bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperlipidaemia prevalence and cholesterol control in obstructive sleep apnoea: Data from the European sleep apnea database (ESADA)
Authors: Gunduz C. , Basoglu O. K. , Hedner J. , Bonsignore M. R. , Hein H. , Staats R. , Bouloukaki I. , Roisman G. , Pataka A. , Sliwinski P. , Ludka O. , Pepin J. L. , Grote L. ,   the European Sleep Apnoea Database collaborators
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground and objectiveObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and hyperlipidaemia are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the association between OSA and prevalence of hyperlipidaemia in patients of the European Sleep Apnea Database (ESADA) cohort.MethodsThe cross‐sectional analysis included 11 892 patients (age 51.9 ± 12.5 years, 70% male, body mass index (BMI) 31.3 ± 6.6 kg/m2, mean oxygen desaturation index (ODI) 23.7 ± 25.5 events/h) investigated for OSA. The independent odds ratio (OR) for hyperlipidaemia in relation to measures of OSA (ODI, apnoea‐hypopnoea index, mean and lowest oxygen saturation) was determined by means of general linear model analysis with adjustment for important confounders such as age, BMI, comorbidities and study site.ResultsHyperlipidaemia prevalence increased from 15.1% in subjects without OSA to 26.1% in those with severe OSA, P < 0.001. Corresponding numbers in patients with diabetes were 8.5% and 41.5%, P < 0.001. Compared with ODI quartile I, patients in ODI quartiles II‐IV had an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.33 (1.15–1.55), 1.37 (1.17–1.61) and 1.33 (1.12–1.58) (P < 0.001), respectively, for hyperlipidaemia. Obesity was defined as a significant risk factor for hyperlipidaemia. Subgroups of OSA patients with cardio‐metabolic comorbidities demonstrated higher prevalence of HL. In addition, differences in hyperlipidaemia prevalence were reported in European geographical regions with the highest prevalence in Central Europe.ConclusionObstructive sleep apnoea, in particular intermittent hypoxia, was independently associated with the prevalence of hyperlipidaemia diagnosis.
GlycA, a novel pro‐inflammatory glycoprotein biomarker is associated with mortality: results from the PREVEND study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gruppen E. G. , Kunutsor S. K. , Kieneker L. M. , van der Vegt B. , Connelly M. A. , de Bock G. H. , Gansevoort R. T. , Bakker S. J. L. , Dullaart R. P. F. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundChronic diseases are associated with an inflammatory response. We determined the association of two inflammatory markers, GlycA and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), with overall and cause‐specific mortality in a cohort of men and women.MethodsCox regression analyses were used to examine associations of GlycA and hsCRP with all‐cause, cancer and cardiovascular mortality in 5526 subjects (PREVEND cohort; average follow‐up 12.6 years).ResultsGlycA was associated with all‐cause mortality (n = 838), independent of clinical risk factors and hsCRP (hazard ratio 1.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–1.87] for top versus bottom quartiles). For hsCRP, the association with all‐cause mortality was nonsignificant after adjustment for GlycA. GlycA and hsCRP were associated with cancer mortality in men (n = 248), but not in women (n = 132). Neither GlycA nor hsCRP was independently associated with cardiovascular mortality (n = 201). In a meta‐analysis of seven population‐based studies, including 8153 deaths, the pooled multivariable‐adjusted relative risk of GlycA for all‐cause mortality was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.40–2.17) for top versus bottom quartiles. The association of GlycA with all‐cause mortality was somewhat stronger than that of hsCRP. GlycA and hsCRP were not independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. The associations of GlycA and hsCRP with cancer mortality were present in men, but not in women.ConclusionsGlycA is significantly associated with all‐cause mortality. GlycA and hsCRP were each not independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. The association of GlycA and hsCRP with cancer mortality appears to be driven by men.
Smart Snacks Fundraiser Exemption Policies: Are States Supporting the Spirit of Smart Snacks?
