bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Montrachet Study: study design, methodology and analysis of visual acuity and refractive errors in an elderly population
Authors: Creuzot‐Garcher Catherine , Binquet Christine , Daniel Sandrine , Bretillon Lionel , Acar Nyiazi , de Lazzer Aurélie , Arnould Laurent , Tzourio Christophe , Bron Alain M. , Delcourt Cécile 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeTo describe the design of the Montrachet Study (Maculopathy Optic Nerve nuTRition neurovAsCular and HEarT diseases) and to report visual acuity and refractive errors in this elderly population.MethodsParticipants were recruited in Dijon (France), from the ongoing population‐based 3C Study. In 2009–2011, 1153 participants from the 3 Cities Study, aged 75 years or more, had an initial eye examination and were scheduled for eye examinations. The eye examination comprised visual acuity, refraction, visual field, ocular surface assessment, photographs and OCT of the macula and the optic disc, measurement of intra‐ocular pressure, central corneal thickness and macular pigment assessment. Information on cardiovascular and neurologic diseases and a large comprehensive database (blood samples, genetic testing, cognitive tests, MRI) were available from the 3C Study.ResultsPresenting visual acuity <20/60 in the better eye was found in 2.3% (95% CI 1.5–3.2) of the participants with no gender differences. Visual impairment increased with age from 1.5% (95% CI 0.3–2.7) for those aged 75–79 years to 5.6% (95% CI 2.9–8.4) for patients 85 years and older (p = 0.0003). Spherical equivalent did not differ between men and women (p = 0.8) and decreased with age whatever the lens status.ConclusionDespite the high prevalence of self‐reported eye diseases in this elderly population, visual impairment was low and increased with age. The Montrachet Study may help to better estimate the prevalence of eye diseases in people over 75 years of age and to seek associations with cardiovascular and neurologic diseases and their potential risk factors.
Trends in the risk of second primary cancer among bladder cancer survivors: a population‐based cohort of 10 047 patients
Authors: Muller Joris , Grosclaude Pascale , Lapôtre‐Ledoux Bénédicte , Woronoff Anne‐Sophie , Guizard Anne‐Valérie , Bara Simona , Colonna Marc , Troussard Xavier , Bouvier Véronique , Trétarre Brigitte , Velten Michel , Jégu Jérémie 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo determine whether the risk of second primary cancer (SPC) among patients with bladder cancer (BCa) has changed over past years.Materials and MethodsData from 10 French population‐based cancer registries were used to establish a cohort of 10 047 patients diagnosed with a first invasive (≥T1) BCa between 1989 and 2004 and followed up until 2007. An SPC was defined as the first subsequent primary cancer occurring at least 2 months after a BCa diagnosis. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of metachronous SPC were calculated. Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to assess the direct effect of the year of BCa diagnosis on the risk of SPC.ResultsThe risk of new malignancy among BCa survivors was 60% higher than in the general population (SIR 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–1.68). Male patients presented a high risk of SPC of the lung (SIR 3.12), head and neck (SIR 2.19) and prostate (SIR 1.54). In multivariate analyses adjusted for gender, age at diagnosis and follow‐up, a significant increase in the risk of SPC of the lung was observed over the calendar year of BCa diagnosis (P for linear trend 0.010), with an SIR increasing by 3.7% for each year (95% CI 0.9–6.6%); however, no particular trend was observed regarding the risk of SPC of the head and neck (P = 0.596) or the prostate (P = 0.518).ConclusionsAs the risk of SPC of the lung increased between 1989 and 2004, this study contributes more evidence to support the promotion of tobacco smoking cessation interventions among patients with BCa.
Prognostic implications of imaging in atrophic macular degeneration and its use in clinical practice and clinical trial design
Authors: Lim Paul CC , Layton Christopher J 
Published: October 2015

AbstractClinical prognostic markers in atrophic age‐related macular degeneration include the extent of existing atrophy, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns and optical coherence tomography changes in the outer retina/retinal pigment epithelium interface. The prognostic implications of these findings may be used to determine not just the rate of disease progression but also influence the likelihood, magnitude and clinical relevance of therapy responses. FAF phenotypes have been extensively investigated; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms behind their appearance have not been fully elucidated. Optical coherence tomography imaging is additive to FAF imaging in atrophic age‐related macular degeneration, allowing the visualization of detail not available through FAF imaging whilst also displaying subtle changes correlating with the FAF phenotypes themselves, thereby giving clues to their histological determinates. The developing understanding of these imaging modalities and consequent development of prognostically useful classification systems have widespread implication in clinical care and clinical trial design.
A systematic review of transanal total mesorectal excision: is this the future of rectal cancer surgery?
