bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the non‐motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: MDS‐UPDRS and NMS Scale
Authors: Martinez‐Martin P. , Chaudhuri K. R. , Rojo‐Abuin J. M. , Rodriguez‐Blazquez C. , Alvarez‐Sanchez M. , Arakaki T. , Bergareche‐Yarza A. , Chade A. , Garretto N. , Gershanik O. , Kurtis M. M. , Martinez‐Castrillo J. C. , Mendoza‐Rodriguez A. , Moore H. P. , Rodriguez‐Violante M. , Singer C. , Tilley B. C. , Huang J. , Stebbins G. T. , Goetz C. G. 
Published: April 2013

Background and purposeAlthough Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by typical motor manifestations, non‐motor symptoms (NMS) are an outstanding part of the disease. At present, several specific instruments for assessment of NMS are available. The objective of our study was to determine the performance of the Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS): Part I – Non‐Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living (nM‐EDL) compared with the Non‐Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS).MethodsTo this purpose, 434 consecutive patients with PD were included in an international, observational, cross‐sectional study. The association between scores of both scales was determined by the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Equations for transformation of total score of a scale to the other were constructed from weighted regression models and both, transformed and observed score, contrasted by means of the Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (LCCC) and Bland–Altman plot.ResultsAs a whole, the prevalence of the NMS according to each scale was quite similar, and most of the correlations between their corresponding components were high (rS > 0.60). The total score correlation of the MDS‐UPDRS Part I with the NMSS was high (rS = 0.81). Concerning the transformed scores, estimated scores only partially approach the observed ones (sharing about 60–64% of the variance) because residual variance increased with increasing magnitudes of the scores, i.e. the most severe patients (Bland–Altman plot; LCCC < 0.60 for severe patients).Conclusions(i) MDS‐UPDRS Part I (nM‐EDL) and NMSS showed a strong convergent validity; (ii) however, transformed scores using the equations from weighted regression models showed that for patients with the most severe NMS they are not concordant.
Authigenic iron oxide proxies for marine zinc over geological time and implications for eukaryotic metallome evolution
Authors: Robbins L. J. , Lalonde S. V. , Saito M. A. , Planavsky N. J. , Mloszewska A. M. , Pecoits E. , Scott C. , Dupont C. L. , Kappler A. , Konhauser K. O. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHere, we explore enrichments in paleomarine Zn as recorded by authigenic iron oxides including Precambrian iron formations, ironstones, and Phanerozoic hydrothermal exhalites. This compilation of new and literature‐based iron formation analyses track dissolved Zn abundances and constrain the magnitude of the marine reservoir over geological time. Overall, the iron formation record is characterized by a fairly static range in Zn/Fe ratios throughout the Precambrian, consistent with the shale record (Scottet al., 2013, Nature Geoscience,6, 125–128). When hypothetical partitioning scenarios are applied to this record, paleomarine Zn concentrations within about an order of magnitude of modern are indicated. We couple this examination with new chemical speciation models to interpret the iron formation record. We present two scenarios: first, under all but the most sulfidic conditions and with Zn‐binding organic ligand concentrations similar to modern oceans, the amount of bioavailable Zn remained relatively unchanged through time. Late proliferation of Zn in eukaryotic metallomes has previously been linked to marine Zn biolimitation, but under this scenario the expansion in eukaryotic Zn metallomes may be better linked to biologically intrinsic evolutionary factors. In this case, zinc‘s geochemical and biological evolution may be decoupled and viewed as a function of increasing need for genome regulation and diversification of Zn‐binding transcription factors. In the second scenario, we consider Archean organic ligand complexation in such excess that it may render Zn bioavailability low. However, this is dependent on Zn–organic ligand complexes not being bioavailable, which remains unclear. In this case, although bioavailability may be low, sphalerite precipitation is prevented, thereby maintaining a constant Zn inventory throughout both ferruginous and euxinic conditions. These results provide new perspectives and constraints on potential couplings between the trajectory of biological and marine geochemical coevolution.
Advances in the treatment of inherited coagulation disorders
Authors: Escobar M. A. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryInherited coagulation disorders constitute a broad spectrum of coagulation factor deficiencies that include X‐linked factor (F)VIII or FIX deficiency that causes haemophilia, and autosomal recessive disorders producing heterogeneous deficiencies in fibrinogen (FI), prothrombin (FII), FV, FVII, FX, FXI, FXIII and combined FV+FVIII. Significant advances in treatments for patients with congenital haemophilia A (FVIII deficiency) and B (FIX deficiency) over the last two decades have resulted from improvements in the production, availability and patient access to factor replacement products. Translation of advances in biotechnology, namely recombinant protein technology, targeted protein modifications to improve function and potentially reduce immunogenicity, and advanced formulations to optimize bioavailability and sustain activity offer promisingly new treatments for haemophilia as well as recessively inherited bleeding disorders in patients who otherwise have few therapeutic options. Though a theoretical risk remains for blood‐borne viral infections with pooled plasma‐derived products, this concern has diminished with breakthroughs in purification and viral inactivation methods. Development of inhibitory antibodies is still the most daunting problem for patients with inherited bleeding disorders, complicating treatment approaches to control and prevent bleeding, and posing risks for allergic and anaphylactic reactions in susceptible patients. The objectives of this review are to (i) highlight emerging advances in hemostatic therapies that are bioengineered to improve pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability, sustain functional activity, and possibly eliminate immunogenicity of recombinant factor proteins; and (ii) present an overview of key clinical trials of novel factor products currently in the development pipeline.
