bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors and Reference Values of Pulse Wave Velocity in Prepubertal Angolan Children
Authors: Silva Amílcar B.T. , Capingana Daniel P. , Magalhães Pedro , Molina Maria del Carmen B. , Baldo Marcelo P. , Mill José Geraldo 
Published: December 2015

Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been used as the gold standard method to estimate arterial stiffness. However, its use in clinical practice is still limited because reference values for specific groups, such as black children, remain unknown. The authors aimed to investigate predictors and to propose preliminary reference values of PWV in this population. Prepubertal schoolchildren (N=157; mean age, 9.36±1.41 year) from Luanda (Angola) with normal blood pressure values and without obesity were included. Mean PWV was 5.73±0.68 m/s, with no difference between the sexes. Univariate regression analysis showed a significant (P<.05) positive correlation between PWV and height, age, body weight, lean body weight, and blood pressure. In multivariate analysis, however, only height remained an independent predictor of PWV [PWV=0.018×height (cm)+3.230]. Curves of PWV percentiles as a function of height are proposed, thus identifying normal PWV in black children.
Training in different brushing techniques in relation to efficacy of oral hygiene in young adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Harnacke Daniela , Stein Kathrin , Stein Patrick , Margraf‐Stiksrud Jutta , Deinzer Renate 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThis study aims to assess plaque scores after oral hygiene in an unselected sample of young German adults and to compare the effects of computer‐based training of the Fones versus the modified Bass technique on these scores.Material and MethodsSeventy 18‐ to 19‐year olds received computer‐based training of the Fones technique, the modified Bass technique or basic instructions of oral hygiene alone (control group). The marginal plaque index (MPI; percentage of sections adjacent to the gingiva showing plaque) and BOP were assessed at baseline and after 6, 12 and 28 weeks. MPI was assessed immediately after participants had been asked to perform oral hygiene to the best of their abilities.ResultsAt baseline, MPI levels of 83.3% ± 12.5 (mean ± SD) were observed. After 12 weeks, groups differed significantly (p < 0.05) with respect to MPI: Fones group: 70.3% ± 14.7; Bass group: 77.91 ± 14.37; control group: 79.3% ± 9.2. No differences in BOP were found.ConclusionsHigh plaque levels at gingival margins after oral hygiene were observed in an unselected sample of young German adults. After 12 weeks, plaque levels after oral hygiene were slightly reduced in the group who had received training of the Fones technique but effects trailed off afterwards. The study failed to prove effects of the training on signs of gingival inflammation.
Predicting dyslexia using prereading skills: the role of sensorimotor and cognitive abilities
Authors: Carroll Julia M. , Solity Jonathan , Shapiro Laura R. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundIt is well established that phonological awareness, print knowledge and rapid naming predict later reading difficulties. However, additional auditory, visual and motor difficulties have also been observed in dyslexic children. It is examined to what extent these difficulties can be used to predict later literacy difficulties.MethodAn unselected sample of 267 children at school entry completed a wide battery of tasks associated with dyslexia. Their reading was tested 2, 3 and 4 years later and poor readers were identified (n = 42). Logistic regression and multiple case study approaches were used to examine the predictive validity of different tasks.ResultsAs expected, print knowledge, verbal short‐term memory, phonological awareness and rapid naming were good predictors of later poor reading. Deficits in visual search and in auditory processing were also present in a large minority of the poor readers. Almost all poor readers showed deficits in at least one area at school entry, but there was no single deficit that characterised the majority of poor readers.ConclusionsResults are in line with Pennington's () multiple deficits view of dyslexia. They indicate that the causes of poor reading outcome are multiple, interacting and probabilistic, rather than deterministic.
