bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of sexually transmitted diseases in a group of symptomatic male patients using urine samples and PCR technique / Distribuția bolilor cu transmitere sexuală într-un grup de barbați simptomatici utilizand probe de urina si tehnica PCR
Authors: Vica Mihaela Laura , Junie Lia Monica , Grad Alecsandra Iulia , Tataru Alexandru , Matei Horea Vladi 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a very important cause of illness worldwide and prolonged, untreated infections with STD pathogens may have serious consequences. Our study aims to evaluate the distribution of six different STDs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma genitalium) in male urine samples. First void urine samples from 52 symptomatic patients were collected between April 2014 and April 2015. DNA was extracted, purified and amplified via multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of the six STD pathogens, further identified using a 2% agarose gel electrophoresis with ethidium bromide as staining agent. STD frequency in the study group was 53.84 % (28 patients), mostly in the 20-29 years age group. Among positive patients, six presented multiple infections. 35 positive DNA samples were identified in the study: 17 of C. trachomatis, 9 of U. urealyticum, 7 of N. gonorrhoeae and 2 of M. genitalium. Wide scale application of the system based on the simultaneous detection of these six pathogens inducing STD may facilitate diagnosis, especially in multiple infections.
ABCB1 gene polymorphisms is not associated with drug-resistant epilepsy in Romanian children
Authors: Butila Anamaria Todoran , Sin Anca , Szabo Elisabeta Racoş , Micheu Cristian , Moldovan Valeriu G. , Voidazan Septimiu , Bănescu Claudia 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Background: P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a drug efflux transporter, encoded by the gene MDR1 ABCB1 multidrug resistant, reduces the penetration through the brain by the AEDs. Overexpression of Pgp in blood-brain barrier in epileptic patients play an important rol in pharmacoresistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible association between C1236T and G2677T ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and drug-resistant epilepsy in Romanian children.

Material and Methods: A total of 194 children with epilepsy hospitalized in the Paediatric Neurology and Psychiatry Clinic in Tirgu Mureş and 153 healthy controls were included in this study. Of the initial group, those cases that met the criteria for idiopathic and cryptogenic epilepsies (114 cases) were stratified in 31drug-resistant and 83 drug-responsive patients. The C1236T and G2677T genetic polymorphisms were assessed by RFLP-PCR (polymerase chain-restriction fragment length polymorphism) followed by gel electrophoresis.

Results: Molecular analysis of ABCB1 gene polymorphism identified 1236CT heterozygous to be highly represented in drug-responsive group, with a p value of 0.001. Also, in idiopathic epilepsy subgroups (with partial and generalized type of seizures), in case of 1236TT and CT genotypes we found highly significant differences between drug-responsive patients and those resistant to antiepileptic treatment (p-0.003 and p-0.002 respectively). No association between G2677T polymorphism and total epilepsy was found.

Conclusions: Our results show that MDR1 C1236T and G2677T polymorphisms are not associated with drug-resistant epilepsy in the study population, but 1236TT and 1236CT genotype variants and also 2677TT were found to be significantly associated with drug-responsive idiopathic epilepsy.
CX3CR1 expression and megakaryocytic series assessment on bone marrow biopsies in acquired aplastic anemia. Correlations with hematological parameters.
Authors: Gavrilut (Tomescu) Cosmina Ioana , Bondor Cosmina , Fetica Bogdan , Fulop Annamaria , Urian Laura , Petrov Ljubomir 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The study objective was to examine the clinical and hematological significance of receptor CX3CR1 and megakaryocytes in patients with aplastic anemia.

Method. 40 patients diagnosed with aplastic anemia and 10 case-control were included in the study. Were analyzed bone-marrow biopsies regarding cellularity, the presence of megakaryocytes and immunohistochemical expression of CX3CR1, CD4, CD8, CD45RO. We divided patients according to CX3CR1 intensity and the presence of megakaryocytes in 4 groups, which were analyzed comparatively. We realized the second division of patients in 4 groups, depending on the CX3CR1 intensity and cellularity of bone-marrow biopsy.

