bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Philanthrolateralism: Private Funding and Corporate Influence in the United Nations
Authors: Seitz Karolin , Martens Jens 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe United Nations (UN) is embarking on a new era of selective multilateralism, shaped by intergovernmental policy impasses and a growing reliance on corporate‐led solutions to global problems. Multiple partnerships between corporations, philanthropic foundations and the UN have been established in recent years. Private funding from corporations and philanthropic foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for UN activities has increased steadily. The changes in funding practices have deep implications for global governance. Private funding runs the risk of turning UN agencies, funds and programmes into contractors for bilateral or public‐private projects, eroding the multilateral character of the system and undermining democratic global governance.
Measuring the Empowerment of International Organizations: The Evolution of Financial and Staff Capabilities
Authors: Heldt Eugénia , Schmidtke Henning 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInternational organizations’ (IOs) power in shaping global governance outcomes is not only determined by the formal delegation of tasks and issue areas but also by the necessary capabilities to fulfill these tasks. Yet, extant research on the delegation of power to IOs gives few insights into the financial and staff capabilities of IOs and focuses mainly on the formal rules that specify IOs’ tasks and issue scope. To address these limitations, this paper makes three contributions. First, we propose a more encompassing concept of IO power which incorporates three principal components: tasks, issue scope, and capabilities. Second, we introduce a new concept – IO empowerment (IOE) – which encapsulates formal and informal changes in IO power over time. Third, we introduce a novel dataset on IO capabilities, which measures the formal rules governing IO staff and financial resources as well as the actual capabilities available to six well‐known IOs over 65 years. These original data show that capabilities vary not only across IOs but also over time.
Accounting Standards for Complex Resources of International Organizations
Authors: Bergmann Andreas , Fuchs Sandro 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article will describe the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in UN System Organizations and consider technically controversial issues such as revenue recognition in more detail. Based on the IPSAS financial statements of 24 UN System Organizations, the article provides an overview about current funding schemes and key issues related to conditional contributions. Results show a heterogeneous funding mix for UN System Organizations while, overall, voluntary contributions remain the most important revenue source. The main accounting implication arises from conditional voluntary contributions with specified performance obligations, requiring an entity to defer revenue and recognize a liability. Although all analysed UN System Organizations report under the same accounting principles, there exist differences in the level of information concerning conditional contributions and outstanding performance obligations. The article concludes that IPSAS bears the capacity to increase overall financial accountability and to trigger management debates about issues such as resource dependency, topics being discussed by other contributions in this special issue. Overall it is argued that IPSAS shall not be seen as a mere technical exercise, but as a management tool to ensure a flexible funding scheme to successfully achieve an entity's long‐term objectives.
Vertical Funds: New Forms of Multilateralism
Authors: Browne Stephen 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe United Nations and other multilateral organizations have always been prominent in the health field. UN agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), however, have come increasingly under the influence of major individual donors which provide earmarked funding. Since 2000, two major vertical funds in the health field – the Global Fund and the GAVI Alliance – provide new models of multilateralism and their funding patterns, together with those of WHO, are examined in some detail. We review the extent to which the two new funds and WHO conform to traditional definitions of multilateralism by reference to several test areas: degrees of concentration of funding sources; the influence of individual funders; sustainability; and transparency. We also draw lessons from the analysis for the UN development organizations.
Trust Funds as a Lever of Influence at International Development Organizations
Authors: Reinsberg Bernhard 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTrust funds – broadly defined as financial vehicles to channel development funding earmarked for specific purposes through international development organizations – have grown substantially over the past two decades. Reflecting the variety of trust fund purposes and related governance arrangements, an emergent literature emphasizes a diversity of reasons underlying this growth. This paper proposes a simple – yet encompassing – explanation applicable to all kinds of funds: donors use trust funds to wield ‘influence’ – leveraging financial resources to alter the policies of multilateral organizations. Based on interviews at the World Bank, the study shows that influence is a dominant motive behind trust funds, though the capacity and willingness to wield influence varies across donors. Influence is a salient motive especially for medium‐sized donors and emerging donors but surprisingly less so for large donors. In addition, attempts of influence are most effective when donors promote new thematic issues that did not previously feature Bank assistance and outside established programs. Concerns among stakeholders about undue donor influence are highest with respect to the global knowledge work of the World Bank but are virtually absent when involving donors in the operational activities at the country level.
