bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Molecular Technology and Prolonged Cultures in the Diagnosis of Fungal Prosthetic Joint Infections and Orthopedic-Related Devices
Authors: Domínguez Delfina C. , Camacho Elizabeth , Antony Suresh 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Fungal infections involving orthopedic-related devices, including prosthetic joints, are a rare occurrence. However, the diagnosis is often difficult leading to prolonged and often unnecessary medical and surgical interventions such as antifungal medications and invasive orthopedic procedures. Candida parapsilosis is an unusual cause of prosthetic joint infection, and its diagnosis can be challenging. We present a case wherein the patient presented with a persistently swollen knee and negative cultures. The diagnosis was made by increasing culture incubation time and polymerase chain reaction. This case emphasizes the need for prolonged culture incubation every time samples are collected from prosthetic sites. Furthermore, to provide a prompt diagnosis, the use of molecular technology is highly recommended.
Streptococcus anginosus Purulent Pericarditis With Contiguous Hepatic and Subdiaphragmatic Fluid Collections
Authors: Cooper Joseph David , Gotoff Robert Alan 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Streptococcus anginosus is a microaerophilic, catalase-negative, gram-positive cocci, which form small colonies and produce a characteristic caramel odor when cultured on blood agar. Purulent pericarditis is a rare clinical presentation caused by this microorganism. We present a 62-year-old gentleman with multiple medical comorbidities whom had worsening shortness of breath during the last month. He presented in cardiac tamponade and computed tomographic scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis revealed a large pericardial effusion with contiguous subdiaphragmatic and hepatic collections. Streptococcus anginosus was isolated from pericardial fluid, and the associated subdiaphragmatic and hepatic collections completely resolved after initial and emergent subxiphoid pericardial drainage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known case of Streptococcus anginosus causing purulent pericarditis with associated subdiaphragmatic and hepatic collections which resolved after drainage.
The Relationship Between Mobility Dysfunction Staging and Global Cognitive Performance
Authors: Tolea Magdalena I. , Galvin James E. 
Published: February 2016

Objectives:
To assess the relationship and the directionality between mobility and cognitive performance.

Method:
A cross-sectional analysis of a racially/ethnically diverse sample of 327 community-dwelling adults (mean age=68.9±9.9 y; range, 40 to 100 y) categorized as having no mobility dysfunction, upper-extremity (UE) impairment, lower-extremity (LE) impairment, or mobility limitation (both UE and LE impairments), and compared by global cognition with multiple hierarchical linear regression adjusted for sociodemographic, health, and mood factors. A bootstrapping mediation analysis investigated the directionality of the mobility-cognition association.

Results:
LE (Est.=−2.95±0.77, P=0.001) but not UE impairment (Est.=−1.43±1.05, P=0.175) was associated with a poorer global cognitive performance/impairment. The presence of mobility limitation had the strongest effect on cognition (Est.=−3.78±1.09, P<0.001) adjusting for sociodemographic factors, body composition, comorbidities, and mood. Mediation analysis indicated that the relationship between cognition and mobility likely operates in both directions.

Discussion:
The association between cognitive function and mobility follows a dose-response pattern in which the likelihood of poor global cognition increases with the progression of mobility dysfunction, with evidence that LE impairments may be better indicators of an impaired cognitive status than UE impairments. Using brief, valid tools to screen older patients for early signs of mobility dysfunction, especially when the LE is affected, is feasible, and may provide the first detectable stage of future cognitive impairment and provide actionable steps for interventions to improve performance, reduce burden, and prevent the development of physical disability and loss of independence.
Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity in Early and Late Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Lee Eek-Sung , Yoo Kwangsun , Lee Young-Beom , Chung Jinyong , Lim Ji-Eun , Yoon Bora , Jeong Yong 
Published: February 2016

Background:
Default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity is one of the neuroimaging candidate biomarkers of Alzheimer disease. However, no studies have investigated DMN connectivity at different stages of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this study was to investigate patterns of DMN connectivity and its breakdown among cognitively normal (CN), early MCI (EMCI), and late MCI (LMCI) subjects.

