bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A questionnaire-based survey investigating the current use of tranexamic acid in traumatic haemorrhage and elective hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Young Ben , Moondi Parvez 
Published: February 2014

Objectives To record the current use of tranexamic acid during traumatic haemorrhage and elective arthroplasty of the hip and knee. Design A questionnaire-based postal survey. Setting The questionnaire was sent to the ‘anaesthetic lead’ at all acute trusts in England, excluding centres for children, women’s health, cancer and cardiac care. Participants Ninety-nine (66%) centres replied to the questionnaire. Main outcome measures Is tranexamic acid used as part of routine standardized treatment for traumatic haemorrhage and for elective hip and knee arthroplasty, and if so what dosage regime was administered? Results Few trusts (31%) use tranexamic acid during traumatic haemorrhage, with various dosages used. Its use in hip and knee arthroplasty was also low (38%) with a diverse range of doses prescribed. Conclusions Despite many trials showing its efficacy and low risk of side effect, it is clear that its use is not part of standard practice in most centres. Further studies could clarify these concerns and provide a definitive dosing schedule improving patient care and saving lives.
Caloric and nutrient intake in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with extended-release methylphenidate: analysis of a cross-sectional nutrition survey
Authors: Durá-Travé Teodoro , Gallinas-Victoriano Fidel 
Published: February 2014

Objectives To study calorie and nutrients intake in a group of patients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) under treatment with extended-release methylphenidate (MPH-ER), and to analyse the need to design nutrition intervention strategies. Design Observational (case-control). Setting Navarra Hospital Complex, Pamplona, Spain. Participants A total of 100 patients diagnosed with ADHD under treatment with MPH-ER and 100 healthy children (control group). Main outcome measures A nutrition survey was carried out (food intake registration of 3 consecutive school days). Calorie and nutrient intake, as well as nutrition status, were evaluated and compared in both groups. Results Nutritional status in ADHD group was significantly lower ( p < 0.05) than in control group. Calorie intake in mid-morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack was significantly higher ( p < 0.05) in the control group. Calorie intake in supper was significantly higher ( p < 0.05) in the ADHD group. There were no significant differences in breakfast. Total calorie intake, as well as protein, carbohydrates, fat, fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and phosphorous, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate intake, in control group was significantly higher than in ADHD group. Conclusions The daily calorie and nutrients intake in patients under treatment with MPH-ER is, generally, lower than in healthy population of similar age. The need to impart programmes of nutrition education simultaneously with multimodal treatment in order to avoid the nutrition consequences of treatment with MPH should be considered.
Mechanisms of asthma development in elite athletes
Authors: Carlsen Kai-Håkon 
Published: February 2014

SummaryExercise-induced bronchoconstriction is caused by heat loss and water loss through respiration during exercise, leading to mediator release in the airways and to increased parasympathetic nervous activity in the airways, thereby causing constriction of bronchial smooth muscle and increased bronchial secretions as well as vasodilation in the bronchial vessels. Development of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in the competing elite athlete is presently considered to be caused by the frequently repeated increased ventilation occurring during training and competitions. Usually, the endurance athlete is at risk; and the risk is increased by repeated exposure to environmental factors such as cold air (cross-country skiers and other winter athletes), organic chlorine compounds (swimmers and other water athletes), pollution (long-distance runners and cyclists) to name a few.AimsThe pathogenic mechanisms, including epithelial damage and increased airways inflammation, causing asthmatic symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness are discussed.The factors associated with different sports are discussed.
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis: an update
Authors: Del Giacco Stefano R. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryExercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIAn) is a rare and potentially fatal syndrome associated with exercise. It is the most serious and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity phenomenon for athletes of all sports. Food-dependent EIAn (FDEIAn) shares the same symptoms, but ingestion of foods 2–3 h prior to exercise is crucial for its presentation. Attacks may seldom occur also if food ingestion is made 2–3 hours after exercise. Concomitant use of drugs, particularly aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can worsen the clinical presentation. Clinical manifestations cover a wide range of symptoms, from pruritus to dyspnoea to vascular collapse. Differential diagnoses must be investigated when symptoms are unusual. Several pathogenetic theories have been formulated but the rarity of EIAn has not facilitated the efforts of scientists to find pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms that may account for these conditions. Diagnosis is mainly clinical and can be difficult. Validated protocols including skin prick testing together with food–exercise challenges, laboratory investigations looking for specific immunoglobulin E or through allergy molecular diagnostics are often required. Preventative measures are of fundamental importance, in particular regarding education of patients, family/carers, trainers and teammates. Use of adrenaline autoinjectors is also fundamental and their correct use must be taught to patients, doctors and nurses. Pharmacological preventative measures are not supported by sufficiently powered studies. Further research will be needed to investigate deeper the complexities of EIAn.
Tuberculosis burden in China: a high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in household contacts with and without symptoms
Authors: Jia Zhongwei , Cheng Shiming , Ma Yan , Zhang Tianhao , Bai Liqiong , Xu Weiguo , He Xiaoxin , Zhang Peiru , Zhao Jinkou , Christiani David C 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
In the context of decreasing tuberculosis prevalence in China, we examined the effectiveness of screening household contacts of tuberculosis patients.

