bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations in Pericyte Subpopulations Are Associated with Elevated Blood–Tumor Barrier Permeability in Experimental Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Lyle L. Tiffany , Lockman Paul R. , Adkins Chris E. , Mohammad Afroz Shareef , Sechrest Emily , Hua Emily , Palmieri Diane , Liewehr David J. , Steinberg Seth M. , Kloc Wojciech , Izycka-Swieszewska Ewa , Duchnowska Renata , Nayyar Naema , Brastianos Priscilla K. , Steeg Patricia S. , Gril Brunilde 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Purpose: The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is modified to a blood–tumor barrier (BTB) as a brain metastasis develops from breast or other cancers. We (i) quantified the permeability of experimental brain metastases, (ii) determined the composition of the BTB, and (iii) identified which elements of the BTB distinguished metastases of lower permeability from those with higher permeability.
Experimental Design: A SUM190-BR3 experimental inflammatory breast cancer brain metastasis subline was established. Experimental brain metastases from this model system and two previously reported models (triple-negative MDA-231-BR6, HER2+ JIMT-1-BR3) were serially sectioned; low- and high-permeability lesions were identified with systemic 3-kDa Texas Red dextran dye. Adjoining sections were used for quantitative immunofluorescence to known BBB and neuroinflammatory components. One-sample comparisons against a hypothesized value of one were performed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results: When uninvolved brain was compared with any brain metastasis, alterations in endothelial, pericytic, astrocytic, and microglial components were observed. When metastases with relatively low and high permeability were compared, increased expression of a desmin+ subpopulation of pericytes was associated with higher permeability (231-BR6 P = 0.0002; JIMT-1-BR3 P = 0.004; SUM190-BR3 P = 0.008); desmin+ pericytes were also identified in human craniotomy specimens. Trends of reduced CD13+ pericytes (231-BR6 P = 0.014; JIMT-1-BR3 P = 0.002, SUM190-BR3, NS) and laminin α2 (231-BR6 P = 0.001; JIMT-1-BR3 P = 0.049; SUM190-BR3 P = 0.023) were also observed with increased permeability.
Conclusions: We provide the first account of the composition of the BTB in experimental brain metastasis. Desmin+ pericytes and laminin α2 are potential targets for the development of novel approaches to increase chemotherapeutic efficacy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(21); 5287–99. ©2016 AACR.
High‐Sensitivity Troponin: A Clinical Blood Biomarker for Staging Cardiomyopathy in Fabry Disease
Authors: Seydelmann Nora , Liu Dan , Krämer Johannes , Drechsler Christiane , Hu Kai , Nordbeck Peter , Schneider Andreas , Störk Stefan , Bijnens Bart , Ertl Georg , Wanner Christoph , Weidemann Frank 
Published: June 2016

Background

High‐sensitivity troponin (hs‐
TNT
), a biomarker of myocardial damage, might be useful for assessing fibrosis in Fabry cardiomyopathy. We performed a prospective analysis of hs‐
TNT
as a biomarker for myocardial changes in Fabry patients and a retrospective longitudinal follow‐up study to assess longitudinal hs‐
TNT
changes relative to fibrosis and cardiomyopathy progression.

Methods and Results

For the prospective analysis, hs‐
TNT
from 75 consecutive patients with genetically confirmed Fabry disease was analyzed relative to typical Fabry‐associated echocardiographic findings and total myocardial fibrosis as measured by late gadolinium enhancement (
LE
) on magnetic resonance imaging. Longitudinal data (3.9±2.0 years), including hs‐
TNT
,
LE
, and echocardiographic findings from 58 Fabry patients, were retrospectively collected. Hs‐
TNT
level positively correlated with
LE
(linear correlation coefficient, 0.72; odds ratio, 32.81 [95%
CI,
3.56–302.59];
P
=0.002); patients with elevated baseline hs‐
TNT
(>14 ng/L) showed significantly increased
LE
(median: baseline, 1.9 [1.1–3.3] %; follow‐up, 3.2 [2.3–4.9] %;
P
<0.001) and slightly elevated hs‐
TNT
(baseline, 44.7 [30.1–65.3] ng/L; follow‐up, 49.1 [27.6–69.5] ng/L;
P
=0.116) during follow‐up. Left ventricular wall thickness and
EF
of patients with elevated hs‐
TNT
were decreased during follow‐up, indicating potential cardiomyopathy progression.

