bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timing of influenza epidemics and vaccines in the American tropics, 2002–2008, 2011–2014
Authors: Durand Lizette Olga , Cheng Po‐Yung , Palekar Rakhee , Clara Wilfrido , Jara Jorge , Cerpa Mauricio , El Omeiri Nathalie , Ropero‐Alvarez Alba Maria , Ramirez Juliana Barbosa , Araya Jenny Lara , Acosta Belsy , Bruno Alfredo , Calderon de Lozano Celina , Castillo Signor Leticia del Carmen , Matute Maria Luisa , Jackson‐Betty Sandra , Mung Kam Suan , Díaz‐Quiñonez José Alberto , López‐Martinez Irma , Balmaseda Angel , Arévalo Brechla Morneo , Vazquez Cynthia , Gutierrez Victoria , Garten Rebecca , Widdowson Marc‐Alain , Azziz‐Baumgartner Eduardo 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundInfluenza‐associated illness results in increased morbidity and mortality in the Americas. These effects can be mitigated with an appropriately chosen and timed influenza vaccination campaign. To provide guidance in choosing the most suitable vaccine formulation and timing of administration, it is necessary to understand the timing of influenza seasonal epidemics.ObjectivesOur main objective was to determine whether influenza occurs in seasonal patterns in the American tropics and when these patterns occurred.MethodsPublicly available, monthly seasonal influenza data from the Pan American Health Organization and WHO, from countries in the American tropics, were obtained during 2002–2008 and 2011–2014 (excluding unseasonal pandemic activity during 2009–2010). For each country, we calculated the monthly proportion of samples that tested positive for influenza. We applied the monthly proportion data to a logistic regression model for each country.ResultsWe analyzed 2002–2008 and 2011–2014 influenza surveillance data from the American tropics and identified 13 (81%) of 16 countries with influenza epidemics that, on average, started during May and lasted 4 months.ConclusionsThe majority of countries in the American tropics have seasonal epidemics that start in May. Officials in these countries should consider the impact of vaccinating persons during April with the Southern Hemisphere formulation.
HLA‐A*33‐DR3 and A*33‐DR9 haplotypes enhance the risk of type 1 diabetes in Han Chinese
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Zhao Liebin , Wang Bokai , Gao Jie , Wang Li , Li Li , Cui Bin , Hu Min , Hong Jie , Gu Weiqiong , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo investigate the typing for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I in Chinese patients with type 1 diabetes as a complement screening for HLA class II.Materials and MethodsA total of 212 type 1 diabetic patients and 200 healthy controls were enrolled. The genetic polymorphisms of HLA class I and II were examined with a high‐resolution polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing method.ResultsThe haplotype, A*33:03‐B*58:01‐C*03:02(A33), was associated with type 1 diabetes (P = 1.0 × 10−4, odds ratio 3.2 [1.738–5.843]). The A33‐DR3 and A33‐DR9 haplotypes significantly enhanced the risk of type 1 diabetes (A33‐DR3, odds ratio 5.1 [2.40–10.78], P = 4.0 × 10−6; A33‐DR9, odds ratio 13.0 [1.69–100.32], P = 0.004). In type 1 diabetic patients, compared with A33‐DR3‐negative carriers, A33‐DR3‐positive carriers had significantly lower percentages of CD3+CD4+ T cells (42.5 ± 7.72 vs 37.0 ± 8.35%, P = 0.023), higher percentages of CD3+CD8+ T cells (27.4 ± 7.09 vs 32.8 ± 5.98%, P = 0.005) and T‐cell receptor α/β T cells (70.0 ± 7.00 vs 73.6 ± 6.25%, P = 0.031), and lower CD4/CD8 ratios (1.71 ± 0.75 vs 1.16 ± 0.35, P = 0.003).ConclusionsIt is the first time that the haplotypes A33‐DR3 and A33‐DR9 were found with an enhanced predisposition to type 1 diabetes in Han Chinese. A33‐DR3 was associated with a reduction in the helper‐to‐cytotoxic cell ratio and preferential increase of T‐cell receptor α/β T cell. The typing for HLA class I and its immunogenetic effects are important for more accurate HLA class II haplotype risk prediction and etiology research in type 1 diabetic patients.
