bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between ratio indexes of body composition phenotypes and metabolic risk in Italian adults
Authors: Powell M. , Lara J. , Mocciaro G. , Prado C. M. , Battezzati A. , Leone A. , Tagliabue A. , de Amicis R. , Vignati L. , Bertoli S. , Siervo M. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThe ratio between fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM) has been used to discriminate individual differences in body composition and improve prediction of metabolic risk. Here, we evaluated whether the use of a visceral adipose tissue‐to‐fat‐free mass index (VAT:FFMI) ratio was a better predictor of metabolic risk than a fat mass index to fat‐free mass index (FMI:FFMI) ratio. This is a cross‐sectional study including 3441 adult participants (age range 18–81; men/women: 977/2464). FM and FFM were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and VAT by ultrasonography. A continuous metabolic risk Z score and harmonised international criteria were used to define cumulative metabolic risk and metabolic syndrome (MetS), respectively. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to test associations between body composition indexes and metabolic risk. In unadjusted models, VAT:FFMI was a better predictor of MetS (OR 8.03, 95%CI 6.69–9.65) compared to FMI:FFMI (OR 2.91, 95%CI 2.45–3.46). However, the strength of association of VAT:FFMI and FMI:FFMI became comparable when models were adjusted for age, gender, clinical and sociodemographic factors (OR 4.06, 95%CI 3.31–4.97; OR 4.25, 95%CI 3.42–5.27, respectively). A similar pattern was observed for the association of the two indexes with the metabolic risk Z score (VAT:FFMI: unadjusted b = 0.69 ± 0.03, adjusted b = 0.36 ± 0.03; FMI:FFMI: unadjusted b = 0.28 ± 0.028, adjusted b = 0.38 ± 0.02). Our results suggest that there is no real advantage in using either VAT:FFMI or FMI:FFMI ratios as a predictor of metabolic risk in adults. However, these results warrant confirmation in longitudinal studies.
A national patient and public colorectal research agenda: integration of consumer perspectives in bowel disease through early consultation
Authors: McNair A. G. K. , Heywood N. , Tiernan J. , Verjee A. , Bach S. P. , Fearnhead N. S. ,   ORACLE Collaboration
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimThere is a recognized need to include the views of patients and the public in prioritizing health research. This study aimed: (i) to explore patients’ views on colorectal research; and (ii) to prioritize research topics with patients and the public.MethodIn phase 1, 12 charitable organizations and patient groups with an interest in bowel disease were invited to attend a consultation exercise. Participants were briefed on 25 colorectal research topics prioritized by members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. Focus groups were conducted and discussions were recorded with field notes. Analysis was conducted using principles of thematic analysis. In phase 2, a free public consultation was undertaken. Participants were recruited from newspaper advertisements, were briefed on the same research topics and were asked to rate the importance of each on a five‐point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used to rank the topics. Univariable linear regression compared recorded demographic details with mean topic scores.ResultsFocus groups were attended by 12 patients who highlighted the importance of patient‐centred information for trial recruitment and when selecting outcome measures. Some 360 people attended the public consultation, of whom 277 (77%) were recruited. Participants rated ‘What is the best way to treat early cancer in the back passage?’ highest, with 227 (85%) scoring it 4 or 5. There was no correlation between participant demographics and mean topic scores.ConclusionThe present study prioritized a colorectal research agenda with the input of patients and the public. Further research is required to translate this agenda into real improvements in patient care.
