bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of liraglutide on renal function: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: von Scholten Bernt J. , Persson Frederik , Rosenlund Signe , Hovind Peter , Faber Jens , Hansen Tine W. , Rossing Peter 
Published: October 2016

AimsAmong patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria, cardiorenal morbidity and mortality are high despite multifactorial treatment. Short‐term reduction in albuminuria is considered suggestive of long‐term renoprotective effects. We evaluated the renal effects of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist liraglutide on top of multifactorial care, including renin‐angiotensin‐system (RAS)‐inhibition.Materials and methodsRandomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial including patients with type 2 diabetes and persistent albuminuria (urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio >30 mg/g) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients received liraglutide (1.8 mg/d) and matched placebo for 12 weeks in a random order. The primary endpoint was change in 24‐h urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER).ResultsA total of 32 patients were randomized and 27 completed the study. After placebo treatment, geometric mean (IQR) UAER was 199 (81‐531) mg/24‐h, mean (SD) measured GFR (mGFR) 75 (36) mL/min/1.73 m2, 24‐h blood pressure 145/80 (15/8) mm Hg and HbA1c 61 (11) mmol/mol. Liraglutide reduced HbA1c by 8 (95% CI: 5; 11) mmol/mol (P
< .001) and weight by 1.8 (95% CI: 0.2; 3.4) kg (P
= .032) compared to placebo. Furthermore, liraglutide reduced UAER by 32 (95% CI: 7; 50)% (
P
= .017) compared with placebo. The change in mGFR was −5 (95% CI: −11; 2) mL/min/1.73 m2 (
P
= .15), and change in 24‐h systolic blood pressure was −5 (95% CI: −10; 0) mm Hg (
P
= .07). In multivariate regression models, change in UAER was associated with change in 24‐h systolic blood pressure (
P
= .025) but not with change in HbA1c, weight or mGFR (
P
≥ .14), overall model
R
2
= .39.ConclusionsOur placebo‐controlled randomized trial suggests that liraglutide has renoprotective effects on top of multifactorial treatment, including RAS‐inhibition, in patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria.
Crystal structure of a peptidyl‐dipeptidase K‐26‐DCP from Actinomycete in complex with its natural inhibitor
Authors: Masuyer Geoffrey , Cozier Gyles E. , Kramer Glenna J. , Bachmann Brian O. , Acharya K. Ravi 
Published: October 2016

Several soil‐derived Actinobacteria produce secondary metabolites that are proven specific and potent inhibitors of the human angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE), a key target for the modulation of hypertension through its role in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. K‐26‐DCP is a zinc dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase (DCP) produced by Astrosporangium hypotensionis, and an ancestral homologue of ACE. Here we report the high‐resolution crystal structures of K‐26‐DCP and of its complex with the natural microbial tripeptide product K‐26. The experimental results provide the structural basis for better understanding the specificity of K‐26 for human ACE over bacterial DCPs.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 5L43 and 5L44.
Assessment of a fisheries legal framework for potential development of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management in large rivers
Authors: Castillo T. I. , Baigún C. R. M. , Minotti P. G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMost small‐scale fisheries of large floodplain rivers are still managed under conventional top‐down regulations that limit the application of an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) due to inappropriate legal frameworks. Using the Parana–Paraguay River fisheries (Argentina) as an example, this study examines the extent to which existing provincial legislations can be prepared for the adoption of an EAF. An Ecosystem Fishing Legal Approach (EFLA) framework is proposed based on different criteria across an environmental–ecological, fishing, social, economic and institutional template. Policy Component Scores (PCS) and an Integrated Policy Legal Index (IPLI) were applied to assess the degree of compliance by current provincial legislations to EAF implementation. Cluster analysis was used to recognise the potential for articulating a legal framework at a basin scale. The EFLA framework, which provided an accurate picture of how provinces were poorly prepared to adopt an EAF for the Paraguay–Parana fisheries, and represents a suitable tool that can be adapted and extended to other basins around the world.
Morphogenesis, biomass and nutritive value of Panicum maximum under different shade levels and fertilizer nitrogen rates
Authors: Paciullo D. S. C. , Gomide C. A. M. , Castro C. R. T. , Maurício R. M. , Fernandes P. B. , Morenz M. J. F. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPanicum maximum is important for cattle production in tropical regions, and it responds well to nitrogen (N) fertilization. Many cultivars have exhibited potential for use in silvopastoral systems, although there is limited information on how different levels of N can influence plant growth and nutritive value under shading. Morphogenetic and structural traits, biomass production and nutritive value of two P. maximum cultivars (Tanzânia and Massai) were investigated under three shading levels (0, 37 and 58%) and four N rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg N dm−3). Plants were grown in pots under shade. Leaf and stem elongation rate and leaf blade length increased with shading and in response to N. Tiller density was reduced with shading, but showed a linear increase fashion with N under full sun and moderate shading. Under intense shading, the tillering showed a quadratic response to N. Plant biomass production increased linearly with N under full sun and moderate shade, but it increased quadratically under intense shade. Crude protein (CP) content increased with shade and N and was greater for Tanzânia than Massai under shade. Contents of NDF and ADF were greater for Massai than Tanzânia. Acid detergent insoluble protein was reduced in Tanzânia under shade, but it increased for Massai. It is suggested that the positive shading effect on CP content may not result in increased nutritional value. Although N fertilization was important for increasing biomass production under full sun and moderate shade, it should be avoided under intense shading.
