bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of low‐intensity resistance training on muscular function and glycemic control in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Takenami Eri , Iwamoto ShinMin , Shiraishi Noriko , Kato Akiko , Watanabe Yuichi , Yamada Yoshifumi , Yamada Satoru , Ishii Naokata 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe present study aimed to investigate the effects of low‐intensity resistance training with slow movement and tonic force generation (LST) on muscular function and glucose metabolism in older patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA total of 10 patients with type 2 diabetes (age 68.2 ± 9.7 years) engaged in LST training twice a week for 16 weeks. Before the long‐term intervention, they were subjected to the measurement of acute changes in blood factors relating to glycemic control as a result of a bout of LST. Body composition, muscular size and strength, and glycated hemoglobin were measured before and after the intervention.ResultsThe magnitudes of the acute changes in the blood factors were all small and were not considered harmful for glucose metabolism. The 16‐week LST training caused significant increases in thigh muscle thickness and strength, and decreases in body fat mass and glycated hemoglobin. The change in glycated hemoglobin showed a significant negative correlation with the change in the isokinetic knee extension peak torque measured at a high angular velocity (180°/s).ConclusionsThe LST training was shown to be effective for gaining muscular size and strength, and improving glycemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms underlying this effect might involve the improvement of contractile function in fast glycolytic fibers.
Development of Information Functions and Indices for the GGUM‐RANK Multidimensional Forced Choice IRT Model
Authors: Joo Seang‐Hwane , Lee Philseok , Stark Stephen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis research derived information functions and proposed new scalar information indices to examine the quality of multidimensional forced choice (MFC) items based on the RANK model. We also explored how GGUM‐RANK information, latent trait recovery, and reliability varied across three MFC formats: pairs (two response alternatives), triplets (three alternatives), and tetrads (four alternatives). As expected, tetrad and triplet measures provided substantially more information than pairs, and MFC items composed of statements with high discrimination parameters were most informative. The methods and findings of this study will help practitioners to construct better MFC items, make informed projections about reliability with different MFC formats, and facilitate the development of MFC triplet‐ and tetrad‐based computerized adaptive tests.
Low 6‐thioguanine nucleotide level: Effective in maintaining remission in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Feng Rui , Guo Jing , Zhang Sheng‐hong , Qiu Yun , Chen Bai‐li , He Yao , Zeng Zhi‐rong , Ben‐Horin Shomron , Chen Min‐hu , Mao Ren 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground and AimMeasuring 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (6‐TGN) level is useful in optimizing dose of azathioprine (AZA) and monitoring for toxicity. Lower dose of AZA was suggested for maintenance of clinical remission in Asian patients than Caucasian patients with Crohn's disease (CD). However, the optimal 6‐TGN threshold required in Asian patients is undetermined. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to explore the optimal 6‐TGN threshold required in Asian patients with CD for maintenance of clinical remission.MethodsA retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral center recruited 252 CD patients. The primary endpoint was disease relapse. The levels of 6‐TGN and AZA dose were compared in remission group and relapse group. Remission rate was compared across the increased 6‐TGN level and dose range.ResultsPatients with 6‐TGN range of 0–180.94 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cells (RBC) had lower remission rate compared with those with 180.94–255.50 pmol/8 × 108 RBC (P = 0.020). Quartile analysis showed that increasing 6‐TGN level beyond 180 pmol/8 × 108 RBC produced negligible gain in rate of remission. Frequency of adverse events significantly increased in patients with 6‐TGN level > 355 pmol/8 × 108 RBC (8.0% with 6‐TGN > 355 pmol/8 × 108 RBC vs 2.7% with 6‐TGN < 355 pmol/8 × 108 RBC, P = 0.035).ConclusionOur study suggested that optimal 6‐TGN threshold required to maintain clinical remission in Chinese patients was 180–355 pmol/8 × 108 RBC.
