bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C9orf72 Repeat Expansions in Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder
Authors: Daoud Hussein , Postuma Ronald B. , Bourassa Cynthia V. , Rochefort Daniel , Gauthier Maude Turcotte , Montplaisir Jacques , Gagnon Jean-Francois , Arnulf Isabelle , Dauvilliers Yves , Charley Christelle Monaca , Inoue Yuichi , Sasai Taeko , Högl Birgit , Desautels Alex , Frauscher Birgit , Cochen De Cock Valérie , Rouleau Guy A. , Dion Patrick A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground: A large hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 has been identified as the most common genetic cause in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder that has been strongly linked to synuclein-mediated neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the C9orf72 expansions in the pathogenesis of RBD. Methods: We amplified the C9orf72 repeat expansion in 344 patients with RBD by a repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction assay. Results: We identified two RBD patients carrying the C9orf72 repeat expansion. Most interestingly, these patients have the same C9orf72 associated-risk haplotype identified in 9p21-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia families. Conclusions: Our study enlarges the phenotypic spectrum associated with the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions and suggests that, although rare, this expansion may play a role in the pathogenesis of RBD.
ASSESSMENT OF ADVANTAGES OF PEA AND NON-LEGUME WINTER VEGETABLE INTERCROPPING SYSTEMS THROUGH COMPETITION AND ECONOMIC INDICES
Authors: ANJUM MUHAMMAD AKBAR , QASIM SYED ALI , AHMAD SHAKEEL , HUSSAIN SAJJAD 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYIntercropping is considered as a promising system having multi-dimensional advantages such as improved yield on sustained basis, effective use of land and other resources and reduction in cost of production. The present study was carried out using pea and three non-legume winter vegetables, i.e. garlic, turnip and cauliflower, by planting as sole crops and in pea–garlic, pea–turnip and pea–cauliflower intercropping systems to determine the competition among these vegetables and economics of each intercropping system. The intercropping systems were assessed on the basis of existing competition and economic indices such as land equivalent ratio (LER), relative crowding coefficient (K), aggressivity (A), competitive ratio (CR), actual yield loss (AYL), intercropping advantage and monetary advantage index (MAI). Yields of individual vegetables were higher when grown as sole crops compared with their intercropping with pea. Harvest index for pea was higher when grown alone or intercropped with garlic and was significantly reduced when intercropped with turnip or cauliflower. Harvest indices for garlic, turnip and cauliflower were statistically similar when grown as sole crops or intercropped with pea. The partial LER, K, A and CR for pea were higher in pea–garlic intercropping. However, partial LER, K, A and CR for intercrop were significantly higher for cauliflower and turnip in pea–cauliflower and pea–turnip intercropping systems respectively. The product of relative K values was greater for pea–garlic intercropping system, indicating a definite yield advantage. A similar trend to LER was followed by AYL. These results indicate that pea was more competitive than garlic, and cauliflower and turnip were more competitive than pea for exploiting the available growth resources. The highest MAI value was recorded for pea–garlic intercropping, reflecting that this intercropping system was more advantageous compared with other intercropping systems, indicating definite yield and economic advantages. However, pea–cauliflower intercropping system resulted in higher net income and benefit cost ratio.
Identification ofBalanus amphitritelarvae from field zooplankton using species-specific primers
Authors: Gaonkar Chetan C. , Khandeparker Lidita , Desai Dattesh V. , Anil Arga Chandrashekar 
Published: November 2014

