bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reference-based fair MAC algorithm in Wi-Fi WLANs with capture effect
Authors: Jeong Jiwoong , Choi Sunwoong , Yoo Joon 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe widespread deployment of infrastructure WLANs has made Wi-Fi an integral part of today’s Internet access technology. Due to the inherent characteristics of the wireless medium in WLAN systems, the capture effect significantly affects the system performance; a receiver can successfully decode a collided frame given that its signal-to-interference and noise ratio is sufficiently high enough, but results in an unfair channel access share among the wireless nodes. In this article, we propose fair capture effect aware MAC (FC-MAC) algorithm, which achieves channel access fairness using a feedback control mechanism. We determine the average waiting time as a common control reference, which provides fair channel access even when the capture effect is present. In result, the algorithm enables each node to converge to a fair channel access share. Among multiple points that yields fair channel access, we determine the optimal target reference that maximizes the aggregate throughput. Through both dynamic system modeling and extensive simulation studies, we show that the FC-MAC algorithm is stable and achieves fairness while improving the aggregate throughput.
Association of fascin-1 with mortality, disease progression and metastasis in carcinomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Vanessa Y , Lewis Sarah J , Adams Josephine C , Martin Richard M 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundFascin-1 is an actin-bundling protein expressed in many human carcinomas, although absent from most normal epithelia. Fascin-1 promotes filopodia formation, migration and invasion in carcinoma cells; in mouse xenograft tumor models it contributes to metastasis. Fascin-1 is an interesting candidate biomarker for aggressive, metastatic carcinomas but data from individual studies of human tumors have not yet been pooled systematically.MethodsThis systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using fixed and random effects models, as appropriate, to undertake meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 26 immunohistochemical studies of 5 prevalent human carcinomas were identified for meta-analysis. Fascin-1 was associated with increased risk of mortality for breast (pooled hazard ratio, (HR) = 2.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48 to 4.52;P= 0.001), colorectal (HR = 1.60 (1.37 to 1.86;P<0.001) and esophageal carcinomas (HR = 1.35; CI 1.13 to 1.60;P= 0.001). There was no evidence of association of fascin-1 with mortality in gastric and lung carcinomas. Fascin-1 was associated with increased risk of disease progression in breast (HR = 2.48; CI 1.38 to 4.46;P= 0.002) and colorectal carcinomas (HR = 2.12; CI 1.00 to 4.47;P= 0.05), but not with progression of lung carcinomas (HR = 0.95; CI 0.49 to 1.85;P= 0.9). Fascin-1 was associated with increased risk of lymph node metastasis in colorectal (pooled risk ratio (RR) = 1.47; CI 1.26 to 1.71;P<0.001) and gastric carcinomas (RR = 1.43; CI 1.21 to 1.70;P<0.001). There was no evidence of association of fascin-1 with lymph node metastasis in lung or esophageal carcinomas. Fascin-1 was associated with increased risk of distant metastasis in colorectal (RR = 1.70; CI 1.18 to 2.45;P= 0.004) and gastric carcinomas (RR = 1.93; CI 1.21 to 3.33;P= 0.02). No association with distant metastasis in esophageal carcinomas was observed. Pooling across all the carcinomas provided strong evidence for association of fascin-1 with increased risk of mortality (HR = 1.44; CI 1.24 to 1.68;P<0.001; n = 3,645), lymph node metastasis (RR = 1.36; CI 1.18 to 1.55;P<0.001; n = 2,906) and distant metastasis (1.76; 1.34 to 2.32;P<0.001; n = 1,514).ConclusionsFascin-1 is associated consistently with increased risk of mortality in breast, colorectal and esophageal carcinomas and with metastasis in colorectal and gastric carcinomas. The results were stable to various sensitivity analyses and did not vary by predefined subgroups. These data will assist rational decision making for focusing investigations of fascin-1 as a biomarker or therapeutic target onto the most relevant carcinomas.
