bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical role of the Ror‐family of receptor tyrosine kinases in invasion and proliferation of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells
Authors: Saji Takeshi , Nishita Michiru , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Doi Takefumi , Sakai Yasuhiro , Maniwa Yoshimasa , Minami Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive tumor with poor prognosis and closely related to exposure to asbestos. MPM is a heterogeneous tumor with three main histological subtypes, epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic types, among which sarcomatoid type shows the poorest prognosis. The Ror‐family of receptor tyrosine kinases, Ror1 and Ror2, is expressed in various types of tumor cells at higher levels and affects their aggressiveness. However, it is currently unknown whether they are expressed in and involved in aggressiveness of MPM. Here, we show that Ror1 and Ror2 are expressed in clinical specimens and cell lines of MPM with different histological features. Studies using MPM cell lines indicate that expression of Ror2 is associated tightly with high invasiveness of MPM cells, whereas Ror1 can contribute to their invasion in the absence of Ror2. However, both Ror1 and Ror2 promote proliferation of MPM cells. We also show that promoted invasion and proliferation of MPM cells by Ror signaling can be mediated by the Rho‐family of small GTPases, Rac1, and Cdc42. These findings elucidate the critical role of Ror signaling in promoting invasion and proliferation of MPM cells.
Job search inefficiency and optimal policies in the presence of an informal sector
Authors: Flórez Luz A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this paper I use a search and matching model to analyze efficiency in an economy with an informal sector, defined as unregulated self‐employment that cannot be observed by the government. Initially I show that the market solution for this kind of economy is inefficient. Subsequently I introduce various government policies that could correct this inefficiency. These policies include social security payments, severance payments, formal taxes, and job creation subsidies. According to this analysis the most effective policy, which restores efficiency while at the same time reducing informality levels in the labor market, is a tax credit. In this model a tax credit provides incentives for informal workers to participate in the formal sector by reducing the tax burden they have to pay as formal employees. As a consequence these workers have a higher probability of finding a higher‐productivity job in the formal sector, which in turn increases the overall efficiency of the economy. This finding is interesting in so far as it provides a theoretical rationale for anti‐informality policies that reduce informality through more rather than less social protection. The paper is therefore a modest contribution toward a policy paradigm in which reducing levels of informality and poverty and providing social protection for workers are seen as complementary rather than contradictory goals.
Promoting exercise behaviour in a secure mental health setting: Healthcare assistant perspectives
Authors: Kinnafick Florence‐Emilie , Papathomas Anthony , Regoczi Dora 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIndividuals with severe mental illness engage in significantly less amounts of physical activity than the general population. A secure mental health setting can exacerbate barriers to exercise, and facilitate physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour. Healthcare assistants are intimately involved in the daily lives of patients and, therefore, should be considered integral to exercise promotion in secure mental health settings. Our aim was to explore healthcare assistants’ perceptions of exercise and their attitudes to exercise promotion for adult patients in a secure mental health hospital. Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 healthcare assistants from a large UK‐based secure mental health hospital. Topics included healthcare assistants’ personal experiences of exercise within a secure facility, their perceptions of exercise as an effective treatment tool for mental health, and their perceived roles and responsibilities for exercise promotion. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three main themes were identified: (i) exercise is multi‐beneficial to patients, (ii) perceived barriers to effective exercise promotion, and (iii) strategies for effectives exercise promotion. Healthcare assistants considered exercise to hold patient benefits. However, core organizational and individual barriers limited healthcare assistants’ exercise promotion efforts. An informal approach to exercise promotion was deemed most effective to some, whereas others committed to more formal strategies including compulsory sessions. With education and organizational support, we propose healthcare assistants are well placed to identify individual needs for exercise promotion. Their consultation could lead to more efficacious, person‐sensitive interventions.
