bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analytical Performance of an HPLC and CZE Methods for the Analysis and Separation of Perindopril Erbumine and Indapamide
Authors: Valentin Ion , Silvia Imre , Gabriela Cârje Anca , Lucia Muntean Daniela 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Perindopril, as an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and indapamide, as a thiazide like diuretic, can be administrated together for the treatment of high blood preasure and other cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to develop two simple and reliable separation methods for perindopril and indapamide by high performance liquid chromatography and capillary zone electrophoresis in order to evaluate their behaviour under separation conditions, for simultaneous separation.

Materials and methods: Standard solutions of perindopril erbumine and indapamide in proper solvents were analized. An Agilent 1100 series HPLC system was used for the separation of the two analytes on a C18 stationary phase (Zorbax Stable Bond 3.5 µm), under an isocratic elution. As a comparative method, an Agilent 7100 series capillary electrophoresis system was used for the development of the electrophoretic method.

Results: Both developed methods turned to comply to the separation performance parameters such as resolution and selectivity, with low limits of detection, wide range of liniarity. No statistical difference concerning precision of the qualitative parameters was observed. Time analysis less than 5 minutes both for chromatographic and electrophoretic separations proved to generate cost and time effective analysis methods.

Conclusions: Two analytical methods, HPLC and CZE respectively, for the separation of perindoprile erbumine and indapamide have been successfully developed, both recording satisfactory analytical parameters.
Obesity Treatment Strategies
Authors: Simona Ianosi Edith , Alexandra Comes , Gabriela Jimborean 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Obesity is a disease with severe health consequences and increased risk of mortality. The most commonly used criteria to assess the presence and the severity of obesity are body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and the presence of the health conditions caused or worsened by obesity. Worldwide obesity has more than doubled in the last 4 decades. Obesity is the second of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide (after smoking). Obesity has a plurifactorial pathogenesis. The central perturbation consists in the imbalance between calories intake and calories consumption (by inappropriate diet and sedentary lifestyle). Identification of all the ethiological factors is important for treatment and prophylaxis. Weight loss benefits are multiple and important: improvement in glicemic control and in plasma lipid levels, blood presure control, obstructiv sleep apneea reduction, improvement in management of daily activities and profesional performances, increase quality of life, reduction in mortality. Overweight or obese patient will complete a diagnostic and a treatment program. Treatment of obesity claims a targeted multidimensional therapy: weight and lifestyle management, diet, sustained physical activity in daily life, exercise, decrease life stressors, smoking cessation, drug therapy, bariatric surgery psichological, familial and social suport. Weight loss program must be carefully planned, adapted to the patient’s abilities and comorbidities and supervised by a nutritionist and a physiotherapist.
The Importance of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Marker of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Andrei Suciu Bogdan , Lorand Denes , Ioana Hălmaciu , Tibor Mezei , Klara Brînzaniuc , Leonard Azamfirei 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer death both in men and women. In spite of progress seen in the early diagnosis of lung cancer, and implementation of new treatment principles for these patients, 5 year survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing surgery is low. Introduction of anti-angiogenic therapy administered concomitantly with conventional chemotherapy agents represented practically the first success seen in the treatment of lung cancer in the last 20 years. The aim of this paper is to review the literature informations about the importance of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) as a marker of angiogenesis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Therefore, we practiced a literature review about these topics: the importance of VEGF in tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and his importance as a prognostic factor at these patients, the prognostic impact of serum levels of VEGF and of the cellular expression of VEGF at these patients and also we reviewed the value of the antiangiogenic therapy.
Determination of Secondary Bile Acids in the Mice Feces. Controversies on their Involvment in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Claudiu Saracut , Calin Molnar , Farczádi L , Vlase L , Amelia Tero-Vescan , Nicoleta Todoran , Constantin Copotoiu 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the level of secondary bile acids (SBA) in the diets and feces of mice and the variation of amount ingested/excreted if these SBA are administered as monotherapy or in 1:1 dose.

Methods: The mice were divided into 4 groups and fed for 140 days with different diets. The control lot received a normal diet and the others received diets supplemented with 0.25% deoxycholic acid (DCA), 0.25% lithocholic acid (LCA) and 0.125% DCA+0.125% LCA. After 140 days, the mice feces were collected and homogenized to obtain a mixture for each lot from which the determinations of the studied SBA were performed. For the mice food evaluation, portions of 10 g from each of the 4 diets were subjected to the SBA determination.

Results: The daily ingestion over more than 4 months of DCA or LCA added to the diet and administered as monotherapy determine a significantly increase of the SBA eliminated into the feces (the DCA level was 11x higher, and of the LCA 233x higher). If half of the LCA dose is replaced with DCA, the level of LCA in the feces gets comparable with that of the DCA (their combined amounts represents only 13x higher increase of these two bile acids in feces).

