bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting Efficiency in Angolan Banks: A Two‐Stage TOPSIS and Neural Networks Approach
Authors: Wanke Peter , Barros Carlos , Macanda Nkanga Pedro João 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis paper presents an efficiency assessment of the Angolan banks using Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). TOPSIS is a multi‐criteria decision‐making technique similar to data envelopment analysis, which ranks a finite set of units based on the minimisation of distance from an ideal point and the maximisation of distance from an anti‐ideal point. In this research, TOPSIS is used first in a two‐stage approach to assess the relative efficiency of Angolan banks using the most frequent indicators adopted by the literature. Then, in the second stage, neural networks are combined with TOPSIS results as part of an attempt to produce a model for banking performance with effective predictive ability. The results reveal that variables related to cost structure have a prominent negative impact on efficiency. Findings also indicate that the Angolan banking market would benefit from higher level of competition between institutions.
The use of a potential novel tool in virtual crossmatching for platelet transfusion in platelet refractoriness
Authors: Bub C. B. , Gonçalez A. C. , Barjas‐Castro M. L. , Sousa L. C. D. M. , do Monte S. J. H. , Castro V. 
Published: August 2015

Background and ObjectivesTransfusion support for immune‐mediated platelet refractoriness (PR) is clinically challenging, technically laborious and costly. The development of ‘EpHLA/EpVix software’ has been used successfully to select kidney donors. Here, we sought to evaluate this new software as a tool for platelet virtual crossmatch (VxM).Materials and MethodsThis is a prospective study from 2007 to 2014 of PR patients in a tertiary hospital. Platelet components selected by HLAMatchmaker program were crossmatched by EpHLA/EpVix, anti‐human globulin complement‐dependent lymphocytotoxicity test (AHG‐CDC), flow cytometry platelet crossmatch (FCxM) and then compared. Effectiveness of platelet components transfused was evaluated by CCI.ResultsNinety‐seven crossmatched platelet transfusions for 27 patients were enrolled. Partial matches were analysed for 75 transfusions by the 3 methods, and 22% showed discrepant results among the assays. After further analysis, data showed that all divergent cases could be explained by HPA alloimmunization, prozone effect (FCxM), low sensitivity of AHG‐CDC and possible interference in FCxM/AHG‐CDC assays. Notably, sensitivity and specificity of VxM analysis was excellent (100%). Satisfactory CCI counts were obtained for the majority (22/30) of the transfusions.ConclusionThe new EpHLA/EpVix method showed to be effective, feasible and fast for VxM at no cost and able to minimize labour on donor identification. However, platelet crossmatching may be a necessary step because EpHLA/EpVix does not formally exclude HPA alloimmunization.
Additive solutions differentially affect metabolic and functional parameters of platelet concentrates
Authors: Leitner G. C. , List J. , Horvath M. , Eichelberger B. , Panzer S. , Jilma‐Stohlawetz P. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundPathogen inactivation (PI) of platelet concentrates with extension of shelf life to 7 days requires the use of platelet additive solutions (PAS). We examined the quality of platelets resuspended in three different PAS stored for up to 7 days.Materials and MethodsTwelve triple adult dose platelet concentrates (PC) were collected using the TrimaAccel® collection system. Each highly concentrated product was divided into three equal parts, and the additive solutions (Composol® or SSP+® or Intersol™) were added to a final concentration of 56% PAS and 44% plasma. Samples were drawn on days 1, 5 and 7 to measure pH, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactate, mean platelet volume (MPV) and the aggregation response to collagen and the thrombin receptor agonist peptide‐6. Further, p‐selectin expression on platelets was assessed.ResultsNo statistically significant changes were observed for pH and MPV during 7 days of storage in all PAS containing PCs, whereas glucose decreased and LDH and lactate increased over time (P < 0·05). These changes were particularly evident in Intersol PCs on days 5 and 7 compared with Composol® PCs or SSP+® PCs (P < 0·05). Platelets from Intersol PCs exhibited the highest baseline activation of p‐selectin and showed reduced collagen‐ and TRAP‐6‐induced aggregation.ConclusionResuspension of platelets in Intersol for 7 days results in increased platelet activation and platelet metabolism compared with SSP+® or Composol®. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate whether the observed differences in PAS‐PCs affect the recovery rate or the life span of transfused platelets.
