bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: New Flavonol Methyl Ether from the Leaves of Vitex peduncularis Exhibits Potential Inhibitory Activity Against Leishmania donovani Through Activation of iNOS Expression.
Authors: Rudrapaul Prasenjit , Sarma Indrajit Sil , Das Niranjan , De Utpal Chandra , Bhattacharjee Surajit , Dinda Biswanath 
Published: April 2015

AbstractNew flavonol methyl ether, vitecetin (I), is isolated together with four known compounds from the leaves of Vitex peduncularis.
ChemInform Abstract: Advances in Direct C—H Arylation of 5,5‐ 6,5‐ and 6,6‐Fused‐Heterocycles Containing Heteroatoms (N, O, S)
Authors: El Kazzouli Said , Koubachi Jamal , El Brahmi Nabil , Guillaumet Gerald 
Published: April 2015

AbstractReview: 166 refs.
Locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma in childhood and adolescence: Analysis of 95 patients treated with combined chemotherapy and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Guo Qiaojuan , Cui Xiaofei , Lin Shaojun , Lin Jin , Pan Jianji 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and toxicities of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for children and adolescents with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsNinety‐five patients of <25 years old in locoregionally advanced NPC (stage III–IVB) were analyzed. All were given neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by IMRT with or without concurrent chemotherapy/adjuvant chemotherapy.ResultsThe 4‐year overall survival (OS), locoregional relapse‐free survival, progression‐free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) were 90.8%, 94.9%, 79.1%, and 84.0%, respectively. N classification was the only significant predicting factor for OS, PFS, and DMFS, with the p value of .017, .015, and 0.054, respectively. The main long‐term complications were xerostomia, hearing impairment, and neck fibrosis.ConclusionNeoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by IMRT with or without concurrent/adjuvant chemotherapy produced a superb treatment outcome in children and adolescents with stage III to IVB disease. Distant metastasis was the main failure. More effective treatment strategies are urgently needed to further improve the long‐term survival. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E665–E672, 2016
A preliminary assessment of water partitioning and ecohydrological coupling in northern headwaters using stable isotopes and conceptual runoff models
Authors: Tetzlaff Doerthe , Buttle James , Carey Sean K. , van Huijgevoort Marjolein H. J. , Laudon Hjalmar , McNamara James P. , Mitchell Carl P. J. , Spence Chris , Gabor Rachel S. , Soulsby Chris 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe combined a conceptual rainfall‐runoff model and input–output relationships of stable isotopes to understand ecohydrological influences on hydrological partitioning in snow‐influenced northern catchments. Six sites in Sweden (Krycklan), Canada (Wolf Creek; Baker Creek; Dorset), Scotland (Girnock) and the USA (Dry Creek) span moisture and energy gradients found at high latitudes. A meta‐analysis was carried out using the Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) model to estimate the main storage changes characterizing annual water balances. Annual snowpack storage importance was ranked as Wolf Creek > Krycklan > Dorset > Baker Creek > Dry Creek > Girnock. The subsequent rate and longevity of melt were reflected in calibrated parameters that determine partitioning of waters between more rapid and slower flowpaths and associated variations in soil and groundwater storage. Variability of stream water isotopic composition depends on the following: (i) rate and duration of spring snowmelt; (ii) significance of summer/autumn rainfall; and (iii) relative importance of near‐surface and deeper flowpaths in routing water to the stream. Flowpath partitioning also regulates influences of summer evaporation on drainage waters. Deviations of isotope data from the Global Meteoric Water Line showed subtle effects of internal catchment processes on isotopic fractionation most likely through evaporation. Such effects are highly variable among sites and with seasonal differences at some sites. After accounting for climate, evaporative fractionation is strongest at sites where lakes and near‐surface runoff processes in wet riparian soils can mobilize isotopically enriched water during summer and autumn. Given close soil–vegetation coupling, this may result in spatial variability in soil water isotope pools available for plant uptake. We argue that stable isotope studies are crucial in addressing the many open questions on hydrological functioning of northern environments. © 2015 The Authors. Hydrological Processes published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Elderly
Authors: McColl Geoffrey J 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTRheumatoid arthritis is the commonest form of inflammatory arthritis and may have its onset in the elderly or continue into older age with an earlier onset. Patients with elderly‐onset rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to have systemic features (weight loss, fever, fatigue) and large joint involvement and these features may result in diagnostic uncertainty. The principles of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly or elderly‐onset rheumatoid arthritis are to maintain quality of life by eradicating joint inflammation (thus reducing joint damage) while minimising treatment‐related adverse effects. Therapies include disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, and non‐pharmacological strategies such as education, diet and exercise. In the elderly, therapy needs to be adjusted to account for the physiology of ageing and the presence of comordidity.
