bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Precision Chemotherapy: Overcoming Resistance to Targeted Therapies?
Authors: Burdach Stefan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Cytotoxic drugs may have specific effects on oncogenes and their downstream targets. Increase of cancer cell sensitivity due to repression of an oncogene downstream target can be specifically addressed by combined precision chemotherapy, increasing the therapeutic index of chemotherapy and overcoming resistance to highly selective targeted therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 20(5); 1064–6. ©2014 AACR.
Using oxidant and antioxidant levels to predict the duration of both acute peripheral and mesenteric ischemia
Authors: Yazici S , Demirtas S , Guclu O , Karahan O , Yavuz C , Caliskan A , Mavitas B 
Published: February 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between oxidative stress markers and the duration of ischemia in rat mesenteric and peripheral ischemia models. Methods: Forty rats were divided into five equal groups, as follows: rats in Group I (control group) were sacrificed to determine the baseline characteristics of the serum markers; the superior mesenteric artery was clamped via a simple laparotomy to induce mesenteric ischemia in Groups II and III; the right common femoral artery was clamped to induce peripheral ischemia in Groups IV and V. Blood samples were taken at 2 (Groups II and IV) and 6 (Groups III and V) hours after these procedures. The serum total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI) and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) enzyme activities were evaluated in the samples obtained from each group. Results: The OSI level of the control group was 91.00±5.46 (mean ± SD). The OSI levels taken 2 hours after the induction of mesenteric ischemia and peripheral ischemia were significantly higher (194.50±11.16 and 301.75±19.98, respectively (p<0.05)). However, these levels decreased to 151.88±17.02 (mesenteric ischemia) and 108.88±9.46 (peripheral ischemia) after 6 hours. The PON-1 levels of Group III (mesenteric ischemia at 6 hours) (99.75±7.26), Group IV (peripheral ischemia at 2 hours) (96.88±4.09), and Group V (peripheral ischemia at 6 hours) (111.25±10.33) were slightly elevated over that of the control group (87.38±5.31). However, the PON-1 level of Group II (mesenteric ischemia at 2 hours) (42.88±3.14) was lower than that of the other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Despite the increment of oxidative markers in early periods of ischemia (2nd hour), which was a hypoxic response of ischemic cells, they have decreased markedly in prolonged ischemia. This might have been caused by the opening of some collateral circulation or the destruction of the ischemic cells.
Exercise for depressive symptoms in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eng Janice J , Reime Birgit 
Published: February 2014

Objective: The objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined the effects of structured exercise on depressive symptoms in stroke patients. Methods: We searched for published randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of structured exercise programs (e.g. functional, resistance, or aerobic training) on depressive symptoms. The mean effect size, a 95% confidence interval (CI) and I-squared (I2) for heterogeneity were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: Thirteen studies ( n = 1022) were included in the meta-analysis. Exercise resulted in less depressive symptoms immediately after the exercise program ended, standardized mean difference = −0.13 [95% CI = −0.26, −0.01], I2 = 6%, p = 0.03, but these effects were not retained with longer term follow-up. Exercise appeared to have a positive effect on depressive symptoms across both the subacute (≤6 months post stroke) and chronic stage of recovery (>6 months). There was a significant effect of exercise on depressive symptoms when higher intensity studies were pooled, but not for lower intensity exercise protocols. Antidepressant medication use was not documented in the majority of studies and thus, its potential confounding interaction with exercise could not be assessed. Conclusions: Exercise may be a potential treatment to prevent or reduce depressive symptoms in individuals with subacute and chronic stroke.
Long-term follow-up of HIV-infected patients once diagnosed with acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus infection
Authors: Seang Sophie , Boutolleau David , Burrel Sonia , Regnier Stephanie , Epelboin Loic , Voujon Delphine , Valantin Marc-Antoine , Katlama Christine , Agut Henri , Caumes Eric 
Published: February 2014

