bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of work productivity with clinical and patient‐reported factors in patients infected with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Younossi Z. M. , Stepanova M. , Henry L. , Younossi I. , Weinstein A. , Nader F. , Hunt S. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryPatients with HCV infection have reduced work productivity (WP), in terms of both presenteeism (impairment in work productivity while working) and absenteeism (productivity loss due to absence from work). The aim of this study was to identify clinical and patient‐reported factors that are predictive of WP in HCV‐infected patients. HCV‐infected patients enrolled in clinical trials completed 3 PRO questionnaires (CLDQ‐HCV, SF‐36 and FACIT‐F) and one work productivity (WPAI:SHP) questionnaire. In employed subjects, work productivity and its absenteeism and presenteeism components were calculated using WPAI:SHP instrument. Of 4121 HCV‐infected patients with work productivity data, 2480 (60.2%) reported to be employed, and of those, 2190 had completed all PRO questionnaires before treatment initiation. Of the study cohort, 519/2190 (23.7%) had severe work impairment. In multiple linear regression analysis, work productivity was predicted by lower scores in activity/energy domain of CLDQ‐HCV, physical well‐being domain of FACIT‐F, worry domain of CLDQ‐HCV and role physical domain of SF‐36 (all P < 0.0005). Furthermore, presenteeism was independently predicted by the activity/energy of CLDQ‐HCV, physical well‐being of FACIT‐F, worry domain of CLDQ‐HCV, role physical scale of SF‐36 and fatigue scale of FACIT‐F (P < 0.002). Finally, absenteeism was independently predicted by physical well‐being scale of FACIT‐F and role physical scale of SF‐36 (all P < 0.002). Clinically, work productivity impairment was predicted by the presence of cirrhosis, anxiety, depression and clinically overt fatigue (P < 0.01). Thus, the most important drivers of WP in HCV are impairment of physical aspects of PROs and clinical history of depression, anxiety, fatigue and cirrhosis.
Teacher expectations and student literacy engagement and achievement
Authors: Pantaleo Sylvia 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNotwithstanding the complex and dynamic nature of teaching and learning in schools, over four decades of research findings have consistently revealed a correlation between teacher expectations and student achievement. Focusing on teacher expectations for the narrative structures created by young children, this article features a discussion of data gathered during a multifaceted study with 7‐ and 8‐year‐old students. The overall purpose of the case study research was to explore the development of student understanding of elements of visual art and design and diverse narrative structures in picturebooks. For the culminating activity of the research, the students had opportunities to apply and transform their knowledge of the instructional foci when they composed their own multimodal print texts. Analysis of the students' narrative structures revealed the multiple forms of metalepsis, the purposeful breaking of storyworld/narrative boundaries, evident in their writing and artwork. In addition to a discussion about the socially situated nature of the children's multimodal text‐making, the article includes a consideration of the importance of teacher expectations with respect to student literacy engagement and achievement.
Prevention and treatment of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome after kidney transplantation
Authors: Okumi Masayoshi , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAtypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by an over‐activated, dysregulated alternative complement pathway due to genetic mutation and environmental triggers. Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a serious, life‐threatening disease characterized by thrombotic microangiopathy, which causes haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, and acute renal failure. Since recurrences of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome frequently lead to end‐stage kidney disease even in renal allografts, kidney transplantation for patients with end‐stage kidney disease secondary to atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome has long been contraindicated. However, over the past several years, advancements in the management of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome have allowed successful kidney transplantation in these patients. The key factor of this success is eculizumab, a humanized anti‐C5 monoclonal antibody, which inhibits terminal membrane‐attack complex formation and thrombotic microangiopathy progression. In the setting of kidney transplantation, there are different possible triggers of post‐transplant atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome recurrence, such as brain‐death related injury, ischaemia–reperfusion injury, infections, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, and rejection. Principal strategies are to prevent endothelial damage that could potentially activate alternative complement pathway activation and subsequently lead to atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome recurrence in kidney allograft. Published data shows that prophylactic eculizumab therapy is highly effective for the prevention of post‐transplant atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome recurrence, and prompt treatment with eculizumab as soon as recurrence is diagnosed is important to maintain renal allograft function. Further study to determine the optimal dosing and duration of prophylactic therapy and treatment of post‐transplant atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome recurrence is needed.
Compartmentalized gene regulatory network of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Guo Li , Zhao Guoyi , Xu Jin‐Rong , Kistler H. Corby , Gao Lixin , Ma Li‐Jun 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum threatens world‐wide wheat production, resulting in both yield loss and mycotoxin contamination.

