bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D, bone mineral density and risk of fracture in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Frighi V. , Morovat A. , Andrews T. M. , Rana F. , Stephenson M. T. , White S. J. , Fower E. , Roast J. , Goodwin G. M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have very high rates of osteoporosis and fractures, to which their widespread vitamin D deficiency and other factors could contribute. We aimed to assess in people with IDs previously treated for vitamin D deficiency (1) long‐term adherence to vitamin D supplementation and (2) bone mineral density (BMD), as an indicator for risk of fractures, according to vitamin D supplementation and other factors.MethodWe recorded height, weight, medical, pharmacological, dietary and lifestyle assessment. Blood sample were taken for vitamin D and related analytes. dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for BMD was performed.ResultsOf 51 study participants (mean [standard deviation, SD] age 51.5 [13.6] years, 57% male), 41 (80.4%) were taking vitamin D and 10 were not. Mean [SD] serum vitamin D was 81.3 [21.3] vs. 25.2 [10.2] nmol/L (P < 0.0001), respectively. Thirty‐six participants underwent a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan, which showed osteoporosis in 23.7% and osteopenia in 52.6%. Participants on vitamin D had higher BMD than those who were not, a statistically significant difference when confounders (lack of mobility and hypogonadism) were removed. BMD was significantly different according to mobility, particularly in wheelchair users, in whom hip BMD was 33% lower (P < 0.0001) than in participants with normal mobility. Participants still taking vitamin D showed a 6.1% increase in BMD at the spine (P = 0.003) after mean [SD] 7.4 [1.5] years vitamin D treatment.ConclusionsIn people with IDs and previous vitamin D deficiency, BMD increases on long‐term vitamin D supplementation. However, additional strategies must be considered for osteoporosis and fracture prevention in this population.
Lack of evidence for synaptic high‐affinity γ‐hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) transport in rat brain synaptosomes and 11 Na+‐dependent SLC neurotransmitter transporters
Authors: Thiesen Louise , Frølund Bente , Wellendorph Petrine 
Published: December 2018

