bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnicity and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in east London
Authors: Albor Christo , du Sautoy Timothy , Kali Vanan Narmadha , Turner Benjamin P , Boomla Kambiz , Schmierer Klaus 
Published: March 2016

Background: Incidence and prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) are generally higher in White populations than in other ethnic groups. Relevant studies in the United Kingdom were conducted over 30 years ago. Objectives: To provide updated ethnicity-specific MS prevalence rates in the United Kingdom. Methods: Electronic records from general practices (GPs) in four east London boroughs were queried for the number of people diagnosed with MS, grouped by ethnicity, into 5-year age bands. Compared against total registered GP patients in the area (c. 900,000), the age-standardised MS prevalence was calculated by ethnic group. Results: The overall age-standardised prevalence of MS was 111 per 100,000 (152 for women and 70 for men), and 180, 74 and 29 for the White, Black and South Asian populations, respectively. The sex ratios (female:male) were 2.2:1, 2.1:1 and 2.8:1, respectively. Conclusion: MS prevalence was considerably lower among Black and South Asian populations, compared to the White population, by 59% and 84%, respectively. However, compared to available data in Africa and South Asia, MS is several times more prevalent among Black people and South Asians living in the United Kingdom than their territorial ancestry.
Prognostic performance of critical care scores in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Georgiadou Panagiota , Analitis Antonis , Sbarouni Eftihia , Voudris Vassilis 
Published: March 2016

Background Critical care management of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a major determinant of their outcome. Aims The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic performance of four general scoring systems [Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE), Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and MultiOrgan Dysfunction (MOD) scores] in TAVI patients. Methods Between 1 June 2008 and 30 June 2014, 75 patients (81.2 ± 6.4 years old, 36 men and 39 women) who underwent TAVI were scored during the first 24 h of their stay at the intensive care unit (ICU). The outcome measures were in-hospital and 30-day mortality and in-hospital and 30-day morbidity defined as myocardial infarction, implantation of permanent pacemaker, stroke, tamponade, major bleeding, vascular access site complications and prolonged ventilation. Results Four patients (5.3%) died in ICU and one more during follow-up, indicating a 30-day mortality rate of 6.6%. Regarding in-hospital mortality, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.92 for SAPS II, 0.88 for APACHE II, 0.73 for MODS and 0.74 for SOFA. Regarding 30 day-mortality, SAPS II and APACHE II performed equally higher (AUC = 0.88) than the other two scores (0.79 for MODS and 0.80 for SOFA). SAPS II had the best calibration among all four scores for in-hospital and 30-day mortality ( χ2 = 3.06 and χ2 = 3.29, respectively). AUCs for in-hospital and 30-day morbidity were above 0.7 for SAPS II and APACHE II. Conclusions SAPS II and APACHE II are reliable mortality and morbidity risk stratification models for TAVI patients with high calibration and discrimination.
Treatment approach in patients with hyperbilirubinemia secondary to liver metastases in gastrointestinal malignancies: a case series and review of literature
Authors: Quidde Julia , Azémar Marc , Bokemeyer Carsten , Arnold Dirk , Stein Alexander 
Published: March 2016

