bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two‐year trial of intermittent insulin therapy vs metformin for the preservation of β‐cell function after initial short‐term intensive insulin induction in early type 2 diabetes
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Choi Haysook , Ye Chang , Kramer Caroline K. , Zinman Bernard 
Published: January 2018

AimsTo test the hypothesis that “induction” intensive insulin therapy (IIT) needs to be followed by “maintenance therapy” to preserve β‐cell function, and to evaluate the impact on β‐cell function over 2 years of two approaches to maintenance therapy: intermittent short‐term IIT every 3 months vs daily metformin.Materials and methodsIn this trial, 24 adults with a mean type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) duration of 2.0 ± 1.7 years and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels 6.4 ± 0.1% (46 ± 1.1mmol/mol) were randomized to 3 weeks of induction IIT (glargine, lispro) followed by either repeat IIT for up to 2 weeks every 3 months or daily metformin. Participants underwent serial assessment of β‐cell function using the Insulin Secretion‐Sensitivity Index‐2 (ISSI‐2) on an oral glucose tolerance test every 3 months.ResultsThe primary outcome of baseline‐adjusted ISSI‐2 at 2 years was higher in the metformin arm compared with intermittent IIT (245.0 ± 31.7 vs 142.2 ± 18.4; P = .008). Baseline‐adjusted HbA1c at 2 years (secondary outcome) was lower in the metformin arm (6.0 ± 0.2% vs 7.3 ± 0.2%; P = .0006) (42 ± 2.2 vs 56 ± 2.2mmol/mol). At study completion, 66.7% of participants randomized to metformin had an HbA1c concentration ≤ 6.0% (≤42mmol/mol), compared with 8.3% of those on intermittent IIT (P = .009). There were no differences in insulin sensitivity.ConclusionAfter induction IIT, metformin was superior to intermittent IIT for maintaining β‐cell function and glycaemic control over 2 years. The strategy of induction and maintenance therapy to preserve β‐cell function warrants exploration in early T2DM.
Local epidemiology of the wood decay agent Laetiporus sulphureus in carob stands in Sicily
Authors: Sillo F. , Gianchino C. , Giordano L. , Mari M. , Gonthier P. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe basidiomycete Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull) Murrill is a forest pathogen causing brown cubical heart rot in a broad range of host trees. Despite its wide distribution and importance, studies aimed at understanding the epidemiology of the fungus in specific areas or hosts are lacking. In this study, an incidence of L. sulphureus as high as 34% was determined through molecular analysis of wood samples collected from 70 carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) trees in the South‐west of Sicily, Italy. A phylogenetic analysis of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences indicated that all carob isolates belonged to the cluster E of Laetiporus taxonomy. Ten molecular markers based on Single Sequence Repeats (SSRs) designed on the L. sulphureus genome were developed, and isolates were genotyped through High‐resolution Melting (HRM) analysis. High gene diversity (0.581), no correlation between fungal genotype and host tree species and significant correlation between spatial and genetic distance were observed, suggesting an important role of basidiospores in the epidemiology of the fungus and a risk of transmission from a host tree species to the others. Finally, from a prognostic perspective, significant differences among isolates in terms of mycelial growth suggest that in addition to an accurate identification, a phenotypic characterization of isolates affecting trees may also be important.
Rater Agreement in Test‐to‐Curriculum Alignment Reviews
Authors: Traynor A. , Merzdorf H. E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDuring the development of large‐scale curricular achievement tests, recruited panels of independent subject‐matter experts use systematic judgmental methods—often collectively labeled “alignment” methods—to rate the correspondence between a given test's items and the objective statements in a particular curricular standards document. High disagreement among the expert panelists may indicate problems with training, feedback, or other steps of the alignment procedure. Existing procedural recommendations for alignment reviews have been derived largely from single‐panel research studies; support for their use during operational large‐scale test development may be limited. Synthesizing data from more than 1,000 alignment reviews of state achievement tests, this study identifies features of test–standards alignment review procedures that impact agreement about test item content. The researchers then use their meta‐regression results to propose some practical suggestions for alignment review implementation.
