bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus in an Indian cohort
Authors: Mahto Harishankar , Tripathy Rina , Das Bidyut K , Panda Aditya K 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder with various clinical manifestations. Susceptibility to development of SLE has been linked to several factors, such as genetic, environmental and hormonal. Vitamin D appears to have a regulatory role on disease manifestation and activity. Vitamin D exerts its effect through vitamin D receptors (VDR). Several studies have demonstrated an association between VDR polymorphisms and susceptibility to SLE in different populations, although the results are still inconclusive. In the present study, we investigated the association of VDR polymorphisms with SLE in a cohort of patients from Odisha, India.MethodsFemale SLE patients (n = 331) who fulfilled the revised American College of Rheumatology classification criteria were enrolled along with 282 healthy controls from similar geographical areas. VDR polymorphisms (BsmI, ApaI, TaqI and FokI) were typed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Plasma level of 25‐OH vitamin D was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsPrevalence of FokI (Ff) and TaqI (Tt) heterozygotes were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (Ff: P < 0.0001, odds ratio [OR] = 2.80, 95%CI = 1.99–3.95; Tt: P < 0.0001, OR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.49–2.89). Furthermore, the minor alleles of FokI (f) and TaqI (t) polymorphisms were also more frequent in SLE patients than healthy controls (f: P < 0.0001, OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.52–2.52; t: P = 0.0002, OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.25–2.09).ConclusionsFokI and TaqI variants are significantly associated with SLE in an eastern Indian cohort. The cause‐effect relationship can be assessed from the combined analyses of VDR polymorphism, plasma vitamin D levels and clinical manifestations.
The Impact of IFRS Adoption on an Agribusiness Company's Financial Statements
Authors: Jin Yan , McConomy Bruce J. , Xu Bixia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis fictional case is based on a Canadian public company that produces greenhouse vegetables. Focusing on the differences between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Canadian Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE), this case provides students an opportunity to (1) apply IFRS in a real world setting; (2) prepare and reconcile financial statements under ASPE and IFRS; (3) analyze the impact of IFRS adoption on key financial ratios; and (4) detect and explain differences in financial statements under ASPE and IFRS through common size analysis.
ST AUGUSTINE AND THE DISAPPEARANCE OF VARRO
Authors: HADAS DANIEL 
Published: December 2017

Abstract:
This paper argues that St Augustine's presentation of Varro's Antiquitates rerum divinarum in City of God was pivotal to the latter text's disappearance. It shows how Augustine used the Antiquitates' tripartite theology (poetic, civil, and natural) to destroy Varro's authority on traditional Roman religion. In Augustine's reading, Varro's open criticism of the gods of myth and poetry implied an equal rejection of the civil cult. This left the natural gods of the philosophers, but Augustine derided Varro's attempts at philosophical theology. The result was that, to readers of the City of God, the Antiquitates rerum divinarum appeared as a failure: Varro had been incapable of justifying traditional Roman religion, while lacking the courage to attack it openly. Readers could then turn to the City of God itself as a better guide to the Roman gods, and there was no further need to read or copy the Antiquitates.
Trauma exposure interacts with the genetic risk of bipolar disorder in alcohol misuse of US soldiers
Authors: Polimanti R. , Kaufman J. , Zhao H. , Kranzler H. R. , Ursano R. J. , Kessler R. C. , Stein M. B. , Gelernter J. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate whether trauma exposure moderates the genetic correlation between substance use disorders and psychiatric disorders, we tested whether trauma exposure modifies the association of genetic risks for mental disorders with alcohol misuse and nicotine dependence (ND) symptoms.MethodsHigh‐resolution polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were calculated for 10 732 US Army soldiers (8346 trauma‐exposed and 2386 trauma‐unexposed) based on genome‐wide association studies of bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia.ResultsThe main finding was a significant BD PRS‐by‐trauma interaction with respect to alcohol misuse (P = 6.07 × 10−3). We observed a positive correlation between BD PRS and alcohol misuse in trauma‐exposed soldiers (r = 0.029, P = 7.5 × 10−3) and a negative correlation in trauma‐unexposed soldiers (r = −0.071, P = 5.61 × 10−4). Consistent (nominally significant) result with concordant effect, directions were observed in the schizophrenia PRS‐by‐trauma interaction analysis. The variants included in the BD PRS‐by‐trauma interaction showed significant enrichments for gene ontologies related to high voltage‐gated calcium channel activity (GO:0008331, P = 1.51 × 10−5; GO:1990454, P = 4.49 × 10−6; GO:0030315, P = 2.07 × 10−6) and for Beta1/Beta2 adrenergic receptor signaling pathways (P = 2.61 × 10−4).ConclusionsThese results indicate that the genetic overlap between alcohol misuse and BD is significantly moderated by trauma exposure. This provides molecular insight into the complex mechanisms that link substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, and trauma exposure.
