bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of ghrelin prevents aging‐associated obesity and muscle dysfunction without affecting longevity
Authors: Guillory Bobby , Chen Ji‐an , Patel Shivam , Luo Jiaohua , Splenser Andres , Mody Avni , Ding Michael , Baghaie Shiva , Anderson Barbara , Iankova Blaga , Halder Tripti , Hernandez Yamileth , Garcia Jose M. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryDuring aging, decreases in energy expenditure and locomotor activity lead to body weight and fat gain. Aging is also associated with decreases in muscle strength and endurance leading to functional decline. Here, we show that lifelong deletion of ghrelin prevents development of obesity associated with aging by modulating food intake and energy expenditure. Ghrelin deletion also attenuated the decrease in phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (pAMPK) and downstream mediators in muscle, and increased the number of type IIa (fatigue resistant, oxidative) muscle fibers, preventing the decline in muscle strength and endurance seen with aging. Longevity was not affected by ghrelin deletion. Treatment of old mice with pharmacologic doses of ghrelin increased food intake, body weight, and muscle strength in both ghrelin wild‐type and knockout mice. These findings highlight the relevance of ghrelin during aging and identify a novel AMPK‐dependent mechanism for ghrelin action in muscle.
The Fulfillment of Parties’ Election Pledges: A Comparative Study on the Impact of Power Sharing
Authors: Thomson Robert , Royed Terry , Naurin Elin , Artés Joaquín , Costello Rory , Ennser‐Jedenastik Laurenz , Ferguson Mark , Kostadinova Petia , Moury Catherine , Pétry François , Praprotnik Katrin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWhy are some parties more likely than others to keep the promises they made during previous election campaigns? This study provides the first large‐scale comparative analysis of pledge fulfillment with common definitions. We study the fulfillment of over 20,000 pledges made in 57 election campaigns in 12 countries, and our findings challenge the common view of parties as promise breakers. Many parties that enter government executives are highly likely to fulfill their pledges, and significantly more so than parties that do not enter government executives. We explain variation in the fulfillment of governing parties’ pledges by the extent to which parties share power in government. Parties in single‐party executives, both with and without legislative majorities, have the highest fulfillment rates. Within coalition governments, the likelihood of pledge fulfillment is highest when the party receives the chief executive post and when another governing party made a similar pledge.
Therapies for castration‐resistant prostate cancer in a new era: The indication of vintage hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and the new medicines
Authors: Mizokami Atsushi , Kadono Yoshifumi , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Izumi Kouji , Konaka Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWhen advanced prostate cancer recurred during hormonal therapy and became the castration‐resistant prostate cancer, “vintage hormonal therapy,” such as antiandrogen alternating therapy or estrogen‐related hormonal therapy, was widely carried out in Japan until 2013. This vintage hormonal therapy controlled the progression of castration‐resistant prostate cancer. When castration‐resistant prostate cancer relapses during these therapies, chemotherapy using docetaxel has been carried out subsequently. Since new hormonal therapies using abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide, which improve the prognosis of castration‐resistant prostate cancer, became available in Japan from 2014, therapeutic options for castration‐resistant prostate cancer have increased. Furthermore, the improvement of the further prognosis is promising by using cabazitaxel for docetaxel‐resistant castration‐resistant prostate cancer and radium‐223 for castration‐resistant prostate cancer with bone metastasis. An increase in therapeutic options gives rise to many questions, including best timing to use them and the indication. Furthermore, physicians have to consider the treatment for the recurrence after having carried out chemotherapy. We want to argue the difference in hormonal therapy between Japan and Western countries, and problems when carrying out new treatments, and the importance of imaging in the present review article.
