bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leadership Insights from Jaina text Saman Suttam
Authors: Jain Neetu 
Published: December 2010

Leadership plays a leading role in the success story of any organization. Without leadership an organization may end up in confusion of people and other resources. Failures or lack of leadership can be found near the root of all problems. To be an effective manager, one must have some specific leadership qualities. It is necessary today for managers to understand the insights given in ancient shastras about leadership, as managers are the leaders of the nation. It is their job to manage things. As we are searching for effective leadership in organizations, we can get insights from the Jain scriptures. One of the most important works of Jaina philosophy is the Saman Suttam. It is an orderly and brief compilation of the essential principles of the Jaina philosophy. It offers many insights for new age managers. The values or traits which emerge from the Jaina text can be considered as the real learning for all type of leaders. These serve as fundamental guidelines which could help managers evolve their leadership styles. This type of leadership will help creating a society where the ruinous struggle for power is renounced; where calm and peace prevail from conquest and defeat.
Strategic Firm Response to Developing Economy Challenges
Authors: Bhaskaran P. Bala 
Published: December 2010

Michael Porter describes economic development as a continuous process of upgradation of the competitive position of the country. During the economic development process the macroeconomic foundation of the economy and consequently the business environment of the firm experience paradigm shifts on a continuous basis. This results in newer challenges to the firm at every stage. This article attempts to capture the strategic shifts that firms are required to make in each of the stages to gain and sustain competitive advantage. After describing the stages of economic development—factor-driven economy, investment-driven economy, innovation-driven economy and wealth-driven economy—and classifying the firm in terms of its external linkages, the article explores the strategic response that a firm would need to make under different situations. The article argues that the strategic response would depend on the type of the firm, its resource endowments and the stage of the economy. The responses are mapped through four dimensions: ( i) Managing the Supply-side, ( ii) Managing the Demand-side, ( iii) Managing the Conversion Process and ( iv) Changing the Business Model. After describing each, the article analyses a set of cases to explore deeper insights about the relationships between the stages of economic development, pre-conditions and the choice of strategies.
Highly reactive anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies differentiate demyelinating diseases from viral encephalitis in children
Authors: Lalive PH , Häusler MG , Maurey H , Mikaeloff Y , Tardieu M , Wiendl H , Schroeter M , Hartung HP , Kieseier BC , Menge T 
Published: December 2010

Background: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) may be implicated in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) inducing demyelination in the animal model of MS. In adults reported anti-MOG antibody frequencies have been variable across a number of studies and can also be detected in controls. Objective: To measure antibodies against MOG in paediatric patients with demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system and in controls. Methods: Serum antibodies against MOG and myelin basic protein were measured by ELISA, flow cytometry (FACS) and in the liquid phase in 11 children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), 22 children with MS, seven children with acute viral encephalitis and 13 healthy controls. The serostatus of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infections were assessed. Results: Anti-MOG antibodies, measured either by ELISA or FACS were exclusively detected in children with demyelination. In ADEM these antibodies were highly reactive. Anti-MBP reactivity was detectable equally in all groups. The presence of either autoantibodies did not associate with EBV serostatus, age, gender or disease course. Conclusions: This study independently corroborates recently published results of seroprevalence and specificity of the assay. Due to their low sensitivity anti-MOG antibodies will not serve as disease-specific biomarkers, but could help to support the diagnosis of ADEM in difficult cases.
Interferon-beta increases systemic BAFF levels in multiple sclerosis without increasing autoantibody production
Authors: Hedegaard Chris J , Sellebjerg Finn , Krakauer Martin , Hesse Dan , Bendtzen Klaus , Nielsen Claus H 
Published: December 2010

