bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of whole blood SOX2, NANOG and OCT4 mRNA expression in advanced small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Sodja Eva , Rijavec Matija , Koren Ana , Sadikov Aleksander , Korošec Peter , Cufer Tanja 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Background
The data on expression and clinical impact of cancer stem cell markers SOX2, NANOG and OCT4 in lung cancer is still lacking. The aim of our study was to compare SOX2, NANOG and OCT4 mRNA expression levels in whole blood between advanced small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients and healthy controls, and to correlate mRNA expression with progression-free survival (PFS) after first-line chemotherapy and overall survival (OS) in advanced SCLC patients.

Patients and methods
50 advanced SCLC patients treated with standard chemotherapy and followed at University Clinic Golnik, Slovenia, between 2009 and 2013 were prospectively included. SOX2, NANOG and OCT4 mRNA expression levels were determined using TaqMan qPCR in whole blood collected prior to chemotherapy. Whole blood of 34 matched healthy individuals with no cancerous disease was also tested.

Results

SOX2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in whole blood of SCLC patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.006). Significant correlation between SOX2 mRNA expression levels and the number of distant metastatic sites was established (p = 0.027). In survival analysis, patients with high SOX2 expression had shorter OS (p = 0.017) and PFS (p = 0.046). In multivariate Cox analysis, an independent value of high SOX2 expression for shorter OS (p = 0.002), but not PFS was confirmed. No significant differences were observed for NANOG or OCT4 expression levels when comparing SCLC patients and healthy controls neither when analysing survival outcomes in SCLC patients.

Conclusions

SOX2 mRNA expression in whole blood might be a promising non-invasive marker for molecular screening of SCLC and important prognostic marker in advanced chemotherapy-treated SCLC patients, altogether indicating important role of cancer stem-like cell (CSC) regulators in cancer spread. Further evaluation of SOX2 as a possible screening/prognostic marker and a therapeutic target of SCLC is warranted.
Cycloids on the Spherical Surface
Authors: Olejníková Tatiana 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The article describes the creation of the normal cycloidal curve by rotation of the point about the normal of the circle on the spherical surface and binormal cycloidal curve created by rotation of the point about the binormal of the previous cycloidal curve. Cycloidal cyclical surfaces are created by moving circles along the curves lying in the normal plane of the curves. Described cycloidal cyclical surfaces are projected on the spherical surface. Varying parameters of the curves are generated different ornaments on the spherical surface.
Comparative Evolution of DuplicatedDdx3Genes in Teleosts: Insights from Japanese Flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Wang Zhongkai , Liu Wei , Song Huayu , Wang Huizhen , Liu Jinxiang , Zhao Haitao , Du Xinxin , Zhang Quanqi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractFollowing the two rounds of whole-genome duplication that occurred during deuterostome evolution, a third genome duplication event occurred in the stem lineage of ray-finned fishes. This teleost-specific genome duplication is thought to be responsible for the biological diversification of ray-finned fishes. DEAD-box polypeptide 3 (DDX3) belongs to the DEAD-box RNA helicase family. Although their functions in humans have been well studied, limited information is available regarding their function in teleosts. In this study, two teleost Ddx3 genes were first identified in the transcriptome of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). We confirmed that the two genes originated from teleost-specific genome duplication through synteny and phylogenetic analysis. Additionally, comparative analysis of genome structure, molecular evolution rate, and expression pattern of the two genes in Japanese flounder revealed evidence of subfunctionalization of the duplicated Ddx3 genes in teleosts. Thus, the results of this study reveal novel insights into the evolution of the teleost Ddx3 genes and constitute important groundwork for further research on this gene family.
The Hairless Stem Phenotype of Cotton (Gossypium barbadense) Is Linked to aCopia-Like Retrotransposon Insertion in aHomeodomain-Leucine ZipperGene (HD1)
Authors: Ding Mingquan , Ye Wuwei , Lin Lifeng , He Shae , Du Xiongming , Chen Aiqun , Cao Yuefen , Qin Yuan , Yang Fen , Jiang Yurong , Zhang Hua , Wang Xiyin , Paterson Andrew H , Rong Junkang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCotton (Gossypium) stem trichomes are mostly single cells that arise from stem epidermal cells. In this study, a homeodomain-leucine zipper gene (HD1) was found to cosegregate with the dominant trichome locus previously designated as T1 and mapped to chromosome 6. Characterization of HD1 orthologs revealed that the absence of stem trichomes in modern Gossypium barbadense varieties is linked to a large retrotransposon insertion in the ninth exon, 2565 bp downstream from the initial codon in the At subgenome HD1 gene (At-GbHD1). In both the At and Dt subgenomes, reduced transcription of GbHD1 genes is caused by this insertion. The disruption of At-HD1 further affects the expression of downstream GbMYB25 and GbHOX3 genes. Analyses of primitive cultivated accessions identified another retrotransposon insertion event in the sixth exon of At-GbHD1 that might predate the previously identified retrotransposon in modern varieties. Although both retrotransposon insertions results in similar phenotypic changes, the timing of these two retrotransposon insertion events fits well with our current understanding of the history of cotton speciation and dispersal. Taken together, the results of genetics mapping, gene expression and association analyses suggest that GbHD1 is an important component that controls stem trichome development and is a promising candidate gene for the T1 locus. The interspecific phenotypic difference in stem trichome traits also may be attributable to HD1 inactivation associated with retrotransposon insertion.
RETOS INSTITUCIONALES Y OBSTÁCULOS PARA LA INTEGRACIÓN ECONÓMICA: COREA DEL SUR - AMÉRICA LATINA
Authors: Acosta Zapata Sebastián , Manfredi Luciana 
Published: July 2015

