bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pentraxin 3, long expression in mononuclear cells of patients with acute coronary syndrome: Correlation with C-reactive protein and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels
Authors: Ma Ruilian , Zhang Wei , Wang Tiansong , He Ximin , Huang Zichong , Zhu Jinguo , Yao Zhen 
Published: April 2014

Objectives To investigate expression of pentraxin 3, long ( PTX3) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its correlation with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Methods Patients with ACS were randomly assigned to the ACS group (subdivided into unstable angina pectoris [UAP] and acute myocardial infarction [AMI]). Healthy participants and patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) were enrolled as controls. Mononuclear cell PTX3 expression, and serum MMP-9 and CRP levels, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The ACS group comprised 200 patients (80 in the UAP subgroup; 120 in the AMI subgroup). The control group comprised 130 participants (80 healthy volunteers and 50 patients with SAP). PTX3 expression was significantly higher in the ACS group compared with controls (3.64 ± 0.49 versus 1.85 ± 0.65 ng/ml), and significantly higher in the AMI compared with the UAP subgroup (5.44 ± 0.47 versus 3.39 ± 0.59 ng/ml). Serum MMP-9 and CRP levels were significantly higher in the ACS group compared with controls (48.55 ± 14.22 versus 23.14 ± 0.62 ng/ml; 4.88 ± 1.76 versus 1.26 ± 0.19 ng/ml, respectively), and significantly higher in the AMI compared with the UAP subgroup (58.13 ± 7.24 versus 31.77 ± 3.61 ng/ml; 5.80 ± 1.46 versus 3.27 ± 0.83 ng/ml, respectively). PTX3 expression, and MMP-9 and CRP levels in the SAP subgroup, were not significantly different from the healthy participants. PTX3 expression positively correlated with MMP-9 and CRP levels. Conclusions In patients with ACS, peripheral blood mononuclear cell PTX3 expression, and serum MMP-9 and CRP levels, were significantly enhanced compared with controls; in addition, PTX3 expression positively correlated with MMP-9 and CRP levels. PTX3 may be involved in ACS pathogenesis.
Determinants of Job Search Intensity in Ghana
Authors: Nyarko Christopher Opoku , Baah-Boateng William , Nketiah-Amponsah Edward 
Published: April 2014

The success of individuals in securing employment requires a significant search effort. This article presents an empirical analysis of the determinants of job search intensity among a cross-section of workers in Accra, Ghana. Based on a sample of 404 workers drawn from 100 formal sector firms in Accra, we adopt the Poisson regression estimation technique to indicate that age, years of schooling, labour market experience, sex of household head, firm size and ethnic group significantly influence job search intensity. Measures to expose young job seekers to the world of work via internship and apprenticeship could accelerate their transition to employment. JEL Classification: J6; J21; J23
Cognitive, behavioural and psychological barriers to the prevention of severe hypoglycaemia: A qualitative study of adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Speight Jane , Barendse Shalleen M , Singh Harsimran , Little Stuart A , Rutter Martin K , Heller Simon R , Shaw James AM 
Published: April 2014