Background: Treatment with interferon-beta (IFN-beta) increases B-cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) expression in multiple sclerosis (MS), raising the concern that treatment of MS patients with IFN-beta may activate autoimmune B cells and stimulate the production of MS-associated autoantibodies. Objective: To investigate whether BAFF levels are associated with disease severity/activity in untreated MS patients, and to assess the effect of IFN-beta therapy on circulating BAFF and anti-myelin basic protein (MBP) autoantibody levels. Results: Twenty-three patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) were followed longitudinally from initiation of IFN-beta therapy. Their blood levels of BAFF correlated positively at baseline with the expanded disability status scale ( p < 0.009) and MS severity score ( p < 0.05), but not with disease activity as determined by the number of gadolinium-enhanced lesions. The patients were followed for up to 26 months, during which the BAFF levels remained elevated without association to increased disease activity. IFN-beta therapy caused an increase in plasma BAFF levels after both 3 and 6 months of therapy ( p < 0.002). However, an 11% decrease in IgM and a 33% decrease in IgG anti-MBP autoantibodies ( p < 0.09 and p < 0.009, respectively) was observed after 6 months. Conclusion: Pre-treatment BAFF levels correlate with high disability scores in MS, suggesting that high BAFF expression is a negative prognostic marker. Despite its known beneficial effects, IFN-beta therapy causes a sustained increase in plasma BAFF levels, which does not translate into increased levels of anti-MBP autoantibodies.
-308 G > A of TNF-α gene promoter decreases the risk of multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yan , Sun Rulin , Yang Heng , Zheng Fang , Gong Feili 
Published: December 2010

Background: Environmental and genetic factors are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α −308 were implicated in MS risk in several case–control association studies. However, the studies have shown inconsistent results. Objectives: To address the association of G/A polymorphisms of TNF-α −308 with MS risk by meta-analysis. Methods: Thirteen studies were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: A total of 1870 cases and 2769 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled result indicated that −308 A allele is significantly associated with reduced risk of MS compared with −308 G allele (A vs. G, p = 0.022). The same pattern of the result was also obtained in the contrasts of AA + GA vs. GG ( p = 0.008) and GA vs. GG ( p = 0.007). For AA vs. GG or AA vs. GA + GG, no significant association was detected most likely caused by very low frequency or non-availability of homozygote genotype AA for all of the studies. Conclusions: TNF-α −308 A allele is associated with reduced risk of MS.
Lung function, radiological changes and exposure: analysis of ATSDR data from Libby, MT, USA
Authors: Weill D. , Dhillon G. , Freyder L. , Lefante J. , Glindmeyer H. 
Published: December 2010

In 2000, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR; Atlanta, GA, USA) investigated lung disease in those exposed to the tremolite-contaminated vermiculite mine in Libby, MT, USA. Previously unreported spirometric results are presented here in relation to exposure and radiographic findings.4,524 study participants were assigned to one of seven mutually exclusive exposure categories. Associations among radiographic findings, spirometric results and exposure were investigated, along with the effect of a reduction in exposure potential when production was moved to a wet process mill in the mid 1970s.Spirometry data for the total population by smoking status and age were within the normal range. Prevalence of pleural plaque increased with age, but was lowest in the environmentally exposed group (0.42–12.74%) and greatest in the W.R. Grace & Co. mineworkers (20–45.68%). For males, there was a significant (4.5%) effect of pleural plaques on forced vital capacity. For W.R. Grace & Co. workers and household contacts, a reduction in plaque (0.11versus1.64%) and in diffuse pleural thickening or costophrenic angle obliteration (1.94 and 0.13%) was noted for those exposed after 1976.These analyses do not support a clinically important reduction in spirometry of this cohort. The 1976 reductions in exposure have led to decrease in radiographic changes.
Free fatty acids and the metabolic syndrome in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Barceló A. , Piérola J. , de la Peña M. , Esquinas C. , Fuster A. , Sanchez-de-la-Torre M. , Carrera M. , Alonso-Fernandez A. , Ladaria A. , Bosch M. , Barbé F. 
Published: December 2010