AtTMEM18 plays important roles in pollen tube and vegetative growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Dou Xiao‐Ying , Yang Ke‐Zhen , Ma Zhao‐Xia , Chen Li‐Qun , Zhang Xue‐Qin , Bai Jin‐Rong , Ye De 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn flowering plants, pollen tube growth is essential for delivery of male gametes into the female gametophyte or embryo sac for double fertilization. Although many genes have been identified as being involved in the process, the molecular mechanisms of pollen tube growth remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified that the Arabidopsis Transmembrane Protein 18 (AtTMEM18) gene played important roles in pollen tube growth. The AtTMEM18 shares a high similarity with the Transmembrane 18 proteins (TMEM18s) that are conserved in most eukaryotes and may play important roles in obesity in humans. Mutation in the AtTMEM18 by a Ds insertion caused abnormal callose deposition in the pollen grains and had a significant impact on pollen germination and pollen tube growth. AtTMEM18 is expressed in pollen grains, pollen tubes, root tips and other vegetative tissues. The pollen‐rescued assays showed that the mutation in AtTMEM18 also caused defects in roots, stems, leaves and transmitting tracts. AtTMEM18‐GFP was located around the nuclei. Genetic assays demonstrated that the localization of AtTMEM18 around the nuclei in the generative cells of pollen grains was essential for the male fertility. Furthermore, expression of the rice TMEM18‐homologous protein (OsTMEM18) driven by LAT52 promoter could recover the fertility of the Arabidopsis attmem18 mutant. These results suggested that the TMEM18 is important for plant growth in Arabidopsis.
Socioeconomic and health factors associated with kindergarten retention in Australian children
Authors: Wong Evelyn , Steele Emily , Johnson Shae , Proimos Jenny , Batterham Angela , Nolan Terry , Waters Elizabeth 
Published: December 2015

AimWe aimed to identify key socioeconomic and health factors that are associated with a child's likelihood of being retained in kindergarten prior to commencing first year of school in Australian children.MethodsWe used data linked from the School Entrant Health Questionnaire administered to children commencing school in 2012 (N = 42 002). Kindergarten retention here is defined by children accessing a second year of funded kindergarten prior to commencing school. We used logistic regression analysis to estimate the strength of associations between a range of socioeconomic and health factors to the likelihood of kindergarten retention.ResultsOf the 25 289 children included in our analysis, 903 (3.6%) had a second year of funded kindergarten prior to commencing school. In comparison, 1680 children out of 42 002 in the Kinder‐School Entrant Health Questionnaire dataset had a second year of funded kindergarten (4.0%). From our final regression model, the highest association was found in children whose parents reported a history of speech and language difficulties (odds ratio 2.25, 95% confidence interval (1.91–2.66)) (adjusting for a range of demographic, health and developmental factors). Similarly, children from an indigenous background were twice as likely to be retained in kindergarten compared with those with a non‐indigenous background (odds ratio 2.06 (1.17–3.64)).ConclusionThis analysis adds to the evidence base that children who are more socially disadvantaged as well as children with health difficulties, particularly speech and language difficulties, are more likely to be retained in kindergarten.
Parotidectomy for the treatment of parotid sialocoele in 14 dogs
Authors: Proot J. L. J. , Nelissen P. , Ladlow J. F. , Bowlt Blacklock K. , Kulendra N. , de la Puerta B. , Sheahan D. E. 
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVESTo describe the presentation, diagnosis, cause, complications and outcome in 14 dogs that presented with a parotid sialocoele and that were treated by complete parotidectomy.MATERIAL AND METHODSMulti‐institutional retrospective study.RESULTSEach dog presented with a non‐painful, fluctuant, soft tissue mass over the lateral aspect of the face in the region of the parotid salivary gland. Diagnosis was made by sialoradiography (3/14),CT(3/14), ultrasound (11/14) andMRI(2/14). The cause of the sialocoele could be determined in 8 of 14 patients and included: foreign body (2/14), sialolithiasis (1/14), neoplasia (3/14), salivary gland lipomatosis (1/14) and trauma (1/14). Treatment incurred one anaesthetic complication (regurgitation) and seven postoperative surgical complications [self‐limiting seroma formation (2/14), haemorrhage (1/14), wound dehiscence (1/14), abscessation 7 months postoperatively (1/14) and facial nerve paralysis (2/14)]. Sialocoele did not recur in any dog during a median follow‐up time of 14 months.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEParotidectomy has been considered a technically challenging procedure but can have a good success rate with long‐term resolution of the clinical symptoms. Intra‐ and postoperative complications are reasonably common.