Authors: Piekarz‐Porter Elizabeth , Lin Wanting , Chriqui Jamie F. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDUnder Smart Snacks, state agencies can adopt a policy regulating infrequent school‐sponsored fundraisers. Fundraiser exemptions allow noncompliant foods and beverages to be sold during the school day. This article examines fundraiser exemption policies in each state as of September 1, 2017.METHODSLaws were collected for all 50 states and the District of Columbia using Boolean searches of LexisNexis and Westlaw. Informal state‐level policies (eg, memos) were collected through searches of state department of education and child nutrition program websites. Policies were analyzed to determine the number of exempt fundraisers allowed in each state.RESULTSBy September 1, 2017, 47 states adopted a fundraiser exemption policy; 21 states adopted a zero exemption policy; 19 states regulated the number of exempt fundraisers; five states regulated the number of exempt fundraising days; one state regulated the number of exempt events; and one state approved all requested exemptions. Four states had not adopted a policy and default under the rule to zero exemptions allowed.CONCLUSIONSA patchwork of state policies governs the school food‐related fundraiser landscape. However, the overall goal of improving the school food environment should persist as an important factor in determining how many, if any, will be allowed each school year.
Measuring Long‐Term Patterns of Political Secularization and Desecularization: Did They Happen or Not?
Authors: Brown Davis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPolitical secularization theories have predicted religion's decline in public and political life, and desecularization theories have predicted the reverse trend. However, there is little agreement on the timing of either phenomenon or even their existence. Until now, deep empirical tests of any of these were hampered by lack of historical country‐level data on religious preferences of governments (previously used data sets go back only to 1990). However, the new Government Religious Preference data set (GRP) measures state religion from 2015 back to the 1800s. Using GRP data, this article offers the first long‐term quantitative measurement of political secularization and in doing so, weighs in on competing claims regarding its timing. This article finds strong support that political secularization happened gradually over the long 19th century, accelerated after World War II, and peaked in the 1970s or 1980s. In contrast, the article finds only tepid support for the existence of political desecularization overall.
Making Sense of Single‐Case Design Effect Sizes
Authors: Maggin Daniel M. , Cook Bryan G. , Cook Lysandra 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSingle‐case research methods provide a basis for demonstrating that an intervention produces a reliable change in a targeted outcome for individual cases. To supplement visual analysis of data in single‐case studies, researchers frequently report statistics—often referred to as effect sizes—to summarize study findings. The recent proliferation of effect sizes used in single‐case research can be confusing. In this article, after reviewing single‐case research, we provide an overview of common types of effect sizes used in single‐case research, including overlap metrics and within‐ and between‐participant effect sizes, and conclude with examples of these effect sizes in the single‐case literature. Our take‐home message is that effect sizes are useful complements to visual analysis when interpreting results of single‐case design research studies.
Sedimentation and sediment core profile of heavy metals in the Owabi reservoir in Ghana
Authors: Nartey Nora N. , Hogarh Jonathan N. , Antwi‐Agyei Philip , Nukpezah Daniel , Abaidoo Robert C. , Obiri‐Danso Kwasi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTropical reservoirs are important for numerous socioeconomic and ecological reasons, including water supply, fishing and flood control. These functions are easily compromised, however, when reservoirs undergo accelerated sedimentation with increased inputs of chemical contaminants. The present study applied the concept of sediment core analysis to evaluate the sedimentation rate in Owabi Reservoir, which has served as a source of drinking water supply in Kumasi, Ghana, for nearly a century. The temporal variation of contamination from heavy metals was also assessed over this period. The sedimentation rate for Owabi Reservoir was estimated to be 6.82 mm/year, suggesting a relatively low rate of sedimentation, which is ecologically healthy in preventing a rapid loss of reservoir water volume. Heavy metal concentrations in the sediment cores taken from the reservoir reflected varying degree of contamination from the 1930s to 2010s. The concentration of iron (Fe) (1,560–1,770 mg/kg) was found to be the highest among the metals in the sediment core, while mercury (Hg) concentration (0.01–0.04 mg/kg) was the lowest. Lead (Pb) contamination peaked in the 1980s. Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination exhibited more recent peaks in the 2000s, coinciding with recent widespread issues of artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM) in Ghana. Thus, even though ASGM activities are known to occur in remote districts, releases from such activities might eventually contaminate reservoirs designated as urban drinking water supplies.
