bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship of glycated haemoglobin and reported hypoglycaemia to cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and recent acute coronary syndrome events: The EXAMINE trial
Authors: Heller Simon R. , Bergenstal Richard M. , White William B. , Kupfer Stuart , Bakris George L. , Cushman William C. , Mehta Cyrus R. , Nissen Steven E. , Wilson Craig A. , Zannad Faiez , Liu Yuyin , Gourlie Noah M. , Cannon Christopher P. ,   for the EXAMINE Investigators
Published: January 2017

AimsTo investigate relationships between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and reported hypoglycaemia and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).MethodsThe EXAMINE trial randomized 5380 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and a recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event, in 49 countries, to double‐blind treatment with alogliptin or placebo in addition to standard of care. We used Cox proportional hazards models to analyse relationships among MACE, HbA1c levels and hypoglycaemic events.ResultsPatients randomized to alogliptin achieved lower HbA1c levels than the placebo group in all baseline HbA1c categories without differences in hypoglycaemia rates. No systematic change was found in MACE rates according to baseline HbA1c (Pinteraction = 0.971) or HbA1c category at 1 month. Patients in the combined treatment groups (n = 5380) who experienced serious hypoglycaemia (n = 34) had higher MACE rates than those who did not (35.3% vs 11.4%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–4.60; P = .007), although the association was less strong when analysing only events after the hypoglycaemic event (adjusted HR 1.60, 95% CI 0.80, 3.20).ConclusionsThere were no relationships between baseline HbA1c levels or HbA1c levels after 1 month of treatment and the risk of MACE. Alogliptin improved glycaemic control without increasing hypoglycaemia. Reported events of hypoglycaemia and serious hypoglycaemia were associated with MACE. These data underscore the safety of alogliptin in improving glycaemic control in T2DM post‐ACS. Further study of hypoglycaemia as an independent risk factor for MACE in patients with T2DM and coronary disease is needed.
Upper and/or lower gastrointestinal adverse events with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists: Incidence and consequences
Authors: Horowitz Michael , Aroda Vanita R. , Han Jenny , Hardy Elise , Rayner Chris K. 
Published: January 2017

AimsTo characterize gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs) with different glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs).MethodsTwo retrospective intention‐to‐treat analyses of 6‐month patient‐level data were conducted. Data from three studies comparing exenatide once weekly (n = 617) with exenatide twice daily (n = 606) were pooled, and one (DURATION‐6) comparing exenatide once weekly (n = 461) with liraglutide (n = 450) was analysed separately. Patient‐reported gastrointestinal AEs were classified as upper or lower, AE incidences and timing were determined, subgroups were analysed, and associations of gastrointestinal AEs with efficacy were examined.ResultsNausea was the most common gastrointestinal AE for all treatments. Fewer exenatide once‐weekly‐treated vs exenatide twice‐daily‐ or liraglutide‐treated patients reported gastrointestinal AEs (34% vs 45% and 25% vs 41%, respectively; both
P
< .0001). Fewer exenatide once‐weekly‐treated patients reported upper plus lower events than liraglutide‐treated patients (
P
< .001); the difference between exenatide once weekly and twice daily was not significant. Within each group, more women than men reported gastrointestinal AEs. Events occurrred early and were predominantly mild. Glycated haemoglobin reductions were similar for patients with or without gastrointestinal AEs. Weight loss was greater for patients with gastrointestinal AEs with exenatide once weekly and exenatide twice daily (
P
< .05); no difference was observed in DURATION‐6.ConclusionsGastrointestinal AEs were less frequent with exenatide once weekly vs exenatide twice daily or liraglutide, and combined upper and lower events occurred less often. Gastrointestinal AEs were typically mild and occurred early. Gastrointestinal AEs did not affect glycaemic control but may be associated with greater weight loss.
