bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating ferritin concentrations and risk of type 2 diabetes in Japanese individuals
Authors: Akter Shamima , Nanri Akiko , Kuwahara Keisuke , Matsushita Yumi , Nakagawa Tohru , Konishi Maki , Honda Toru , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Hayashi Takeshi , Noda Mitsuhiko , Mizoue Tetsuya 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionHigher iron storage has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but little is known about the mediator of this association. Here, we prospectively investigated the association between circulating ferritin, a marker of iron storage, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes among Japanese individuals.Materials and MethodsThe participants were 4,754 employees who attended a comprehensive health check‐up in 2008–2009 and donated blood for the study. During 5 years of follow up, diabetes was identified based on plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin and self‐report. Two controls matched to each case on sex, age and date of check‐up were randomly chosen using density sampling, giving 327 cases and 641 controls with ferritin measurement. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio while adjusting for a series of potential confounders or mediators.ResultsElevated serum ferritin levels were associated with a significantly increased risk of type 2 diabetes, with the hazard ratio adjusted for known risk factors in the highest vs lowest quartile of 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.96). This association was unchanged after adjustment for C‐reactive protein and adiponectin, but attenuated after adjustment for liver enzyme and insulin resistance (hazard ratio 1.04). The ferritin–diabetes association was confined to non‐obese participants.ConclusionsThese results suggest that elevated iron storage is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes in normal weight individuals, and that this association is partly mediated through liver dysfunction and resulting insulin resistance.
Living on Standby: Endurance and Anticipation in Chile's Aconcagua Valley
Authors: Radovic‐Fanta Jelena 
Published: January 2017

ResumenLa industria de exportación frutícola en Chile entró al mercado internacional hace tres décadas y es hoy día citado como ejemplo de un sólido crecimiento económico en el país. Sin embargo, una mirada más cercana nos demuestra que los y las trabajadores temporeras enfrentan una creciente incertidumbre y precariedad laboral en un calendario laboral fragmentado. Los meses de invierno son caracterizados por el desempleo y endeudamiento que restringen las posibilidades de planificación a corto y mediano plazo. Este estudio está basado en una investigación etnográfica realizada en el Valle del Aconcagua de Chile, una región productora de uvas de mesa durante el verano austral. Aquí se examina las maneras en que las temporeras agrícolas llegan a fin de mes durante el invierno y cómo forjan las subjetividades dentro de un contexto neoliberal. La investigación nos revela cómo los objetos materiales y la maternidad facilitan la perseverancia y proveen un contorno emocional‐aunque sea de corta duración‐que amortigua la incertidumbre cotidiana.
Electoral Accountability in the Midst of Criminal Violence: Evidence from Mexico
Authors: Ley Sandra 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRising levels of crime and insecurity affect the quality of life. A fundamental question for the prospects of democracy is whether voters, in hopes of reaching better solutions to conditions of prevailing insecurity, can hold their elected officials accountable for such situations. This article argues that electoral accountability amid criminal violence requires voters to be able to assign responsibility for crime, and that partisan alignment across levels of government facilitates this task. Recent Mexican elections are examined to test this argument. Relying on both aggregate electoral data and individual survey evidence, this study shows that voters hold politicians accountable for crime in the narrow circumstances of organized crime–related violence and political alignment. This evidence not only provides additional caveats to issue voting models, but also opens new avenues of research on electoral accountability.
Uneasy Partners Against Crime: The Ambivalent Relationship Between the Police and the Private Security Industry in Mexico
Authors: Puck Logan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractLegitimation is a fraught process for private security companies operating in Mexico and other countries in the Global South where the police have a poor reputation. Mexican private security companies have an ambivalent relationship with the police, which causes firms to engage in two seemingly contradictory practices. Companies attempt to gain legitimacy by aligning with the image of the police to earn a sense of “symbolic stateness” while simultaneously distancing themselves from Mexico's actual police forces so as to disassociate from the institution's poor reputation. Consequently, collaboration between public and private security is limited, despite official attempts by the Mexican state to foster positive contact between them. Overall, this study contributes to the growing literature on private security by providing novel insights into the strategies private security firms utilize to navigate within states possessing delegitimated security forces, and the resulting lucrative political economy landscape.