Progress in the blood supply of Afghanistan
Authors: Riley William J. , McCullough Terri Konstenius , Rhamani Ahmad Masoud , McCullough Jeffrey 
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUNDThe blood supply system in Afghanistan was badly damaged by years of conflict. In 2009, the Afghanistan National Blood Safety and Transfusion Service (ANBSTS) was established.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSFor 6 years, we collaborated to assist with policy and infrastructure development; blood bank operations; blood collection, testing, and component production; transfusion practices; and training of technicians, nurses, midwives, and physicians.RESULTSPolicies were established, infrastructure was strengthened, and capable staff was acquired and trained. Standard operating procedures were developed, testing was improved, and quality systems were established. Thirty trainings were held for blood center staff. Four additional formal trainings were held for 39 physicians, 36 nurses and/or midwives, and 38 laboratory technicians. During 5 years of this project, blood collection increased by 40%.CONCLUSIONThe ANBSTS has made impressive progress developing infrastructure, personnel, procedures, quality systems, and training programs and increasing blood collection. Knowledge of transfusion medicine was improved through structured training.
Adelic descent theory
Authors: Groechenig Michael 
Published: June 2017

A result of André Weil allows one to describe rank$n$vector bundles on a smooth complete algebraic curve up to isomorphism via a double quotient of the set$\text{GL}_{n}(\mathbb{A})$of regular matrices over the ring of adèles (over algebraically closed fields, this result is also known to extend to$G$-torsors for a reductive algebraic group $G$). In the present paper we develop analogous adelic descriptions for vector and principal bundles on arbitrary Noetherian schemes, by proving an adelic descent theorem for perfect complexes. We show that for Beilinson’s co-simplicial ring of adèles$\mathbb{A}_{X}^{\bullet }$, we have an equivalence$\mathsf{Perf}(X)\simeq |\mathsf{Perf}(\mathbb{A}_{X}^{\bullet })|$between perfect complexes on$X$and cartesian perfect complexes for$\mathbb{A}_{X}^{\bullet }$. Using the Tannakian formalism for symmetric monoidal$\infty$-categories, we conclude that a Noetherian scheme can be reconstructed from the co-simplicial ring of adèles. We view this statement as a scheme-theoretic analogue of Gelfand–Naimark’s reconstruction theorem for locally compact topological spaces from their ring of continuous functions. Several results for categories of perfect complexes over (a strong form of) flasque sheaves of algebras are established, which might be of independent interest.
Identification of Novel Efflux Proteins Rv0191, Rv3756c, Rv3008, and Rv1667c Involved in Pyrazinamide Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Zhang Yumeng , Zhang Jia , Cui Peng , Zhang Ying , Zhang Wenhong 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a critical drug used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). PZA is a prodrug that requires conversion to the active component pyrazinoic acid (POA) by pyrazinamidase (PZase) encoded by the
pncA
gene. Although resistance to PZA is mostly caused by
pncA
mutations and less commonly by
rpsA
,
panD
, and
clpC1
mutations, clinical strains without these mutations are known to exist. While efflux of POA was demonstrated in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
previously, the efflux proteins involved have not been identified. Here we performed POA binding studies with an
M. tuberculosis
proteome microarray and identified four efflux proteins (Rv0191, Rv3756c, Rv3008, and Rv1667c) that bind POA. Overexpression of the four efflux pump genes in
M. tuberculosis
caused low-level resistance to PZA and POA but not to other drugs. Furthermore, addition of efflux pump inhibitors such as reserpine, piperine, and verapamil caused increased susceptibility to PZA in
M. tuberculosis
strains overexpressing the efflux proteins Rv0191, Rv3756c, Rv3008, and Rv1667c. Our studies indicate that these four efflux proteins may be responsible for PZA/POA efflux and cause PZA resistance in
M. tuberculosis
. Future studies are needed to assess their roles in PZA resistance in clinical strains.