Inhibitors in haemophilia B: the Italian experience
Authors: Castaman G. , Bonetti E. , Messina M. , Morfini M. , Rocino A. , Scaraggi F. A. , Tagariello G. ,   Italian Association of Hemophilia Centers
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe prevalence of inhibitors in haemophilia B is significantly lower than that of patients with haemophilia A. However, the peculiar occurrence of allergic reactions associated with the onset of inhibitor in haemophilia B (HB) may render immune tolerance a risky procedure. We have carried out a detailed survey among all the Italian Hemophilia Centers to analyse all the patients with HB and inhibitors. A total of eight patients were reported among 282 living patients (2.8%) with severe factor IX (FIX) deficiency (FIX < 1 U dL−1). In addition, two deceased patients were also identified. Six patients carried nonsense mutations while in four partial or complete gene deletions were detected. Three patients (one deceased) had history of allergic/anaphylactic reaction upon substitutive treatment, which in one case was recurrent and resolved after switching to plasma derived FIX. Immune tolerance was adopted in five patients and in four complete response was achieved while in the remaining it was partial. No nephrotic syndrome was observed. Our data confirm that inhibitors in HB occur in patients with null mutations or complete/partial gene deletion. Immune tolerance can be achieved also in HB patients, without allergic reactions or nephrotic syndrome upon replacement therapy.
Efficacy of Two Levofloxacin‐Containing Second‐Line Therapies for Helicobacter pylori: A Pilot Study
Authors: Calhan Turan , Kahraman Resul , Sahin Abdurrahman , Senates Ebubekir , Doganay Hamdi Levent , Kanat Evren , Ozdil Kamil , Sokmen Hacı Mehmet 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundAn ideal second‐line therapeutic regimen for the treatment of patients who do not respond to standard triple therapy is currently being investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of two levofloxacin‐containing second‐line therapies for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).Materials and MethodsOne hundred and forty eight consecutive H. pylori ‐positive patients who did not respond to the standard triple therapy (77 female, 71 male) were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized consecutively to two‐second‐line therapy groups; 73 to the levofloxacin‐containing sequential (LCS) and 75 to the levofloxacin‐containing quadruple (LCQ) therapy group. The LCS therapy group received pantoprazole 40 mg and amoxicillin 1,000 mg twice daily for 5 days followed by pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily and metronidazole 500 mg three times daily and levofloxacin 500 mg one time daily for 7 days. The LCQ therapy group received pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily, tetracycline 500 mg four times daily, bismuth subcitrate 300 mg four times daily and levofloxacin 500 mg one time daily for 10 days. H. pylori eradication was confirmed by stool antigen testing at least 6 weeks after cessation of therapy. Side‐effects and compliance were assessed by a questionnaire.ResultsIntention‐to‐treat cure rates were: 82.2% (95%CI; 73–91) and 90.6% (95%CI; 79–95) in the LCS and LCQ therapy, respectively. Per protocol cure rates were: 85.7% (95%CI; 75–92) and 93.1% (95%CI; 85–98) in the LCS and LCQ therapy, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between two groups (p = .1). No differences in compliance or adverse effects were demonstrated between two groups.ConclusionsThis prospective trial demonstrates that both levofloxacin‐containing sequential therapy and levofloxacin‐containing quadruple therapy regimens have higher H. pylori eradication rates and are well tolerated. The levofloxacin‐containing quadruple therapy is likely the best treatment option for a second‐line therapy, at least in the Turkish population.