Distribution and β‐diversity of tree species in igapó forests (Negro River basin, Brazilian Amazon)
Authors: Scudeller Veridiana Vizoni , Vegas‐Vilarrúbia Teresa 
Published: September 2018

AbstractQuestionsHow are the tree species of the periodically flooded black water forest distributed along the Negro River basin (igapó)? Can we classify the tree communities into similarity groups? Are oligarchic species present?MethodsWe analysed available data on tree species composition in vegetation plots located in the Negro River basin (igapó forests) in Brazil and built a similarity matrix based on Sørensen's similarity index. We applied principal coordinates analysis, established community groups (a posteriori) and applied both multi‐response permutation procedures and indicator species analysis.ResultsAmong 19 surveys conducted in igapó forests, at least 604 woody taxa were recognized, and 384 taxa were identified to species level. Igapó tree species were not as frequent or abundant as were other tree species of the Amazon upland forest, although they were widely distributed in other forest types. The Sørensen similarity index was low (Ss = 0.16). Generally, the highest similarity values were recorded between surveys that were spatially close. The multivariate analyses suggested the existence of a strong vegetation gradient along the Negro River. The two groups established a posteriori showed 25 species with an indicator value (IV) >50%, and 68 species presented IndValues in both groups.ConclusionsOur results show a strong turnover of tree species replacement along the course of the Negro River, with 57.5% of species restricted to one survey of occurrence. This trend is particularly notable from the point at which the Branco River strongly discharges into the Negro River. No species show high values for range distribution or local abundance, although four were considered moderately frequent. The upper parts of the main rivers have indicator species that are less frequent downstream.
Temporal variability of bacterioplankton is habitat driven
Authors: Obertegger Ulrike , Bertilsson Stefan , Pindo Massimo , Larger Simone , Flaim Giovanna 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTemporal dynamics of bacterioplankton are rarely investigated for multiple habitats and years within individual lakes, limiting our understanding of the variability of bacterioplankton community (BC) composition with respect to environmental factors. We assessed the BC composition of a littoral and two pelagic habitats (euphotic zone and hypolimnion) of Lake Tovel monthly from April 2014 to May 2017 by high‐throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The three habitats differed in temperature, light, oxygen and hydrology. In particular, the littoral was the most hydrologically unstable because it receives most of the lake inflow, the hypolimnion was the most stable because of its hydrologically sheltered position, and the pelagic euphotic habitat was intermediate. Consequently, we hypothesized different temporal patterns of BC composition for all three habitats according to their environmental differences. We applied PERMANOVA, nonmetric multidimensional scaling and source–sink analysis to characterize BC composition. Overall, BCs were different among habitats with the littoral showing the highest variability and the hypolimnion the highest stability. The BC of rainy 2014 was distinct from the BCs of other years irrespective of the habitats considered. Seasonal differences in BCs were limited to spring, probably linked to meltwater inflow and mixing. Thus, temporal effects related to year and season were linked to the hydrological gradient of habitats. We suggest that despite potential within‐lake dispersal of bacterioplankton by water flow and mixing, local environmental conditions played a major role in Lake Tovel, fostering distinct BCs in the three habitats.