Radiographic evaluation of elbow incongruity in Skye terriers
Authors: Lappalainen A. K. , Hyvärinen T. , Junnila J. , Laitinen‐Vapaavuori O. 
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVESAims of this study were to radiographically evaluate elbow congruity and to explore associations between elbow incongruity and lameness in Skye terriers.METHODSMediolateral, 90°‐flexed, elbow joint radiographs were obtained for 45 Skye terriers. Elbow joint incongruity was graded mild, moderate or severe by measuring the width of the humeroulnar joint space. A questionnaire provided information on lameness history for each dog.RESULTSIn total, 49% (22/45) of the dogs had moderate or severe elbow joint incongruity which associated with lameness. Owner‐reported lameness was common: 15/45 (33%) dogs had been lame when less than one year old, and 6 (14%) had been lame at an older age. All dogs presenting with lameness when older than one year had also been lame in adolescence.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCELameness and moderate‐to‐severe elbow joint incongruity were common in Skye terriers and the two were associated. A novel protocol for radiographic screening of elbow joint incongruity of chondrodystrophic breeds is suggested.
Evaluation of urinary biomarkers for azotaemic chronic kidney disease in cats
Authors: Williams T. L. , Archer J. 
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVESEvaluation of urine albumin:creatinine ratio, urine cystatin C:creatinine ratio, urine protein:creatinine ratio and urine specific gravity as screening tests for azotaemic chronic kidney disease in cats.METHODSA group of cats over eight years old were defined as either (i) healthy non‐azotaemic (n=40) if they had serum creatinine concentration <153 µmol/L and no history of apparent disease or (2) having azotaemic chronic kidney disease (n=12) if they had serum creatinine concentration >153 µmol/L with urine specific gravity <1·035. Urine albumin:creatinine ratio, urine cystatin C:creatinine ratio, urine protein:creatinine ratio and urine specific gravity were compared between the two groups.RESULTSUrine cystatin C:creatinine ratio was significantly lower in cats with azotaemic chronic kidney disease than that in healthy cats [3·7 (1·4, 4·3)×10−6 versus 13·9 (6·3, 24·7)×10−6; P=0·011]. Urine specific gravity was also significantly lower in the azotaemic chronic kidney disease group than that in the healthy group [1·022 (1·017, 1·028) versus 1·043 (1·034, >1·050); P<0·001]. Urine albumin:creatinine ratio and urine protein:creatinine ratio were not significantly different between the groups (P=0·075 and P=0·965, respectively).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEUrine cystatin C:creatinine ratio and urine specific gravity were significantly lower in cats with azotaemic chronic kidney disease than that in healthy cats; however, neither biomarker was an adequate sole screening test for azotaemic chronic kidney disease.
Texture Evaluation of Cooked Rice Prepared from Japanese Cultivars Using Two‐Bite Instrumental Test and Electromyography
Authors: Kohyama Kaoru , Sodhi Navdeep Singh , Suzuki Keitaro , Sasaki Tomoko 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of texture of cooked rice on the natural chewing behavior of people who habitually consume rice. Eight Japanese cultivars varying in amylose content and protein content were selected and cooked rice samples with various texture were prepared. Instrumentally measured textural parameters were highly correlated with the amylose content but not with protein content. Electromyography (EMG) from both masseter muscles was recorded during natural eating for 10 men. The number of chews, mastication time and sum of muscle activities were significantly higher in the harder rice samples from high amylose cultivars. The burst duration and muscle activities per chew were also high; however, the interburst duration was low in rice with a high amylose content. EMG variables per chew were compared in the early, middle and late stages of mastication. The amplitude and muscle activities decreased in the late stage, whereas the interburst duration and cycle time increased for all cultivars and the burst duration was similar. No significant correlations between EMG variables and protein content were found. Amylose content influences the texture of cooked rice and also chewing behavior, but the effects of amylose content were diminished at the late stage of mastication. EMG was useful for analyzing natural eating behavior as well as dynamic changes in texture during mastication of cooked rice.Practical ApplicationsThe texture of cooked rice is due to the amylose content in starch contained in rice grains. Many parameters obtained from instrumental and electromyography (EMG) measurements were significantly correlated with the amylose content. EMG is useful for analyzing eating behavior and dynamic changes in texture during mastication. Raw EMG variables analyzed through repeated‐measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) and standardized EMG variables using a control sample followed by ANOVA provided similar results for different cultivars. Both raw and standardized EMG variables correlated with instrumentally measured parameters. Standardization of EMGs is not necessary if the number of chews, time for oral processing, chewing cycle are of interest. These absolute values are useful for designing the texture of foods and optimizing the cooking method if there is not a good control material. The standardized EMGs clearly indicate degree of texture effects on each variable.
