bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression analysis of the TGF-β/SMAD target genes in adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction
Authors: Peng Defeng , Fu Lin , Sun Guoping 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway is found to play pivotal roles in cell growth, differentiation and tumorigenesis. Its target genes are closely related to the biological behaviors of some malignancies. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of the target genes of this pathway, including growth-related c-myc, p21, p15, and metastasis-related Snail, ZEB1 and Twist1 in the adenocarcinomas of esophagogastric junction (AEJ) tissues. Clinical esophagogastric junction tissues from 25 cases of AEJ patients and 10 cases of non-tumorous tissues from the same site were collected. Quantitative real-time poly chain reactions were carried out to analyze the expression of the above referred target genes of TGF-β/SMAD pathway. A notable up-regulation in the mRNA expression of p15, Snail, ZEB1, down-regulation of c-myc, was found whereas there were no significant change of p21 and Twist1. The findings suggests that the TGF-β/SMAD pathway might be abnormally activated in AEJ since most of the target genes of this pathway exhibited altered expression at mRNA level.
Pathogenesis-oriented approaches for the management of corticosteroid-resistant or relapsedprimary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Liu Xin-guang , Hou Ming 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPrimary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a complex autoimmune disorder in which the patient’s immune system reacts with platelet autoantigens resulting in immune-mediated platelet destruction and/or suppression of platelet production. Corticosteroids can induce sustained remission rates in 50% to 75% of patients with active ITP. For these patients who are unresponsive to glucocorticoids, or relapsed after an initial response, multiple second-line treatment modalities can be chosen. However, how to make an optimal therapeutic strategy for a specific patient still remains a major challenge. As the pathogenetic heterogeneity of the ITP is increasingly identified, pathogenesis-oriented approach might offer an opportunity to improve the outcome of corticosteroid-resistant or relapsed ITP.
GSTP1 A>G polymorphism and chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma: A meta-analysis
Authors: Fengfeng Wu , Ruqing Ye , Juntao Xu 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The association between GSTP1 A>G polymorphism and chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma is controversial according to previously published studies. We conducted this meta-analysis to further investigate the role of GSTP1 A>G genetic variation in response to chemotherapy resistance in patients with osteosarcoma. Using the electronic databases of Pubmed, Wanfang and CNIK were searched to find the studies related to the GSTP1 A>G polymorphism and chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma. The genotype of AA, AG and GG were extracted from the chemotherapy sensitivity and chemotherapy resistance group. The association between GSTP1 A>G polymorphism and chemosensitivity was calculated by STATA11.0 software. The correlation between GSTP1 A>G polymorphism and chemotherapy response was assessed by odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Four studies with 681 cases were finally included in this meta-analysis. The pooled data indicated that there was no significant association between GSTP1 A>G polymorphism and chemosensitivity in patients with osteosarcoma [Homozygous genetic model (GG vs AA): OR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.25-1.12, P=0.10; recessive genetic model (GG vs GA+AA): OR=0.61, 95%CI:0.34-1.11,P=0.11; and dominant genetic model (GG+AG vs AA): OR=0.67, 95%CI:0.42-1.07,P=0.10]. No correlation between GSTP1 A>G polymorphism and chemosensitivity was found according to this present meta-analysis. However, the small number of cases in each included study and significant statistical heterogeneity among the trials means the conclusion should be regarded as conservative.
A meta-analysis of adiponectin gene rs22411766 T>G polymorphism and ischemic stroke susceptibility
Authors: Xiuju Chen , Zhen Wang , Yanchao Shi 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Several studies have investigated the correlation between adiponectin gene rs22411766 T>G polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk. However, the results were not conclusive with each other. Therefore, to overcome this obstacle, we performed this meta-analysis to further explicate the adiponectin gene rs22411766 T>G polymorphism and ischemic stroke susceptibility. Case-control or cohort studies focused on adiponectin gene rs22411766 T>G polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk were electronic searched in the databases of Medline, Pubmed, Cochrane library, Excerpta Medica database(EMBASE) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). All the potentially relevant studies were included in this meta-analysis. The association between adiponectin gene rs22411766 T>G polymorphism and ischemic stroke was expressed by odds ratio with its confidence interval. Publication bias has been assessed by begg’s funnel plot. All the analyses have been performed by Revman 5.1 statistical software. Finally, a total of six studies with 1,345 cases and 1,421 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that there was a significant association between adiponectin gene rs22411766 T>G polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk (p<0.05). People with G single nucleotide of adiponectin gene have the increased risk of developing ischemic stroke compared to T single nucleotide.
