bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rheumatic symptoms in childhood leukaemia and lymphoma-a ten-year retrospective study
Authors: Zombori Luca , Kovacs Gabor , Csoka Monika , Derfalvi Beata 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The initial symptoms of childhood leukaemia and lymphoma are often similar to those of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In our study, we analyzed the frequency and characteristics of musculoskeletal complaints as the initial presenting symptoms of newly diagnosed leukaemia and lymphoma patients in the past 10 years in our clinic.

Methods
Using the Hungarian Tumour Register, we performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 166 new leukaemia and 95 new lymphoma pediatric patients treated from 1999 to 2009 at the 2nd. Dept. of Paediatrics of the Semmelweis University in Budapest.

Results
Twenty percent of the leukaemic (33 children) and 2% of the lymphoma patients (2 children) had musculoskeletal symptoms at first presentation. Two-thirds of both groups of patients had other general symptoms like fever and/or fatigue. The hip was the most frequently affected joint (7/33) in the leukaemic patients. Twenty-four percent of all the children had been previously evaluated by an orthopaedist; 12% had visited another rheumatologist prior to diagnosis. Imaging had been done in an unexpectedly low number of patients prior to referral to our unit (radiographs: 16 or 48%, ultrasound: 5 patients or 15%). Radiographs of the affected joints were abnormal in only one case (1/16, 6%). The joint ultrasound was abnormal in only three children of 5 studied (3/5, 60%). Anaemia (26/32, 6%), thrombocytopenia (78%) and LDH elevation (3–4 times the normal count) were frequent in the leukaemic patients. Half of the cases had a normal leukocyte count. The lymphoma group had similar results. Two patients of the leukaemia group received steroid treatment before the final diagnosis. Severe pain out of proportion to physical findings is another clue.

Conclusions
Haematologic malignancies must be excluded before initiation of therapy for childhood arthritis among children presenting with musculoskeletal signs and symptoms, particularly in atypical cases. Malignancies are to be suspected when pain is disproportionately severe compared to the physical examination findings, and when anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and an elevated LDH level are present. Diagnosing leukaemia early is important because the use of steroids and immunosuppressive medications may mask and delay its diagnosis. Additionally, pre-treatment of presumed JIA patients with these drugs who eventually are diagnosed to have a malignancy may lead to the malignancy being steroid-resistant and more difficult to treat.
Energy-efficient cooperative spectrum sensing schemes for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Zhao Nan , Yu Fei Richard , Sun Hongjian , Nallanathan Arumugam 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Rapidly rising energy costs and increasingly rigid environmental standards have led to an emerging trend of addressing “energy efficiency” aspect of wireless communication technologies. Cognitive radio can play an important role in improving energy efficiency in wireless networks, because from the green perspective, spectrum is a natural resource which should not be wasted but be shared. In this article, we propose two energy-efficient and time-saving one-bit cooperative spectrum sensing schemes, which have two stages in the spectrum sensing process. If the signal-to-noise ratio is high or no primary user exists, only one stage of coarse spectrum sensing is needed, by which the sensing time and energy are saved. Otherwise, the second stage of fine spectrum sensing will be performed to increase the spectrum sensing accuracy. Furthermore, only one-bit decision is sent by each secondary user to minimize the overhead. The second proposed algorithm fully utilizes the local decisions of the coarse detection, and its energy consumption is further reduced with its sensing performance close to the first one. Plenty of simulation is performed, and the results show that the sensing time and energy consumption are both reduced significantly in the proposed schemes.
Strong convergence of an iterative process for a family of strictly pseudocontractive mappings
Authors: Qing Yuan , Cho Sun Young , Shang Meijuan 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In this article, fixed point problems of a family of strictly pseudocontractive mappings are investigated based on an iterative process. Strong convergence of the iterative process is obtained in a real 2-uniformly Banach space.

