bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Financial Indicators Drive Market Value of Firms in the Transition Economies? The Russian Case
Authors: Gupta Jyoti , Bunkanwanicha Pramuan , Khakimov Sergey , Spieser Philippe 
Published: July 2016

This article studies the factors which influence market valuation of Russian listed firms. Several financial metrics and corporate governance indicators are analysed. Emphasis is given to multicollinearity and cause-and-effect relationships between independent variables. Main results show that there is no significant correlation between the fundamental financial indicators and the Tobin’s Q. However, state ownership, concentration of capital and size are negatively associated with the firm valuation. The evidence suggests that the costs of government ownership outweigh its benefits. JEL classification: G15, G14, C22, F23
Calcaneal Z Lengthening Osteotomy Combined With Subtalar Arthroereisis for Severe Adolescent Flexible Flatfoot Reconstruction
Authors: Xu Yang , Li Xing-Chen , Xu Xiang-Yang 
Published: July 2016

Background: The timing and strategy for operative treatment of flatfoot are still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and radiographic changes following calcaneal Z osteotomy combined with subtalar arthroereisis for severe adolescent flexible flatfoot. Methods: Data were analyzed for 16 patients (20 feet) who had flatfoot without tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction and were treated by calcaneal Z osteotomy combined with arthroereisis between October 2011 and February 2015. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 12.8 ± 1.4 years (range, 10-14 years). Preoperative and postoperative measurements included changes in hindfoot valgus angles; changes in talonavicular uncoverage angles on anteroposterior (AP) radiographic view; and changes in talo–first metatarsal angles, talar pitch angles, and calcaneal pitch angles on lateral radiographic view. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score (AOFAS-AH) was used to assess foot function. The mean follow-up was 18.9 ± 6.9 months (range, 13-33 months). Results: The hindfoot valgus angle improved from 14.9 ± 4.2 degrees to 2.3 ± 1.7 degrees. On the AP view, the preoperative and postoperative talonavicular uncoverage angles were 30.5 ± 9.4 degrees and 9.8 ± 4.8 degrees, respectively. On lateral radiographs, the preoperative talo–first metatarsal angle, talar pitch angle, and calcaneal pitch angle were −22.1 ± 7.9 degrees, 36.1 ± 4.4 degrees, and 14.4 ± 4.0 degrees, respectively. Postoperative lateral radiographs demonstrated talo–first metatarsal angle, talar pitch angle, and calcaneal pitch angle of −6.2 ± 4.7 degrees, 27.3 ± 4.9 degrees, and 19.0 ± 4.3 degrees, respectively. The AOFAS-AH score improved from 66.8 ± 24.1 preoperatively to 96.5 ± 3.4 postoperatively. Conclusions: For adolescents with flatfoot, calcaneal Z osteotomy combined with subtalar arthroereisis provided satisfactory results. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Comparison of intramuscular alfaxalone and ketamine combined with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol for castration in cats
Authors: Khenissi Latifa , Nikolayenkova-Topie Olga , Broussaud Ségolène , Touzot-Jourde Gwenola 
Published: July 2016