Efficacy and toxicity of thirteen plant leaf acetone extracts used in ethnoveterinary medicine in South Africa on egg hatching and larval development of Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Adamu Mathew , Naidoo Vinasan , Eloff Jacobus N 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Helminthiasis is a major limitation to the livestock industry in Africa. Haemonchus contortus is the singular most important helminth responsible for major economic losses in small ruminants. The high cost of anthelmintics to small farmers, resistance to available anthelmintics and residue problems in meat and milk consumed by humans further complicates matters. The use of plants and plant extracts as a possible source of new anthelmintics has received more interest in the last decade. Our aim was not to confirm the traditional use, but rather to determine activity of extracts.
Based on our past experience acetone was used as extractant. Because it is cheaper and more reproducible to evaluate the activity of plant extracts, than doing animal studies, the activity of acetone leaf extracts of thirteen plant species used traditionally in ethnoveterinary medicine in South Africa were determined using the egg hatch assay and the larval development test. Cytotoxicity of these extracts was also evaluated using the MTT cellular assay.

Results
Extracts of three plant species i.e. Heteromorpha trifoliata, Maesa lanceolata and Leucosidea sericea had EC50 values of 0.62 mg/ml, 0.72 mg/ml and 1.08 mg/ml respectively for the egg hatch assay. Clausena anisata; (1.08 mg/ml) and Clerodendrum glabrum; (1.48 mg/ml) extracts were also active. In the larval development assay the H. trifoliata extract was the most effective with an EC50 of 0.64 mg/ml followed by L. sericea (1.27 mg/ml). The activities in the larval development test were generally lower in most plant species than the egg hatch assay. Based on the cytotoxicity results C. anisata was the least toxic with an LC50 of 0.17 mg/ml, while Cyathea dregei was the most toxic plant with an LC50 of 0.003 mg/ml. The C. anisata extract had the best selectivity index with a value of 0.10 and 0.08 for the two assays, followed by H. trifoliata and L. sericea with values of 0.07, 0.07 and 0.05, 0.04. The C. dregei extract had the worst selectivity index with a value of 0.00019 for both assays.

Conclusion
The result of this study indicates which species should be further investigated in depth for isolation of compounds.
Morphological and acrosomal changes of canine spermatozoa during epididymal transit
Authors: Varesi Sara , Vernocchi Valentina , Faustini Massimo , Luvoni Gaia Cecilia 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundDuring epididymal transit, functional and structural modifications leading to full maturation enable male gametes to reach, recognize and fertilize the oocytes. In dogs, little is known on the modifications of spermatozoa during the passage in the epididymis. The aim of this study was to describe the motility, morphology and acrosomal patterns of canine spermatozoa retrieved from the epididymis caput, corpus and cauda.ResultsAfter the dilution required for the collection of epididymal content, sperm motility was significantly higher (P<0.0001) in the cauda compared to corpus and caput.Proportions of spermatozoa with normal morphology were significantly higher in corpus (P=0.02) and cauda (P<0.0001) compared to caput. Overall morphological abnormalities of the head and neck/midpiece were similar in the three different epididymal regions. A significantly increased prevalence of tail defects, mainly represented by single bent tails, was observed in the corpus compared to caput (P<0.0001) and cauda (P=0.006).Numbers of immature sperm with cytoplasmic droplets decreased from the proximal to the distal region of the epididymis. Particularly, proximal cytoplasmic droplets were more frequently found in spermatozoa collected from the caput epididymis than in the corpus (P<0.0001) and in the cauda (P<0.0001), whereas the occurrence of distal cytoplasmic droplets was higher in the corpus than in the caput (P=0.0003) and in the cauda (P<0.05).Significantly higher proportions of spermatozoa with intact acrosomes were retrieved from the cauda epididymis than from the caput (P=0.03) and the corpus (P=0.008). This difference was mainly due to a lower proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal acrosomes (mainly swollen acrosomes) rather than with absent acrosomes.ConclusionsCanine spermatozoa undergo several modifications in the epididymis. The acquisition of progressive motility, migration of the cytoplasmic droplet and acrosomal reshaping lead to mature spermatozoa which are then stored in the cauda epididymis. From this site, spermatozoa can be retrieved and used in assisted reproductive techniques as a valuable tool for propagating genetic traits of high value individuals that dies accidentally or undergoes orchiectomy for medical purposes. Further investigations should be also focused on the potential use of spermatozoa recovered from other epididymal regions.
