bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol lowering: role in cancer prevention and treatment
Authors: Murai Toshiyuki 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The accumulation of cholesterol is a general feature of cancer tissue, and recent evidence suggests that cholesterol plays critical roles in the progression of cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. The dysregulation of metabolic pathways, including those involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, is implicated in tumor development and cancer progression. Lipid rafts are highly dynamic cholesterol-enriched domains of the cell membrane, involved in various cellular functions, including the regulation of transmembrane signaling at the cell surface. It was recently demonstrated that lipid rafts also play critical roles in cancer cell adhesion and migration. This review focuses on our current understanding of how cholesterol regulation, lipid rafts, and dysregulated cholesterol biosynthesis contribute to cancer development and progression, and the therapeutic potential of cholesterol lowering for cancer prevention and treatment.
Characteristics of Medically Hospitalized Pediatric Patients With Somatoform Diagnoses
Authors: Bujoreanu Simona , Randall Edin , Thomson Katharine , Ibeziako Patricia 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:
To describe demographic, diagnostic, and psychosocial characteristics of medically admitted patients diagnosed with somatoform disorders.

Methods:
Retrospective chart reviews were performed for pediatric patients (ages 3–18 years) seen by the Psychiatry Consultation Service in 2010 and 2011 on inpatient medical/surgical units and diagnosed with somatoform disorders. Data included demographic information; patient medical history, physical symptom characteristics, and service utilization; psychiatric diagnoses, history, and comorbidities, patient temperament, and coping style; family characteristics; and academic and social characteristics.

Results:
Mean age for the 161 identified patients was 14.4 years. The majority of patients were female (75%) and white (73%). Chief physical symptoms were pain (58%) and neurologic symptoms (40%); 73% of patients had medical diagnoses, and 66% had a history of prior psychiatric treatment. The most common somatoform diagnoses, using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, were pain (50%) and conversion disorders (28%). Psychiatric comorbidities were predominantly mood and anxiety disorders (42% and 29%, respectively). Mean hospitalization length was 4.9 days, with 14% of patients readmitted with psychiatric reinvolvement during the study period. Patients had sensitive temperaments (80%) and internalizing coping styles (76%) and were described as “good children” (72%). School absences (55%), academic pressures (51%), and learning difficulties (36%) were reported.

Conclusions:
Clarifying the prevalence and nature of such characteristics can help pediatric providers improve patient care and minimize unnecessary medical interventions with early detection of risk for somatoform processes, provision of psychoeducation for patients and families, and early referral to mental health clinicians.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents Born Preterm
Authors: Sipola-Leppänen Marika , Vääräsmäki Marja , Tikanmäki Marjaana , Hovi Petteri , Miettola Satu , Ruokonen Aimo , Pouta Anneli , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Kajantie Eero 
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND:
Adolescents and adults born as small preterm infants show more pronounced risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Whether similar risks apply across all degrees of preterm birth is poorly known.

METHODS:
We studied the association between preterm birth and cardiovascular risk factors in 6642 16-year-old adolescents of the population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Of these, 79 (1.2%) were born at &lt;34 gestational weeks (early preterm), 238 (3.6%) at 34 to 36 weeks (late preterm), and 6325 at term (controls).

RESULTS:
Girls born early preterm had 6.7 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: 3.1–10.2) higher systolic blood pressure (BP) and 3.5 mm Hg (1.1–5.8) higher diastolic BP, but no difference in serum lipid levels compared with control girls. Boys showed no differences in BP, but boys born early preterm had 6.7% (0.2%–13.7%) higher total cholesterol, 11.7% (2.1%–22.3%) higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 12.3% (3.1%–22.4%) higher apolipoprotein B concentrations. The differences were similar (BP) or stronger (lipids) when adjusted for maternal smoking, birth weight SD score, parental education, pubertal stage, BMI, and lifestyle. There were similar associations with length of gestation as a continuous variable. Accordingly, mean differences between late preterm and controls were in the same direction but weaker, although most were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:
Preterm birth was associated with elevated BP in adolescent girls and an atherogenic lipid profile in boys. Because these associations were strongest among those born early preterm, our findings are consistent with a dose-response relationship between shorter length of gestation and cardiovascular risk factors.
Breastfeeding and Risk of Infections at 6 Years
Authors: Li Ruowei , Dee Deborah , Li Chuan-Ming , Hoffman Howard J. , Grummer-Strawn Laurence M. 
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND:
Previous studies have shown that breastfeeding is associated with reductions in the risk of common infections among infants; however, whether breastfeeding confers longer term protection is inconclusive.

