bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microvascular proliferation of brain metastases mimics glioblastomas in squash cytology
Authors: Gi T. , Sato Y. , Tokumitsu T. , Yamashita A. , Moriguchi‐Goto S. , Takeshima H. , Sato S. , Asada Y. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveAlthough microvascular proliferation is a key feature in the diagnosis of high‐grade glioma, the characteristics of metastatic tumour vessels in smear preparations have not been documented. In this study, the vascular changes in metastatic brain tumours, using squash cytology to examine the vascular patterns in brain metastases, were reviewed.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐three squash smears of brain tissue, including 25 normal or reactive tissue, 23 malignant lymphomas, 8 grade I glioma (pilocytic astrocytoma), 23 grade II glioma (diffuse astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma), 42 grade IV glioma (glioblastoma), and 22 metastasis, were assessed. Two vascular patterns were assessed: thick and branching, and glomeruloid. The vessel density, nuclear layer and the number of vessel branches were compared. Furthermore, tumour vessels of brain metastases were analysed by histology and for immunohistochemical expression of CD34, α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) and high‐molecular‐weight caldesmon (h‐CD).ResultsAmong 22 metastatic tumours, thick and branching vessels were found in 17 (77%) and glomeruloid vessels in 13 (59%). These incidences of microvascular proliferation patterns were similar to those of glioblastomas or pilocytic astrocytomas. Vessel density, nuclear layer and vessel wall branches were significantly higher in metastatic tumours than malignant lymphomas, grade II gliomas or normal brain tissues. Glomeruloid vessels consisted of CD34‐positive cells and α‐SMA‐positive cells, and α‐SMA‐positive cells had a low h‐CD expression. These immunohistochemical patterns were similar to those of high‐grade gliomas.ConclusionsThe vascular features of metastatic brain tumours are similar to those of glioblastomas, suggesting that these microvascular proliferations contribute to the progression of metastatic tumours.
Using regional patterns for predicting local temporal change: a test by natural experiment in the Great Lakes bioregion, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Desrochers Rachelle E. , Currie David J. , Kerr Jeremy T. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimIt has been found that species richness can be a peaked function of natural area, meaning that conversion of natural cover can increase species numbers. Here, we test whether regional richness–environment relationships can predict local change in species richness.LocationThe greater park ecosystem of Thousand Islands National Park (TINPecosystem), Ontario, Canada.MethodsWe evaluated change in bird richness in 85 100‐km2sites, censused from 1981 to 1985 and from 2001 to 2005. We related change in richness over 20 years to change in natural land cover for sites having initially less or greater than half natural area to determine whether richness changes in the direction predicted. We also assessed the extent to which local effects (site‐level extinction and colonization based on species‐specific habitat amount and neighbourhood occupancy by conspecifics) affected the predictability of species richness response to environmental change.ResultsLocal effects predicted bird richness changes through time far better than natural area change (adjustedr2 = 0.56 vs. adjustedr2 = 0.13). Species richness did not consistently respond to change in natural area in the directions predicted by the broader spatial richness–environment relationship, tending to increase with decrease in natural area regardless of the initial amount of natural area. The observed natural area changes (+0.7 km2to −4.4 km2) were small relative to the changes in richness (+60 species to −37 species), likely impacting our ability to detect a response.Main conclusionsThe importance of local effects observed here in determining site‐level species presence and consequently species richness has implications for species monitoring and the use of species richness as a measure of the avian response to land cover modification in Ontario. Detecting richness responses to environmental changes may often be challenged by low ‘signal‐to‐noise’ ratios and highlights the benefits of long‐term species monitoring.