Conclusions

hs‐
TNT
is an accurate, easily accessible clinical blood biomarker for detecting replacement fibrosis in patients with Fabry disease and a qualified predictor of cardiomyopathy progression. Thus, hs‐
TNT
could be helpful for staging and follow‐up of Fabry patients.
Clinical validation of urine 3-methoxytyramine as a biomarker of neuroblastoma and comparison with other catecholamine-related biomarkers
Authors: Lam Leo , Woollard Gerald A , Teague Lochie , Davidson James S 
Published: May 2016

Background Urinary dopamine, homovanillic acid and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid are established tests for diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastic disease. We compared the diagnostic performance of total urinary 3-methoxytyramine, the O-methylated product of dopamine, to these three established tumour markers. Methods Urinary 3-methoxytyramine, dopamine, homovanillic acid and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection on consecutive urine samples from histologically proven neuroblastic patients and controls. Patients with neuroblastic disease were further classified as untreated, advancing, residual or absent disease based on clinical and radiological criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to compare the diagnostic performance of the four tumour markers. Results Urinary 3-methoxytyramine was well correlated with established tumour markers and its concentration correlated with disease activity. It was the most commonly elevated tumour marker in neuroblastic disease and showed similar sensitivity to dopamine and homovanillic acid. The diagnostic utility of urinary 3-methoxytyramine as measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was similar to dopamine and homovanillic acid. Conclusion Our results support the use of urinary 3-methoxytyramine as a tumour marker in the diagnosis and the monitoring of neuroblastoma disease.
Concentrations of prealbumin and some appetite-controlling hormones in pregnancies associated with hyperemesis gravidarium
Authors: Ozturk Gulfer , Ozgu-Erdinc A Seval , Ucar Fatma , Ginis Zeynep , Erden Gonul , Danisman Nuri 
Published: May 2016

Background Hyperemesis gravidarum, which affects 0.3–2.3% of pregnancies, is defined as excessive vomiting during pregnancy and usually starts in week 4 or 5 of gestation. Symptoms include weight loss, dehydration, ketonaemia, ketonuria, fasting acidosis, alkalosis due to hydrochloric acid loss and hypokalaemia and its exact cause is unknown. The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between prealbumin, ghrelin, nesfatin-1 and obestatin concentrations in pregnancies associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Methods A total of 40 pregnant females with hyperemesis gravidarum and 38 pregnant females without hyperemesis gravidarum as controls were included in this study. Serum concentrations of prealbumin, ghrelin, obestatin and nesfatin-1 were measured. Results There were no significant differences in age, gestational week, gravidity and parity between the two groups. Body mass index was significantly lower in cases than in controls. Serum ghrelin and prealbumin concentrations were significantly lower in cases than in controls ( P  <0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in serum concentrations of obestatin and nesfatin-1 between the two groups. There was no significant association between body mass index and serum ghrelin, nesfatin-1, obestatin or prealbumin concentrations in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum. Conclusions Decreased serum concentrations of ghrelin and prealbumin in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum are independent of body mass index. Based on our results, we believe that ghrelin may be considered to play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum and that hyperemesis gravidarum may result in disruption of the relationship between nesfatin-1 and ghrelin. In addition, we believe that the measurement of serum prealbumin may be used for assessing nutritional status in pregnancy.
Participation in daily life of people with schizophrenia in comparison to the general population
Authors: Lipskaya-Velikovsky Lena , Jarus Tal , Easterbrook Adam , Kotler Moshe 
Published: June 2016