The potential Public Health Impact of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis: Global Opinion Survey of Topic Specialists
Authors: Waddell L. A. , Rajić A. , Stärk K. D. C. , McEwen S. A. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryGlobal research knowledge has accumulated over the past few decades, and there is reasonable evidence for a positive association between Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis and Crohn's disease in humans, although its role as a human pathogen has not been entirely accepted. For this reason, management of public health risk due to M. paratuberculosis remains an important policy issue in agri‐food public health arenas in many countries. Responsible authorities must decide whether existing mitigation strategies are sufficient to prevent or reduce human exposure to M. paratuberculosis. A Web‐based questionnaire was administered to topic specialists to elicit empirical knowledge and opinion on the overall public health impact of M. paratuberculosis, the importance of various routes of human exposure to the pathogen, existing mitigation strategies and the need for future strategies. The questionnaire had four sections and consisted of 20 closed and five open questions. Topic specialists believed that M. paratuberculosis is likely a risk to human health (44.8%) and, given the paucity of available evidence, most frequently ranked it as a moderate public health issue (40.1%). A significant correlation was detected between topic specialists' commitment to M. paratuberculosis in terms of the number of years or proportion of work dedicated to this topic, and the likelihood of an extreme answer (high or low) to the above questions. Topic specialists identified contact with ruminants and dairy products as the most likely routes of exposure for humans. There was consensus on exposure routes for ruminants and what commodities to target in mitigation efforts. Described mandatory programmes mainly focused on culling diseased animals and voluntary on‐farm prevention programmes. Despite ongoing difficulties in the identification of subclinical infections in animals, the topic specialists largely agreed that further enhancement of on‐farm programmes in affected commodities by the agri‐food industry (68.4%) and allocation of resources by governments to monitor the issue (92%) are most appropriate given the current state of evidence.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus ginsengihumi Strain M2.11 with Phytase Activity
Authors: Toymentseva Anna A. , Suleimanova Aliya D. , Boulygina Eugenia A. , Kazakov Sergey V. , Baranova Daria S. , Akhmetova Alina I. , Mardanova Ayslu M. , Sharipova Margarita R. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

This paper announces the genome sequence of

Bacillus ginsengi
humi

strain M2.11, which has been characterized as a strain which produces the enzyme with the ability to degrade phytase. The genome of the strain M2.11 is 3.7 Mb and harbors 3,082 coding sequences.
Genome Sequences of Three Oenococcus oeni Strains Isolated from Maipo Valley, Chile
Authors: Jara Carla , Romero Jaime 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Oenococcus oeni
is part of the microbial terroir involved in wine production. Here, we present three genome sequences of
O. oeni
strains isolated from spontaneous malolactic fermentation of cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley, Chile.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum NB-22
Authors: Chaplin A. V. , Shkoporov A. N. , Efimov B. A. , Pikina A. P. , Borisova O. Y. , Gladko I. A. , Postnikova E. A. , Lordkipanidze A. E. , Kafarskaia L. I. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

We announce here a draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus fermentum
NB-22, a strain isolated from human vaginal microbiota. The assembled sequence consists of 190 contigs, joined into 137 scaffolds, and the total size is 2.01 Mb.