MSC:47H09, 47J05, 47J25.
An efficient operator splitting method for local region Chan-Vese model
Authors: Wang Hui , Huang Ting-Zhu , Liu Jun 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we propose an efficient operator splitting method for local region Chan-Vese (C-V) model for image segmentation. Different from the C-V model, we employ the window function and absorb the local characteristics of the image for improving the C-V model, which we called the local C-V model. The local C-V model can deal with the problem of intensity inhomogeneity which widely exists in the real-world images. By employing a Laplacian operator, we present an operator splitting method to update the level set function. Firstly, we solve the proposed model for evolving the level set function, which drives the active contour to move toward the object boundaries. Secondly, we introduce the Laplacian operator to act on the level set function as a diffusion term, which could efficiently ensure the smoothness and stability and eliminate the complex process of re-initialization. Besides, we increase a new constraint term which avoids updating the level set function seriously. Furthermore, we present an extension for vector-valued images. Experiment results show that our method is competitive with application to synthetic and real-world images.
Bone marrow T cells from the femur are similar to iliac crest derived cells in old age and represent a useful tool for studying the aged immune system
Authors: Pritz Theresa , Landgraf-Rauf Katja , Herndler-Brandstetter Dietmar , Rauf Rauend , Lair Julian , Gassner Robert , Weinberger Birgit , Krismer Martin , Grubeck-Loebenstein Beatrix 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
CD4+ and CD8+ T cells reside in the human bone marrow (BM) and show a heightened activation state. However, only small sample sizes are available from sources such as the iliac crest. Larger samples can be obtained from the femur in the course of hip replacement surgery. It was therefore the goal of the present study to compare the phenotype and function of BM T cells from different sources from elderly persons and to investigate how femur derived bone marrow T cells can serve as a tool to gain a better understanding of the role of adaptive immune cells in the BM in old age.

Results
Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) were isolated from either the iliac crest or the femur shaft. As expected the yield of mononuclear cells was higher from femur than from iliac crest samples. There were no phenotypic differences between BMMC from the two sources. Compared to PBMC, both BM sample types contained fewer naïve and more antigen experienced CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells, which, in contrast to peripheral cells, expressed CD69. Cytokine production was also similar in T cells from both BM types. Larger sample sizes allowed the generation of T cell lines from femur derived bone marrow using non-specific as well as specific stimulation. The phenotype of T cell lines generated by stimulation with OKT-3 and IL-2 for two weeks was very similar to the one of ex vivo BM derived T cells. Such lines can be used for studies on the interaction of different types of BM cells as shown by co-culture experiments with BM derived stromal cells. Using CMVNLV specific T cell lines we additionally demonstrated that BM samples from the femur are suitable for the generation of antigen specific T cell lines, which can be used in studies on the clonal composition of antigen specific BM T cells.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our results demonstrate that BMMC from the femur shaft are a useful tool for studies on the role of T cells in the BM in old age.
Sudden, unexpected death due to glioblastoma: report of three fatal cases and review of the literature
Authors: Riezzo Irene , Zamparese Rosanna , Neri Margherita , De Stefano Francesco , Parente Ruggero , Pomara Cristoforo , Turillazzi Emanuela , Ventura Francesco , Fineschi Vittorio 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Abstract
Sudden death from an undiagnosed primary intracranial neoplasm is an exceptionally rare event, with reported frequencies in the range of 0.02% to 2.1% in medico-legal autopsy series and only 12% of all cases of sudden, unexpected death due to primary intracranial tumors are due to glioblastomas. We present three cases of sudden, unexpected death due to glioblastoma, with different brain localization and expression. A complete methodological forensic approach by means of autopsy, histological and immunohistochemical examinations let us to conclude for an acute central dysregulation caused by glioblastoma and relative complication with rapid increase of intracranial pressure as cause of death. Although modern diagnostic imaging techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis of brain tumors, the autopsy and the careful gross examination and section of the fixed brain (with coronal section) is still the final word in determining exact location, topography, mass effects and histology and secondary damage of brain tumor and contributed the elucidation of the cause of death. Immunohistochemistry and proteomic analysis are mandatory in such cases.

Virtual slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1218574899466985
Traditional use of medicinal plants in south-central Zimbabwe: review and perspectives
Authors: Maroyi Alfred 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Background
Traditional medicine has remained as the most affordable and easily accessible source of treatment in the primary healthcare system of resource poor communities in Zimbabwe. The local people have a long history of traditional plant usage for medicinal purposes. Despite the increasing acceptance of traditional medicine in Zimbabwe, this rich indigenous knowledge is not adequately documented. Documentation of plants used as traditional medicines is needed so that the knowledge can be preserved and the utilized plants conserved and used sustainably. The primary objective of this paper is to summarize information on traditional uses of medicinal plants in south-central Zimbabwe, identifying research gaps and suggesting perspectives for future research.

Methods
This study is based on a review of the literature published in scientific journals, books, reports from national, regional and international organizations, theses, conference papers and other grey materials.

Results
A total of 93 medicinal plant species representing 41 families and 77 genera are used in south-central Zimbabwe. These plant species are used to treat 18 diseases and disorder categories, with the highest number of species used for gastro-intestinal disorders, followed by sexually transmitted infections, cold, cough and sore throat and gynaecological problems. Shrubs and trees (38% each) were the primary sources of medicinal plants, followed by herbs (21%) and climbers (3%). The therapeutic claims made on medicinal plants documented in south-central Zimbabwe are well supported by literature, with 82.8% of the plant species having similar applications in other regions of Zimbabwe as well as other parts of the world and 89.2% having documented biological and pharmacological properties.

