bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antihyperglycemic drugs use and new‐onset atrial fibrillation in elderly patients
Authors: Chen Hung‐Yi , Yang Fu‐Yu , Jong Gwo‐Ping , Liou Yi‐Sheng 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundAntihyperglycemic drugs have been linked to new‐onset atrial fibrillation (NAF). However, the effect of the different classes of antihyperglycemic drugs on the development of NAF in elderly patients has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated the association between different classes of antihyperglycemic drugs and NAF in elderly patients.Materials and methodsThis was a nested case–control study performed using the database of National Health Insurance programme in Taiwan. Each participant aged 65 years and older who were NAF from 2005 to 2012 were assigned to the NAF group, whereas case was sex‐, age‐, diabetes duration‐, index date‐matched, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score‐matched randomly selected participant without NAF were assigned to the non‐NAF group. Multivariable logistic regression model was used for the estimation of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of NAF associated with use of different classes of antihyperglycemic agents. Nonusers served as the reference group.ResultsWe identified 1958 cases and 7832 controls. The risk of NAF after adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities and concurrent medication was higher among the users of insulin than among the nonusers (OR, 1·58; 95% CI, 1·37–1·82). Patients who took dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors were at lower risk of developing NAF than the nonusers (OR, 0·65; 95% CI, 0·45–0·93).ConclusionsIn this population, use of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor was associated with a low risk of NAF. Insulin use was associated with a significant increase in the risk of NAF during the long‐term follow‐up.
Challenges in gluten‐free diet in coeliac disease: Prague consensus
Authors: Samasca Gabriel , Lerner Aaron , Girbovan Anamaria , Sur Genel , Lupan Iulia , Makovicky Peter , Matthias Torsten , Freeman Hugh J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundNew treatments in coeliac disease are being vigorously pursued to either replace or facilitate the difficult‐tofollow gluten‐free diet.DesignThe present review intends to summarise the challenges in gluten‐free diet adherence during the transitional period, as reflected in the last Prague consensus, published in 2016.ResultsThe honourable panel members recommended that dietary adherence and the consequences of nonadherence represent key components for discussion in the transitional period setting.ConclusionsThere are numerous difficulties in adhering to gluten withdrawal, but the transition period from adolescence to young adulthood is considered a fragile and high‐risk period for intentional and unintentional gluten intake.
A new Leptographium species from the roots of declining Pinus sylvestris in Switzerland
Authors: Marincowitz S. , Duong T. A. , Heiniger U. , Wingfield B. D. , Wingfield M. J. , de Beer Z. W. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryScots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees have been declining in the Rhône valley, Switzerland, for almost three decades. In an assessment of the role of fungi in this syndrome, the dominant fungus isolated from stained roots was a Leptographium species, morphologically similar to the asexual state of Grosmannia serpens. We examined isolates of this fungus based on DNA sequences of four protein‐coding genes including actin, β‐tubulin, calmodulin and translation elongation factor‐1 alpha. The results showed that they were of a distinct, undescribed taxon related to species in the Grosmannia serpens and G. wageneri complexes. The fungus, described here as Leptographium rhodanense sp. nov., resembles other species in the two species complexes morphologically, and most probably ecologically, as is suggested by the fact that it was isolated from stained pine roots.
Motor deficits and beta oscillations are dissociable in an alpha‐synuclein model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Brys Ivani , Nunes Jessica , Fuentes Romulo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive motor symptoms resulting from chronic loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. The over expression of the protein alpha‐synuclein in the substantia nigra has been used to induce progressive dopaminergic neuronal loss and to reproduce key histopathological and temporal features of PD in animal models. However, the neurophysiological aspects of the alpha‐synuclein PD model have been poorly characterised. Hereby, we performed chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings in the corticostriatal circuit of rats injected with viral vector to over express alpha‐synuclein in the right substantia nigra. Our model, previously shown to exhibit mild motor deficits, presented moderate dopaminergic cell loss but did not present prominent local field potential oscillations in the beta frequency range (11–30 Hz), considered a hallmark of PD, during the 9 weeks after onset of alpha‐synuclein over expression. Spinal cord stimulation, a potential PD symptomatic therapy, was applied regularly from sixth to ninth week after alpha‐synuclein over expression onset and had an inhibitory effect on the firing rate of corticostriatal neurons in both control and alpha‐synuclein hemispheres. Dopamine synthesis inhibition at the end of the experiment resulted in severe parkinsonian symptoms such as akinesia and increased beta and high‐frequency (>90 Hz) oscillations. These results suggest that the alpha‐synuclein PD model with moderate level of dopaminergic depletion does not reproduce the prominent corticostriatal beta oscillatory activity associated to parkinsonian conditions.
