bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with good glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ahmad Nur Sufiza , Islahudin Farida , Paraidathathu Thomas 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to determine the status of glycemic control and identify factors associated with good glycemic control among diabetic patients treated at primary health clinics.Materials and MethodsA systematic random sample of 557 patients was selected from seven clinics in the Hulu Langat District. Data were collected from patients' medication records, glycemic control tests and structured questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to predict factors associated with good glycemic control.ResultsVariables associated with good glycemic control included age (odds ratio 1.033; 95% confidence interval 1.008–1.059) and duration of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 0.948; 95% confidence interval 0.909–0.989). Compared with the patients who were receiving a combination of insulin and oral antidiabetics, those receiving monotherapy (odds ratio 4.797; 95% confidence interval 1.992–11.552) and a combination of oral antidiabetics (odds ratio 2.334; 95% confidence interval 1.018–5.353) were more likely to have good glycemic control. In the present study, the proportion of patients with good glycemic control was lower than that in other published studies. Older patients with a shorter duration of diabetes who were receiving monotherapy showed better glycemic control.ConclusionsAlthough self‐management behavior did not appear to influence glycemic control, diabetic patients should be consistently advised to restrict sugar intake, exercise, stop smoking and adhere to medication instructions. Greater effort by healthcare providers in the primary health clinics is warranted to help a greater number of patients achieve good glycemic control.
Supermarket own brand foods: lower in energy cost but similar in nutritional quality to their market brand alternatives
Authors: Faulkner G. P. , Livingstone M. B. E. , McCaffrey T. A. , Kerr M. A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to compare the nutritional quality (NQ) and energy costs (EC) (£ MJ–1) of own brand (OB) versus market brand (MB) foods in 2010 and 2012.MethodsA list of processed foods (n = 32) was identified based on the most frequently consumed foods in the UK. Total fat, saturated fat, sugars, salt and energy density (ED) (kJ g−1) in 2010 and 2012 were compared for six OB and one MB version of each food using a NQ scoring method based on the Food Standards Agency's Traffic Light System (TLS). Additional information (fruit, vegetable and nut content; protein; fibre and sodium) was recorded in 2012, and NQ was assessed using the Food Standards Agency's nutrient profiling model (NPM). The EC of the food baskets (FB) was compared in 2010 and 2012.ResultsThere were no differences in overall NQ between OB and MB FB in 2010 (TLS, P = 0.978) or 2012 (TLS, P = 0.840; NPM, P = 0.696). However, the MB FB was highest in EC in 2010 and 2012 (both P < 0.001). There was an inverse relationship between the ED and EC of the MB foods in 2010 (r = −0.484; P = 0.005) and 2012 (r = −0.452; P = 0.009).ConclusionsThe MB FB was higher in EC than the OB FB in 2010 and 2012 but not superior in overall NQ based on both the TLS and NPM.
Metrological challenges for reconstruction of 3‐D microstructures by focused ion beam tomography methods
Authors: MINGARD K.P. , JONES H.G. , GEE M.G. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe development of combined focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopes has enabled significant advances in the characterization of the 3‐D structure of materials. The repeated removal of thin layers or slices with an ion beam and imaging or mapping the chemical or crystallographic structure of each slice enables a 3‐D reconstruction from the images or maps. The accuracy of the reconstruction thus depends on the accuracy with which the slice thickness is measured and maintained throughout the process, and the alignment accuracy of the slices achieved during acquisition or by postacquisition corrections. A survey of papers published in this field suggests that the reconstruction accuracy is not often considered or reported. Using examples from examination of the 3‐D structure of hardmetals, issues affecting the accuracy of slice thicknesses and image realignments are examined and illustrated and potential errors quantified by the use of fiducial markers and the expected isotropy of the hardmetal structure itself.