Metagenome Sequencing of the Greater Kudu (
Tragelaphus strepsiceros
) Rumen Microbiome
Authors: Dube Anita N. , Moyo Freeman , Dhlamini Zephaniah 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Ruminant herbivores utilize a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms in their rumen to exploit fibrous foods for nutrition. We report the metagenome sequences of the greater kudu (
Tragelaphus strepsiceros
) rumen digesta, revealing a diverse community of microbes and some novel hydrolytic enzymes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Sequence Type 1407, a Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolate
Authors: Anselmo A. , Ciammaruconi A. , Carannante A. , Neri A. , Fazio C. , Fortunato A. , Palozzi A. M. , Vacca P. , Fillo S. , Lista F. , Stefanelli P. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Gonorrhea may become untreatable due to the spread of resistant or multidrug-resistant strains. Cefixime-resistant gonococci belonging to sequence type 1407 have been described worldwide. We report the genome sequence of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
strain G2891, a multidrug-resistant isolate of sequence type 1407, collected in Italy in 2013.
Draft Genome Sequence of Purine-Degrading Clostridium cylindrosporum HC-1 (DSM 605)
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Montoya Solano José D. , Bengelsdorf Frank R. , Schiel-Bengelsdorf Bettina , Daniel Rolf , Dürre Peter 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Clostridium cylindrosporum
HC-1, a purine- and glycine-fermenting anaerobe, which uses selenoprotein glycine reductase for substrate degradation. The genome consists of a single chromosome (2.72 Mb) and a circular plasmid (14.4 kb).
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus pseudalcaliphilus PN-137
T
(DSM 8725), an Alkaliphilic Halotolerant Bacterium Isolated from Garden Soils
Authors: Wang Jie-ping , Liu Bo , Liu Guo-hong , Xiao Rong-feng , Zheng Xue-fang , Shi Huai , Ge Ci-bin 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Bacillus pseudalcaliphilus
PN-137
T
(DSM 8725) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, alkaliphilic, and halotolerant bacterium. Here, we report the 4.49-Mb genome sequence of
B. pseudalcaliphilus
PN-137
T
, which will accelerate the application of this alkaliphile and provide useful information for genomic taxonomy and phylogenomics of
Bacillus
-like bacteria.
Soil Metagenomes from Different Pristine Environments of Northwest Argentina
Authors: McCarthy Christina B. , Colman Déborah I. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT
This is the first study to use a high-throughput metagenomic shotgun approach to explore the biosynthetic potential of soil metagenomes from different pristine environments of northwest Argentina. Our data sets characterize these metagenomes and provide information on the possible effect these ecosystems have on their diversity and biosynthetic potential.
Effective components of exercise and physical activity-related behaviour-change interventions for chronic non-communicable diseases in Africa: protocol for a systematic mixed studies review with meta-analysis
Authors: Igwesi-Chidobe Chinonso N , Godfrey Emma L , Kengne Andre P 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionChronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for a high burden of mortality and morbidity in Africa. Evidence-based clinical guidelines recommend exercise training and promotion of physical activity behaviour changes to control NCDs. Developing such interventions in Africa requires an understanding of the essential components that make them effective in this context. This is a protocol for a systematic mixed studies review that aims to determine the effective components of exercise and physical activity-related behaviour-change interventions for chronic diseases in Africa, by combining quantitative and qualitative research evidence from studies published until July 2015.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a detailed search to identify all published and unpublished studies that assessed the effects of exercise and physical activity-related interventions or the experiences/perspectives of patients to these interventions for NCDs from bibliographic databases and the grey literature. Bibliographic databases include MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science. We will include the following African regional databases: African Index Medicus (AIM) and AFROLIB, which is the WHO's regional office database for Africa. The databases will be searched from inception until 18 July 2015. Appraisal of study quality will be performed after results synthesis. Data synthesis will be performed independently for quantitative and qualitative data using a mixed methods sequential explanatory synthesis for systematic mixed studies reviews. Meta-analysis will be conducted for the quantitative studies, and thematic synthesis for qualitative studies and qualitative results from the non-controlled observational studies. The primary outcome will include exercise adherence and physical activity behaviour changes. This review protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines.Ethics and disseminationThere is no ethical requirement for this study, as it utilises published data. This review is expected to inform the development of exercise and physical activity-related behaviour-change interventions in Africa, and will be presented at conferences, and published in peer reviewed journals and a PhD thesis at King's College London.Protocol registration numberThis study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 22 January 2015 (registration number: PROSPERO 2015: CRD42015016084).