Phylogenetic and Functional Diversity of Total (DNA) and Expressed (RNA) Bacterial Communities in Urban Green Infrastructure Bioswale Soils
Authors: Gill Aman S. , Lee Angela , McGuire Krista L. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

New York City (NYC) is pioneering green infrastructure with the use of bioswales and other engineered soil-based habitats to provide stormwater infiltration and other ecosystem functions. In addition to avoiding the environmental and financial costs of expanding traditional built infrastructure, green infrastructure is thought to generate cobenefits in the form of diverse ecological processes performed by its plant and microbial communities. Yet, although plant communities in these habitats are closely managed, we lack basic knowledge about how engineered ecosystems impact the distribution and functioning of soil bacteria. We sequenced amplicons of the 16S ribosomal subunit, as well as seven genes associated with functional pathways, generated from both total (DNA-based) and expressed (RNA) soil communities in the Bronx, NYC, NY, in order to test whether bioswale soils host characteristic bacterial communities with evidence for enriched microbial functioning, compared to nonengineered soils in park lawns and tree pits. Bioswales had distinct, phylogenetically diverse bacterial communities, including taxa associated with nutrient cycling and metabolism of hydrocarbons and other pollutants. Bioswale soils also had a significantly greater diversity of genes involved in several functional pathways, including carbon fixation (
cbbL-R
[
cbbL
gene, red-like subunit] and
apsA
), nitrogen cycling (
noxZ
and
amoA
), and contaminant degradation (
bphA
); conversely, no functional genes were significantly more abundant in nonengineered soils. These results provide preliminary evidence that urban land management can shape the diversity and activity of soil communities, with positive consequences for genetic resources underlying valuable ecological functions, including biogeochemical cycling and degradation of common urban pollutants.

IMPORTANCE
Management of urban soil biodiversity by favoring taxa associated with decontamination or other microbial metabolic processes is a powerful prospect, but it first requires an understanding of how engineered soil habitats shape patterns of microbial diversity. This research adds to our understanding of urban microbial biogeography by providing data on soil bacteria in bioswales, which had relatively diverse and compositionally distinct communities compared to park and tree pit soils. Bioswales also contained comparatively diverse pools of genes related to carbon sequestration, nitrogen cycling, and contaminant degradation, suggesting that engineered soils may serve as effective reservoirs of functional microbial biodiversity. We also examined both total (DNA-based) and expressed (RNA) communities, revealing that total bacterial communities (the exclusive targets in the vast majority of soil studies) were poor predictors of expressed community diversity, pointing to the value of quantifying RNA, especially when ecological functioning is considered.
Early postnatal hyperglycaemia is a risk factor for treatment-demanding retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Slidsborg Carina , Jensen Louise Bering , Rasmussen Steen Christian , Fledelius Hans Callø , Greisen Gorm , Cour Morten de la 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundTo investigate whether neonatal hyperglycaemia in the first postnatal week is associated with treatment-demanding retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).MethodsThis is a Danish national, retrospective, case–control study of premature infants (birth period 2003–2006). Three national registers were searched, and data were linked through a unique civil registration number. The study sample consisted of 106 cases each matched with two comparison infants. Matching criteria were gestational age (GA) at birth, ROP not registered and born at the same neonatal intensive care unit. Potential ‘new’ risk factors were analysed in a multivariate logistic regression model, while adjusted for previously recognised risk factors (ie, GA at birth, small for gestational age, multiple birth and male sex).ResultsHospital records of 310 preterm infants (106 treated; 204 comparison infants) were available. Nutrition in terms of energy (kcal/kg/week) and protein (g/kg/week) given to the preterm infants during the first postnatal week were statistically insignificant between the study groups (Mann-Whitney U test; p=0.165/p=0.163). Early postnatal weight gain between the two study groups was borderline significant (t-test; p=0.047). Hyperglycaemic events (indexed value) were statistically significantly different between the two study groups (Mann-Whitney U test; p<0.001). Hyperglycaemia was a statistically independent risk factor (OR: 1.022; 95% CI 1.002 to 1.042; p=0.031).ConclusionAn independent association was found between the occurrence of hyperglycaemic events during the first postnatal week and later development of treatment-demanding ROP, when adjusted for known risk factors.