Effects of grapevine bunch exposure to sunlight on berry surface temperature and Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) egg laying, hatching and larval settlement
Authors: Kiaeian Moosavi Fatemeh , Cargnus Elena , Pavan Francesco , Zandigiacomo Pietro 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Bunch‐zone leaf removal reduced infestation by Lobesia botrana, although the mechanism responsible for this effect is unknown.
Based on the mortality of eggs and newly‐hatched larvae exposed to high temperatures (≥37 °C) in the laboratory, the present study aimed to assess the influence of (i) bunch‐zone leaf removal and grapevine‐row orientation on berry surface temperature and (ii) bunch exposure to sunlight on egg and larval mortality.
Berry temperatures were measured using a noncontact infrared thermometer in two vineyards and showed that, in direct sunlight, the temperatures of berry surfaces were 9 °C or more above air temperature, and the highest mean temperatures occurred on southwest‐side bunches followed by west‐ and south‐side bunches.
The results of four two‐choice field assays, carried out confining fertile females in cages with two bunches, one exposed and one non‐exposed to sunlight, showed that: (i) the females did not avoid laying eggs on sun‐exposed bunches and (ii) the lowest percentages of both egg‐hatching and larval settlement occurred on sun‐exposed bunches.
The hypothesis that the high temperatures reached by sun‐exposed berries cause egg and especially larval mortality is confirmed.
Bunch‐zone leaf removal combined with optimized grapevine‐row orientations can improve L. botrana control.
Genetic contributions to precocity traits in racing Thoroughbreds
Authors: Farries G. , McGettigan P. A. , Gough K. F. , McGivney B. A. , MacHugh D. E. , Katz L. M. , Hill E. W. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryAdaptation to early training and racing (i.e. precocity), which is highly variable in racing Thoroughbreds, has implications for the selection and training of horses. We hypothesised that precocity in Thoroughbred racehorses is heritable. Age at first sprint training session (work day), age at first race and age at best race were used as phenotypes to quantify precocity. Using high‐density SNP array data, additive SNP heritability () was estimated to be 0.17, 0.14 and 0.17 for the three traits respectively. In genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for age at first race and age at best race, a 1.98‐Mb region on equine chromosome 18 (ECA18) was identified. The most significant association was with the myostatin (MSTN) g.66493737C>T SNP (P = 5.46 × 10−12 and P = 1.89 × 10−14 respectively). In addition, two SNPs on ECA1 (g.37770220G>A and g.37770305T>C) within the first intron of the serotonin receptor gene HTR7 were significantly associated with age at first race and age at best race. Although no significant associations were identified for age at first work day, the MSTN:g.66493737C>T SNP was among the top 20 SNPs in the GWAS (P = 3.98 × 10−5). Here we have identified variants with potential roles in early adaptation to training. Although there was an overlap in genes associated with precocity and distance aptitude (i.e. MSTN), the HTR7 variants were more strongly associated with precocity than with distance. Because HTR7 is closely related to the HTR1A gene, previously implicated in tractability in young Thoroughbreds, this suggests that behavioural traits may influence precocity.