Covered versus uncovered metal stents for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hamada Tsuyoshi , Hakuta Ryunosuke , Takahara Naminatsu , Sasaki Takashi , Nakai Yousuke , Isayama Hiroyuki , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: December 2016

Background and AimSelf‐expandable metal stents (SEMS) are used for non‐resectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Studies of covered versus uncovered SEMS have yielded inconsistent results as a result of heterogeneity in design and patient population. We carried out a meta‐analysis to compare covered and uncovered gastroduodenal SEMS.MethodsUsing MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane database, we identified 1624 patients from 13 prospective and retrospective studies that evaluated covered and uncovered SEMS for malignant GOO and were published until October 2016. We pooled data on SEMS dysfunction, technical and clinical success, and adverse events using the fixed‐effect or random‐effects model.ResultsCompared with uncovered SEMS, covered SEMS did not show any significant difference in stent dysfunction risk (risk ratio [RR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–1.32). A subgroup analysis of five randomized trials suggested a trend toward a lower dysfunction risk in covered SEMS (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45–0.88). Covered SEMS were associated with a lower occlusion risk (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28–0.68), but with a higher migration risk (RR, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.89–6.34). Technical and clinical success rates were comparable between the groups. Overall adverse events tended to be more frequent in covered SEMS (RR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.09–2.83).ConclusionsOutcomes of covered and uncovered gastroduodenal SEMS were comparable, although the lower dysfunction rate of covered SEMS observed in the analysis of randomized trials needs further investigation. Antimigration mechanisms for covered SEMS and identification of patients who can achieve longer patency from uncovered SEMS would help improve the outcomes of gastroduodenal SEMS.
Mass‐Independent and Mass‐Dependent Ca Isotopic Compositions of Thirteen Geological Reference Materials Measured by Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry
Authors: He Yongsheng , Wang Yang , Zhu Chuanwei , Huang Shichun , Li Shuguang 
Published: December 2016

We report mass‐independent and mass‐dependent Ca isotopic compositions for thirteen geological reference materials, including carbonates (NIST SRM 915a and 915b), Atlantic seawater as well as ten rock reference materials ranging from peridotite to sandstone, using traditional ε and δ values relative to NIST SRM 915a, respectively. Isotope ratio determinations were conducted by independent unspiked and 43Ca‐48Ca double‐spiked measurements using a customised Triton Plus TIMS. The mean of twelve measurement results gave ε40/44Ca values within ± 1.1, except for GSP‐2 that had ε40/44Ca = 4.04 ± 0.15 (2SE). Significant radiogenic 40Ca enrichment was evident in some high K/Ca samples. At an uncertainty level of ± 0.6, all reference materials had the same ε43/44Ca and ε48/44Ca values. We suggest the use of δ44/42Ca to report mass‐dependent Ca isotopic compositions. The precision under intermediate measurement conditions for δ44/42Ca over eight months in our laboratory was ± 0.03‰ (with n ≥ 8 repeat measurements). Measured igneous reference materials gave δ44/42Ca values ranging from 0.27‰ to 0.54‰. Significant Ca isotope fractionation may occur during magmatic and metasomatism processes. Studied reference materials with higher (Dyn/Ybn) tend to have lower δ44/42Ca, implying a potential role of garnet in producing magmas with low δ44/42Ca. Sandstone GBW07106 had a δ44/42Ca value of 0.22‰, lower than all igneous rocks studied so far.
Effects of Airflow Induced by Rainfall on Shallow Groundwater Table Fluctuations
Authors: Zang Yong Ge , Sun Dong Mei , Feng Ping , Semprich Stephan 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAn investigation of groundwater table fluctuations induced by rainfall should consider interactions between the liquid and gas phases in soils. In this study, a water‐air two‐phase flow model was initially verified by simulating an infiltration experiment. It was then employed to model the interactions between liquid and gas phases regarding actions of airflow on the groundwater table and the fluctuations of the phreatic level and water level in the well induced by rainfall. The effects of airflo7w caused by rainfall on phreatic level fluctuations were also studied quantitatively by comparing the results obtained using the proposed model with those obtained from a water single‐phase flow model. The simulation results show that in addition to actual recharge, compressed airflow in unsaturated zones causes the phreatic level to increase, but the rise in the phreatic level is lower than that in the pore‐air pressure head in unsaturated zones due to the mitigation of capillary fringe. The existence of airflow enhances the phreatic level rise during and after rainfall. In addition, the water level in the well, pushed by the phreatic level fluctuations, varies similarly to the phreatic level, but it experiences somewhat delayed and slightly attenuated. The Lisse effect precisely reflects the phreatic level fluctuations before actual recharge. Furthermore, the fluctuations in the phreatic level and water level in the well and the contributions of airflow to phreatic level fluctuations are affected by many factors: rain intensity, initial moisture, overlying aquitard, groundwater table depths, and screen depths of the well.
