bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural gums as sustained release carriers: development of gastroretentive drug delivery system of ziprasidone HCl
Authors: AJ Rajamma , HN Yogesha , SB Sateesha 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Objective of this study is to show the potential use of natural gums in the development of drug delivery systems. Therefore in this work gastro retentive tablet formulations of ziprasidone HCl were developed using simplex lattice design considering concentration of okra gum, locust bean gum and HPMC K4M as independent variables. A response surface plot and multiple regression equations were used to evaluate the effect of independent variables on hardness, flag time, floating time and drug release for 1 h, 2 h, and 8 h and for 24 h. A checkpoint batch was also prepared by considering the constraints and desirability of optimized formulation to improve its in vitro performance. Significance of result was analyzed using ANOVA and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
Formulation chiefly contains locust bean gum found to be favorable for hardness and floatability but combined effect of three variables was responsible for the sustained release of drug. The in vitro drug release data of check point batch (F8) was found to be sustained well compared to the most satisfactory formulation (F7) of 7 runs. The ‘n’ value was found to be between 0.5 and 1 suggesting that release of drug follows anomalous (non-fickian) diffusion mechanism indicating both diffusion and erosion mechanism from these natural gums. Predicted results were almost similar to the observed experimental values indicating the accuracy of the design. In vivo floatability test indicated non adherence to the gastric mucosa and tablets remain buoyant for more than 24 h.

Conclusions
Study showed these eco-friendly natural gums can be considered as promising SR polymers.
Assessment of diabetic distress and disease related factors in patients with type 2 diabetes in Isfahan: A way to tailor an effective intervention planning in Isfahan-Iran
Authors: Tol Azar , Baghbanian Abdolvahab , Sharifirad Golamreza , Shojaeizadeh Davoud , Eslami Ahmadali , Alhani Fatemeh , Tehrani Mohamadreza Mohajeri 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to assess diabetes distress and its related factors among type 2 diabetic patients to better tailor intervention planning in Isfahan-Iran.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011. Study population was patients with type 2 diabetes referring to Omolbanin, an outpatient diabetic center in Isfahan. 140 diabetic patients met the inclusion criteria and were all included in the study. Patient’s diabetes distress was measured by DDS. A 17-item self-report diabetes distress scale was used with subscales reflecting 5 domains: 1) Emotional burden (5 items), 2) Physician distress (4 items), 3) Regimen distress (5 items) and 4) Interpersonal distress (3 items). The responses to each item were rated between 1 and 6 (1 = not a problem, 2 = a slight problem, 3 = a moderate problem, 4 = somewhat serious problem, 5 = a serious problem, 6 = a very serious problem). The minimum and the maximum of score in the scale were 17 and 114 respectively. Collected data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 11.5.

Results
Mean age of participants were 53.23 years (SD = 7.82). 54.3% was female, 97.1% was married, and 57.1% had education lower than diploma. The average score of total diabetes distress was 2.96 ± 0.83. The average score of each domain was (3.40 ± 1.18), (2.57 ± 0.88), (2.97 ± 0.90), (2.76 ± 0.91) respectively. ‘Emotional Burden’ was considered as the most important domain in measuring diabetes distress. Total diabetes distress had significant association with age (p = 0.02), duration of diabetes (p<0.001), marital status, comorbidity, complications (p<0.001), and history of diabetes (p = 0.01). Pearson correlation coefficient revealed that diabetes distress of type 2 diabetic patients has a linear and direct relation with HbAlc (r = 0.63, p<0.001).