Conclusion
This study illustrates the importance of traditional medicines in the treatment and management of human diseases and ailments in south-central Zimbabwe. Traditional medicines still play an important role in meeting basic health care of local communities in Zimbabwe.
Structural and optical characterization of metal tungstates (MWO4; M=Ni, Ba, Bi) synthesized by a sucrose-templated method
Authors: M Zawawi Siti Murni , Yahya Rosiyah , Hassan Aziz , Mahmud H N M Ekramul , Daud Mohammad Noh 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Metal tungstates have attracted much attention due to their interesting structural and photoluminescence properties. Depending on the size of the bivalent cation present, the metal tungstates will adopt structures with different phases. In this work, three different phases of metal tungstates MWO4 (M= Ba, Ni and Bi) were synthesized via the sucrose templated method.

Results
The powders of BaWO4 (tetragonal), NiWO4 (monoclinic) and Bi2WO6 (orthorhombic) formed after calcination temperatures of 750, 650 and 600°C for 4 h respectively are found to be crystalline and exist in their pure phase. Based on Scherrer estimation, their crystallite size are of nanosized. BET results showed NiWO4 has the highest surface area. BaWO4 exhibited less Raman vibrations than the NiWO4 because of the increased lattice symmetry but Bi2WO6 showed almost the same Raman vibrations as BaWO4. From the UV-vis spectra, the band gap transition of the metal tungstates are of the order of BaWO4 > Bi2WO6 > NiWO4. Broad blue-green emission peaks were detected in photoluminescence spectra and the results showed the great dependence on morphology, crystallinity and size of the metal tungstates.

Conclusion
Three different phases of metal tungstates of BaWO4 (scheelite), NiWO4 (wolframite) and Bi2WO6 (perovskite layer) in their pure phase were successfully prepared by the simple and economical sucrose-templated method. The highest surface area is exhibited by NiWO4 while largest band gap is shown by BaWO4. These materials showed promising optical properties.
Structural and bioactive studies of terpenes and cyclopeptides from the Genus Rubia
Authors: Xu Kuo , Wang Penglong , Yuan Bin , Cheng Yatao , Li Qiang , Lei Haimin 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Genus Rubia fell into about 70 species distributed widely around the world, a total of 36 species and 2 varieties were reported from China. The extracts and phytochemicals of Rubia plants had drawn considerable attention due to their potent bioactivities. As the two major ingredients from these plants, pentacyclic triterpenes and cyclopeptides were becoming a hot topic over the past twenty years for their remarkable anticancer, antioxidant and other effects. This paper compiled all 65 terpenes and 44 cyclopeptides with their distributions, physiological activities and melting points (or optical rotations) as reported in 85 references; besides, structure-activity relationships of these derivatives were briefly discussed. The information involved in this paper was expected to be meaningful for the further studies of the Genus Rubia.
Serum microRNAs profile from genome-wide serves as a fingerprint for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and angina pectoris
Authors: Li Chunjian , Fang Zhijuan , Jiang Ting , Zhang Qiu , Liu Chao , Zhang Chenyu , Xiang Yang 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
In order to identify miRNAs expression profiling from genome-wide screen for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and angina pectoris (AP), we investigated the altered profile of serum microRNAs in AMI and AP patients at a relative early stage.

Methods
Serum samples were taken from 117 AMI patients, 182 AP patients and 100 age-and gender-matched controls. An initial screening of miRNAs expression was performed by Solexa sequencing. Differential expression was validated using RT-qPCR in individuals samples, the samples were arranged in a two-phase selection and validation.

Results
The Solexa sequencing results demonstrated marked upregulation of serum miRNAs in AMI patients compared with controls. RT-qPCR analysis identified a profile of six serum miRNAs (miR-1, miR-134, miR-186, miR-208, miR-223 and miR-499) as AMI biomarkers. MiR-208 and miR-499 were elevated higher in AP cases than in AMI cases. The ROC curves indicated a panel of six miRNAs has a great potential to offer sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for AMI. More especially, the panel of six miRNAs presents significantly differences between the AMI and AP cases.

