bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Manual Acupuncture for Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Rong , Li Xiuxia , Zhou Shenghu , Zhang Xiaogang , Yang Kehu , Li Xusheng 
Published: January 2017

Objective To assess the efficacy of manual acupuncture (MA) in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Methods We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MA versus sham/placebo or no intervention in patients with MPS in the following databases from inception to January 2016: PubMed; Cochrane Library; Embase; Web of Science; and China Biology Medicine. Two reviewers independently screened the literature extracted data and assessed the quality of the included studies according to the risk of bias tool recommended by the Cochrane Handbook (V.5.1.0). Then, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results Ten RCTs were combined in a meta-analysis of MA versus sham, which showed a favourable effect of MA on pain intensity after stimulation of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs; standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.90, 95% CI −1.48 to −0.32; p=0.002) but not traditional acupuncture points (p>0.05). Benefit was seen both after a single treatment (SMD −1.05, 95% CI −1.84 to −0.27; p=0.009) and course of eight sessions (weighted mean difference (WMD) −1.96, 95% CI −2.72 to −1.20; p<0.001). We also found a significant increase in pressure pain threshold following MA stimulation of MTrPs (WMD 1.00, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.67; p=0.004). Two of the included studies reported mild adverse events (soreness/haemorrhage) secondary to MA. Conclusions Through stimulation of MTrPs, MA might be efficacious in terms of pain relief and reduction of muscle irritability in MPS patients. Additional well-designed/reported studies are required to determine the optimal number of sessions for the treatment of MPS.
Modelling the cost-effectiveness of introducing the RTS,S malaria vaccine relative to scaling up other malaria interventions in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Winskill Peter , Walker Patrick GT , Griffin Jamie T , Ghani Azra C 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the relative cost-effectiveness of introducing the RTS,S malaria vaccine in sub-Saharan Africa compared with further scale-up of existing interventions.DesignA mathematical modelling and cost-effectiveness study.SettingSub-Saharan Africa.ParticipantsPeople of all ages.InterventionsThe analysis considers the introduction and scale-up of the RTS,S malaria vaccine and the scale-up of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS) and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC).Main outcome measureThe number ofPlasmodium falciparumcases averted in all age groups over a 10-year period.ResultsAssuming access to treatment remains constant, increasing coverage of LLINs was consistently the most cost-effective intervention across a range of transmission settings and was found to occur early in the cost-effectiveness scale-up pathway. IRS, RTS,S and SMC entered the cost-effective pathway once LLIN coverage had been maximised. If non-linear production functions are included to capture the cost of reaching very high coverage, the resulting pathways become more complex and result in selection of multiple interventions.ConclusionsRTS,S was consistently implemented later in the cost-effectiveness pathway than the LLINs, IRS and SMC but was still of value as a fourth intervention in many settings to reduce burden to the levels set out in the international goals.
Hike in Royalty Payments by ACC
Authors: Mohanty Pitabas , Mishra Supriti 
Published: January 2017

During the period of 2010–2013, many MNCs in India were in a hurry to increase royalties to their parent companies as a proposed regulation in India was going to make it difficult after October 2014. In December 2012, the Board of ACC decided to increase the royalty payments from 0.6% to 1% of net sales to Holcim, the parent company of ACC. The market reacted negatively and the stock price of ACC fell by 2% on the date of announcement and around 10% in the two-month period following the announcement. There was widespread resentment among investors. Many questioned the corporate governance practices followed by MNCs in India. By 15 February 2013, the shareholders of ACC had to decide whether to vote in favor of the proposal. If Holcim, which controlled more than 50% stake in ACC, decided to participate in the voting, then the proposal would automatically be approved. The case explores the different options available to the shareholders of ACC and presents material to enable the shareholders to evaluate the merits of each of these alternatives. The case gives the readers an opportunity to value the stock of ACC and decide whether the market overreacted. The case also gives an opportunity to discuss the merits of the decision taken by ACC and to critically assess the corporate governance practices followed by ACC.
G-Auto Business Model: Diversifying and Sustaining Under Duress
Authors: Basu Shubhabrata 
Published: January 2017

