bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA profile of paclitaxel-resistant serous ovarian carcinoma based on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples
Authors: Li Xiao , Lu Yaer , Chen Yaxia , Lu Weiguo , Xie Xing 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
To assess the feasibility of validating microRNA (miRNA) profile related to paclitaxel-sensitivity in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples of serous ovarian carcinoma (OC) patients.

Methods
Deregulated miRNAs identified by miRNA microarray were further detected in 45 FFPE OC samples using Realtime PCR. Correlations between paired FFPE and frozen tumor samples were analyzed. Survival times were compared between 6 high and low miRNAs groups. Western blot and luciferase reporter assay were used for validating the target of miRNA.

Results
Sixteen up-regulated miRNAs and twenty-three down-regulated miRNAs were revealed in pacilitaxel-resistant ST30 cells. The up-regulated miRNAs (miR-320a, 22 and 129-5p) and down-regulated miRNAs (miR-9, 155 and 640) were confirmed in paclitaxel-resistant FFPE tumor samples, compared with paclitaxel-sensitive samples. Higher miR-9 and miR-640 showed better survival time in OC patients. Expressions of miR-9, 155 and 22 in FFPE samples were closely mimicked by those in frozen tissues. RAB34 was validated as a direct target of miR-9.

Conclusions
We validated miRNA profile in pacilitaxel-resistant OC using FFPE samples, which might enable treatment stratification and help us to predict outcomes in OC patients. FFPE samples are feasible materials for miRNA research.
Limited sequence polymorphisms of four transmission-blocking vaccine candidate antigens in Plasmodium vivax Korean isolates
Authors: Kang Jung-Mi , Ju Hye-Lim , Moon Sung-Ung , Cho Pyo-Yun , Bahk Young-Yil , Sohn Woon-Mok , Park Yun-Kyu , Cha Seok Ho , Kim Tong-Soo , Na Byoung-Kuk 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs), which target the sexual stages of malaria parasites to interfere with and/or inhibit the parasite’s development within mosquitoes, have been regarded as promising targets for disrupting the malaria transmission cycle. In this study, genetic diversity of four TBV candidate antigens, Pvs25, Pvs28, Pvs48/45, and PvWARP, among Plasmodium vivax Korean isolates was analysed.

Methods
A total of 86 P. vivax- infected blood samples collected from patients in Korea were used for analyses. Each of the full-length genes encoding four TBV candidate antigens, Pvs25, Pvs28, Pvs48/45, and PvWARP, were amplified by PCR, cloned into T&A vector, and then sequenced. Polymorphic characteristics of the genes were analysed using the DNASTAR, MEGA4, and DnaSP programs.

Results
Polymorphism analyses of the 86 Korean P. vivax isolates revealed two distinct haplotypes in Pvs25 and Pvs48/45, and three different haplotypes in PvWARP. In contrast, Pvs28 showed only a single haplotype. Most of the nucleotide substitutions and amino acid changes identified in all four TBV candidate antigens were commonly found in P. vivax isolates from other geographic areas. The overall nucleotide diversities of the TBV candidates were much lower than those of blood stage antigens.

Conclusions
Limited sequence polymorphisms of TBV candidate antigens were identified in the Korean P. vivax population. These results provide baseline information for developing an effective TBV based on these antigens, and offer great promise for applications of a TBV against P. vivax infection in regions where the parasite is most prevalent.
Association of air pollution and use of glyceryl trinitrate against angina pectoris: a population-based case-crossover study
Authors: Finnbjornsdottir Ragnhildur Gudrun , Zoëga Helga , Olafsson Orn , Thorsteinsson Throstur , Rafnsson Vilhjalmur 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Ambient air pollution has been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In Reykjavik, Iceland, air pollutant concentrations exceed official health limits several times every year. The aim was to study the association of concentrations of NO2, O3, PM10, and H2S in the Reykjavik capital area with the dispensing of anti-angina pectoris medication, glyceryl trinitrate to the inhabitants.

