bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal vocal cord movement treated with botulinum toxin in patients with asthma resistant to optimised management
Authors: Baxter Malcolm , Uddin Nizam , Raghav Sanjay , Leong Paul , Low Kathy , Hamza Kais , Holmes Peter W. , Hamilton Garun , Thyagarajan Dominic , Lau Ken , Bardin Philip G. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveAbnormal vocal cord movement may coexist with asthma and cause additional upper/middle airway obstruction. The condition may be a form of muscular dystonia that could contribute to asthma resistant to optimised treatments. Botulinum toxin causes temporary paralysis of muscle and may be an effective local treatment that improves asthma control.MethodsIn an observational study, we evaluated the benefits of unilateral vocal cord injection with botulinum toxin in 11 patients (total 24 injections). Subjects had asthma resistant to optimised treatment and abnormal vocal cord movement. Responses after botulinum toxin treatment were assessed using asthma control test (ACT) scores, vocal cord narrowing quantified by computerised tomography (CT) of the larynx and spirometry. Side‐effects were recorded.ResultsACT scores improved overall (9.1 ± 2.4 before and 13.5 ± 4.5 after treatment; difference 4.4 ± 4.2; P < 0.001). There was also an improvement in airway size on CT larynx (time below lower limit of normal at baseline 39.4 ± 37.63% and improved to 17.6 ± 25.6% after injection; P = 0.032). Spirometry was not altered. One patient experienced an asthma exacerbation but overall side‐effects were moderate, chiefly dysphonia and dysphagia.ConclusionsAlthough a placebo effect cannot be ruled out, local injection of botulinum toxin may be an effective treatment for intractable asthma associated with abnormal vocal cord movement. Further mechanistic studies and a double‐blind randomised controlled trial of botulinum toxin treatment are merited.
Optimized parametric skin modelling for diagnosis of skin abnormalities by combining light back‐scatter and laser speckle imaging
Authors: Orun A. B , Goodyer E. , Seker H. , Smith G. , Uslan V. , Chauhan D. 
Published: March 2014

Background/purposeOptical and parametric skin imaging methods which can efficiently identify invisible sub‐skin features or subtle changes in skin layers are very important for accurate optical skin modelling. In this study, a hybrid method is introduced that helps develop a parametric optical skin model by utilizing interdisciplinary techniques including light back‐scatter analysis, laser speckle imaging, image‐texture analysis and Bayesian inference methods. The model aims to detect subtle skin changes and hence very early signs of skin abnormalities/diseases.MethodsLight back‐scatter and laser speckle image textural analysis are applied onto the normal and abnormal skin regions (lesions) to generate set of attributes/parameters. These are then optimized by Bayesian inference method in order to build an optimized parametric model.ResultsThe attributes selected by Bayesian inference method in the optimization stage were used to build an optimized model and then successfully verified. It was clearly proven that Bayesian inference based optimization process yields good results to build an optimized skin model.ConclusionThe outcome of this study clearly shows the applicability of this hybrid method in the analysis of skin features and is therefore expected to lead development of non‐invasive and low‐cost instrument for early detection of skin changes.
HLA‐DRB1 associations in individuals with single and multiple clinically relevant red blood cell antibodies
Authors: Schonewille Henk , Doxiadis Ilias I.N. , Levering Wilfried H.B.M. , Roelen Dave L. , Claas Frans H.J. , Brand Anneke 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundA minority of red blood cell (RBC) alloantigen–exposed persons form antibodies. Responders are at high risk of developing additional antibodies upon subsequent transfusions. Several studies showed an association between particular HLA‐DRB1 phenotypes and the development of specific RBC antibodies. This study evaluates the presence of HLA‐DRB1 antigens in individuals with single or multiple RBC antibody specificities to explore whether the response against RBC antigens is associated with a summation of particular HLA‐DRB1 susceptibility antigens.Study Design and MethodsFrequencies of HLA‐DRB1 alleles in individuals with antibodies against clinically relevant antigens were compared to a large population cohort to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for alloimmunization to different RBC antigens.ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 941 individuals (female‐to‐male ratio, 3.8) possessing 1462 antibody specificities elicited by transfusion, pregnancy, transplantation, or a combination of these. Besides confirmation of known associations, new associations were identified for anti‐E with DRB1*09 and for anti‐S with DRB1*07 (ORs, 3.7 and 8.7, respectively). Multiple antibody formation was in a minority of cases associated with the presence of multiple DRB1 susceptibility genes. In multiple responders DRB1*15 was present in almost 40% of cases compared to approximately 25% in single‐antibody responders and in the control population.ConclusionThis study suggests that HLA‐DRB1 restriction plays an important role for a first RBC antibody response but multiple antibody formation seems less dependent on the presence of particular HLA restriction genes, while HLA‐DRB1*15 may represent a susceptibility phenotype enhancing formation of multiple RBC antibody specificities.
Evaluating the Performance of a Novel Embedded Closed-loop System
Authors: Leelarathna Lalantha , Thabit Hood , Allen Janet M. , Nodale Marianna , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Powell Kevin , Lane Stephen , Evans Mark L. , Hovorka Roman 
Published: March 2014