We reconstructed the global F. graminearum gene regulatory network (GRN) from a large collection of transcriptomic data using Bayesian network inference, a machine‐learning algorithm. This GRN reveals connectivity between key regulators and their target genes. Focusing on key regulators, this network contains eight distinct but interwoven modules. Enriched for unique functions, such as cell cycle, DNA replication, transcription, translation and stress responses, each module exhibits distinct expression profiles.

Evolutionarily, the F. graminearum genome can be divided into core regions shared with closely related species and variable regions harboring genes that are unique to F. graminearum and perform species‐specific functions. Interestingly, the inferred top regulators regulate genes that are significantly enriched from the same genomic regions (P < 0.05), revealing a compartmentalized network structure that may reflect network rewiring related to specific adaptation of this plant pathogen.

This first‐ever reconstructed filamentous fungal GRN primes our understanding of pathogenicity at the systems biology level and provides enticing prospects for novel disease control strategies involving the targeting of master regulators in pathogens. The program can be used to construct GRNs of other plant pathogens.
Macroevolutionary patterns of ultraviolet floral pigmentation explained by geography and associated bioclimatic factors
Authors: Koski Matthew H. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Selection driven by biotic interactions can generate variation in floral traits. Abiotic selection, however, also contributes to floral diversity, especially with respect to patterns of pigmentation. Combining comparative studies of floral pigmentation and geography can reveal the bioclimatic factors that may drive macroevolutionary patterns of floral color.

We create a molecular phylogeny and measure ultraviolet (UV) floral pattern for 177 species in the Potentilleae tribe (Rosaceae). Species are similar in flower shape and visible color but vary in UV floral pattern. We use comparative approaches to determine whether UV pigmentation variation is associated with geography and/or bioclimatic features (UV‐B, precipitation, temperature).

Floral UV pattern was present in half of the species, while others were uniformly UV‐absorbing. Phylogenetic signal was detected for presence/absence of pattern, but among patterned species, quantitative variation in UV‐absorbing area was evolutionarily labile. Uniformly UV‐absorbing species tended to experience higher UV‐B irradiance. Patterned species occurring at higher altitudes had larger UV‐absorbing petal areas, corresponding with low temperature and high UV exposure.

This analysis expands our understanding of the covariation of UV‐B irradiance and UV floral pigmentation from within species to that among species, and supports the view that abiotic selection is associated with floral diversification among species.
Rice PROTEIN l‐ISOASPARTYL METHYLTRANSFERASE isoforms differentially accumulate during seed maturation to restrict deleterious isoAsp and reactive oxygen species accumulation and are implicated in seed vigor and longevity
Authors: Petla Bhanu Prakash , Kamble Nitin Uttam , Kumar Meenu , Verma Pooja , Ghosh Shraboni , Singh Ajeet , Rao Venkateswara , Salvi Prafull , Kaur Harmeet , Saxena Saurabh Chandra , Majee Manoj 
Published: March 2016

Summary

PROTEIN l‐ISOASPARTYL O‐METHYLTRANSFERASE (PIMT) is a protein‐repairing enzyme involved in seed vigor and longevity. However, the regulation of PIMT isoforms during seed development and the mechanism of PIMT‐mediated improvement of seed vigor and longevity are largely unknown.

In this study in rice (Oryza sativa), we demonstrate the dynamics and correlation of isoaspartyl (isoAsp)‐repairing demands and PIMT activity, and their implications, during seed development, germination and aging, through biochemical, molecular and genetic studies.

