bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introduction history and population genetics of intracontinental scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) invasion
Authors: Brandes Ursula , Furevik Beate Beatriz , Nielsen Lene Rostgaard , Kjær Erik Dahl , Rosef Line , Fjellheim Siri 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimBiological invasions at the intracontinental scale are poorly studied, and intracontinental invasions often remain cryptic. Here, we investigate the recent range expansion of scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) into Norway and clarify whether the genetic patterns indicate natural spread or human introduction. Furthermore, we investigate whether plants were moved within the native range and how this influences invasion success. We also infer the level and structuring of genetic diversity within and between the putative native and introduced range.LocationEurope.MethodsWe analysed the chloroplast sequence variation in 267 scotch broom samples from its northern expansion front and from its native range across Europe, including herbarium samples dating back to 1835. For 37 populations, we analysed variation in nuclear single‐nucleotide polymorphic markers to study gene flow and genetic diversity.ResultsWe identified 20 different haplotypes, which lacked spatial and temporal distribution patterns in the recent expansion range in Norway. They also mostly lacked patterns across the native European range of scotch broom. The genetic diversity of nuclear genomic SNP markers across populations in the introduced range was similar to that of populations in the native range, with limited differentiation among populations.Main conclusionsScotch broom is alien to Norway and was introduced by humans on multiple occasions from diverse origins over a long period of time. High propagule pressure has probably maintained the high genetic diversity in the novel range through a combination of genetically diverse source populations and high gene flow among them. Within the native European range, our results suggest the presence of cryptic intraspecific admixture, most likely mediated by humans moving genotypes among the regions occupied by distinct native genotypes. Intracontinental invasions may easily go unnoticed and revealing these invasions and the factors driving them may be of great importance for the management of alien species.
Behaviour change, weight loss and remission of Type 2 diabetes: a community‐based prospective cohort study
Authors: Dambha‐Miller H. , Day A. J. , Strelitz J. , Irving G. , Griffin S. J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimTo quantify the association between behaviour change and weight loss after diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, and the likelihood of remission of diabetes at 5‐year follow‐up.MethodWe conducted a prospective cohort study in 867 people with newly diagnosed diabetes aged 40–69 years from the ADDITION‐Cambridge trial. Participants were identified via stepwise screening between 2002 and 2006, and underwent assessment of weight change, physical activity (EPAQ2 questionnaire), diet (plasma vitamin C and self‐report), and alcohol consumption (self‐report) at baseline and 1 year after diagnosis. Remission was examined at 5 years after diabetes diagnosis via HbA1c level. We constructed log binomial regression models to quantify the association between change in behaviour and weight over both the first year after diagnosis and the subsequent 1–5 years, as well as remission at 5‐year follow‐up.ResultsDiabetes remission was achieved in 257 participants (30%) at 5‐year follow‐up. Compared with people who maintained the same weight, those who achieved ≥ 10% weight loss in the first year after diagnosis had a significantly higher likelihood of remission [risk ratio 1.77 (95% CI 1.32 to 2.38; p<0.01)]. In the subsequent 1–5 years, achieving ≥10% weight loss was also associated with remission [risk ratio 2.43 (95% CI 1.78 to 3.31); p<0.01].ConclusionIn a population‐based sample of adults with screen‐detected Type 2 diabetes, weight loss of ≥10% early in the disease trajectory was associated with a doubling of the likelihood of remission at 5 years. This was achieved without intensive lifestyle interventions or extreme calorie restrictions. Greater attention should be paid to enabling people to achieve weight loss following diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
Effect of a multicomponent intervention on achievement and improvements in quality‐of‐care indices among people with Type 2 diabetes in South Asia: the CARRS trial
Authors: Shah M. K. , Kondal D. , Patel S. A. , Singh K. , Devarajan R. , Shivashankar R. , Ajay V. S. , Menon V. U. , Varthakavi P. K. , Viswanathan V. , Dharmalingam M. , Bantwal G. , Sahay R. K. , Masood M. Q. , Khadgawat R. , Desai A. , Prabhakaran D. , Narayan K. M. V. , Tandon N. , Ali M. K. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimsTo evaluate whether and what combinations of diabetes quality metrics were achieved in a multicentre trial in South Asia evaluating a multicomponent quality improvement intervention that included non‐physician care coordinators to promote adherence and clinical decision‐support software to enhance physician practices, in comparision with usual care.MethodsUsing data from the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) trial, we evaluated the proportions of trial participants achieving specific and combinations of five diabetes care targets (HbA1c<53 mmol/mol [7%], blood pressure <130/80 mmHg, LDL cholesterol <2.6 mmol/L, non‐smoking status, and aspirin use). Additionally, we examined the proportions of participants achieving the following risk factor improvements from baseline: ≥11‐mmol/mol (1%) reduction in HbA1c, ≥10‐mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure, and/or ≥0.26‐mmol/l reduction in LDL cholesterol.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar in the intervention and usual care arms. Overall, 12.3%, 29.4%, 36.5%, 19.5% and 2.2% of participants in the intervention group and 16.2%, 38.3%, 31.6%, 11.3% and 0.8% of participants in the usual care group achieved any one, two, three, four or five targets, respectively. We noted sizeable improvements in HbA1c, blood pressure and cholesterol, and found that participants in the intervention group were twice as likely to achieve improvements in all three indices at 12 months that were sustained over 28 months of the study [relative risk 2.1 (95% CI 1.5,2.8) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.5,2.3), respectively].ConclusionsThe intervention was associated with significantly higher achievement of and greater improvements in composite diabetes quality care goals. However, among these higher‐risk participants, very small proportions achieved the complete group of targets, which suggests that achievement of multiple quality‐of‐care goals is challenging and that other methods may be needed in closing care gaps.