Methods:
Magnetic resonance imaging data and neuropsychological test scores from 130 subjects (CN=43, EMCI=47, LMCI=40) were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. DMN functional connectivity was extracted using independent components analysis and compared between groups.

Results:
Functional connectivity in the precuneus, bilateral medial frontal, parahippocampal, middle temporal, right superior temporal, and left angular gyri was decreased in EMCI subjects compared with CN subjects. When the 2 MCI groups were directly compared, LMCI subjects exhibited decreased functional connectivity in the precuneus, bilateral medial frontal gyri, and left angular gyrus. There was no significant difference in gray matter volume among the 3 groups. Amyloid-positive EMCI subjects revealed more widespread breakdown of DMN connectivity than amyloid-negative EMCI subjects. A quantitative index of DMN connectivity correlated well with measures of cognitive performance.

Conclusions:
Our results suggest that the breakdown of DMN connectivity may occur in the early stage of MCI.
Electroconvulsive Therapy in Italy
Authors: Buccelli Claudio , Di Lorenzo Pierpaolo , Paternoster Mariano , D'Urso Giordano , Graziano Vincenzo , Niola Massimo 
Published: February 2016

Background
The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is still very limited in Italy for ideological rather than scientific reasons.

Objectives
To describe the public controversies surrounding ECT in Italy and to propose a plan of action to resolve the dispute.

Methods
We describe the historical background and the current public controversies about ECT by reviewing the official documents issued by the entities involved in the debate and by reporting our personal experiences of ECT practice.

Results
According to the highest legal and health authorities, there are no ethical reasons for doubting the licit nature of ECT. However, because of politically and ideologically based conflicts, public ECT centers are still lacking. The situation could further deteriorate because local initiatives are endeavoring to criminalize and ban the treatment.