Molecular and biochemical analyses revealed that rice possesses various biochemically active and inactive PIMT isoforms. Transcript and western blot analyses clearly showed the seed development stage and tissue‐specific accumulation of active isoforms. Immunolocalization studies revealed distinct isoform expression in embryo and aleurone layers. Further analyses of transgenic lines for each OsPIMT isoform revealed a clear role in the restriction of deleterious isoAsp and age‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation to improve seed vigor and longevity.

Collectively, our data suggest that a PIMT‐mediated, protein repair mechanism is initiated during seed development in rice, with each isoform playing a distinct, yet coordinated, role. Our results also raise the intriguing possibility that PIMT repairs antioxidative enzymes and proteins which restrict ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, etc. in seed, particularly during aging, thus contributing to seed vigor and longevity.
Statin intake is associated with MMP‐1 level in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontitis
Authors: Poston CJ , Pierce TC , Li Y , Brinson CW , Lu Z , Lauer AW , Leite RS , Huang Y 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThis study was conducted to assess whether statin intake is associated with clinical parameters of periodontitis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of non‐diabetic and diabetic patients.MethodsWe first determined the effect of simvastatin on MMP expression in mononuclear cells. We then recruited 117 non‐diabetic and diabetic patients, who all had periodontitis and took or did not take statin, and measured periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), and collected gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to quantify MMPs.ResultsThe in vitro studies showed that simvastatin potently inhibited the expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 upregulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and high glucose in mononuclear cells. The patient study showed that, after adjusting for age and smoking status, PPD in diabetic patients on statin was significantly less than that in diabetic patients not on statin. MMP‐1 level in GCF of non‐diabetic and diabetic patients on statin was lower than that of non‐diabetic and diabetic patients not on statin, respectively. No difference was found for MMP‐8 and ‐9 levels in GCF.ConclusionStatin intake is associated with reduced PPD in diabetic patients and MMP‐1 level in GCF in either non‐diabetic or diabetic patients.
Measuring lesion attributes and analysing their spatial patterns at the leaf scale using digital image analysis
Authors: Schwanck A. A. , Del Ponte E. M. 
Published: March 2016

Digital image analysis was used to quantify size, shape and relative positions of individual plant disease lesions to determine their spatial distribution pattern at the leaf scale. Rice brown spot was used as a necrotrophic pathogen causing numerous discrete lesions. A 50‐leaf subsample was selected from an existing data set of 350 images of leaves taken from the field, and analysed for disease severity using image analysis. Further measurements included size, shape and the relative positions of lesions for all leaves with severity > 8% (n = 25) and an additional 25‐leaf sample with severity <8%. A total of 3964 necrotic and/or halo areas were selected using a manually defined threshold in the computer program Assess. There were significant and positive associations (Pearson's r > 0.81; P < 0.001) between the size‐related measurements (lesion area, longest and shortest axis). Coalesced areas, formed by interconnection of lesions and associated haloes, and a high number of small lesions were found with an increase in severity, suggesting a secondary cycle and autoinfection process. Results from quadrat‐based (Poisson distribution and Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs) and distance‐based (point‐process Poisson) spatial methods were in good agreement and, together with a Taylor power law model, suggested a shift from random to predominantly aggregated patterns of lesions at severities approaching 10%. This framework, which is applicable to other foliar diseases, proved useful in providing quantitative knowledge of epidemic processes at the leaf scale. Finally, these results may be useful in improving simulation models and disease assessment methods.
Seeking Synthesis: The Integrative Problem in Understanding Language and Its Evolution
Authors: Dale Rick , Kello Christopher T. , Schoenemann P. Thomas 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe discuss two problems for a general scientific understanding of language, sequences and synergies: how language is an intricately sequenced behavior and how language is manifested as a multidimensionally structured behavior. Though both are central in our understanding, we observe that the former tends to be studied more than the latter. We consider very general conditions that hold in human brain evolution and its computational implications, and identify multimodal and multiscale organization as two key characteristics of emerging cognitive function in our species. This suggests that human brains, and cognitive function specifically, became more adept at integrating diverse information sources and operating at multiple levels for linguistic performance. We argue that framing language evolution, learning, and use in terms of synergies suggests new research questions, and it may be a fruitful direction for new developments in theory and modeling of language as an integrated system.
Improved High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of the Eurypsychrophile
Rhodotorula
sp. JG1b, Isolated from Permafrost in the Hyperarid Upper-Elevation McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Goordial Jacqueline , Raymond-Bouchard Isabelle , Riley Robert , Ronholm Jennifer , Shapiro Nicole , Woyke Tanja , LaButti Kurt M. , Tice Hope , Amirebrahimi Mojgan , Grigoriev Igor V. , Greer Charles , Bakermans Corien , Whyte Lyle 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Rhodotorula
sp. strain JG1b, a yeast that was isolated from ice-cemented permafrost in the upper-elevation McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. The sequenced genome size is 19.39 Mb, consisting of 156 scaffolds and containing a total of 5,625 predicted genes. This is the first known cold-adapted
Rhodotorula
sp. sequenced to date.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Enterococcus faecium
Commensal Isolate E1002
Authors: Tytgat Hanne L. P. , Douillard François P. , Laine Pia K. , Paulin Lars , Willems Rob J. L. , de Vos Willem M. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

The emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has been associated with an increase in multidrug-resistant nosocomial infections. Here, we report the 2.614-Mb genome sequence of the
Enterococcus faecium
commensal isolate E1002, which will be instrumental in further understanding the determinants of the commensal and pathogenic lifestyle of
E. faecium
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Vancomycin-Intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
Strain MI (HIP5827)
Authors: Hishinuma Tomomi , Katayama Yuki , Matsuo Miki , Sasaki Takashi , Hiramatsu Keiichi 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequence of vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
(VISA) strain MI (HIP5827).
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two
Campylobacter coli
Isolates from the Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring Program in Colombia
Authors: Bernal Johan F. , Donado-Godoy Pilar , Valencia María Fernanda , León Maribel , Gómez Yolanda , Rodríguez Fernando , Agarwala Richa , Landsman David , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter coli
, along with
Campylobacter jejuni
, is a major agent of gastroenteritis and acute enterocolitis in humans. We report the whole-genome sequences of two multidrug-resistance
C. coli
strains, isolated from the Colombian poultry chain. The isolates contain a variety of antimicrobial resistance genes for aminoglycosides, lincosamides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracycline.
Draft Genome Sequence of an
ortho
-Nitrophenyl-β-
d
-Galactoside (ONPG)-Negative Strain of
Vibrio cholerae
, Isolated from Drakes Bay, California
Authors: Wu Cindy H. , Chen Chih-Ying , Morales Christina , Kiang David 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

We present the draft whole-genome sequence of a
Vibrio cholerae
strain (Vc25-3) isolated from Drakes Bay, California. This environmental isolate has an atypical morphology and is
ortho
-nitrophenyl-β-
d
-galactoside (ONPG)-negative.
Complete Genome Sequence of
emm
28 Type
Streptococcus pyogenes
MEW123, a Streptomycin-Resistant Derivative of a Clinical Throat Isolate Suitable for Investigation of Pathogenesis
Authors: Jacob Kristin M. , Spilker Theodore , LiPuma John J. , Dawid Suzanne R. , Watson Michael E. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