<p>Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar la institucionalización, desde la perspectiva de los procesos de negociación, que fomentaron el acuerdo de integración económica entre Colombia, Corea del Sur y Mercosur, teniendo en cuenta las negociaciones bilaterales o negociaciones de bloque. La presente investigación se basa en dos teorías principales: el neoinstitucionalismo y el constructivismo, las cuales sirven para explicar la cuestión principal de la investigación:¿Cómo el nivel de institucionalización impacta en las estrategias de negociación y diseño de los acuerdos? y ¿es mejor negociar de forma bilateral o en bloque? En ese sentido, este trabajo presenta dos tipos de estudios -uno cualitativo y otro cuantitativo-.</p>
Comparative study of the effect of H2 addition on ZnO films grown by different zinc and oxygen precursors
Authors: Mao Haoyuan , Gu Shulin , Ye Jiandong , Tang Kun , Gu Ran , Zhu Shunming , Huang Shimin , Yao Zhengrong , Zheng Youdou 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Mitigation of Surface Aggregation in Modified Phthalocyanines as Potential Photo Sensitizers
Authors: Vander Valk Rory J. , Dwyer Patrick J. , Kelty Stephen P. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTImportant to the development of dye-sensitized solar cells is the longevity and photo-conversion efficiency of the dye. To improve cost effectiveness, dyes of superior thermal and chemical stability are desirable to extend device performance. In this study, we examine a series of peripherally fluorinated Zinc-Phthalocyanines (FxZnPc). Introduction of chemically inert fluorine and isopropyl fluoroalkyl groups on the periphery of the Pc improve the dye stability and allow for tunable photo-physical properties. Additionally, introduction of the bulky isopropyl fluoroalkyl groups help mitigate molecular aggregation in thin films which is known to be detrimental to maintaining the desired photo-physical properties of the surface coating. Using molecular dynamics and first principles modeling, various substituent effects on surface adhesion and aggregation over TiO2 surfaces are characterized for both symmetric and asymmetric substitution.
Service-Learning in Physical Education Teacher Training. Physical Education in the Modelo Prison, Barcelona
Authors: Lleixà Teresa , Ríos Merche 
Published: June 2015

<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-language: ES; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">In </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">the Psychiatric Unit of the Modelo Prison, Barcelona, a physical education programme is carried out annually with the participation of University of Barcelona (UB) students. In this context, we carried out a study based on service-learning parameters. The aim of the study was twofold: to determine the impact on inmates of the physical education programme that was undertaken with university students; and to assess what university students’ learnt in the prison-based socio-educational intervention programme. This paper describes the context of the research and the methodological basis of service learning. The qualitative tools to gather the information were: two focus group;</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> a semi-structured interview with a representative of the unit’s guards; and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">the students’ field dairy. We present results that demonstrate the impact of the physical, sports activity on the socialisation of inmates, in terms of aspects such as communication and personal skills. The results also show the effect of the programme on the university students’ learning processes, particularly with regard to the contextualisation of learning.</span>
A study of prevalence of primary hypothyroidism in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Mukherjee Sudeb , Datta Suhana , Datta Pramathanath , Mukherjee Apurba K. , Maisnam Indira 
Published: June 2015