Blood coagulation system in patients with chronic kidney disease: a prospective observational study
Authors: Huang Meng-Jie , Wei Ri-bao , Wang Yang , Su Ting-yu , Di Ping , Li Qing-ping , Yang Xi , Li Ping , Chen Xiang-mei 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesThromboembolic events are the major factor affecting the prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Haemostatic alterations are possible causes of these complications, but their roles remain poorly characterised. In the prospective observational study, we investigated the entire coagulation process in patients with CKD to elucidate the mechanisms of their high thromboembolic risk.MethodsA total of 95 patients with CKD and 20 healthy controls who met the inclusion criteria were consecutively recruited from September 2015 to March 2016. The platelet count, platelet aggregation, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF ristocetin cofactor activity (vWF:RCo), fibrinogen, factor V (FV), FVII, FVIII, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, D-dimer, standard coagulation tests and thromboelastography were measured in patients with CKD and controls. Associations between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and haemostatic biomarkers were tested using multivariable linear regression.ResultsThe adjusted and unadjusted levels of vWF:Ag, vWF:RCo, fibrinogen, FVII, FVIII and D-dimer were significantly higher in patients with CKD than that in the healthy controls, and were elevated with CKD progression. However, after adjustment for baseline differences, platelet aggregation and thromboelastography parameters showed no significant differences between patients with CKD and healthy controls. In the correlation analysis, vWF:Ag, vWF:RCo and FVIII were inversely associated with eGFR (r=−0.359, p<0.001; r=−0.391, p<0.001; r=−0.327, p<0.001, respectively). During the 1-year of follow-up, one cardiovascular event occurred in patients with CKD 5 stage, whereas no thromboembolic event occurred in the CKD 3 and 4 and control groups.ConclusionsPatients with CKD are characterised by endothelial dysfunction and increased coagulation, especially FVIII activity. The abnormal haemostatic profiles may contribute to the elevated risk of thrombotic events but further longer-term study with large samples is still required to more precisely determine the relationship between the elevation of procoagulant factors and clinical outcomes.
Study protocol of a pragmatic, randomised controlled pilot trial: clinical effectiveness on smoking cessation of traditional and complementary medicine interventions, including acupuncture and aromatherapy, in combination with nicotine replacement therapy
Authors: Jang Soobin , Park Sunju , Jang Bo-Hyoung , Park Yu Lee , Lee Ju Ah , Cho Chung-Sik , Go Ho-Yeon , Shin Yong Cheol , Ko Seong-Gyu 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionNicotine dependence is a disease, and tobacco use is related to 6 million deaths annually worldwide. Recently, in many countries, there has been growing interest in the use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) methods, especially acupuncture, as therapeutic interventions for smoking cessation. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the effectiveness of T&CM interventions on smoking cessation.Methods and analysisThe STOP (Stop Tobacco Programme using traditional Korean medicine) study is designed to be a pragmatic, open-label, randomised pilot trial. This trial will evaluate whether adding T&CM methods (ie, ear and body acupuncture, aromatherapy) to conventional cessation methods (ie, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), counselling) increases smoking cessation rates. Forty participants over 19 years old who are capable of communicating in Korean will be recruited. They will be current smokers who meet one of the following criteria: (1) smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, (2) smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day and previously failed to cease smoking, or (3) smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day and have a nicotine dependence score (Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence) of 4 points or more. The trial will consist of 4 weeks of treatment and a 20 week follow-up period. A statistician will perform the statistical analyses for both the intention-to-treat (all randomly assigned participants) and per-protocol (participants who completed the trial without any protocol deviations) data using SAS 9.1.3.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University (IRB reference no: DJDSKH-15-BM-11–1, Protocol No. version 4.1.).The protocol will be reapproved by IRB if it requires amendment. The trial will be conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki, 7th version (2013). This study is designed to minimise the risk to participants, and the investigators will explain the study to the participants in detail. As an ethical clinical trial, the control group will also be given conventional cessation treatments, including NRT and counselling. Participants will be screened and provided with a registration number to protect their personal information. Informed consent will be obtained from the participants prior to enrolling them in the trial. Participants will be allowed to withdraw at anytime without penalty.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02768025); pre-results.
