bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiR‐150 Regulates Poststroke Cerebral Angiogenesis via Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Rats
Authors: He Quan‐Wei , Li Qian , Jin Hui‐Juan , Zhi Fang , Suraj Baral , Zhu Yi‐Yi , Xia Yuan‐Peng , Mao Ling , Chen Xiao‐Lu , Hu Bo 
Published: February 2016

SummaryAimsAngiogenesis is a harmonized target for poststroke recovery. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms involved in angiogenesis after stroke is vitally significant. In this study, we are reporting a miR‐150‐based mechanism underlying cerebral poststroke angiogenesis.MethodsRat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and cell models of oxygen–glucose deprivation were conducted. Capillary density, tube formation, cell proliferation, and cell migration were measured byFITC‐dextran assay, matrigel assay, Ki‐67 staining, and wound healing assay, respectively. The expression of miR‐150 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was, respectively, measured byRT‐PCRand Western blotting. Dual‐luciferase assay was conducted to confirm the binding sites between miR‐150 andVEGF.ResultsWe found that miR‐150 expression in the brain and serum of rats subjected to cerebral ischemia, and in oxygen–glucose‐deprived brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) and astrocytes. Upregulation of miR‐150 expression could decrease vascular density of infarct border zone in rat afterMCAOand decrease tube formation, proliferation, and migration ofBMVECs. We also found that miR‐150 could negatively regulate the expression ofVEGF, andVEGFwas confirmed to be a direct target of miR‐150. Moreover,VEGFmediated the function of miR‐150 on tube formation, proliferation, and migration ofBMVECs.ConclusionsOur data suggested that miR‐150 could regulate cerebral poststroke angiogenesis in rats throughVEGF.
What is the likelihood of colorectal cancer when surgery for ulcerative‐colitis‐associated dysplasia is deferred?
Authors: Murphy J. , Kalkbrenner K. A. , Blas J. V. , Pemberton J. H. , Landmann R. G. , Young‐Fadok T. M. , Etzioni D. A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimSurgery aims to prevent cancer‐related morbidity for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) associated dysplasia. The literature varies widely regarding the likelihood of dysplastic progression to higher grades of dysplasia or cancer. The aim of this study was to characterize the likelihood of the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) of patients with UC‐associated dysplasia who chose to defer surgery.MethodA retrospective review was carried out of patients undergoing surgery for UC at the Mayo Clinic, who were diagnosed to have dysplasia between August 1993 and July 2012. The relationships between grade of dysplasia, time to surgery and the detection of unsuspected carcinoma were investigated.ResultsIn all, 175 patients underwent surgery at a median of 4.9 (interquartile range 2.5–8.9) months after a diagnosis of dysplasia. Their median age was 52 (interquartile range 43−59) years. An initial diagnosis of indeterminate dysplasia was not associated with CRC [0/23; 17.7 (8.1−29.6) months]. Thirty‐six patients who had an initial diagnosis of dysplasia progressed from indeterminate to low‐grade dysplasia [24.2 (11.0−30.4) months]. Low‐grade dysplasia was associated with a 2% (1/56; T2N0M0) risk of CRC when present in random surveillance biopsies and a 3% (2/61; T1N0M0, T4N0M0) risk if detected in endoscopically visible lesions [7.4 (5.2−33.3) months]. Eighteen patients progressed from indeterminate to high‐grade dysplasia [19.1 (9.2−133.9) months]. Seventeen patients progressed from low to high‐grade dysplasia [11.0 (5.8−30.1) months]. None of the patients with high‐grade dysplasia (0/35) progressed to CRC [4.5 (1.7−9.9) months].ConclusionDysplasia was associated with a low incidence of node negative CRC if surgery was deferred for up to 5 years. These findings may help inform the decision‐making process for asymptomatic patients who are having to decide between intensive surveillance or surgery for UC‐associated dysplasia.
