bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Human Efflux Transporter ABCC2 (MRP2) by Self-emulsifying Drug Delivery System: Influences of Concentration and Combination of Excipients
Authors: Li Liang , Yi Tao , Lam Christopher Wai-kei 
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: This study investigated influences of concentration and combination of excipients, commonly used in self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), on inhibition of human efflux transporter ABCC2 (MRP2). METHODS: Ten commonly used excipients of SEDDS with inhibitory effect on MRP2 including Cremophor® EL, Cremophor® RH, Pluronic® F127, Maisine® 35-1, β-cyclodextrin, Labrasol®, Pluronic® F68, PEG 2000, PEG 400 and Transcutol® were studied with the Caco-2 cell model. Six excipients with inhibitory effect including Cremophor® EL, Cremophor® RH, Pluronic® F127, PEG 2000, PEG 400 and Transcutol® were further analyzed using the MRP2 vesicle assay and ATPase activity assay. Ultra-performance liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure scutellarin as the MRP2 substrate. RESULTS: In studying concentration-dependent effects, five excipients including Cremophor® EL, Cremophor® RH, Pluronic® F127, Maisine® 35-1 and β-cyclodextrin showed concentration-dependent decrease in efflux ratio of scutellarin. The other five excipients did not show such phenomenon, and their inhibitory effects were restricted to be above to certain critical or minimum concentrations. In studying combined effects, PEG 2000 and Pluronic® F127 both showed combined effect with Cremophor® EL on inhibiting MRP2. However, some combinations of excipients such as PEG 400　and Transcutol® with Cremophor® EL increased the scutellarin efflux ratio and decreased the transport of scutellarin and ATPase activity, compared to Cremophor® EL alone. CONCLUSION: The above results suggest that appropriate choice of excipients according to their concentration-dependent and combined effects on MRP2 inhibition can facilitate formulation of SEDDS for improving the bioavailability of drugs that are MRP2 substrates. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Extraction and Analysis of Methadone in Exhaled Breath Condensate Using a Validated LC-UV Method
Authors: Khoubnasabjafari Maryam , Ansarin Khalil , Jouyban-Gharamaleki Vahid , Panahi-Azar Vahid , Shayanfar Ali , Mohammadzadeh Laya , Jouyban Abolghasem 
Published: March 2016

Purpose. A combined microextraction and separation method is presented for the determination of methadone in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) which is a promising non-invasive biological component for monitoring drug concentrations. Methods. In this work, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) and ultrasonic liquid–liquid microextraction (ULLME) procedure coupled with a validated liquid chromatography method were used for analysis of methadone in EBC collected using an in-house cold trap setup. The method has been validated according to the FDA guidelines using EBC-spiked samples and tested on a number of EBC samples collected from patients. Results. The best DLLME conditions involved the use of a disperser solvent of methanol (1 mL), extraction solvent of chloroform (200 mL), EBC sample pH of 10.0 and centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes. The conditions for ULLME were 150 mL of chloroform and the samples were sonicated for 4 minutes. The method was validated over the concentration range of 0.5–10 mg/L-1 in EBC. Inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy were less than 5 % where the acceptable levels are less than 20%. Furthermore, the validated method was successfully applied for the determination of methadone in patients’ EBC samples. Conclusions. The outcomes indicate that the developed LC-UV combined with DLLME and/or ULLME extraction methods can be employed for the extraction and separation of methadone in EBC samples. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
The Role of Xenobiotic Transporters in Ophthalmic Drug Delivery
Authors: Chemuturi Nagendra , Yanez Jaime A 
Published: March 2016