Methods
A tuberculosis survey was conducted in 2008. All 3,355 household contacts of notified tuberculosis cases were examined with a questionnaire interview, chest X-ray and three sputum smear tests. The effectiveness was examined by comparing the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in household contacts with or without presenting clinical symptoms against the respective notification rates. Regression models were used to evaluate the factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Results
Of the 3,355 household contacts, 92 members (2.7%) had pulmonary tuberculosis, among which 46 cases were asymptomatic. The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and smear positive cases in household contacts without symptoms were 20 and 7 times higher than the notification rates in 2008, while those in household contacts with symptoms were 247 and 108 times higher than notification rates, respectively. The patients detected were mainly Index Cases’ spouses, sisters/brothers and those who were in contact with female Index Cases.

Conclusions
The present study provides convincing evidence that household contacts of notified tuberculosis cases are at higher risk of developing tuberculosis. Routine screening for household contacts without any symptoms is recommended for sustained tuberculosis control in China as well as in the world.
Antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts and fractions of Crescentia cujete leaves and stem bark and the involvement of phenolic compounds
Authors: Das Nandita , Islam Md Ekramul , Jahan Nusrat , Islam Mohammad Saiful , Khan Alam , Islam Md Rafikul , Parvin Mst Shahnaj 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Antioxidant compounds like phenols and flavonoids scavenge free radicals and thus inhibit the oxidative mechanisms that lead to control degenerative and other diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity in vitro, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in ethanol extracts and fractions of Crescentia cujete leaves and stem bark.

Methods

Crescentia cujete leaves and bark crude ethanol extract (CEE) and their partitionates petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous (AQF) were firstly prepared. Different established testing methods, such as 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, ferric reducing power (FRP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays were used to detect the antioxidant activity. Further, the total yield, total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of CEE and all the fractions were determined. Ethanol extracts of both leaves and stem bark were also subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to detect the presence of secondary metabolites, using standard phytochemical methods (Thin layer chromatography and spray reagents).

Results
Phytochemical screening of crude ethanol extract of both leaves and stem bark revealed the presence of steroids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and terpenoids. All the fractions and CEE of leaves and bark exhibited antioxidant activities, however, EAF of leaves showing the highest antioxidant activity based on the results of DPPH, FRP and TAC assay tests. The above fraction has shown the significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 8.78 μg/ml) when compared with standard ascorbic acid (IC50 =7.68 μg/ml). The TAC and FRP activities increased with increasing crude extract/fractions content. The TPC (371.23 ± 15.77 mg GAE/g extract) and TFC (144.64 ± 5.82 mg QE/g extract) of EAF of leaves were found significantly higher as compared to other solvent fractions for both leaves and bark. TPC were highly correlated with the antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.9268 and 0.8515 in DPPH test for leaves and bark, respectively).

Conclusion
The results of the study show that leaves of C. cujete possesses significant free radical scavenging properties compared with stem bark and a clear correlation exists between the antioxidant activity and phenolic content.
Sensitization of U937 leukemia cells to doxorubicin by the MG132 proteasome inhibitor induces an increase in apoptosis by suppressing NF-kappa B and mitochondrial membrane potential loss
Authors: Ortiz-Lazareno Pablo César , Bravo-Cuellar Alejandro , Lerma-Díaz José Manuel , Jave-Suárez Luis Felipe , Aguilar-Lemarroy Adriana , Domínguez-Rodríguez Jorge Ramiro , González-Ramella Oscar , De Célis Ruth , Gómez-Lomelí Paulina , Hernández-Flores Georgina 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The resistance of cancerous cells to chemotherapy remains the main limitation for cancer treatment at present. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent antitumor drug that activates the ubiquitin-proteasome system, but unfortunately it also activates the Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB) pathway leading to the promotion of tumor cell survival. MG132 is a drug that inhibits I kappa B degradation by the proteasome-avoiding activation of NF-кB. In this work, we studied the sensitizing effect of the MG132 proteasome inhibitor on the antitumor activity of DOX.

