bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of emulsification resistant heavier-than-water tamponades using high molecular weight silicone oil polymers
Authors: Caramoy Albert , Kearns Victoria R , Chan Yau Kei , Hagedorn Nadine , Poole Robert J , Wong David , Fauser Sascha , Kugler Wilfried , Kirchhof Bernd , Williams Rachel L 
Published: March 2015

Purpose Developing new blends of heavier-than-water silicone oil tamponade agents containing high molecular weight polydimethylsiloxane polymer for use in vitreoretinal surgery. Materials and methods The viscoelastic properties of heavier-than-water silicone oil blends (30.5% F6H8 + 69.5% polydimethylsiloxane) containing high molecular weight polymer additive at increasing concentrations were measured using a controlled-stress rheometer (TA Instruments Rheolyst AR 1000 N). Emulsification of the blends was induced using a sonication device and a pluronic surfactant as a strong emulsifier. The percentage emulsion area was photographed and measured using ImageJ software. In a second in vitro emulsification assessment, silicone oil blends were dispersed using a high shear homogenizer and the oil-in-water droplets were counted using a coulter counter particle analyser. Results The addition of the high molecular weight polymer increased shear viscosity and viscoelasticity of the oil blends, which were measureable and to some extent predictable. The in vitro emulsification models produced contradictory results. This demonstrates the difficulty of designing and using in vitro models to evaluate the emulsification tendency of tamponade agents in vivo. Conclusion Addition of a high molecular weight polymer to heavy silicone oil can increase the viscoelasticity. These findings might contribute to the development of emulsification resistant heavy silicone oils.
Three-dimensional polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite scaffolds combined with bone marrow cells for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Wei Bo , Yao Qingqiang , Guo Yang , Mao Fengyong , Liu Shuai , Xu Yan , Wang Liming 
Published: March 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the chondrogenic potential of three-dimensional polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite (PCL–HA) scaffolds loaded with bone marrow cells in vitro and the effect of PCL–HA scaffolds on osteochondral repair in vivo. Here, bone marrow was added to the prepared PCL–HA scaffolds and cultured in chondrogenic medium for 10 weeks. Osteochondral defects were created in the trochlear groove of 29 knees in 17 New Zealand white rabbits, which were then divided into four groups that underwent: implantation of PCL–HA scaffolds (left knee, n = 17; Group 1), microfracture (right knee, n = 6; Group 2), autologous osteochondral transplantation (right knee, n = 6; Group 3), and no treatment (right knee, n = 5; Control). Extracellular matrix produced by bone marrow cells covered the surface and filled the pores of PCL–HA scaffolds after 10 weeks in culture. Moreover, many cell-laden cartilage lacunae were observed, and cartilage matrix was concentrated in the PCL–HA scaffolds. After a 12-week repair period, Group 1 showed excellent vertical and lateral integration with host bone, but incomplete cartilage regeneration and matrix accumulation. An uneven surface of regenerated cartilage and reduced distribution of cartilage matrix were observed in Group 2. In addition, abnormal bone growth and unstable integration between repaired and host tissues were detected. For Group 3, the integration between transplanted and host cartilage was interrupted. Our findings indicate that the PCL–HA scaffolds loaded with bone marrow cells improved chondrogenesis in vitro and implantation of PCL–HA scaffolds for osteochondral repairenhanced integration with host bone. However, cartilage regeneration remained unsatisfactory. The addition of trophic factors or the use of precultured cell–PCL–HA constructs for accelerated osteochondral repair requires further investigation.
A note on the design of cancer screening trials
Authors: Duffy Stephen W , Smith Robert A 
Published: March 2015