Background. Participation in occupations is a basic human right. Although people with schizophrenia commonly experience restrictions in participation, there is a paucity of research in this area. Purpose. This study aimed to compare the participation patterns of people with schizophrenia to people without mental illness (control group). Method. A total of 140 people of similar age and sex completed the Adults Subjective Assessment of Participation and provided demographic and health-related data. Findings. People with schizophrenia tend to participate in fewer activities and to participate alone. However, they participate with similar intensity as those in the control group. Implications. The participation patterns of people with schizophrenia are both unique and similar to those of the general population. The differences in participation raise concerns due to signs of restriction and social exclusion. However, it appears that people with schizophrenia benefit from occupation and community-based services that promote and support participation with others in diverse activities.
HPV vaccine decision-making among young men who have sex with men
Authors: Wheldon Christopher W , Daley Ellen M , Buhi Eric R , Baldwin Julie A , Nyitray Alan G , Giuliano Anna R 
Published: June 2016

Objective: Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination is recommended for all men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA until the age of 26 years. Despite this recommendation, vaccine uptake remains low. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe salient beliefs related to HPV vaccination among young MSM; (2) determine factors that underlie these beliefs; and (3) describe a model for HPV vaccine decision-making. Design: Qualitative descriptive study. Setting: Central Florida, USA. Methods: Semi-structured interviews ( N = 22). Results: The majority of respondents had heard of the HPV vaccine, but generally perceived HPV as a women’s health issue. Salient behavioural beliefs about HPV vaccination described physical (such as lowering risk and promoting overall health) and psychological benefits (such as protecting sex partners and providing peace of mind). There was some concern regarding the risks of vaccination including contracting HPV from the vaccine, not knowing if it would be effective, and side effects. Normative influences on decision-making were minimal. Availability, cost and convenience were among the most salient external control factors discussed. Issues surrounding disclosure of sexual orientation, as well as the competence and sensitivity of healthcare providers in dealing with issues of sexuality, were key factors in HPV-related beliefs. Conclusion: Addressing the specific beliefs and concerns expressed by MSM can help to improve the effectiveness of health education interventions promoting vaccination.
Training older adults with low vision to use a computer tablet: A feasibility study
Authors: Kaldenberg Jennifer , Smallfield Stacy 
Published: May 2016

Introduction The purpose of this feasibility study was to investigate the potential use of a computer tablet as a low vision device to facilitate performance of and satisfaction with daily activities for older adults with low vision. Method A repeated measures design was used to measure outcomes. Four older adult women with low vision completed 10 weekly sessions of group training in tablet use. The feasibility of this research method and intervention was examined by evaluating recruitment capability, data collection procedures, outcome measures, intervention procedures, resources, and preliminary responses to intervention. Results The four participants were all women, with a mean age of 74.25 years (68–81). Visual acuity ranged from 20/160 to 20/4000. Mean change in performance and satisfaction on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were 3.45 and 3.65, respectively. Daily tablet use increased from 15 minutes at pretest to 3 hours at posttest to 4.5 hours at follow-up. Conclusion Group training in computer tablet use for older adults with low vision shows promise to improve performance and satisfaction in a variety of daily activities. With appropriate resources, the research method is feasible for a larger study examining this community-based intervention for older adults with low vision.
Ethnic differences in the epidemiology of cutaneous lupus erythematosus in New Zealand
Authors: Jarrett P , Thornley S , Scragg R 
Published: May 2016

Background The prevalence and variation by ethnicity of cutaneous lupus in New Zealand is not known. Therefore, a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and variation by ethnicity of cutaneous lupus in the ethnically diverse community of South Auckland, New Zealand, was undertaken. Methods Multiple sources were examined to determine the prevalence of acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous erythematosus and discoid lupus erythematosus. Ethnicities examined were European, Māori/Pacific and Indian/Asian. Capture–recapture was used to determine the overall population prevalence of cutaneous lupus. Results A total of 145 cases of cutaneous lupus were identified. There were 22 men and 123 women, with an average age (standard deviation), respectively, of 46.4 (±21.5) and 43.1 (±14.8) years. There were 53 cases of acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, 19 cases of subacute cutaneous erythematosus and 66 cases of discoid lupus erythematosus. The age and sex adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval; CI) of Māori/Pacific compared to the European population was 2.47 (95% CI 1.67–3.67) for all types of cutaneous lupus, 1.60 (95% CI 0.84–3.18) for acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, 0.09 (95% CI 0.01–1.1) for subacute cutaneous erythematosus and 5.96 (95% CI 3.06–11.6) for discoid lupus erythematosus. The overall prevalence of cutaneous lupus was 30.1 (95% CI 25.5–35.4) per 100,000. However, capture–recapture estimated the unadjusted prevalence of cutaneous lupus to be 86.0 (95% CI 78.1–94.7) per 100,000. Conclusion Māori and Pacific people in Auckland, New Zealand, have a greater relative risk of all types of cutaneous lupus compared to the European population and a particularly high risk of discoid lupus erythematosus.
Offering self-sampling to cervical screening non-attenders in primary care
Authors: Lim Anita WW , Hollingworth Antony , Kalwij Sebastian , Curran Geoffrey , Sasieni Peter 
Published: May 2016

