bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome, but not non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, increases 10‐year mortality: A prospective, community‐cohort study
Authors: Niriella Madunil A. , Kasturiratne Anuradhani , Beddage Thulani U. , Withanage Shanthi A. , Goonatilleke Dilith C. , Abeysinghe Chathurika P. , De Mel Ruvini T. , Balapitiya Thilini L. , De Silva Shamila T. , Dassanayake Anuradha S. , De Silva Arjuna P. , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , Wickramasinghe Ananda R. , Kato Nirihiro , de Silva Hithanadura J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundData on outcomes of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from South Asia are lacking. We compared mortality, among those with‐ and without‐NAFLD, after 10‐years follow‐up among urban, adult Sri Lankans.MethodParticipants (aged 35‐64 years), selected by age‐stratified random sampling, were screened by structured‐interview in 2007. Anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasonography and biochemical/serological tests were done. NAFLD was diagnosed on ultrasound criteria, safe‐alcohol consumption (Asian‐standards) and absence of hepatitis B/C. Subjects without NAFLD were those without any ultrasound criteria of fatty liver, safe‐alcohol consumption and absence of hepatitis B/C. The cohort was re‐evaluated to assess mortality in 2017. Participants or their households were contacted by telephone/post, and deaths confirmed by home‐visits and death certificate review. Cox‐regression was used to determine predictors of all‐cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in those with‐ and without‐NAFLD.Results2724 (91.2%) of 2985 original participants were contacted (851‐with NAFLD and 1072‐without NAFLD). Overall there were 169 (6.2%) deaths [41‐deaths among NAFLD (17‐cardiovascular; 9‐cancer‐related; 4‐liver‐specific; 11‐other) and 79‐deaths among no‐NAFLD (28‐cardiovascular; 17‐cancer‐related; 1‐liver‐specific; 33‐other)]. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), low‐education level, higher age and male‐gender independently predicted ACM. MetS, increasing age and male‐gender independently predicted CVM. NAFLD did not predict either ACM or CVM. In those with NAFLD, MetS and age >55‐years were independently associated with ACM, while MetS and male‐gender were associated with CVM.ConclusionIn this community‐based study, increasing age, male‐gender and MetS, but not NAFLD, predicted 10‐year ACM and CVM. Among those with NAFLD, only those metabolically abnormal were at a higher risk for mortality.
Sex‐specific changes in the aphid DNA methylation landscape
Authors: Mathers Thomas C. , Mugford Sam T. , Percival‐Alwyn Lawrence , Chen Yazhou , Kaithakottil Gemy , Swarbreck David , Hogenhout Saskia A. , van Oosterhout Cock 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAphids present an ideal system to study epigenetics as they can produce diverse, but genetically identical, morphs in response to environmental stimuli. Here, using whole genome bisulphite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing of the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), we present the first detailed analysis of cytosine methylation in an aphid and investigate differences in the methylation and transcriptional landscapes of male and asexual female morphs. We found that methylation primarily occurs in a CG dinucleotide (CpG) context and that exons are highly enriched for methylated CpGs, particularly at the 3′ end of genes. Methylation is positively associated with gene expression, and methylated genes are more stably expressed than unmethylated genes. Male and asexual female morphs have distinct methylation profiles. Strikingly, these profiles are divergent between the sex chromosome and the autosomes; autosomal genes are hypomethylated in males compared to asexual females, whereas genes belonging to the sex chromosome, which is haploid in males, are hypermethylated. Overall, we found correlated changes in methylation and gene expression between males and asexual females, and this correlation was particularly strong for genes located on the sex chromosome. Our results suggest that differential methylation of sex‐biased genes plays a role in aphid sexual differentiation.