The association of pre‐operative home accelerometry with cardiopulmonary exercise variables
Authors: Cui H. W. , Kirby G. S. , Surmacz K. , Hargrove C. , Griffiths J. , Turney B. W. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryWe investigated the association of pre‐operative activity, reported by the Duke Activity Score Index, Short Form‐12 and measured by an accelerometer worn at home, with five cardiopulmonary exercise variables: peak power; peak oxygen consumption; anaerobic threshold; and ventilatory equivalents for oxygen and carbon dioxide. Fifty patients scheduled for major surgery underwent a standard pre‐operative cardiopulmonary exercise test and wore a chest‐mounted triaxial accelerometer for a mean (SD) duration of 3.2 (0.4) days. The Duke Activity Score Index and six accelerometer variables were significantly correlated with all five cardiopulmonary exercise variables, Pearson correlation coefficients 0.5–0.7, p = 0.02 to p < 0.001. Our results can guide future studies that measure physical activity for pre‐operative assessment and interventions.
Evolution of Biventricular Loading Condition in Pediatric LVAD Patient: A Prospective and Observational Study
Authors: Di Molfetta Arianna , Iacobelli Roberta , Filippelli Sergio , Grutter Giorgia , Perri Gianluigi , Iodice Francesca , Pasquini Luciano , Guccione Paolo , Amodeo Antonio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe the echocardiographic trend of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function after implantation of a pulsatile flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in children. From 2013 to 2016, we prospectively evaluated 13 consecutive pediatric Berlin Heart EXCOR LVAD patients. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected at baseline, within 24 h after implantation and monthly until LVAD explant. Median age and weight at the implantation was 8 (4–23) months and 5 (4.6–8.3) kg at the time of implantation, respectively. All were affected by dilated cardiomyopathy. Average LVAD support time was 226.2 ± 121.2 days. Nine (70%) were transplanted, 4 (30%) died. LV end‐systolic and end‐diastolic volumes were reduced until the follow up of two months (P = 0.019 and P = 0.001). A progressive increase in RV dimensions was observed. After 4 months of follow up, RV fractional area change worsening was statistically related with the deterioration of LV unloading (P = 0.0036). Four patients needed prolonged inotropic support for RV failure. Pulsatile LVAD in pediatrics is followed by an early and mid‐term LV unloading, as expressed by a decrease in LV volumes and diameters at echocardiogram. The effects of unloading do not remain stable at long term follow up. RV function improved in the acute phase, but a progressive dilatation of RV was noted over time. In some patients, RV failure might lead to the need of an increase of inotropic support at long term follow up.
Preventive effect of diverting stoma on anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic low anterior resection with double stapling technique reconstruction applied based on risk stratification
Authors: Hamabe Atsushi , Ito Masaaki , Nishigori Hideaki , Nishizawa Yuji , Sasaki Takeshi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionDuring laparoscopic low anterior resection with double stapling technique reconstruction, it is necessary to securely implement rectal transection and anastomosis to prevent anastomotic leakage (AL). However, risk factors and preventive measures for AL are not known sufficiently. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate risk factors associated with AL and to clarify strategies to prevent it.MethodsWe analyzed a total of 296 cases with rectal cancer who had undergone laparoscopic low anterior resection with double stapling technique reconstruction at the National Cancer Center Hospital East. The relationship between AL and patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were retrospectively investigated.ResultsThere were 186 male and 110 female patients with a median age of 62. Overall, AL occurred in 24 cases (8.1%). Being a man, having an anal verge distance ≤7 cm, and undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with an elevated risk for AL (P = 0.0005, 0.0034, and 0.0222, respectively). Neither an anal drainage tube nor diverting stoma creation correlated with incidence of AL. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that being a man (odds ratio = 18.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.4–138) and having an anal verge distance ≤7 cm (odds ratio = 3.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.5–9.4) were significant risk factors. These two factors were present in 61 cases, including 14 who developed AL (23.0%). In this high‐risk group, diverting stoma creation significantly reduced the occurrence of AL (P = 0.0363), but an anal drainage tube had no effect on incidence of AL (P = 0.3399).ConclusionWe identified the high‐risk population for AL after laparoscopic low anterior resection with double stapling technique reconstruction based on two factors. This will enable surgeons to appropriately recommend diverting stoma creation.