Agriculture erases climate constraints on soil nematode communities across large spatial scales
Authors: Li Xianping , Zhu Huimin , Geisen Stefan , Bellard Céline , Hu Feng , Li Huixin , Chen Xiaoyun , Liu Manqiang 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAnthropogenic conversion of natural to agricultural land reduces aboveground biodiversity. Yet, the overall consequences of land‐use changes on belowground biodiversity at large scales remain insufficiently explored. Furthermore, the effects of conversion on different organism groups are usually determined at the taxonomic level, while an integrated investigation that includes functional and phylogenetic levels is rare and absent for belowground organisms. Here, we studied the Earth's most abundant metazoa—nematodes—to examine the effects of conversion from natural to agricultural habitats on soil biodiversity across a large spatial scale. To this aim, we investigated the diversity and composition of nematode communities at the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic level in 16 assemblage pairs (32 sites in total with 16 in each habitat type) in mainland China. While the overall alpha and beta diversity did not differ between natural and agricultural systems, all three alpha diversity facets decreased with latitude in natural habitats. Both alpha and beta diversity levels were driven by climatic differences in natural habitats, while none of the diversity levels changed in agricultural systems. This indicates that land conversion affects soil biodiversity in a geographically dependent manner and that agriculture could erase climatic constraints on soil biodiversity at such a scale. Additionally, the functional composition of nematode communities was more dissimilar in agricultural than in natural habitats, while the phylogenetic composition was more similar, indicating that changes among different biodiversity facets are asynchronous. Our study deepens the understanding of land‐use effects on soil nematode diversity across large spatial scales. Moreover, the detected asynchrony of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity highlights the necessity to monitor multiple facets of soil biodiversity in ecological studies such as those investigating environmental changes.
Increase in direct social care costs of Alzheimer's disease in Japan depending on dementia severity
Authors: Takechi Hajime , Kokuryu Atsuko , Kuzuya Akira , Matsunaga Shinji 
Published: September 2019

AimWith the aging population, costs of direct social support for patients with Alzheimer's disease have grown and will continue to increase. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the cost of direct social support for Alzheimer's disease under long‐term care insurance in Japan.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 169 patients with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who visited a memory clinic and were followed over time. Dementia severity, use of care services and costs were analyzed.ResultsThe use of direct social support and costs increased significantly between patients with mild, moderate and severe dementia (P < 0.001). In particular, the use of day services and short stay services increased with the severity of dementia (P < 0.001). Similar findings were obtained when participants were stratified by long‐term care insurance care levels. Of 169 participants, 49 had not applied for long‐term care insurance, although their dementia severity was not different from support‐need level 1 and care‐need level 1. Logistic regression analysis of “did not apply” and “applied and certified” groups showed significant differences not only in dementia severity, but also in age (odds ratio 1.112, 95% confidence interval 1.037–1.193, P = 0.003) and living arrangements (odds ratio 0.257, 95% confidence interval 0.076–0.862, P = 0.028).ConclusionsAs the number of patients with Alzheimer's disease increases, direct social costs will increase. The findings of this study might help standardize the type of direct social support provided after diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and contribute to the development of cost‐effective care for these patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1023–1029.
