bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group-based memory rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis: Subgroup analysis of the ReMiND trial
Authors: Martin Kristy-Jane , Lincoln Nadina , das Nair Roshan , Kneebone Ian 
Published: December 2014

Background/Aim Memory problems are frequently reported in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). These can be debilitating and affect individuals and their families. This subgroup analysis focused on the effectiveness of memory rehabilitation in patients with MS. Methods Data were extracted from a single-blind randomised controlled trial, the ReMiND trial, which also included participants with traumatic brain injury and stroke. Participants were randomly allocated to compensation or restitution treatment programmes, or a self-help control. The programmes were manual-based and comprised two individual sessions and ten group sessions. Outcome measures included assessments of memory, mood and activities of daily living. A total of 39 patients with MS participated in this study (ten males (26%), 29 females (74%); mean±SD age: 48.3±10.8 years). Results Comparison of groups showed no significant effect of treatment on memory, but there were significant differences between compensation and restitution on self-report symptoms of emotional distress at both five- (p=0.04) and seven-month (p=0.05) follow-up sessions. The compensation group showed less distress than the restitution group. Conclusions Individuals with MS who received compensation memory rehabilitation reported significantly less emotional distress than those who received restitution. Further research is needed to explore why self-reported memory problems did not differ between groups.
Restructuring the self-sensing: Attention training in contact improvisation
Authors: Little Nita 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In this article, I discuss how contact improvisation (CI) can be seen as a form of attentional training – training attention-to-attention while moving – and how this practice can change the sense of self that dancers have. It proposes that identity in CI is an action of giving: one that generates new potentials through relations that support complex actions. Identity in an active practice of relations is associated not with bound physicality, but rather with active sensing. This active practice opens up the possibility of another politics of attention. I draw upon my experience as a teacher to make clear the relation between practices of attentional skill and theoretical claims about what attention can do. Working through the relational concepts of performance theorists and contact improvisers, this article offers new language with which to understand the political significance that CI brings into the twenty-first century as it continues to grow.
Visibly Marked and Microchipped Lost Dogs Have a Higher Chance to Find Their Owners in Belgrade
Authors: Vučinić Marijana , Radisavljević Katarina , Hammond-Seaman Alexandra , Ilieski Vlatko 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyse the demographic characteristics of lost and found dogs in Belgrade, Serbia. The demographic data concerning the 246 lost and 81 found dogs in the period of 5 consecutive years (January, 2009 to January 2014) was sampled and analysed from the data bases of four organizations for animal protection in Belgrade. The recovery rate of lost dogs and the chance to be reunited again with their owners was 33%. The highest recovery rate was estimated in the category of lost dogs with visible marks such as tags or collars (30%).The chi-square test disclosed that besides dogs with special visible marks, significantly more females, light colour coated, friendly/sociable and neutered dogs were reunited with their owners (P<0.0001).
Expression of vascular endothelial factor-A, gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and TIMP-1 in uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Korompelis Porfyrios , Piperi Christina , Adamopoulos Christos , Dalagiorgou Georgia , Korkolopoulou Penelope , Sepsa Athanasia , Antsaklis Aris , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractLeiomyomas growth involves cellular hypertrophy, modulation of mitotic activity and upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Vascular factors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a coordinated role during neoplasia and tissue remodeling. The present study investigates the role of angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A with the activity of main gelatinases, MMP-2/MMP-9 and their tissue inhibitor TIMP-1 in patients with leiomyomas.Peripheral blood of 46 women with uterine leiomyomas was obtained prior hysterectomy to assess VEGF-A, MMP-2, -9, TIMP-1 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay compared to 39 healthy controls. Protein expression levels of VEGF-A, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated by western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in leiomyomas tissue specimens after hysterectomy. Furthermore, the activity of gelatinases in leiomyoma tissue extracts and control myometrium was evaluated by semi-quantitative zymography.Circulating levels of VEGF-A, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were significantly elevated in leiomyoma patients compared to controls (p<0.001, p=0.004, p=0.003, respectively). A positive correlation was found between VEGF-A and MMP-2 (p=0.021) as well as MMP-9 (p=0.001) peripheral levels in the patient’s group. Furthermore, increased VEGF-A protein levels were detected in leiomyoma tissue compared to control myometrium, followed by increased localization of both VEGF-A and MMP-2 in the ECM embedding bundles of smooth muscle cells of leiomyomas. The activity of MMP-2 was significantly higher in leiomyomas than normal myometrium in all investigated tissues.This study demonstrates a possible coordinated role of VEGF-A and MMP-2 during uterine leiomyomas growth and angiogenesis with potential prognostic significance.
Prevalence of cigarette and water pipe smoking and their predictors among Iranian adolescents
Authors: Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi Sakineh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Tavananezhad Nikta , Karkhaneh Mahsa 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction: Widespread tobacco use, along with its induced diseases and subsequent deaths, comprise one of the biggest threats to public health in the world. Thus, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of cigarette and water pipe smoking and their predictors among Iranian adolescents.
Materials and methods: A total of 1524 adolescent students aged 14–18 years (764 boys and 760 girls) were randomly selected. The participants attended governmental, semi-governmental, and non-governmental schools in the city of Sanandaj, Iran in 2013. Data were collected using the “Sherer General Self-efficacy” and demographic questionnaire. Multivariate Logistic binary regresion analysis was conducted to determine the predictors.
Results: The prevalence rates of cigarette and water pipe smoking were 9.5% and 10.4%, respectively. About 3.7% of the adolescents used both cigarette and water pipe and 16% used at least one of these. Compared with girls, prevalence of both cigarette (13.1% vs. 6.4%) and water pipe (13.7% vs. 7.1%) smoking was higher among the boys. Male sex, father’s education of secondary school, and use of water pipe were identified as cigarette smoking risk factors, while technical and commercial educational fields and attending non-governmental school were its protective factors. Risk factors of the use of water pipe were currently working, higher age and cigarette smoking, father’s education of high school, father’s occupation of employee and mother’s education of a diploma degree, while higher self-efficacy and attending non-governmental school were its protective factors.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of cigarette and water pipe smoking in adolescents continues to rise. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further studies on effective factors on the onset and continuation of tobacco use.
Sleep in university students across years of university education and gender influences
Authors: Manzar Md Dilshad , Zannat Wassilatul , Kaur Manpreet , Hussain M. Ejaz 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Assessment of the influence of gender and increasing years at university on sleep health of students.
Methods: Four hundred and eighteen students from different streams across years of undergraduate to postgraduate courses participated. Descriptive statistics, test of differences, and correlation were used. The sleep health data comprised of subjective evaluation using a questionnaire and personal interviews.
Results: Overall, 43.1% had sleep problems, females were more affected (51.67% vs. 48.33% in males) but were early bed goers. The prevalence of circadian rhythm sleep disorder (11.6% vs. 9.5%) and delayed sleep phase syndrome (4.5% vs. 2.7%) was slightly higher in males. The daytime dysfunction and hypnotic use significantly differed in students of the same class among gender. Bedtime got significantly delayed along years [H(2)=29.769, p<0.001], and hypnotic use [H(2)=8.807, p=0.012] differed significantly among them. The moderate-very strong correlational statistics among sleep health elements was very similar across gender and years of university education. However, more pronounced influence of years of university education than gender was seen in the significant differences for correlated correlation among sleep health parameters.
Conclusion: Gender and years of university education influence sleep among university students both separately and concomitantly.
Sémantique multidimensionnelle et fonctions des classes nominales: l’exemple du biali, langue gur Oti-Volta-orientale, Bénin
Authors: Sambiéni Coffi 
Published: December 2014