Increased expression of TREM2 in peripheral cells from mild cognitive impairment patients who progress into Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Casati M. , Ferri E. , Gussago C. , Mazzola P. , Abbate C. , Bellelli G. , Mari D. , Cesari M. , Arosio B. 
Published: January 2018

Background and purposeNeuroinflammation plays a role in the aetiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a cell surface receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, seems to have protective anti‐inflammatory activity in AD.MethodsTriggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 expression was analysed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects (CT) and from patients with either AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI patients were re‐evaluated at a 2‐year follow‐up to investigate their progression to AD (MCI‐AD) or lack thereof (MCI‐MCI).ResultsTriggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 gene expression was higher in AD than CT patients, but was highest in MCI. At recruitment TREM2 levels were higher in MCI‐AD than in MCI‐MCI, and in MCI‐AD were higher initially than at follow‐up. TREM2 displayed a moderate degree of sensitivity and specificity for identifying MCI‐AD in all MCI patients. Our data showed higher TREM2 levels in allele ε4 of apolipoprotein E (ApoE ε4) carriers than non‐carriers in MCI and particularly in MCI‐AD.ConclusionsThese data seem to confirm the protective role of TREM2 in the pre‐clinical stage of AD. Upregulation of TREM2 in MCI‐AD could be a mechanism to counteract the activation of neuroinflammatory processes. It is possible that TREM2 and ApoE ε4 interact synergistically in the pre‐clinical stage of AD. Therefore, TREM2 may be useful as an early peripheral biomarker for the development of AD.
Effect of finish line design on stress distribution in bilayer and monolithic zirconia crowns: a three‐dimensional finite element analysis study
Authors: Miura Shoko , Kasahara Shin , Yamauchi Shinobu , Egusa Hiroshi 
Published: January 2018

This study evaluated the influence of different finish line designs and abutment materials on the stress distribution of bilayer and monolithic zirconia crowns using three‐dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). Three‐dimensional models of two types of zirconia premolars – a yttria‐stabilized zirconia framework with veneering ceramic and a monolithic zirconia ceramic – were used in the analysis. Cylindrical models with the finish line design of the crown abutments were prepared with three types of margin curvature radius (CR): CR = 0 (CR0; shoulder margin), CR = 0.5 (CR0.5; rounded shoulder margin), and CR = 1.0 (CR1.0; deep chamfer margin). Two abutment materials (dentin and brass) were analyzed. In the FEA model, 1 N was loaded perpendicular to the occlusal surface at the center of the crown, and linear static analysis was performed. For all crowns, stress was localized to the occlusal loading area as well as to the axial walls of the proximal region. The lowest maximum principal stress values were observed when the dentin abutment with CR0.5 was used under a monolithic zirconia crown. These results suggest that the rounded shoulder margin and deep chamfer margin, in combination with a monolithic zirconia crown, potentially have optimal geometry to minimize occlusal stress.
Development and assessment of the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE‐16)
Authors: Goodwin Shane W. , Ferro Mark A. , Speechley Kathy N. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and validate a brief version of the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE). A secondary aim was to compare the results described in previously published studies using the QOLCE‐55 with those obtained using the new brief version.MethodsData come from 373 children involved in the Health‐related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study, a multicenter prospective cohort study. Item response theory (IRT) methods were used to assess dimensionality and item properties and to guide the selection of items. Replication of results using the brief measure was conducted with multiple regression, multinomial regression, and latent mixture modeling techniques.ResultsIRT methods identified a bi‐factor graded response model that best fits the data. Thirty‐nine items were removed, resulting in a 16‐item QOLCE (QOLCE‐16) with an equal number of items in all 4 domains of functioning (Cognitive, Emotional, Social, and Physical). Model fit was excellent: Comparative Fit Index = 0.99; Tucker‐Lewis Index = 0.99; root mean square error of approximation = 0.052 (90% confidence interval [CI] 0.041‐0.064); weighted root mean square = 0.76. Results that were reported previously using the QOLCE‐55 and QOLCE‐76 were comparable to those generated using the QOLCE‐16.SignificanceThe QOLCE‐16 is a multidimensional measure of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) with good psychometric properties and a short‐estimated completion time. It is notable that the items were calibrated using multidimensional IRT methods to create a measure that conforms to conventional definitions of HRQoL. The QOLCE‐16 is an appropriate measure for both clinicians and researchers wanting to record HRQoL information in children with epilepsy.
