bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With Capecitabine Plus Cisplatin in Patients With Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Case Series Study
Authors: Dada Reyad , El Sayed Mohamed , Zekri Jamal 
Published: February 2017

Purpose Capecitabine, an oral fluorouracil (5-FU) derivative, has replaced 5-FU in many chemotherapy regimens used in various GI tract cancers. The experience with capecitabine in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is limited. Patients and Methods We report on eight patients with locally advanced NPC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine and cisplatin. Results All eight patients responded well to the chemotherapy combination and achieved complete remission after definitive chemoradiotherapy. No grade 3/4 toxicities were observed. Five patients experienced a relapse after 6, 8, 9, 12, and 17 months. Conclusion In the patients studied, capecitabine (in combination with cisplatin) was a safe and effective substitution for 5-FU for the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced NPC. Larger prospective clinical studies are required to confirm these results.
Medical Oncologists’ Experiences in Using Genomic Testing for Lung and Colorectal Cancer Care
Authors: Gray Stacy W. , Kim Benjamin , Sholl Lynette , Cronin Angel , Parikh Aparna R. , Klabunde Carrie N. , Kahn Katherine L. , Haggstrom David A. , Keating Nancy L. 
Published: February 2017

Purpose: Genomic testing improves outcomes for many at-risk individuals and patients with cancer; however, little is known about how genomic testing for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is used in clinical practice. Patients and Methods: In 2012 to 2013, we surveyed medical oncologists who care for patients in diverse practice and health care settings across the United States about their use of guideline- and non–guideline-endorsed genetic tests. Multivariable regression models identified factors that are associated with greater test use. Results: Of oncologists, 337 completed the survey (participation rate, 53%). Oncologists reported higher use of guideline-endorsed tests (eg, KRAS for CRC; EGFR for NSCLC) than non–guideline-endorsed tests (eg, Onco typeDX Colon; ERCC1 for NSCLC). Many oncologists reported having no patients with CRC who had mismatch repair and/or microsatellite instability (24%) or germline Lynch syndrome (32%) testing, and no patients with NSCLC who had ALK testing (11%). Of oncologists, 32% reported that five or fewer patients had KRAS and EGFR testing for CRC and NSCLC, respectively. Oncologists, rather than pathologists or surgeons, ordered the vast majority of tests. In multivariable analyses, fewer patients in nonprofit integrated health care delivery systems underwent testing than did patients in hospital or office-based single-specialty group settings (all P < .05). High patient volume and patient requests (CRC only) were also associated with higher test use (all P < .05). Conclusion: Genomic test use for CRC and NSCLC varies by test and practice characteristics. Research in specific clinical contexts is needed to determine whether the observed variation reflects appropriate or inappropriate care. One potential way to reduce unwanted variation would be to offer widespread reflexive testing by pathology for guideline-endorsed predictive somatic tests.
The Car Sharing Economy: Interaction of Business Model Choice and Product Line Design
Authors: Bellos Ioannis , Ferguson Mark , Toktay L. Beril 
Published: February 2017

Several auto manufacturers have recently introduced car sharing programs. Although the structure of most programs is the same, there is no clear dominant strategy for the type of vehicles that should be provided through car sharing. In this paper, we consider an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that contemplates car sharing and designs its product line by accounting for the trade-off between driving performance and fuel efficiency under CAFE standards. Customers have different valuations of driving performance and decide whether to buy, join car sharing or rely on their outside options. We find that the OEM increases the fuel efficiency of the vehicles it provides through car sharing. This higher efficiency enables the OEM to charge a higher selling price to the higher end of the market, thus increasing its profit. This is especially beneficial to higher-end OEMs that face greater cannibalization and can explain why Daimler and BMW have been particularly active in introducing car sharing. Offering car sharing is not always environmentally beneficial. Even when it is, we find that doing so may reduce the OEM’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) level. In such cases, incentive multipliers should be granted for each shared car. Finally, if anticipating aggressive CAFE standards, OEMs may introduce car sharing to better absorb the increase in the production cost. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2016.0605 .
Core decompression and biotechnologies in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Calori Giorgio Maria , Mazza Emilio , Colombo Alessandra , Mazzola Simone , Colombo Massimiliano 
Published: February 2017

