bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multicentre comparison between Child Pugh and Albumin‐Bilirubin scores in patients treated with sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Edeline Julien , Blanc Jean‐Frédéric , Johnson Philip , Campillo‐Gimenez Boris , Ross Paul , Ma Yuk Ting , King Judy , Hubner Richard A. , Sumpter Kate , Darby Suzanne , Evans Jeff , Iwuji Chinenye , Swinson Daniel , Collins Peter , Patel Kinnari , Muazzam Iqtedar , Palmer Daniel H. , Meyer Tim 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsThe Albumin‐Bilirubin (ALBI) grade was proposed as an objective means to evaluate liver function in patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). ALBI grade 1 vs 2 were proposed as stratification factors within the Child Pugh (CP) A class. However, the original publication did not provide comparison with the subclassification by points (5–15) within the CP classification.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed data from patients treated with sorafenib for HCC from 17 centres in United Kingdom and France. Overall survival (OS) was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and a Cox regression model. Discriminatory abilities of the classifications were assessed with the log likelihood ratio, Harrell's C statistics and Akaike information criterion.ResultsData from 1019 patients were collected, of which 905 could be assessed for both scores. 92% of ALBI grade 1 were CP A5 while ALBI 2 included a broad range of CP scores of which 44% were CP A6. Median OS was 10.2, 7.0 and 3.6 months for CP scores A5, A6 and >A6, respectively (P < 0.001), Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.60 (95%CI: 1.35–1.89, P < 0.001) for A6 vs A5. Median OS was 10.9, 6.6 and 3.0 months for ALBI grade 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P < 0.001), HR = 1.68 (1.43–1.97, P < 0.001) for grade 2 vs 1. Discriminatory abilities of CP and ALBI were similar in the CP A population, but better for CP in the overall population.ConclusionsOur findings support the use CP class A as an inclusion criterion, and ALBI as a stratification factor in trials of systemic therapy.
Inversions and the origin of behavioral differences in cod
Authors: Samuk Kieran 
Published: May 2016

How does adaptation manage to occur in the face of overwhelming gene flow? One popular idea is that the suppression of recombination, for example the fixation of a chromosomal inversion, can maintain linkage disequilibrium between groups of locally adapted alleles that would otherwise be degraded by gene flow. This idea has captured the imagination of many geneticists and evolutionary biologists, but we still have only a basic understanding of its general importance. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Kirubakaran et al. () examine the role of recombination suppression in a particularly fascinating example of adaptation in the face of gene flow: the evolution of migratory differences between interbreeding populations of cod. Along the north coast of Norway, two types of cod breed in the near‐shore waters: a ‘stationary’ form that lives near the coast year round, and a ‘migratory’ form that lives far offshore and only returns to the coast to breed. Using a combination of approaches, Kirubakaran et al. () deftly demonstrate that the migratory form has completely fixed two adjacent inversions containing a suite of genes closely connected to migratory behaviour and feeding differences. This work provides an excellent example of how recombination suppression can facilitate adaptive divergence, and helps us understand the geographic and temporal scales over which genomic structural variation evolves.
Initial and Final Finance in the Monetary Circuit and the Theory of Effective Demand
Authors: Cesaratto Sergio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractOne remarkable aspect of modern heterodox theory is the detachment between demand‐led growth models and endogenous money theories. This paper suggests a possible integration of the Keynesian theory of the multiplier (and supermultiplier) with endogenous money and Keynes's finance theories. Focussing upon Graziani's version of the Monetary Circuit Theory (MCT), the paper is a contribution towards reconciling the preoccupation of MCT with initial production financing, and the concern of demand‐side oriented heterodox growth theories with final financing of autonomous demand. Following Davidson, Dalziel and others, the paper shows that endogenous money finances production decisions based, inter alia, on expected consumption and investment orders. In turn, the income (super)multiplier generates actual consumption and saving. The latter funds the actual purchase of investment goods. The (super)multiplier is the nexus between initial and final finance. Various complications of this basic idea not yet considered by the literature are examined.