Results. Statistically significant differences between the case group and the control group were observed in terms of the percentage of CD8, CD45RO positive cells and positivity for CX3CR1. In the lot of patients with aplastic anemia, we found statistically significant differences between groups with megakaryocytes present and absent, in terms of the number of lymphocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, ESR at 1 hour, ESR at 2 hours, bone marrow cellularity.

Conclusions. CX3CR1 could be involved in the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia, influencing bone marrow cellularity. Megakaryocytes influence more hematological parameters, so we suggest using thrombopoietin receptor analogues as 1st line treatment along with the immunosuppressive treatment.
Platinum derivatives: generic brands vs. original, in vitro tests
Authors: Cetean Sînziana , Căinap Călin , Soriţău Olga , Tatomir Corina , Virag Piroska , Hangan Adriana , Oprean Luminiţa , Oprean Radu 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The entry of the generic drugs on the market was an impressive development of the pharmaceutical industry and due to their lower prices also a decrease in the cost price for the treatment of patients. The difference in price (sometimes even 50%) between generics and original and different response to therapy sometimes raised serious questions related to their therapeutic equivalence. The scientific community is increasingly interested in this aspect, with studies (in vitro and on patients) demonstrated statistically significant differences in terms of differences generic / original drug. In this context, the aim of our study was to assess the in vitro cytotoxic activity of oxaliplatin (original and generic drug) on DLD-1 cell lines, HT-29, and carboplatin cytotoxic activity (and the reference molecule from Santa Cruz Biotechnology) on cell line A2780. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay.
Regarding the cell line DLD-1, IC50 values of generics was lower than the original after exposure for 24 hours to oxaliplatin but after 48 hours of exposure were not statistically significant differences. HT-29 line has a higher resistance to chemotherapy compared with oxaliplatin, the IC 50 values after 48 hours of exposure are higher than those for the line DLD-1. IC50 values are confirmed by morphological analysis of cells. Regarding carboplatin were not recorded statistically significant differences between the two generic drugs tested.
Although other studies reported differences between generic and branded drugs in terms of hypersensibility reactions, adverse effects and efficacity, we cannot extrapolate our findings to the patients. Further studies on patients are neeeded for a better evaluation of the efficacity of generic vs. original drugs.
Pulmonary heart valve replacement using stabilized acellular xenogeneic scaffolds; effects of seeding with autologous stem cells
Authors: Harpa Marius Mihai , Movileanu Ionela , Sierad Leslie Neil , Cotoi Ovidiu Simion , Suciu Horatiu , Sircuta Carmen , Preda Terezia , Nistor Dan , Branzaniuc Klara , Deac Radu , Dandel Michael , Gurzu Simona , Harceaga Lucian , Olah Peter , Simionescu Agneta , Simionescu Dan 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Background: We hypothesized that an ideal heart valve replacement would be acellular valve root scaffolds seeded with autologous stem cells. To test this hypothesis, we prepared porcine acellular pulmonary valves, seeded them with autologous adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) and implanted them in sheep and compared them to acellular valves.

Methods: Fresh porcine pulmonary valve roots were decellularized with detergents and enzymes. ADSCs were isolated from subdermal fat and injected within the acellular cusps. Valves were then implanted in an extra-anatomic pulmonary position as RV to PA shunts: Group A (n=6) consisted of acellular valves and Group B (n=6) of autologous stem cell-seeded acellular xenografts. Sheep were followed up for 6 months by echocardiography and histologic analysis was performed on explanted valves.

Results: Early evolution was favorable for both groups. All Group A animals had physiologic growth without any signs of heart failure and leaflets were found with preserved structure and mobility, lacking signs of thrombi, inflammation or calcification. Group B sheep however expressed signs of right ventricle failure starting at one month, accompanied by progressive regurgitation and right ventricle dilatation, and the leaflets were found covered with host tissue. No cells were found in any Group A or B explants.