Evolution of the visual sensory system in cichlid fishes from crater lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon
Authors: Musilova Zuzana , Indermaur Adrian , Bitja‐Nyom Arnold Roger , Omelchenko Dmytro , Kłodawska Monika , Albergati Lia , Remišová Kateřina , Salzburger Walter 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn deep‐water animals, the visual sensory system is often challenged by the dim‐light environment. Here, we focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in rapid deep‐water adaptations. We examined visual system evolution in a small‐scale yet phenotypically and ecologically diverse adaptive radiation, the species flock of cichlid fishes in deep crater lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon, West Africa. We show that rapid adaptations of the visual system to the novel deep‐water habitat primarily occurred at the level of gene expression changes rather than through nucleotide mutations, which is compatible with the young age of the radiation. Based on retinal bulk RNA sequencing of all eleven species, we found that the opsin gene expression pattern was substantially different for the deep‐water species. The nine shallow‐water species feature an opsin palette dominated by the red‐sensitive (LWS) opsin, whereas the two unrelated deep‐water species lack expression of LWS and the violet‐sensitive (SWS2B) opsin, thereby shifting the cone sensitivity to the centre of the light spectrum. Deep‐water species further predominantly express the green‐sensitive RH2Aα over RH2Aβ. We identified one amino acid substitution in the RH2Aα opsin specific to the deep‐water species. We finally performed a comparative gene expression analysis in retinal tissue of deep‐ vs. shallow‐water species. We thus identified 46 differentially expressed genes, many of which are associated with functions in vision, hypoxia management or circadian clock regulation, with some of them being associated with human eye diseases.
Effects of moderate and severe hypocapnia on intracerebral perfusion and brain tissue oxygenation in piglets
Authors: Ringer Simone K. , Clausen Nicola G. , Spielmann Nelly , Weiss Markus 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundHypocapnia is a common alteration during anesthesia in neonates.AimTo investigate the effects of hypocapnia and hypocapnia combined with hypotension (HCT) on cerebral perfusion and tissue oxygenation in anesthetized piglets.MethodThirty anesthetized piglets were randomly allocated to groups: moderate hypocapnia (mHC), severe hypocapnia (sHC), and HCT. Cerebral monitoring comprised a tissue oxygen partial pressure and a laser Doppler probe inserted into the brain tissue as well as a near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor placed on the skin, measuring regional oxygen saturation. Hypocapnia was induced by hyperventilation (target PaCO2 mHC: 3.7‐4; sHC: 3.1‐3.3 kPa) and hypotension by blood withdrawal and nitroprusside infusion (mean blood pressure: 35‐38 mm Hg). Data were analyzed at baseline, during (Tr20, Tr40, Tr60) and after (Post20, Post40, Post60) treatment.ResultsCompared to baseline, tissue oxygen partial pressure decreased significantly and equally during all treatments (mean [SD] at baseline: mHC 35.7 [32.45]; sHC: 28.1 [20.24]; HCT 25.4 [10.3] and at Tr60: mHC: 29.9 [27.36]; sHC: 22.2 [18.37]; HCT: 18.4 [9.5] mm Hg). Decreased laser Doppler flow was detected with all treatments at Tr20 (mHC: 0.9 [0.18]; sHC: 0.88 [0.15]; HCT: 0.97 [0.13] proportion from baseline). Independently of group, regional oxygen saturation varied only after reverting and not during treatment. Blood lactate, pH, HCO3−, and PaO2 increased during treatment with no differences between groups.ConclusionThis animal model revealed reduced cerebral blood flow and brain tissue oxygenation during hypocapnia without detectable changes in regional oxygen saturation as measured by NIRS. Changes occurred as early as during moderate hypocapnia.