Objectives: Severe hypoglycaemia affects approximately one in three people with type 1 diabetes and is the most serious side effect of insulin therapy. Our aim was to explore individualistic drivers of severe hypoglycaemia events. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 17 adults with type 1 diabetes and a history of recurrent severe hypoglycaemia, to elicit experiences of hypoglycaemia (symptoms/awareness, progression from mild to severe and strategies for prevention/treatment). Interviews were analysed using an adapted grounded theory approach. Results: Three main themes emerged: hypoglycaemia-induced cognitive impairment, behavioural factors and psychological factors. Despite experiencing early hypoglycaemic symptoms, individuals often delayed intervention due to impaired/distracted attention, inaccurate risk assessment, embarrassment, worry about rebound hyperglycaemia or unavailability of preferred glucose source. Delay coupled with use of a slow-acting glucose source compromised prevention of severe hypoglycaemia. Conclusion: Our qualitative data highlight the multifaceted, idiosyncratic nature of severe hypoglycaemia and confirm that individuals with a history of recurrent severe hypoglycaemia may have specific thought and behaviour risk profiles. Individualised prevention plans are required, emphasising both the need to attend actively to mild hypoglycaemic symptoms and to intervene promptly with an appropriate, patient-preferred glucose source to prevent progression to severe hypoglycaemia.
Activity of therapeutic JAK 1/2 blockade in graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Spoerl Silvia , Mathew Nimitha R. , Bscheider Michael , Schmitt-Graeff Annette , Chen Sophia , Mueller Tony , Verbeek Mareike , Fischer Julius , Otten Vera , Schmickl Martina , Maas-Bauer Kristina , Finke Jürgen , Peschel Christian , Duyster Justus , Poeck Hendrik , Zeiser Robert , von Bubnoff Nikolas 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
We report that ruxolitinib reduces murine GVHD via increased Treg numbers. We demonstrate the potent activity of ruxolitinib treatment in patients with corticosteroid-refractory GVHD.
C1013G/CXCR4 acts as a driver mutation of tumor progression and modulator of drug resistance in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
Authors: Roccaro Aldo M. , Sacco Antonio , Jimenez Cristina , Maiso Patricia , Moschetta Michele , Mishima Yuji , Aljawai Yosra , Sahin Ilyas , Kuhne Michelle , Cardarelli Pina , Cohen Lewis , San Miguel Jesus F. , Garcia-Sanz Ramon , Ghobrial Irene M. 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
C1013G/CXCR4 acts as an activating mutation in WM leading to enhanced tumor growth, and as an inducer of drug resistance. BMS936564/MDX1338, a novel anti-CXCR4 moAb, successfully targets WM cells, either C1013G/CXCR4 mutated or wild-type.
Discussion of coupled and tripled coincidence point theorems for φ-contractive mappings without the mixed g-monotone property
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Roldán Antonio , Shahzad Naseer , Sintunavarat Wutiphol 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
After the appearance of Ran and Reuring’s theorem and Nieto and Rodríguez-López’s theorem, the field of fixed point theory applied to partially ordered metric spaces has attracted much attention. Coupled, tripled, quadrupled and multidimensional fixed point results has been presented in recent times. One of the most important hypotheses of these theorems was the mixed monotone property. The notion of invariant set was introduced in order to avoid the condition of mixed monotone property, and many statements have been proved using these hypotheses. In this paper we show that the invariant condition, together with transitivity, lets us to prove in many occasions similar theorems to which were introduced using the mixed monotone property.

MSC:46T99, 47H10, 47H09, 54H25.
High dose insulin therapy, an evidence based approach to beta blocker/calcium channel blocker toxicity
Authors: Woodward Christina , Pourmand Ali , Mazer-Amirshahi Maryann 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Poison-induced cardiogenic shock (PICS) as a result of beta-blocker (β-blocker) or calcium channel blocker (CCB) overdose is a common and potentially life-threatening condition. Conventional therapies, including fluid resuscitation, atropine, cardiac pacing, calcium, glucagon, and vasopressors often fail to improve hemodynamic status. High-dose insulin (HDI) is an emerging therapeutic modality for PICS. In this article, we discuss the existing literature and highlight the therapeutic success and potential of HDI. Based on the current literature, which is limited primarily to case series and animal models, the authors conclude that HDI can be effective in restoring hemodynamic stability, and recommend considering its use in patients with PICS that is not responsive to traditional therapies. Future studies should be undertaken to determine the optimal dose and duration of therapy for HDI in PICS.
State vocational rehabilitation programs and federal disability insurance: an analysis of Virginia’s vocational rehabilitation program
Authors: Dean David , Pepper John V , Schmidt Robert M , Stern Steven 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We examine the association between the receipt of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and Federal Disability Insurance using a unique panel data source on persons who applied for assistance from Virginia’s VR program in 2000. Three central findings emerge: first, VR services are associated with lower rates of participation in disability insurance programs-a nearly 2 point drop in SSDI receipt and 1 point drop in SSI receipt. Second, VR service receipt is associated with lower take-up rates of SSDI/SSI. Finally, among VR applicants on SSDI/SSI, those who receive substantive VR services are more likely to be employed.

