bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cumulative dose of hydroxychloroquine is associated with a decrease of resting heart rate in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study
Authors: Cairoli E , Danese N , Teliz M , Bruzzone M J , Ferreira J , Rebella M , Cayota A 
Published: April 2015

Introduction The use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) offers a wide range of benefits. However, there are evidence in favour of cardiotoxicity, including heart conduction disturbances and congestive heart failure. Objective To determine the effects of HCQ in the resting heart rate (RHR) of SLE patients. Patients and methods Included were patients with non active SLE, with a sedentary lifestyle and treated with HCQ. Excluded were patients on beta blocker treatment, trained patients, pacemaker´s users and patients with clinical or analytical evidence of anemia, renal disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, uncontrolled thyroid disease, fever or current infection. Standard 12-lead electrocardiogram was performed in the resting condition (supine decubitus and orthostatic position). Comparison between groups was performed using Mann–Whitney U test. A multiple linear regression was performed. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 42 patients were included. Patients were divided in two groups based on the cumulative dose of HCQ (CD-HCQ), considering 365 g as cut-off. There were 24 patients with low-HCQ (<365 g) and 18 patients with high-HCQ (>365 g). Non significant differences were found in age, sex, prednisone dose or SLEDAI. The mean RHR was 73 ± 6 beats/min in the low-HCQ and 65 ± 7 beats/min in the high-HCQ, with a significant decrease of 11% ( p = 0.003). In multiple linear regressions, there were non significant association between the decrease of RHR and prednisone dose, age, SLEDAI or TSH, but there was significant association between RHR and CD-HCQ ( p = 0.024) and RHR and time of exposure to HCQ ( p = 0.029). Conclusion CD-HCQ higher than 365 g was associated with a significant decrease (11%) in RHR in non-active SLE patients, although a larger prospective study is required to allow more definitive conclusions.
Indexing CNX NIFTY 50 Momentum Effects
Authors: Misra Arun Kumar , Mohapatra Sabyasachi 
Published: April 2015

The empirical literature indicates that momentum-style investing is a more effective approach than value-based or growth-based strategies. To confirm this, this article makes an attempt to construct a Momentum Index for the Indian equity market. The CNX NIFTY 50 Momentum Index is designed by calculating the volatility and volume-adjusted Momentum Index for each security in the CNX NIFTY 50 Parent Index. The estimated Momentum Index returns are compared with the CNX NIFTY 50 Index in terms of volatility, Sharpe Ratio and Treynor Ratio. Using VAR methodology, and macroeconomic, firm-specific factors which influence the momentum, index returns are analysed. This study also examined the Fama–French unconditional CAPM by including the Momentum Index return as the fourth factor alongside price–earnings, price–book ratio and dividend yield in estimating excess market returns. JEL: G11, G12, G14
Impact of the Effective Exchange Rate on the Trade Balance of Sri Lanka: Evidence from 2000 to 2013
Authors: Senadheera Yashodha Warunie 
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the possibility of improving the trade balance of Sri Lanka through currency depreciation. An error correction model (ECM) was used to examine the short-term and long-term effects of nominal and real effective exchange rate depreciation on the trade balance. While there is no long-run relationship between the real effective exchange rate and the trade balance, depreciation of the nominal effective exchange rate will lead to a deterioration of the trade balance in the long term. Further, the results indicate that there is a positive causality relationship from the real GDP to the trade balance. Conversely, growth in money supply will worsen the country’s trade balance in the long run. The empirical findings show that currency devaluation is not an effective policy tool to improve the country’s trade balance. JEL Classification: F 140
Women’s Voices
Authors: Murada Pooja O. , Grover Arti Manchanda 
Published: April 2015