Suaahara in Nepal: An at‐scale, multi‐sectoral nutrition program influences knowledge and practices while enhancing equity
Authors: Cunningham Kenda , Singh Akriti , Pandey Rana Pooja , Brye Laura , Alayon Silvia , Lapping Karin , Gautam Bindu , Underwood Carol , Klemm Rolf D. W. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe burden of undernutrition in South Asia is greater than anywhere else. Policies and programmatic efforts increasingly address health and non‐health determinants of undernutrition. In Nepal, one large‐scale integrated nutrition program, Suaahara, aimed to reduce undernutrition among women and children in the 1,000‐day period, while simultaneously addressing inequities. In this study, we use household‐level process evaluation data (N = 480) to assess levels of exposure to program inputs and levels of knowledge and practices related to health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). We also assess Suaahara's effect on the differences between disadvantaged (DAG) and non‐disadvantaged households in exposure, knowledge, and practice indicators. All regression models were adjusted for potential confounders at the child‐, maternal‐, and household levels, as well as clustering. We found a higher prevalence of almost all exposure and knowledge indicators and some practice indicators in Suaahara areas versus comparison areas. A higher proportion of DAG households in Suaahara areas reported exposure, were knowledgeable, and practiced optimal behaviors related to nearly all maternal and child health, nutrition, and WASH indicators than DAG households in non‐Suaahara areas and sometimes even than non‐DAG households in Suaahara areas. Moreover, differences in some of these indicators between DAG and non‐DAG households were significantly smaller in Suaahara areas than in comparison areas. These results indicate that large‐scale integrated interventions can influence nutrition‐related knowledge and practices, while simultaneously reducing inequities.
Anxiety, stress, and quality of life among Iraqi refugees in Jordan: A cross sectional survey
Authors: Al‐Smadi Ahmed Mohammad , Tawalbeh Loai Issa , Gammoh Omar Salem , Ashour Ala Fawzi , Alshraifeen Ali , Gougazeh Yazeed Mohammed 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis study was conducted to identify the predictors, levels, and prevalence of anxiety and stress and to assess the relationship between these factors and quality of life in recently displaced Iraqis. A cross‐sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 171 Iraqi refugees was recruited. The results indicated that more than half of the sample suffered from high anxiety levels, while 42.8% reported high stress. The regression model explained 46.3% of the variance in levels of quality of life. Unemployment, fewer than three family members, and high anxiety significantly predicted low‐level quality of life. These three predictors need to be taken into consideration when developing health‐related interventions to improve the quality of life of Iraqi refugees.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis with Arundo donax Decreases Root Respiration and Increases Both Photosynthesis and Plant Biomass Accumulation
Authors: Romero‐Munar Antònia , Del‐Saz Néstor Fernández , Ribas‐Carbó Miquel , Flexas Jaume , Baraza Elena , Florez‐Sarasa Igor , Fernie Alisdair Robert , Gulías Javier 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis on plant growth is associated with the balance between costs and benefits. A feedback regulation loop has been described in which the higher carbohydrate cost to plants for AM symbiosis is compensated by increases in their photosynthetic rates. Nevertheless, plant carbon balance depends both on photosynthetic carbon uptake and respiratory carbon consumption. The hypothesis behind this research was that the role of respiration in plant growth under AM symbiosis may be as important as that of photosynthesis.This hypothesis was tested in Arundo donax L. plantlets inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae. We tested the effects of AM inoculation on both photosynthetic capacity and in vivo leaf and root respiration. Additionally, analyses of the primary metabolism and ion content were performed in both leaves and roots. AM inoculation increased photosynthesis through increased CO2 diffusion and electron transport in the chloroplast. Moreover, respiration decreased only in AM roots via the cytochrome oxidase pathway (COP) as measured by the oxygen isotope technique. This decline in the COP can be related to the reduced respiratory metabolism and substrates (sugars and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates) observed in roots.