Three‐step standardized approach for complete mobilization of the splenic flexure during robotic rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Ahmed J. , Kuzu M. A. , Figueiredo N. , Khan J. , Parvaiz A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this technical note is to describe a three‐step technique for expeditious and complete mobilization of the splenic flexure (CMSF) during single docking totally robotic rectal cancer surgery.MethodA prospectively maintained database was searched for all patients who underwent single docking totally robotic rectal cancer surgery with CMSF through a stepwise technique.ResultsWe studied 89 patients underwent CMSF during single docking totally robotic lower anterior resection for rectal cancer.ConclusionThe technique demonstrates that CMSF can be performed with a standardized approach using the natural embryological planes of surgery. Moreover, this technique does not involve any change in patient's position on the operating table or undocking the robotic system. We have included an intra‐operative video recording to demonstrate the technique.
Where Institutional Logics of Corporate Governance Collide: Overstatement of Compliance in a Developing Country, Bangladesh
Authors: Sobhan Abdus 
Published: February 2016

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpirical.Research Question/IssueHow do conflicting institutional logics predict and explain the overstatement of corporate governance compliance in a developing country?Research Findings/InsightsA unique opportunity to study overstatement of compliance is available through checklists published in annual reports by companies in Bangladesh. A data set contrasting with that available from checklists is collected by a confidential survey of company secretaries. Overstatement of compliance with the country's Corporate Governance Guideline issued in 2006 is measured by comparing the published compliance with that revealed by the survey. There is significant overstatement of compliance in annual reports, particularly with respect to the less directly observable provisions of the Guideline. The overstatement is positively associated with control by a sponsor family and is negatively associated with the presence of an institutional investor on the board of directors.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe logic associated with the regulative framework of an Anglo‐American‐based corporate governance model conflicts with the logic of a cultural‐cognitive institutional framework in a developing country. The resulting contest of legitimacy motivates firms to overstate compliance with the Corporate Governance Guideline 2006 in annual reports.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study highlights the challenges of introducing an Anglo‐American model of corporate governance in a developing country. National and international investors should seek to understand the reality of the corporate governance structure of firms in developing countries, rather than relying solely on compliance reported in annual reports. For researchers, there may be limitations in using the compliance reported in annual reports as a measure of corporate governance.
Safeguarding Children: Ofsted and Regulatory Failure
Authors: Craven Barrie M. , Tooley James N. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article analyses two aspects of the regulatory conduct of Ofsted in protecting children from abuse by strangers. The first concerns the problems associated with child protection and safeguarding in the context of facilitating multicultural norms whereby certain social behaviours which would be unacceptable in one culture can be tolerated or condoned in another. The second aspect arises because, following Ofsted's failure to protect thousands of children from child abuse in many UK cities, children's social services' departments may have adopted strategic behaviour which may protect them rather than the children.
Comprehensive Functional Assessment of Right‐Sided Heart Using Speckle Tracking Strain for Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Fukuda Yuko , Tanaka Hidekazu , Ryo‐Koriyama Keiko , Motoji Yoshiki , Sano Hiroyuki , Shimoura Hiroyuki , Ooka Junichi , Toki Hiromi , Sawa Takuma , Mochizuki Yasuhide , Matsumoto Kensuke , Emoto Noriaki , Hirata Ken‐ichi 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) systolic function is one of the most important determinants of outcome for pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, but the factors influencing prognosis vary widely. Elevated right atrial (RA) pressure is reported to be one of these prognostic factors, but its functional importance has scarcely been assessed.MethodsEighty‐two PH patients, all of whom underwent echocardiography and right heart catheterization, were recruited. RV function was assessed by two‐dimensional speckle tracking longitudinal strain from RV‐focused apical four‐chamber view and calculated by averaging the three regional peak strains from the RV free wall (RV‐free). RA function was determined as the sum of three peak strain values comprising reservoir, conduit, and contractile function (sum of RA strain).ResultsSum of RA strain correlated significantly with hemodynamic parameters such as mean right atrial pressure (r = −0.35, P = 0.002) and end‐diastolic RV pressure (r = −0.29, P = 0.008). Patients with sum of RA strain ≥30.2% experienced more favorable outcomes than those with sum of RA strain <30.2% (log‐rank P = 0.001). Furthermore, patients with impaired RV systolic function (RV‐free <20%) and RA function (sum of RA strain <30.2%) showed the worst outcome (P = 0.001). A sequential Cox model based on clinical variables (χ2 = 5.8) was improved by addition of RV‐free (χ2 = 8.7; P < 0.05) and further improved by addition of sum of RA strain (χ2 = 12.0; P < 0.01).ConclusionRight atrial strain appears to be a valuable additive factor for predicting outcomes for PH patients, and comprehensive functional assessment of right‐sided heart using speckle tracking strain may have potential clinical implications for better management of PH patients.