Background: Treatment of patients with severe liver dysfunction including hyperbilirubinemia secondary to liver metastases of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is challenging. Regimen of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine (FP)/folinic acid (FA) ± a monoclonal antibody (moAb), represents a feasible option considering the pharmacokinetics. Clinical data on the respective dosage and tolerability are limited and no recommendations are available. Methods: Consecutive patients with severe hyperbilirubinemia [>2 × upper limit of the normal range (ULN) and >2.4 mg/dl] due to liver metastases of GI cancer without options for drainage receiving oxaliplatin, FP/FA ± moAb were analyzed. To collect further data a review of the literature was performed. Results: A total of 12 patients were identified between 2011 and 2015. At treatment start, median bilirubin level was 6.1 mg/dl (>5 × ULN, range 2.7–13.6). The majority of patients ( n = 11) received dose-reduced regimen with oxaliplatin (60–76%) and FP/FA (0–77%), rapidly escalating to full dose regimen. During treatment, bilirubin levels dropped more than 50% within 8 weeks or normalized within 12 weeks in 6 patients (responders). Median overall survival was 5.75 months (range 1.0–16.0 months) but was significantly prolonged in responders compared to nonresponders [9.7 and 3.0 months, p = 0.026 (two-sided test); 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–10.22]. In addition, case reports or series comprising a further 26 patients could be identified. Based on the obtained data a treatment algorithm was developed. Conclusion: Treatment with oxaliplatin, FP/FA ± moAb is feasible and may derive relevant benefits in patients with severe liver dysfunction caused by GI cancer liver metastases without further options of drainage.
Innovation and Creating Shared Value: The Highly Effective Habits of Innovative Organizations
Authors: Drummond-Dunn Denyse 
Published: March 2016

Innovation is vital to the continued success of any business. Customers no longer stay satisfied for long. They are looking to be surprised and delighted by most, if not all, of the products and services they buy. Today’s challenge is to find ways to better and more quickly satisfy these ever-increasing demands of our customers. Adopting the three highly effective habits laid out in this article provide a clear roadmap. These include setting stretch targets for every new launch, regular connection with and observation of customers, and the expansion of idea generation to greater input from both internal and external sources. These are the three essential elements that make innovation of increased value to both customers and companies. Customers get more of what they want, need and sometimes what they have only dreamed of having. Organizations see greater loyalty and satisfaction, easier acceptance of price increases and a better understanding of both the current market and the future potential of new categories. In summary, this article shows that successful innovation and creating shared value go hand-in-hand in today’s connected world.
Initial dual oral combination therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Sitbon Olivier , Sattler Caroline , Bertoletti Laurent , Savale Laurent , Cottin Vincent , Jaïs Xavier , De Groote Pascal , Chaouat Ari , Chabannes Céline , Bergot Emmanuel , Bouvaist Hélène , Dauphin Claire , Bourdin Arnaud , Bauer Fabrice , Montani David , Humbert Marc , Simonneau Gérald 
Published: March 2016

Treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been underpinned by single-agent therapy to which concomitant drugs are added sequentially when pre-defined treatment goals are not met.This retrospective analysis of real-world clinical data in 97 patients with newly diagnosed PAH (86% in New York Heart Association functional class III−IV) explored initial dual oral combination treatment with bosentan plus sildenafil (n=61), bosentan plus tadalafil (n=17), ambrisentan plus tadalafil (n=11) or ambrisentan plus sildenafil (n=8).All regimens were associated with significant improvements in functional class, exercise capacity, dyspnoea and haemodynamic indices after 4 months of therapy. Over a median follow-up period of 30 months, 75 (82%) patients were still alive, 53 (71%) of whom received only dual oral combination therapy. Overall survival rates were 97%, 94% and 83% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively, and 96%, 94% and 84%, respectively, for the patients with idiopathic PAH, heritable PAH and anorexigen-induced PAH. Expected survival rates calculated from the French equation for the latter were 86%, 75% and 66% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively.Initial combination of oral PAH-targeted medications may offer clinical benefits, especially in PAH patients with severe haemodynamic impairment.
Bottom-up GGM algorithm for constructing multilayered hierarchical gene regulatory networks that govern biological pathways or processes
Authors: Kumari Sapna , Deng Wenping , Gunasekara Chathura , Chiang Vincent , Chen Huann-sheng , Ma Hao , Davis Xin , Wei Hairong 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Multilayered hierarchical gene regulatory networks (ML-hGRNs) are very important for understanding genetics regulation of biological pathways. However, there are currently no computational algorithms available for directly building ML-hGRNs that regulate biological pathways.

