bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Policy evaluation in diabetes prevention and treatment using a population‐based macro simulation model: the MICADO model
Authors: van der Heijden A. A. W. A. , Feenstra T. L. , Hoogenveen R. T. , Niessen L. W. , de Bruijne M. C. , Dekker J. M. , Baan C. A. , Nijpels G. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimsTo test a simulation model, the MICADO model, for estimating the long‐term effects of interventions in people with and without diabetes.MethodsThe MICADO model includes micro‐ and macrovascular diseases in relation to their risk factors. The strengths of this model are its population scope and the possibility to assess parameter uncertainty using probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Outcomes include incidence and prevalence of complications, quality of life, costs and cost‐effectiveness. We externally validated MICADO's estimates of micro‐ and macrovascular complications in a Dutch cohort with diabetes (n = 498 400) by comparing these estimates with national and international empirical data.ResultsFor the annual number of people undergoing amputations, MICADO's estimate was 592 (95% interquantile range 291–842), which compared well with the registered number of people with diabetes‐related amputations in the Netherlands (728). The incidence of end‐stage renal disease estimated using the MICADO model was 247 people (95% interquartile range 120–363), which was also similar to the registered incidence in the Netherlands (277 people). MICADO performed well in the validation of macrovascular outcomes of population‐based cohorts, while it had more difficulty in reflecting a highly selected trial population.ConclusionsValidation by comparison with independent empirical data showed that the MICADO model simulates the natural course of diabetes and its micro‐ and macrovascular complications well. As a population‐based model, MICADO can be applied for projections as well as scenario analyses to evaluate the long‐term (cost‐)effectiveness of population‐level interventions targeting diabetes and its complications in the Netherlands or similar countries.
Changes in Right Ventricular Shape and Deformation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery—Insights from Echocardiography with Strain Rate and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Rösner Assami , Avenarius Derk , Malm Siri , Iqbal Amjid , Schirmer Henrik , Bijnens Bart , Myrmel Truls 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundThis study was designed to assess whether altered RV geometry and deformation parameters persisted well into the recovery period after presumably uncomplicated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It was our hypothesis that the altered geometry of and load in the RV following pericardial opening would change both regional and global deformation indices for an extensive period postoperatively.Methods and ResultsFifty‐seven patients scheduled for CABG underwent preoperative and 8–10 months postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for RV volume measurements, and resting echocardiography with assessment of geometry and RV mechanical function determined by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) based longitudinal strain. Both MRI and echocardiography revealed postoperative dilatation of the RV apex, shortened longitudinal RV length but unchanged RV ejection fraction. Echocardiography parameters associated with filling of the right atrium showed signs of constraint with a reduced systolic filling fraction and increased right atrial size. Right ventricular segmental strain (−20 ± 13% vs. −29 ± 20% preoperatively; mean ±SD, P < 0.0001) was reduced postoperatively in parallel with TAPSE (1.3 ± 0.3 cm vs. 2.2 ± 0.4 cm; P < 0.0001).ConclusionPost‐CABG longitudinal motion of the RV lateral wall is reduced after uneventful CABG despite preserved RV ejection fraction and stroke volume. The discrepancy in various RV systolic performance indicators results from increased sphericity of the RV following opening the pericardium during surgery. Therefore, longitudinal functional parameters may underestimate RV systolic function for at least 8–10 months post‐CABG. Changes in deformation parameters should thus always be interpreted in relation to changes in geometry.