Cluster‐randomized trial to improve the quality of diabetes management: The study for the efficacy assessment of the standard diabetes manual (SEAS‐DM)
Authors: Noto Hiroshi , Tanizawa Yukio , Aizawa Toru , Sone Hirohito , Yoshioka Narihito , Terauchi Yasuo , Inagaki Nobuya , Noda Mitsuhiko 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAims/Introduction‘The Standard Diabetes Manual’ has been developed by clinical researchers from multiple major institutions in Japan, such as the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, as a comprehensive disease management program, including collaboration between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialist services. The present study evaluated the efficacy of the manual as a quality improvement strategy in diabetes care by PCPs.Materials and MethodsA total of 42 PCPs in eight domestic districts of the Japan Medical Association were allocated to either the intervention group or the control group in a cluster‐randomized design. The PCPs in both groups were provided with a copy of the Diabetes Treatment Guide published by the Japan Diabetes Society, and the PCPs in the intervention group additionally received a copy of the manual and a 30‐min relevant seminar at the inception of the intervention. The primary end‐point was the adherence to the following performances as quality indicators: evaluation of retinopathy, and urinary albumin excretion measurements and serum creatinine measurements, as recommended by the Japan Medical Association.ResultsA total of 416 patients were enrolled by 36 PCPs. During the 1‐year follow‐up period, the proportion of PCPs who adhered to recommendation‐concordant measurements of urinary albumin excretion was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (adherence: 17.9% vs 5.3%, P = 0.016). The other parameters were not statistically different between the two groups.ConclusionsImplementation of ‘The Standard Diabetes Manual’ potentially leads to an improved quality of diabetes management by PCPs.
Combination therapy with liraglutide and insulin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A 36‐week, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial
Authors: Seino Yutaka , Kaneko Shizuka , Fukuda Shuichi , Osonoi Takeshi , Shiraiwa Toshihiko , Nishijima Keiji , Bosch‐Traberg Heidrun , Kaku Kohei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo assess efficacy and safety of liraglutide in combination with insulin compared with insulin monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and methodsThis was a 36‐week, multicenter, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial, where patients on stable insulin therapy (basal/premixed/basal–bolus) were randomized 1:1 to additional liraglutide 0.9 mg/day (n = 127) or placebo (n = 130). The insulin dose was fixed for 16 weeks, and titrated based on self‐measured plasma glucose thereafter. The primary end‐point was change in glycosylated hemoglobin after 16 weeks.ResultsSuperiority of liraglutide plus insulin versus insulin monotherapy was confirmed based on estimated mean difference in glycosylated hemoglobin after 16 weeks of −1.30% (−14 mmol/mol; 95% confidence interval −1.47 to −1.13 [−16, −12]; P < 0.0001). Statistical significance was maintained to week 36. More patients on liraglutide achieved a glycosylated hemoglobin target of <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) at week 16 (estimated odds ratio 50.57; 95% confidence interval 16.59 to 154.16; P < 0.0001). Improvements in seven‐point self‐measured plasma glucose and fasting plasma glucose were significantly greater with liraglutide than the placebo at week 16. Insulin dose after 36 weeks was lower with liraglutide than the placebo (estimated treatment ratio: 0.82 [95% confidence interval 0.76–0.90; P < 0.0001]). Occurrence of adverse events was similar in the two groups (85.8 and 81.5%, respectively); most were mild in severity. There were no significant differences in the number of hypoglycemic episodes during the 36 weeks.ConclusionsAdding liraglutide to insulin results in superior glycemic control compared with insulin alone in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes, and is generally well tolerated.