Hypermethylation of ATP‐binding cassette B1 (ABCB1) multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) is associated with cisplatin resistance in the A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell line
Authors: Li Angui , Song Jianfei , Lai Qi , Liu Bangqing , Wang Haiyong , Xu Yinhui , Feng Xiaoyan , Sun Xiaolin , Du Zhenzong 
Published: December 2016

SummaryDevelopment of multiple drug resistance has been attributed to the overexpression of the ATP‐binding cassette B1 (ABCB1) gene. In this study, the major purpose was to assess the expression and methylation levels of ABCB1 in human lung adenocarcinoma and to reveal the relationship between these processes and acquisition of cisplatin (DDP) resistance in the human cancer cell line A549. Methylation and expression levels of the ABCB1 gene ABCB1 in clinical human lung tissue were assessed using bisulphite sequencing, reverse transcription real‐time PCR (RT2‐PCR) and Western blot methods. Cell viability, DDP resistance and apoptosis of A549 cells were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 and fluorescence‐activated cell sorter analysis. Our results showed that the onset of resistance to the cisplatin analogue, DDP, was associated with hypermethylation of the ABCB1 gene. Expression of the ABCB1 gene was enhanced at both mRNA and protein levels. Treatment with 5‐Aza‐C contributed to the hypomethylation of the ABCB1 gene and decreased ABCB1 protein expression in A549 cells. In conclusion, this in vitro and human tissue study of lung adenocarcinoma cells demonstrated that hypermethylation of the ABCB1 gene correlated with increased gene expression and was associated with the acquisition of resistance to the cisplatin analogue, DDP in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Taken together, our study highlighted the connection between increased ABCB1 methylation level and upregulated expression of the gene in lung cancer. Moreover, the abnormally high expression of ABCB1 in A549 cells contributed to the development of the DDP resistance.
Factors influencing suicidal ideation among Chinese patients with stomach cancer: qualitative study
Authors: Zhang X.K. , Procter N.G. , Xu Q. , Chen X.Y. , Lou F.L. 
Published: December 2016

AimThe aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the influencing factors of suicidal ideation in Chinese patients diagnosed with stomach cancer.IntroductionMore recently, links have been made between suicide and cancer. For inpatients with cancer, nurses are at the front line to cope with suicidal issues in clinical settings.MethodThis study was part of a larger study that investigated psychological strains and related factors associated with suicidal ideation. Thirty‐two patients with stomach cancer participated in a face‐to‐face interview. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data.FindingsFour themes were identified as protective factors against suicidal ideation: suicidal denial and fears of stigmatization; positive coping skills; family connectedness; and desire to live well and longer.DiscussionConsistent with previous research, these four protective factors may encourage participants to think more positively about life and cancer.ConclusionOur findings suggest four protective factors for targeted suicide prevention, which may play an important role in future suicide‐prevention programmes for Chinese patients diagnosed with stomach cancer.Implications for nursingNurses may help reduce patients' risk for suicidal ideation more effectively by discussing beliefs, family and meaning in life perspectives, as well as offering health education about positive coping skills.Implications for healthy policyClinical nurses, hospitals and the government should work collaboratively with each other. It is suggested that Chinese national guidelines for working with the high‐risk suicide populations should be considered within a future mental health working plan.
