bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical course of multiple sclerosis: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Manouchehrinia Ali , Beiki Omid , Hillert Jan 
Published: December 2016

Background: The course of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been studied in several cohorts; however, results have varied significantly. Objective: To describe the clinical course of MS in a nationwide cohort of patients. Method: Data from the Swedish MS register (SMSreg) were used to estimate the median time to the sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0, onset of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) and death using Kaplan–Meier method. A possible effect of first-line treatments on age at EDSS 6.0 and SPMS was estimated. Results: In all, 12,703 patients were included. Median ages at EDSS scores 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 were 55.4 (95% confidence interval (CI): 54.8−55.8), 60.7 (95% CI: 60.1−61.2) and 64.3 (95% CI: 63.6−64.7), respectively. Median age at SPMS was 57.4 (95% CI: 56.9−57.9). The median age at the time of death was 80.5 (95% CI: 79.9−81.1). Males and progressive-onset patients showed higher risks of disability worsening. On average, treated patients gained 1.6 years (95% CI: 0.2−3) to EDSS 6.0 as a result of treatment. Conclusion: Ages at disability milestones in this population-based cohort were higher than previously described in clinic- and regional-based samples. Nevertheless, MS patients die at younger age and live at an average almost 20 years with moderate and 30 years with severe disability.
Breaking down the gut microbiome composition in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Budhram Adrian , Parvathy Seema , Kremenchutzky Marcelo , Silverman Michael 
Published: December 2016

Background: The gut microbiome, which consists of a highly diverse ecologic community of micro-organisms, has increasingly been studied regarding its role in multiple sclerosis (MS) immunopathogenesis. This review critically examines the literature investigating the gut microbiome in MS. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed of PubMed databases and ECTRIMS meeting abstracts for literature relating to the gut microbiome in MS. Controlled studies examining the gut microbiome in patients with MS were included for review. Results: Identified studies were predominantly case-control in their design and consistently found differences in the gut microbiome of MS patients compared to controls. We examine plausible mechanistic links between these differences and MS immunopathogenesis, and discuss the therapeutic implications of these findings. Conclusions: Review of the available literature reveals potential immunopathogenic links between the gut microbiome and MS, identifies avenues for therapeutic advancement, and emphasizes the need for further systematic study in this emerging field.
Talent Management and Its Relationship to Successful Veteran Transition Into the Civilian Workplace
Authors: Ford Dwayne G. 
Published: December 2016

The Problem Historical trends reveal that after protracted armed conflict, the U.S. Military has experienced troop reductions (Shanker & Cooper, 2014). Over 200,000 service members from the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have left active duty each year since 2014. For veterans who successfully navigate the hiring process, transitioning into a civilian workplace may prove daunting (Minnis & Wang, 2011), particularly regarding retention. Some studies reveal that nearly half of newly hired veterans left their first post-military job within the first year of hire (Maury, Stone, & Roseman, 2014). The Solution This article explored strategic talent management planning considerations and their relationship to military-to-private sector transition processes, from the perspective of the organization and veterans who made successful transitions. Through the utilization of a conceptual framework focused on integrated processes across organizational levels, we suggest that human resource development (HRD) practitioners can effectively integrate veterans into the workplace and assist organizations with maintaining optimally performing workforces by identifying strategic relationships between veteran transition processes and organizational talent management objectives. The Stakeholders Through the use of a framework, HRD practitioners enhance their ability to assist organizations in attracting, developing, and retaining veteran talent using a systematic approach.
Use of self-expanding stents for better intracranial flow diverter wall apposition
Authors: Kühn Anna Luisa , Wakhloo Ajay K , Gounis Matthew J , Kan Peter , de Macedo Rodrigues Katyucia , Lozano J Diego , Marosfoi Miklos G , Perras Mary , Brooks Christopher , Howk Mary C , Rex David E , Massari Francesco , Puri Ajit S 
Published: December 2016

Background Flow diverter (FD) malapposition is associated with stroke-related complications. We document the use of self-expanding nitinol stents to remove/reduce the ledge of a FD deployed for aneurysm treatment. Methods We identified five patients who were treated with the Pipeline embolization device (PED) in conjunction with a Neuroform EZ stent for inadequate wall apposition of the ends of the FD at our institution between May 2014 and July 2015. Among other parameters, angiographic results, cone-beam computed tomography assessment of wall apposition and patient clinical outcome were evaluated. Results Incomplete device end apposition was seen in three cases, and precarious positioning of the distal end of the PED over the aneurysm neck was seen in two cases. In all five cases, successful treatment with good wall apposition and proper pinning of the PED distal edge was achieved using an additional Neuroform EZ stent. Appropriate aneurysm neck coverage and flow stagnation was seen in all cases. The combination of high radial outward force and open-cell design permits the Neuroform EZ stent to jail the malappositioned edges of the FD while maintaining good vessel-wall apposition itself and prevent migration of the PED. Short-term follow-up angiography showed device patency and complete aneurysm obliteration in all cases. Conclusions Preliminary results of this small case series suggest that the Neuroform EZ stent allows for effective treatment of FD malapposition in selected patients amenable for this endovascular approach. Long-term and larger cohort studies are needed to validate these results.
The Effect of Growth Hormone on Chondral Defect Repair
Authors: Danna Natalie R. , Beutel Bryan G. , Ramme Austin J. , Kirsch Thorsten , Kennedy Oran D. , Strauss Eric 
Published: December 2016