Brivaracetam: Rationale for discovery and preclinical profile of a selective SV2A ligand for epilepsy treatment
Authors: Klitgaard Henrik , Matagne Alain , Nicolas Jean‐Marie , Gillard Michel , Lamberty Yves , De Ryck Marc , Kaminski Rafal M. , Leclercq Karine , Niespodziany Isabelle , Wolff Christian , Wood Martyn , Hannestad Jonas , Kervyn Sophie , Kenda Benoit 
Published: February 2016

SummaryDespite availability of effective antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), many patients with epilepsy continue to experience refractory seizures and adverse events. Achievement of better seizure control and fewer side effects is key to improving quality of life. This review describes the rationale for the discovery and preclinical profile of brivaracetam (BRV), currently under regulatory review as adjunctive therapy for adults with partial‐onset seizures. The discovery of BRV was triggered by the novel mechanism of action and atypical properties of levetiracetam (LEV) in preclinical seizure and epilepsy models. LEV is associated with several mechanisms that may contribute to its antiepileptic properties and adverse effect profile. Early findings observed a moderate affinity for a unique brain‐specific LEV binding site (LBS) that correlated with anticonvulsant effects in animal models of epilepsy. This provided a promising molecular target and rationale for identifying selective, high‐affinity ligands for LBS with potential for improved antiepileptic properties. The later discovery that synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) was the molecular correlate of LBS confirmed the novelty of the target. A drug discovery program resulted in the identification of anticonvulsants, comprising two distinct families of high‐affinity SV2A ligands possessing different pharmacologic properties. Among these, BRV differed significantly from LEV by its selective, high affinity and differential interaction with SV2A as well as a higher lipophilicity, correlating with more potent and complete seizure suppression, as well as a more rapid brain penetration in preclinical models. Initial studies in animal models also revealed BRV had a greater antiepileptogenic potential than LEV. These properties of BRV highlight its promising potential as an AED that might provide broad‐spectrum efficacy, associated with a promising tolerability profile and a fast onset of action. BRV represents the first selective SV2A ligand for epilepsy treatment and may add a significant contribution to the existing armamentarium of AEDs.
Long‐term approach to patients with postsurgical seizures
Authors: Ryzí Michal , Ošlejšková Hana , Rektor Ivan , Novák Zdeněk , Hemza Jan , Chrastina Jan , Svoboda Michal , Hermanová Markéta , Brázdil Milan 
Published: February 2016

SummaryObjectiveThe main purpose of the study was to analyze the long‐term outcomes and therapeutic approaches for patients with seizures within the first year after surgery. The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between 1‐year outcome and long‐term outcome and choice of therapy.MethodsOur study was a retrospective investigation of the long‐term outcomes of 95 patients (33.5% of all surgically treated patients) with seizure recurrence in the first year after surgery. The patients had follow‐up visits for >5 years.ResultsAt the 5‐year follow‐up visit (FU5), 28 (29.5%) of the 95 patients were completely seizure‐free (International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) class 1), 17 (17.9%) had auras only (ILAE class 2), and 21 (22.1%) were unimproved (ILAE classes 5 and 6). Statistically significant factors for these long‐term outcomes were the focus localization of the epilepsy, preoperative MRI findings, and postoperative follow‐up results in the first year. The patients with <3 seizure days in the first postoperative year (ILAE 3) represented 53.6% of the seizure‐free patients at FU5; the patients with auras in the first year constituted 64.7% of the patients with only auras at FU5; and the patients unimproved in the first year represented 76.2% of the unimproved patients at FU5.SignificancePostoperative outcome depends to a certain extent on the outcome achieved in the first postoperative year. More than one third of the patients with postoperative seizures reached a long‐term seizure‐free outcome, and more than half of them did not experience disabling seizures in the last outcome year. The most therapeutic options were used in patients who were minimally influenced by the operation; the majority of patients with considerable improvement because of the operation do not use any other add‐on antiepileptic drugs or other kinds of therapy.
