bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy in wrist-worn, sensor-based measurements of heart rate and energy expenditure in a diverse cohort
Authors: Shcherbina Anna , Mattsson C. Mikael , Waggott Daryl , Salisbury Heidi , Christle Jeffrey W. , Hastie Trevor , Wheeler Matthew T. , Ashley Euan A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe ability to measure activity and physiology through wrist-worn devices provides an opportunity for cardiovascular medicine. However, the accuracy of commercial devices is largely unknown.ObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of seven commercially available wrist-worn devices in estimating heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) and to propose a wearable sensor evaluation framework.MethodsWe evaluated the Apple Watch, Basis Peak, Fitbit Surge, Microsoft Band, Mio Alpha 2, PulseOn, and Samsung Gear S2. Participants wore devices while being simultaneously assessed with continuous telemetry and indirect calorimetry while sitting, walking, running, and cycling. Sixty volunteers (29 male, 31 female, age 38 ± 11 years) of diverse age, height, weight, skin tone, and fitness level were selected. Error in HR and EE was computed for each subject/device/activity combination.ResultsDevices reported the lowest error for cycling and the highest for walking. Device error was higher for males,greater body mass index, darker skin tone, and walking. Six of the devices achieved a median error for HR below 5% during cycling. No device achieved an error in EE below 20 percent. The Apple Watch achieved the lowest overall error in both HR and EE, while the Samsung Gear S2 reported the highest.ConclusionsMost wrist-worn devices adequately measure HR in laboratory-based activities, but poorly estimate EE, suggesting caution in the use of EE measurements as part of health improvement programs. We propose reference standards for the validation of consumer health devices (http://precision.stanford.edu/).Abbreviations(EE)Energy expenditure(HR)Heart rate(GEE)General estimating equation
Familial Mutations and Post-translational Modifications of UCH-L1 in Parkinson’s Disease and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Lee Yun-Tzai Cloud , Hsu Shang-Te Danny 
Published: December 2016

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorders in modern society. The disease involves many genetic risk factors as well as a sporadic pathogenesis that is age- and environment-dependent. Of particular interest is the formation of intra-neural fibrillar aggregates, namely Lewy bodies (LBs), the histological hallmark of PD, which results from aberrant protein homeostasis or misfolding that results in neurotoxicity. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism and composition of these cellular inclusions will help shed light on the progression of misfolding-associated neurodegenerative disorders. Ubiquitin carbonyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) is found to co-aggregate with α-synuclein (αS), the major component of LBs. Several familial mutations of UCH-L1, namely p.Ile93Met (p.I93M), p.Glu7Ala (p.E7A), and p.Ser18Tyr (p.S18Y), are associated with PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review recent progress and recapitulate the impact of PD-associated mutations of UCH-L1 in the context of their biological functions gleaned from biochemical and biophysical studies. Finally, we summarize the effect of these genetic mutations and post-translational modifications on the association of UCH-L1 and PD in terms of loss of cellular functions or gain of cellular toxicity.
In silicoepitope prediction and 3D model analysis of Peste des petits ruminants virus nucleoprotein (PPRV N)
Authors: Baloi Bakang 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPeste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of small ruminants. It is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. The disease is a major constraint to food security, causing significant economic losses to subsistence farmers in affected areas.The nucleoprotein of morbilliviruses is highly immunogenic and produced in large quantities in virus infected cells. This makes it a suitable target for the host’s immune response. In this study, B-cell and T-cell epitopes of PPRV Nig/75/1 nucleoprotein were predicted using a suite ofin silicotools. Forty-six T-cell epitopes were predicted, of which 38 were MHC-I binding while eight were MHC-II binding. Of the 19 B-cell epitopes predicted, 15 were linear epitopes while four were discontinuous epitopes. Homology modelling of PPRV-N was done to elucidate the 3D structure of the protein and conformational epitopes. Conservation analysis of the discontinuous epitopes gave an indication into the similarity of the selected epitopes with other isolates of PPRV.Predicted epitopes may form an important starting point for serological screening and diagnostic tools against PPRV. Experimental validation of the predicted epitopes will assist in selection of promising candidates for consideration as antigen-based diagnostic tools. Such diagnostic tools would play a role in the global fight and possible eradication of PPR.