Grazing enhances belowground carbon allocation, microbial biomass, and soil carbon in a subtropical grassland
Authors: Wilson Chris H. , Strickland Michael S. , Hutchings Jack A. , Bianchi Thomas S. , Flory S. Luke 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDespite the large contribution of rangeland and pasture to global soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, there is considerable uncertainty about the impact of large herbivore grazing on SOC, especially for understudied subtropical grazing lands. It is well known that root system inputs are the source of most grassland SOC, but the impact of grazing on partitioning of carbon allocation to root tissue production compared to fine root exudation is unclear. Given that different forms of root C have differing implications for SOC synthesis and decomposition, this represents a significant gap in knowledge. Root exudates should contribute to SOC primarily after microbial assimilation, and thus promote microbial contributions to SOC based on stabilization of microbial necromass, whereas root litter deposition contributes directly as plant‐derived SOC following microbial decomposition. Here, we used in situ isotope pulse‐chase methodology paired with plant and soil sampling to link plant carbon allocation patterns with SOC pools in replicated long‐term grazing exclosures in subtropical pasture in Florida, USA. We quantified allocation of carbon to root tissue and measured root exudation across grazed and ungrazed plots and quantified lignin phenols to assess the relative contribution of microbial vs. plant products to total SOC. We found that grazing exclusion was associated with dramatically less overall belowground allocation, with lower root biomass, fine root exudates, and microbial biomass. Concurrently, grazed pasture contained greater total SOC, and a larger fraction of SOC that originated from plant tissue deposition, suggesting that higher root litter deposition under grazing promotes greater SOC. We conclude that grazing effects on SOC depend on root system biomass, a pattern that may generalize to other C4‐dominated grasslands, especially in the subtropics. Improved understanding of ecological factors underlying root system biomass may be the key to forecasting SOC and optimizing grazing management to enhance SOC accumulation.
VS2DRTI: Simulating Heat and Reactive Solute Transport in Variably Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Healy Richard W. , Haile Sosina S. , Parkhurst David L. , Charlton Scott R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractVariably saturated groundwater flow, heat transport, and solute transport are important processes in environmental phenomena, such as the natural evolution of water chemistry of aquifers and streams, the storage of radioactive waste in a geologic repository, the contamination of water resources from acid‐rock drainage, and the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. Up to now, our ability to simulate these processes simultaneously with fully coupled reactive transport models has been limited to complex and often difficult‐to‐use models. To address the need for a simple and easy‐to‐use model, the VS2DRTI software package has been developed for simulating water flow, heat transport, and reactive solute transport through variably saturated porous media. The underlying numerical model, VS2DRT, was created by coupling the flow and transport capabilities of the VS2DT and VS2DH models with the equilibrium and kinetic reaction capabilities of PhreeqcRM. Flow capabilities include two‐dimensional, constant‐density, variably saturated flow; transport capabilities include both heat and multicomponent solute transport; and the reaction capabilities are a complete implementation of geochemical reactions of PHREEQC. The graphical user interface includes a preprocessor for building simulations and a postprocessor for visual display of simulation results. To demonstrate the simulation of multiple processes, the model is applied to a hypothetical example of injection of heated waste water to an aquifer with temperature‐dependent cation exchange. VS2DRTI is freely available public domain software.