Conclusion
It seems some keywords have a main role in diabetes distress such as emotional support, communication with patient and physician, self-efficacy and social support. All of these points are achievable through empowerment approach in diabetes care plan.
Chronic myeloid leukemic cells trigger poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-dependent inactivation and cell death in lymphocytes
Authors: Aurelius Johan , Martner Anna , Riise Rebecca E , Romero Ana I , Palmqvist Lars , Brune Mats , Hellstrand Kristoffer , Thorén Fredrik B 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
CML cells induce PARP-1 dependent parthanatos in NK cells, and inhibition of PARP-1 maintains lymphocyte viability and function.
NK cells and T cells are commonly dysfunctional in CML, and their status may determine the course of disease. We aimed to define the molecular mechanisms of leukemia-induced immunosuppression with focus on the role of ROS and the PARP-1 pathway of cell death. Malignant granulocytes from patients with BCR-ABL-positive CML expressed the oxygen radical-producing enzyme NOX, produced large amounts of ROS, and triggered extensive cell death in NK cells. Inhibition of PARP-1 maintained NK cell viability in cocultures with suppressive leukemic cells. Under conditions of oxidative stress, PARP-1 inhibition upheld the capacity of NK cells to kill myeloid leukemic cells, in addition to restoring the proliferation and cytokine production of NK cells and cytotoxic T cells. Our findings are suggestive of a novel pathway of relevance to immunosuppression in CML.
The Relationship of Nephrotoxicity to Vancomycin Trough Serum Concentrations in a Veteran's Population: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Horey Amy , Mergenhagen Kari A , Mattappallil Arun 
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND: The risk of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity varies greatly depending on the trough concentration. Recent guidelines suggest target vancomycin trough concentrations of 15–20 mg/L as a predictor of efficacy in the treatment of severe gram-positive infections. Limited data exist quantifying the risk for nephrotoxicity with various ranges of vancomycin troughs. OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence of nephrotoxicity during vancomycin therapy and up to 72 hours after its completion, in relation to the maximum trough concentration value, and identify risk factors that impact nephrotoxicity associated with vancomycin use. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of veterans with a baseline serum creatinine less than 2 mg/dL who received 48 or more hours of vancomycin therapy and had 1 or more vancomycin trough samples obtained within 96 hours of therapy initiation from January 1, 2006, to November 1, 2008, to determine the occurrence of nephrotoxicity (as defined by RIFLE [Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage renal disease] criteria). RESULTS: Thirty-four (12.6%) patients developed nephrotoxicity. In multiple logistic regression analysis, maximum trough concentrations (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.20), documented hypotension (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.3 to 16.4), and weight (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.03) were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of nephrotoxicity. Once stratified into ranges of 5–10 mg/L (4.9%), 10.1–15 mg/L (3.1%), 15.1–20 mg/L (10.6%), 20.1–35 mg/L (23.6%), and greater than 35 mg/L (81.8%), increasing trough ranges were associated with a subsequently higher risk of nephrotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: In the population evaluated, hypotension and trough concentrations were predictors of nephrotoxicity; elevated vancomycin trough concentration had the highest odds of association. These data reinforce the close therapeutic monitoring guidelines for vancomycin trough concentrations, especially when targeting troughs of 15–20 mg/L.
Argatroban Dose Reductions for Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Complicated by Child-Pugh Class C Liver Disease
Authors: Yarbrough Peter M , Varedi Amir , Walker Amanda , Rondina Matthew T 
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of reduced-dose argatroban in a patient with suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and Child-Pugh class C liver disease and review the relevant literature to summarize current recommendations on argatroban use in patients with severe liver disease. CASE SUMMARY: A 58-year-old male with Child-Pugh class C liver disease (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD] score = 31, total bilirubin 4.5 mg/dL) and hemodialysis-dependent renal failure was hospitalized with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Three days after heparin initiation for DVT, he developed thrombocytopenia. Given his heparin exposure (both for treatment of DVT and ongoing hemodialysis), HIT was suspected and all heparinoids were immediately discontinued. Argatroban was initiated for the treatment of HIT while laboratory testing for HIT antibodies and the serotonin release assay were completed. Because of the patient's advanced liver disease, the starting dose of argatroban was reduced to 0.2 μg/kg/min, with frequent monitoring of the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (goal 60–85 seconds). Despite this dose reduction, the aPTT was supratherapeutic. Following further dose reductions, a final argatroban maintenance dose of 0.05 μg/kg/min was necessary for the attainment of goal aPTTs. DISCUSSION: Reducing the starting dose of argatroban to 0.5 μg/kg/min is recommended in patients with liver disease. Nevertheless, this recommended dose is largely based on data from patients with more moderate liver disease (eg, Child-Pugh class A or B), and dosing in more advanced liver disease remains largely unexplored. Patients with more advanced liver disease may require additional dose reductions to avoid supratherapeutic concentrations of anticoagulation agents and to minimize bleeding risk. CONCLUSIONS: This report illustrates the importance of careful selection of argatroban dosing and appropriate aPTT monitoring in patients with severe liver disease. Excessive anticoagulation may precipitate major bleeding complications, placing patients with this complicated disease at undue risk.
Pregnancy Desire Among a Sample of Young Couples Who Are Expecting a Baby
Authors: Sipsma Heather , Divney Anna A. , Niccolai Linda M. , Gordon Derrick , Magriples Urania , Kershaw Trace S. 
Published: October 2012

