bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Textural, Structural and Catalytic Properties of Cr2O3/SiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Youssef A.M. , Ahmed A.I. , Samra S.E. , El-Assy N.B. , El-Sharkawy E.A. 
Published: July 2017

Four chromia/silica samples containing 5–30 wt% CrIII were prepared by impregnation methods and calcined at 773–1173 K. Nickel, molybdenum and vanadium oxide-impregnated Cr2O3/SiO2 samples were also prepared by impregnation and were subjected to the same thermal treatment. The textural parameters of all the samples prepared were determined from the adsorption of nitrogen at 77 K, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques were used to elucidate their structures. The catalytic properties of the solids so prepared in the catalytic cracking of cumene were investigated using a pulse microcatalytic technique. The surface areas evaluated for the various Cr2O3/SiO2 samples studied were found to decrease gradually on increasing their CrIII content, the calcination temperature and on addition of Ni, Mo and V oxides. DTA and XRD studies demonstrated the absence of any interaction between the SiO2 and Cr2O3, with the latter being the only phase capable of detection by these techniques. Samples impregnated with Ni, Mo and V ions also showed no interaction between these ions and Cr2O3 and SiO2, with only the corresponding oxides being detected. The results obtained for the catalysis studies also indicated that the cracking of cumene depended on the metal content, impregnant cations and thermal treatment of the solids employed.
Synthesis and Modification of Catalysts for the Partial Oxidation of n-Alkanes
Authors: Golub N. , Gomonaj V. , Gomonaj P. , Szekeresh K. 
Published: July 2017

The physical, chemical and catalytic properties of simple oxides and aluminosilicates of different composition, together with modifications of the same obtained by treatment with various reagents, have been studied experimentally. It has been shown that the use of simple oxides as catalysts led to the extensive oxidation of ethane while the use of aluminosilicates allowed the generation of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and alcohols such as methanol and ethanol. The presence of phosphorus in the modified catalysts favoured the formation of aldehydes and led to an increase in aldehyde concentration as well as the appearance of alcohols among the oxidation products of n-alkanes, e.g. ethane. Thus, the addition of phosphoric acid to γ-Al2O3 resulted in the formation of formaldehyde as a useful product.
Cytotoxicity of xenobiotics and expression of glutathione-S-transferases in immortalised rat hepatocyte cell lines
Authors: Anderson K , Andrews R , Yin L , McLeod R , MacDonald C , Hayes J D , Grant M H 
Published: July 2017

1 Immortalised rat hepatocyte cell lines are more sensitive to the cytotoxicity of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitroben-zene and ethacrynic acid than primary cultures of hepatocytes. 2 Class alpha glutathione S-transferases are not expressed in immortalised hepatocyte cell lines. Class pi glutathione S-transferase expression is elevated in the immortalised cell lines compared with freshly isolated hepatocytes, but it is not as high as in the HTC rat hepatoma cell line. 3 Immortalised hepatocyte cell lines may provide a sensitive model system for detecting cytotoxicity associated with xenobiotics which are detoxified by glutathione S-transferases.
Childhood Psychologic Environmental Exposure in Women with Diagnosed Somatoform Disorders
Authors: Hartvig Pål , Sterner Grethe 
Published: July 2017

Fifty-three female patients with diagnosed somatoform disorders (having pronounced somatic symptoms without objective somatic signs) were studied regarding childhood exposure to death, divorce, serious somatic illness and prolonged pain in members of their core family. Similar registrations were made in a control group of 53 healthy women. The two groups were compared using the case-control method. The results revealed a more frequent exposure in the somatoform disorder patients regarding all four items, and for serious somatic illness and prolonged pains the difference was statistically significant. Further elaboration of the data suggested that exposure to pain in the family was the most important of the studied factors. The findings are thought to demonstrate the environmental etiologic impact on somatoform disorders occasioned by such psychologic exposure as those registered. The possibility of a genetic etiologic implication of the findings is also discussed.