A case of maxillary sarcoma in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Fujisawa M. , Udono T. , Nogami E. , Hirosawa M. , Morimura N. , Saito A. , Seres M. , Teramoto M. , Nagano K. , Mori Y. , Uesaka H. , Nasu K. , Tomonaga M. , Idani G. , Hirata S. , Tsuruyama T. , Matsubayashi K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOral malignancy is rare in chimpanzees. A 34‐year‐old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) at Kumamoto Sanctuary, Japan, had developed it. Treatment is technically difficult for chimpanzees while malignant neoplasm is seemingly rising in captive populations. Widespread expert discussion, guidelines for treatment, especially for great apes in terminal stages is urgently needed.
Default and Renegotiation in Public‐Private Partnership Auctions
Authors: MENEZES FLÁVIO , RYAN MATTHEW 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe winners of auctions for pubic‐private partnership contracts, especially for major infrastructure projects such as highways, often enter financial distress, requiring the concession to be reallocated or renegotiated. We build a simple model to identify the causes and consequences of such problems. In the model, firms bid toll charges for a fixed‐term highway concession, with the lowest bid winning the auction. The winner builds and operates the highway for the fixed concession period. Each bidder has a privately known construction cost and there is common uncertainty regarding the level of demand that will result for the completed highway. Because it is costly for the government to reassign the concession, it is exposed to a holdup problem, which bidders can exploit through the strategic use of debt. Each firm chooses its financial structure to provide optimal insurance against downside demand risk: the credible threat of default is used to extort an additional transfer payment from the government. We derive the optimal financial structure and equilibrium bidding behavior and show that (i) the auction remains efficient, but (ii) bids are lower than they would be if all bidders were cash‐financed, and (iii) the more efficient the winning firm, the more likely it is to require a government bailout and the higher the expected transfer it extracts from the government. We discuss potential resolutions of this problem, including the use of least‐present‐value‐of‐revenue auctions.
A Theory of Congregational Giving
Authors: ROSBOROUGH JONATHAN 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper proposes a model to explain a broad range of established empirical facts about giving and attendance rates in religious congregations. We treat the religious service collectively consumed by the congregation as a “participatory” public good, in the sense that while its quality increases in contributions, individual consumption varies by the amount of time devoted toward attendance. The model predicts that lower income individuals will be overrepresented in religious congregations, with giving concentrated among higher income members. Inclusive doctrine is shown to increase membership but reduce average giving and attendance, while “tithing” requirements reduce membership and increase total giving.
Characterization of a Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum Isolated from Snakehead, Channa striatus, Stomach
Authors: Allameh Sayed K. , Yusoff Fatimah M. , Daud Hassan M. , Ringø Einar , Ideris Aini , Saad Che R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis study sought to isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from stomach of adult snakehead fish, Channa striatus, to be used as probiotics for freshwater fish. A total of 13 strains were isolated from the stomach of 10 fish, and 4 of these belonged to LAB. Strain LAB‐3 showing highest in vitro growth inhibition of Aeromonas hydrophila in a disk diffusion test was identified as Lactobacillus fermentum by conventional and molecular techniques and evaluated in vitro through various tests. The bacterium could grow at pH 3–8; but the optimum growth was observed at pH 6. Moreover, LAB‐3 grew at 0.15 and 0.3% bile salt concentrations, from 15 to 45 C, and at 4% NaCl. L. fermentum showed in vitro inhibitory activity against three fish pathogens, A. hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shewanella putrefaciens, tested by disk diffusion and well diffusion methods. Antibiotic sensitivity tests indicated that L. fermentum was resistant to streptomycin, gentamycin, and kanamycin, intermediate to tetracycline, but sensitive to chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, and ampicillin. Challenge test by using A. hydrophila showed that survival of snakehead was significantly (P < 0.05) improved when 2 × 106 LAB‐3/g was supplemented to the diet. Therefore, this study suggests that L. fermentum might be a promising probiotic in snakehead aquaculture.