Authors: Simillis C. , Hompes R. , Penna M. , Rasheed S. , Tekkis P. P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThe surgical technique used for transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) was reviewed including the oncological quality of resection and the peri‐operative outcome.MethodA literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane was performed in order to identify studies reporting on TaTME.ResultsThirty‐six studies (eight case reports, 24 case series and four comparative studies) were identified, reporting 510 patients who underwent TaTME. The mean age ranged from 43 to 80 years and the mean body mass index from 21.7 to 31.8 kg/m2. The mean distance of the tumour from the anal verge ranged from 4 to 9.7 cm. The mean operation time ranged from 143 to 450 min and mean operative blood loss from 22 to 225 ml. The ratio of hand‐sewn coloanal to stapled anastomoses performed was 2:1. One death was reported and the peri‐operative morbidity rate was 35%. The anastomotic leakage rate was 6.1% and the reoperation rate was 3.7%. The mean hospital stay ranged from 4.3 to 16.6 days. The mesorectal excision was described as complete in 88% cases, nearly complete in 6% and incomplete in 6%. The circumferential resection margin was negative in 95% of cases and the distal resection margin was negative in 99.7%.ConclusionTaTME is a feasible and reproducible technique, with good quality of oncological resection. Standardization of the technique is required with formal training. Clear indications for this procedure need to be defined and its safety further assessed in future trials.
Effects of heterodimeric bone morphogenetic protein‐2/7 on osteogenesis of human adipose‐derived stem cells
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Guo Jing , Wu Gang , Zhou Yongsheng 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveRoles of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) on osteogenesis of human adipose‐derived stem cells (hASCs) remain ambiguous. In this study, we evaluated in vitro and in vivo functional characteristics of BMPs of different dimerization types, with the aim of determining osteoinductive efficiency of heterodimeric BMP‐2/7 on osteogenesis of hASCs.Materials and methodsWe explored osteoinductive effects of three different BMPs by using cell DNA assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, alizarin red staining and mineralization assay, and real‐time PCR, in vitro. Also, we examined ectopic bone formation in nude mice by using soft X‐ray, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses in vivo.ResultsIn our dose–response study, we showed that BMPs with both dimerization types did not induce in vitro osteogenesis of hASCs without osteogenic medium (OM). In the presence of OM, BMPs significantly enhanced hASC osteogenesis in a dose‐dependent manner. In in vivo experiments, our analyses indicated that BMPs promoted osteogenesis of hASCs without in vitro osteogenic induction. However, both in vitro and in vivo, there were no significant differences in hASC osteogenic induction between heterodimeric and homodimeric BMPs.ConclusionsHeterodimeric BMP‐2/7 significantly promoted osteogenesis of hASCs in vitro and in vivo. However, BMP‐2/7 was not found to be a stronger inducer of osteogenesis compared to homodimeric either BMP‐2 or BMP‐7.
HGF and IGF‐1 promote protective effects of allogeneic BMSC transplantation in rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Guang‐Wei , Gu Tian‐Xiang , Guan Xiao‐Yu , Sun Xue‐Jun , Qi Xun , Li Xue‐Yuan , Wang Xiao‐Bing , Lv Feng , Yu Lei , Jiang Da‐Qing , Tang Rui 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo explore effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) combined with insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) on transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), for treatment of acute myocardial ischaemia.Materials and methodsAfter ligation of the left anterior descending artery, rabbits were divided into a Control group, a Factors group (HGF+IGF‐1), a BMSC group and a Factors+BMSCs group. Allogenous BMSCs (1 × 107) and/or control‐released microspheres of 2 μg HGF+2 μg IGF‐1 were intramyocardially injected into infarcted regions. Apoptosis and differentiation of implanted BMSCs, histological and morphological results, and cardiac remodelling and function were evaluated at different time points. In vitro, BMSCs were exposed to HGF, IGF‐1 and both (50 ng/ml) and subsequently proliferation, migration, myocardial differentiation and apoptosis induced by hypoxia, were analysed.ResultsFour weeks post‐operatively, the above indices were significantly improved in Factors+BMSCs group compared to the others (P < 0.01), although Factors and BMSCs group also showed better results than Control group (P < 0.05). In vitro, HGF promoted BMSC migration and differentiation into cardiomyocytes, but inhibited proliferation (P < 0.05), while IGF‐1 increased proliferation and migration, and inhibited apoptosis induced by hypoxia (P < 0.05), but did not induce myocardial differentiation. Combination of HGF and IGF‐1 significantly promoted BMSCs capacity for migration, differentiation and lack of apoptosis (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCombination of HGF and IGF‐1 activated BMSCs complementarily, and controlled release of the two factors promoted protective potential of transplanted BMSCs to repair infarcted myocardium. This suggests a new strategy for cell therapies to overcome acute ischemic myocardial injury.
