bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D deficiency in patients with Behcet’s disease
Authors: Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Ansari Narges , Paragomi Pedram , Akhlaghi Maassoumeh , Ghanavat Majid , Davatchi Fereydoun 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Background
Behcet’s disease is an autoimmune, recurrent and multisystem disease. Vitamin D has immunomodulator role in immune system. So that vitamin D deficiency was reported in some autoimmune diseases. Behcet’s disease as a Silk Road disease is common in Iran. The aim of this study was to detect the serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D in Behcet’s patients and control group.

Methods
In this case–control study, 112 Behcet’s patients as cases group and 112 healthy individuals as controls group were enrolled. Any subject on vitamin D supplement, steroid, and immunosuppressors during the last 6 months were excluded. The serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D was measured in the two groups by ELISA method. The findings were compared via SPSS software.

Results
About 57% and 17% of Behcet’s patients had vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in controls than cases group (P < 0.001). Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in controls (P < 0.001). Age and sex did not have any confounding effect on the results. There was no significant relationship between disease duration, disease activity, Pathergy test, HLA-B5, and HLA-B51 with vitamin D level in Behcet’s patients.

Conclusions
Vitamin D deficiency is common among Behcet’s patients. However, our results revealed vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in healthy controls in comparison with Behcet’s cases.
Assessment of osteopontin in early breast cancer: correlative study in a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Bramwell Vivien HC , Tuck Alan B , Chapman Judith-Anne W , Anborgh Pieter H , Postenka Carl O , Al-Katib Waleed , Shepherd Lois E , Han Lei , Wilson Carolyn F , Pritchard Kathleen I , Pollak Michael N , Chambers Ann F 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Osteopontin (OPN) is a malignancy-associated glycoprotein that contributes functionally to tumor aggressiveness. In metastatic breast cancer, we previously demonstrated that elevated OPN in primary tumor and blood was associated with poor prognosis.

Methods
We measured OPN in plasma by ELISA, and in tumors by immunohistochemistry, in 624 (94%) and 462 (69%), respectively, of 667 postmenopausal women with hormone responsive early breast cancer treated by surgery followed by adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen +/− octreotide in a randomized trial (NCIC CTG MA.14; National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group Mammary.14).

Results
Plasma OPN was measured in 2,540 samples; 688 at baseline and 1,852 collected during follow-up. Mean baseline plasma OPN was 46 ng/ml (range 22.6 to 290) which did not differ from normal levels. Mean percentage OPN tumor cell positivity was 33.9 (95% CI: 30.2 to 37.9). There was no correlation between plasma and tumor OPN values. In multivariate analysis, neither was associated with event-free survival (EFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), bone RFS or non-bone RFS. An exploratory analysis in patients with recurrence showed higher mean OPN plasma levels 60.7 ng/ml (23.9 to 543) in the recurrence period compared with baseline levels.

Conclusions
The hypothesis that OPN tumor expression would have independent prognostic value in early breast cancer was not supported by multivariate analysis of this study population. Plasma OPN levels in women with hormone responsive early breast cancer in the MA.14 trial were not elevated and there was no evidence for prognostic value of plasma OPN in this defined group of patients. However, our finding of elevated mean OPN plasma level around the time of recurrence warrants further study.

Trial registration
NCT00002864, http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00002864
PIPE-CLIP: a comprehensive online tool for CLIP-seq data analysis
Authors: Chen Beibei , Yun Jonghyun , Kim Min Soo , Mendell Joshua T , Xie Yang 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCLIP-seq is widely used to study genome-wide interactions between RNA-binding proteins and RNAs. However, there are few tools available to analyze CLIP-seq data, thus creating a bottleneck to the implementation of this methodology. Here, we present PIPE-CLIP, a Galaxy framework-based comprehensive online pipeline for reliable analysis of data generated by three types of CLIP-seq protocol: HITS-CLIP, PAR-CLIP and iCLIP. PIPE-CLIP provides both data processing and statistical analysis to determine candidate cross-linking regions, which are comparable to those regions identified from the original studies or using existing computational tools. PIPE-CLIP is available at http://pipeclip.qbrc.org/.
Concomitant Cisplatin Plus Radiotherapy and High–Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Versus Radiotherapy Alone for Stage IIIB Epidermoid Cervical Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zuliani Antonio Carlos , Barros Esteves Sergio Carlos , Teixeira Luiz Carlos , Teixeira Júlio César , de Souza Gustavo Antonio , Sarian Luis Otávio 
Published: January 2014