METHODS:
We linked data from the 2005–2007 IFPS II (Infant Feeding Practices Study II) and follow-up data collected when the children were 6 years old. Multivariable logistic regression was used, controlling for sociodemographic variables, to examine associations of initiation, duration, exclusivity of breastfeeding, timing of supplementing breastfeeding with formula, and breast milk intensity (proportion of milk feedings that were breast milk from age 0–6 months) with maternal reports of infection (cold/upper respiratory tract, ear, throat, sinus, pneumonia/lung, and urinary) and sick visits in the past year among 6-year-olds (N = 1281).

RESULTS:
The most common past-year infections were colds/upper respiratory tract (66%), ear (25%), and throat (24%) infections. No associations were found between breastfeeding and colds/upper respiratory tract, lung, or urinary tract infections. Prevalence of ear, throat, and sinus infections and number of sick visits differed according to breastfeeding duration, exclusivity, and timing of supplementing breastfeeding with formula (P &lt; .05). Among children ever breastfed, children breastfed for ≥9 months had lower odds of past-year ear (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.69 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.48–0.98]), throat (aOR: 0.68 [95% CI: 0.47–0.98]), and sinus (aOR: 0.47 [95% CI: 0.30–0.72]) infections compared with those breastfed &gt;0 to &lt;3 months. High breast milk intensity (&gt;66.6%) during the first 6 months was associated with lower odds of sinus infection compared with low breast milk intensity (&lt;33.3%) (aOR: 0.53 [95% CI: 0.35–0.79]).

CONCLUSIONS:
This prospective longitudinal study suggests that breastfeeding may protect against ear, throat, and sinus infections well beyond infancy.
Breastfeeding Duration Is Associated With Child Diet at 6 Years
Authors: Perrine Cria G. , Galuska Deborah A. , Thompson Frances E. , Scanlon Kelley S. 
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Breastfeeding has been associated with early infant food preferences, but less is known about how breastfeeding is associated with later child diet. The objective of this study was to assess whether any and exclusive breastfeeding duration are associated with child diet at 6 years.

METHODS:
We linked data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II and Year 6 Follow-Up. We used approximately monthly questionnaires throughout infancy to calculate any and exclusive breastfeeding duration (n = 1355). We calculated median daily frequency of intake of water, milk, 100% juice, fruits, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, and savory snacks at 6 years from a dietary screener and examined frequency of consumption of each food or beverage group by any and exclusive breastfeeding duration. We used separate multivariable logistic regression models to calculate odds of consuming more than the median daily frequency of intake of food or beverage items, adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS:
Intake of milk, sweets, and savory snacks at 6 years was not associated with any or exclusive breastfeeding duration in unadjusted analyses. Frequency of consumption of water, fruits, and vegetables was positively associated, and intake of sugar-sweetened beverages was inversely associated with any and exclusive breastfeeding duration in adjusted models; 100% juice consumption was inversely associated with exclusive breastfeeding duration only.

