bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors predicting relapse of nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas after neurosurgery: a study of 142 patients
Authors: Brochier Sophie , Galland Françoise , Kujas Michèle , Parker Fabrice , Gaillard Stephan , Raftopoulos Christian , Young Jacques , Alexopoulou Orsalia , Maiter Dominique , Chanson Philippe 
Published: May 2010

ContextAdequate postoperative management of nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFMAs) remains a challenge for the clinician.ObjectiveTo identify predictive factors of NFMA relapse after initial surgery.Patients and methodsThis retrospective study included 142 patients operated for an NFMA in two academic centers (CHU Bicêtre in France and UCL St Luc in Belgium). The rate of tumor relapse, defined as recurrence after total surgical resection or regrowth of a surgical remnant, as well as predictive factors was analyzed.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 6.9 years, 10 out of 42 patients (24%) who had complete macroscopic resection of their tumor had recurrence, and 47 out of 100 patients (47%) with a surgical remnant experienced regrowth. The overall relapse rates were 25, 43, and 61% at 5, 10, and 15 years respectively. Invasion of the cavernous sinus, absence of immediate radiotherapy after the first neurosurgery, and immunohistochemical features of the tumor (mainly positive immunostaining for several hormones or for hormones other than gonadotropins) were independent risk factors for tumor relapse. Incomplete excision was only associated with relapse when invasion was withdrawn from the analysis, suggesting that these two factors are closely linked.ConclusionNFMAs frequently recur/regrow after initial surgery, particularly when tumor is invasive, precluding complete removal. Immunohistochemical features such as positive immunostaining for several hormones or for hormones other than gonadotropins could help to predict undesirable outcomes.
N-Glycosylation of Carnosinase Influences Protein Secretion and Enzyme Activity
Authors: Riedl Eva , Koeppel Hannes , Pfister Frederick , Peters Verena , Sauerhoefer Sibylle , Sternik Paula , Brinkkoetter Paul , Zentgraf Hanswalter , Navis Gerjan , Henning Robert H. , Van Den Born Jacob , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Janssen Bart , van der Woude Fokko J. , Yard Benito A. 
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE
The (CTG)n polymorphism in the serum carnosinase (CN-1) gene affects CN-1 secretion. Since CN-1 is heavily glycosylated and glycosylation might influence protein secretion as well, we tested the role of N-glycosylation for CN-1 secretion and enzyme activity. We also tested whether CN-1 secretion is changed under hyperglycemic conditions.

RESULTS
N-glycosylation of CN-1 was either inhibited by tunicamycin in pCSII-CN-1–transfected Cos-7 cells or by stepwise deletion of its three putative N-glycosylation sites. CN-1 protein expression, N-glycosylation, and enzyme activity were assessed in cell extracts and supernatants. The influence of hyperglycemia on CN-1 enzyme activity in human serum was tested in homozygous (CTG)5 diabetic patients and healthy control subjects.
Tunicamycin completely inhibited CN-1 secretion. Deletion of all N-glycosylation sites was required to reduce CN-1 secretion efficiency. Enzyme activity was already diminished when two sites were deleted. In pCSII-CN-1–transfected Cos-7 cells cultured in medium containing 25 mmol/l d-glucose, the immature 61 kilodaltons (kDa) CN-1 immune reactive band was not detected. This was paralleled by an increased GlcNAc expression in cell lysates and CN-1 expression in the supernatants. Homozygous (CTG)5 diabetic patients had significantly higher serum CN-1 activity compared with genotype-matched, healthy control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that apart from the (CTG)n polymorphism in the signal peptide of CN-1, N-glycosylation is essential for appropriate secretion and enzyme activity. Since hyperglycemia enhances CN-1 secretion and enzyme activity, our data suggest that poor blood glucose control in diabetic patients might result in an increased CN-1 secretion even in the presence of the (CTG)5 allele.
Replication Study for the Association Between Four Loci Identified by a Genome-Wide Association Study on European American Subjects With Type 1 Diabetes and Susceptibility to Diabetic Nephropathy in Japanese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Maeda Shiro , Araki Shin-ichi , Babazono Tetsuya , Toyoda Masao , Umezono Tomoya , Kawai Koichi , Imanishi Masahito , Uzu Takashi , Watada Hirotaka , Suzuki Daisuke , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Iwamoto Yasuhiko , Kaku Kohei , Kawamori Ryuzo , Nakamura Yusuke 
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE
Genetic factors are believed to contribute to the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Recently, a genome-wide association study for diabetic nephropathy revealed four novel candidate loci in European American subjects with type 1 diabetes. In this study, we determined the association of the four loci with diabetic nephropathy in Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We genotyped 11 singlenucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four distinct loci (rs39059 and rs39075 in the CPVL/CHN2, rs1888747 and rs10868025 in FRMD3, rs739401 and rs451041 in CARS, and rs1041466, rs1411766, rs6492208, rs7989848, and rs9521445 in a chromosome 13q locus) in four independent Japanese populations.

