bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of HbA1c for the prediction of diabetes in a rural community in Korea
Authors: Song B. M. , Kim H. C. , Lee J. Y. , Lee J.‐M. , Kim D. J. , Lee Y.‐H. , Suh I. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the performance of HbA1c in predicting incident diabetes among Korean adults with normal fasting glucose and impaired fasting glucose levels.MethodsThis study used data from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study‐Kangwha Study. A prospective analysis was carried out on 2079 people (820 men and 1259 women) who completed follow‐up examinations up until 2013. Diabetes was defined as fasting blood glucose level ≥ 7.0 mmol/l, HbA1c level ≥ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%), or current treatment for diabetes. Areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves were used to assess the different performances of HbA1c, glucose and insulin in predicting diabetes.ResultsThe median follow‐up time was 3.97 years, during which 7.7% of men and 6.3% of women developed incident diabetes. The areas under the receiver‐operating curves (95% CI) for diabetes prediction were 0.740 (0.692–0.787) for HbA1c, 0.716 (0.667–0.764) for glucose and 0.598 (0.549–0.648) for insulin. HbA1c showed better predictive power in people with impaired fasting glucose (area under the curve 0.753, 95% CI 0.685–0.821) than in those with normal glucose (area under the curve 0.648, 95% CI 0.577–0.719). An HbA1c threshold of 40 mmol/mol (5.8%) was found to have the highest predictive value for diabetes, with a relative risk of 6.30 (95% CI 3.49–11.35) in men and 3.52 (95% CI 2.06–6.03) in women after adjusting for age, waist circumference, triglycerides, hypertension, family history of diabetes, smoking, alcohol intake, exercise and baseline glucose level.ConclusionsHbA1c can be used to identify people at high risk for the development of diabetes, especially in those with impaired fasting glucose levels.
Nuclear β‐catenin localization supports homology of feathers, avian scutate scales, and alligator scales in early development
Authors: Musser Jacob M. , Wagner Günter P. , Prum Richard O. 
Published: May 2015

SUMMARYFeathers are an evolutionary novelty found in all extant birds. Despite recent progress investigating feather development and a revolution in dinosaur paleontology, the relationship of feathers to other amniote skin appendages, particularly reptile scales, remains unclear. Disagreement arises primarily from the observation that feathers and avian scutate scales exhibit an anatomical placode—defined as an epidermal thickening—in early development, whereas alligator and other avian scales do not. To investigate the homology of feathers and archosaur scales we examined patterns of nuclear β‐catenin localization during early development of feathers and different bird and alligator scales. In birds, nuclear β‐catenin is first localized to the feather placode, and then exhibits a dynamic pattern of localization in both epidermis and dermis of the feather bud. We found that asymmetric avian scutate scales and alligator scales share similar patterns of nuclear β‐catenin localization with feathers. This supports the hypothesis that feathers, scutate scales, and alligator scales are homologous during early developmental stages, and are derived from early developmental stages of an asymmetric scale present in the archosaur ancestor. Furthermore, given that the earliest stage of β‐catenin localization in feathers and archosaur scales is also found in placodes of several mammalian skin appendages, including hair and mammary glands, we hypothesize that a common skin appendage placode originated in the common ancestor of all amniotes. We suggest a skin placode should not be defined by anatomical features, but as a local, organized molecular signaling center from which an epidermal appendage develops.