Bioenergetic modulators hamper cancer cell viability and enhance response to chemotherapy
Authors: Tavares‐Valente Diana , Granja Sara , Baltazar Fátima , Queirós Odília 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGliomas are characterized by a marked glycolytic metabolism with a consequent production of massive amounts of lactate, even in the presence of normal levels of oxygen, associated to increased invasion capacity and to higher resistance to conventional treatment. This work aimed to understand how the metabolic modulation can influence tumour aggressive features and its potential to be used as complementary therapy. We assessed the effect of bioenergetic modulators (BMs) targeting different metabolic pathways in glioma cell characteristics. The in vivo effect of BMs was evaluated using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane model. Additionally, the effect of pre‐treatment with BMs in the response to the antitumour drug temozolomide (TMZ) was analysed in vitro. Cell treatment with the BMs induced a decrease in cell viability and in migratory/invasion abilities, as well as modifications in metabolic parameters (glucose, lactate and ATP) and increased the cytotoxicity of the conventional drug TMZ. Furthermore, all BMs decreased the tumour growth and the number of blood vessels in an in vivo model. Our results demonstrate that metabolic modulation has the potential to be used as therapy to decrease the aggressiveness of the tumours or to be combined with conventional drugs used in glioma treatment.
Secukinumab significantly reduces psoriasis‐related work impairment and indirect costs compared with ustekinumab and etanercept in the United Kingdom
Authors: Warren R.B. , Halliday A. , Graham C.N. , Gilloteau I. , Miles L. , McBride D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis causes work productivity impairment that increases with disease severity. Whether differential treatment efficacy translates into differential indirect cost savings is unknown.ObjectiveTo assess work hours lost and indirect costs associated with secukinumab versus ustekinumab and etanercept in the United Kingdom (UK).MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of work impairment data collected in theCLEARstudy (secukinumab vs. ustekinumab) and applied to theFIXTUREstudy (secukinumab vs. etanercept). Weighted weekly and annual average indirect costs per patient per treatment were calculated from (i) overall work impairment derived from Work Productivity and Activity Impairment data collected inCLEARat 16 and 52 weeks by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) response level; (ii) weekly/annual work productivity loss byPASIresponse level; (iii) weekly and annual indirect costs byPASIresponse level, based on hours of work productivity loss; and (iv) weighted average indirect costs for each treatment. In the primary analysis, work impairment data for employed patients inCLEARat Week 16 were used to compare secukinumab and ustekinumab. Secondary analyses were conducted at different time points and with patient cohorts, includingFIXTURE.ResultsInCLEAR, 452 patients (67%) were employed at baseline. At Week 16, percentages of weekly work impairment/mean hours lost decreased with higherPASI:PASI < 50: 22.8%/7.60 h;PASI50–74: 13.3%/4.45 h;PASI75–89: 6.4%/2.14 h;PASI ≥ 90: 4.9%/1.65 h. Weighted mean weekly/annual work hours lost were significantly lower for secukinumab than ustekinumab (1.96/102.51 vs. 2.40/125.12;P = 0.0006). Results were consistent for secukinumab versus etanercept (2.29/119.67 vs. 3.59/187.17;Ρ<0.0001). Average annual indirect cost savings with secukinumab were £355 vs. ustekinumab and £1061 versus etanercept. Results at 52 weeks were similar.ConclusionsSecukinumab significantly reduced work impairment and associated indirect costs of psoriasis compared with ustekinumab and etanercept at Week 16 through 52 in the United Kingdom.