Identification of marine invertebrate larvae using morphological characters is laborious and complicated by phenotypic plasticity.Balanus amphitriteis a dominant barnacle, important in the context of intertidal ecology and biofouling of manmade structures. Morphological identification of barnacle larval forms in a mixed population is difficult because of their intricacy and similarity in size, shape and developmental stages. We report the development and application of a nucleic acid-based Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method for the specific identification of the barnacle,B. amphitrite, from the heterogeneous zooplankton sample. This method is reliable and accurate thereby overcoming taxonomic ambiguity. Sequence alignment of the 18S rRNA gene region of selected species of barnacles allowed the design ofB. amphitrite-specific PCR primers. Assay specificity was evaluated by screening DNA obtained from selected species of barnacles. The oligonucleotide primers used in the study flanked a 1600 bp region within the 18S rRNA gene. The primer is specific and can detect as few as 10 individuals ofB. amphitritelarvae spiked in a background of ~186 mg of zooplankton. This technique facilitates accurate identification and the primer can be used as a marker for enumeration ofB. amphitritelarvae in the plankton.
Immunity to polio, measles and rubella in women of child-bearing age and estimated congenital rubella syndrome incidence, Cambodia, 2012
Authors: MAO B. , CHHENG K. , WANNEMUEHLER K. , VYNNYCKY E. , BUTH S. , SOEUNG S. C. , REEF S. , WELDON W. , QUICK L. , GREGORY C. J. 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYSignificant gaps in immunity to polio, measles, and rubella may exist in adults in Cambodia and threaten vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) elimination and control goals, despite high childhood vaccination coverage. We conducted a nationwide serological survey during November–December 2012 of 2154 women aged 15–39 years to assess immunity to polio, measles, and rubella and to estimate congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) incidence. Measles and rubella antibodies were detected by IgG ELISA and polio antibodies by microneutralization testing. Age-structured catalytic models were fitted to rubella serological data to predict CRS cases. Overall, 29·8% of women lacked immunity to at least one poliovirus (PV); seroprevalence to PV1, PV2 and PV3 was 85·9%, 93·4% and 83·3%, respectively. Rubella and measles antibody seroprevalence was 73·3% and 95·9%, respectively. In the 15–19 years age group, 48·2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 42·4–54·1] were susceptible to either PV1 or PV3, and 40·3% (95% CI 33·0–47·5) to rubella virus. Based on rubella antibody seroprevalence, we estimate that >600 infants are born with CRS in Cambodia annually. Significant numbers of Cambodian women are still susceptible to polio and rubella, especially those aged 15–19 years, emphasizing the need to include adults in VPD surveillance and a potential role for vaccination strategies targeted at adults.
Toxoplasma gondiiseroprevalence in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Sweden and evaluation of ELISA test performance
Authors: WALLANDER C. , FRÖSSLING J. , VÅGSHOLM I. , UGGLA A. , LUNDÉN A. 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYToxoplasma gondiiis a zoonotic protozoan parasite, infecting a wide range of warm-blooded animals. The Swedish wild boar population is expanding and increased hunting provides its meat to a growing group of consumers. We performed a spatio-temporal investigation ofT. gondiiseroprevalence in Swedish wild boars. An ELISA was set up and evaluated against a commercial direct agglutination test, using Bayesian latent class analysis. The ELISA sensitivity and specificity were estimated to 79% and 85%, respectively. Of 1327 serum samples, 50% were positive. Thirty-four per cent of young wild boars and 55% of adults were positive (P< 0·001). The total seroprevalence ranged from 72% in 2005 to 38% in 2011 (P< 0·001), suggesting a declining trend. The highest seroprevalence, 65%, was recorded in South Sweden. In other regions it varied from 29% in Stockholm to 46% in East Middle Sweden.
The environmental cost of protein food choices
Authors: Sabaté Joan , Sranacharoenpong Kitti , Harwatt Helen , Wien Michelle , Soret Samuel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the resource efficiency and environmental impacts of producing one kilogram of edible protein from two plant- and three animal-protein sources.DesignPrimary source data were collected and applied to commodity production statistics to calculate the indices required to compare the environmental impact of producing 1 kg of edible protein from kidney beans, almonds, eggs, chicken and beef. Inputs included land and water for raising animals and growing animal feed, total fuel, and total fertilizer and pesticide for growing the plant commodities and animal feed. Animal waste generated was computed for the animal commodities.SettingDesk-based study at the Department of Nutrition and Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Loma Linda University.SubjectsNone.ResultsTo produce 1 kg of protein from kidney beans required approximately eighteen times less land, ten times less water, nine times less fuel, twelve times less fertilizer and ten times less pesticide in comparison to producing 1 kg of protein from beef. Compared with producing 1 kg of protein from chicken and eggs, beef generated five to six times more waste (manure) to produce 1 kg of protein.ConclusionsThe substitution of beef with beans in meal patterns will significantly reduce the environmental footprint worldwide and should also be encouraged to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases. Societies must work together to change the perception that red meat (e.g. beef) is the mainstay of an affluent and healthy diet.
Why Zambia failed
Authors: BARTON STUART JOHN 
Published: November 2014