Principle, Discretion, and Symbolic Power in Rousseau's Account of Judicial Virtue
Authors: Daly Eoin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRousseau's understanding of legislation as the expression of the general will implies a constitutional principle of legislative supremacy. In turn, this should translate to a narrow, mechanical account of adjudication, lest creative judicial interpretation subvert the primacy of legislative power. Yet in his constitutional writings, Rousseau recommends open‐textured and vague legislative codes, which he openly admits will require judicial development. Thus he apparently trusts a great deal in judicial discretion. Ostensibly, then, he overlooks the problem of how legislative indeterminacy—and correspondingly, judicial discretion—may undermine the authority of the general will. However, I argue that Rousseau aims to check judicial subversion of legislative supremacy simply by extending his broader social politics—and specifically, his peculiar concept of republican virtue—to the domain of law. His main concern is that the law should not develop as a mystifying expert practice; therefore, he necessarily rejects any understanding of judicial virtue as lying in principled discourse. Instead, he envisages that judicial power will be checked by a more generic sense of republican virtue. In turn this echoes his apprehension of social differentiation and social complexity as sources of domination and hierarchy.
Juxtaposing the Black and White Gender Gap: Race and Gender Differentiation in College Enrollment Predictors*
Authors: Davis Tomeka , Otto Bobette 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveThis research examines the factors influencing the reverse gender gap in college enrollment between Black men and women and compares them to the factors affecting the gender gap between Whites.MethodsWe use data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS) and logistic regression to address our research questions.FindingsThe results reveal that Black male students fare worse than all other race‐gender groups on virtually all predictors of college enrollment. The strongest determinant of the Black gender gap proved to be the lower academic performance of Black male students. In addition, our results support the hypothesis that returns on academic, social, and family economic characteristics differ along race and gender lines, though the strongest differences in returns appear to be between racial groups rather than between men and women of the same race. Blacks benefit less from higher GPAs, positive peer influences, and parental economic resources than Whites, though Black women benefit least from positive peer influences than any other race‐gender group.ConclusionsIn order to improve rates of college enrollment among Black males, policymakers should develop strategies to improve their academic performance. However, policymakers must also recognize that academic performance offers less payoff for Black students and must therefore find ways to equalize these returns for them.
Apparent nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of grass–clover leys and of farmyard manure in an arable rotation. Part II: farmyard manure
Authors: Pikula D. , ten Berge H. F. M. , Goedhart P. W. , Schröder J. J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe apparent nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of farmyard manure (NFRVFYM) was studied in a long‐term experiment on a loamy sand soil at Grabow, Poland. The experiment combined five rates of FYM with four nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates in two rotations (RotA and RotB) started in 1980 (Expt1) and, in parallel, 1981 (Expt2). Rotations consisted of potatoes, winter wheat and spring barley, followed by silage maize (RotA) or grass–clover ley (GCL, RotB). We analysed six consecutive cycles. NFRVFYM was much larger in RotB than RotA, due to high N supply from GCL residues combined with likely deficiencies in potassium (K) and/or phosphorus (P), causing weak crop responses to N fertilizer in RotB relative to FYM effects. Devoid of non‐N effects, ‘true’ (as opposed to apparent) NFRVFYM was estimated at 2.0 kg fertilizer‐N per tonne of FYM (at equal N offtake), or 2.7 kg/t (at equal DM yield). These values correspond with equivalencies of 0.37 and 0.50 kg fertilizer‐N per kg FYM‐N. RotB required 25 kg P and 350 kg K/ha/cycle more input than RotA to compensate for higher P and K offtake in GCL compared to maize. The study highlights differences between approaches to assess NFRVFYM, giving larger values at high compared with low N fertilizer rate, and larger values at low compared with high FYM rate. These contrasts reflect drift in the ratio between the agronomic N‐use efficiencies of FYM and fertilizer, respectively, and in the ratio between the apparent recoveries of N from these sources.
Time course of EPSCs in ON‐type starburst amacrine cells is independent of dendritic location
Authors: Stincic Todd , Smith Robert G. , Taylor W. Rowland 
Published: May 2016

Key points
Direction selectivity has been widely studied as an example of a complex neural computation.