Hyperspectral imaging system in the delineation of Ill‐defined basal cell carcinomas: a pilot study
Authors: Salmivuori M. , Neittaanmäki N. , Pölönen I. , Jeskanen L. , Snellman E. , Grönroos M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in the Caucasian population. Eighty per cent of BCCs are located on the head and neck area. Clinically ill‐defined BCCs often represent histologically aggressive subtypes, and they can have subtle subclinical extensions leading to recurrence and the need for re‐excisions.ObjectivesThe aim of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of a hyperspectral imaging system (HIS) in vivo in delineating the preoperatively lateral margins of ill‐defined BCCs on the head and neck area.MethodsIll‐defined BCCs were assessed clinically with a dermatoscope, photographed and imaged with HIS. This was followed by surgical procedures where the BCCs were excised at the clinical border and the marginal strip separately. HIS, with a 12‐cm2 field of view and fast data processing, records a hyperspectral graph for every pixel in the imaged area, thus creating a data cube. With automated computational modelling, the spectral data are converted into localization maps showing the tumour borders. Interpretation of these maps was compared to the histologically verified tumour borders.ResultsSixteen BCCs were included. Of these cases, 10 of 16 were the aggressive subtype of BCC and 6 of 16 were nodular, superficial or a mixed type. HIS delineated the lesions more accurately in 12 of 16 of the BCCs compared to the clinical evaluation (4 of 16 wider and 8 of 16 smaller by HIS). In 2 of 16 cases, the HIS‐delineated lesion was wider without histopathological confirmation. In 2 of 16 cases, HIS did not detect the histopathologically confirmed subclinical extension.ConclusionsHIS has the potential to be an easy and fast aid in the preoperative delineation of ill‐defined BCCs, but further adjustment and larger studies are warranted for an optimal outcome.
Successful despite poor flight performance: range expansion is associated with enhanced exploratory behaviour and fast development
Authors: Reim Elisabeth , Blesinger Simone , Förster Lisa , Fischer Klaus 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAnthropogenic interference forces species to respond to changing environmental conditions. One possible response is dispersal and concomitant range shifts, allowing individuals to escape unfavourable conditions or to track the shifting climate niche. Range expansions depend on both dispersal capacity and the ability to establish populations beyond the former range. We here compare well‐established core populations with recently established edge populations in the currently northward expanding butterflyLycaena tityrus. Edge populations were characterized by shorter development times and smaller size, a higher sensitivity to high temperature and an enhanced exploratory behaviour. The differences between core and edge populations found suggest adaptation to local climates and an enhanced dispersal ability in edge populations. In particular, enhanced exploratory behaviour may be advantageous in all steps of the dispersal process and may have facilitated the current range expansion. This study describes differences associated with a current range expansion, knowledge which might be useful for a better understanding of species responses to environmental change. We further report on variation between males and females in morphology and flight behaviour, with males showing a longer flight endurance and more pronounced exploratory behaviour than females.
The Risk‐Taking Channel of Monetary Policy: Exploring All Avenues
Authors: BONFIM DIANA , SOARES CARLA 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe literature on the risk‐taking channel of monetary policy grew quickly, leading to scattered evidence. We examine this channel through different angles, exploring detailed information on loan origination and performance. Ex ante riskier borrowers receive more funding at the extensive margin when interest rates are lower. Ex post performance is independent of the level of interest rates at origination. Still, loans granted in periods of very low and stable interest rates show higher default rates once interest rates start to increase. Risk‐taking is stronger among banks with lower capital ratios, suggesting that this channel may be linked to managerial incentives for risk‐shifting.
A Phillips Curve with Anchored Expectations and Short‐Term Unemployment
Authors: BALL LAURENCE , MAZUMDER SANDEEP 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the behavior of U.S. core inflation, as measured by the weighted median of industry price changes. We find that core inflation since 1985 is well‐explained by an expectations‐augmented Phillips curve in which expected inflation is measured with professional forecasts and labor‐market slack is captured by the short‐term unemployment rate. We also find that expected inflation was backward‐looking until the late 1990s, but then became strongly anchored at the Federal Reserve's target. This shift in expectations changed the relationship between inflation and unemployment from an accelerationist Phillips curve to a level‐level Phillips curve. Our specification explains why high unemployment during the Great Recession did not reduce inflation greatly: partly because inflation expectations were anchored, and partly because short‐term unemployment rose less sharply than total unemployment.