Conclusions: Acellular stabilized xenogeneic pulmonary valves are reliable, stable, non-immunogenic, non-thrombogenic and non-calcifying scaffolds with excellent hemodynamics. Seeding these scaffolds with autologous ADSCs was not conducive to tissue regeneration. Studies aimed at understanding these novel observations and further harnessing the potential of stem cells are ongoing.
Impaired quality of life in adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia and skeletal symptoms
Authors: Che Hélène , Roux Christian , Etcheto Adrien , Rothenbuhler Anya , Kamenicky Peter , Linglart Agnès , Briot Karine 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveAdults with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) may suffer from skeletal symptoms leading to functional disability. No data on their quality of life (QoL) have been reported so far. Our objectives were to evaluate the QoL and its determinants in XLH adults.Patients and methodsWe conducted a prospective study in XLH adults, who consulted for musculoskeletal symptoms between 2013 and 2014. We assessed their QoL using HAQ, RAPID3 and SF36, and analysed the variables associated with low QoL. We compared their QoL to that of patients affected with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) (paired on age and gender), a rheumatologic disorder with a known low QoL.ResultsFifty-two XLH adults (37 women (71.1%); mean age 41.8±13.3 years) were included; 44 (84.6%) patients had an altered QoL. Increased age and presence of structural lesions were significantly associated with worse QoL (HAQ, RAPID3) (P<0.05). Presence of enthesopathies was significantly associated with worse RAPID3 (OR=4.45 (1.09–18.29), P=0.038). Treatment with phosphate supplements and vitamin D in XLH adults were significantly associated with a better SF36-mental component score (OR=0.14 (0.03–0.57), P=0.007 and OR=0.26 (0.07–0.98), P=0.047 respectively). QoL was significantly worse in XLH than in ax-SpA adults (VAS pain, SF36-PCS, RAPID3) (P<0.05).ConclusionOur study showed i) QoL of XLH adults is altered and significantly worse than that of ax-SpA patients (VAS pain, SF36-PCS and RAPID3), ii) structural lesions and especially enthesopathies are associated with a worse QoL and iii) treatment using phosphate supplements and/or vitamin D is associated with a better mental health score.
Global chemical reactivity parameters for several chiral beta-blockers from Density Functional Theory Viewpoint
Authors: Talmaciu Mona Maria , Bodoki Ede , Oprean Radu 
Published: January 2016

Background and aim. Beta-adrenergic antagonists have been established as first line treatment in the medical management of hypertension, acute coronary syndrome and other cardiovascular diseases, as well as for the prevention of initial episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices, glaucoma, and have recently become the main form of treatment of infantile hemangiomas.The aim of the present study is to calculate for 14 beta-blockers several quantum chemical descriptors in order to interpret various molecular properties such as electronic structure, conformation, reactivity, in the interest of determining how such descriptors could have an impact on our understanding of the experimental observations and describing various aspects of chemical binding of beta-blockers in terms of these descriptors.Methods. The 2D chemical structures of the beta-blockers (14 molecules with one stereogenic center) were cleaned in 3D, their geometry was preoptimized using the software MOPAC2012, by PM6 method, and then further refined using standard settings in MOE; HOMO and LUMO descriptors were calculated using semi-empirical molecular orbital methods AM1, MNDO and PM3, for the lowest energy conformers and the quantum chemical descriptors (HLG, electronegativity, chemical potential, hardness and softness, electrophilicity) were then calculated.Results. According to HOMO-LUMO gap and the chemical hardness the most stable compounds are alprenolol, bisoprolol and esmolol. The softness values calculated for the study molecules revolve around 0.100. Propranolol, sotalol and timolol have among the highest electrophilicity index of the studied beta-blocker molecules. Results obtained from calculations showed that acebutolol, atenolol, timolol and sotalol have the highest values for the electronegativity index. Conclusions. The future aim is to determine whether it is possible to find a valid correlation between these descriptors and the physicochemical behavior of the molecules from this class. The HLG could be correlated to the experimentally recorded electrochemical properties of the molecules. HOMO could be correlated to the observed oxidation potential, since the required voltage is related to the energy of the HOMO, because only the electron from this orbital is involved in the oxidation process.
Religious Pluralism or Conformity in Southeast Asia’s Cultural Legacy
Authors: Reid Anthony 
Published: January 2016