Assessment of plasma endostatin to predict acute kidney injury in critically ill patients
Authors: Mårtensson J. , Vaara S. T. , Pettilä V. , Ala‐Kokko T. , Karlsson S. , Inkinen O. , Uusaro A. , Larsson A. , Bell M. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundWe evaluated whether plasma endostatin predicts acute kidney injury (AKI), need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), or death.MethodsProspective, observational, multicenter study from 1 September 2011 to 1 February 2012 with data from 17 intensive care units (ICUs) in Finland.ResultsA total of 1112 patients were analyzed. We measured plasma endostatin within 2 h of ICU admission. Early AKI (KDIGO stage within 12 h of ICU admission) was found in 20% of the cohort, and 18% developed late AKI (KDIGO criteria > 12 h from ICU admission). Median (IQR) admission endostatin was higher in the early AKI group, 29 (19.1, 41.9) ng/ml as compared to 22.4 (16.1, 30.1) ng/ml for the late AKI group, and 18 (14.0, 23.6) ng/ml for non‐AKI patients (P < 0.001). Endostatin level increased with increasing KDIGO stage. Significantly higher endostatin levels were found in patients with sepsis as compared to those without. Predictive properties for AKI, RRT, and mortality were low with corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.62, 0.67, and 0.59. Sensitivity analyses among patients with chronic kidney disease or sepsis did not improve the predictive ability of endostatin. Adding endostatin to a clinical AKI prediction model (illness severity score, urine output, and age) insignificantly changed the AUC from 0.67 to 0.70 (P = 0.14).ConclusionsEndostatin increases with AKI severity but has limited value as a predictor of AKI, RRT and 90‐day mortality in patients admitted to ICU. Moreover, endostatin does not improve AKI risk prediction when added to a clinical risk model.
The acceleration of reproductive aging in Nrg1flox/flox;Cyp19‐Cre female mice
Authors: Umehara Takashi , Kawai Tomoko , Kawashima Ikko , Tanaka Katsuhiro , Okuda Satoshi , Kitasaka Hiroya , Richards JoAnne S. , Shimada Masayuki 
Published: August 2017

SummaryIrregular menstrual cycles, reduced responses to exogenous hormonal treatments, and altered endocrine profiles (high FSH/high LH/low AMH) are observed in women with increasing age before menopause. In this study, because the granulosa cell‐specific Nrg1 knockout mice (gcNrg1KO) presented ovarian and endocrine phenotypes similar to older women, we sought to understand the mechanisms of ovarian aging and to develop a new strategy for improving fertility in older women prior to menopause. In the ovary of 6‐month‐old gcNrg1KO mice, follicular development was blocked in bilayer secondary follicles and heterogeneous cells accumulated in ovarian stroma. The heterogeneous cells in ovarian stroma were distinguished as two different types: (i) the LH receptor‐positive endocrine cells and (ii) actin‐rich fibrotic cells expressing collagen. Both the endocrine and fibrotic cells disappeared following long‐term treatment with a GnRH antagonist, indicating that the high levels of serum LH induced the survival of both cell types and the abnormal endocrine profile to reduce fertility. Moreover, follicular development to the antral stages was observed with reduced LH and the disappearance of the abnormal stromal cells. Mice treated with the GnRH antagonist regained normal, recurrent estrous cycles and continuously delivered pups for at least for 3 months. We conclude that endocrine and matrix alternations occur within the ovarian stroma with increasing age and that abolishing these alternations resets the cyclical release of LH. Thus, GnRH antagonist treatments might provide a new, noninvasive strategy for improving fertility in a subset of aging women before menopause.
A genome‐wide association study suggests new candidate genes for milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle
Authors: Yue S. J. , Zhao Y. Q. , Gu X. R. , Yin B. , Jiang Y. L. , Wang Z. H. , Shi K. R. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryA genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 15 milk production traits in Chinese Holstein. The experimental population consisted of 445 cattle, each genotyped by the GGP (GeneSeek genomic profiling)‐BovineLD V3 SNP chip, which had 26 151 public SNPs in its manifest file. After data cleaning, 20 326 SNPs were retained for the GWAS. The phenotypes were estimated breeding values of traits, provided by a public dairy herd improvement program center that had been collected once a month for 3 years. Two statistical models, a fixed‐effect linear regression model and a mixed‐effect linear model, were used to estimate the association effects of SNPs on each of the phenotypes. Genome‐wide significant and suggestive thresholds were set at 2.46E‐06 and 4.95E‐05 respectively. The two statistical models concurrently identified two genome‐wide significant (P < 0.05) SNPs on milk production traits in this Chinese Holstein population. The positional candidate genes, which were the ones closest to these two identified SNPs, were EEF2K (eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase) and KLHL1 (kelch like family member 1). These two genes could serve as new candidate genes for milk yield and lactation persistence, yet their roles need to be verified in further function studies.