Objective: The objective was to assess the reliability of a novel automated closed-loop glucose control system developed within the AP@home consortium in adults with type 1 diabetes. Research Design & Methods: Eight adults with type 1 diabetes on insulin pump therapy (3 men; ages 40.5 ± 14.3 years; HbA1c 8.2 ± 0.8%) participated in an open-label, single-center, single-arm, 12-hour overnight study performed at the clinical research facility. A standardized evening meal (80 g CHO) accompanied by prandial insulin boluses were given at 19:00 followed by an optional snack of 15 g at 22:00 without insulin bolus. Automated closed-loop glucose control was started at 19:00 and continued until 07:00 the next day. Basal insulin delivery (Accu-Chek Spirit, Roche) was automatically adjusted by Cambridge model predictive control algorithm, running on a purpose-built embedded device, based on real-time continuous glucose monitor readings (Dexcom G4 Platinum). Results: Closed-loop system was operational as intended over 99% of the time. Overnight plasma glucose levels (22:00 to 07:00) were within the target range (3.9 to 8.0 mmol/l) for 75.4% (37.5, 92.9) of the time without any time spent in hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/l). Mean overnight glucose was 7.8 ± 1.3 mmol/l. For the entire 12-hour closed-loop period (19:00 until 07:00) plasma glucose levels were within the target range (3.9 to 10.0 mmol/l) for 84.4% (63.3, 100) of time. There were no adverse events noted during the trial. Conclusions: We observed a high degree of reliability of the automated closed-loop system. The time spent in target glucose level overnight was comparable to results of previously published studies. Further developments to miniaturize the system for home studies are warranted.
Oxidation contributes to low glutathione in the airways of children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kettle Anthony J. , Turner Rufus , Gangell Catherine L. , Harwood D. Timothy , Khalilova Irada S. , Chapman Anna L. , Winterbourn Christine C. , Sly Peter D. 
Published: March 2014