Methods
U937 human leukemia cells were treated with MG132, DOX, or both drugs. We evaluated proliferation, viability, apoptosis, caspase-3, -8, and −9 activity and cleavage, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial membrane potential, the Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL antiapoptotic proteins, senescence, p65 phosphorylation, and pro- and antiapoptotic genes.

Results
The greatest apoptosis percentage in U937 cells was obtained with a combination of MG132 + DOX. Likewise, employing both drugs, we observed a decrease in tumor cell proliferation and important caspase-3 activation, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential loss. Therefore, MG132 decreases senescence, p65 phosphorylation, and the DOX-induced Bcl-2 antiapoptotic protein. The MG132 + DOX treatment induced upregulation of proapoptotic genes BAX, DIABLO, NOXA, DR4, and FAS. It also induced downregulation of the antiapoptotic genes BCL-XL and SURVIVIN.

Conclusion
MG132 sensitizes U937 leukemia cells to DOX-induced apoptosis, increasing its anti-leukemic effectiveness.
Dovitinib synergizes with oxaliplatin in suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells regardless of RAS-RAF mutation status
Authors: Gaur Shikha , Chen Linling , Ann Vincent , Lin Wei-Chen , Wang Yafan , Chang Vincent HS , Hsu Nan Yong , Shia Her-Shuyong , Yen Yun 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundCancer is the result of a multistep process of genomic alterations, including mutations in key regulatory proteins that result in loss of balanced gene expression and subsequent malignant transformation. Throughout the various stages of colorectal carcinoma (CRC), complex genetic alterations occur, of which over-expression of growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and platelet-derive growth factor and their corresponding receptor tyrosine kinases, have been shown to correlate with invasiveness, tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and poor prognosis of colorectal cancer. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, we combined Dovitinib, an orally bioavailable, potent inhibitor of class III-V receptor tyrosine kinases with chemotherapeutic drug, oxaliplatin in preclinical models of colon cancer.MethodsHuman colon cancer cells with different RAS-RAF mutation status (HCT-116, HT-29, SW-480, CaCO2 and LS174T) were treated with a combination of Dovitinib and Oxaliplatin at low dosage followed by assays to investigate the effect of the combination on cell proliferation, cell migration, cell apoptosis and signaling pathways involved in molecular mechanism of drug(s). The antitumor effects of either of the drugs were compared to the combination using human colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 xenograft model. Treated vs untreated tumor sections were also compared for proliferation and angiogenesis markers by immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe combination of dovitinib and oxaliplatin showed higherin vitrocytotoxicity in colon cell lines irrespective of their RAS-RAF status as compared to either of the drugs alone. Simultaneous inhibition of MAP kinase and AKT pathways and induction of apoptosis via activation of caspases 9/caspases 3 contributed to the synergistic effect of this combination therapy. In the xenograft model, the combination showed a significantly higher antitumor activity. Immunohistochemistry of post treatment tumors showed a significant decrease in proliferation and angiogenesis as compared to either of the treatments alone.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the synergistic antitumor activity of combination of dovitinib and oxaliplatin against colon cancer with different RAS-RAF status. The combination also showed its antitumor efficacy in a multidrug resistant phenotype xenograft model. This provides a basis for further investigation for its potential in clinical setting for colorectal cancer.
Highly selective colorimetric detection and preconcentration of Bi(III) ions by dithizone complexes anchored onto mesoporous TiO2
Authors: Faisal Mohd , Ismail Adel A , Harraz Farid A , Bouzid Houcine , Al-Sayari Saleh A , Al-Hajry Ali 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
We successfully developed a single-step detection and removal unit for Bi(III) ions based on dithizone (DZ) anchored on mesoporous TiO2 with rapid colorometric response and high selectivity for the first time. [(DZ)3-Bi] complex is easily separated and collected by mesoporous TiO2 as adsorbent and preconcentrator without any color change of the produced complex onto the surface of mesoporous TiO2 (TiO2-[(DZ)3-Bi]) at different Bi(III) concentrations. This is because highly potent mesoporous TiO2 architecture provides proficient channeling or movement of Bi(III) ions for efficient binding of metal ion, and the simultaneous excellent adsorbing nature of mesoporous TiO2 provides an extra plane for the removal of metal ions.
Boundary value problems for fractional q-difference equations with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Li Xinhui , Han Zhenlai , Sun Shurong , Lu Hongling 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we study the boundary value problem of a fractional q-difference equation with nonlocal conditions involving the fractional q-derivative of the Caputo type, and the nonlinear term contains a fractional q-derivative of Caputo type. By means of Bananch’s contraction mapping principle and Schaefer’s fixed-point theorem, some existence results for the solutions are obtained. Finally, examples are presented to illustrate our main results.

