bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing indicators of appropriate and inappropriate end-of-life care in people with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for population-level administrative databases: A RAND/UCLA appropriateness study
Authors: De Schreye Robrecht , Houttekier Dirk , Deliens Luc , Cohen Joachim 
Published: April 2017

Background: A substantial amount of aggressive life-prolonging treatments in the final stages of life has been reported for people with progressive life-shortening conditions. Monitoring appropriate and inappropriate end-of-life care is an important public health challenge and requires validated quality indicators. Aim: To develop indicators of appropriate and inappropriate end-of-life care for people with cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or Alzheimer’s disease, measurable with population-level administrative data. Design: modified RAND/UCLA appropriateness method. Setting/participants: Potential indicators were identified by literature review and expert interviews and scored in a survey among three panels of experts (one for each disease group). Indicators for which no consensus was reached were taken into group discussions. Indicators with consensus among the experts were retained for the final quality indicator sets. Results: The final sets consist of 28 quality indicators for Alzheimer’s disease, 26 quality indicators for cancer and 27 quality indicators for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The indicator sets measure aspects of aggressiveness of care, pain and symptom treatment, specialist palliative care, place of care and place of death and coordination and continuity of care. Conclusion: We developed a comprehensive set of quality indicators of appropriate and inappropriate end-of-life care in people with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to be used in population-level research. Our focus on administrative healthcare databases limits us to treatment and medication, excluding other important quality aspects such as communication, which can be monitored using complementary approaches. Nevertheless, our sets will enable an efficient comparison of healthcare providers, regions and countries in terms of their performance on appropriateness of end-of-life care.
ZO-1 expression is suppressed by GM-CSF via miR-96/ERG in brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Hu , Zhang Shuhong , Zhang Jilin , Liu Dongxin , Wei Jiayi , Fang Wengang , Zhao Weidong , Chen Yuhua , Shang Deshu 
Published: April 2017

The level of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) increases in some disorders such as vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. We previously reported that in Alzheimer’s disease patients, a high level of GM-CSF in the brain parenchyma downregulated expression of ZO-1, a blood–brain barrier tight junction protein, and facilitated the infiltration of peripheral monocytes across the blood–brain barrier. However, the molecular mechanism underlying regulation of ZO-1 expression by GM-CSF is unclear. Herein, we found that the erythroblast transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factor ERG cooperated with the proto-oncogene protein c-MYC in regulation of ZO-1 transcription in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). The ERG expression was suppressed by miR-96 which was increased by GM-CSF through the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Inhibition of miR-96 prevented ZO-1 down-regulation induced by GM-CSF both in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed the mechanism of ZO-1 expression reduced by GM-CSF, and provided a potential target, miR-96, which could block ZO-1 down-regulation caused by GM-CSF in BMECs.
The chameleon: a metaphor for the Chief Information Officer
Authors: Remenyi Dan , Grant Kenneth A. , Pather Shaun 
Published: April 2017

The role of CIO has been around for a little more than 20 years. In that time it has evolved significantly. Much has been written about the specific challenges faced by incumbents, describing the characteristics needed to be a business-focused executive leading a technology-intensive function. One aspect that has not been given enough consideration is that, because of the specific nature of role and use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in organisations and the different strategic and tactical issues faced by a CIO, the most needed characteristics may vary according to time and circumstance. Eight specific challenges that make the role difficult are identified and different perspectives on the competencies needed are reviewed. This paper, through literature review and discussion, examines the specific challenges faced by ICT leaders and suggests that a range of personal characteristics are needed for long term success and that these can be compared to key features of the humble chameleon: 1. The ability to change 2. The ability to see in multiple directions 3. The ability to strike fast when required, and 4. The ability to hang on when the going gets tough!
Board involvement in strategy and organisational performance
Authors: Siciliano Julie I. 
Published: April 2017

In firms where oversight by a regulatory body within the industry exists and where new core competencies must be developed to offset aggressive competition, there is evidence that a larger role for board of director involvement in strategic activities occurs. Within this context, survey data from board members and CEOs reveal that in organisations where financial soundness scores are less favourable, the odds of the board being more involved in a formal strategic planning process increase. Regarding a strategy role that consists of the board collaborating with management in making new strategic decisions, it is less likely that the board will take on this role when the organisation's financial soundness scores are not at the optimal level. For many years, boards of directors have been encouraged in theory and in practice to take on an active strategy role. However, in much of the literature the nature and extent of board involvement in strategy is undifferentiated. Most empirical studies dealing with corporate governance issues focus on board composition and structure variables and do not examine the level of involvement from a decision making perspective. Capturing this particular perspective is not only of interest to researchers but also is of practical importance, as general management seeks to realise the board's full potential in the strategic arena. This paper reports on the involvement of boards in a five-step strategic planning process and also examines board participation relative to that of senior management in strategic decision-making and evaluation. The first section examines the limited empirical findings of board involvement in strategic activities and outlines three viewpoints on possible participation levels. The paper then describes an empirical study that shows board involvement varies in relation to the organisation's financial performance.
Towards a manager's model for e-business strategy decisions
Authors: Perrott Bruce 
Published: April 2017