Enhancing Continuity of Care in Therapeutics: Development of a Post‐Discharge Home Medicines Review Model
Authors: Yu Kevin , Nguyen Andrew , Shakib Sepehr , Doecke Christopher J , Boyce Merelyn , March Geoff , Anderson Barbara A , Gilbert Andrew L , Angley Manya T 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council guidelines for the continuum of quality use of medicines between hospital and community aim to establish a coordinated approach that encourages continuity in all areas of health care and the community. However, the implementation of these guidelines has been problematic.AimTo identify the number and nature of barriers encountered when organising a home medicines review (HMR) for patients at high risk of medication misadventure, after discharge from hospital.MethodA liaison pharmacist organised an appointment for eligible patients (around 2 days post‐discharge) for the general practitioner to make an HMR referral. The pharmacist contacted the patient's community pharmacist to engage an accredited pharmacist to undertake the HMR and arranged for the HMR report to be sent to the outpatient clinic, the general practitioner and community pharmacist.Results38/50 patients consented to have their general practitioner contacted by the liaison pharmacist. General practitioners agreed to order an HMR for 34 patients. Barriers to HMR uptake included: low patient awareness of HMRs, a low level of general practitioner awareness of the HMR process, reluctance of some community pharmacists to participate in HMR delivery and the time taken for HMRs to be performed.ConclusionOnce aware of the HMR service, the majority of patients were willing to participate and general practitioners were prepared to refer their patients for such a service. However, time constraints impacted on both general practitioners and community pharmacists, hence, consideration should be given to extending the support from HMR facilitators to include pharmacies as well as general practitioners.
Acceptance of a Chlamydia Screening Program in Community Pharmacies
Authors: Taylor Kim L , Clifford Rhonda M , Marshall Lewis 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundChlamydia trachomatis notification rates continue to rise in high‐risk groups such as women presenting for emergency contraception. Screening reduces the incidence and complications of chlamydia infections. Community pharmacies would be suitable for the provision of Chlamydia screening.AimTo determine the acceptability to pharmacists and women, of a community pharmacy‐based Chlamydia screening program.Method2 questionnaires were designed for pharmacists and women (aged 18–29 years). Participants were asked to complete the questionnaire on Chlamydia screening. This information was then collated and analysed.ResultsOf the 25 pharmacists surveyed, 84% supported a pharmacy‐based Chlamydia screening program. Pharmacists indicated that they would be comfortable providing the kit (92%), counselling results (88%) and providing antibiotics (80%). Of the 50 women surveyed, 76% would accept and return a sample while 53% indicated a preference for testing by doctors. Privacy and confidentiality were major concerns identified by the women.ConclusionA well‐structured Chlamydia screening program in community pharmacies would be strongly supported by pharmacists and women. The screening program should involve pharmacists supplying a kit to women who request it or as part of an emergency contraception consultation, receiving the urine sample, explaining the results and supplying antibiotics. This program is likely to be successful in pharmacies that provide anonymity, privacy and a friendly environment with approachable female staff.
Patient‐Completed Medication Histories versus those Obtained by a Pharmacist in a Pre‐admission Clinic
Authors: Dooley Michael J , Van de Vreede Melita , Tan Edwin 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTAimTo evaluate the accuracy and completeness of patient‐completed medication histories to those obtained by a pharmacist in a pre‐admission surgical clinic.MethodThis prospective study was conducted over 3‐weeks with patients attending a pre‐admission surgical clinic. Consecutive patients had a pre‐admission assessment with the pre‐admission clinic pharmacist. Comparison was made regarding the accuracy of information between patient‐completed medication history and assessment by the pre‐admission clinic pharmacist.Results150 patients were enrolled −33 (22%) had a patient‐completed questionnaire that was totally correct. There was an average of 3.9 drug discrepancies per patient‐completed medication history. The discrepancies included: omitted drugs (317), incorrect doses (24), doses omitted (110), dosing frequency incorrect (24) or dosing frequency omitted (63). The adverse drug reaction status was recorded correctly on 85% of patient‐completed medication histories.ConclusionPatient‐completed medication histories used in a pre‐admission surgical clinic were not accurate in 4 out of 5 patients. Pharmacists in a pre‐admission clinic can ensure the availability of an accurate medication history.