Clinical and pathological features of idiopathic membranous nephropathy in young people
Authors: Lin Chu , Zheng Danxia , Wang Yue , Wang Song 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTAimTo investigate the clinico‐pathological features of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) in youth.MethodsPatients with biopsy‐proven IMN in Peking University Third Hospital from May 2015 to October 2017 (n = 147) were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into youth (≤35 years old), middle‐age (35–65 years old) and elderly group (>65 years old) accordingly. Medical records of patients were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsYouth group exhibited shorter duration from onset to biopsy (3.49 ± 4.25 months in youth vs 8.71 ± 12.24 months in elderly) and milder clinical presentations in terms of less proteinuria and higher serum albumin (P < 0.05). Furthermore, lower anti‐phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody titre (65.36 ± 101.14 RU/mL in youth vs 137.45 ± 215.12 RU/mL in middle‐age), less C3 deposits (35.14% in youth vs 65.00% in elderly) and higher 6‐month remission rate (63.64% in youth vs 36.00% in middle‐age) were observed in youth (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression confirmed C3 deposits (P = 0.005) and anti‐PLA2R (P = 0.040) were independent factors influencing proteinuria, and age is an independent influencing factor for time from onset to biopsy (P = 0.043). Older age (OR = 2.044, 95% CI: 1.073–3.896, P = 0.030) and higher anti‐PLA2R (OR = 1.413, 95% CI: 1.020–1.959, P = 0.038) were significantly associated with non‐remission by 6 months.ConclusionYounger patients with IMN tend to have rapider onset and quicker remission than older patients. Milder clinical presentations in youth are associated with lower anti‐PLA2R antibody titre and less C3 deposits.
Weight bias among exercise and nutrition professionals: a systematic review
Authors: Panza G. A. , Armstrong L. E. , Taylor B. A. , Puhl R. M. , Livingston J. , Pescatello L. S. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryObesity affects approximately one‐third of American adults. Recent evidence suggests that weight bias may be pervasive among both exercise and nutrition professionals working with adults who have obesity. However, the published literature on this topic is limited. This review aimed to (i) systematically review existing literature examining weight bias among exercise and nutrition professionals; (ii) discuss the implications of this evidence for exercise and nutrition professionals and their clients; (iii) address gaps and limitations of this literature; and (iv) identify future research directions. Of the 31 studies that met the criteria for this review, 20 examined weight bias among exercise professionals, of which 17 (85%) found evidence of weight bias among professionals practicing physical therapy (n = 4), physical education (n = 8) and personal/group fitness training (n = 5). Of 11 studies examining weight bias among nutrition professionals, eight (73%) found evidence of weight bias. These findings demonstrate fairly consistent evidence of weight bias among exercise and nutrition professionals. However, the majority of studies were cross‐sectional (90%). Given that weight bias may compromise quality of care and potentially reinforce weight gain and associated negative health consequences in patients with obesity, it is imperative for future work to examine the causes and consequences of weight bias within exercise and nutrition professions using more rigorous study designs.
Phosphatidylinositol‐hydrolyzing phospholipase C4 modulates rice response to salt and drought
Authors: Deng Xianjun , Yuan Shu , Cao Huasheng , Lam Sin Man , Shui Guanghou , Hong Yueyun , Wang Xuemin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPhosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC) is involved in stress signalling but its signalling function remains largely unknown in crop plants. Here, we report that the PI‐PLC4 from rice (Oryza sativa cv), OsPLC4, plays a positive role in osmotic stress response. Two independent knockout mutants, plc4‐1 and plc4‐2, exhibited decreased seedling growth and survival rate whereas overexpression of OsPLC4 improved survival rate under high salinity and water deficiency, compared with wild type (WT). OsPLC4 hydrolyses PI, phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate (PI4P), and phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) to generate diacylglycerol (DAG) in vitro. Knockout of OsPLC4 attenuated salt‐induced increase of phosphatidic acid (PA) whereas overexpression of OsPLC4 decreased the level of PI4P and PIP2 under salt treatment. Applications of DAG or PA restored the growth defect of plc4‐1 to WT but DAG kinase inhibitor 1 blocked the complementary effect of DAG in plc4‐1 under salt stress. In addition, the loss of OsPLC4 compromised the increase of inositol triphosphate and free cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) and inhibited the induction of genes involved in Ca2+ sensor and osmotic stress response to salt stress. The results indicate that OsPLC4 modulates the activity of two signalling pathways, PA and Ca2+, to affect rice seedling response to osmotic stress.
