bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adalimumab treatment leads to reduction of tissue tumor necrosis factor‐alpha correlated with venous leg ulcer improvement: a pilot study
Authors: Fox Joshua D , Baquerizo‐Nole Katherine L , Keegan Brian R , Macquhae Flor , Escandon Julia , Espinosa Aliette , Perez Carmen , Romanelli Paolo , Kirsner Robert S 
Published: September 2015

AbstractVenous leg ulcers (VLUs) have higher tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels compared with normal skin. Refractory VLUs of long duration have higher TNF‐α levels compared with VLUs of shorter duration. As up to 75% of VLUs fail to heal with standard care, we sought to evaluate the role of anti‐TNF‐α therapy for patients with refractory VLUs. Evaluable data were obtained in four of five subjects with recalcitrant VLUs treated with 80 mg of subcutaneous adalimumab at week 0 and with 40 mg at week 2 along with compression therapy and were followed‐up for 6 weeks. Wound biopsies taken at weeks 0 and 4 were stained with anti‐TNF‐α antibodies. Average 4‐week percent wound size reduction was 20.5% ± 6.4%. Two patients had wound size reduction more than 25%, and their percent wound size reduction correlated to percent TNF‐α staining score reductions (P = 0.02, R2 = 0.999). VLU TNF‐α level decrease 4 weeks post‐adalimumab treatment correlated with wound healing.
The role of adult tissue‐derived stem cells in chronic leg ulcers: a systematic review focused on tissue regeneration medicine
Authors: Amato Bruno , Compagna Rita , Amato Maurizio , Butrico Lucia , Fugetto Francesco , Chibireva Mariia D , Barbetta Andrea , Cannistrà Marco , de Franciscis Stefano , Serra Raffaele 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWound healing is an articulated process that can be impaired in different steps in chronic wounds. Chronic leg ulcers are a special type of non‐healing wounds that represent an important cause of morbidity and public cost in western countries. Because of their common recurrence after conventional managements and increasing prevalence due to an ageing population, newer approaches are needed. Over the last decade, the research has been focused on innovative treatment strategies, including stem‐cell‐based therapies. After the initial interest in embryonic pluripotent cells, several different types of adult stem cells have been studied because of ethical issues. Specific types of adult stem cells have shown a high potentiality in tissue healing, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Aim of this review is to clearly report the newest insights on tissue regeneration medicine, with particular regard for chronic leg ulcers.
Derivative Pricing with Liquidity Risk: Theory and Evidence from the Credit Default Swap Market
Authors: BONGAERTS DION , DE JONG FRANK , DRIESSEN JOOST 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTWe derive an equilibrium asset pricing model incorporating liquidity risk, derivatives, and short‐selling due to hedging of nontraded risk. We show that illiquid assets can have lower expected returns if the short‐sellers have more wealth, lower risk aversion, or shorter horizon. The pricing of liquidity risk is different for derivatives than for positive‐net‐supply assets, and depends on investors' net nontraded risk exposure. We estimate this model for the credit default swap market. We find strong evidence for an expected liquidity premium earned by the credit protection seller. The effect of liquidity risk is significant but economically small.
Efficient Near‐Infrared Emission of Ce3+–Nd3+ CoDoped (Sr0.6Ca0.4)3(Al0.6Si0.4)O4.4F0.6 Phosphors for c‐Si Solar Cell
Authors: Chen Jiajun , Liu Jie , Yin Huimin , Jiang Shuangling , Yao Hui , Yu Xibin 
Published: September 2015

Ce3+, Nd3+ codoped (Sr0.6Ca0.4)3(Al0.6Si0.4)O4.4F0.6 phosphors were synthesized through the high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. Luminescence spectra, absorption spectra, and decay lifetimes of these samples have been measured to prove the energy‐transfer process from Ce3+ to Nd3+. Under UV and blue light excitation, (Sr0.6Ca0.4)3(Al0.6Si0.4)O4.4F0.6:Ce3+,Nd3+ phosphors exhibit near‐infrared (NIR) emission, mainly peaking at 1093 nm and secondarily at 916 nm. The NIR emission matches well with the band gap of c‐Si. Results of this work suggest that the (Sr0.6Ca0.4)3(Al0.6Si0.4)O4.4F0.6:Ce3+, Nd3+ phosphors have potential application as down‐shifting luminescent convertor for enhancing the photoelectric conversion efficiency of c‐Si solar cell.