JEL codes

H51, I13, J24
Do heart and respiratory rate variability improve prediction of extubation outcomes in critically ill patients?
Authors: Seely Andrew JE , Bravi Andrea , Herry Christophe , Green Geoffrey , Longtin André , Ramsay Tim , Fergusson Dean , McIntyre Lauralyn , Kubelik Dalibor , Maziak Donna E , Ferguson Niall , Brown Samuel M , Mehta Sangeeta , Martin Claudio , Rubenfeld Gordon , Jacono Frank J , Clifford Gari , Fazekas Anna , Marshall John 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Prolonged ventilation and failed extubation are associated with increased harm and cost. The added value of heart and respiratory rate variability (HRV and RRV) during spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) to predict extubation failure remains unknown.

Methods
We enrolled 721 patients in a multicenter (12 sites), prospective, observational study, evaluating clinical estimates of risk of extubation failure, physiologic measures recorded during SBTs, HRV and RRV recorded before and during the last SBT prior to extubation, and extubation outcomes. We excluded 287 patients because of protocol or technical violations, or poor data quality. Measures of variability (97 HRV, 82 RRV) were calculated from electrocardiogram and capnography waveforms followed by automated cleaning and variability analysis using Continuous Individualized Multiorgan Variability Analysis (CIMVA™) software. Repeated randomized subsampling with training, validation, and testing were used to derive and compare predictive models.

Results
Of 434 patients with high-quality data, 51 (12%) failed extubation. Two HRV and eight RRV measures showed statistically significant association with extubation failure (P <0.0041, 5% false discovery rate). An ensemble average of five univariate logistic regression models using RRV during SBT, yielding a probability of extubation failure (called WAVE score), demonstrated optimal predictive capacity. With repeated random subsampling and testing, the model showed mean receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC AUC) of 0.69, higher than heart rate (0.51), rapid shallow breathing index (RBSI; 0.61) and respiratory rate (0.63). After deriving a WAVE model based on all data, training-set performance demonstrated that the model increased its predictive power when applied to patients conventionally considered high risk: a WAVE score >0.5 in patients with RSBI >105 and perceived high risk of failure yielded a fold increase in risk of extubation failure of 3.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2 to 5.2) and 3.5 (95% CI 1.9 to 5.4), respectively.

Conclusions
Altered HRV and RRV (during the SBT prior to extubation) are significantly associated with extubation failure. A predictive model using RRV during the last SBT provided optimal accuracy of prediction in all patients, with improved accuracy when combined with clinical impression or RSBI. This model requires a validation cohort to evaluate accuracy and generalizability.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01237886. Registered 13 October 2010.
Combined Molecular and Clinical Prognostic Index for Relapse and Survival in Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Pastore Friederike , Dufour Annika , Benthaus Tobias , Metzeler Klaus H. , Maharry Kati S. , Schneider Stephanie , Ksienzyk Bianka , Mellert Gudrun , Zellmeier Evelyn , Kakadia Purvi M. , Unterhalt Michael , Feuring-Buske Michaela , Buske Christian , Braess Jan , Sauerland Maria Cristina , Heinecke Achim , Krug Utz , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Buechner Thomas , Woermann Bernhard , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Bohlander Stefan K. , Marcucci Guido , Spiekermann Karsten , Bloomfield Clara D. , Hoster Eva 
Published: April 2014