Obstetric outcomes in pregnancy with pulmonary hypertension: A retrospective study of 78 cases at one center
Authors: Zhu Cai‐xia , Xiong Wei , Chen Han‐qing , Niu Gang , Wang Zi‐lian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the vary of obstetric outcomes by the severity of pulmonary hypertension (PH).MethodsA retrospective study involved pregnancies with PH in one certain academic institution. Total 78 pregnancies with PH were classified into three groups according the mean pulmonary arterial systolic pressure: mean pulmonary arterial systolic pressure 30–49 mm Hg (mild‐PH group), mean pulmonary arterial systolic pressure 50–69 mm Hg (moderate‐PH group) and mean pulmonary arterial systolic pressure ≥ 70 mm Hg (severe‐PH group). The clinical features and obstetric outcomes were described and compared among three groups.ResultsThe incidence of PH was 0.23%, including 57 cases in mild‐PH group, 10 cases in moderate‐PH group and 11 cases in severe‐PH group. Meanwhile, pregnancies with mild PH present NYHA class I/II (P < 0.001). General anesthesia (P < 0.001) and advanced intensive care (P = 0.011) were supplied for pregnancies with severe PH. There was no significant difference in rate of caesarean delivery. Furthermore, severity of PH increased the risk of neonatal death (P = 0.040).ConclusionThe severity of PH seems to be a poor prognosis of neonatal death. Intensive care should be provided for pregnancies with severe PH.
Long‐term dienogest administration in patients with symptomatic adenomyosis
Authors: Neriishi Kazuaki , Hirata Tetsuya , Fukuda Shinya , Izumi Gentaro , Nakazawa Akari , Yamamoto Naoko , Harada Miyuki , Hirota Yaushi , Koga Kaori , Wada‐Hiraike Osamu , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimAdenomyosis is a common gynecological disorder that causes dysmenorrhea, hypermenorrhea and metrorrhagia. Previously, we reported that 24 weeks of dienogest treatment is highly effective for pain in symptomatic adenomyosis. Up to present, there is no report that describes treatment of adenomyosis with long‐term dienogest administration for more than 2 years. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the course of long‐term dienogest treatment in patients with symptomatic adenomyosis.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. Dienogest was continuously administered at a dose of 2 mg daily for patients with symptomatic adenomyosis. The outcome of long‐term administration of dienogest was investigated, and the characteristics of patients were compared between discontinued cases and long‐term administration cases.ResultsTwo patients were excluded from this study because of transfer to another hospital or discontinuation due to infertility treatment. Twelve of 18 patients (66.7%) received dienogest until menopause or for a period of >80 months. Four cases (22.2%) discontinued dienogest treatment because of severe metrorrhagia. In the discontinued cases because of severe metrorrhagia, the pain score for dysmenorrhea and serum CA125 level at baseline significantly elevated, and the hemoglobin level at baseline and the frequency of type 2 adenomyosis significantly decreased, compared to those with long‐term use. Moreover, long‐term dienogest use did not decrease the serum estradiol level.ConclusionOur report suggests that dienogest is tolerable for long‐term use until menopause and can be an alternative treatment option in some patients, especially those with type 2 adenomyosis, to avoid hysterectomy.