Risk Regulation and Deliberation in EU Administrative Governance—GMO Regulation and Its Reform
Authors: Weimer Maria 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe article analyses the problems of EU risk regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) through the lens of deliberative theories of EU law and governance, such as deliberative supranationalism and experimentalist governance. Previous research had suggested that the GMO issue is not conductive to deliberation within EU institutions because of its high politicisation. This article argues that another equally salient factor is the scientification of the GMO authorisation process. Scientification stands for the Commission's overreliance on epistemic legitimacy as the basis for risk management. Given the deadlock of comitology in this field, scientification is exacerbated by a reversion to top‐down regulation by the Commission. As a result, political responsibility for GMO authorisations gets lost. This article argues that both scientification and politicisation are mutually accelerative processes ultimately leading to a break down of dialogue at the EU level. This contradicts the assumption that deliberation is fostered by technocratic ‘behind closed door’ decision‐making. In the GMO case, the top‐down imposition of epistemic authority has only increased politicisation contributing to the de‐legitimation of all EU institutions involved in GMO regulation. The recent EU reform on national opt‐outs is not sufficient to address this problem. A successful reform should mitigate the negative effects of both politicisation and scientification.
Analysis of the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase family provides insight into vertebrate adaptation to different oxygen levels during the water‐to‐land transition
Authors: Fang Chengchi , Guan Lihong , Zhong Zaixuan , Gan Xiaoni , He Shunping 
Published: May 2015

One of the most important events in vertebrate evolutionary history is the water‐to‐land transition, during which some morphological and physiological changes occurred in concert with the loss of specific genes in tetrapods. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this transition have not been well explored. To explore vertebrate adaptation to different oxygen levels during the water‐to‐land transition, we performed comprehensive bioinformatics and experimental analysis aiming to investigate the NAMPT family in vertebrates. NAMPT, a rate‐limiting enzyme in the salvage pathway of NAD+ biosynthesis, is critical for cell survival in a hypoxic environment, and a high level of NAMPT significantly augments oxidative stress in normoxic environments. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NAMPT duplicates arose from a second round whole‐genome duplication event. NAMPTA existed in all classes of vertebrates, whereas NAMPTB was only found in fishes and not tetrapods. Asymmetric evolutionary rates and purifying selection were the main evolutionary forces involved. Although functional analysis identified several functionally divergent sites during NAMPT family evolution, in vitro experimental data demonstrated that NAMPTA and NAMPTB were functionally conserved for NAMPT enzymatic function in the NAD+ salvage pathway. In situ hybridization revealed broad NAMPTA and NAMPTB expression patterns, implying regulatory functions over a wide range of developmental processes. The morpholino‐mediated knockdown data demonstrated that NAMPTA was more essential than NAMPTB for vertebrate embryo development. We propose that the retention of NAMPTB in water‐breathing fishes and its loss in air‐breathing tetrapods resulted from vertebrate adaptation to different oxygen levels during the water‐to‐land transition.
Urbanisation and earthquake disturbance influence microbial nutrient limitation in streams
Authors: Moffett Emma R. , Simon Kevin S. , Harding Jon S. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

Nutrient loading as a consequence of urbanisation is a common phenomenon that can influence microbial nutrient limitation in streams. How nutrient loading and nutrient limitation relate to increasing urban intensity, and whether there is any coherence in patterns across cities, is not well known. Nutrient limitation may also be influenced by natural disturbances that alter urban infrastructure and processes in urban streams. To examine this, we measured microbial nutrient limitation across urbanisation gradients in two cities in New Zealand. We took advantage of recent large earthquakes in one of the cities to determine how natural disturbance influences processes in an urban system.

Biofilm responses to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) amendment were tested using nutrient diffusing substrata (NDS) in 24 streams, 12 in each of New Zealand's two largest cities (Auckland and Christchurch). Biofilm response was measured across a gradient of land‐use intensity in each city. Regression models were used to quantify the relationships among water chemistry, land use and degree of biofilm N and P limitation.

Water column N:P (DIN:SRP) was a good predictor of response of community respiration on organic substrata, but not of response of chl a on inorganic substrata. Autotrophic response was often not nutrient‐limited and was not likely to have been limited by light, suggesting other factors governed the development of autotrophs. We found a switch in response of biofilm respiration on organic substrata from N to P limitation in Auckland, with N limitation increasing below a N:P ratio of 20.8 and P limitation increasing above a ratio of 14.5, roughly in line with the Redfield ratio. Similarly, in Christchurch microbes showed little response to nutrient enrichment at sites with elevated nutrient concentrations.