Long-term non-invasive ventilation therapies in children: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Castro Codesal Maria L , Featherstone Robin , Martinez Carrasco Carmen , Katz Sherri L , Chan Elaine Y , Bendiak Glenda N , Almeida Fernanda R , Young Rochelle , Olmstead Deborah , Waters Karen A , Sullivan Collin , Woolf Vicki , Hartling Lisa , MacLean Joanna E 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionNon-invasive ventilation (NIV) in children has become an increasingly common modality of breathing support where pressure support is delivered through a mask interface or less commonly through other non-invasive interfaces. At this time, NIV is considered a first-line option for ventilatory support of chronic respiratory insufficiency associated with a range of respiratory and sleep disorders. Previous reviews on the effectiveness, complications and adherence to NIV treatment have lacked systematic methods. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the evidence for the use of long-term NIV in children.Methods and analysisWe will use previously established scoping methodology. Ten electronic databases will be searched to identify studies in children using NIV for longer than 3 months outside an intensive care setting. Grey literature search will include conference proceedings, thesis and dissertations, unpublished trials, reports from regulatory agencies and manufacturers. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts for inclusion, followed by full-text screening of potentially relevant articles to determine final inclusion. Data synthesis will be performed at three levels: (1) an analysis of the number, publication type, publication year, and country of publication of the studies; (2) a summary of the study designs, outcomes measures used; (3) a thematic analysis of included studies by subgroups.Ethics and disseminationThis study will provide a wide and rigorous overview of the evidence on the use of long-term NIV in children and provide critical information for healthcare professionals and policymakers to better care for this group of children. We will disseminate our findings through conference proceedings and publications, and evaluate the results for further systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Effect of an interactive therapeutic robotic animal on engagement, mood states, agitation and psychotropic drug use in people with dementia: a cluster-randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Moyle Wendy , Beattie Elizabeth , Draper Brian , Shum David , Thalib Lukman , Jones Cindy , O'Dwyer Siobhan , Mervin Cindy 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionApathy, agitated behaviours, loneliness and depression are common consequences of dementia. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of a robotic animal on behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in people with dementia living in long-term aged care.Methods and analysisA cluster-randomised controlled trial with three treatment groups: PARO (robotic animal), Plush-Toy (non-robotic PARO) or Usual Care (Control). The nursing home sites are Australian Government approved and accredited facilities of 60 or more beds. The sites are located in South-East Queensland, Australia. A sample of 380 adults with a diagnosis of dementia, aged 60 years or older living in one of the participating facilities will be recruited. The intervention consists of three individual 15 min non-facilitated sessions with PARO or Plush-Toy per week, for a period of 10 weeks. The primary outcomes of interest are improvement in agitation, mood states and engagement. Secondary outcomes include sleep duration, step count, change in psychotropic medication use, change in treatment costs, and staff and family perceptions of PARO or Plush-Toy. Video data will be analysed using Noldus XT Pocket Observer; descriptive statistics will be used for participants’ demographics and outcome measures; cluster and individual level analyses to test all hypotheses and Generalised Linear Models for cluster level and Generalised Estimation Equations and/or Multi-level Modeling for individual level data.Ethics and disseminationThe study participants or their proxy will provide written informed consent. The Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee has approved the study (NRS/03/14/HREC). The results of the study will provide evidence of the efficacy of a robotic animal as a psychosocial treatment for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Findings will be presented at local and international conference meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number ACTRN12614000508673 date registered 13/05/2014.
CCR 20th Anniversary Commentary: Divide and Conquer—Breast Cancer Subtypes and Response to Therapy
Authors: Pusztai Lajos , Rouzier Roman , Symmans W. Fraser 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The article by Rouzier and colleagues, published in the August 15, 2005, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, demonstrated that different molecular subtypes of breast cancer have different degrees of sensitivity to chemotherapy, but the extent of response to neoadjuvant therapy has a different meaning by subtype. Several molecular subtype–specific clinical trials are under way to maximize pathologic complete response rates in triple-negative breast cancer and HER2-positive cancers, and to provide adjuvant treatment options for patients with residual invasive disease. Clin Cancer Res; 21(16); 3575–7. ©2015 AACR.