CONTEXTAdolescents’ desire for a pregnancy has been explored more among females than among males. A more comprehensive understanding of teenagers’ pregnancy desires is needed to inform pregnancy prevention efforts and to support couples as they undergo the transition to parenthood.METHODSIn an observational cohort study conducted in 2007–2011 at clinics in Connecticut, data were collected from 296 couples (females aged 14–21 and their partners) who were expecting a baby. The degree to which each partner had wanted the pregnancy and partners’ perceptions of each other's pregnancy desires were assessed. Multilevel regression models examined associations between pregnancy desire and individual, partner, family and community characteristics, and between desire and life and relationship satisfaction.RESULTSForty‐nine percent of females and 53% of males reported having wanted the pregnancy. Pregnancy desire scores were positively associated with being male, expecting a first baby, perceived partner desire and parental response to the pregnancy; scores were negatively associated with being in school, being employed and parental support. Females’ perceptions of their partners’ pregnancy desires were slightly more accurate than males’ (kappas, 0.36 and 0.28, respectively). Pregnancy desire was positively associated with both life and relationship satisfaction, particularly among males.CONCLUSIONSAdolescents’ pregnancy desires require further attention as a possible focus of pregnancy prevention efforts, and health care providers may want to ensure that young couples with unwanted pregnancies are offered additional psychological and social services as they transition to parenthood.
Kwang Woo Noh, Coordinator of Korean Film Festival
Authors: Kwon Jae-Woong 
Published: October 2012