Conclusions: The simultaneous ingestion and excretion of DCA and LCA can be considered as a particular situation ruled by endogenous mechanisms. This behavior represents an important observation, knowing that the bile acids effects in the colorectal cancer are dose dependent.
Tissue Integration of Synthetic Grafts and the Impact of Soft-Tissue Infection – An Experimental Model
Authors: Eliza Russu , Vasile Mureşan Adrian , Andrei Cordoş Bogdan , Simion Cotoi Ovidiu , Constantin Copotoiu 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Objective: Starting with the ‘Vinyon-N-revolution’ of the 50’s, there has been a constant interest in understanting tissue integration, or the so-called graft healing process, as well as its relationship with infection. In this study we present an experimental animal model designed to assess tissue integration of different graft materials, and their reaction to the presence of infection.

Methods: Synthetic grafts (knitted Dacron®, woven Dacron®, silver-impregnated Dacron® and Gore-Tex®) were implanted subfascially in the interscapular region of Wistar rats. Animals were divided into a control group and an infected group, with infection induced using bacterial suspensions of standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli. Implants were retrieved at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively in the control group and at 1, 2 and 3 weeks postoperatively in theinfected group. Retrieved grafts were assessed bacteriologically and morpho-pathologically.

Results: All microorganisms produced clinically evident infections, with positive blood cultures in case of E. coli. Staphylococci produced more massive infections on Dacron® grafts, except for the silver-impregnated version, while E. coli produced more significant infections on Gore-Tex® grafts. Morpho-pathologically Dacron® grafts behaved poorly, with ocassional complete structural compromise, and no difference between the conventional and the silver-impregnated type. The Gore-Tex® graft showed a consistent structural resistance throughout the study period.

Conclusions: Although the silver-impregnated graft inhibited bacterial growth, it was poorly tolerated by the host tissue. In contrast, Gore-Tex® grafts showed more massive infection, especially with E. coli, but kept their structural integrity surprisingly well.
3D Visualization of Sound Fields Perceived by an Acoustic Camera
Authors: Popova Nevena , Shishkov Georgi , Koprinkova-Hristova Petia , Alexiev Kiril 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The paper summarizes the application results of a recently proposed neuro-fuzzy algorithm for multi-dimensional data clustering to 3-Dimensional (3D) visualization of dynamically perceived sound waves recorded by an acoustic camera. The main focus in the present work is on the developed signal processing algorithm adapted to the specificity of multidimensional data set recorded by the acoustic camera, as well as on the created software package for real-time visualization of the “observed” sound waves propagation.
Two-Dimensional l
1-Norm Minimization in SAR Image Reconstriction
Authors: Lazarov A. , Minchev D. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
A nonconventional image algorithm, based on compressed sensing and l1-norm minimization in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) application is discussed. A discrete model of the earth surface relief and mathematical modeling of SAR signal formation are analytically described. Sparse decomposition in Fourier basis to solve the SAR image reconstruction problem is discussed. In contrast to the classical one-dimensional definition of l1-norm minimization in SAR image reconstruction, applied to an image vector, the present work proposes a two-dimensional definition of l1-norm minimization to the image. To verify the correctness of the algorithm, results of numerical experiments are presented.
Human Activity Registration Using Multisensor Data Fusion
Authors: Alexiev Kiril , Shishkov Georgi , Popova Nevena 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The paper discusses the feasibility of using smart phone devices for human activity registration and analysis. The functional characteristics of the smart phones and their permanent connectivity allow them to serve as a measurement lab and processing unit. An example of using the smart phones as a sensor data source is described, and the corresponding algorithm and results are given. The possible problems are listed and commented.