RésuméCet article aborde la question des dimensions sémantiques et de la fonction des classes nominales par l’exemple du biali. La thèse centrale défendue dans cette analyse stipule que d’une part, le système de classes nominales du biali, bien que difficile à appréhender, est fondé sur une sémantique sous-jacente multidimensionnelle et que d’autre part la fonction des classes nominales n’est pas que numérative mais aussi également multidimensionnelle. Pour soutenir cette thèse, il a fallu tenir compte des facteurs cruciaux de l’interaction entre les humains et la nature et les choses et de leur environnement. Ceci a permis de montrer que les tendances de regroupement sémantique du système classificatoire nominal du biali ne sont pas l’effet d’un hasard; mais sont basées sur des interactions complexes mettant en jeu des dimensions productive, culturelle, cognitive et sociale. Après avoir déterminé la sémantique de base de chaque genre, les dimensions culturelle et dérivationnelle ont servi à expliquer l’écartement sémantique qui embrouille la classification nominale. Par ailleurs, l’analyse a tenu compte de l’intégration des emprunts dans les classes nominales pour montrer que cette intégration, motivée par des analogies sémantiques, indique que les principes sémantiques motivant la classification nominale sont aussi productifs.
eEF2K—a new target in breast cancers with combined inactivation of p53 and PTEN
Authors: Russnes Hege G , Caldas Carlos 
Published: December 2014