When mechanism matters: Bayesian forecasting using models of ecological diffusion
Authors: Hefley Trevor J. , Hooten Mevin B. , Russell Robin E. , Walsh Daniel P. , Powell James A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEcological diffusion is a theory that can be used to understand and forecast spatio‐temporal processes such as dispersal, invasion, and the spread of disease. Hierarchical Bayesian modelling provides a framework to make statistical inference and probabilistic forecasts, using mechanistic ecological models. To illustrate, we show how hierarchical Bayesian models of ecological diffusion can be implemented for large data sets that are distributed densely across space and time. The hierarchical Bayesian approach is used to understand and forecast the growth and geographic spread in the prevalence of chronic wasting disease in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We compare statistical inference and forecasts from our hierarchical Bayesian model to phenomenological regression‐based methods that are commonly used to analyse spatial occurrence data. The mechanistic statistical model based on ecological diffusion led to important ecological insights, obviated a commonly ignored type of collinearity, and was the most accurate method for forecasting.
A big data approach to the development of mixed‐effects models for seizure count data
Authors: Tharayil Joseph J. , Chiang Sharon , Moss Robert , Stern John M. , Theodore William H. , Goldenholz Daniel M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryObjectiveOur objective was to develop a generalized linear mixed model for predicting seizure count that is useful in the design and analysis of clinical trials. This model also may benefit the design and interpretation of seizure‐recording paradigms. Most existing seizure count models do not include children, and there is currently no consensus regarding the most suitable model that can be applied to children and adults. Therefore, an additional objective was to develop a model that accounts for both adult and pediatric epilepsy.MethodsUsing data from SeizureTracker.com, a patient‐reported seizure diary tool with >1.2 million recorded seizures across 8 years, we evaluated the appropriateness of Poisson, negative binomial, zero‐inflated negative binomial, and modified negative binomial models for seizure count data based on minimization of the Bayesian information criterion. Generalized linear mixed‐effects models were used to account for demographic and etiologic covariates and for autocorrelation structure. Holdout cross‐validation was used to evaluate predictive accuracy in simulating seizure frequencies.ResultsFor both adults and children, we found that a negative binomial model with autocorrelation over 1 day was optimal. Using holdout cross‐validation, the proposed model was found to provide accurate simulation of seizure counts for patients with up to four seizures per day.SignificanceThe optimal model can be used to generate more realistic simulated patient data with very few input parameters. The availability of a parsimonious, realistic virtual patient model can be of great utility in simulations of phase II/III clinical trials, epilepsy monitoring units, outpatient biosensors, and mobile Health (mHealth) applications.
The impact of transcription factor Fli1 deficiency on the regulation of angiogenesis
Authors: Toyama Tetsuo , Asano Yoshihide , Miyagawa Takuya , Nakamura Kouki , Hirabayashi Megumi , Yamashita Takashi , Saigusa Ryosuke , Miura Shunsuke , Ichimura Yohei , Takahashi Takehiro , Taniguchi Takashi , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Sato Shinichi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe insufficiency of Friend leukaemia virus integration 1 (Fli1), a member of the Ets family transcription factors, is implicated in the pathogenesis of vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Fli1 deficiency accelerates early steps of angiogenesis, including detachment of pre‐existing pericytes and extracellular matrix degradation by endothelial proteinases, but the impact of Fli1 deficiency on the other steps of angiogenesis has not been investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of Fli1 deficiency on migration, proliferation, cell survival and tube formation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). HDMECs transfected with FLI1 siRNA exhibited a greater migratory property in scratch assay and transwell migration assay and a higher proliferation rate in BrdU assay than HDMECs transfected with non‐silencing scrambled RNA. In flow cytometry‐based apoptosis assay, FLI1 siRNA‐transduced HDMECs revealed the decreased number of annexin and propidium iodide‐double‐positive apoptotic cells compared with control cells, reflecting the promotion of cell survival. On the other hand, tubulogenic activity on Matrigel was remarkably suppressed in Fli1‐deficient HDMECs relative to control cells. These results indicate that Fli1 deficiency promotes migration, proliferation and cell survival, while abating tube formation of endothelial cells, suggesting that Fli1 deficiency is potentially attributable to the development of both proliferative obliterative vasculopathy (occlusion of arterioles and small arteries) and destructive vasculopathy (loss of small vessels) characteristic of SSc vasculopathy.