Objectives Cardiorespiratory parameters and anaesthesia quality in cats anaesthetised with either intramuscular (IM) alfaxalone or ketamine both combined with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol for castration were evaluated. Methods Thirty-two client-owned cats were randomly assigned to receive either alfaxalone (A; 3 mg/kg IM) or ketamine (K; 5 mg/kg IM), combined with dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (T°) were recorded prior to drug administration. Pulse rate (PR) and RR were recorded 10 (T10) and 15 (T15) mins after injection (T0). Cardiorespiratory values (PR, RR, SPO2, blood pressure, PE′CO2) were recorded every 5 mins for the duration of the procedure. Pain at injection, intubation and recovery were evaluated with simple descriptive scores. Feasibility of anaesthesia was evaluated by the number of top-ups of anaesthetic needed. Cat attitude, ability to walk and presence of ataxia were assessed several times after extubation (Texmin) and the time between injection and extubation recorded. Pain was assessed at Tex120 and Tex240 with the 4Avet-pain score. Results The RR was significantly lower in group K at T10 (RRK = 28 ±13.35 breaths per minute [brpm], RRA= 43.24 ±7.04 brpm) and T15 (RRK = 28 ±11.53 brpm vs RRA = 43 ±12.18 brpm). Time to extubation was significantly longer in group A (TA = 62 ±14.6 mins, TK = 45.13 ± 7.38 mins). Cats in group K needed more top-ups, were more ataxic at Tex120, had a worse recovery score at Tex60 and were less willing to walk at Tex30. Conclusions and relevance Cats receiving alfaxalone had a longer but better quality recovery. Cardiorespiratory parameters were stable and within clinically acceptable values following IM injection of either alfaxalone or ketamine in healthy cats. Intramuscular alfaxalone is a suitable alternative to ketamine for short procedures requiring anaesthesia when used in combination with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol.
Amarogentin Induces Apoptosis of Liver Cancer Cells via Upregulation of p53 and Downregulation of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in Mice
Authors: Huang Chun , Li Runqin , Zhang Yinglin , Gong Jianping 
Published: July 2016

Background and Objective: Amarogentin has been reported to have a preventive effect on liver cancer via inducing cancer cell apoptosis. We attempted to elucidate the roles of p53-associated apoptosis pathways in the chemopreventive mechanism of amarogentin. The findings of this study will facilitate the development of a novel supplementary strategy for the treatment of liver cancer. Materials and Methods: The purity of amarogentin was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The inhibitory ratios of the liver cell lines were determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 following treatment with a gradient concentration of amarogentin. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry using annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide kits. The gene and protein expression of p53-associated molecules, such as Akt, human telomerase reverse transcriptase, RelA, and p38, was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining in liver cancer cells and mouse tumor tissues after treatment with amarogentin. Results: The inhibitory effect of amarogentin on cell proliferation was more obvious in liver cancer cells, and amarogentin was more likely to induce the apoptosis of liver cancer cells than that of normal liver cells. The gene and protein expression levels of Akt, RelA, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase were markedly higher in the control group than in the preventive group and treatment groups. Only the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase was downregulated, accompanied by the upregulation of p53. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that amarogentin promotes apoptosis of liver cancer cells by the upregulation of p53 and downregulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase and prevents the malignant transformation of these cells.
Role of endovascular embolization for trigeminal neuralgia related to cerebral vascular malformation
Authors: Ge Huijian , Lv Xianli , Jin Hengwei , He Hongwei , Li Youxiang 
Published: July 2016

Objective The objective of this article is to describe the trigeminal neuralgia related to cerebral vascular malformation that is rarely reported and the experience referring to endovascular treatment. Patients and methods A total of 10 patients who had cerebral vascular malformation (AVM and dAVF) in a single center presented with trigeminal neuralgia. Clinical and angiographic presentations as well as their clinical outcomes after embolization were reviewed. Results Of the 10 cases, seven dAVFs and three AVMs were detected. In contrast to the dilated feeding arteries, an ectasia of the draining vein that is adjacent to the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve such as the petrosal vein and lateral mesencephalic vein has the major role in causing the trigeminal neuralgia. All of these patients had relief of facial pain after endovascular embolization during follow-up (mean 57.3 months, range 5 to 100 months). There were no permanent neurological deficits. Conclusions Endovascular embolization is an effective method in treating trigeminal neuralgia related to cerebral vascular malformation.
Immediate Unrestricted Postoperative Weightbearing and Mobilization after Bone Marrow Stimulation of Large Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Lundeen Gregory A. , Dunaway Linda J. 
Published: July 2016