Purpose The benefits of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for cervical cancer compared with radiation (RT) alone seem to diminish in later-stage disease. However, these modalities have not been directly compared for disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS) of women with stage IIIB cervical cancer. Patients and Methods We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing DFI and OS of 147 women with stage IIIB squamous cervical cancer who received either cisplatin plus RT (CRT) or RT alone (72 patients in the CRT group and 75 patients in the RT-only group). Results The CRT group had significantly better DFI (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.93; P = .02). However, patients in the CRT group did not have significantly better OS than those in the RT-only group (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.17; P = .16). Toxicity was graded according to criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. The organs affected (excluding hematologic effects) did not differ significantly between groups. Also, late toxicity events and organs affected were not significantly disproportionate between the study groups. Conclusion For stage IIIB cervical cancer, the addition of cisplatin offers a small but significant benefit in DFI, with acceptable toxicity.
Is There any Demand For the Workers Aged 50+ in Poland?
Authors: Richert-Kaźmierska Anita 
Published: January 2014

The process of ageing affects all the European Union Member States, including Poland. According to forecasts by the Central Statistical Office, in 2035, the population of Poland will decrease in relation to 2010 by more than 2 million, and the share of people aged 50+ in the total population will increase from 34.8% to 46.6% (Prognoza ludności 2009). In the context of current and projected demographic changes, a discussion is taking place and actions are taken to – on the one hand – extend the period of Poles' economic activity and – one the other hand – implement age management systems in enterprises, enabling the efficient exploitation of the potential of workers aged 50+. The paper considers the problem of the situation of people aged 50+ in the Polish labour market. The main objective is to find out whether in Poland there is a need for the work performed by people aged 50+. The employers' views on workers 50+ and the possibilities and conditions of employment of this group are presented. The paper uses and confronts statistics related to the labour market (BAEL) and the results of quantitative and qualitative research carried out by selected Polish research centres within the framework of projects co-financed from EU funds.
Adaptive Behavior and Problem Behavior in Young Children With Williams Syndrome
Authors: Hahn Laura J. , Fidler Deborah J. , Hepburn Susan L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe present study compares the adaptive behavior profile of 18 young children with Williams syndrome (WS) and a developmentally matched group of 19 children with developmental disabilities and examines the relationship between adaptive behavior and problem behaviors in WS. Parents completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scales—Interview edition and the Developmental Behavior Checklist—Primary Caregiver version (WS only). Children with WS had higher adaptive communication scores than children with other developmental disabilities. Children with WS demonstrated relative strengths in adaptive communication and socialization, coupled with relative weaknesses in daily living. Adaptive communication and socialization were negatively associated with problem behaviors in social relating in WS.
Positron emission tomography (PET) in oncology: current applications and future perspectives
Authors: Trofimiuk-Müldner Małgorzata , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET), particularly dual-modality imaging systems (PET/CT or PET/MRI), has evolved from being a research tool into a valuable clinical modality, particularly in the field of oncology. Currently, most of the PET/CT examinations are done with FDG when assessing glucose metabolism in tumors. FDG PET or PET/CT has been proven to be a valuable method in staging, restaging, therapy response assessment, early recurrence detection, and in unknown primary focus localization. However, PET/CT has its limitations, leading to both false-positive and false-negative results. Proper design and/or choice of an alternative tracer may overcome those problems as well as give better insight into tumor biology and result in more thorough assessment and effective therapeutic approach in patients with cancer.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some novel 2-thienyl substituted heterocycles
Authors: Youssef Mohamed Salah K. , Abeed Ahmed Abdou O. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A series of 2-thienyl substituted derivatives of thiazoles, oxazoles and spiro(indole-azole) were synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, NMR and mass spectral data.
Fabrication and tuning soft magnetic and magneto-optical properties of BMGs based Fe-B-Nb-Ni transparent thin films, obtained by Pulsed Laser Deposition.
Authors: Masood Ansar , Afridi A. A. , Ström V. , Riazanova A. , Belova L. , Rao K. V. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTWe have fabricated by pulse laser deposition very thin (∼5-7 nm) and thick (∼27-408 nm) films of composition Fe66B24Nb4Ni6 on silicon and quartz substrates respectively, and studied their magnetic and magneto-optic properties at room temperature. We find that the thicker films on silicon can be tuned by appropriate thermal annealing to exploit soft magnetic characteristics with low HC, and high MS values. The magnetic hysteretic loops of the as-deposited thicker films on silicon substrates show two interesting characteristics: 1) increase in the coercivity with the film thickness and 2) the onset of a two stage process during the approach to magnetic saturation. The initial in-plane characteristic of the hysteresis loop is followed by a linear anisotropic behavior between remanence and saturation- that changes into square soft-magnetic loops on decreasing the film thickness. By suitable annealing the intrinsic strain disappears at relatively low temperatures (≤200 oC); the thicker films can be tailored to exhibit a simple soft-magnetic square loop with low HC. The ∼5-7 nm films deposited on glass are transparent and have been investigated for their magneto-optic properties using Faraday rotation (FR) measurement technique. Very high values of FR in the range 4-20 deg/µm almost linearly dependent on the wavelength of light in the range 405-611 nm are observed. The observed high values of Faraday rotation over a wide range of wavelength of light are useful for the applications as magneto-optic sensors in the UV to visible range.
Ethical Considerations for the Clinical Oncologist in an Era of Oncology Drug Shortages
Authors: Jagsi Reshma , Spence Rebecca , Rathmell W. Kimryn , Bradbury Angela , Peppercorn Jeffrey , Grubbs Stephen , Moy Beverly 
Published: January 2014