Novel mutations and expression changes of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase are associated with spirotetramat resistance in Aphis gossypii Glover
Authors: Pan Y. , Zhu E. , Gao X. , Nauen R. , Xi J. , Peng T. , Wei X. , Zheng C. , Shang Q. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAcetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) catalyses the carboxylation of acetyl‐coenzyme A (acetyl‐CoA) to produce malonyl‐CoA during the de novo synthesis of fatty acids. Spirotetramat, an inhibitor of ACC, is widely used to control a range of sucking insects, including the Aphis gossypii. In the present study, Reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) results demonstrated that ACC was significantly overexpressed in a laboratory‐selected spirotetramat‐resistant strain compared with the susceptible strain. ACC RNA interference significantly suppressed fecundity and led to cuticle formation deficiencies in resistant adults and nymphs compared with the control. The full‐length ACC gene was sequenced from both resistant and susceptible cotton aphids, and a strong association was found between spirotetramat resistance and 14 amino acid substitutions in the biotin carboxylase domain and carboxyl transferase domain of the ACC gene. Furthermore, ACC activity was higher in resistant aphids than in the susceptible strain, and ACC in the resistant aphids exhibited significant insensitivity to spirotetramat and spirotetramat‐enol. The results indicate that the overexpressed insensitive (mutated) ACC target played an important role in the high levels of spirotetramat resistance observed here. This association of amino acid substitution with resistance is the first report of a potential target site mechanism affecting spirotetramat in the cotton aphid.
From a System of National Accounts to a Process of National Wellbeing Accounting
Authors: Allin Paul , Hand David J. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThere are repeated calls to go ‘Beyond GDP’, for measures of wellbeing and progress in addition to those that the System of National Accounts (SNA) is designed to provide. We identify key issues that can help build on the rigour of SNA whilst fitting the measurement of economic performance within a broader assessment of national wellbeing and progress. Such drivers are already leading to a proliferation of indicators and accounts, for example in the development of non‐monetary measures of natural resources, but there are significant measurement challenges, not least the question of whether a single, overall measure or index of wellbeing is valid. But the challenge of measurement, per se, is one thing: in our view, a more critical issue is whether the measures will actually be used. We propose a dynamic and multi‐staged approach for developing SNA, embracing the production and use of measures. This would start by identifying user requirements for wider measures, to provide the basis for national and cross‐national developments in well‐being accounting. We envisage greater branding and marketing of national well‐being concepts to promote measures and support their use. We call for outreach by producers, so that there is dialogue about the development and use of measures.
Diagnostic protocols—A consultation tool still to be discovered
Authors: Fink Waltraud , Kamenski Gustav , Konitzer Martin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRationaleExperienced primary care physicians handle most illnesses to everyone's satisfaction despite limited resources of time and means. However, cases can be multifaceted in that harmless‐presenting symptoms may also be warning signals or an indicator of a health disorder that too infrequently presents in family practice to be diagnosed correctly. On the basis of these observations, RN Braun developed 82 diagnostic protocols for a structured recording of various complaints.MethodAll consultations during the years 2001 to 2014, in which 1 author (WF) had used diagnostic protocols in her single‐handed practice, were analyzed retrospectively regarding reasons for encounter, diagnostic classification, and long‐term outcome.ResultsDuring the period, a diagnostic protocol was used 1686 times. It was applied at a rate of approximately 5% of 2500 new complaints annually, most often (1366 times) for febrile conditions. In 320 consultations for other complaints, 43 different diagnostic protocols were applied. Among them, the “tabula diagnostica” for various undifferentiated symptoms was used most frequently (n = 54), followed by diagnostic protocols for headache (n = 45), dizziness (n = 36), precordial pain (n = 20), nonspecific abdominal pain (n = 15), low back pain (n = 14), hypertension (n = 12), diarrhea > 1 week (n = 12), epigastralgia (n = 11), depression (n = 10), polyarthralgia (n = 8), cough, and lower abdominal pain (each n = 7). A final diagnosis was established in less than 20% of cases.ConclusionsThis observational study from routine practice gives an insight how diagnostic protocols helped to manage complex patient presentations. A broader use of diagnostic protocols could investigate the potential of this consultation tool to handle the complexity of primary health care. The use of a standardized diagnostic approach could stimulate research, in particular on managing common complaints/undifferentiated illness and their inherent diagnostic uncertainty.
The political economy of rentier capitalism and the limits to agrarian transformation in Venezuela
Authors: Purcell Thomas F. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper explores the contradictions and limits to agrarian transformation under 21st‐century socialism in Venezuela. Given the historical destruction wrought by the oil‐based accumulation process upon Venezuela's agricultural sector, the symbolic and social importance of an “agrarian revolution” could be seen as a yardstick with which to measure the progress of the Bolivarian Revolution in “sowing the oil”. Eschewing a policy focus on the role of “food sovereignty” and “food security”, the paper analyses how the dynamics of rentier‐capital accumulation have played out in the agricultural sector. The paper argues that the macroeconomic framework of the Bolivarian Revolution has diminished the possibility of expanded domestic food production and instead reduced agrarian transformation to contradictory processes of ground rent appropriation.