Tear/Plasma Urea Ratio as a Correction Coefficient for Drug Monitoring in Tears
Authors: Gavrilov Vladimir , Lifshitz Tova , Shany Shraga , Weinstein Orly , Lifshitz Matitiahu 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To formulate the tear/plasma urea ratio as a coefficient for correcting drug concentrations in tears. Subjects and Methods: Urea concentrations were measured in 14 paired tear and plasma samples from seven healthy adult volunteers (3 women, 4 men). A second sample was obtained one hour after the first. The samples were simultaneously assayed for urea concentrations by a urease method (Boehringer Mannheim). Results: Our data show a highly significant correlation between tear and plasma urea concentrations in all the samples (r = 0.985, p < 0.001; r = 0.928, p < 0.003; and r = 0.944, p < 0.001 in the first, second, and total collection of samples, respectively). In all paired tear and plasma samples, urea content in tears was higher than in plasma (p < 0.001, p < 0.015, and p < 0.001 in the first, second, and total samples, respectively). The tear/plasma urea ratio in all samples ranged from 1.016 to 1.225 (mean ± SD 1.126 ± 0.068) and had a significant negative correlation (r = −0.538; p < 0.05) with tear volume (range 25–155 μL, mean ± SD 83.9 ± 42.6). Conclusions: Higher urea concentrations in tears than in plasma and a negative correlation between tear volume and the tear/plasma urea ratio indicate that tear evaporation and, consequently, tear concentration occur during sample collection. These data and the highly significant correlation between tear and plasma urea concentrations justify the use of the tear/plasma urea ratio as a correction coefficient for monitoring drug concentrations in tears.
Clinical Effectiveness of Sertraline Three Times a Week Compared with Once-Daily Regimen
Authors: Karki Shyam D , Bellnier Terrance J , Masood Gule-Rana , Patterson William R 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of sertraline three-times-a-week regimen in community nursing home residents who were stabilized on sertraline once-daily regimen for ≥12 weeks for management of depression. Methods: All residents with diagnosis of depression stabilized on sertraline once-daily for ≥12 weeks for management of depression were entered into the study. After assessing depression at baseline by the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), and a five-item Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), the treatment regimen of all residents was changed to equivalent doses of sertraline three times a week. Depression was reassessed at 12 weeks by the GDS, HAM-D, and CGI scales. Results: Forty-four residents of a community nursing home participated in the study. Their mean ± SD age was 83 ± 12 years; there were 13 men and 31 women. Depression scores at baseline and after the three-times-weekly regimen was initiated were GDS (7.7 ± 0.9 vs. 7.4 ± 0.6), HAM (4.3 ± 0.5 vs. 4.2 ± 0.4), and CGI (3.0 ± 0.5 vs. 3.0 ± 0.4). Mean daily sertraline cost was $1.88 ± 0.4 before and $0.76 after the change in regimen. Conclusions: Our results indicate that sertraline three times weekly is as clinically effective as the once-daily regimen in the management of depression in our population of nursing home residents and achieves significant cost savings.
Interferon Therapy in Liver Cirrhosis Type C
Authors: Ben-Noun Liubov L 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To review current information on the role of interferon (IFN) therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis type C. Data Sources: All relevant articles from 1989 to December 1998 were identified by a MEDLINE search using the terms interferon treatment and liver cirrhosis. Some studies were identified from bibliographies of selected articles. Study Selection: More than 97 articles were identified. Reports were included if they contained new or relevant information on the hepatitis C virus (HCV), IFN therapy in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, outcome of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or adverse effects related to IFN. Abstracts were included only when they added information not otherwise available in the literature. Data Synthesis: Response to IFN is unfavorably influenced by the presence of cirrhosis; there are several other predictors of response. IFN therapy can decrease the risk of development of HCC in some patients. In patients with compensated cirrhosis type C, a higher dosage of IFN-alfa and longer duration of therapy are associated with a better response. Combined therapy with IFN-alfa 2b and ribavirin is more effective than therapy with IFN-alfa alone. Therapy with human lymphoblastoid IFN (L-IFN) produces sustained response rates equivalent to those of recombinant IFN-alfa. Consensus IFN (CIFN) is more effective than IFN-alfa 2b. Larger dosages of CIFN are associated with better results. Normal alanine transaminase concentration and the absence of serum HCV RNA after treatment and again after 24 weeks of observation indicate a successful end point of IFN therapy. Adverse effects related to IFN treatment are usually minor. Conclusions: Although the presence of cirrhosis predicts a poor response to IFN treatment, some patients benefit from this therapy. Reasonable treatment regimens for patients with compensated HCV cirrhosis include IFN-alfa therapy, 6 MU subcutaneously three times weekly for 12 months, L-IFN 3 MU intramuscularly three times weekly for six months, or CIFN 9 or 12 μg subcutaneously three times weekly for six months. Patients receiving IFN should be seen every two to four weeks, with frequent monitoring of complete blood count and serum transaminase concentrations.