Objective There remains no consensus on a postoperative protocol following arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and most studies report a period of immobilization and nonweightbearing. Outcomes are believed to decrease with larger size. The purpose of our study was to evaluate patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment of large (≥150 mm2) OLTs with immediate unrestricted weightbearing and mobilization postoperatively. Design Patients who underwent arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral defects were identified. Exclusion criteria included lesions less than 150 mm2, additional procedures other than ligament reconstruction, incongruent ankle joint, arthritis, and tibial plafond lesions. Postoperatively, all patients were placed into a soft dressing and were allowed immediate weightbearing as tolerated. Patients were considered failures if their AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score was less than 80 or if they underwent osteochondral transplant. Results Thirteen patients were available for follow-up. Two patients underwent osteochondral transplant and were considered failures. Of the remaining 11, the average follow-up time after surgery was 33 months (range, 7-59 months). Average age was 37 years (range, 15-56 years), and lesion size averaged 239 mm2 (range, 150-400 mm2). Average postoperative scores included foot function index 50 (range, 23-136), visual analog scale 3 (range, 0-8), and AOFAS hindfoot 82 (range, 40-100). The group’s overall success rate was 54% (7/13). Conclusion The results of our study are higher than those previously published studies on large lesions with a more restricted postoperative rehabilitation, suggesting that unrestricted weightbearing and range of motion does not diminish patient outcomes. Level of Evidence: IV, Case series.
Forced chromatin looping raises fetal hemoglobin in adult sickle cells to higher levels than pharmacologic inducers
Authors: Breda Laura , Motta Irene , Lourenco Silvia , Gemmo Chiara , Deng Wulan , Rupon Jeremy W. , Abdulmalik Osheiza Y. , Manwani Deepa , Blobel Gerd A. , Rivella Stefano 
Published: July 2016

Key Points
Ldb1 transcription factor self-association domain fused to γ-globin promoter-specific ZF protein increases HbF, reduces HbS in hSCD cells. In vitro reactivation of HbF mediated by ZF-Ldb1 exceeds pharmacologic treatment in adult hSCD cells.
Utility of waist-to-height ratio in assessing the status of central obesity and related cardiometabolic risk profile among normal weight and overweight/obese children: The Bogalusa Heart Study
Authors: Mokha Jasmeet S , Srinivasan Sathanur R , DasMahapatra Pronabesh , Fernandez Camilo , Chen Wei , Xu Jihua , Berenson Gerald S 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Background
Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used to assess the impact of obesity on cardiometabolic risk in children but it does not always relate to central obesity and varies with growth and maturation. Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) is a relatively constant anthropometric index of abdominal obesity across different age, sex or racial groups. However, information is scant on the utility of WHtR in assessing the status of abdominal obesity and related cardiometabolic risk profile among normal weight and overweight/obese children, categorized according to the accepted BMI threshold values.

Methods
Cross-sectional cardiometabolic risk factor variables on 3091 black and white children (56% white, 50% male), 4-18 years of age were used. Based on the age-, race- and sex-specific percentiles of BMI, the children were classified as normal weight (5th - 85th percentiles) and overweight/obese (≥ 85th percentile). The risk profiles of each group based on the WHtR (<0.5, no central obesity versus ≥ 0.5, central obesity) were compared.

Results
9.2% of the children in the normal weight group were centrally obese (WHtR ≥0.5) and 19.8% among the overweight/obese were not (WHtR < 0.5). On multivariate analysis the normal weight centrally obese children were 1.66, 2.01, 1.47 and 2.05 times more likely to have significant adverse levels of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin, respectively. In addition to having a higher prevalence of parental history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the normal weight central obesity group showed a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.0001). In the overweight/obese group, those without central obesity were 0.53 and 0.27 times less likely to have significant adverse levels of HDL cholesterol and HOMA-IR, respectively (p < 0.05), as compared to those with central obesity. These overweight/obese children without central obesity also showed significantly lower prevalence of parental history of hypertension (p = 0.002), type 2 diabetes mellitus (p = 0.03) and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
WHtR not only detects central obesity and related adverse cardiometabolic risk among normal weight children, but also identifies those without such conditions among the overweight/obese children, which has implications for pediatric primary care practice.
Development of a two-step protocol for culture expansion of human annulus fibrosus cells with TGF-β1 and FGF-2
Authors: Chou Po-Hsin , Wang Shih-Tien , Ma Hsiao-Li , Liu Chien-Lin , Chang Ming-Chau , Lee Oscar Kuang-Sheng 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Background
Different biologic approaches to treat disc regeneration, including growth factors (GFs) application, are currently under investigation. Human annulus fibrosus (hAF) repair or regeneration is one of the key elements for maintenance and restoration of nucleus pulposus function. However, so far there is no effective treatment for this purpose. The aim of the present study was to investigate the response of hAF cells to different combinations of GFs, and develop a protocol for efficient culture expansion.