Dietary and physical activity of adult patients with type 2 diabetes in Zhejiang province of eastern China: Data from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: He Xiaowen , Pan Jie , Pan Mingxia , Wang Jiawei , Dong Jingfen , Yuan Hongdi , Zhou Lei , Chen Minhua , Chen Yunfen , Lu Yiping , Gu Huiqin , Chen Yanshu , Wu Liqin , Chen Yajuan , Jin Fubi , Li Bijun , Gu Wei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionLifestyle management helps improve the clinical outcome of patients with type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to obtain lifestyle data on the dietary and physical activity of adult type 2 diabetes patients in Zhejiang province of eastern China for better patient education and improvement of clinical management.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of 607 adult type 2 diabetes patients was carried out in 12 hospitals within eight cities of Zhejiang province. Data were collected for sex, age, basic physical measurement (blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference), dietary favor and habit (vegetarian diets vs meat diets, preference of salty or light flavors), detailed dietary intake (24‐h recall method), as well as the weekly physical activity.ResultsThe mean age of the patients in the analysis was 56.39 ± 12.29 years, and 38.71% of the patients had higher levels of body mass index than recommended. The average daily total energy intake was 1887.71 ± 575.10 kcal. The percentage of calories from carbohydrate, protein and fat were 61.36 ± 11.59%, 13.29 ± 3.37% and 25.35 ± 11.16%, respectively. For physical activity, the patients generally spent most of their daily time sitting and sleeping, and the time for moderate vigorous activity was limited.ConclusionsAdult patients with type 2 diabetes in Zhejiang province have a relatively high carbohydrate and low protein diet, with very limited physical activity. Patient education to achieve a better lifestyle intervention needs to improve in this region.
Multicellular group formation in response to predators in the alga Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Fisher R. M. , Bell T. , West S. A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA key step in the evolution of multicellular organisms is the formation of cooperative multicellular groups. It has been suggested that predation pressure may promote multicellular group formation in some algae and bacteria, with cells forming groups to lower their chance of being eaten. We use the green alga Chlorella vulgaris and the protist Tetrahymena thermophila to test whether predation pressure can initiate the formation of colonies. We found that: (1) either predators or just predator exoproducts promote colony formation; (2) higher predator densities cause more colonies to form; and (3) colony formation in this system is facultative, with populations returning to being unicellular when the predation pressure is removed. These results provide empirical support for the hypothesis that predation pressure promotes multicellular group formation. The speed of the reversion of populations to unicellularity suggests that this response is due to phenotypic plasticity and not evolutionary change.
Female discrimination thresholds frequently exceed local male display variation: implications for mate choice dynamics and sexual selection
Authors: Höbel G. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAmong the factors that can influence female mate choice decisions is the degree to which females differentiate among similar displays: as differences decrease, females are expected to eventually stop discriminating. This discrimination threshold, in conjunction with the magnitude of male trait variation females regularly encounter while making mate choice decisions, may have important consequences for sexual selection. If local display variation is above the discrimination threshold, female preferences should translate into higher mating success for the more attractive male. But if display variation is frequently below the threshold, the resulting increased pattern of random mating may obscure the existence of female mate choice. I investigated the interplay between female discrimination and male display variation in green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) and found that call trait differences between nearest neighbour males were frequently smaller than what females are expected to discriminate. This finding has two important consequences for our understanding of sexual selection in the wild: first, low display variation should weaken the strength of selection on male display traits, but the direction of selection should mirror the one predicted from females choice trials. Second, caution is needed when interpreting data on realized mating success in the wild: a pattern of random mating with respect to male display traits does not always mean that female preferences are weak or that conditions are too challenging for females to express their preferences. Rather, insufficient display variation can generate the same pattern.
Correlation between miR‐21 expression and laryngeal carcinoma risks: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Peng , Zeng Fan , Liu Jun , Lv Dan , Liu Shixi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the expression and clinical significance of miR‐21 in the tissues of laryngeal carcinoma using meta‐analysis.MethodsLiterature databases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the British Library. Two reviewers independently identified the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. Meta‐analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 and RevMan 5.0 software.ResultsA total of four studies involving 160 cases were included. No significant heterogeneity was found between studies. The results of meta‐analysis showed high miR‐21 expression was found in Laryngeal cancer than non‐neoplasm tissue (odds ratio = 4.47, 95%CI 2.59 to 7.73, P = 0.02). Only one study reported the expression of miR‐21 between TMN (tumor, metastasis, node) I to II and TMN III to IV.ConclusionmiR‐21expression is notably correlated to laryngeal carcinoma and its clinically pathologic features. It suggests that higher miR‐21 expression may be a risk factor of laryngeal carcinoma and a potential molecular biomarker. For the quantity and quality limitation of the included studies, the conclusion still needs to be further proved by performing more high‐quality studies.