Surgical vs ultrasound-guided drainage of deep neck space abscesses: a randomized controlled trial: Surgical vs ultrasound drainage
Authors: Biron Vincent L , Kurien George , Dziegielewski Peter , Barber Brittany , Seikaly Hadi 
Published: February 2013

Introduction Deep neck space abscesses (DNAs) are relatively common otolaryngology-head and neck surgery emergencies and can result in significant morbidity with potential mortality. Traditionally, surgical incision and drainage (I&D) with antibiotics has been the mainstay of treatment. Some reports have suggested that ultrasound-guided drainage (USD) is a less invasive and effective alternative in select cases. Objectives To compare I&D vs USD of well-defined DNAs, using a randomized controlled clinical trial design. The primary outcome measure was effectiveness (length of hospital stay (LOHS) and safety), and the secondary outcome measure was overall cost to the healthcare system. Methods Patients presenting to the University of Alberta Emergency Department with a well-defined deep neck space abscess were recruited in the study. Patients were randomized to surgical or US-guided drainage, placed on intravenous antibiotics and admitted with airway precautions. Following drainage with either intervention, abscess collections were cultured and drains were left in place until discharge. Results Seventeen patients were recruited in the study. We found a significant difference in mean LOHS between patients who underwent USD (3.1 days) vs I&D (5.2 days). We identified significant cost savings associated with USD with a 41% cost reduction in comparison to I&D. Conclusions USD drainage of deep neck space abscesses in a certain patient population is effective, safe, and results in a significant cost savings to the healthcare system.
Mammary gland growth and vascularity at parturition and during lactation in primiparous ewes fed differing levels of selenium and nutritional plane during gestation
Authors: Neville Tammi L , Meyer Allison M , Reyaz Arshi , Borowicz Pawel B , Redmer Dale A , Reynolds Lawrence P , Caton Joel S , Vonnahme Kimberly A 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Objectives were to examine the effects of selenium (Se) supply and maternal nutritional plane during gestation on mammary gland growth, cellular proliferation, and vascularity at parturition and d 20 of lactation. Rambouillet primiparous ewes (n = 84) were allocated to treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial. Factors were dietary Se (adequate Se [ASe, 11.5 μg/kg BW] or high Se [HSe, 77.0 μg/kg BW]) and nutritional plane (60% [RES], 100% [CON], or 140% [EXC]). At parturition, lambs were removed and 42 ewes (7/treatment) were necropsied. Remaining ewes were fed a common diet meeting requirements for lactation and mechanically milked twice daily until necropsy on d 20. At both necropsy periods, mammary glands were dissected and tissues harvested. Samples were analyzed for RNA, DNA, and protein content, cell proliferation, and vascularity. Where interactions were present (P ≤ 0.05), least squares means from the highest-order interaction are presented.

Results
Final body weight of ewes was least (P ≤ 0.002) in RES, intermediate for CON, and greatest for EXC, regardless of stage of the ewe at necropsy (parturition or d 20 of lactation). In ewes necropsied at parturition, mammary glands were heavier (P = 0.02) in EXC compared to RES, with CON intermediate. Concentration of RNA (mg/g) was decreased (P = 0.01) in EXC compared to CON at parturition. There was a tendency (P = 0.07) for a Se by nutrition interaction in percentage of cells proliferating where ASe-EXC ewes had greater (P ≤ 0.02) number of proliferating cells then all other treatments. Mammary vascular area tended (P = 0.08) to be affected by a Se by nutrition interaction where ASe-CON had less (P = 0.007) vascular area than HSe-CON ewes. In ewes necropsied at d 20 of lactation, the number of alveoli per area was decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in RES compared to CON and EXC-fed ewes.

Conclusions
Results of this study indicate that proper maternal nutritional plane during gestation is important for mammary gland development, even out to d 20 of lactation.