This case traces the evolutionary and competitive challenges faced by Nirmal Kumar (Kumar), a social entrepreneur, in the process of diversifying and sustaining a fledgling corporation. Kumar, an MBA graduate from Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was severely ill-treated by an auto rickshaw driver when he refused to yield to unfair price demand. That traumatic experience and the risk it posed to the vulnerable section of the society, motivated him to search for a solution. He found that overcharging was not endemic to all auto drivers. With his own limited resources, he started organizing the good auto drivers, leveraging his prior experience in procuring external unencumbered funding. He articulated well-defined value propositions to the stakeholders and created G-Auto. G-Auto proved to be a safe and efficient para-transit alternative. He obtained politico-regulatory and financial support to expand and standardize the operating model across other cities of Gujarat. Within a couple of years, he had organized around 10,000 auto drivers under the G-Auto banner. He further differentiated the service according to specific needs. He arranged training for the drivers and designated them as G-Auto Pilots to enhance their dignity. He further leveraged the auto network to diversify into the under-skilled job market and the fruit and vegetable supply chain and attempted to give a corporate form to his diversified ventures. In the process, the basic stewardship character of his initiative appeared to be compromised, besides drawing unwanted attention from competitors coupled with threats and violence to him and his auto-pilots. With waning stewardship characteristics, would Kumar be able to grow and sustain his initiatives? Would he be able to command the same goodwill trust from his old and new stakeholders? If not, how would he sustain his existing and new initiatives all on his own?
Build to Last, Discount, or Defer?: Examining Lotte’s Entry into the Beer Industry
Authors: Yi Young-Sang , Kang Hyoung-Goo , Jun Hannah 
Published: January 2017

This case represents the first part of a two-part case that analyzed the entry of LotteChilsung (“Lotte”) into the Korean beer industry. With regards to market structure, the market was characterized by a duopoly that was commanded by Oriental Brewery Co. (“OBC”) and HiteJinro (“HJ”). Lotte would be up against stiff competition should it go through with its intended plans to enter the beer industry. On the one hand, Lotte announced a two-step entry plan that began with a small plant. This case highlights the small plant as a real option since the two-step plan was not financially justifiable under classical NPV analysis. With the real option, Lotte could either expect to buy OBC or HJ at a much cheaper price, or wait for better timing to minimize potential losses from investment in a large plant while remaining a minor player in the beer market. Rather than highlighting a typical success or failure study, this case places participants in the driver’s seat of current events and asks them to critically analyze costs, benefits, and strategy.
Genetic Insurance Discrimination in Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes
Authors: Mohammed Saira , Lim Zaneta , Dean Paige H. , Potts James E. , Tang Jessica N.C. , Etheridge Susan P. , Lara Alice , Husband Pam , Sherwin Elizabeth D. , Ackerman Michael J. , Sanatani Shubhayan 
Published: January 2017

Background—
There is virtually no information assessing the insurability of families affected with Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) for the determination of the nonclinical implications of genetic screening. It is important to identify the barriers and challenges faced by families as a result of genetic screening for SADS to enable equitable access to insurance coverage.

Methods and Results—
To explore the insurance coverage experiences of SADS-affected families, we administered a cross-sectional online survey across North America from April 28, 2012 to November 13, 2013. Participants included individuals with a SADS diagnosis and their relatives who have applied for insurance (health, life, travel, and disability) or have existing insurance coverage. Of 202 participants, 92% had a SADS diagnosis (92%) as either a proband (50%) or an affected relative (42%); 8% of participants were unaffected family members of a proband; and genetic confirmation was reported by 73%. Of the 54% of SADS respondents who applied for insurance, 60% were rejected by insurers. The preexisting SADS diagnosis was the major reason reported for rejection (57%). Most respondents (80%) had insurance coverage through a spouse/parent plan at the time of diagnosis; 14% experienced a subsequent negative effect on coverage. Thirty-nine percent of affected SADS respondents reported an increase in insurance premium rates.

Conclusions—
Increased genetic testing has negatively impacted insurability for SADS patients and affected family members. The challenges in obtaining life and health insurance are mainly because of the preexisting condition, even in the presence of protective laws in the United States.
Functional Validation of a Common Nonsynonymous Coding Variant in
ZC3HC1
Associated With Protection From Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Linseman Tara , Soubeyrand Sébastien , Martinuk Amy , Nikpay Majid , Lau Paulina , McPherson Ruth 
Published: January 2017

Background—

Although virtually all coronary artery disease associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are in noncoding regions of the genome, a common polymorphism in
ZC3HC1
(rs11556924), resulting in an arginine (Arg) to histidine (His) substitution in its encoded protein, NIPA (Nuclear Interacting Partner of Anaplastic Lyphoma Kinase) is linked to a protection from coronary artery disease. NIPA plays a role in cell cycle progression, but the functional consequences of this polymorphism have not been established.