Abstract:Daron Acemoglu, James Robinson and others are explaining divergent economic histories with qualitative measures of institutional quality – including Acemoglu and Robinson's popular inclusive/extractive dichotomy. While quantitative studies have sort to confirm these links using econometric proxies, few empirical accounts have shownhowthese proxies, or indeed the institutions they seek to represent actually influenced economic growth. This study helps fill that gap by testing whether evidence in Zambia's post-colonial history supports a proposed econometric link between its institutional quality and its slow economic growth. Support for this link is found in foreign investors’ interpretation of declining institutional constraint on Zambia's President as the potential for increased policy volatility, and as such an economic inducement to delay critical investment to Zambia's capital constrained economy. These findings add weight to the institutional argument in general, as well as present one concrete example in history of a mechanism through which institutional quality affected economic growth.
Time trends in method-specific suicide rates in Japan, 1990–2011
Authors: Yoshioka E. , Hanley S. J. , Kawanishi Y. , Saijo Y. 
Published: November 2014

Background.Little is known about whether particular suicide methods have contributed differently to the recent unfavourable suicide mortality trends in Japan. Analysing such trends may shed light on the effect of potentially preventable factors, such as the impact of restricting access to certain popular suicide methods, on overall rates. Therefore, we assessed recent trends in method-specific suicide by gender and age in Japan.Method.Suicide mortality and population data between 1990 and 2011 were obtained from the Vital Statistics of Japan and used to calculate method-specific mortality rates. Suicide methods were divided into seven groups: overdose, gases, hanging, drowning, cutting, jumping and other means. Age was divided into four groups: 15–24, 25–44, 45–64 and 65+ years. We applied joinpoint regression to the data and quantified the observed changes.Results.The results of the joinpoint regression analyses showed a sharp increase in overall suicide rates for males and females of all ages until the late 1990s. Suicide from hanging and jumping, in particular, contributed to this increase. After 2000, an increasing trend in overall suicide rates in both males and females aged 15–24 and 25–44 years was observed, with overdose, gases and hanging contributing to this increasing trend.Conclusions.Our findings revealed that different suicide methods varied in their contribution to the recent overall suicide transition in Japan. Regarding factors associated with the recent increase in suicides by overdose, gases, hanging and jumping, further research is needed in order to promote and implement effective means restriction strategies.
PGC-1α buffers ROS-mediated removal of mitochondria during myogenesis
Authors: Baldelli S , Aquilano K , Ciriolo M R 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy are recognized as critical processes underlying mitochondrial homeostasis. However, the molecular pathway(s) coordinating the balance between these cellular programs is still poorly investigated. Here, we show an induction of the nuclear and mitochondrial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) during myogenesis, which in turn co-activates the transcription of nuclear and mtDNA-encoded mitochondrial genes. We demonstrate that PGC-1αalso buffers oxidative stress occurring during differentiation by promoting the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Indeed, by downregulating PGC-1α,we observed an impairment of antioxidants expression, which was accompanied by a significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst and increase of oxidative damage to proteins. In parallel, we detected a decrease of mitochondrial mass and function as well as increased mitophagy through the ROS/FOXO1 pathway. Upon PGC-1αdownregulation, we found ROS-dependent nuclear translocation of FOXO1 and transcription of its downstream targets including mitophagic genes such as LC3 and PINK1. Such events were significantly reverted after treatment with the antioxidant Trolox, suggesting that PGC-1αassures mitochondrial integrity by indirectly buffering ROS. Finally, the lack of PGC-1αgave rise to a decrease in MYOG and a strong induction of atrophy-related ubiquitin ligases FBXO32 (FBXO32), indicative of a degenerative process. Overall, our results reveal that in myotubes, PGC-1αtakes center place in mitochondrial homeostasis during differentiation because of its ability to avoid ROS-mediated removal of mitochondria.
Genetic characterization of Greek population isolates reveals strong genetic drift at missense and trait-associated variants
Authors: Panoutsopoulou Kalliope , Hatzikotoulas Konstantinos , Xifara Dionysia Kiara , Colonna Vincenza , Farmaki Aliki-Eleni , Ritchie Graham R. S. , Southam Lorraine , Gilly Arthur , Tachmazidou Ioanna , Fatumo Segun , Matchan Angela , Rayner Nigel W. , Ntalla Ioanna , Mezzavilla Massimo , Chen Yuan , Kiagiadaki Chrysoula , Zengini Eleni , Mamakou Vasiliki , Athanasiadis Antonis , Giannakopoulou Margarita , Kariakli Vassiliki-Eirini , Nsubuga Rebecca N. , Karabarinde Alex , Sandhu Manjinder , McVean Gil , Tyler-Smith Chris , Tsafantakis Emmanouil , Karaleftheri Maria , Xue Yali , Dedoussis George , Zeggini Eleftheria 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIsolated populations are emerging as a powerful study design in the search for low-frequency and rare variant associations with complex phenotypes. Here we genotype 2,296 samples from two isolated Greek populations, the Pomak villages (HELIC-Pomak) in the North of Greece and the Mylopotamos villages (HELIC-MANOLIS) in Crete. We compare their genomic characteristics to the general Greek population and establish them as genetic isolates. In the MANOLIS cohort, we observe an enrichment of missense variants among the variants that have drifted up in frequency by more than fivefold. In the Pomak cohort, we find novel associations at variants on chr11p15.4 showing large allele frequency increases (from 0.2% in the general Greek population to 4.6% in the isolate) with haematological traits, for example, with mean corpuscular volume (rs7116019, P=2.3 × 10−26). We replicate this association in a second set of Pomak samples (combined P=2.0 × 10−36). We demonstrate significant power gains in detecting medical trait associations.
Anaphylaxis Is More Common with Rocuronium and Succinylcholine than with Atracurium
Authors: Reddy Jeffrey I. , Cooke Peter J. , van Schalkwyk Johan M. , Hannam Jacqueline A. , Fitzharris Penny , Mitchell Simon J. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Background:
Intraoperative anaphylaxis is a rare but serious occurrence, often triggered by neuromuscular-blocking drugs (NMBDs). Previous reports suggest that the rates of anaphylaxis may be greater for rocuronium than for other NMBDs, but imprecise surrogate metrics for new patient exposures to NMBDs complicate interpretation.