AbstractShortages of injectable drugs affect many cancer patients and providers in the U.S. today. Scholars and policymakers have recently begun to devote increased attention to these issues, but only a few tangible resources exist to guide clinical oncologists in developing strategies for dealing with drug shortages on a recurring basis. This article discusses existing information from the scholarly literature, policy analyses, and other relevant sources and seeks to provide practical ethical guidance to the broad audience of oncology professionals who are increasingly confronted with such cases in their practice. We begin by providing a brief overview of the history, causes, and regulatory context of oncology drug shortages in the U.S., followed by a discussion of ethical frameworks that have been proposed in this setting. We conclude with practical recommendations for ethical professional behavior in these increasingly common and challenging situations.
Guided Bone Regeneration Using Nanocrystalline Calcium Sulfate Bone Graft in an Extraction Socket: A Case Report
Authors: Mazor Ziv , Horowitz Robert , Chesnoiu‐Matei Ioanna , Mamidwar Sachin 
Published: January 2014

Introduction: The use of bone grafts to replace the lost bone in extraction sockets is commonplace today. This helps to maintain the height and width of the bone for eventual placement of dental implants.Case Presentation: A 41‐year‐old female patient presented to a private clinic with a hopeless tooth #31. Atraumatic extraction was performed. The socket was cleaned. Infected, inflamed tissue, as well as remnants of periodontal ligament, were removed. The site was thoroughly irrigated and decorticated. Particles of nanocrystalline calcium sulfate (nCS) were mixed with saline to form a putty. nCS putty was then lightly condensed in the extraction socket with a plastic instrument and a plugger. The site was closed with a barrier membrane. Radiographs were taken before and after the surgery. The patient was followed regularly. Four months after grafting the socket, two dental implants were placed in the healed socket. A small core of the bone from the grafted socket was obtained before implant placement and was analyzed histologically and histomorphometrically. Socket healing was uneventful. Histologic analysis demonstrated robust bone regeneration in the socket, and histomorphometric analysis showed 52% bone and 48% soft tissue. One hundred percent of the bone was vital. Implants were restored 4 months after placement.Conclusion: This case demonstrates the effective use of nCS for guided bone regeneration in a molar extraction socket.
Hosoya-Diudea polynomial in hyper structures
Authors: Vlad M. P. , Diudea M. V. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Hosoya polynomial counts finite sequences of distances in a graph G; more exactly, it counts the number of points/atoms lying at a given distance in G. The polynomial coefficients are calculable by means of layer/shell matrices. Shell matrix operator enables the transformation of any square matrix in the corresponding layer/shell matrix, thus generalizing the local property counting according to its distribution by the distances in G. This represents the “Hosoya-Diudea” generalized counting polynomial. We applied this theory to several hypothetical nanostructures with icosahedral symmetry.
The content of fagopyrin and polyphenols in common and tartary buckwheat sprouts
Authors: Kreft Samo , Janeš Damjan , Kreft Ivan 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Dried buckwheat herb is used in medicinal products whereas fresh green plant parts, especially sprouts, are consumed as a vegetable. The herb contains fagopyrins, which cause sensitivity to light after ingestion. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different growing conditions and the development phase on the content of fagopyrin and phenolic compounds in buckwheat sprouts. Total flavonoid and total phenol contents, fagopyrin content and antioxidant activity were determined spectrophotometrically. Fagopyrin and flavonoids were located almost exclusively in cotyledons. Based on a comparison to hypericin toxicity, the recommendable intake of buckwheat sprouts was estimated to be less than 40 g per day.