Summary Acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is common in immunocompromised patients, but the course of such infection is little known. We describe the long-term follow-up of HIV-infected patients diagnosed once with acyclovir-resistant HSV infections. We retrospectively studied all HIV-infected patients between 2000 and 2010 diagnosed with virologically confirmed acyclovir-resistant HSV infection. Patients' socio-demographic and immunovirological characteristics were described. Response to foscarnet or cidofovir and recurrences were reported. Among 5295 HIV-infected patients, 13 (0.2%) were once diagnosed with an acyclovir-resistant HSV infection. Twelve patients were men, nine patients were of African origin. All patients reported previous acyclovir exposure and median CD4 count was 183 cells/mm3. Ten patients presented exclusively with cutaneous lesions. Initially, 11 patients were treated with foscarnet and two with cidofovir. The median follow-up was 67 months (6–145). All patients recurred, 10 presenting at least one acyclovir-resistant HSV recurrence. The median number of acyclovir-resistant HSV recurrences per patient was 2 (0 − 5). Regarding the first and second recurrences, 7/13 (54%) and 5/11 (45%) HSV clinical isolates exhibited resistance to acyclovir, respectively. Acyclovir-resistant HSV infection prevalence was low in our cohort. The rate of acyclovir-resistant HSV episodes averaged 50% during the two first recurrences.
COPD exacerbations: impact and prevention
Authors: Wedzicha Jadwiga.A. , Mackay Alex.J. , Singh Richa. 
Published: February 2014

Educational aimsTo describe the impact of COPD exacerbations and the importance of the frequent exacerbator phenotype.To describe the spectrum of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that reduce exacerbation frequency and severity.To discuss the role of novel interventions, such as long term macrolide use and dual bronchodilatation, in COPD exacerbation prevention.SummaryExacerbations are key events for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exacerbations drive health status and contribute to disease progression and exacerbation prevention is a key goal of therapy in COPD. The majority of COPD exacerbations are triggered by respiratory viral infections and/or bacterial infections. Some patients are especially susceptible to frequent exacerbations and these patients need to be targeted for preventative therapy.A number of pharmacological therapies exist that can prevent COPD exacerbations and reduce hospital admissions. Non-pharmacological interventions for exacerbation prevention include pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy and home noninvasive ventilator support, though the evidence base for these is less well developed. Improved management of the acute exacerbation will also prolong the time to the next exacerbation event.
The Global Lung Function Initiative: dispelling some myths of lung function test interpretation
Authors: Stanojevic Sanja , Quanjer Philip , Miller Martin R. , Stocks Janet 
Published: February 2014

Educational AimsTo summarise limitations and implications associated with using outdated spirometry reference equations to interpret lung function.To describe the Quanjeret al., 2012 “Global Lung Function Initiative” (GLI) spirometry equations and the advantages of using these in both clinical practice and research studies.To discuss the necessary steps and challenges when switching to the GLI, including adjustment for ethnicity, re-calculation of previous results for accurate trend reports and education of both patients and professionals.SummaryLung function results can help with establishing a diagnosis, with assessment of treatment effects and with making a prognosis. However, arbitrary differences in the way lung function is expressed and interpreted may result in mismanagement of patients as well as hindering our understanding of the global burden of lung disease. In this article, we summarise the Global Lung Function Initiative spirometry reference equations and dispel some common myths related to the use and interpretation of spirometry results.
Adeno-associated viral serotypes produce differing titers and differentially transduce neurons within the rat basal and lateral amygdala
Authors: Holehonnur Roopashri , Luong Jonathan A , Chaturvedi Dushyant , Ho Anthony , Lella Srihari K , Hosek Matthew P , Ploski Jonathan E 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV) to make localized genetic manipulations within the rodent brain. Differing serotypes of AAV possess divergent capsid protein sequences and these variations greatly influence each serotype’s ability to transduce particular cell types and brain regions. We therefore aimed to determine the AAV serotype that is optimal for targeting neurons within the Basal and Lateral Amygdala (BLA) since the transduction efficiency of AAV has not been previously examined within the BLA. This region is desirable to genetically manipulate due to its role in emotion, learning & memory, and numerous psychiatric disorders. We accomplished this by screening 9 different AAV serotypes (AAV2/1, AAV2/2, AAV2/5, AAV2/7, AAV2/8, AAV2/9, AAV2/rh10, AAV2/DJ and AAV2/DJ8) designed to express red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the regulation of an alpha Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II promoter (αCaMKII).

