bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of coronary artery disease and subclinical atherosclerosis related polymorphisms on the risk of atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: López-Mejías Raquel , Corrales Alfonso , Vicente Esther , Robustillo-Villarino Montserrat , González-Juanatey Carlos , Llorca Javier , Genre Fernanda , Remuzgo-Martínez Sara , Dierssen-Sotos Trinidad , Miranda-Filloy José A. , Huaranga Marco A. Ramírez , Pina Trinitario , Blanco Ricardo , Alegre-Sancho Juan J. , Raya Enrique , Mijares Verónica , Ubilla Begoña , Ferraz-Amaro Iván , Gómez-Vaquero Carmen , Balsa Alejandro , López-Longo Francisco J. , Carreira Patricia , González-Álvaro Isidoro , Ocejo-Vinyals J. Gonzalo , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Luis , Fernández-Gutiérrez Benjamín , Castañeda Santos , Martín Javier , González-Gay Miguel A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA genetic component influences the development of atherosclerosis in the general population and also in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, genetic polymorphisms associated with atherosclerosis in the general population are not always involved in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in RA. Accordingly, a study in North-American RA patients did not show the association reported in the general population of coronary artery disease with a series of relevant polymorphisms (TCF21, LPA, HHIPL1, RASD1-PEMT, MRPS6, CYP17A1-CNNM2-NT5C2, SMG6-SRR, PHACTR1, WDR12 and COL4A1-COL4A2). In the present study, we assessed the potential association of these polymorphisms with CVD in Southern European RA patients. We also assessed if polymorphisms implicated in the increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in non-rheumatic Caucasians (ZHX2, PINX1, SLC17A4, LRIG1 and LDLR) may influence the risk for CVD in RA. 2,609 Spanish patients were genotyped by TaqMan assays. Subclinical atherosclerosis was determined in 1,258 of them by carotid ultrasonography (assessment of carotid intima media thickness and presence/absence of carotid plaques). No statistically significant differences were found when each polymorphism was assessed according to the presence/absence of cardiovascular events and subclinical atherosclerosis, after adjustment for potential confounder factors. Our results do not show an association between these 15 polymorphisms and atherosclerosis in RA.
Mapping Post-Glacial expansions: The Peopling of Southwest Asia
Authors: Platt Daniel E. , Haber Marc , Dagher-Kharrat Magda Bou , Douaihy Bouchra , Khazen Georges , Ashrafian Bonab Maziar , Salloum Angélique , Mouzaya Francis , Luiselli Donata , Tyler-Smith Chris , Renfrew Colin , Matisoo-Smith Elizabeth , Zalloua Pierre A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractArchaeological, palaeontological and geological evidence shows that post-glacial warming released human populations from their various climate-bound refugia. Yet specific connections between these refugia and the timing and routes of post-glacial migrations that ultimately established modern patterns of genetic variation remain elusive. Here, we use Y-chromosome markers combined with autosomal data to reconstruct population expansions from regional refugia in Southwest Asia. Populations from three regions in particular possess distinctive autosomal genetic signatures indicative of likely refugia: one, in the north, centered around the eastern coast of the Black Sea, the second, with a more Levantine focus, and the third in the southern Arabian Peninsula. Modern populations from these three regions carry the widest diversity and may indeed represent the most likely descendants of the populations responsible for the Neolithic cultures of Southwest Asia. We reveal the distinct and datable expansion routes of populations from these three refugia throughout Southwest Asia and into Europe and North Africa and discuss the possible correlations of these migrations to various cultural and climatic events evident in the archaeological record of the past 15,000 years.
Esophageal Atresia with or without Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF): Association of Different EA/TEF Subtypes with Specific Co-occurring Congenital Anomalies and Implications for Diagnostic Workup
Authors: Zwink Nadine , Chonitzki Vera , Hölscher Alice , Boemers Thomas , Münsterer Oliver , Kurz Ralf , Heydweiller Andreas , Pauly Marcus , Leutner Andreas , Ure Benno , Lacher Martin , Deffaa Oliver , Thiele Holger , Bagci Soyhan , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Schumacher Johannes , Reutter Heiko , Bogs Thomas 
Published: January 2017