Objectives To investigate the consequences of different cancer screening trial designs and follow-up options for accuracy of the estimate of the effect of screening on disease-specific mortality. Methods We consider a randomized trial of breast cancer screening with a screening phase in which the intervention group is offered screening and the control group is not, and optional further follow-up after this screening phase. Postulating a lead time effect similar to that observed in breast cancer screening trials, we calculate the observed relative risk of disease-specific mortality and compare this with the true relative risk, for four design options: (1) no follow-up beyond the screening phase, ie. the screening phase and the observation period are identical; (2) follow-up continuing beyond the screening phase, all cancer-specific deaths counted, including those diagnosed after the screening phase; (3) follow-up continuing beyond the screening phase, but with only deaths from cancers diagnosed during the screening phase included; and (4) follow-up continuing beyond the screening phase, a single screen of the control group conducted at the end of the screening phase, and only deaths from cancers diagnosed during the screening phase in both arms up to completion of the single control screen included. Results All designs in which follow-up for mortality continues beyond the screening phase incurred a bias against screening. The design in which the control group undergoes a single screen at the end of the screening phase was least biased in the example used. Conclusions The expedient of a single screen of the control group at the end of the screening phase has acceptable accuracy, but is still slightly conservatively biased.
Distress improves after mindfulness training for progressive MS: A pilot randomised trial
Authors: Bogosian A , Chadwick P , Windgassen S , Norton S , McCrone P , Mosweu I , Silber E , Moss-Morris R 
Published: March 2015

Background: Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to effectively reduce anxiety, depression and pain in patients with chronic physical illnesses. Objectives: We assessed the potential effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a specially adapted Skype distant-delivered mindfulness intervention, designed to reduce distress for people affected by primary and secondary progressive MS. Methods Forty participants were randomly assigned to the eight-week intervention ( n = 19) or a waiting-list control group ( n = 21). Participants completed standardised questionnaires to measure mood, impact of MS and symptom severity, quality of life and service costs at baseline, post-intervention and three-month follow-up. Results: Distress scores were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group at post-intervention and follow-up ( p < 0.05), effect size −0.67 post-intervention and −0.97 at follow-up. Mean scores for pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and impact of MS were reduced for the mindfulness group compared with control group at post-therapy and follow-up; effect sizes ranged from −0.27 to −0.99 post-intervention and −0.29 to −1.12 at follow-up. There were no differences in quality-adjusted life years, but an 87.4% probability that the intervention saves on service costs and improves outcome. Conclusions: A mindfulness intervention delivered through Skype video conferences appears accessible, feasible and potentially effective and cost-effective for people with progressive MS.
TulaSalud: An m-health system for maternal and infant mortality reduction in Guatemala
Authors: Martínez-Fernández Andrés , Lobos-Medina Isabel , Díaz-Molina Cesar Augusto , Chen-Cruz Moisés Faraón , Prieto-Egido Ignacio 
Published: March 2015

Summary The Guatemalan NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) TulaSalud has implemented an m-health project in the Department of Alta Verapaz. This Department has 1.2 million inhabitants (78% living in rural areas and 89% from indigenous communities) and in 2012, had a maternal mortality rate of 273 for every 100,000 live births. This m-health initiative is based on the provision of a cell phone to community facilitators (CFs). The CFs are volunteers in rural communities who perform health prevention, promotion and care. Thanks to the cell phone, the CFs have become tele-CFs who able to carry out consultations when they have questions; send full epidemiological and clinical information related to the cases they attend to; receive continuous training; and perform activities for the prevention and promotion of community health through distance learning sessions in the Q’eqchí and/or Poqomchi’ languages. In this study, rural populations served by tele-CFs were selected as the intervention group while the control group was composed of the rural population served by CFs without Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools. As well as the achievement of important process results (116,275 medical consultations, monitoring of 6,783 pregnant women, and coordination of 2,014 emergency transfers), the project has demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in maternal mortality (p < 0.05) and in child mortality (p = 0.054) in the intervention group compared with rates in the control group. As a result of the telemedicine initiative, the intervention areas, which were selected for their high maternal and infant mortality rates, currently show maternal and child mortality indicators that are not only lower than the indicators in the control area, but also lower than the provincial average (which includes urban areas).
Allogeneic HY antibodies detected 3 months after female-to-male HCT predict chronic GVHD and nonrelapse mortality in humans
Authors: Nakasone Hideki , Tian Lu , Sahaf Bita , Kawase Takakazu , Schoenrock Kelsi , Perloff Spenser , Ryan Christine E. , Paul Jed , Popli Rakesh , Wu Fang , Otani Joanne M. , Coller John , Warren Edus H. , Miklos David B. 
Published: March 2015

