bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UDL Distribution (A)
Authors: Shaikh Shazib E. 
Published: September 2011

The Sales Director of a nationwide, family owned, PKR 4.6 billion pharmaceuticals distributor, UDL Distribution, is faced with the decision of replacing the sales forces’ manual order-booking with one using handheld devices. Being amongst the Big Five in the Pakistani market, the prime motivation is to catch up with the rest of the players and not lose credibility with their principals, the pharmaceutical companies. While some of the major players had done this more than a decade ago, the recent project survey report submitted by the Operations and IT Director reveals that even smaller local distributors have adopted the technology and the nationwide top player has already done so. The report presents the protagonist with choices to make about the set of software features, the software vendor and the handheld device. However, in justifying the project expense (between PKR 3.7 and PKR 6.4 million, depending on the choices made) to the Executive Director (also his elder brother) the issue of precisely how much productivity improvement is expected becomes a bone of contention. The IT hardware budget has traditionally been PKR 0.5 million annually. Competitive pressures on margins and cash flows also feature greatly. Ultimately, it is the Executive Director’s style of managing the business by thrift and tight efficiency targets that wields the greatest pressure on the Sales Director. This case is the first part of a series; Cases B and C may be obtained from the author.
High burden of musculoskeletal conditions: a problem that has only recently come to recognition
Authors: Slim Zeinab N , Chaaya Monique , Habib Rima R , Arayssi Thurayya , Uthman Imad 
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Musculoskeletal conditions have only recently been acknowledged and research on their burden is scarce in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. For the first time, a population based study was conducted in Lebanon to assess the prevalence, level of disability, and health seeking behaviours related to musculoskeletal pain and rheumatic disorders. Methods: A random sample of 500 participants aged ≥ 15 years from Southern Lebanon was interviewed using the COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases) questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of current musculoskeletal pain was 31.2% [CI (27.0–35.2%)]. Being a female [OR=1.8, CI (1.2–2.8)] and of advancing age [OR=1.03, CI (1.01–1.05)] were the only significant factors associated with current musculoskeletal pain. Prevalence of current functional disability was 6.4% [CI (4.2–8.5%)]. Around quarter (26.0%) [CI (22.3–30.1%)] of our sample sought some kind of treatment. The overall prevalence rate of rheumatic disease was 17.0% [CI (13.7–20.3%)]. Discussion: Our findings indicate that musculoskeletal conditions are common in Lebanon. This is a timely public health issue that needs further investigation and solid recognition by health authorities. Community-based interventions should target patients to prompt them to seek early help in order to prevent the development of musculoskeletal pain into disorders.
Prognostic DNA methylation patterns in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia are predefined by stem cell chromatin marks
Authors: Deneberg Stefan , Guardiola Philippe , Lennartsson Andreas , Qu Ying , Gaidzik Verena , Blanchet Odile , Karimi Mohsen , Bengtzén Sofia , Nahi Hareth , Uggla Bertil , Tidefelt Ulf , Höglund Martin , Paul Christer , Ekwall Karl , Döhner Konstanze , Lehmann Sören 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) compose between 40% and 50% of all adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. In this clinically diverse group, molecular aberrations, such as FLT3-ITD, NPM1, and CEBPA mutations, recently have added to the prognostic accuracy. Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of cancer, including AML. We investigated in total 118 CN-AML samples in a test and a validation cohort for genome-wide promoter DNA methylation with Illumina Methylation Bead arrays and compared them with normal myeloid precursors and global gene expression. IDH and NPM1 mutations were associated with different methylation patterns (P = .0004 and .04, respectively). Genome-wide methylation levels were elevated in IDH-mutated samples (P = .006). We observed a negative impact of DNA methylation on transcription. Genes targeted by Polycomb group (PcG) proteins and genes associated with bivalent histone marks in stem cells showed increased aberrant methylation in AML (P < .0001). Furthermore, high methylation levels of PcG target genes were independently associated with better progression-free survival (odds ratio = 0.47, P = .01) and overall survival (odds ratio = 0.36, P = .001). In summary, genome-wide methylation patterns show preferential methylation of PcG targets with prognostic impact in CN-AML.
The tolerogenic interplay(s) among HLA-G, myeloid APCs, and regulatory cells
Authors: Carosella Edgardo D. , Gregori Silvia , LeMaoult Joel 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMyeloid antigen-presenting cells (APCs), regulatory cells, and the HLA-G molecule are involved in modulating immune responses and promoting tolerance. APCs are known to induce regulatory cells and to express HLA-G as well as 2 of its receptors; regulatory T cells can express and act through HLA-G; and HLA-G has been directly involved in the generation of regulatory cells. Thus, interplay(s) among HLA-G, APCs, and regulatory cells can be easily envisaged. However, despite a large body of evidence on the tolerogenic properties of HLA-G, APCs, and regulatory cells, little is known on how these tolerogenic players cooperate. In this review, we first focus on key aspects of the individual relationships between HLA-G, myeloid APCs, and regulatory cells. In its second part, we highlight recent work that gathers individual effects and demonstrates how intertwined the HLA-G/myeloid APCs/regulatory cell relationship is.
Total desmosines in plasma and urine correlate with lung function
Authors: Lindberg C.A. , Engström G. , de Verdier M. Gerhardsson , Nihlén U. , Anderson M. , Forsman-Semb K. , Svartengren M. 
Published: September 2011