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head (FH) causes 5% to 12% of total hip arthroplasties (THA). It especially affects active male adults between the third and fifth decades of life. The exact worldwide incidence is unknown. There are only few data related to each country, but most of it relates to the United States. Non-surgical management has a very limited role in the treatment of AVN of the FH and only in its earliest stages. Core decompression (CD) of the hip is the most common procedure used to treat the early stages of AVN of the FH. Recently, surgeons have considered combining CD with autologous bone-marrow cells, demineralised bone matrix or bone morphogenetic proteins or methods of angiogenic potential to enhance bone repair in the FH. Manuscripts were deemed eligible for our review if they evaluated treatment of early stage AVN of the FH with biotechnology implanted via CD. After application of eligibility criteria, we selected 19 reports for final analysis. The principal results showed that only by correctly mastering the therapeutic principles and adopting proper methods specifically oriented to different stages can the best therapeutic effect be achieved. Combining CD with biotechnology could result in a novel long-lasting hip- preserving treatment option. Furthermore, more refined clinical studies are needed to establish the effectiveness of biotechnology treatments in AVN of the FH. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:41-50. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.150006
Characterization and taste masking evaluation of microparticles with cetirizine dihydrochloride and methacrylate-based copolymer obtained by spray drying
Authors: Amelian Aleksandra , Szekalska Marta , Ciosek Patrycja , Basa Anna , Winnicka Katarzyna 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Taste of a pharmaceutical formulation is an important parameter for the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. Cetirizine dihydrochloride (CET) is a second-generation antihistamine that is commonly administered in allergy treatment. CET is characterized by extremely bitter taste and it is a great challenge to successfully mask its taste; therefore the goal of this work was to formulate and characterize the microparticles obtained by the spray drying method with CET and poly(butyl methacrylate-co-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate 1:2:1 copolymer (Eudragit E PO) as a barrier coating. Assessment of taste masking by the electronic tongue has revealed that designed formulations created an effective taste masking barrier. Taste masking effect was also confirmed by the in vivo model and the in vitro release profile of CET. Obtained data have shown that microparticles with a drug/polymer ratio (0.5:1) are promising CET carriers with efficient taste masking potential and might be further used in designing orodispersible dosage forms with CET.
A superior preparation method for daidzein-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complexes with improved solubility and dissolution: Supercritical fluid process
Authors: Pan Hao , Wang Han-Bing , Yu Yi-Bin , Cheng Bing-Chao , Wang Xiao-Yu , Li Ying 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Advantages of the supercritical fluid (SCF) process compared to the conventional solution stirring method (CSSM) in the preparation of daidzein-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) complexes were investigated. Formation of daidzein/ HPβCD inclusion complexes was confirmed by Fourier transformed-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle size, inclusion yield, drug solubility and dissolution of daidzein/HPβCD complexes were evaluated. Compared to CSSM, the SCF process resulted in higher inclusion yield and higher solubility. Also, extended dissolution of daidzein from the SCF processed HPβCD inclusion complexes was observed, with only 22.94 % released in 45 min, compared to its rapid release from those prepared by CSSM, with 98.25 % drug release in 15 min. This extended release of daidzein from SCF prepared inclusion complexes was necessary to avoid drug precipitation and improve drug solubilisation in the gastrointestinal tract. The results showed that the SCF process is a superior preparation method for daidzein-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complexes.
Public health care system, a quasi-experimental study: Acceptance and attitude to implicate clinical services
Authors: Gillani Syed Wasif , Abdul Mohi Iqbal Mohammad 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA six-month longitudinal intervention arm study with a pre-post cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was performed. A 3-phase objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) design was utilized for evaluation of acceptance and attitude of pharmacy students towards clinical pharmacy services. The pre-OSCE survey showed increased disagreement with the role of clinical pharmacists, compared to a significant positive shift in attitude towards their services in the healthcare team after 6 months of the trial. Responses improved for awareness (the current healthcare system could be improved by involving pharmacists, p < 0.02) and positive attitude categories (doctors and nurses would be happy to welcome the services of competent clinical pharmacists as part of their team, p < 0.01) in addition to competency (pharmacists have sufficient clinical training to advise doctors and nurses, p < 0.01). The predictive model suggested a strong positive effect on patient interaction, medical information tasks, clinical decisions on drug-related problems (DRPs), and communication with healthcare professionals (R2= 0.41, F = 1.51, p < 0.001).
Pulmonary prophylactic impact of melatonin and/or quercetin: A novel therapy for inflammatory hypoxic stress in rats
Authors: Al-Rasheed Nouf M. , Fadda Laila , Attia Hala A. , Sharaf Iman A. , Mohamed Azza M. , Al-Rasheed Nawal M. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The study aims to compare, through histological and biochemical studies, the effects of quercetin, melatonin and their combination in regulation of immuno-inflammatory mediators and heat shock protein expressions in sodium nitrite induced hypoxia in rat lungs. The results revealed that NaNO2 injection caused a significant decrease in Hb in rats, while serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP, VEGF and HSP70 were elevated compared to the control group. Administration of melatonin, quercetin or their combination before NaNO2 injection markedly reduced these parameters. Histopathological examination of the lung tissue supported these biochemical findings. The study suggests that melatonin and/or quercetin are responsible for lung tissue protection in hypoxia by downregulation of immuno-inflammatory mediators and heat shock protein expressions. Pre-treatment of hypoxic animals with a combination of melatonin and quercetin was effective in modulating most of the studied parameters to near-normal levels.
The role of extracellular vesicle microRNAs in cancer biology
Authors: Takahashi Ryou-u , Prieto-Vila Marta , Hironaka Ai , Ochiya Takahiro 
Published: February 2017

AbstractmicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a large family of small, approximately 20–22 nucleotide non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of target genes, mainly at the post-transcriptional level. Multiple studies report that miRNAs are involved in homeostatic maintenance and that aberrant expression of miRNAs is often observed in various types of diseases, including cancer. In cancer biology, miRNAs exert functional roles in tumor initiation, drug resistance, and metastasis. miRNAs are also secreted through small vesicles called exosomes, which are endosome-derived vesicles derived from various cell types including immune and tumor cells. In addition to cellular miRNAs (ce-miRNAs), secreted miRNAs (se-miRNAs) play important roles in cancer development and metastasis. Therefore, se-miRNAs in body fluids have been investigated as a promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of miRNA functions in cancer development and discuss the potential clinical applications of se-miRNAs, e.g. as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Malignant perivascular epitheloid cell tumour (PEComa) of the lung – a rare entity
Authors: Chakrabarti Amitabha , Bandyopadhyay Manujesh , Purkayastha Biswarup 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Malignant Perivascular Epitheloid Cell Tumour (PEComa) of the lung is very rare, with only six cases reported in literature. This case presented with a large mass originating from right upper lobe of the lung with dilemma in its histopathological diagnosis and management. Postoperative histopathology after a right upper and middle lobectomy describes a tumour with an alveolar/nested pattern of growth and epitheloid morphology with expression of TFE-3 and diagnosed as PEComa. After 6 months the patient had a local recurrence inside the thorax & chest wall.This case qualifies it as a rare type of malignant PEComa with younger age of presentation, aggressive clinical behaviour & malignant histological features along with TFE3 positivity on immunohistochemistry. This case is probably the first of its kind with the largest reported size involving two lobes of the lung.
Idealization of The Real Stirling Cycle
Authors: Červenka Libor 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The paper presents a potential idealization of the real Stirling cycle. This idealization is performed by modifying the piston movement corresponding to the ideal Stirling cycle. The focus is on the cycle thermodynamics with respect to the indicated efficiency and indicated power. A detailed 1-D simulation model of a Stirling engine is used as a tool for this assessment. The model includes real non-zero volumes of heater, regenerator, cooler and connecting pipe. The model is created in the GT Power commercial simulation software.
Valuing environmental health for informed policy-making
Authors: Máca Vojtěch , Melichar Jan , Ščasný Milan , Kohlová Markéta Braun 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Background:
Monetized environmental health impact assessments help to better evaluate the environmental burden of a wide range of economic activities. Apart from the limitations and uncertainties in physical and biological science used in such assessments, assumptions taken from economic valuation may also substantially influence subsequent policy-making considerations.

Aim:
This study attempts to demonstrate the impact of normative policy assumptions on quantified external costs using a case study of recently discussed variants of future coal mining and use of extracted coal in electricity and heat generation in the Czech Republic.

Methods:
A bottom-up impact-pathway approach is used for quantification of external costs. Several policy perspectives are elaborated for aggregating impacts that differ in geographic coverage and in how valuation of quantified impacts is adjusted in a particular perspective.

Results:
We find that the fraction of monetized external impacts taken into policy-making considerations may vary according to choice of decision perspective up to a factor of 10.

