bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic role of cGMP in S. cerevisiae: the murine phosphodiesterase-5 activity affects yeast cell proliferation by altering the cAMP/cGMP equilibrium
Authors: Cardarelli Silvia , Giorgi Mauro , Poiana Giancarlo , Biagioni Stefano , Saliola Michele 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT
In higher eukaryotes, cAMP and cGMP are signal molecules of major transduction pathways while phosphodiesterases (PDE) are a superfamily of cAMP/cGMP hydrolysing enzymes, modulatory components of these routes. Saccharomyces cerevisiae harbours two genes for PDE: Pde2 is a high affinity cAMP-hydrolysing enzyme, while Pde1 can hydrolyse both cAMP and cGMP. To gain insight into the metabolic role of cGMP in the physiology of yeast, the murine Pde5a1 gene encoding a specific cGMP-hydrolysing enzyme, was expressed in S. cerevisiae pdeΔ strains. pde1Δ and pde2Δ PDE5A1-transformed strain displayed opposite growth-curve profiles; while PDE5A1 recovered the growth delay of pde1Δ, PDE5A1 reversed the growth profile of pde2Δ to that of the untransformed pde1Δ. Growth test analysis and the use of Adh2 and Adh1 as respiro-fermentative glycolytic flux markers confirmed that PDE5A1 altered the metabolism by acting on Pde1-Pde2/cyclic nucleotides content and also on the TORC1 nutrient-sensing cascade. cGMP is required during the log-phase of cell proliferation to adjust/modulate cAMP levels inside well-defined ranges. A model is presented proposing the role of cGMP in the cAMP/PKA pathway. The expression of the PDE5A1 cassette in other mutant strains might constitute the starting tool to define cGMP metabolic role in yeast nutrient signaling.
Trends in Risk of Limitations in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Over Age in Older Persons With and Without Multiple Chronic Conditions
Authors: Mueller-Schotte Sigrid , Zuithoff Nicolaas P A , Van der Schouw Yvonne T , Schuurmans Marieke J , Bleijenberg Nienke 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
To investigate trends over age by comorbidity status for the risk of limitations in individual activities of daily living for community-living older persons.

Methods
A longitudinal population-based study was conducted in 9,319 community-living Dutch persons aged 60 years and older. Self-reported multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and nine instrumental activities of daily livings (IADLs) were assessed in 15 studies of the Dutch National Care for the Elderly Program (TOPICS-MDS). Risks of limitations in IADLs, odds ratios (per 5 years), and rate ratios (per 5 years) were calculated with mixed logistic and negative binomial regression models with age as the underlying timescale, stratified by number of MCC (no, 1–2, ≥ 3 MCC), and corrected for confounders.

Results
At inclusion, the number of IADL limitations was highest for the “≥3 MCC” group (2.00 interquartile range [1.00–4.00]) and equal for “no MCC” or “1–2 MCC” (1.00 interquartile range [0.00–2.00]). Trends of individual IADLs depicted a higher risk in IADL limitation with increasing age over 2 years of follow-up, except for handling finances for the “no MCC” group. The longitudinal age effect on IADL limitations varied subject to MCC, being strongest for the “no MCC” group for most IADLs; grooming and telephone use were almost unaltered by age and MCC.

Conclusion
We observed a decline in IADL functioning with increasing age over 2 years of follow-up in persons with and without MCC. The impact of MCC on IADL decline varied per IADL activity.
Feasibility Trial Evaluation of a Peer Volunteering Active Aging Intervention: ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged)
Authors: Stathi Afroditi , Withall Janet , Thompson Janice L , Davis Mark G , Gray Selena , De Koning Jolanthe , Parkhurst Graham , Lloyd Liz , Greaves Colin , Laventure Robert , Fox Kenneth R 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged) is a theory-informed, pragmatic intervention using peer volunteering support to promote active ageing in socially disengaged, inactive older adults. This study aimed to establish ACE’s feasibility and acceptability.