Network‐selectivity and stimulus‐discrimination in the primary visual cortex: cell‐assembly dynamics
Authors: Bharmauria Vishal , Bachatene Lyes , Cattan Sarah , Brodeur Simon , Chanauria Nayan , Rouat Jean , Molotchnikoff Stéphane 
Published: October 2015

AbstractVisual neurons coordinate their responses in relation to the stimulus; however, the complex interplay between a stimulus and the functional dynamics of an assembly still eludes neuroscientists. To this aim, we recorded cell assemblies from multi‐electrodes in the primary visual cortex of anaesthetized cats in response to randomly presented sine‐wave drifting gratings whose orientation tilted in 22.5° steps. Cross‐correlograms revealed the functional connections at all the tested orientations. We show that a cell‐assembly discriminates between orientations by recruiting a ‘salient’ functional network at every presented orientation, wherein the connections and their strengths (peak‐probabilities in the cross‐correlogram) change from one orientation to another. Within these assemblies, closely tuned neurons exhibited increased connectivity and connection‐strengths compared with differently tuned neurons. Minimal connectivity between untuned neurons suggests the significance of neuronal selectivity in assemblies. This study reflects upon the dynamics of functional connectivity, and brings to the fore the importance of a ‘signature’ functional network in an assembly that is strictly related to a specific stimulus. It appears that an assembly is the major ‘functional unit’ of information processing in cortical circuits, rather than the individual neurons.
Where Does Water Go During Hydraulic Fracturing?
Authors: O'Malley D. , Karra S. , Currier R. P. , Makedonska N. , Hyman J. D. , Viswanathan H. S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDuring hydraulic fracturing millions of gallons of water are typically injected at high pressure into deep shale formations. This water can be housed in fractures, within the shale matrix, and can potentially migrate beyond the shale formation via fractures and/or faults raising environmental concerns. We describe a generic framework for producing estimates of the volume available in fractures and undamaged shale matrix where water injected into a representative shale site could reside during hydraulic fracturing, and apply it to a representative site that incorporates available field data. The amount of water that can be stored in the fractures is estimated by calculating the volume of all the fractures associated with a discrete fracture network (DFN) based on real data and using probability theory to estimate the volume of smaller fractures that are below the lower cutoff for the fracture radius in the DFN. The amount of water stored in the matrix is estimated utilizing two distinct methods—one using a two‐phase model at the pore‐scale and the other using a single‐phase model at the continuum scale. Based on these calculations, it appears that most of the water resides in the matrix with a lesser amount in the fractures.
Sufficiency Grounded as Sufficiently Free: A Reply to Shlomi Segall
Authors: Nielsen Lasse 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTelic sufficientarianism is the view that it is better, other things equal, if people are lifted above some sufficiency threshold of special moral importance. In a recent contribution, Shlomi Segall has raised the following objection to this position: The telic ideal of sufficiency can neither be grounded on (i) any personal value, nor (ii) any impersonal value. Consequently, sufficientarianism is groundless. This article contains a rejoinder to this critique. Its main claim is that the value of autonomy holds strong potential for grounding sufficiency. It argues, firstly, that autonomy carries both personal value for its recipient as well as impersonal value, and that both of these values are suitable for grounding sufficiency. It thus follows that we should reject both (i) and (ii). Secondly, although autonomy is presumably the strongest candidate for grounding sufficiency, the article provides some counterargument to Segall's rejection of the other candidates — the impersonal value of virtue; the personal value for the allocator; and the personal value for others. If the arguments are sound, they show that we need not worry about sufficientarianism being groundless.
The quality ofEuropean dermatological guidelines: critical appraisal of the quality ofEDFguidelines using theAGREE IIinstrument
Authors: Werner R.N. , Marinović B. , Rosumeck S. , Strohal R. , Haering N.S. , Weberschock T. , Dreher A.C. , Nast A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractClinical practice guidelines are systematically developed tools to assist clinicians and health policy makers in decision making for clearly defined clinical situations. In the light of the demand for evidence‐based medicine and quality in health care and the increasing methodological requirements concerning guidelines development, it is important to evaluate existing practice guidelines to systematically identify strengths and weaknesses. Currently, the most accepted tool for the methodological evaluation of guidelines is theAppraisal ofGuidelines forResearch &Evaluation (AGREE)Instrument. Intention of this assessment is to identify and critically appraise clinical practice guidelines commissioned by theEuropeanDermatologyForum (EDF). A quality assessment of a predefined set of guidelines, including all available clinical practice guidelines published on theEDFguidelines internet site, was performed using theAGREE IIinstrument. To assure an objective assessment, four independent assessments were performed by evaluators situated in differentEuropean countries. Twenty‐fiveEDFguidelines covering different dermatological topics were identified and evaluated. The assessment included seven guidelines developed on the highest methodological standard (systematic literature search and structured consensus conference,S3). Eighteen guidelines were identified that were based on either a structured consensus process (S2k), a systematic literature assessment (S2e) or on informal consensus only (S1). The methodological and reporting quality among the evaluated guidelines was heterogeneous.S3 guidelines generally received the highest scores. The domains ‘clarity of presentation’ and ‘scope and purpose’ achieved the highest mean ratings within the different domains of assessment, whereas the domains of ‘applicability’, ‘stakeholder involvement’ and ‘editorial independence’ scored poorly. Considering the large variations in the achieved scores, there is need for methodological harmonization within theEDFguidelines to achieve comparable methodological standards.