Media plays an important role in defining gender roles within the society. From traditional media forms to new communication technologies, media has been exercising its influence in creating societal expectations of gender. Radio is one of the oldest and affordable information and communications technology (ICT) tools. It holds potential to bring positive change for women. The importance of radio, or community radio (CR) to be more specific, enhances in the regions marked by restricted mobility, less access to resources, education and low decision-making ability. This article focuses on how CR is facilitating women’s voices in such areas. The role of CR will be illustrated with the example of Alfaz-e-Mewat FM 107.8, a CR station at work in the district of Mewat, Haryana. The case study looks at the role of CR as a communication medium in bringing social change by creating spaces for women to express themselves.
How behavioural economics does and can shape public policy
Authors: Leigh Andrew 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBehavioural economics research has pointed to the importance of market inefficiencies, framing, heuristics and hyperbolic discounting. Empirically, behavioural economics has been shown to predict patterns of consumer behaviour, exercise patterns and substance addiction. In this article, I discuss the ways in which our growing understanding of behavioural economics has shaped the development of public policies. I conclude with six pieces of advice for behavioural policymakers.
How to Assess the Quality of Glucose Clamps? Evaluation of Clamps Performed With ClampArt, a Novel Automated Clamp Device
Authors: Benesch Carsten , Heise Tim , Klein Oliver , Heinemann Lutz , Arnolds Sabine 
Published: April 2015

Background: There are no widely accepted parameters to assess the quality of glucose clamps. Thus, we selected different parameters describing clamp quality. These parameters were then evaluated in glucose clamps carried out with ClampArt, a novel CE-marked, state-of-the-art fully automated glucose clamp device employing continuous blood glucose (BG) measurements and minute-by-minute adaptations of glucose infusion rate (GIR). Methods: Thirty-nine glucose clamps were performed in 10 healthy and 29 subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) (total duration 583 h). ClampArt-based BG measurements were compared with those obtained with a laboratory reference method. Clamp quality was assessed by 5 parameters: (1) difference (mg/dl) of all paired BG measurements of ClampArt versus reference method (“trueness”), (2) coefficient of variation (CV, %) of ClampArt’s BG measurements at target clamp level (“precision”), (3) mean absolute relative difference (MARD, %) at target clamp level (“accuracy”), (4) difference (mg/dl) between ClampArt and target BG (“control deviation”), and (5) percentage operational time (“utility”). Results: ClampArt-based BG measurements showed a trueness of 1.2 ± 2.5 mg/dl. CV and MARD at target BG were 5.5 ± 2.1% and 5.3 ± 2.3%, respectively. There were only small deviations from target level (1.2 ± 1.6 mg/dl). Operational time was as high as 95.4% ± 4.1% (means ± SD). Conclusions: The selected parameters seem to be adequate to characterize clamp quality. The novel, fully automated clamp device ClampArt achieves high clamp quality, which in future trials should be compared with other (automated and manual) clamp methods.
Rate-of-Change Dependence of the Performance of Two CGM Systems During Induced Glucose Swings
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Schoemaker Michael , Morgenstern Karin , Schmelzeisen-Redeker Günther , Haug Cornelia , Link Manuela , Zschornack Eva , Freckmann Guido 
Published: April 2015

Introduction: The accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems is often assessed with respect to blood glucose (BG) readings. CGM readings are affected by a physiological and a technical time delay when compared to BG readings. In this analysis, the dependence of CGM performance parameters on the BG rate of change was investigated for 2 CGM systems. Methods: Data from a previously published study were retrospectively analyzed. An established CGM system (Dexcom G4, Dexcom, San Diego, CA; system A) and a prototype system (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany; system B) with 2 sensors each were worn by 10 subjects in parallel. Glucose swings were induced to achieve rapidly changing BG concentrations. Mean absolute relative differences (MARD) were calculated in different BG rate-of-change categories. In addition, sensor-to-sensor precision was assessed. Results: At BG rates of change of –1 mg/dl/min to 0 mg/dl/min and 0 mg/dl/min to +1 mg/dl/min, MARD results were 12.6% and 11.3% for system A and 8.2% and 10.0% for system B. At rapidly changing BG concentrations (<–3 mg/dl/min and ≥+3 mg/dl/min), higher MARD results were found for both systems, but system B was less affected (system A: 24.9% and 29.6%, system B: 10.6% and 16.3%). The impact of rate of change on sensor-to-sensor precision was less pronounced. Conclusions: Both systems were affected by rapidly changing BG concentrations to some degree, although system B was mostly unaffected by decreasing BG concentrations. It would seem that technological advancements in CGM systems might allow for a more precise tracking of BG concentrations even at rapidly changing BG concentrations.
Comparative analysis of human ex vivo–generated platelets vs megakaryocyte-generated platelets in mice: a cautionary tale
Authors: Wang Yuhuan , Hayes Vincent , Jarocha Danuta , Sim Xiuli , Harper Dawn C. , Fuentes Rudy , Sullivan Spencer K. , Gadue Paul , Chou Stella T. , Torok-Storb Beverly J. , Marks Michael S. , French Deborah L. , Poncz Mortimer 
Published: April 2015