Objective Focal chondral defects alter joint mechanics and cause pain and debilitation. Microfracture is a surgical technique used to treat such defects. This technique involves penetration of subchondral bone to release progenitor cells and growth factors from the marrow to promote cartilage regeneration. Often this results in fibrocartilage formation rather than structured hyaline cartilage. Some reports have suggested use of growth hormone (GH) with microfracture to augment cartilage regeneration. Our objective was to test whether intra-articular (IA) GH in conjunction with microfracture, improves cartilage repair in a rabbit chondral defect model. We hypothesized that GH would exhibit a dose-dependent improvement in regeneration. Design Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits received bilateral femoral chondral defects and standardized microfracture repair. One group of animals ( n = 8) received low-dose GH by IA injection in the left knee, and the other group ( n = 8) received high-dose GH in the same manner. All animals received IA injection of saline in the contralateral knee as control. Serum assays, macroscopic grading, and histological analyses were used to assess any improvements in cartilage repair. Results Peripheral serum GH was not elevated postoperatively ( P = 0.21). There was no improvement in macroscopic grading scores among either of the GH dosages ( P = 0.83). Scoring of safranin-O–stained sections showed no improvement in cartilage regeneration and some evidence of increased bone formation in the GH-treated knees. Conclusions Treatment with either low- or high-dose IA GH does not appear to enhance short-term repair in a rabbit chondral defect model.
Development of a Cartilage Shear-Damage Model to Investigate the Impact of Surface Injury on Chondrocytes and Extracellular Matrix Wear
Authors: Trevino Robert L. , Pacione Carol A. , Malfait Anne-Marie , Chubinskaya Susan , Wimmer Markus A. 
Published: December 2016