Co-estimating Reticulate Phylogenies and Gene Trees from Multi-locus Sequence Data
Authors: Wen Dingqiao , Nakhleh Luay 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe multispecies network coalescent (MSNC) is a stochastic process that captures how gene trees grow within the branches of a phylogenetic network. Coupling the MSNC with a stochastic mutational process that operates along the branches of the gene trees gives rise to a generative model of how multiple loci from within and across species evolve in the presence of both incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and reticulation (e.g., hybridization). We report on a Bayesian method for sampling the parameters of this generative model, including the species phylogeny, gene trees, divergence times, and population sizes, from DNA sequences of multiple independent loci. We demonstrate the utility of our method by analyzing simulated data and reanalyzing three biological data sets. Our results demonstrate the significance of not only co-estimating species phylogenies and gene trees, but also accounting for reticulation and ILS simultaneously. In particular, we show that when gene flow occurs, our method accurately estimates the evolutionary histories, coalescence times, and divergence times. Tree inference methods, on the other hand, underestimate divergence times and overestimate coalescence times when the evolutionary history is reticulate. While the MSNC corresponds to an abstract model of “intermixture,” we study the performance of the model and method on simulated data generated under a gene flow model. We show that the method accurately infers the most recent time at which gene flow occurs. Finally, we demonstrate the application of the new method to a 106-locus yeast data set. [Multispecies network coalescent; reticulation; incomplete lineage sorting; phylogenetic network; Bayesian inference; RJMCMC.]
Dexmedetomidine preconditioning for myocardial protection in ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in rats by downregulation of the high mobility group box 1‐toll‐like receptor 4‐nuclear factor κB signalling pathway
Authors: Yang Yu‐fan , Peng Ke , Liu Hong , Meng Xiao‐wen , Zhang Jing‐jing , Ji Fu‐hai 
Published: December 2016

SummaryPharmacological preconditioning reduces myocardial infarct size in ischaemia‐reperfusion (I‐R) injury. Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2‐adrenoceptor agonist, has a proven cardioprotective effect when administered prior to I‐R, although the underlying mechanisms for this effect are not fully understood. We evaluated whether dexmedetomidine preconditioning could induce a myocardio‐protective effect against I‐R injury by inhibiting associated inflammatory processes through downregulation of the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)‐toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) signalling pathway. Seventy rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: a control and six test groups, involving I‐R for 30 and 120 minutes, respectively, in isolated rat hearts and different pretreatment protocols with dexmedetomidine (10 nmol/L) as well as yohimbine (1 μmol/L) and recombinant HMGB1 peptide (rHMGB1; 20 μg/L), alone or in combination with dexmedetomidine. Cardiac function was recorded; myocardial HMGB1, TLR4, and NF‐κB activities and levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were measured as were lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) in coronary outflow. Dexmedetomidine preconditioning significantly improved cardiac function (P<.05), downregulated the expression of HMGB1‐TLR4‐NF‐κB, reduced levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in isolated ventricles during I‐R injury, and significantly reduced CK and LDH levels in coronary outflow (P<.05). All of these effects were partially reversed by yohimbine (P<.05) or rHMGB1 (P<.05). Dexmedetomidine preconditioning alleviated myocardial I‐R injury in rats through inhibition of inflammatory processes associated with downregulation of the HMGB1‐TLR4‐NF‐κB signalling pathway via activation at α2‐adrenergic receptors.
The Evolving Dynamics of Employer‐Sponsored Health Insurance: Implications for Workers, Employers, and the Affordable Care Act
Authors: GRAVES JOHN A. , MISHRA PRANITA 
Published: December 2016

Policy Points:
Increasingly, Americans are relying on coverage through a family member to maintain continuous insurance when their own employer‐sponsored insurance (ESI) ends. Meanwhile, employers have responded by limiting access to and imposing surcharges on dependent coverage elections.