Expression of the UVR8 photoreceptor in different tissues reveals tissue‐autonomous features of UV‐B signalling
Authors: Bernula Péter , Crocco Carlos Daniel , Arongaus Adriana Beatriz , Ulm Roman , Nagy Ferenc , Viczián András 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Arabidopsis UV‐B photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) orchestrates the expression of hundreds of genes, many of which can be associated with UV‐B tolerance. UV‐B does not efficiently penetrate into tissues, yet UV‐B regulates complex growth and developmental responses. To unravel to what extent and how UVR8 located in different tissues contributes to UV‐B‐induced responses, we expressed UVR8 fused to the YELLOW FLUORESCENT PROTEIN (YFP) under the control of tissue‐specific promoters in a uvr8 null mutant background. We show that (1) UVR8 localized in the epidermis plays a major role in regulating cotyledon expansion, and (2) expression of UVR8 in the mesophyll is important to protect adult plants from the damaging effects of UV‐B. We found that UV‐B induces transcription of selected genes, including the key transcriptional regulator ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), only in tissues that express UVR8. Thus, we suggest that tissue‐autonomous and simultaneous UVR8 signalling in different tissues mediates, at least partly, developmental and defence responses to UV‐B.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and green tea polyphenols do not improve stallion semen parameters during cooling at 4°C
Authors: Bucci D , Spinaci M , Mislei B , Gadani B , Rizzato G , Love CC , Tamanini C , Galeati G , Mari G 
Published: January 2017

ContentsStallion semen storage for artificial insemination is mainly based on liquid cooled storage. In many stallions this technique maintains sperm quality for an extended period of time (24–72 hr) at 7°C. While this technique is commonly used in the horse industry, there can be a decline in fertility in some stallions, due to an inability of their sperm to tolerate the cool storage process. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of two natural antioxidants (epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) at 20, 60 and 120 μm and green tea polyphenols, and p at .001, .01 and .1 mg/ml) on some sperm parameters (sperm motility, viability/acrosome integrity and DNA quality) in extended semen immediately after its collection (T0) and after 2, 6, 24 and 48 hr of cool storage. Two ejaculates from three trotter stallions were analysed after 48 hr of storage at 4°C. No beneficial effect on the analysed parameters was observed: the two antioxidants were not able to improve sperm quality after 48 hr of storage. These results are in agreement with previous findings on the effect of different antioxidants reported by other researches, who have demonstrated that stallion semen keeps good antioxidant capacity after dilution for 24 hr. In conclusion, the positive effect exerted by antioxidant molecules in other species is not confirmed in the equine one.
Lipid and protein oxidation levels in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) and their relationship with semen parameters
Authors: Satitmanwiwat S , Promthep K , Buranaamnuay K , Mahasawangkul S , Saikhun K 
Published: January 2017

ContentsPeroxidation damage to spermatozoa and seminal plasma has an important role in sperm quality. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the levels of lipid and protein oxidation in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) with varying percentage of progressive motility. Lipid and protein oxidation was measured by the thiobarbituric acid‐reactive species (TBARS) assay and the 2, 4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) carbonyl groups assay, respectively. Fresh semen samples were collected from Asian elephants and classified according to the percentage of motile spermatozoa into good (>60%) and poor (≤20%) motility. Results revealed that seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and seminal plasma protein carbonyls (PCs) were significantly higher in poor motility than in good motility (p < .05). The MDA and PC levels in seminal plasma were negatively correlated with the percentages of progressive motility (p < .05). In addition, the negative correlation between sperm concentration and seminal plasma MDA level was investigated (p < .05). The sperm viability was also negatively correlated with sperm PC level (p < .05). This study indicated that lipid and protein oxidation has deleterious effect on semen quality of Asian elephants.