The eye is a very complex sensory organ consisting of numerous structures to coordinate the function of sight. It has a series of physical and chemical barriers to help maintain its homeostasis, and mediate environmental exposures. Transporters in the eye play a very important role in maintaining homeostasis by facilitating the movement of ions, nutrients and xenobiotics to various tissues in the eye, especially to non-vascular tissues like the lens and cornea. They also ensure proper cell signaling by shuttling neurotransmitters within the retina. Thus, they are expected to play an important role in determining the ocular exposure of drugs and other pharmacotherapeutics. However, the role of ocular transporters in ophthalmic drug delivery and their clinical relevance has not been well characterized. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the current evidence in the literature on ocular drug transporters and their role in ocular drug delivery, with the emphasis predominantly on their role in ocular pharmacokinetics. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see "For Readers") may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue's contents page.
The Impact of Electronic Prescribing on the Professionalization of Community Pharmacists: A Qualitative Study of Pharmacists’ Perception
Authors: Motulsky Aude , Winslade Nancy , Tamblyn Robyn , Sicotte Claude 
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To understand how the technology of electronic prescription (e Rx) can transform the community pharmacist’s role through its effects on professionalization. We define professionalization as a pharmaceutical practice centred on clinical activities and made possible by the establishment of professional pharmaceutical services.
Methods. We asked 12 community pharmacists who had participated in an e Rx pilot project in the Canadian province of Quebec to fill out a qualitative survey on their experience. We then analyzed the pharmacists’ perceptions of this new technology using a conceptual framework based on the Davenport typology that presents an exhaustive list of mechanisms, specific to Information Technologies, and thus e-Rx, that can potentially modify information management process and then the role of pharmacists.
Results. The pharmacists identified five main mechanisms by which e Rx could affect the professionalization of community pharmacists: analytical capabilities of the pharmacist and physician, dissemination of knowledge, integration of process tasks, process automation and elimination of intermediaries. These mechanisms can assist pharmacists in exercising their professional judgement by improving the quality of available information and facilitate the execution of prescriptions by improving the quality of orders. E Rx technology can also strengthen pharmacists’ credibility as medication specialists in the eyes of both patients and physicians. Thus, e Rx can become a collaborative technology to the extent that it improves collaboration between community pharmacists and prescribing physicians. However, the potential benefits of this technology would appear to depend on its characteristics and how prescribing physicians use it.
Conclusions. E-Rx proposes ways of working and communicating that were previously unimaginable. These new possibilities pave the way for transformations that can significantly increase the professionalization of community pharmacists. The results of this study indicate that community pharmacists have a favourable opinion of e Rx, believing it can be an ally in their professionalization.
Reliability Analysis Of An Evaluation Rubric For University Accounting Students: A Learning Activity About Database Use
Authors: Ciudad-Gomez Adelaida , Valverde-Berrocoso Jesus 
Published: March 2016

This study aims to analyze the reliability of the internal consistency of a rubric proposal to evaluate an undergraduate university course activity. The analysis is carried out within a model of training and competency assessment.The study involved 47 second-year students enrolled in the course entitled Statements Business Information as part of their Degree in Finance and Accounting programmed.To evaluate the internal consistency of their rubrics, the authors have used Cronbach's Alpha. In all, they worked with 72 cases for a total of four analyzed variables.The results show that the rubric headings proposed have good internal consistency (? = 0.771) so that the different items can be said to be interrelated and can therefore be combined into a single total score. Taking these results into account, it can be concluded that the rubric is a reliable instrument for assessing the achievement attained by students through the use the criteria evaluated by the proposed activity.
Influence Of Host Community On Industrial Relations Practices And Policies: A Survey Of Agbara Community And Power Holding Company Of Nigeria (PHCN)
Authors: Chidi Christopher O. , Shadare Oluseyi A. 
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the influence of host community on industrial relations practices and policies using Agbara community and Power Holding Company of Nigeria PLC as a case. The study adopted both the qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 120 samples were drawn from the population using the simple random sampling technique in which case every member of the population was given an equal and independent chance of being chosen. However, 75 questionnaires were returned upon which the data analysis was based. This was supplemented with the interwiew method. The response rate is 62.5%. With respect to the reliability of the instrument, the coefficient alpha or Cronbachs alpha is 0.73, which implies that the instrument is 73% reliable. The data analysis was carried out with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The Chi-square statistical technique was used to test the hypotheses at 5% level of significance. In testing the first hypothesis that PHCN industrial relations policies and practices are independent of its host community, the following variables were subjected to Chi-square test: 1) PHCN industrial relations policies are influenced by public opinion through the use of suggestion schemes (?2= 33.07 with 4 df; p < .05) and 2) customs/traditions of host community influence PHCN industrial relations policies (?2 = 60.93 with 4 df; p < .05). In testing the second hypothesis, the result of the chi-square test shows that an inclusive stakeholders approach is often used in resolving matters of mutual interest involving host community and PHCN (?2 = 54.23 with 3 df; p < .05). These results are statistically significant. Therefore, there is evidence to reject the null hypotheses and to conclude that PHCN industrial relations policies and practices are dependent or contingent on its host community. PHCN industrial relations policies and practices are influenced by its host community. The authors therefore recommend the inclusion of the host community as one of the actors in industrial relations. This was relegated to the background by Dunlop (1958) in his categorization of actors in industrial relations.
Abstinencia a los 12 meses de un programa multicomponente para dejar de fumar
Authors: Raich Antònia , Martínez-Sánchez Jose Maria , Marquilles Emili , Rubio Lídia , Fu Marcela , Fernández Esteve 
Published: March 2016