The New York Korean Film Festival was started in 2001. Kwang Woo Noh was one of the founders. This interview was conducted in New York, August 18, 2002.
JWK: Could you briefly explain the preparation procedure of this film festival? KWN: Usually we begin to plan and program in January
and February. And then we contact Korean distributors and sponsors. We decide where we will have the festival. This year, we got Anthology Film Archives in May. Last year's success made Anthology Film Archives schedule for us with good cooperation.
Ownership and Quality in Markets with Asymmetric Information: Evidence from Nursing Homes
Authors: Ben-Ner Avner , Karaca-Mandic Pinar , Ren Ting 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The ownership and governance of for-profit (FP), nonprofit (NP), and local government (LG) organizations are different. Therefore, the objectives of these different types of organizations and their performance may differ. We conjecture that in markets where there is substantial asymmetric information between providers and customers, FP firms, LG organizations and NP organizations provide similar levels of quality attributes that are observable to their customers and are well understood by them. However, FP firms are likely to provide lower levels of less-well observed and less-well understood desirable but costly quality attributes than their NP and LG counterparts. Using a rich dataset, we study the quality of outcomes for Minnesota nursing homes, which do not compete on prices. We find support for our theoretical conjectures: FP homes provide lower quality on a number of dimensions, especially those that are less observable by nursing home residents and their families.
Mass spectrometry: a revolution in clinical microbiology?
Authors: Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Espinal Paula , Dunyach-Remy Catherine , Messad Nourredine , Pantel Alix , Sotto Albert 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Recently, different bacteriological laboratory interventions that decrease reporting time have been developed. These promising new broad-based techniques have merit, based on their ability to identify rapidly many bacteria, organisms difficult to grow or newly emerging strains, as well as their capacity to track disease transmission. The benefit of rapid reporting of identification and/or resistance of bacteria can greatly impact patient outcomes, with an improvement in the use of antibiotics, in the reduction of the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria and in mortality rates. Different techniques revolve around mass spectrometry (MS) technology: matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), PCR combined with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS), iPLEX MassArray system and other new evolutions combining different techniques. This report emphasizes the (r)evolution of these technologies in clinical microbiology.
Supratentorial hemorrhage suggested on susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in an infant with hydranencephaly
Authors: Niwa Tetsu , Pistorius Lou , Vijlbrief Daniel C. , de Vries Linda S. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Hydranencephaly is a fetal central nervous system disorder in which most of the cerebral hemispheres are damaged and largely replaced with cerebrospinal fluid. We present susceptibility-weighted imaging findings in an infant with hydranencephaly, who showed foci of signal loss mainly at the peripheral portion of the thalamus and falx cerebri. Although the exact cause of hydranencephaly has not been established, these findings suggest previous hemorrhage and parenchymal destructive changes.
Three-dimensional cultures modeling premalignant progression of human breast epithelial cells: role of cysteine cathepsins
Authors: Mullins Stefanie R. , Sameni Mansoureh , Blum Galia , Bogyo Matthew , Sloane Bonnie F. , Moin Kamiar 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The expression of the cysteine protease cathepsin B is increased in early stages of human breast cancer. To assess the potential role of cathepsin B in premalignant progression of breast epithelial cells, we employed a 3D reconstituted basement membrane overlay culture model of MCF10A human breast epithelial cells and isogenic variants that replicate the in vivo phenotypes of hyperplasia (MCF10AneoT) and atypical hyperplasia (MCF10AT1). MCF10A cells developed into polarized acinar structures with central lumens. In contrast, MCF10AneoT and MCF10AT1 cells form larger structures in which the lumens are filled with cells. CA074Me, a cell-permeable inhibitor selective for the cysteine cathepsins B and L, reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of MCF10A, MCF10AneoT and MCF10AT1 cells in 3D culture. We detected active cysteine cathepsins in the isogenic MCF10 variants in 3D culture with GB111, a cell-permeable activity-based probe, and established differential inhibition of cathepsin B in our 3D cultures. We conclude that cathepsin B promotes proliferation and premalignant progression of breast epithelial cells. These findings are consistent with studies by others showing that deletion of cathepsin B in the transgenic MMTV-PyMT mice, a murine model that is predisposed to development of mammary cancer, reduces malignant progression.
cCMP, cUMP, cTMP, cIMP and cXMP as possible second messengers: Development of a hypothesis based on studies with soluble guanylyl cyclase α1β1
Authors: Beste Kerstin Y. , Seifert Roland 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate and guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate are second messengers that regulate multiple physiological functions. The existence of additional cyclic nucleotides in mammalian cells was postulated many years ago, but technical problems hampered development of the field. Using highly specific and sensitive mass spectrometry methods, soluble guanylyl cyclase has recently been shown to catalyze the formation of several cyclic nucleotides in vitro. This minireview discusses the broad substrate-specificity of soluble guanylyl cyclase and the possible second messenger roles of cyclic nucleotides other than adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate and guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate. We hope that this article stimulates productive and critical research in an area that has been neglected for many years.
Drug use evaluation of diabetes mellitus in hospitalized patients of a tertiary care referral hospital
Authors: Khalam Ameera , Dilip Chandrasekhar , Shinu Cholamugath 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background: Many drugs are available for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and are sometimes prescribed in combination. Irrational use of drugs is increasing expenditure and strain on health budgets. The aim of this study was to determine patient demographic characteristics, analyze prescription patterns of antidiabetic drugs, distribution of complications of diabetes, distribution of co-existing illnesses, distribution of common symptoms of diabetes and distribution of adverse drug reactions.

