA2 variant for pleiotropic effects on height and metabolic traits in ponies
Authors: Norton Elaine M. , Avila Felipe , Schultz Nichol E. , Mickelson James R. , Geor Ray J. , McCue Molly E. 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundPonies are highly susceptible to metabolic derangements including hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and adiposity.Hypothesis/ObjectivesGenetic loci affecting height in ponies have pleiotropic effects on metabolic pathways and increase the susceptibility to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).AnimalsTwo hundred ninety‐four Welsh ponies and 529 horses.MethodsRetrospective study of horses phenotyped for metabolic traits. Correlations between height and metabolic traits were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Complementary genome‐wide analysis methods were used to identify a region of interest (ROI) for height and metabolic traits, determine the fraction of heritability contributed by the ROI, and identify candidate genes.ResultsThere was an inverse relationship between height and baseline insulin (−0.26) in ponies. Genomic signature of selection and association analyses for both height and insulin identified the same ~1.3 megabase region on chromosome 6 that contained a shared ancestral haplotype between these traits. The ROI contributed ~40% of the heritability for height and ~20% of the heritability for insulin. High‐mobility group AT‐hook 2 was identified as a candidate gene, and Sanger sequencing detected a c.83G>A (p.G28E) variant associated with height in Shetland ponies. In our cohort of ponies, the A allele had a frequency of 0.76, was strongly correlated with height (−0.75), and was low to moderately correlated with metabolic traits including: insulin (0.32), insulin after an oral sugar test (0.25), non‐esterified fatty acids (0.19), and triglyceride (0.22) concentrations.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese data have important implications for identifying individuals at risk for EMS.
Recurrent bacterial pneumonia in Irish Wolfhounds: Clinical findings and etiological studies
Authors: Viitanen Sanna J. , Lappalainen Anu K. , Koho Ninna M. , Pessa‐Morikawa Tiina , Ressel Lorenzo , Rajamäki Minna M. 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundIncreased incidence of bacterial pneumonia (BP) has been reported in Irish Wolfhounds (IWHs), and recurrence of BP is common. The etiology of recurrent pneumonia in IWHs is largely unknown.ObjectivesTo describe clinical findings in IWHs with recurrent BP and investigate possible etiologies.AnimalsEleven affected IWHs, 25 healthy IWHs, 28 healthy dogs of other Sighthound breeds, and 16 healthy dogs of other breeds.MethodsProspective cross‐sectional observational study. All affected IWHs underwent thorough clinical examinations including thoracic radiographs, thoracic computed tomography, electron microscopic evaluation of ciliary structure, and bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and culture. Serum and BALF immunoglobulin concentrations were measured using an ELISA method, and peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed using flow cytometry. Esophageal function was assessed by fluoroscopy (n = 2).ResultsMedian age of onset was 5.0 years (range, 0.4‐6.5 years), and when presented for study, dogs had experienced a median of 5 previous episodes of BP (range, 2‐6). The following predisposing factors to BP were detected: focal bronchiectasis (10/11), unilateral (2/9) and bilateral (1/9) laryngeal paralysis, and esophageal hypomotility (2/2). Local or systemic immunoglobulin deficiencies or primary ciliary defects were not detected.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceRecurrent BP affects mostly middle‐aged and older IWHs without any evident immune deficit or primary ciliary defects. Focal BE was a frequent finding in affected dogs and likely contributed to the development of recurrent respiratory infections. Laryngeal and esophageal dysfunction identified in a minority of dogs may contribute to recurrent BP.
Improving exclusive breastfeeding in low and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Olufunlayo Tolulope Florence , Roberts Alero Ann , MacArthur Christine , Thomas Neil , Odeyemi Kofoworola Abimbola , Price Malcolm , Jolly Kate 
Published: January 2019

AbstractExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates until 6 months in most low and middle income countries (LMICs) are well below the 90% World Health Organization benchmark. This systematic review sought to provide evidence on effectiveness of various interventions on EBF until 6 months in LMICs, compared with standard care. Experimental and observational studies with concurrent comparator promoting EBF, conducted in LMICs with high country rates of breastfeeding initiation, were included. Studies were identified from a systematic review and PUBMED, Cochrane, and CABI databases. Study selection, data abstraction, and quality assessment were carried out independently and in duplicate. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for individual studies and pooled. High heterogeneity was explored through prespecified subgroup analyses for the primary outcome (EBF until 6 months) by context and by intervention for the randomized controlled trials. Prediction intervals were calculated for each effect estimate. Sixty‐seven studies with 79 comparisons from 30 LMICs were included. At 6 months, intervention group infants were more likely to be exclusively breastfed than controls (RR = 2.19, 95% CI [1.73, 2.77]; I2 78.4%; 25 randomized controlled trials). Larger effects were obtained from interventions delivered by a combination of professional and laypersons (RR 3.90, 95% CI [1.25, 12.21]; I2 46.7%), in interventions spanning antenatal and post‐natal periods (RR 2.40, 95% CI [1.70, 3.38]; I2 83.6%), and when intensity was between four to eight contacts/sessions (RR 3.20, 95% CI [2.30, 4.45]; I2 53.8%). Almost every intervention conducted in LMICs increased EBF rates; choice of intervention should therefore be driven by feasibility of delivery in the local context to reduce infant mortality.