RESULTS
Six SNPs were nominally associated with diabetic nephropathy in one of the four Japanese populations (P &lt; 0.05; rs451041 in study 1; rs39059 and rs1888747 in study 3; rs1411766 in studies 1 and 4; and rs7989848 and rs9521445 in study 4); however, no significant association was observed for any SNP after correction for multiple testing errors in the individual populations. Nevertheless, a meta-analysis performed for the data obtained from all four populations revealed that one SNP (rs1411766) in chromosome 13q was significantly associated with diabetic nephropathy in the Japanese populations (nominal P = 0.004, corrected P = 0.04, odds ratio 1.26 [95% CI = 1.07–1.47]).

CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the rs1411766 locus may be commonly involved in conferring susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy among subjects with type 1 or type 2 diabetes across different ethnic groups.
Weight Loss, Glycemic Control, and Changes in Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Incretin Therapies or Insulin in a Large Cohort Database
Authors: Horton Edward S. , Silberman Cheryl , Davis Keith L. , Berria Rachele 
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE
Weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes can improve glycemic control, lower blood pressure, and improve dyslipidemia. Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists are associated with weight loss and have potentially beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk biomarkers; however, there is limited information to indicate whether these effects remain outside of clinical trials.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Medical records from the General Electric Centricity research database were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate the relationship between weight loss and glycemic control and changes in blood pressure and lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes initiating therapy with exenatide, sitagliptin, or insulin. Baseline and follow-up (90–365 days after the index date) for weight, A1C, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol were assessed.

RESULTS
A total of 6,280, 5,861, and 32,398 patients receiving exenatide, sitagliptin, or insulin, respectively, were included in the analysis. Exenatide-treated patients lost a mean ± SD of 3.0 ± 7.33 kg, sitagliptin-treated patients lost 1.1 ± 5.39 kg, and insulin-treated patients gained 0.6 ± 9.49 kg. There was a significant association between weight loss and a reduction in A1C and FBG with exenatide only and a reduction in blood pressure for all therapies. Weight loss was associated with some improvements in lipids, primarily in the GLP-1 receptor agonist group, with little association in the insulin group.

CONCLUSIONS
Weight reduction with GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with a shift toward a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile. Outcome trials are needed to determine whether improvement in biomarkers translates into a reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The general gould type integral with respect to a multisubmeasure
Authors: Gavriluţ Alina 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
In two earlier papers [GAVRILUŢ, A.: A Gould type integral with respect to a multisubmeasure, Math. Slovaca 58 (2008), 1–20] and [Gavriluţ, A.: On some properties of the Gould type integral with respect to a multisubmeasure, An. Ştiinţ. Univ. Al. I. Cuza Iaşi. Mat. (N.S.) 52 (2006), 177–194], we defined and studied a Gould type integral for a real valued, bounded function with respect to a multisubmeasure having finite variation. In this paper, we introduce and study the properties of a Gould type integral in the general setting: the function may be unbounded and the variation of the multisubmeasure may be infinite.
A note on a dirichlet problem with concave-convex nonlinearity
Authors: Galewski Marek 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
We prove an existence principle that would apply for elliptic problems with nonlinearity separating into a difference of derivatives of two convex functions in the case when the growth conditions are imposed only on the minuend term. We present abstract result and its application. We modify the so called dual variational method.
The Funj Region Pastoral Fulbe: From 'Exit' to 'Voice'
Authors: Osman Elhadi Ibrahim 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The pastoral Fulbe were harassed by local people and authorities and were forced to lead a withdrawn life in the Funj region. They opted for 'exit' and adopted a highly mobile form of pastoralism. However, due to various recent socioeconomic and environmental transformations, they have shifted to a 'voice' strategy and have emerged as an important economic and political force. The Fulbe have become integrated into the national economy and wider society, and have started fighting for economic and political gains. They are also trained in the use of sophisticated firearms and have entered into politico-military alliances.
Pastoral Land Rights and Peacebuilding in North Kordofan: Policy and Legislative Challenges
Authors: Babiker Mustafa 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
This article focuses on the policy and legislative challenges posed by land claims made by different pastoral and agro-pastoral groups in North Kordofan. It takes as its point of departure the fact that many past and contemporary pastoral conflicts have their roots in struggles over land and that failure to implement the necessary legislative and administrative mechanisms to guard pastoral land rights can keep conflicts simmering, either openly or under the surface, with high social and economic costs. These issues are here considered in the context of the opportunities for both legal and administrative reform provided by the Naivasha Peace Agreement and the progress in its implementation thus far.
OUTCOME OF ALLOGENEIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION FOLLOWING REDUCED-INTENSITY CONDITIONINIG REGIMEN IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC MYELOFIBROSIS: THE G.I.T.M.O. EXPERIENCE AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Patriarca Francesca , Bacigalupo Andrea , Sperotto Alessandra , Isola Miriam , Van Lint Maria Teresa , Iori Anna Paola , Di Bartolomeo Paolo , Musso Maurizio , Pioltelli Pietro , Visani Giuseppe , Iacopino Pasquale , Fanin Renato , Bosi Alberto 
Published: May 2010

BackgroundAllogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a potentially curative treatment for myelofibrosis (MI), though limited by a high rate of transplant-related mortality (TRM). . In the present study we evaluate the outcome of MI patients undergoing an allogeneic SCT after reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens , and the impact of prognostic factors . Design and methods: Fifty two patients were transplanted in 26 Italian centres between 1998 and 2006. We analyzed the influence of patient and disease clinical features before SCT and of transplant procedures on TRM and overall survival (OS) by means of univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: At SCT, median age was 52,5 years (32-68) and 89% of the patients had an intermediate or high Dupriez score. Conditioning regimens were based on fludarabine plus busulphan in 27% of patients, thiotepa plus cyclophosphamide in 46% and miscellaneous drug combinations in the other 27% of cases. Stem cells came from matched sibling donors for 75% of the patients and mismatched sibling or unrelated donors for the remaining 25%. The cumulative incidence of engraftment at day 90 after transplant was 83% (95% CI, 0.87-0.97 ). The estimated 1-year TRM was 30%. The estimated 3- -year event-free-survival (EFS) and OS after hematopoietic SCT was 44% and 38% respectively. In multivariate analysis , an higher leukocyte count and circulating blasts in the peripheral blood before SCT significantly reduced EFS and OS respectively. Interpretation and conclusions: We conclude that the extension of the disease before transplantation based on the presence of circulating blasts and high leukocyte counts significantly affected the outcome after HSCT
Progression from on-site to point-of-care fine needle aspiration service: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Gupta Prabodh K 
Published: May 2010

BackgroundStandard-of-care requires the availability of an efficient, economical and accurate on-site fine needle aspiration (FNA) service. Presence of a trained individual during the procedure ensures an improved patient care. Appropriate selection of the equipment, interaction with the clinicians and compliance with the various regulations during the procedure is essential. This is often done by an on-site FNA service. Organization and implementation of such a system in a large academic center is challenging.Methodwe reviewed the ambulatory care needs in the new Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine (PeCAM). Multiple (9) FNA sites have been established keeping in view the patient's convenience, clinic demands, various regulatory requirements and laboratory staff. Each location has dedicated FNA station with microscopes and supplies. In addition, state- ofthe -art technologies including a mobile FNA cart (Penn-A- Cart), remote specimen evaluation (TeleCyP) have been incorporated.ResultsThe new set up is extremely efficient and much valued by the patients and the clinicians. It has improved patient care.ConclusionWith necessary investments and resources a point-of-care FNA service has been created which has improved patient care. This, albeit with certain modifications may serve as a model for FNA service.
Audiovisual Presentations on a Handheld PC Are Preferred As an Educational Tool by NICU Parents
Authors: Cirelli J. , Goodstein M. , Bell T. , Liss J. , Alur P. 
Published: May 2010

