bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of 2 Electric Breast Pumps in the NICU
Authors: Burton Pat , Kennedy Kathy , Ahluwalia Jag S. , Nicholl Richard , Lucas Alan , Fewtrell Mary S. 
Published: June 2013

Background: Mothers with preterm infants may need to express milk for considerable periods. Research to improve breast pump design has focused on compression stimuli, frequencies, and vacuums. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 2 electric pumps: Medela Symphony (pump S) and a novel pump (Philips AVENT Twin electronic pump; pump A). Both offer flexibility of rate and suction; pump A also incorporates petal compression cushions. Primary outcomes were (1) milk weight expressed during 10-day study period and (2) weight of milk expressed in a 15-minute test. Methods: Seventy-one mothers with preterm infants < 34 weeks were randomized. Mothers completed 10-day diaries including weight of milk expressed. Milk weight expressed during a single 15-minute test period and data on pumping mode, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding at infant discharge, and mothers’ opinions of the pump were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in milk expressed during the first 10 days between groups. Pump S mothers expressed significantly more milk during a fixed 15-minute period. Mothers using pump A awarded higher scores for certain characteristics of the pump, notably location of control button and ease of use. Similar proportions of infants received breast milk at discharge, but pump A mothers were more likely to be directly breastfeeding (odds ratio, 4.27 [95% confidence interval, 1.29, 14.1]). Conclusion: The breast pumps showed similar effectiveness in terms of milk expression and maternal opinions. The finding that breast pump design may influence breastfeeding at infant discharge merits further investigation.
A Wave of Mergers and Acquisitions: Are Indian Banks Going Up a Blind Alley?
Authors: Kalra Neha , Gupta Shaveta , Bagga Rajesh 
Published: June 2013

Mergers and acquisitions are strategic decisions taken for maximization of a company’s growth. But the point of the matter is, how far does the empirical evidence support this notion? An examination of the existing literature suggested no conclusive evidence about the impact of M&A on corporate performance. Therefore, this article investigates the mergers in the Indian Banking industry to find out whether Indian banks have achieved performance efficiency during the post-merger period namely in the areas of profitability, liquidity, shareholders wealth and share price volatility. Basically, two methods are employed to compare pre-post merger performance, of Indian banks from 2000 to 2011. First, paired sample t-test determines the significant differences in financial performance before and after the merger activity, and second, a standard event study approach examines the announcement effect of mergers and acquisitions on share price volatility (event window of 120 days) and the efficiency of the Indian stock market. An overall assessment (accounting performance measures and stock market reaction) of mergers in Indian banking sector indicates absence of any significant impact on their financial performance. The merger in Indian banks only brings significant improvement in EPS and Market value to book value of equity. The study exposed the fact that the stock prices react significantly to merger announcements in the short period (30 days pre- and post-merger announcement) but not in long period which also indicated that Indian stock market is efficient in the long-run.
Combined intravesical sodium hyaluronate/chondroitin sulfate therapy for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a prospective study
Authors: Giberti Claudio , Gallo Fabrizio , Cortese Pierluigi , Schenone Maurizio 
Published: June 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy and safety of intravesical treatment combining sodium hyaluronate (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Methods: Between February 2010 and May 2011, 20 consecutive women with IC/BPS were treated with intravesical instillations containing sodium HA (1.6%; 800 mg/50 ml) and sodium CS (2%; 1 g/50 ml) weekly for the first month, biweekly for the second month, and then monthly for at least 3 months. Before and after treatment, all patients filled in the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Problem Index (ICSI/ICPI), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale (PUF). Treatment efficacy was assessed by comparing the pre- and post-treatment mean scores of the three questionnaires using Student’s t test ( p value <0.05 was considered significant). Results: Statistically significant mean decreases in ICSI (from 13.0 to 9.3; p = 0.0003), ICPI (from 11.35 to 8.85; p = 0.0078) and PUF (from 20.0 to 15.75; p = 0.0007) questionnaire scores were seen. No cases of side effects or complications were observed. The mean follow up was 5 months. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of this study, the outcomes confirmed the role of combination therapy with HA and CS as a safe and effective option for the treatment of IC/BPS. Further randomized controlled studies with a higher number of patients and a longer follow-up period are needed to confirm these results.
Economic Freedom and Employment in India
Authors: Pattanaik Falguni , Nayak Narayan Chandra 
Published: June 2013

