bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonochemical Development of Magnetic Nanoporous Therapeutic Systems as Carriers for 5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Tomoiaga Alina Maria , Ochiuz Lacramioara , Vasile Aurelia 
Published: March 2014

Therapeutic nanosystems based on magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles are successfully obtained by a facile, reproducible and time-saving sonochemical method. Hydrophilic citrate-capped magnetite nanoparticles of about 20 nm are firstly prepared by ultrasound-assisted chemical precipitation. Secondly, freshly-dried magnetite nanoparticles are coated with mesoporous silica shell by sonochemically-modified Ströber method. The applied procedure provides easily-separable, stable core-shell nanoparticles consisting of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 cores and mesoporous silica shell. SEM micrographs showed that core-shell nanoparticles are smaller than 400 nm, a prerequisite for biomedical applications by intravenous administrations. Further, these sonochemically prepared magnetic nanoparticles are employed as biocompatible matrices to host and deliver 5-fluorouracil, a highly-toxic low-molecular antimetabolite chemotherapeutic drug. For this, drug molecules are confined into unmodified and amino-modified mesopores of the silica shell by adsorption from alcoholic solutions. A detailed study was performed using XRD, N2-sorption measurements, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy with the primary goal of investigating possible structural, textural and morphological modifications aroused after pore-functionalization and drug nanoconfinement. Magnetic behavior of prepared therapeutic nanosystems is visualized using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Finally, the release profile of 5-fluorouracil from the unmodified and amino-modified nanoparticulate magnetic matrices in PBS solution (pH 7.4) is followed by means of liquid chromatographic measurements. The HPLC method used for determination of 5-fluoruracil in releasing media was fully validated in house, in terms of specificity, linearity, precision, LOD and LOQ establishment.
(Non)linear instability of periodic traveling waves: Klein–Gordon and KdV type equations
Authors: Angulo Pava Jaime , Natali Fabio 
Published: March 2014