Extensive efforts have now characterized the somatic molecular alterations in human breast cancer (Cancer Genome Atlas Network, ; Stephens et al, ) and have led to a re‐definition of the disease as a constellation of 10 distinct driver‐based subtypes (IntClust subtypes) (Curtis et al, ). The pursuit of druggable targets for each of these subtypes is now pressing. This is elegantly illustrated by the work of Liu et al ().
Variation in Crossover Frequencies Perturb Crossover Assurance Without Affecting Meiotic Chromosome Segregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Krishnaprasad Gurukripa N , Anand Mayakonda T , Lin Gen , Tekkedil Manu M , Steinmetz Lars M , Nishant Koodali T 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The segregation of homologous chromosomes during the Meiosis I division requires an obligate crossover per homolog pair (crossover assurance). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammals, Msh4 and Msh5 proteins stabilize Holliday junctions and its progenitors to facilitate crossing over. S. cerevisiae msh4/5 hypomorphs that reduce crossover levels up to twofold at specific loci on chromosomes VII, VIII, and XV without affecting homolog segregation were identified recently. We use the msh4–R676W hypomorph to ask if the obligate crossover is insulated from variation in crossover frequencies, using a S. cerevisiae S288c/YJM789 hybrid to map recombination genome-wide. The msh4–R676W hypomorph made on average 64 crossovers per meiosis compared to 94 made in wild type and 49 in the msh4Δ mutant confirming the defect seen at individual loci on a genome-wide scale. Crossover reductions in msh4–R676W and msh4Δ were significant across chromosomes regardless of size, unlike previous observations made at specific loci. The msh4–R676W hypomorph showed reduced crossover interference. Although crossover reduction in msh4–R676W is modest, 42% of the four viable spore tetrads showed nonexchange chromosomes. These results, along with modeling of crossover distribution, suggest the significant reduction in crossovers across chromosomes and the loss of interference compromises the obligate crossover in the msh4 hypomorph. The high spore viability of the msh4 hypomorph is maintained by efficient segregation of the natural nonexchange chromosomes. Our results suggest that variation in crossover frequencies can compromise the obligate crossover and also support a mechanistic role for interference in obligate crossover formation.
Fine-Tuning of Histone H3 Lys4 Methylation During Pseudohyphal Differentiation by the CDK Submodule of RNA Polymerase II
Authors: Law Michael J , Ciccaglione Kerri 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Transcriptional regulation is dependent upon the interactions between the RNA pol II holoenzyme complex and chromatin. RNA pol II is part of a highly conserved multiprotein complex that includes the core mediator and CDK8 subcomplex. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the CDK8 subcomplex, composed of Ssn2p, Ssn3p, Ssn8p, and Srb8p, is thought to play important roles in mediating transcriptional control of stress-responsive genes. Also central to transcriptional control are histone post-translational modifications. Lysine methylation, dynamically balanced by lysine methyltransferases and demethylases, has been intensively studied, uncovering significant functions in transcriptional control. A key question remains in understanding how these enzymes are targeted during stress response. To determine the relationship between lysine methylation, the CDK8 complex, and transcriptional control, we performed phenotype analyses of yeast lacking known lysine methyltransferases or demethylases in isolation or in tandem with SSN8 deletions. We show that the RNA pol II CDK8 submodule components SSN8/SSN3 and the histone demethylase JHD2 are required to inhibit pseudohyphal growth—a differentiation pathway induced during nutrient limitation—under rich conditions. Yeast lacking both SSN8 and JHD2 constitutively express FLO11, a major regulator of pseudohyphal growth. Interestingly, deleting known FLO11 activators including FLO8, MSS11, MFG1, TEC1, SNF1, KSS1, and GCN4 results in a range of phenotypic suppression. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we found that SSN8 inhibits H3 Lys4 trimethylation independently of JHD2 at the FLO11 locus, suggesting that H3 Lys4 hypermethylation is locking FLO11 into a transcriptionally active state. These studies implicate the CDK8 subcomplex in fine-tuning H3 Lys4 methylation levels during pseudohyphal differentiation.
On Special Strong Differential Superordinations Using Sălăgean and Ruscheweyh Operators
Authors: Alina Alb Lupaş  
Published: December 2014

In the present paper we obtain strong differential superordinations for the differential operator defined as a convex combination of the extended Sălăgean operator and the extended Ruscheweyh derivative, and is the class of normalized analytic functions, the extended Ruscheweyh derivative, the extended Sălăgean operator.
Clinical Usefulness of HCV Core Antigen Assay for the Management of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Florea Dragos , Neaga Emil , Nicolae Ionelia , Maxim Daniela , Popa Madalina , Otelea Dan 
Published: December 2014

