bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atrophic bladder in long‐term dialysis patients increases the risk for urological complications after kidney transplantation
Authors: Hotta Kiyohiko , Miura Masayoshi , Wada Yoshiki , Fukuzawa Nobuyuki , Iwami Daiki , Sasaki Hajime , Seki Toshimori , Harada Hiroshi 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the risk for urological complications after kidney transplantation at a single medical center in Japan.MethodsIn the present study, 408 kidney recipients (255 men, 153 women) were enrolled. There were 349 living and 59 deceased donors. The average age of the recipients was 42.5 ± 13.5 years, and the average pretransplant dialysis period was 71.8 ± 88.2 months. Ureteroneocystostomy was carried out on 347 patients, and ureteroureterostomy on 61 patients. We investigated the relationship between pretransplant duration of dialysis and bladder capacity, and examined the risk factors for urological complication. We also evaluated the incidence of vesicoureteral reflux in 191 recipients who underwent ureteroneocystostomy during transplantation.ResultsThe preoperative duration of dialysis therapy showed a significant negative correlation with bladder capacity (R2 = 0.33, P < 0.001). The overall urological complication rate was 3.4% (14 patients), including urinary leakage (12 patients) and ureteral stricture (two patients). Univariate analysis showed that atrophic bladder, long‐term dialysis therapy, deceased donor and ureteroureterostomy were associated with a higher incidence of urological complications (odds ratio 8.05, 4.43, 3.42 and 3.35; P < 0.01, P = 0.01, P = 0.04 and P = 0.04, respectively). Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that atrophic bladder was the only significant factor associated with urological complications (odds ratio 10.37; P = 0.01). Among 191 recipients, vesicoureteral reflux was observed in 32 (16.8%). The incidence of vesicoureteral reflux was significantly higher in patients with atrophic bladder.ConclusionsBladder atrophy in renal transplant recipients after long‐term dialysis therapy is associated with a higher risk of urological complications.
The ‘Oops!’ of EU Engagement Abroad: Analyzing Unintended Consequences of EU External Action
Authors: Burlyuk Olga 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe mainstream scholarship assessing EU external action frames the subject in terms of success or failure to achieve the intended effects, the latter generally defined against the EU's own stated objectives. Resting on a tacit assumption that EU engagement in third states is a good thing, these analyses are framed as ‘positive impact or no impact’ and tend to neglect the wider effects of EU policies. This article maintains that EU external action may and often does have unintended consequences, thus expanding the study of EU impact beyond the sheer study of EU effectiveness. Drawing on broader literature on unintended consequences, the article proposes a framework for analyzing unintended consequences of EU external action. It synthesizes and adapts to the EU context a classification of unintended consequences and, in order to illustrate its utility, applies the proposed framework to three empirical examples derived from EU neighbourhood, migration and trade policies.
Research Review: Language problems in children with Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – a systematic meta‐analytic review
Authors: Korrel Hannah , Mueller Kathryn L. , Silk Tim , Anderson Vicki , Sciberras Emma 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundChildren with Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) appear to have a higher risk of language problems compared with typically developing children, although the types of language problems experienced are less clear. This review aims to establish the types of language problems experienced by children with ADHD according to systematically reviewed literature and determine the empirical evidence for language problems in children with ADHD compared with non‐ADHD controls.MethodsA standardized search protocol was used on databases: CINAHL, Medline, and PsychINFO. We identified studies with the following inclusion criteria: (a) confirmed ADHD status at the time of the study, (b) inclusion of a non‐ADHD control group, (c) use of a validated language measure, and (d) age ≤ 18. t‐Tests, Pearson's r, and Hedges g effect sizes (ES) were calculated using summary statistics. Random effects meta‐analyses were conducted for the language domain suitable for analysis. Publication bias was investigated using both the trim and fill and p‐curve techniques.ResultsTwenty‐one studies were included in the systematic review (ADHD = 1,209; Control = 1,101), within which 60 of 68 separate analyses found significant differences between the ADHD and control group on the language measures (p < .05). Follow‐up meta‐analyses found evidence for large deficits in the ADHD groups overall (10/11 studies met p < .05; weighted mean ES [WMES]: 1.04); expressive (10/10 met p < .05; WMES: 1.23); receptive (12/14 met p < .05; WMES: 0.97), and pragmatic language (4/4 studies met p < .05; WMES: 0.98) compared with controls.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that children with ADHD have poorer performance on measures of overall, expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language compared with controls. A screening of language functioning may be a valuable addition to the assessment of ADHD.
A model to predict the onset of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease within 2 years in elderly adults
Authors: Lin Ya‐Jie , Gao Xi‐Mei , Pan Wei‐Wei , Gao Shuai , Yu Zhen‐Zhen , Xu Ping , Fan Xiao‐Peng 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic hepatitis, which leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, it is difficult to identify subjects at high risk for NAFLD onset. This study aims to construct a model to predict the onset of NAFLD within 2 years in elderly adults.MethodsThis study included and followed 3378 initial NAFLD‐free subjects aged 60 years or over for 2 years, which were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. NAFLD was diagnosed on ultrasound. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded at baseline. A model was constructed in the training set to predict the onset of NAFLD and validated in the validation set.ResultsBody mass index, hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, and triglycerides were identified as predictors for the onset of NAFLD. A risk score (R) was calculated by them. It classified the subjects into low‐risk group (R ≤ −2.88), moderate‐risk group (−2.88 < R ≤ −1.26), and high‐risk group (R > −1.26). In the training set, 4.68% of the participants in the low‐risk group, 11.59% of the participants in the moderate‐risk group, and 31.02% of the participants in the high‐risk group developed NAFLD. In the validation set, 5.84% of the participants in the low‐risk group, 10.57% of the participants in the moderate‐risk group, and 29.44% of the participants in the high‐risk group developed NAFLD.ConclusionsThis study developed a model to predict the onset of NAFLD in elderly adults, which might provide indications for intervention to these subjects.
Structural modeling and functional analysis of the essential ribosomal processing protease Prp from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wall Erin A. , Johnson Adam L. , Peterson Darrell L. , Christie Gail E. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryIn Firmicutes and related bacteria, ribosomal large subunit protein L27 is encoded with a conserved N‐terminal extension that is removed to expose residues critical for ribosome function. Bacteria encoding L27 with this N‐terminal extension also encode a sequence‐specific cysteine protease, Prp, which carries out this cleavage. In this work, we demonstrate that L27 variants with an un‐cleavable N‐terminal extension, or lacking the extension (pre‐cleaved), are unable to complement an L27 deletion in Staphylococcus aureus. This indicates that N‐terminal processing of L27 is not only essential but possibly has a regulatory role. Prp represents a new clade of previously uncharacterized cysteine proteases, and the dependence of S. aureus on L27 cleavage by Prp validates the enzyme as a target for potential antibiotic development. To better understand the mechanism of Prp activity, we analyzed Prp enzyme kinetics and substrate preference using a fluorogenic peptide cleavage assay. Molecular modeling and site‐directed mutagenesis implicate several residues around the active site in catalysis and substrate binding, and support a structural model in which rearrangement of a flexible loop upon binding of the correct peptide substrate is required for the active site to assume the proper conformation. These findings lay the foundation for the development of antimicrobials that target this novel, essential pathway.
DNA methylation and gene expression regulation associated with vascularization in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Turco Gina M. , Kajala Kaisa , Kunde‐Ramamoorthy Govindarajan , Ngan Chew‐Yee , Olson Andrew , Deshphande Shweta , Tolkunov Denis , Waring Barbara , Stelpflug Scott , Klein Patricia , Schmutz Jeremy , Kaeppler Shawn , Ware Doreen , Wei Chia‐Lin , Etchells J. Peter , Brady Siobhan M. 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Plant secondary cell walls constitute the majority of plant biomass. They are predominantly found in xylem cells, which are derived from vascular initials during vascularization. Little is known about these processes in grass species despite their emerging importance as biomass feedstocks. The targeted biofuel crop Sorghum bicolor has a sequenced and well‐annotated genome, making it an ideal monocot model for addressing vascularization and biomass deposition.