Background Esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) represents the most common developmental malformation of the upper digestive tract. It is classified into six subtypes according to the classification of Vogt, depending on anatomical variation of this malformation. Around 50% of the patients with EA/TEF present additional anomalies, which often influence, next to the EA/TEF subtype, the overall prognosis of EA/TEF newborns. Here, we investigated the association of the different EA/TEF subtypes with co-occurring congenital anomalies in EA/TEF patients and demonstrate their implications for postnatal diagnostic workup.
Materials and Methods We investigated 333 patients of a large German multicenter study born between 1980 and 2012. After evaluation of all available clinical records, 235 patients were included in our analysis. We compared our results with existing data.
Results The highest risk for co-occurring anomalies was seen in patients with most common Vogt 3b (p = 0.024), especially for additional gastrointestinal anomalies (p = 0.04). Co-occurring anomalies of the skin were significantly more common in patients with subtype Vogt 2 (p = 0.024). A significant correlation was observed for an impaired neurodevelopmental outcome and EA/TEF Vogt 3a (p = 0.041). Patients with EA/TEF showed a higher risk to present with any additional congenital anomaly compared with the general population (p < 0.001).
Conclusion Our results warrant thorough clinical workup for gastrointestinal anomalies especially in patients with Vogt 3b. Moreover, it might be necessary to focus on a thorough aftercare for neurocognitive development in patients with Vogt 3a. The here presented observations need to be confirmed by future studies.
Spacer-Based Gap Balancing in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Clinical Success with a Reproducible Technique
Authors: Lavoie Frédéric 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProper coronal and transverse ligament balancing is an important aspect of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and has an impact on postoperative outcome. Many variations of the gap balancing technique were described to address this challenge, most of them using various tensioning devices, but none for which the use is widespread. The aim of this paper is to describe a gap technique variant for TKA using spacer blocks and report the clinical results for a cohort of patients on which it was used. A total of 114 TKAs were performed in 101 patients using a standardized surgical technique that integrates ligament balancing with sizing and positioning of the femoral component. Clinical variables were assessed preoperatively and after a mean follow-up of 43 months using the Knee Society score, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. A significant improvement in every clinical function score was noted at the latest follow-up compared with preoperative values. All the knees except four (96%) were well-balanced at the last follow-up examination; a firm but delayed end-point was noted in the remaining four knees but did not seem to affect patient outcome. The patellar button was centered in the prosthetic trochlear groove for all knees on the postoperative radiographs. Similar improvements in the scores and in range of motion were noted for knees with a preoperative coronal misalignment of 10 degrees or more (n = 26) compared with knees with less than 10 degrees of varus or valgus (n = 77). The described surgical technique appears to be reliable to obtain well-balanced knees and good patellar tracking when performing a primary TKA, even in knees with important coronal misalignment.
Climate change effects on urban pest insects.
Authors: Comont R. F. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter discusses the possible effects of climate change on the population dynamics of insect pests in urban areas, and describes several key traits that are likely to govern the sensitivity of insect pests to climate change. It also describes the different types of insect pests. To be known as a pest, a species (native or non-native) is generally a threat in at least one of 3 main ways: threats, or apparent threats, to health of humans or domestic animals; structural or aesthetic damage to property or amenity plantings; and nuisance impacts. Ongoing changes to climate are likely, at least in temperate areas, to increase the abundance and diversity of pest species. The impacts of the pest species are likely to scale with abundance and diversity, and new pests are likely to arise as a result of introductions or better adaptations to the new climate regime. With urban areas, changes to the built environment and to human behaviour (including adaptations to the changing climate) will affect the impacts of pest species in ways that are hard to predict.
Climate change and urban pest management.
Authors: Dhang P. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter presents a general review on how climate change could affect the population dynamics, distribution, density and diversity of urban pests, as well as their management. Particular focus is given on mosquitoes, flies, termites, ants, ticks, and cockroaches. Temperature, the primary indicator commonly used to determine climate change, has a significant influence on pest biology and behaviour. Temperature also influences the efficacy of all pest-control activities. In addition to the direct impact of temperature on the efficacy of insecticides, temperature can also influence a number of tools and methodologies which make use of them, such as in insecticide-treated nets, long-lasting insecticidal nets, insecticide residual treatment, and odour-baited traps. It is concluded that climate change and resulting temperature regimens, in particular, will have a profound influence on urban pests and their management strategies.
Natural disasters, extreme events and vector-borne diseases: impact on urban systems.
Authors: Moore C. G. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Various host-vector-pathogen systems will be affected in different ways by particular aspects of climate. The likelihood of a particular class of climatic event causing or leading to an increase (or decrease) in vector-borne disease outbreaks will depend heavily on the ecology of the vectors (such as insects (e.g. mosquitoes), ticks, and mites) and vertebrate hosts, as well as the behaviour and other characteristics of the local human population. This chapter first examines several major environmental causes of disasters, and reviews evidence for impact, or lack of impact, on vector-borne disease. These natural disasters include hurricane, tornado, tsunami, storm, floods, drought, extreme cold or heat, and earthquake, volcanic eruption and subsequent landslide. A vector-borne disease equation is presented, and the impact of climate change-related extreme events on the components (namely vector density, transmission efficiency, biting rate, daily mortality (survival), extrinsic incubation, and host recovery rate) of this equation is discussed.
