bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct cloning and transplanting of large DNA fragments from Escherichia coli chromosome
Authors: Zhu Ying , Yang Yan , Den Pingping , Huang Yong , Ni Mengxiang , Fang Hongqing 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe applied a resistance split-fusion strategy to increase thein vivodirect cloning efficiency mediated by Red recombination. The cat cassette was divided into two parts:cma(which has a homologous sequence withcmb) andcmb, each of which has no resistance separately unless the two parts are fused together. Thecmbsequence was integrated into one flank of a target cloning region in the chromosome, and a linear vector containing thecmasequence was electroporated into the cells to directly capture the target region. Based on this strategy, we successfully cloned an approximately 48 kb DNA fragment from theE. coliDH1-Z chromosome with a positive frequency of approximately 80%. Combined with double-strand breakage-stimulated homologous recombination, we applied this strategy to successfully replace the corresponding region of theE. coliDH36 chromosome and knock out four non-essential genomic regions in one step. This strategy could provide a powerful tool for the heterologous expression of microbial natural product biosynthetic pathways for genome assembly and for the functional study of DNA sequences dozens of kilobases in length.
Evaluation of functional outcomes and preliminary results in a case series of 15 children treated with arthroscopic release for internal rotation contracture of the shoulder joint after Erb's palsy
Authors: Elzohairy Mohamed Mansour , Salama Adel Mohamed 
Published: October 2016

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate shoulder function following minimally invasive subtotal subscapularis muscle and periarticular capsuloligamentous arthroscopic release in children with Erb's palsy. Methods A prospective study was conducted on 15 consecutive children who underwent subtotal subscapularis muscle and periarticular capsuloligamentous arthroscopic release to treat internal rotation contracture of the shoulder joint after Erb's palsy. Age at surgery ranged from 24 to 38 months (average 28.3) (2.4 years). All of the patients were assessed clinically and radiologically preoperatively and postoperatively at regular intervals. The Mallet scoring system was used to analyze the results. Results The mean external rotation improved from –24° to +46° ( p = 0.001) at the last follow-up. Active internal rotation was preserved in all cases. At the final follow-up, there had been no loss of the external rotation gained and no recurrence of internal rotation contracture of the shoulder, and the mean Mallet score (total) had improved from 11 to 17 points ( p = 0.001). Conclusions In children aged from 1 to 3 years, an arthroscopic release procedure alone may successfully restore function and yield a centered glenohumeral joint, which has a beneficial effect on glenoid remodeling. Level of evidence Level IV.
Is head–shaft angle a valuable continuous risk factor for hip migration in cerebral palsy?
Authors: Chougule Sanjay , Dabis John , Petrie Aviva , Daly Karen , Gelfer Yael 
Published: October 2016

Background Reimer's migration percentage (MP) is the most established radiographic risk factor for hip migration in cerebral palsy (CP), and it assists surgical decision-making. The head–shaft angle (HSA) measures the valgus of the head and neck in relation to the shaft and may also be a useful predictor of hip migration at a young age. This study first defined normal values and investigated whether the head–shaft angle (HSA) is a continuous risk factor for hip migration in CP. Methods Three hundred and fifty AP pelvic radiographs of 100 consecutive children comprising the hip surveillance programme in our region were analysed for MP and HSA. Inclusion criteria were children with spastic CP and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels of III–V, along with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. The mean age was 8.8 (range 3–18) years and the mean follow-up time was 7.5 (range 5–10) years. Radiographs of 103 typically developing children (TDC) were selected for the control group. The reliability of the measurements was determined. A random effects analysis was used to assess the relationship between MP and HSA for all data and for MP > 40 %. Results The TDC cohort had a mean HSA of 157.7° whilst that for the CP cohort was 161.7°. The value declined with age in both groups but remained consistently higher in the CP group. A random effects analysis considering the longitudinal data showed that there was no significant effect of HSA on MP. Similarly, when excluding CP patients with MP < 40 %, there was no significant effect of HSA on MP. Conclusions This study found no correlation between HSA and hip migration in children with CP in this age group. Using the HSA as a routine radiographic measure in the management pathway across childhood does not offer any added value. Early enrolment onto the hip surveillance programme could offer a better prediction of hip migration using the HSA at a very young age. Level of evidence II retrospective prognostic study.