Curability of Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Who Did Not Undergo Transplantation in First Remission
Authors: Burnett Alan K. , Goldstone Anthony , Hills Robert K. , Milligan Donald , Prentice Archie , Yin John , Wheatley Keith , Hunter Ann , Russell Nigel 
Published: February 2013

Purpose The aims of this study were to quantify the prospects of salvage treatment of patients who did not undergo transplantation in first complete remission (CR1) and to assess the contribution of allograft in second complete remission (CR2) with respect to major risk groups. This evaluation can inform the decision whether to offer a transplant in CR1. Patients and Methods Of 8,909 patients who entered the Medical Research Council AML10, AML12, and AML15 trials, 1,271 of 3,919 patients age 16 to 49 years who did not receive a transplant in CR1 relapsed. Of these patients, 19% are alive beyond 5 years compared with 7% of patients who relapsed after an allograft in CR1. Overall survival and the contribution of a transplant in CR2 were assessed overall and by cytogenetic risk group by using Mantel-Byar analysis. Results Fifty-five percent of patients who relapsed entered CR2. This percentage varied by risk group as follows: favorable (82%), intermediate (54%), adverse (27%), and unknown (53%), which resulted in 5-year survivals of 32%, 17%, 7%, and 23%, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of remitters received an allotransplant that delivered superior survival compared with patients who did not receive a stem-cell transplant (42% v 16%). A more-stringent assessment of a transplant by using delayed-entry (Mantel-Byar) analysis confirmed the benefit of transplant overall and within intermediate and adverse risk groups but not the favorable subgroup. Conclusion Successful salvage treatment of patients who do not undergo transplantation in CR1 and relapse can be achieved in 19% of patients, which is improved by a transplant except in favorable risk disease. This result suggests that, for intermediate-risk patients in particular, equivalent overall survival can be achieved by delaying transplantation until after relapse, which would require many fewer transplants.
Occupational Exposure to Organophosphate and Carbamate Pesticides Affects Sperm Chromatin Integrity and Reproductive Hormone Levels among Venezuelan Farm Workers
Authors: Miranda‐Contreras Leticia , Gómez‐Pérez Roald , Rojas Gerardo , Cruz Ibis , Berrueta Lisbeth , Salmen Siham , Colmenares Melisa , Barreto Silvio , Balza Alirio , Zavala Leisalba , Morales Yasmin , Molina Yuri , Valeri Lenin , Contreras Carlos A. , Osuna Jesús A. 
Published: February 2013

Occupational Exposure to Organophosphate and Carbamate Pesticides Affects Sperm Chromatin Integrity and Reproductive Hormone Levels among Venezuelan Farm Workers: Leticia MIRANDA‐CONTRERAS, et al. Electron Microscopy Center “Dr. Ernesto Palacios Prü”, University of Los Andes, Venezuela—ObjectivesSeveral reports suggest that chronic pesticide exposure may affect semen quality and male fertility in humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between occupational exposure to organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CB) pesticides and semen quality, as well as levels of reproductive and thyroid hormones of Venezuelan farm workers.MethodsThirty‐five healthy men (unexposed group) and 64 male agricultural workers (exposed group) were recruited for clinical evaluation of fertility status. Fresh semen samples were evaluated for sperm quality and analyzed for DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by flow cytometry. Pesticide exposure was assessed by measuring erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) with a Test‐mate ChE field kit. Serum levels of total testosterone (Tt), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were analyzed using enzyme immunoassay kits.ResultsEvidence of pesticide exposure was found in 87.5% of farmers based on AChE and BuChE inhibition. Significant increments were observed in sperm DFI with significant decreases in some semen parameters. DFI was negatively correlated with BuChE, sperm concentration, morphology and vitality in these workers. The levels of Tt, PRL, FT4 and TSH appeared to be normal; however, there was a tendency for increased LH and FSH levels in exposed workers.ConclusionsOur results confirm the potential impact of chronic occupational exposure to OP/CB pesticides on male reproductive function, which may cause damage to sperm chromatin, decrease semen quality and produce alterations in reproductive hormones, leading to adverse reproductive health outcomes.