Methods
hAF cells were harvested from degenerated disc tissues during surgical intervertebral disc removal, and hAF cells were expanded in a monolayer. The experiments were categorized based on different protocols with transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) culture for 14 days: group 1 had no GFs (control group); group 2 received TGF-β1; group 3 received FGF-2; group 4 received both GFs; and group 5 (two-step) received both GFs for the first 10 days and TGF-β1 only for the next 4 days. Cell proliferation, collagen, and noncollagen extracellular matrix (ECM) production and genes expression were compared among these groups.

Results
At days 3, 7 and 10 of cultivation, groups 4 and 5 had significantly more cell numbers and faster cell proliferation rates than groups 1, 2, and 3. At 14 days of cultivation, significantly more cell numbers were observed in groups 3 and 4 than in group 5. The group 4 had the most cell numbers and the fastest proliferation rate at 14 days of cultivation. After normalization for cell numbers, group 5 (two-step) produced the most collagen and noncollagen ECM at 10 and 14 days of cultivation among the five groups. In group 5, ECM gene expression was significantly upregulated. High expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 was upregulated with FGF-2 on the different days as compared to the other groups. Annulus fibrosus cell phenotypes were only marginally retained under the different protocols based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction results.

Conclusion
Taken together, the two-step protocol was the most efficient among these different protocols with the most abundant ECM production after normalization for cell numbers for culture expansion of hAF cells. The protocol may be useful in further cell therapy and tissue engineering approaches for disc regeneration.
Characterization of intercellular communication and mitochondrial donation by mesenchymal stromal cells derived from the human lung
Authors: Sinclair Kenneth Andrew , Yerkovich Stephanie Terase , Hopkins Peter Mark-Anthony , Chambers Daniel Charles 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Background
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are capable of repairing wounded lung epithelial cells by donating cytoplasmic material and mitochondria. Recently, we characterized two populations of human lung-derived mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from digested parenchymal lung tissue (LT-MSCs) from healthy individuals or from lung transplant recipients’ bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL-MSCs). The aim of this study was to determine whether LT-MSCs and BAL-MSCs are also capable of donating cytoplasmic content and mitochondria to lung epithelial cells.

Methods
Cytoplasmic and mitochondrial transfer was assessed by co-culturing BEAS2B epithelial cells with Calcein AM or Mitotracker Green FM-labelled MSCs. Transfer was then measured by flow cytometry and validated by fluorescent microscopy. Molecular inhibitors were used to determine the contribution of microtubules/tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs, cytochalasin D), gap junctions (carbenoxolone), connexin-43 (gap26) and microvesicles (dynasore).

Results
F-actin microtubules/TNTs extending from BM-MSCs, LT-MSCs and BAL-MSCs to bronchial epithelial cells formed within 45 minutes of co-culturing cells. Each MSC population transferred a similar volume of cytoplasmic content to epithelial cells. Inhibiting microtubule/TNTs, gap junction formation and microvesicle endocytosis abrogated the transfer of cytoplasmic material from BM-MSCs, LT-MSCs and BAL-MSCs to epithelial cells. In contrast, blocking connexin-43 gap junction formation had no effect on cytoplasmic transfer. All MSC populations donated mitochondria to bronchial epithelial cells with similar efficiency. Mitochondrial transfer was reduced in all co-cultures after microtubule/TNT or endocytosis inhibition. Gap junction formation inhibition reduced mitochondrial transfer in BM-MSC and BAL-MSC co-cultures but had no effect on transfer in LT-MSC co-cultures. Connexin-43 inhibition did not impact mitochondrial transfer. Finally, bronchial epithelial cells were incapable of donating cytoplasmic content or mitochondria to any MSC population.