Key Points
Infused human megakaryocytes release young platelets in the lungs with characteristics similar to donor platelets. Platelets released from ex vivo–derived megakaryocytes are preactivated and compare poorly to donor platelets.
How I treat refractory and early relapsed acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Thol Felicitas , Schlenk Richard F. , Heuser Michael , Ganser Arnold 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBetween 10% and 40% of newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) do not achieve complete remission with intensive induction therapy and are therefore categorized as primary refractory or resistant. Few of these patients can be cured with conventional salvage therapy. They need to be evaluated regarding eligibility for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as this is currently the treatment with the highest probability of cure. To reduce the leukemia burden prior to transplantation, salvage chemotherapy regimens need to be employed. Whenever possible, refractory/relapsed patients should be enrolled in clinical trials as we do not have highly effective and standardized treatments for this situation. Novel therapies include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, small-molecule inhibitors (eg, for Polo-like kinase 1 and aminopeptidase), inhibitors of mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and IDH2, antibody-based therapies, and cell-based therapies. Although the majority of these therapies are still under evaluation, they are likely to enter clinical practice rapidly as a bridge to transplant and/or in older, unfit patients who are not candidates for allogeneic HSCT. In this review, we describe our approach to refractory/early relapsed AML, and we discuss treatment options for patients with regard to different clinical conditions and molecular profiles.
Characteristic repartition of monocyte subsets as a diagnostic signature of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Selimoglu-Buet Dorothée , Wagner-Ballon Orianne , Saada Véronique , Bardet Valérie , Itzykson Raphaël , Bencheikh Laura , Morabito Margot , Met Elisabeth , Debord Camille , Benayoun Emmanuel , Nloga Anne-Marie , Fenaux Pierre , Braun Thorsten , Willekens Christophe , Quesnel Bruno , Adès Lionel , Fontenay Michaela , Rameau Philippe , Droin Nathalie , Koscielny Serge , Solary Eric 
Published: April 2015

Key Points
An increase in the classical monocyte subset to >94% of total monocytes discriminates CMML from other monocytoses with high specificity. This characteristic increase in classical monocytes disappears in CMML patients who respond to hypomethylating agents.
CMV reactivation drives posttransplant T-cell reconstitution and results in defects in the underlying TCRβ repertoire
Authors: Suessmuth Yvonne , Mukherjee Rithun , Watkins Benjamin , Koura Divya T. , Finstermeier Knut , Desmarais Cindy , Stempora Linda , Horan John T. , Langston Amelia , Qayed Muna , Khoury Hanna J. , Grizzle Audrey , Cheeseman Jennifer A. , Conger Jason A. , Robertson Jennifer , Garrett Aneesah , Kirk Allan D. , Waller Edmund K. , Blazar Bruce R. , Mehta Aneesh K. , Robins Harlan S. , Kean Leslie S. 
Published: April 2015

Key Points
CMV reactivation fundamentally resets posttransplant CD8 reconstitution, resulting in massive expansion of CMV-specific CD8 Tem. CMV reactivation is associated with defects in the underlying TCRβ immune repertoire.
The rice ALS3 encoding a novel pentatricopeptide repeat protein is required for chloroplast development and seedling growth
Authors: Lin Dongzhi , Gong Xiaodi , Jiang Quan , Zheng Kailun , Zhou Hua , Xu Jianlong , Teng Sheng , Dong Yanjun 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background
Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins play essential roles in modulating the expression of organelle genes and have expanded greatly in higher plants. However, molecular mechanisms of most rice PPR genes remain unclear.