Experimental Evidence that Fungi are Dominant Microbes in Carbon Content and Growth Response to Added Soluble Organic Carbon in Moss‐rich Tundra Soil
Authors: Anderson O. Roger , Lee Jee Min , McGuire Krista 
Published: December 2015

AbstractGlobal warming significantly affects Arctic tundra, including permafrost thaw and soluble C release that may differentially affect tundra microbial growth. Using laboratory experiments, we report some of the first evidence for the effects of soluble glucose‐C enrichment on tundra soil prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and fungi, with comparisons to microbial eukaryotes. Fungal increase in C‐biomass was equivalent to 10% (w/w) of the added glucose‐C, and for prokaryote biomass 2% (w/w), the latter comparable to prior published results. The C‐gain after 14 d was 1.3 mg/g soil for fungi, and ~200 μg/g for prokaryotes.
Morphology and Small Subunit rDNA Phylogeny of Two New Marine Urostylid Ciliates, Caudiholosticha marina sp. nov. and Nothoholosticha flava sp. nov. (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)
Authors: Li Ju , Chen Xumiao , Xu Kuidong 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTwo marine urostylid ciliates, Caudiholosticha marina sp. nov. and Nothoholosticha flava sp. nov., isolated from intertidal sediment in the Yellow Sea, are investigated using morphological and small subunit rDNA phylogenetic analyses. Caudiholosticha marina is 210‒310 μm × 40‒55 μm in vivo, and has 10‒20 macronuclear nodules, 23‒37 midventral cirral pairs extending to 5‒8 transverse cirri, and two caudal cirri. It differs from congeners by its marine habitat, larger size, macronuclear arrangement pattern and high number of midventral pairs. Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate a polyphyly of Caudiholosticha. Nothoholosticha flava is yellow to brownish and 240‒320 μm × 40‒60 μm sized, and has a bipartite adoral zone, six frontal cirri in atypical bicorona, usually four frontoterminal, one buccal and 5‒7 transverse cirri and 28‒54 midventral pairs. Phylogenetic analyses allocate N. flava as sister of N. fasciola, type of the genus. The two Nothoholosticha species differ distinctly by the presence/absence of frontoterminal cirri, a feature often used to define genera in the Hypotrichia. However, the SSU rDNA sequence similarity between these two species is 99.3%, which weakens the justification for separating the new isolate at genus level. The taxonomic significance of frontoterminal cirri is discussed based on morphological and molecular data.
Does Greater Continuity of Veterans Administration Primary Care Reduce Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalization in Older Veterans?
Authors: Katz David A. , McCoy Kim D. , Vaughan‐Sarrazin Mary S. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between longitudinal continuity of primary care and use of emergency department (ED) and inpatient care in older veterans.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care clinics in 15 regional health networks, ED and inpatient facilities.ParticipantsMedicare‐eligible veterans aged 65 and older with three or more VA primary care visits during fiscal year 2007–08 (baseline period) (N = 243,881).MeasurementsTwo measures of longitudinal continuity were estimated using merged VA–Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrative data: Usual Provider of Continuity (UPC) and Modified Modified Continuity Index (MMCI). Negative binomial and multivariable logistic regression models were used to predict ED use and inpatient hospitalization during fiscal year 2009, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, medical and psychiatric comorbidity, and baseline use of health services.ResultsThe incidence rate ratio (IRR) of ED visits was greater in patients with high (IRR = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.07), intermediate (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07), and low (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.03–1.09) UPC than in those with very high UPC (0.9–1.0). Patients with high (odds ratio (OR) = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07), intermediate (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.06), and low (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07) UPC were also more likely to be hospitalized during follow‐up. Results were similar for MMCI continuity scores.ConclusionEven slightly lower primary care provider (PCP) continuity was associated with modestly greater ED use and inpatient hospitalization in older veterans. Additional efforts should be made to schedule older adults with their assigned PCP whenever possible.