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the matrix degradation biomarkers, desmosine and isodesmosine (desmosines), and lung function.Plasma and creatinine-corrected urinary total desmosines (P- and U-desmosines, respectively), lung function and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DL,CO) were measured in a cohort of subjects from the Swedish Twin Registry.Concentrations of U- and P-desmosines were measured in 349 and 318 subjects, respectively; approximately one-third of subjects had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Age, female sex, body mass index (BMI) and smoking were significantly associated with U-desmosines in a multiple linear regression analysis. In the overall population, after adjustments for age, sex, height, BMI and smoking, concentrations of U-desmosines were significantly correlated with all lung function measures, and P-desmosines with forced expiratory volume in 1 s andDL,CO(p<0.05). With the exception of residual volumeversusP-desmosines, relationships between concentrations of desmosines and lung function measures were markedly stronger in subjects with COPD compared with those without COPD.These cross-sectional data showing associations between desmosines and several lung function variables suggest that desmosines, particularly U-desmosines, could be a useful biomarker of COPD status.
Linezolid: an effective, safe and cheap drug for patients failing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in India
Authors: Singla R. , Caminero J.A. , Jaiswal A. , Singla N. , Gupta S. , Bali R.K. , Behera D. 
Published: September 2011

Linezolid is identified as an effective drug with which to treat patients failing multidrug-resistant (MDR)-tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, cost and safety are the concerns. In India, the average price of a 600-mg pill of linezolid is less than one US dollar, much cheaper than most of the third-line drugs.A prospective study of 29 MDR-TB treatment failure patients (16 with laboratory-proven extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB and the remaining 13 with MDR-TB with resistance to any quinolone but sensitive to injectables) was carried out in Delhi, India. All patients received daily unsupervised therapy with linezolid, one injectable agent, one fluoroquinolone and two or more other drugs.Patients received a median of six anti-mycobacterial agents. Besides linezolid, capreomycin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and amoxycillin-clavulanic acid were used in 41.4%, 58.6%, 41.4%, and 79.3% of patients. Out of a total of 29 patients, 89.7% patients achieved sputum smear and culture conversion; 72.4% showed interim favourable outcome; 10.3% died, 6.8% failed and 10.3% patients defaulted. Linezolid had to be stopped in three (10.3%) patients due to adverse reactions. The outcome of treatment of 16 XDR-TB patients was comparable to the other 13 MDR-TB patients.Linezolid is an effective, cheap and relatively safe drug for patients failing MDR-TB treatment, including those with confirmed XDR-TB.
Physiological effects of roflumilast at rest and during exercise in COPD
Authors: O’Donnell Denis E. , Bredenbröker Dirk , Brose Manja , Webb Katherine A. 
