bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recovery of upper extremity function following endoscopically assisted contralateral C7 transfer for obstetrical brachial plexus injury
Authors: Leblebicioglu G. , Ayhan C. , Firat T. , Uzumcugil A. , Yorubulut M. , Doral M. N. 
Published: March 2016

Transfer of the contralateral C7 nerve for reconstruction of the brachial plexus in infants with obstetrical brachial plexus injury has rarely been reported. We developed a new endoscopy-assisted technique via the prevertebral (retroesophageal) route for the transfer of the contralateral C7 nerve in reconstruction of the brachial plexus. The reconstruction was performed in 20 infants (14 boys and six girls). Motor recovery was assessed using the Gilbert and Raimondi scales. The Narakas Sensory Grading System was used to evaluate hand sensation. The mean follow-up period was 45 months (SD 18.2). Of the 20 children, nine had contralateral C7 transfer to lower nerve roots, two had transfer to upper nerve roots and nine had transfer to both upper and lower roots. The postoperative shoulder and elbow functions were good or satisfactory according to the Gilbert classification in all children whose preoperative scores were poor. All patients with lower roots reconstruction (9) had satisfactory hand function. A total of 15 children had a Narakas score of S3. Our technique enables safe contralateral C7 transfer to the avulsed roots in severe obstetrical brachial plexus injury infants with a satisfactory functional recovery. Level of evidence: Level IV
Methods of nutrition surveillance in low-income countries
Authors: Tuffrey Veronica , Hall Andrew 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
In 1974 a joint FAO/UNICEF/WHO Expert Committee met to develop methods for nutrition surveillance. There has been much interest and activity in this topic since then, however there is a lack of guidance for practitioners and confusion exists around the terminology of nutrition surveillance. In this paper we propose a classification of data collection activities, consider the technical issues for each category, and examine the potential applications and challenges related to information and communication technology.

Analysis
There are three major approaches used to collect primary data for nutrition surveillance: repeated cross-sectional surveys; community-based sentinel monitoring; and the collection of data in schools. There are three major sources of secondary data for surveillance: from feeding centres, health facilities, and community-based data collection, including mass screening for malnutrition in children. Surveillance systems involving repeated surveys are suitable for monitoring and comparing national trends and for planning and policy development. To plan at a local level, surveys at district level or in programme implementation areas are ideal, but given the usually high cost of primary data collection, data obtained from health systems are more appropriate provided they are interpreted with caution and with contextual information. For early warning, data from health systems and sentinel site assessments may be valuable, if consistent in their methods of collection and any systematic bias is deemed to be steady. For evaluation purposes, surveillance systems can only give plausible evidence of whether a programme is effective. However the implementation of programmes can be monitored as long as data are collected on process indicators such as access to, and use of, services. Surveillance systems also have an important role to provide information that can be used for advocacy and for promoting accountability for actions or lack of actions, including service delivery.

Conclusion
This paper identifies issues that affect the collection of nutrition surveillance data, and proposes definitions of terms to differentiate between diverse sources of data of variable accuracy and validity. Increased interest in nutrition globally has resulted in high level commitments to reduce and prevent undernutrition. This review helps to address the need for accurate and regular data to convert these commitments into practice.
Genome-wide gene expression analyses reveal unique cellular characteristics related to the amenability of HPC/HSCs into high-quality induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Gao Shuai , Tao Li , Hou Xinfeng , Xu Zijian , Liu Wenqiang , Zhao Kun , Guo Mingyue , Wang Hong , Cai Tao , Tian Jianhui , Gao Shaorong , Chang Gang 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Transcription factor-mediated reprogramming can efficiently convert differentiated cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Furthermore, many cell types have been shown to be amenable to reprogramming into iPSCs, such as neural stem cells, hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells (HPC/HSCs). However, the mechanisms related to the amenability of these cell types to be reprogrammed are still unknown.

Methods
Herein, we attempt to elucidate the mechanisms of HPC/HSC reprogramming using the sequential reprogramming system that we have previously established.