Recurrence of diet‐treated gestational diabetes in primiparous women in northern Zhejiang, China: Epidemiology, risk factors and implications
Authors: Wang Na , Lu Weina , Xu Yongliang , Mao Shuhui , He Man , Lin Xihua , Zhou Jiaqiang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimThis study sought to determine the rate of recurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) recurrence during the second pregnancies of women who were diagnosed with GDM during their first pregnancies, to identify risk factors associated with the probability of such recurrence and to evaluate the influence of GDM recurrence on pregnancy outcomes in north Zhejiang, China, after the recent adjustment to the nation's childbirth policy.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal study was performed in north Zhejiang, China (at Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Hospital). A total of 128 women who delivered two sequential live singleton infants and were diagnosed with diet‐treated GDM during their first pregnancies were included.ResultsAccording to the 2013 World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for diabetes during pregnancy, the prevalence of gestational diabetes was 11.02% in northern Zhejiang. The recurrence rate of GDM in northern Zhejiang was 43.75% (56/128). The age at second pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, interpregnancy interval and macrosomia during the index pregnancy were risk factors for GDM recurrence. Among those women with recurrent GDM, GDM developed earlier and caesarean section was more frequently required during the second pregnancy; in addition, the second pregnancy was associated with more premature and low birthweight infants but less macrosomia.ConclusionThe recurrence rate of GDM is high in northern Zhejiang. Glucose monitoring and management are needed during subsequent pregnancies for patients who previously presented with GDM to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
Assessing patient satisfaction with the Medication Management Review service delivered in Jordan
Authors: Basheti Iman A. , Tadros Odate K.I. , Alnajjar Munther S. , Aburuz Salah 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effect of the Medication Management Review (MMR) service on the number of treatment-related problems (TRPs), patient satisfaction and factors affecting patient satisfaction.

Methods
This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at community pharmacies in Amman, Jordan. Eligible patients were randomized into active and control groups. A validated Pharmaceutical Care Manual was used for data collection and to identify TRPs for both groups. Identified TRPs for patients in the active group were resolved at the pharmacist level or sent to the patients’ physicians for approval and implementation. Patients in both groups were followed up at 3 months to determine the number of TRPs end of the study. Patients in the active group completed a validated, Likert scale MMR-satisfaction questionnaire. Factors affecting satisfaction were assessed through multiple regression analysis.

Key findings
Outpatients with chronic conditions (n = 160) were recruited into the study, with mean age 53.01 ± 15.39; mean number of medical conditions of 3.56 ± 1.15 and 4.73 ± 1.79 mean number of medications. A mean number of 5.37 ± 3.01 TRPs per patient was identified, with no significant difference between both groups (active group n = 82, 5.57 ± 2.68; control n = 78, 5.18 ± 3.36, P = 0.412). At follow-up, significantly lower number of TRPs were identified for patients in the active group compared to patients in the control group (1.06 ± 1.30 versus 4.53 ± 3.43, P &lt; 0.001). Majority of patients were satisfied/very satisfied with the service (n = 77, 94.5%). A lower number of TRPs at follow-up (B = −0.438; t = −4.477, P &lt; 0.001) and higher number of TRPs agreed upon and implemented (B = 0.553; t = 6.949, P &lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with higher level of patient satisfaction.

Conclusion
The MMR has proven to be an effective pharmaceutical care service when delivered in a developing country, such as Jordan. It led to high patient satisfaction, which was significantly associated with lower number of TRPs at follow-up.
Optimizing medication management for patients with cirrhosis: Evidence‐based strategies and their outcomes
Authors: Thomson Mary J. , Lok Anna S. , Tapper Elliot B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCirrhosis is a morbid condition associated with frequent hospitalizations and high mortality. Management of cirrhosis requires complex medication regimens to treat underlying liver disease, complications of cirrhosis and comorbid conditions. This review examines the complexities of medication management in cirrhosis, barriers to optimal medication use, and potential interventions to streamline medication regimens and avoid medication errors. A literature review was performed by searching PUBMED through December 2017 and article reference lists to identify articles relevant to medication management, complications, adherence, and interventions to improve medication use in cirrhosis. The structural barriers in cirrhosis include sheer medication complexity related to the number of medications and potential for cognitive impairment in this population, faulty medication reconciliation and limited adherence. Tested interventions have included patient self‐education, provider driven patient education, intensive case management including medication blister packs and smartphone applications. Initiatives are needed to improve patient, caregiver and provider education on appropriate use of medications in patients with cirrhosis. A multidisciplinary team should be established to coordinate care with close monitoring, address patient and caregiver concerns, and to provide timely access to outpatient evaluation of urgent/complex issues. Future studies evaluating the clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness of interventions are needed.