Interaction Between Val158Met Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase Polymorphism and Social Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia: Pilot Study
Authors: Tylec Aneta , Jeleniewicz Witold , Mortimer Ann , Bednarska‐Makaruk Małgorzata , Kucharska Katarzyna 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe Val158Met catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) functional polymorphism may influence social cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia.Aspects of social cognition were evaluated with the Facial Expression Recognition Test, the Voice Emotion Recognition Test, and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test. The Short Recognition Memory Test for Faces was used as a control measure. The Schedule for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Schedule for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, and Beck Depression Inventory were used to rate of patient symptoms.There were 100 patients with the following genotypes: Val/Val (21), Met/Met (30), and Val/Met (49). The genotype distribution of polymorphism of Val158Met COMT did not differ between the patient and control groups. Schizophrenia carriers of the Val/Val genotype performed worse in social cognitive measures, in comparison with the other groups. No statistically significant correlations were recorded between age at schizophrenia onset and polymorphism of Val158Met COMT. There was an influence of genotype in the control group: the Met homozygotes performing better.Schizophrenia patients homozygous for the Val allele showed significant disadvantages over patients homozygous or heterozygous for the Met allele in social cognitive processes. The COMT genotype may not, however, contribute to the age of onset of schizophrenia.
Predictors on admission of functional decline among older patients hospitalised for acute care: A prospective observational study
Authors: Basic David , Ní Chróinín Danielle , Conforti David , Shanley Chris 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveWe sought to investigate the incidence of, and factors associated with, in‐hospital functional decline among older acute hospital patients.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted under geriatric medicine over 5 years. The primary outcome measure was functional decline between admission and discharge, representing deterioration in any of the following: Modified Barthel Index (MBI), independence in Timed Up and Go test or walking, and/or need for walking aid.ResultsOverall, 56% (950/1693) patients (mean age 81.9 years) exhibited in‐hospital functional decline. Premorbid MBI (odds ratio (OR) 1.05 per unit increase, P < 0.001), adverse drug reaction (OR 1.50, P = 0.001) and in‐hospital consultation as the referral source (OR 1.57, P = 0.001) were independently associated with functional decline, adjusting for age, dementia and nursing home residence.ConclusionThese factors may aid identification of vulnerable patients who might particularly benefit from targeted multidisciplinary intervention. Further studies validating this, and exploring the impact of focussed management, are needed.
The use of trastuzumab in New Zealand women with breast cancer
Authors: Lawrenson Ross , Lao Chunhuan , Campbell Ian , Harvey Vernon , Brown Charis , Seneviratne Sanjeewa , Edwards Melissa , Elwood Mark , Kuper‐Hommel Marion 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimTrastuzumab was first funded in New Zealand for use in HER2+ve stage I–III breast cancer in 2007. This observational study aims to ascertain the patterns of use of trastuzumab in women with invasive HER2+ve breast cancer, and assess the effectiveness of adjuvant trastuzumab in women with stage I–III HER2+ve breast cancer.MethodsThe Waikato and Auckland Breast Cancer Registries have clinical details of 12 372 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between June 2000 and May 2013. The proportion of women with HER2+ve breast cancer treated with trastuzumab was examined by age, ethnicity, stage and year of diagnosis. Differences in outcomes including the development of metastases and death were assessed for women with stage I–III HER2+ve breast cancer treated with both chemotherapy and trastuzumab, compared to women treated with chemotherapy alone.ResultsAmong the 1587 HER2+ve breast cancer patients, 888 (56.0%) women received trastuzumab. The probability of having trastuzumab decreased with higher age and comorbidity score and increased with year of diagnosis, tumor size and cancer stage. Māori and Pacific women were less likely to be treated with trastuzumab. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the treatment with trastuzumab improved breast cancer‐specific mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35–0.93).ConclusionOverall, this observational study has shown a substantial improvement in survival for women with HER2+ve stage I–III breast cancer, and much of this improvement can be attributed to the introduction of trastuzumab. Changes in chemotherapy also appear to have led to improved outcomes.