Conclusion:
At present there are virtually no hard rules for defining geographical boundaries or adjusting values for a summation of monetized environmental impacts. We, however, stress that any rigorous external cost assessment should, for instance in a separate calculation, take account of impacts occurring beyond country borders.
Environmental life cycle assessment of railway bridge materials using UHPFRC
Authors: Bizjak Karmen Fifer , Šajna Aljoša , Slanc Katja , Knez Friderik 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The railway infrastructure is a very important component of the world’s total transportation network. Investment in its construction and maintenance is significant on a global scale. Previously published life cycle assessment (LCA) studies performed on road and rail systems very seldom included infrastructures in detail, mainly choosing to focus on vehicle manufacturing and fuel consumption. This article presents results from an environmental study for railway steel bridge materials for the demonstration case of the Buna Bridge in Croatia. The goal of these analyses was to compare two different types of remediation works for railway bridges with different materials and construction types. In the first part, the environmental impact of the classical concrete bridge construction was calculated, whereas in the second one, an alternative new solution, namely, the strengthening of the old steel bridge with ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) deck, was studied. The results of the LCA show that the new solution with UHPFRC deck gives much better environmental performance. Up to now, results of LCA of railway open lines, railway bridges and tunnels have been published, but detailed analyses of the new solution with UHPFRC deck above the old bridge have not previously been performed.
Interpretation of aeromagnetic data over Abeokuta and its environs, Southwest Nigeria, using spectral analysis (Fourier transform technique)
Authors: Olurin Oluwaseun T. , Ganiyu Saheed A. , Hammed Olaide S. , Aluko Taiwo J. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This study presents the results of spectral analysis of magnetic data over Abeokuta area, Southwestern Nigeria, using fast Fourier transform (FFT) in Microsoft Excel. The study deals with the quantitative interpretation of airborne magnetic data (Sheet No. 260), which was conducted by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency in 2009. In order to minimise aliasing error, the aeromagnetic data was gridded at spacing of 1 km. Spectral analysis technique was used to estimate the magnetic basement depth distributed at two levels. The result of the interpretation shows that the magnetic sources are mainly distributed at two levels. The shallow sources (minimum depth) range in depth from 0.103 to 0.278 km below ground level and are inferred to be due to intrusions within the region. The deeper sources (maximum depth) range in depth from 2.739 to 3.325 km below ground and are attributed to the underlying basement.
A review of the bioretention system for sustainable storm water management in urban areas
Authors: Shafique Muhammad 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Bioretention basins/rain garden is a very suitable low-impact development (LID) practice for storm water management around the globe. By using this practice in urban areas, flash flooding problems can be decreased and the environment of an area can be improved. The concept of bioretention was introduced a few decades ago and has been proven to be the best management practice (BMP) for storm water in urban areas. Due to urbanisation, natural surface areas are converted into hard surfaces such as roads, through which water cannot infiltrate into the ground. Due to this, infiltration decreases and surface run-off increases, which causes depletion of ground water continuously. In this study, we mainly explain the bioretention concept and its function as derived from different studies. This review includes different scientists’ results for the performance of the bioretention system at different locations. A summary of the research findings by different scientists on the performance of bioretention systems is also provided, including the hydrologic and water quality performances. Finally, future work necessary to enhance the performance and widespread use of bioretention systems is also explained.
“Your argument is wrong”: a contribution to the study of evaluation in academic weblogs
Authors: Luzón María José 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAcademic weblogs are a new form of scholarly communication which provides both a space for researchers to present their ideas, observations, and reactions to others' work and a discussion forum. Although evaluation has been shown to play a prominent role in academic discourse, the function of this rhetorical device in academic blogs has not yet been studied. As part of an attempt to address this issue, the present study is aimed at identifying the types and frequency of evaluative adjectives in academic blogs and at analyzing their role in this genre. For this purpose, I adopt Thompson and Hunston's (2000: 5) definition of evaluation as “the expression of the speaker or writer's attitude or stance towards, a viewpoint on, or feelings about the entities or propositions that he or she is talking about.” The study is based on the exploration of a corpus of weblog entries and comments taken from ten different academic blogs. The results show that evaluative adjectives are rhetorically used by participants in these blogs for two purposes: (i) to construct their identity both as knowledgeable researchers and competent academic bloggers; (ii) to build and sustain solidarity relations with other members of the community and signal their allegiances.
Argumentative use of reported speech in British newspaper discourse
Authors: Smirnova Alla 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA reported utterance cannot be incorporated into the new discourse without undergoing certain transformations and losing some of its initial properties. Decision of representing or omitting information on certain aspects of the quoted utterance is not arbitrary, and this choice is subordinated to the writer's goals. In argumentative discourse the overall aim of convincing the addressee determines the way reported speech is presented to the readers. The present work analyzes those features of other discourses which are reproduced in argumentative discourse of the quality British press. Research revealed that of the six linguistic levels characterizing the initial utterance (phonetic, lexical, syntactic, semantic, pragmatic, and rhetorical), journalists choose only those relevant for the argumentative function the quotation performs. When reported speech is used as the thesis, the writer retains maximum control of the quotation by reproducing fewer levels, and focusing mainly on global semantics and pragmatics. When reported speech is used as an argument, the journalist, on the contrary, aims to show minimum control of the quoted utterance to increase its argumentative credibility. This is achieved by detailed reproduction of local semantics, lexica, and syntax of the quotation.