Bonding of alkaline and alkaline earth cations in Na‐Ca‐Sr polyphosphate glasses
Authors: Morguetto Gabriel Felipe , Tsunaki Lucas Ely Bins , Schneider José 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDissolution of phosphates bioglasses, for bone regeneration or controlled ion release, is a key property to be tuned by adequate selection of chemical species. Mixed Na‐Sr and Na‐Ca polyphosphate glasses exhibit definite bonding preferences of the stronger cations to O from chain‐end phosphates (Q1) instead of random bonding to the network (Q1 and Q2). This behavior is important for the control of dissolution, as hydration starts from the reaction of H with O in Q1. To analyze this bonding preference in glasses with two alkaline earths competing for O, mixed Na‐Ca‐Sr polyphosphates (0.57‐x) Na2O·x/2 SrO·x/2 CaO·0.43 P2O5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.30 molar fraction) were considered. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance was used to analyze the short‐range environments of Qn groups, detecting preferential bonding of Ca and Sr to Q1. To probe variations in the medium‐range organization of the network induced by Ca or Sr, glasses with compositions (0.57‐x) Na2O·x MO·0.43 P2O5 (M = Ca,Sr; 0 ≤ x≤0.30 molar fraction), were analyzed using 31P‐double‐quantum techniques. An increase in mutual Q2 self‐connectivity relative to the base Na‐polyphosphate network was detected as Ca or Sr were added, indicating conversion of linear phosphate chains into rings.
Policy reforms and productivity change in the judiciary system: a cost function approach applied to time series of the Dutch judiciary system between 1980 and 2016
Authors: Blank Jos L. T. , van Heezik Alex A.S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe judiciary is constantly undergoing change in order to respond to a wide range of social developments that have brought the sector under increasing pressure. In order to deal with the constant call for enhancing budgets, different policy measures have been taken to downsize the appeal to the judiciary and to improve productivity. One of the central questions hereby is whether these measures have actually contributed to a more productive sector. This paper focuses on the development of productivity in the judiciary and how policy measures have affected productivity. In this empirical analysis, we apply a cost function model to time series data of the Dutch judiciary between 1980 and 2016. The results show a dramatic decline of productivity over the entire period (−50%), in spite of various policy measures. The year 2001 can be regarded as a turning point, as since then productivity has remained more or less stable. It seems that this is largely due to the establishment of the Council for the Judiciary and the associated increase in (financial and operational) autonomy for the judiciary. Another striking result is that technical change is biased toward using more personnel through time.
Evolution of mating types in finite populations: The precarious advantage of being rare
Authors: Czuppon Peter , Rogers David W. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSexually reproducing populations with self‐incompatibility bear the cost of limiting potential mates to individuals of a different type. Rare mating types escape this cost since they are unlikely to encounter incompatible partners, leading to the deterministic prediction of continuous invasion by new mutants and an ever‐increasing number of types. However, rare types are also at an increased risk of being lost by random drift. Calculating the number of mating types that a population can maintain requires consideration of both the deterministic advantages and the stochastic risks. By comparing the relative importance of selection and drift, we show that a population of size N can maintain a maximum of approximately N1/3 mating types for intermediate population sizes, whereas for large N, we derive a formal estimate. Although the number of mating types in a population is quite stable, the rare‐type advantage promotes turnover of types. We derive explicit formulas for both the invasion and turnover probabilities in finite populations.
Microglia and the aging brain: are senescent microglia the key to neurodegeneration?
Authors: Angelova Dafina M. , Brown David R. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe single largest risk factor for etiology of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease is increased age. Therefore, understanding the changes that occur as a result of aging is central to any possible prevention or cure for such conditions. Microglia, the resident brain glial population most associated with both protection of neurons in health and their destruction is disease, could be a significant player in age related changes. Microglia can adopt an aberrant phenotype sometimes referred to either as dystrophic or senescent. While aged microglia have been frequently identified in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, there is no conclusive evidence that proves a causal role. This has been hampered by a lack of models of aged microglia. We have recently generated a model of senescent microglia based on the observation that all dystrophic microglia show iron overload. Iron‐overloading cultured microglia causes them to take on a senescent phenotype and can cause changes in models of neurodegeneration similar to those observed in patients. This review considers how this model could be used to determine the role of senescent microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.image
Comparing the efficacy of Myjet‐assisted tranexamic acid and vitamin C in treating melasma: A split‐face controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Huijuan , Li Mengna , Zhang Xiaofeng , Li Li , Yan Yan , Wang Baoxi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundMelasma is a benign and chronic hypermelanosis characterized by irregular light brown to dark brown patches of hyperpigmentation on the skin. Oral tranexamic acid (TA) or vitamin C (VC) supplementation has been one treatment choice. TA interferes with keratinocyte‐melanocyte interactions, and VC functions by reducing melanin production resulting in skin rejuvenation and whitening.AimThe aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Myjet assisted transdermal injection of TA vs VC in the treatment of melasma.MethodsIn this split‐face controlled trial, 17 patients were randomized to receive eight weekly transdermal injections of TA or VC via Myjet either on the right or the left side of their face. MASI was measured from each side of the face at the baseline, at the middle, and at the end of treatment.ResultsA reduction in MASI was observed for TA and VC separately (P value < 0.05). The difference in efficacy between TA and VC group was not statistically significant (P value 0.05). Both treatments were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.ConclusionWeekly TA or VC transdermal injections can be an effective treatment for melasma. Further studies are required to validate these findings.