Conclusions
The six-miRNAs signature identified from genome-wide serum miRNA expression profiling may serves as a fingerprint for AMI and AP diagnosis.
Little impact of tsunami-stricken nuclear accident on awareness of radiation dose of cardiac computed tomography: A questionnaire study
Authors: Kim Sung Hea , Kim Hyun Joong , Ki Hyun Kyun , Chung Eui Jong , Suh Soon Yong , Han Seong Woo , Ryu Kyu Hyung 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
With the increased use of cardiac computed tomography (CT), radiation dose remains a major issue, although physicians are trying to reduce the substantial risks associated with use of this diagnostic tool. This study was performed to investigate recognition of the level of radiation exposure from cardiac CT and the differences in the level of awareness of radiation before and after the Fukushima nuclear plant accident.

Methods
We asked 30 physicians who were undergoing training in internal medicine to determine the equivalent doses of radiation for common radiological examinations when a normal chest X-ray is accepted as one unit; questions about the absolute radiation dose of cardiac CT data were also asked.

Results
According to the results, 86.6% of respondents believed the exposure to be 1 mSv at most, and 93.3% thought that the exposure was less than that of 100 chest X-rays. This finding indicates that their perceptions were far lower than the actual amounts. Even after the occurrence of such a large nuclear disaster in Fukushima, there were no significant differences in the same subjects’ overall awareness of radiation amounts.

Conclusions
Even after such a major social issue as the Fukushima nuclear accident, the level of awareness of the accurate radiation amount used in 64-channel multidetector CT (MDCT) by clinical physicians who order this test was not satisfactory. Thus, there is a need for the development of effective continuing education programs to improve awareness of radiation from ionizing radiation devices, including cardiac CT, and emphasis on risk-benefit evaluation based on accurate knowledge during medical training.
Prevalence and factors correlating with hyperoxia exposure following cardiac arrest – an observational single centre study
Authors: Nelskylä Annika , Parr Michael J , Skrifvars Markus B 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Purpose of the study
Arterial hyperoxia during care in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been found to correlate with mortality after cardiac arrest (CA). We examined the prevalence of hyperoxia following CA including pre-ICU values and studied differences between those exposed and those not exposed to define predictors of exposure.

Materials and methods
A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort of cardiac arrest patients treated in an Australian tertiary hospital between August 2008 and July 2010. Arterial blood oxygen values and used fractions of oxygen were recorded during the first 24 hours after the arrest. Hyperoxia was defined as any arterial oxygen value greater than 300 mmHg. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data and Mann–Whitney U-test to continuous data. Statistical methods were used to identify predictors of hyperoxia exposure.

Results
Of 122 patients treated in the ICU following cardiac arrest 119 had one or several arterial blood gases taken and were included in the study. Of these, 49 (41.2%) were exposed to hyperoxia and 70 (58.8%) were not during the first 24 hours after the CA. Those exposed had longer delays to return of spontaneous circulation (26 minutes vs. 10 minutes) and a longer interval to ICU admission after the arrest (4 hours compared to 1 hour). Location of the arrest was an independent predictor of exposure to hyperoxia (P-value = 0,008) with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients being more likely to have been exposed (65%), than those with an in-hospital (21%) or ICU (30%) cardiac arrest. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients had higher oxygen concentrations to the fraction of inspired oxygen ratios.

Conclusions
Hyperoxia exposure was more common than previously reported and occurred more frequently in association with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, longer times to ROSC and delays to ICU admission.
Synthesis and In vitro cytotoxic activity evaluation of (E)-16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of dehydroepiandrosterone
Authors: Vosooghi Mohsen , Yahyavi Hoda , Divsalar Kouros , Shamsa Hashem , Kheirollahi Asma , Safavi Maliheh , Ardestani Sussan Kabudanian , Sadeghi-Neshat Sareh , Mohammadhosseini Negar , Edraki Najmeh , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi , Shafiee Abbas , Foroumadi Alireza 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background and the purpose of the study
Modified androsterone derivatives are class of steroidal compounds with potential anticancer properties. Various steroidal derivatives containing substitution at position 16 have shown diversified pharmacological activities. In the present study, a new series of cytotoxic 16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were synthesized and evaluated against three different cancer cell lines.

Methods
The cytotoxic 16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of DHEA were synthesized via aldol condensation of DHEA with corresponding benzaldehyde derivatives. The cytotoxic activity of synthesized derivatives was evaluated against three different cancer cells including KB, T47D and SK-N-MC cell lines by MTT reduction colorimetric assay.

Results
The results indicated that 16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of DHEA could be served as a potent anti-cancer agent. The 3-cholro benzylidene derivatives of DHEA was the most potent synthesized derivative especially against KB and T47D cell lines (IC50 values were 0.6 and 1.7 μM; respectively).

Conclusion
The cytotoxic potential of novel benzylidene derivatives of DHEA is mainly attributed to the position and nature of the substituted group on the benzylidene pendant.