Results
A bottom-up graphic Gaussian model (GGM) algorithm was developed for constructing ML-hGRN operating above a biological pathway using small- to medium-sized microarray or RNA-seq data sets. The algorithm first placed genes of a pathway at the bottom layer and began to construct a ML-hGRN by evaluating all combined triple genes: two pathway genes and one regulatory gene. The algorithm retained all triple genes where a regulatory gene significantly interfered two paired pathway genes. The regulatory genes with highest interference frequency were kept as the second layer and the number kept is based on an optimization function. Thereafter, the algorithm was used recursively to build a ML-hGRN in layer-by-layer fashion until the defined number of layers was obtained or terminated automatically.

Conclusions
We validated the algorithm and demonstrated its high efficiency in constructing ML-hGRNs governing biological pathways. The algorithm is instrumental for biologists to learn the hierarchical regulators associated with a given biological pathway from even small-sized microarray or RNA-seq data sets.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: CDK4 and miR-15a comprise an abnormal automodulatory feedback loop stimulating the pathogenesis and inducing chemotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhen , Cheng Chao , Luo Xiaojun , Xia Qiong , Zhang Yejie , Long Xiaobing , Jiang Qingping , Fang Weiyi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn previous investigation, we reported that stably knocking down cyclin-dependent kinase 4(CDK4) induced expression of let-7c, which further suppressed cell cycle transition and cell growth by modulating cell cycle signaling in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we further explored the molecular function and mechanism of CDK4 modulating miRNAs to stimulate cell cycle transition, cell growth, and Cisplatin (DDP) -resistance on in NPC.MethodsWe identified changes in miRNAs by miRNA array and real-time PCR and the effect on DDP after knocking down CDK4 in NPC cells. Further, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which CDK4 modulated miR-15a in NPC. Moreover, we also explored the role of miR-15a and the effect on DDP in NPC. Finally, we analyzed the correlation of miR-15a and CDK4 expression in NPC tissues.ResultsIn addition to let-7 family members, we observed that upregulated expression of miR-15a was significantly induced in CDK4-suppressed NPC cells. Further, we found that knocking down CDK4 suppressed c-Myc expression, and the latter directly suppressed the expression of miR-15a in NPC. Furthermore, miR-15a as a tumor suppressor antagonized CDK4 repressing cell cycle progression and cell growth in vitro and in vivo and induced the sensitivity of cells to DDP by regulating the c-Myc/CCND1/CDK4/E2F1 pathway in NPC. Finally, miR-15a was negatively weak correlated with the expression of CDK4 in NPC.ConclusionsOur studies demonstrate that CDK4 and miR-15a comprise an abnormal automodulatory feedback loop stimulating the pathogenesis and inducing chemotherapy resistance in NPC.
Fixed points of generalized Meir-Keeler contraction mappings in b-metric-like spaces
Authors: Gholamian Nayereh , Khanehgir Mahnaz 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce the notion of generalized Meir-Keeler contraction mappings in the setup of b-metric-like spaces. Then we establish some fixed point results for this class of contractions. We also provide some examples to verify the effectiveness and applicability of our main results.
Coupled coincidence and coupled common fixed point theorems on a metric space with a graph
Authors: Eshi Dakjum , Das Pramod K , Debnath Pradip 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this paper, our aim is to introduce the concept of G-g-contraction mapping and prove some coupled coincidence and coupled common fixed point theorems for nonlinear contraction mappings in the new set up of partially ordered complete metric spaces endowed with a directed graph. As an application, we apply our results to present an existence theorem for solution of some particular integral equations. Our paper is inspired by the work of Chifu and Petrusel (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2014:151, 2014); the authors introduced the concept of a coupled fixed point. In the current paper, however, we have established the results by introducing the new notion of a coupled coincidence fixed point instead of the coupled fixed point in the setting of a partially ordered complete metric space with graph.
Does the gender composition of forest and fishery management groups affect resource governance and conservation outcomes? A systematic map
Authors: Leisher Craig , Temsah Gheda , Booker Francesca , Day Michael , Samberg Leah , Prosnitz Debra , Agarwal Bina , Matthews Elizabeth , Roe Dilys , Russell Diane , Sunderland Terry , Wilkie David 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Women often use natural resources differently than men yet frequently have minimal influence on how local resources are managed. An emerging hypothesis is that empowering more women in local resource decision-making may lead to better resource governance and conservation. Here we focus on the forestry and fisheries sectors to answer the question: What is the evidence that the gender composition of forest and fisheries management groups affects resource governance and conservation outcomes? We present a systematic map detailing the geographic and thematic extent of the evidence base and assessing the quality of the evidence, as per a published a priori protocol.