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) occur frequently in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). We hypothesised that circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) are elevated in OSAS patients independently of obesity. This elevation may contribute to the development of MS in these patients.We studied 119 OSAS patients and 119 controls. Participants were recruited and studied at sleep unit of our institution (Hospital Universitari Son Dureta, Palma de Mallorca, Spain) and were matched for sex, age and body mass index (BMI). The occurrence of MS was analysed by clinical criteria. Serum levels of FFAs, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, C-reactive protein and 8-isoprostanes were determined.Prevalence of MS was higher in OSAS than in the control group (38versus21%; p = 0.006). OSAS patients had higher FFAs levels than controls (mean±sd12.2±4.9versus10.5±5.0 mg·dL−1; p = 0.015). Among subjects without MS, OSAS patients (OSAS+ MS-) showed higher levels of FFAs than controls (OSAS- MS-) (11.6±4.7versus10.0±4.4 mg·dL−1; p = 0.04). In a multiple regression model, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI and the presence of MS, FFAs were significantly associated with apnoea/hypopnoea index (p = 0.04).This study shows that FFAs are elevated in OSAS and could be one of the mechanisms involved in the metabolic complications of OSAS.
Long-term efficacy of bosentan in treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in children
Authors: Hislop A.A. , Moledina S. , Foster H. , Schulze-Neick I. , Haworth S.G. 
Published: December 2010

The aim of the present study was to evaluate a 5-yr experience of bosentan in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A retrospective, observational study was made of children in the UK Pulmonary Hypertension Service for Children (Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK) who were given bosentan as monotherapy or in combination, from February 2002 to May 2008 and followed up for ≥6 months.Detailed studies were made of 101 children with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) (n = 42) and PAH associated with congenital heart disease (n = 59). Before treatment, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), height, weight and haemodynamic data were determined. Evaluations were analysed after 6 months and annually to a maximum of 5 yrs.Median duration of treatment was 31.5 months. Initial improvement in WHO functional class and 6MWD was maintained for up to 3 yrs. Height and weight increased but the z-scores did not improve. After 3 yrs, bosentan was continued as monotherapy in only 21% of children with IPAH, but in 69% of repaired cases and 56% of those with Eisenmenger syndrome. The Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for the 101 patients were 96, 89, 83 and 60% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 yrs, respectively.A treatment regime that includes bosentan is safe and appears to be effective in slowing disease progression in children with PAH.
Periostin, a matrix protein, is a novel biomarker for idiopathic interstitial pneumonias
Authors: Okamoto M. , Hoshino T. , Kitasato Y. , Sakazaki Y. , Kawayama T. , Fujimoto K. , Ohshima K. , Shiraishi H. , Uchida M. , Ono J. , Ohta S. , Kato S. , Izuhara K. , Aizawa H. 
Published: December 2010

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are histopathologically classified into several types, including usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and cryptogenic organising pneumonia (COP). We investigated whether periostin, a matrix protein, could be used as a biomarker to assess histopathological types of IIPs.We performed immunohistochemical analyses in each histopathological type of IIP, examined serum levels of periostin in IIP patients and analysed the relationship between serum levels of periostin and the pulmonary functions in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).Periostin was strongly expressed in lungs of UIP and fibrotic NSIP patients, whereas expression of periostin was weak in the lungs of cellular NSIP and COP patients, as well as in normal lungs. Serum levels of periostin in IPF were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects and COP patients. Furthermore, periostin levels in IPF patients were inversely correlated with their pulmonary functions.Thus, we have found that periostin is a novel component of fibrosis in IIP. Periostin may be a potential biomarker to distinguish IIP with fibrosis.
The respiratory health effects of nitrogen dioxide in children with asthma
Authors: Gillespie-Bennett J. , Pierse N. , Wickens K. , Crane J. , Howden-Chapman P. ,   and the Housing Heating and Health Study Research Team
Published: December 2010