Laparoscopic access to the liver and application of laparoscopic microwave ablation in 2 dogs with liver neoplasia
Authors: Oramas Alberto , Case J. Brad , Toskich Beau B. , Fox‐Alvarez W. Alexander , Boston Sarah E. , Giglio Robson F. , Dark Michael J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine laparoscopic accessibility of liver lobes and access to the hilus and describe laparoscopic microwave ablation (LMWA) in 2 dogs with hepatic neoplasia.Study designExperimental/descriptive case series.Sample populationSix canine cadavers and 2 clinical dogs.MethodsCadavers in dorsal recumbency underwent laparoscopic assessment of the liver. A 17 gauge MWA probe was inserted to create an ablation zone at the most proximal aspect of the hilus. The distance from the center of each ablation zone to the most proximal aspect of the corresponding hilus was determined. Two dogs with hepatic neoplasia underwent LMWA.ResultsAll lobes of the canine liver were accessible via laparoscopy. The median (interquartile range) distances from the ablation zones to the hilus for the caudate process, left lateral, left middle, quadrate, right lateral, and right middle lobes were 2.2 (1.2–2.6), 2.1 (1–4.4), 1.5 (1.4–3.7), 2, 1, 2.5 (1–4.1) cm, respectively. Histopathologic diagnoses treated by LMWA included metastatic hemangiosarcoma and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Laparoscopic microwave ablation was technically feasible, and no complications from the procedure resulted.ConclusionLaparoscopic access to the hilus of each liver lobe is possible via a ventrodorsal approach provided reverse Trendelenburg and lateral rotation is used, especially for the right lateral lobe. Laparoscopic microwave ablation is feasible in some dogs with hepatic neoplasia. The indications for and efficacy of LMWA for hepatic neoplasia in dogs requires additional investigation.Clinical significanceLaparoscopic access to all liver lobes and MWA of some neoplastic lesions is feasible in a canine pilot study.
Causes and analytical impacts of missing data in RADseq phylogenetics: Insights from an African frog (Afrixalus)
Authors: Crotti Marco , Barratt Christopher D. , Loader Simon P. , Gower David J. , Streicher Jeffrey W. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractRestriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) has emerged as a useful tool in systematics and population genomics. A common feature of RADseq data sets is that they contain missing data that arise from multiple sources including genealogical sampling bias, assembly methodology and sequencing error. Many RADseq studies have demonstrated that allowing sites (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) with missing data can increase support for phylogenetic hypotheses. Two non‐mutually exclusive explanations for this observation are that (a) larger data sets contain more phylogenetic information; and (b) excluding missing data disproportionally removes sites with the highest mutation rates, causing the exclusion of characters that are likely variable and informative. Using a RADseq data set derived from the East African banana frog, Afrixalus fornasini (up to 1.1 million SNPs), we found that missing data thresholds were positively correlated with the proportion of parsimony‐informative sites and mean branch support. Using three proxies for estimating site‐specific rate, we found that the most conservative missing data strategies excluded rapidly evolving sites, with four‐state sites present only when allowing ≥60% missing data per SNP. Topological similarity among estimated phylogenies was highest for the data sets with ≥60% missing data per SNP. Our results suggest that several desirable phylogenetic qualities were observed when allowing ≥60% missing data per SNP. However, at the highest missing data thresholds (80% and 90% missing data per SNP), we observed differences in performance between high‐ and mixed‐weight DNA extraction samples, which may indicate there are trade‐offs to consider when using degraded genomic template with RADseq protocols.
THE STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF INTAKE VALVE TIMING ON ENGINE USING CYLINDER DEACTIVATION TECHNIQUE VIA SIMULATION
Authors: Zainal Abidin S. F. , Muhamad Said M. F. , Abdul Latiff Z. , Zahari I. , Said M. 