In a recently published book, the present author argues that Asia is “the great laboratory of religious pluralism.” The jostling together of mosques, viharas, churches and all kinds of temples has long been a feature of the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia, while anthropologists have celebrated the diversity of its rural people. Yet there is a paradox. At the level of formal religious adherence, Southeast Asia looks to be one of the world’s least diverse regions. This article addresses both the deeper sources of religious tolerance and the modern factors tending, notably in Indonesia, to replace that pattern with one of greater religious conformity. The Indonesian state motto is the epitome of this paradox –Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, ‘They are many, yet they are one.’ The article concludes that while the older tolerance of diversity is indeed under threat today, Southeast Asia’s own traditions should prove a valuable supplement to modern human rights concepts in maintaining the balance.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i3.2352
Ishkālīyāt al-Intimā’ al-Waṭanī ‘inda al-Muhājirīn al-Ḥaḍārimah fī Indūnīsīyā fī al-Niṣf al-Awwal min al-Qarn al-‘Ishrīn
Authors: Ghaleb Yahya Mohamed Ahmed 
Published: January 2016

In the early years of the twentieth century, the Hadrami community showed interest in the place from where their ancestors came to Indonesia. This research aims to analyze these historical events and provide logical interpretations of them. It relies on historical and contemporary documents, especially newspapers issued by the Hadrami community in Indonesia. It also identifies factors, causes and consequences of these events through many tracks. First, it extrapolates the development of the community from the beginning of the twentieth century, when Hadrami nationalist ideas and feelings of belonging to the Hadrami homeland appeared. Secondly, it identifies the reasons behind that, the factors that helped its spread and the problems that resulted from these events. Thirdly, the research explores the status of the community after the outbreak of this problem and the nature of the relationship between the two groups during the subsequent years until the Japanese occupation of Indonesia in 1942. Finally, it studies the impact on the future of the Hadrami community in Indonesia.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i3.2355
Hospital Utilization Among Children With the Highest Annual Inpatient Cost
Authors: Peltz Alon , Hall Matt , Rubin David M. , Mandl Kenneth D. , Neff John , Brittan Mark , Cohen Eyal , Hall David E. , Kuo Dennis Z. , Agrawal Rishi , Berry Jay G. 
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Children who experience high health care costs are increasingly enrolled in clinical initiatives to improve their health and contain costs. Hospitalization is a significant cost driver. We describe hospitalization trends for children with highest annual inpatient cost (CHIC) and identify characteristics associated with persistently high inpatient costs in subsequent years.METHODS:Retrospective study of 265 869 children age 2 to 15 years with ≥1 admission in 2010 to 39 children’s hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System. CHIC were defined as the top 10% of total inpatient costs in 2010 (n = 26 574). Multivariate regression and regression tree modeling were used to distinguish individual characteristics and interactions of characteristics, respectively, associated with persistently high inpatient costs (≥80th percentile in 2011 and/or 2012).RESULTS:The top 10% most expensive children (CHIC) constituted 56.9% ($2.4 billion) of total inpatient costs in 2010. Fifty-eight percent (n = 15 391) of CHIC had no inpatient costs in 2011 to 2012, and 27.0% (n = 7180) experienced persistently high inpatient cost. Respiratory chronic conditions (odds ratio [OR] = 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5–3.5), absence of surgery in 2010 (OR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.8–2.1), and technological assistance (OR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.5–1.7) were associated with persistently high inpatient cost. In regression tree modeling, the greatest likelihood of persistence (65.3%) was observed in CHIC with ≥3 hospitalizations in 2010 and a chronic respiratory condition.CONCLUSIONS:Most children with high children’s hospital inpatient costs in 1 year do not experience hospitalization in subsequent years. Interactions of hospital use and clinical characteristics may be helpful to determine which children will continue to experience high inpatient costs over time.
Wpływ wykorzystywanych źródeł energii na stan środowiska naturalnego w Polsce
Authors: Frodyma Katarzyna 
Published: January 2016