Dual role of interleukin‐1β in islet amyloid formation and its β‐cell toxicity: Implications for type 2 diabetes and islet transplantation
Authors: Park Yoo Jin , Warnock Garth L. , Ao Ziliang , Safikhan Nooshin , Meloche Mark , Asadi Ali , Kieffer Timothy J. , Marzban Lucy 
Published: January 2017

AimsIslet amyloid, formed by aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), contributes to β‐cell failure in type 2 diabetes, cultured and transplanted islets. We previously showed that biosynthetic hIAPP aggregates induce β‐cell Fas upregulation and activation of the Fas apoptotic pathway. We used cultured human and hIAPP‐expressing mouse islets to investigate: (1) the role of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in amyloid‐induced Fas upregulation; and (2) the effects of IL‐1β‐induced β‐cell dysfunction on pro‐islet amyloid polypeptide (proIAPP) processing and amyloid formation.Research Design and MethodsHuman and h
IAPP
‐expressing mouse islets were cultured to form amyloid without or with the IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) anakinra, in the presence or absence of recombinant IL‐1β. Human islets in which amyloid formation was prevented (amyloid inhibitor or Ad‐prohIAPP‐siRNA) were cultured similarly. β‐cell function, apoptosis, Fas expression, caspase‐8 activation, islet IL‐1β, β‐cell area, β‐/α‐cell ratio, amyloid formation, and (pro)IAPP forms were assessed.Results
hIAPP aggregates were found to increase IL‐1β levels in cultured human islets that correlated with β‐cell Fas upregulation, caspase‐8 activation and apoptosis, all of which were reduced by IL‐1Ra treatment or prevention of amyloid formation. Moreover, IL‐1Ra improved culture‐induced β‐cell dysfunction and restored impaired proIAPP processing, leading to lower amyloid formation. IL‐1β treatment potentiated impaired proIAPP processing and increased amyloid formation in cultured human and h
IAPP
‐expressing mouse islets, which were prevented by IL‐1Ra.ConclusionsIL‐1β plays a dual role by: (1) mediating amyloid‐induced Fas upregulation and β‐cell apoptosis; (2) inducing impaired proIAPP processing thereby potentiating amyloid formation. Blocking IL‐1β may provide a new strategy to preserve β cells in conditions associated with islet amyloid formation.
Inter‐annual variation of the spawning aggregations of the white‐streaked grouper Epinephelus ongus, in relation to the lunar cycle and water temperature fluctuation
Authors: Ohta Itaru , Ebisawa Akihiko 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe white‐streaked grouper, Epinephelus ongus (Serranidae), which forms spawning aggregations at specific times and sites, has been traditionally targeted by local fishers in the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa. This study examined the long‐term dynamics of the population and the spawning aggregation of E. ongus, based on the historical catch data for a 20‐yr period. The continuous declines of the catch data suggested a substantial decrease in the population. The analysis of the daily catch data, which reflect the approximate volumetric fluctuation of the spawning aggregation, demonstrated that the distinctive peaks of daily catches appeared consistently over a 20‐yr span at the last quarter moon in the spawning season, in synchrony with the lunar phase as a spawning cue of the species. Contrary to this consistency, there were inter‐annual variations of spawning aggregation formation, which formed once or twice in the two consecutive months in the lunar calendar. The present study indicated that the water temperature before the aggregation period dictated not the only timing of the first spawning aggregation, but also the frequency of spawning aggregation and that the abundance between the first and the second spawning aggregation, represented by catch data, were negatively correlated. Together with previous evidence of gonadal histology, the findings indicated that water temperatures affect the gonadal maturation in the spawning population and control spawning aggregation formation. These facts imply that most individuals join in only a single spawning aggregation in the course of the year and highlight the importance of the spawning aggregation for reproduction of E. ongus.
Retrospective analysis of phytoplankton assemblages on the Iwate coast before and after the 2011 tsunami using cryopreserved DNA samples
Authors: Okumura Yutaka , Kaga Shinnosuke 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe assessed the feasibility of retrospectively reconstructing phytoplankton assemblages using next‐generation sequencing of the Psb A gene from cryopreserved DNA sampled from Ofunato and Yamada bays during the bloom season before (May–August 2010) and after (June–July 2011) the tsunami. The total number of phytoplankton species detected was >280 when the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) similarity threshold was set at 0.95. During the investigation, the sequences of Bacillariophyta, which are considered a suitable food for oysters, comprised >50% of the phytoplankton composition in both bays. Chlorophyta, mainly pico‐Prasinophyceae, which are too small for oysters, comprised 30%. Chroomonas sp. (ex Dinophysis acuminata), Geminigera cryophila, Teleaulax amphioxeia, and Cryptophyta sp. (CR‐MAL11), which have relation to diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, were predominant in the Cryptophyta. Dinophysis spp. were the predominant Dinophyceae species, and cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. Because these phytoplankton species are unsuitable oyster food, we think that continuous monitoring of species is necessary. After the tsunami, the beta diversity using unweighted UniFrac in Ofunato Bay tended to differ from those before the tsunami. The ratio of predominant of Bacillariophyta species tended to decrease after the tsunami, the number of minor species detected in each taxon tended to increase. We infer that the temporary change was caused by the multiple environmental changes, such as the resuspension of cysts and phytoplankton deposited in the seabed, destroyed local sewage infrastructure, breakwater, and many oyster rafts.
