bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Pharmaceutical Innovation on Longevity: Patient Level Evidence from the 1996–2002 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and Linked Mortality Public-use Files
Authors: Lichtenberg Frank R. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
This study uses patient-level data to analyze the effect of technological change embodied in pharmaceuticals on the longevity of elderly Americans. Previous patient-level studies could not control for important patient attributes such as education, income, and race; they did not provide estimates of the effect of using newer drugs on life expectancy, or of the overall cost-effectiveness of new drugs relative to old drugs; and they were not based on nationally representative samples of individuals. Our data, primarily derived from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and the Linked Mortality Public-use Files, enable us to overcome those limitations.
We investigate the effect of the vintage (year of U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval) of the prescription drugs used by an individual on his or her survival and medical expenditure, controlling for a number of demographic characteristics and indicators and determinants of health status. When we control only for age, sex, and interview year, we estimate that a 1-year increase in drug vintage increases life expectancy by 0.52%. Controlling for a much more extensive set of other attributes (the mean year the person started taking his or her medications, and dummy variables for activity limitations, race, education, family income as a percent of the poverty line, insurance coverage, Census region, body mass index, smoking, and more than 100 medical conditions) has virtually no effect on the estimate of the effect of drug vintage on life expectancy. Between 1996 and 2003, the mean vintage of prescription drugs increased by 6.6 years. This is estimated to have increased the life expectancy of elderly Americans by 0.41–0.47 years. This suggests that not less than two-thirds of the 0.6-year increase in the life expectancy of elderly Americans during 1996–2003 was due to the increase in drug vintage. The 1996–2003 increase in drug vintage is also estimated to have increased annual drug expenditure per elderly American by $207, and annual total medical expenditure per elderly American by $218. This implies that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (cost per life-year gained) of pharmaceutical innovation was about $12,900. This estimate of the cost per life-year gained from the use of newer drugs is a small fraction of leading economists’ estimates of the value of (willingness to pay for) an additional year of life. It is also consistent with estimates from clinical trials.
Prospective study of carmustine wafers in combination with 6-month metronomic temozolomide and radiation therapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma: preliminary results
Authors: Salmaggi Andrea , Milanesi Ida , Silvani Antonio , Gaviani Paola , Marchetti Marcello , Fariselli Laura , Solero Carlo Lazzaro , Maccagnano Carmelo , Casali Cecilia , Guzzetti Sara , Pollo Bianca , Ciusani Emilio , DiMeco Francesco 
Published: January 2013

Object
Locoregional chemotherapy with carmustine wafers, positioned at surgery and followed by radiation therapy, has been shown to prolong survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, as has concomitant radiochemotherapy with temozolomide. A combination of carmustine wafers with the Stupp treatment regimen has only been investigated in retrospective studies.

Methods
In a single-institution prospective study, the authors assessed 12-month progression-free survival (PFS), toxicity, and overall survival in patients with glioblastoma treated with surgery, carmustine wafers, radiotherapy, and 6-month metronomic temozolomide chemotherapy. Thirty-five patients with de novo glioblastoma, between the ages of 18 and 70 years, and with Karnofsky Performance Scale scores of at least 70, were included in the study. Patients were followed monthly and assessed using MRI every 2 months.

Results
After a median follow-up of 15 months, the median time to tumor progression was 12.5 months and median survival was 17.8 months. Due to toxicity (mostly hematological), 7 patients had to prematurely stop temozolomide treatment. Twenty-two patients developed Grade 3 CD4+ lymphocytopenia. Three patients developed oral-esophageal candidiasis, 2 developed pneumonia, and 1 developed a dorsolumbar zoster. Early intracranial hypertension was observed in 1 patient, and 1 was treated empirically for suspected brain abscess. One patient died of Legionella pneumonia soon after repeat surgery.

Conclusions
Overall, this treatment schedule produced promising results in terms of PFS without a marked increase in toxicities as compared with the Stupp regimen. However, the gain in median survival using this schedule was less clear. Only prospective comparative trials will determine whether these preliminary results will translate into a long-term survival advantage with an acceptable toxicity profile.
Intraventricular silicone oil
Authors: Chang Chih-Chen , Chang Hong-Shiu , Toh Cheng Hong 
Published: January 2013