Abstract.
We prove the existence and nonlinear instability of periodic traveling wave solutions for the critical one-dimensional Klein–Gordon equation. We also establish a linear instability criterium for a KdV type system. An application of this approach is made to obtain the linear/nonlinear instability of vector cnoidal wave profiles. Finally, via a theoretical and numerical approach we show the linear stability or instability of periodic positive and sign changing waves, respectively, for the critical Korteweg–de Vries equation.
Nonautonomous Klein–Gordon–Maxwell systems in a bounded domain
Authors: d'Avenia Pietro , Pisani Lorenzo , Siciliano Gaetano 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This paper deals with the Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system in a bounded spatial domain with a nonuniform coupling. We discuss the existence of standing waves in equilibrium with a purely electrostatic field, assuming homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions on the matter field and nonhomogeneous Neumann boundary conditions on the electric potential. Under suitable conditions we prove existence and nonexistence results. Since the system is variational, we use Ljusternik–Schnirelmann theory.
Growth and survival of lung cancer cells: regulation by kallikrein-related peptidase 6 via activation of proteinase-activated receptor 2 and the epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Michel Noémie , Heuzé-Vourc’h Nathalie , Lavergne Elise , Parent Christelle , Jourdan Marie-Lise , Vallet Amandine , Iochmann Sophie , Musso Orlando , Reverdiau Pascale , Courty Yves 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The dysregulated expression of kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) is involved in non-small cancer (NSCLC) cell growth. However, the mechanism that sustains KLK6 signaling remains unknown. We used an isogenic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell model system to demonstrate that KLK6 promotes the proliferation of lung tumoral cells and restrains their apoptosis in vitro via ligand-dependent EGFR transactivation. KLK6 activated the ERK and Akt pathways and triggered the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. The stimulating effects of KLK6 required its proteolytic activity and were dependent on the protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2). These observations support the concept of a role for KLK6 in the oncogenesis of NSCLC.
Is change in health behavior of Dutch medical students related to change in their ideas on how a physician’s lifestyle influences their patient’s lifestyle?
Authors: Ketelaar Sarah M. , Frings-Dresen Monique H.W. , Sluiter Judith K. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Background: A change of medical students’ health behavior over time may be related to a change in their opinion regarding the relationship between physicians’ own health behavior and effective healthy lifestyle counseling in patients.
Objective: To investigate Dutch medical students’ (1) change of health behavior over time, (2) change of opinion over time regarding the relationship between a physician’s own health behavior and effective healthy lifestyle counseling in patients, and (3) the relationship between these aspects.
Method: All medical students from two Dutch medical schools were invited to fill out an online questionnaire in 2010. Respondents of 2010 were invited for 2011. Health behavior was assessed with five aspects: drinking behavior, smoking, eating habits, sleeping behavior, and sexual behavior. Their opinion regarding the relationship between their own health behavior and effective healthy lifestyle counseling in patients was assessed with one statement.
Results: At baseline, 2016 medical students (41%) participated, and at 1 year follow-up 1078 medical students (53%) participated. Fourteen percent adopted healthier behavior over time, and 12% adopted unhealthier behavior. Twelve percent positively changed their opinion, and 13% negatively changed their opinion. Participants who adopted unhealthier behavior were more inclined to also have negatively changed their opinion than participants who adopted healthier behavior (statistically nonsignificant difference, p=0.38).
Conclusions: No significant relationship was found between a change in health behavior of Dutch medical students and a change of their opinion regarding the relationship between physicians’ own healthy lifestyle and their ability to effectively influence patients to adhere to a healthy lifestyle.
ICTAC nomenclature of thermal analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 2014)
Authors: Lever Trevor , Haines Peter , Rouquerol Jean , Charsley Edward L. , Van Eckeren Paul , Burlett Donald J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe widespread use of thermal analysis (TA) by scientists as a laboratory technique carries with it a working vocabulary. This document is intended to provide those working in the field with a consistent set of definitions to permit clear and precise communication as well as understanding. Included in the document are the definitions of 13 techniques, 54 terms within the glossary, as well as symbols and units.
Natural compounds as light stabilizer for a starch-based biodegradable polymer
Authors: Dintcheva NadkaTz. , La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Arrigo Rossella 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The photooxidation behavior of a commercial starch-based biodegradable polymer, i.e., new generation Mater-Bi, loaded with natural stabilizers was investigated in consideration for outdoor agricultural applications. The photooxidation behavior of the biodegradable films was monitored mainly by mechanical tests and spectroscopic analysis. In order to formulate biodegradable films without any synthetic compounds, suitable for outdoor applications and with good photooxidation stability, antioxidants such as α-tocopherol and quercetin (Q) were considered. The results obtained using natural compounds were compared with those obtained by using a synthetic antioxidant and a light stabilizer. Among the investigated natural compounds, the flavonoid compound seemed to work better than the antioxidant and the improvement in the photooxidation behavior of the biodegradable film was very similar to that obtained using the synthetic light stabilizer. A flavonoid compound can be considered as an outstanding natural stabilizer to replace synthetic light stabilizers in the formulation of 100% natural compounds based films, suitable for outdoor applications.