Sedimentological and ichnological implications of rapid Holocene flooding of a gently sloping mud‐dominated incised valley – an example from the Red River (Gulf of Tonkin)
Authors: Wetzel Andreas , Szczygielski Agata , Unverricht Daniel , Stattegger Karl 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Gulf of Tonkin coastline migrated at an average rate of ca 60 m year−1 landward during Holocene sea‐level rise (20 to 8 ka). Due to a combination of rapid coastline migration and undersupply of sand, neither coastal barriers nor tidal sand bars developed at the mouth of the Red River incised valley. Only a 30 to 80 cm thick sandy interval formed at the base of full‐marine deposits. Thus, the river mouth represented a mud‐dominated open funnel‐shaped estuary during transgression. At the base of the valley fill, a thin fluvial lag deposit marks a period of lowered sea‐level when the river did not reach geomorphic equilibrium and was thus prone to erosion. The onset of base‐level rise is documented by non‐bioturbated to sparsely bioturbated mud that occasionally contains pyrite indicating short‐term seawater incursions. Siderite in overlying deposits points to low‐salinity estuarine conditions. The open funnel‐shaped river mouth favoured upstream incursion of seawater that varied inversely to the seasonal strongly fluctuating discharge: several centimetres to a few tens of centimetres thick intervals showing marine or freshwater dominance alternate, as indicated by bioturbational and physical sedimentary structures, and by the presence of Fe sulphides or siderite, respectively. Recurrent short‐term seawater incursions stressed the burrowing fauna. The degree of bioturbation increases upward corresponding to increasing marine influence. The uppermost estuarine sediments are completely bioturbated. The estuarine deposits aggraded on average rapidly, up to several metres kyr−1. Siphonichnidal burrows produced by bivalves, however, document recurrent episodes of enhanced deposition (>0·5 m) and pronounced erosion (<1 m) that are otherwise not recorded. The slope of the incised valley affected the sedimentary facies. In steep valley segments, the marine transgressive surface (equivalent to the onset of full‐marine conditions) is accentuated by the Glossifungites ichnofacies, whereas in gently sloped valley segments the marine transgressive surface is gradational and bioturbated. Marine deposits are completely bioturbated.
Successful treatment of donor‐derived hepatitis C infection in a lung transplant recipient
Authors: Theodoropoulos Nicole , Whitson Bryan A. , Martin Stanley I. , Pouch Stephanie , Pope‐Harman Amy 
Published: January 2017

AbstractData are limited regarding the use of direct‐acting antivirals for treatment of hepatitis C infection post lung transplant, especially in a donor‐derived infection. We present a case of a lung transplant recipient with donor‐derived hepatitis C that was successfully treated with a 12‐week regimen of simeprevir and sofosbuvir. This case reiterates the importance of screening recipients of increased‐risk donor organs for disease transmission and the value of early therapy.
Vernal‐like conjunctivitis in a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Authors: Hopper Jane S. , Holding Ellen , Scurrell Emma J. , Featherstone Heidi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCase descriptionA 17‐year‐old female western lowland gorilla presented with bilateral ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis that was investigated and treated over a 34‐month period. Clinical findings, diagnostic results, treatment, and follow‐up are described.Clinical findingA mild intermittent mucoid ocular discharge was initially noted. 10 months later, conjunctival hyperemia and thickening developed and progressed rapidly to a mass‐like lesion covering the right eye. Hematology revealed eosinophilia. Conjunctival cytology revealed eosinophils and neutrophils, and histopathology revealed a chronic proliferative eosinophilic conjunctivitis. 21 months after, the ocular lesions were investigated the gorilla developed masses within both external nares. Histopathology of the nasal lesions revealed chronic‐active eosinophilic rhinitis.Treatment and outcomeTreatment of the gorilla was based on protocols recommended for human patients. Protocols for mild, moderate, and finally severe disease were used, involving topical and oral combinations of treatments. The gorilla eventually responded to systemic immunosuppressant therapy recommended for severe refractory disease.Clinical significanceTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of vernal‐like conjunctivitis in a western lowland gorilla.