Abstractγ‐Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is an endogenous compound proposed to act as a neurotransmitter. Na+‐dependent, high‐affinity GHB transport has long been considered important evidence supporting this hypothesis. However, the molecular identity of such a high‐affinity transporter remains unknown. In this study, we sought to identify and characterize GHB synaptic transport through a series of studies using both native and recombinant systems with the ultimate aim of providing evidence to clarify the proposed role of GHB as a neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. Native [3H]GHB transport was studied in isolated rat brain synaptosomes and compared to synaptic membranes. As a targeted approach, GHB was also screened against a panel of Na+‐dependent SLC6 neurotransmitter transporters recombinantly expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes or tsA201 cells. Finally, the low‐affinity GHB transporters, MCT1/2 and SMCT1, were probed as GHB transporters in L‐[14C]lactate uptake assays in synaptosomes. We found no evidence of high‐affinity [3H]GHB transport in purified rat brain cortical or striatal synaptosomes or at any of the 11 SLC6 transporters tested. Instead, our results indicate the binding of [3H]GHB to an unidentified membrane component, distinct from any of the known GHB targets. In accordance with others, we found that GHB and the analog 3‐hydroxycyclopent‐1‐enecarboxylic acid (HOCPCA) can, in millimolar concentrations, inhibit L‐[14C]lactate uptake at MCT1 and/or MCT2 and that this also can occur in synaptosomes. In conclusion, through a variety of in vitro pharmacological studies, we were unsuccessful in identifying a specific synaptic high‐affinity transporter for GHB. Our findings emphasize the need to reevaluate GHB's role as a potential neurotransmitter.Open Science BadgesThis article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Risk Preference Theory and Gender Differences in Religiousness: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Hoffmann John P. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAlmost 25 years ago, Miller and Hoffmann developed a theory of risk preferences as a way to account for gender differences in religiousness. Although several subsequent studies have purportedly examined the theory, there has been no genuine replication of their empirical analysis. This study provides a replication and extension using three nationally representative samples of adolescents in the United States: the 2015 Monitoring the Future (n = 2,292) study, the 2010 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (n = 18,394), and the 2005 National Survey of Youth and Religion (n = 2,059). The results provide modest support for risk preference theory: the introduction of risk preferences diminishes the female‐male difference in religiousness among youth in all three data sets. However, there is also evidence that risk behaviors and religious affiliation may be more important than risk preferences in accounting for gender differences in religiousness.
A review of pregnancy iPhone apps assessing their quality, inclusion of behaviour change techniques, and nutrition information
Authors: Brown Hannah M. , Bucher Tamara , Collins Clare E. , Rollo Megan E. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSmartphone apps for use in pregnancy are common and could influence lifestyle behaviours, but they have not been evaluated. This review aimed to assess the quality of iPhone pregnancy apps and whether they included behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and/or pregnancy‐specific nutrition information. A keyword search of the Australian iTunes app store was conducted. For inclusion, apps had to be available at no cost, in English, intended for use by pregnant women, and contain nutrition information. App quality was assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Absence or presence of BCTs was assessed using the CALO‐RE taxonomy, with type of nutrition information included also reported. The initial key word search identified 607 apps, with 51 iPhone apps included in final evaluation. Mean overall MARS quality rating score was 3.05 out of 5 (1 = inadequate; 5 = excellent). The functionality subscale scored highest (mean = 3.32), and aesthetics scored lowest (mean = 2.87). Out of a possible 40 BCTs, 11 were present across the apps with a median of three BCTs (range: 0–6) identified per app. The median number of pregnancy‐specific nutrition topics per app was three (range 0 to 7). Despite the availability of a large number of iPhone pregnancy apps, few are of high quality, with only a small number of BCTs used and limited inclusion of pregnancy‐specific nutrition information. It is important to be aware of limitations within current pregnancy apps before recommending usage during this key life stage.
The RCC1 family protein SAB1 negatively regulates ABI5 through multidimensional mechanisms during postgermination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ji Hongtao , Wang Shuangfeng , Cheng Chunhong , Li Ran , Wang Zhijuan , Jenkins Gareth I. , Kong Fanjiang , Li Xia 
Published: December 2018

Summary

Abscisic acid‐insensitive 5 (ABI5) is an essential and conserved plant basic leucine zipper transcription factor whose level controls seed germination and postgerminative development. It has been demonstrated that activity of ABI5 is transcriptionally and post‐translationally regulated. However, transcriptional regulation of ABI5 is not fully understood.

Here, we identified SAB1 (Sensitive to ABA 1) as a novel negative regulator of ABI5 that simultaneously regulates its stability, promoter binding activity and histone methylation‐mediated gene silencing of ABI5. SAB1 encodes a Regulator of Chromatin Condensation 1 (RCC1) family protein and is expressed in an opposite pattern to that of ABI5 during early seedling growth in response to abscisic acid (ABA). SAB1 mutation results in enhanced ABA sensitivity and acts upstream of ABI5.

SAB1 physically interacts with ABI5 at phosphoamino acid Ser‐145, and reduces the phosphorylation of ABI5 and the protein stability. SAB1 reduces ABI5 binding activity to its own promoter, leading to reduced transcriptional level of ABI5. SAB1 inactivates ABI5 transcription by increasing the level of histone H3K27me2 in the ABI5 promoter.