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of the chemiluminescent HCV core Ag test compared to viral load assessment in the management of patients with chronic hepatitis C.Methods: A retrospective study was performed at a tertiary-care infectious diseases hospital on samples collected from anti-HCV positive patients. Seventy-six samples were tested with the Architect HCV core Antigen kit and Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas Taqman HCV kit. The HCV Ag test accuracy was estimated using data from all the HCV RNA tested samples received between January 2011 and December 2012.Results: The HCV Ag test showed a good correlation between the logarithmic values of HCV RNA and HCV Ag (R=0.98), with a 100% specificity and PPV, but with reduced sensitivity for viral loads lower than 1,000 UI/ mL. In a model using data from 2,478 HCV RNA tested samples and a cut-off of the Ag assay corresponding to 1,000 UI/mL HCV RNA, the Ag test would have a sensitivity of 82.4%, a NPV of 80.9% and a high specificity and PPV (100%) compared to the viral load. The sensitivity would be higher for baseline evaluation compared to on-treatment samples (98.5 vs. 50%). The highest NPV (98%) would be obtained at 48 and 72 weeks after the initiation of treatment, with a sensitivity of 88.2% and 96.1%, respectively.Conclusion: The Architect HCV core Ag assay might be an alternative for the diagnosis of active HCV infection if molecular tests are not available, and a useful method for the evaluation of sustained virological response in treated patients.
The Effect of Lactobacillus reuteri Supplementation in Adults with Chronic Functional Constipation: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial*
Authors: Ojetti Veronica , Ianiro Gianluca , Tortora Annalisa , D‘Angelo Giovanna , Di Rienzo Teresa Antonella , Bibbò Stefano , Migneco Alessio , Gasbarrini Antonio 
Published: December 2014

Background & Aims: There is a growing interest for the use of probiotics for chronic constipation. A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed a positive effect of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) on bowel movement frequency in infants with chronic constipation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of L. reuteri in adult patients with functional constipation.Methods: A double-blind, placebo RCT was conducted in 40 adults (18M/22F, 35±15 years) affected by functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a supplementation of L. reuteri (DSM 17938), or matching placebo for 4 weeks. The increase of bowel movements/week was the primary outcome, while the improvement of stool consistency was the secondary outcome.Results: At week 4, the mean increase in bowel movements/week was 2.6 (SD±1.14, 95% CI:1.6-3.6) in the L. reuteri group and 1.0 (SD±1. 95% CI:0.12-1.88) in the placebo group (p=0.046). At the end of the treatment, the mean bowel movements/week was 5.28±1.93 in the L. reuteri group and 3.89±1.79 in the placebo group. There was a not significant difference in the stool consistency between the two groups.Conclusions: L. reuteri is more effective than the placebo in improving bowel movement frequency in adult patients with functional constipation as previously demonstrated in children, even if it seems to have no effect on stool consistency.
Health-related Quality of Life and Utilities in Gastric Premalignant Conditions and Malignant Lesions: a Multicentre Study in a High Prevalence Country
Authors: Areia Miguel , Alves Susana , Brito Daniel , Cadime Ana Teresa , Carvalho Rita , Saraiva Sandra , Ferreira Sara , Moleiro Joana , Pereira António Dias , Carrasquinho João , Lopes Luís , Ramada José , Marcos-Pinto Ricardo , Pedroto Isabel , Contente Luís , Eliseu Liliana , Vieira Ana Margarida , Sampaio Margarida , Sousa Helena Tavares , Almeida Nuno , Gregório Carlos , Portela Francisco , Sofia Carlos , Braga Vânia , Baginha Elisabete , E Costa Tiago Bana , Chagas Cristina , Mendes Luís Lebre , Magalhães-Costa Pedro , Matos Leopoldo , Gonçalves Francisco Rocha , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário 
Published: December 2014

Background & Aims: A recent review of economic studies relating to gastric cancer revealed that authors use different tests to estimate utilities in patients with and without gastric cancer. Our aim was to determine the utilities of gastric premalignant conditions and adenocarcinoma with a single standardized health measure instrument.Methods: Cross-sectional nationwide study of patients undergoing upper endoscopy (n=1,434) using the EQ-5D-5L quality of life (QoL) questionnaire.Results: According to EQ-5D-5L, utilities in individuals without gastric lesions were 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.76-0.80), with gastric premalignant conditions 0.79 (0.77-0.81), previously treated for gastric cancer 0.77 (0.73-0.81) and with present cancer 0.68 (0.55-0.81). Self-reported QoL according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) for the same groups were 0.67 (0.66-0.69), 0.67 (0.66-0.69), 0.62 (0.59-0.65) and 0.62 (0.54-0.70) respectively. Utilities were consistently lower in women versus men (no lesions 0.71 vs. 0.78; premalignant conditions 0.70 vs. 0.82; treated for cancer 0.72 vs. 0.78 and present cancer 0.66 vs. 0.70).Conclusion: The health-related QoL utilities of patients with premalignant conditions are similar to those without gastric diseases whereas patients with present cancer show decreased utilities. Moreover, women had consistently lower utilities than men. These results confirm that the use of a single standardized instrument such as the EQ-5D-5L for all stages of the gastric carcinogenesis cascade is feasible and that it captures differences between conditions and gender dissimilarities, being relevant information for authors pretending to conduct further cost-utility analysis.Abbreviations: LYS: life-years saved; QALY: quality-adjusted life years; VAS: visual analogue scale; CI: confidence interval.