Bilateral social security agreements and pensions portability: A study of four migrant corridors between EU and non‐EU countries
Authors: Holzmann Robert 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe article summarizes four corridor studies on bilateral social security agreements (BSSAs) between four European Union (EU) members that were undertaken to assess their working and the establishment of benefit portability. BSSAs between migrant‐sending and migrant‐receiving countries are seen as the most important instrument to establish portability of social security benefits for internationally mobile workers. Yet, only about 23 per cent of international migrants profit from BSSAs and their functioning has been little analyzed and even less assessed. The four corridors studied (Austria‐Turkey, Germany‐Turkey, Belgium‐Morocco, and France‐Morocco) were selected to allow for comparison of both similarities and differences in experiences. The evaluation of these corridors’ BSSAs was undertaken against a methodological framework and three selected criteria: fairness for individuals, fiscal fairness for countries, and bureaucratic effectiveness for countries and migrant workers. The results for pension portability suggest that the investigated BSSAs work and overall deliver reasonably well on individual fairness. The results on fiscal fairness are clouded by conceptual and empirical gaps. Bureaucratic effectiveness would profit from information and communication technology‐based exchanges on both corridors once available.
The digital nudge in social security administration
Authors: Gregor Shirley , Lee‐Archer Brian 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe concept of nudge theory, from the fields of behavioural science, political theory and behavioural economics, has sparked government initiatives yielding significant public value. A nudge is a method for predictably altering behaviour without restricting consumer choice options or significantly changing incentives. Nudges work by leveraging default human behaviour such as the tendency to take the path of least resistance when exercising choice. Government agencies have run many successful trials with simple textual nudges designed to positively influence behaviours such as tax compliance, voter registration and student attrition. This article develops the concept of the digital nudge in social security administration. The digital nudge leverages predictive analytics technology within a digital government framework to support a social investment policy approach. Based on a literature review of nudges within a digital government context, the article identifies examples of innovation within social security administration where nudges are contributing to better social outcomes. At the same time, concerns regarding ethics and privacy are identified as nudges are applied at the individual rather than the population level. The use of data and personal information to drive the nudge process has to be managed in such a way that individual rights are protected. This requirement has to be reconciled with the broader interests of society in achieving affordable outcomes, the parameters of which are determined through the political process.
Coordinating social programmes: Analysis of scenarios and implementation approaches based on the ISSA Guidelines on ICT
Authors: Ruggia‐Frick Raúl 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe development of social security policies and programmes raises the need for their coordination to enhance effectiveness as well as to prevent the fragmentation of social policies, programmes and services. Although there are expected benefits, implementing coordinated programmes poses significant technical challenges, which increase the complexities and costs of projects and hinder the achievement of such initiatives. Some of the main difficulties are related to system and information integration (Interoperability) as well as the ability to enforce data security and privacy regulations. To help meet such challenges, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) has developed Guidelines on Information and Communication Technology to support the integrated ICT‐based implementation of social programmes. This article reviews existing scenarios, discusses the benefits and challenges of coordinated approaches, and offers models to show how to implement such types of systems while applying the ISSA Guidelines.
Introduction: Pursuing excellence in social security administration