Exome sequencing in patients with antiepileptic drug exposure and complex phenotypes
Authors: Jackson Adam , Ward Heather , Bromley Rebecca Louise , Deshpande Charulata , Vasudevan Pradeep , Scurr Ingrid , Dean John , Shannon Nora , Berg Jonathon , Holder Susan , Baralle Diana , Clayton-Smith Jill 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionFetal anticonvulsant syndrome (FACS) describes the pattern of physical and developmental problems seen in those children exposed to certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in utero. The diagnosis of FACS is a clinical one and so excluding alternative diagnoses such as genetic disorders is essential.MethodsWe reviewed the pathogenicity of reported variants identified on exome sequencing in the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) Study in 42 children exposed to AEDs in utero, but where a diagnosis other than FACS was suspected. In addition, we analysed chromosome microarray data from 10 patients with FACS seen in a Regional Genetics Service.ResultsSeven children (17%) from the DDD Study had a copy number variant or pathogenic variant in a developmental disorder gene which was considered to explain or partially explain their phenotype. Across the AED exposure types, variants were found in 2/15 (13%) valproate exposed cases and 3/14 (21%) carbamazepine exposed cases. No pathogenic copy number variants were identified in our local sample (n=10).ConclusionsThis study is the first of its kind to analyse the exomes of children with developmental disorders who were exposed to AEDs in utero. Though we acknowledge that the results are subject to bias, a significant number of children were identified with alternate diagnoses which had an impact on counselling and management. We suggest that consideration is given to performing whole exome sequencing as part of the diagnostic work-up for children exposed to AEDs in utero.
Universal artificial intelligence platform for collaborative management of cataracts
Authors: Wu Xiaohang , Huang Yelin , Liu Zhenzhen , Lai Weiyi , Long Erping , Zhang Kai , Jiang Jiewei , Lin Duoru , Chen Kexin , Yu Tongyong , Wu Dongxuan , Li Cong , Chen Yanyi , Zou Minjie , Chen Chuan , Zhu Yi , Guo Chong , Zhang Xiayin , Wang Ruixin , Yang Yahan , Xiang Yifan , Chen Lijian , Liu Congxin , Xiong Jianhao , Ge Zongyuan , Wang Dingding , Xu Guihua , Du Shaolin , Xiao Chi , Wu Jianghao , Zhu Ke , Nie Danyao , Xu Fan , Lv Jian , Chen Weirong , Liu Yizhi , Lin Haotian 
Published: September 2019

PurposeTo establish and validate a universal artificial intelligence (AI) platform for collaborative management of cataracts involving multilevel clinical scenarios and explored an AI-based medical referral pattern to improve collaborative efficiency and resource coverage.MethodsThe training and validation datasets were derived from the Chinese Medical Alliance for Artificial Intelligence, covering multilevel healthcare facilities and capture modes. The datasets were labelled using a three-step strategy: (1) capture mode recognition; (2) cataract diagnosis as a normal lens, cataract or a postoperative eye and (3) detection of referable cataracts with respect to aetiology and severity. Moreover, we integrated the cataract AI agent with a real-world multilevel referral pattern involving self-monitoring at home, primary healthcare and specialised hospital services.ResultsThe universal AI platform and multilevel collaborative pattern showed robust diagnostic performance in three-step tasks: (1) capture mode recognition (area under the curve (AUC) 99.28%–99.71%), (2) cataract diagnosis (normal lens, cataract or postoperative eye with AUCs of 99.82%, 99.96% and 99.93% for mydriatic-slit lamp mode and AUCs >99% for other capture modes) and (3) detection of referable cataracts (AUCs >91% in all tests). In the real-world tertiary referral pattern, the agent suggested 30.3% of people be ‘referred’, substantially increasing the ophthalmologist-to-population service ratio by 10.2-fold compared with the traditional pattern.ConclusionsThe universal AI platform and multilevel collaborative pattern showed robust diagnostic performance and effective service for cataracts. The context of our AI-based medical referral pattern will be extended to other common disease conditions and resource-intensive situations.