Summary
Background Health literacy is critical for understanding complex medical problems and necessary for the well being of the patient. Printed educational materials (PM) have limitations in explaining the dynamics of a disease process. Multimedia formats may be useful for enhancing the educational process.
Objective: To evaluate whether a printed format or animation with commentary on a handheld personal computer (PC) is preferred as an educational tool by parents of a baby in the NICU.
Methods: Parents evaluated two formats: A 1-page illustrated document from the American Heart Association explaining patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and animation with commentary on a handheld PC that explained the physiology of PDA in 1 minute. The reading grade level of the PM was 8.6 versus 18.6 for the audio portion of the animated presentation. Parents viewed each format and completed a four-item questionnaire. Parents rated both formats and indicated their preference as printed, animation, or both.
Results: Forty-six parents participated in the survey. Parents preferred animation over PM (50% vs. 17.4%. p = 0.02); 39.1% expressed that the animation was excellent; whereas 4.3% expressed that the PM was excellent (p<0.001). The order of presentation of formats, sex, age, and educational level of parents did not influence the method preferred (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Parents preferred animation on a small screen handheld PC despite a much higher language level. Because handheld PCs are portable and inexpensive, they can be used effectively at the bedside with low-cost animation to enhance understanding of complex disease conditions.
Citation: Alur P, Cirelli J, Goodstein M, Bell T, Liss J. Audiovisual Presentations on a Handheld PC Are Preferred As an Educational Tool by NICU Parents. Appl Clin Inf 2010; 1: 142-148 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2010-01-RA-0005
Learning together: Kolb's experiential theory and its application
Authors: Akella Devi 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis paper aims to make a limited contribution to Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory. An evaluation has been made of an empirically based personal narrative of the author's experiences, reflections and problems as an instructor of a management elective course at the undergraduate level. The paper examines the process of reflection, correction and learning from the perspective of the instructor and how the issue of race and origin of the student learners' can stimulate or hinder assimilation of knowledge within a classroom. The study reveals that it is essential for an educator to be critically reflective of his/her culture and that of his/her students to be able to assess their learning styles and adopt suitable and appropriate teaching pedagogies within the classroom. This paper draws attention towards types of teaching pedagogies, non traditional methods and aids and their effectiveness in educating students of diverse backgrounds. It provides insights about diversity within classrooms and its impact on teaching, pedagogies and learning styles of both educators and students, by portraying the journey of an educator and her process of self improvement.
The impact of cultural similarities and differences on performance in strategic partnerships: An integrative perspective
Authors: Meirovich Gavriel 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis theoretical research endeavors to find common ground in the ostensibly inconsistent results of studies on the impact of cultural similarities and differences on strategic partnerships. Some findings suggested that partners have to possess similar cultural characteristics in order to achieve success while others showed that cultural distance had a positive effect on efficiency and the competitiveness of partnerships. This paper systematically analyzes the equivocal evidence of influence of both commonalities and differences on partnerships' outcomes, highlighting conditions under which they can be either beneficial or dysfunctional. Several propositions are formulated in regard to the role of qualitative and quantitative differences in both organizational and national cultures. Further, the theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
A proposed improvement to the multilevel theory for hierarchical decision-making teams
Authors: Kang Mincheol 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe multilevel theory proposed by Hollenbeck et al. identified a set of core variables that are central to accuracy in decision-making in hierarchical teams with distributed expertise. Following the identification of the limitations of the original core variables, a new set of core variables is proposed: (a) member validity, which represents the overall predictability of team members with regard to the correct decision and (b) hierarchical sensitivity, which represents the effectiveness of the leader's weightings of members' recommendations. To test the revised theory, a computational model called Team-Soar is used. The simulation results show that the small set of new core variables explains a large portion of the variance in the team decision accuracy and mediates the effects of other variables on the accuracy. The revised theory can be used as a conceptual vehicle to parsimoniously explain the performance of hierarchical decision-making teams. The theory could also be used to diagnose and train real teams in terms of the core variables.
The validity of Performance Environment Perception Scales: Environmental predictors of citizenship performance
Authors: Poropat Arthur E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis research examined the validity of Performance Environment Perception Scales (PEPS), a new instrument designed to assess performance-relevant aspects of the work environment. A sample of 156 employees of an Australian university completed PEPS and their supervisors rated their task and citizenship performance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed PEPS to have a valid factor structure, and PEPS were found to be significantly correlated with citizenship performance, but not with task performance. Although this finding is consistent with theoretical predictions, PEPS are apparently the first measures of work environment perceptions that have confirmed this. Thus PEPS show promise as measures for use in future research and organizational development projects that focus on relationships between the work environment and performance. Limitations of the research and implications for the validity of PEPS, as well as for future research and practice, are discussed.
A theoretical model of transformational leadership and knowledge creation: The role of open-mindedness norms and leader–member exchange
Authors: Tse Herman HM , Mitchell Rebecca J 
Published: May 2010

AbstractConsiderable research attention has been devoted to understanding the importance of knowledge creation in organisations over the last decade. Research suggests that leadership plays an important role in knowledge-creation processes. Nonetheless, there is an important omission in knowledge creation research; namely, what are the underlying processes that underpin the implications of leadership for knowledge creation? This article aims to develop a theoretical model of leadership and knowledge creation by drawing on two contrasting leadership perspectives; that is transformational leadership and leader–member exchange (LMX), and the research on open-mindedness norms. Specifically, we argue why transformational leadership is related to knowledge creation, and also theorise how open-mindedness norms and LMX quality serve as underlying mechanisms to underpin the effect of transformational leadership on knowledge creation. We conclude with a discussion of implications of the model for theory and practice, and also suggest potential avenues for future research.