Objectives To assess the feasibility and acceptability of offering self-sampling for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing to cervical screening non-attenders when they consult primary care for any reason. Methods In a pilot implementation study, six general practices in London, UK, offered self-sampling kits during consultation to women aged 25–64 who were at least six months overdue for cervical screening (no cytology test recorded in the past 3.5 years if aged 25–49, or 5.5 years if aged 50–64). Eligible women were identified using an automated real-time search (during consultation) of the general practice electronic medical record system. Women collected samples either in clinic or at home (dry flocked swabs analysed using Roche Cobas®4800). Results Of approximately 5000 eligible women, 3131 consulted primary care between January and December 2014 (mean recruitment period 9.5 months). Of these, 21% (652) were offered kits, 14% (443) accepted, and 9% (292) returned a self-sample. The proportion of eligible women offered kits varied considerably among practices (11–36%). Sample return rates increased with kit offered rates ( r = 0.8, p = 0.04). Of 39 HPV positive women 85% (33) attended follow-up, including two with invasive cancers (stage 2A1 and 1A1). Conclusions Offering self-sampling to cervical screening non-attenders opportunistically in primary care is feasible. Return rates could be increased if more women were offered kits. A large trial is needed to identify how self-sampling is best integrated into the national screening programme, and to identify determinants of uptake.
A Decade of Economic Reforms in India: The Unfinished Agenda
Authors: Bajpai Nirupam 
Published: June 2016

This paper aims to assess the economic reforms in India undertaken during the 1990s. India has gone through the first decade of her reform process. Hence, an assessment of what has been achieved so far and what remains on the reform agenda is in order. Reforms in the industrial, trade, and financial sectors, among others, have been wide and deep. As a consequence, they have contributed more meaningfully in attaining higher rates of growth. A decade of opening of the economy has produced new dynamism, most dramatically in the information technology sector, but in others as well. The new technologies (especially information technology and biotechnology) give new opportunities for economic and social development. It is necessary to move swiftly to complete many of the reforms, which are now underway. Examples of such continuing reforms are the reduction in protection levels, continuing reforms in banking sector, product de-reservation for the small-scale industry, decontrol of prices, such as petroleum, reform of the power sector and so on. Among other things, sustaining higher rates of economic growth would require a more vigorous pursuit of economic reforms at both the federal and state levels. Significant reduction of fiscal deficit is the first order of business. Unless substantial fiscal consolidation is achieved, in our view, continued fiscal deficits pose India's greatest risk to future destabilization. Other critical reforms include, labor laws, exit policy, privatisation of state-owned enterprises, further opening-up of the economy to trade and foreign direct investment. In addition, there is a vast amount of economic reform that can be carried out to improve conditions in rural India, especially in the Gangetic valley. The reforms implemented so far have helped India attain 6 plus percent growth, however, should India be able to implement the remaining reforms and re-orient governmental spending away from inessential expenditures towards high priority areas of health and education and infrastructure development, then it is very likely to attain and sustain even higher rates of economic growth.
Critical Success Factors in CRM Implementation: Some Research Issues
Authors: Al-Ajlan Mohammed , Zairi Mohamed 
Published: June 2016