Adding Some Green to the Greening: Improving the EU's Ecological Focus Areas for Biodiversity and Farmers
Authors: Pe'er Guy , Zinngrebe Yves , Hauck Jennifer , Schindler Stefan , Dittrich Andreas , Zingg Silvia , Tscharntke Teja , Oppermann Rainer , Sutcliffe Laura M.E. , Sirami Clélia , Schmidt Jenny , Hoyer Christian , Schleyer Christian , Lakner Sebastian 
Published: November 2016

AbstractEcological Focus Areas (EFAs) are one of the three new greening measures of the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). We used an interdisciplinary and European‐scale approach to evaluate ecological effectiveness and farmers’ perception of the different EFA options. We assessed potential benefits of EFA options for biodiversity using a survey among 88 ecologists from 17 European countries. We further analyzed data on EFA uptake at the EU level and in eight EU Member States, and reviewed socio‐economic factors influencing farmers’ decisions. We then identified possible ways to improve EFAs. Ecologists scored field margins, buffer strips, fallow land, and landscape features as most beneficial whereas farmers mostly implemented “catch crops and green cover,” nitrogen‐fixing crops, and fallow land. Based on the expert inputs and a review of the factors influencing farmers’ decisions, we suggest that EFA implementation could be improved by (a) prioritizing EFA options that promote biodiversity (e.g., reducing the weight or even excluding ineffective options); (b) reducing administrative constraints; (c) setting stricter management requirements (e.g., limiting agrochemical use); and (d) offering further incentives for expanding options like landscape features and buffer strips. We finally propose further improvements at the next CAP reform, to improve ecological effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness.
Reduced microRNA‐188‐3p expression contributes to apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in patients with azoospermia
Authors: Song Wen‐Yan , Meng Hui , Wang Xue‐Gai , Jin Hai‐Xia , Yao Gui‐Dong , Shi Sen‐Lin , Wu Liang , Zhang Xiang‐Yang , Sun Ying‐Pu 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackground and aimsHuman mutL homologl (MLH1) works coordinately in sequential steps to initiate repair of DNA mismatches, and aberrant MLH1 expression is related to spermatogenetic malfunction. In the present study, MLH1 expression in patients with azoospermia was investigated, and moderating effects of miR‐188‐3p on MLH1 expression and spermatogenesis were identified.MethodsTesticular tissues from 16 patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA), and tissues of eight healthy patients were collected. Real‐time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect MLH1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assay were performed to evaluate histone acetylation level of miR‐188‐3p and relationships between miR‐188‐3p and MLH1.ResultsTesticular MLH1 expression at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased, while miR‐188‐3p expression was lower in patients with OA and NOA than that in controls. Reduced histone acetylation level of miR‐188‐3p promoter was observed in patients with azoospermia. Overexpression/inhibition of HDAC1, but not HDAC2, contributed to the significant reduction/increase of miR‐188‐3p expression. miR‐188‐3p targeted 3′ UTR of MLH1 and regulated MLH1 expression. miR‐188‐3p inhibitor led to elevation of apoptotic level of spermatogenic cells in mice, while this effect was reversed by si‐MLH1.ConclusionDown‐regulation of miR‐188‐3p by reducing histone acetylation up‐regulated MLH1 expression and contributed to promotion of apoptosis in spermatogenic cells, in patients with azoospermia.
840. ROSA HIRTULA
Authors: Ohba Hideaki 
Published: November 2016

SummaryRosa hirtula (Regel) Nakai, a species endemic to Japan, is illustrated. It occurs in central Honshū around Mt. Fuji and Hakone and vicinity. Rosa hirtula is similar to R. roxburghii Tratt., particularly to the single‐flowered form, f. normalis Rehder & E. H. Wils., and is distinguished by its tree habit, hairy rachis, and lanceolate to narrowly oblong leaflets with acuminate to acuminate‐acute apex, serrulate margins, and hairy midvein on the lower surface.
Pathogenese und Klinik der Rosazea als Schlüssel für eine symptomorientierte Therapie
Authors: Reinholz M , Ruzicka T , Steinhoff M , Schaller M , Gieler U , Schöfer H , Homey B , Lehmann P , Luger TA 
Published: November 2016

ZusammenfassungRosazea ist eine häufige chronisch‐entzündliche Hauterkrankung, die typischerweise bei Erwachsenen vorkommt und das Gesicht betrifft. Synonyme der Rosazea sind Acne rosacea, Kupferfinne, Rotfinne, Couperose und Rosacea. Die Erkrankung ist durch einen chronischen und schubartigen Verlauf gekennzeichnet und wird durch ein genetisch prädisponiertes, multifaktorielles Geschehen bedingt. Ein vermehrtes Auftreten wird bei hellem Hauttyp und positiver Familienanamnese verzeichnet. Die charakteristischen Rosazea‐Symptome manifestieren sich vorwiegend, aber nicht ausschließlich zentrofazial, wobei Stirn, Nase, Kinn und die Wangen maßgeblich betroffen sind. Dabei werden unterschiedliche Hauptsymptome voneinander unterschieden, anhand derer eine Klassifikation der verschiedenen klinischen Bilder vorgenommen werden kann. Eine Klassifizierung wird oftmals jedoch nicht der klinischen Realität gerecht, da die verschiedenen Symptome häufig gemeinsam auftreten. Diese Übersichtarbeit führt in die Pathogenese und Klinik der Rosazea ein und plädiert für einen symptomorientierten Therapieansatz.