New unsymmetrical digycolamide ligands for
trivalent actinide separation
Authors: Ravi Jammu , Venkatesan K. A. , Antony M. P. , Srinivasan T. G. , Vasudeva Rao P. R. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
New unsymmetrical diglycolamides (UDGAs), N, N-di-butyl-N′, N′-di-dodecyl-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamide
(C12-C4), N, N-di-dodecyl-N′, N′-di-hexyl-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamide (C12-C6),
N, N-di-decyl-N′, N′-di-dodecyl-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamide (C12-C10) have been synthesized, and evaluated for
the separation of americium(III) and europium(III) from nitric acid medium. The extraction behavior of Am(III), Eu(III), and Sr(II) in
a solution of these UDGAs in n-dodecane was studied as a function of concentration of nitric acid in the aqueous phase. The
distribution ratio of Am(III) and Eu(III) increased with increase in the concentration of nitric acid. The third phase formation
behavior of nitric acid and neodymium(III) in 0.1 M UDGA/n-dodecane was studied. The third phase formation was not
observed in all these UDGAs in n-dodecane (0.1 M), when the concentration of Nd(III) was ∼ 500 mM in
3–4 M nitric acid. The stoichiometry of Am(III)-UDGA was determined from the slope analysis of the extraction data, which
indicated the formation of 1:3 complex in all cases. Our studies revealed that the UDGA ligands with dodecyl group attached to one
amidic nitrogen atom is inevitable for preventing third phase formation and the alkyl group at the other amidic nitrogen can be varied
from butyl to decyl group for obtaining efficient extraction of trivalent actinides from high-level nuclear waste.
Office Hours: How (Critical) Norm Research Can Regain Its Voice
Authors: Engelkamp Stephan , Glaab Katharina , Renner Judith 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSocial Science research cannot be neutral. It always involves, so the argument of this article, the (re)production of social reality and thus has to be conceived as political practice. From this perspective, the present article looks into constructivist norm research. In the first part, we argue that constructivist norm research is political insofar as it tends to reproduce Western values that strengthen specific hegemonic discursive structures. However, this particular political position is hardly reflected on in norm research. Hence, it is our goal in the second part of the article to outline research strategies potentially useful in reflective and critical norm research. We propose a critical research program based upon three central methodological steps that are inspired by post-structuralism: first, the questioning of global hegemonic values; second, the reconstruction of marginalized knowledge; and third, the explicit reflection of one’s own research perspective.
Racial and Ethnic Differences Associated With Feeding- and Activity-Related Behaviors in Infants
Authors: Perrin Eliana M. , Rothman Russell L. , Sanders Lee M. , Skinner Asheley C. , Eden Svetlana K. , Shintani Ayumi , Throop Elizabeth M. , Yin H. Shonna 
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE:To examine parental reports of feeding and activity behaviors in a cohort of parents of 2-month-olds and how they differ by race/ethnicity.METHODS:Parents participating in Greenlight, a cluster, randomized trial of obesity prevention at 4 health centers, were queried at enrollment about feeding and activity behaviors thought to increase obesity risk. Unadjusted associations between race/ethnicity and the outcomes of interest were performed by using Pearson χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Adjusted analyses were performed by using proportional odds logistic regressions.RESULTS:Eight hundred sixty-three parents (50% Hispanic, 27% black, 18% white; 86% Medicaid) were enrolled. Exclusive formula feeding was more than twice as common (45%) as exclusive breastfeeding (19%); 12% had already introduced solid food; 43% put infants to bed with bottles; 23% propped bottles; 20% always fed when the infant cried; 38% always tried to get children to finish milk; 90% were exposed to television (mean, 346 minutes/day); 50% reported active television watching (mean, 25 minutes/day); and 66% did not meet “tummy time” recommendations. Compared with white parents, black parents were more likely to put children to bed with a bottle (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.97, P &lt; .004; bottle propping, aOR = 3.1, P &lt; .001), and report more television watching (aOR = 1.6, P = .034). Hispanic parents were more likely than white parents to encourage children to finish feeding (aOR = 1.9, P = .007), bottle propping (aOR = 2.5, P = .009), and report less tummy time (aOR = 0.6, P = .037).CONCLUSIONS:Behaviors thought to relate to later obesity were highly prevalent in this large, diverse sample and varied by race/ethnicity, suggesting the importance of early and culturally-adapted interventions.
Common and Costly Hospitalizations for Pediatric Mental Health Disorders
Authors: Bardach Naomi S. , Coker Tumaini R. , Zima Bonnie T. , Murphy J. Michael , Knapp Penelope , Richardson Laura P. , Edwall Glenace , Mangione-Smith Rita 
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Inpatient pediatric mental health is a priority topic for national quality measurement and improvement, but nationally representative data on the patients admitted or their diagnoses are lacking. Our objectives were: to describe pediatric mental health hospitalizations at general medical facilities admitting children nationally; to assess which pediatric mental health diagnoses are frequent and costly at these hospitals; and to examine whether the most frequent diagnoses are similar to those at free-standing children’s hospitals.