Motivation of Dutch high school students from various backgrounds for applying to study medicine: a qualitative study
Authors: Wouters Anouk , Croiset Gerda , Isik Ulviye , Kusurkar Rashmi A 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo explore high school students’ motivation for applying to study medicine and the factors that influence this. To find explanations for under-representation of minority students in medical education, descriptions of motivation of students with different background characteristics were compared.DesignQualitative phenomenological study using semistructured one-on-one interviews.SettingOne predominantly white and one mixed high school in a large multicultural city in the Netherlands. The study was conducted in March–December 2015.ParticipantsTwenty-four high school students, purposively sampled for demographic characteristics.MethodsThe analysis consisted of the coding of data using a template based on the motivation types (autonomous and controlled motivation) described by self-determination theory and open coding for factors that influence motivation.ResultsThe main reasons for pursuing a medical career pertained to autonomous motivation (interest in science and helping people), but controlled motivation (eg, parental pressure, prestige) was also mentioned. Experiences with healthcare and patients positively influenced students’ autonomous motivation and served as a reality check for students’ expectations. Having to go through a selection process was an important demotivating factor, but did not prevent most students from applying. Having medical professionals in their network also sparked students’ interest, while facilitating easier access to healthcare experiences.ConclusionsThe findings showed a complex interplay between healthcare experiences, growing up in a medical family, selection processes and motivation. Healthcare experiences, often one of the selection criteria, help students to form autonomous motivation for studying medicine. However, such experiences as well as support in the selection process seem unequally accessible to students. As a result, under-represented students’ motivation decreases. Medical schools should be aware of this and could create opportunities to acquire healthcare experiences. High schools could incorporate internships as part of their study counselling programmes and offer tailor-made guidance to each individual student.
Use of a geographic information system to identify differences in automated external defibrillator installation in urban areas with similar incidence of public out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a retrospective registry-based study
Authors: Fredman David , Haas Jan , Ban Yifang , Jonsson Martin , Svensson Leif , Djarv Therese , Hollenberg Jacob , Nordberg Per , Ringh Mattias , Claesson Andreas 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesEarly defibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is of importance to improve survival. In many countries the number of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) is increasing, but the use is low. Guidelines suggest that AEDs should be installed in densely populated areas and in locations with many visitors. Attempts have been made to identify optimal AED locations based on the incidence of OHCA using geographical information systems (GIS), but often on small datasets and the studies are seldom reproduced. The aim of this paper is to investigate if the distribution of public AEDs follows the incident locations of public OHCAs in urban areas of Stockholm County, Sweden.MethodOHCA data were obtained from the Swedish Register for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and AED data were obtained from the Swedish AED Register. Urban areas in Stockholm County were objectively classified according to the pan-European digital mapping tool, Urban Atlas (UA). Furthermore, we reclassified and divided the UA land cover data into three classes (residential, non-residential and other areas). GIS software was used to spatially join and relate public AED and OHCA data and perform computations on relations and distance.ResultsBetween 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2014 a total of 804 OHCAs occurred in public locations in Stockholm County and by December 2013 there were 1828 AEDs available. The incidence of public OHCAs was similar in residential (47.3%) and non-residential areas (43.4%). Fewer AEDs were present in residential areas than in non-residential areas (29.4% vs 68.8%). In residential areas the median distance between OHCAs and AEDs was significantly greater than in non-residential areas (288 m vs 188 m, p<0.001).ConclusionThe majority of public OHCAs occurred in areas classified in UA as ‘residential areas‘ with limited AED accessibility. These areas need to be targeted for AED installation and international guidelines need to take geographical location into account when suggesting locations for AED installation.