Directional GABA release from starburst amacrine cells (SBACs) is critical for generating directional signals in direction‐selective ganglion cells. The mechanisms producing the directional release remain unclear.
For SBACs, ordered distribution of sustained and transient bipolar cell inputs along the dendrites is proposed to generate directional GABA release. This study tests whether this hypothesis applies to ON‐type SBACs.
EPSCs activated at proximal and distal dendritic locations have the same time course. Therefore, the ordered arrangement of inputs from bipolar cells with different kinetic properties cannot be responsible for generating directional GABA release from ON‐type SBACs.
AbstractDirection selectivity in the retina relies critically on directionally asymmetric GABA release from the dendritic tips of starburst amacrine cells (SBACs). GABA release from each radially directed dendrite is larger for motion outward from the soma toward the dendritic tips than for motion inwards toward the soma. The biophysical mechanisms generating these directional signals remain controversial. A model based on electron‐microscopic reconstructions of the mouse retina proposed that an ordered arrangement of kinetically distinct bipolar cell inputs to ON‐ and OFF‐type SBACs could produce directional GABA release. We tested this prediction by measuring the time course of EPSCs in ON‐type SBACs in the mouse retina, activated by proximal and distal light stimulation. Contrary to the prediction, the kinetics of the excitatory inputs were independent of dendritic location. Computer simulations based on 3D reconstructions of SBAC dendrites demonstrated that the response kinetics of distal inputs were not significantly altered by dendritic filtering. These direct physiological measurements, do not support the hypothesis that directional signals in SBACs arise from the ordered arrangement of kinetically distinct bipolar cell inputs.
Virulence and Experimental Treatment of Trichoderma longibrachiatum, a Fungus Refractory to Treatment
Authors: Paredes Katihuska , Capilla Javier , Mayayo Emilio , Guarro Josep 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Different inocula of
Trichoderma longibrachiatum
were tested in a murine model, and only the highest one (1 × 10
7
CFU/animal) killed all of the mice at day 15 postinfection, with spleen and liver the most affected organs. The efficacies of amphotericin B deoxycholate, liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, and micafungin were evaluated in the same model, with very poor results. Our study demonstrated the low virulence but high resistance to antifungal compounds of this fungus.
Frequency of BKC-1-Producing Klebsiella Species Isolates
Authors: Martins Willames M. B. S. , Nicoletti Adriana G. , Santos Silvia R. , Sampaio Jorge L. M. , Gales Ana C. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

BKC-1 is a new class A serine carbapenemase that was recently identified in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical isolates. The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of
bla
BKC-1
by testing a collection of
Klebsiella
isolates. Only 2 of 635
Klebsiella
isolates (0.3%) carried
bla
BKC-1
. The two BKC-1-producing isolates belonged to clonal complex 442 and possessed identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. The
bla
BKC-1
gene was inserted into a 10-kb plasmid that was identical to the previously reported plasmid, p60136. The BKC-producing
K. pneumoniae
isolates presented also possessed other mechanisms for beta-lactam resistance, such as genes encoding extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and mutations in the genes
ompK35
and
ompK36
, encoding the major porins.