Background Many i n vitro damage models investigate progression of cartilage degradation after a supraphysiologic, compressive impact at the surface and do not model shear-induced damage processes. Models also neglect the response to uninterrupted tribological stress after damage. It was hypothesized that shear-induced removal of the superficial zone would accelerate matrix degradation when damage was followed by continued load and articulation. Methods Bovine cartilage underwent a 5-day test. Shear-damaged samples experienced 2 days of damage induction with articulation against polyethylene and then continued articulation against cartilage (CoC), articulation against metal (MoC), or rest as free-swelling control (FSC). Surface-intact samples were randomized to CoC, MoC, or FSC for the entire 5-day test. Samples were evaluated for chondrocyte viability, GAG (glycosaminoglycan) release (matrix wear surrogate), and histological integrity. Results Shear induction wore away the superficial zone. Damaged samples began continued articulation with collagen matrix disruption and increased cell death compared to intact samples. In spite of the damaged surface, these samples did not exhibit higher GAG release than intact samples articulating against the same counterface ( P = 0.782), contrary to our hypothesis. Differences in GAG release were found to be due to tribological testing against metal ( P = 0.003). Conclusion Shear-induced damage lowers chondrocyte viability and affects extracellular matrix integrity. Continued motion of either cartilage or metal against damaged surfaces did not increase wear compared with intact samples. We conjecture that favorable reorganization of the surface collagen fibers during articulation protected the underlying matrix. This finding suggests a potential window for clinical interventions to slow matrix degradation after traumatic incidents.
Endoscopic ultrasound in gastric cancer staging before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A comparison with PET‐CT in a clinical series
Authors: Redondo‐Cerezo Eduardo , Martínez‐Cara Juan Gabriel , Jiménez‐Rosales Rita , Valverde‐López Francisco , Caballero‐Mateos Antonio , Jérvez‐Puente Pablo , Ariza‐Fernández Jose Luis , Úbeda‐Muñoz Margarita , López‐de‐Hierro Mercedes , de Teresa Javier 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundTreatment of gastric cancer is based on accurate staging. Emerging methods, such as PET‐CT, are increasingly being used for this purpose. Our aim was to analyze the results of EUS and PET‐CT in staging and restaging our patients with gastric cancer, comparing both of them with the histological results.MethodsPatients with confirmed gastric cancer were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria for the final analysis included only patients who finally received a surgical resection. All patients underwent preoperative TNM staging by means of EUS and PET‐CT within 21 days prior to the surgical treatment.ResultsA total of 256 patients were included. The overall EUS accuracy for T staging was 78% and 80.2% in restaging. EUS showed its best accuracy when distinguishing T1–T2 tumors vs. T3–T4, with an increased accuracy in restaging. Regarding N staging, the overall accuracy of EUS was 76.2%, and 72.5% for PET‐CT (p  = 0.02). With regards to restaging, accuracy of EUS and PET‐CT for N staging was 88.5% and 69%, respectively, with significant differences (p  < 0.0001).ConclusionsEUS performed better than PET‐CT in gastric cancer N staging and restaging. EUS accuracy in this setting is still suboptimal and probably more than one single diagnostic procedure should be used.
Autophagy, a key mechanism of oncogenesis and resistance in leukemia
Authors: Auberger Patrick , Puissant Alexandre 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAutophagy is a lysosomal pathway involved in degradation of intracellular material. It appears as an adaptation mechanism that is essential for cellular homeostasis in response to various stress conditions. Over the past decade, many studies have linked alteration of autophagy with cancer initiation and progression, autoimmune, inflammatory, metabolic, and degenerative diseases. This review highlights recent findings on the impact of autophagy on leukemic transformation of normal hematopoietic stem cells and summarizes its role on leukemic cell response to chemotherapy.
LW-AFC, a new formula derived from Liuwei Dihuang decoction, ameliorates behavioral and pathological deterioration via modulating the neuroendocrine-immune system in PrP-hAβPPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice
Authors: Wang Jian-Hui , Lei Xi , Cheng Xiao-Rui , Zhang Xiao-Rui , Liu Gang , Cheng Jun-Ping , Xu Yi-Ran , Zeng Ju , Zhou Wen-Xia , Zhang Yong-Xiang 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundAccumulating evidence implicates the neuroendocrine immunomodulation (NIM) network in the physiopathological mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Notably, we previously revealed that the NIM network is dysregulated in the PrP-hAβPPswe/PS1ΔE9(APP/PS1) transgenic mouse model of AD.MethodsAfter treatment with a novel Liuwei Dihuang formula (LW-AFC), mice were cognitively evaluated in behavioral experiments. Neuron loss, amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, and Aβ level were analyzed using Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, and an AlphaLISA assay, respectively. Multiplex bead analysis, a radioimmunoassay, immunochemiluminometry, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to measure cytokine and hormone levels. Lymphocyte subsets were detected using flow cytometry. Data between two groups were compared using a Student’sttest. Comparison of the data from multiple groups against one group was performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Dunnett’s post hoc test or a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance with a Tukey multiple comparisons test.ResultsLW-AFC ameliorated the cognitive impairment observed in APP/PS1 mice, including the impairment of object recognition memory, spatial learning and memory, and active and passive avoidance. In addition, LW-AFC alleviated the neuron loss in the hippocampus, suppressed Aβ deposition in the brain, and reduced the concentration of Aβ1–42in the hippocampus and plasma of APP/PS1 mice. LW-AFC treatment also significantly decreased the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus, and adrenocorticotropic hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone in the pituitary. Moreover, LW-AFC increased CD8+CD28+T cells, and reduced CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells in the spleen lymphocytes, downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-23, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-α and -β, and upregulated IL-4 and granulocyte colony stimulating factor in the plasma of APP/PS1 mice.ConclusionsLW-AFC ameliorated the behavioral and pathological deterioration of APP/PS1 transgenic mice via the restoration of the NIM network to a greater extent than either memantine or donepezil, which supports the use of LW-AFC as a potential agent for AD therapy.
Συμπληρωματική σχολική εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση με χρήση μαθησιακών αντικειμένων από το Πανελλήνιο Αποθετήριο Μαθησιακών Αντικειμένων – Φωτόδεντρο
Authors: Σκουλαρίδου Ελευθερία , Μαυροειδής Ηλίας 
Published: December 2016