Between 2005 and 2013, adults who transitioned off ESI became likely to enroll in a non‐group plan and were twice as likely to become uninsured. Special Enrollment Period enrollment figures under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) suggest these dynamics have not meaningfully changed since 2014.
Moving forward, more Americans will rely on alternative sources for affordable health insurance outside the ESI system. New ACA outreach efforts are needed to identify and enroll the large and increasing number of individuals who face the end of ESI benefits throughout the year.
ContextEmployer‐sponsored insurance (ESI) is the predominant form of health insurance coverage in the United States, yet little is known about transitions into and out of ESI or whether turnover has increased over time.MethodsWe fit multistate dynamic transition models for adults aged 18‐61 using Survey of Income and Program Participation data from 2005‐2007 to 2010‐2013 and preliminary Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from the period 2012‐2014.FindingsOver a 2‐year period beginning in 2010, 34.6% of adults with ESI experienced a change, up from 31.7% in 2005‐2007. Transitions occurred most frequently among young adults, Hispanic adults, low‐income adults, those in fair or poor health, and service industry workers. But even the groups with the lowest turnover—older adults, married adults, and those with a college degree—had 2‐year rates of change of up to 30%. The probability that an ESI policyholder regained an employer‐based policy after a job change declined by 15% between 2005 and 2013. Meanwhile, the probability that an ESI policyholder enrolled as a dependent on another family member's plan or became uninsured increased twofold. We found little evidence of changes in these dynamics during the first year (2014) of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) major coverage reforms.ConclusionsIncreasingly, Americans are relying on dependent ESI coverage through a family member to maintain continuous insurance when their own employer‐based benefits end. Those who transitioned off ESI were also less likely to enroll in a non‐group plan and were twice as likely to become uninsured. The first year of the ACA did not see material changes in the likelihood that an ESI‐insured adult became uninsured or switched to an alternative public or private plan. New ACA outreach efforts are needed to identify and enroll the large and increasing number of individuals who face the end of ESI benefits throughout the year.
Negative symptoms mediate the relationship between neurocognition and function in individuals at ultrahigh risk for psychosis
Authors: Glenthøj L. B. , Jepsen J. R. M. , Hjorthøj C. , Bak N. , Kristensen T. D. , Wenneberg C. , Krakauer K. , Nordentoft M. , Fagerlund B. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveNeurocognition is known to impact functioning in individuals at ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis, but studies investigating potential mediators of this relationship are scarce. Building on evidence from schizophrenia spectrum disorders, the study tested whether negative symptoms and social skills act as mediators between neurocognition and functional outcome in UHR individuals.MethodsUltrahigh risk participants (N = 84) underwent neurocognitive testing using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. Social skills and negative symptoms were assessed using the High‐Risk Social Challenge task and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms respectively. Four instruments were used to assess overall functioning, and one instrument assessed quality of life encompassing social functioning.ResultsThe cross‐sectional analyses revealed that neurocognition was related to the measures of functioning. Negative symptoms mediated the relationship between neurocognition and four of the five measures of functioning. We did not find social skills to mediate between neurocognition and functioning.ConclusionNegative symptoms appear to mediate the relationship between neurocognition and functional outcome in UHR individuals, but the finding needs to be confirmed and extended to longitudinal studies. This underscores the importance of focusing on both neurocognition and negative symptoms when aiming at improving the functional outcome of UHR individuals.
Oral health interventions in Australian Aboriginal communities: a review of the literature
Authors: Patel J , Durey A , Hearn L , Slack‐Smith LM 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAboriginal Australians experience significant disparities in oral health with even poorer outcomes reported in rural and remote areas. The high rates of preventable dental disease in Aboriginal communities are a serious concern from a social standpoint and in terms of service provision and health care expenditure. In this review, primary research literature was comprehensively reviewed. Papers were selected if they reported designing or implementing an intervention or oral health programme specific to the needs of Aboriginal communities. Twenty‐one publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria with 19 different interventions being described. Interventions were categorized using a classification adapted from the work of Whitehead (2002). The review identified interventions that aimed to reduce early childhood caries, increase services to remote communities, develop the role of Aboriginal health workers, improve oral health literacy, establish water fluoridation and provide periodontal therapy. Implementing successful oral health interventions in Aboriginal communities is a challenge that is compounded by the complex interplay between psychosocial and cultural determinants. Even interventions that follow a rigorous and consultative design have a high failure rate in Aboriginal communities if upstream determinants of health are not adequately understood and addressed.