Open‐labeled randomized controlled trial to compare diuretic therapy with recombinant human serum albumin and diuretic therapy for therapeutic treatment of ascites in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis: An exploratory trial
Authors: Nakamura Toru , Sata Michio , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Moriwaki Hisataka , Fukui Hiroshi , Fujiyama Shigetoshi , Imawari Michio 
Published: April 2013

AimThere have been only a few trials demonstrating additional effects of human serum albumin (HSA) on diuretic therapy in patients with cirrhotic ascites. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of recombinant HSA, KD‐294, treatment in patients with cirrhotic ascites.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were patients 20–75 years of age, with cirrhotic ascites and a serum albumin concentration of less than 3.0 g/dL. Eighty‐five patients were registered and 71 patients underwent randomization. Enrolled patients received oral spironolactone at 50 mg/day and i.v. furosemide at 20 mg/day in addition to low‐sodium diet. They were divided randomly into a KD‐294 treatment group (n = 35) or non‐treatment control group (n = 36). Patients in the KD‐294 group received KD‐294 at 25 g/day for up to 5 days and those in the control group continued the diuretic therapy. They were followed up for 5 weeks.ResultsKD‐294 was well tolerated. A correlation between the increases in serum albumin and decreases in bodyweight was not shown. However, changes of plasma renin concentration (PRC) showed a significant decrease in the KD‐294 group compared with the control group. As a result of this exploratory analysis, patients with high PRC showed a significant correlation between increases in serum albumin and decreases in bodyweight.ConclusionThe present data do not show efficacy in all patients with cirrhotic ascites, however, they suggest that additional effects of HSA on diuretic therapy are expected in high PRC patients.
The accuracy of references in PhD theses: a case study
Authors: Azadeh Fereydoon , Vaez Reyhaneh 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundInaccurate references and citations cause confusion, distrust in the accuracy of a report, waste of time and unnecessary financial charges for libraries, information centres and researchers.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to establish the accuracy of article references in PhD theses from the Tehran and Tabriz Universities of Medical Sciences and their compliance with the Vancouver style.MethodsWe analysed 357 article references in the Tehran and 347 in the Tabriz. Six bibliographic elements were assessed: authors' names, article title, journal title, publication year, volume and page range. Referencing errors were divided into major and minor.ResultsSixty two percent of references in the Tehran and 53% of those in the Tabriz were erroneous. In total, 164 references in the Tehran and 136 in the Tabriz were complete without error. Of 357 reference articles in the Tehran, 34 (9.8%) were in complete accordance with the Vancouver style, compared with none in the Tabriz. Accuracy of referencing did not differ significantly between the two groups, but compliance with the Vancouver style was significantly better in the Tehran.ConclusionsThe accuracy of referencing was not satisfactory in both groups, and students need to gain adequate instruction in appropriate referencing methods.
Paucity of synaptophysin‐expressing cells in Barrett's mucosa
Authors: Rubio Carlos A , Kaufeldt Ann 
Published: April 2013

AimsTo assess synaptophysin expression in columnar‐lined oesophageal mucosa showing either goblet cells, known as intestinal metaplasia, or with accompanying oxyntic glands or pyloric glands.Methods and resultsOf 159 biopsies, 53 were oesophageal (19 had intestinal metaplasia, 13 oxyntic glands, and 21 pyloric glands), 77 gastric (12 had goblet cells and 27 no goblet cells) and 29 duodenal. Synaptophysin‐positive goblet cells were found in all biopsies from the normal duodenum, in 53% of the oesophageal biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia, but only in 8% of gastric biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia. Synaptophysin‐positive Paneth cells occurred in all duodenal biopsies, and in nine of the gastric biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia, but in only one of the oesophageal biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia. A continuous synaptophysin‐positive neck cell zone was found in all biopsies from the normal antrum, but in none of the oesophageal biopsies with pyloric glands or with chronic antritis.ConclusionsThe paucity or absence of synaptophysin‐positive cells in all three phenotypes of Barrett's mucosa might mirror a sequela of chronic inflammation caused by the particular pathogenic bacteria present in the immediate oesophageal microenvironment.
Impact of MET expression on outcome in BRAFV600E/K advanced melanoma
Authors: Jubb Adrian M , Ribas Antoni , Sosman Jeffrey A , McArthur Grant A , Yan Yibing , Rost Sandra , Zhao Sherry , Koeppen Hartmut 
Published: April 2013

AimsPreclinical data suggest that signalling through the HGF–MET pathway may confer resistance to BRAF inhibition in BRAFV600E/K melanoma. Therefore, blockade of HGF–MET signalling might be a valid therapeutic strategy, in combination with BRAF inhibition, in BRAFV600E/K melanoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of these observations by evaluating the survival impact of MET expression in patients with BRAFV600E/K advanced melanoma treated with vemurafenib.Methods and resultsFormalin‐fixed tissue blocks were obtained of tumours from patients enrolled in the BRIM2 (n = 59) and BRIM3 (n = 150) trials of vemurafenib in advanced BRAFV600E/K melanoma. Immunohistochemistry for MET (SP44 rabbit monoclonal antibody) was performed with a highly validated assay and clinically validated scoring system. Pretreatment MET expression was frequent at the ≥1 + cutoff (BRIM3, 31%; BRIM2, 49%), but relatively infrequent at the ≥2 + cutoff (BRIM3, 9%; BRIM2, 19%). Retrospective subset analyses showed that, irrespective of the cutoff used or the treatment arm, MET expression did not show prognostic significance, in terms of objective response rate, progression‐free survival, or overall survival.ConclusionsMET is expressed in a proportion of BRAFV600E/K advanced melanomas. Further analyses on appropriately powered subsets are needed to determine the prognostic and predictive significance of MET in vemurafenib‐treated melanoma.