CONCLUSIONS:
Among many other health benefits, breastfeeding is associated with a number of healthier dietary behaviors at age 6. The association between breastfeeding and child diet may be an important factor to consider when examining associations between breastfeeding and child obesity and chronic diseases.
Solidarity and the Market in the Area of Insurance Schemes
Authors: Ondelj Ivona 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The text provides a detailed analysis of the significance and role of the principle of solidarity in compulsory and supplementary insurance schemes. The analysis is focused on solidarity as the benchmark when deciding on the applicability or non-applicability of the rules on effective competition on the market in the EU. The principle of solidarity is closely linked to the objectives of social policy, which demand special treatment in the intense market arena. The selected interpretations of the Court of Justice of the EU carry great importance, considering the discretion of Member States in the area of social policy. The text provides an elaboration and final remarks concerning the principle of solidarity which is able to shelter (more or less) the provision of insurance services in the EU.
Downregulation of KDR expression induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Ge Yin-Lin , Zhang Shu-Ping , Yan Ping , Tian Run-Hua 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAngiogenesis plays a crucial role in the growth, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) are the key regulators of tumor angiogenesis. VEGFR-2, known as the kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), is a key receptor involved in malignant angiogenesis. We previously showed that knocking down KDR with short interference RNA (KDR-siRNA) markedly decreased KDR expression and suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft model. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of KDR-siRNA are not clearly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that induce apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells after transfection with KDR-siRNA. We studied the effects of KDR-siRNA on proliferation, apoptosis, antiapoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins, mitochondrial membrane permeability, cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activity. The results indicated that KDR-siRNA treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells, reduced the levels of the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, and increased the level of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, resulting in a decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio. KDR-siRNA also enhanced the mitochondrial membrane permeability, induced cytochrome c release from the mitochondria, upregulated apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), cleaved caspase-3, and increased caspase-3 activity in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, KDR-siRNA-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells was blocked by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, suggesting a role of caspase activation in the induction of apoptosis. These results indicate that the Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase-related mitochondrial pathways are primarily involved in KDR-siRNAinduced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and that KDR might be a potential therapeutic target for human breast cancer treatments.
Adsorption, chemisorption, and catalysis
Authors: Králik Milan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA short history of the relationships among adsorption, chemisorption, and catalysis with solid catalysts is reviewed. A special focus is on the development of quality and descriptions accuracy using computers, both for the modeling of elementary physical phenomena and adsorption, as well as for the solution of more complex problems like quantum chemical approach to chemisorption, kinetics over solid catalysts, and reactor systems. Modern approaches to the characterization of solid catalysts from the adsorption-desorption data based mainly on n-layer adsorption and non-linear three parameter BET isotherm regarding the volume of micropores as one of the parameters are demonstrated. Instrumentation techniques like infrared spectroscopy or NMR techniques for the analysis of the strength of component chemisorption are mentioned. As for the kinetics, a vague capability of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson models to describe a reaction system in more complicated cases, e.g. bimolecular surface reactions, is discussed. In this context, the simplest model with a minimum number of parameters is advised. To estimate the most realistic values, intrinsic reaction kinetic and mass transport phenomena are taken into account. Usefulness of quantum mechanistic models for better understanding of the catalytic phenomena and more efficient design of catalysts are outlined.