Nonlinear Property of (Nb2O5, SrCO3, Ge, GeO2)‐Codoped TiO2‐Based Varistor Ceramics
Authors: Kang Kunyong , Yan Jikang , Yi Jianhong , Li Zhidong , Ge Qiuchen , Yan Fangcun , Yang Jian , Zhao Chenxu , Gan Guoyou 
Published: September 2015

This study investigated the influence of codoping with Ge and GeO2 on the nonlinear coefficient α and the breakdown voltage EB of TiO2–Nb2O5–SrCO3 varistor ceramics. Ge–GeO2 codoping notably changed the microstructure of the TiO2–Nb2O5–SrCO3 ceramics, increased α, and decreased EB. When the doping contents of Nb2O5 and SrCO3 were 0.1 and 0.2 mol%, respectively, the optimum doping content of 0.25 mol% Ge and 0.75 mol% GeO2 exhibited high α (11.6), low EB (13.8 V/mm), and high grain‐boundary barrier ΦB (0.96 eV). These results are superior to previous findings. In addition, Ge and GeO2, which function as sintering aids, reduced the sintering temperature caused by the low melting point. The optimal sintering temperature was 1260°C for the TiO2–Nb2O5–SrCO3 ceramics doped with Ge and GeO2.
Prognostic factors for the loss of molars – an 18‐years retrospective cohort study
Authors: Graetz Christian , Schützhold Svenja , Plaumann Anna , Kahl Maren , Springer Claudia , Sälzer Sonja , Holtfreter Birte , Kocher Thomas , Dörfer Christof E. , Schwendicke Falk 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to identify long‐term prognostic factors for the loss of molars with different degrees of furcation involvement (FI) during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).MethodsThree hundred and seventy‐nine compliant subjects with 2373 molars at baseline were retrospectively assessed. After nonsurgical (n = 76) or surgical (n = 303) non‐regenerative active periodontal therapy (APT: T0–T1), patients remained under SPT (T1–T2) for 18.3 ± 5.5 (9–30.8) years. Association between tooth‐ and subject‐related factors with tooth loss was assessed using multilevel Cox regression‐analysis.ResultsDuring APT 159 and during SPT 438 molars were extracted in 256 subjects, respectively, yielding an overall survival of 74.8% (T2). Survival probabilities after 15‐years of SPT were 92.4% for molars with FI‐0 compared to FI‐1 = 85.6%, FI‐2 = 74.9% and FI‐3 = 62.3%. The risk of molar loss was significantly increased for teeth with FI‐3 (hazard ratio: 2.39 [95% confidence interval: 1.54–3.70]), bone loss >50% (2.16 [1.36–3.42]), mobile teeth (2.07 [1.51–2.84]), maxillary molars (1.44 [1.12–1.85]) and endodontically treated teeth (1.89 [1.58–2.26]). For each mm of mean residual pocket probing depth, the hazard of tooth loss increased 1.89‐fold (1.58–2.26). On a subject level, for each year of age, HR was 1.03 (1.01–1.05).ConclusionsFurcation involvement, bone loss, tooth mobility, mean pocket depth and age strongly predicted tooth loss during SPT. Long‐term retention of periodontally compromised molars was possible via conservative non‐regenerative active and supportive therapy.
Mentoring and supervising clinical pharmacist students at patients' bedside: which benefits?
Authors: Rouzaud‐Laborde Charlotte , Damery Léa , Cestac Philippe , Sallerin Brigitte , Calvet Pauline 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives Hospital clinical pharmacists are involved in teaching students during professional internship. Organization between the unit care and the pharmacy place is complicated. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two pharmaceutical teams: an experienced pharmacist in the pharmacy place, reachable by phone (team 1) or an experienced pharmacist in the ward, near patients and students (team 2).MethodsPharmaceutical interventions were collected during two successive time periods, each of 6 months in a 15‐bed unit (neurology). During the first time period, prescriptions were analyzed by the student (resident) in the ward and experienced pharmacist in the pharmacy place. During the second time period, prescriptions were analyzed by both experienced pharmacist and the resident in the ward. We compared the number, the type, the approval of pharmaceutical interventions and the medication reconciliation activities. Proportions were compared by a chisquared test (or Fisher exact test) as well as the quantitative value was calculated by a Student test.Results‘Mentoring and supervising’ students in the ward increased significantly the number of pharmaceutical interventions (PI; 104 interventions for 1408 analyzed prescriptions (7.4%) by the students in the ward and 317 interventions for 1391 (22.8%) by both the experienced pharmacist and the students in the ward (P= 0.002). Furthermore, specific interventions from medication reconciliation were significantly increased by the presence of experienced pharmacist in the ward (0.96% vs. 8.83%P= 0.018).ConclusionEffectiveness of clinical pharmacists can be improved by the presence of experienced pharmacist at patients’ bedside, near students.