Our findings have identified SAB1 as a crucial new component of ABA signaling which modulates early development of plant by precisely controlling ABI5 activity through multiple mechanisms.
A Better Understanding of Granger Causality Analysis: A Big Data Environment
Authors: Song Xiaojun , Taamouti Abderrahim 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper aims to provide a better understanding of the causal structure in a multivariate time series by introducing several statistical procedures for testing indirect and spurious causal effects. In practice, detecting these effects is a complicated task, since the auxiliary variables that transmit/induce indirect/spurious causality are very often unknown. The availability of hundreds of economic variables makes this task even more difficult since it is generally infeasible to find the appropriate auxiliary variables among all the available ones. In addition, including hundreds of variables and their lags in a regression equation is technically difficult. The paper proposes several statistical procedures to test for the presence of indirect/spurious causality based on big data analysis. Furthermore, it suggests an identification procedure to find the variables that transmit/induce the indirect/spurious causality. Finally, it provides an empirical application where 135 economic variables were used to study a possible indirect causality from money/credit to income.
Prevalence of spontaneous type I ECG pattern, syncope, and other risk markers in sudden cardiac arrest survivors with Brugada syndrome
Authors: Leong Kevin M.W. , Ng Fu Siong , Jones Sian , Chow Ji‐Jian , Qureshi Norman , Koa‐Wing Michael , Linton Nicholas W.F. , Whinnett Zachary I. , Lefroy David C. , Davies David Wyn , Lim Phang Boon , Peters Nicholas S. , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Varnava Amanda M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionA spontaneous type I electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern and/or unheralded syncope are conventionally used as risk markers for primary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest/death (SCA/SCD) in Brugada syndrome (BrS). In this study, we determine the prevalence of conventional and newer markers of risk in those with and without previous aborted SCA events.MethodsAll patients with BrS were identified at our institute. History of symptoms was obtained from medical tests or from interviews. Other markers of risk were also obtained, such as presence of (1) spontaneous type I pattern, (2) fractionated QRS (fQRS), (3) early repolarization (ER) pattern, (4) late potentials on signal‐averaged ECG (SAECG), and (5) response to programmed electrical stimulation.ResultsIn 133 patients with Bars, 10 (7%) patients (mean age = 39 ± 11 years; nine males) were identified with a previous ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia episode (n = 8) or requiring cardio‐pulmonary resuscitation (n = 2). None of these patients had a prior history of syncope before their SCA event. Only two (20%) patients reported a history of palpitations or dizziness. None had apneic breathing and three (30%) patients had a family history of SCA. From their ECGs, a spontaneous pattern was only found in one (10%) of these patients. Further, 10% of patients had fQRS, 17% had late potentials on SAECG, 20% had deep S waves in lead I, and 10% had an ER pattern in the peripheral leads. No significant differences were observed in the non‐SCA group.ConclusionThe majority of BrS patients with previous aborted SCA events did not have a spontaneous type I and/or prior history of syncope. Conventional and newer markers of risk appear to only have limited ability to predict SCA.
The hatching mechanism of 130‐million‐year‐old insects: an association of neonates, egg shells and egg bursters in Lebanese amber
Authors: Pérez‐de la Fuente Ricardo , Engel Michael S. , Azar Dany , Peñalver Enrique 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHatching is a pivotal moment in the life of most animals. Diverse chemical, behavioural and mechanical methods have evolved in metazoans to break the egg membranes. Among them, many arthropod and vertebrate embryos hatch using ephemeral, frequently convergent structures known as egg bursters. However, the evolutionary processes by which hatching mechanisms and related embryonic structures became established in deep time are poorly understood due to a nearly complete absence from the fossil record. Herein we describe an exceptionalc. 130‐million‐year‐old association in Lebanese amber composed of multiple neonate green lacewing larvae,Tragichrysa ovoruptoragen. et sp. nov. (Neuroptera, Chrysopoidea), and conspecific egg remains. Egg bursters with a serrated blade bearing a short process are attached to three longitudinally split egg shells. Embryos of extant green lacewing relatives (Chrysopidae) utilize this egg burster morphotype to open a vertical slit on the egg, after which the burster is moulted and left joined to the empty egg shell. Additionally, the new larval species has extremely elongate dorsal tubercles, an adaptation to carry exogenous debris for protection and camouflage also known from other Cretaceous chrysopoids but absent in modern relatives. The present discovery demonstrates that the hatching mechanism of modern green lacewings was established in the chrysopoid lineage by the Early Cretaceous and proves through direct fossil evidence how some morphological traits related to hatching and linked behaviours, at least in insect embryos, have been subject to a high degree of evolutionary conservatism.
Povidone‐iodine lowers the incidence of catheter‐associated bloodstream infection
Authors: Sugiyama Minako , Iguchi Akihiro , Terashita Yukayo , Ohshima Junjiro , Cho Yuko 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundCentral venous (CV) catheters are required for chemotherapy but they may become a source of life‐threatening infections of the bloodstream. The most effective way to disinfect the port of a CV catheter has not been established.MethodsWe report the data obtained between April 2008 and March 2010 using 83% ethanol (period I) and between April 2010 and March 2014 using 10% povidone‐iodine (period II) to sterilize the access port. The participants received chemotherapy or autologous/allogeneic stem cell transplantation at the present institution.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in patient characteristics between the two periods, such as disease, median age, or the period of neutropenia. The incidence of positive blood culture during periods I and II was 18.5% (31/168) and 11.4% (40/350; P = 0.041), respectively. The incidence of catheter‐associated bloodstream infection on blood culture during periods I and II was 11.9% (20/168) and 6.3% (22/350; P = 0.043), respectively. Bacillus cereus infection was not detected during period II.ConclusionThe incidence of infection caused by CV catheters was significantly reduced using povidone‐iodine; therefore, we recommend this procedure as part of the routine in chemotherapy.
Ecohydrological gradients and their restoration on the periphery of extracted peatlands
Authors: Lefebvre‐Ruel Stéphanie , Jutras Sylvain , Campbell Daniel , Rochefort Line 
Published: December 2018