Το παρόν άρθρο παρουσιάζει τρόπους ένταξης των νέων τεχνολογιών στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία και διερευνά την επίδραση συμπληρωματικής εξ αποστάσεως σχολικής εκπαίδευσης στην ακαδημαϊκή επίδοση και την ικανοποίηση των μαθητών, καθώς και την αποτελεσματικότητα/χρησιμότητα των μαθησιακών αντικειμένων του Φωτόδεντρου ως εργαλείων εμπλουτισμού του εκπαιδευτικού της υλικού. Επιλέχτηκε η φαινομενικά (οιονεί) πειραματική μέθοδος, που εφαρμόστηκε για δύο μήνες περίπου σε ένα δείγμα 90 μαθητών από τέσσερα τμήματα της Α’ γυμνασίου. Δύο από τα τμήματα αυτά αποτέλεσαν την 1η πειραματική ομάδα, όπου οι μαθητές της συμμετείχαν σε συμπληρωματική εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση και είχαν στη διάθεσή τους online εκπαιδευτικό υλικό εμπλουτισμένο με μαθησιακά αντικείμενα από το Φωτόδεντρο. Στη 2η πειραματική ομάδα τα ίδια μαθησιακά αντικείμενα εντάχθηκαν στο σχολικό εκπαιδευτικό υλικό, ενώ στη 3η ομάδα ελέγχου δεν εφαρμόστηκε καμία πειραματική παρέμβαση. Τα αποτελέσματα αναδεικνύουν τη θετική συσχέτιση ανάμεσα στη συχνότητα χρήσης του online εκπαιδευτικού υλικού της εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης, της ακαδημαϊκής επίδοσης των μαθητών και της ικανοποίησης που αντλούν. Παράλληλα, διαπιστώνεται η αποτελεσματικότητα των μαθησιακών αντικειμένων του Φωτόδεντρου ως εργαλείων εμπλουτισμού του εκπαιδευτικού υλικού της εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης, που υπολείπεται όμως σε σύγκριση με την αντίστοιχη της συμβατικής.
Digital Student Conference Platform Implementation: The case study of the “Research Project” course
Authors: Orfanakis Vasileios , Papadakis Stamatios , Kalogiannakis Michail , Ampartzaki Maria , Vassilakis Kostas 
Published: December 2016

Today, during the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ which is led by the Internet and the digital ecosystem it creates, schools are expected to achieve the development of not only the functional skills of literacy and numeracy but also of general knowledge. The apparent inadequacy of the standardized education system to respond to the needs and interests of 21st-century students urges researchers to adopt new forms of teaching as meaningful and high-quality teaching requires a more active use of innovative educational methods and tools. With the rapid development of IT globally, there is a tendency to utilize the capabilities of e-learning as a mode of distance learning since itcan function both independently of and in conjunction with conventional teaching. The varied applications of Web 2.0 tools create new possibilities in the educational sector. It provides the ability to develop innovative educational methods that transform students from passive recipients of information to knowledge creators through an active involvement in the learning process often within a modern interactive environment. This study presents the results of the implementation of a teaching intervention, with the use of a flexible and student-centered web system developed and used as complementary to the ‘Research Project’ course during the first term of the 2015-2016 school year. The ultimate goal of this effort was to highlight and consequently incorporate the use of a digital platform for student conferences which we implemented in schools as a means to research, learning, and skill development. The students had the opportunity to participate in a digital community which employed distance learning tools for communication, cooperation, and learning during a digital conference in which they had leading roles as writers and reviewers. The initial results of the pilot study indicated that the use of the digital platform increased the interest of students, supported the development of various skills and contributed to the overall improvement of the teaching and learning process.
Contribution of Post-Industrial Orders in Russia per capita GDP, Estimated by the IMF Methodology
Authors: Басовский  , Basovskiy Leonid , Басовская  , Basovskaya Elena 
Published: December 2016

The purpose of work consisted in receiving estimates of distribution of new
technological ways in economy of Russia based on the international comparisons.
For the ensuring of the international comparisons the estimates of GDP of Russia
are received by taking into account the application of methodology of the IMF.
For assessment of a contribution of post-industrial technological ways it was
accepted that per capita GDP represents the sum of deposits of industrial and
post-industrial ways. It is established that the contribution of post-industrial ways
approaches 50%. Employment in systems of new treasures makes no more than
10-20% of the working population.
Methods of Improvement of the Effectiveness of Technopark Activity
Authors: Евлоева  , Evloeva Madina 
Published: December 2016

In article, methods of improvement of the effectiveness of activity of science and
Technology Park of regional level are analyses and systematized. Based on the
analysis of the standard legislative base on science and technology parks, it is
offered to consider a number of the privileges providing effective activity
of science and Technology Park. When scoping of the provided subsidies it is
offered to consider indicators in addition profitability of assets (ROA) and
profitability of sales of production, as science and Technology Park, and for
residents of science and Technology Park for effective activity of science and
Technology Park. On the basis of the carried-out analysis of the legislative base
on science and technology parks of regional and federal level the conclusion
is drawn on in what direction it is necessary to improve standard and legal
regulation of activity of science and technology park of regional level. Basic
provisions, methods and conclusions used in activity, as acting, and science and
technology parks of regional level under construction.
Building Tendency of Institution of Commercial Property Mortgage with Example Tula Region
Authors: Гуляева  , Gulyaeva O. , Фомичева  , Fomicheva E. 
Published: December 2016

This article justifies the concept of“institution of commercial property mortgage”.
It was shown, that this institution has its origin in Russian Federation. The results
of interviewing of small and medium business in Tula region and their statistical
processing according to the method of factor analysis with using of examples
of main components are represented. Distinctions in value of development
prospects of small and medium business are also shown.