The use of different energy sources is an increasingly serious challenge for the countries for which sustainable development also means better use of energy resources and environmental improvement. The production and use of energy influences our living standards, but at the same time degrades and destroys the environment. The main aim of the study is to assess the impactthe energy sources used have on the natural environment in Poland. The paper discusses changes in how energy is acquired from traditional and renewable sources in individual provinces in Poland.It also analyses the state of the natural environment, with particular reference to air and water pollution. An attempt is made to assess whether increasing the use of renewable energy sources has a positive impact on reducing environmental degradation.
Sustainability of Dr. Meilė Lukšienė’s Teaching in the Context of the National Education Strategy
Authors: Ališauskas Ričardas , Dukynaitė Rita 
Published: January 2016

The article provides the analysis of scientific creations by Dr. Hab. Meilė Lukšienė in the context of the National Education Strategy 2013–2022. It aims at evaluating the potential of persistence and sustainability of M. Lukšienė’s scientific thought and revealing the fact that works by M. Lukšienė still bear relevance to implementation of the recent National Education Strategy. Moreover, an original interpretation of the National Education Strategy in the context of the State Progress Strategy “Lithuania 2030” is provided and the most relevant goals set in the National Education Strategy for the school system are presented in the article.
The aim of this article is to disclose the relation between contributions by Meilė Lukšienė and the National Education Strategy 2013–2022 as well as to demonstrate the potential for employing M. Lukšienė’s works in further reforms of education in Lithuania.
The methods applied in the study: analysis of research and documentary sources, synthesis of a range of scientific and strategic vision ideas, and shaping of strategic policy for further reconstruction of Lithuania’s education.
Conformity of Textbooks with the Goals of Personality Education Set by Lithuanian Education being Reformed on the Base of Ideas of Humanistic Paradigm, as a Qualitative Prerequisite
Authors: Bruzgelevičienė Ramutė 
Published: January 2016

During the first decade of Lithuanian educational reform based on the shift in education paradigms textbooks were considered the main source of teaching and were supposed to help to seek new goals in personality education as well as strengthen the paradigm being implemented. Traditionally, textbook was seen as the only teacher tool in that period. However, according to the research carried out in the first decade of the 21st century, textbook along with accompanying printed material still remains the most often used tool in a Lithuanian classroom that pupils continue to use as their main means of study.
It is essential that the state level educational documents regulating quality of textbooks include such qualitative criteria that would direct textbooks toward complying with the principles of humanistic paradigm and implementing the goals of personality education. The object of research is the extent to which regulations of the documents monitoring quality of textbooks are focused on implementation of the personality education goals set by Lithuanian education being reformed on the base of humanistic paradigm of education.
As a method, qualitative research using documentary research strategy has been chosen for this article, primary documentary sources are examined and the results are analyzed according to the stages of Grounded Theory, i.e. coding, theoretical sampling and comparing. Having conducted comparative analysis of the documents regulating quality of textbooks with specific character education goals as well as content of categories and subcategories expressing humanistic paradigm of education, the following conclusions are drawn: At the outset of Lithuanian Educational Reform, when discussing demands for suitable teaching tools in the schools being reformed, the scientists projected the shift from objectivist approach common to authoritarian soviet school to a constructivist one, underlined necessity to cooperate with a person’s nature, i.e. they directed focus to humanistic paradigm of education and brought the goals of textbooks to seek personality education up-to-date.
In the analyzed group of documents regulating quality of textbooks no sustainable system of quality criteria has settled, but the task set for textbooks to seek character education goals, as a quality field, has remained stable throughout the whole period of educational reform.
The documents regulating quality of textbooks do not designate their paradigmatic orientation, therefore there is a clear paradigmatic confusion when discussing a concept of a textbook (its purpose, function, methodological setup etc.) both when it comes to comparing documents from different years and certain documents within themselves. This paradigmatic confusion in the document statements remains stable throughout the whole period of educational reform.