Methods and Results—

Here we demonstrate that total
ZC3HC1
expression in whole blood is similar across genotypes, despite expression being slightly biased toward the risk allele in heterozygotes. At the protein level, the protective His363 NIPA variant exhibits increased phosphorylation of a critical serine residue (Ser354) and higher protein expression as compared with the Arg363 variant. Binding experiments indicate that neither SKP1 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 1) nor CCNB1 binding were affected by the polymorphism. Despite similar nuclear distribution, NIPA His363 exhibits greater nuclear mobility. NIPA suppression results in a modest reduction of proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells, but given low proliferative capacity, a significant effect of the variant was not noted. By contrast, we demonstrate that the protective variant reduces cell proliferation in HeLa cells.

Conclusions—
These findings extend the genetic association between rs11556924 and coronary artery disease risk by characterizing its effects on the encoded protein, NIPA. The resulting amino acid change Arg363His is associated with increased expression and nuclear mobility, as well as lower rates of cell growth in HeLa cells, further supporting a role for cell proliferation in atherosclerosis and its clinical consequences.
Trends in India's External Trade in Rubber and Rubber Products
Authors: Joseph Joby , George K. Tharian , Joseph Toms 
Published: January 2017

In a relative term, the assessment on the consequences of global trading regime governed by WTO in a significant way has been concerned with macro level issues compared to product specific studies from a national or global perspective. Several factors such as trade policy reforms initiated in a large number of countries or country groupings, rules of the WTO agreement, overriding importance of today's regional trade agreements and broad sectoral issues are influencing the behavioural patterns and equations of international trade. The popular academic and policy perspectives tend to treat product specific issues as an ensemble of broad sectoral issues. As a result, there exists a substantial paucity of product specific studies across countries. Attempts are made only when the issues surface beyond the scope of sectoral level survival or revival strategies. The long term implications of such a policy paradigm exposes the relevance of studies pertaining to the performance of individual product groups in the context of trade policy reforms. In the light of this development, the paper makes an attempt to provide a detailed analysis of the trends in India's external trade in rubber and rubber products.
Progress and Prospects of Indian Engineering Goods Exports (1956-2005)
Authors: Illiyan Asherf 
Published: January 2017

The importance of exports to economic development has been well documented in empirical as well as theoretical literature. For instance, as a number of studies prove, exports may lead to greater capacity utilization, economies of scale, incentive for technological improvement and efficient management due to competitive pressure abroad, etc. The present study analyzes exports performance of Indian engineering goods industry during 1956–2005. The study found that Indian engineering exports have shown phenomenal growth over many years and are making distinctive contribution to the overall export effort. Not only the engineering exports have grown by leaps and bounds from a mere Rs 5.16 crore in 1956-57 to an all-time high of Rs 73,800.9 crore in 2004-05 but also its share in total all-India exports increased from 0.5 per cent in 1956-57 to a commendable 20.4 per cent in 2004-05. It reflects the increased acceptability of Indian engineering products in international market, aggressive marketing strategy, entry into new market, promotional role of Engineering Export Promotional Council and more liberal policies of the Government especially after 1991, etc. Moreover, it is observed that engineering exports have registered a much higher annual average growth rate than total all-India exports in almost all decades. It is also noticed that there has been a marked shift and significant changes in the composition of engineering exports in the last four decades. The importance of capital goods and management and consultancy services has gone up while those of non-ferrous metals and consumer durables have declined. Further, a close look at destination of Indian engineering exports shows that there has been substantial diversification over the years. While the share of Asia and Africa which accounted for almost 97 per cent of Indian engineering exports in 1956-57 has declined to 34.2 per cent in 2004-05, the share of Europe and America with negligible share in 1956-57 now accounts for 39 per cent of Indian engineering exports. This is a pointer to the diversification of market as well as growing acceptability of our engineering products in developed world. The major problems of engineering exports are: stiff world. The major problems of engineering exports are: stiff competition, technological problems, high cost of industrial inputs, high transaction cost, trade barriers, infrastructural bottlenecks and so forth. Setting up of engineering export processing zones, focused approach in terms of identified thrust products and thrust markets, upgradation of technology, sales promotion effort, prompt delivery and after sales services, support to small-scale units, more involvement of large-scale units, setting up of joint ventures, attraction of foreign direct investment, establishment of free trade area or preferential trade agreements, etc. are a few suggestions emanating from the study.
Criminal Disposition of Persons Involved in 72 Cases of Fatal Child Abuse
Authors: Showers Jacy , Apolo Julio 
Published: January 2017