Effect of the Glucagon‐like Peptide‐1 Analogue Exenatide Extended Release in Cats with Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Riederer A. , Zini E. , Salesov E. , Fracassi F. , Padrutt I. , Macha K. , Stöckle T.M. , Lutz T.A. , Reusch C.E. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundExenatide extended release (ER) is a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue that increases insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion and induces satiation in humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The use of exenatide ER is safe and stimulates insulin secretion in healthy cats.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to assess the safety of exenatide ER and its effect on body weight, remission and metabolic control in newly diagnosed diabetic cats receiving insulin and a low‐carbohydrate diet.AnimalsThirty client‐owned cats.MethodsProspective placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Cats were treated with exenatide ER or 0.9% saline, administered SC, once weekly. Both groups received insulin glargine and a low‐carbohydrate diet. Exenatide ER was administered for 16 weeks, or in cats that achieved remission it was given for 4 weeks after discontinuing insulin treatment. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsCats in the exenatide ER and placebo groups had transient adverse signs including decreased appetite (60% vs. 20%, respectively, P = .06) and vomiting (53% vs. 40%, respectively, P = .715). Body weight increased significantly in the placebo group (P = .002), but not in cats receiving exenatide ER. Cats on exenatide ER achieved remission or good metabolic control in 40% or 89%, respectively, whereas in control cats percentages were 20% or 58% (P = .427 and P = .178, respectively).Conclusion and clinical importanceExenatide ER is safe in diabetic cats and does not result in weight gain. Our pilot study suggests that, should there be an additional clinically relevant beneficial effect of exenatide ER in insulin‐treated cats on rate of remission and good metabolic control, it would likely approximate 20% and 30%, respectively.
Twenty‐eight‐year review of childhood renal diseases from renal biopsy data: A single centre in China
Authors: Jiang Mengjie , Xiao Zizheng , Rong Liping , Xu Yuanyuan , Chen Lizhi , Mo Ying , Sun Liangzhong , Sun Wei , Jiang Xiaoyun 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics of biopsy‐proven childhood renal diseases and to compare the trends and changes during two different time intervals between 1984 and 2011 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University in China.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed kidney biopsy data from children with renal diseases and compared the data during two time intervals, namely 1984–1997 and 1998–2011.ResultsA total of 1313 children were enrolled in the present study. There were 921 children with primary glomerular disease (PGD) and 312 children with secondary glomerular disease (SGD), accounting for 70.1% and 23.8% of participants, respectively. The major clinical manifestation of PGD was nephrotic syndrome (NS), which accounted for 31.2% of cases, while the main aetiology of SGD was lupus nephritis (40.7%). The main biopsy patterns of PGD were IgA nephritis (27.6%), minimal change disease (24.0%), and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (16.9%). PGD was the major class of disease in both time intervals, but the ratio of PGD decreased over time, while the ratio of SGD and other glomerular diseases increased. PGD was also the major class of disease in each age group; however, the incidence of PGD decreased with increasing age.ConclusionThe incidence patterns of paediatric renal diseases changed over the 28‐year period of this study. Our results show that different renal diseases characterize different age intervals. Furthermore, there are several associations between clinical presentation and biopsy features in childhood renal disease.