Purpose Cytogenetically normal (CN) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the largest and most heterogeneous cytogenetic AML subgroup. For the practicing clinician, it is difficult to summarize the prognostic information of the growing number of clinical and molecular markers. Our purpose was to develop a widely applicable prognostic model by combining well-established pretreatment patient and disease characteristics. Patients and Methods Two prognostic indices for CN-AML (PINA), one regarding overall survival (OS; PINAOS) and the other regarding relapse-free survival (RFS; PINARFS), were derived from data of 572 patients with CN-AML treated within the AML Cooperative Group 99 study ( www.aml-score.org ). Results On the basis of age (median, 60 years; range, 17 to 85 years), performance status, WBC count, and mutation status of NPM1, CEBPA, and FLT3-internal tandem duplication, patients were classified into the following three risk groups according to PINAOS and PINARFS: 29% of all patients and 32% of 381 responding patients had low-risk disease (5-year OS, 74%; 5-year RFS, 55%); 56% of all patients and 39% of responding patients had intermediate-risk disease (5-year OS, 28%; 5-year RFS, 27%), and 15% of all patients and 29% of responding patients had high-risk disease (5-year OS, 3%; 5-year RFS, 5%), respectively. PINAOS and PINARFS stratified outcome within European LeukemiaNet genetic groups. Both indices were confirmed on independent data from Cancer and Leukemia Group B/Alliance trials. Conclusion We have developed and validated, to our knowledge, the first prognostic indices specifically designed for adult patients of all ages with CN-AML that combine well-established molecular and clinical variables and that are easily applicable in routine clinical care. The integration of both clinical and molecular markers could provide a basis for individualized patient care through risk-adapted therapy of CN-AML.
Theoretical Studies of Rhodium-Catalyzed Borylation of Nitriles through Cleavage of Carbon–Cyano Bonds
Authors: Kinuta Hirotaka , Takahashi Hiroaki , Tobisu Mamoru , Mori Seiji , Chatani Naoto 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Rhodium(I)-catalyzed borylation of nitriles is investigated theoretically, using the density functional theory method, to clarify the reaction mechanism, including the formation process of the catalytically active species, carbon–carbon bond cleavage, and the effect of an amine additive. The initial step in this reaction is the formation of a borylrhodium(I) species, in which the rhodium center carries a significant negative charge. The most energetically favorable pathway for carbon–carbon bond cleavage involves the insertion of a cyano group into borylrhodium(I) to form an iminoacyl intermediate, followed by extrusion of boryl isocyanide (iminoacyl mechanism). The calculation suggests that DABCO can react with coproduced reactive boron species, such as boryl chloride and boryl isocyanide, to form stable adducts, lowering the energy of the entire reaction system. In addition, the chemoselectivities among C–CN, C–Br, and C–Cl bonds observed in experimental studies are in good agreement with the calculated activation energies required for these bond activation processes.
Aromatic Selenoic, Selenothioic, and Diselenoic Acid Salts: Isolation, Characterization, and 77Se NMR Spectra, Together with Theoretical Elucidation
Authors: Murai Toshiaki , Nishi Daisuke , Hayashi Satoko , Nakanishi Waro 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
To systematically elucidate molecular and electronic structures of aromatic selenoic acid salts and their heavier congeners, they were synthesized by reacting selenoic, selenothioic, and diselenoic acid Se-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl] esters with ammonium fluorides. The resulting salts were characterized by 13C and 77Se NMR spectra, and some of their molecular structures were disclosed by X-ray analyses. These results were compared with spectroscopic properties and molecular structures of selenoic and selenothioic acid Se-methyl esters. As a result, in the resonance hybrids of selenoic and selenothioic acid ammonium salts, the resonance structures involving carbon–selenium double bonds also contribute to the resonance hybrids, and the importance of these resonance structures appears to increase on going from selenoic to selenothioic acid salts on the basis of the results of the coupling constants of carbon–selenium bonds and UV–visible spectra. The results were well supported by the optimized structures and evaluated NMR parameters for the species.
Green synthesis and characterisations of antibacterial silver-polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films for wound dressing
Authors: Badawy Sayed M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Green synthesis and characterisations of silver-polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films for possible environmental and biomedical applications such as wound dressing have been investigated. The synthesis was carried out in water, in an environmentally-friendly solvent using β-D-glucose as a reducing agent and in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a bio-friendly polymer. The green synthesis approaches have advantages over conventional methods involving chemical agents associated with environmental toxicity. The formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesised Ag-PVA nanocomposite materials against strains of different bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus was studied.