The recent move of Indian policymakers towards a more open economy with less government control is said to have brought about considerable changes in the policy structure with respect to the size of the government—expenditures, taxes and enterprises—legal structure and security of property rights, regulation of labour and business. Economic freedom, which encompasses these indicators, may have a potential impact on, and may facilitate better integration of, labour market outcomes such as labour quality and creating employment opportunities in India. In a federal system like India’s, economic and political institutions such as business regulation, taxation and government spending differ significantly across states. This study, considering 20 major Indian states, tests the hypothesis that greater economic freedom may lead to higher rates of employment for these states. The results indicate that economic freedom is likely to have a favourable impact on employment. The most important dimensions are strong rule of law and flexible regulations governing credit, labour and product markets. The rise in income per capita is a critical factor in this set-up. JEL Classification: O40, E24
A Simple Model of Macroeconomic Instability in the Background of the Indian Economy
Authors: Datta Debabrata , Chatterjee Susmita 
Published: June 2013

The article first looks at the working of an open economy under a situation of price flexibility in a static framework. This extends the Mundell–Fleming model and shows the effect of exchange rate movement in a richer perspective. The article then introduces the role of depreciation of domestic currency in increasing cost of production by increase in the cost of imported inputs and shows the possibility of multiple equilibria. This could lead to the emergence of an economic crisis in a country that is dependent on critical imported input and also suffering from current account deficit. If the outstanding loan amount of this economy is also large, the chances of a crisis are extremely high and policymakers should introduce measures with all earnestness to set right the situation. The article then considers a dynamic version of the macroeconomic model and shows a variety of equilibria. Although the usual case is one of global stability, there may be saddle point stability as well in several cases where ( a) depreciation of currency increases price substantially and ( b) confidence of the economy is low. But the most critical case could be one under current account deficit when foreign exchange reserves start declining. Here there is saddle point instability and if the confidence level of the economy is low, the economy could be prone to crisis. The article concludes that the Indian economy, in its current state, is exhibiting similar characteristics. JEL Classification: F41, E32
Targeting acute myeloid leukemia by dual inhibition of PI3K signaling and Cdk9-mediated Mcl-1 transcription
Authors: Thomas Daniel , Powell Jason A. , Vergez Francois , Segal David H. , Nguyen Nhu-Y. N. , Baker Adele , Teh Tse-Chieh , Barry Emma F. , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel , Lee Erwin M. , Nero Tracy L. , Jabbour Anissa M. , Pomilio Giovanna , Green Benjamin D. , Manenti Stéphane , Glaser Stefan P. , Parker Michael W. , Lopez Angel F. , Ekert Paul G. , Lock Richard B. , Huang David C. S. , Nilsson Susie K. , Récher Christian , Wei Andrew H. , Guthridge Mark A. 
Published: June 2013

Key Points
Simultaneous inhibition of Cdk9 and PI3K in human AML cells liberates Bak from both Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, inducing Bak-dependent apoptosis. Dual inhibitors of Cdk9 and PI3K, such as PIK-75, have broad activity against malignant cells including human AML cells.
Mast cell activation contributes to sickle cell pathobiology and pain in mice
Authors: Vincent Lucile , Vang Derek , Nguyen Julia , Gupta Mihir , Luk Kathryn , Ericson Marna E. , Simone Donald A. , Gupta Kalpna 
Published: June 2013

Key PointsInhibition of mast cells with cromolyn or imatinib results in reduced systemic inflammation and neurogenic inflammation in sickle mice. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic depletion of mast cells in sickle mice ameliorates chronic and hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced pain.
Contrasting effects of Deadend1 (Dnd1) gain and loss of function mutations on allelic inheritance, testicular cancer, and intestinal polyposis
Authors: Zechel Jennifer L , Doerner Stephanie K , Lager Angela , Tesar Paul J , Heaney Jason D , Nadeau Joseph H 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Certain mutations in the Deadend1 (Dnd1) gene are the most potent modifiers of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) susceptibility in mice and rats. In the 129 family of mice, the Dnd1

Ter
mutation significantly increases occurrence of TGCT-affected males. To test the hypothesis that he Dnd1

Ter
allele is a loss-of-function mutation; we characterized the consequences of a genetically-engineered loss-of-function mutation in mice, and compared these results with those for Dnd1

Ter
.

Results
We found that intercrossing Dnd1

+/KO
heterozygotes to generate a complete loss-of-function led to absence of Dnd1

KO/KO
homozygotes and significantly reduced numbers of Dnd1

+/KO
heterozygotes. Further crosses showed that Dnd1

Ter
partially rescues loss of Dnd1

KO
mice. We also found that loss of a single copy of Dnd1 in Dnd1

KO/+
heterozygotes did not affect baseline occurrence of TGCT-affected males and that Dnd1

Ter
increased TGCT risk regardless whether the alternative allele was loss-of-function (Dnd1

KO
) or wild-type (Dnd1

+
). Finally, we found that the action of Dnd1

Ter
was not limited to testicular cancer, but also significantly increased polyp number and burden in the Apc

+/Min
model of intestinal polyposis.