MSC:39A13, 34B18, 34A08.
Performance of four computer-coded verbal autopsy methods for cause of death assignment compared with physician coding on 24,000 deaths in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Desai Nikita , Aleksandrowicz Lukasz , Miasnikof Pierre , Lu Ying , Leitao Jordana , Byass Peter , Tollman Stephen , Mee Paul , Alam Dewan , Rathi Suresh Kumar , Singh Abhishek , Kumar Rajesh , Ram Faujdar , Jha Prabhat 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Physician-coded verbal autopsy (PCVA) is the most widely used method to determine causes of death (CODs) in countries where medical certification of death is uncommon. Computer-coded verbal autopsy (CCVA) methods have been proposed as a faster and cheaper alternative to PCVA, though they have not been widely compared to PCVA or to each other.

Methods
We compared the performance of open-source random forest, open-source tariff method, InterVA-4, and the King-Lu method to PCVA on five datasets comprising over 24,000 verbal autopsies from low- and middle-income countries. Metrics to assess performance were positive predictive value and partial chance-corrected concordance at the individual level, and cause-specific mortality fraction accuracy and cause-specific mortality fraction error at the population level.

Results
The positive predictive value for the most probable COD predicted by the four CCVA methods averaged about 43% to 44% across the datasets. The average positive predictive value improved for the top three most probable CODs, with greater improvements for open-source random forest (69%) and open-source tariff method (68%) than for InterVA-4 (62%). The average partial chance-corrected concordance for the most probable COD predicted by the open-source random forest, open-source tariff method and InterVA-4 were 41%, 40% and 41%, respectively, with better results for the top three most probable CODs. Performance generally improved with larger datasets. At the population level, the King-Lu method had the highest average cause-specific mortality fraction accuracy across all five datasets (91%), followed by InterVA-4 (72% across three datasets), open-source random forest (71%) and open-source tariff method (54%).

Conclusions
On an individual level, no single method was able to replicate the physician assignment of COD more than about half the time. At the population level, the King-Lu method was the best method to estimate cause-specific mortality fractions, though it does not assign individual CODs. Future testing should focus on combining different computer-coded verbal autopsy tools, paired with PCVA strengths. This includes using open-source tools applied to larger and varied datasets (especially those including a random sample of deaths drawn from the population), so as to establish the performance for age- and sex-specific CODs.
Performance criteria for verbal autopsy-based systems to estimate national causes of death: development and application to the Indian Million Death Study
Authors: Aleksandrowicz Lukasz , Malhotra Varun , Dikshit Rajesh , Gupta Prakash C , Kumar Rajesh , Sheth Jay , Rathi Suresh Kumar , Suraweera Wilson , Miasnikof Pierre , Jotkar Raju , Sinha Dhirendra , Awasthi Shally , Bhatia Prakash , Jha Prabhat 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Verbal autopsy (VA) has been proposed to determine the cause of death (COD) distributions in settings where most deaths occur without medical attention or certification. We develop performance criteria for VA-based COD systems and apply these to the Registrar General of India’s ongoing, nationally-representative Indian Million Death Study (MDS).

Methods
Performance criteria include a low ill-defined proportion of deaths before old age; reproducibility, including consistency of COD distributions with independent resampling; differences in COD distribution of hospital, home, urban or rural deaths; age-, sex- and time-specific plausibility of specific diseases; stability and repeatability of dual physician coding; and the ability of the mortality classification system to capture a wide range of conditions.

Results
The introduction of the MDS in India reduced the proportion of ill-defined deaths before age 70 years from 13% to 4%. The cause-specific mortality fractions (CSMFs) at ages 5 to 69 years for independently resampled deaths and the MDS were very similar across 19 disease categories. By contrast, CSMFs at these ages differed between hospital and home deaths and between urban and rural deaths. Thus, reliance mostly on urban or hospital data can distort national estimates of CODs. Age-, sex- and time-specific patterns for various diseases were plausible. Initial physician agreement on COD occurred about two-thirds of the time. The MDS COD classification system was able to capture more eligible records than alternative classification systems. By these metrics, the Indian MDS performs well for deaths prior to age 70 years. The key implication for low- and middle-income countries where medical certification of death remains uncommon is to implement COD surveys that randomly sample all deaths, use simple but high-quality field work with built-in resampling, and use electronic rather than paper systems to expedite field work and coding.

Conclusions
Simple criteria can evaluate the performance of VA-based COD systems. Despite the misclassification of VA, the MDS demonstrates that national surveys of CODs using VA are an order of magnitude better than the limited COD data previously available.