State of the art: systemic rosacea management
Authors: Schaller M , Schöfer H , Homey B , Gieler U , Lehmann P , Luger TA , Ruzicka T , Steinhoff M 
Published: November 2016

SummaryBased on numerous trials, oral tetracyclines and most commonly their second‐generation derivative doxycycline have become the main pillar in systemic rosacea treatment. However, the only preparation that has been approved so far in this setting is 40 mg doxycycline in an anti‐inflammatory dosage and with a modified release formulation. With the introduction of this once‐daily, non‐antibiotic dosing of doxycycline, oral therapy is more commonly prescribed as first‐line treatment in moderate to severe papulopustular rosacea. In addition, topical and oral strategies are often used in combination due to the more substantial improvements compared to monotherapy. Although several other non‐approved oral agents like macrolides, isotretinoin, and carvedilol have been evaluated for systemic treatment and showed promising results, yet the experience with these drugs in rosacea is limited, and thus they should be reserved for special situations.
Hepatic chemerin mRNA expression is reduced in human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Pohl Rebekka , Haberl Elisabeth M. , Rein‐Fischboeck Lisa , Zimny Sebastian , Neumann Maximilian , Aslanidis Charalampos , Schacherer Doris , Krautbauer Sabrina , Eisinger Kristina , Weiss Thomas S. , Buechler Christa 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundChemerin is associated with insulin resistance and is expressed in the liver. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to impaired insulin sensitivity, but studies evaluating hepatic and serum chemerin in NAFLD resulted in discordant data.Materials and methodsChemerin mRNA was determined in the liver tissue obtained from 33 controls and 76 NAFLD patients. Chemerin serum levels were measured in a different cohort of patients with ultrasound‐diagnosed NAFLD and the respective controls. Hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes were exposed to selected metabolites and nuclear receptor agonists to study the regulation of chemerin. Effect of recombinant chemerin on hepatocyte released proteins was analysed.ResultsHepatic chemerin expression was not related to BMI, gender, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Chemerin mRNA did not correlate with steatosis and was negatively associated with inflammation, fibrosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) score. Patients with NASH had lower chemerin mRNA compared to those with borderline NASH and controls. Factors with a role in NASH mostly did not regulate chemerin in the liver cells. Of note, liver X receptor agonist reduced chemerin protein. Serum chemerin was not changed in NAFLD. Levels positively correlated with age, waist‐to‐hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, serum FGF21 and lipocalin 2, and negatively with transferrin saturation. Chemerin induced FGF21 in supernatants of primary human hepatocytes. Hepcidin, a major regulator of iron homoeostasis and lipocalin 2, were not regulated by chemerin.ConclusionChemerin mRNA is reduced in the liver of NASH patients, and liver X receptor seems to have a role herein.
Bioenergetic evaluation of diel vertical migration by bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in a thermally stratified reservoir
Authors: Eckmann Madeleine , Dunham Jason , Connor Edward J. , Welch Carmen A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMany species living in deeper lentic ecosystems exhibit daily movements that cycle through the water column, generally referred to as diel vertical migration (DVM). In this study, we applied bioenergetics modelling to evaluate growth as a hypothesis to explain DVM by bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in a thermally stratified reservoir (Ross Lake, WA, USA) during the peak of thermal stratification in July and August. Bioenergetics model parameters were derived from observed vertical distributions of temperature, prey and bull trout. Field sampling confirmed that bull trout prey almost exclusively on recently introduced redside shiner (Richardsonius balteatus). Model predictions revealed that deeper (>25 m) DVMs commonly exhibited by bull trout during peak thermal stratification cannot be explained by maximising growth. Survival, another common explanation for DVM, may have influenced bull trout depth use, but observations suggest there may be additional drivers of DVM. We propose these deeper summertime excursions may be partly explained by an alternative hypothesis: the importance of colder water for gametogenesis. In Ross Lake, reliance of bull trout on warm water prey (redside shiner) for consumption and growth poses a potential trade‐off with the need for colder water for gametogenesis.