Aquifer Treatment of Sea Water to Remove Natural Organic Matter Before Desalination
Authors: Dehwah Abdullah H. A. , Al‐Mashharawi Samir , Ng Kim Choon , Missimer Thomas M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAn investigation of a sea water reverse osmosis desalination facility located in western Saudi Arabia has shown that aquifer treatment of the raw sea water provides a high degree of removal of natural organic matter (NOM) that causes membrane biofouling. The aquifer is a carbonate system that has a good hydraulic connection to the sea and 14 wells are used to induce sea water movement 400 to 450 m from the sea to the wells. During aquifer transport virtually all of the algae, over 90% of the bacteria, over 90% of the biopolymer fraction of NOM, and high percentages of the humic substance, building blocks, and some of the low molecular weight fractions of NOM are removed. Between 44 and over 90% of the transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are removed with a corresponding significant reduction in concentration of the colloidal fraction of TEP. The removal rate for TEP appears to be greater in carbonate aquifers compared to siliciclastic systems. Although the production wells range in age from 4 months to 14 years, no significant difference in the degree of water treatment provided by the aquifer was found.
The Headache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire: Establishing the Psychometric Properties of the Questionnaire
Authors: Kubik Sonja U. , Martin Paul R. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the newly developedHeadache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire(HTSAQ) designed to measure variables relating to the Trigger Avoidance Model of Headaches.BackgroundTheTrigger Avoidance Model of Headachesproposes that one pathway to developing a primary headache disorder is through the avoidance of headache triggers, resulting in an increase in trigger potency through sensitization. Conversely, prolonged exposure to certain triggers may reduce a potential trigger's ability to precipitate a headache. This model has led to an alternative approach to trigger management being proposed calledLearning to Cope with Triggers, which advocates the desensitization of certain headache triggers through controlled exposure, while supporting avoidance of those triggers that are detrimental to health and wellbeing. To be able to evaluate predictions based on theTrigger Avoidance Model of Headachesand to investigate the effectiveness ofLearning to Cope with Triggers, psychometrically sound measures of trigger sensitivity and trigger avoidance are needed.MethodA convenience sample of 376 participants (87.5% female; 64.1% European descent) was recruited for the online study which consisted of a battery of measures including the HTSAQ, Brief Headache Screen, Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale, Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire, Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, and demographic items. With an interval of 2‐6 weeks, a subsample of participants (n = 201) completed the HTSAQ for a second time. The mean age of the sample was 31.4 years (SD = 12.8). The most common headache diagnoses (based on the Brief Headache Screen) were migraine (chronic = 62; episodic = 160), followed by medication‐overuse headache (n = 87). The remaining participants (n = 67) were diagnosed as having episodic less severe headache (most likely tension‐type headache).ResultsReliability was assessed through internal consistency and test‐retest reliability over a period of 2‐6 weeks, and both were excellent (alpha > .80). Strong construct validity was demonstrated by the measure's scale scores being significantly correlated in theoretically consistent ways with the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire, Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale, and Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire. As theTrigger Avoidance Model of Headacheswould predict, correlations between the HTSAQ Sensitivity scales and the Avoidance scale were strong (P < .001), and participants with chronic migraine had significantly higher HTSAQ scores than those with episodic headaches.ConclusionThe findings support the use of the HTSAQ as a valid and reliable tool for assessing sensitivity to headache triggers and avoidance of headache triggers. Further research examining the factor structure of the HTSAQ is warranted.
Cliff characteristics, neighbour requirements and breeding success of the colonial Cape VultureGyps coprotheres
Authors: Pfeiffer Morgan B. , Venter Jan A. , Downs Colleen T. 
