bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delays in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer: A pilot project mapping the pathway
Authors: Iqbal M Shahid , Pickles R , Pedley I , Frew J , Azzabi A , Heer R , Thorpe A , Johnson M , Robson L , McMenemin R 
Published: December 2014

Background: The patient pathway for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is multidisciplinary. Trans-urethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) counts as the first definitive treatment and subsequent definitive therapy thereafter is often delayed, which may adversely affect outcome. We elected to scrutinise the management pathway in detail to understand these delays and improve the patient experience. Method: A retrospective mapping analysis was conducted on 17 patients with MIBC. The causes of any delays and measures to avoid these were identified. A prospective study of 17 patients with MIBC was then undertaken to see if the strategies used to re-engineer the patient care pathway had been effective. Result: The median time from GP referral to first appointment was 9 days (range: 1–37) and from TURBT to subsequent radical treatment was 75 days (range: 27–105) in keeping with published literature. The median time for a referral letter from urology to oncology following MDT was 15 days. We therefore modified the MDT proforma to use as a formal referral, and a project manager proactively managed the patient pathway. Capacity issues were addressed by protecting clinical slots for bladder patients and establishing monthly evening clinics. After implementing the strategies, the median days from first appointment to TURBT improved from 31 to 23 days and time from TURBT to subsequent treatment improved from 75 to 66 days. The time from MDT referral to being seen by an oncologist or urologist significantly reduced from 32 to 15 days. Conclusion: Retrospective analysis identified delays between initial TURBT to definitive therapy and strategies adopted to reduce these were effective. TURBT is a diagnostic process and if acknowledged as first treatment results in delays of what is the definitive treatment. We found the initial diagnostic pathway to work well but non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and MIBC are then managed very differently and warrant two separate pathways.
The importance of second-look transurethral resection for superficial bladder cancer
Authors: El-Barky Ehab , Sebaey Ahmed , Eltabey Magdy , Aboutaleb Ahmed , Hussein Sundus , Kehinde Elijah O 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: The objective of this article is to evaluate the importance of a second-look transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) in patients with newly diagnosed superficial bladder cancer and its impact on subsequent treatment plan. Methods: We carried out a prospective study on 100 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed superficial bladder cancer in whom a second-look TURBT was performed two to six weeks after initial resection. We assessed the incidence of residual tumours, sufficiency of initial pathological staging and grading. We also assessed the need for re-staging and grading after the second-look TURBT. Results: Forty-five out of 75 patients (60%) who underwent second-look TURBT had no tumours, 18 (24%) had visible residual tumours and 12 (16%) had microscopic residual tumours. Of the 30 (40%) patients with residual tumours, five had pTa, three had carcinoma in situ (CIS), 12 had pT1, and 10 had pT2 disease. Upstaging and change of treatment plan as a result of the second-look TURBT were necessary in 18/75 (24%) cases, of which 10 cases (13%) underwent radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive tumours. Conclusions: A second cystoscopy with or without TURBT is recommended two to six weeks after initial resection of stage Ta and T1 bladder tumours in patients with high-grade transitional carcinoma of the bladder or in patients with multiple tumours. Second-look cystoscopy in this category of patients may reveal the need for early change of treatment plan in about 25% of patients.
Visualization of nitric oxide production by individual platelets during adhesion in flowing blood
Authors: Cozzi Maria Rita , Guglielmini Giuseppe , Battiston Monica , Momi Stefania , Lombardi Elisabetta , Miller Edward Cole , De Zanet Denise , Mazzucato Mario , Gresele Paolo , De Marco Luigi 
Published: December 2014

Key PointsThe production of NO by platelets and its possible role are controversial. We visualize NO formed by single platelets adhering to collagen under flow conditions and show that it depends on Ca++ and modulates adhesion.
BRAF inhibitors reverse the unique molecular signature and phenotype of hairy cell leukemia and exert potent antileukemic activity
Authors: Pettirossi Valentina , Santi Alessia , Imperi Elisa , Russo Guido , Pucciarini Alessandra , Bigerna Barbara , Schiavoni Gianluca , Fortini Elisabetta , Spanhol-Rosseto Ariele , Sportoletti Paolo , Mannucci Roberta , Martelli Maria Paola , Klein-Hitpass Ludger , Falini Brunangelo , Tiacci Enrico 
Published: December 2014