Published: January 2019

There are many technologies that being developed to increase the efficiency of internal combustion engines as well as reducing their fuel consumption. In this paper, the main area of focus is on cylinder deactivation (CDA) technology. CDA is mostly being applied on multi cylinders engines. CDA has the advantage to improve fuel consumption by reducing pumping losses at part load engine conditions. Here, the application of CDA on 1.6L four cylinders gasoline engine is studied. One-dimensional (1D) engine modeling work is performed to investigate the effect of intake valve strategy on engine performance with CDA. 1D engine model is constructed based on the 1.6L actual engine geometries. The model is simulated at various engine speeds at full load conditions. The simulated results show that the constructed model is well correlated to measured data. This correlated model is then used to investigate the CDA application at part load conditions. Also, the effects on the in-cylinder combustion as well as pumping losses are presented. The study shows that the effect of intake valve strategy is very significant on engine performance. Pumping losses is found to be reduced, thus improve fuel consumption and engine efficiency.
Injury epidemiology and risk factors in competitive artistic gymnasts: a systematic review
Authors: Campbell Rhiannon A , Bradshaw Elizabeth J , Ball Nick B , Pease David L , Spratford Wayne 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundArtistic gymnastics is reported to have some of the highest injury rates in sports, which limits participation and often involves considerable medical expenses.PurposeTo critically appraise the epidemiological literature on injury patterns and risk factors in competitive artistic gymnastics.Study designSystematic review.MethodsSix databases were searched for articles that investigated injuries in competitive artistic gymnasts. Injury incidence, prevalence and risk factor data were extracted, alongside information on injury location, type, severity, nature and mechanism of injury. Quality and level of evidence were assessed using a modified Downs and Black quality index checklist and the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine guidelines.ResultsThe search identified 894 articles, with 22 eligible for inclusion. Descriptive analysis showed that injury incidence and prevalence varied from 0.3 to 3.6 injuries per gymnast (female=0.3–3.6, male=0.7) and 2.0–2.3 (female=2.0–2.3, male=2.0), respectively. Male gymnasts sustained mostly upper limb injuries, while female gymnast reported lower limb injuries. Floor was associated with the greatest number of injuries for both male and female gymnasts. Higher competitive level and exposure to competition were risk factors for gymnastics injury: age, body mass, body size, training duration and life stress were significant associated factors.ConclusionInjury incidence and prevalence results are substantial among artistic gymnasts of all competitive levels. Gymnasts who train at highly competitive levels and are exposed to competition environments are a greater risk of injury. Future researchers should implement consistent reporting methods.
Efficacy and safety of intradialytic exercise in haemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pu Jiang , Jiang Zheng , Wu Weihua , Li Li , Zhang Liling , Li Ying , Liu Qi , Ou Santao 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of intradialytic exercise for haemodialysis patients.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesDatabases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were screened from inception to March 2017.Eligibility criteriaRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of intradialytic exercise versus no exercise in adult patients on haemodialysis for at least 3 months. A minimum exercise programme period of 8 weeks.Data extractionStudy characteristics and study quality domains were reviewed. Studies were selected, and data extracted by two reviewers.Data analysisThe pooled risk ratios and mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs for dichotomous data and continuous data were calculated, respectively.ResultsA total of 27 RCTs involving 1215 subjects were analysed. Compared with no exercise, intradialytic exercise increased dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) (MD 0.07, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.12, p=0.02) and maximum volume of oxygen that the body can use during physical exertion peak oxygen consumption (MD 4.11, 95% CI 2.94 to 5.27, p<0.0001), alleviated depression standardised mean difference (−1.16, 95% CI −1.86 to –0.45, p=0.001) and improved physical component summary-short form-36 (SF-36) level (MD 7.72, 95% CI 1.93 to 13.51, p=0.009). Also, intradialytic exercise could significantly reduce systolic blood pressure (MD −4.87, 95% CI −9.20 to –0.55, p=0.03) as well as diastolic blood pressure (MD −4.11, 95% CI −6.50 to –1.72, p=0.0007). However, intradialytic exercise could not improve mental component summary-SF-36 level (MD 3.05, 95% CI −1.47 to 7.57, p=0.19). There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between the intradialytic exercise and control groups.ConclusionsIntradialytic exercise resulted in benefits in terms of improving haemodialysis adequacy, exercise capacity, depression and quality of life for haemodialysis.
Are there also negative effects of social support? A qualitative study of patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Palant Alexander , Himmel Wolfgang 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveSocial support is considered an important resource in coping with chronic conditions. By conducting a series of interviews with people who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we received the impression that social support in face-to-face or online communication could also be a source of stress and strain. The aim of our study was to better understand and describe possible negative effects of social support.DesignThis is a secondary analysis of narrative interviews. The interviewees were selected using a maximum-variation sampling approach. Grounded theory and the ‘OSOP’ (one sheet of paper) method were applied to categorise those parts of the interviews that touched on the negative effects of social support.SettingThe open-end interview collection took place throughout Germany from September 2011 to June 2012. Most of the participants were interviewed in their homes, some in the Department of General Practice in Göttingen.Participants42 patients with IBD.ResultsTwo interrelated categories emerged: (1) unwanted confrontation and (2) undesirable reactions. The interviewees perceived social support as negative, especially if they felt overwhelmed and/or if they had not asked for it. Consequently, some of our interview partners developed strategies to prevent coming into social contact with others or stopped talking entirely about their disease.ConclusionWhile social support is usually conceptualised and perceived as a positive resource in chronic disease, it sometimes turns into a negative experience and may end in social isolation and deteriorate health. This process also happens in online support groups and increases anxiety when exchanging with other people on the internet. Before motivating ill people to seek contact with others, they should know about the negative effects of social support.