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong>The association between thyroid dysfunction and DM has long been recognized, although the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among diabetes population varies in different studies. This study destined to know the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction of recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. </p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods: </span></strong>Retrospective chart review of 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellituswas done. Total 60 patients (male 51, female9) fulfillingdiagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus according to ADA (American Diabetes Association) criteria were analysed by doing Thyroid Function Test (FT4,TSH).</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> 75% of patients have the biochemical features of thyroid dysfunction. Subcategorically in descending order of frequency they are - Subclinical hypothyroidism (33.33%) (defined by no symptoms or clinical fetures of hypothyroidism but biochemically TSH level in the range of above 5 mIU/ml but below 10 mIU/ml with normal FT4 level), 15% of patients each for overt hypothyroidism (either clinical features or Biochemically TSH &gt;10 mIU/ml or FT4 below normal), and subclinical hyperthyroidism (only biochemical low level of TSH &lt;0.34 mIU/ml in this study) and 11.667% patients show the features of clinical hyperthyroidism (clinical or FT4 level well above normal range along with low TSH).</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> Avery high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in this part of world in contrast to Europe &amp; US suggest routine screening for thyroid disorder in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.</span></p>
Objective Structured Practical Examination: our experience in Pharmacology at Goa Medical College, Bambolim-Goa, India
Authors: Chandelkar Ulhas Kalgo , PV Rataboli , LJ Samuel , AS Kamat , LV Bandodkar 
Published: June 2015

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong>Practical examination is an important component of evaluation in the medical curriculum. OSPE (objective structured practical examination) pattern has structured questions with marks for each point and all the objectives of teaching-learning can be tested and assigned the desired weightage.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods: </span></strong>The evaluation was done for 146 II MBBS students in Pharmacology. Every student had to spend two minutes each for dosage form (DF) and drug advice (DA) at their respective stations. All the students had to attempt same questions to avoid bias of evaluation. Checklist was provided to the faculty who functioned as observers.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results: </span></strong>All the students believed that OSPE tests practical skills. Most of the students rated OSPE as better than traditional viva or table work. Almost half the students were satisfied with the present setup. Since it tests practical skills better, all the faculty were in favour of conducting the entire practicals in OSPE setup. 50% of faculty proposed need of incorporating injection technique on dummies which will help the students to learn injection techniques well.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions: </span></strong>It is often difficult to measure practical knowledge and applications by written practical examinations. In such situation OSPE can be structured and standardized to evaluate the clinical applications.</p>
Determinants of health care seeking behavior among rural population of a coastal area in South India
Authors: Chauhan Ramesh Chand , Kandan Mani , Purty Anil J. , Samuel Abel , Singh Zile 
Published: June 2015

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Understanding of health seeking behaviour (HSB) is essential to provide need based health care services to the population. Many factors like sex, age, type of illness, access to services and perceived quality of the services, influences the health seeking behavior. This study assessed the HSB among rural population of a coastal area in Tamil Nadu.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A community based descriptive study was done in a rural coastal area of Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu state of India. Using simple random sampling method, 559 participants were selected. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Information about socio-demographic characteristics, presence of acute or chronic illness, health care seeking behavior and reasons for non-utilization of particular health facilities etc. was obtained. Chi square test was applied to find the association of health care seeking behavior with various participant characteristics. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Among 559 study participants, majority (56.4%) visited public health care facilities for various illnesses. Almost one-third of the study participants visited the private health facilities and another 11.6 percent visited other health facilities including pharmacies. Among various causes, febrile illnesses (39.5%) and pain (20.8%) were the most common reasons for visiting a health care facility. Individual’s income was significantly associated with the HSB (p value &lt;0.05). Availability of services, free of cost was reported as most common reason for preferring to the public health facility. On other hand, private practitioners were preferred due to their better availability and quality of care.</p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Public health care facilities were preferred by due to low cost of services and HSB varies with the type of illness and income of the individuals.
Awareness and practices about menstrual hygiene and its impact among migrant adolescent girls of Dera: a community based cross-sectional study from Nashik (Maharashtra)
Authors: Gosavi Shriram Vitthal , Almale Balaji , Gujarathi Amit , Vankundre Ashok , Dhakane Supriya , Patil Rakesh , Mahale Mahesh , Borade Pratima , Pawar Sunita 
Published: June 2015