Preparation and evaluation of chitosan based thermoreversible gels for intraperitoneal delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
Authors: Depani Bhavesh P. , Naik Anuja A. , Nair Hema A. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Sterile thermoreversibly gelling systems based on chitosan- glycerol phosphate were developed for intraperitoneal delivery of the antineoplastic agent 5-FU. The formulation was evaluated for gelling characteristics and in vitro drug release. Drug free gels were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity in L-929 mouse fibroblast cells. Drug loaded gels were subjected to acute toxicity studies in Swiss albino mice via intraperitoneal route and efficacy studies via intratumoral injections in subcutaneous colon carcinoma bearing BALB/c mice. The formulations gelled reversibly in 8 min at 37 °C and provided prolonged release of the drug. Drug free systems showed dose dependent cytotoxicity in fibroblast cells, while in vivo studies revealed a 2.8-fold increase in LD50 of 5-FU administered intraperitoneally as the developed system. Tumor volume measurements showed comparable efficacy of 5-FU administered as gel and commercial injection with a greatly improved safety profile of the former as adjudged from mortality and body weight measurements.
Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil
Authors: Yapar Evren Algin , Ýnal Özge , Erdal M. Sedef 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Prevention of skin aging and its treatment is an emerging field for development of new formulations in cosmetics. Accordingly, plant extracts with antioxidant properties are beneficial cosmetic ingredients for this purpose. This study was aimed at developing a stable and easily manufactured emulgel including green tea extract and rose oil that is effective on the barrier function and hydration of the skin. An emulgel formulation containing 20 % green tea extract and 5 % rose oil was designed as a result of pre-formulation studies. Physicochemical characterization, in vitro stability studies, in vivo water content of the stratum corneum and transepidermal water loss studies were carried out afterwards. In vivo studies on ten female subjects were evaluated by using non-invasive skin bioengineering techniques. Finally, a cosmetically acceptable, stable and effective emulgel formulation for skin barrier function with good hydrating properties was obtained for skin hydration, protection and anti-aging purposes.
Cytoprotective potential of anti-ischemic drugs against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in H9c2 myoblast cell line
Authors: Feridooni Tiam , Mac Donald Chris , Shao Di , Yeung Pollen , Agu Remigius U. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
To investigate potential prevention or attenuation of anti- cancer drug induced cardiotoxicity using anti-ischemic drugs, a rat myoblast (H9c2) cell line was used as our in vitro cardiac model. Irinotecan and doxorubicin were found to be cytotoxic for the H9c2 cell line with IC50 of 30.69 ± 6.20 and 20.94 ± 6.05 mmol L-1, respectively. 5-Flurouracil and cladribine were not cytotoxic and thus IC50 could not be calculated. When 100 mmol L-1 doxorubicin was incubated for 72 hours with 50 mmol L-1 diltiazem, 100 mmol L-1 dexrazoxane and 100 mmol L-1 losartan, respectively, there was a 58.7 ± 10.2, 52.2 ± 11.7 and 44.7 ± 5.4 % reduction in cell death. When 200 mmol L-1 irinotecan was incubated for 72 hours with 100 mmol L-1 dexrazoxane, losartan and diltiazem, respectively, a 27.7 ± 6.9, 25.6 ± 5.1, and 19.1 ± 2.3 % reduction in cell death was observed. Our data suggests that losartan and diltiazem were as effective as dexrazoxane in protecting the cells against irinotecan- and doxorubicin-induced cell toxicity. These findings offer potential uses of anti- -ischemic drugs for ablation of cytotoxicity in response to mitochondrial injury, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing health-care costs.