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 500 μg roflumilast, taken once daily for 12 weeks, on airway physiology during rest and exercise in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted in 250 patients with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 30–80% predicted and a functional residual capacity of ≥120% pred. Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry and body plethysmography, and pre-bronchodilator constant work rate cycle exercise at 75% of peak work rate were evaluated. Exercise measurements included ventilation, breathing pattern, inspiratory capacity (IC) and arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (Sp,O2).Compared with placebo, 12 weeks of treatment with roflumilast was associated with: small but progressive increases in pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1and FEV1/forced vital capacity; small decreases in specific airway resistance; and no significant changes in resting vital capacity, IC or measurements of lung hyperinflation. There was no treatment effect on exercise endurance time. At a standardised exercise time after roflumilast, compared with placebo, IC increased by 0.12 L (p=0.008) andSp,O2increased by 0.7% (p=0.020); peak ventilation increased by 1.9 L·min−1(p=0.014).Roflumilast treatment was associated with progressive improvement of airway function but not lung hyperinflation. Newly described non-bronchodilator effects of roflumilast included small but consistent improvements in air trapping andSp,O2during exercise.
Reciprocal classes of p-valently spirallike and p-valently Robertson functions
Authors: Uyanik Neslihan , Shiraishi Hitoshi , Owa Shigeyoshi , Polatoglu Yasar 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
For p-valently spirallike and p-valently Robertson functions in the open unit disk

U

, reciprocal classes

S

p

(

α
,
β

)

, and

C

p

(

α
,
β

)

are introduced. The object of the present paper is to discuss some interesting properties for functions f(z) belonging to the classes

S

p

(

α
,
β

)

and

C

p

(

α
,
β

)

.

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification

Primary 30C45
Filmless versus film-based systems in radiographic examination costs: an activity-based costing method
Authors: Muto Hiroshi , Tani Yuji , Suzuki Shigemasa , Yokooka Yuki , Abe Tamotsu , Sase Yuji , Terashita Takayoshi , Ogasawara Katsuhiko 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Since the shift from a radiographic film-based system to that of a filmless system, the change in radiographic examination costs and costs structure have been undetermined. The activity-based costing (ABC) method measures the cost and performance of activities, resources, and cost objects. The purpose of this study is to identify the cost structure of a radiographic examination comparing a filmless system to that of a film-based system using the ABC method.

Methods
We calculated the costs of radiographic examinations for both a filmless and a film-based system, and assessed the costs or cost components by simulating radiographic examinations in a health clinic. The cost objects of the radiographic examinations included lumbar (six views), knee (three views), wrist (two views), and other. Indirect costs were allocated to cost objects using the ABC method.

Results
The costs of a radiographic examination using a filmless system are as follows: lumbar 2,085 yen; knee 1,599 yen; wrist 1,165 yen; and other 1,641 yen. The costs for a film-based system are: lumbar 3,407 yen; knee 2,257 yen; wrist 1,602 yen; and other 2,521 yen. The primary activities were "calling patient," "explanation of scan," "take photographs," and "aftercare" for both filmless and film-based systems. The cost of these activities cost represented 36.0% of the total cost for a filmless system and 23.6% of a film-based system.