A case report of hereditary spherocytosis with concomitant chronic myelocytic leukemia
Authors: Xiaoqiu Wang , Bingmu Fang , Jinhong Jiang , Zhigang Qu , Guangli Ma , Yonghua Liu , Xiaoli Wang 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and Chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) are both life threatening hemotologic diseases. They are rarely seen to occur simultaneously in one individual patient. Here we demonstrate a case of HS associated with CML in this study. The patient is a young female, diagnosed with HS in 2005, and was given partial embolization of the splenic artery. She got significant remission after the procedure. In 2008, she was found abnormal in blood routine test, after bone marrow routine, chromosome and fusion gene tests, she was diagnosed with CML (chronic phase). She did not receive regular treatment until 3 months prior, and is currently being treated with Dasatimib. She achieved hematological remission, but had no significant improvement in chromosome and fusion gene figures. Due to her severe condition of hemolysis, a splenectomy or an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is considered.
A case of giant saphenous vein graft aneurysm followed serially after coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Takayama Tadateru , Akutsu Naotaka , Hiro Takafumi , Oya Toshiyuki , Fukamachi Daisuke , Haruta Hironori , Iida Korehito , Kougo Takaaki , Mineki Takashi , Nishida Toshihiko , Murata Nobuhiro , Oshima Toru , Hata Hiroaki , Shiono Motomi , Hirayama Atsushi 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Saphenous vein graft aneurysm (SVGA) is one of the chronic complications after coronary aorta bypass grafting (CABG) and may be caused by atherosclerosis-like phenomena of the vein graft, weakness around the vein valve, rupturing of the suture of the graft anastomosis, or perioperative graft injury. We describe a case of a large, growing saphenous vein graft aneurysm that was followed serially by chest radiography and computed tomography. Eighteen years after CABG, an SVGA (23 × 24 mm) was incidentally detected. The patient was asymptomatic and was followed conservatively. Four years later, coronary computed tomographic angiography showed that the giant aneurysm had grown to 52.1 by 63.8 mm and revealed a second, smaller aneurysm. Finally, the SVG was ultimately resected without bypass via off-pump surgery. Therefore, this case suggested that aggressive treatment that includes surgical intervention should be considered before the aneurysm becomes larger, even if it is asymptomatic.
Meningioma recurrence
Authors: Hortobágyi Tibor , Bencze János , Varkoly Gréta , Kouhsari Mahan C , Klekner Álmos 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Meningioma accounts for more than 30% of all intracranial tumours. It affects mainly the elderly above the age of 60, at a female:male ratio of 3:2. The prognosis is variable: it is usually favourable with no progression in tumour grade and no recurrence in WHO grade 1 tumours. However, a minority of tumours represent atypical (grade 2) or anaplastic (grade 3) meningiomas; this heterogeneity is also reflected in histopathological appearances. Irrespective of the grade, the size of the tumour and the localisation may have severe, sometimes lethal consequences. Following neurosurgical interventions to remove the tumour, recurrence and progression in WHO grade may occur. Our knowledge on predisposing histomorphological and molecular factors of recurrence is rather limited. These can be classified as I) demographic II) environmental, III) genetic and epigenetic IV) imaging, V) neuropathological, and VI) neurosurgical. In view of the complex background of tumour recurrence, the recognition of often subtle signs of increased risk of recurrence requires close collaboration of experts from several medical specialties. This multidisciplinary approach results in better therapy and fewer complications related to tumour recurrence.
Delayed recurrent nerve paralysis following post-traumatic aortic pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Mesolella Massimo , Ricciardiello Filippo , Tafuri Domenico , Varriale Roberto , Testa Domenico 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Blunt trauma to the neck or to the chest are increasingly observed in the emergency clinical practice. They usually follow motor vehicle accidents or may be work or sports related. A wide pattern of clinical presentation can be potentially encountered. We report the uncommon case of a patient who was referred to our observation presenting with hoarseness and disphagia. Twenty days before he had sustained a car accident with trauma to the chest, neck and the mandible. Laryngoscopy showed a left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Further otolaryngo-logical examination showed no other abnormality. At CT and MR imaging a post-traumatic aortic pseudoaneurysm was revealed. The aortic pseudoaneurysm was consequently repaired by implantation of an endovascular stent graft under local anesthesia. The patient was discharged 10 days later. At 30-days follow-up laryngoscopy the left vocal cord palsy was completely resolved.
Hoarseness associated with a dilated left atrium in a patient with mitral valve stenosis was initially described by Ortner more than a century ago. Since then several non malignant, cardiovascular, intrathoracic disease that results in embarrassment from recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy usually by stretching, pulling or compression; thus, the correlations of these pathologies was termed as cardiovocal syndrome or Ortner’s syndrome. The reported case illustrates that life-threatening cardiovascular comorbidities can cause hoarseness and that an impaired recurrent laryngeal nerve might be correctable.