Non‐parametric modeling reveals environmental effects on bluefin tuna recruitment in Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans
Authors: Harford William J. , Karnauskas Mandy , Walter John F. , Liu Hui 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEnvironment–recruitment relationships can be difficult to delineate with parametric statistical models and can be prone to misidentification. We use non‐parametric time‐series modeling which makes no assumptions about functional relationships between variables, to reveal environmental influences on early life stages of bluefin tuna and demonstrate improvement in prediction of subsequent recruitment. The influence of sea surface temperature, which has been previously associated with larval growth and survival, was consistently detected in recruitment time series of bluefin tuna stocks that spawn in the Mediterranean Sea, the North Pacific, and the Southern Ocean. Short time series for the Gulf of Mexico stock may have precluded a clear determination of environmental influences on recruitment fluctuations. Because the non‐parametric approach does not require specification of equations to represent system dynamics, predictive models can likely be developed that appropriately reflect the complexity of the ecological system under investigation. This flexibility can potentially overcome methodological challenges of specifying structural relationships between environmental conditions and fish recruitment. Consequently, there is potential for non‐parametric time series modeling to supplement traditional stock recruitment models for fisheries management.
Self‐reported quality of sleep is associated with physical strength among community‐dwelling young‐old adults
Authors: Malinowska Katarzyna B. , Ikezoe Tome , Ichihashi Noriaki , Arai Hidenori , Murase Kimihiko , Chin Kazuo , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Tabara Yasuharu , Nakayama Takeo , Matsuda Fumihiko , Tsuboyama Tadao 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimThe present study examined the association between self‐reported quality of sleep (QOS) and physical function in community‐dwelling young‐old adults.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 737 community‐dwelling older adults aged 60 years and older (498 women, 239 men); age 68.3 ± 5.2 years (range 60–79 years). Participants completed a self‐administered questionnaire, which included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, as well as information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption. The χ2‐test was used to compare categorical variables stratified by QOS, and the unpairedt‐test was used for continuous variables for men and women separately. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses were carried out to verify the association between QOS and physical function measures.ResultsThe unpairedt‐test showed a significant difference ((P< 0.05) in the Timed Up and Go test and physical strength outcomes, which included: handgrip, quadriceps setting, knee extension and hip flexion strength between the good QOS and poor QOS groups among the men. However, thet‐test results for physical function outcomes did not show a significant difference among the women. In the logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, sex and potential confounding factors, handgrip strength remained significantly associated with QOS (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1.00).ConclusionQOS was associated with physical function in young‐old adults; those with good QOS were especially more likely to possess stronger grip strengths; however, further research is required to identify the temporal relationship.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1808–1813.
Comprehensive assessment of tumour budding by cytokeratin staining in colorectal cancer
Authors: Rieger Gregor , Koelzer Viktor H , Dawson Heather E , Berger Martin D , Hädrich Marion , Inderbitzin Daniel , Lugli Alessandro , Zlobec Inti 
Published: January 2017

AimsTumour budding in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a recognized prognostic parameter. The aim of this study was to address the use of cytokeratin immunostaining for the visualization and scoring of tumour buds.Methods and resultsTen hotspots (0.238 mm2) of peritumoural budding (PTB) and intratumoural budding (ITB) were evaluated in surgical resections from 215 patients. The budding counts in the 10 densest regions anywhere in the tumour were combined into an overall tumour budding (OTB) score. The PTB, ITB and OTB hotspot with the maximum budding count was then evaluated. Finally, continuous and cut‐off values of 10 buds per high‐power field (HPF) (PTB10HPF), five buds per HPF (ITB10HPF) and eight buds per HPF (OTB10HPF) were used to categorize budding counts into low‐grade and high‐grade scores. All budding scores were highly correlated. PTB and ITB counts were associated with many clinicopathological features, including tumour stage, lymph node and distant metastasis, venous and lymphovascular invasion, and disease‐free survival (DFS) (all P < 0.05). Analyses of OTB counts recapitulated these associations, including a lower DFS with a greater number of tumour buds (P = 0.0309; hazard ratio 1.0332, 95% confidence interval 1.003–1.062). One OTB hotspot performed similarly to 10 OTB hotspots in terms of relationship with outcome. These statistical significances were largely lost when cut‐offs were applied to PTB, ITB or OTB counts.ConclusionsAn OTB count in a single hotspot on cytokeratin‐stained CRC tissue sections is a fast and reliable prognostic scoring system for the assessment of tumour budding. This approach should be considered in future studies.