Donors’ Policy Consistency and Economic Growth
Authors: Gary Aurore , Maurel Mathilde 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBilateral donors have recognized the need to improve the consistency of donors' policies towards developing countries. However, the impact of policy consistency on economic development has not been documented in the literature to date. Our contribution is twofold: firstly, we use the indices provided by the Center for Global Development (CGD) to construct indicators of overall donors' policies performance and donors' policies consistency at the recipient level. Secondly, we assume that the growth‐consistency nexus is dynamic and our results suggest that an increase in consistency by one standard deviation increases growth on average by 1,1 percentage point. This result holds for different instrumentation strategies and robustness checks. We also highlight that the overall policy performance (OPP) increases growth above a sufficient level of donors' policies diversification and level of OPP.
Convergence: A Story of Quantiles and Spillovers
Authors: Kostov Philip , Le Gallo Julie 
Published: October 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we revisit the analysis of cross‐country convergence by combining spatial econometrics and panel quantile regressions to estimate conditional β‐convergence models. Moreover, we use both exogenous and endogenous weight matrices. Our results show that indeed the effects of initial per capita income, investment rate, population growth and human capital on growth rates vary considerably across the estimated quantiles. Convergence is not a generalized phenomenon across the conditional growth distribution. Moreover, while using exogenous spatial weight matrices does not substantially alter the findings found in a‐spatial models, it appears that endogenous weights dramatically affect the estimates of the convergence process.
Regulation of filamentation in the human fungal pathogen Candida tropicalis
Authors: Zhang Qiuyu , Tao Li , Guan Guobo , Yue Huizhen , Liang Weihong , Cao Chengjun , Dai Yu , Huang Guanghua 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe yeast–filament transition is essential for the virulence of a variety of fungi that are pathogenic to humans. N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) is a potent inducer of filamentation in Candida albicans and thermally dimorphic fungi such as Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis. However, GlcNAc suppresses rather than promotes filamentation in Candida tropicalis, a fungal species that is closely related to C. albicans. Despite the intensive study in C. albicans, the regulatory mechanism of filamentation is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the cAMP signaling pathway plays a central role in the regulation of filamentation in C. tropicalis. By screening an overexpression library of 156 transcription factors, we have identified approximately 40 regulators of filamentous growth. Although most of the regulators (e.g., Tec1, Gat2, Nrg1, Sfl1, Sfl2 and Ash1) demonstrate a conserved role in the regulation of filamentation, similar to their homologues in C. albicans or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a number of transcription factors (e.g., Wor1, Bcr1, Stp4, Efh1, Csr1 and Zcf17) play a specific role in C. tropicalis. Our findings indicate that multiple interconnected signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of filamentation in C. tropicalis. These mechanisms have conserved and divergent features among different Candida species.
Probiotic supplementation for preventing invasive fungal infections in preterm neonates – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Agrawal Sachin , Rao Shripada , Patole Sanjay 
Published: October 2015

SummaryInvasive fungal infections (IFI) are associated with significant health burden in preterm neonates. The objective of this study was to systematically review effect of probiotic supplementation (PS) for preventing IFI in preterm neonates. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and proceedings of the Pediatric Academic Society meetings in August 2014. Study selection was performed on randomised controlled trials (RCT) of PS in neonates born <37 weeks. Primary outcome of this study was IFI (Isolation of fungus in blood/body fluids) and secondary outcome was fungal gut colonisation. Information on IFI/colonisation was available in 8 of 27 RCT. Meta‐analysis (fixed effects model) showed that PS reduced the risk of IFI (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.73, I2 = 39%). Results were not significant with random effects model (RR: 0.64, 95%, CI: 0.30, 1.38, P = 0.25, I2 = 39%). Analysis after excluding the study with a high baseline incidence (75%) of IFI showed that PS had no significant benefits (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.44, 1.78). Of the five studies reporting on fungal gut colonisation, three reported benefits of probiotics; two did not. Current evidence is limited to derive firm conclusions on the effect of PS for preventing IFI/gut colonisation in preterm neonates.