Methods
Fifty-four older adults were recruited as either peer volunteers (activators; n = 15) or participants (ACEs; n = 39). Participants were randomized to one-to-one support from an activator (ACEs-Intervention [ACEs-I]) or a waiting-list control group (ACEs-Control [ACEs-C]). Activators supported ACEs-I to get out more and engage with local activities. Objectively measured physical activity (PA), lower limb function, and number of out of house activities were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. A mixed-methods process evaluation assessed changes in confidence to get out and about, social support, autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Results
Eighty-two percent of ACEs (mean age = 73.7 years [SD 7.3]) and all activators completed assessments at both baseline and post-intervention (6 months). ACEs-I reported more out of house activities (M [SD] = 6.34 [4.15]). ACEs-I increased physical function post-intervention (M [SD] = 9.8 [2.3]). ACEs-I reported improved well-being and vitality and increased confidence to get out and about, confidence in the face of specific barriers, knowledge of local initiatives, and perceived social support post-intervention. Activators, although sufficiently active at baseline, increased their PA further. ACE was well-accepted and easy to deliver.

Conclusions
ACE is an acceptable and feasible intervention for helping socially disengaged older people to get out and about more, improve their confidence, and engage more with their community.
Experiences of Living in the Community for Older Aboriginal Persons With Dementia Symptoms in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Mei-Chen , Huang Hsiu-Li , Chiu Yi-Chen , Yip Ping-Keung , Wu Suh-Mian , Hsu Wen-Chuin , Wang Woan-Shyuan , Huang Yueh-Fang , Shyu Yea-Ing L 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Improving quality of life for community-dwelling older persons with dementia symptoms (PWDS) and family caregivers requires promoting dementia-friendly communities (DFC). However, little is known regarding older Taiwanese Aboriginal PWDS’ experiences of living in the community. We explored these experiences for older Atayal PWDS and their families in Taiwan.

Research Design and Methods
This grounded theory research used in-depth interviews to explore the perspectives of older PWDS (n = 4), their family members (n = 3), and key persons (n = 10) in an Atayal community in northern Taiwan. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Participants were interviewed between January and May 2015.

Results
Participants’ experiences were captured by the overarching concept of “low dementia awareness, high family-like ambience in the community.” Despite the low/absent community awareness of dementia, older Atayal PWDS functioned as freely in the community as at home due to a family-like supportive environment. Aboriginal PWDS and their families also faced environmental challenges, e.g., environmental constraints and barriers to transportation access.

Discussion and Implications
Our results suggest that this Aboriginal community and culture offer important DFC components, and these strengths could be further studied to enhance DFC models elsewhere. Despite these strengths in supporting PWDS, environmental challenges to transportation access still cause difficulties for PWDS and their families and need improvement. The Atayal community’s low dementia awareness suggests that services introduced must be culturally appropriate and nondisruptive to existing supportive helping systems. Our study can be a model for future studies to understand and identify PWDS’ needs in Indigenous communities.
Modelling decadal secular variation with only magnetic diffusion
Authors: Metman Maurits C , Livermore Philip W , Mound Jonathan E , Beggan Ciarán D 
Published: February 2019