Methods
We screened 11,000+ English-language records in Scopus, CAB abstracts, AGRIS, AGRICOLA, Google Scholar, and Google. The websites of 24 international conservation and development organisations, references of included articles, and relevant systematic reviews were also searched for possible documents. A number of groups and individuals were invited to submit documents through email ‘call outs’. The inclusion criteria were that an article refers to women or gender, forests or fisheries, and a resource management group comparison in a non-OECD country plus Mexico and Chile.

Results
Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Four were qualitative and 13 were quantitative. Forest studies outnumbered fisheries studies 14–3. The majority of the studies came from India and Nepal and focused on forest management. All 17 studies identified improvements in local natural resource governance, and three identified conservation improvements when women participated in the management of the resources. Only two studies, however, were rated as high quality based on study design.

Conclusions
For India and Nepal, there is strong and clear evidence of the importance of including women in forest management groups for better resource governance and conservation outcomes. Outside of India and Nepal, there are substantial gaps in the evidence base, but the South Asian evidence presents a compelling case for extending the research to other geographies to see if similar outcomes exist elsewhere and supports a theory of change linking the participation of women in forestry and fisheries management groups with better resource governance and conservation outcomes.
Depurinating estrogen‐DNA adducts, generators of cancer initiation: their minimization leads to cancer prevention
Authors: Cavalieri Ercole L. , Rogan Eleanor G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEstrogens can initiate cancer by reacting with DNA. Specific metabolites of endogenous estrogens, the catechol estrogen‐3,4‐quinones, react with DNA to form depurinating estrogen‐DNA adducts. Loss of these adducts leaves apurinic sites in the DNA, generating mutations that can lead to the initiation of cancer. A variety of endogenous and exogenous factors can disrupt estrogen homeostasis, which is the normal balance between estrogen activating and protective enzymes. In fact, if estrogen metabolism becomes unbalanced and generates excessive catechol estrogen 3,4‐quinones, formation of depurinating estrogen‐DNA adducts increases and the risk of initiating cancer is greater. The levels of depurinating estrogen‐DNA adducts are high in women diagnosed with breast cancer and those at high risk for the disease. High levels of depurinating estrogen‐DNA adducts before the presence of breast cancer indicates that adduct formation is a critical factor in breast cancer initiation. Women with thyroid or ovarian cancer also have high levels of estrogen‐DNA adducts, as do men with prostate cancer or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Depurinating estrogen‐DNA adducts are initiators of many prevalent types of human cancer. These findings and other discoveries led to the recognition that reducing the levels of estrogen‐DNA adducts could prevent the initiation of human cancer. The dietary supplements N‐acetylcysteine and resveratrol inhibit formation of estrogen‐DNA adducts in cultured human breast cells and in women. These results suggest that the two supplements offer an approach to reducing the risk of developing various prevalent types of human cancer.
A momentary biomarker for depressive mood
Authors: Kim Jinhyuk , Nakamura Toru , Yamamoto Yoshiharu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMany biomarkers from genetic, neuroimaging, and biological/biochemical measures have been recently developed in order to make a shift toward the objective evaluation of psychiatric disorders. However, they have so far been less successful in capturing dynamical changes or transitions in pathological states, such as those occurring during the course of clinical treatments or pathogenic processes of disorders. A momentary biomarker is now required for objective monitoring of such dynamical changes. The development of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) allows the assessment of dynamical aspects of diurnal/daily clinical conditions and subjective symptoms. Furthermore, a variety of validation studies on momentary symptoms assessed by EMA using behavioral/physiological/biochemical measures have demonstrated the possibility of evaluating momentary symptoms from such external objective measures. In this review, we introduce physical activity as a candidate biobehavioral biomarker for psychiatric disorders. We also mention its potential as a momentary biomarker for depressive mood. Finally, we address the continuous monitoring of the pathogenic processes and pathological states of depressive disorders based on physical activity, as well as its application in pharmacological animal studies.