The bumetanide prodrug BUM5, but not bumetanide, potentiates the antiseizure effect of phenobarbital in adult epileptic mice
Authors: Erker Thomas , Brandt Claudia , Töllner Kathrin , Schreppel Philipp , Twele Friederike , Schidlitzki Alina , Löscher Wolfgang 
Published: February 2016

SummaryObjectiveThe loop diuretic bumetanide has been reported to potentiate the antiseizure activity of phenobarbital in rodent models of neonatal seizures, most likely as a result of inhibition of the chloride importer Na‐K‐Cl cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) in the brain. In view of the intractability of neonatal seizures, the preclinical findings prompted a clinical trial in neonates on bumetanide as an add‐on to phenobarbital, which, however, had to be terminated because of ototoxicity and lack of efficacy. We have recently shown that bumetanide penetrates only poorly into the brain, so that we developed lipophilic prodrugs such as BUM5, the N,N‐dimethylaminoethylester of bumetanide, which penetrate more easily into the brain and are converted to bumetanide.MethodsIn the present study, we used a new strategy to test whether BUM5 is more potent than bumetanide in potentiating the antiseizure effect of phenobarbital. Adult mice were made epileptic by pilocarpine, and the antiseizure effects of bumetanide, BUM5, and phenobarbital alone or in combination were determined by the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test.ResultsIn nonepileptic mice, only phenobarbital exerted seizure threshold–increasing activity, and this was not potentiated by the NKCC1 inhibitors. In contrast, a marked potentiation of phenobarbital by BUM5, but not bumetanide, was determined in epileptic mice.SignificanceThus, bumetanide is not capable of potentiating phenobarbital's antiseizure effect in an adult mouse model, which, however, can be overcome by using the prodrug BUM5. These data substantiate that BUM5 is a promising tool compound for target validation and proof‐of‐concept studies on the role of NKCC1 in brain diseases.
The Economic Crisis and the Evolution of the System Based on the ECHR: Is There Any Correlation?
Authors: Lambert Abdelgawad Elisabeth 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article analyses the relationship between the freezing of the budget of the Council of Europe, the introduction of ‘new management’ techniques to increase productivity and the reforms of the European Court of Human Rights to increase the number of cases solved (and at the speed at which they are solved). To what extent has the the drive to reduce cost had an impact on the evolution of the European Convention of Human Rights? Detailed attention is paid to the preparatory works of both the successful and the unsuccessful reforms of the European system of human rights, other relevant documents of the Council of Europe. Several key institutional actors were interviewed. It is concluded that financial cuts imposed on the budget of the Council of Europe have saved the Court (to a certain extent) but have significantly damaged the European system of human rights.
The Economic, Judicial and Political Influence Exerted by Private Foundations on Cases Taken by NGOs to the European Court of Human Rights: Inklings of a New Cold War’?
Authors: Cliquennois Gaëtan , Champetier Brice 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBecause of the so‐called ‘austerity policies’ implemented by European institutions and national governments entailing substantial public spending cuts, national fundamental rights structures responsible for considering individual petitions and complaints have seen their resources significantly reduced. Similarly, non‐governmental organisations (NGOs), which have become specialised in lodging complaints with the European Court of Human Rights, have faced a substantial decrease in their funding. For these reasons, many NGOs active in the protection of human rights seem to have become increasingly dependent for their funding on private foundations led by wealthy financiers who pursue economic, political and judicial objectives that are not always self‐evidently compliant with the European standards of fundamental rights protection. The best example is perhaps that of the Open Society Foundations, which funds many NGOs. While scant attention has been paid by scholars to this phenomenon, this increasing dependency of NGOs on ‘economic finance’ will have a deep impact on concentrating and orientating applications towards specific domains and against specific countries. This process could therefore lead to the thwarting of the protection given to certain rights in certain countries that are not seen as priorities for NGOs and private foundations and could seriously compromise the right to make complaints to the ECtHR.