Conclusion
Similar to their bone marrow counterparts, LT-MSCs and BAL-MSCs can donate cytoplasmic content and mitochondria to bronchial epithelial cells via multiple mechanisms. Given that BM-MSCs utilize these mechanisms to mediate the repair of damaged bronchial epithelial cells, both LT-MSCs and BAL-MSCs will probably function similarly.
A novel ontology and machine learning driven hybrid cardiovascular clinical prognosis as a complex adaptive clinical system
Authors: Farooq Kamran , Hussain Amir 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Purpose
This multidisciplinary industrial research project sets out to develop a hybrid clinical decision support mechanism (inspired by ontology and machine learning driven techniques) by combining evidence, extrapolated through legacy patient data to facilitate cardiovascular preventative care.

Methods
The proposed cardiovascular clinical decision support framework comprises of two novel key components:
(1) Ontology driven clinical risk assessment and recommendation system (ODCRARS) (2) Machine learning driven prognostic system (MLDPS). State of the art machine learning and feature selection methods are utilised for the prognostic modelling purposes. The ODCRARS is a knowledge-based system which is based on clinical expert’s knowledge, encoded in the form of clinical rules engine to carry out cardiac risk assessment for various cardiovascular diseases. The MLDPS is a non knowledge-based/data driven system which is developed using state of the art machine learning and feature selection techniques applied on real patient datasets. Clinical case studies in the RACPC, heart disease and breast cancer domains are considered for the development and clinical validation purposes. For the purpose of this paper, clinical case study in the RACPC/chest pain domain will be discussed in detail from the development and validation perspective.

Results
The proposed clinical decision support framework is validated through clinical case studies in the cardiovascular domain. This paper demonstrates an effective cardiovascular decision support mechanism for handling inaccuracies in the clinical risk assessment of chest pain patients and help clinicians effectively distinguish acute angina/cardiac chest pain patients from those with other causes of chest pain.

Conclusion
The new clinical models, having been evaluated in clinical practice, resulted in very good predictive power, demonstrating general performance improvement over benchmark multivariate statistical classifiers. Various chest pain risk assessment prototypes have been developed and deployed online for further clinical trials.
Erythrocyte zinc and serum copper in male and female adolescents according to puberty stage at different growth phases
Authors: Marques Andréa Grano , Sarni Roseli Oselka Sacardo , Lopes Luiz Anderson , Lopes Emilio , Amancio Olga Maria Silverio 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Background
Considering that modification in body composition and growth velocity leads to alterations in zinc and copper nutritional status, the purpose of the study was to assess erythrocyte zinc and serum copper in adolescents of both genders, according to the stage of sexual maturity at different growth phases.

Methods
Two hundred and eighty-six adolescents were assessed, 157 were female, with body mass index Z-score between −2 and +2. Clinical biochemical measurements were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Student’s t, Kruskal-Wallis, and Bonferroni tests were used.

Results
Median serum copper was superior, and zinc was inferior to respective reference values in all groups. Serum copper presented significant reduction in the final stages of pubertal development in males; in turn, erythrocyte zinc values increased linearly with the evolution of puberty stages in both genders. Comparison between genders in each stage of growth showed significant difference in peak acceleration and in deceleration for erythrocyte zinc and serum copper, with both being higher in females.

Conclusions
Serum copper is inversely influenced by modifications that occur with the evolution of puberty in males, whereas erythrocyte zinc is directly influenced in both genders, although always with deficient deposition. At peak acceleration and deceleration of growth, there is greater mobilization of erythrocyte zinc and serum copper in males, when compared with females, which does not occur at the onset of the acceleration of growth.