Effects of limit‐feeding diets with different forage‐to‐concentrate ratios on nutrient intake, rumination, ruminal fermentation, digestibility, blood parameters and growth in Holstein heifers
Authors: Zhang Jun , Shi Haitao , Wang Yajing , Li Shengli , Zhang Hongtao , Cao Zhijun , Yang Kailun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was using a wide range of dietary concentrate levels to investigate the major effects of limit‐feeding on heifers. Twenty‐four Holstein heifers were blocked into six groups and fed with one of four diets containing different levels of concentrate (20%, 40%, 60% and 80% on a dry matter (DM) basis) but with same intakes of metabolizable energy for 28 days. Increasing levels of dietary concentrate caused decreased (P ≤ 0.02) intakes of dry matter (DMI) and neutral detergent fiber and total rumination time, but increased (P < 0.01) nonfiberous carbohydrates intake, ruminal concentrations of NH3‐N, propionate and butyrate, and digestibility of DM and crude protein. Dietary concentrate levels had no significant effect on most plasma concentrations and body measurements. The corrected average daily gain (CADG) and feed efficency (ADG/DMI, CFE) were linearly increased (P < 0.01) with increasing dietary concentrate levels when gut fill impact was removed. In conclusion, heifers limit‐fed high concentrate diets increased most ruminal fermentation parameters, CADG and CFE with similar body growth and blood metabolites as heifers fed low concentrate diets, and had the potential to be used as an effective feeding strategy in dairy heifers.
Analysis of the costs of veterinary education and factors associated with financial stress among veterinary students in Australia
Authors: Gregory KP , Matthew SM , Baguley JA 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate the course‐related and other costs involved in obtaining a veterinary education in Australia and how these costs are met. The study also aimed to identify sociodemographic and course‐related factors associated with increased financial stress.MethodsStudents from seven Australian veterinary schools were surveyed using an online questionnaire. A total of 443 students participated (response rate 17%). Responses to survey items relating to finances, employment and course‐related costs were compared with sociodemographic factors and prior research in the area of student financial stress.ResultsRespondents reported spending a median of A$300 per week on living costs and a median of A$2,000 per year on course‐related expenses. Over half of respondents received the majority of their income from their parents or Youth Allowance (56%). A similar proportion (55%) reported that they needed to work to meet basic living expenses. Circumstances and sociodemographic factors linked to perceived financial stress included requiring additional finances to meet unexpected costs during the course; sourcing additional finances from external loans; an expected tuition debt at graduation over A$40,000; being 22 years or older; working more than 12 hours per week; living costs above A$300 per week; and being female.ConclusionThe costs involved in obtaining a veterinary education in Australia are high and over half of respondents are reliant on parental or Government income support. Respondents with certain sociodemographic profiles are more prone to financial stress. These findings may have implications for the psychological health, diversity and career plans of veterinary students in Australia.
Patient perspectives on loss of local obstetrical services in rural northern Minnesota
Authors: Pearson Jennifer , Siebert Kale , Carlson Samantha , Ratner Nathan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundObstetrical care has been declining in rural communities. We examined patient choices and perspectives from two rural northern Minnesota communities who lost their local obstetrical services in July 2015. Our purpose was to characterize obstetrical use patterns through the years leading to and following the closure and to explore the effects of the closure on these communities.MethodsInformation introducing the project and providing access to the survey was mailed to women who received prenatal care in the communities of interest. Responses were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.FindingsTwo hundred and one participants completed the survey with 356 deliveries reported from 1990 to 2016. Before the closure, there was a trend toward an increasing percentage of women electing regional delivery (P < .001); however, women were still 1.6 times more likely to choose local (62%) than regional (38%) delivery. Reasons for choosing delivery location changed over the decades. While birth experiences remained positive or extremely positive, anxiety about getting to the hospital rose 10‐fold from 1990 to 2016 (5%‐51%, P < .001). Women voiced substantial concern about the lack of local obstetrical services. Qualitative analysis revealed significant negative emotional reactions and concerns for the consequences of this loss for the viability of their rural communities.ConclusionsChoices and opinions about obstetric care have significantly changed from 1990 to 2016 in rural Minnesota. Understanding these changes can help address shifting risks and costs to rural communities here and elsewhere in an effort to support and sustain healthy, viable rural communities.