Ziprasidone: A New Atypical Antipsychotic Agent
Authors: Yu Bong G , Merrick Jacqueline P 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To evaluate ziprasidone for the treatment of schizophrenia with respect to its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, adverse effect profiles, and drug interaction potential. Data Source: A MEDLINE search (1966-May 2001) was conducted for primary and secondary sources focusing on atypical antipsychotics and ziprasidone. Study Selection: All of the articles identified from the data source were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included. Data Synthesis: Like other atypical antipsychotics, ziprasidone works by blocking serotonin and dopamine receptors in the mesolimbic and mesocortical regions of the brain. Ziprasidone is equally effective as haloperidol in treating schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders. A proposed advantage of ziprasidone over other atypical antipsychotics is lower incidence of weight gain. As with a number of other psychotropic agents such as thioridazine, prolongation of the QTc interval should be monitored for patients receiving ziprasidone. Conclusions: Based on adverse effect profiles and relatively fewer drug interactions, ziprasidone is recommended for patients who are elderly and taking multiple medications.
A Pharmacist Consultation Service in Community-Based Family Practices: A Randomized, Controlled Trial in Seniors
Authors: Sellors Connie , Dalby Dawn M , Howard Michelle , Kaczorowski Janusz , Sellors John 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To conduct a pilot study for a larger randomized trial investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a pharmacist consultation (PC) program for elderly patients in family practice. Design: Randomized, observer-blinded, controlled trial with two patient groups: PC and control. The study pharmacist interviewed each PC program participant in their physician's office, prepared a letter, and reviewed the drug regimen recommendations in the letter with the physician. The number and types of recommendations made, the proportion of the pharmacist's recommendations implemented by physicians, and daily medication use and costs at the end of six months are reported. Setting: One hundred thirty-two patients aged 65 years and older from four family practices in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, who regularly were taking four or more medications. Results: Patient participation rates demonstrated feasibility: 191 patients were eligible, with 132 (69.1%) of these consenting to be enrolled. A mean ± SD of 3.0 ± 1.7 recommendations per patient were made for 62 (93.9%) of 66 patients in the PC group, and 77.8% (119/153) of these recommendations were implemented or partially implemented by the physicians. After six months, the mean numbers of medication units were 14.7 ± 10.8 and 13.9 ± 8.2, p = 0.66. The mean daily medication costs were $2.73 ± 1.78 and $2.47 ± 1.78, p = 0.43 in the control and PC groups, respectively. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated the need, the feasibility, and the potential effects of the PC program. The results were used to design a larger trial in which physicians rather than patients were randomized to further evaluate the program.