There is growing evidence that asthma symptoms can be aggravated or events triggered by exposure to indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emitted from unflued gas heating.The impact of NO2on the respiratory health of children with asthma was explored as a secondary analysis of a randomised community trial, involving 409 households during the winter period in 2006 (June to September).Geometric mean indoor NO2levels were 11.4 μg·m−3, while outdoor NO2levels were 7.4 μg·m−3. Higher indoor NO2levels (per logged unit increase) were associated with greater daily reports of lower (mean ratio 14, 95% CI 1.12–1.16) and upper respiratory tract symptoms (mean ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.05), more frequent cough and wheeze, and more frequent reliever use during the day, but had no effect on preventer use. Higher indoor NO2levels (per logged unit increase) were associated with a decrease in morning (-17.25 mL, 95% CI -27.63– -6.68) and evening (-13.21, 95% CI -26.03– -0.38) forced expiratory volume in 1 s readings. Outdoor NO2was not associated with respiratory tract symptoms, asthma symptoms, medication use or lung function measurements.These findings indicate that reducing NO2exposure indoors is important in improving the respiratory health of children with asthma.
Parameters affecting pharyngeal response to genioglossus stimulation in sleep apnoea
Authors: Dotan Y. , Golibroda T. , Oliven R. , Netzer A. , Gaitini L. , Toubi A. , Oliven A. 
Published: December 2010

Chronic stimulation of the hypoglossus nerve may provide a new treatment modality for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). In previous studies we observed large differences in response to stimulation of the genioglossus (GG). We hypothesised that both individual patient characteristics and the area of the GG stimulated are responsible for these differences.In the present study, we compared the response to GG electrical stimulation at the anterior area (GGa-ES), which activates the whole GG and the posterior area (GGp-ES), which activates preferentially the longitudinal fibres. Studies were performed in 14 propofol-sedated OSA patients. The parameters evaluated included cephalometry, pressure–flow relationship and pharyngeal shape and compliance assessed by pharyngoscopy.Compared with GGa-ES, GGp-ES resulted in significantly larger decreases in the critical value of end-expiratory pressure (Pcrit) (from 3.8±2.2 to 2.9±3.3 and -2.0±3.9 cmH2O, respectively (p<0.001)). Both tongue size and velopharyngeal shape (anteroposterior to lateral ratio) correlated significantly with the decrease inPcritduring GGp-ES (R = 0.53 and -0.66, respectively; p<0.05). In the patients with the larger tongue size (n = 7), the decrease inPcritreached 8.0±2.2 cmH2O during GGp-ES.We conclude that directing stimulation to longitudinal fibres of the GG improves the flow-mechanical effect. In addition, patients with large tongues and narrow pharynx tend to respond better to GGp-ES.
Asthma and comorbid medical illness
Authors: Cazzola M. , Calzetta L. , Bettoncelli G. , Novelli L. , Cricelli C. , Rogliani P. 
Published: December 2010

Asthma is associated with several comorbidities but the magnitude of the association has not been clearly defined. We aimed to examine the relationship between asthma and comorbidities using information obtained from the Health Search Database (HSD) owned by the Italian College of General Practitioners (Società Italiana Medici Generici, Florence, Italy).We conducted a population-based retrospective study using information obtained from the HSD. The software system used codes of all the diagnostic records using the 9th revision of the International Classification of Diseases.Asthma appeared to be weakly associated with cardiovascular and hypertensive diseases. Intriguingly, the odds ratio of acute or old myocardial infarction was 0.84 (95% CI 0.77–0.91). Asthma was also weakly associated with depression, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, osteoporosis and rhinosinusitis. In contrast, it was strongly associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and, particularly, allergic rhinitis. Age did not influence the association of asthma with comorbidities whereas sex had a different impact according to the specific comorbidity.Our results indicate that asthma is weakly associated with several comorbidities, whereas its association with allergic rhinitis or GORD is stronger.
Reproducibility of 6-minute walking test in patients with COPD
Authors: Hernandes N.A. , Wouters E.F.M. , Meijer K. , Annegarn J. , Pitta F. , Spruit M.A. 
Published: December 2010