Effect of agro‐waste pore formers on the microstructure, hardness, and tensile properties of porous alumina ceramics
Authors: Dele‐Afolabi Temitope , Mohamed Ariff Azmah Hanim , Mazlan Norkhairunnisa , Sobri Shafreeza , Calin Recep , Zahari Nur Ismarrubie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study demonstrates a simple and economically viable approach to fabricate porous alumina ceramics shaped with low‐priced natural organic pore‐forming agents (PFAs) from rice husk (RH) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) of various weight contents using the powder metallurgy method. Experimental findings revealed that the total porosity (44‐67vol%) and average pore size (70‐178 μm) maintained a linear relationship with rising PFA inclusion. Using the diametral compression test, the mechanical response of porous alumina samples was evaluated as a function of porosity and pore geometry. From the overall mechanical strength characterization, the susceptivity of strength on porosity became well marked as the agro‐waste shaped porous ceramics exhibited hardness, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of 529.1‐26HV, 20.4‐1.5MPa and 1662‐57MPa, respectively. Moreover, the fractography of the RH and SCB graded porous alumina samples was evaluated as a function of the respective microstructural features. With a plausible tradeoff between pore interconnectivity and mechanical strength, recommended areas of application include solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) design, filtration, and thermal insulation systems.
Religiosity and cultural consumption
Authors: Montoro‐Pons Juan D. , Cuadrado‐García Manuel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article empirically investigates the impact of religiosity on cultural consumption. To this end we extend the standard model of cultural participation by hypothesizing that religious beliefs and religiosity shape preferences. In so doing, we identify two latent traits through which religiosity affects cultural consumption. First, a general religiosity factor which stands out for the functional aspects of religion, through which individuals build and enhance social relations and the belonging to a specific group. Second, an attribute linked to the intensity of beliefs and which manifests itself on an individual's degree of attachment to religion. Using U.S. data, the estimation of a simultaneous equations model shows that while the former increases the likelihood of participation in highbrow cultural manifestations, the latter decreases it. Additionally, we find evidence of religiosity marginally affecting popular forms of cultural consumption.
Impact of climate change on dermatological conditions related to flooding: update from the International Society of Dermatology Climate Change Committee
Authors: Dayrit Johannes F. , Bintanjoyo Lunardi , Andersen Louise K. , Davis Mark Dennis P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractClimate change contributes to the increase in severity and frequency of flooding, which is the most frequent and deadly disaster worldwide. Flood‐related damage can be very severe and include health effects. Among those health impacts, dermatological diseases are one of the most frequently encountered. Both infectious and noninfectious dermatological conditions are increasing after flooding. We searched PubMed using the search term climate change OR global warming OR rainfall OR flooding OR skin. Articles published in the English‐language literature were included. We also searched the International Society of Dermatology website library on climate change for additional articles. There is an increased risk of trauma during the course of a natural disaster. The majority of post‐tsunami wound infections were polymicrobial, but gram‐negative bacteria were the leading causes. Infectious diseases with dermatological manifestations, such as impetigo, leptospirosis, measles, dengue fever, tinea corporis, malaria, and leishmaniasis, are important causes of morbidity among flood‐afflicted individuals. Insect bites and stings, and parasite infestations such as scabies and cutaneous larva migrans are also frequently observed. Inflammatory conditions including irritant contact dermatitis are among the leading dermatological conditions. Dermatological conditions such as alopecia areata, vitiligo, psoriasis, and urticaria can be induced or exacerbated by psychological conditions post disaster. Prevention is essential in the management of skin diseases because of flooding. Avoiding exposure to contaminated environments, wearing protective devices, rapid provision of clean water and sanitation facilities, prompt vector controls, and education about disease risk and prevention are important.