Therapeutic effects of endoscopic ablation in patients with Hunner type interstitial cystitis
Authors: Ko Kwang Jin , Chung Hyunwoo , Suh Yoon Seok , Lee Sin Woo , Kim Tae Heon , Lee Kyu‐Sung 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of endoscopic ablation of Hunner lesions (HLs) in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and to find predictors of early recurrence of HLs.Patients and MethodsA prospective study was performed of patients with Hunner type IC who underwent transurethral ablation. We repeated endoscopic ablation when symptoms and HLs recurred during the follow‐up period. The primary endpoint was recurrence‐free time. Secondary endpoints were a change in frequency, nocturia, and urgency episodes, and changes in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and other symptom indices at follow‐up visits.ResultsA total of 72 patients were analysed. The median (range) follow‐up period was 29.5 (12.0–50.0) months. After primary ablation treatment, HLs recurred in 75.0% (54/72) of patients, and the median (sd) recurrence‐free time was 12.0 (1.6) months. Amongst the 54 patients with recurrence, 50 underwent a second ablation treatment. HLs occurred in 44.0% (22/50) of individuals after the second operation, and the median (sd) recurrence‐free time was 18.0 (5.1) months. Lower maximal cystometric capacity (odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 1.001–1.013) was the predictive factor for early recurrence. There were significant improvements in the VAS pain scores, O'Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Problem Index, Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale after treatment (all, P < 0.05).ConclusionsEndoscopic ablation is an effective treatment option for HLs and significantly reduces pain and improves voiding symptoms. Repeat ablation upon recurrence could help symptom control and bladder preservation only if the bladder capacity is maintained.
Hospital volume and outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Xia Leilei , Pulido Jose E. , Chelluri Raju R. , Strother Marshall C. , Taylor Benjamin L. , Raman Jay D. , Guzzo Thomas J. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of hospital volume on outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).Materials and MethodsPatients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent RAPN between 2010 and 2013 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Hospital yearly RAPN volume was categorized into groups by sorting patients as closely as possible into five groups of equal size (quintiles): very low; low; medium; high; and very high volume. Outcomes included 30‐day mortality, 90‐day mortality, open conversion, prolonged length of hospital stay (PLOS; defined as >3 days), 30‐day readmission rate, and positive surgical margin (PSM) rate. Unadjusted analyses and multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare outcomes. Sensitivity analyses with hospital volume considered as a continuous variable were also performed.ResultsA total of 18 724 RAPN cases were included. Hospital volume quintiles were: very low volume, 1–7 cases (n = 3 693); low volume, 8–14 cases (n = 3 719); medium volume, 15–23 cases (n = 3 833); high volume, 24–43 cases (n = 3 649); and very high volume, ≥44 cases (n = 3 830). There was no significant difference in 30‐day or 90‐day mortality among the five groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis (reference: very low volume) showed that higher hospital volume was associated with lower odds of conversion (low [odds ratio {OR}: 0.88; P = 0.377]; medium [OR: 0.60; P = 0.001]; high [OR: 0.57; P < 0.001]; very high [OR: 0.47; P < 0.001]), lower odds of PLOS (low [OR: 0.93; P = 0.197], medium [OR: 0.75; P < 0.001]; high [OR: 0.62; P < 0.001]; very high [OR: 0.45; P < 0.001]), and lower odds of PSMs (low [OR: 0.76; P < 0.001]; medium [OR: 0.76, P < 0.001]; high [OR: 0.59; P < 0.001]; very high [OR: 0.34; P < 0.001]). Sensitivity analyses confirmed increasing hospital volume (per 1‐case increase) was associated with lower odds of conversion (OR: 0.986; P < 0.001), PLOS (OR: 0.989; P < 0.001) and PSMs (OR: 0.984; P < 0.001). A difference in 30‐day readmission rate was found in unadjusted analysis but not in adjusted analyses.ConclusionUndergoing RAPN at higher‐volume hospitals may have better peri‐operative outcomes (conversion to open and LOS) and lower PSM rates. Future studies are needed to explore the detailed components that lead to the superior outcomes in higher‐volume hospitals.