Dual embryonic origin and patterning of the pharyngeal skeleton in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Authors: Sefton Elizabeth M. , Piekarski Nadine , Hanken James 
Published: May 2015

SUMMARYThe impressive morphological diversification of vertebrates was achieved in part by innovation and modification of the pharyngeal skeleton. Extensive fate mapping in amniote models has revealed a primarily cranial neural crest derivation of the pharyngeal skeleton. Although comparable fate maps of amphibians produced over several decades have failed to document a neural crest derivation of ventromedial elements in these vertebrates, a recent report provides evidence of a mesodermal origin of one of these elements, basibranchial 2, in the axolotl. We used a transgenic labeling protocol and grafts of labeled cells between GFP+ and white embryos to derive a fate map that describes contributions of both cranial neural crest and mesoderm to the axolotl pharyngeal skeleton, and we conducted additional experiments that probe the mechanisms that underlie mesodermal patterning. Our fate map confirms a dual embryonic origin of the pharyngeal skeleton in urodeles, including derivation of basibranchial 2 from mesoderm closely associated with the second heart field. Additionally, heterotopic transplantation experiments reveal lineage restriction of mesodermal cells that contribute to pharyngeal cartilage. The mesoderm‐derived component of the pharyngeal skeleton appears to be particularly sensitive to retinoic acid (RA): administration of exogenous RA leads to loss of the second basibranchial, but not the first. Neural crest was undoubtedly critical in the evolution of the vertebrate pharyngeal skeleton, but mesoderm may have played a central role in forming ventromedial elements, in particular. When and how many times during vertebrate phylogeny a mesodermal contribution to the pharyngeal skeleton evolved remain to be resolved.
Views of early psychosis clinicians on discontinuation of antipsychotic medication following symptom remission in first episode psychosis
Authors: Thompson Andrew , Singh Swaran , Birchwood Max 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimsDiscontinuation of antipsychotics following remission in first episode psychosis (FEP) is a contentious area of practice. We aimed to investigate the views of early psychosis clinicians on this important clinical question.MethodsWe designed an 11 question online survey on medication discontinuation following remission of symptoms in FEP. The questionnaire was distributed to early intervention team workers in England and Wales via members of the National Early Psychosis Network who were requested to distribute it to their teams.ResultsWe received 172 questionnaire responses; 37% were nurses, 33% doctors, 11% psychologists and 19% were other allied health professionals. The average years of experience in psychiatry was 16.9. 75.4% of respondents thought that greater than 60% of patients would like to be considered for guided medication reduction/discontinuation. Only 31.4% of respondents said that medication should be continued for over a year following remission. 61.4% of respondents felt that the quality of life of individuals was better in those who stop medication following remission. There was a significant difference in the response of professional groups to this question. 82.6% of respondents said they would be happy to support their patients in participating in a randomized trial of graded antipsychotic reduction/discontinuation versus maintenance medication.ConclusionsThe views of clinicians regarding prophylactic antipsychotic medication following remission in FEP are much less conservative than those in current guidelines; concern was expressed by many about the impact of antipsychotic medication on quality of life. A randomized trial of maintenance antipsychotic medication versus graded reduction/discontinuation is feasible and has considerable clinician support.
Nonsuicidal self‐injury, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among sexual minority youth in Ireland during their emerging adult years
Authors: Power Emmet , Coughlan Helen , Clarke Mary , Kelleher Ian , Lynch Fionnuala , Connor Dearbhla , Fitzpatrick Carol , Harley Michelle , Cannon Mary 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to examine whether or not sexual minority youth constitute an at‐risk group for nonsuicidal self‐injury, suicidal ideation or suicide attempts during their emerging adult years.MethodsUsing data from the Challenging Times Study, a population‐based study of psychopathology and suicide in Ireland, analyses were conducted to test the associations between sexual minority status and the odds of any lifetime experience of nonsuicidal self‐injury, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts among Irish youth aged 19–24 years.ResultsSexual minority youth had 6.6‐fold (95% CI 1.7–24.7) increased risk of nonsuicidal self‐injury, a 5.0‐fold (95% CI 1.3–18.3) increased risk of suicidal ideation, a 7.7‐fold (95% CI 1.8–32.0) increased risk of suicide intent and a 6.8‐fold (95% CI 1.6–27.6) increased risk of a suicide attempt during their lifetime compared to their heterosexual peers.ConclusionsThis study shows that emerging adulthood is a period of risk for suicide and nonsuicidal self‐injurious behaviour among sexual minority youth.