Investigation of Elimination Rate, Persistent Subpopulation Removal, and Relapse Rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Using Combinations of First-Line Drugs in a Modified Cornell Mouse Model
Authors: Hu Yanmin , Pertinez Henry , Ortega-Muro Fatima , Alameda-Martin Laura , Liu Yingjun , Schipani Alessandro , Davies Geraint , Coates Anthony 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Currently, the most effective tuberculosis control method involves case finding and 6 months of chemotherapy. There is a need to improve our understanding about drug interactions, combination activities, and the ability to remove persistent bacteria using the current regimens, particularly in relation to relapse. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of three main components, rifampin (RMP), isoniazid (INH), and pyrazinamide (PZA), in current drug regimens using a modified version of the Cornell mouse model. We evaluated the posttreatment levels of persistent
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in the organs of mice using culture filtrate derived from
M. tuberculosis
strain H37Rv. When RMP was combined with INH, PZA, or INH-PZA, significant additive activities were observed compared to each of the single-drug treatments. However, the combination of INH and PZA showed a less significant additive effect than either of the drugs used on their own. Apparent culture negativity of mouse organs was achieved at 14 weeks of treatment with RMP-INH, RMP-PZA, and RMP-INH-PZA, but not with INH-PZA, when conventional tests, namely, culture on solid agar and in liquid broth, indicated that the organs were negative for bacteria. The relapse rates for RMP-containing regimens were not significantly different from a 100% relapse rate at the numbers of mice examined in this study. In parallel, we examined the organs for the presence of culture filtrate-dependent persistent bacilli after 14 weeks of treatment. Culture filtrate treatment of the organs revealed persistent
M. tuberculosis
. Modeling of mycobacterial elimination rates and evaluation of culture filtrate-dependent organisms showed promise as surrogate methods for efficient factorial evaluation of drug combinations in tuberculosis in mouse models and should be further evaluated against relapse. The presence of culture filtrate-dependent persistent
M. tuberculosis
is the likely cause of disease relapse in this modified Cornell mouse model.
A Type I Signal Peptidase Is Required for Pilus Assembly in the Gram-Positive, Biofilm-Forming Bacterium Actinomyces
oris
Authors: Siegel Sara D. , Wu Chenggang , Ton-That Hung 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

The Gram-positive bacterium
Actinomyces
oris
, a key colonizer in the development of oral biofilms, contains 18 LPXTG motif-containing proteins, including fimbrillins that constitute two fimbrial types critical for adherence, biofilm formation, and polymicrobial interactions. Export of these protein precursors, which harbor a signal peptide, is thought to be mediated by the Sec machine and require cleavage of the signal peptide by type I signal peptidases (SPases). Like many Gram-positive bacteria,
A. oris
expresses two SPases, named LepB1 and LepB2. The latter has been linked to suppression of lethal “glyco-stress,” caused by membrane accumulation of the LPXTG motif-containing glycoprotein GspA when the housekeeping sortase
srtA
is genetically disrupted. Consistent with this finding, we show here that a mutant lacking
lepB2
and
srtA
was unable to produce high levels of glycosylated GspA and hence was viable. However, deletion of neither
lepB1
nor
lepB2
abrogated the signal peptide cleavage and glycosylation of GspA, indicating redundancy of SPases for GspA. In contrast, the
lepB2
deletion mutant failed to assemble the wild-type levels of type 1 and 2 fimbriae, which are built by the shaft fimbrillins FimP and FimA, respectively; this phenotype was attributed to aberrant cleavage of the fimbrillin signal peptides. Furthermore, the
lepB2
mutants, including the catalytically inactive S101A and K169A variants, exhibited significant defects in polymicrobial interactions and biofilm formation. Conversely,
lepB1
was dispensable for the aforementioned processes. These results support the idea that LepB2 is specifically utilized for processing of fimbrial proteins, thus providing an experimental model with which to study the basis of type I SPase specificity.

IMPORTANCE
Sec-mediated translocation of bacterial protein precursors across the cytoplasmic membrane involves cleavage of their signal peptide by a signal peptidase (SPase). Like many Gram-positive bacteria,
A. oris
expresses two SPases, LepB1 and LepB2. The latter is a genetic suppressor of lethal “glyco-stress” caused by membrane accumulation of glycosylated GspA when the housekeeping sortase
srtA
is genetically disrupted. We show here that LepB1 and LepB2 are capable of processing GspA, whereas only LepB2 is required for cleavage of fimbrial signal peptides. This is the first example of a type I SPase dedicated to LPXTG motif-containing fimbrial proteins. Thus,
A. oris
provides an experimental model with which to investigate the specificity mechanism of type I SPases.