There is a high level of interest and debate among academics and the business community regarding the future of electronic business. In recent times there has been considerable disillusionment with the losses and negative returns associated with many e-business investments. However, the move towards e-business enablement seems inevitable for reasons of efficiency and effectiveness. Developments in e-business should be of considerable interest to marketing strategists, as they impact on business networks and affect the nature of relationships between organisations and between an organisation and its customers. Business and marketing strategists would benefit from a better understanding of the incentives and inhibitors accruing at each stage of the evolutionary path to an e-business enabled future. Based on recent research, this paper proposes the use of two frameworks that may be used to stimulate management discussion, aid management decision-making and plan progressive moves into e-business.
Homestead Food Production and Maternal and Child Dietary Diversity in Nepal: Variations in Association by Season and Agroecological Zone
Authors: Dulal Bishnu , Mundy Gary , Sawal Rojee , Rana Pooja Pandey , Cunningham Kenda 
Published: April 2017

Background: Suaahara, a large-scale integrated program, aimed to improve diets and nutritional status among women and children, in part by facilitating enhanced homestead food production (EHFP). Objective: This study examines associations between EHFP and maternal and child dietary diversity and variations by season and agroecological zone (AEZ): mountains and terai. Methods: We used data from household monitoring surveys (n = 2101 mothers; n = 994 children, 6-23 months), which included a 7-day dietary recall and maternal report on participation in 5 EHFP activities—received vegetable seeds, chicks, and technical support and participated in training and EHFP groups. We constructed binary variables for each activity and a scale (0-5) summing participation. For dietary diversity, we used the Women’s Dietary Diversity Score using 10 food groups and 7 food groups for child diets. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to assess associations between EHFP participation and dietary diversity by season and AEZ, controlling for potential confounders and clustering. Results: In adjusted models, we found positive associations between dietary diversity and chicks, technical support, and EHFP beneficiary groups; the magnitude of the associations varied by season and AEZ. The degree of participation in 5 EHFP activities was positively associated with maternal dietary diversity in the terai (β = .24, P < .001) and mountains (β = .12, P = .01) and child dietary diversity in the terai (β = .35, P < .001) during the winter. No associations were found in the rainy season. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential for EHFP to address dietary diversity constraints among this population. Variation by subnational setting and seasonality suggest that policies and programs should be contextualized.
Thalamic Hemorrhagic Stroke in the Term Newborn: A Specific Neonatal Syndrome With Non-uniform Outcome
Authors: Merlini Laura , Hanquinet Sylviane , Fluss Joel 
Published: April 2017

Background: Neonatal thalamic hemorrhagic stroke is related to cerebral sinus venous thrombosis and associated with neurological sequelae. Predicting factors are however lacking. Methods: Clinical and radiological findings at onset and on follow-up of 5 neonates with thalamic hemorrhage stroke are described. Results: All neonates presented with abrupt lethargy, ophistotonos, irritability and/or seizures. The thalamic hemorrhagic stroke was most often unilateral (4/5), involving the posterior/entire thalamus in 3 cases and the anterior thalamus in 2. Cerebral venous thrombosis was identified in a single patient. At follow-up, children with unilateral anterior thalamic hemorrhagic stroke demonstrated thalamic atrophy without neurological symptoms, whereas children whose thalamus lesion was extensive exhibit a porencephalic cavity and presented with late-onset epilepsy. Discussion: Although deep cerebral venous thrombosis is probably the cause of neonatal thalamic hemorrhagic stroke, its radiological evidence is challenging. Outcome seems dependent of the size and location of thalamic hemorrhagic stroke. Epilepsy is a frequent morbidity after thalamic hemorrhagic stroke.
Synthesising qualitative and quantitative evidence: A review of possible methods
Authors: Dixon-Woods Mary , Agarwal Shona , Jones David , Young Bridget , Sutton Alex 
Published: April 2017