Safe use of anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody in pig islet xenotransplantation in monkeys
Authors: Bottino Rita , Knoll Michael F. , Graeme‐Wilson Joshua , Klein Edwin C. , Ayares David , Trucco Massimo , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAnti‐CD154mAb is a powerful co‐stimulation blockade agent that is efficacious in preventing rejection, even in xenogeneic settings. It has been used in the majority of successful long‐term pig‐to‐non‐human primate islet transplantation models. However, its clinical use was halted as a result of thromboembolic complications that were also observed in preclinical and clinical organ transplantation models. An anti‐CD154mAb was administered to 14 streptozotocin‐induced diabetic cynomolgus monkey recipients of porcine islets, some of which received the agent for many months. Monkeys were monitored for complications, and blood monitoring was carried out frequently. After euthanasia, multiple biopsies of all organs were examined for histological features of thromboembolism. Anti‐CD154mAb prevented rejection of genetically engineered pig islets in all monkeys. No significant complications were attributable specifically to anti‐CD154mAb. There was no evidence of thromboembolism in multiple histological sections from all major organs, including the brain. Our data suggest that in diabetic monkeys with pig islet grafts, anti‐CD154mAb would appear to be an effective and safe therapy, and is not associated with thromboembolic complications.
Whole-Genome Sequences and Classification of Streptococcus agalactiae Strains Isolated from Laboratory-Reared Long-Evans Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Bodi Winn C. , Dzink-Fox J. , Feng Y. , Shen Z. , Bakthavatchalu V. , Fox J. G. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

In collaboration with the CDC’s
Streptococcus
Laboratory, we report here the whole-genome sequences of seven
Streptococcus agalactiae
bacteria isolated from laboratory-reared Long-Evans rats. Four of the
S. agalactiae
isolates were associated with morbidity accompanied by endocarditis, metritis, and fatal septicemia, providing an opportunity for comparative genomic analysis of this opportunistic pathogen.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus 1608, a Strain That Caused Toxic Mastitis in Twin Cows
Authors: Stevens Marc J. A. , Stephan Roger , Johler Sophia 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
1608 is a strain that caused a lethal mastitis in cows. Here, the draft genome sequence of the strain is presented.
EpideMiology and control measures of outBreaks due to Antibiotic-Resistant orGanisms in EurOpe (EMBARGO): a systematic review protocol
Authors: Nithya Babu Rajendran , Gladstone Beryl Primrose , Rodríguez-Baño Jesús , Sifakis Frangiscos , Voss Andreas , Carmeli Yehuda , Burkert Francesco Robert , Gkolia Panagiota , Tacconelli Evelina 
Published: January 2017

IntroductionImproving our understanding of outbreaks due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and their control is critical in the current public health scenario. The threat of outbreaks due to ARB requires multifaceted efforts. However, a global overview of epidemiological characteristics of outbreaks due to ARB and effective infection control measures is missing. In this paper, we describe the protocol of a systematic review aimed at mapping and characterising the epidemiological aspects of outbreaks due to ARB and infection control measures in European countries.Methods and analysisThe databases MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge and Cochrane library will be searched using a 3-step search strategy. Selection of articles for inclusion will be performed by 2 reviewers using predefined eligibility criteria. All study designs will be included if they report an outbreak and define the microbiological methods used for microorganism identification. The target bacteria will be methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus, ceftazidime-resistant and carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacter baumannii, ceftazidime-resistant and carbapenem-resistantPseudomonas aeruginosa, ciprofloxacin-resistantEscherichia coli, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producingE. coliandKlebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant and carbapenamase-producingEnterobacteriaceae. Data will be extracted using a tailored pilot tested form and the quality of reporting will be assessed using the ORION (Outbreak Reports and Intervention Studies Of Nosocomial infections) tool. Data will be synthesised and reported by the type of ARB, setting and country. Infection control measures and bundles of measures will be described. The effectiveness will be reported as defined by the authors. Regression analysis will be used to define independent factors associated with outbreaks' control. Heterogeneity between studies will be assessed by forest plots and I² statistics.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not applicable for this study. Findings will be disseminated through journal publication and conference presentations and talks.