Chloroplast clustering around the nucleus is a general response to pathogen perception in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Ding Xue , Jimenez‐Gongora Tamara , Krenz Bjӧrn , Lozano‐Duran Rosa 
Published: July 2019

SummaryIt is increasingly clear that chloroplasts play a central role in plant stress responses. Upon activation of immune responses, chloroplasts are the source of multiple defensive signals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). Intriguingly, it has been described that chloroplasts establish physical contact with the nucleus, through clustering around it and extending stromules, following activation of effector‐triggered immunity (ETI). However, how prevalent this phenomenon is in plant–pathogen interactions, how its induction occurs, and what the underlying biological significance is are important questions that remain unanswered. Here, we describe that the chloroplast perinuclear clustering seems to be a general plant response upon perception of an invasion threat. Indeed, activation of pattern‐triggered immunity, ETI, transient expression of the Rep protein from geminiviruses, or infection with viruses or bacteria all are capable of triggering this response in Nicotiana benthamiana. Interestingly, this response seems non‐cell‐autonomous, and exogenous treatment with H2O2 is sufficient to elicit this relocalization of chloroplasts, which appears to require accumulation of ROS. Taken together, our results indicate that chloroplasts cluster around the nucleus during plant–pathogen interactions, suggesting a fundamental role of this positioning in plant defence, and identify ROS as sufficient and possibly required for the onset of this response.
The long noncoding RNA T5120 regulates nitrate response and assimilation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Fei , Xu Yiran , Chang Kexin , Li Shuna , Liu Zhiguang , Qi Shengdong , Jia Jingbo , Zhang Min , Crawford Nigel M. , Wang Yong 
Published: July 2019

Summary

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators in many plant biological processes. However, it remains unknown whether lncRNAs can respond to nitrate or function in nitrate regulation.

We detected 695 lncRNAs, 480 known and 215 novel, in Arabidopsis seedling roots; six showed altered expression in response to nitrate treatment, among which T5120 showed the highest induction.

Overexpression of T5120 in Arabidopsis promoted the response to nitrate, enhanced nitrate assimilation and improved biomass and root development. Biochemical and molecular analyses revealed that NLP7, a master nitrate regulatory transcription factor, directly bound to the nitrate‐responsive cis‐element (NRE)‐like motif of the T5120 promoter and activated T5120 transcription. In addition, T5120 partially restored the nitrate signalling and assimilation phenotypes of nlp7 mutant, suggesting that T5120 is involved in NLP7‐mediated nitrate regulation. Interestingly, the expression of T5120 was regulated by the nitrate sensor NRT1.1. Therefore, T5120 is modulated by NLP7 and NRT1.1 to regulate nitrate signalling.

Our work reveals a new regulatory mechanism in which lncRNA T5120 functions in nitrate regulation, providing new insights into the nitrate signalling network. Importantly, lncRNA T5120 can promote nitrate assimilation and plant growth to improve nitrogen use efficiency.
The increase in hemoglobin concentration with altitude varies among human populations
Authors: Gassmann Max , Mairbäurl Heimo , Livshits Leonid , Seide Svenja , Hackbusch Matthes , Malczyk Monika , Kraut Simone , Gassmann Norina N. , Weissmann Norbert , Muckenthaler Martina U. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDecreased oxygen availability at high altitude requires physiological adjustments allowing for adequate tissue oxygenation. One such mechanism is a slow increase in the hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) resulting in elevated [Hb] in high‐altitude residents. Diagnosis of anemia at different altitudes requires reference values for [Hb]. Our aim was to establish such values based on published data of residents living at different altitudes by applying meta‐analysis and multiple regressions. Results show that [Hb] is increased in all high‐altitude residents. However, the magnitude of increase varies among the regions analyzed and among ethnic groups within a region. The highest increase was found in residents of the Andes (1 g/dL/1000 m), but this increment was smaller in all other regions of the world (0.6 g/dL/1000 m). While sufficient data exist for adult males and females showing that sex differences in [Hb] persist with altitude, data for infants, children, and pregnant women are incomplete preventing such analyses. Because WHO reference values were originally based on [Hb] of South American people, we conclude that individual reference values have to be defined for ethnic groups to reliably diagnose anemia and erythrocytosis in high‐altitude residents. Future studies need to test their applicability for children of different ages and pregnant women.