METHODS:
We examined all discharges in 2009 for patients aged 3 to 20 years in the nationally representative Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) and in the Pediatric Health Information System (free-standing children’s hospitals). Main outcomes were frequency of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification–defined mental health diagnostic groupings (primary and nonprimary diagnosis) and, using KID, resource utilization (defined by diagnostic grouping aggregate annual charges).

RESULTS:
Nearly 10% of pediatric hospitalizations nationally were for a primary mental health diagnosis, compared with 3% of hospitalizations at free-standing children’s hospitals. Predictors of hospitalizations for a primary mental health problem were older age, male gender, white race, and insurance type. Nationally, the most frequent and costly primary mental health diagnoses were depression (44.1% of all mental health admissions; $1.33 billion), bipolar disorder (18.1%; $702 million), and psychosis (12.1%; $540 million).

CONCLUSIONS:
We identified the child mental health inpatient diagnoses with the highest frequency and highest costs as depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis, with substance abuse an important comorbid diagnosis. These diagnoses can be used as priority conditions for pediatric mental health inpatient quality measurement.
Attention Deficit Disorder, Stimulant Use, and Childhood Body Mass Index Trajectory
Authors: Schwartz Brian S. , Bailey-Davis Lisa , Bandeen-Roche Karen , Pollak Jonathan , Hirsch Annemarie G. , Nau Claudia , Liu Ann Y. , Glass Thomas A. 
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND:
Childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with childhood and adult obesity, and stimulant use with delayed childhood growth, but the independent influences are unclear. No longitudinal studies have examined associations of ADHD diagnosis and stimulant use on BMI trajectories throughout childhood and adolescence.

METHODS:
We used longitudinal electronic health record data from the Geisinger Health System on 163 820 children ages 3 to 18 years in Pennsylvania. Random effects linear regression models were used to model BMI trajectories with increasing age in relation to ADHD diagnosis, age at first stimulant use, and stimulant use duration, while controlling for confounding variables.

RESULTS:
Mean (SD) age at first BMI was 8.9 (5.0) years, and children provided a mean (SD) of 3.2 (2.4) annual BMI measurements. On average, BMI trajectories showed a curvilinear relation with age. There were consistent associations of unmedicated ADHD with higher BMIs during childhood compared with those without ADHD or stimulants. Younger age at first stimulant use and longer duration of stimulant use were each associated with slower BMI growth earlier in childhood but a more rapid rebound to higher BMIs in late adolescence.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study provides the first longitudinal evidence that ADHD during childhood not treated with stimulants was associated with higher childhood BMIs. In contrast, ADHD treated with stimulants was associated with slower early BMI growth but a rebound later in adolescence to levels above children without a history of ADHD or stimulant use. The findings have important clinical and neurobiological implications.
PDA Ligation and Health Outcomes: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Weisz Dany E. , More Kiran , McNamara Patrick J. , Shah Prakesh S. 
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation has been variably associated with neonatal morbidities and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). The objective was to systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of PDA ligation in preterm infants at &lt;32 weeks’ gestation on the risk of mortality, severe neonatal morbidities, and NDI in early childhood.METHODS:Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and the Dissertation database were searched (1947 through August 2013). Risk of bias was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analyses were performed by using a random-effects model. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled when appropriate.RESULTS:Thirty-nine cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled trial were included. Nearly all cohort studies had at least moderate risk of bias mainly due to failure to adjust for survival bias and important postnatal preligation confounders such as ventilator dependence, intraventricular hemorrhage, and sepsis. Compared with medical treatment, surgical ligation was associated with increases in NDI (aOR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.01–2.33), chronic lung disease (aOR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.98–3.18), and severe retinopathy of prematurity (aOR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.62–3.08) but with a reduction in mortality (aOR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.38–0.77). There was no difference in the composite outcome of death or NDI in early childhood (aOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.58–1.57).CONCLUSIONS:Surgical ligation of PDA is associated with reduced mortality, but surviving infants are at increased risk of NDI. However, there is a lack of studies addressing survival bias and confounding by indication.
The Role of Children with Congenital Anomalies in Generating Parental Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Sundus Ayesha , Siddique Osama , Ibrahim Mohammad Faisal , Aziz Sina , Khan J. A. 
Published: March 2014