Methods
Data on daily dispensing of glyceryl trinitrate, were retrieved from the Icelandic Medicines Registry. Data on hourly concentrations of NO2, O3, PM10, and H2S were obtained from the Environment Agency of Iceland. A case-crossover design was used, based on the dispensing of glyceryl trinitrate to 5,246 individuals (≥18 years) between 2005 and 2009.

Results
For every 10 μg/m3 increase of NO2 and O3 3-day mean concentrations, the odds ratio (OR) for daily dispensing of glyceryl trinitrates was 1.136 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.069-1.207) and 1.094 (95% CI 1.029-1.163) at lag 0, and OR was 1.096 (95% CI 1.029-1.168) and 1.094 (95% CI 1.028-1.166) at lag 1, respectively.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that NO2 and O3 ambient air concentrations may adversely affect cardiovascular health, as measured by the dispensing of glyceryl trinitrates for angina pectoris. Further, the findings suggest that data on the dispensing of medication may be a valuable health indicator when studying the effect of air pollution on cardiovascular morbidity.
Analytical modelling of monolayer graphene-based ion-sensitive FET to pH changes
Authors: Kiani Mohammad Javad , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi , Karimi Feiz Abadi Hediyeh , Rahmani Meisam , Hashim Amin , Che harun Fauzan Khairi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGraphene has attracted great interest because of unique properties such as high sensitivity, high mobility, and biocompatibility. It is also known as a superior candidate for pH sensing. Graphene-based ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) is currently getting much attention as a novel material with organic nature and ionic liquid gate that is intrinsically sensitive to pH changes. pH is an important factor in enzyme stabilities which can affect the enzymatic reaction and broaden the number of enzyme applications. More accurate and consistent results of enzymes must be optimized to realize their full potential as catalysts accordingly. In this paper, a monolayer graphene-based ISFET pH sensor is studied by simulating its electrical measurement of buffer solutions for different pH values. Electrical detection model of each pH value is suggested by conductance modelling of monolayer graphene. Hydrogen ion (H+) concentration as a function of carrier concentration is proposed, and the control parameter (Ƥ) is defined based on the electro-active ions absorbed by the surface of the graphene with different pH values. Finally, the proposed new analytical model is compared with experimental data and shows good overall agreement.
A DFT-based approximate eigenvalue and singular value decomposition of polynomial matrices
Authors: Tohidian Mahdi , Amindavar Hamidreza , Reza Ali M. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this article, we address the problem of singular value decomposition of polynomial matrices and eigenvalue decomposition of para-Hermitian matrices. Discrete Fourier transform enables us to propose a new algorithm based on uniform sampling of polynomial matrices in frequency domain. This formulation of polynomial matrix decomposition allows for controlling spectral properties of the decomposition. We set up a nonlinear quadratic minimization for phase alignment of decomposition at each frequency sample, which leads to a compact order approximation of decomposed matrices. Compact order approximation of decomposed matrices makes it suitable in filterbank and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) precoding applications or any application dealing with realization of polynomial matrices as transfer function of MIMO systems. Numerical examples demonstrate the versatility of the proposed algorithm provided by relaxation of paraunitary constraint, and its configurability to select different properties.
Selenium nanoparticle-enriched Lactobacillus brevis causes more efficient immune responses in vivo and reduces the liver metastasis in metastatic form of mouse breast cancer
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad Hossein , Mahdavi Mehdi , Setayesh Neda , Esfandyar Mohammad , Shahverdi Ahmad Reza 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background and the purpose of the study
Selenium enriched Lactobacillus has been reported as an immunostimulatory agent which can be used to increase the life span of cancer bearing animals. Lactic acid bacteria can reduce selenium ions to elemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and deposit them in intracellular spaces. In this strategy two known immunostimulators, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and SeNPs, are concomitantly administered for enhancing of immune responses in cancer bearing mice.

Methods
Forty five female inbred BALB/c mice were divided into three groups of tests and control, each containing 15 mice. Test mice were orally administered with SeNP-enriched Lactobacillus brevis or Lactobacillus brevis alone for 3 weeks before tumor induction. After that the administration was followed in three cycles of seven days on/three days off. Control group received phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at same condition. During the study the tumor growth was monitored using caliper method. At the end of study the spleen cell culture was carried out for both NK cytotoxicity assay and cytokines measurement. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were also assayed after 72h of tumor antigen recall. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were measured, the livers of mice were removed and prepared for histopathological analysis.