Conclusion
These results show that Dnd1 is essential for normal allelic inheritance and that Dnd1

Ter
has a novel combination of functions that significantly increase risk for both testicular and intestinal cancer.
Transcript profiling by microarray and marker analysis of the short cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber mutant Ligon lintless-1 (Li
1
)
Authors: Gilbert Matthew K , Turley Rickie B , Kim Hee Jin , Li Ping , Thyssen Gregory , Tang Yuhong , Delhom Christopher D , Naoumkina Marina , Fang David D 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Cotton fiber length is very important to the quality of textiles. Understanding the genetics and physiology of cotton fiber elongation can provide valuable tools to the cotton industry by targeting genes or other molecules responsible for fiber elongation. Ligon Lintless-1 (Li

1
) is a monogenic mutant in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) which exhibits an early cessation of fiber elongation resulting in very short fibers (< 6 mm) at maturity. This presents an excellent model system for studying the underlying molecular and cellular processes involved with cotton fiber elongation. Previous reports have characterized Li

1
at early cell wall elongation and during later secondary cell wall synthesis, however there has been very limited analysis of the transition period between these developmental time points.

Results
Physical and morphological measurements of the Li

1
mutant fibers were conducted, including measurement of the cellulose content during development. Affymetrix microarrays were used to analyze transcript profiles at the critical developmental time points of 3 days post anthesis (DPA), the late elongation stage of 12 DPA and the early secondary cell wall synthesis stage of 16 DPA. The results indicated severe disruption to key hormonal and other pathways related to fiber development, especially pertaining to the transition stage from elongation to secondary cell wall synthesis. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis identified several key pathways at the transition stage that exhibited altered regulation. Genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and primary cell wall rearrangement were affected, and a primary cell wall-related cellulose synthase was transcriptionally repressed. Linkage mapping using a population of 2,553 F2 individuals identified SSR markers associated with the Li

1
genetic locus on chromosome 22. Linkage mapping in combination with utilizing the diploid G. raimondii genome sequences permitted additional analysis of the region containing the Li

1
gene.

Conclusions
The early termination of fiber elongation in the Li

1
mutant is likely controlled by an early upstream regulatory factor resulting in the altered regulation of hundreds of downstream genes. Several elongation-related genes that exhibited altered expression profiles in the Li

1
mutant were identified. Molecular markers closely associated with the Li

1
locus were developed. Results presented here will lay the foundation for further investigation of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of fiber elongation.
Combined methylation mapping of 5mC and 5hmC during early embryonic stages in bovine
Authors: de Montera Béatrice , Fournier Eric , Shojaei Saadi Habib Allah , Gagné Dominic , Laflamme Isabelle , Blondin Patrick , Sirard Marc-André , Robert Claude 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
It was recently established that changes in methylation during development are dynamic and involve both methylation and demethylation processes. Yet, which genomic sites are changing and what are the contributions of methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) to this epigenetic remodeling is still unknown. When studying early development, options for methylation profiling are limited by the unavailability of sufficient DNA material from these scarce samples and limitations are aggravated in non-model species due to the lack of technological platforms. We therefore sought to obtain a representation of differentially 5mC or 5hmC loci during bovine early embryo stages through the use of three complementary methods, based on selective methyl-sensitive restriction and enrichment by ligation-mediated PCR or on subtractive hybridization. Using these strategies, libraries of putative methylation and hydroxymethylated sites were generated from Day-7 and Day-12 bovine embryos.

Results
Over 1.2 million sequencing reads were analyzed, resulting in 151,501 contigs, of which 69,136 were uniquely positioned on the genome. A total of 101,461 putative methylated sites were identified. The output of the three methods differed in genomic coverage as well as in the nature of the identified sites. The classical MspI/HpaII combination of restriction enzymes targeted CpG islands whereas the other methods covered 5mC and 5hmC sites outside of these regions. Data analysis suggests a transition of these methylation marks between Day-7 and Day-12 embryos in specific classes of repeat-containing elements.

Conclusions
Our combined strategy offers a genomic map of the distribution of cytosine methylation/hydroxymethylation during early bovine embryo development. These results support the hypothesis of a regulatory phase of hypomethylation in repeat sequences during early embryogenesis.
Validation of a newly proposed histopathological classification in Japanese patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Iwakiri Takashi , Fujimoto Shouichi , Kitagawa Kiyoki , Furuichi Kengo , Yamahana Junya , Matsuura Yunosuke , Yamashita Atsushi , Uezono Shigehiro , Shimao Yoshiya , Hisanaga Shuichi , Tokura Takeshi , Wada Takashi , Kitamura Kazuo , Asada Yujiro 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
A new histopathological classification of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis was recently proposed. We evaluated the predictive value of this classification for renal outcome in Japanese patients.