Conclusions
The enactment of specific regulations and guidelines concerning the use of ECT by the Italian government is highly warranted to increase the availability of the treatment. Education and information campaigns must strive to increase the knowledge of health professionals and the lay public regarding the safe and beneficial use of ECT.
A novel polymorphism in nitric oxide synthase interacting protein (NOSIP) modulates nitric oxide and mortality in Human Sepsis
Authors: Mukherjee Ratnadeep , Singh Diwakar Kumar , Patra Rajkumar , Barman Pijus Kanti , Prusty Birendra Kumar , Thatoi Pravat , Tripathy Rina , Das Bidyut Kumar , Ravindran Balachandran 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNitric oxide, synthesised by three isoforms of Nitric Oxide synthases viz., nNOS by neurons, eNOS by endothelial cells and iNOS by phagocytes, performs a wide variety of biological functions in neurons, vascular endothelial cells and immune cells. Interaction between inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Nitric oxide synthase interacting protein (NOSIP) was observed both in human monocytes and mouse macrophages and in cell free systems by biophysical methods. A novel mutation in nitric oxide synthase interacting protein (NOSIP) determined NO levels produced by human monocytes and was associated with disease severity in Sepsis patients. The study reveals NOSIP as an important regulator of inflammation by virtue of its ability to influence nitric oxide production both in mice and in humans and opens up novel avenues for therapeutic strategies against acute inflammation. While the influence of this novel NOSIP polymorphism in cardio-vascular and neuronal functions could be a subject of future investigations, its role in determining disease severity and mortality of the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic will be of immediate relevance.
Systematic over-expression screens for chromosome instability identify conserved dosage chromosome instability genes in yeast and human tumors
Authors: Duffy Supipi , Fam Hok Khim , Wang Yikan , Styles Erin B. , Kim Jung-Huyn , Ang J. Sidney , Singh Tejomayee , Larionov Vladimir , Shah Sohrab , Andrews Brenda J. , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Hieter Phillip 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSomatic copy number amplifications (SCNAs) and gene over-expression are common features of many cancers. To determine the role of gene over-expression on genome stability, we performed functional genomic screens in the budding yeast for chromosome instability, a defining characteristic of cancer that can be targeted by therapeutics. Over-expression of 245 yeast genes increases chromosome instability by influencing processes such as chromosome segregation and DNA damage repair. Testing candidate human homologs, which were highly recurrently altered in tumors lead to the identification of 2 genes, Tdp1 and Taf12 that contribute to CIN in human cells when over-expressed. Rhabdomyosarcoma lines with higher levels of Tdp1 also show chromosome instability and can be partially rescued by siRNA-mediated knockdown of Tdp1. Using synthetic dosage lethality screens in yeast, we identified candidate target genes that will specifically target tumors with high levels of Tdp1. We demonstrate the utility of functional genetic screens in model organisms to broaden the spectrum of CIN genes, to identify novel genes relevant to chromosome instability in humans and to identify candidate gene targets that can be leveraged to selectively kill tumors over-expressing specific genes.
Reinvestigating the role of ERK5: kinase activity is not required for cellular immune response or proliferation
Authors: Lin Emme C.K. , Amantea Christopher M. , Nomanbhoy Tyzoon K. , Weissig Helge , Ishiyama Junichi , Hu Yi , Sidique Shyama , Li Bei , Kozarich John W. , Rosenblum Jonathan S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUnlike other members of the MAPK family, ERK5 contains a large C-terminal domain with transcriptional activation capability in addition to an N-terminal canonical kinase domain. Genetic deletion of ERK5 is embryonic lethal and tissue-restricted deletions have profound effects on erythroid development, cardiac function and neurogenesis. In addition, depletion of ERK5 is anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic. Small molecule inhibition of ERK5 has been shown to have promising activity in cell and animal models of inflammation and oncology. Here we report the synthesis and biological characterization of potent, selective ERK5 inhibitors. In contrast to both genetic depletion/deletion of ERK5 and inhibition with previously reported compounds, inhibition of the kinase with the most selective of the new inhibitors had no anti-inflammatory or anti-proliferative activity. The source of efficacy in previously reported ERK5 inhibitors is shown to be off-target activity on bromodomains (BRDs), conserved protein modules involved in recognition of acetyl-lysine residues during transcriptional processes. It is likely that phenotypes reported from genetic deletion or depletion of ERK5 arise from removal of a non-catalytic function of ERK5. The newly reported inhibitors should be useful in determining which of the many reported phenotypes are due to kinase activity, and delineate which can be pharmacologically targeted.
Be the leader in your own life
Authors: Copeland Liz 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to discuss how aspects of leadership development can be used to enhance the coaching experience and how leadership skills can be applied to the process of personal change.

Design/methodology/approach
– The concept of “leadership in action in your own life” is being used by the author to promote positive attitude to change during the process of coaching. Reflections on this are shared here.

Findings
– Leadership is a role that can be taken on by anyone when they embark on personal change and having leadership attitudes can considerably aid the coaching process. Leadership should not be thought of as something that “only other people do”.

Practical/implications
– Coaches should be prepared to specifically call a client to leadership in their own life, offering leadership attitudes as a way of meeting the challenge of personal change.

Originality/value
– This paper describes the value of explicitly using leadership and leadership attitudes in any area of personal change and development, not just in leadership development.
Social impact of major sports events perceived by host community
Authors: Liu Dongfeng 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the social impact of major sports events perceived by host city residents using Shanghai as an example.

Design/methodology/approach
– Exploratory factor analysis based on 450 valid questionnaires.

Findings
– Research revealed six impact factors including four positive ones: “image and status,” “international exchange and cooperation,” “economic and tourism development,” and “infrastructure development.” In addition, two negative ones are also identified as “inconvenience of life” and “environment pollution and security concern.” Taken as a whole, the local residents in Shanghai have a relative positive perception of the impact of major sports events. Four out of six impact factors were significantly predictive of the attitude toward future bidding of major sports events.