TaCYP81D5, one member in a wheat cytochrome P450 gene cluster, confers salinity tolerance via reactive oxygen species scavenging
Authors: Wang Meng , Yuan Jiarui , Qin Lumin , Shi Weiming , Xia Guangmin , Liu Shuwei 
Published: August 2019

SummaryAs one of the largest gene families in plants, the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase genes (CYPs) are involved in diverse biological processes including biotic and abiotic stress response. Moreover, P450 genes are prone to expanding due to gene tandem duplication during evolution, resulting in generations of novel alleles with the neo‐function or enhanced function. Here, the bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) gene TaCYP81D5 was found to lie within a cluster of five tandemly arranged CYP81D genes, although only a single such gene (BdCYP81D1) was present in the equivalent genomic region of the wheat relative Brachypodium distachyon. The imposition of salinity stress could up‐regulate TaCYP81D5, but the effect was abolished in plants treated with an inhibitor of reactive oxygen species synthesis. In SR3, a wheat cultivar with an elevated ROS content, the higher expression and the rapider response to salinity of TaCYP81D5 were related to the chromatin modification. Constitutively expressing TaCYP81D5 enhanced the salinity tolerance both at seedling and reproductive stages of wheat via accelerating ROS scavenging. Moreover, an important component of ROS signal transduction, Zat12, was proven crucial in this process. Though knockout of solely TaCYP81D5 showed no effect on salinity tolerance, knockdown of BdCYP81D1 or all TaCYP81D members in the cluster caused the sensitivity to salt stress. Our results provide the direct evidence that TaCYP81D5 confers salinity tolerance in bread wheat and this gene is prospective for crop improvement.
An approach to study the local embryo effect on gene expression in the bovine oviduct epithelium in vivo
Authors: Rodríguez‐Alonso Beatriz , Hamdi Meriem , Sánchez José María , Maillo Veronica , Gutierrez‐Adan Alfonso , Lonergan Pat , Rizos Dimitrios 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the local embryo effect on the transcriptomic response of the epithelial cells of the oviduct in vivo. Fifteen heifers were synchronized and artificially inseminated to a standing heat. All heifers were slaughtered on Day 2.5 after oestrus. The oviducts from 13 animals were isolated, trimmed free of tissue and divided between ampulla/isthmus. The ipsilateral isthmus was divided into smaller sections (2 cm). Each section was sequentially flushed until the embryo was located (4/13) and then opened and scraped longitudinally to obtain the epithelial cells. Cells were snap‐frozen in LN2 for gene expression analysis. All recovered embryos were found at the beginning of the isthmus. The 2 cm sections selected for the transcriptomic analysis were as follows: embryo section (in which the embryo was found); proximal section (through which the embryo had passed); distal section (on the uterine side of the embryo); and contralateral section (section from the contralateral isthmus). The expression pattern of eight genes (STK32A, KERA, QRFPR, MCTP1, PRELP, VAT1L, SOCS3 and CCL20) differentially expressed between the isthmus of pregnant (multiple embryo model) and cyclic heifers were assessed by RT‐qPCR. One‐way ANOVA and t test was used for statistical analysis. Comparisons between ipsilateral and contralateral oviduct or along the ipsilateral oviduct resulted in no differences for all genes. Despite the failure to detect a site‐specific response of a single embryo on the abundance of distinct transcripts in the bovine oviduct in vivo on Day 2.5, the current methodology with proposed modifications would be useful for future studies to examine the local embryo effect.
Linkage disequilibrium and effective population size in Gir cattle selected for yearling weight
Authors: Toro Ospina Alejandra M. , Maiorano Amanda Marchi , Curi Rogério A. , Pereira Guilherme L. , Zerlotti‐Mercadante Maria Eugenia , dos Santos Gonçalves Cyrillo Joslaine Noely , Aspilcueta‐Borquis Rusbel R. , de V. Silva Josineudson A. II 
Published: August 2019

AbstractLinkage disequilibrium (LD) plays an important role in genomic selection and mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL). This study investigated the pattern of LD and effective population size (Ne) in Gir cattle selected for yearling weight. For this purpose, 173 animals with imputed genotypes (from 18 animals genotyped with the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip and 155 animals genotyped with the Bovine LDv4 panel) were analysed. The LD was evaluated at distances of 25–50 kb, 50–100 kb, 100–500 kb and 0.5–1 Mb. The Ne was estimated based on 5 past generations. The r2 values (a measure of LD) were, respectively, .35, .29, .18 and .032 for the distances evaluated. The LD estimates decreased with increasing distance of SNP pairs and LD persisted up to a distance of 100 kb (r2 = .29). The Ne was greater in generations 4 and 5 (24 and 30 animals, respectively) and declined drastically after the last generation (12 animals). The results showed high levels of LD and low Ne, which were probably due to the loss of genetic variability as a consequence of the structure of the Gir population studied.