Stability and Response of Polygenic Traits to Stabilizing Selection and Mutation
Authors: de Vladar Harold P , Barton Nick 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWhen polygenic traits are under stabilizing selection, many different combinations of alleles allow close adaptation to the optimum. If alleles have equal effects, all combinations that result in the same deviation from the optimum are equivalent. Furthermore, the genetic variance that is maintained by mutation–selection balance is 2μ/S per locus, where μ is the mutation rate and S the strength of stabilizing selection. In reality, alleles vary in their effects, making the fitness landscape asymmetric and complicating analysis of the equilibria. We show that that the resulting genetic variance depends on the fraction of alleles near fixation, which contribute by 2μ/S, and on the total mutational effects of alleles that are at intermediate frequency. The interplay between stabilizing selection and mutation leads to a sharp transition: alleles with effects smaller than a threshold value of 2μ/S remain polymorphic, whereas those with larger effects are fixed. The genetic load in equilibrium is less than for traits of equal effects, and the fitness equilibria are more similar. We find that if the optimum is displaced, alleles with effects close to the threshold value sweep first, and their rate of increase is bounded by μS. Long-term response leads in general to well-adapted traits, unlike the case of equal effects that often end up at a suboptimal fitness peak. However, the particular peaks to which the populations converge are extremely sensitive to the initial states and to the speed of the shift of the optimum trait value.
Efficient and Heritable Gene Targeting in Tilapia by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Li Minghui , Yang Huihui , Zhao Jiue , Fang Lingling , Shi Hongjuan , Li Mengru , Sun Yunlv , Zhang Xianbo , Jiang Dongneng , Zhou Linyan , Wang Deshou 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Studies of gene function in non-model animals have been limited by the approaches available for eliminating gene function. The CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated) system has recently become a powerful tool for targeted genome editing. Here, we report the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to disrupt selected genes, including nanos2, nanos3, dmrt1, and foxl2, with efficiencies as high as 95%. In addition, mutations in dmrt1 and foxl2 induced by CRISPR/Cas9 were efficiently transmitted through the germline to F1. Obvious phenotypes were observed in the G0 generation after mutation of germ cell or somatic cell-specific genes. For example, loss of Nanos2 and Nanos3 in XY and XX fish resulted in germ cell-deficient gonads as demonstrated by GFP labeling and Vasa staining, respectively, while masculinization of somatic cells in both XY and XX gonads was demonstrated by Dmrt1 and Cyp11b2 immunohistochemistry and by up-regulation of serum androgen levels. Our data demonstrate that targeted, heritable gene editing can be achieved in tilapia, providing a convenient and effective approach for generating loss-of-function mutants. Furthermore, our study shows the utility of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for genetic engineering in non-model species like tilapia and potentially in many other teleost species.
The Drosophila Werner Exonuclease Participates in an Exonuclease-Independent Response to Replication Stress
Authors: Bolterstein Elyse , Rivero Rachel , Marquez Melissa , McVey Mitch 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Members of the RecQ family of helicases are known for their roles in DNA repair, replication, and recombination. Mutations in the human RecQ helicases, WRN and BLM, cause Werner and Bloom syndromes, which are diseases characterized by genome instability and an increased risk of cancer. While WRN contains both a helicase and an exonuclease domain, the Drosophila melanogaster homolog, WRNexo, contains only the exonuclease domain. Therefore the Drosophila model system provides a unique opportunity to study the exonuclease functions of WRN separate from the helicase. We created a null allele of WRNexo via imprecise P-element excision. The null WRNexo mutants are not sensitive to double-strand break-inducing reagents, suggesting that the exonuclease does not play a key role in homologous recombination-mediated repair of DSBs. However, WRNexo mutant embryos have a reduced hatching frequency and larvae are sensitive to the replication fork-stalling reagent, hydroxyurea (HU), suggesting that WRNexo is important in responding to replication stress. The role of WRNexo in the HU-induced stress response is independent of Rad51. Interestingly, the hatching defect and HU sensitivity of WRNexo mutants do not occur in flies containing an exonuclease-dead copy of WRNexo, suggesting that the role of WRNexo in replication is independent of exonuclease activity. Additionally, WRNexo and Blm mutants exhibit similar sensitivity to HU and synthetic lethality in combination with mutations in structure-selective endonucleases. We propose that WRNexo and BLM interact to promote fork reversal following replication fork stalling and in their absence regressed forks are restarted through a Rad51-mediated process.