Key Points
Detection of multiple HY-Abs at 3 months post-F→M HCT predicts cGVHD incidence, severity, and nonrelapse mortality. Patients with a high HY score may be good candidates for cGVHD prevention trials, especially those targeting allogeneic B cells.
Gene expression profiling reveals potential prognostic biomarkers associated with the progression of heart failure
Authors: Maciejak Agata , Kiliszek Marek , Michalak Marcin , Tulacz Dorota , Opolski Grzegorz , Matlak Krzysztof , Dobrzycki Slawomir , Segiet Agnieszka , Gora Monika , Burzynska Beata 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Background
Heart failure (HF) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Here, we identify biologically relevant transcripts that are significantly altered in the early phase of myocardial infarction and are associated with the development of post-myocardial infarction HF.

Methods
We collected peripheral blood samples from patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): n = 111 and n = 41 patients from the study and validation groups, respectively. Control groups comprised patients with a stable coronary artery disease and without a history of myocardial infarction. Based on plasma NT-proBNP level and left ventricular ejection fraction parameters the STEMI patients were divided into HF and non-HF groups. Microarrays were used to analyze mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the study group at four time points and control group. Microarray results were validated by RT-qPCR using whole blood RNA from the validation group.

Results
Samples from the first three time points (admission, discharge, and 1 month after AMI) were compared with the samples from the same patients collected 6 months after AMI (stable phase) and with the control group. The greatest differences in transcriptional profiles were observed on admission and they gradually stabilized during the follow-up. We have also identified a set of genes the expression of which on the first day of STEMI differed significantly between patients who developed HF after 6 months of observation and those who did not. RNASE1, FMN1, and JDP2 were selected for further analysis and their early up-regulation was confirmed in HF patients from both the study and validation groups. Significant correlations were found between expression levels of these biomarkers and clinical parameters. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated a good prognostic value of the genes chosen.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates an altered gene expression profile in PBMCs during acute myocardial infarction and through the follow-up. The identified gene expression changes at the early phase of STEMI that differentiated the patients who developed HF from those who did not could serve as a convenient tool contributing to the prognosis of heart failure.
Therapeutic efficacy and biodistribution of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells delivered by intrasplenic and intrapancreatic routes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Yaochite Juliana Navarro Ueda , Caliari-Oliveira Carolina , de Souza Lucas Eduardo Botelho , Neto Lourenço Sbragia , Palma Patrícia Vianna Bonini , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Malmegrim Kelen Cristina Ribeiro , Voltarelli Julio César , Donadi Eduardo Antônio 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that have the ability to express and secrete a wide range of immunomodulatory molecules, cytokines, growth factors and antiapoptotic proteins. MSCs modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses making them potential candidates for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). However, one problem frequently associated with the systemic MSCs administration is the entrapment of the cells mainly in the lungs. In this sense, trying to avoid the lung barrier, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term therapeutic efficacy and biodistribution of allogeneic adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) injected via two different delivery routes (intrasplenic/I.Sp and intrapancreatic/I.Pc) in a murine model of diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ).

Methods
Experimental diabetes was induced in C57BL/6 male mice by multiple low-doses of STZ. MSCs were isolated from adipose tissue (ADMSCs) of Balb/c mice. A single dose of 1x106 ADMSCs was microinjected into the spleen or into the pancreas of diabetic mice. Control group received injection of PBS by I.Sp or I.Pc delivery routes. Glycemia, peripheral glucose response, insulin-producing β cell mass, regulatory T cell population, cytokine profile and cell biodistribution were evaluated after ADMSCs/PBS administration.