Prediction of long‐term prognosis by heteroplasmy levels of the m.3243A>G mutation in patients with the mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes syndrome
Authors: Fayssoil A. , Laforêt P. , Bougouin W. , Jardel C. , Lombès A. , Bécane H. M. , Berber N. , Stojkovic T. , Béhin A. , Eymard B. , Duboc D. , Wahbi K. 
Published: November 2016

Background and purposeOur aim was to determine the prognostic value of urine and blood heteroplasmy in patients with the m.3243A>G mutation.MethodsAdults with the m.3243A>G mutation referred to our institution between January 2000 and May 2014 were retrospectively included. The relationship between their baseline clinical characteristics, their mutation load in urine and blood, and major adverse events (MAEs) during follow‐up, defined as medical complications requiring a hospitalization or complicated by death, was studied.ResultsOf the 43 patients (age 45.6 ± 13.3 years) included in the study, 36 patients were symptomatic, including nine with evidence of focal brain involvement, and seven were asymptomatic. Over a 5.5 ± 4.0 year mean follow‐up duration, 14 patients (33%) developed MAEs. Patients with MAEs had a higher mutation load than others in urine (60.1% ± 13.8% vs. 40.6% ± 26.2%, P = 0.01) and in blood (26.9% ± 18.4% vs. 16.0% ± 12.1%, P = 0.03). Optimal cutoff values for the prediction of MAEs were 45% for urine and 35% for blood. In multivariate analysis, mutation load in urine ≥45% [odds ratio 25.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–567.8; P = 0.04], left ventricular hypertrophy (odds ratio 16.7; 95% CI 1.3– 222.5; P = 0.03) and seizures (odds ratio 48.3; 95% CI 2.5–933; P = 0.01) were associated with MAEs.ConclusionsPatients with the m.3243A>G mutation are at high risk of MAEs, which can be independently predicted by mutation load in urine ≥45%, a personal history of seizures, and left ventricular hypertrophy.
Effects of the North Pacific Current on the productivity of 163 Pacific salmon stocks
Authors: Malick Michael J. , Cox Sean P. , Mueter Franz J. , Dorner Brigitte , Peterman Randall M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHorizontal ocean transport can influence the dynamics of higher‐trophic‐level species in coastal ecosystems by altering either physical oceanographic conditions or the advection of food resources into coastal areas. In this study, we investigated whether variability in two North Pacific Current (NPC) indices was associated with changes in productivity of North American Pacific salmon stocks. Specifically, we used Bayesian hierarchical models to estimate the effects of the north‐south location of the NPC bifurcation (BI) and the NPC strength, indexed by the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO), on the productivity of 163 pink, chum, and sockeye salmon stocks. We found that for salmon stocks located in Washington (WA) and British Columbia (BC), both the BI and NPGO had significant positive effects on productivity, indicating that a northward‐shifted bifurcation and a stronger NPC are associated with increased salmon productivity. For the WA and BC regions, the estimated NPGO effect was over two times larger than the BI effect for pink and chum salmon, whereas for sockeye salmon the BI effect was 2.4 times higher than the NPGO. In contrast to WA and BC stocks, we found weak effects of both horizontal ocean transport processes on the productivity of salmon stocks in Alaska. Our results indicated that horizontal transport pathways might strongly influence population dynamics of Pacific salmon in the southern part of their North American ranges, but not the northern part, suggesting that different environmental pathways may underlie changes in salmon productivity in northern and southern areas for the species under consideration.