Results
We found that HPC/HSCs were amenable to transcription factor-mediated reprogramming, which yielded a high frequency of fully reprogrammed HPC/HSC-iPSCs. Genome-wide gene expression analyses revealed select down-regulated tumor suppressor and mesenchymal genes as well as up-regulated oncogenes in HPC/HSCs compared with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), indicating that these genes may play important roles during the reprogramming of HPC/HSCs. Additional studies provided insights into the contribution of select tumor suppressor genes (p21, Ink4a and Arf) and an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factor (Snail1) to the reprogramming process of HPC/HSCs.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that HPC/HSCs carry unique cellular characteristics, which determine the amenability of HPC/HSCs to be reprogrammed into high-quality iPSCs.
Restrained Th17 response and myeloid cell infiltration into the central nervous system by human decidua-derived mesenchymal stem cells during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Bravo Beatriz , Gallego Marta I. , Flores Ana I. , Bornstein Rafael , Puente-Bedia Alba , Hernández Javier , de la Torre Paz , García-Zaragoza Elena , Perez-Tavarez Raquel , Grande Jesús , Ballester Alicia , Ballester Sara 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundMultiple sclerosis is a widespread inflammatory demyelinating disease. Several immunomodulatory therapies are available, including interferon-β, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, fingolimod, and mitoxantrone. Although useful to delay disease progression, they do not provide a definitive cure and are associated with some undesirable side-effects. Accordingly, the search for new therapeutic methods constitutes an active investigation field. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to modify the disease course is currently the subject of intense interest. Decidua-derived MSCs (DMSCs) are a cell population obtained from human placental extraembryonic membranes able to differentiate into the three germ layers. This study explores the therapeutic potential of DMSCs.MethodsWe used the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model to evaluate the effect of DMSCs on clinical signs of the disease and on the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in the central nervous system. We also compared the inflammatory profile of spleen T cells from DMSC-treated mice with that of EAE control animals, and the influence of DMSCs on the in vitro definition of the Th17 phenotype. Furthermore, we analyzed the effects on the presence of some critical cell types in central nervous system infiltrates.ResultsPreventive intraperitoneal injection of DMSCs resulted in a significant delay of external signs of EAE. In addition, treatment of animals already presenting with moderate symptoms resulted in mild EAE with reduced disease scores. Besides decreased inflammatory infiltration, diminished percentages of CD4+IL17+, CD11b+Ly6G+and CD11b+Ly6C+cells were found in infiltrates of treated animals. Early immune response was mitigated, with spleen cells of DMSC-treated mice displaying low proliferative response to antigen, decreased production of interleukin (IL)-17, and increased production of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. Moreover, lower RORγT and higher GATA-3 expression levels were detected in DMSC-treated mice. DMSCs also showed a detrimental influence on the in vitro definition of the Th17 phenotype.ConclusionsDMSCs modulated the clinical course of EAE, modified the frequency and cell composition of the central nervous system infiltrates during the disease, and mediated an impairment of Th17 phenotype establishment in favor of the Th2 subtype. These results suggest that DMSCs might provide a new cell-based therapy for the control of multiple sclerosis.
On solving split equilibrium problems and fixed point problems of nonspreading multi-valued mappings in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Suantai Suthep , Cholamjiak Prasit , Cho Yeol Je , Cholamjiak Watcharaporn 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce and study iterative schemes for solving split equilibrium problems and fixed point problems of nonspreading multi-valued mappings in Hilbert spaces and prove that the modified Mann iteration converges weakly to a common solution of the considered problems. Moreover, we present some examples and numerical results for the main results.
Visible and infrared imaging spectroscopy of paintings and improved reflectography
Authors: Delaney John K. , Thoury Mathieu , Zeibel Jason G. , Ricciardi Paola , Morales Kathryn M. , Dooley Kathryn A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Background
Imaging spectroscopy, the collection of spatially co-registered images in many contiguous spectral bands, has been developed for remote sensing of the Earth utilizing reflectance or luminescence. In this paper we summarize findings on the application of imaging spectroscopy to works of art in order to identify and map artists’ pigments, improve the visualization of preparatory sketches, and identify non-original material.

Methods
Two types of novel hyperspectral cameras, one operating from the visible to near-infrared (VNIR, 400–900 nm) and the other in the shortwave infrared (SWIR, 950–1700 nm), have been used to collect diffuse reflectance spectral image cubes from a variety of paintings. The resulting cubes (400–1700 nm, 310 spectral bands) were calibrated to reflectance and the resulting spectra compared with point–based spectra collected with a fiber reflectance spectrometer (350–2500 nm). In addition, a calibrated multispectral camera (600–950 nm, eight spectral bands) was used to obtain luminescence spectral image cubes after exciting paintings at blue wavelengths.

Results
False–color images obtained from the SWIR imaging system are shown to give improved visualization of changes from paintings having large and complex reworkings, e.g. Pablo Picasso’s The Tragedy (1903). False–color images and reflectance spectra allowed definitive identification of restoration in a late 13th century Sienese painting that cannot be seen by traditional infrared reflectography. Spectral image processing on the reflectance image cubes have been used to identify the primary pigments or pigment mixtures. For example, the primary pigments and their distribution in Picasso’s Peonies (1901) was determined and compared with x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x–ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS).