Glutathione is an important antioxidant in the lungs but its concentration is low in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis. Whether this deficit occurs from an early age or how oxidative stress contributes to lowering glutathione is unknown.We measured glutathione, its oxidation products, myeloperoxidase, and biomarkers of hypochlorous acid in bronchoalveolar lavage from children with cystic fibrosis and disease controls using mass spectrometry and immunological techniques.The concentration of glutathione was lower in bronchoalveolar lavage from children with cystic fibrosis, whereas glutathione sulfonamide, a specific oxidation product of hypochlorous acid, was higher. Oxidised glutathione and glutathione sulfonamide correlated with myeloperoxidase and a biomarker of hypochlorous acid. The percentage of glutathione attached to proteins was higher in children with cystic fibrosis than controls. Pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis resulted in lower levels of glutathione but higher levels of oxidised glutathione and glutathione sulfonamide in bronchoalveolar lavage.The concentration of glutathione is low in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis from an early age. Increased oxidation of glutathione by hypochlorous acid and its attachment to proteins contribute to this deficiency. Therapies targeted against myeloperoxidase may boost antioxidant defence and slow the onset and progression of lung disease in cystic fibrosis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Up-regulated miR-199a-5p in gastric cancer functions as an oncogene and targets klotho
Authors: He Xu-Jun , Ma Ying-Yu , Yu Sheng , Jiang Xiao-Ting , Lu Yi-Ding , Tao Liang , Wang Hua-Ping , Hu Zhi-Ming , Tao Hou-Quan 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Background
Recent studies have shown that miR-199a-5p plays opposite roles in cancer initiation and progression of different cancer types, acting as oncogene for some cancer types but as tumor suppressor gene for others. However, the role and molecular mechanism of miR-199a-5p in gastric cancer are largely unknown.

Methods
In this study, miR-199a-5p expression level in gastric cancer was first analyzed by qPCRand then validated in 103 gastric cancer patients by in situ hybridization (ISH). Gastric cancer cell lines were transfected with miR-199a-5p inhibitor and mimic, and underwent in vitro transwell assays. Target genes (klotho) were identified using Luciferase reporter assay. Immunohistochemical staining was also used to investigate on how miR-199a-5p regulates the tumour-suppressive effects of klotho in gastric cancer.

Results
In our present study, we found that miR-199a-5p level was significantly increased in gastric cancer tissues compared to paired normal tissues. We observed that miR-199a-5p could promote migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. In situ hybridization of miR-199a-5p also confirmed that higher miR-199a-5p expression level was associated with increased likelihood of lymph node metastasis and later TNM stage. Luciferase reporter assay and immunohistochemistry revealed that klotho might be the downstream target of miR-199a-5p.

Conclusions
Our present study suggests that miR-199a-5p acts as an oncogene in gastric cancer and functions by targeting klotho.
Improving protein function prediction using domain and protein complexes in PPI networks
Authors: Peng Wei , Wang Jianxin , Cai Juan , Chen Lu , Li Min , Wu Fang-Xiang 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Characterization of unknown proteins through computational approaches is one of the most challenging problems in silico biology, which has attracted world-wide interests and great efforts. There have been some computational methods proposed to address this problem, which are either based on homology mapping or in the context of protein interaction networks.

Results
In this paper, two algorithms are proposed by integrating the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, proteins’ domain information and protein complexes. The one is domain combination similarity (DCS), which combines the domain compositions of both proteins and their neighbors. The other is domain combination similarity in context of protein complexes (DSCP), which extends the protein functional similarity definition of DCS by combining the domain compositions of both proteins and the complexes including them. The new algorithms are tested on networks of the model species of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to predict functions of unknown proteins using cross validations. Comparing with other several existing algorithms, the results have demonstrated the effectiveness of our proposed methods in protein function prediction. Furthermore, the algorithm DSCP using experimental determined complex data is robust when a large percentage of the proteins in the network is unknown, and it outperforms DCS and other several existing algorithms.