Response of Sierra Nevada forests to projected climate–wildfire interactions
Authors: Liang Shuang , Hurteau Matthew D. , Westerling Anthony LeRoy 
Published: November 2016

AbstractClimate influences forests directly and indirectly through disturbance. The interaction of climate change and increasing area burned has the potential to alter forest composition and community assembly. However, the overall forest response is likely to be influenced by species‐specific responses to environmental change and the scale of change in overstory species cover. In this study, we sought to quantify how projected changes in climate and large wildfire size would alter forest communities and carbon (C) dynamics, irrespective of competition from nontree species and potential changes in other fire regimes, across the Sierra Nevada,USA. We used a species‐specific, spatially explicit forest landscape model (LANDIS‐II) to evaluate forest response to climate–wildfire interactions under historical (baseline) climate and climate projections from three climate models (GFDL,CCSM3, andCNRM) forced by a medium–high emission scenario (A2) in combination with corresponding climate‐specific large wildfire projections. By late century, we found modest changes in the spatial distribution of dominant species by biomass relative to baseline, but extensive changes in recruitment distribution. Although forest recruitment declined across much of the Sierra, we found that projected climate and wildfire favored the recruitment of more drought‐tolerant species over less drought‐tolerant species relative to baseline, and this change was greatest at mid‐elevations. We also found that projected climate and wildfire decreased tree species richness across a large proportion of the study area and transitioned more area to a C source, which reduced landscape‐level C sequestration potential. Our study, although a conservative estimate, suggests that by late century, forest community distributions may not change as intact units as predicted by biome‐based modeling, but are likely to trend toward simplified community composition as communities gradually disaggregate and the least tolerant species are no longer able to establish. The potential exists for substantial community composition change and forest simplification beyond this century.
MYB transcription factor gene involved in sex determination in Asparagus officinalis
Authors: Murase Kohji , Shigenobu Shuji , Fujii Sota , Ueda Kazuki , Murata Takanori , Sakamoto Ai , Wada Yuko , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Osakabe Yuriko , Osakabe Keishi , Kanno Akira , Ozaki Yukio , Takayama Seiji 
Published: November 2016

Dioecy is a plant mating system in which individuals of a species are either male or female. Although many flowering plants evolved independently from hermaphroditism to dioecy, the molecular mechanism underlying this transition remains largely unknown. Sex determination in the dioecious plant Asparagus officinalis is controlled by X and Y chromosomes; the male and female karyotypes are XY and XX, respectively. Transcriptome analysis of A. officinalis buds showed that a MYB‐like gene, Male Specific Expression 1 (MSE1), is specifically expressed in males. MSE1 exhibits tight linkage with the Y chromosome, specific expression in early anther development and loss of function on the X chromosome. Knockout of the MSE1 orthologue in Arabidopsis induces male sterility. Thus, MSE1 acts in sex determination in A. officinalis.
Vascular imaging for hemodialysis vascular access planning
Authors: McGill Rita L. , Ruthazer Robin , Lacson Eduardo , Meyer Klemens B. , Miskulin Dana C. , Weiner Daniel E. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroduction: Central venous catheters (CVC) increase risks associated with hemodialysis (HD), but may be necessary until an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG) is achieved. The impact of vascular imaging on achievement of working AVF and AVG has not been firmly established.Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients initiating HD with CVC in 2010–2011, classified by exposure to venography or Doppler vein mapping, and followed through December 31, 2012. Standard and time‐dependent Cox models were used to determine hazard ratios (HRs) of death, working AVF, and any AVF or AVG. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of preoperative imaging with successful AVF or AVG among 18,883 individuals who had surgery. Models were adjusted for clinical and demographic factors.Findings: Among 33,918 patients followed for a median of 404 days, 39.1% had imaging and 55.7% had surgery. Working AVF or AVG were achieved in 40.6%; 46.2% died. Compared to nonimaged patients, imaged patients were more likely to achieve working AVF (HR = 1.45 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36, 1.55], P < 0.001]), any AVF or AVG (HR = 1.63 [1.58, 1.69], P > 0.001), and less likely to die (HR = 0.88 [0.83‐0.94], P < 0.001). Among patients who had surgery, the odds ratio for any successful AVF or AVG was 1.09 (1.02–1.16, P = 0.008).Discussion: Fewer than half of patients who initiated HD with a CVC had vascular imaging. Imaged patients were more likely to have vascular surgery and had increased achievement of working AV fistulas and grafts. Outcomes of surgery were similar in patients who did and did not have imaging.