Combining training in knowledge translation with quality improvement reduced 30‐day heart failure readmissions in a community hospital: a case study
Authors: Wyer Peter , Stojanovic Zorica , Shaffer Jonathan A. , Placencia Mitzy , Klink Kathleen , Fosina Michael J. , Lin Susan X. , Barron Beth , Graham Ian D. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTraining programmes in evidence‐based practice (EBP) frequently fail to translate their content into practice change and care improvement. We linked multidisciplinary training in EBP to an initiative to decrease 30‐day readmissions among patients admitted to a community teaching hospital for heart failure (HF).MethodsHospital staff reflecting all services and disciplines relevant to care of patients with HF attended a 3‐day innovative capacity building conference in evidence‐based health care over a 3‐year period beginning in 2009. The team, facilitated by a conference faculty member, applied a knowledge‐to‐action model taught at the conference. We reviewed published research, profiled our population and practice experience, developed a three‐phase protocol and implemented it in late 2010. We tracked readmission rates, adverse clinical outcomes and programme cost.ResultsThe protocol emphasized patient education, medication reconciliation and transition to community‐based care. Senior administration approved a full‐time nurse HF coordinator. Thirty‐day HF readmissions decreased from 23.1% to 16.4% (adjusted OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42–0.97) during the year following implementation. Corresponding rates in another hospital serving the same population but not part of the programme were 22.3% and 20.2% (adjusted OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.71–1.08). Adherence to mandated HF quality measures improved. Following a start‐up cost of $15 000 US, programme expenses balanced potential savings from decreased HF readmissions.ConclusionTraining of a multidisciplinary hospital team in use of a knowledge translation model, combined with ongoing facilitation, led to implementation of a budget neutral programme that decreased HF readmissions.
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is strongly associated with sarcopenic obesity in patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplant evaluation
Authors: Carias Sandra , Castellanos Ana Lia , Vilchez Valery , Nair Rashmi , Dela Cruz Anna Christina , Watkins Jennifer , Barrett Terrence , Trushar Patel , Esser Karyn , Gedaly Roberto 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia is the most common complication of cirrhosis and adversely affects quality of life and outcomes before, during, and after liver transplantation. We studied predictors of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplant (LT) evaluation.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 207 adult cirrhotic patients that underwent LT from January 2008 to December 2013 was performed at our institution.ResultsTwo hundred seven patients were evaluated, 68% were male with a mean age of 54 ± 8 years. The most common etiology of cirrhosis was alcoholic liver disease (38.6%), followed by chronic hepatitis C (38.2%), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (21.7%), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (24.6%). The mean body mass index of the cohort was of 30.1 ± 5.7 kg/m2. Forty‐eight percent of these patients were obese. Of the 207 patients, 88% had computed tomographic (CT) scans within 90 days before transplant; of these, 59% had sarcopenia found during LT evaluation. Of the patients with pretransplant sarcopenia, 59 had CT scan at 6 months posttransplant and 56 (95%) remained sarcopenic. Of the 56 patients who had sarcopenia at 6 months, 31 had available CT scans at 1 year, and 100% persisted with sarcopenia. These 31 subjects had a mean skeletal muscle index of 35 at 6 months and 36 at 1 year. SO was found in 41.7% of our patients.On multivariable regression analysis, obesity and age were found to be independently associated with pretransplant sarcopenia after controlling for gender and alcohol liver disease diagnosis (P = 0.00001, odds ratio [OR] 0.22, and P = 0.008, OR 2.0, respectively). A multivariable logistic regression analysis found that NASH as cause of cirrhosis and model of end‐stage liver disease score are independent predictors of sarcopenic obesity after controlling for age, gender, alcoholic liver disease diagnosis, and HCC (P = 0.014 and 0.038, respectively; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–25.26 and 1.00–1.15, respectively; OR 6.03, 1.08, respectively).ConclusionsSarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity is seen in a significant number of patients with cirrhosis undergoing LT evaluation. Sarcopenia progresses after LT initially and does not recover at least within the first year after surgery. Obesity is an independent predictor of pretransplant sarcopenia and NASH was associated with 6‐fold increased risk of having sarcopenic obesity in cirrhotic patients in our cohort.