The reproducibility of the 6-min walking test (6MWT) needs to be more solidly studied. This study aimed to investigate the reproducibility of two 6MWTs performed on subsequent days in a large and representative sample of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to quantify the learning effect between the two tests, as well as its determinants.In a retrospective observational study, 1,514 patients with COPD performed two 6MWTs on subsequent days. Other measurements included body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry), dyspnoea (Medical Research Council scale) and comorbidity (Charlson index).Although the 6MWT was reproducible (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.93), patients walked farther in the second test (391 m, 95% CI 155–585 mversus418 m, 95% CI 185–605 m; p<0.0001). On average, the second 6MWT increased by 27 m (or 7%), and 82% of patients improved in the second test. Determinants of improvement ≥42 m in the second test (upper limit of the clinically important change) were as follows: first 6MWT <350 m, Charlson index <2 and body mass index <30 kg·m−2(OR 2.49, 0.76 and 0.60, respectively).The 6MWT was statistically reproducible in a representative sample of patients with COPD. However, the vast majority of patients improved significantly in the second test by an average learning effect of 27 m.
Nitric oxide controls an inflammatory-like Ly6ChiPDCA1+ DC subset that regulates Th1 immune responses
Authors: Giordano Daniela , Li Chang , Suthar Mehul S , Draves Kevin E , Ma Daphne Y , Gale Michael , Clark Edward A 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTUsing NOS2 KO mice, we investigated the hypothesis that NO modulation of BM-DC contributes to the NO-mediated control of Th1 immune responses. BM-DCs from NOS2 KO mice, compared with WT BM-DCs, have enhanced survival and responsiveness to TLR agonists, develop more Ly6ChiPDCA1+ DCs that resemble inflammatory DCs and produce high levels of inflammatory cytokines. Also, compared with WT-infected mice, NOS2 KO mice infected with WNV showed enhanced expansion of a similar inflammatory Ly6ChiPDCA1+ DC subset. Furthermore, in contrast to WT DCs, OVA-loaded NOS2 KO BM-DCs promoted increased IFN-γ production by OTII CD4+ T cells in vitro and when adoptively transferred in vivo. The addition of a NO donor to NOS2 KO BM-DCs prior to OTII T cells priming in vivo was sufficient to revert Th1 immune responses to levels induced by WT BM-DCs. Thus, autocrine NO effects on maturation of inflammatory DCs and on DC programming of T cells may contribute to the protective role of NO in autoimmune diseases and infections. Regulating NO levels may be a useful tool to shape beneficial immune responses for DC-based immunotherapy.
Burkholderia cenocepacia O polysaccharide chain contributes to caspase-1-dependent IL-1β production in macrophages
Authors: Kotrange Sheetal , Kopp Benjamin , Akhter Anwari , Abdelaziz Dalia , Abu Khweek Arwa , Caution Kyle , Abdulrahman Basant , Wewers Mark D , McCoy Karen , Marsh Clay , Loutet Slade A , Ortega Ximena , Valvano Miguel A , Amer Amal O 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
Burkholderia cenocepacia infections in CF patients involve heightened inflammation, fatal sepsis, and high antibiotic resistance. Proinflammatory IL-1β secretion is important in airway inflammation and tissue damage. However, little is known about this pathway in macrophages upon B. cenocepacia infection. We report here that murine macrophages infected with B. cenocepacia K56-2 produce proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in a TLR4 and caspase-1-mediated manner. We also determined that the OPS (O antigen) of B. cenocepacia LPS contributes to IL-1β production and pyroptotic cell death. Furthermore, we showed that the malfunction of the CFTR channel augmented IL-1β production upon B. cenocepacia infection of murine macrophages. Taken together, we identified eukaryotic and bacterial factors that contribute to inflammation during B. cenocepacia infection, which may aid in the design of novel approaches to control pulmonary inflammation.