Hydroxyapatite growth on cotton fibers modified chemically
Authors: Varela Caselis J. , Reyes Cervantes E. , Landeta Cortés G. , Agustín Serrano R. , Rubio Rosas E. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
We have prepared carboxymethyl cellulose fibers (CMC) by chemically modifying cotton cellulose with monochloroacetic acid and calcium chloride solution. This modification favored the growth of hydroxyapatite (HAP) on the surface of the CMC fibers in contact with simulated body fluid solutions (SBF). After soaking in SBF for periods of 7, 14 and 21 days, formation of HAP was observed. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that crystallinity, crystallite size, and growth of HAP increased with the soaking time. The amount of HAP deposited on CMC fibers increased greatly after 21 days of immersion in the SBF, while the substrate surface was totally covered with hemispherical aggregates with the size of the order of 2 microns. Elemental analysis showed the presence of calcium and phosphate, with calcium/phosphate atomic ratio of 1.54. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy bands confirmed the presence of HAP. The results suggest that cotton modified by calcium treatment has a nucleating ability and can accelerate the nucleation of HAP crystals.
Effect of substrate temperature and precursor ratio on properties of thin ZnS films sprayed by improved method
Authors: Zaware Rangnath , Wagh Bhiva 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Zinc sulphide (ZnS) thin films were prepared by improved spray pyrolysis (ISP) method. The ISP parameters, such as carrier gas flow rate, solution flow rate and substrate temperature, were controlled with an accuracy of ±0.25 lpm, ±1 ml/h and ±1 °C, respectively. The solution was sprayed in a pulsed mode. The substrate temperature was optimized by analyzing substrate temperature dependent properties of thin films. The thin film deposited at a temperature of 450 °C was dense and fairly smooth with satisfactory crystallinity and very small impurity content. The effect of precursor ratio in the solution on structural, compositional and optical properties of thin ZnS films, deposited at a temperature of 450 °C, was studied. A gradual increase in band gap energy from 3.524 eV to 3.634 eV, refractive index from 2.5 to 2.9 and dielectric constant from 6.6 to 8.7 were observed with the variation of solution precursor (Zn:S) ratio from (1:2) to (1:6). The structural and compositional studies support this kind of enhancement in optical properties. The results show that the thin ZnS film prepared by ISP at the substrate temperature of 450 °C from a solution with specific precursor ratio can be used for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications.
On approximation by Function having a strong Entropy Point
Authors: Korczak-Kubiak Ewa , Ryszard J. Pawlak 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The paper deals with approximation of functions from the unit interval into itself by means of functions having strong entropy point. For this purpose we define a family of functions having the fixed point property: ConnC (which is a subfamily of the class Conn introduced in [Korczak-Kubiak. E.. Paw- lak. R.J.: Trajectories, first return limiting notions and rings of H-connected and iteratively H-connected functions. Czechoslovak Math. J. 63 (2013). 679-700]). The main result of the paper Is a theorem saying that for any function ƒ ∈ ConnC and any point x0 ∈ Fix(ƒ) there exists a ring R ⊂ ConnC containing function ƒ and in the intersection of any “graph neighbourhood of ƒ” and “neighbourhood of ƒ in topology of uniform convergence”, one can find functions ξ,Ψ ∈ R having a strong entropy point y0 located close to the point x0 and being a discontinuity point of the function ξ and a continuity point of the function Ψ.
Separate and Joint Properties of some Analogues of Pointwise Discontinuity
Authors: Nesterenko Vasyl’ 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
We study separate and joint properties of pointwise discontinuity, simple continuity and mild continuity of functions of two variables. In particular, it is shown that for a Baire space X, aBaire space Y which has a countable pseudobase and for a metric space Z, a function ƒ : X×Y → Z is pointwise discontinuous if and only if f satisfies (α, β)-condition and condition (C), and M = {x ∊ X : C(ƒx) = Y } is a residual subset of X. In addition, a characterization of simple continuity for mappings of one and two variables is given
The treatment of superior semicircular canal dehiscence
Authors: Castellucci Andrea , Piras Gianluca , Brandolini Cristina , Pirodda Antonio , Modugno Giovanni Carlo 
Published: September 2014