Seventy-two cases of fatal child abuse were studied to determine the numbers of cases in which charges were filed, indictments returned, and convictions obtained. The sentences given and amount of time served were also examined. All of the cases reviewed involved children six years of age or under who were in the care of their parent(s) or substitute caretaker(s) when the injuries or conditions occurred which resulted in their deaths. Charges were filed in less than one-half of the cases, and convictions were obtained in less than one-third of these cases. The sentences given and actual time served varied considerably. The results of the present study illustrate the need for improved training of medical personnel, law enforcement officials and prosecuting attorneys in the investigation and prosecution of cases of fatal child abuse.
Electron Probe Microanalysis of Human Teeth for the Determination of Individual Age
Authors: Kosa Ferenc , Antal Albert , Farkas Imre 
Published: January 2017

The calcium and phosphorus weight concentrations as well as the calcium/phosphorus weight ratio were determined by electron probe microanalysis both peritubularly and intertubularly in the dentine of 25 adults of varying age and sex, originating from our autopsy material. The studies were performed with a TESLA BS-300 scanning electron microscope coupled with an EDAX-149-10 X-ray detector and a BMG-38100 X-ray analyser with an accelerating potential of 15 kV, a sample current of 100 pA and a measurement time of 20 s. Peritubularly the Ca/P weight ratio of the hyper-mineralized part of the dentine decreases with age and is in close correlation with it (r = − 0.9052) and this tendency is significant even at the level of 95% (P < 0.05). The equation of the regression line is: [Formula: see text] where x is the age and y is the Ca/P weight ratio. The weight concentration of phosphorus is in an even closer correlation with age (r = 0.9712) and this correlation is also significant (P < 0.01). The equation of the regression line is the following: [Formula: see text] The close correlation of both the Ca/P weight ratio of the teeth and of the phosphorus weight concentration with the age allows individual age determination to be performed in the course of forensic medical and palaeoanthropological studies.
Duplication of the Vermiform Appendix
Authors: Mitchell I C , Nicholls J C 
Published: January 2017

Duplication of the vermiform appendix is uncommon; however appendicectomy is frequently performed. Failure to recognize this condition may have serious clinical and medicolegal consequences. A case is reported and the classification reviewed; medico-legal aspects are discussed. A greater awareness of the condition amongst junior surgical staff is recommended.
Place of Safety and Section 136 at Gatwick Airport
Authors: Lowe-Ponsford Francesca L , Begg Ayaz 
Published: January 2017

Seventy-nine adults and nineteen children were arrested at Gatwick Airport under s.136 over the period of one year although not all were formally held under this section at the police station (i.e. not all were accepted by the custody police officer). Their notes at the police station were reviewed. None of the children and only half of the adults were eventually seen by a doctor. The police were able to deal with the others. Half of these latter were missing persons. Those referred to a doctor tended to be suicidal or confused compared with those who were dealt with solely by the police. In addition, the police station as a place of safety probably influenced management in that people were dealt with quickly. The phenomenon of ‘wanderers’ is commented upon. This study suggests that when reviewing people held by the police as a result of their behaviour, a more comprehensive study can be performed by considering those arrested under s.136, but needing a more informal approach, at the police station.
Use of Death Certificates to Study Ethnic-Specific Mortality
Authors: Caveney Angela F. , Smith Melinda A. , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Lisabeth Lynda D. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. The Hispanic population in the United States represents more than 40 million individuals, with Mexican Americans (MA) as the largest subgroup. To assess the utility of death certificates and medical records as the source of race/ethnicity data for epidemiologic studies, we compared self-reported race/ethnicity to race/ethnicity recorded on death certificates and medical records in a bi-ethnic, non-immigrant U.S. community with a significant MA population. Methods. This study utilized data collected from a subset of 1,856 participants of the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project. In-person interviews were conducted to determine self-reported race/ethnicity. Of those interviewed, 480 subsequently expired. Using self-reported race/ethnicity as the gold standard, we determined percent agreement, sensitivity, and specificity of the death certificate and medical record. Results. Of the 480 subjects, 259 self-reported their race/ethnicity as non-Hispanic white (NHW), 195 self-reported as MA, and 26 self-reported as non-Hispanic black. Median age was 78.5 years and 55.8% were female. Percent agreement between self-reported race/ethnicity and race/ethnicity recorded on the death certificate and medical record was 97.1% and 96.3% respectively. Five percent of MAs were misclassified as NHW on their death certificates and 3% on their medical records. Conclusions. Results indicated that Hispanic designation recorded on death certificates and medical records in this community was largely consistent with that of self-report. This study suggests that vital statistics data in non-immigrant U.S. Hispanic communities can be used with confidence to investigate ethnic-specific aspects of disease and mortality. Similar studies in other multi-racial communities should be conducted to confirm and generalize these results.