Background The limitations of traditional forms of systematic review in making optimal use of all forms of evidence are increasingly evident, especially for policy-makers and practitioners. There is an urgent need for robust ways of incorporating qualitative evidence into systematic reviews. Objectives In this paper we provide a brief overview and critique of a selection of strategies for synthesising qualitative and quantitative evidence, ranging from techniques that are largely qualitative and interpretive through to techniques that are largely quantitative and integrative. Results A range of methods is available for synthesising diverse forms of evidence. These include narrative summary, thematic analysis, grounded theory, meta-ethnography, meta-study, realist synthesis, Miles and Huberman's data analysis techniques, content analysis, case survey, qualitative comparative analysis and Bayesian meta-analysis. Methods vary in their strengths and weaknesses, ability to deal with qualitative and quantitative forms of evidence, and type of question for which they are most suitable. Conclusions We identify a number of procedural, conceptual and theoretical issues that need to be addressed in moving forward with this area, and emphasise the need for existing techniques to be evaluated and modified, rather than inventing new approaches.
MicroRNA-451 regulates chemoresistance in renal cell carcinoma by targeting ATF-2 gene
Authors: Sun Xiang , Lou Longhua , Zhong Kezhao , Wan Lijuan 
Published: April 2017

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant tumor, which severely threatens human’s life, moreover, the multi-drug resistance (MDR) under RCC undoubtedly strengthen the difficulties in the treatment. MiR-451 has been considered to play an important role in regulation of MDR in several cancers, but the role of it in MDR of RCC has not been explored. This study aims to explore the mechanism of miR-451 as a target to regulate chemotherapy resistance, which is crucial for further exploring novel therapy for RCC. Two human cell lines (ACHN and GRC-1) were performed in this study and adriamycin (ADM) was used to construct MDR cell lines. qRT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of miR-451 and ATF-2. Weston blot was used to determine protein expression. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used for assessing cell viability and apoptosis, individually. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the targeting of miR-451 and ATF-2. Results presented that the expression of miR-451 was higher in low MDR cell line (ACHN) comparing with the high MDR cell line (GRC-1), while the expression of ATF-2 revealed an opposite results. MiR-451 targeted ATF-2 and regulated its expression. Overexpression of miR-451 strengthened drug resistance, decreased cell viability, and increased cell apoptosis of GRC-1 pretreated by ADM, while overexpressed ATF-2 reversed the effect induced by miR-451 overexpression. Then miR-451 knockdown improved drug susceptibility, decreased cell apoptosis, and increased cell viability of ACHN induced by ADM, however, ATF-2 suppression reversed the low rate of cell apoptosis and high rate of cell viability induced by miR-451 knockdown. Our results revealed that miR-451 regulates the drug resistance of RCC by targeting ATF-2 gene, which might be critical for overcoming MDR in RCC patients. Impact statement This is the first study to emphasize the expression of miR-451 on regulating multi-drug resistance (MDR) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our study found that miR-451 regulates the drug resistance of RCC by targeting ATF-2, which might be critical for overcoming MDR in RCC patients. This study not only provides solid theory foundation for the clinical therapy, but also offers unique insights for the further RCC research. Furthermore, the study helps us to understand the mechanism of MDR, which was crucial for identifying the chemoresistance on several related tumors.
Clinical development of fenretinide as an antineoplastic drug: Pharmacology perspectives
Authors: Cooper Jason P , Reynolds C Patrick , Cho Hwangeui , Kang Min H 
Published: April 2017

Fenretinide (4-HPR) is a synthetic retinoid that has cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. Despite substantial in vitro cytotoxicity, response rates in early clinical trials with 4-HPR have been less than anticipated, likely due to the low bioavailability of the initial oral capsule formulation. Several clinical studies have shown that the oral capsule formulation at maximum tolerated dose (MTD) achieved <10 µmol/L concentrations in patients. To improve bioavailability of 4-HPR, new oral powder (LYM-X-SORB®, LXS) and intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) formulations are being tested in early-phase clinical trials. ILE 4-HPR administered as five-day continuous infusion achieved over 50 µmol/L at MTD with minimal systemic toxicities; multiple complete and partial responses were observed in peripheral T cell lymphomas. The LXS oral powder 4-HPR formulation increased plasma levels approximately two-fold at MTD in children without dose-limiting toxicities and demonstrated multiple complete responses in recurrent neuroblastoma. The clinical activity observed with new 4-HPR formulations is attributed to increased bioavailability. Phase I and II clinical trials of both LXS 4-HPR and ILE 4-HPR are in progress as a single agent or in combination with other drugs. Impact statement One of the critical components in drug development is understanding pharmacology (especially pharmacokinetics) of the drugs being developed. Often the pharmacokinetic properties, such as poor solubility leading to poor bioavailability, of the drug can limit further development of the drug. The development of numerous drugs has often halted at clinical testing stages, and several of them were due to the pharmacological properties of the agents, resulting in increased drug development cost. The current review provides an example of how improved clinical activity can be achieved by changing the formulations of a drug with poor bioavailability. Thus, it emphasizes the importance of understanding pharmacologic characteristics of the drug in drug development.
Inter-rater and inter-instrument reliability of goniometric thumb active and passive flexion range of motion measurements in healthy hands
Authors: McGee Corey , Carlson Kali , Koethe Amanda , Mathiowetz Virgil 
Published: April 2017