Knowledge and Perceptions of Community Patients about Generic Medicines
Authors: Ibrahim Rafie , McKinnon Ross A , Ngo Suong NT 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients' knowledge and perceptions about generic medicines are extremely important for promoting generic substitution. Few studies have investigated patients' acceptance or understanding of generic medicines.AimTo explore knowledge and perceptions of community patients about generic medicines.MethodA self‐administered anonymous survey was completed by patients presenting at 1 of 18 community pharmacies in Adelaide, South Australia. The questionnaire comprised items on: demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, education, income, self‐rated health status), safety, efficacy, cost and value of generic medicines, and patients' willingness to use these.Results503 patients completed the survey − 51% females and 49% males. 60% of patients were on more than one prescription medication. 67% of patients rarely asked for a generic medicine when their prescriptions were being filled. Around 47% of patients believed that they needed more information on the difference between generic and brand‐name medicines. Around 81% of patients knew that generic medicines were less expensive than brand‐name medicines; and 51% believed generic medicines offered better value. When asked whether 'they would rather take generic medicines than brand‐name medicines' – about 30% indicated they would, 25%) would not, 40% were neutral and 5% did not provide an answer Younger patients (55 years or less) asked for generic medicines more often than older patients (over 55 years) (p < 0.05). There were no other significant differences.ConclusionMost patients had some knowledge about generic medicines. However, many were unsure if they preferred generic to brand‐name medicines or brand‐name to generic medicines.
Adherence to Guidelines for Treating Community‐Acquired Pneumonia at a New Zealand Hospital
Authors: Aikman Kiri L , Hobbs Mark R , Ticehurst Robert , Karmakar Gonesh C , Wilsher Margaret L , Thomas Mark G 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundAdherence to guidelines for community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been shown to improve patient outcomes and slow the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Guidelines for treating CAP vary considerably.AimTo determine the initial antimicrobial therapy used in hospitalised adults with CAP and to compare it with local and international CAP treatment guidelines.MethodA retrospective cohort study of adults presenting to an Auckland hospital with CAP. Initial choice of antimicrobial therapy was compared to the local hospital guidelines and the British Thoracic Society (BTS), Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) and Swedish Society of Infectious Diseases (SSID) guidelines.ResultsInitial treatment in 177 patients presenting with their first episode of CAP included parenteral cephalosporin (61%), amoxycillin+clavulanate (37%), amoxycillin (2.8%) and macrolide (53%). 83/92 (90%) patients with a CURB‐65 score of 0–1 were treated with a cephalosporin or amoxycillin+clavulanate. 42/85 (49%) patients with a CURB‐65 score ≥ 2 were treated with a macrolide. Adherence with treatment guidelines was 97% (hospital), 53% (IDSA/ATS), 11% (BTS) and 10% (SSID).ConclusionInitial treatment of adults with CAP adhered closely with local guidelines was discordant with the BTS and SSID guidelines.
Serum Visfatin, Fetuin‐A, and Pentraxin 3 Levels in Patients With Psoriasis and Their Relation to Disease Severity
Authors: Okan Gökhan , Baki Adile Merve , Yorulmaz Eda , Doğru‐Abbasoğlu Semra , Vural Pervin 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated inflammatory skin disease associated with increase of some pro‐inflammatory mediators. We wanted to investigate whether there is a relationship between psoriasis and visfatin, fetuin‐A and pentraxin 3 (PTX3)—pro‐inflammatory mediators implicated in the development of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis.MethodsVisfatin, fetuin‐A, and PTX3 concentrations were measured in 45 patients with plaque‐type psoriasis and 45 healthy controls using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsSerum levels of visfatin, fetuin‐A, and PTX3 in patients with psoriasis were found to be higher than in healthy controls (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, P < 0.001, respectively). Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score correlated significantly with visfatin and fetuin‐A levels (P = 0.011, P = 0.040, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between visfatin and fetuin‐A (P < 0.001). PTX3 levels were correlated positively with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR), insulin, triglyceride (TG), and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL; P = 0.009, P = 0.007, P = 0.023, P = 0.024, respectively).ConclusionsIncreased serum visfatin, fetuin‐A, and PTX3 levels, and the presence of positive correlation between visfatin, fetuin‐A, and PASI score, probably reflect the inflammatory state and IR seen in psoriasis.
Influence of cancer cachexia on drug liver metabolism and renal elimination in rats
Authors: Cvan Trobec Katja , Kerec Kos Mojca , Trontelj Jurij , Grabnar Iztok , Tschirner Anika , Palus Sandra , Anker Stefan D. , Springer Jochen , Lainscak Mitja 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundBody wasting and cachexia change body composition and organ function, with effects on drug pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to investigate how cancer and cancer cachexia modify liver metabolism and renal drug elimination in rats.MethodsNine male Wistar‐Han rats received a single oral dose of midazolam and propranolol (markers of hepatic metabolism), and 10 rats received single intravenous dose of iohexol, a marker of glomerular filtration rate. After drug delivery, multiple dried blood samples were obtained within 2 h post‐dose to evaluate drug pharmacokinetic profiles. After baseline sampling (D0), rats were injected with tumour cells. Drug application and blood sampling were repeated when rats developed tumours (Day 5—D5), and when rats were severely cachectic (Day 10—D10). Clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (Vd) of drugs were assessed with non‐linear mixed effects modelling. Weight and body composition were measured on D0 and D10 and were related to pharmacokinetic parameters.ResultsAll three drugs showed non‐significant trend towards increased CL and Vd on D5. On D10, midazolam and propranolol CL and midazolam Vd significantly decreased from baseline (−80.5%, −79.8%, and −72.0%, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). Iohexol CL decreased by 29.8% from baseline value on D10, which was related to body weight loss (Pearson's r = 0.837, P = 0.019).ConclusionsHepatic metabolism and renal drug elimination are significantly reduced in cachexia, which could increase risk of dose‐related adverse events.