A Quantification of the Injury‐Induced Changes in Central Aromatase, Oestrogenic Milieu and Steroid Receptor Expression in the Zebra Finch
Authors: Mehos C. J. , Nelson L. H. , Saldanha C. J. 
Published: December 2015

In songbirds and mammals, brain injury results in the up‐regulation of aromatase (oestrogen synthase) expression in astroglia. The resulting presumed synthesis of neural oestradiol (E2) has neuroprotective effects including a decrease in neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation and apoptosis. The development of therapeutic tools that exploit oestrogenic neuroprotection in the treatment of neurotrauma requires a precise quantification of the endogenous changes in neural aromatase and E2 following brain injury. Surprisingly, the expected increase in neural oestrogens following brain injury has not been demonstrated. Furthermore, we are just beginning to unravel the mechanisms behind the protective effects of centrally synthesised E2. In the present study, levels of aromatase immunoprotein, neural E2 and steroid receptor mRNA were quantified in adult male and female zebra finches 48 h following a unilateral penetrating brain injury. Both aromatase and E2 were up‐regulated in the injured hemisphere of the brain compared to the uninjured hemisphere, demonstrating for the first time a robust increase in neural E2 levels following injury. We did not detect an effect of injury on mRNA expression of the oestrogen receptors (ER)‐α, ER‐β or GPER‐1, but observed a significant decrease in androgen receptor transcription in the injured lobe relative to the contralateral uninjured hemisphere. We conclude that mechanical damage causes a dramatic increase in local aromatisation, and the resultant high levels of central E2 are available to modulate steroid sensitive targets. Studies using alternate methods of receptor detection and/or time points may be necessary to understand the complete suite of mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of induced oestrogen synthesis in this animal model.
AGGLOMERATION EFFECTS IN COLOMBIA
Authors: Duranton Gilles 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTI estimate an elasticity of wages with respect to city population of about 5 percent for Colombian cities. This finding is robust to a number of econometric concerns. The second main finding is a negative effect of market access on wages. Third main finding regards stronger agglomeration effects in the informal sector. In turn, this explains a range of other negative findings, including only weak evidence in favor of human capital externalities, no evidence of a complementarity between cities and skills, and an absence of learning effects. I do not find measurable effects of roads or amenities on wages either.
Understanding Treatment Gaps for Mental Health, Alcohol, and Drug Use in South Dakota: A Qualitative Study of Rural Perspectives
Authors: Broffman Lauren , Spurlock Margaret , Dulacki Kristen , Campbell Amy , Rodriguez Fanny , Wright Bill , McConnell K. John , Warne Donald , Davis Melinda M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPurposeMore than 25% of US adults experience mental health or substance use conditions annually, yet less than half receive treatment. This study explored how rural participants with behavioral health conditions pursue and receive care, and it examined how these factors differed across American Indian (AI) and geographic subpopulations.MethodsWe undertook a qualitative follow‐up study from a statewide survey of unmet mental health and substance use needs in South Dakota. We conducted semistructured phone interviews with a purposive sample of key informants with varying perceptions of need for mental health and substance use treatment.ResultsWe interviewed 33 participants with mental health (n = 18), substance use (n = 9), and co‐occurring disorders (n = 6). Twenty participants (61.0%) lived in rural communities that did not overlap with AI tribal land. Twelve participants (34.3%) were AI, 8 of whom lived on a reservation (24.2%). The discrepancy between actual and perceived treatment need was related to how participants defined mental health, alcohol, and drug use “problems.” Mental health disorders and excessive alcohol consumption were seen as a normal part of life in rural and reservation communities; seeking mental health care or maintaining sobriety was viewed as the result of an individual's willpower and frequently related to a substantial life event (eg, childbirth). Participants recommended treatment gaps be addressed through multicomponent community‐level interventions.DiscussionThis study describes how rural populations view mental health, alcohol, and drug use. Enhancing access to care, addressing discordant perceptions, and improving community‐based interventions may increase treatment uptake.