Conclusions
The costs of radiographic examinations using a filmless system and a film-based system were calculated using the ABC method. Our results provide clear evidence that the filmless system is more effective than the film-based system in providing greater value services directly to patients.
MiR-185 Targets the DNA Methyltransferases 1 and Regulates Global DNA Methylation in human glioma
Authors: Zhang Zuping , Tang Hailin , Wang Zeyou , Zhang Baoxin , Liu Wei , Lu Hongmei , Xiao Lan , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Rong , Li Xiaoling , Wu Minghua , Li Guiyuan 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Perturbation of DNA methylation is frequent in cancers and has emerged as an important mechanism involved in tumorigenesis. To determine how DNA methylation is modified in the genome of primary glioma, we used Methyl-DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) and Nimblegen CpG promoter microarrays to identify differentially DNA methylation sequences between primary glioma and normal brain tissue samples.

Methods
MeDIP-chip technology was used to investigate the whole-genome differential methylation patterns in glioma and normal brain tissues. Subsequently, the promoter methylation status of eight candidate genes was validated in 40 glioma samples and 4 cell lines by Sequenom's MassARRAY system. Then, the epigenetically regulated expression of these genes and the potential mechanisms were examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative real-time PCR.

Results
A total of 524 hypermethylated and 104 hypomethylated regions were identified in glioma. Among them, 216 hypermethylated and 60 hypomethylated regions were mapped to the promoters of known genes related to a variety of important cellular processes. Eight promoter-hypermethylated genes (ANKDD1A, GAD1, HIST1H3E, PCDHA8, PCDHA13, PHOX2B, SIX3, and SST) were confirmed in primary glioma and cell lines. Aberrant promoter methylation and changed histone modifications were associated with their reduced expression in glioma. In addition, we found loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the miR-185 locus located in the 22q11.2 in glioma and induction of miR-185 over-expression reduced global DNA methylation and induced the expression of the promoter-hypermethylated genes in glioma cells by directly targeting the DNA methyltransferases 1.

Conclusion
These comprehensive data may provide new insights into the epigenetic pathogenesis of human gliomas.
Effect of introduction of chondroitin sulfate into polymer-peptide conjugate responding to intracellular signals
Authors: Tomiyama Tetsuro , Toita Riki , Kang Jeong-Hun , Koga Haruka , Shiosaki Shujiro , Mori Takeshi , Niidome Takuro , Katayama Yoshiki 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe recently developed a novel tumor-targeted gene delivery system responding to hyperactivated intracellular signals. Polymeric carrier for gene delivery consists of hydrophilic neutral polymer as main chains and cationic peptide substrate for target enzyme as side chains, and was named polymer-peptide conjugate (PPC). Introduction of chondroitin sulfate (CS), which induces receptor-medicated endocytosis, into polymers mainly with a high cationic charge density such as polyethylenimine can increase tumor-targeted gene delivery. In the present study, we examined whether introduction of CS into PPC containing five cationic amino acids can increase gene expression in tumor cells. Size and zeta potential of plasmid DNA (pDNA)/PPC/CS complex were <200 nm and between -10 and -15 mV, respectively. In tumor cell experiments, pDNA/PPC/CS complex showed lower stability and gene regulation, compared with that of pDNA/PPC. Moreover, no difference in gene expression was identified between positive and negative polymer. These results were caused by fast disintegration of pDNA/PPC/CS complexes in the presence of serum. Thus, we suggest that introduction of negatively charged CS into polymers with a low charge density may lead to low stability and gene regulation of complexes.
Attributing the burden of cancer at work: three areas of concern when examining the example of shift-work
Authors: Erren Thomas C , Morfeld Peter 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis commentary intends to instigate discussions about epidemiologic estimates and their interpretation of attributable fractions (AFs) and the burden of disease (BOD) of cancers due to factors at workplaces. By examining recent work that aims to estimate the number of cancers attributable to shift-work in Britain, we suggest that (i) causal, (ii) practical and (iii) methodological areas of concern may deter us from attributable caseload estimations of cancers at this point in time. Regarding (i), such calculations may have to be avoided as long as we lack established causality between shift-work and the development of internal cancers. Regarding (ii), such calculations may have to be avoided as long as we can neither abandon shift-work nor identify personnel that may be unaffected by shift-work factors. Regarding (iii), there are at least four methodological pitfalls which are likely to make AF calculations uninterpretable at this stage. The four pitfalls are: (1) The use of Levin's 1953 formula in case of adjusted relative risks; (2) The use of broad definitions of exposure in calculations of AFs; (3) The non-additivity of AFs across different levels of exposure and covariables; (4) The fact that excess mortality counts are misleading due to the fact that a human being dies exactly once - a death may occur earlier or later, but a death cannot occur more than once nor can it be avoided altogether for any given individual. Overall, causal, practical and methodological areas of concern should be diligently considered when performing and interpreting AF or BOD computations which - at least at the present time - may not be defensible.
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome with scoliosis
Authors: Tatara Yasunori , Kawakami Noriaki , Tsuji Taichi , Miyasaka Kazuyoshi , Ohara Tetsuya , Nohara Ayato 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Study Design
Case report.