Tyrosinase‐catalyzed oxidation of resveratrol produces a highly reactive ortho‐quinone: Implications for melanocyte toxicity
Authors: Ito Shosuke , Fujiki Yui , Matsui Nina , Ojika Makoto , Wakamatsu Kazumasa 
Published: July 2019

Abstracttrans‐Resveratrol (3,5,4′‐trihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene, RES), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has recently attracted increased interest as a health‐beneficial agent. However, based on its p‐substituted phenol structure, RES is expected to be a substrate for tyrosinase and to produce a toxic o‐quinone metabolite. The results of this study demonstrate that the oxidation of RES by tyrosinase produces 4‐(3′,5′‐dihydroxy‐trans‐styrenyl)‐1,2‐benzoquinone (RES‐quinone), which decays rapidly to an oligomeric product (RES‐oligomer). RES‐quinone was identified after reduction to its corresponding catechol, known as piceatannol. RES‐quinone reacts with N‐acetylcysteine, a small thiol, to form a diadduct and a triadduct, which were identified by NMR and MS analyses. The production of a triadduct is not common for o‐quinones, suggesting a high reactivity of RES‐quinone. RES‐quinone also binds to bovine serum albumin through its cysteine residue. RES‐oligomer can oxidize GSH to GSSG, indicating its pro‐oxidant activity. These results suggest that RES could be cytotoxic to melanocytes due to the binding of RES‐quinone to thiol proteins.
Actigraphic, but not subjective, sleep measures are associated with cognitive impairment in memory clinic patients
Authors: Cabanel Nicole , Speier Christa , Müller Matthias J. , Kundermann Bernd 
Published: July 2019

AimSleep disturbances are prevalent in various dementia subtypes but rarely investigated in early clinical stages. Although memory clinics have become an established institution for the early diagnosis of dementia, sleep assessment is not part of their routine diagnostics. This study aimed to examine whether subjective and objective sleep variables are related to cognitive impairment in patients referred to a memory clinic.MethodsOn two consecutive days, patients underwent routine diagnostic procedures, including a neuropsychological examination (consortium to establish a registry for alzheimer's disease), and had their sleep quality evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and overnight hand‐wrist actigraphy.ResultsData of 31 patients (age, M ± SEM: 74.1 ± 1.5; 18 women, 13 men; Clinical Dementia Rating: 0–1) were analysed. One had been diagnosed with subjective cognitive impairment, 13 with mild cognitive impairment with or without depression, and 17 with dementia syndrome due to Alzheimer's and/or cerebrovascular disease. Compared to patients with subjective or mild cognitive impairment, dementia patients showed a significantly increased nocturnal acceleration magnitude; other differences in subjective and objective sleep measures were not significant. Comparing patients with subjectively poor (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5: n = 9) and good sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ≤ 5: n = 22) yielded no differences in any neuropsychological and clinical variables. In contrast, patients with low actigraphically recorded sleep efficiency (<85%: n = 11) exhibited a significantly more impaired cognitive performance than those in the high sleep efficiency group (≥85%: n = 20). Correlation analyses demonstrated that actigraphically assessed disturbed sleep continuity accompanied by increased night‐time motor activity was substantially associated with cognitive impairment.ConclusionThis study highlights that objectively assessed, but not self‐reported, parameters of disturbed sleep are closely related to cognitive dysfunction in the early stages of dementia of different aetiologies. Possible diagnostic and treatment implications are discussed.