Methods
We enrolled 122 patients with ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis diagnosed at several institutions in Japan between January 2000 and March 2010. Twenty patients were excluded because of observation durations of <1 year, and/or because their biopsy specimens contained <10 glomeruli. Renal biopsy specimens were categorized into four classes according to the proposed classification. We evaluated the predictive value of immunohistochemical staining for α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), Wilm’s tumor 1 (WT1), CD68, and cytokeratin for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Results
The study population included 54 men and 48 women. Age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and proteinuria were 66.3 ± 11.3 years, 21.6 ml/min. and 1.10 g/24 h, respectively. Eighty-six patients were positive for myeloperoxidase-ANCA, five were positive for proteinase 3-ANCA, and 11 were negative for both antibodies. Median follow-up time was 41.0 months. Twenty-three patients (22.5%) developed ESRD during the follow-up period. Twelve patients died during follow up; 7/12 patients developed ESRD before death, and 5/12 patients died without ESRD. The incidence of ESRD increased with sequential categories: focal, 2/46 (4.3%); crescentic, 9/32 (28%); mixed, 8/18 (44%); and sclerotic, 4/6 (67%). The focal class had the best renal survival and the sclerotic class had the worst renal survival (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier renal survival analysis was similar to that of the new classification system proposal. In the multivariate analysis, the classification system tended to be a prognostic factor for ESRD (p = 0.0686, crescentic, mixed and sclerotic vs. focal, hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval, CI]; 2.99 [0.61–22.7], 5.04 [1.11–36.4] and 9.93 [1.53–85.7], respectively). α-SMA-positivity also tended to be associated with ESRD (p = 0.1074).

Conclusion
The new histopathological classification was associated with eGFR at 1 year and tended to be associated with ESRD in our Japanese cohort with ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. α-SMA positivity might be an additional prognostic factor for ESRD.
Vitamin D analogs enhance the anticancer activity of 5-fluorouracil in an in vivomouse colon cancer model
Authors: Milczarek Magdalena , Psurski Mateusz , Kutner Andrzej , Wietrzyk Joanna 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundActive vitamin D analogs that are less toxic than calcitriol can be useful in the combined treatment of patients suffering from colon cancer. In the present study we demonstrate, for the first time in anin vivomodel system, the biological effect of combined therapy using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) along with vitamin D analog PRI-2191 (tacalcitol, 1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D3) or PRI-2205 (5,6-trans-isomer of calcipotriol) on colon cancer.MethodsWe investigated the influence of vitamin D analogs on the anticancer activity of 5-FU or capecitabine in the treatment of mice bearing MC38 mouse colon tumors implanted subcutaneously or orthotopically. The cell cycle distribution, E-cadherin expression and caspase 3/7 activityin vitrowere also evaluated.ResultsWe observed that both PRI-2191 and PRI-2205 significantly enhanced the antitumor activity of 5-FU; but these results depend on the treatment regimen. Applying the optimal schedule of combined therapy we observed a significant decrease in tumor growth, metastasis and also a prolongation of the survival time of mice, in comparison with the administrations of 5-FU given alone. Both combinations indicated a synergistic effect and did not cause toxicity. Moreover, analogs applied after completed course of administration of 5-FU, prolonged the antitumor effect of the drug. Furthermore, when the prodrug of 5-FU, capecitabine, was used, potentiation of its activity was also observed.ConclusionsOur data suggest that vitamin D analogs (especially PRI-2191) might be potentially applied to clinical use in order to enhance the anticancer effect of 5-FU and also prolong its activity against colon cancer. The activity of PRI-2191 is realized through stopping the cells in the G0/G1cell cycle phase and increasing the expression of E-cadherin.
Self-assembled peptide amphiphiles function as multivalent binder with increased hemagglutinin affinity
Authors: Hüttl Christine , Hettrich Cornelia , Miller Reinhard , Paulke Bernd-Reiner , Henklein Petra , Rawel Harshadrai , Bier Frank F 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
A promising way in diagnostic and therapeutic applications is the development of peptide amphiphiles (PAs). Peptides with a palmitic acid alkylchain were designed and characterized to study the effect of the structure modifications on self-assembling capabilities and the multiple binding capacity to hemagglutinin (HA), the surface protein of influenza virus type A. The peptide amphiphiles consists of a hydrophilic headgroup with a biological functionality of the peptide sequence and a chemically conjugated hydrophobic tail. In solution they self-assemble easily to micelles with a hydrophobic core surrounded by a closely packed peptide-shell.

Results
In this study the effect of a multiple peptide binding partner to the receptor binding site of HA could be determined with surface plasmon resonance measurements. The applied modification of the peptides causes signal amplification in relationship to the unmodified peptide wherein the high constant specificity persists. The molecular assembly of the peptides was characterized by the determination of critical micelle concentration (CMC) with concentration of 10-5 M and the colloidal size distribution.

Conclusion
The modification of the physico-chemical parameters by producing peptide amphiphiles form monomeric structures which enhances the binding affinity and allows a better examination of the interaction with the virus surface protein hemagglutinin.