Published: October 2016

The breeding success of endangered colonial nesting species is important for their conservation. Many species ofGypsvultures form large breeding colonies that are the foci of conservation efforts. The Cape Vulture is a globally threatened species that is endemic to southern Africa and has seen a major reduction in its population size (≥ 50% over 48 years). There is evidence that breeding colonies are prone to desertion as a result of human disturbance. Factors that influence the occupancy and breeding success of individual nest‐sites is not fully understood for any African vulture species. We investigated cliff characteristics and neighbour requirements of the Msikaba Cape Vulture colony, a major breeding colony in the southern node of the population in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, together with their nest‐site occupation and breeding success over 13 years. In total, 1767 breeding attempts were recorded. Nest‐sites that had a higher elevation, smaller ledge depth, greater total productivity and were surrounded by conspecifics were more likely to be occupied, although the amount of overhang above the nest was not an important predictor of occupancy. In accordance with occupation, nest‐sites with a smaller ledge depth had higher breeding success; however, nests with a greater overhang were also more successful and height of the nest‐site was not an important predictor of breeding success. The breeding success of a nest‐site in a given year was positively influenced by the number of direct nest neighbours, and nests in the middle of high‐density areas had greater breeding success. This suggests that maintaining a high nest density may be an important consideration if declines of reproducing adults continue. Breeding success declined over the study period, highlighting the effects of a temporal variation or observer bias. Our results identified optimal nest‐site locations (ledge depths of 1 m, at a height of 180 m) and their effects on breeding success. This information can be used for planning reintroduction efforts of the endangered Cape Vulture and for their ongoing conservation.
Exogenous enzymes in dairy technology: acidic proteases from processing discards of shrimp Pleoticus muelleri and their use as milk‐clotting enzymes for cheese manufacture
Authors: Pereira Nair de los Angeles , Fernández‐Gimenez Analia Verónica 
Published: October 2016

SummaryArgentina is the seventh largest world producer of cheese. Owing to the profitability of this industry, more than a thousand of dairy companies and farms exclusively produce cheeses, and, thus, this activity utilises 42% of total raw milk production of the country. Due to the increase in cheese demand, and because calf rennet is relatively expensive, this has motivated the study of new sources of proteases due to the potential use in biotechnological processes. Previously, crustacean proteases have been considered as good rennet substitutes for milk coagulation during the cheese making process. The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterise acidic proteases obtained from Pleoticus muelleri discards and their proteolytic capability as well as their potential use as a milk‐clotting agent. The activity of aspartic proteases and the satisfactory acceptation by the taste panel for cheese made with shrimp's enzymes suggest that P. muelleri proteins offer a high potential for use in dairy biotechnological processes with potential use as milk‐clotting agents for cheese making.
Association of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha G/A ‐238 and G/A ‐308 single nucleotide polymorphisms with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Maddah M. , Harsini S. , Ziaee V. , Moradinejad M. H. , Rezaei A. , Zoghi S. , Sadr M. , Aghighi Y. , Rezaei N. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder of unknown origin. As proinflammatory cytokines are known to contribute towards the pathogenesis of JIA, this case–control study was performed to examine the associations of certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) gene. Fifty‐three patients with JIA participated in this study as patients group and compared with 137 healthy unrelated controls. Genotyping was performed for TNF‐α gene at positions ‐308 and ‐238, using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers method. Results of the analysed data revealed a significant positive association for TNF‐α gene at positions ‐308 and ‐238 for A allele in patients group compared with controls (P < 0.01). At the genotypic level, the frequency of TNF‐α gene at positions ‐308 and ‐238 for GG genotype was discovered to be higher in the patients with JIA compared to the healthy controls (P < 0.01), while GA genotype at the same positions was observed to be less frequent in the case group than the controls (P < 0.01). At the haplotypic level, a significant positive association for TNF‐α GG haplotype (positions ‐308, ‐238) together with a notable negative association for TNF‐α AG and GA haplotypes at the same positions were detected in the patients group in comparison with the healthy individuals (P < 0.01). Cytokine gene polymorphisms might affect the development of JIA. Particular TNF‐α gene variants could render individuals more susceptible to JIA..
Decline of miR‐124 in myeloid cells promotes regulatory T‐cell development in hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Ren Jun P. , Wang Lin , Zhao Juan , Wang Ling , Ning Shun B. , El Gazzar Mohamed , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to attenuating immune responses during chronic viral infection; however, the precise mechanisms underlying their suppressive activities remain incompletely understood. We have recently shown marked expansion of MDSCs that promote regulatory T (Treg) cell development in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here we further investigated whether the HCV‐induced expansion of MDSCs and Treg cells is regulated by an miRNA‐mediated mechanism. The RNA array analysis revealed that six miRNAs were up‐regulated and six miRNAs were down‐regulated significantly in myeloid cells during HCV infection. Real‐time RT‐PCR confirmed the down‐regulation of miR‐124 in MDSCs from HCV patients. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that miR‐124 may be involved in the regulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT‐3), which was overexpressed in MDSCs from HCV patients. Notably, silencing of STAT‐3 significantly increased the miR‐124 expression, whereas reconstituting miR‐124 decreased the levels of STAT‐3, as well as interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β, which were overexpressed in MDCSs, and reduced the frequencies of Foxp3+ Treg cells that were developed during chronic HCV infection. These results suggest that reciprocal regulation of miR‐124 and STAT‐3 in MDSCs promotes Treg cell development, thus uncovering a novel mechanism for the expansion of MDSC and Treg cells during HCV infection.