Feasibility of Pond Production of Largemouth Bass,Micropterus salmoides, for a Filet Market
Authors: Engle Carole R. , Stone Nathan , Xie Lin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe effects of stocking density on food‐size largemouth bass (LMB),Micropterus salmoides, production (>0.5 kg) were evaluated in a 2‐yr study by stockingLMBfingerlings (mean weight = 57 g/fish) in 0.1‐ha earthen ponds at rates of 6175, 12,350, or 18,525 fish/ha. Gross yields increased from 3989 to 9096 kg/ha as stocking density increased. No significant differences were observed in survival rates (range of 65–74%) due to density. Maximum feed consumption occurred at water temperatures of 27–30 C. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mean harvest weight were significantly different (P < 0.05) among densities, with the lowestFCRand the lowest mean weight found at the highest density (18,525 fish/ha). At harvest,LMBwere considered to be in good condition with relative weight (Wr) values of 123–124. Dressout yield percentages were 61–62% for whole‐dressedLMBand 34–35% for shank filets.LMBgrew well and reached a size adequate for targeted shank filet sizes. However, the production costs of $7.26–$9.34/kg mean thatLMBproduction for a filet market is unlikely to be feasible. Research to lowerLMBfingerling and feed costs and improvedFCRwould contribute to improved economic feasibility.
Multilocus Sequence Typing of an Emerging Cryptosporidium hominis Subtype in the United States
Authors: Feng Yaoyu , Tiao Narry , Li Na , Hlavsa Michele , Xiao Lihua 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

The United States has experienced a substantial increase in the reported incidence of cryptosporidiosis since 2005. Accompanying this is the emergence of a new subtype of
Cryptosporidium hominis
based on variation at the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) locus, IaA28R4, which has become a frequently identified subtype in both sporadic and outbreak-related cases. In this study, using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) at eight genetic loci, we characterized 62 specimens of IaA28R4 and 33 specimens of three other gp60 subtypes of
C. hominis
from four U.S. states with increased cryptosporidiosis incidences during the summer of 2008. Extensive genetic heterogeneity was seen within the gp60 subtype IaA28R4, but specimens from Ohio and southwestern states formed two distinct subpopulations, suggesting that there were at least two origins of IaA28R4 within the United States. Discordance in typing results was observed between gp60 and other genetic markers, especially DZ-HRGP, and this discordance was largely the result of genetic recombination within the gp60 subtype IaA28R4. The results of population genetic analyses supported the presence of two subpopulations of IaA28R4 and the occurrence of genetic recombination within this gp60 subtype. Thus, the IaA28R4 subtype at gp60 is likely a fitness marker for
C. hominis
, and genetic recombination is potentially a driving force in the emergence of the virulent IaA28R4 subtype in the United States. A rapid evolution of IaA28R4 was indicated by the observation of multiple MLST subtypes of IaA28R4 within two large outbreaks that lasted for extended periods and involved multiple swimming pools.
A Vaccine against CCR5 Protects a Subset of Macaques upon Intravaginal Challenge with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac251
Authors: Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Hunter Zoe , Jayashankar Kartika , Peabody Julianne , Montefiori David , LaBranche Celia C. , Keele Brandon F. , Jensen Kara , Abel Kristina , Chackerian Bryce 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

As an alternative to targeting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we have developed vaccines targeting CCR5, a self-protein critically involved in HIV replication and pathogenesis. By displaying peptides derived from CCR5 at high density on the surface of virus-like particles, we can efficiently induce high-titer IgG antibodies against this self-molecule. Here, we investigated whether prophylactic immunization of rhesus macaques with a particle-based vaccine targeting two regions of macaque CCR5 could prevent or suppress vaginal infection with highly virulent SIVmac251. Twelve macaques were vaccinated with a bacteriophage Qß-based vaccine targeting macaque CCR5 (Qß.CCR5). Six control animals were immunized with the Qß platform alone. All animals immunized with Qß.CCR5 developed high-titer anti-CCR5 antibody responses. Macaques were vaginally challenged with a high dose of SIVmac251. The mean peak viral RNA levels in the vaccinated groups were 30-fold lower than in the control group (10
6.8
versus 10
8.3
copies/ml plasma). Three of the 12 vaccinated macaques dramatically suppressed simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication: peak viral loads were low (10
3
to 10
4
RNA copies/ml), and SIV RNA became undetectable from 6 weeks onward. No viral RNA or DNA could be detected in colon and lymph node biopsy specimens collected 13 months after challenge.