Introduction Goniometry is a common measure of range of motion and may be assessed by different therapists and goniometers. To date, there is limited psychometric data on active and passive range of motion measurements of individual thumb joints. The purpose of this study was to analyze inter-rater and inter-instrument reliability of passive and active flexion goniometric measures of thumb joints in healthy adults. Methods A within-subjects psychometric design was utilized. Two raters each used two goniometers (Baseline™ Flexion-Hyper Extension and Baseline™ 180 Degree Digit) to measure each participant’s (n = 48) thumb carpometacarpal, metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeal flexion range of motion. Inter-rater and inter-instrument reliability and stability were evaluated through use of intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of the measurement, and minimal detectable change test statistics. Results Inter-rater reliability was poor for carpometacarpal flexion and good-to-excellent for metacarpophalangeal and IP flexion. Between-rater error ranged between 3.9 and 6.3 degrees for active measurements and between 3.9 and 7.9 degrees for passive. Error was generally less when using the Baseline™ 180 Degree Digit goniometer. Inter-instrument reliability was excellent for all joints. Discussion These findings validate the concerns that thumb goniometry inter-rater reliability may differ in clinical and non-clinical populations, support further study in clinical populations, and support a common assumption that the same rater should test the same client with the same goniometer to minimize measurement error. When compared to the Baseline™ Flexion-Hyper Extension Goniometer, the Baseline™ 180 Degree Digit had higher repeatability across raters. Further research on within-rater reliability is required as is study on clinical populations.
Recovery of methotrexate-induced anuric acute kidney injury after glucarpidase therapy
Authors: Harms James , Khawaja Ayaz , Taylor Maria , Han Xiaosi , Mrug Michal 
Published: April 2017

Objectives: This case report describes two cases of high-dose methotrexate–induced nephrotoxicity: death in the case of conventional supportive care and successful renal function recovery in a patient treated with glucarpidase and continuous dialysis. Methods: High dose methotrexate is widely used for management of adult and pediatric malignancies. However, high-dose methotrexate–induced renal nephrotoxicity may cause severe, even lethal complications. Here we present examples of such outcomes. Results: We present one case of lethal high-dose methotrexate nephrotoxicity in a patient treated with conventional rescue therapy. We contrast this outcome with another patient with high-dose methotrexate–induced anuric acute kidney injury, who has recovered renal function following therapy with glucarpidase and continuous dialysis. Conclusions: This is only the second reported case of high-dose methotrexate–induced anuric acute kidney injury, and the only one with a reported clinical outcome. This first report of recovery from high-dose methotrexate–induced anuric acute kidney injury after glucarpidase administration supports available evidence pointing to the effectiveness of this therapy.
Outcome and natural course of renal dysfunction in liver transplant recipients with severely impaired kidney function prior to transplantation
Authors: Horvatits T , Pischke S , Proske VM , Fischer L , Scheidat S , Thaiss F , Fuhrmann V , Lohse AW , Nashan B , Sterneck M 
Published: April 2017

Background Since introduction of the MELD score in the liver allograft allocation system, renal insufficiency has emerged as an increasing problem. Here we evaluated the course of kidney function in patients with advanced renal insufficiency prior to liver transplantation (LT). Methods A total of 254 patients undergoing LT at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (2011–2015) were screened for renal impairment (GFR < 30 ml/min) prior to LT in this observational study. Results Eighty (32%) patients (median 60 years; M/F: 48/32) had significant renal impairment prior to LT. Median follow-up post-LT was 619 days. Patient survival at 90 days, one year and two years was 76%, 66% and 64%, respectively. Need for dialysis postoperatively but not preoperatively was associated with increased mortality ( p < 0.05). Renal function improved in 75% of survivors, but 78% of patients had chronic kidney disease ≥ stage 3 at end of follow-up. Of eight (16%) survivors remaining on long-term dialysis, so far only four patients have received a kidney transplant. Conclusion Postoperative dialysis affected long-term mortality. In 75% of survivors renal function improved, but still the majority of patients had an impaired renal function (CKD stage 3–5) at end of follow-up. Future studies should elucidate the impact of kidney dysfunction and dialysis on recipients’ long-term survival.