A Primer of Drug Safety Surveillance: An Industry Perspective
Authors: Allan Marjorie C. 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To place the fundamentals of clinical drug safety surveillance in a conceptual framework that will facilitate understanding and application of adverse drug event data to protect the health of the public and support a market for pharmaceutical manufacturers' products. Part II of this series discusses specific issues regarding product labeling, such as developing the labeling, changing the labeling, and the legal as well as commercial ramifications of the contents of the labeling. An adverse event report scenario is further analyzed and suggestions are offered for maintaining the product labeling as an accurate reflection of the drug safety surveillance data. This article also emphasizes the necessity of product knowledge in adverse event database management. Both scientific and proprietary knowledge are required. Acquiring product knowledge is a part of the day-to-day activities of drug safety surveillance. A knowledge of the history of the product may forestall adverse publicity, as shown in the illustration. Data Sources: This review uses primary sources from the federal laws (regulations), commentaries, and summaries. Very complex topics are briefly summarized in the text. Secondary sources, ranging from newspaper articles to judicial summaries, illustrate the interpretation of adverse drug events and opportunities for drug safety surveillance intervention. Study Selection: The reference materials used were articles theoretically or practically applicable in the day-to-day practice of drug safety surveillance. Data Synthesis: The role of clinical drug safety surveillance in product monitoring and drug development is described. The process of drug safety surveillance is defined by the Food and Drug Administration regulations, product labeling, product knowledge, and database management. Database management is subdivided into the functions of receipt, retention, retrieval, and review of adverse event reports. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic interaction of the components of the process. Suggestions are offered to facilitate communication of a review of adverse event data for various audiences. Conclusions: Careful drug safety surveillance is beneficial to the health of the public and the commercial well-being of the manufacturer. Attention to the basic principles is essential and, as illustrated, may be sufficient to resolve some problems.
Issues in Contemporary Drug Delivery
Authors: Hilleman Daniel E. , Banakar Umesh V. 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To identify and discuss the clinical utility of new delivery systems and formulations of cardiac drugs. Data Sources: Studies describing or evaluating new drug delivery systems for cardiac drugs were identified through a MEDLINE literature search. Study Selection: All studies describing or evaluating new delivery systems for cardiac drugs were reviewed. Data Extraction: Data were abstracted and evaluated by each author independently. Data Synthesis: The most common oral sustained-release formulations include the wax-matrix system, the gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS), and the spheroidal oral drug absorption system (SODAS). The wax-matrix delivery system is limited by the occurrence of “dose-dumping.” In a low-pH setting, the wax-matrix formulation may dissolve too rapidly, liberating the entire dose in a short period of time. The clinical relevance of this phenomenon is unknown. The GITS and SODAS formulations are less likely to be affected by pH and food. Nitroglycerin is available by many routes of administration. The topical patch forms are convenient to use, but are associated with the development of tolerance. A buccal formulation incorporates a relatively short onset of effect with a three- or four-times-daily dosing regimen. Although tolerance is less of a problem with buccal nitroglycerin than with topical nitrates, this formulation is less convenient to use because of buccal irritation and interference with eating and talking. A new spray formulation of nitroglycerin offers longer shelf-life storage stability and an easier mode of administration. The spray canister is stable for three years compared with 12 weeks for an opened bottle of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. Sublingual administration of oral cardiac drugs offers the potential for a more rapid onset of effects. Although nifedipine is often given sublingually, objective data indicate that it is not absorbed buccally but rather in the stomach. It appears that the chew-and-swallow route is most appropriate for nifedipine. Captopril is absorbed sublingually but its efficacy has not been demonstrated. Transdermal clonidine improves compliance and is associated with fewer adverse effects than oral clonidine. Transdermal formulations of beta-blockers are currently being evaluated. Conclusions: Further advancements in the development of novel delivery systems for cardiac drugs are expected in the future.
Myocardial Infarction and Dynamic Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction Induced by Bronchodilator Therapy
Authors: Raggi Paolo , Rodney Evens , El-Jandali Amer , Vasavada Balendu C. , Sacchi Terrence J. 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To report a case of myocardial infarction with patent coronary arteries and left ventricular outflow obstruction induced by a combination of aminophylline and beta2-agonists treatment. Case Summary: A 61-year-old woman, without risk factors for coronary artery disease, was admitted with an exacerbation of bronchial asthma. She received intravenous aminophylline and aerosolized beta2-agonists. She developed hemodynamic and echocardiographic features of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and had a myocardial infarction. Her serum theophylline concentration was normal. At cardiac catheterization the coronary arteries were patent and the obstructive features disappeared when the asthma drug treatment was discontinued. Discussion: This case describes the occurrence of a very unusual combination of cardiovascular adverse effects induced by drugs widely used for treatment of bronchial asthma. Aminophylline and beta2-agonists can cause myocardial ischemia by inducing tachycardia, hypercontractility, and coronary artery spasm. Conclusions: Aminophylline and beta2-agonists can induce severe and life-threatening myocardial ischemia, even when used at therapeutic drug concentrations.