Wild men in Braunschweig – Economies of hope and fear in early modern mining
Authors: Asmussen Tina 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis article investigates the myth of the Wild Man and the figure's symbolic and emotional significance for the Harz mining industry. From about the sixteenth century onward, the Wild Man became a point of identity in the montane region of the Harz Mountains. By analysing the appropriation and meanings of the Wild Man and his connection to mining in different media, especially on coins, this article stresses the importance of investigating not only material and empirical evidence, but also considering the imaginary and affective implications of mining. The changing perceptions of mythical figures such as the Wild Man reflected the desires, hopes, and anxieties of historical persons. They reflected the circumstance that mines represented sources of great wealth, but also delivered terror, injury, and death.
Awareness and attitude towards human papillomavirus and its vaccine among females with and without daughter(s) who participated in cervical cancer screening in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Lin Wei , Wang Yueyun , Liu Zhihua , Chen Bin , Yuan Shixin , Wu Bo , Gong Lin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine, and willingness to be vaccinated against HPV, among women with and without daughter(s) in Shenzhen, China.MethodsCross‐sectional survey in January and June 2015 by means of a self‐administered questionnaire to collect information. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with awareness of HPV and its vaccine and the willingness to be vaccinated.ResultsA total of 9855 women (mean age 37.09 years, SD 7.48) were included in the analysis. Although only 42.3% had heard of HPV and 21.0% of HPV vaccine, 63.3% were willing to be vaccinated. 73.9% of the 5799 women with daughter(s) were willing have their daughter(s) vaccinated. Women with daughter(s) did not have a higher awareness of HPV (43.2% vs. 41.5%, P = 0.109) and HPV vaccine (21.1% vs. 20.9%, P = 0.854) than women without daughter(s), but did tend to be more willing to be vaccinated themselves (66.3% vs. 59.9%, P < 0.001). Women's awareness of HPV and specific knowledge of HPV vaccine were predictors of the willingness to have both themselves and their daughters vaccinated. These associations may be modified by residency status, education and monthly income.ConclusionsAlthough awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine among women in Shenzhen was low, willingness to have themselves and their daughter(s) vaccinated was relatively high, especially among mothers. High awareness of HPV and its vaccine will help improve the acceptability of HPV vaccination according to residency status, education and monthly income.
Audit of transfusion among the oldest old: treading the fine line between undertransfusion and optimum trigger
Authors: Pelavski Andrés D. , de Miguel Marcos , Villarino Laura , Alcaraz Gabriela , Buendía Paloma , Rochera María I. , Lacasta Albert , Señas Lucía , Colomina María J. 
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUNDRecent research has questioned restrictive transfusion policies in vulnerable elderly populations. Our audit assesses the prevalence and postoperative outcomes of extremely elderly patients undergoing the stress of surgery with perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) less than 9 g/dL.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data addressed patients aged 85+ undergoing elective surgery. Demographic data and baseline characteristics were recorded, as well as Hb and transfused red blood cell (RBC) units. The main endpoint was the prevalence of perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL, that is, patients with baseline Hb <9 g/dL without preoperative transfusions (defined as Group A). Patients with perioperative Hb of 9 g/dL or greater (with or without transfusion) were designated as Group B. Secondary outcomes included morbidity, length of hospital stay, and mortality 30 days and 6 months after surgery. A bivariate analysis was performed followed by logistic regression to determine whether undergoing the stress of surgery with perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL was an independent risk factor for postoperative outcomes.RESULTSA total of 148 patients were included. The prevalence of perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL was 25%. It was associated with increased morbidity and mortality –both 30 days and 6 months after surgery– and a prolonged length of hospital stay. Anemia‐associated complications were higher among patients from Group A, whereas transfusion‐associated ones were evenly distributed. In all the regression models, perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL was an independent risk factor for worse postoperative outcomes.CONCLUSIONPerioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL was common among patients aged 85+, and it was associated with increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. The tolerance to anemia might decrease perioperatively when Hb is less than 9 g/dL. Thus, less restrictive thresholds deserve further evaluation.