Altered miR‐193a‐5p expression in children with cow's milk allergy
Authors: D'Argenio V. , Del Monaco V. , Paparo L. , De Palma F. D. E. , Nocerino R. , D'Alessio F. , Visconte F. , Discepolo V. , Del Vecchio L. , Salvatore F. , Berni Canani R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundCow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in children. Epigenetic mechanisms have been suggested to play a role in CMA pathogenesis. We have shown that DNA methylation of Th1/Th2 cytokine genes and FoxP3 affects CMA disease course. Preliminary evidence suggests that also the miRNome could be implicated in the pathogenesis of allergy. Main study outcome was to comparatively evaluate miRNome in children with CMA and in healthy controls.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from children aged 4‐18 months: 10 CMA patients, 9 CMA patients who outgrew CMA, and 11 healthy controls. Small RNA libraries were sequenced using a next‐generation sequencing‐based approach. Functional assessment of IL‐4 expression was also performed.ResultsAmong the miRNAs differently expressed, 2 were upregulated and 14 were downregulated in children with active CMA compared to healthy controls. miR‐193a‐5p resulted the most downregulated miRNA in children with active CMA compared to healthy controls. The predicted targets of miR‐193a‐5p resulted upregulated in CMA patients compared to healthy controls. Peripheral blood CD4+ T cells transfected with a miR193a‐5 inhibitor showed a significant upregulation of IL‐4 mRNA and its protein expression. Children who outgrew CMA showed miRNA‐193a‐5p level, and its related targets expression, similar to that observed in healthy controls.ConclusionsOur results suggest that miR‐193a‐5p is a post‐transcriptional regulator of IL‐4 expression and could have a role in IgE‐mediated CMA. This miRNA could be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for this common form of food allergy in childhood.
Response to omalizumab using patient enrichment criteria from trials of novel biologics in asthma
Authors: Casale T. B. , Chipps B. E. , Rosén K. , Trzaskoma B. , Haselkorn T. , Omachi T. A. , Greenberg S. , Hanania N. A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundRecent efficacy studies of asthma biologics have included highly enriched patient populations. Using a similar approach, we examined factors that predict response to omalizumab to facilitate selection of patients most likely to derive the greatest clinical benefit from therapy.MethodsData from two phase III clinical trials of omalizumab in patients with allergic asthma were examined. Differences in rates of asthma exacerbations between omalizumab and placebo groups during the 16‐week inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose‐stable phase were evaluated with respect to baseline blood eosinophil counts (eosinophils <300/μL [low] vs ≥300/μL [high]) and baseline markers of asthma severity (emergency asthma treatment in prior year, asthma hospitalization in prior year, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1; FEV1 <65% vs ≥65% predicted], inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate dose [<600 vs ≥600 μg/day], and long‐acting beta‐agonist [LABA] use [yes/no]).ResultsAdults/adolescents (N = 1071) were randomized to receive either omalizumab (n = 542) or placebo (n = 529). In the 16‐week ICS dose‐stable phase, rates of exacerbations requiring ≥3 days of systemic corticosteroid treatment were 0.066 and 0.147 with omalizumab and placebo, respectively, representing a relative rate reduction in omalizumab‐treated patients of 55% (95% CI, 32%‐70%; P = .002). For patients with eosinophils ≥300/μL or with more severe asthma, this rate reduction was significantly more pronounced.ConclusionIn patients with allergic asthma, baseline blood eosinophil levels and/or clinical markers of asthma severity predict response to omalizumab.
Comparative sperm protein profiling in bulls differing in fertility and identification of phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein 4, a potential fertility marker
Authors: Somashekar L. , Selvaraju S. , Parthipan S. , Patil S. K. , Binsila B. K. , Venkataswamy M. M. , Karthik Bhat S. , Ravindra J. P. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThis study aimed to identify sperm proteomic signatures regulating sperm functions and fertility by: (i) comparing the sperm electrophoretic protein profiles and identifying the differentially abundant proteins among breeding bulls differing in fertility status and (ii) elucidating the possible role of one of the identified novel proteins, PEBP4 on sperm function and fertility. The grouping of bulls as fertile (n = 6) and low fertile (n = 6) was performed based on bull fertility index and infertile (n = 6) based on semen rejection rate (>33%). The sperm motility, fructolysis index, acrosomal reaction, intracellular calcium levels, and seminal plasma fructose and calcium levels were studied among fertility groups. The differentially expressed sperm proteins observed in single‐ and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) were identified using Nano‐LC‐MS/MS. In the fertile bulls, the expression levels of calmodulin (CALM1), spermadhesinZ13 (SPADH2), and phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein 4 (PEBP4) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in other fertility groups. In bovine, expression of PEBP4 a novel seminal protein was not observed in spermatozoa of infertile bulls. When the bulls were grouped based on the presence (n = 8) or absence (n = 10) of PEBP4 protein in spermatozoa, a positive significant (p < 0.05) association of this protein with the percentage of motile, type‐A spermatozoa, and sperm fructose uptake was observed. Further, PEBP4 was localized in elongated spermatids, Leydig cells, excurrent duct system, and principal piece of spermatozoa. These findings suggest a crucial role for the PEBP4 protein in spermiogenesis, epididymal sperm maturation, and sperm motility. This first study in bovine indicates the positive association of PEBP4 in regulating sperm maturation, functions, and fertility and could be a potential marker for predicting semen quality and fertility.