Here we generated tissue‐specific transcriptome and DNA methylome data from sorghum shoots, roots and developing root vascular and nonvascular tissues.

Many genes associated with vascular development in other species show enriched expression in developing vasculature. However, several transcription factor families varied in vascular expression in sorghum compared with Arabidopsis and maize. Furthermore, differential expression of genes associated with DNA methylation were identified between vascular and nonvascular tissues, implying that changes in DNA methylation are a feature of sorghum root vascularization, which we confirmed using tissue‐specific DNA methylome data. Roots treated with a DNA methylation inhibitor also showed a significant decrease in root length.

Tissues and organs can be discriminated based on their genomic methylation patterns and methylation context. Consequently, tissue‐specific changes in DNA methylation are part of the normal developmental process.
Variation in seed size is structured by dispersal syndrome and cone morphology in conifers and other nonflowering seed plants
Authors: Leslie Andrew B. , Beaulieu Jeremy M. , Mathews Sarah 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Seed size varies tremendously in plants and its evolution is influenced by multiple ecological and biological factors that are difficult to disentangle. In this study, we focus on understanding the role of seed dispersal by animals in the evolution of seed size in conifers, the most diverse extant nonflowering seed plant group.

Relationships among seed size, dispersal syndrome, climate and cone morphology were analyzed across conifers using quantitative models of character evolution and phylogenetic regression techniques.