Key Points
The V600E kinase-activating mutation of BRAF profoundly shapes the distinct identity of HCL among B-cell neoplasms. Clinically available BRAF and MEK inhibitors exert potent antileukemic activity in patients’ HCL cells in vitro and in vivo.
CGA-based deadlock solving strategies towards vehicle sensing systems
Authors: Xu Jianlong , Zheng Zibin , Lyu Michael R 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Vehicle sensing system is an important research topic in the research field of Internet-of-Vehicles (IoV). Reliability and real-time performance of vehicle sensing systems are greatly influenced when deadlock happens. When a deadlock is detected, identifying the optimal deadlock solving strategy can ensure that the system goes back to normal state quickly. In order to address this issue, this paper proposes an efficient deadlock solving method. Firstly, the deadlock problem in a vehicle sensing system is analyzed based on four deadlock occurring conditions (i.e., mutual exclusion, hold and wait, no preemption, and circular wait). Secondly, an optimization model is built to combine the quantity and cost of tasks in vehicle sensing systems. After that, a co-evolutionary genetic algorithm (CGA) is developed to search the optimal deadlock solving strategy. Finally, experiments by simulation are conducted and the experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed deadlock solving method for vehicle sensing systems.
Increasing incidence of pregnancy among women receiving HIV care and treatment at a large urban facility in western Uganda
Authors: Kabami Jane , Turyakira Eleanor , Biraro Sam , Bajunirwe Francis 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Background
Antiretroviral treatment restores physical functioning and may have an impact on fertility desires. Counseling is given to HIV positive women to create awareness and to provide information on pregnancy and delivery. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pregnancy and factors that predict pregnancy among women of reproductive age receiving HIV care and treatment at a large urban center in western Uganda.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data at the Immune Suppression (ISS) Clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital located in Mbarara District, western Uganda collected between January 2006 and June 2010. Women aged 15 to 50 years were eligible for analysis. The primary outcome was incidence of pregnancy calculated as number of pregnancies per 1000 person years (PY). Data was analyzed by calendar year and year of enrolment and used survival analysis to determine the predictors of pregnancy.

Results
A total of 3144 women were included with a median follow up of 12.5 months. The overall incidence rate was 90.7 pregnancies per 1000 person years. Incidence increased from 29.8 pregnancies per 1000 PY in 2006 to 122 pregnancies per 1000 PY in 2010 (p < 0.001). Significant predictors for pregnancy were younger age (HR 10.96 95% CI 3.22-37.2), married (HR 2.09 95% CI 1.69-2.64) and single (HR 1.95 95% CI 1.34-2.84) compared to widowed or separated, primary education (HR 1.65 95% CI 1.02-2.66), not knowing the HIV status of the spouse (HR 1.46, 95%CI 1.13-1.93) compared to knowing. The use of family planning (HR 0.23 95% CI 0.18- 0.30) and an increase in CD4 count between baseline and most recent count were protective against pregnancy. ART use was not a significant predictor.

Conclusion
Incidence of pregnancy among women receiving routine HIV care and treatment has increased and is almost comparable to that in the general population. Thus routine HIV care should integrate reproductive health needs for these women.
NMP-7 Inhibits Chronic Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain via Block of Cav3.2 T-type Calcium Channels and Activation of CB2 Receptors
Authors: Berger N Daniel , Gadotti Vinicius M , Petrov Ravil R , Chapman Kevin , Diaz Philippe , Zamponi Gerald W 
Published: December 2014