In Auckland, increasing urban intensity was associated with increased nutrient concentrations, but N increased faster than P. This translated to a nonlinear response of biofilm nutrient limitation to increasing urbanisation indicated as population density. There was a breakpoint from N to P limitation at a relatively low population density of >97 people per km2. Patterns of limitation with urbanisation were not as strong in Christchurch; however, responses were similar within the range of overlapping population densities in the two cities. Earthquake disturbance had noticeable effects on streams, including sevenfold lower DIN concentrations and inhibition by both N and P of community respiration on organic substrata.

Urbanisation is a key driver of microbial nutrient limitation. Between cities, nutrient loading associated with urbanisation consistently affected the capacity of biofilms to process excess nutrients. Earthquake effects further influenced microbial limitation patterns with natural disturbance dramatically altering how urbanisation effects are manifested.
Older people and oral health: setting a patient‐centred research agenda
Authors: Brocklehurst Paul R. , Mackay Laura , Goldthorpe Joanna , Pretty Iain A. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot study was to provide the opportunity to enable older people to prioritise the research agenda to improve their own oral health.BackgroundLittle is known about the ageing population's views about their oral health from their perspective. Priority Setting Partnerships (PSPs) incorporate users' perspectives to prioritise research agendas and are based on a series of sequential steps to build consensus. This structured approach ensures their narrative and thoughts are heard and helps counter the ‘top‐down’ medical model that can dominate healthcare services.Materials and methodsA PSP was undertaken with four key stakeholder groups: service users, carers, third sector and specialists. Six initial questions were posed to each group prior to a facilitated discussion led by one of the research team. Collective responses where then considered by a final consensus group. The views of the different groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim and underwent thematic analysis.ResultsThe top three research priorities identified by the final group were to: (i) identify ‘best practice’ in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases for older people, (ii) identify the training needs for the dental profession and (iii) understand the key issues for older people from their perspective. Improving access to services, the importance of client appropriate information and the need for effective primary and secondary prevention were also articulated.ConclusionAsking older people to prioritise the research agenda proved to be a positive experience. Key issues related to improving communication and the availability of appropriate evidence‐based information on primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
Non‐HLA genomics: does it have a role in predicting haematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcome?
Authors: Dickinson A. M. , Norden J. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryHaematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only cure for many haematological neoplasms; however, the mortality rate remains high, at around 30–80%. Complications after HSCT include relapse, graft‐versus‐host disease, graft rejection and infection. High‐resolution HLA matching has improved survival in HSCT over recent years; however, GVHD still remains a serious complication. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) within genes that are involved with an individual's capability to mount an immune response to infectious pathogens, residual leukaemia, alloantigens or genes involved in drug metabolism have been studied for their association with HSCT outcome. Indeed, over the last 15 years, several groups, including ourselves, have demonstrated that non‐HLA gene polymorphisms can be predictive of HSCT outcome. Can genetic characteristics of the patient and donor be used in the future to tailor HSCT protocols and determine GVHD prophylaxis? This review summarizes some of the recent SNP association studies in HSCT and highlights some of the disparities therein, discussing the integral problems of performing genetic association studies on diseases with complex outcomes using heterogeneous cohorts. The review will comment on recent genomewide association studies (GWAS) and discuss their relevance in this field, and it will also comment on recent meta‐analysis combining GWAS studies with other studies such as gene expression micro array data in the field of autoimmune disease and solid organ transplantation. It will mention possible novel candidate gene polymorphisms, for example SNPS in microRNAs. In addition, it will discuss some of the inherent problems associated with gene association studies including the GRIPs (genetic risk prediction studies) recommendations. In summary, this review will assess the usefulness of non‐HLA genomic studies in HSCT with regard to predicting outcome and modifying therapy.