El tabaquismo es una de las causas de morbimortalidad más importantes en los países desarrollados. Uno de los objetivos prioritarios de los programas de salud pública es la disminución de su prevalencia lo que implica que millones de personas dejen de fumar, sin embargo los programas de cesación a menudo tienen resultados discretos, especialmente con algunos grupos de población. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la eficacia de un tratamiento de cesación tabáquica multicomponente realizado en una unidad de tabaquismo hospitalaria. Fue realizado en la Unidad de Tabaquismo del Hospital de Manresa, e incluyó 314 pacientes (91,4% presentaban un nivel de dependencia medio o alto). Se observó que el nivel de estudios, no convivir con fumadores, seguir la terapia multicomponente y utilizar tratamiento farmacológico son factores relevantes en el éxito al dejar de fumar. La tasa de abstinencia no se asocia con otras características como el sexo, la edad, las características del hábito tabáquico o el presentar antecedentes psiquiátricos. La combinación del tratamiento farmacológico y psicológico aumentó las tasas de éxito en la terapia multicomponente. La terapia psicológica única también obtuvo resultados positivos aunque más modestos.
Degradation of nicosulfuron by a novel isolated bacterial strain Klebsiella sp. Y1: condition optimization, kinetics and degradation pathway
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhang Xiaolin , Li Yongmei 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
A novel bacterial strain Klebsiella sp. Y1 was isolated from the soil of a constructed wetland, and it was identified based on the 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The co-metabolic degradation of nicosulfuron with glucose by Klebsiella sp. Y1 was investigated. The response surface methodology analysis indicated that the optimal pH and temperature were 7.0 and 35 °C, respectively, for the degradation of nicosulfuron. Under the optimal conditions, the degradation of nicosulfuron fitted Haldane kinetics model well. The removal of nicosulfuron was triggered by the acidification of glucose, which accelerated the hydrolysis of nicosulfuron. Then, the C–N bond of the sulfonylurea bridge was attacked and cleaved. Finally, the detected intermediate 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine was further biodegraded.
Variation in form of mandibular, light, round, preformed NiTi archwires
Authors: Saze Naomi , Arai Kazuhito 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To evaluate the variation in form of nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires by comparing them with the dental arch form of normal Japanese subjects before and after placing them in the first molar tubes.

Materials and Methods:
The mandibular dental casts of 30 normal subjects were scanned, and the dental arch depths and widths from the canine to the first molar were measured. Standardized images of 34 types of 0.016-inch preformed NiTi archwires were also taken in a 37°C environment, and the widths were measured and then classified by cluster analysis. Images of these archwires placed in a custom jig with brackets attached at the mean locations of the normal mandibular central incisors and first molar were additionally taken. The widths of the pooled and classified archwires were then compared with the normal dental arch widths before and after placement in the jig and among the groups (P &lt; .05).