Correlation analysis of VHL and Jade-1 gene expression in human renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Xiao-fen Wu , Ting Chen , Jie Li , Deng-yang Ma , Qing-feng Zhu , Xin Lian 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL) mRNA expression and jade family PHD finger 1 (Jade-1) gene expression in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Another aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of these two genes with clinicalpathological features of the RCC patients. Methods: A total of 75 RCC patients who received surgically therapy in our hospital were included. All patients had complete pathological data. The expression of VHL/Jade-1 was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: VHL and Jade-1 were both obviously downregulated in RCC tissues than that of the matched normal tissues, and both negatively correlated with tumor size as well as tumor grade. And we found a fine association of VHL gene expression with Jade-1. Conclusion: VHL/Jade-1 exhibited significantly decreased expression in RCC tissues and was closely related to the clinical prognosis of patients. The finding of VHL expression positively correlated with Jade-1 expression shed light and provided crucial evidence on the connection of VHL protein with Wnt/b-catenin pathway.
Baltic Sea datums and their unification as a basis for coastal and seabed studies
Authors: Wolski Tomasz , Wiśniewski Bernard , Musielak Stanisław 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis paper presents examples of application of a common reference datum, such as NAP, within the elevation EVRS reference system for the Baltic Sea. A common reference datum allowed for setting the geographical pattern of occurrence of extreme sea levels in the Baltic Sea. The eastern Baltic coasts exposed to western air masses are vulnerable to extreme hydrological events (the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Gulf of Bothnia). On the contrary, the Swedish coasts of the central and northern Baltic are the least threatened by extreme sea levels. The south-western coasts of the Baltic Sea (the Bay of Mecklenburg and the Bay of Kiel) cover the basins with the most frequent and the most severe storm falls and extremely low sea levels. Demonstration of the Baltic surface deformation magnitude during a storm event is another example of NAP application. The instantaneous height difference between the north-eastern and southwestern coasts was 356 cm, which resulted from the negative impact of pressure (water cushion) induced by a dynamic and deep low-pressure system moving through the Baltic Sea. The common reference datum allowed for visualization of the so-called “theoretical water” distribution which has a wide application in the hydraulic engineering within the coastal zone. In addition, the study provides examples of differences that may be observed during storm events between the real sea-level data and the hydrodynamic model forecast. This is of great practical significance in terms of forecasting storm surges in the Baltic Sea.
Scleractinian diversity in the Dardanelles and Marmara Sea (Turkey): morphology, ecology and distributional patterns
Authors: Özalp H. Bariş , Alparslan Mustafa 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Although marine research on anthozoans began at the end of the 1800s with some reports on the occurrence in Turkey, comprehensive knowledge about their biotic features remains limited. This study is the first detailed diversity assessment of scleractinian corals inhabiting the Turkish waters. The surveys conducted on rocky habitats between 2011 and 2014 around the Dardanelles and Marmara Sea provided the distributional data of nine corals, five of which (Caryophyllia inornata, Paracyathus pulchellus, Polycyathus muellerae, Phyllangia mouchezii, Leptopsammia pruvoti) were recorded for the first time from the above-mentioned regions. During the surveys carried out at 200 stations down to 50 m depth, a total of 1072 scuba dives were made and the ecological features of habitats, physical characteristics of coral species and an updated list of corals as a contribution to the scleractinian fauna of Turkey were provided. The abundance rate of Polycyathus muellerae and Cladocora caespitosa in Eceabat and Dardanos regions was higher than at the other stations.
Russia’s backyard – unresolved conflicts in the Caucasus
Authors: Sonnleitner Dominik 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The Caucasus played a prominent role in the Russian foreign policy for a long time, which has not changed since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Beginning with four general hypothesis about Russia’s interests in its “near abroad” the essays gives an insights in the current status and developments in the relations between Russia and its southern neighbors Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. A special focus is on the frozen conflicts in South Ossetia and Naghorno-Karabakh and Russia’s role in these conflicts.
The Construction of Crisis: The ‘internal‑identitarian’ nexus in Russian‑European relations and its significance beyond the Ukraine crisis
Authors: Pieper Moritz 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Since 2012 and with Putin’s return to the presidency, Russian politics underwent a process of securitization of domestic politics. This laid the groundwork for the crisis in European-Russian relations that culminated in the ‘Ukraine crisis’ from late 2013. This article will trace the domestic determinants of Russian foreign policy choices and narratives since 2012 that help explain the political deadlock between ‘the West’ and Russia over the European Union’s ‘Eastern Partnership’. It will thereby also analyze the effects for the Russian perception of agency between the US and the EU as well as path dependencies that European Union sanctions have created. Not only Russia’s relationship with the West is at stake in this stand-off. The ‘Ukraine crisis’ has developed into a fundamental systemic crisis of the Putinite regime. Only if Putin’s ‘social contract’, which had guaranteed economic well-being in exchange for political inactivity, was to be eroded by sanctions imposed on Russia, the ‘civilizational’ narrative of Russian exclusivity would be endangered. A new social contract will be a generational task and will have to take stock of the nexus between internal determinants and identitarian foreign policy choices. It will also be the first step in recalibrating European-Russia relations.