See related article by Rouzier et al., Clin Cancer Res 2005;11(16) Aug 15, 2005;5678–85
Diabetes increases the risk of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Authors: Chung Wei-Sheng , Lin Cheng-Li , Kao Chia-Hung 
Published: August 2015

SummaryWe evaluated the effects of diabetes on the risks of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in a nationwide, population-based cohort study in Taiwan. The patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were identified, and DM-free controls were randomly selected from the general population and frequency-matched according to age, sex, and index year by using the records of the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database between 2000 and 2011. Both cohorts were followed up until the end of 2011 to measure the incidence of DVT and PE. We analysed the risks of DVT and PE using Cox proportional-hazards regression models. The overall incidence of VTE was higher in the T2DM patients than in the controls (12.0 vs 7.51 per 10,000 person-years). The T2DM patients exhibited a 1.44-fold adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of VTE development compared with the controls (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.27–1.63). The risks of DVT (aHR = 1.43, 95 % CI = 1.23–1.65) and PE (aHR = 1.52, 95 % CI = 1.22–1.90) were greater in the T2DM than those in the controls. The T2DM patients had a substantially higher risk of DVT (aHR = 5.10, 95 % CI = 3.12–8.32) and PE (aHR = 7.50, 95 % CI = 3.29–17.1) development than the controls did in adults aged 49 years and younger. In conclusion, the longitudinal nationwide cohort study indicated that T2DM patients carried greater risks of developing VTE than did the general population.
Abnormal megakaryopoiesis and platelet function in cyclooxygenase-2-deficient mice
Authors: Amadio Patrizia , Rocca Bianca , Pesce Maurizio , Machlus Kellie R. , Ranelletti Franco O. , Gianellini Sara , Weksler Babette B. , Italiano Joseph E. , Tremoli Elena , Barbieri Silvia S. , Petrucci Giovanna , Tarantino Eva 
Published: August 2015

SummaryPrevious studies suggest that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) might influence megakaryocyte (MK) maturation and platelet production in vitro. Using a gene deletion model, we analysed the effect of COX-2 deficiency on megakaryopoiesis and platelet function. COX-2-/- mice (10–12 weeks old) have hyper-responsive platelets as suggested by their enhanced aggregation, TXA2 biosynthesis, CD62P and CD41/CD61 expression, platelet-fibrinogen binding, and increased thromboembolic death after collagen/epinephrine injection compared to wild-type (WT). Moreover, increased platelet COX-1 expression and reticulated platelet fraction were observed in COX-2-/- mice while platelet count was similar to WT. MKs were significantly reduced in COX-2-/- bone marrows (BMs), with high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratios, low ploidy and poor expression of lineage markers of maturation (CD42d, CD49b). However, MKs were significantly increased in COX-2-/- spleens, with features of MK maturation markers which were not observed in MKs of WT spleens. Interestingly, the expression of COX-1, prostacyclin and PGE2 synthases and prostanoid pattern were modified in BMs and spleens of COX-2-/- mice. Moreover, COX-2 ablation reduced the percentage of CD49b+ cells, the platelet formation and the haematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow and increased their accumulation in the spleen. Splenectomy decreased peripheral platelet number, reverted their hyper-responsive phenotype and protected COX-2-/- mice from thromboembolism. Interestingly, fibrosis was observed in spleens of old COX-2-/- mice (28 weeks old). In conclusion, COX-2 deletion delays BM megakaryopoiesis promoting a compensatory splenic MK hyperplasia, with a release of hyper-responsive platelets and increased thrombogenicity in vivo. COX-2 seems to contribute to physiological MK maturation and pro-platelet formation.