Lipid-based systems as a promising approach for enhancing the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs
Authors: Čerpnjak Katja , Zvonar Alenka , Gašperlin Mirjana , Vrečer Franc 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Low oral bioavailability as a consequence of low water solubility of drugs is a growing challenge to the development of new pharmaceutical products. One of the most popular approaches of oral bioavailability and solubility enhancement is the utilization of lipid-based drug delivery systems. Their use in product development is growing due to the versatility of pharmaceutical lipid excipients and drug formulations, and their compatibility with liquid, semi-solid, and solid dosage forms. Lipid formulations, such as self-emulsifying (SEDDS), self-microemulsifying SMEDDS) and self- -nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) were explored in many studies as an efficient approach for improving the bioavailability and dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs. One of the greatest advantages of incorporating poorly soluble drugs into such formulations is their spontaneous emulsification and formation of an emulsion, microemulsion or nanoemulsion in aqueous media. This review article focuses on the following topics. First, it presents a classification overview of lipid-based drug delivery systems and mechanisms involved in improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Second, the article reviews components of lipid-based drug delivery systems for oral use with their characteristics. Third, it brings a detailed description of SEDDS, SMEDDS and SNEDDS, which are very often misused in literature, with special emphasis on the comparison between microemulsions and nanoemulsions.
Investigation of probability density functions in modeling sample distribution of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals
Authors: Guia Rosa Igor Da , Cavalcanti Garcia Marco Antonio , De Souza Marcio Nogueira 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The surface electromyography signal (sEMG) has been typically modeled as a Gaussian random process. However, some authors have reported that the probability density functions (pdfs) associated with the sample distribution of sEMG signal exhibits a more peaked shape than one could expected for a Gaussian pdf. This work aimed to reinvestigate the profile of the sEMG pdfs during five different load levels of isometric contractions of biceps brachii muscle, and compared the adequacy of four different pdfs (Gaussian, Logistic, Cauchy, and Laplacian) in describing the sample distribution of such signal. Experimental pdfs were estimated for each subject and load condition. The comparison between experimental pdfs obtained from sEMG data of forty volunteers and four theoretical pdfs was performed by fitting these functions to its experimental counterpart, and using a mean absolute errors in the assessment of the best fit. On average, the Logistic pdf seemed to be the best one to describe the sample distribution of sEMG signal, although the probabilistic results, considering binomial trials, were significant for both Gaussian and Logistic pdfs.
Evolutionary computing approaches to optimum design of fuzzy logic controller for a flexible robot system
Authors: Subudhi Bidyadhar , Ranasingh Subhakanta 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
This paper presents the design of a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) whose parameters are optimized by using Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Bacteria Foraging Optimization (BFO) for tip position control of a single link flexible manipulator. The proposed FLC is designed by minimizing the fitness function, which is defined as a function of tip position error, through GA and BFO optimization algorithms achieving perfect tip position tracking of the single link flexible manipulator. Then the tip position responses obtained by using both the above controllers are compared to suggest the best controller for the tip position tracking.