In vivo
depletion of CD8
+
cells failed to induce a viral rebound. However, once anti-CCR5 antibody responses had waned, the 3 animals became infected after intravaginal and/or intravenous rechallenge. In conclusion, vaccination against CCR5 was associated with dramatic suppression of virus replication in a subset (25%) of macaques. These data support further research of vaccination against CCR5 to combat HIV infection.
Comparison of D-dimer point of care test (POCT) against current laboratory test in patients with suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE) presenting to the emergency department (ED)
Authors: Sen Basav , Kesteven Patrick , Avery Peter 
Published: December 2013

AimsTo compare quantitative point of care (POC) with laboratory d-dimer testing in patients with suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE) presenting to the emergency department.MethodsA prospective single centre diagnostic study in adults presenting with suspected VTE (pleuritic chest pain or leg swelling)ResultsMain outcome measures were the statistical correlation of the two methods. Secondary outcome measures were: test turnaround times, correlation between D-dimer levels, Wells score and final diagnosis. The results showed that there was strong evidence of POC D-dimer being sufficiently accurate to be used as a screening device. The correlation between the two logged assay scores was good. Both logged scores correlated similarly with the Wells score. Once an equivalent cut-off value for POC D-dimer (412 ng/mL) was established, there were only 4 of 100 cases all of which were extremely close to the cut-off. D-dimer turnaround time decreased by 83%. A further recent analysis of laboratory times done in 2013 demonstrates that POC D-dimer results remain 62% quicker. Based on the D-dimer results 27 patients were scanned. The median Wells score in this group was 3.0 (range 2–10) median POC D-dimer levels of 2590 (412–5000) and median lab D-dimer levels of 864 (230–13 000) showing good correlation between D-dimer positive patients and the Wells score. Seven patients had positive scans. There was a significant difference in both logged D-dimer scores between the negative and positive groups indicating that raised D-dimer levels correlate well with final diagnosis.ConclusionsThe POC device was comparable with the laboratory device and was sufficiently accurate to be used as a screening tool in the emergency department setting.
The Impact of miRNA-Based Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment of NRF2-Stabilized Tumors
Authors: Yamamoto Shinsuke , Inoue Jun , Kawano Tatsuyuki , Kozaki Ken-ichi , Omura Ken , Inazawa Johji 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
NF-E2–related factor 2 (NRF2) is a master transcriptional regulator that integrates cellular stress responses and is negatively regulated by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) at the posttranslational level. In human cancers, aberrantly stabilized NRF2, either by mutation of NRF2 or KEAP1, plays a vital role in chemoresistance and tumor cell growth through the transcriptional activation of target genes, suggesting that targeted inhibition of NRF2 is a potential therapy for NRF2-stabilized tumors. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that can negatively regulate gene expression by interfering with the translation or stability of target transcripts. Moreover, tumor-suppressor miRNAs have been suggested to be useful for cancer treatment. Here, a reporter-coupled miRNA library screen identified four miRNAs (miR-507, -634, -450a, and -129-5p) that negatively regulate the NRF2-mediated oncogenic pathway by directly targeting NRF2. Importantly, downregulation of these miRNAs, in addition to the somatic mutation of NRF2 or KEAP1, is associated with stabilized NRF2 and poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Furthermore, administration of a miR-507 alone or in combination with cisplatin inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Thus, these findings reveal that miRNA-based therapy is effective against NRF2-stabilized ESCC tumors.
Implications: This study determines the potential of miRNA-based molecular diagnostics and therapeutics in NRF2-stablized tumors. Mol Cancer Res; 12(1); 58–68. ©2013 AACR.