Results:
The archwires were classified into three groups: small, medium, and large. The archwire widths in the small and medium groups were narrower than those at all examined tooth widths, except in the case of the premolars of the medium group. After placement in the jig, the pooled archwire widths were found to be significantly narrower and wider at the canine and second premolar, respectively, than at the dental arch, but not in the individual comparisons between groups.

Conclusion:
The variation observed in the mandibular NiTi archwire forms significantly decreased following fitting into the normal positions of the first molars.
How to predict return to work after lumbar discectomy: answers from the NeuroPoint-SD registry
Authors: Than Khoi D. , Curran Jill N. , Resnick Daniel K. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Ghogawala Zoher , Mummaneni Praveen V. 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
To date, the factors that predict whether a patient returns to work after lumbar discectomy are poorly understood. Information on postoperative work status is important in analyzing the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

METHODS
An observational prospective cohort study was completed at 13 academic and community sites (NeuroPoint–Spinal Disorders [NeuroPoint-SD] registry). Patients undergoing single-level lumbar discectomy were included. Variables assessed included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), SF-36 physical function score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, presence of diabetes, smoking status, systemic illness, workers' compensation status, and preoperative work status. The primary outcome was working status within 3 months after surgery. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which factors were predictive of return to work at 3 months following discectomy.

RESULTS
There were 127 patients (of 148 total) with data collected 3 months postoperatively. The patients' average age at the time of surgery was 46 ± 1 years, and 66.9% of patients were working 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the patients more likely to return to work were those of younger age (44.5 years vs 50.5 years, p = 0.008), males (55.3% vs 28.6%, p = 0.005), those with higher preoperative SF-36 physical function scores (44.0 vs 30.3, p = 0.002), those with lower preoperative ODI scores (43.8 vs 52.6, p = 0.01), nonsmokers (83.5% vs 66.7%, p = 0.03), and those who were working preoperatively (91.8% vs 26.2%, p < 0.0001). When controlling for patients who were working preoperatively (105 patients), only age was a statistically significant predictor of postoperative return to work (44.1 years vs 51.1 years, p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort of lumbar discectomy patients, preoperative working status was the strongest predictor of postoperative working status 3 months after surgery. Younger age was also a predictor. Factors not influencing return to work in the logistic regression analysis included sex, BMI, SF-36 physical function score, ODI score, presence of diabetes, smoking status, and systemic illness.
Clinical trial registration no.: 01220921 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Walking assessment after lumbar puncture in normal-pressure hydrocephalus: a delayed improvement over 3 days
Authors: Schniepp Roman , Trabold Raimund , Romagna Alexander , Akrami Farhoud , Hesselbarth Kristin , Wuehr Max , Peraud Aurelia , Brandt Thomas , Dieterich Marianne , Jahn Klaus 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
The determination of gait improvement after lumbar puncture (LP) in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is crucial, but the best time for such an assessment is unclear. The authors determined the time course of improvement in walking after LP for single-task and dual-task walking in iNPH.

METHODS
In patients with iNPH, sequential recordings of gait velocity were obtained prior to LP (time point [TP]0), 1–8 hours after LP (TP1), 24 hours after LP (TP2), 48 hours after LP (TP3), and 72 hours after LP (TP4). Gait analysis was performed using a pressure-sensitive carpet (GAITRite) under 4 conditions: walking at preferred velocity (STPS), walking at maximal velocity (STMS), walking while performing serial 7 subtractions (dual-task walking with serial 7 [DTS7]), and walking while performing verbal fluency tasks (dual-task walking with verbal fluency [DTVF]).