Methods:
This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of intraoperative anaphylaxis to NMBDs at two hospitals between 2006 and 2012. Expert anesthetic and immunologist collaborators investigated all referred cases of intraoperative anaphylaxis where NMBDs were administered and identified those where a NMBD was considered responsible. New patient exposures for each NMBD were extracted from electronic anesthetic records compiled during the same period. Anaphylaxis rates were calculated for each NMBD using diagnosed anaphylaxis cases as the numerator and the number of new patient exposures as the denominator.

Results:
Twenty-one patients were diagnosed with anaphylaxis to an NMBD. The incidence of anaphylaxis was 1 in 22,451 new patient exposures for atracurium, 1 in 2,080 for succinylcholine, and 1 in 2,499 for rocuronium (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
In Auckland, the rate of anaphylaxis to succinylcholine and rocuronium is approximately 10-fold higher than to atracurium. Previous estimates of NMBD anaphylaxis rates are potentially confounded by inaccurate proxies of new patient exposures. This is the first study to report anaphylaxis rates using a hard denominator of new patient exposures obtained directly from anesthetic records.
Differences in Funding Sources of Phase III Oncology Clinical Trials by Treatment Modality and Cancer Type
Authors: Jairam Vikram , Yu James B. , Aneja Sanjay , Wilson Lynn D. , Lloyd Shane 
Published: November 2014