The moss layer transfer technique is effective at restoring extracted peatland surfaces. However, remnant peatlands persist on the periphery of extracted surfaces. These remnant peatlands drop steeply to extracted surfaces, producing artificial ecotones that are more challenging to restore. We asked to what degree natural ecotones at undisturbed reference fens can act as models for the restoration of artificial ecotones around an extracted peatland, and whether management actions can ameliorate conditions in artificial ecotones. We compared changes in elevation, water table, peat, and multiple vegetation characteristics between natural ecotones and unmanaged artificial ecotones. We then clear‐cut peripheral strips, completely filled perimeter canals, and smoothed peripheral slopes around sections of the extracted surfaces to assess whether hydrological conditions improved. Without management, artificial ecotones are not good models of natural ecotones. The elevation gradient is steep, and water tables drop steeply within 8 m of blocked perimeter canals, with possible effects at 25 m. The consequent vegetation had denser tree saplings, faster tree growth, almost no moss cover, and low moss species richness. After these management actions, water tables increased to within approximately 5 cm of those along natural ecotones. Future study is required to assess the extent of vegetation recovery, but these results hold promise for a more holistic rehabilitation of ecotones on the periphery of extracted peatland surfaces. We present recommendations to optimize the management actions on the periphery of extracted peatlands.
Trajectories of cardio‐metabolic health in successful aging
Authors: Dela Flemming , Finkenzeller Thomas , Ingersen Arthur , Pötzelsberger Birgit , Müller Erich 
Published: December 2018

Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and muscle mass decrease with age. The loss of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength is accelerated with physical inactivity and has well‐documented consequences for morbidity and all‐cause mortality. Participation in exercise training programs will improve one or more of the cardio‐metabolic risk factors, but the long‐term effects of such programs are questionable. Here, we re‐examined 25 old (72 ± 4 years.) men and women who considered him/herself as “success‐full agers” and were participants in a 3‐month alpine skiing training program 6 years earlier. The program focused on healthy aging and included health questionnaires, measurement of lipids and glycemic parameters in blood and a VO2max test. Thirteen and 12 subjects were in the intervention (IG) and the control group (CG), respectively. In response to the training program, subjects improved their cardio‐metabolic risk factors. However, after 6 years all positive effects had disappeared. Approximately 80% of the subjects had total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol above and HDL cholesterol below the recommended values, but these subjects remained the most metabolically deteriorated, including an increase in fasting glucose concentrations. We conclude that people seem to follow their individual trajectory in terms of cardio‐metabolic risk factors, and participation in a relatively short lasting exercise training program with emphasis on healthy aging does not change that. Long‐lasting change in lifestyle probably requires a continued attentional focus, goal setting, and feedback.
Differential alternative polyadenylation contributes to the developmental divergence between two rice subspecies, japonica and indica
Authors: Zhou Qian , Fu Haihui , Yang Dewei , Ye Congting , Zhu Sheng , Lin Juncheng , Ye Wenbin , Ji Guoli , Ye Xinfu , Wu Xiaohui , Li Qingshun Quinn 
Published: December 2018

SummaryAlternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread post‐transcriptional mechanism that regulates gene expression through mRNA metabolism, playing a pivotal role in modulating phenotypic traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, little is known about the APA‐mediated regulation underlying the distinct characteristics between two major rice subspecies, indica and japonica. Using a poly(A)‐tag sequencing approach, polyadenylation (poly(A)) site profiles were investigated and compared pairwise from germination to the mature stage between indica and japonica, and extensive differentiation in APA profiles was detected genome‐wide. Genes with subspecies‐specific poly(A) sites were found to contribute to subspecies characteristics, particularly in disease resistance of indica and cold‐stress tolerance of japonica. In most tissues, differential usage of APA sites exhibited an apparent impact on the gene expression profiles between subspecies, and genes with those APA sites were significantly enriched in quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to yield traits, such as spikelet number and 1000‐seed weight. In leaves of the booting stage, APA site‐switching genes displayed global shortening of 3′ untranslated regions with increased expression in indica compared with japonica, and they were overrepresented in the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathways. This phenomenon may lead to a higher chlorophyll content and photosynthesis in indica than in japonica, being associated with their differential growth rates and yield potentials. We further constructed an online resource for querying and visualizing the poly(A) atlas in these two rice subspecies. Our results suggest that APA may be largely involved in developmental differentiations between two rice subspecies, especially in leaf characteristics and the stress response, broadening our knowledge of the post‐transcriptional genetic basis underlying the divergence of rice traits.
A novel patient‐specific drill guide template for stabilization of thoracolumbar vertebrae of dogs: cadaveric study and clinical cases
Authors: Fujioka Toru , Nakata Kohei , Nishida Hidetaka , Sugawara Taku , Konno Naoyuki , Maeda Sadatoshi , Kamishina Hiroaki 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy and safety of a novel patient‐specific drill guide template for stabilizing the thoracolumbar vertebrae of dogs.Study designCadaveric experimental study and prospective case series.Sample populationCadaveric canine thoracolumbar vertebral specimens (n = 3) and clinical cases of thoracolumbar spinal instability (n = 4).MethodsComputed tomography data of the thoracolumbar spines were obtained before surgery, and images were imported into imaging software. Optimum screw trajectories were selected for each vertebra, and drill guide templates were designed and fabricated with a 3‐dimensional printing system. Drill guide templates were applied to cadaveric spine and clinical cases. Computed tomography imaging was performed after surgery, and planned and postoperative trajectories were compared to estimate the accuracy and safety of the drill guide templates.ResultsTwenty‐two drill holes were made in cadaveric spinal specimens. All drill holes were completely located in the bone. The overall mean screw deviation was 0.88 ± 0.36 mm. In clinical cases, 29 screws were placed in thoracolumbar vertebrae. Most (89.6%) of these screws were placed without evidence of vertebral canal invasion. One (3.5%) screw perforated the bone structure. The overall mean screw deviation was 1.16 ± 0.56 mm.ConclusionDrill guide templates were useful for accurate intraoperative screw navigation in thoracolumbar fixation in small dogs.Clinical significanceThe use of drill guide templates can be considered as an aid to safety and accuracy of screw placement in canine thoracolumbar instabilities.