SUMMARY
Secular variation (SV) of Earth’s internal magnetic field is the sum of two contributions, one resulting from core fluid flow and the other from magnetic diffusion. Based on the millenial diffusive timescale of global-scale structures, magnetic diffusion is widely perceived to be too weak to significantly contribute to decadal SV, and indeed is entirely neglected in the commonly adopted end-member of frozen-flux. Such an argument however lacks consideration of radially fine-scaled magnetic structures in the outermost part of the liquid core, whose diffusive timescale is much shorter. Here we consider the opposite end-member model to frozen flux, that of purely diffusive evolution associated with the total absence of fluid flow. Our work is based on a variational formulation, where we seek an optimized full-sphere initial magnetic field structure whose diffusive evolution best fits, over various time windows, a time-dependent magnetic field model. We present models that are regularized based on their magnetic energy, and consider how well they can fit the COV-OBS.x1 ensemble mean using a global error bound based on the standard deviation of the ensemble. With these regularized models, over time periods of up to 30 yr, it is possible to fit COV-OBS.x1 within one standard deviation at all times. For time windows up to 102 yr we show that our models can fit COV-OBS.x1 when adopting a time-averaged global uncertainty. Our modelling is sensitive only to magnetic structures in approximately the top 10 per cent of the liquid core, and show an increased surface area of reversed flux at depth. The diffusive models recover fundamental characteristics of field evolution including the historical westward drift, the recent acceleration of the North Magnetic Pole and reversed-flux emergence. Based on a global time-averaged residual, our diffusive models fit the evolution of the geomagnetic field comparably, and sometimes better than, frozen-flux models within short time windows.
Transhealth Information Project: A Peer-Led HIV Prevention Intervention to Promote HIV Protection for Individuals of Transgender Experience
Authors: Martinez Omar , Lopez Nikki , Woodard Tatyana , Rodriguez-Madera Sheilla , Icard Larry 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Individuals of transgender experience (ITE) in the United States face an elevated risk of HIV infection. Several conditions have been attributed to the high HIV incidence and prevalence within this group, including experiences of discrimination, unemployment, incarceration, stigma, and elevated rates of sexual risk and substance use. In response to these needs, the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative and Prevention Point Philadelphia, two local community-based organizations in Philadelphia, developed the Transhealth Information Project (TIP). TIP is a peer-led six-session hybrid individual- and group-based intervention emphasizing leadership, social and structural interventions, and HIV risk reduction that incorporates other evidence-based practices for HIV prevention and care. Since 2003, TIP has served over 1,500 ITE and linked them to HIV prevention and care services. TIP has an established record of reaching ITE and linking them to HIV prevention services and HIV primary care. TIP’s utilization speaks to the need for interventions to respond to the complex, interacting syndemic factors that cumulatively determine HIV vulnerability among ITE.
A systematic review and standardized clinical validity assessment of male infertility genes
Authors: Oud Manon S , Volozonoka Ludmila , Smits Roos M , Vissers Lisenka E L M , Ramos Liliana , Veltman Joris A 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Which genes are confidently linked to human monogenic male infertility?

SUMMARY ANSWER
Our systematic literature search and clinical validity assessment reveals that a total of 78 genes are currently confidently linked to 92 human male infertility phenotypes.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
The discovery of novel male infertility genes is rapidly accelerating with the availability of next-generating sequencing methods, but the quality of evidence for gene–disease relationships varies greatly. In order to improve genetic research, diagnostics and counseling, there is a need for an evidence-based overview of the currently known genes.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
We performed a systematic literature search and evidence assessment for all publications in Pubmed until December 2018 covering genetic causes of male infertility and/or defective male genitourinary development.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Two independent reviewers conducted the literature search and included papers on the monogenic causes of human male infertility and excluded papers on genetic association or risk factors, karyotype anomalies and/or copy number variations affecting multiple genes. Next, the quality and the extent of all evidence supporting selected genes was weighed by a standardized scoring method and used to determine the clinical validity of each gene–disease relationship as expressed by the following six categories: no evidence, limited, moderate, strong, definitive or unable to classify.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
From a total of 23 526 records, we included 1337 publications about monogenic causes of male infertility leading to a list of 521 gene–disease relationships. The clinical validity of these gene–disease relationships varied widely and ranged from definitive (n = 38) to strong (n = 22), moderate (n = 32), limited (n = 93) or no evidence (n = 160). A total of 176 gene–disease relationships could not be classified because our scoring method was not suitable.

LARGE SCALE DATA
Not applicable.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Our literature search was limited to Pubmed.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The comprehensive overview will aid researchers and clinicians in the field to establish gene lists for diagnostic screening using validated gene–disease criteria and help to identify gaps in our knowledge of male infertility. For future studies, the authors discuss the relevant and important international guidelines regarding research related to gene discovery and provide specific recommendations for the field of male infertility.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This work was supported by a VICI grant from The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (918-15-667 to J.A.V.), the Royal Society, and Wolfson Foundation (WM160091 to J.A.V.) as well as an investigator award in science from the Wellcome Trust (209451 to J.A.V.).