Background: T-type calcium channels and cannabinoid receptors are known to play important roles in chronic pain, making them attractive therapeutic targets. We recently reported on the design, synthesis and analgesic properties of a novel T-type channel inhibitor (NMP-7), which also shows mixed agonist activity on CB1 and CB2 receptors in vitro. Here, we analyzed the analgesic effect of systemically delivered NMP-7 (intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intragstric (i.g.) routes) on mechanical hypersensitivity in inflammatory pain induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) and neuropathic pain induced by sciatic nerve injury. Results: NMP-7 delivered by either i.p. or i.g. routes produced dose-dependent inhibition of mechanical hyperalgesia in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, without altering spontaneous locomotor activity in the open-field test at the highest active dose. Neither i.p. nor i.g. treatment reduced peripheral inflammation per se, as evaluated by examining paw edema and myeloperoxidase activity. The antinociception produced by NMP-7 in the CFA test was completely abolished in CaV3.2-null mice, confirming CaV3.2 as a key target. The analgesic action of intraperitoneally delivered NMP-7 was not affected by pretreatment of mice with the CB1 antagonist AM281, but was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with the CB2 antagonist AM630, suggesting that CB2 receptors, but not CB1 receptors are involved in the action of NMP-7 in vivo. Conclusions: Overall, our work shows that NMP-7 mediates a significant analgesic effect in a model of persistent inflammatory and chronic neuropathic pain by way of T-type channel modulation and CB2 receptor activation. Thus, this study provides a novel therapeutic avenue for managing chronic pain conditions via mixed CB ligands/T-type channel blockers.
Fast digital zooming system using directionally adaptive image interpolation and restoration
Authors: Kang Wonseok , Jeon Jaehwan , Yu Soohwan , Paik Joonki 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This paper presents a fast digital zooming system for mobile consumer cameras using directionally adaptive image interpolation and restoration methods. The proposed interpolation algorithm performs edge refinement along the initially estimated edge orientation using directionally steerable filters. Either the directionally weighted linear or adaptive cubic-spline interpolation filter is then selectively used according to the refined edge orientation for removing jagged artifacts in the slanted edge region. A novel image restoration algorithm is also presented for removing blurring artifacts caused by the linear or cubic-spline interpolation using the directionally adaptive truncated constrained least squares (TCLS) filter. Both proposed steerable filter-based interpolation and the TCLS-based restoration filters have a finite impulse response (FIR) structure for real time processing in an image signal processing (ISP) chain. Experimental results show that the proposed digital zooming system provides high-quality magnified images with FIR filter-based fast computational structure.
The Global and Domestic Politics of Health Policy in Emerging Nations
Authors: Gómez Eduardo J. , Ruger Jennifer Prah 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In recent years, several emerging nations with burgeoning economies and in transition to democracy have pursued health policy innovations. As these nations have integrated into the world economy through bilateral trade and diplomacy, they have also become increasingly exposed to international pressures and norms and focused on more effective, equitable health care systems. There are several lessons learned from the case studies of Brazil, Ghana, India, China, Vietnam, and Thailand in this special issue on the global and domestic politics of health policy in emerging nations. For the countries examined, although sensitive to international preferences, domestic governments preferred to implement policy on their own and at their own pace. During the policy-making and implementation process, international and domestic actors played different roles in health policy making vis-à-vis other reform actors — at times the state played an intermediary role. In several countries, civil society also played a central role in designing and implementing policy at all levels of government. International institutions also have a number of mechanisms and strategies in their tool box to influence a country's domestic health governance, and they use them, particularly in the context of an uncertain state or internal discordance within the state.
International Institutions and China's Health Policy
Authors: Huang Yanzhong 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This article examines the role of international institutional actors in China's health policy process. Particular attention is paid to three major international institutional actors: the World Bank, the World Health Organization, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Through process tracing and comparative case studies, the article looks at how international institutions contribute to policy change in China and seeks to explain different outcomes in the relationship between international institutions and China's health policies. It finds that despite the opaque and exclusive authoritarian structure in China, international institutions play a significant role in the country's domestic health governance. By investing their resources and capabilities selectively and strategically, international institutions can change the preferences of government policy makers, move latent public health issues to the government's agenda, and affect the timing of government action and the content of policy design. Furthermore, the study suggests that different outcomes in the relationship between China's health policies and global health governance can be explained through the seriousness of the externalities China faces.
“Developmental Capture” Of the State: Explaining Thailand's Universal Coverage Policy
Authors: Harris Joseph 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe notion of “regulatory capture” is typically used to describe the takeover of state agencies by outside interest groups that seek to weaken regulation and advance the agendas of interest groups through control over state policy levers. This concept can be contrasted with that of “developmental capture” of state agencies by networks of reformist bureaucrats within the state who seek to promote inclusive state social and developmental policies of benefit to the broader populace. Building on work that has pointed to instances in which state bureaucrats act autonomously from societal and political pressures, this article argues that existing explanations are insufficient for explaining Thailand's universal health care policy. It points to the critical role played by a network of bureaucrats within the state who strategically mobilized resources in the bureaucracy, political parties, civil society, and international organizations to institutionalize universal health care in the face of broader professional dissent, political uncertainty, and international pressure.