Results
In this study, a new rice PPR mutant, asl3 (albino
seedling
lethality3) exhibits an albino lethal phenotype at the seedling stage. This albino phenotype was associated with altered photosynthetic-pigment and chloroplast development. Map-based cloning showed that ASL3 encodes a novel rice PPR protein with 10 tandem PPR motifs, which localizes to the chloroplast. ASL3 showed tissue-specific expression, as it was highly expressed in the chlorenchyma, but expressed at much lower levels in roots and panicles. RNAi of ASL3 confirmed that ASL3 plays an essential role in the early development and chloroplast development in rice. Moreover, expression analysis revealed that the asl3 mutation severely affected the transcriptional levels of important genes associated with plastid translation machinery and photosynthesis, which may impair photosynthesis and finally led to the seedling death in asl3 mutant. These results evidenced the important role of ASL3 in the early development of rice, especially chloroplast development.

Conclusions
The ASL3 gene encoded a novel chloroplast-targeted PPR protein with 10 tandem PPR motifs in rice. Disruption of the ASL3 would lead to a defective chloroplast and seedling lethality, and affected expression levels of genes associated with chloroplast development and photosynthesis at early leaf stage of rice.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-associated acute cor pulmonale and patent foramen ovale: a multicenter noninvasive hemodynamic study
Authors: Legras Annick , Caille Agnès , Begot Emmanuelle , Lhéritier Gwenaëlle , Lherm Thierry , Mathonnet Armelle , Frat Jean-Pierre , Courte Anne , Martin-Lefèvre Laurent , Gouëllo Jean-Paul , Mercier Emmanuelle , Vignon Philippe ,   on behalf of the ARCO and CRICS network
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Acute cor pulmonale (ACP) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) remain common in patients under protective ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We sought to describe the hemodynamic profile associated with either ACP or PFO, or both, during the early course of moderate-to-severe ARDS using echocardiography.

Methods
In this 32-month prospective multicenter study, 195 patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS were assessed using echocardiography during the first 48 h of admission (age: 56 (SD: 15) years; Simplified Acute Physiology Score: 46 (17); PaO2/FiO2: 115 (39); VT: 6.5 (1.7) mL/kg; PEEP: 11 (3) cmH2O; driving pressure: 15 (5) cmH2O). ACP was defined by the association of right ventricular (RV) dilatation and systolic paradoxical ventricular septal motion. PFO was detected during a contrast study using agitated saline in the transesophageal bicaval view.

Results
ACP was present in 36 patients, PFO in 21 patients, both PFO and ACP in 8 patients and the 130 remaining patients had neither PFO nor ACP. Patients with ACP exhibited a restricted left ventricle (LV) secondary to RV dilatation and had concomitant RV dysfunction, irrespective of associated PFO, but preserved LV systolic function. Despite elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), patients with isolated PFO had a normal RV systolic function. sPAP and PaCO2 levels were significantly correlated.

Conclusions
In patients under protective mechanical ventilation with moderate-to-severe ARDS, ACP was associated with LV restriction and RV failure, whether PFO was present or not. Despite elevated sPAP, PFO shunting was associated with preserved RV systolic function.
Quantification of HER family receptors in breast cancer
Authors: Nuciforo Paolo , Radosevic-Robin Nina , Ng Tony , Scaltriti Maurizio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe clinical success of trastuzumab in breast cancer taught us that appropriate tumor evaluation is mandatory for the correct identification of patients eligible for targeted therapies. Although HER2 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays are routinely used to select patients to receive trastuzumab, both assays only partially predict response to the drug. In the case of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the link between the presence of the receptor or its amplification and response to anti-EGFR therapies could not be demonstrated. Even less is known for HER3 and HER4, mainly due to lack of robust and validated assays detecting these proteins. It is becoming evident that, besides FISH and IHC, we need better assays to quantify HER receptors and categorize the patients for individualized treatments. Here, we present the current available methodologies to measure HER family receptors and discuss the clinical implications of target quantification.
Fixed point theorems of ordered contractive mappings on cone metric spaces over Banach algebras
Authors: Yin Jiandong , Wang Tao , Yan Qi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this paper, the concept of ordered contractive mappings is introduced on cone metric spaces over Banach algebras, and some existence theorems of fixed points for such mappings are obtained. As an application of a result, an example is given at the end of the paper.
A genome draft of the legless anguid lizard, Ophisaurus gracilis
Authors: Song Bo , Cheng Shifeng , Sun Yanbo , Zhong Xiao , Jin Jieqiong , Guan Rui , Murphy Robert W , Che Jing , Zhang Yaping , Liu Xin 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background
Transition from a lizard-like to a snake-like body form is one of the most important transformations in reptilian evolution. The increasing number of sequenced reptilian genomes is enabling a deeper understanding of vertebrate evolution, although the genetic basis of the loss of limbs in reptiles remains enigmatic. Here we report genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation for the Asian glass lizard Ophisaurus gracilis, a limbless lizard species with an elongated snake-like body form. Addition of this species to the genome repository will provide an excellent resource for studying the genetic basis of limb loss and trunk elongation