Estimation of influenza‐attributable medically attended acute respiratory illness by influenza type/subtype and age, Germany, 2001/02–2014/15
Authors: an der Heiden Matthias , Buchholz Udo 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundThe total burden of influenza in primary care is difficult to assess. The case definition of medically attended “acute respiratory infection” (MAARI) in the German physician sentinel is sensitive; however, it requires modelling techniques to derive estimates of disease attributable to influenza. We aimed to examine the impact of type/subtype and age.MethodsData on MAARI and virological results of respiratory samples (virological sentinel) were available from 2001/02 until 2014/15. We constructed a generalized additive regression model for the periodic baseline and the secular trend. The weekly number of influenza‐positive samples represented influenza activity. In a second step, we distributed the estimated influenza‐attributable MAARI (iMAARI) according to the distribution of types/subtypes in the virological sentinel.ResultsSeason‐specific iMAARI ranged from 0.7% to 8.9% of the population. Seasons with the strongest impact were dominated by A(H3), and iMAARI attack rate of the pandemic 2009 (A(H1)pdm09) was 4.9%. Regularly the two child age groups (0‐4 and 5‐14 years old) had the highest iMAARI attack rates reaching frequently levels up to 15%‐20%. Influenza B affected the age group of 5‐ to 14‐year‐old children substantially more than any other age group. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated both comparability and stability of the model.ConclusionWe constructed a model that is well suited to estimate the substantial impact of influenza on the primary care sector. A(H3) causes overall the greatest number of iMAARI, and influenza B has the greatest impact on school‐age children. The model may incorporate time series of other pathogens as they become available.
A realist review: what do nurse‐led self‐management interventions achieve for outpatients with a chronic condition?
Authors: van Hooft Susanne M. , Been‐Dahmen Janet M.J. , Ista Erwin , van Staa AnneLoes , Boeije Hennie R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to examine how nurse‐led interventions that support self‐management of outpatients with chronic conditions work and in what contexts they work successfully.BackgroundSelf‐management could be directed at goals such as quality of life, adherence or patients’ empowerment. Self‐management support is an increasingly important task of nurses. Many nurse‐led interventions have been developed but it is not clear how these actually help improve patients’ self‐management capabilities.DesignRealist review.Data sourcesPrimary research studies on self‐management support interventions conducted by nurses from January 2000 until March 2015 were retrieved from all relevant databases. The studies had a before–after design and used qualitative and quantitative methods.Review methodsFor each study, we described how the intervention was supposed to improve self‐management and compared this with the empirical evidence. Next, we described the context–mechanism–outcome strings for each separate study, explored patterns and integrated the findings.ResultsThirty‐eight papers were included, evaluating 35 interventions concerning a diversity of conditions. Seven different context–mechanism–outcome strings were identified. Interventions focusing on patients’ intrinsic processes were most successful. Least successful were interventions only providing education aimed at patient behaviour change. Various contexts can influence the success of the interventions: involvement of relatives, target group (i.e. chronic condition, motivation, being recently diagnosed or not), involvement of fellow patients and intervention group homogeneity or heterogeneity.ConclusionSuccessful interventions focus on patients’ intrinsic processes (i.e. motivation or self‐efficacy). This would guide nurses to decide what self‐management support intervention they can best use in their specific setting and patient group.
Korean infection control nurses’ knowledge and awareness of infection control against Ebola virus disease
Authors: Kim Kyung M. , Choi Jeong S. 
Published: October 2016

AimTo assess the level of knowledge and awareness of Ebola virus disease infection control among infection control nurses and to identify a correlation between these factors.MethodsThe data were collected from 125 infection control nurses by using a self‐report questionnaire. The data were collected on sociodemographic and hospital characteristics, as well as the level of knowledge and awareness of Ebola virus disease infection control.ResultsThe respondents’ mean level of knowledge (correct‐answer rate) was 87.7% and their mean level of awareness was 3.86 (1 = “not important at all” to 4 = “very important”). Knowledge of Ebola virus disease infection control was significantly higher among those nurses who had received some Ebola virus disease education. There was a significant positive correlation between the level of knowledge and the level of awareness.ConclusionThe development of effective education and training systems is necessary to improve infection control nurses’ knowledge and awareness of Ebola virus disease infection control. Moreover, each hospital should build effective and systematic Ebola virus disease infection control strategies.