Effortful swallow enhances vertical hyolaryngeal movement and prolongs duration after maximal excursion
Authors: Jang H. J. , Leigh J. H. , Seo H. G. , Han T. R. , Oh B.‐M. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryEffortful swallowing (EFS) is a common compensatory swallowing manoeuver for dysphagia patients. We investigated the influence of EFS on temporal and spatial characteristics of the movements of the hyoid bone, larynx and epiglottis in healthy subjects. A total of 41 volunteers swallowed 10 mL of diluted barium solution using two swallowing strategies: usual and effortful swallowing (USS and EFS). The motions of the hyoid bone, larynx and epiglottis were tracked using frame‐by‐frame kinematic motion analysis of videofluoroscopic images. Maximal velocities and maximal displacements of hyoid and larynx, the maximal angle of the epiglottic tilt, and the durations of hyoid excursion, laryngeal elevation and epiglottic tilt were measured. Compared to USS, EFS was associated with significantly greater vertical displacement of the hyoid (P < 0·001), vertical and horizontal displacement of the larynx (P = 0·003, P = 0·019), and maximal angle of the epiglottic tilt (P = 0·001). In addition, the durations of the vertical and horizontal excursions of the hyoid, vertical excursion of the larynx and the epiglottic tilt were greater in EFS, compared with USS. Effortful swallowing was also associated with significantly greater maximum velocities of the hyoid and larynx during swallowing. In conclusion, the EFS manoeuver facilitates vertical speed and distance of hyolaryngeal excursion and epiglottic tilt and extends the duration of excursion and the epiglottic tilt, especially after reaching maximal excursion in healthy subjects. These results confirm the temporal and kinematic benefits of airway protection induced by the EFS manoeuver.
Self‐Insurance With Genetic Testing Tools
Authors: Crainich David 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe development of genetic testing creates opportunities to better target disease prevention actions. In this article, we determine how the genetic information modifies self‐insurance efforts in different health insurance market equilibria with adverse selection. We show that a regulation prohibiting insurers from using genetic information for rate‐making purposes: (1) cancels the benefits of genetic testing when pooling equilibria occur and (2) does not prevent the exploitation of the benefits derived from genetic testing when separating equilibria (both of the Rothschild‐Stiglitz or of the Miyazaki‐Spence type) prevail in insurance markets.
Pyogenic liver abscess in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lin Jiun‐Nong , Lin Cheng‐Li , Lin Ming‐Chia , Lai Chung‐Hsu , Lin Hsi‐Hsun , Kao Chia‐Hung 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsPyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a rare and severe extraintestinal complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the incidence of PLA in patients with IBD remains unknown.MethodsA nationwide cohort study was conducted by analysing data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Patients with IBD (N = 11 504) from 2000 to 2010 and control participants without IBD (N = 46 016) were included in this study. We analysed the risks of PLA by using competing‐risks (death) regression models.ResultsThe incidence of PLA was higher in the IBD cohort than in the control cohort (6.72 vs 4.06 per 10 000 person‐years), with an adjusted subhazard ratio (SHR) of 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–2.12). Patients with IBD who required two or more hospitalizations per year and underwent laparotomy had an increased risk of PLA. Patients with ulcerative colitis were more likely to develop PLA than were those with Crohn's disease (incidence, 8.56 vs 5.45 per 10 000 person‐years; adjusted SHR, 1.65 vs 1.32). Among the IBD cohort, age and gender did not affect PLA risk. Patients with diabetes mellitus or percutaneous aspiration of the gallbladder and biliary tract and who underwent endoscopic insertion of a biliary drainage tube exhibited a significantly increased risk of PLA.ConclusionsPatients with IBD exhibited an increased risk of developing PLA, particularly those with ulcerative colitis. Knowledge of the expected frequency and potential risk for this severe extraintestinal infection may minimize the serious consequences.