RESULTS
Twenty-four patients with a mean age of 76.1 ± 7.8 years were included in this study. Objective responder status moderately coincided with the self-estimation of the patients with subjective high false-positive results (83%). The extent of improvement was greater for single-task walking than for dual-task walking (p < 0.05). Significant increases in walking speed were found at TP2 for STPS (p = 0.042) and DTVF (p = 0.046) and at TP3 for STPS (p = 0.035), DTS7 (p = 0.042), and DTVF (p = 0.044). Enlargement of the ventricles (Evans Index) positively correlated with early improvement. Gait improvement at TP3 correlated with the shunt response in 18 patients.

CONCLUSIONS
Quantitative gait assessment in iNPH is important due to the poor self-evaluation of the patients. The maximal increase in gait velocity can be observed 24–48 hours after the LP. This time point is also best to predict the response to shunting. For dual-task paradigms, maximal improvement appears to occur later (48 to 72 hours). Assessment of gait should be performed at Day 2 or 3 after LP.
A randomized controlled trial comparing autologous cranioplasty with custom-made titanium cranioplasty
Authors: Honeybul Stephen , Morrison David Anthony , Ho Kwok M. , Lind Christopher R. P. , Geelhoed Elizabeth 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
Autologous bone is usually used to reconstruct skull defects following decompressive surgery. However, it is associated with a high failure rate due to infection and resorption. The aim of this study was to see whether it would be cost-effective to use titanium as a primary reconstructive material.

METHODS
Sixty-four patients were enrolled and randomized to receive either their own bone or a primary titanium cranioplasty. All surgical procedures were performed by the senior surgeon. Primary and secondary outcome measures were assessed at 1 year after cranioplasty.

RESULTS
There were no primary infections in either arm of the trial. There was one secondary infection of a titanium cranioplasty that had replaced a resorbed autologous cranioplasty. In the titanium group, no patient was considered to have partial or complete cranioplasty failure at 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.002) and none needed revision (p = 0.053). There were 2 deaths unrelated to the cranioplasty, one in each arm of the trial. Among the 31 patients who had an autologous cranioplasty, 7 patients (22%) had complete resorption of the autologous bone such that it was deemed a complete failure. Partial or complete autologous bone resorption appeared to be more common among young patients than older patients (32 vs 45 years old, p = 0.013). The total cumulative cost between the 2 groups was not significantly different (mean difference A$3281, 95% CI $−9869 to $3308; p = 0.327).

CONCLUSIONS
Primary titanium cranioplasty should be seriously considered for young patients who require reconstruction of the skull vault following decompressive craniectomy.
Clinical trial registration no.: ACTRN12612000353897 (anzctr.org.au)
How well do subjective Hospital Compare metrics reflect objective outcomes in spine surgery?
Authors: Missios Symeon , Bekelis Kimon 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
The accuracy of public reporting in health care is an issue of debate. The authors investigated the association of patient satisfaction measures from a public reporting platform with objective outcomes for patients undergoing spine surgery.

METHODS
The authors performed a cohort study involving patients undergoing elective spine surgery from 2009 to 2013 who were registered in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. This cohort was merged with publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website. A mixed-effects regression analysis, controlling for clustering at the hospital level, was used to investigate the association of patient satisfaction metrics with outcomes.

RESULTS
During the study period, 160,235 patients underwent spine surgery. Using a mixed-effects multivariable regression analysis, the authors demonstrated that undergoing elective spine surgery in hospitals with a higher percentage of patient-assigned high satisfaction scores was not associated with a decreased rate of discharge to rehabilitation (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57–1.06), mortality (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90–1.01), or hospitalization charges (β 0.04, 95% CI −0.16 to 0.23). However, it was associated with decreased length of stay (LOS; β −0.19, 95% CI −0.33 to −0.05). Similar associations were identified for hospitals with a higher percentage of patients who claimed they would recommend these institutions to others.

CONCLUSIONS
Merging a comprehensive all-payer cohort of spine surgery patients in New York state with data from the CMS Hospital Compare website, the authors were not able to demonstrate an association of improved performance in patient satisfaction measures with decreased mortality, rate of discharge to rehabilitation, and hospitalization charges. Increased patient satisfaction was associated with decreased LOS.