Results
We determined that these serotypes produce differing amounts of virus under standard laboratory production. Notably AAV2/2 consistently produced the lowest titers compared to the other serotypes examined. These nine serotypes were bilaterally infused into the rat BLA at the highest titers achieved for each serotype and at a normalized titer of 7.8E + 11 GC/ml. Twenty one days following viral infusion the degree of transduction was quantitated throughout the amygdala. These viruses exhibited differential transduction of neurons within the BLA. AAV2/7 exhibited a trend toward having the highest efficiency of transduction and AAV2/5 exhibited significantly lower transduction efficiency as compared to the serotypes examined. AAV2/5′s decreased ability to transduce BLA neurons correlates with its significantly different capsid protein sequences as compared to the other serotypes examined.

Conclusions
For laboratories producing their own recombinant adeno-associated viruses, the use of AAV2/2 is likely less desirable since AAV2/2 produces significantly lower titers than many other serotypes of AAV. Numerous AAV serotypes appear to efficiently transduce BLA neurons, with the exception of AAV2/5. Taking into consideration the ability of certain serotypes to achieve high titers and transduce BLA neurons well, in our hands AAV2/DJ8 and AAV2/9 appear to be ideal serotypes to use when targeting neurons within the BLA.
A genetic fuzzy system for unstable angina risk assessment
Authors: Dong Wei , Huang Zhengxing , Ji Lei , Duan Huilong 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Unstable Angina (UA) is widely accepted as a critical phase of coronary heart disease with patients exhibiting widely varying risks. Early risk assessment of UA is at the center of the management program, which allows physicians to categorize patients according to the clinical characteristics and stratification of risk and different prognosis. Although many prognostic models have been widely used for UA risk assessment in clinical practice, a number of studies have highlighted possible shortcomings. One serious drawback is that existing models lack the ability to deal with the intrinsic uncertainty about the variables utilized.

Methods
In order to help physicians refine knowledge for the stratification of UA risk with respect to vagueness in information, this paper develops an intelligent system combining genetic algorithm and fuzzy association rule mining. In detail, it models the input information’s vagueness through fuzzy sets, and then applies a genetic fuzzy system on the acquired fuzzy sets to extract the fuzzy rule set for the problem of UA risk assessment.

Results
The proposed system is evaluated using a real data-set collected from the cardiology department of a Chinese hospital, which consists of 54 patient cases. 9 numerical patient features and 17 categorical patient features that appear in the data-set are selected in the experiments. The proposed system made the same decisions as the physician in 46 (out of a total of 54) tested cases (85.2%).