Originality/value
– The existing literature mainly examined social impact of specific events through case study, and little is known about the overall perception of major sports events in general. Accordingly, this paper seeks to bridge the gap by taking an event portfolio approach using Shanghai as an example.
An examination of sports sponsorship from a small business perspective
Authors: Zinger J. Terence , O'Reilly Norman J 
Published: February 2016

This paper responds to the need for more investigation into the "conceptual underpinnings of sponsorships" (Gardner & Shuman, 1988, p.44) by investigating the spectrum of opportunities that are available to small firms - whether as sports donors or as bona fide sponsors - through the prism of small business Stages of Development theory. A multiple case study approach is employed to explore the nature of sponsorship activities being undertaken by small enterprises and to contribute to the advancement of the authors' 'philanthropy-sponsorship' continuum.
This research makes two contributions. First, it presents the classifications of 'patronage' versus 'semistrong sponsorship' versus 'fully functioning sponsorship' relationships, based on the nature of the expected benefits. Second, it evaluates the small business/sports property interface from the perspective of small business phases of development and proposes a framework for linking the small firm to sports sponsorship outcomes.
Bankruptcy prediction: the case of Belgian SMEs
Authors: Cultrera Loredana , Brédart Xavier 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The aim of this paper is to develop a bankruptcy prediction model for the Belgian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the building of a logit model that includes a selection of financial ratios.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using a sample of 7,152 Belgian SMEs among which 3,576 were declared bankrupt between 2002 and 2012, the model, which includes control variables such as firm size and age, aims to test the predictive power of ratios reflecting the financial structure, the profitability, the solvency and the liquidity of firms.

Findings
– The results report a satisfactory prediction accuracy and show that ratios as profitability and liquidity are excellent predictors of bankruptcy for Belgian SMEs.

Research limitations/implications
– Although the results seem to be conclusive, it could be noted that the healthy sample was not paired with the bankrupt sample. Other studies show that the use of paired samples makes it possible to increase the already good prediction rate. Also, further research could focus on intra-sectorial analysis.

Practical implications
– Beside its contribution to the academic literature on bankruptcy prediction of Belgian SMEs, this study may be of interest for investors or managers to help them to anticipate bankruptcy risks. It can also be useful for banks and other credit institutions in the assessment of credit risk of firms. Thanks to such models, they could better identify firms with a higher risk of failure in their lending decisions.

Social implications
– Given the increasing number of SMEs in Belgium, their significant role in the economy, the specific characteristics of the country in terms of political decision making, the institutional differences between regions and the current uncertain economic circumstances, bankruptcy prediction seems to be a necessity for the country.

Originality/value
– The originality of this paper lies in the fact that Belgian SMEs have been studied. This study may also be of interest to investors or managers because it may help them highlight accounting measures they should closely follow up to avoid bankruptcy.
The failure of business ethics
Authors: Boda Zsolt , Zsolnai Laszlo 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– This paper aims to investigate the systemic causes of the failure of business ethics (BE) and suggest some possible remedies. The discipline and the movement of BE has at least three decades of history. BE has developed concepts and theories, and provided empirical evidences. However, BE as a movement and as a practice has failed to deliver the expected results.Design/methodology/approach– The paper uses results from management ethics, moral psychology and corporate governance to analyze the underlying causes of corporate unethical behavior.Findings– The failure of BE is deeply rooted in today’s corporation-ruled business world. BE has failed to realize systemic features of modern business and therefore missed its target. The social, ethical and environmental problems caused by corporations may require a different kind of treatment based on law, politics and social institutions.Originality/value– The paper uses models outside ethics to help business organizations to become more ethical in their functioning.
Increased ratio of ICOS+/PD‐1+ follicular helper T cells positively correlates with the development of human idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Shi Xu , Qu Zhihui , Zhang Li , Zhang Nan , Liu Yong , Li Man , Qiu Jinpeng , Jiang Yanfang 
Published: February 2016