Authors: McKinnon Roddy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis 2016 special issue addresses the topic of excellence in social security administration. For the International Social Security Association, “excellence” is most usually associated with ensuring that the technical processes and administrative procedures that underpin the delivery of social security benefits and services are high‐performing, well‐governed and sustainable. But it also refers to the covered population’s perceptions of the quality and adequacy of the services and benefits provided. The academic literature on “social security” is immense, but the larger part of this published research addresses questions of social security theory and policy. The critical, analytical literature on social security administration, including that which marries theoretical analysis with the empirical evidence of administrative performance, is thus smaller. A major aim of this special issue is to make a contribution to redressing this imbalance. This is done not only to support and stimulate research that draws equally on empirical evidence and the theoretical literature, but in a very practical sense to better take into account and provide responses to the increasingly complex operational challenges facing social security administrations
Comparison of Left Atrial Bipolar Voltage and Scar Using Multielectrode Fast Automated Mapping versus Point‐by‐Point Contact Electroanatomic Mapping in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Repeat Ablation
Authors: LIANG JACKSON J. , ELAFROS MELISSA A. , MUSER DANIELE , PATHAK RAJEEV K. , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , SUPPLE GREGORY E. , SCHALLER ROBERT D. , FRANKEL DAVID S. , DIXIT SANJAY 
Published: December 2016

Voltage Differences With Multielectrode MappingIntroductionBipolar voltage criteria to delineate left atrial (LA) scar have been derived using point‐by‐point (PBP) contact electroanatomical mapping. It remains unclear how PBP‐derived LA scar correlates with multielectrode fast automated mapping (ME‐FAM) derived scar. We aimed to correlate scar and bipolar voltages from LA maps created using PBP versus ME‐FAM.Methods and ResultsIn consecutive patients undergoing repeat AF ablation, 2 separate LA maps were created using PBP and ME‐FAM during sinus rhythm before ablation. Contiguous areas in the LA with a bipolar voltage cutoff of ≤0.2 mV represented dense scar; LA scar percentage was calculated for each map. Each LA shell was divided into 9 regions and each region further subdivided into 4 quadrants for additional analysis; mean voltages of all points obtained using PBP versus ME‐FAM in each region were compared. Forty maps (20 PBP: mean 228.5 ± 95.6 points; 20 ME‐FAM: 923.0 ± 382.6 points) were created in 20 patients. Mapping time with ME‐FAM was shorter compared with PBP (13.3 ± 5.3 vs. 34.4 ± 13.1 minutes; P < 0.001). Mean LA scar percentage was higher with PBP compared with ME‐FAM (15.5 ± 17.1% vs. 12.8 ± 17.6%; P = 0.04). Mean PBP voltage distribution was lower (compared with ME‐FAM) in the septum (0.95 ± 0.73 vs. 1.46 ± 0.99 mV; P = 0.009), posterior wall (0.84 ± 0.42 vs. 1.40 ± 0.83 mV; P = 0.0008), roof (0.78 ± 0.80 vs. 1.39 ± 1.09 mV; P = 0.0003), and right PV–LA junction (0.34 ± 0.25 vs. 0.59 ± 0.50 mV; P = 0.01) regions, while voltages were similar in all other LA regions (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsIn AF patients undergoing repeat ablation, bipolar voltage is greater in certain LA segments with ME‐FAM compared with PBP mapping.
The X‐linked juvenile retinoschisis protein retinoschisin is a novel regulator of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling and apoptosis in the retina
Authors: Plössl Karolina , Weber Bernhard H.F. , Friedrich Ulrike 
Published: December 2016

AbstractX‐linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is a hereditary retinal dystrophy in young males, caused by mutations in the RS1 gene. The function of the encoded protein, termed retinoschisin, and the molecular mechanisms underlying XLRS pathogenesis are still unresolved, although a direct interaction partner of the secreted retinoschisin, the retinal Na/K‐ATPase, was recently identified. Earlier gene expression studies in retinoschisin‐deficient (Rs1h−/Y) mice provided a first indication of pathological up‐regulation of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase signalling in disease pathogenesis. To further investigate the role for retinoschisin in MAP kinase regulation, we exposed Y‐79 cells and murine Rs1h−/Y retinae to recombinant retinoschisin and the XLRS‐associated mutant RS1‐C59S. Although normal retinoschisin stably bound to retinal cells, RS1‐C59S exhibited a strongly reduced binding affinity. Simultaneously, exposure to normal retinoschisin significantly reduced phosphorylation of C‐RAF and MAP kinases ERK1/2 in Y‐79 cells and murine Rs1h−/Y retinae. Expression of MAP kinase target genes C‐FOS and EGR1 was also down‐regulated in both model systems. Finally, retinoschisin treatment decreased pro‐apoptotic BAX‐2 transcript levels in Y‐79 cells and Rs1h−/Y retinae. Upon retinoschisin treatment, these cells showed increased resistance against apoptosis, reflected by decreased caspase‐3 activity (in Y‐79 cells) and increased photoreceptor survival (in Rs1h−/Y retinal explants). RS1‐C59S did not influence C‐RAF or ERK1/2 activation, C‐FOS or EGR1 expression, or apoptosis. Our data imply that retinoschisin is a novel regulator of MAP kinase signalling and exerts an anti‐apoptotic effect on retinal cells. We therefore discuss that disturbances of MAP kinase signalling by retinoschisin deficiency could be an initial step in XLRS pathogenesis.