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
None.
Bilateral internal thoracic artery versus single internal thoracic artery: a meta-analysis of propensity score-matched observational studies
Authors: Urso Stefano , Nogales Eliú , González Jesús María , Sadaba Rafael , Tena María Ángeles , Bellot Raquel , Ríos Luis , Portela Francisco 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

The lack of benefit in terms of mid-term survival and the increase in the risk of sternal wound complications published in a recent randomized controlled trial have raised concerns about the use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) in myocardial revascularization surgery. For this reason, we decided to explore the current evidence available on the subject by carrying out a meta-analysis of propensity score-matched studies comparing BITA versus single internal thoracic artery (SITA). PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched for propensity score-matched studies comparing BITA versus SITA. The generic inverse variance method was used to compute the combined hazard ratio (HR) of long-term mortality. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to compute the combined risk ratio of 30-day mortality, deep sternal wound infection and reoperation for bleeding. Forty-five BITA versus SITA matched populations were included. Meta-analysis showed a significant benefit in terms of long-term survival in favour of the BITA group [HR 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–0.86]. These results were consistent with those obtained by a pooled analysis of the matched populations comprising patients with diabetes (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43–0.99). When compared with the use of SITA plus radial artery, BITA did not show any significant benefit in terms of long-term survival (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.69–1.07). No differences between BITA and SITA groups were detected in terms of 30-day mortality or in terms of reoperation for bleeding. Compared with the SITA group, patients in the BITA group had a significantly higher risk of deep sternal wound infection (risk ratio 1.66; 95% CI 1.41–1.95) even when the pooled analysis was limited to matched populations in which BITA was harvested according to the skeletonization technique (risk ratio 1.37; 95% CI 1.04–1.79). The use of BITA provided a long-term survival benefit compared with the use of SITA at the expense of a higher risk of sternal deep wound infection. The long-term survival advantage of BITA is undetectable when compared with SITA plus radial artery.
Risk of acute respiratory infection from crop burning in India: estimating disease burden and economic welfare from satellite and national health survey data for 250 000 persons
Authors: Chakrabarti Suman , Khan Mohammed Tajuddin , Kishore Avinash , Roy Devesh , Scott Samuel P 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
Respiratory infections are among the leading causes of death and disability globally. Respirable aerosol particles released by agricultural crop-residue burning (ACRB), practised by farmers in all global regions, are potentially harmful to human health. Our objective was to estimate the health and economic costs of ACRB in northern India.

Methods
The primary outcome was acute respiratory infection (ARI) from India’s fourth District Level Health Survey (DLHS-4). DLHS-4 data were merged with Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite data on fire occurrence. Mutually adjusted generalized linear models were used to generate risk ratios for risk factors of ARI. Overall disease burden due to ACRB was estimated in terms of disability-adjusted life years.

Results
Seeking medical treatment for ARI in the previous 2 weeks was reported by 5050 (2%) of 252 539 persons. Living in a district with intense ACRB—the top quintile of fires per day—was associated with a 3-fold higher risk of ARI (mutually adjusted risk ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 2.77 to 3.23) after adjustment for socio-demographic and household factors. Children under 5 years of age were particularly susceptible (3.65, 3.06 to 4.34 in this subgroup). Additional ARI risk factors included motor-vehicle congestion (1.96, 1.72 to 2.23), open drainage (1.91, 1.73 to 2.11), cooking with biomass (1.73, 1.58 to 1.90) and living in urban areas (1.35, 1.26 to 1.44). Eliminating ACRB would avert 14.9 million disability-adjusted life years lost per year, valued at US$152.9 billion over 5 years.