Global burden of oral diseases: emerging concepts, management and interplay with systemic health
Authors: Jin LJ , Lamster IB , Greenspan JS , Pitts NB , Scully C , Warnakulasuriya S 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesThis study presents the global burden of major oral diseases with an exegetical commentary on their current profiles, the critical issues in oral healthcare and future perspectives.MethodsA narrative overview of current literature was undertaken to synthesise the contexts with critical elaboration and commentary.ResultsOral disease is one of the most common public health issues worldwide with significant socio‐economic impacts, and yet it is frequently neglected in public health policy. The oral data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2010 (Murray et al, 2012) show that caries, periodontal disease, edentulism, oral cancer and cleft lip/palate collectively accounted for 18 814 000 disability‐adjusted life‐years; and the global burden of periodontal disease, oral cancer and caries increased markedly by an average of 45.6% from 1990 to 2010 in parallel with the major non‐communicable diseases like diabetes by 69.0%. Oral diseases and non‐communicable diseases are closely interlinked through sharing common risk factors (e.g. excess sugar consumption and tobacco use) and underlying infection/inflammatory pathways.ConclusionsOral disease remains a major public health burden worldwide. It is of great importance to integrate oral health into global health agenda via the common risk factor approach. The long‐term sustainable strategy for global oral health should focus on health promotion and disease prevention through effective multidisciplinary teamwork.
Genetic evolution of nevus of Ota reveals clonal heterogeneity acquiring BAP1 and TP53 mutations
Authors: Vivancos Ana , Caratú Ginevra , Matito Judit , Muñoz Eva , Ferrer Berta , Hernández‐Losa Javier , Bodet Domingo , Pérez‐Alea Mileidys , Cortés Javier , Garcia‐Patos Vicente , Recio Juan A. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryMelanoma presents molecular alterations based on its anatomical location and exposure to environmental factors. Due to its intrinsic genetic heterogeneity, a simple snapshot of a tumor's genetic alterations does not reflect the tumor clonal complexity or specific gene–gene cooperation. Here, we studied the genetic alterations and clonal evolution of a unique patient with a Nevus of Ota that developed into a recurring uveal‐like dermal melanoma. The Nevus of Ota and ulterior lesions contained GNAQ mutations were c‐KIT positive, and tumors showed an increased RAS pathway activity during progression. Whole‐exome sequencing of these lesions revealed the acquisition of BAP1 and TP53 mutations during tumor evolution, thereby unmasking clonal heterogeneity and allowing the identification of cooperating genes within the same tumor. Our results highlight the importance of studying tumor genetic evolution to identify cooperating mechanisms and delineate effective therapies.
Effect of exercise on night periodic breathing and loop gain during hypoxic confinement
Authors: Morrison Shawnda A. , Pangerc Andrej , Eiken Ola , Mekjavic Igor B. , Dolenc‐Groselj Leja 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveHypoxic exercise exacerbates periodic breathing in otherwise healthy, awake humans. Interactions between sleep, exercise and hypoxic exposure have not been fully elucidated.MethodsFourteen men were confined 10 days to a simulated altitude of 4175 m (FIO2 = 0.139; PIO2 = 88 mm Hg). They were randomly assigned to an exercise intervention of 2 × 60‐min cycle exercise/day at 50% of their hypoxia‐specific peak power output (exercise, n = 8), or they completed no exercise (control, n = 6, random order). Sleep and breathing were objectively assessed via full polysomnography on night 1, after 14‐h acute exposure (N1), and again on night 10 (N10).ResultsThe exercise group spent more time in light sleep than control on N10 (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.5–15.0%; P = 0.013) and experienced more stage shifts (CI: 13–44; P = 0.023) on both nights compared with control. The exercise group experienced more apnoea–hypopnoea (AH) events per hour compared with control (CI: 1–110; P = 0.046); AH events that were associated with night desaturations were also higher on N1 (exercise: 397 ± 320, control: 124 ± 205, P = 0.047) and N10 (exercise: 375 ± 229, control: 110 ± 138, P = 0.028, CI: 49–489 total events; P = 0.020). The length of hyperpnoea was increased from 12.8 ± 2.2 s on N1 to 14.6 ± 2.7 s on N10 (P = 0.008), and thus, total cycle length also increased (P = 0.002) in both cohorts. Mean pooled duty ratios were 0.68 ± 0.02 on N1 and 0.69 ± 0.02 on N10 (group effect P = 0.617).ConclusionDaily, moderate‐intensity exercise in normobaric hypoxia equivalent to 4175 m exacerbated AH events, and negatively affected sleep architecture in exercisers compared with matched controls.