bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the Management of Patients With Low-Risk Neutropenic Fever at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute
Authors: Goodman Lindsey Martin , Estfan Bassam , Montero Alberto , Kunapareddy Girish , Lau Jessica , Gallagher Erika , Best Carolyn , Tripp Barb , Moeller Machelle , Bolwell Brian , Stevenson James 
Published: February 2017

Purpose: Neutropenic fever (NF) is an oncologic emergency and has resulted historically in inpatient management. The Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) score can be used to identify patients with NF at a low risk of complications who can be managed safely as outpatients. Despite established guidelines supporting outpatient management of low-risk neutropenic fever (LRNF), provider awareness is low, and inpatient admission for intravenous antibiotics continues to be standard of care. Methods: Inpatient provider algorithm implementation and education began in the second quarter of 2014. Providers calculated MASCC scores for patients with nonleukemia hematologic malignancies and solid tumors at admission. Data were collected in a prospectively maintained registry. Patients identified as low risk by MASCC score were placed under observation and started on oral antibiotics. If exclusion criteria and social barriers were not identified, discharge within 48 hours was planned. Results: Eighty-three patients with NF were admitted to the Taussig Cancer Institute inpatient oncology unit between November 2014 and June 2015. Fifty-three patients (64%) had LRNF by MASCC score. Patients with LRNF had an average length of stay of 3.3 days, compared with 6.2 days in our historical cohort. Sixteen patients (30%) were discharged within 24 hours. Only two patients with LRNF had a culture-proven infection, both Enterococcus urinary tract infections. Three patients required nonelective readmission. There were no deaths caused by NF. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates that a formal algorithm for LRNF management combined with provider education can improve current inpatient standard of care and length of stay without an increase in morbidity.
Challenges relating to comparison of flavonoid glycosides dissolution profiles from Sutherlandia frutescens products
Authors: Mbamalu Oluchi N. , Syce James , Samsodien Halima 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Unlike the case of conventional drug formulations, dissolution tests have hitherto not been required for herbal medicinal products commercially available in South Africa. This study investigated dissolution of the South African Sutherlandia frutescens using selected flavonoid glycosides as marker compounds. Dissolution of markers was assessed in three dissolution media at pH 1.2, 4.5 and 6.8, and samples were analysed using a validated HPLC method. The dissolution profile of each marker varied for the different materials investigated. All three media utilised showed differences in flavonoid glycoside dissolution between the S. frutescens products evaluated, with f2 values < 50 for comparison of flavonoid dissolution from any two of the materials. Dissolution of S. frutescens materials could thus be characterised using the markers in all the media tested. This tool may be employed in the future for comparison of orally administered S. frutescens products, provided between- batch variability is evaluated and found less than between-sample variability.
Synthesis and antitumor activity of some novel thiophene, pyrimidine, coumarin, pyrazole and pyridine derivatives
Authors: Albratty Mohammed , El-Sharkawy Karam Ahmed , Alam Shamsher 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
2-Cyano-N-(thiazol-2-yl) acetamide (2a) and 2-cyano-N-(oxazol- 2-yl) acetamide (2b) were obtained via the reaction of ethyl cyanoacetate with either 2-aminothiazole (1a) or 2-aminooxazole (1b). The formed products were directed toward the reaction with cyclopentanone and elemental sulfur in the presence of triethylamine to give cyclopenta[b]thiophene derivatives (3a,b). The latter products were reacted with either ethyl cyanoacetate or malononitrile to form compounds 4a,b and 5a,b, respectively. Compounds 4a,b were aimed at synthesizing some heterocyclic compounds; thus internal cyclization reactions were introduced to form compounds 6a,b. Also, compounds 4a,b reacted with salicylaldehyde, hydrazine derivatives and either urea or thiourea to produce coumarin derivatives (7a,b), pyrazole derivatives (8a-d) and pyrimidine derivatives (9a-d), respectively. Reaction of either benzaldehyde or benzene diazonium chloride (11) with compounds 4a,b afforded compounds 10a,b and 12a,b, respectively. On the other hand, compounds 5a,b underwent internal cyclization to form pyrimidine derivatives 13a,b. Also, when compounds 5a,b reacted with either ethyl cyanoacetate or malononitrile, they gave pyridine derivatives (15a-d) through the formation of intermediates (14a-d). Finally, formation of fused pyrimidine derivatives (17a,b) was achieved through the reaction of compounds 5a,b and salicylaldehyde applying two different pathways. The first pathway used a catalytic amount of piperidine to form compounds 16a,b; the latter products underwent cyclization to give compounds 17a,b. The second pathway, using a catalytic amount of sodium ethoxide solution directly in one step, afforded compounds 17a,b. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectrometry and their antitumor activity was investigated. Some of these compounds showed promising inhibitory effects on three different cell lines. However, fused pyrimidine acetonitrile derivatives 6a and 6b exerted the highest inhibitory effect, comparable to that of doxorubicin.