Results
ADMSCs injected by both delivery routes were able to decrease blood glucose levels and improve glucose tolerance in diabetic mice. ADMSCs injected by I.Sp route reverted hyperglycemia in 70% of diabetic treated mice, stimulating insulin production by pancreatic β cells. Using the I.Pc delivery route, 42% of ADMSCs-treated mice responded to the therapy. Regulatory T cell population remained unchanged after ADMSCs administration but pancreatic TGF-β levels were increased in ADMSCs/I.Sp-treated mice. ADMSCs administrated by I.Sp route were retained in the spleen and in the liver and ADMSCs injected by I.Pc route remained in the pancreas. However, ADMSCs injected by these delivery routes remained only few days in the recipients.

Conclusion
Considering the potential role of MSCs in the treatment of several disorders, this study reports alternative delivery routes that circumvent cell entrapment into the lungs promoting beneficial therapeutic responses in ADMSCs-treated diabetic mice.
n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids and mast cell activation
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Kulka Marianna 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Mast cells are known to play a vital role in the development of inflammation in allergic responses. Recent studies have indicated that mast cell activation could be modulated by n-3 PUFAs, which have a wide range of well-documented health benefits. In our review, we summarize the recent findings and potential mechanisms of the effect of n-3 PUFAs on mast cell activation. This knowledge could provide new strategies for the development of therapeutic interventions for diseases mediated by mast cells.
Trogocytic CD137 transfer causes an internalization of CD137 ligand on murine APCs leading to reduced T cell costimulation
Authors: Shao Zhe , Harfuddin Zulkarnain , Pang Wan Lu , Nickles Emily , Koh Liang Kai , Schwarz Herbert 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
CD137 ligand (CD137L) is expressed on APCs and crosslinks CD137, a powerful costimulatory molecule on T cells during cognate interactions, and thereby greatly enhances immune responses. We report that CD137 can be transferred from activated T cells and from tumor cells that express CD137 to other cells via trogocytosis. This trogocytic transfer is independent of CD137L expression by the recipient cell. However, if CD137L is present on the recipient cell, the transferred CD137 binds to CD137L and the CD137-CD137L complex becomes internalized. The removal of CD137L from the surface of APCs lowers their ability to costimulate T cells, as evidenced by a reduced IFN-γ secretion. Removal of CD137L on APCs by trogocytic transfer of CD137 occurs within 1 h and requires cell-cell contact and the continuous presence of CD137-expressing cells. Bidirectional signaling exists for the CD137 receptor/ligand system, because CD137L also signals into APCs. We propose that the trogocytic transfer of CD137 from activated T cells to APCs and the subsequent removal of CD137L from APCs is a physiologic regulatory mechanism that limits immune activity. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the trogocytic transfer of CD137 occurs in cancers and quenches the activity of APCs, contributing to the cancer cells escaping immune surveillance. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the trogocytic transfer of CD137 leads to an internalization of CD137L on APCs and a reduction in immune activity.
A Dollar for Your Thoughts: Feedback-Conditional Rebates on eBay
Authors: Cabral Luís , Li Lingfang (Ivy) 
Published: March 2015

We run a series of controlled field experiments on eBay where buyers are rewarded for providing feedback. Our results provide little support for the hypothesis of buyers’ rational economic behavior: the likelihood of feedback barely increases as we increase feedback rebate values; also, the speed of feedback, bid levels, and the number of bids are all insensitive to rebate values. By contrast, we find evidence consistent with reciprocal buyer behavior. Lower transaction quality leads to a higher probability of negative feedback as well as a speeding up of such negative feedback. However, when transaction quality is low (as measured by slow shipping), offering a rebate significantly decreases the likelihood of negative feedback. All in all, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that buyers reciprocate the sellers’ “good deeds” (feedback rebate, high transaction quality) with more frequent and more favorable feedback. As a result, sellers can “buy” feedback, but such feedback is likely to be biased. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.2074 . This paper was accepted by Teck-Hua Ho, behavioral economics.
The Spillover Effects of Monitoring: A Field Experiment
Authors: Belot Michèle , Schröder Marina 
Published: March 2015