Ecofriendly River Management under Ever‐Increasing Environmental Pressures
Authors: Yin X. A. , Petts G. E. , Yang Z. F. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe third biennial symposium of the International Society for River Science was held at Beijing Normal University, China, on 5–9 August 2013. The symposium was dedicated to consolidating knowledge on riverine ecosystem in response to the impacts of ever‐increasing environmental pressures and promoting multi‐disciplinary solutions for protecting and restoring ecosystems. Nine papers were selected to illustrate advances in understanding the mechanisms of ecological degradation, promoting new models for simulating the hydrological and ecological processes and establishing new tools for ecofriendly water resources management. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model‐driven approach to detect faults in FOSS systems
Authors: Di Ruscio Davide , Pelliccione Patrizio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFree and Open‐Source Software (FOSS) Linux distributions are among the most complex modern software systems. They are made of thousands of components (software packages) evolving rapidly without centralized coordination. The upgrade of FOSS systems is managed by meta‐installers, which solve package dependencies and conflicts and lead the system to a new system configuration by installing or removing packages. Current tools are able to predict a very limited set of upgrade faults before deployment, and this leaves a wide range of faults unpredicted. In this paper, we focus on faults that remain unpredicted, for example, missing packages, packages that are not properly installed, and missing services, with the aim of providing a solution for them. Specifically, in this paper, we propose a model‐driven approach and supporting tools to prevent specific classes of system configuration faults before performing the real upgrade. Once the system configuration is represented as a model, the configuration model is evaluated by means of queries, each devoted to discover a specific class of faults. The approach is intrinsically extensible so that user communities can add new queries when new classes of faults are identified. The approach has been validated by executing the fault detector on configuration models in which faults have been intentionally injected and by analyzing produced results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration of systems glycobiology with bioinformatics toolboxes, glycoinformatics resources, and glycoproteomics data
Authors: Liu Gang , Neelamegham Sriram 
Published: April 2015

The glycome constitutes the entire complement of free carbohydrates and glycoconjugates expressed on whole cells or tissues. ‘Systems Glycobiology’ is an emerging discipline that aims to quantitatively describe and analyse the glycome. Here, instead of developing a detailed understanding of single biochemical processes, a combination of computational and experimental tools are used to seek an integrated or ‘systems‐level’ view. This can explain how multiple biochemical reactions and transport processes interact with each other to control glycome biosynthesis and function. Computational methods in this field commonly build in silico reaction network models to describe experimental data derived from structural studies that measure cell‐surface glycan distribution. While considerable progress has been made, several challenges remain due to the complex and heterogeneous nature of this post‐translational modification. First, for the in silico models to be standardized and shared among laboratories, it is necessary to integrate glycan structure information and glycosylation‐related enzyme definitions into the mathematical models. Second, as glycoinformatics resources grow, it would be attractive to utilize ‘Big Data’ stored in these repositories for model construction and validation. Third, while the technology for profiling the glycome at the whole‐cell level has been standardized, there is a need to integrate mass spectrometry derived site‐specific glycosylation data into the models. The current review discusses progress that is being made to resolve the above bottlenecks. The focus is on how computational models can bridge the gap between ‘data’ generated in wet‐laboratory studies with ‘knowledge’ that can enhance our understanding of the glycome. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2015, 7:163–181. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1296This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models
Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism
Amyloidosis in alkaptonuria
Authors: Millucci Lia , Braconi Daniela , Bernardini Giulia , Lupetti Pietro , Rovensky Josef , Ranganath Lakshminaryan , Santucci Annalisa 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAlkaptonuria (AKU) is an ultra‐rare inborn error of metabolism developed from the lack of homogentisic acid oxidase activity, causing homogentisic acid (HGA) accumulation that produces an HGA‐melanin ochronotic pigment, of hitherto unknown composition. Besides the accumulation of HGA, the potential role and presence of unidentified proteins has been hypothesized as additional causal factors involved in ochronotic pigment deposition. Evidence has been provided on the presence of serum amyloid A (SAA) in several AKU tissues, which allowed classifying AKU as a novel secondary amyloidosis. In this paper, we will briefly review all direct and indirect lines of evidence related to the presence of amyloidosis in AKU. We also report the first data on abnormal SAA serum levels in a cohort of AKU patients.