Hydrazinyldiene-chroman-2,4-diones in inducing growth arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells: Synergism with doxorubicin and correlation with physicochemical properties
Authors: Ballazhi Lulzime , Imeri Faik , Jashari Ahmed , Popovski Emil , Stojković Goran , Dimovski Aleksandar J. , Mikhova Bozhana , Mladenovska Kristina 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This study evaluates the effects of previously synthesized hydrazinyldiene-chroman-2,4-diones on cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell cycle distribution and migration capacity of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in synergy with doxorubicin. Physicochemical properties of the synthesized compounds were correlated with their structure and activity. Significant cell viability decrease in comparison with the effect of doxorubicin alone and the reference 4-hydroxycoumarin was observed when combination treatment comprising doxorubicin and the title compounds was applied. Synergistic effect with doxorubicin was also observed in down-regulation of phospho-Thr308Akt levels, confirming reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. Combined treatment increased the percentage of cells arrested at the G2/M stage. Additive inhibition of cell migration was also observed, pointing to the possibility of reducing the risk of metastases. With their solubility profile and log D7.4, all the synthesized compounds follow Lipinski’s rule of five for good permeability (absorption) potential.
Formulation and pharmaceutical development of quetiapine fumarate sustained release matrix tablets using a QbD approach
Authors: Gavan Alexandru , Porfire Alina , Marina Cristina , Tomuta Ioan 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The main objective of the present study was to apply QbD methodology in the development of once-a-day sustained release quetiapine tablets. The quality target product profile (QTPP) was defined after the pharmaceutical properties and kinetic release of the innovator product, Seroquel XR 200 mg. For the D-optimal experimental design, the level and ratio of matrix forming agents and the type of extragranular diluent were chosen as independent inputs, which represented critical formulation factors. The critical quality attributes (CQAs) studied were the cumulative percentages of quetiapine released after certain time intervals. After the analysis of the experimental design, optimal formulas and the design space were defined. Optimal formulas demonstrated zero-order release kinetics and a dissolution profile similar to the innovator product, with f2 values of 74.53 and 83.74. It was concluded that the QbD approach allowed fast development of sustained release tablets with similar dissolution behavior as the innovator product.
Relationship between metabolic phenotypes and genotypes of CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 in the Nigerian population
Authors: Adehin Ayorinde , Bolaji Oluseye O. , Maggo Simran , Kennedy Martin A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Background:
CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 are polymorphic drug-metabolising enzymes that are also implicated in the activation of procarcinogens in humans. Some of their alleles and haplotypes, often varied in prevalence across populations, are thought to influence activity despite the known contribution of environmental factors. This study assessed the potential influence of some genetic variants of CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 on metabolic phenotypes in Nigerians.

Methods:
Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 100 healthy, unrelated subjects for whom CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 phenotypes had previously been determined, alongside an additional 80 other individuals for whom phenotype data were unavailable. The samples were screened for CYP1A2 (*1C,*1D,*1E,*1F, *3,*4,*6,*7) and CYP2A6 (*9,*11,*17) alleles using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform for some alleles and direct Sanger sequencing for others. The genetic data acquired were subsequently analysed for haplotypes and assessed for concordance with phenotypes.

Results:
All five CYP1A2 haplotypes (CYP1A2*1F, 1J, 1N, 1L, 1W) identified in the Nigerian population were not significantly predictive of metabolic phenotypes. Heterozygous CYP1A2*1J carriers and homozygous CYP1A2*1W carriers showed statistically insignificant decrease in CYP1A2 activity. The CYP2A6*9/*17 genotype was, however, significantly associated with the CYP2A6-poor metabolic phenotype, whereas CYP2A6*9 or CYP2A6*17 alone did not show any such association. CYP2A6*11 was not detected in the population.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that CYP1A2 alleles or haplotypes were not predictive of metabolic phenotypes in the Nigerian population. Carriers of CYP2A6*9/*17 genotype are likely to be poor metabolisers of CYP2A6 substrates and may experience adverse reactions or poor efficacy while using drugs metabolised mainly by CYP2A6.