Gender disparities among hospitalised patients with acute myocardial infarction, acute decompensated heart failure or pneumonia: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Alsawas Mouaz , Wang Zhen , Murad M Hassan , Yousufuddin Mohammed 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveTo assess gender disparity in outcomes among hospitalised patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) or pneumonia.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingA tertiary referral centre in Midwest, USA.ParticipantsWe evaluated 12 265 adult patients hospitalised with ADHF, 15 777 with AMI and 12 929 with pneumonia, from 1 January 1995 through 31 August 2015. Patients were selected using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevalence of comorbidities, 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission. Comorbidities were chosen from the 20 chronic conditions, specified by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. Logistic regression analysis was conducted adjusting for multiple confounders.ResultsPrevalence of comorbidities was significantly different between men and women in all three conditions. After adjusting for age, length of stay, multicomorbidities and residence, there was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between men and women in AMI or ADHF, but men with pneumonia had slightly higher 30-day mortality with an OR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.34). There was no significant difference in 30-day readmission between men and women with AMI or pneumonia, but women with ADHF were slightly more likely to be readmitted within 30 days with OR 0.90 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.99).ConclusionGender differences in the distribution of comorbidities exist in patients hospitalised with AMI, ADHF and pneumonia. However, there is minimal clinically meaningful impact of these differences on outcomes. Efforts to address gender difference may need to be diverted towards targeting overall population health, reducing race/ethnicity disparity and improving access to care.
Relationship between sleep duration and hypertension in northeast China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Meng , Yan Shoumeng , Jiang Shan , Ma Xiaoyu , Gao Tianyu , Li Bo 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesPrevious studies have reported that sleep duration might increase the risk of hypertension. However, the results have been conflicting. We investigated whether sleep duration is independently associated with hypertension. We aimed to assess the relationship between sleep duration and hypertension in a population-based cross-sectional study.MethodsIn this study we used multistage stratified cluster sampling. A total of 19 407 adults aged 18–79 years were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into three groups (<7 hours/day, 7–8 hours/day and >8 hours/day) according to self-reported sleep duration. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg or the use of anti-hypertensive medications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between hypertension and sleep duration adjusted for sociodemographic, body mass index, and lifestyle covariates.ResultsThe overall prevalence of hypertension was 32.6%. Among participants aged 18–44 years, individuals sleeping less than 7 hours per day had a higher risk of hypertension (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.46), compared with those who slept 7–8 hours per day. There were no significant associations between sleep duration and hypertension in the total sample, among middle-aged adults (45–59 years) or older adults (60–79 years).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that short sleep duration was significantly associated with hypertension among people aged 18–44 years in northeast China.
Quality of resistance training description in COPD trials: study protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Westra Bennie , de Wolf Sander , bij de Vaate Eline , Legemaat Monique , Nyberg André , Klijn Peter 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionLimb muscle dysfunction is a common manifestation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Optimising of limb muscle function is therefore an important goal during pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with COPD. Resistance training (RT) is the best available intervention to achieve this goal. Previous systematic reviews on RT primarily focused on methodological quality. However, the intervention holds the essence of each experimental study. Replication of RT interventions requires clear, complete and accessible reporting of the essential components. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provides evidence-based guidelines for RT prescription and recommends RT models specific to desired outcomes, that is, improvements in strength, muscular hypertrophy, power or local muscle endurance. The aim of this review is to investigate if the application of the RT principles and key training variables is described sufficiently in current evidence on the effects of RT interventions in patients with COPD.Methods and analysisAny research study (randomised, non-randomised controlled, controlled pre–post studies and observational studies) with an RT intervention in patients with COPD will be considered for this systematic review. Potentially relevant studies published in English from inception to 1 October 2017 will be identified from Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Studies exploring the effects of RT following a single session and RT interventions limited to other respiratory chronic diseases will not be included. Additionally, studies including non-COPD participants will be excluded, if the COPD data are not separated. Pairs of reviewers will independently extract data using data collecting sheets. Quality appraisal of RT description will be performed in timeframes according to the latest published ACSM position statement on exercise or RT.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol is a systematic review and therefore ethical approval is not required. The results of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and presented at scientific conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017067403.