Evo Morales, transformismo, and the consolidation of agrarian capitalism in Bolivia
Authors: Webber Jeffery R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper argues that, despite claims to the contrary, there has not been extensive, egalitarian reform in Bolivia since Evo Morales assumed the presidency in 2006. In order to explain agrarian processes in the country during the decade under Morales thus far (2006–2016), it examines the changing balance of agrarian class forces in Bolivian society and associated changes in the class composition of the ruling bloc between 2006 and 2010. It divides contestation over agrarian reform processes during this decade into two periods—one of insurgent contestation (2006–2009), and one of agro‐capital–state alliance (2010–2016). The transformations in class alliances over these periods can be understood theoretically through Gramsci's concept of transformismo (transformism). In particular, this concept captures both the way in which leading layers of indigenous–peasant movements have been absorbed into the apparatuses of the state and thus decapitated, and the dialectic of transformation/restoration that characterizes Bolivia's ongoing “process of change”.
Agribusiness, peasants, left‐wing governments, and the state in Latin America: An overview and theoretical reflections
Authors: Vergara‐Camus Leandro , Kay Cristóbal 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper provides an introduction to this special issue by presenting a general picture of the economic and political situation of the Latin American countryside at the dawn of this millennium, when a wave of left‐wing parties and leaders assumed power in several countries of the region. We argue that after more than a decade in power, few of the promises to reform the agrarian sector in favour of peasant and family producers were fulfilled. This situation constitutes a paradox, because these governments came to power partly on the back of a wave of social mobilization in which peasant and indigenous movements had been key actors. However, rural social movements were incapable of pressuring the state to change this situation. At the heart of this paradox lies a contradiction, which is that in their political proposals rural social movements called for an interventionist state, but they did not have the ability to control it through their alliance with political parties and politicians. This introduction offers a theoretical framework to better comprehend the struggles of the peasantry and the rentier nature of the state in Latin America, in order to contribute to the discussion on agrarian class reconfiguration under neoliberalism.
Tracking the Evolution of Cerebral Gadolinium‐Enhancing Lesions to Persistent T1 Black Holes in Multiple Sclerosis: Validation of a Semiautomated Pipeline
Authors: Andermatt Simon , Papadopoulou Athina , Radue Ernst‐Wilhelm , Sprenger Till , Cattin Philippe 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSome gadolinium‐enhancing multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions remain T1‐hypointense over months (“persistent black holes, BHs”) and represent areas of pronounced tissue loss. A reduced conversion of enhancing lesions to persistent BHs could suggest a favorable effect of a medication on tissue repair. However, the individual tracking of enhancing lesions can be very time‐consuming in large clinical trials.PURPOSEWe created a semiautomated workflow for tracking the evolution of individual MS lesions, to calculate the proportion of enhancing lesions becoming persistent BHs at follow‐up.METHODSOur workflow automatically coregisters, compares, and detects overlaps between lesion masks at different time points. We tested the algorithm in a data set of Magnetic Resonance images (1.5 and 3T; spin‐echo T1‐sequences) from a phase 3 clinical trial (n = 1,272), in which all enhancing lesions and all BHs had been previously segmented at baseline and year 2. The algorithm analyzed the segmentation masks in a longitudinal fashion to determine which enhancing lesions at baseline turned into BHs at year 2. Images of 50 patients (192 enhancing lesions) were also reviewed by an experienced MRI rater, blinded to the algorithm results.RESULTSIn this MRI data set, there were no cases that could not be processed by the algorithm. At year 2, 417 lesions were classified as persistent BHs (417/1,613 = 25.9%). The agreement between the rater and the algorithm was > 98%.CONCLUSIONSDue to the semiautomated procedure, this algorithm can be of great value in the analysis of large clinical trials, when a rater‐based analysis would be time‐consuming.
Effects of Season, Strain, and Body Weight on Testes Development and Quality in Three Strains of Blue Catfish, Ictalurus furcatus
Authors: Bosworth Brian , Quiniou Sylvie , Chatakondi Nagaraj 
Published: March 2017

AbstractProduction of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, female × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, male hybrids has increased dramatically in the USA. Hybrid production requires surgical removal and maceration of blue catfish testes. Farmers report individual and seasonal variation in blue catfish testes development, and understanding the factors influencing testes development could improve hybrid catfish production. Effects of season (mid‐May vs. mid‐June), strain (D&B, Missouri, and Texas), and body weight on testes development in 5‐yr‐old blue catfish were determined. Males were measured in mid‐May and mid‐June for length, body weight, testes weight, and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Total sperm/g of testes, percent motility, and motile sperm/g of testes were determined. D&B strain males weighed more and had larger testes with more sperm than Missouri or Texas strain males in both months. Mature Texas strain males were larger than immature Texas strain males in both months. Testes were larger and had more sperm in May than in June for all strains; however, there were males from each strain with good quality testes in June. GSI, sperm/g of testes, percent motility, and motile sperm/g of testes were positively correlated. Information from this study provides a better understanding of factors influencing testes development in blue catfish.