The Model of the Production Process for the Quality Management
Authors: Alot Zbigniew 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This article is a result of the research on the models of the production processes for the quality management and their identification. It discusses the classical model and the indicators for evaluating the capabilities by taking as its starting point the assumption of the normal distribution of the process characteristics. The division of the process types proposed by ISO 21747:2006 standard introducing models for non-stationary processes is presented. A general process model that allows in any real case to precisely describe the statistical characteristics of the process is proposed. It gives the opportunity for more detailed description, in comparison to the model proposed by ISO 21747:2006 standard, of the process characteristics and determining its capability. This model contains the type of process, statistical distribution, and the method for determining the capability and performance (long-term capability) of the process. One of the model elements is proposed, own classification and resulting set of process types. The classification follows the recommendations of ISO 21747:2006 introducing models for the non-stationary processes. However, the set of the process types allows, beyond a more precise description of the process characteristics, its usage to monitor the process.
Is there a Nexus between Social Entrepreneurship and the Employability of Graduates?
Authors: Mandyoli Bulelwa , Iwu Chux Gervase , Nxopo Zinzi 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Social entrepreneurs have, in several ways, been regarded as engines of intense socioeconomic development. They are also famous for intervening with projects for society’s problems that are often either inadvertently ignored or inadequately managed by mainstream society. The issue of graduate employability has gained increased tension around the world especially in emerging markets such as South Africa. Currently, suggestions are that considering the avowed contribution of social entrepreneurs, it may be worthwhile to start examining how they can assist with graduate employability in South Africa. This paper, therefore, takes an exploratory yet focused scrutiny of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem to find out the likelihood of social entrepreneurs participating in programs that prepare students for the workplace, thereby reducing graduate unemployability. This is a conceptual paper that has benefitted from an extensive review of literature. Conclusions are drawn therefrom to suggest that opportunities exist for social entrepreneurs to provide practical, project-based learning opportunities for college and university students so that by the time they graduate, they have attained reasonable work-readiness levels that stand them in good stead for employment. While the authors propose an intensive empirical study of the subject matter, we are equally positive that this paper may be used to advance the current platforms of engagement of the role of social entrepreneurs or grow innovative methods that provide graduates with a better chance to be successful in the working environment. In short, this paper calls for sustained discussions on how social entrepreneurs can improve graduate employability.
Nondestructive bending tests on Douglas-fir utility poles as a potential tool for pole sorting and for prediction of their behavior in service
Authors: Clauson Milo , Morrell Jeffrey J. , Romanaggi Bennett , Sinha Arijit 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Wood poles are a critical part of the electrical transmission system in North America. Wood poles are normally selected on the basis of visual features such as knots, slope of grain or other defects, but there is currently no simple, nondestructive bending (NDB), pre-flexural testing for sorting poles prior to use. In the present paper, the potential for NDB based on bending below the proportional limit was examined to calculate modulus of elasticity (MOE) and thereby predict actual modulus of rupture as determined by destructive bending (MORDB). The investigation was performed on 92 full length 13.3-m long Douglas-fir pole sections. Pre-flexural testing was reasonably correlated with MOEDB, but less well correlated with MORDB. The testing also revealed that visual selection of the best face of a pole, which is used to select a pole oriented to line direction (the “best face”), was poorly correlated with pre-flexing. Increasing the number of NDB tests did not noticeably improve the prediction. The results suggest that pre-flexing might be useful for identifying poles’ performance in service, if more data are available.
The effect of inpatient treatment on the stress experienced by parents with an excessively crying infant / Die Auswirkungen eines Spitalaufenthaltes auf die Belastung von Eltern mit einem exzessiv schreienden Kind
Authors: Wittberger Liv Solveig , Albermann Kurt , Pehlke-Milde Jessica , Koppitz Andrea 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionUp to 40% of families are faced with a fussy, inconsolable high need infant in the first three months postpartum. A major reason for parents to seek professional help is the trying aspect of the situation with these children. The supportive role of health professionals has the greatest potential to reduce the parent’s stress and burden. To our knowledge, there are no studies on inpatient treatment for families with such infants so far.AimThe aim of this study is to show how an inpatient setting may reduce the stress and burden of parents with an inconsolably crying infant.MethodA grounded theory approach (Charmaz) was used to analyse semi-structured interviews of 13 parents from a total of 9 families.ResultsTwo core categories emerged from the data: “To get out of hand” describes how parents lose the ability to control and direct family life. “To find one’s way into daily routine” describes how they once again gain confidence and develop coping strategies.ConclusionAn inpatient treatment reduces the burden on families with inconsolably crying infants. The change in the environment is helpful. Guidance and support enhance the parents’ skill and ability to handling the infant. The stress on the parents can increase again upon hospital discharge. Therefore, improvement is needed in treatment planning and parental support at the conclusion of the hospital stay as well as upon hospital discharge.