Conclusions
By comparing the results that are obtained through the proposed system with those resulting from the physician’s decision, it has been found that the developed model is highly reflective of reality. The proposed system could be used for educational purposes, and with further improvements, could assist and guide young physicians in their daily work.
Seed/catalyst-free growth of zinc oxide nanostructures on multilayer graphene by thermal evaporation
Authors: Ahmad Nurul Fariha , Rusli Nurul Izni , Mahmood Mohamad Rusop , Yasui Kanji , Hashim Abdul Manaf 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
We report the seed/catalyst-free growth of ZnO on multilayer graphene by thermal evaporation of Zn in the presence of O2 gas. The effects of substrate temperatures were studied. The changes of morphologies were very significant where the grown ZnO structures show three different structures, i.e., nanoclusters, nanorods, and thin films at 600°C, 800°C, and 1,000°C, respectively. High-density vertically aligned ZnO nanorods comparable to other methods were obtained. A growth mechanism was proposed based on the obtained results. The ZnO/graphene hybrid structure provides several potential applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectra of medicines with large-scale self-assembled silver nanoparticle films based on the modified coffee ring effect
Authors: Zhou Weiping , Hu Anming , Bai Shi , Ma Ying , Su Quanshuang 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
We report here a simple and innovative method to prepare large-scale silver nanoparticle films based on the controlled coffee ring effect. It is demonstrated that the films can be used as surface-enhanced Raman scattering probes to detect low-concentration medicines. Silver nanoparticles with the average size about 70 nm were prepared by reduction of silver nitride. In our experiment, the coffee ring effect was controlled by tilting the substrates during the deposition of silver nanoparticle films. Silver nanoparticle films were spontaneously formed on the surface of silicon substrates at the temperatures about 50°C based on the solvent evaporation and the coffee ring effect. The microstructure of the films was investigated using the scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The surface roughness of the films is found as small as 20 nm. Then, the films were exposed to aqueous solutions of medicine at different concentrations. A comparison with a Raman spectra measured with a conventional Raman spectrometer showed that the Raman signal can be detected in the solution with concentrations as low as 1 × 10−5 M, and the enhancement factor achieved by the silver nanoparticle film can at least reach to 1.08 × 104. Our experimental results indicate that this technique is promising in the production of large-scale silver nanoparticle films for the surface-enhanced Raman scattering. These may be utilized in biochemical and trace analytical applications.
Cultivating Convergence: The First Islamic Cemetery in Vorarlberg, Austria
Authors: Akšamija Azra 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The Altach Islamic cemetery, winner of the 2013 Aga Khan Award, exemplifies how Islamic funerary architecture can contribute to nurturing pluralism in Western Europe. This newly opened cemetery is part of a wider trend in European funerary architecture; the increasing number of Islamic cemeteries reveals the contemporary dynamics of Europe’s cultural and religious diversification. While this new trend provides an opportunity to broaden the scope of representation for Islam in the West, most of the new Islamic cemeteries have been designed mainly to fulfil functional necessities, neglecting an opportunity to shape an intercultural dialogue from an architectural standpoint. In this context, the Altach Islamic cemetery demonstrates a new approach to creating Islamic architecture in non-Islamic environments that fosters cultural convergence. By emphasizing the dialogic dimensions of architecture through design, implementation and public mediation, this approach allows for an understanding of architecture as a medium for community-making and as a bridge between cultures.
Influence of Interfacial Oxides Formed During Dry Sliding Wear of NiCrBSiCFe Plasma Coating on AISI 316 Steel Substrates
Authors: Parthasarathi N. L. , Borah Utpal , Albert Shaju K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRecent thermal spray processes such as plasma spraying are usually employed to deposit Nickel–Chromium coatings onto the AISI 316 steel substrates to improve the wear resistance. Ni-base alloys, which are widely used to obtain wear resistant coatings, are usually heat treated after thermal spraying to improve their tribological properties. The dry sling wear experiments were carried out in pin on disc tribometer at room temperature 35 °C (308 K), 150 °C (423 K), 250 °C (523 K) and 350 °C (623 K) against medium carbon steel (EN8). The worn surfaces were examined by X-ray diffraction and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) with EDS (Energy dispersive spectroscopy). The applied load was 40 N and sliding speed was 2 m/s. In 350 °C, the wear rate was marginally lesser than the rest of the temperatures due to the initiation of oxide layer formation, which was also substantiated by SEM and EDS. Fe peaks and O peaks were found scarcely. Few Fe peaks were also predominantly noticed by EDS analysis. The presence of Fe3O4 in the tribolayers formed during sliding wear acted as a protective film to retard the wear rate in terms of mass loss.