ASLA: Association Suédoise de Linguistique Appliquée
Authors: Granfeldt Jonas , Gunnarsson Britt-Louise 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe Swedish Association for Applied Linguistics, ASLA (Association suédoise de linguistique appliquée) was formally founded as an autonomous Swedish affiliate of AILA in 1966. The constituting meeting was held at Lund University on April 12, 1966 during which the first chairperson, Professor Bertil Malmberg, was elected. This means that ASLA will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016. However, according to available documents from the time, the original initiative came from Max Gorosch, Professor of Spanish at Stockholm University, who had already started to prepare the way for the establishment of the new association in 1964. Professor Gorosch was appointed secretary on the first board and Dr. Alvar Nyqvist-Goës, became its first treasurer.
Complementary Description of the Middle Ordovician Trilobite Associations at Praha-Vokovice
Authors: David Martin , Budil Petr 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The temporarily exposed rocks of the Dobrotivá Formation (Middle Ordovician, upper Darriwilian) accessible, due to lower water levels, in Džbán water reservoir (Praha-Vokovice area) have produced common fauna. The newly obtained trilobite-dominated fossil associations enable a more detailed discussion of faunal changes in the lower and lower-middle portions of the Dobrotivá Formation - a transition from the Placoparia Association to the newly recognized Degamella-Zeliszkella Association, dominated by mesopelagic forms.
Chemical Energy Conversion as Enabling Factor to Move to a Renewable Energy Economy
Authors: Abate Salvatore , Centi Gabriele , Perathoner Siglinda 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The role of chemical energy storage and solar fuels as key elements for the sustainable chemical and energy production is discussed in this concept paper. It is shown how chemical energy storage, with the development of drop-in carbon-based solar fuels, will play a central role in the future low-carbon economy, but it is necessary to consider its out-of-the-grid use, rather than being limited to be a tool for smart grids. Related aspects discussed are the possibility to: (i) enable a system of trading renewable energy on a world scale (out-of-the-grid), including the possibility to exploit actually unused remote resources, (ii) develop a solar-driven and low-carbon chemical production, which reduces the use of fossil fuels and (iii) create a distributed energy production, going beyond the actual limitations and dependence on the grid.
A Generalized Approach for Enhanced Solar Energy Harvesting Using Stochastic Estimation of Optimum Tilt Angles: A Case Study of Bangkok City
Authors: Muralee Krishna Sachin , Madhu M Nimal , Mohan Vivek , Suresh M P Reshma , Singh Jai Govind 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This paper estimates the monthly, seasonal and yearly optimal tilt angles that maximize solar irradiation received on an inclined surface, thus enhancing the energy harvested. The uncertainties in global and diffuse radiations on the horizontal surface are accounted using stochastic analysis of their daily statistical measured data. The measured data is taken over a seven-year time span. The study is carried out for south-facing flat plate solar collectors at the Bangkok site, Thailand, situated in the northern hemisphere. The position of the sun at any time and location is predicted by the mathematical procedure of Julian dating. Further, four isotropic and anisotropic sky models are used to evaluate the ratio of diffuse solar radiation on an inclined surface to that on a horizontal surface. The best sky model is opted by using the ranking method of errors and is used for further analysis. Moreover, the frequency distributions of global and diffuse radiations are studied using four types of probability density functions (PDFs), viz., Weibull, lognormal, gamma and beta. Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) test is used as a criterion to find the best fit among the aforementioned PDFs. The proposed optimization problem is solved using particle swarm optimization with time-varying acceleration coefficients (PSO-TVAC). The monthly tilt angles obtained are found to be varying with respect to the corresponding latitude angle, suggested by the thumb rule. The collected energy using this tilt angle over a period of one year is found to be