The complexity of the connected graph access structure on seven participants
Authors: Hadian Dehkordi Massoud , Safi Ali 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
In this paper, we study an important problem in secret sharing that determines the exact value or bound for the complexity. First, we use the induced subgraph complexity of the graph G with access structure Γ to obtain a lower bound on the complexity of the graph G. Then, applying decomposition techniques, we obtain an upper bound on the complexity of the graph G. We determine the exact values of the complexity for each of the ten graph access structures on seven participants. Also, we improve the value bound of the complexity for the six graph access structures with seven participants.
Official Statistics and Statistics Education: Bridging the Gap
Authors: Gal Iddo , Ograjenšek Irena 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This article aims to challenge official statistics providers and statistics educators to ponder on how to help non-specialist adult users of statistics develop those aspects of statistical literacy that pertain to official statistics. We first document the gap in the literature in terms of the conceptual basis and educational materials needed for such an undertaking. We then review skills and competencies that may help adults to make sense of statistical information in areas of importance to society. Based on this review, we identify six elements related to official statistics about which non-specialist adult users should possess knowledge in order to be considered literate in official statistics: (1) the system of official statistics and its work principles; (2) the nature of statistics about society; (3) indicators; (4) statistical techniques and big ideas; (5) research methods and data sources; and (6) awareness and skills for citizens’ access to statistical reports. Based on this ad hoc typology, we discuss directions that official statistics providers, in cooperation with statistics educators, could take in order to (1) advance the conceptualization of skills needed to understand official statistics, and (2) expand educational activities and services, specifically by developing a collaborative digital textbook and a modular online course, to improve public capacity for understanding of official statistics.
Determination of dosimetric parameters for shielded 153Gd source in prostate cancer brachytherapy
Authors: Ghorbani Mahdi , Khajetash Benyamin , Ghatei Najmeh , Mehrpouyan Mohammad , Meigooni Ali S. , Shahraini Ramin 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Background
Interstitial rotating shield brachytherapy (I-RSBT) is a recently developed method for treatment of prostate cancer. In the present study TG-43 dosimetric parameters of a 153Gd source were obtained for use in I-RSBT.

Materials and methods
A 153Gd source located inside a needle including a Pt shield and an aluminum window was simulated using MCNPX Monte Carlo code. Dosimetric parameters of this source model, including air kerma strength, dose rate constant, radial dose function and 2D anisotropy function, with and without the shields were calculated according to the TG-43 report.

Results
The air kerma strength was found to be 6.71 U for the non-shielded source with 1 GBq activity. This value was found to be 0.04 U and 6.19 U for the Pt shield and Al window cases, respectively. Dose rate constant for the non-shielded source was found to be 1.20 cGy/(hU). However, for a shielded source with Pt and aluminum window, dose rate constants were found to be 0.07 cGy/(hU) and 0.96 cGy/(hU), on the shielded and window sides, respectively. The values of radial dose function and anisotropy function were tabulated for these sources. Additionally, isodose curves were drawn for sources with and without shield, in order to evaluate the effect of shield on dose distribution.

Conclusions
Existence of the Pt shield may greatly reduce the dose to organs at risk and normal tissues which are located toward the shielded side. The calculated air kerma strength, dose rate constant, radial dose function and 2D anisotropy function data for the 153Gd source for the non-shielded and the shielded sources can be used in the treatment planning system (TPS).
Exposure of children to phthalates and the impact of consumer practices in Slovakia
Authors: Šidlovská Miroslava , Petrovičová Ida , Kolena Branislav , Pilka Tomáš , Šovčíková Eva , Trnovec Tomáš 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Phthalates are environmental pollutants that can enter the human body by ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption. Food constitutes the most important source of human exposure to these chemicals. The aim of our study was the biological monitoring of exposure to eight phthalate metabolites in children (n=107), 10–12 years of age, living in eastern Slovakia. Additionally, we analysed some associations between anthropometric measures, questionnaire data (i.e. eating and drinking habits, practice of personal care products) and concentrations of phthalate metabolites. Because of the short half-life of phthalates, within 24–48 h, we used 24-h recalls to assess dietary intakes. We used high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of spot urine samples to determine concentrations of phthalate metabolites mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono-iso-butyl phthalate, mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (5OH-MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (5oxo-MEHP), mono-carboxy pentyl and mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). We found statistically significant association between consumer practices and concentration of some phthalate metabolites, concretely consumption of milk and dairy products with MBzP and margarine with MEP (p<0.01 in both cases) and margarine with 5oxo-MEHP, hot beverages with 5OH-MEHP, baguettes and semifinished products with MEP (p<0.05 in all cases). Further, we found relationship between use of cosmetic products and phthalate concentrations, nail polish application and MEP and use of body lotion and MEHP (p<0.05 in both cases). We concluded that consumer practices (including eating and drinking habits and personal care) represent the substantial source of phthalate exposure in Slovak children.