Individuals with coronary artery disease at a young age and features of the metabolic syndrome have an increased prothrombotic potential
Authors: Kok Maayke G. M. , Meijers Joost C. M. , Pinto-Sietsmal Sara-Joan 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe relation between coagulation and atherosclerosis has been extensively described, pointing towards a hypercoagulable state in patients with atherosclerosis, especially in young individuals. However, not all studies were conclusive. It is known that the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), is related to a higher incidence of thrombo-embolic events. We hypothesised that individuals with CAD at a young age and MetS have an increased prothrombotic potential. It was the study objective to analyse the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and related thrombin generation parameters in patients with CAD before the age of 51 in men and 56 in women with and without MetS features and their healthy first-degree relatives. In this case-control study we included 118 CAD patients and 50 first-degree relatives (controls). Parameters of thrombin generation were obtained with calibrated automated thrombinography. An adjusted general linear model (GLM) showed a positive association between the peak thrombin levels and the presence of CAD at a young age. Based on the NCEP criteria we divided our patient group in CAD patients with and without MetS, and compared them to the controls without MetS. We showed that CAD patients with MetS have increased ETP levels, both in comparison with healthy first-degree relatives and with CAD patients without MetS. There were no differences in ETP between patients without MetS and healthy controls. In conclusion, this study shows that individuals with CAD at a young age and MetS features have an increased prothrombotic potential, compared to CAD patients without MetS.
The Politics of Trade and Power: Dahir al-Umar and the Making of Early Modern Palestine
Authors: Yazbak Mahmoud 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWhen Shaykh Dahir al-ʿUmar al-Zaydani died in 1775, he had ruled large parts of Palestine for over half a century. Capitalizing on the forward economy introduced by the Dutch merchant “gone native,” Paul Maashoek (d. 1711), Dahir created a politics of trade and power that brought about the economic flourishing of Palestine and the prosperity of its population for most of the eighteenth century. From his urbanization of the Galilee’s main villages, Tiberias, Nazareth, Acre and Haifa, sprang the merchant class whose subsequent active trading with the West helped quicken the pace of Palestine’s integration into the Europe-dominated world economy.
Using Air Temperature to Quantitatively Predict the MODIS Fractional Snow Cover Retrieval Errors over the Continental United States
Authors: Dong Jiarui , Ek Mike , Hall Dorothy , Peters-Lidard Christa , Cosgrove Brian , Miller Jeff , Riggs George , Xia Youlong 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Understanding and quantifying satellite-based, remotely sensed snow cover uncertainty are critical for its successful utilization. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover errors have been previously recognized to be associated with factors such as cloud contamination, snowpack grain sizes, vegetation cover, and topography; however, the quantitative relationship between the retrieval errors and these factors remains elusive. Joint analysis of the MODIS fractional snow cover (FSC) from Collection 6 (C6) and in situ air temperature and snow water equivalent measurements provides a unique look at the error structure of the MODIS C6 FSC products. Analysis of the MODIS FSC dataset over the period from 2000 to 2005 was undertaken over the continental United States (CONUS) with an extensive observational network. When compared to MODIS Collection 5 (C5) snow cover area, the MODIS C6 FSC product demonstrates a substantial improvement in detecting the presence of snow cover in Nevada [30% increase in probability of detection (POD)], especially in the early and late snow seasons; some improvement over California (10% POD increase); and a relatively small improvement over Colorado (2% POD increase). However, significant spatial and temporal variations in accuracy still exist, and a proxy is required to adequately predict the expected errors in MODIS C6 FSC retrievals. A relationship is demonstrated between the MODIS FSC retrieval errors and temperature over the CONUS domain, captured by a cumulative double exponential distribution function. This relationship is shown to hold for both in situ and modeled daily mean air temperature. Both of them are useful indices in filtering out the misclassification of MODIS snow cover pixels and in quantifying the errors in the MODIS C6 product for various hydrological applications.