Low-Dose Heparin Use and the Patency of Peripheral IV Catheters in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Vandermeer Ben , Bassler Dirk , Mansoor Nadia 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:To assess evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of low-dose heparin for prolonging patency of peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters in the pediatric population.METHODS:We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify studies up to June 6, 2012. Additional citations were retrieved from the bibliography of selected articles. The eligible studies were RCTs of low-dose heparin used in PIV catheters as compared with control and measured any one of the following outcomes: duration of catheter patency, infusion failure rates, or phlebitis. Data were extracted by 1 reviewer by using a standardized form and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus.RESULTS:Thirteen RCTs were identified (3 RCTs of continuous infusion and 10 RCTs of intermittent flush). Catheters using heparin had longer patency (mean difference [95% confidence interval]: 26.51 hours [2.37 to 50.65], P &lt; .001, for the infusion studies and 2.82 hours [−0.04 to 5.67], P = .05, for intermittent flush studies). Heparin usage also resulted in a lower rate of infusion failure (rate ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.78 [0.62 to 0.99], P = .04, for the infusion studies and 0.88 [0.72 to 1.09], P = .25, for intermittent flush studies). Lower phlebitis rates were also observed with heparin usage; however, the results did not reach significance. There was no increase in heparin-related side effects noted.CONCLUSIONS:Low-dose heparin as continuous infusion in PIV catheters resulted in clinically significant benefits in terms of catheter patency and fewer episodes of infusion failures. Heparin’s use in intermittent flush solutions showed minimal benefits.
Screening for Hypertension in Children and Adolescents to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Thompson Matthew , Dana Tracy , Bougatsos Christina , Blazina Ian , Norris Susan L. 
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:The prevalence of hypertension is increasing in children, and may persist into adulthood. This systematic review was conducted for the US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation on the effectiveness of screening asymptomatic children and adolescents for hypertension in order to prevent cardiovascular disease.METHODS:Eligible studies were identified from Medline and the Cochrane Library (through July 2012). We included trials and controlled observational studies in asymptomatic children and adolescents on the effectiveness and harms of screening and treatment, as well as accuracy of blood pressure measurement. One author extracted study characteristics and results, which were checked for accuracy by a second author.RESULTS:No studies evaluated the effects of screening for hypertension on health outcomes. Two studies of screening tests for elevated blood pressure reported moderate sensitivities (0.65, 0.72) and specificities (0.75, 0.92). Sensitivities and specificities of child hypertension for the later presence of adult hypertension (7 studies) were wide ranging (0–0.63 and 0.77–1.0, respectively), and associations between child hypertension and carotid intima media thickening and proteinuria in young adults (3 studies) were inconsistent. Seven studies reported that drug interventions effectively lowered blood pressure in adolescents over short follow-up periods. No serious treatment-related adverse effects were reported.CONCLUSIONS:There is no direct evidence that screening for hypertension in children and adolescents reduces adverse cardiovascular outcomes in adults. Additional studies are needed to improve diagnosis and risk stratification of children with elevated blood pressure and to quantify risks and benefits of interventions.
New HPLC method for in vitro dissolution study of antihypertensive mixture amlodipine and perindopril using an experimental design
Authors: Gumieniczek Anna , Mączka Paulina , Inglot Tadeusz , Pietraś Rafał , Lewkut Elżbieta , Perczak Kinga 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A new HPLC method was developed for the determination of amlodipine and perindopril in their binary mixture as a part of a routine control of combined formulations. For the first time an HPLC method was used for an in vitro dissolution study of tablets containing the above drugs. The presented method was validated to meet official requirements and this validation included specificity, stability, linearity, precision and accuracy. Chromatography was carried out using a LiChrospher RP-18 column, a mixture containing acetonitrile and phosphate buffer of pH 3.0 (50:50, v/v) as mobile phase and UV detection at 225 nm. The dissolution test was performed using 900 mL of phosphate buffer at pH 5.5 containing 1% cetylpyridini chloride (CPC) at 37°C and 75 rpm, using the paddle method. Robustness procedure was done according to the plan defined by the Plackett-Burman design. The effects of acetonitrile content, pH of the buffer and flow rate of the mobile phase, column temperature, pH and CPC content in the dissolution medium as well as rotation speed of the paddle were considered. After that, both graphical and statistical methods were used for identification of significant and non-significant effects.