Incidence of diseases primarily affecting the skin by age group: population‐based epidemiologic study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and comparison with age‐specific incidence rates worldwide
Authors: Wessman Laurel L. , Andersen Louise K. , Davis Mark D. P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the effects of age on the epidemiology of diseases primarily affecting the skin is important to the practice of dermatology, both for proper allocation of resources and for optimal patient‐centered care. To fully appreciate the effect that age may have on the population‐based calculations of incidence of diseases primarily affecting the skin in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and worldwide, we performed a review of all relevant Rochester Epidemiology Project–published data and compared them to similar reports in the worldwide English literature. Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, population‐based epidemiologic studies have been performed to estimate the incidence of specific skin diseases over the past 50 years. In older persons (>65 years), nonmelanoma skin cancer, lentigo maligna, herpes zoster, delusional infestation, venous stasis syndrome, venous ulcer, and burning mouth syndrome were more commonly diagnosed. In those younger than 65 years, atypical nevi, psoriatic arthritis, pityriasis rosea, herpes progenitalis, genital warts, alopecia areata, hidradenitis suppurativa, infantile hemangioma, Behçet's disease, and sarcoidosis (isolated cutaneous, with sarcoidosis‐specific cutaneous lesions and with erythema nodosum) had a higher incidence. Many of the incidence rates by age group of diseases primarily affecting the skin derived from the Rochester Epidemiology Project were similar to those reported elsewhere.
Harlequin ichthyosis due to novel splice site mutation in the ABCA12 gene: postnatal to prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Sheth Jayesh J. , Bhavsar Riddhi , Patel Dhairya , Joshi Aishwarya , Sheth Frenny J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundHarlequin ichthyosis (HI) is a severe genetic disorder caused by the mutation in the ABCA12 gene. Infants born with this condition have markedly thickened, hard stratum corneum skin all over the body.MethodsA female child born with a thick white plate of skin with deep cracks all over the body was investigated for genes associated with congenital Ichthyosis by Next Generation sequencing. The variant relevant to the clinical indications was identified using Picard and GATK version 3.6. Variant's pathogenicity was predicted by “in silico” tools like Mutation Taster 2, Mutation Assessor and LRT. Bidirectional Sanger sequencing further validated the same variant detected in the proband and confirmed in the parental blood and CVS.ResultsA homozygous 5′ splice site variation that affects the position at 4 nucleotides downstream to the donor proximal splice site of intron 40 (c.5939+4A>G; ENST00000272895) of the ABCA12 gene was detected in the proband, and the parents were heterozygous for the same variant. This led to the confirmation of diagnosis of Harlequin ichthyosis in the proband. “In silico” prediction of the variant was found to be damaging by MutationTaster2. The CVS sample during subsequent pregnancy was confirmed to be heterozygous for the same variant.ConclusionsThe novel intronic mutation found in the proband confirmed the clinical diagnosis as a severe type of HI and has helped the family in providing precise genetic counseling for further prevention of the disease and carrier screening of other family members.
Redirecting adult mesenchymal stromal cells to the brain: a new approach for treating CNS autoimmunity and neuroinflammation?
Authors: Wilson Jasmine J , Foyle Kerrie L , Foeng Jade , Norton Todd , McKenzie Duncan R , Payne Natalie , Bernard Claude C , McColl Shaun R , Comerford Iain 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells or stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to participate in tissue repair and are immunomodulatory in neuropathological settings. Given this, their potential use in developing a new generation of personalized therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) will be explored. To effectively exert these effector functions, MSCs must first gain entry into damaged neural tissues, a process that has been demonstrated to be a limiting factor in their therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss approaches to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs by altering their intrinsic trafficking programs to effectively enter neuropathological sites. To this end, we explore the significant role of chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules in directing cellular traffic to the inflamed CNS and the capacity of MSCs to adopt these molecular mechanisms to gain entry to this site. We postulate that understanding and exploiting these migratory mechanisms may be key to the development of cell‐based therapies tailored to respond to the migratory cues unique to the nature and stage of progression of individual CNS disorders.