SummaryTo identify the frequencies of different subsets of peripheral blood follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in human idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), 39 patients with new onset IMN and 18 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled for this study. The frequency of Tfh cells in venous blood were measured by flow cytometry, while concentration of serum IL‐21 was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation between the clinical features of IMN and Tfh cells was assessed by Spearman's rank correlation test. Overall, the frequencies of total, ICOS+, and PD‐1+ Tfh cells were increased in IMN patients, while the ratio of ICOS+/PD‐1+ Tfh cells positively correlated with IMN progression. However, the elevated serum IL‐21 level in three subgroups of IMN patients, stratified based on 24‐h urine protein levels, was not statistically significant compared to HC. Nonetheless, intracellular IL‐21 in Tfh cells was generally increased in all IMN patients, and closely correlated with IMN development. Finally, the frequency of IL‐21+ Tfh cells and the ratio of ICOS+/PD‐1+ Tfh cells were positively correlated with the estimated 24‐h urine protein of IMN patients. The data indicated that Tfh cells contribute to the pathogenicity of IMN. The ratio of ICOS+/PD‐1+ Tfh cells and the frequency of IL‐21+ Tfh cells may be indicators for evaluating the IMN development.
Effect of preparation and storage of khoa on physicochemical properties of milk fat
Authors: Kumar Amit , Upadhyay Neelam , Lal Darshan , Kumar Anil , Gandhi Kamal , Sharma Vivek 
Published: February 2016

The changes in milk fat during the preparation and storage of khoa were studied in three different seasons. Milk fat was extracted from the samples with chloroform using Soxhlet extraction. The solvent was evaporated using a vacuum evaporator followed by nitrogen flushing. The extracted fat samples were analysed for Reichert–Meissl, Polenske, saponification and iodine values, butyro‐refractometer reading at 40 °C and free fatty acids (FFAs). The study revealed an increase in the FFA content during conversion and storage of khoa, while there were small changes in other physicochemical properties of milk fat during the preparation of khoa from raw milk and its subsequent storage at room temperature.
Two Simple Formulas for Evaluating the Lower Bound of the Impact Velocity in Vehicle–pedestrian Accidents
Authors: Zou Tiefang , Zhang Yonggang , Yin Ruoyu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFormulas for evaluating the lower bound of the impact velocity are valuable in vehicle–pedestrian accident reconstruction. The theory of classical mechanics and four hypotheses were employed to derive formulas; the research results and simulation/accident tests were employed to validate their feasibility. Then, two simple formulas were developed according to the distance between the rest positions of the vehicle and the pedestrian and the flight‐phase distance. The results showed that the evaluated results by the two proposed formulas are inferior to the existing results. The influence of a roadside step on the impact velocity, which decreased with an increase in the flight‐phase distance and a reduction in the road slope, was evaluated. Based on a real accident, the study concludes that the lower bound can be easily obtained with the proposed formulas, which can be used to determine the evaluated impact velocity during simulations.
CD33+/HLA‐DRneg and CD33+/HLA‐DR+/− Cells: Rare Populations in the Human Decidua with Characteristics of MDSC
Authors: Bartmann Catharina , Junker Markus , Segerer Sabine E. , Häusler Sebastian F. , Krockenberger Mathias , Kämmerer Ulrike 
Published: February 2016

ProblemHuman pregnancy needs a remarkable local immune tolerance toward the conceptus. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are important players promoting cancer initiation and progression by suppressing T‐cell functions and thus inducing immune tolerance. Therefore, MDSC were expected within decidua.MethodsSubpopulations of CD33+ immune cells were isolated from human early pregnancy decidua and characterized phenotypically and functionally by microscopy, FACS analysis, RT‐PCR, Western blotting and in the coculture with T cells.ResultsDecidua harbors CD33+/HLA‐DRneg and CD33+/HLA‐DR+/− cells which both express arginase, iNOS and IDO and a typical cytokine profile. Both subtypes potently suppress T‐cell proliferation and therefore fulfill the criteria of MDSC.ConclusionWe characterized a new population of CD33+/HLA‐DRneg and CD33+/HLA‐DR+/− cells in human early pregnancy decidua with properties of classical MDSC and thus potentially being an important player in immune tolerance in pregnancy.