Heterogeneous effects of antiepileptic drugs in an in vitro epilepsy model – a functional multineuron calcium imaging study
Authors: Hongo Yoshie , Takasu Keiko , Ikegaya Yuji , Hasegawa Minoru , Sakaguchi Gaku , Ogawa Koichi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEpilepsy is a chronic brain disease characterised by recurrent seizures. Many studies of this disease have focused on local neuronal activity, such as local field potentials in the brain. In addition, several recent studies have elucidated the collective behavior of individual neurons in a neuronal network that emits epileptic activity. However, little is known about the effects of antiepileptic drugs on neuronal networks during seizure‐like events (SLEs) at single‐cell resolution. Using functional multineuron Ca2+ imaging (fMCI), we monitored the activities of multiple neurons in the rat hippocampal CA1 region on treatment with the proconvulsant bicuculline under Mg2+‐free conditions. Bicuculline induced recurrent synchronous Ca2+ influx, and the events were correlated with SLEs. Other proconvulsants, such as 4‐aminopyridine, pentetrazol, and pilocarpine, also induced synchronous Ca2+ influx. We found that the antiepileptic drugs phenytoin, flupirtine, and ethosuximide, which have different mechanisms of action, exerted heterogeneous effects on bicuculline‐induced synchronous Ca2+ influx. Phenytoin and flupirtine significantly decreased the peak, the amount of Ca2+ influx and the duration of synchronous events in parallel with the duration of SLEs, whereas they did not abolish the synchronous events themselves. Ethosuximide increased the duration of synchronous Ca2+ influx and SLEs. Furthermore, the magnitude of the inhibitory effect of phenytoin on the peak synchronous Ca2+ influx level differed according to the peak amplitude of the synchronous event in each individual cell. Evaluation of the collective behavior of individual neurons by fMCI seems to be a powerful tool for elucidating the profiles of antiepileptic drugs.
Extended flowering intervals of bamboos evolved by discrete multiplication
Authors: Veller Carl , Nowak Martin A. , Davis Charles C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractNumerous bamboo species collectively flower and seed at dramatically extended, regular intervals – some as long as 120 years. These collective seed releases, termed ‘masts’, are thought to be a strategy to overwhelm seed predators or to maximise pollination rates. But why are the intervals so long, and how did they evolve? We propose a simple mathematical model that supports their evolution as a two‐step process: First, an initial phase in which a mostly annually flowering population synchronises onto a small multi‐year interval. Second, a phase of successive small multiplications of the initial synchronisation interval, resulting in the extraordinary intervals seen today. A prediction of the hypothesis is that mast intervals observed today should factorise into small prime numbers. Using a historical data set of bamboo flowering observations, we find strong evidence in favour of this prediction. Our hypothesis provides the first theoretical explanation for the mechanism underlying this remarkable phenomenon.
Vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphisms, race and risk of incident stroke: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study
Authors: Schneider A. L. C. , Lutsey P. L. , Selvin E. , Mosley T. H. , Sharrett A. R. , Carson K. A. , Post W. S. , Pankow J. S. , Folsom A. R. , Gottesman R. F. , Michos E. D. 
Published: May 2015

Background and purposeLow vitamin D levels, measured by serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], are associated with increased stroke risk. Less is known about whether this association differs by race or D binding protein (DBP) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) status. Our objective was to characterize the associations of and interactions between 25(OH)D levels and DBP SNPs with incident stroke. It was hypothesized that associations of low 25(OH)D with stroke risk would be stronger amongst persons with genotypes associated with higher DBP levels.Methods25(OH)D was measured by mass spectroscopy in 12 158 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (baseline 1990–1992, mean age 57 years, 57% female, 23% black) and they were followed through 2011 for adjudicated stroke events. Two DBP SNPs (rs7041, rs4588) were genotyped. Cox models were adjusted for demographic/behavioral/socioeconomic factors.ResultsDuring a median of 20 years follow‐up, 804 incident strokes occurred. The lowest quintile of 25(OH)D (<17.2 ng/ml) was associated with higher stroke risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.34 (1.06–1.71) versus highest quintile]; this association was similar by race (P interaction 0.60). There was weak evidence of increased risk of stroke amongst those with 25(OH)D < 17.2 ng/ml and either rs7041 TG/GG [HR = 1.29 (1.00–1.67)] versus TT genotype [HR = 1.19 (0.94–1.52)] (P interaction 0.28) or rs4588 CA/AA [HR = 1.37 (1.07–1.74)] versus CC genotype [HR = 1.14 (0.91–1.41)] (P interaction 0.11).ConclusionsLow 25(OH)D is a risk factor for stroke. Persons with low 25(OH)D who are genetically predisposed to high DBP (rs7041 G, rs4588 A alleles), who therefore have lower predicted bioavailable 25(OH)D, may be at greater risk for stroke, although our results were not conclusive and should be interpreted as hypothesis generating.