Conclusions
The accuracy of predicting protein function can be improved by integrating the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, proteins’ domain information and protein complexes.
Positive effects of a novel non-peptidyl low molecular weight radical scavenger in renal ischemia/reperfusion: a preliminary report
Authors: Bassi Roberto , Vergani Andrea , D’Addio Francesca , Nasr Moufida Ben , Mocci Alessio , Rastaldi Maria Pia , Ichimura Takaharu , Bonventre Joseph Vincent , Fiorina Paolo 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is one of the most common causes of acute kidney injury. Reactive oxygen species have been recognized to be an important contributor to the pathogenesis of I/R injury. We hypothesize that a non-peptidyl low molecular weight radical scavenger (IAC) therapy may counteract this factor, ultimately providing some protection after acute phase renal I/R injury. The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the ability of IAC to reduce acute kidney injury in C57BL/6 mice after 30-minute of bilateral ischemia followed by reperfusion. The rise in serum creatinine level was higher in C57BL/6 control mice after I/R when compared to IAC (1 mg)-treated mice. Control mice showed greater body weight loss compared to IAC-treated mice, and at pathology, reduced signs of tubular necrosis were also evident in IAC-treated mice. These preliminary evidences lay the basis for more comprehensive studies on the positive effects of IAC as a complementary therapeutic approach for acute phase renal I/R injury.
Academic Bachelor and Bachelor of Applied Arts/Sciences in the System of Higher Education
Authors: Ананьева Татьяна , Ananeva Tatyana , Илюхина Галина , Ilyukhina Galina 
Published: March 2014

The article considers the changes in the higher education setting which are designed to improve the efficiency
and quality of undergraduate students’ expertise against the background of a comprehensive transition
toward effecting contracting and the introduction of ‘academic’ and application-oriented bachelor degrees.
The authors also provide the structure and content of the bachelor-degree Federal state educational
standards of higher professional education.
Academic Mobility of Russian HE students (Case study: Russian State University of Tourism and Service)
Authors: Варламова Анна , Varlamova Anna 
Published: March 2014

With the process of European Integration of Higher education under way and the Russian Federation
building up social, political, economic and cultural relations with its European partners, the development
of intraurban, domestic and international academic mobility of Russian HE student is gaining momentum,
attracting increasing numbers of HE institutions.
The article analyses student academic mobility, focusing on the concepts of ‘mobility’ and ‘academic
mobility’ as well as the students’ stance on academic mobility and the state policy in regard to the
phenomenon. The author researches the dynamics of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service student participation in mobility schemes and presents the data collected in the course of a theme pilot testing
surveying undergraduate and post-graduate students of the targeted university.
On Introducing Competence-Building-Based Approach in Education
Authors: Дмитриева Нина , Dmitrieva Nina 
Published: March 2014

The article analyses the issues of modern professional education and reveals the basic differences between
academic education and holistic education, referred to as ‘competence-building’. The article touches upon
the Bologna Process and its implications in terms of student, faculty and educational advisor adaptation.
The author dwells upon the principal competence constituents, and the optimization opportunities that the
competence building approach offers for effective personnel management. Finally, the article substantiates
that business training proves to be a highly efficient instrument of compensating for the shortcomings of
modern professional education.
Rural Youth: Vocational Education and Employment
Authors: Калинюк  , Kalinyuk Yu. , Пальянов  , Palyanov M. , Балахнина  , Balakhnina S. 
Published: March 2014

Issues of vocational education for rural youth are discussed. The urgency of organizing vocational training in rural areas is accented in the context for
further employment prospects for the rural youth.
Notch Fracture Toughness Evaluation for a Brittle Graphite Material
Authors: Torabi A. R. , Berto F. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
First, several disc-type test samples weakened by a central bean-shaped slit with two U-shaped ends, called U-notched Brazilian disc (UNBD) specimens, made of commercial graphite, were prepared. Four notch tip radii were considered in the tests. Then, a monotonic compressive load was diametrally applied to each sample along the slit, resulting in pure mode I loading. After sudden fracture, the fracture loads were recorded and converted into the corresponding values of the notch fracture toughness (NFT) KIρ,c. The main advantage of the UNBD specimen is that the NTF test can be easily conducted without using complicated fixtures. The well-established brittle fracture model, namely the strain energy density (SED) over a specified control volume, which embraces the notch edge, was employed to estimate the fracture loads theoretically. A good agreement was found between experimental and theoretical results. Under Mode I loading, the SED and the NFT are linked by a simple relationship providing a powerful tool for the fracture assessment of different specimens and structural components weakened by notches.
Efficacy of Enamel Matrix Derivative With Freeze‐Dried Bone Allograft or Demineralized Freeze‐Dried Bone Allograft in Intrabony Defects: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Ogihara Shigeki , Tarnow Dennis P. 
Published: March 2014