In‐training assessments: ‘The difficulty is trying to balance reality and really tell the truth’
Authors: Scarff Catherine E , Corderoy Robert M , Bearman Margaret 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn‐training assessments (ITA) aim to evaluate trainees’ progress and give valuable feedback on their performance. Many factors can affect supervisors during their completion of assessments and these can influence the final results recorded.MethodsThis is the second part of a study of supervisors of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) and presents the qualitative data on their opinions of the ACD ITA process and the influences on their ITA ratings.ResultsSupervisors noted the benefits of this assessment tool, together with many limitations. Potential influences upon supervisor ratings included the relationship between the supervisor and trainee and the level of honesty in completing and delivery of the assessment.ConclusionsMany factors influence supervisors in the completion of the ITA. These include the impact of interpersonal relationships and concerns about the consequences of delivering a negative assessment, which sometimes lead supervisors to modify the assessment they deliver to the trainee. Further research is needed into honesty in assessment judgements.
Evidence for non‐random sampling in randomised, controlled trials by Yuhji Saitoh
Authors: Carlisle J. B. , Loadsman J. A. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryA large number of randomised trials authored by Yoshitaka Fujii have been retracted, in part as a consequence of a previous analysis finding a very low probability of random sampling. Dr Yuhji Saitoh co‐authored 34 of those trials and he was corresponding author for eight of them. We found a number of additional randomised, controlled trials that included baseline data, with Saitoh as corresponding author, that Fujii did not co‐author. We used Monte Carlo simulations to analyse the baseline data from 32 relevant trials in total as well as an outcome (muscle twitch recovery ratios) reported in several. We also compared a series of muscle twitch recovery graphs appearing in a number of Saitoh's publications. The baseline data in 14/32 randomised, controlled trials had p < 0.01, of which seven p values were < 0.001. Eight trials reported four ratios of the time for the return of muscle activity after neuromuscular blockade, the distributions of which were homogeneous: the p values for the observed Q statistics were 0.0055, 0.031, 0.016 and 0.0071. Comparison of graphs revealed multiple coincident or near‐coincident curves across a large number of publications, a finding also inconsistent with random sampling. Combining the continuous and categorical probabilities of the 32 included trials, we found a very low likelihood of random sampling: p = 1.27 × 10−8 (1 in 100,000,000). The high probability of non‐random sampling and the repetition of lines in multiple graphs suggest that further scrutiny of Saitoh's work is warranted.
Long‐term evolution of superficial optic disc drusen
Authors: Malmqvist Lasse , Lund‐Andersen Henrik , Hamann Steffen 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPurposeOptic disc drusen (ODD) is hyaline deposits in the optic nerve head seen in 1–2% of the population. Long‐term evolution of ODD anatomy and visual field defects in ODD patients is a key factor for learning more about pathophysiology and prognosis of the condition. With a median follow‐up period of 56 years, this is the first study that evaluates superficial optic disc anatomy and visual fields in patients with ODD over a life span.MethodsObservational case series investigating progression of superficial optic disc anatomy and visual fields in ODD patients. Eight patients with hereditary ODD were included.ResultsMean age at initial and follow‐up examination was, respectively, 16.8 and 73.3 years. The median follow‐up time was 56 years. A minimal or non‐existing change in superficial ODD anatomy (size and number) was seen in 10 of 12 eyes. There was a tendency towards more anatomical change in subjects younger at first examination. A 27% decrease in Goldmann perimetric visual field area (cm2) was found between initial and follow‐up examinations.ConclusionMinimal or no change in superficial optic disc anatomy and visual fields in ODD patients oldest at the initial examination suggests that anatomical progression of ODD in patients with hereditary ODD happens primarily before adulthood.