Treatment of infants with epilepsy: Common practices around the world
Authors: Wilmshurst Jo M. , Burman Richard , Gaillard William D. , Cross J. Helen 
Published: May 2015

SummaryObjectivesHigh quality data to guide recommendations for infants with epilepsy are lacking. This study aimed to develop an understanding of common practice and regional variations in the treatment interventions of infants with epilepsy, and also to identify areas for further study and to highlight where common practice occurs without sound evidence.MethodA survey addressed clinical treatment practice for infants with epilepsy. Alternative interventions were included.ResultsThe survey found that most regions had similar practice for first‐line interventions, except for North America, where more levetiracetam was prescribed. There was a preference for valproate as first‐line therapy for generalized seizures, myoclonic seizures, and Dravet syndrome; only Oceania differed for generalized and myoclonic seizures. Phenobarbital was used for generalized and focal seizures in resource‐poor and resource‐equipped regions. Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine were the preferred agents for focal seizures from all regions except North America, which uses more levetiracetam. For second‐ and third‐line interventions, the range of choices was diverse, often with little correlation across regions. The ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, and epilepsy surgery were considered viable choices in most settings, but usually only once seizures were considered medically refractory. The survey highlighted the marked discrepancy in Africa, the one region that consistently confirmed a lack of access to these alternative interventions and to the newer antiepileptic drugs.SignificanceMore randomized controlled trials in infants with seizures are needed to permit useful recommendations. The survey identified widespread use of levetiracetam in North America, which may be the result of effective marketing or based on good clinical practice. The widespread use of valproate may have safety implications. The lack of access to care in the African region highlighted the need for more sustained resources. Although the survey was not evidence based, the findings could be useful to support additional well‐designed studies.
Experimental evidence that the ecosystem effects of aquatic herbivory by moose and beaver may be contingent on water body type
Authors: Bergman Brenda Gail , Bump Joseph K. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryMammalian herbivores that consume both aquatic and terrestrial vegetation may have important but little understood effects on freshwater ecosystems. We assessed the effects of North American moose (Alces americanus) and/or beaver (Castor canadensis) on aquatic vegetation and abiotic conditions of three types of waterbodies.We established year‐round aquatic exclosures and reference plots in glacial lakes, dammed lakes and riverine ponds (n = 3 in each case). Within plots, we monitored parameters including dissolved oxygen, light, plant diversity and species‐specific plant biomass.The effects of herbivory by beaver and moose appear to be contingent upon abiotic and plant community characteristics. Exposure to herbivory decreased biomass in riverine ponds and dammed lakes but not in glacial lakes and decreased species richness in riverine ponds and glacial lakes but not in dammed lakes. Changes in macrophyte species diversity correlated with exposure to herbivory only in glacial lakes. Disaggregating the effects of herbivory according to abiotic conditions and plant community characteristics revealed outcomes that are not detectable when results are aggregated.In some catchments, the response of the aquatic plant community to beaver and moose herbivory may substantially differ from the response of the surrounding terrestrial plant community. Five of the six waterbodies created by beavers (dammed lakes and riverine ponds) maintained >80% macrophyte cover, despite seasonal reduction in biomass by both moose and beaver. Herbivores appear to cause a short‐term reduction in plant biomass in dammed lakes, resulting in greater light availability, without depleting biomass over a number of years.