Incorporating HIV/hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus combined testing into routine blood tests in nine UK Emergency Departments: the “Going Viral” campaign
Authors: Orkin C , Flanagan S , Wallis E , Ireland G , Dhairyawan R , Fox J , Nandwani R , O'Connell R , Lascar M , Bulman J , Reeves I , Palfreeman A , Foster GR , Ahmad K , Anderson J , Tong CYW , Lattimore S 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesRoutine HIV screening is recommended in those UK hospitals and primary care settings where the HIV prevalence is > 0.2%. For hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), however, testing is targeted at at‐risk groups. We investigated the prevalence of these blood‐borne viruses (BBVs) during a routine testing pilot in UK Emergency Departments (EDs).MethodsDuring the “Going Viral” campaign (13–19 October 2014), nine UK EDs in areas of high HIV prevalence offered routine tests for HIV, HBV and HCV to adults having blood taken as part of routine care. Patients who tested positive were linked to care.ResultsA total of 7807 patients had blood taken during their ED visit; of these, 2118 (27%) were tested for BBVs (range 9–65%). Seventy‐one BBV tests were positive (3.4%) with 32 (45.1%) new diagnoses. There were 39 HCV infections (15 newly diagnosed), 17 HIV infections (six newly diagnosed), and 15 HBV infections (11 newly diagnosed). Those aged 25–54 years had the highest prevalence: 2.46% for HCV, 1.36% for HIV and 1.09% for HBV. Assuming the cost per diagnosis is £7, the cost per new case detected would be £988 for HCV, £1351 for HBV and £2478 for HIV.ConclusionsIn the first study in the UK to report prospectively on BBV prevalence in the ED, we identified a high number of new viral hepatitis diagnoses, especially hepatitis C, in addition to the HIV diagnoses. Testing for HIV alone would have missed 54 viral hepatitis diagnoses (26 new), supporting further evaluation of routine BBV testing in UK EDs.
The role of gene polymorphism in HLA class I splicing
Authors: Voorter C. E. M. , Gerritsen K. E. H. , Groeneweg M. , Wieten L. , Tilanus M. G. J. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryAmong the large number of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, only a few have been identified with a nucleotide polymorphism impairing correct splicing. Those alleles show aberrant expression levels, due to either a direct effect of the polymorphism on the normal splice site or to the creation of an alternative splice site. Furthermore, in several studies, the presence of alternatively spliced HLA transcripts co‐expressed with the mature spliced transcripts was reported. We evaluated the splice site sequences of all known HLA class I alleles and found that, beside the consensus GT and AG sequences at the intron borders, there were some other highly conserved nucleotides for the different class I genes. In this review, we summarize the splicing mechanism and evaluate what is known today about alternative splicing of HLA class I genes.
Subjectivity in Design Education: The Perception of the City through Personal Maps
Authors: Yılmaz Ebru 
Published: February 2016

AbstractOur mental maps related to the cities are limited by our personal perception and fragmented in the process. There are many inner and outer effects that shape our mental maps, and as a result the fragmented whole refers to the total city image in our minds. To represent this image, an experimental study has been conducted with a group of students. They used mapping techniques to design subjective maps. Maps, in general, are objective, and produced by standardised techniques which connote similar meanings for everyone. In contrast, artists and designers use maps as liberating objects of representations. Thus, using mapping techniques, inventing new ways of narration and gaining new understandings towards the city we dwell in are the basic aims of this study. Final designs can be evaluated as tools to question subjectivity in both design and architectural education.