Objective:
This paper reviews the principal surgical strategies proposed in the literature in approaching the Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD) syndrome. It examines the controversies regarding each treatment modality including surgical indications, procedures and the main outcomes.

Design:
A systematic literature research was conducted using a number of resources including electronic databases, books and websites. Relevant citations from current publications were also followed up.

Results:
Two principal types of surgical procedure for the treatment of superior canal dehiscence were identified: canal plugging and resurfacing. Each can be performed by both a middle cranial fossa (MCF) and transmastoid (TM) approach. An alternative and less invasive option to treat this pathological condition, without repairing the underlying lesion, has recently emerged from the literature: the round window (RW) niche reinforcement through a transmeatal approach.

Conclusions:
All the reported techniques represent reliable and effective solutions in cases of intolerable symptoms; nevertheless, the controversies still present about the pathophysiological changes linked to dehiscence reflect the difficulties in proposing a universal method of treatment. It is, therefore, probable that a more prolonged knowledge of this affection is necessary to fully understand all its implications.
Novel preparation of a porous composite insulating scaffold from forsterite and sodium carbonate media
Authors: Ding Jun , Deng Chengji , Zhu Hongxi , Zhang Xiaojun , Guo Ding 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Porous composite insulating scaffolds were prepared from mixtures of forsterite, salt (Na2CO3), and phenolic resin by sintering at 900 to 1 100 °C for 10 h, and the sintering behaviour and mechanical properties were examined. The results show that the changes in temperature did not significantly affect the phases present in the samples. However, changing the Na2CO3 content of a sample will change its phase composition. When the Na2CO3 content was 40 wt.% and sintering undertaken at 1 000 °C, the apparent porosity of the sample was 57 %, and its strength was 3.1 MPa. The large number of pores in the samples had diameters of approximately one micron, while the mesopores had diameters concentrated over the interval of 3 to 5 nm.
Interrelationships of defects, nitride modification and excess nitrogen in nitrided Fe-4.75 at.% Al alloy
Authors: Meka Sai Ramudu , Bischoff Ewald , Hosmani Santosh S. , Mittemeijer Eric Jan 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In order to investigate the influence of crystal-lattice defects (dislocations) and of a relatively large Al content on the development of different modifications of aluminium nitride in ferrite and on the associated uptake of excess nitrogen, recrystallised and cold rolled specimens of Fe-4.75 at.% Al alloy were subjected to gaseous nitriding treatments at 550 °C employing a nitriding potential of 0.104 atm−1/2. In contrast with earlier results for an alloy of relatively low Al content, in both the nitrided cold rolled and the nitrided recrystallised specimens nanosized AlN precipitates developed, both of the metastable, cubic, NaCl type modification and of the stable, hexagonal, wurtzite type modification, which exhibit with the ferrite matrix a Baker–Nutting orientation relationship and a Pitsch–Schrader orientation relationship, respectively. A high-temperature hydrogen reduction treatment confirmed the stoichiometry of the precipitated nitrides as AlN. The fraction of cubic, NaCl type, AlN is significantly higher in the nitrided cold-rolled specimens because of its preferential development along dislocations. As compared to the nitrided recrystallised specimens, the higher dislocation density and the higher amount of cubic AlN in the nitrided cold-rolled specimens leads to a larger amount of excess nitrogen in the nitrided cold-rolled specimen.
Investigations into Audiovestibular Manifestations in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Amor-Dorado Juan C. , Barreira-Fernandez María P. , Pina Trinitario , Vázquez-Rodríguez Tomas R. , Llorca Javier , González-Gay Miguel A. 
Published: September 2014

Objective.Although psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease, little is known about audiovestibular impairment in this condition. We aimed to establish whether audiovestibular manifestations were present in patients with PsA.Methods.A set of 60 consecutive patients who fulfilled the Moll and Wright criteria for PsA and 60 matched controls were studied. During the period of recruitment, individuals were excluded who had a history of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular complications, peripheral artery disease, renal insufficiency, syphilis, Meniere disease and other vestibular syndromes, infections involving the inner ear, barotrauma, or were in treatment with ototoxic drugs.Results.Most patients with PsA were men (63%). The mean age at the time of our study was 52.9 years and the mean age at the onset of symptoms was 33 years. Thirty-six (60%) of the 60 patients showed abnormal hearing loss in the audiogram compared to only 5 (8.3%) of the 60 controls (p < 0.001). Values of audiometric tests (pure-tone average and speech reception threshold) yielded significant differences between patients and controls (p < 0.001). The audiogram disclosed a bilateral and symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in PsA with predominant pattern of high frequency SNHL in patients with PsA (46.7%) compared to controls (8.3%, p < 0.001). Patients with PsA exhibited abnormal vestibular tests more commonly than controls. A significantly increased frequency of abnormal computerized dynamic posturography with a predominant vestibular loss pattern was also observed in patients (23.3%) compared to controls (0%, p < 0.001).Conclusion.Our current study demonstrates strong evidence for inner ear damage in patients with PsA.