We provide field experimental evidence of the effects of monitoring in a context where productivity is multidimensional and only one dimension is monitored and incentivized. We hire students to do a job for us. The job consists of identifying euro coins. We study the direct effects of monitoring and penalizing mistakes on work quality and evaluate spillovers on unmonitored dimensions of productivity (punctuality and theft). We find that monitoring improves work quality only if incentives are harsh, but substantially reduces punctuality irrespectively of the associated incentives. Monitoring does not affect theft, with 10% of participants stealing overall. Our findings are supportive of a reciprocity mechanism, whereby workers retaliate for being distrusted.Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.2089 .This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
Wound closure in patients with DFU: a cost-effectiveness analysis of two cellular/tissue-derived products
Authors: Gilligan A.M. , Waycaster C.R. , Landsman A.L. 
Published: March 2015

Objective: Determine the cost-effectiveness of extracellular matrix (ECM) relative to human fibroblast-derived dermal substitute (HFDS) on diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) wound closure. Method: Outcomes data were obtained from a 12-week, randomised, clinical trial of adults aged 18 years or older diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes with a DFU. Patients were treated with either ECM or HFDS treatment. A two-state Markov model (healed and unhealed) with a 1-week cycle length was developed using wound-closure rates from the trial to estimate the number of closed-wound weeks and the expected DFU cost per patient. Results were recorded over 12 weeks to estimate the number of closed-wound weeks per treatment and the average cost to achieve epithelialisation (primary outcome). The perspective of the analysis was that of the payer, specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. No cost discounting was performed because of the short duration of the study. Results: The study consisted of 26 patients, with13 in each group. In the ECM group, 10 wounds closed (77%), with an average closure time of 36 days; 11 wounds closed in the HFDS group (85%), with an average closure time of 41 days. There was no significant difference between these results (p=0.73). Over 12 weeks, the expected cost per DFU was $2522 (£1634) for ECM and $3889 (£2524) for HFDS. Patients treated with HFDS incurred total treatment costs that were approximately 54% higher than those treated with ECM. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the total cost of care for two applications of HFDS was more costly than eight applications of ECM by approximately $500 (£325). Conclusion: In patients with DFU, ECM yielded similar clinical outcomes to HFDS but at a lower cost. Health-care providers should consider ECM as a cost-saving alternative to HFDS. Declaration of interest: A.M. Gilligan, and C.R. Waycaster, are employees of Smith & Nephew Inc.. This study was funded by Smith & Nephew Inc.. A.L. Landsman, reports no conflicts of interest.
Financial structures, firms, and the welfare states in South Korea and Singapore
Authors: Lim Sijeong 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSouth Korea and Singapore display distinctive patterns of social provision. The Singaporean welfare state has served as the primary provider of social infrastructure and services, whereas the South Korean welfare state has developed its primary role in supporting income maintenance. These differences are not well accounted for in the existing literature, which focuses on similarities between the two regimes. This paper shows that deep institutional legacies in the two countries’ respective financial structures powerfully shaped their unique social policy instruments. In South Korea, where financial openness was low and firms relied on relationship-based financing, the corresponding long-term perspectives on production and employment encouraged the private provision of welfare-related infrastructure and services. In Singapore, where firms have relied heavily on arm’s length financing, the corresponding flexible investment and employment perspectives encouraged the utilization of private income maintenance arrangements. Each country’s government prioritized the mode of social provision that the firms were less willing to engage in. These findings suggest that financial liberalization may be an important determinant of welfare regimes in developing countries.
Die Behandlung von Tierdiebstählen in der ›Lex Salica‹
Authors: Seebold Elmar 
Published: March 2015

Abstract for part A
The most detailed regulations of theft and robbery in the ›Lex Salica‹ concern the theft of piglets. The words listed in »Ergebnisse, a) Behandelte Glossenwörter« are explained in detail.