On existence and properties of plutonium(VIII) derivatives
Authors: Kiselev Yu. M. , Nikonov M. V. , Dolzhenko V. D. , Ermilov A. Yu. , Tananaev I. G. , Myasoedov B. F. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The existence of Pu(VIII) was shown in alkaline solutions and in nonpolar solvents (CCl4 and CHCl3) on the ground of
such experimental facts like extraction of plutonium species, obtained by means of ozonization of Pu(VI) alkaline solutions
into CCl4 and CHCl3; volatility of Pu compounds out of aqueous alkaline solutions, and the mentioned solvents. The
product of interaction between PuO3 · 0.8H2O and XeF2 in CCl4 and CHCl3 was of the same chemical
form for both cases and identical with the form of the product of volatility of Pu out of these organic solutions. The
electronic absorbance spectra of these products in CCl4 and CHCl3 were fairly similar to the ones for OsO4 and
RuO4. The band of absorption in these spectra with the maximum at 332 nm corresponds to the charge transfer of
metal-ligand type [π(O)→Pu], as the value of molar extinction coefficient ε was found to be higher than
2 · 103 L/mole cm. A satisfactory agreement between the energies for the transitions of PuO4 molecule designed by
X
α
-SW method and experimental data was observed. A similar accordance was observed for the designed vibration
frequency (DFT-method) with the one found as result of analysis of the vibration structure of the experimental spectra.
The diagnostic value of first-voided urinary LH compared with GNRH-stimulated gonadotropins in differentiating slowly progressive from rapidly progressive precocious puberty in girls
Authors: Zung Amnon , Burundukov Ella , Ulman Mira , Glaser Tamar , Rosenberg Moshe , Chen Malka , Zadik Zvi 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveCharacterization of pubertal progression is required to prevent unnecessary intervention in unsustained or slowly progressive (SP) precocious puberty (PP), while delivering hormonal suppression in rapidly progressive (RP) PP. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of first-voided urinary LH (ULH) compared with GNRH-stimulated gonadotropins in differentiating these forms of PP.MethodsA total of 62 girls with PP underwent both GNRH stimulation and ULH assay. Fifteen girls with peak LH ≥10 IU/l started treatment immediately, whereas the other 47 girls were evaluated after 6 months for pubertal advancement, height acceleration, and bone-age maturation. Based on these criteria, the participants were assigned to five subgroups: pubertal regression, no progression or progression by one, two or three criteria. The first three subgroups were defined as SP-PP (n=29), while the other two subgroups were defined as RP-PP (n=18). An additional 23 prepubertal girls were evaluated for ULH.ResultsULH but not serum gonadotropins could distinguish girls with two and three criteria from less progressive subgroups. By comparison with SP-PP (i.e. regression group and groups 0 and 1), those with RP-PP (group 2+3) had lower peak FSH (9.28±2.51 vs 12.57±4.30;P=0.007) and higher peak LH:FSH ratio (0.42±0.30 vs 0.22±0.12;P=0.022) and ULH (1.63±0.65 vs 1.05±0.26 IU/l;P<0.001). Based on receiver operating characteristics analysis, a ULH cutoff of 1.16 IU/l had a better sensitivity (83%) and positive and negative predictive values (65 and 88% respectively) than the other two parameters, with a specificity of 72%.ConclusionsULH assay is a noninvasive, reliable method that can assist in the distinction between SP- and RP-PP.
EMS Mutagenesis in the Pea AphidAcyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Tagu Denis , Le Trionnaire Gaël , Tanguy Sylvie , Gauthier Jean-Pierre , Huynh Jean-René 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn aphids, clonal individuals can show distinct morphologic traits in response to environmental cues. Such phenotypic plasticity cannot be studied with classical genetic model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans or Drosophila melanogaster. The genetic basis of this biological process remain unknown, as mutations affecting this process are not available in aphids. Here, we describe a protocol to treat third-stage larvae with an alkylating mutagen, ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), to generate random mutations within the Acyrthosiphon pisum genome. We found that even low concentrations of EMS were toxic for two genotypes of A. pisum. Mutagenesis efficiency was nevertheless assessed by estimating the occurrence of mutational events on the X chromosome. Indeed, any lethal mutation on the X-chromosome would kill males that are haploid on the X so that we used the proportion of males as an estimation of mutagenesis efficacy. We could assess a putative mutation rate of 0.4 per X-chromosome at 10 mM of EMS. We then applied this protocol to perform a small-scale mutagenesis on parthenogenetic individuals, which were screened for defects in their ability to produce sexual individuals in response to photoperiod shortening. We found one mutant line showing a reproducible altered photoperiodic response with a reduced production of males and the appearance of aberrant winged males (wing atrophy, alteration of legs morphology). This mutation appeared to be stable because it could be transmitted over several generations of parthenogenetic individuals. To our knowledge, this study represents the first example of an EMS-generated aphid mutant.