Psychological reactance and negative emotional reactions in the link between psychological control and adolescent adjustment
Authors: Laird Robert D. , Frazer Andrew L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractResearchers consistently report links between psychological control and adolescent behavior problems, but the processes linking psychological control with behavior problems are unclear. Adolescents’ negative emotional reactions and psychological reactance were tested as potential longitudinal mediators linking parental psychological control with both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Data were collected from a sample of 242 adolescents (M age = 15.4 at Time 1; 50.8% female; 50% white, non‐Hispanic, 18% African American, 16% Hispanic, and 16% of other or multiple ethnicities) at three time points over a 2‐year period. Adolescents self‐reported depressive symptoms, antisocial behavior, negative emotional reactions, and psychological reactance. Adolescents and their parents provided ratings of parental psychological control. Cross‐sectional models replicated patterns previously reported suggesting that negative emotional reactions and reactance mediate between psychological control and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. However, in cross‐lagged panel models, neither negative emotional reactions nor reactance emerged as a mediator between psychological control and internalizing or externalizing problems. In contrast, results suggested that psychological control is an outcome of rather than contributor to, negative emotional reactions. Moreover, the addition of random intercepts to cross‐lagged models indicated that associations between psychological control, emotional and behavioral reactions, and internalizing/externalizing behavior may represent stable trait‐like patterns.
Subnational home market bias in Vietnam: Evidence from enterprise‐level data
Authors: Co Catherine Y. , Nguyen Thu Kim , Tran Que Nguyet , Nguyen Tung Nhu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis paper contributes to the home (market) bias literature where administrative or political borders limit trade across borders. Home bias is well documented at the national and subnational level. To sort out macro (e.g., location characteristics) and micro (e.g., enterprise characteristics) factors behind home bias, we use small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) data from Vietnam. Using the fractional multinomial logit model, we find that the proportion of SME sales outside of their home markets is positively associated with enterprise size, age, number of business association memberships and the distance of SMEs' most important supplier. In contrast, the proportion of SME sales to neighbouring provinces is negatively associated with the share of SME production for final consumption. Besides enterprise‐level frictions, market characteristics matter too. The proportion of SME sales to customers in their home markets is negatively associated with home or neighbouring provinces' governance quality, while the proportion of sales to customers in neighbouring provinces is positively associated with these areas' governance quality. These suggest that good governance frees SME resources for use in selling to less familiar markets.
Systematic ultrastructural comparison of swept-source and full-depth spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging of diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Mitsch Christoph , Lammer Jan , Karst Sonja , Scholda Christoph , Pablik Eleonore , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula Margarethe 
Published: August 2019

Background/AimsOptical coherence tomography (OCT) is commonly used to diagnose and assess diabetic macular oedema (DME). Swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) promises improved imaging depth and more independence from media opacities. Heidelberg Spectralis full-depth imaging (FDI) combines details at different depths to one representation. The aim of this study was to determine the comparability of the imaging methods concerning DME ultrastructure.MethodsTwo graders assessed the presence of typical DME phenomena in eyes with centre-involving DME on Topcon Atlantis SS-OCT and Heidelberg Spectralis FDI spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) B-scans. Retinal layer segmentation was corrected and choroidal layers were manually segmented. Graders measured cyst and subretinal fluid (SRF) diameters and counted hyper-reflective foci (HRF). Findings were recorded and statistically analysed.ResultsStatistically significant systematic biases (Spectralis-Atlantis) were found for the HRF count (outside the central mm, −6.39, p=0.0338), chorioretinal thickness (central mm: −35.45 µm, p=0.00034), choroidal thickness (central mm: −60.97 µm, p=0.00004) and Sattler’s layer thickness (−42.69 µm, p=0.0001). Intergrader agreement was excellent or very good for posterior vitreous detachment, vitreomacular attachment (central mm) and SRF presence in both devices. Manually delineated Sattler’s layer thickness showed an intraclass correlation of 0.85 with FDI SD-OCT but 0.26 with SS-OCT (p=0.003).ConclusionProminent aspects such as cysts in the outer nuclear layer and SRF can be identified with comparable confidence, while a significant systematic bias underlies chorioretinal, choroidal and Sattler’s layer thickness and HRF count. Specialists should use the same device at every examination during longitudinal clinical consideration or cross-sectional evaluation of these ultrastructural biomarkers.