Value of Pharmacy-Related Bulletin Board Services as a Drug Information Resource
Authors: Gora-Harper Mary Lea 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To orient pharmacists to bulletin board services (BBSs) as a source of drug information, and to provide information concerning equipment, services, and resources, as well as examples of systems that are used frequently. Discussion: Pharmacy-related BBSs allow pharmacists who have no experience with a new formulation or therapeutic use for a medication to obtain information from those who have such experience. Conclusions: As computers become increasingly common in both hospital and community pharmacies and because many BBSs provide free access to newsletters and databases for drug information, pharmacy-related BBSs represent an easy, inexpensive method to share ideas and obtain information on medication use.
Reevaluation of Gentamicin Dosing in the Neonatal Population
Authors: Gray Thomas M 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To determine whether current recommendations for gentamicin dosing in full-term newborns yield a serum peak concentration of 6–7 μg/mL and a trough concentration less than 2 μg/mL in treating suspected neonatal sepsis. Design: Two-year retrospective chart review. Setting: Community hospital. Results: Sample consisted of 175 newborns with a gestational age ranging from 36 to 43 weeks and 188 sets of concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a one-compartment, first-order elimination model and were reported as follows: volume of distribution 0.59 kg/L, elimination rate constant (ke) 0.11 h−1 (half-life [t1/2] 6.8 h) at 36–37 weeks of age, with a significant change (p < 0.05) in rate constant occurring at 38–43 weeks of life, and ke 0.12 h−1 (t1/2 6.0 h) when using a two-tailed, two-sample t-test. Extrapolated mean peak concentrations were 5.8 ± 1.2 μg/mL and trough concentrations were 1.5 ± 0.5 μg/mL. Furthermore, 14% of newborns had an extrapolated trough concentration of 2.0 μg/mL or more. Conclusions: The current 2.5-mg/kg dosage is appropriate for the neonatal population studied. However, to decrease the number of potentially toxic trough concentrations, the initial dosing interval should be extended to every 18 hours for full-term neonates (>37 weeks gestation) with normal kidney function and for neonates with a gestational age of 36–37 weeks.
Linearity in Dose—Response from Zinc Lozenges in Treatment of Common Colds
Authors: Eby George A 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To test the hypothesis that major variations in daily zinc ion availability (ZIA) between lozenge formulations caused greatly differing results and to describe the biologically closed electric circuit between the mouth and nose. Data Sources: Data sources included clinical and in vitro reports, zinc speciation computations, and unpublished data from the original researchers and manufacturers. Data Extraction: Data were extracted to determine the composition and usage of lozenges and resultant changes in common cold duration. Lozenge ZIA values were determined from Zn2+ ion concentrations and oral contact time. Data Synthesis: Data synthesis disclosed that lozenges releasing Zn2+ ions at physiologic pH (positive ZIA values) shortened the duration of colds. Conversely, lozenges that released negatively charged zinc complexes (ZnLN−) at physiologic pH (negative ZIA values) lengthened the duration of colds. ZIA 100 lozenges reduced the duration of colds by 7 days. ZIA 0 lozenges had no effect. ZIA −55 lozenges lengthened the duration of colds by 4.4 days. Conclusions: The hypothesis is valid that major variations in ZIA from different zinc lozenge formulations used in clinical trials caused greatly differing results. A linear dose-response relationship exists between ZIA values of zinc lozenges and changes in duration of common colds. In agreement with in vitro activity, Zn2+ ions from lozenges inhibit replication of rhinoviruses, induce interferon release, and stabilize cell membranes in common cold treatment. Linearity in dose-response shows efficacy against common cold duration from clinically untested lozenges to be predictable on the basis of readily determined ZIA values of experimental lozenges.