Results
High level of IFN-γ and IL-17 besides the significant raised in NK cytotoxicity and DTH responses were observed in SeNP-enriched L. brevis administered mice and the extended life span and decrease in the tumor metastasis to liver were also recorded in this group compared to the control mice or L.brevis alone administered mice.

Conclusion
Our results suggested that the better prognosis could be achieved by oral administration of SeNP-enriched L. brevis in highly metastatic breast cancer mice model.
Regulatory B cells suppress imiquimod-induced, psoriasis-like skin inflammation
Authors: Yanaba Koichi , Kamata Masahiro , Ishiura Nobuko , Shibata Sayaka , Asano Yoshihide , Tada Yayoi , Sugaya Makoto , Kadono Takafumi , Tedder Thomas F , Sato Shinichi 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTPsoriasis is an inflammatory cutaneous disorder characterized by marked epidermal thickening and Th1 and Th17 cell infiltration. At present, the contribution of B cells to the pathogenesis of psoriasis is unclear. In mice, topical application of imiquimod induces inflamed skin lesions and serves as an experimental animal model for human psoriasis. In this study, we showed that imiquimod-induced skin inflammation was more severe in CD19−/− than WT mice. These inflammatory responses were negatively regulated by a unique IL-10-producing CD1dhiCD5+ regulatory B cell subset (B10 cells) that was absent in CD19−/− mice and represented only 1–2% of splenic B220+ cells in WT mice. Splenic B10 cells entered the circulation and migrated to draining LNs during imiquimod-induced skin inflammation, thereby suppressing IFN-γ and IL-17 production. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of these B10 cells from WT mice reduced inflammation in CD19−/− mice. The present findings provide direct evidence that B10 cells regulate imiquimod-induced skin inflammation and offer insights into regulatory B cell-based therapies for the treatment of psoriasis.
Self-Reported Conflicts of Interest of Authors, Trial Sponsorship, and the Interpretation of Editorials and Related Phase III Trials in Oncology
Authors: Bariani Giovanni M. , de Celis Ferrari Anezka C.R. , Hoff Paulo M. , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Riechelmann Rachel P. 
Published: April 2013

Purpose Growing participation by industry in cancer research has resulted in increased reporting of conflicts of interest (COI). We aimed to test any association between authors' conclusions and self-reported COI or trial sponsorship in cancer studies. Methods Editorials and related phase III trials published in six clinical oncology journals in the last 3.5 years were analyzed independently by two investigators who classified study conclusions according to authors' endorsement of the experimental therapy. Logistic regression multivariable models were used to assess predictors of favorable conclusions of editorialists and of phase III authors. Results From January 2008 to October 2011, 1,485 articles were retrieved: 150 phase III trials and 150 editorials were eligible. Among the phase III trials, 82 (54.7%) had positive results, and 78 (52.0%) were entirely or partially funded by industry. Any COI were disclosed in 103 phase III trials (68.7%) and in 71 editorials (47.3%). Multivariable analysis showed that phase III trial results were the only significant predictor for a positive conclusion by trial authors (odds ratio [OR], 92.2; 95% CI, 19.7 to 431.6; P < .001). Sponsorship did not predict for positive conclusion by phase III authors (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.3 to 2.5; P = .788). The only factor associated with positive conclusions by editorial authors was a positive conclusion by phase III trial authors (OR, 36.3; 95% CI, 6.8 to 194.2; P < .001). Conclusion The interpretation of recently published phase III cancer trials by their authors or by editorialists was not influenced by financial relationships or industry sponsorship. Increased awareness of COI policies may have led to more integrity in cancer research reporting.
Total hip replacement for patients with active tuberculosis of the hip
Authors: Kim S-J. , Postigo R. , Koo S. , Kim J. H. 
Published: April 2013