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Onset of menstruation is one of the most important changes occurring during adolescence. In various parts of India, there are several cultural traditions, myths and misconceptions related to menstruation, which make them vulnerable to genital tract infections. There is very little awareness about menstruation among girls when they first experience it. Social prohibitions and negative attitude of parents in discussing the related issues openly has blocked the access of adolescent girls to right kind of information especially among migrant adolescent girls. Women having better knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene and safe practices are less vulnerable to Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI) and its consequences. Hence this study was conducted with objective to assess awareness and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent in migrant population. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Study area and study population: This cross-sectional community based study was conducted among migrant adolescent girls residing in (Dera) the Corporation area of Nashik (Maharashtra). Duration of study: The study was carried out for 2 months. Purposive sampling method was adopted. We carried out in-depth interviews among such purposively selected adolescent girls till redundancy in responses started creeping up. A written informed consent was taken from the study subject’s. A semi-structured schedule with open ended questions was used for data collection process. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Majority of the study participants were not aware (75%) about menarche while for sanitary protection old traditional method cloths were used. Knowledge of menarche was mostly (50%) provided by friends followed by mother (35%). </p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In the present study, we found that the myths and misconceptions about menstrual practices are still continued in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century. There is a need to focus on such migrant population for their better health.
Self-reported training assessment of medical interns and fresh graduates of a tertiary care centre
Authors: Palappallil Dhanya S. 
Published: June 2015

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong>In India internship training is considered to be a period of learning entrusted with clinical responsibilities. This study helps to know the self-reported preparedness of fresh graduates for internship as well as trained interns to be a practicising primary care doctor.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods: </span></strong>Cross sectional study was done in a tertiary care teaching hospital of South India. Thirty five interns who completed training and thirty five fresh graduates entering internship were randomly recruited for the study after getting ethics committee approval. Data was collected in a structured questionnaire which assessed the confidence levels of the participants in performing various skilled activities. The feedback regarding training and suggestions were also received. The data was analysed by SPSS 16. Both the groups were considered to be equally competent and hence non parametric test for 2 independent samples Mann Whitney U, Chi square test and Fisher’s exact test was done. </p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> Apart from delivering health talks in local bodies and prescribing oral contraceptives there was significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the confidence levels of interns who completed training. Total scores of trained interns were greater than that of fresh graduates (p&lt;0.001). 97.14 % participants wanted cardiology as a compulsory area of training for internship. Suggestions for improvement include orientation classes, exact procedure demonstrations, more seminars and active involvement of interns in management of the patients.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions: </span></strong>Internship training is effective in this tertiary care hospital and trained interns make better doctors than fresh doctors as the theoretical knowledge gained is put into practice.</p>
Characterizing Changes from a Century of Genetic Improvement of Soybean Cultivars in Northeast China
Authors: Wu Tingting , Sun Shi , Wang Caijie , Lu Wencheng , Sun Bincheng , Song Xiqing , Han Xiaozeng , Guo Tai , Man Weiqun , Cheng Yanxi , Niu Jianguang , Fu Lianshun , Song Wenwen , Jiang Bingjun , Hou Wensheng , Wu Cunxiang , Han Tianfu 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe first soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeding program in China was established in the northeast in 1913. A trend analysis of widely grown cultivars across Chinese soybean breeding history may provide a better perspective on the genetic progress in soybean. The objective of the current study was to assess the genetic change of 15 phenological, yield, and agronomic traits on widely grown cultivars in northeast China. Sixty‐four soybean cultivars representing a span of 84 yr (1923–2007) of release were included. The field experiments were conducted at three sites in each region during 2009, 2010, and 2011, and the annual genetic changes were obtained by regression analysis. The results showed that the yield gain in widely grown cultivars of different regions ranged from 6 to 16 kg ha−1 yr−1 due to improvements in different yield components in the last nine decades. In addition, modern cultivars demonstrated more upright plant architecture, fewer branches, shorter height, higher lodging resistance, and earlier flowering than obsolete cultivars. However, changes were insignificant in the height of the bottom pod and the node number. The changing rates of yield and phenological traits across these decades were constant, while that of agronomic traits were discontinuous. Days to flowering, branch number, and lodging score were more responsive to environments in new cultivars than in old cultivars. In conclusion, these findings indicate a substantial improvement in the yield, agronomic, and phenological traits resulted from long‐term genetic breeding. This study also provides insight into developing new strategies for soybean genetic improvement in China and worldwide.
Sweetness and Spice: Tax Issues for Foodies
Authors: Anderson Susan E. , Stallworth H. Lynn 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
A food blog and a catering business provide an issue-rich context in which students examine tax issues involving individuals, a partnership, and a single owner LLC. The case illustrates how advances in technology and social media occur without the issuance of directly applicable tax guidance, thus introducing students to uncertainty in interpreting the tax law and providing professional advice. The goals of the case are to increase students' (1) abilities to identify tax issues for individuals and small home-based businesses, (2) tax research proficiency, (3) written communication skills, (4) technical knowledge, and (5) experience in tax planning. The case helps students develop four of the core competencies expressed in the AICPA's (2012) CPA Vision Project, including improving students' abilities to interpret converging information, think strategically and critically, communicate effectively, and adeptly use technology. Student responses to a posttest questionnaire indicate that the case helped develop their issue identification, tax research, and writing skills.