We present here the complete genome sequence of
Streptococcus pyogenes
type
emm
28 strain MEW123, a streptomycin-resistant derivative of a pediatric throat isolate. The genome length is 1,878,699 bp, with 38.29% G+C% content. The genome sequence adds value to this virulent
emm
28 representative strain and will aid in the investigation of streptococcal pathogenesis.
Adiponectin levels predict prediabetes risk: the Pathobiology of Prediabetes in A Biracial Cohort (POP-ABC) study
Authors: Jiang Yunna , Owei Ibiye , Wan Jim , Ebenibo Sotonte , Dagogo-Jack Samuel 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundAdiponectin levels display ethnic disparities, and are inversely associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, the association of adiponectin with prediabetes risk in diverse populations has not been well-studied. Here, we assessed baseline adiponectin levels in relation to incident prediabetes in a longitudinal biracial cohort.Research design and methodsThe Pathobiology of Prediabetes in A Biracial Cohort study followed non-diabetic offspring of parents with T2DM for the occurrence of prediabetes, defined as impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance. Assessments at enrollment and during follow-up included a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, anthropometry, biochemistries (including fasting insulin and adiponectin levels), insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the contribution of adiponectin to risk of progression to prediabetes.ResultsAmong the 333 study participants (mean (SD) age 44.2 (10.6) year), 151(45.3%) were white and 182 (54.8%) were black. During approximately 5.5 (mean 2.62) years of follow-up, 110 participants (33%) progressed to prediabetes (N=100) or T2DM (N=10), and 223 participants (67%) were non-progressors. The mean cohort adiponectin level was 9.41+5.30 μg/mL (range 3.1–45.8 μg/mL); values were higher in women than men (10.3+5.67 μg/mL vs 7.27+3.41 μg/mL, p<0.0001) and in white than black offspring (10.7+5.44 μg/mL vs 8.34+4.95 μg/mL, p<0.0001). Adiponectin levels correlated inversely with adiposity and glycemia, and positively with insulin sensitivity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Baseline adiponectin strongly predicted incident prediabetes: the HR for prediabetes per 1 SD (approximately 5 μg/mL) higher baseline adiponectin was 0.48 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.86, p=0.013).ConclusionsAmong healthy white and black adults with parental history of T2DM, adiponectin level is a powerful risk marker of incident prediabetes. Thus, the well-known association of adiponectin with diabetes risk is evident at a much earlier stage in pathogenesis, during transition from normoglycemia to prediabetes.
Expanding access to high-cost medicines through the E2 access program in Thailand: effects on utilisation, health outcomes and cost using an interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Sruamsiri Rosarin , Wagner Anita K , Ross-Degnan Dennis , Lu Christine Y , Dhippayom Teerapon , Ngorsuraches Surachat , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveIn 2008, the Thai government introduced the ‘high-cost medicines E2 access program’ as a part of the National List of Essential Medicines to increase patient access to medicines, improve clinical outcomes and make medicines more affordable. Our objective was to examine whether the ‘high-cost medicines E2 access program’ achieved its goals.DesignInterrupted time-series design study.Setting3 tertiary hospitals in different regions of Thailand, January 2006 to December 2012.ParticipantsPatients with target acute and chronic disease diagnoses who newly met E2 program criteria for selected study medicines.InterventionHigh-cost medicines E2 access program.Main outcomes measuresLevel and trend changes over time in the proportions of eligible patients who received the indicated E2 medicines and who improved clinically, as well as in costs of treatment.ResultsA total of 2024 patients were included in utilisation analyses and 1375 patients with selected acute diseases contributed to analyses of clinical outcome. After 1 year of the E2 program implementation, the percentage of eligible patients receiving the indicated E2 program medicines increased significantly (relative change 12.7% (95% CI 4.4% to 21.0%), especially among those insured by the government's universal coverage scheme (relative change 19.9% (95% CI 9.5% to 30.5%)). The increase in the proportion of clinically improved patients with acute conditions was not significant (relative change 6.2% (95% CI −1.9% to 15.1%)). Quarterly healthcare costs per patient dropped significantly (relative change −13.5% (95% CI −26.9% to −1.7%)).ConclusionsIn the study hospitals, the E2 access program seems to have facilitated patient access to specialty medicines, may have contributed to improved health outcomes, and decreased treatment costs. Routine monitoring is needed to assess effects of expanding the programme, including effects on quality of care and financial sustainability.