Switching between thienopyridines in patients with acute myocardial infarction and quality of care
Authors: Schiele Francois , Puymirat Etienne , Bonello Laurent , Meneveau Nicolas , Collet Jean-Philippe , Motreff Pascal , Ravan Ramin , Leclercq Florence , Ennezat Pierre-Vladimir , Ferrières Jean , Simon Tabassome , Danchin Nicolas 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveIn acute coronary syndromes, switching between thienopyridines is frequent. The aims of the study were to assess the association between switching practices and quality of care.MethodsRegistry study performed in 213 French public university, public non-academic and private hospitals. All consecutive patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction (MI; <48 hours) between 1/10/2010 and 30/11/2010 were eligible. Clinical and biological data were recorded up to 12 months follow-up.ResultsAmong 4101 patients receiving thienopyridines, a switch was performed in 868 (21.2%): 678 (16.5%) from clopidogrel to prasugrel and 190 (4.6%) from prasugrel to clopidogrel. Predictors of switch were ST segment elevation MI presentation, admission to a cardiology unit, previous percutaneous coronary intervention, younger age, body weight >60 kg, no history of stroke, cardiac arrest, anaemia or renal dysfunction. In patients with a switch, eligibility for prasugrel was >82% and appropriate use of a switch was 86% from clopidogrel to prasugrel and 20% from prasugrel to clopidogrel. Quality indicators scored higher in the group with a switch and also in centres where the switch rate was higher.ConclusionsAs applied in the French Registry on Acute ST-elevation and non ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (FAST-MI) registry, switching from one P2Y12 inhibitor to another led to a more appropriate prescription and was associated with higher scores on indicators of quality of care.
Health utility indexes in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Gencer Baris , Rodondi Nicolas , Auer Reto , Nanchen David , Räber Lorenz , Klingenberg Roland , Pletscher Mark , Jüni Peter , Windecker Stephan , Matter Christian M , Lüscher Thomas F , Mach François , Perneger Thomas V , Girardin François R 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundAcute coronary syndromes (ACS) have been associated with lower health utilities (HUs) compared with the general population. Given the prognostic improvements after ACS with the implementation of coronary angiography (eg, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)), contemporary HU values derived from patient-reported outcomes are needed.MethodsWe analysed data of 1882 patients with ACS 1 year after coronary angiography in a Swiss prospective cohort. We used the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scale (VAS) to derive HU indexes. We estimated the effects of clinical factors on HU using a linear regression model and compared the observed HU with the average values of individuals of the same sex and age in the general population.ResultsMean EQ-5D HU 1-year after coronary angiography for ACS was 0.82 (±0.16) and mean VAS was 0.77 (±0.18); 40.9% of participants exhibited the highest utility values. Compared with population controls, the mean EQ-5D HU was similar (expected mean 0.82, p=0.58) in patients with ACS, but the mean VAS was slightly lower (expected mean 0.79, p<0.001). Patients with ACS who are younger than 60 years had lower HU than the general population (<0.001). In patients with ACS, significant differences were found according to the gender, education and employment status, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, recurrent ischaemic or incident bleeding event and participation in cardiac rehabilitation (p<0.01).ConclusionsAt 1 year, patients with ACS with coronary angiography had HU indexes similar to a control population. Subgroup analyses based on patients' characteristics and further disease-specific instruments could provide better sensitivity for detecting smaller variations in health-related quality of life.
Primary care perceptions of neurology and neurology services
Authors: Loftus Angela M , Wade Carrie , McCarron Mark O 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundNeurophobia (fear of neural sciences) and evaluation of independent sector contracts in neurology have seldom been examined among general practitioners (GPs).MethodsA questionnaire determined GPs’ perceptions of neurology compared with other medical specialties. GP experiences of neurology services with independent sector companies and the local National Health Service (NHS) were compared. Areas of potential improvement in NHS neurology services were recorded from thematic analyses.ResultsAmong 76 GPs neurology was perceived to be as interesting as other medical specialties. GPs reported less knowledge, more difficulty and less confidence in neurology compared with other medical specialties. There was a preference for a local NHS neurology service (p&lt;0.001), which was easier to contact (p&lt;0.001) and provided better follow-up. GPs reported that local neurology services provided better patient satisfaction.ConclusionsGPs prefer local NHS neurology services to independent sector contracts. GPs’ evaluations should inform commissioning of neurology services. Combating neurophobia should be an integral part of responsive commissioning.