Conflict of Interest Mitigation Procedures May Have Little Influence on the Perceived Procedural Fairness of Risk‐Related Research
Authors: Besley John C. , Zahry Nagwan R. , McCright Aaron , Elliott Kevin C. , Kaminski Norbert E. , Martin Joseph D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTwo between‐subject experiments explored perceived conflict of interest (COI)—operationalized as perceived procedural unfairness—in a hypothetical public–private research partnership to study the health risks of trans fats. Perceived fairness was measured as subjects’ perceptions that health researchers would be willing to listen to a range of voices and minimize bias (i.e., COI) in the context of a research project. Experiment 1 (n= 1,263) randomly assigned research subjects to a partnership that included (1) a combination of an industry partner, a university partner, and a nongovernmental organization (NGO) partner; and (2) one of three processes aimed at mitigating the potential for COI to harm the quality of the research. The procedures included an arm's‐length process meant to keep the university‐based research team from being influenced by the other partners, an independent advisory board to oversee the project, and a commitment to making all data and analyses openly available. The results suggest that having an industry partner has substantial negative effects on perceived fairness and that the benefit of employing a single COI‐mitigation process may be relatively small. Experiment 2 (n= 1,076) assessed a partnership of (1) a university and either an NGO or industry partner and (b) zero, one, two, or three of the three COI‐mitigation procedures. Results suggest there is little value in combining COI‐mitigation procedures. The study has implications for those who aim to foster confidence in scientific findings for which the underlying research may benefit from industry funding.
Probabilistic Integrated Human Mixture Risk Assessment of Multiple Metals Through Seafood Consumption
Authors: Lin Yi‐Jun , Lin Pinpin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractInorganic arsenic (iAs), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and methylmercury (MeHg) are toxic metals that cause substantial health concern and are present in various seafood items. This study linked probabilistic risk assessment to the interactive hazard index (HIINT) approach to assess the human mixture risk posed by the dietary intake of iAs, Cd, Pb, and MeHg from seafood for different age populations, and joint toxic actions and toxic interactions among metals were also considered in the assessment. We found that, in combination, an iAs–Cd–Pb–MeHg mixture synergistically causes neurological toxicity. Furthermore, an iAs–Cd–Pb mixture antagonistically causes renal and hematological effects and additively causes cardiovascular effect. Our results demonstrated that if toxic interactions are not considered, the health risk may be overestimated or underestimated. The 50th percentile HIINT estimates in all age populations for neurological, renal, cardiovascular, and hematological effects were lower than 1; however, the 97.5th percentile HIINT estimates might exceed 1. In particular, toddlers and preschoolers had the highest neurological risk, with 0.16 and 0.19 probabilities, respectively, of neurological HIINT exceeding 1. Saltwater fish consumption was the principal contributor to the health risk. We suggest that regular monitoring of metal levels in seafood, more precise dietary surveys, further toxicological data, and risk–benefit analysis of seafood consumption are warranted to improve the accuracy of human mixture risk assessment and determine optimal consumption.
Challenges in Applying Risk Management Concepts in Practice: A Perspective
Authors: Hofmann Annette , Scordis Nicos A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe existing concepts of risk management face challenges when applied in practice. The perception of risk depends on the observer's cognitive biases and worldview, which nuance risk‐related decisions. How an observer decides also depends on the metric used to quantify risk. While there is extensive literature on how people perceive risk, and on how to price risk in relation to the market, there is little on how to price risk according to how risks interact within the firm. The article concludes with a suggestion (and includes relevant citations) for a way forward.
On the Corporate Demand for Insurance: Evidence From the Global Reinsurance Market
Authors: Altuntas Muhammed , Garven James , Rauch Jannes 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this article, we view the demand for reinsurance as a “special case” of the corporate demand for insurance. We analyze the extent to which reinsurance purchases by the global property–liability insurance industry vary across countries and assess the relative importance of country‐level factors compared with firm‐level factors. Using a data set consisting of 21,814 firm‐year observations from 33 (developed and developing) countries during the period 2000–2012, we find that after controlling for firm‐level factors, country‐level factors have economically as well as statistically significant effects on the demand for reinsurance.