Comparisons: women’s garments manufacturing cost survey between Korea and China
Authors: Kim Myoung-Ok , Lee Youn Hee , Martins Lilian Parreiras , Wen Yingyu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study aims to survey general information from garment factories in South Korea and China, representing, respectively, a developed country and a developing country. Additionally, within the same two countries, the study surveys garment manufacturing costs, from low to high, for a both a “basic” as well as for a “detailed” blouse, pants, and jacket (total of six items), with a goal of determining of an estimation of manufacturing cost in 2018. The results showed that there were meaningful differences between South Korea and China, as expected. Significant differences were shown in the number of employees, monthly wages, effecting factors on the lowest cost price period for a year; garment manufacturing time, and manufacturing costs of basic designs and detailed designs of blouse, pants, and jacket. The results of garments cost were significantly different consistent with the quality, from low cost to high cost, and quantities, from 500 pieces or less to above 10,000 pieces. The overall cost difference between two counties was about 2.6–3.5 times greater (Korea to China). Examining the same item, the difference was larger in low quality and small or large quantity rather than high quality and medium quantity. Interestingly, pants and jackets showed the largest cost difference at quantities above 10,000 pieces. Also, for 2018 there were differences in the estimated costs between both countries. The estimated cost differences were increasing from 2013 giving the implication that future manufacturing cost could increase between Korea and China.
Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) Protein Vangl2 Regulates Ectoplasmic Specialization Dynamics via Its Effects on Actin Microfilaments in the Testes of Male Rats
Authors: Chen Haiqi , Mruk Dolores D. , Lee Will M. , Cheng C. Yan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPlanar cell polarity (PCP) proteins confer polarization of a field of cells (eg, elongating/elongated spermatids) within the plane of an epithelium such as the seminiferous epithelium of the tubule during spermatogenesis. In adult rat testes, Sertoli and germ cells were found to express PCP core proteins (eg, Van Gogh-like 2 [Vangl2]), effectors, ligands, and signaling proteins. Vangl2 expressed predominantly by Sertoli cells was localized at the testis-specific, actin-rich ectoplasmic specialization (ES) at the Sertoli-spermatid interface in the adluminal compartment and also Sertoli-Sertoli interface at the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and structurally interacted with actin, N-cadherin, and another PCP/polarity protein Scribble. Vangl2 knockdown (KD) by RNA interference in Sertoli cells cultured in vitro with an established tight junction-permeability barrier led to BTB tightening, whereas its overexpression using a full-length cDNA construct perturbed the barrier function. These changes were mediated through an alteration on the organization actin microfilaments at the ES in Sertoli cells, involving actin-regulatory proteins, epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8, actin-related protein 3, and Scribble, which in turn affected the function of adhesion protein complexes at the ES during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. Using Polyplus in vivo-jetPEI reagent as a transfection medium to silence Vangl2 in the testis in vivo by RNA interference with high efficacy, Vangl2 KD led to changes in F-actin organization at the ES in the epithelium, impeding spermatid and phagosome transport and spermatid polarity, meiosis, and BTB dynamics. For instance, step 19 spermatids remained embedded in the epithelium alongside with step 9 and 10 spermatids in stages IX-X tubules. In summary, the PCP protein Vangl2 is an ES regulator through its effects on actin microfilaments in the testis.