Dispersal syndrome is a more consistent predictor of seed size within major extant conifer clades than climate. Seeds are generally larger in animal‐dispersed than wind‐dispersed species, and particular cone morphologies are consistently associated with specific ranges in seed size.

Seed size and cone morphology evolve in a correlated manner in many animal‐dispersed conifers, following a trade‐off that minimizes the total size of the dispersal unit. These relationships are also present in other nonflowering seed plant groups, and have been important in the evolution of seeds and cones at least over the Cenozoic and perhaps over much of the later Mesozoic.
Evolutionary asymmetry in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis: conservatism in fungal morphology does not predict host plant growth
Authors: Koch Alexander M. , Antunes Pedro M. , Maherali Hafiz , Hart Miranda M. , Klironomos John N. 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Although arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are obligate symbionts that can influence plant growth, the magnitude and direction of these effects are highly variable within fungal genera and even among isolates within species, as well as among plant taxa.

To determine whether variability in AM fungal morphology and growth is correlated with AM fungal effects on plant growth, we established a common garden experiment with 56 AM fungal isolates comprising 17 genera and six families growing with three plant host species.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal morphology and growth was highly conserved among isolates of the same species and among species within a family. By contrast, plant growth response to fungal inoculation was highly variable, with the majority of variation occurring among different isolates of the same AM fungal species.

Our findings show that host performance cannot be predicted from AM fungal morphology and growth traits. Divergent effects on plant growth among isolates within an AM fungal species may be caused by coevolution between co‐occurring fungal and plant populations.
A meta‐analysis of overall effects of weight loss interventions delivered via mobile phones and effect size differences according to delivery mode, personal contact, and intervention intensity and duration
Authors: Schippers M. , Adam P. C. G. , Smolenski D. J. , Wong H. T. H. , de Wit J. B. F. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryWeight loss interventions are delivered through various mediums including, increasingly, mobile phones. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assesses whether interventions delivered via mobile phones reduce body weight and which intervention characteristics are associated with efficacy. The study included randomised controlled trials assessing the efficacy of weight loss interventions delivered via mobile phones. A meta‐analysis to test intervention efficacy was performed, and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine whether interventions' delivery mode(s), inclusion of personal contact, duration and interaction frequency improve efficacy. Pooled body weight reduction (d = −0.23; 95% confidence interval = −0.38, −0.08) was significant. Interventions delivered via other modes in addition to the mobile phone were associated with weight reduction. Personal contact and more frequent interactions in interventions were also associated with greater weight reduction. In conclusion, the current body of evidence shows that interventions delivered via mobile phones produce a modest reduction in body weight when combined with other delivery modes. Delivering interventions with frequent and personal interactions may in particular benefit weight loss results.
Methodological considerations and impact of school‐based interventions on objectively measured physical activity in adolescents: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Borde R. , Smith J. J. , Sutherland R. , Nathan N. , Lubans D. R. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe aims of this systematic review and meta‐analysis are (i) to determine the impact of school‐based interventions on objectively measured physical activity among adolescents and (ii) to examine accelerometer methods and decision rule reporting in previous interventions.MethodsA systematic search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials targeting adolescents (age: ≥10 years), conducted in the school setting, and reporting objectively measured physical activity. Random effects meta‐analyses were conducted to determine the pooled effects of previous interventions on total and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity. Potential moderators of intervention effects were also explored.ResultsThirteen articles met the inclusion criteria, and twelve were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled effects were small and non‐significant for both total physical activity (standardized mean difference = 0.02 [95% confidence interval = −0.13 to 0.18]) and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (standardized mean difference = 0.24 [95% confidence interval = −0.08 to 0.56]). Sample age and accelerometer compliance were significant moderators for total physical activity, with a younger sample and higher compliance associated with larger effects.ConclusionPrevious school‐based physical activity interventions targeting adolescents have been largely unsuccessful, particularly for older adolescents. There is a need for more high‐quality research using objective monitoring in this population. Future interventions should comply with best‐practice recommendations regarding physical activity monitoring protocols.
Factors involved in white‐to‐brown adipose tissue conversion and in thermogenesis: a review
Authors: Montanari T. , Pošćić N. , Colitti M. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryObesity is the result of energy intake chronically exceeding energy expenditure. Classical treatments against obesity do not provide a satisfactory long‐term outcome for the majority of patients. After the demonstration of functional brown adipose tissue in human adults, great effort is being devoted to develop therapies based on the adipose tissue itself, through the conversion of fat‐accumulating white adipose tissue into energy‐dissipating brown adipose tissue. Anti‐obesity treatments that exploit endogenous, pharmacological and nutritional factors to drive such conversion are especially in demand. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the various molecules that can be applied in promoting white‐to‐brown adipose tissue conversion and energy expenditure and the cellular mechanisms involved.
The Compatibility of the Structure‐and‐Dynamics Argument and Phenomenal Functionalism about Space
Authors: Roelofs Luke 
Published: February 2017