Objective
The authors present the case of a 14-year-old boy with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) presenting scoliosis.

Summary of Background Data
There have been no reports on surgery for RSTS presenting scoliosis.

Methods
The patient was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a progressive spinal curvature. A standing anteroposterior spine radiograph at presentation to our hospital revealed an 84-degree right thoracic curve from T6 to T12, along with a 63-degree left lumbar compensatory curve from T12 to L4. We planned a two-staged surgery and decided to fuse from T4 to L4. The first operation was front-back surgery because of the rigidity of the right thoracic curve. The second operation of lumbar anterior discectomy and fusion was arranged 9 months after the first surgery to prevent the crankshaft phenomenon due to his natural course of adolescent growth. To avoid respiratory complications, the patient was put on a respirator in the ICU for several days after both surgeries.

Results
Full-length spine radiographs after the first surgery revealed no instrumentation failure and showed that the right thoracic curve was corrected to 31 degrees and the left lumbar curve was corrected to 34 degrees. No postoperative complications occurred after both surgeries.

Conclusions
We succeeded in treating the patient without complications. Full-length spine standing radiographs at one year after the second operation demonstrated a stable bony arthrodesis with no loss of initial correction.
Commissioning and early experience with a new-generation low-energy linear accelerator with advanced delivery and imaging functionalities
Authors: Clivio Alessandro , Nicolini Giorgia , Vanetti Eugenio , Fogliata Antonella , Cozzi Luca 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
A new-generation low-energy linear accelerator (UNIQUE) was introduced in the clinical arena during 2009 by Varian Medical Systems. The world's first UNIQUE was installed at Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland and put into clinical operation in June 2010. The aim of the present contribution was to report experience about its commissioning and first year results from clinical operation.

Methods
Commissioning data, beam characteristics and the modeling into the treatment planning system were summarized. Imaging system of UNIQUE included a 2D-2D matching capability and tests were performed to identify system repositioning capability. Finally, since the system is capable of delivering volumetric modulated arc therapy with RapidArc, a summary of the tests performed for such modality to assess its performance in preclinical settings and during clinical usage was included.

Results
Isocenter virtual diameter was measured as less than 0.2 mm. Observed accuracy of isocenter determination and repositioning for 2D-2D matching procedures in image guidance was <1.2 mm. Concerning reproducibility and stability over a period of 1 year, deviations from reference were found <0.3 ± 0.2% for linac output, <0.1% for homogeneity, similarly to symmetry. Rotational accuracy of the entire gantry-portal imager system showed a maximum deviation from nominal 0.0 of <1.2 mm. Pre treatment quality assurance of RapidArc plans resulted with a Gamma Agreement Index (fraction of points passing the gamma criteria) of 97.0 ± 1.6% on the first 182 arcs verified.

Conclusions
The results of the commissioning tests and of the first period of clinical operation, resulted meeting specifications and having good margins respect to tolerances. UNIQUE was put into operation for all delivery techniques; in particular, as shown by the pre-treatment quality assurance results, it enabled accurate and safe delivery of RapidArc plans.