588

M
J

/

m

2

$588 \,{\rm{MJ/}}{{\rm{m}}^2}$

in excess to that harvested using the latitude angle.
LED Street Lighting: A Looking Ahead Perspective
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Albanese Lorenzo , Meneguzzo Francesco , Pagliaro Mario 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Provided that LED street lighting is guided by quality principles, outdoor illumination using light-emitting diodes will have a significant global impact helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, save relevant amounts of electricity and enhance the quality of life in cities as well as in remote areas. This study summarizes recent findings providing guidelines for further progress in this crucially important technology on the common pathway to sustainable development.
Predictors of overweight and obesity among school going adolescents of Vadodara city in Western India
Authors: Macwana Jayprakash I. , Mehta Kedar G. , Baxi Rajendra K. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Background: Obesity among adolescents is escalating as a global epidemic which is associated with various lifestyle disorders in later life.
Objective: To assess the factors influencing overweight and obesity among school going adolescents of Vadodara city in Western India.
Methods: The study was carried out among 1050 school going adolescents from 15 schools selected by systematic random sampling after taking written informed consent from the participants. A predefined pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect dietary information and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, triceps skin fold thickness, waist and hip circumferences was measured using standard techniques. Adolescents were classified as overweight (>+1SD) and obese (>+2SD) with respect to their age and sex by using WHO reference charts. Factors found to be statistically significant in bivariate analysis were considered in the multiple logistic regression model.
Results: Among 1050 school going adolescents, 7.8% were overweight and 2.7% were obese, making the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity as 10.5%. Among socio-demographic predictors: early and mid adolescence, male gender, English medium of instruction, positive family history of obesity were found to be the significantly associated with overweight/obesity among the study population. Whereas consumption of outside food, meal skipping habit, infrequent consumption of staple healthy food items were found to be significant diet related predictor variables for overweight/obesity. Among the physical activity predictors: sedentary activities, less outdoor games and sleep deprivation were also found to be significant predictors of overweight/obesity.
Conclusion: Adolescents should be motivated to take adequate amount of healthy staple food like dal-rice at home and to engage in outdoor sports related activity to prevent overweight and obesity.
Effectiveness of group CBT in treating adolescents with depression symptoms: a critical review
Authors: Nardi Bernardo , Massei Micaela , Arimatea Emidio , Moltedo-Perfetti Andrés 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Depression is among the most common psychological disorders of adolescents. Its management is based on pharmacological treatment, psychological therapy, or a combination thereof. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most extensively tested intervention for adolescent depression. A PubMed search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of the efficacy of CBT in treating adolescents with depressive symptoms published in 2005–2015. Keywords were “cognitive behavioral therapy”, “group therapy”, “depression” and “adolescent”. Of the 23 papers that were retrieved, only six met all inclusion criteria. Three of them reported a significant reduction in depressive symptom severity after either individual or group (G)-CBT compared with the control group, even with a small number of CBT sessions (six rather than 10–12), with a medium or medium-to-large effect size. One study reported improved self-awareness and a significantly greater increase in perceived friend social support compared with bibliotherapy and check with brochure. Two studies reported clinical symptom reduction without significant differences compared with the control group (activity contrast). This review highlighted primarily that very few RCT have applied CBT in adolescents; moreover, it confirmed the effectiveness of G-CBT, especially as psychotherapy, although it was not always superior to other interventions (e.g. other activities in prevention programs). Comparison showed that G-CBT and group interpersonal psychotherapy were both effective in reducing depressive symptoms. Successful G-CBT outcomes were related to the presence of peers, who were an important source of feedback and support to observe, learn, and practice new skills to manage depressive symptoms and improve social-relational skills.
Performance characteristics of Elecsys free βhCG and PAPP-A for first trimester trisomy 21 risk assessment in gestational weeks 8+0 to 14+0
Authors: Tørring Niels , Aulesa Carlos , Eiben Bernd , Ferri Mª José , Nicolaides Kypros H. , Ortiz Javier U. , Sancken Ulrich , Vereecken Annie , Wiedemann Ute , Zitzler Juergen , Luppa Peter 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Background: Screening for fetal trisomy 21 (T21) in the first trimester includes analysis of the serological markers pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free β-choriogonadotropin (free βhCG). With the recent launch of these assays on the cobas e and Elecsys platforms, we investigated their clinical and analytical performance.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter study in 5397 pregnancies including 108 cross-sectional collected repository cases with verified fetal T21 at 8–14 weeks of gestation. A technical validation of the Roche Elecsys® free βhCG and PAPP-A assays were performed, including method comparisons with the Brahms Kryptor®, PerkinElmer AutoDELFIA® and Siemens IMMULITE® assays. Furthermore a clinical validation including generation of assay specific medians from gestational age 8+0 to 14+0 weeks, and clinical test performance of risk assessment was performed.

Results: The imprecision of the Elecsys free βhCG and PAPP-A assays was between 1.0% and 2.8%, and both assays showed correlation to Kryptor (free βhCG 0.981; PAPP-A 0.987), AutoDELFIA (free βhCG 0.995; PAPP-A 0.979) and IMMULITE assays (free βhCG 0.983; PAPP-A 0.983). With a cut off at 1:300 the overall sensitivity of the screening including nuchal translucency reached 94% for a 3% false positive rate.

Conclusions: The Roche Elecsys free βhCG and PAPP-A are suitable and reliable assays for first trimester T21 risk assessment. Both assays were approved and recommended by the FMF.
A systematic approach to billing laboratory services – the legal framework: Supplement and update to the article in J Lab Med 2014; 38(4):179–205
Authors: Wohlfart Cornelia , Rathenberg Jan 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Our article “A systematic approach to billing laboratory services – the legal framework” [Rathenberg et al., J Lab Med 2014;38(4):179–205] reviewed all relevant aspects of billing laboratory services. Here we provide supplementary information due to further legal advancements based on the German health-care law, with emphasis on specialist outpatient care (Ambulante spezialfachärztliche Versorgung [ASV]) and selective contracts and complexes of services. In addition, we focus on occupational medicine as well as billing in connection with hospital emergency departments.
Hemoglobin variants – pathomechanism, symptoms and diagnosis
Authors: Zur Berndt 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The diagnosis of hemoglobin variants that are not any of the better-known forms of thalassemia, sickle cell, HbC, HbD, or HbE anomalies is often challenging and requires detailed knowledge of the difference in symptoms and analysis. Experience in laboratory medicine plays an important role as the range of variants is extensive and lack of expertise can result in a wrong diagnosis. Hemoglobin variants with low oxygen affinity may present cyanosis and low oxygen saturation levels, whereas variants with increased oxygen affinity show polyglobulia and concomitant complications. Differential diagnosis of methemoglobin variants requires careful assessment, which can be problematic especially in pediatric medicine. Other variants, due to their instability, can cause more or less distinct hemolysis or thalassemia syndromes depicting serious disease patterns. Clear distinction is not always possible as several symptoms are often present. Many variants are autosomal dominant inherited.