Background: Promising clinical outcomes have been reported with the combination of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and allograft materials. Direct comparison between EMD with a freeze‐dried bone allograft (FDBA) and a demineralized FDBA (DFDBA) was evaluated in one case series study. To date, no randomized controlled trial has been reported. Therefore, a well‐controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine the relative efficacy of EMD/FDBA versus EMD/DFDBA when managing intrabony defects.Methods: A randomized parallel trial was conducted in a private practice from April 2004 to October 2011. Sixty‐nine patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: EMD/FDBA (EF) intervention group (n = 23), EMD/DFDBA (ED) intervention group (n = 23), and EMD alone without graft material (E) as a negative control group (n = 23). All of the grafting material had minocycline added. Each patient had an intrabony defect. The primary outcomes were the absolute change in probing depth (PD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain from baseline to 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐up. Intrabony defects were surgically treated with EMD/FDBA, EMD/DFDBA, or EMD alone.Results: Sixty‐seven patients (EF, n = 21: ED, n = 23; E, n = 23) were analyzed. All groups demonstrated significant improvement in PD reduction and CAL gain from baseline. The changes for PD were as follows (mm, 95% confidence interval [CI]): at 1 year: EF (4.4 mm, 4.0 to 4.7), ED (3.7 mm, 3.4 to 4.0), and E (control) (3.3 mm, 3.0 to 3.6); at 3 years: EF (4.4 mm, 4.1 to 4.8), ED (3.7 mm, 3.4 to 4.0), and E (3.1 mm, 2.8 to 3.4). The changes for CAL were as follows (mm, 95% CI): at 1 year: EF (4.1 mm, 3.8 to 4.5), ED (3.5 mm, 3.0 to 4.0), and E (3.0 mm, 2.5 to 3.6); at 3 years: EF (4.2 mm, 3.7 to 4.7), ED (3.6 mm, 3.1 to 4.1), and E (3.0 mm, 2.5 to 3.5). The intervention groups (EF and ED) showed better treatment outcomes than the control group at 1 and 3 years. Statistically, the two bone‐graft groups were not significantly different from each other at 1 and 3 years.Conclusions: Both EMD/FDBA and EMD/DFDBA interventions resulted in greater soft tissue improvement at 1 and 3 years of follow‐up compared to EMD alone. Both graft materials worked well in managing deep intrabony defects when combined with EMD.
Dust aerosol index (DAI) algorithm for MODIS
Authors: Ciren Pubu , Kondragunta Shobha 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA dust aerosol index (DAI) algorithm based on measurements in deep blue (412 nm), blue (440 nm), and shortwave IR (2130 nm) wavelengths using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations has been developed. Contrary to some dust detection algorithms that use measurements at thermal IR bands, this algorithm takes advantage of the spectral dependence of Rayleigh scattering, surface reflectance, and dust absorption to detect airborne dust. The DAI images generated by this algorithm agree qualitatively with the location and extent of dust observed in MODIS true color images. Quantitatively, the dust index generated for hundreds of dust outbreaks observed between 2006 and 2013 were compared to Cloud Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) Vertical Feature Mask (VFM) product and the detections are found to be accurate at 70% over land and 82% over ocean. The Probability of Correct Detection (POCD) is 80% over land and 76% over ocean. The dust detections with DAI‐based dust identification algorithm were also compared to 5 years of Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) observations for 13 stations with a wide range of geographical coverage. The average detection accuracy is ~70%, whereas the POCD is ~67%. The performance of DAI‐based dust detection against AERONET is slightly weaker than that against CALIOP VFM because of the limited number of matchups for some stations. For stations close to source region or coastal and island stations, the accuracy and POCD can be as high as ~85% and ~89%, respectively.