Conclusion
The results show that the combination of both the SWIR reflectance data and the luminescence data provides a more robust ability to assign the pigments than with visible spectroscopy alone. Also highlighted is the utility of reflectance imaging spectroscopy in the SWIR region to better reveal specific paint changes, including changes in the drawings and markings made by the original artist, or changes made by a subsequent conservator such as a fill.
Pharmaceutical policies in a crisis? Challenges and solutions identified at the PPRI Conference
Authors: Vogler Sabine , Zimmermann Nina , Ferrario Alessandra , Wirtz Veronika J. , de Joncheere Kees , Pedersen Hanne Bak , Dedet Guillaume , Paris Valérie , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din ,   on behalf of the Scientific Programme Committee of the 2015 PPRI Conference
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn October 2015, the third international Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) Conference was held in Vienna to foster discussion on challenges in pricing and reimbursement policies for medicines. The research presented highlighted that commonly used pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement policies are not sufficiently effective to address current challenges. Conference participants called for fundamental reforms to ensure access to medicines, particularly to new and potentially more effective and/or safe medicines, while safeguarding the financial sustainability of health systems and working towards universal health coverage.
Navigating through the maze of pricing and affordability of branded pharmaceuticals in the midst of the financial crisis: a comparative study among five European recession countries, from a Cyprus perspective
Authors: Petrou Panagiotis , Talias Michael A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Financial recession mandated the introduction of harsh austerity measures. Health, and particularly pharmaceuticals, constitute a significant part of public expenditure and as such they have been subject to significant budget reduction and stringent policies. As a consequence of these measures, an increasing percentage of patients resort to private sector for acquisition of their prescribed pharmaceuticals, due to exclusion of public health care beneficiary status, reduction of breadth of national formularies, delays in reimbursement and excessive waiting times. Affordability for pharmaceuticals in the private sector is of paramount importance since household disposable income plummets and more people are prone to impoverishment. This is critical for branded products, whose active substance and trademark are under patent protection, since no alternative options exist while their monopoly status imply that their prices are high. The impact on affordability regarding access of patient to necessary pharmaceutical care has not been documented in developed countries.

Methods
A laspeyer index was constructed to compare prices of branded pharmaceuticals and assess affordability, by adjusting price index with Gross Domestic Product Purchase Power Parity per capita. Laspeyer index compares prices based on weights, which in our study are the corresponding sales of products in Cyprus. Moreover, we define the percentage of population that will face catastrophic pharmaceutical expenditure after acquisition of one product from eight major and common therapeutic categories. We used data from five European recession countries: Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece and Cyprus, for 48 products which were selected based on sales.

Results
Cyprus displays the highest prices for pharmaceuticals. By adjusting for Gross Domestic Product Purchase Power Parity per capita, affordability is worst for Cyprus and Portugal.

Conclusions
As more patients have to resort to private sector for provision of adequate and timely healthcare, health agencies must reassess affordability of medicines and minimise catastrophic expenditure impact. Health agencies should primarily try to enhance efficiency of the system and reduce waste, instead of resorting to blunt budget reduction, which can demonstrate unpredictable consequences in public health.
Volume-based growth tumor kinetics as a prognostic biomarker for patients with EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma undergoing EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy: a case control study
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Lee Ho Yun , Ahn Myung-Ju , Park Keunchil , Ahn Jin Seok , Sun Jong-Mu , Lee Kyung Soo 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Background
We aim to determine whether volumetric assessment has the potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker, and to assess the relationship between longitudinal tumor data during treatment and prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients with sensitizing EGFR mutations treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI).

Methods
We retrospectively assessed patients with EGFR-mutant stage IV lung adenocarcinoma who were treated with EGFR TKIs until disease progression. CT studies of 106 patients were quantitatively analyzed in terms of tumor size and volume by comparing baseline and follow-up CT scans obtained at every two treatment cycles. Tumor response was quantified using longitudinal measurements, and tumor growth kinetics was determined. Correlation with early surrogate parameters for tumor response evaluation such as change in size, volume, and response rate was performed. The Cox-proportional hazard model and Log-rank test were used to predict overall survival (OS).