Survival of Formosan subterranean termite colonies during periods of flooding.
Authors: Cottone C. , Su NanYao Su NanYao 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is an invasive pest in USA and has become successfully established in areas of the south-eastern USA and Hawaii. Immediately after the Hurricane Katrina flooding in New Orleans, Louisiana in August 2005, the question of subterranean termite colony survivorship was raised. The determination of colony survival mechanisms is important for those that live in flood-prone areas in which C. formosanus has become established. Understanding the survival and behaviour of C. formosanus colonies during flooding will help pest management professionals convey the need of retreating flooded structures for termites and educate the public of the importance of vigilance in termite control practices after natural disasters. This chapter reviews the economic impact, biology, behaviour, geographical distribution, and potential colony survival mechanisms during flooding of C. formosanus.
Urbanization, climate change and malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa.
Authors: Kweka E. J. , Mazigo H. D. , Himeidan Y. E. , Morona D. , Munga S. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter explores the factors leading to urban migration in Sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of climate on the behaviour of malaria vectors (Anopheles spp.) in Africa, and the effects of climate change, urbanization, urban agriculture, and human settlement, activities and lifestyle on vector ecology and malaria transmission in urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. The adaptation of malaria vectors to urban climate is also discussed.
Climate change and urban human health.
Authors: Barata M. M. de L. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter focuses on how to use research to build a resilient city facing the hazards posed by climate change. It takes into account all the interrelationships between climate and pests in cities. It presents an overview of the scientific knowledge on urban health outcomes and their climate-related drivers, and discusses the challenges for implementing adaptation strategies in cities to reduce pests and climate change hazards. Several climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases (such as mosquito- and tick-borne diseases) are discussed, including the recommended strategies for their control.
Innovative formulations useful for area-wide application suitable for climate change.
Authors: Liszka D. , Swietoslawski P. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the impact of climate change on pest management strategies, and discusses a number of novel technologies, such as the use of 3D-IPNS (3-Dimensional Immobilizing Polymer Network Structure) acting through a physical mechanism, which is a completely new and promising approach for the management of ectoparasites (e.g. poultry mites), and plant insect pests. It also describes the use of a physical action adjuvant, Provecta, a unique mixture of polymeric compounds to be combined in the spray tank with insecticides (toxicants) for more effective treatment. It generates specific actions on contact resulting in dehydration and eventual suffocation. Product characteristics and modes of action of an attract-and-kill insecticide formulation and a controlled-release capsulated larvicide for mosquitoes are described.
Sustainability and tourism development in island territories.
Authors: Modica P. , Uysal M. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter analyses the concept of sustainability and island tourism development, and includes a case study of a Sardinian island. The case study refers to the island of Sant'Antioco. A small group of entrepreneurs working within tourism and related sectors on the island was involved to test the feasibility of the limits of acceptable change (LAC) framework to positively debate sustainable island tourism.
Dive tourism and the entrepreneurial process in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia.
Authors: Jeyacheya J. , Hampton M. P. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter explores the question of how the dive tourism entrepreneurial process in the Perhentian islands transforms (or not) as the destination moves to a strategically competitive one. It takes a holistic approach by considering the personal (characteristics, traits and socio-economic factors), environmental (business opportunities, resources and threats) and sociological factors (cultural norms, social networks, family) to understand how they interact with each other, with each stage of the process, and what the practical implications are.
A Density‐Ratio Model of Crop Yield Distributions
Authors: Yvette Zhang Yu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis paper proposes a density ratio estimator of crop yield distributions, wherein the number of observations for individual distributions is often quite small. The density ratio approach models individual densities as distortions from a common baseline density. We introduce a probability integral transformation to the density ratio method that simplifies the modeling of distortion functions. We further present an implementation approach based on the Poisson regression, which facilitates model estimation and diagnostics. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate good finite sample performance of the proposed method. We apply this method to estimate the corn yield distributions of ninety‐nine Iowa counties, and to calculate crop insurance premiums. Lastly, we illustrate that we can employ the proposed method to effectively identify profitable insurance policies.
Does Aerobic Exercise Increase 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Among Workers With High Occupational Physical Activity?—A RCT
Authors: Korshøj Mette , Krause Niklas , Clays Els , Søgaard Karen , Krustrup Peter , Holtermann Andreas 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
High occupational physical activity (OPA) increases cardiovascular risk and aerobic exercise has been recommended for reducing this risk. This paper investigates the effects of an aerobic exercise intervention on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) among cleaners with high OPA.