Estimating the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on respiratory hospital admissions in children less than five years of age in England, 2007‐2012
Authors: Reeves Rachel Melanie , Hardelid Pia , Gilbert Ruth , Warburton Fiona , Ellis Joanna , Pebody Richard G. 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospital admission in young children. With several RSV vaccines candidates undergoing clinical trials, recent estimates of RSV burden are required to provide a baseline for vaccine impact studies.ObjectivesTo estimate the number of RSV‐associated hospital admissions in children aged <5 years in England over a 5‐year period from 2007 using ecological time series modelling of national hospital administrative data.Patients/MethodsMultiple linear regression modelling of weekly time series of laboratory surveillance data and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data was used to estimate the number of hospital admissions due to major respiratory pathogens including RSV in children <5 years of age in England from mid‐2007 to mid‐2012, stratified by age group (<6 months, 6‐11 months, 1‐4 years) and primary diagnosis: bronchiolitis, pneumonia, unspecified lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).ResultsOn average, 33 561 (95% confidence interval 30 429‐38 489) RSV‐associated hospital admissions in children <5 years of age occurred annually from 2007 to 2012. Average annual admission rates were 35.1 (95% CI: 32.9‐38.9) per 1000 children aged <1 year and 5.31 (95% CI: 4.5‐6.6) per 1000 children aged 1‐4 years. About 84% (95% CI: 81‐91%) of RSV‐associated admissions were for LRTI. The diagnosis‐specific burden of RSV‐associated admissions differed significantly by age group.ConclusionsRSV remains a significant cause of hospital admissions in young children in England. Individual‐level analysis of RSV‐associated admissions is required to fully describe the burden by age and risk group and identify optimal prevention strategies.
State Aid in the New EU Member States
Authors: Hölscher Jens , Nulsch Nicole , Stephan Johannes 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn the early phase of transition, which began in the 1990s, Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) pursued economic restructuring that involved massive injections of state support. With reference to the history of state aid in centrally planned economies, we investigate state aid practices of CEECs since attaining full EU membership. We analyse whether their state aid policies during and after transition challenged European state aid legislation, and whether these fit into the EU strategy of ‘less but better targeted aid’. The data‐based analysis is complemented with some indicative insights from state aid in the steel industry as well as the financial service sector to suggest that there is today no significant difference in state aid law application between East and West any more – the new EU members have further caught up by better aligning to the objectives of the State Aid Action Plan.