Blood Glucagon Levels Predict the Hemoglobin A1c Response to Saxagliptin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled with Metformin
Authors: Liu Hao , Hu Yun , Li Feng-fei , Liu Bing-li , Su Xiao-fei , Ma Jian-hua 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Background
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are widely used as second-option medications when metformin fails. Variance of the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) response to DPP-4 inhibitions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM) has been observed, but the characteristics which predict the response to DPP-4 inhibitor therapy are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of α- and β-cell functions which might predict the efficacy of saxagliptin and facilitate personalization of treatment.

Methods
We studied 60 patients with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control [HbA1c7.0–13.0% (53–119 mmol/mol)) with metformin alone. The patients were treated with saxagliptin (5 mg, daily) and metformin (1000–2000 mg as former) for 12 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance tests were carried out at baseline and endpoint to evaluate α- and β-cell functions, and blood C-peptide, insulin, glucagon levels were tested. Blood glucose, HbA1c and weight were also observed.

Results
Significant reduction of weight, HbA1c and glucagon was observed after 12-week treatment, while C-peptide, insulin and homeostasis model assessment-β increased (P < 0.05). Linear regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that baseline HbA1c and 30 min-glucagon were correlated with the HbA1c response to saxagliptin, while the weight loss was correlated with gender, age and fasting-insulin level. Further analysis showed the 30 min-glucagon of 49.1 pmol/L was the optimal cutoff value to predict the efficacy of saxagliptin.

Conclusions
Saxagliptin added to metformin significantly improved glycemic control and α- and β-cell function. Blood glucagon level was a good predicting factor for the HbA1c response to saxagliptin, and it will help appropriate patient selection.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Register identifier, ChiCTR-PPR-15007045.
Predicting Functional Capacity From Measures of Muscle Mass in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Orsatti Fábio Lera , Nunes Paulo Ricardo Prado , Souza Aletéia de Paula , Martins Fernanda Maria , de Oliveira Anselmo Alves , Nomelini Rosekeila Simões , Michelin Márcia Antoniazi , Murta Eddie Fernando Cândido 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundMenopause increases body fat and decreases muscle mass and strength, which contribute to sarcopenia. The amount of appendicular muscle mass has been frequently used to diagnose sarcopenia. Different measures of appendicular muscle mass have been proposed. However, no studies have compared the most salient measure (appendicular muscle mass corrected by body fat) of the appendicular muscle mass to physical function in postmenopausal women.ObjectiveTo examine the association of 3 different measurements of appendicular muscle mass (absolute, corrected by stature, and corrected by body fat) with physical function in postmenopausal women.DesignCross‐sectional descriptive study.SettingOutpatient geriatric and gynecological clinic.ParticipantsForty‐eight postmenopausal women with a mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of 62.1 ± 8.2 years, with mean (SD) length of menopause of 15.7 ± 9.8 years and mean (SD) body fat of 43.6% ± 9.8%.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresAppendicular muscle mass measure was measured with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Physical function was measured by a functional capacity questionnaire, a short physical performance battery, and a 6 minute‐walk test. Muscle quality (leg extensor strength to lower‐body mineral‐free lean mass ratio) and sum of z scores (sum of each physical function tests z score) were performed to provide a global index of physical function.ResultsThe regression analysis showed that appendicular muscle mass corrected by body fat was the strongest predictor of physical function. Each increase in the standard deviation of appendicular muscle mass corrected by body fat was associated with a mean sum of z score increase of 59% (standard deviation), whereas each increase in absolute appendicular muscle mass and appendicular muscle mass corrected by stature were associated with a mean sum of z scores decrease of 23% and 36%, respectively. Muscle quality was associated with appendicular muscle mass corrected by body fat.ConclusionThese findings indicate that appendicular muscle mass corrected by body fat is a better predictor of physical function than the other measures of appendicular muscle mass in postmenopausal women.Level of EvidenceI
New material of the marsupial (Mammalia, Metatheria)Herpetotherium merriami(Stock and Furlong, ) from the John Day Formation, late Oligocene, Oregon, USA