Lead Polluted Hotspot: Environmental Implication of Unplanned Industrial Development
Authors: Rikta Sharmin Yousuf , Rahaman Md. Shiblur , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Tareq Shafi Mohammad 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
In Rayer Bazaar, different industries like tannery, plastic, textile, battery recycling industry etc. are increasing rapidly without considering the environmental issues and deterioration. Since chromium (Cr) pollution of this area has been widely investigated due to the presence of tannery industries, this study was focused on examining other environmental factors. Field visits and analytical results of semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis as well as three dimensional excitation emission matrix spectroscopy (3DEEM) of water, soil and vegetative tissues indicated that, the area is highly polluted in term of different environmental parameters and metal content. The extremely high lead (Pb) content of the soil (1171.7 mg/kg in summer, 2157.1 mg/kg in winter) and blackish materials of vegetative tissues (6585.6 mg/kg in summer, 1974.1 mg/kg in winter) indicates excessive lead deposition of this area that makes it a lead polluted hotspot. One of the possible sources of the extremely high lead concentration is adjacent battery recycling industry and/or other industries surrounding this area. So it is urgent to take necessary steps to find out immediate options for possible mitigation.
Land Degradation Within the Bahluieţ Catchment
Authors: Popa Ionela , Ioniţă Ion 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The Bahluieţ catchment, located in the Moldavian Plateau, at the contact between the Jijia Rolling Plain, the Suceava Plateau and the Central Moldavian Plateau, has 54,866 hectares in size. The sculptural landforms are prevailing, described by elongated rolling hills, and are underlain by the Bessarabian layers laid in marine brackish facies. In turn, the typical plateau relief (Coasta Iasilor and the eastern border of the Suceava Plateau) is developed in coastal facies also Bessarabian in age.
This paper focuses on the spatial distribution and intensity of land degradation processes and associated controlling factors within the Bahluieţ catchment. The most characteristic geomorphological processes, playing an essential role in the morphogenesis of the landforms are soil erosion and landslides, while gully erosion and sedimentation have a reduced intensity.
Soil erosion is ubiquitous, being the process with the highest extension. Therefore, the soils on the arable land, affected by moderate-excessive erosion, hold a weight of 38%. The slopes subjected to landslides are stretching on 19,040 ha, representing 35% of the studied area. Nowadays, most landslides show high degree of stability, due to the drier period of time since 1982. The gully erosion has a reduced incidence resulting from the prevailing Bessarabian clayey-sandy facies. The average rate of sedimentation in reservoirs, after the year 1986, is around 2 cm yr-1.
Land degradation within the Bahluieţ catchment occurs on steeper slopes, mainly in the shape of cuesta fronts, usually northern and western facing, but also on some degraded cuesta back slopes.
Managerial Tools for Sustainable Development
Authors: Danubianu Mirela , Teodorescu Cristian 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
In the last decade, complex statistical studies related to top managerial tools proven to impact the most the performances of business companies show the following (changing) hierarchy (excerpts):
- Strategic Planning;
- Customer Relationship Management;
- Employee Engagement Survey;
- Corporate Social Responsibility;
- Balanced Scorecard.
These tools are, practically, unknown to the majority of companies with Romanian capital. This cannot go on like that. The main argument comes from the conditions in which these companies act, from increasing challenges from similar EU companies, from globalization and from increased awareness for sustainable development. The paper tries to identify a common mainframe for implementing such tools. Specific aspects are also given as examples.
Main conclusions are:
1. Even in a general mainframe, there is no unique approach applicable to all companies;
2. Involvement of top managers is essential;
3. The appointed implementation team is multidisciplinary in every case (technical experts, economists, environmentalists, mathematicians, IT professionals, etc.). Their legitimacy gives consistence and coherence to the implementing process;
4. An external, neutral facilitator is a must. He is the guide, the referee, the one that deals with possible disputes and divergences in the team;
5. All new managerial tools must be based on what companies already have; This paper is the first in a series dedicated to the subject and comes as a side result of the PAZEWAIA Project, financed by Innovation Norway, project currently active in the North-East Development Region of Romania.
Drought Assessment in the Moldavian Plain
Authors: Pelin Liviu Ioan 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The Moldavian Plain, located in the North-Eastern part of Romania, has a temperate-continental climate with a nuance of excessivity in the precipitation regime. This paper aims to analyse droughts in the Moldavian Plain for the period 1961-2010, by using a classical method - the de Martonne Aridity Index, and two other less known indices developed in Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Among these indices, the Dry Spells Index demonstrates a increasing frequency of dry years in recent decades.