Methods: A study was carried out for 11 months in diabetic inpatients in the General Medicine Department. Data of 200 patients were collected and evaluated.

Results: The pattern of drug prescription in diabetes shows that insulin (80.5%) was most frequently prescribed followed by biguanides (23%), sulfonylureas (22.5%), thiazolidinediones (11%), dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4) inhibitors (9.5%) and meglitinides (5.5%). The percentage of patients on diet control therapy was found to be 3%. Combination therapy was prescribed to 26.5% and monotherapy to 65% of patients; 47.5% of these patients were male and 52.5% were female. The most common co-existing illness was found to be hypertension (53.5%). In addition, 67% of patients had irregular blood sugar monitoring and the remaining 33% had regular (either 4 or 6 hourly) monitoring.

Conclusions: It is concluded that the prescribing trend is moving away from monotherapy with insulin and sulfonylureas and towards combination therapies. There is also a significant increase in prescriptions of newer oral antidiabetic drugs, such as DPP-4 inhibitors and insulin analogs. Most inpatients had their blood glucose checked irregularly and haphazardly by ward staff. This study strongly highlights the need for patient education or counseling on use of antidiabetic and concomitant drugs, monitoring of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, diet control and correction of diabetic complications.
Biochemical and morphological changes in Trypanosoma brucei brucei- infected rats treated with homidium chloride and diminazene aceturate
Authors: Adeyemi Oluyomi Stephen , Sulaiman Faoziyat Adenike 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy which is one of the major methods for controlling trypanosomal infections is beset with several challenges including unwanted toxicity and limited efficacy. These factors and others underscore research efforts aimed at finding safer and more effective therapeutic agents for trypanosomiasis. Homidium chloride and diminazene aceturate are registered drugs for the treatment of animal trypanosomiasis.

Methods: Study investigated and compared, in an experimental Trypanosoma infection, the effects of two trypanocides on the pathology of tissues and some biochemical indices in rats.

Results: Data revealed that the levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in infected positive animals were significantly (p<0.05) elevated relative to uninfected negative controls but showed no significant difference when compared with the trypanocide-treatment groups. The histopathological presentations in the infected and treatment groups are a demonstration of the inimical cellular alterations associated with Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection.

Conclusions: The inimical alterations to biochemical and morphological parameters observed in the infected as well as the treatment groups is an implication suggesting shortcomings of the investigated trypanocides to alleviate pathology associated with Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection. We present evidence that further supports the urgent need for the development of safer and more effective trypanocides.
On the role of substance, locality, and amount of exposure in the acquisition of morphophonemic alternations
Authors: Baer-Henney Dinah , van de Vijver Ruben 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe discuss what factors influence the acquisition of morphophonemic alternations. What mechanisms are available to the learner; what is the basis for grammatical generalizations? Using the Artificial Language Paradigm we compared the acquisition of three alternations differing in phonetic substance, locality, and amount of exposure: one alternation was substantively based and structurally local, another one was structurally local but not substantively based, and the last alternation was neither substantively based nor structurally local. Within each alternation we exposed the experimental groups to a greater or smaller number of instances. Results show a clear advantage for the substantively based alternation during acquisition. In addition, the local dependency has an advantage over the non-local one and alternations that are presented frequently have an advantage over those that are presented infrequently. We show that all three factors influence the acquisition of morphophonemic alternations, but they do so to a different degree. Phonetic substance causes the strongest boost in the acquisition process and builds on locality, which also plays a role, and amount of exposure influences the acquisition process independent of the nature of the alternation. We argue that acquisition models should take the interaction of these factors into account.