Authors: Korth William W. , Cavin Jennifer 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRecently discovered specimens of the marsupialHerpetotherium merriami(Stock and Furlong, 1922) from the John Day Formation, Oregon, are described. The species was previously known only from a single (type) specimen. These additional specimens have allowed for a revised diagnosis of the species based on the presence of an additional stylar cusp on the upper molars, as well as the relative size of the stylar cusps. This new material also allows for an examination of the variability within the species and establishes a time range for the species, which extends through most of the Arikareean (late Oligocene: Ar1–Ar3: late Rupelian-Aquitanian).Herpetotherium merriamiis distinct within the genus because it is among the larger of the species, but one of the latest occurring, whereas the general pattern of the genus is a reduction in size through time.
Diet misreporting can be corrected: confirmation of the association between energy intake and fat-free mass in adolescents
Authors: Vainik Uku , Konstabel Kenn , Lätt Evelin , Mäestu Jarek , Purge Priit , Jürimäe Jaak 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSubjective energy intake (sEI) is often misreported, providing unreliable estimates of energy consumed. Therefore, relating sEI data to health outcomes is difficult. Recently, Börnhorstet al. compared various methods to correct sEI-based energy intake estimates. They criticised approaches that categorise participants as under-reporters, plausible reporters and over-reporters based on the sEI:total energy expenditure (TEE) ratio, and thereafter use these categories as statistical covariates or exclusion criteria. Instead, they recommended using external predictors of sEI misreporting as statistical covariates. We sought to confirm and extend these findings. Using a sample of 190 adolescent boys (mean age=14), we demonstrated that dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured fat-free mass is strongly associated with objective energy intake data (onsite weighted breakfast), but the association with sEI (previous 3-d dietary interview) is weak. Comparing sEI with TEE revealed that sEI was mostly under-reported (74 %). Interestingly, statistically controlling for dietary reporting groups or restricting samples to plausible reporters created a stronger-than-expected association between fat-free mass and sEI. However, the association was an artifact caused by selection bias – that is, data re-sampling and simulations showed that these methods overestimated the effect size because fat-free mass was related to sEI both directly and indirectly via TEE. A more realistic association between sEI and fat-free mass was obtained when the model included common predictors of misreporting (e.g. BMI, restraint). To conclude, restricting sEI data only to plausible reporters can cause selection bias and inflated associations in later analyses. Therefore, we further support statistically correcting sEI data in nutritional analyses. The script for running simulations is provided.
Dietary sodium and potassium intake in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Choi Yuni , Lee Jung Eun , Chang Yoosoo , Kim Mi Kyung , Sung Eunju , Shin Hocheol , Ryu Seungho 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA few epidemiological data are available assessing the associations of intakes of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to examine the associations of dietary intake of Na and K with the prevalence of ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD. We performed a cross-sectional study of 100 177 participants (46 596 men and 53 581 women) who underwent a health screening examination and completed a FFQ at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Centers, South Korea, between 2011 and 2013. NAFLD was defined by ultrasonographic detection of fatty liver in the absence of excessive alcohol intake or other known causes of liver disease. The proportion of NAFLD was 35·6 % for men and 9·8 % for women. Increasing prevalence of NAFLD was observed with increasing Na intake. The multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) of NAFLD comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of energy-adjusted Na intake were 1·25 (95 % CI 1·18, 1·32; Ptrend<0·001) in men and 1·32 (95 % CI 1·18, 1·47; Ptrend <0·001) in women. However, when we additionally adjusted for body fat percentage, the association became attenuated; the corresponding PR of NAFLD were 1·15 (95 % CI 1·09, 1·21) in men and 1·06 (95 % CI 0·95, 1·17) in women. No inverse association was observed for energy-adjusted K intake. Our findings suggest that higher Na intake is associated with a greater prevalence of NAFLD in young and middle-aged asymptomatic adults, which might be partly mediated by adiposity.