Estimating Cost of Equity: Do You Need to Adjust for Foreign Exchange Risk?
Authors: Krapl Alain , O'Brien Thomas J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractEmpirical reports of priced foreign exchange (FX) risk raise the question of whether managers should adjust their cost of equity estimates for FX risk. To study this question, we empirically compare the cost of equity estimates of several risk–return models, including some that have explicit FX risk premia and others that do not. We find that adjusting for FX risk makes little difference, on average, in the cost of equity estimates, even for small firms and firms with extreme FX exposure estimates.
A CLOSER LOOK AT VALUE PREMIUM: LITERATURE REVIEW AND SYNTHESIS
Authors: Pätäri Eero , Leivo Timo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis paper provides a systematic review of value premium literature that examines the performance difference between value and growth stocks and the possible reasons for it. We compare and synthesize the results from the different regional stock markets and different sample periods. The literature is categorized according to stock selection criteria that are based on either individual valuation ratios, such as E/P, B/P, D/P, S/P, CF/P, and enterprise value‐based multiples, or composite value criteria that aim to capture more than one dimension of relative value simultaneously or combine them with other classification criteria. We also compare the efficacy of various selection criteria to each other and synthesize the literature on the explanations for the value anomalies. The overall evidence shows that the best criterion varies over time and across the markets. The relative efficacy of different valuation criteria also seems to depend on numerous methodological choices. Recent studies have given mild evidence that combining traditional valuation ratios either with each other or with some financial statement variables could at least in some cases enhance the value premium, although very few studies have provided transparent comparisons between the results based on individual valuation ratios and those based on composite value criteria.
Infertility work‐up: To what degree does laparoscopy change the management strategy based on hysterosalpingography findings?
Authors: Berker Bülent , Şükür Yavuz Emre , Aytaç Ruşen , Atabekoğlu Cem Somer , Sönmezer Murat , Özmen Batuhan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of hysterosalpingography (HSG) on tubal patency (TP) and to determine whether performing laparoscopy (LS) can change the original management strategy based on HSG findings.Material and MethodsRecords of all infertile couples (n = 1298) treated at a university‐based infertility clinic between January 2002 and June 2010 were reviewed. All patients who had both HSG and LS testing (n = 264) were included in the study. HSG was performed in an attempt to rule out tubal and/or uterine pathologies. All patients included in the study were evaluated with LS not more than 12 months after HSG.ResultsThe validity of HSG screening for TP was calculated as 84.1%. The positive and negative predictive values of HSG were 54.6% and 98.3%, respectively. The sensitivity of HSG was higher in patients with distal tubal occlusion than in patients with proximal tubal occlusion (69.8% [44/63] vs 46.7% [28/60], respectively; P = 0.011). The rates of management plan change in patients with bilateral TP, unilateral tubal occlusion and bilateral tubal occlusion were 2.8%, 12.2% and 32.4%, respectively (P = 0.000).ConclusionsPatients with both unilateral tubal occlusion and bilateral tubal occlusion on HSG should be reevaluated with LS to determine the appropriate management strategy.