In recent years, many organizations have identified the need to become more customer-facing with increased global competition. Therefore, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has emerged as the agenda of many organizational strategies. CRM is an approach which combines people, process, and technology that allows the organizations to understand their customers and retain the most profitable ones. Many studies have revealed that nearly 70% of CRM projects failed worldwide due to inability of the performing companies to resolve certain key issues, like organizational changes, integrations, and because companies view CRM as a technological project that is bound by time and budget, instead of regarding CRM as a long term commitment to efficiency and improvement. The investigation of factors potentially affecting the success of CRM implementation is of great importance, because the CRM market worldwide spending is expected to reach $76.5 billion in 2005, up from $23.26 billion achieved in 2000 according to Gartner group. A number of authors and practitioners have established many studies regarding CRM implementation. Nevertheless, most of these studies have not covered a holistic approach for the CRM implementation. This paper discusses the factors that affect a CRM implementation, based on a comprehensive analysis of CRM literature, combined with research studies and organizational experiences.
Effective Web Management for B2C E-Commerce in India
Authors: Jain Neha , Ahuja Vandana , Medury Yajulu 
Published: June 2016

The web has become a place where many live, play and work. It is the ultimate customer empowering environment and in the emerging world of ecommerce where customers are surrounded with myriad choices, organizations are faced with a challenge of meeting consumer expectations in a highly competitive world. The following study aims at analyzing the ability of website attributes of Ecommerce websites in catering to the process of creating a value proposition for the consumer. For this purpose, the website attributes of a set of 25 websites of E-commerce Companies in India were analyzed. A survey of a focus group of participants who were regular users of E-commerce websites like EBay, Yebhi and Snap Deal etc. helped us in creating a model for calculating a Web Management Score for Marketing Value Creation (WMSMV). The E-commerce sites scoring high on the web management perspective were further studied to analyze their Alexa Rank. Definite correlations were discovered in the case of sites demonstrating a higher Web Management Score (WMS) and subsequently, a better degree of web management. The aim of this research is to understand how ecommerce websites create a value proposition for their online consumers, in order to improve their interaction with them. The findings of this study are expected to support Ecommerce website users, designers, owners, and developers.
Inter‐Scale Assessment & Comparison of Customer Loyalty in Banking Industry: An Empirical Study
Authors: Rai Alok Kumar , Srivastava Medha 
Published: June 2016

During the past decade, the financial service sector has undergone significant changes, resulting into a market place that is characterized by intense competition, little growth in primary demand and increased deregulation (Chaudhuri and Halbrook, 2002). Liberalization in banking industry Jed to entry of new private banks (NPBs) which subsequently Jed to greater competition at the market place and fierce fight for customers. Finding a place in this heating sun becomes vital to secure long-range profitability and sustained survival for banks. Customer Loyalty is widely acknowledged as a competitive weapon across most of the highly competitive industries. In banking industry context, customer loyalty can be understood as continued patronage towards a bank over time. According to Yi and Jeon (2003), the degree of customer loyalty can be gauged by tracking customer accounts, over defined time periods and noting the degree of continuity in patronage. To obtain enhanced profits and accelerated business growth, banks need to be aware about their customers and the state of loyalty prevailing among them. Accurate assessment of loyalty can act as a sound base for making decisions and formulating strategies for business growth. Though, the conceptual domain of loyalty is quite rich and the extant literature provides ample knowledge and understanding of loyalty and its various dimensions, its measurement is still an area of Jess explored and least validated concern. Unlike marketing variables, such as service quality, customer satisfaction, etc. customer loyalty still lacks a comprehensive, objective and standardized scale. The present study seeks to contribute to the existing literature of customer loyalty by developing an understanding of the factors responsible for building loyalty among the customers. The study delineates the relationship between diverse marketing variables and customer loyalty. It is therefore of immense significance to appraise the relative strength of different popular scales used to measure customer loyalty. The study compares two distinct measurement tools through survey of retail banking customer namely the ‘Antecedent Based Approach’ which uses antecedents of Customer Loyalty and the ‘RAPID Loyalty Approach’ which is a method of identifying and assessing customer loyalty based on the constituents of retention, advocacy and purchasing.