Background: Many expectant parents wish to have a normal child. Unfortunately this does not always happen and some of them may have a child with birth defects leading to detrimental psychological effects on the parents. One of the common presentations generally observed is depression. The presence of depressive symptoms amongst such parents needs to be recorded to find out its prevalence. The results of such finding can help shape future programs for the prevention and treatment in this population group. This study will therefore explore the extent of depressive symptoms amongst parents of children with congenital anomalies. Methods: A case control study design was chosen. Ethical Review Board gave approval for the study on December 31, 2010, and the collection of data was started on January 5, 2011. Two randomly chosen samples of 132 parents each were collected from National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Ida Rieu, and Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) over 8 months. First group consisted of parents of children with congenital anomalies and the second group was chosen as the control group from general population. Zung scale was used to record the presence of depressive symptoms in these two populations. Mann-Whitney test was performed to compare the depression scores. Results: The scale was completed by 132 parents in both sets. The parents of children with congenital anomalies showed greater (p < 0.0001) depressive symptoms. Mothers displayed greater (p = 0.029) depressive symptoms than fathers. Conclusion: The parents of children with anomalies (60.6%) had more depressive symptoms than parents of normal children (27.3%).
Improving the Doctor-Patient Relationship in China: The Role of Balint Groups
Authors: Jing Wei , Otten Heide , Sullivan Leonie , Lovell-Simons Laurie , Granek-Catarivas Martine , Fritzsche Kurt 
Published: March 2014

Objective: Doctor-patient relationships in China have been deteriorating for the past 10 years. Many Chinese doctors are involved in tense and conflictual doctor-patient relationships. Most patients do not trust doctors or other medical staff and physical attacks on these professionals have become a common event. The Balint group offers a better understanding of the doctor-patient relationship in a safe environment and relieves the doctors from the daily stress. Method: This article (1) describes the specifics of Balint work in China, (2) reports experiences from the first International Balint Conference in China, and (3) compares these experiences with the doctor-patient relationship described by Michael and Enid Balint in the 1950s. Results: Chinese doctors have a great need to communicate, to share their own feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, frustration, and anger. The Balint method is highly appreciated in China. All participants experienced the 2½-day meeting as very helpful. Also, in China, Balint work as relationship work in the analytical group process fosters the ability for introspection alongside openness, unconscious processes, “thinking outside the box,” “courage of one's own stupidity,” and “beginner's spirit,” thus promoting the individuation, the “small but significant change in the personality of the doctor.” Conclusions: Perhaps Balint work in China is a contribution to the integration of traditional Chinese virtues: benevolence, tolerance, magnanimity, and prudence with modern medicine. Balint work could be an alternative to the outcome-oriented pressure to perform and to the machine paradigm of biomedicine.
Controlled release of amoxicillin from bacterial cellulose membranes
Authors: Pavaloiu Ramona-Daniela , Stoica Anicuta , Stroescu Marta , Dobre Tanase 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBacterial cellulose (BC), a natural polymer with unique physical and mechanical properties, has several applications in the biomedical field, including drug loading and controlled drug delivery. For this study, a Box-Behnken experimental design was employed as a statistical tool to optimize the release of a model drug, amoxicillin, from BC membranes. Independent variables studied were the concentration of the drug (X1), the concentration of glycerol (X2) and the concentration of a permeation enhancer (X3). From the variables studied, drug concentration had the highest effect on drug release. Among the other independent variables, th linear and quadratic X2 terms, the linear X3 term and the interaction term X2X3 were found to affect the release of amoxicillin from bacterial cellulose membranes.