Results
Responders based on the percent change in volume after four cycles of TKI therapy had a higher OS than non-responders (P = 0.035). The percent of volume and size changes after four cycles of TKI therapy were significantly correlated with TTP (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Volume measurements and corresponding rates of growth appear to be helpful adjuncts for predicting survival in patients undergoing EGFR-TKI therapy.
Fashion set design with an emphasis on fabric composition using the interactive genetic algorithm
Authors: Khajeh Mahnaz , Payvandy Pedram , Derakhshan Seyyed Javad 
Published: March 2016

AbstractToday, with increasing development of digital technologies and their use to promote and accelerate artistic production trends as well as decreasing utilization of manual and traditional methods, the use of computers has had a special place in fashion design. The present research seeks to design a fashion system utilizing a set of fabric patterns through the interactive genetic algorithm to produce artistic creativity and a set of clothes designs. First, clothes components, including top, crown, skirt, blouse, sleeve and shoes, and fabric patterns proportionate to each clothes component are designed and coded separately. This system combines clothes components and fabric pattern set, using the interactive genetic algorithm and laws based on fashion design. Then, fitness of the designs created is determined by the user and next generations are produced by this fitness and evolution principles so fashion design trend is performed by the user’s opinion. The results of evolutions indicate system efficiency in fashion set design using a fabric pattern set at the least cost and shortest time according to user tastes.
Following the Francis report: Investigating patient experience
of mental health in-patient care
Authors: Csipke E. , Williams P. , Rose D. , Koeser L. , McCrone P. , Wykes T. , Craig T. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThe Francis report highlights perceptions of care that are affected by
different factors including ward structures.AimsTo assess patient and staff perceptions of psychiatric in-patient wards
over time.MethodPatient and staff perceptions of in-patient psychiatric wards were
assessed over 18 months. We also investigated whether the type of ward or
service structure affected these perceptions. We included triage and
routine care. The goal was to include at least 50% of eligible patients
and staff.ResultsThe most dramatic change was a significant deterioration in all
experiences over the courseof the study. Systems of care or specific
wards did not affect patient experience but staff were more dissatisfied
in the triage system.ConclusionsThis is the first report of deterioration in perceptions of the
therapeutic in-patient environment that has been captured in a rigorous
way. It may reflect contemporaneous experiences across the National
Health Service of budget reductions and increased throughput. The ward
systems we investigated did not improve patient experience and triage may
have been detrimental to staff.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Acetate Stimulates Adipogenesis and Mitochondrial Biogenesis via GPR43 in Brown Adipocytes
Authors: Hu Jiamiao , Kyrou Ioannis , Tan Bee K. , Dimitriadis Georgios K. , Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Tripathi Gyanendra , Patel Vanlata , James Sean , Kawan Mohamed , Chen Jing , Randeva Harpal S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractShort-chain fatty acids play crucial roles in a range of physiological functions. However, the effects of short-chain fatty acids on brown adipose tissue have not been fully investigated. We examined the role of acetate, a short-chain fatty acid formed by fermentation in the gut, in the regulation of brown adipocyte metabolism. Our results show that acetate up-regulates adipocyte protein 2, peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, and uncoupling protein-1 expression and affects the morphological changes of brown adipocytes during adipogenesis. Moreover, an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis was observed after acetate treatment. Acetate also elicited the activation of ERK and cAMP response element-binding protein, and these responses were sensitive to G(i/o)-type G protein inactivator, Gβγ-subunit inhibitor, phospholipase C inhibitor, and MAPK kinase inhibitor, indicating a role for the G(i/o)βγ/phospholipase C/protein kinase C/MAPK kinase signaling pathway in these responses. These effects of acetate were mimicked by treatment with 4-chloro-α-(1-methylethyl)-N-2-thiazolylbenzeneacetamide, a synthetic G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) agonist and were impaired in GPR43 knockdown cells. Taken together, our results indicate that acetate may have important physiological roles in brown adipocytes through the activation of GPR43.
A role for PDGF-C/PDGFRα signaling in the formation of the meningeal basement membranes surrounding the cerebral cortex
Authors: Andrae Johanna , Gouveia Leonor , Gallini Radiosa , He Liqun , Fredriksson Linda , Nilsson Ingrid , Johansson Bengt R. , Eriksson Ulf , Betsholtz Christer 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTPlatelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) is one of three known ligands for the tyrosine kinase receptor PDGFRα. Analysis of Pdgfc null mice has demonstrated roles for PDGF-C in palate closure and the formation of cerebral ventricles, but redundancy with other PDGFRα ligands might obscure additional functions. In search of further developmental roles for PDGF-C, we generated mice that were double mutants for Pdgfc−/− and PdgfraGFP/+. These mice display a range of severe phenotypes including spina bifida, lung emphysema, abnormal meninges and neuronal over-migration in the cerebral cortex. We focused our analysis on the central nervous system (CNS), where PDGF-C was identified as a critical factor for the formation of meninges and assembly of the glia limitans basement membrane. We also present expression data on Pdgfa, Pdgfc and Pdgfra in the cerebral cortex and microarray data on cerebral meninges.