The authors report a case in which intravitreous silicone oil migrated into the ventricles. They note that intraventricular silicone oil can be misdiagnosed as intraventricular hemorrhage and neurosurgeons should be aware of this possibility.
This 58-year-old woman with a history of Type II diabetic mellitus and retinal detachment (resulting from diabetic retinopathy), which had been treated with intravitreous silicone tamponade, presented with dizziness and headache approximately 10 years after the intravitreous silicone treatment. Over the next 6 years she underwent 2 non–contrast-enhanced brain CT studies and 1 MRI study for evaluation of her symptoms. On CT scan, extension of the intraocular silicone along the optic nerve was evident. Two hyperdense nodules were observed freely floating in the right lateral and fourth ventricles, remaining in the nondependent portion of ventricles in both supine and prone positions. On T2-weighted MRI, the left orbital content and the intraventricular nodules all demonstrated chemical shift artifacts typically associated with silicone. The imaging findings were characteristic for intraventricular silicone after silicone oil tamponade. The patient's dizziness and headache were treated symptomatically and she was followed up at the outpatient department.
Migration of intravitreous silicone oil into the cerebral ventricles is a rare complication. Intraventricular silicone oil can mimic intraventricular hemorrhage. Radiographically, intraventricular silicone oil can be distinguished from hemorrhage as silicone oil tends to stay in the nondependent portion of the ventricle. Chemical shift artifacts on MRI may help establishing the diagnosis of intraventricular silicone oil. Currently, there is no consensus on surgical removal of intraventricular silicone oil, and in the majority of cases reported in the literature, the patients were asymptomatic.
Chitosan Electrodeposition for Microrobotic Drug Delivery
Authors: Fusco Stefano , Chatzipirpiridis George , Sivaraman Kartik M. , Ergeneman Olgaç , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA method to functionalize steerable magnetic microdevices through the co‐electrodeposition of drug loaded chitosan hydrogels is presented. The characteristics of the polymer matrix have been investigated in terms of fabrication, morphology, drug release and response to different environmental conditions. Modifications of the matrix behavior could be achieved by simple chemical post processing. The system is able to load and deliver 40–80 μg cm−2 of a model drug (Brilliant Green) in a sustained manner with different profiles. Chitosan allows a pH responsive behavior with faster and more efficient release under slightly acidic conditions as can be present in tumor or inflamed tissue. A prototype of a microrobot functionalized with the hydrogel is presented and proposed for the treatment of posterior eye diseases.
Tunable Substrates Unveil Chemical Complementation of a Genetic Cell Migration Defect
Authors: Hellmann Janina Kristin , Perschmann Nadine , Spatz Joachim P. , Frischknecht Friedrich 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCell migration is dependent on a number of physical and chemical parameters of the substrate that influence cellular signaling events as cell surface receptors interact with the substrate. These events can strengthen or loosen the contact of the cell with its environment and need to be orchestrated for efficient motility. A set of tunable substrates was used in combination with quantitative imaging to probe for potentially subtle differences in genetically modified and chemically treated rapidly migrating cells. As model cell, Plasmodium sporozoites were used, the forms of malaria parasites transmitted by the mosquito to the host. Sporozoites lacking a substrate‐binding surface protein moved on different surfaces with consistently lower efficiency and were more sensitive to adhesion ligand spacing than wild type sporozoites. Addition of an actin filament stabilizing chemical agent temporarily increased sporozoite motility on soft but not on hard substrates. Defined conditions were found where the chemical completely compensates the reduced migration capacity of the genetically modified parasites. As the onset of motility was delayed for sporozoites on unfavourable gels it is suggested that the parasite can slowly adjust to environmental elasticity, possibly by adapting the interplay between surface adhesins and actin filament dynamics. This demonstrates the utility of tunable substrates to dissect molecular function in cell adhesion and motility.
Multifunctional “Click” Prolinamides: A New Platform for Asymmetric Aldol Reactions in the Presence of Water with Catalyst Recycling
Authors: Paladhi Sushovan , Das Joydeb , Mishra Pratyush Kumar , Dash Jyotirmayee 
Published: January 2013