AbstractChalmers argues against physicalism using the premise that no truth about consciousness is deducible a priori from purely structural truths, and later defines what it is for a truth to be structural, which turns out to include spatiotemporal truths. But Chalmers then defines spatiotemporal terms by reference to their role in causing spatiotemporal experiences. Stoljar and Ebbers argue that these definitions allow for the trivial falsification of Chalmers premise about structure and consciousness. I show that this result can be avoided by tweaking the relevant premise, and that this tweak is not ad hoc.
Photomorphogenic responses to ultraviolet‐B light
Authors: Jenkins Gareth I. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractExposure to ultraviolet B (UV‐B) light regulates numerous aspects of plant metabolism, morphology and physiology through the differential expression of hundreds of genes. Photomorphogenic responses to UV‐B are mediated by the photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8). Considerable progress has been made in understanding UVR8 action: the structural basis of photoreceptor function, how interaction with CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 initiates signaling and how REPRESSOR OF UV‐B PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS proteins negatively regulate UVR8 action. In addition, recent research shows that UVR8 mediates several responses through interaction with other signaling pathways, in particular auxin signaling. Nevertheless, many aspects of UVR8 action remain poorly understood. Most research to date has been undertaken with Arabidopsis, and it is important to explore the functions and regulation of UVR8 in diverse plant species. Furthermore, it is essential to understand how UVR8, and UV‐B signaling in general, regulates processes under natural growth conditions. Ultraviolet B regulates the expression of many genes through UVR8‐independent pathways, but the activity and importance of these pathways in plants growing in sunlight are poorly understood.
Enhancement of the Efficacy of Photodynamic Inactivation of Candida albicans with the Use of Biogenic Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Maliszewska Irena , Lisiak Barbara , Popko Katarzyna , Matczyszyn Katarzyna 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study reports on successful photodynamic inactivation of planktonic and biofilm cells of Candida albicans using Rose Bengal (RB) in combination with biogenic gold nanoparticles synthesized by the cell‐free filtrate of Penicillium funiculosum BL1 strain. Monodispersed colloidal gold nanoparticles coated with proteins were characterized by a number of techniques including SEM–EDS, TEM, UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to be 24 ± 3 nm spheres. A Xe lamp (output power of 20mW, delivering intensity of 53 mW cm−2) was used as a light source to study the effects of RB alone, the gold nanoparticles alone and the RB‐gold nanoparticle mixture on the viability of C. albicans cells. The most effective reduction in the number of planktonic cells was found after 30 min of Xe lamp light irradiation (95.4 J cm−2) and was 4.89 log10 that is 99.99% kill for the mixture of RB with gold nanoparticles compared with 2.19 log10 or 99.37% for RB alone. The biofilm cells were more resistant to photodynamic inactivation, and the highest effective reduction in the number of cells was found after 30 min of irradiation in the presence of the RB–gold nanoparticles mixture and was 1.53 log10, that is 97.04% kill compared with 0.6 log10 or 74.73% for RB. The probable mechanism of enhancement of RB‐mediated photodynamic fungicidal efficacy against C. albicans in the presence of biogenic gold nanoparticles is discussed leading to the conclusion that this process may have a multifaceted character.
Attempting to restore mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) four years after fire
Authors: Davies Kirk W. , Bates Jon D. , Hulet April 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRestoration of shrubs is needed throughout the world because of altered fire regimes, anthropogenic disturbance, and overutilization. The native shrub mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. vaseyana (Rydb.) Beetle) is a restoration priority because of its value to wildlife in western North America. One of the principal threats to mountain big sagebrush is encroachment by western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis ssp. occidentalis Hook) and other conifers. Fire is frequently applied to control juniper; however, sagebrush recovery after fire can be variable. Seeding sagebrush postfire can hasten sagebrush recovery; however, seeding is not always necessary. Therefore, it may be advantageous to monitor postfire recovery to determine if seeding is needed. The effect of seeding sagebrush several years after fire is unknown. We evaluated the efficiency of seeding mountain big sagebrush four years after fire‐controlled junipers at five sites. Sagebrush cover (<0.5%) and density (<0.07 plants/m2) was low in seeded plots and did not differ from unseeded controls in the three postseeding years. We conclude that seeding sagebrush four years after fire did not accelerate sagebrush recovery. We speculate that seeded sagebrush failed to establish because of competition from herbaceous vegetation that had four years to recover after fire. Although it would be beneficial to seed sagebrush only when needed, our results suggest postponing seeding until monitoring has determined that recovery is inadequate may not be advisable. We suggest researchers investigate methods to improve predicting sagebrush recovery to allow for seeding, when needed, before the first postfire growing season.