The timing of total hip replacement (THR) in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) of the hip is controversial, because of the potential risk of reactivation of infection. There is little information about the outcome of THR in these patients. We conducted a systematic review of published studies that evaluated the outcome of THR in patients with active TB of the hip. A review of multiple databases referenced articles published between 1950 and 2012. A total of six articles were identified, comprising 65 patients. TB was confirmed histologically in all patients. The mean follow-up was 53.2 months (24 to 108). Antituberculosis treatment continued post-operatively for between six and 15 months, after debridement and THR. One non-compliant patient had reactivation of infection. At the final follow-up the mean Harris hip score was 91.7 (56 to 98). We conclude that THR in patients with active TB of the hip is a safe procedure, providing symptomatic relief and functional improvement if undertaken in association with extensive debridement and appropriate antituberculosis treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:578–82.
Risk factors for the displacement of fractures of both bones of the forearm in children
Authors: Colaris J. W. , Allema J. H. , Reijman M. , Biter L. U. , de Vries M. R. , van de Ven C. P. , Bloem R. M. , Verhaar J. A. N. 
Published: April 2013

Forearm fractures in children have a tendency to displace in a cast leading to malunion with reduced functional and cosmetic results. In order to identify risk factors for displacement, a total of 247 conservatively treated fractures of the forearm in 246 children with a mean age of 7.3 years (sd 3.2; 0.9 to 14.9) were included in a prospective multicentre study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for displacement of reduced or non-reduced fractures in the cast. Displacement occurred in 73 patients (29.6%), of which 65 (89.0%) were in above-elbow casts. The mean time between the injury and displacement was 22.7 days (0 to 59). The independent factors found to significantly increase the risk of displacement were a fracture of the non-dominant arm (p = 0.024), a complete fracture (p = 0.040), a fracture with translation of the ulna on lateral radiographs (p = 0.014) and shortening of the fracture (p = 0.019). Fractures of both forearm bones in children have a strong tendency to displace even in an above-elbow cast. Severe fractures of the non-dominant arm are at highest risk for displacement. Radiographs at set times during treatment might identify early displacement, which should be treated before malunion occurs, especially in older children with less potential for remodelling. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:689–93.
Blood loss in spinal tumour surgery and surgery for metastatic spinal disease
Authors: Chen Y. , Tai B. C. , Nayak D. , Kumar N. , Chua K. H. , Lim J. W. , Goy R. W. L. , Wong H. K. 
Published: April 2013

There is currently no consensus about the mean volume of blood lost during spinal tumour surgery and surgery for metastatic spinal disease. We conducted a systematic review of papers published in the English language between 31 January 1992 and 31 January 2012. Only papers that clearly presented blood loss data in spinal surgery for metastatic disease were included. The random effects model was used to obtain the pooled estimate of mean blood loss. We selected 18 papers, including six case series, ten retrospective reviews and two prospective studies. Altogether, there were 760 patients who had undergone spinal tumour surgery and surgery for metastatic spinal disease. The pooled estimate of peri-operative blood loss was 2180 ml (95% confidence interval 1805 to 2554) with catastrophic blood loss as high as 5000 ml, which is rare. Aside from two studies that reported large amounts of mean blood loss (> 5500 ml), the resulting funnel plot suggested an absence of publication bias. This was confirmed by Egger’s test, which did not show any small-study effects (p = 0.119). However, there was strong evidence of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 90%; p < 0.001). Spinal surgery for metastatic disease is associated with significant blood loss and the possibility of catastrophic blood loss. There is a need to establish standardised methods of calculating and reporting this blood loss. Analysis should include assessment by area of the spine, primary pathology and nature of surgery so that the amount of blood loss can be predicted. Consideration should be given to autotransfusion in these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:683–8.
Instituting an Outcomes Assessment Effort: Lessons from the Field
Authors: Mecca William F. , Rivera Ann , Esposito Andrew J. 
Published: April 2013