Effect of different lubricant eye gels on tear film thickness as measured with ultrahigh‐resolution optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wozniak Piotr A. , Schmidl Doreen , Bata Ahmed M. , Fondi Klemens , Witkowska Katarzyna J. , Aranha dos Santos Valentin , Baar Carina , Room Kim I. , Nepp Johannes , Baumgartner Isabella , Popa‐Cherecheanu Alina , Garhöfer Gerhard , Werkmeister René M. , Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPurposeTo compare the effect of a single drop of different lubricant eye gels on tear film thickness (TFT) as measured with ultrahigh‐resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR‐OCT) in patients with mild‐to‐moderate dry eye disease (DED).MethodsThe study followed a randomized, single‐masked, observer‐blinded parallel group design. Patients received a single dose of either unpreserved trehalose 3% + hyaluronic acid 0.15% (TH), hyaluronic acid 0.2% (HA) or polyethylene glycol 0.4% + propylene glycol 0.3% (PP) eye drops. In total, 60 patients were included and TFT was measured using a custom‐built UHR‐OCT system.ResultsThe mean TFT at baseline was 3.5 ± 0.7 μm. There was a significant difference in the time–course of TFT between the three groups (p = 0.001 between groups). Ten minutes after instillation, TFT increased by 155.8 ± 86.6%, 65.7 ± 71.5% and 33.4 ± 19.6% in the PP, TH and HA group, respectively (p < 0.001 between groups). Thirty minutes after instillation, the effect of all three different agents on TFT was comparable. Sixty and 120 min after administration, a significant increase in TFT was only seen for the TH group, but not for the other products (60 min: p < 0.021 between groups; 120 min: p < 0.037 between groups).ConclusionIn conclusion, we observed differences in TFT after administration of the lubricant gels. Ten minutes after instillation, a pronounced increase in TFT was observed in all groups. As compared to the other products, the combination of trehalose 3% + hyaluronic acid 0.15% offers a significantly longer increase in TFT indicating for a longer residence time.
Compositional changes in thermophilous oak forests in Poland over time: do they correspond to European trends?
Authors: Reczyńska Kamila , Świerkosz Krzysztof 
Published: December 2016

AbstractQuestionsHave compositional changes occurred in thermophilous oak forests in Poland during the past two decades? What kinds of drivers might be responsible for these changes? Are the thermophilous oak woods still rich in species or have they rather lost their diversity?LocationSudetes Mts., SW Poland.MethodsThe vegetation of thermophilous oak forests within four distinct areas was surveyed on 92 semi‐permanent plots in the time periods from 1992 to 1994 and from 2010 to 2014. The overall pattern in vegetation changes, trends in species composition and site parameters, as well as the diversity of studied communities were analysed using ordination and permutation techniques.ResultsThe species composition of thermophilous oak forests has changed significantly. We recorded a decrease in the share of oligotrophic light‐demanding species, whereas mesotrophic light‐demanding and nitrophilous species showed an upward trend. Regarding the fourth group of shade‐tolerant species, their share varied depending on the site. The analysis of habitat parameters revealed that the studied oak forest communities generally shifted from communities of moderately oligotrophic and mesic character towards forests growing on nutrient‐richer but drier habitats. Interestingly, the observed change in species composition was not accompanied by the loss of biodiversity that has generally been reported in other types of thermophilous forests in Europe.ConclusionsChanges observed within thermophilous and previously coppiced oak forests of southwest Poland are going in a direction which has not been recognized so far in analogous communities. The transition of studied communities is probably a result of the cumulative influence of several drivers, the most crucial of which seem to be soil regeneration, after the period of intensive acidity caused by sulphur emission between 1960 and 2000, and decreasing moisture. The observed changes are independent of the type of forest management (or the lack thereof) within the study sites.