Conclusions
Investments to stop crop burning and offer farmers alternative crop-residue disposal solutions are likely to improve population-level respiratory health and yield major economic returns.
Inflammation and hearing status in mid-childhood and mid-life: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Jing , Sung Valerie , Carew Peter , Liu Richard S , Burgner David , Wake Melissa 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
Lifelong inflammation – known to be associated with many non-communicable diseases – has not been thoroughly investigated in hearing. We aimed to determine if glycoprotein A (GlycA), a novel biomarker of chronic inflammation, is associated with hearing acuity in mid-childhood and mid-life.

Methods
Population-based cross-sectional study within the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children with plasma GlycA and audiometry data (1169 children and 1316 parents). We calculated high Fletcher Index (mean threshold across 1, 2 and 4 kHz), defining hearing loss as threshold >15 decibel hearing level (dB HL) (better ear). Linear/logistic regression quantified associations of GlycA with hearing threshold/loss.

Results
Mean [standard deviation (SD)] high Fletcher Indices (dB HL) were 8.0 (5.7) for children and 13.1 (6.9) for adults, with 8.7% and 26.1% respectively showing hearing loss. 1-SD rise in GlycA (children 0.13 mmol/L, adults 0.17 mmol/L) predicted higher hearing thresholds for the lower individual frequencies [1 kHz: children β 0.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3–1.3; adults β 0.8, 95% CI 0.2–1.4]. This same pattern was evident for the high Fletcher Index (children β 0.7, 95% CI 0.3–1.1; adults β 0.8, 95% CI 0.3–1.4). This translated into 1-SD rise in GlycA predicting adult hearing loss [odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.5] with similar but attenuated patterns in children.

Conclusions
GlycA is associated with poorer hearing by mid-childhood. This potentially reframes hearing loss as a life-course condition with inflammatory antecedents common to other non-communicable diseases. Replication and mechanistic studies could inform causal inference and early prevention efforts.
Postwar Kosovo: Global and Local Dimensions of Interethnic Reconciliation Processes
Authors: Ferati-Sachsenmaier Flora 
Published: February 2019

Abstract∞
This article examines how Kosovo’s postwar struggle for statehood intersected with interethnic reconciliation processes from 1999 to 2008. It argues that, among other factors, it was the ensuing governance in postwar Kosovo that made it difficult, if not impossible, for any kind of meaningful interethnic reconciliation to take place. Drawing on primary sources and personal interviews, the article focuses on groups that can be called ‘reconciliation agents’ and that were among the main actors dealing with the legacy of the Kosovo war. They were typically multiethnic actors, both in terms of their staff members and their declared agendas, and they were exceptionally creative and courageous in their efforts to promote interethnic reconciliation. They were, however, not seen as postconflict forces by much of the population and were often perceived as agents continuing the conflict over the status of Kosovo by other means. The same was true for their international donors and other relevant international governmental actors that were supporting interethnic reconciliation activities.
Like Dust before the Wind, or, the Winds of Change? The Influence of International Criminal Tribunals on Narratives and Media Frames
Authors: Bachmann Klaus , Kemp Gerhard , Ristić Irena , Mihajlović Trbovc Jovana , Ljubojević Ana , Nędzi-Marek Aleksandra , Bayisenge Fortunee , Ahmet Mohammed Ali Mohammed , Krasniqi Vjollca 
Published: February 2019

Abstract∞
When created, international criminal tribunals (ICTs) were not only expected to do justice but also to provide stabilization to postconflict regions, contribute to reconciliation and curb the potential denial of atrocities. Based on media content analysis, this article examines whether controversial ICT decisions triggered changes in narratives or frames about the conflicts which formed the background of the respective ICT decisions. There is no evidence for dramatic changes in the preexisting narratives about these conflicts, but we found some cases in which tribunal decisions caused changes in media frames and in elements of such frames, mostly by emphasizing outgroup victimhood and individual responsibility of ingroup perpetrators, as well as triggering effects of collective guilt externalization. Although frame changes were often observed in both democratic and nondemocratic countries, only in democratic countries with pluralist and competitive media systems could they be attributed to tribunal decisions.