Stepwise evolution of supercomplex formation with photosystem I is required for stabilization of chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like complex: Lhca5‐dependent supercomplex formation in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Kato Yoshinobu , Odahara Masaki , Fukao Yoichiro , Shikanai Toshiharu 
Published: September 2018

SummaryIn angiosperms, such as Arabidopsis and barley, the chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like (NDH) complex associates with two copies of photosystem I (PSI) supercomplex to form an NDH−PSI supercomplex for the stabilization of the NDH complex. Two linker proteins, Lhca5 and Lhca6, are members of the light‐harvesting complex I (LHCI) family and mediate this supercomplex formation. The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha has branched from the basal land plant lineage and has neither Lhca5 nor Lhca6. Consequently, the NDH complex does not form a supercomplex with PSI in this plant. The Lhca6 gene does not seem to exist also in the moss Physcomitrella patens (Physcomitrella). Conversely, the Lhca5 gene has been found in Physcomitrella, although experimental evidence is still lacking for its contribution to NDH−PSI supercomplex formation as a linker. Here, we biochemically characterized the Lhca5 knock‐out mutant (lhca5) in Physcomitrella. The NDH−PSI supercomplex observed in wild‐type Physcomitrella was absent in the lhca5 mutant. Lhca5 protein was detected in this NDH−PSI supercomplex. Some PSI and NDH subunits were co‐immunoprecipitated with Lhca5−HA. These results indicate that the Physcomitrella gene is the functional ortholog of Lhca5 reported in Arabidopsis. Between Physcomitrella and Arabidopsis, the stromal loop region is highly conserved in Lhca5 proteins but not in other LHCI members. We found that Lhca5 contributed to the stable accumulation of the NDH complex, but part of the NDH complex was still sensitive to high light intensity, even in the wild‐type. We considered that angiosperms acquired another linker protein, Lhca6, to further stabilize the NDH complex.
Urgent care axis for the older adult: where is best to target interventions?
Authors: Bunn Jonathan Graeme , Croft Susan Jane , O’Keeffe Colin , Jacques Richard M , Simpson Rebecca M , Stone Tony , Conroy Simon Paul , Mason Suzanne M 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundWe explored the urgent care axis across EDs in Yorkshire and Humber (Y&H) for patients aged ≥75 years to identify where interventions could be targeted to prevent ED attendances and inpatient admissions.MethodsHospital Episode Statistics (HES) data for attendances across 18 EDs in Y&H from April 2011 to March 2014 were retrospectively analysed. HES A&E and Admitted Patient Care patient records data were linked to describe the entire patient pathway. The population studied was adult patients attending type 1 EDs, comparing those ≥75 years with those under 75. Data analysed included arrival mode, presentation time, time in ED, outcome (admitted/discharged), admission length of stay, International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) and cause codes related to admission. Short-stay admissions and admissions with potentially avoidable conditions (identified by ICD-10 codes and cause codes) were identified. Comparative analysis was undertaken between sites.ResultsThere were 3 736 541 ED attendances, of which 625 772 (16.7%) were ≥75 years. Older patients were significantly more likely to attend via ambulance than the younger cohort (OR 7.7, 95% CI 7.6 to 7.7), and had significantly longer median stays within ED (195 vs 136 min, p<0.001) and increased likelihood of admission (OR 4.5, 95% CI 4.5 to 4.6). Short-stay admissions accounted for 28.3% of older adult admissions. 37.3% of older adult admissions were with conditions that were potentially avoidable, accounting for 42.3% of short-stay admissions. There was regional variation in the proportions of older adults admitted (between 34.3% and 40.9%).DiscussionLarge numbers of older adults present to EDs mainly by ambulance. Significant proportions are admitted for short periods with conditions that might potentially be managed outside of hospital. Variation across the region warrants further study.