Mutation scanning of BRAF,NRAS,KIT, and GNAQ/GNA11 in oral mucosal melanoma: a study of 57 cases
Authors: Lyu Jiong , Wu Yunteng , Li Chaojun , Wang Runxiang , Song Hao , Ren Guoxin , Guo Wei 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundRecent advances in novel targeted therapies have created the need for molecular characterization of cancer to allow accurate personalized treatments. In this study, our aim was to investigate the incidence of activating mutations of oncogenes BRAF, NRAS, KIT, and GNAQ/GNA11 in oral mucosal melanoma.MethodsWe analyzed a cohort of 57 oral mucosal melanoma samples, including 27 frozen samples and 30 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples. The tumors were screened for hotspot mutations of BRAF (exon 15), NRAS (exons 2 and 3), KIT (exons 9, 11, 13, and 17), and GNAQ/GNA11 (exon 5) by high‐resolution melting and direct sequencing.ResultsIn oral mucosal melanoma, 7.0% of tumors harbored KIT mutations and 3.5% harbored BRAF mutations, while classic BRAF V600E mutation was not detected. We found no mutations of NRAS or GNAQ/GNA11 in oral mucosal melanoma.ConclusionWe demonstrated that driver mutations are rare in mutational hotspots of BRAF, NRAS, KIT, and GNAQ/GNA11 in oral mucosal melanoma. The majority of patients will not benefit from KIT and BRAF inhibitors.
Genetic variation in PTX3 and plasma levels associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with HCV
Authors: Carmo R. F. , Aroucha D. , Vasconcelos L. R. S. , Pereira L.M.M.B. , Moura P. , Cavalcanti M.S.M. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryHepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The risk to develop HCC increases with the severity of liver inflammation and fibrosis. Long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern‐recognition receptor produced by phagocytes and nonimmune cells at sites of inflammation or injury. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of PTX3 polymorphisms and its plasma levels with HCC occurrence among patients with HCV. Samples from 524 patients with chronic hepatitis C were evaluated in this study. Two polymorphisms (rs1840680 and rs2305619) in the PTX3 gene were determined by real‐time PCR. PTX3 plasma levels were measured by Enzyme‐linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Our data show a significant association between PTX3 polymorphisms and HCC occurrence in univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.024). Patients with HCC had higher PTX3 plasma levels compared to individuals with mild or severe fibrosis (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.002, respectively). In addition, PTX3 rs2305619 polymorphism and plasma levels were correlated with Child‐Pugh scores B and C in HCC individuals. PTX3 seems to be a risk factor for HCC occurrence in chronic hepatitis C. This is the first study that evaluates PTX3 in the context of hepatitis C.
Genetic spell‐checking: gene editing using single‐stranded DNA oligonucleotides
Authors: Rivera‐Torres Natalia , Kmiec Eric B. 
Published: September 2015

SummarySingle‐stranded oligonucleotides (ssODNs) can be used to direct the exchange of a single nucleotide or the repair of a single base within the coding region of a gene in a process that is known, generically, as gene editing. These molecules are composed of either all DNA residues or a mixture of RNA and DNA bases and utilize inherent metabolic functions to execute the genetic alteration within the context of a chromosome. The mechanism of action of gene editing is now being elucidated as well as an understanding of its regulatory circuitry, work that has been particularly important in establishing a foundation for designing effective gene editing strategies in plants. Double‐strand DNA breakage and the activation of the DNA damage response pathway play key roles in determining the frequency with which gene editing activity takes place. Cellular regulators respond to such damage and their action impacts the success or failure of a particular nucleotide exchange reaction. A consequence of such activation is the natural slowing of replication fork progression, which naturally creates a more open chromatin configuration, thereby increasing access of the oligonucleotide to the DNA template. Herein, how critical reaction parameters influence the effectiveness of gene editing is discussed. Functional interrelationships between DNA damage, the activation of DNA response pathways and the stalling of replication forks are presented in detail as potential targets for increasing the frequency of gene editing by ssODNs in plants and plant cells.
Dreams, Perception, and Creative Realization
Authors: Glaskin Katie 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article draws on the ethnography of Aboriginal Australia to argue that perceptual openness, extending from waking life into dreaming experience, provides an important cognitive framework for the apprehension of dreamt experience in these contexts. I argue that this perceptual openness is analogous to the “openness to experience” described as a personality trait that had been linked with dream recall frequency (among other things). An implication of identifying perceptual openness at a cultural rather than at an individual level is two‐fold. It provides an example of the ways in which cultural differences affect perception, indicative of cognitive diversity; and, given the relationship between dreams and creativity suggested anecdotally and through research, a cultural orientation toward perceptual openness is also likely to have implications for the realization of creativity that occurs through dreams. Such creativity though cannot be separated from the relational context in which such dreamt material is elaborated and understood.