Rice endosperm protein slows progression of fatty liver and diabetic nephropathy in Zucker diabetic fatty rats
Authors: Kubota Masatoshi , Watanabe Reiko , Yamaguchi Miki , Hosojima Michihiro , Saito Akihiko , Fujii Mikio , Fujimura Shinobu , Kadowaki Motoni 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe previously reported that rice endosperm protein (REP) has renoprotective effects in Goto–Kakizaki rats, a non-obese diabetic model. However, whether these effects occur in obese diabetes remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the effects of REP on obese diabetes, especially on fatty liver and diabetic nephropathy, using the obese diabetic model Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. In total, 7-week-old male ZDF rats were fed diets containing 20 % REP or casein (C) for 8 weeks. Changes in fasting blood glucose levels and urinary markers were monitored during the experimental period. Hepatic lipids and metabolites were measured and renal glomeruli were observed morphologically. HbA1c levels were significantly lower in rats fed REP, compared with C (P<0·05). Compared with C in the liver, REP prevented lipid accumulation (total lipid, TAG and total cholesterol,P<0·01). Liver metabolome analysis indicated that levels of metabolites associated with glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway and carnitine metabolism were significantly greater in the REP group than in the C group (P<0·05), suggesting activation of both glucose catabolism and fatty acid oxidation. The metabolite increases promoted by REP may contribute to suppression of liver lipid accumulation. Urinary excretion of albumin andN-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase was significantly reduced in rats fed REP for 8 weeks (P<0·01). In addition, there was a distinct suppression of mesangial matrix expansion and glomerular hypertrophy in response to REP (P<0·01). Thus, REP had preventive effects on obese diabetes, fatty liver and diabetic nephropathy.
EXAMINING THE DRIVERS OF AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTATION AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN MALAWI
Authors: HOCKETT MICHELE , RICHARDSON ROBERT B. 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYSmallholder farmers in Malawi are faced with the challenge of managing complex and dynamic farming systems while also adapting to change within volatile agroecological conditions. Moreover, management decisions are influenced by a combination of local knowledge, expert recommendations and on-farm experimentation. Although many smallholder farmers actively experiment with new crops and technologies, little is known about the prevalence of experimentation or the types of experiments farmers conduct. This study examined the decision-making processes of experimenting farmers to explore the drivers of on-farm experimentation. Using a mixed-methods design that incorporated field observations, survey data and in-depth interviews, we identified numerous examples of experiments with new crops, varieties and techniques that had been executed either independently or through participation in an agricultural development project. Results of quantitative and qualitative analysis reveal that smallholder farmers in Malawi across a range of socioeconomic characteristics are inclined to experiment, and gender roles in agricultural experimentation vary widely. While experimental methods differ between farmers, there are commonalities in the drivers of experimentation, including adapting to climate change, improving soil health, improving nutrition and generating income. Smallholders have a great capacity for experimentation, and their knowledge, experience, preferences and priorities – if properly understood and incorporated – could ultimately benefit both future agricultural development projects and their participants.
Identification of FBN1 gene mutations in Ukrainian Marfan syndrome patients
Authors: ZHURAYEV RUSTAM , PROOST DORIEN , ZERBINO DMYTRO , FEDORENKO VIKTOR , MEESTER JOSEPHINA A. N. , VAN LAER LUT , LOEYS BART L. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryMarfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder, predominantly affecting the ocular, skeletal and cardiovascular systems. Here, we present the results of the first genetic testing in 40 Ukrainian Marfan (-like) patients and 10 relatives. We applied a targeted next generation sequencing panel comprising FBN1 and 13 thoracic aortic aneurysm genes. We identified 27 causal mutations in FBN1, obtaining a mutation yield of 67·5%. A significant difference in age at aortic surgery between mutation positive and negative patients was observed. Thus, we conclude that genetic testing is important to identify patients at higher risk for developing life-threatening cardiovascular complications.