Beyond the “Code”: A Guide to the Description and Documentation of Biodiversity in Ciliated Protists (Alveolata, Ciliophora)
Authors: Warren Alan , Patterson David J. , Dunthorn Micah , Clamp John C. , Achilles‐Day Undine E.M. , Aescht Erna , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Al‐Rasheid Khaled , Carr Martin , Day John G. , Dellinger Marc , El‐Serehy Hamed A. , Fan Yangbo , Gao Feng , Gao Shan , Gong Jun , Gupta Renu , Hu Xiaozhong , Kamra Komal , Langlois Gaytha , Lin Xiaofeng , Lipscomb Diana , Lobban Christopher S. , Luporini Pierangelo , Lynn Denis H. , Ma Honggang , Macek Miroslav , Mackenzie‐Dodds Jacqueline , Makhija Seema , Mansergh Robert I. , Martín‐Cereceda Mercedes , McMiller Nettie , Montagnes David J.S. , Nikolaeva Svetlana , Ong'ondo Geoffrey Odhiambo , Pérez‐Uz Blanca , Purushothaman Jasmine , Quintela‐Alonso Pablo , Rotterová Johana , Santoferrara Luciana , Shao Chen , Shen Zhuo , Shi Xinlu , Song Weibo , Stoeck Thorsten , La Terza Antonietta , Vallesi Adriana , Wang Mei , Weisse Thomas , Wiackowski Krzysztof , Wu Lei , Xu Kuidong , Yi Zhenzhen , Zufall Rebecca , Agatha Sabine 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRecent advances in molecular technology have revolutionized research on all aspects of the biology of organisms, including ciliates, and created unprecedented opportunities for pursuing a more integrative approach to investigations of biodiversity. However, this goal is complicated by large gaps and inconsistencies that still exist in the foundation of basic information about biodiversity of ciliates. The present paper reviews issues relating to the taxonomy of ciliates and presents specific recommendations for best practice in the observation and documentation of their biodiversity. This effort stems from a workshop that explored ways to implement six Grand Challenges proposed by the International Research Coordination Network for Biodiversity of Ciliates (IRCN‐BC). As part of its commitment to strengthening the knowledge base that supports research on biodiversity of ciliates, the IRCN‐BC proposes to populate The Ciliate Guide, an online database, with biodiversity‐related data and metadata to create a resource that will facilitate accurate taxonomic identifications and promote sharing of data.
An epiallele of rice AK1 affects photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Wei Xiangjin , Song Xianwei , Wei Liya , Tang Shaoqing , Sun Jing , Hu Peisong , Cao Xiaofeng 
Published: January 2017

SummaryEpigenetic gene variants, termed epialleles, can broaden genetic and phenotypic diversity in eukaryotes. Here, we identify a natural epiallele of OsAK1, which encodes a rice adenylate kinase. The Epi‐ak1 plants show albino in young leaf and panicle with abnormal chloroplast structures. We found that no nucleotide sequence variation but hypermethylation at promoter region caused silencing of OsAK1 (Os08g01770) in Epi‐ak1 plants. OsAK1 localizes to chloroplast and many genes associated with photosynthesis processes were downregulated in Epi‐ak1. Thus, the work identified a novel rice epiallele caused by DNA methylation changes, shedding light on significant roles of DNA methylation on rice development.
Ectopic expression of fungal EcGDH improves nitrogen assimilation and grain yield in rice
Authors: Tang Dongying , Peng Yuchong , Lin Jianzhong , Du Changqing , Yang Yuanzhu , Wang Dan , Liu Cong , Yan Lu , Zhao Xiaoying , Li Xia , Chen Liangbi , Liu Xuanming 
Published: January 2017

SummaryNADP(H)‐dependent glutamate dehydrogenases (GDH) in lower organisms have stronger ammonium affinity than those in higher plants. Here we report that transgenic rice overexpressing the EcGDH from Eurotium cheralieri exhibited significantly enhanced aminating activities. Hydroponic and field tests showed that nitrogen assimilation efficiency and grain yields were markedly increased in these transgenic plants, especially at the low nitrogen conditions. These results suggest that EcGDH may have potential to be used to improve nitrogen assimilation and grain yield in rice.
International solidarity and ethnic boundaries: using the Israeli–Palestinian conflict to strengthen ethno‐national claims in Northern Ireland
Authors: Arar Rawan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWhile scholars have described vertical nation‐building narratives that genealogically anchor a specific group to a specific territory (Smith 1981; Eriksen 2002), I argue that, in addition to vertical strategies, expressions of international solidarity constitute horizontal nation‐building strategies. Expressions of international solidarity can be used to maintain local ethnic boundaries and reinforce local divisions. By adopting an ally, expressions of international solidarity also designate an adversary, making the boundary between the two a possible incentive for solidarity. In Northern Ireland, some Unionist and Nationalist political entrepreneurs rely on expressions of international solidarity with Israelis or Palestinians, respectively, to make adversarial ethno‐national claims to the nation‐state. This study examines flags, graffiti, murals and political speech on display in Northern Ireland that advocate for either Israelis or Palestinians. Through the concept of ‘borrowed legitimacy’, I acknowledge the strategic use of the ethnic boundary in expressions of international solidarity.