Family Counseling of Greater New Haven, Inc., is a private, non-profit, mental health outpatient clinic serving children, adults, couples, and families using multiple modalities. In September 1997, in response to pressures for outcomes evaluation from funders and others, the agency launched an outcomes assessment effort using the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI). The instrument is administered at intake and at 90 days or upon termination. A comparison of pre-test with post-test scores indicates some degree of improvement in 96% of agency clients who completed both pre- and post-tests. Obstacles to instituting the outcomes assessment effort are discussed. Initially, the authors identify a lack of human resources for the project, a lack of understanding of the assessment process, and resistance to the assessment process as obstacles. These may be attributed to fear about personal accountability and a misuse of the data collected, and were overcome by education of agency staff. The authors share lessons they have learned about how to successfully institute an outcomes assessment effort. These include: designating staff to oversee the outcomes assessment work; involving clinicians very early in the process, and inviting their input on both process and product; carefully choosing assessment instruments to be closely aligned with program goals; and using the outcomes data for multiple purposes which are meaningful to various constituents within the agency, i.e., treatment plans, quality assurance, marketing, etc.
Microwave-assisted and conventional sol-gel preparation of photocatalytically active ZnO/TiO2/glass multilayers
Authors: Kaneva Nina , Stambolova Irina , Blaskov Vladimir , Eliyas Alexander , Vassilev Sasho 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
For the first time a combination of microwaves and/or the conventional treatment method was used to dry and heat multilayered sol-gel ZnO/TiO2/glass structures. Compact or porous TiO2 films were deposited as a bottom layer, covered with a ZnO film. The structures were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Only peaks of wurtzite ZnO crystalline phase were registered on the X-Ray diffractograms. The microwave irradiation leads to a formation of poorly crystallized multilayers with very small crystallites and enhanced surface roughness. This results in a better photocatalytic activity of these structures than the structures of the samples treated conventionally. It was established that the morphology of the bottom titania layer affects the reaction of photocatalytic degradation of Malachite Green dye (MG). The structures with the compact bottom TiO2 films showed higher activities than those on porous TiO2 films. This study offers an energy saving method of producing ZnO/TiO2/glass multilayered structures of various morphologies and pronounced photocatalytic properties. The method does not involve any calcination step, normally applied to achieve a good degree of crystallization. This makes the method suitable for protecting substrates of low thermal stability.
Development of antimicrobial packaging materials with immobilized glucose oxidase and lysozyme
Authors: Hanušová Kristýna , Vápenka Lukáš , Dobiáš Jaroslav , Mišková Linda 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Packaging based on immobilization of antimicrobial enzymes provides a promising form of active packaging systems applicable in food processing. Glucose oxidase and lysozyme were immobilized by the Ugi reaction with cyclohexyl isocyanide and glutaraldehyde on polyamide and ionomer films partially hydrolysed by hydrochloric acid. The immobilization of the enzymes on the surface of films was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and the films were characterized by the specific activity of the immobilized enzymes. The enzyme migration into model solutions and the effect of pH, temperature and storage time on the activity of immobilized enzyme were also evaluated. Immobilization of lysozyme onto polyamide and ionomer films resulted in the loss of enzyme activity. The polyamide and ionomer films with immobilized glucose oxidase inhibited the growth of bacteria Escherichia coli CNCTC 6859, Pseudomonas fluorescens CNCTC 5793, Lactobacillus helveticus CH-1, Listeria ivanovii CCM 5884 and Listeria innocua CCM 4030 on agar media.
Impurity profile analysis of drug products containing acetylsalicylic acid: a chemometric approach
Authors: Ronowicz Joanna , Kupcewicz Bogumiła , Mydłowska Joanna , Budzisz Elżbieta 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this work attention is focused on impurity profile analysis in combination with infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods. This approach is considered as an alternative to generally complex and time-consuming classic analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography. Various strategies for constructing descriptive models able to identify relations among drug impurity profiles hidden in multivariate chromatographic data sets are also presented and discussed. The hierarchical (cluster analysis) and non-hierarchical segmentation algorithms (k-means method) and principal component analysis are applied to gain an overview of the similarities and dissimilarities among impurity profiles of acetylsalicylic acid formulations. A tree regression algorithm based on infrared spectra is used to predict the relative content of impurities in the drug products investigated. Satisfactory predictive abilities of the models derived indicate the possibility of implementing them in the quality control of drug products.