Objectives:Given the limited resources available to conduct clinical trials, it is important to understand how trial sponsorship differs among different therapeutic modalities and cancer types and to consider the ramifications of these differences.Methods:We searched clinicaltrials.gov for a cross-sectional register of active, phase III, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying treatment-related endpoints such as survival and recurrence for the 24 most prevalent malignancies. We classified the RCTs into 7 categories of therapeutic modality: (1) chemotherapy/other cancer-directed drugs, (2) targeted therapy, (3) surgery, (4) radiation therapy (RT), (5) RT with other modalities, (6) multimodality therapy without RT, and (7) other. RCTs were categorized as being funded by one or more of the following groups: (1) government, (2) hospital/university, (3) industry, and (4) other. χ2analysis was performed to detect differences in funding source distribution between modalities and cancer types.Results:The percentage of multimodality trials (5%) and radiation RCTs (4%) funded by industry was less than that for chemotherapy (32%,P<0.01) or targeted therapy (48%,P<0.01). Trials studying targeted therapy were less likely to have hospital/university funding than any of the other modalities (P<0.01 in each comparison). Trials of chemotherapy were more likely to be funded by industry if they also studied targeted therapy (P<0.01).Conclusion:RCTs studying targeted therapies are more likely to be funded by industry than trials studying multimodality therapy or radiation. The impact of industry funding versus institutional or governmental sources of funding for cancer research is unclear and requires further study.
Yield and economic performance of the use of GM cotton worldwide over time
Authors: Witjaksono Julian , Wei Xiaowen , Mao Suchun , Gong Wankui , Li Yabing , Yuan Youlu 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the economic performance of genetically modified (GM) cotton worldwide based on a wide range of data and source from available literature, and second to assess yield gain and economic performance.

Design/methodology/approach
– A systematic review was captured to provide the evidence of potential benefits of GM cotton. A country-specific analysis was conducted in order to compare economic indicators and employed meta-analysis to find out the significance of the different of GM cotton over its counterpart.

Findings
– This paper depicts positive impact of commercialized GM cotton in terms of net revenue, and the benefits, especially in terms of increased yields, are greatest for the mostly farmers in developing countries who have benefitted from the spill over of technology targeted at farmers in industrialized countries.

Research limitations/implications
– Due to the variability of the data which came from different methodologies, it is difficult to determine the differences of the performances each individual study.

Practical implications
– This, it is believed that results from this study can be useful for operations of all sizes as the authors think about what needs to be focussed on for long-term producers survival.

Originality/value
– The paper clearly indicates that China is the highest cotton yield of GM cotton, the lowest cost of GM seed and the lowest cost of chemical spray compare to any other countries. Therefore, this is the fact that the adoption of GM cotton has been widely spread among the farmers across the regions in China.
Adoption of genetically-modified seeds in Taiwan
Authors: Luh Yir-Hueih , Jiang Wun-Ji , Chien Yu-Ning 
Published: November 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated analysis of determining factors of farmers’ genetically modified (GM) technology adoption behavior, with a special emphasis on information acquisition, knowledge accumulation, product attributes and technology traits.Design/methodology/approach– Extending the expected profit maximization framework into a random utility model which accommodates joint decisions of information acquisition and technology adoption, the authors use the full information maximum likelihood method to yield both consistent and efficient estimates. The model is applied to a field survey collecting a sample of 141 randomly selected bananas farmers.Findings– The empirical results indicate information acquired through social network will increase the probability of adoption. Knowledge accumulation as depicted by education and farming experience is found to play a role in farmers’ technology adoption, whereas disease-resistant technology trait and flavor-enriching product attribute of GM bananas also appear to be important determinants for GM seeds adoption in Taiwan.Practical implications– Empirical evidence supports significance of technology traits and product attributes in farmer's GM technology adoption, suggesting the close collaboration between industry, government and academia is the key to successful commercialization of GM crops.Social implications– Understanding the determinants of farmers’ GM technology adoption can serve as the basis for promoting new biotechnology, and thus can facilitate the establishment of tenable solutions to food security issues.Originality/value– This paper is the first attempt to incorporate information acquisition into the behavioral analysis of GM technology adoption. The present study also extends previous literature by considering influential factors related to both consumers’ and producers’ preferences in modeling technology adoption.