Performance of crossbred dairy Friesian calves fed two levels ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae: intake, digestion, ruminal fermentation, blood parameters and faecal pathogenic bacteria
Authors: HASSAN A. A. , SALEM A. Z. M. , KHOLIF A. E. , SAMIR M. , YACOUT M. H. , HAFSA S. H. ABU , MENDOZA G. D. , ELGHANDOUR M. M. Y. , AYALA M. , LOPEZ S. 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYThe effect of feeding two levels ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeon the performance of crossbred Friesian calves was investigated. Twenty-four neonatal male Friesian × Baladi calves (35·5 ± 0·25 kg of initial body weight) were randomly assigned in a completely randomized design into three experimental groups for 90 days (eight calves per group). Calves fed their diets without yeast (S. cerevisiae) were considered as Control, while the diets of other calves were supplemented daily either with 2·5 g (YL diet) or with 5 g (YH diet) of yeast per calf. Calves fed the YH diet showed increased feed intake, while dry matter and fibre digestibilities were increased in calves fed YH and YL diets. Calves fed YL and YH diets showed lower ruminal ammonia-N and higher total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate concentrations than Control calves. Both YH and YL calves showed increased plasma concentrations of total protein, globulin and glucose and decreased cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations. Calves’ final weight and daily gain were increased withS. cerevisiaeyeast supplemented diets. After 42 days of experiment,Clostridiumspp.,Escherichia coliandEnterobacteriaspp. counts were down to undetectable levels in the faeces of calves fedS. cerevisiaeadditive. It could be concluded that addingS. cerevisiaeto milk-fed calves increased feed utilization and improved pre-weaned calf performance and health status, reducing faecal pathogenic bacteria.
Listening comprehension of academic and everyday language in first language and second language students
Authors: MARX ALEXANDRA , HEPPT BIRGIT , HENSCHEL SOFIE 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTListening comprehension in academic contexts is an important prerequisite for the acquisition of school-related skills. However, the concept of academic language is generally the subject of much debate, and there is no consensus yet on what constitutes academic listening comprehension. To date, it remains unclear whether listening comprehension of academic language may be regarded as a distinct construct. The present study investigates the distinction of academic and everyday listening comprehension in 459 ninth-grade students speaking German as a first language or as a second language. Empirical results provide preliminary evidence that academic listening forms a separate facet of listening comprehension. Contrary to theoretical assumptions, second language students were not particularly disadvantaged in terms of academic listening comprehension.
Inhabited lobbies: The social life of space in the work of Brady Mallalieu Architects
Authors: Carr Andrew 
Published: October 2016

The inhabited lobby is a recurring device in the work of Brady Mallalieu Architects based. It is characterised by a central space in a building which connects different activities physically, visually, acoustically and socially. Notionally a circulation space, it assumes an expanded role, becoming an inhabitable entity in itself and the social focus of a building.The device has been deployed and developed across a series of built and un-built projects by Brady Mallalieu from 1996 to 2016, ranging in scale from a private family home through various community and educational buildings to a high-density housing complex and city centre masterplan. These projects are reviewed in order to identify the various spatial connections and physical props which constitute the inhabited lobby and its role in enriching the potential for occupation, not only of the lobby itself but also the network of places which it connects together. Its underlying purpose is to make the building more habitable and engage with the unanticipated potential which a more deterministic approach might overlook.The explorations in this paper inform a discussion on the role of the architect in designing for predicted and unanticipated uses and, specifically, on the potential of the ‘inhabited lobby’ as an architectural device. As much as it is a connecting, in-between space, it is a space in itself.