Electrochemical induced dissolution of fragments of nickel–titanium endodontic files and their removal from simulated root canals
Authors: Aboud L. R. L. , Ormiga F. , Gomes J. A. C. P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo improve the dissolution process of NiTi endodontic rotary files aiming at fragment removal and the recovery of the original path of the root canal during a clinically acceptable period of time.MethodologyAnodic polarization curves and redox curves were obtained to determine the conditions necessary for the dissolution of endodontic files. Anodic polarization of K3 files was performed, and analysis of variance (P < 0.05) was used to compare different test times in relation to weight loss, length loss and electrical charge generated in each solution. The polarization of fragments in simulated root canals was undertaken to evaluate the dissolution process. After the tests, a size 10 K‐file was used to verify the possibility to bypass the fragment. The total electrical charge of each test was obtained from the corresponding graph area. Radiographic analysis of the simulated canals was used before and after the tests to verify fragment dissolution.ResultsThe weight loss values, the length loss values and the total values of electrical charge in each period of time were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the tests using the selected solution compared with the solution previously proposed. A progressive consumption of the K3 file tip was observed up to 30 min. The anodic polarization of file fragments in simulated root canals for 60 min resulted in their partial dissolution and enabled the recovery of the original canal pathway with size 10 K‐files.ConclusionsIncreasing fluoride concentration resulted in greater active dissolution of NiTi files. The dissolution of fractured files in simulated root canals enabled the recovery of its original path during a clinically acceptable period of time.
A method for fuzzy group decision making based on induced aggregation operators and Euclidean distance
Authors: Su Weihua , Peng Wuzhen , Zeng Shouzhen , Peng Bo , Pan Tiejun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we present the fuzzy‐induced Euclidean ordered weighted averaging distance (FIEOWAD) operator. It is an extension of the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator that uses the main characteristics of the induced OWA (IOWA), the Euclidean distance and uncertain information represented by fuzzy numbers. The main advantage of this operator is that it is able to consider complex attitudinal characters of the decision maker by using order‐inducing variables in the aggregation of the Euclidean distance. Moreover, it is able to deal with uncertain environments where the information is very imprecise and can be assessed with fuzzy numbers. We study some of its main properties and particular cases such as the fuzzy maximum distance, fuzzy minimum distance, fuzzy‐normalized Euclidean distance (FNED), fuzzy‐weighted Euclidean distance (FWED), and fuzzy Euclidean ordered weighted averaging distance (FEOWAD) operator. Finally, we present an application of the operator to a group decision‐making problem concerning the selection of strategies.
Analysing trade‐offs in container loading: combining load plan construction heuristics with agent‐based simulation
Authors: Mustafee Navonil , Bischoff Eberhard E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this paper we describe two operations research techniques, cutting and packing optimisation (CPO) and simulation, and present a multi‐methodology approach for analysing the trade‐offs between loading efficiency and various important practical considerations in relation to the cargo, such as its stability, fragility or possible cross‐contamination between different types of items over time. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by considering a situation where the items to be loaded have differing degrees of perishability and where badly deteriorated items can affect those in their immediate vicinity (e.g. through the spread of mould). Our approach uses the output of the CPO algorithms to create agents that simulate the spread of mould through proximity‐based interactions between the agents. The results show the trade‐offs involved in container utilisation and the propagation of mould, without evidence of any correlation between them. The contribution of this research is the methodology and the feasibility study.
Virus Inactivation by Solvent/Detergent Treatment and the Manufacture of SD‐Plasma
Authors: Horowitz B. , Lazo A. , Grossberg H. , Page G. , Lippin A. , Swan G. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSolvent/Detergent (SD) is an extraordinarily effective means for eliminating enveloped viruses from plasma and plasma products [1]. The safety margin suggested by the rapid and complete kill of enveloped viruses observed in the laboratory has been confirmed repeatedly by groups worldwide and by thirteen years of routine clinical use encompassing an estimated 35 million doses of a wide variety of products. Throughout this time, there has not been a single documented case of enveloped virus transmission by an SD‐treated product. This record of safety spawned the development of SD‐treated plasma as a substitute for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) [2] and has encouraged the adoption of SD for the treatment of non‐blood products such as monoclonal antibodies and those derived from recombinant DNA procedures [3]. This review summarizes the use of SD treatment, including its use in combination with other viral elimination procedures, and also summarizes Vitex's initial experience in the manufacture of SD‐Plasma, recently licensed by the U.S. FDA.