The Meanings of Universal Health Care in Latin America
Authors: Clark Mary A. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In Latin America, competing definitions of universal health care are found. Variants include traditional universalism, basic universalism, and minimal or residual universalism. These definitions are informed by European traditions, a renewed emphasis on equity among Latin American social policy experts, and World Bank strategy. This essay explores these definitions as well as areas of overlap and points of difference between and among them using examples from several Latin American countries. The most important difference concerns the preventive and curative services not covered by the benefits packages of minimal universal programs, a gap expected to grow increasingly costly for patients.
Towards a methodology for measuring media plurality
Authors: Elstein David 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The central objective in addressing media plurality is to ensure that no single body or person exercises an undue degree of influence over the flow of information and the formation of political opinion in the United Kingdom. David Elstein examines the media market in the United Kingdom and finds it lacks plurality and diversity since it is dominated by one actor, namely the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation).
A Major Controversy in Codon-Anticodon Adaptation Resolved by a New Codon Usage Index
Authors: Xia Xuhua 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTwo alternative hypotheses attribute different benefits to codon-anticodon adaptation. The first assumes that protein production is rate limited by both initiation and elongation and that codon-anticodon adaptation would result in higher elongation efficiency and more efficient and accurate protein production, especially for highly expressed genes. The second claims that protein production is rate limited only by initiation efficiency but that improved codon adaptation and, consequently, increased elongation efficiency have the benefit of increasing ribosomal availability for global translation. To test these hypotheses, a recent study engineered a synthetic library of 154 genes, all encoding the same protein but differing in degrees of codon adaptation, to quantify the effect of differential codon adaptation on protein production in Escherichia coli. The surprising conclusion that “codon bias did not correlate with gene expression” and that “translation initiation, not elongation, is rate-limiting for gene expression” contradicts the conclusion reached by many other empirical studies. In this paper, I resolve the contradiction by reanalyzing the data from the 154 sequences. I demonstrate that translation elongation accounts for about 17% of total variation in protein production and that the previous conclusion is due to the use of a codon adaptation index (CAI) that does not account for the mutation bias in characterizing codon adaptation. The effect of translation elongation becomes undetectable only when translation initiation is unrealistically slow. A new index of translation elongation ITE is formulated to facilitate studies on the efficiency and evolution of the translation machinery.
Evidence for Emergence of Sex-Determining Gene(s) in a Centromeric Region in Vasconcellea parviflora
Authors: Iovene Marina , Yu Qingyi , Ming Ray , Jiang Jiming 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Sex chromosomes have been studied in many plant and animal species. However, few species are suitable as models to study the evolutionary histories of sex chromosomes. We previously demonstrated that papaya (Carica papaya) (2n = 2x = 18), a fruit tree in the family Caricaceae, contains recently emerged but cytologically heteromorphic X/Y chromosomes. We have been intrigued by the possible presence and evolution of sex chromosomes in other dioecious Caricaceae species. We selected a set of 22 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones that are distributed along the papaya X/Y chromosomes. These BACs were mapped to the meiotic pachytene chromosomes of Vasconcellea parviflora (2n = 2x = 18), a species that diverged from papaya ∼27 million years ago. We demonstrate that V. parviflora contains a pair of heteromorphic X/Y chromosomes that are homologous to the papaya X/Y chromosomes. The comparative mapping results revealed that the male-specific regions of the Y chromosomes (MSYs) probably initiated near the centromere of the Y chromosomes in both species. The two MSYs, however, shared only a small chromosomal domain near the centromere in otherwise rearranged chromosomes. The V. parviflora MSY expanded toward the short arm of the chromosome, whereas the papaya MSY expanded in the opposite direction. Most BACs mapped to papaya MSY were not located in V. parviflora MSY, revealing different DNA compositions in the two MSYs. These results suggest that mutation of gene(s) in the centromeric region may have triggered sex chromosome evolution in these plant species.
Oncogenic Alterations in ERBB2/HER2 Represent Potential Therapeutic Targets Across Tumors From Diverse Anatomic Sites of Origin
Authors: Chmielecki Juliann , Ross Jeffrey S. , Wang Kai , Frampton Garrett M. , Palmer Gary A. , Ali Siraj M. , Palma Norma , Morosini Deborah , Miller Vincent A. , Yelensky Roman , Lipson Doron , Stephens Philip J. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Background.
Targeted ERBB2/HER2 inhibitors are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of breast, gastric, and esophageal cancers that overexpress or amplify HER2/ERBB2, as measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), respectively. Activating mutations in ERBB2 have also been reported and are predicted to confer sensitivity to these targeted agents. Testing for these mutations is not performed routinely, and FISH and IHC are not applied outside of these approved indications.

Materials and Methods.
We explored the spectrum of activating ERBB2 alterations across a collection of ∼7,300 solid tumor specimens that underwent comprehensive genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing. Results were analyzed for base substitutions, insertions and deletions, select rearrangements, and copy number changes.

Results.
Known oncogenic ERBB2 alterations were identified in tumors derived from 27 tissues, and ERBB2 amplification in breast, gastric, and gastroesophageal cancers accounted for only 30% of these alterations. Activating mutations in ERBB2 were identified in 131 samples (32.5%); amplification was observed in 246 samples (61%). Two samples (0.5%) harbored an ERBB2 rearrangement. Ten samples (2.5%) harbored multiple ERBB2 mutations, yet mutations and amplifications were mutually exclusive in 91% of mutated cases.

Conclusion.
Standard slide-based tests for overexpression or amplification of ERBB2 would fail to detect the majority of activating mutations that occur overwhelmingly in the absence of copy number changes. Compared with current clinical standards, comprehensive genomic profiling of a more diverse set of tumor types may identify ∼3.5 times the number of patients who may benefit from ERBB2-targeted therapy.