METHODS
Hundred and sixteen cleaners between 18 and 65 years were randomized. During the 4-month intervention period, the aerobic exercise group (AE) (n = 57) performed worksite aerobic exercise (2 × 30 minutes/week), while the reference group (REF) (n = 59) attended lectures. Between-group differences in 4-month ABP changes were evaluated by intention-to-treat analysis using a repeated-measure 2 × 2 multiadjusted mixed-models design.

RESULTS
Relative to REF, 24-hour ABP significantly increased in AE: systolic 3.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–5.7) and diastolic 2.3 mm Hg (95% CI 0.9–3.8). Cleaners with high aerobic workload exhibited particularly high 24-hour ABP increases: systolic 6.0 mm Hg (95% CI 2.4–9.6), and diastolic 3.8 mm Hg (95% CI 1.3–6.4).

CONCLUSION
Aerobic exercise increased 24-hour ABP among cleaners. This adverse effect raises questions about the safety and intended benefits of aerobic exercise, especially among workers with high OPA and a demanding aerobic workload.
http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN86682076. Unique identifier ISRCTN86682076.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
Trial Number ISRCTN86682076.
Otosclerosis
Authors: Batson Lora , Rizzolo Denise 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Otosclerosis is a complex and progressive disease of pathological bone remodeling that affects the otic capsule of the temporal bone, resulting in hearing loss. Although traditional diagnostic methods are still used, improvements in technology and research have paved the way for additional diagnostic techniques and advancements. The traditional treatment of otosclerosis, stapes surgery, is now being augmented or replaced by innovations in hearing aid technology and cochlear implants. Earlier diagnosis of otosclerosis can occur through understanding of the cause, risk factors, and current diagnostic testing.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins in Pediatric Spinal Arthrodesis: A Statewide Analysis of Trends and Outcome of Utilization
Authors: Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Schairer William W. , Pan Ting , Widmann Roger F. , Blanco John S. , Green Daniel W. , Lyman Stephen , Dodwell Emily R. 
Published: January 2017

Introduction:
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is considered off-label when used to augment spinal arthrodesis in children and adolescents. There is a paucity of longer-term information on BMP use in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of BMP utilization in pediatric spinal arthrodesis, assess factors associated with BMP use in this population, and evaluate long-term outcome.

Methods:
Spinal arthrodeses in patients 18 years and younger performed in New York State between 2004 and 2014 were identified through the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. All cases had a minimum 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was revision arthrodesis. The primary outcome, as well as short-term and longer-term complications were identified using time-to-event analysis. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between BMP and outcomes.

Results:
Of 7312 children and adolescents who underwent spinal arthrodesis, 462 (6.7%) received BMP. Utilization spiked between 2008 and 2010 when (8.6%) of cases received BMP, but subsequently BMP use returned to pre-2008 levels (2004 to 2007: 5.3%; 2011 to 2014: 5.5%). BMP was more likely to be used in children who were older (P=0.027), white and with higher mean family income (P<0.001 for race and income). BMP was more likely to be used for revision surgery, 2 to 3 level fusions, and spondylolisthesis (P<0.001 for all). Revision rates did not differ based on BMP utilization status. Patients receiving BMP did not have increased risk of short-term complications although at 5-year follow-up, BMP was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of mechanical complications (hazard ratio 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.14).

Conclusions:
Off-label use of BMP for pediatric spinal arthrodesis increased until 2008 and now appears to be decreasing. Racial/ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic status patients are less likely to receive BMP. The rate of revision after spinal arthrodesis does not differ between those treated with and without BMP. Further long-term studies are required to delineate appropriate guidelines for BMP utilization in children.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.