The Vicência meteorite fall: A new unshocked (S1) weakly metamorphosed (3.2)LLchondrite
Authors: Keil Klaus , Zucolotto Maria E. , Krot Alexander N. , Doyle Patricia M. , Telus Myriam , Krot Tatiana V. , Greenwood Richard C. , Franchi Ian A. , Wasson John T. , Welten Kees C. , Caffee Marc W. , Sears Derek W. G. , Riebe My , Wieler Rainer , dos Santos Edivaldo , Scorzelli Rosa B. , Gattacceca Jerome , Lagroix France , Laubenstein Matthias , Mendes Julio C. , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Harir Mourad , Moutinho Andre L. R. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe Vicência meteorite, a stone of 1.547 kg, fell on September 21, 2013, at the village Borracha, near the city of Vicência, Pernambuco, Brazil. It was recovered immediately after the fall, and our consortium study showed it to be an unshocked (S1)LL3.2 ordinary chondrite. TheLLgroup classification is based on the bulk density (3.13 g cm−3); the chondrule mean apparent diameter (0.9 mm); the bulk oxygen isotopic composition (δ17O = 3.768 ± 0.042‰, δ18O = 5.359 ± 0.042‰, Δ17O = 0.981 ± 0.020‰); the content of metallic Fe,Ni (1.8 vol%); the Co content of kamacite (1.73 wt%); the bulk contents of the siderophile elements Ir and Co versus Au; and the ratios of metallic Fe0/total iron (0.105) versus total Fe/Mg (1.164), and of Ni/Mg (0.057) versus total Fe/Mg. The petrologic type 3.2 classification is indicated by the beautifully developed chondritic texture, the standard deviation (~0.09) versus mean Cr2O3content (~0.14 wt%) of ferroan olivine, theTLsensitivity and the peak temperature and peak width at half maximum, the cathodoluminescence properties of chondrules, the content of trapped132Xetr(0.317 × 10−8cm3STP g−1), and the Raman spectra for organic material in the matrix. The cosmic ray exposure age is ~72 Ma, which is at the upper end of the age distribution ofLLgroup chondrites. The meteorite is unusual in that it contains relatively large, up to nearly 100 μm in size, secondary fayalite grains, defined as olivine with Fa>75, large enough to allow in situ measurement of oxygen and Mn‐Cr isotope systematics withSIMS. Its oxygen isotopes plot along a mass‐dependent fractionation line with a slope of ~0.5 and Δ17O of 4.0 ± 0.3‰, and are similar to those of secondary fayalite and magnetite in the unequilibrated chondritesEET90161,MET96503, and Ngawi. These data suggest that secondary fayalite in Vicência was in equilibrium with a fluid with a Δ17O of ~4‰, consistent with the composition of the fluid in equilibrium with secondary magnetite and fayalite in other unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. Secondary fayalite and the chondrule olivine phenocrysts in Vicência are not in isotopic equilibrium, consistent with low‐temperature formation of fayalite during aqueous alteration on theLLparent body. That alteration, as dated by the53Mn‐53Cr chronology age of secondary fayalite, took place Ma after formation ofCV CAIs when anchored to the quenched angrite D'Orbigny.
Histoplasmosis and skin lesions in HIV: a safe and accurate diagnosis
Authors: Moreno‐Coutiño Gabriela , Hernández‐Castro Rigoberto , Toussaint‐Caire Sonia , Montiel‐Robles Melisa , Sánchez‐Pérez Fiama Selene , Xicohtencatl‐Cortés Juan 
Published: May 2015

SummaryHuman histoplasmosis is caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This infection can run asymptomatic or be life‐threatening, depending fundamentally on the host's immune status. Immunocompromised patients can present disseminated disease to the skin, making the biopsy an accessible approach. The current diagnosis gold standard is fungal culture which takes several days or weeks to grow and must be handled in a biosafe laboratory which is avoided if we use the technique here described. We propose the use of molecular biology for diagnosis confirmation, considering it can shorten diagnosis lapse, has good specificity and sensitivity and reduces the risk of infection for the medical and laboratory personnel. Seven paraffin‐embedded skin biopsy samples were included from patients with confirmed HIV and histoplasmosis diagnosis. Total DNA was isolated and molecular typing of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum. All samples were positive. This is a safe and accurate method for skin histoplasmosis diagnosis.