Findings
O. gracilis genome sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq2000 platform resulted in 274.20 Gbp of raw data that was filtered and assembled to a final size of 1.78 Gbp, comprising 6,717 scaffolds with N50 = 1.27 Mbp. Based on the k-mer estimated genome size of 1.71 Gbp, the assembly appears to be nearly 100% complete. A total of 19,513 protein-coding genes were predicted, and 884.06 Mbp of repeat sequences (approximately half of the genome) were annotated. The draft genome of O. gracilis has similar characteristics to both lizard and snake genomes.

Conclusions
We report the first genome of a lizard from the family Anguidae, O. gracilis. This supplements currently available genetic and genomic resources for amniote vertebrates, representing a major increase in comparative genome data available for squamate reptiles in particular
Acute Kidney Injury: An Acceptable Risk of Treatment with Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade in Primary Care?
Authors: Bedford Michael , Farmer Christopher KT , Irving Jean , Stevens Paul E 
Published: April 2015

Background: Use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade has become increasingly widespread driven by evidence-based guidance. There is concern about the role of these agents in the genesis of avoidable acute kidney injury (AKI). Objectives: To investigate the association between AKI and use of RAS blockade. Design: Multilevel hierarchical analysis of a large cohort of patients registered with UK general practitioners. Setting: Primary care practices in East and West Kent, United Kingdom. Patients: 244,715 patients from 27 practices. Measurements: Demographic, clinical, biochemical and prescription data. Methods: Analyses of data acquired between 02/3/2004 and 17/04/2012 using multilevel logistic regression to determine the relationship between AKI and use of RAS blockade; further analysed by indication for treatment with RAS blockade. Results: Sufficient serum creatinine data were available to define AKI in 63,735 patients with 208,275 blood test instances. In 95,569 instances the patient was prescribed a RAS antagonist of which 5.4% fulfilled criteria for AKI. The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for AKI in those prescribed RAS blockade was 1.93 (1.81–2.06, 95%CI) falling to 1.11 (1.02–1.20, 95%CI) when adjusted for age, gender, co-morbidity, GFR category, proteinuria, systolic blood pressure and diuretic therapy. In patients with an evidence-based indication there was no difference in absolute risk of AKI. However, prescription of RAS blockade in the absence of indication appeared to be associated with greater risk of AKI. When analysis was repeated with AKIN2/AKIN3 as the outcome, although risk of AKI remained significant when unadjusted (OR 1.73, 95%CI 1.42–2.11, p<0.001), after full adjustment there was no increased risk (OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.63–1.09) in those taking RAS antagonists. However, when analysed by indication AKIN2/AKIN3 was significantly more likely in those prescribed RAS antagonists without indication (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.41–2.94, p<0.001). Limitations: Observational database study. No information concerning hospitalisation. Prescribing assumptions and potential inaccurate coding. Potential survival bias; patients surviving longer will contribute more data. Conclusions: Use of RAS antagonists increased the risk of AKI, independent of common confounding variables. After correction for confounders the risk fell away and became non-significant for moderate and severe AKI. However, where there was no evidence-based indication for RAS antagonists the risk of AKI, whether mild, moderate or severe, remained greater.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Oxidation Catalysis of a Diniobium-substituted Silicodecatungstate
Authors: Satake Naoto , Hirano Tomohisa , Kamata Keigo , Suzuki Kosuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
A novel diniobium-substituted silicodecatungstate, [γ-HSiW10O38Nb2(η2-O2)2]5− (I), was successfully synthesized by the reaction of [HNb6O19]7− and [γ-SiW10O36]8− in the presence of H2O2 under acidic conditions. In the presence of a suitable proton source, e.g., HClO4, I could act as a stable homogeneous catalyst for H2O2-based oxidation.