Income Migration and Income Convergence across U.S. States, 1995–2010
Authors: Shumway J. Matthew , Otterstrom Samuel M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn this paper we examine how internal migration redistributes earned income across U.S. states between 1995 and 2010. We examine interregional income flows by first describing the movement of earned income between U.S. states. Second, we examine the effect of income migration on spatial patterns of income inequality. The question we ask is, “does migration increase or decrease convergence income across U.S. States?” A primary contribution of this paper is that instead of using only 1 year of income migration data to explore these issues, we use yearly data from the first year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data started including income (1995/1996) up to the most current data available (2009/2010). Results indicate that income convergence/divergence across states varies by whether or not there is general economic expansion or contraction. Nevertheless, some high‐amenity states continually attract high‐income households.
Assessing Cognition after Stroke. Who Misses Out? A Systematic Review
Authors: Wall Kylie J. , Isaacs Megan L. , Copland David A. , Cumming Toby B. 
Published: May 2015

Background Cognitive impairments post-stroke are common. Assessment of cognition typically involves pen-and-paper tasks, which are often reliant on linguistic and motor function, creating barriers for many stroke survivors. The characteristics of stroke survivors excluded from cognitive assessments have never been investigated. Aims ( 1 ) To determine if the stroke samples included in studies evaluating clinimetric properties of cognitive assessments represent the stroke population, ( 2 ) to identify the different modes of cognitive assessments, and ( 3 ) to ascertain whether the different modes of cognitive assessments influence the stroke samples used in the studies. Summary of review We systematically reviewed studies that evaluated at least one clinimetric property of a cognitive assessment in adult stroke survivors from January 2000 to October 2013. Eligibility criteria, reasons for drop-outs and missing data were extracted. A theming process was employed to synthesize the data. From the initial yield of 3731 articles, 109 were included. Six broad categories describing reasons for exclusion were identified. Cognitive impairments were the most common (68%), then communication issues (62%), endurance problems (42%), sensory loss (39%), psychiatric illness (38%) and motor limitations (27%). The most prevalent assessment mode was pen-and-paper (73%), then virtual reality (11%), computer (6%), observational functional performance (5%), informant (3%) and telephone (3%). Regardless of mode, issues with cognition and communication were the most frequently used exclusion criteria. Conclusions Our findings indicate that cognitive assessments are not tested in representative stroke samples. Research is needed to identify valid and reliable cognitive assessments that are feasible in a wider range of stroke survivors.
Virological characterization of influenza H1N1pdm09 in Vietnam, 2010‐2013
Authors: Nguyen Hang K. L. , Nguyen Phuong T. K. , Nguyen Thach C. , Hoang Phuong V. M. , Le Thanh T. , Vuong Cuong D. , Nguyen Anh P. , Tran Loan T. T. , Nguyen Binh G. , Lê Mai Q. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesInfluenza A/H1N1pdm09 virus was first detected in Vietnam on May 31, 2009, and continues to circulate in Vietnam as a seasonal influenza virus. This study has monitored genotypic and phenotypic changes in this group of viruses during 2010–2013 period.Design and settingWe sequenced hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes from representative influenza A/H1N1pdm09 and compared with vaccine strain A/California/07/09 and other contemporary isolates from neighboring countries. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase inhibition (NAI) assays also were performed on these isolates.SampleRepresentative influenza A/H1N1pdm09 isolates (n = 61) from ILI and SARI surveillances in northern Vietnam between 2010 and 2013.Main outcome measures and resultsThe HA and NA phylogenies revealed six and seven groups, respectively. Five isolates (8·2%) had substitutions G155E and N156K in the HA, which were associated with reduced HI titers by antiserum raised against the vaccine virus A/California/07/2009. One isolate from 2011 and one isolate from 2013 had a predicted H275Y substitution in the neuraminidase molecule, which was associated with reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir in a NAI assay. We also identified a D222N change in the HA of a virus isolated from a fatal case in 2013.ConclusionsSignificant genotypic and phenotypic changes in A/ H1N1pdm09 influenza viruses were detected by the National Influenza Surveillance System (NISS) in Vietnam between 2010 and 2013 highlighting the value of this system to Vietnam and to the region. Sustained NISS and continued virological monitoring of seasonal influenza viruses are required for vaccine policy development in Vietnam. 3