Effects of expanding a non-contributory health insurance scheme on out-of-pocket healthcare spending by the poor in Turkey
Authors: Tirgil Abdullah , Dickens William T , Atun Rifat 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionInsufficient or no health insurance creates financial access barriers to healthcare services, especially for vulnerable populations. The Green Card scheme, a non-contributory government-funded health insurance scheme for the poor in Turkey, was expanded in 2003–2006 and has provided citizens with extended benefits. We study the effects of this expansion of the Green Card scheme on out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures for low-income households.MethodsWe use difference-in-differences study design to examine the causal impact of having a Green Card on financial protection in terms of out-of-pocket health expenditures and catastrophic expenditures for the poor in Turkey. In addition, we implement quantile regression analysis to examine how the benefits expansion affects the poor who have the largest out-of-pocket expenditures and are in the upper tail of the health spending distribution.ResultsWe find that the expansion of benefits coverage leads to significant reductions in annualised out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures for dental care, diagnostics services, pharmaceuticals and total medical spending. We show that the decline in spending by Green Card beneficiaries corresponds to about 33% as per cent of total per-household medical spending. Quantile regression analysis shows that the scheme is even more effective at reducing expenditures for those people facing large health expenditures. The scheme reduces the incidence of catastrophic expenditures by nearly 50% among those with the largest annual out-of-pocket expenditures.ConclusionsIncreasing benefits coverage for a non-contributory insurance programme leads to financial protection for the poor by reducing out-of-pocket and catastrophic health expenditures. It is even more effective at reducing out-of-pocket health spending for those whose health expenditures that lie on the high end of healthcare spending distribution.
Do you recommend cancer screening to your patients? A cross-sectional study of Norwegian doctors
Authors: Bringedal Berit , Fretheim Atle , Nilsen Stein , Isaksson Rø Karin 
Published: August 2019

ObjectiveGuidelines for cancer screening have been debated and are followed to varying degrees. We wanted to study whether and why doctors recommend disease-specific cancer screening to their patients.DesignOur cross-sectional survey used a postal questionnaire. The data were examined with descriptive methods and binary logistic regression.SettingWe surveyed doctors working in all health services.ParticipantsOur participants comprised a representative sample of Norwegian doctors in 2014/2015.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome is whether doctors reported recommending their patients get screening for cancers of the breast, colorectum, lung, prostate, cervix and ovaries. We examined doctors’ characteristics predicting adherence to the guidelines, including gender, age, and work in specialist or general practice. The secondary outcomes are reasons given for recommending or not recommending screening for breast and prostate cancer.ResultsOur response rate was 75% (1158 of 1545). 94% recommended screening for cervical cancer, 89% for breast cancer (both established as national programmes), 42% for colorectal cancer (upcoming national programme), 41% for prostate cancer, 21% for ovarian cancer and 17% for lung cancer (not recommended by health authorities). General practitioners (GPs) adhered to guidelines more than other doctors. Early detection was the most frequent reason for recommending screening; false positives and needless intervention were the most frequent reasons for not recommending it.ConclusionsA large majority of doctors claimed that they recommended cancer screening in accordance with national guidelines. Among doctors recommending screening contrary to the guidelines, GPs did so to a lesser degree than other specialties. Different expectations of doctors’ roles could be a possible explanation for the variations in practice and justifications. The effectiveness of governing instruments, such as guidelines, incentives or reporting measures, can depend on which professional role(s) a doctor is loyal to, and policymakers should be aware of these different roles in clinical governance.