Abstract“Click” chemistry is combined with organocatalysis to fabricate a multifunctional C3‐symmetrical dendritic prolinamide with a hydrophobic aromatic core and hydrophilic triazolinium arms that exhibit high efficiency in catalyzing the asymmetric aldol reaction with cyclic ketones. The catalyst is water‐compatible and remains active for five consecutive catalytic runs with a low catalyst loading (2 mol%), yielding the aldol products in high yields, diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities.
Carbon Nanomaterials in Catalysis: Proton Affinity, Chemical and Electronic Properties, and their Catalytic Consequences
Authors: Zhu Jun , Holmen Anders , Chen De 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe effects of the orientation of a graphene sheet, the edge structure of carbon nanofibers, and different surface functional groups on proton affinity, interactions with metal nanoparticles, and electronic modification of these structures, together with their catalytic consequences, have been reviewed. The ratio of prismatic to basal sites on the edge of carbon nanofibers has a remarkable influence on the properties of both the CNFs and the metal nanoparticles that are supported on it. The proton affinity, interactions with metal particles, and electronic density of metal particles can be further manipulated by fine‐tuning the functional groups, such as oxygen groups, and by B/N‐doping of the CNFs. The possibilities of using carbon nanofibers with different graphite‐sheet orientations as a platform for rational catalyst design are discussed.
Copper‐Incorporated Porous Polydivinylbenzene as Efficient and Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst in Ullmann Biaryl Ether Coupling
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Jian , Sun Jing , Zhu Longfeng , Zhang Haiyan , Liu Fujian , Zheng Dafang , Meng Xiangju , Shi Xiaodong , Xiao Feng‐Shou 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe preparation of efficient and stable heterogeneous catalyst is very important for organic transformations. Herein, we report a copper‐incorporated porous, Schiff base‐modified polydivinylbenzene (PDVB‐SB‐Cu) as an excellent heterogeneous catalyst in promoting Ullmann biaryl ether coupling reactions. PDVB‐SB‐Cu was synthesized by incorporating copper species into PDVB‐SB. Combined characterizations by using 13C NMR, IR, XPS, N2 adsorption, and TEM indicated the synthesis of copper–Schiff base species on porous PDVB. Catalytic tests in the Ullmann biaryl ether coupling of iodobenzene and phenol indicated that the PDVB‐SB‐Cu catalyst gave high activity similar to that of the homogeneous Schiff base‐stabilized copper catalyst. This good reactivity was likely due to the polymer‐based porous materials, which provided more effective interactions between substrates and catalytic centers. Importantly, PDVB‐SB‐Cu has extraordinary recyclability. The advantages of high activities and good recyclability made the PDVB‐SB‐Cu catalyst a new class of solid‐support transition metal catalysts for fine chemical preparation.
A Recyclable Trinuclear Bifunctional Catalyst Derived from a Tetraoxo Bis‐Zn(salphen) Metalloligand
Authors: Escárcega‐Bobadilla Martha V. , Martínez Belmonte Marta , Martin Eddy , Escudero‐Adán Eduardo C. , Kleij Arjan W. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA tetraoxo bis‐Zn(salphen) supramolecular host can bind various divalent metal salts, thereby providing access to trinuclear bifunctional systems that incorporate both Lewis acid sites and dynamically bound nucleophilic anions. The formation of these trinuclear species was investigated and their stability features were also determined. The application of these trinuclear complexes as bifunctional catalysts was evaluated in the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from epoxides and CO2. The catalytic data, in combination with control experiments, clearly demonstrate that these trinuclear compounds show much higher recycling potential compared to various control compounds and they can be used in up to five cycles without an observable loss in activity. Furthermore, this new recyclable catalytic system does not require any additives and can be applied under solvent‐free conditions.
A field study of lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines
Authors: Ishii Tsunayoshi , Oguchi Syuichi , Sakamoto Yoshiki , Okabe Shigemitsu 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe number of home electric appliances, such as personal computers and telephones, has been rapidly increasing. Lightning damage to these home electric appliances has a great impact on a highly sophisticated information society. There are cases in which lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines cause malfunctions in them, even though they are equipped with surge protective devices to protect against lightning overvoltages. Therefore, for lightning protection of low‐voltage equipment including home electric appliances, it is important to understand the phenomenon of lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage power distribution lines. However, many aspects of this problem are not entirely clear, in particular how they are generated. The Tokyo Electric Power Company carried out lightning observations on low‐voltage distribution lines. The observation results provide a statistical distribution of lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines. A mechanism for generating lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines is inferred from the observed waveforms and facilities data. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(2): 12–21, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21299
A follow‐up intervention in severely demented patients after discharge from a special Alzheimer acute care unit: impact on early emergency room re‐hospitalization rate
Authors: Villars Hélène , Dupuy Charlotte , Soler Pauline , Gardette Virginie , Soto Maria E. , Gillette Sophie , Nourhashemi Fati , BrunoVellas  
Published: January 2013

BackgroundEmergency room (ER) re‐hospitalizations are prevalent in severe Alzheimer's disease affected older patients.DesignQuasi‐experimental before and after study.SettingDischarge of severely demented patients from a Special Alzheimer Acute Care Unit.ParticipantsA total of 390 patients hospitalized in the unit from 2007 through 2009, with at least one of the following characteristics: severe disruptive behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (agitation, aggressiveness, and psychotic symptoms), change of living arrangement related to BPSD, exhaustion of the principal caregiver, and discharge of a subject with anosognosia living alone in the community.InterventionThe intervention consisted of an individualized care plan, targeting the problems observed during the hospital stay, implemented by the means of regular telephone contacts (in the first week after discharge, before the end of the first month, and then at 3 and 6 months) between a geriatric team and the patient's caregiver. Information was gathered on functional decline, BPSD, change of living arrangement and treatment. The calls were followed by a telephone intervention providing advice, support, and information to the caregiver. When required, these calls were followed by a consultation with a physician or psychologist, or by a consultation in the patient's home.MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was the ER re‐hospitalization rate, defined as occurring within 31 days of discharge.ResultsThe early ER re‐hospitalization rate was 8.39% in 2007 versus 8.02% in 2008 (p = 0.818) and 7.47% in 2009 (p = 0.563). Vocal disruptive behavior are more prevalent in re‐hospitalized patients (9.64% versus 3.97%, p = 0.05) than in non re‐hospitalized patients.ConclusionWe found a nonsignificant decrease of early ER re‐hospitalization rate at 1 month after discharge. Interventions addressing severe dementia affected patients with BPSD are needed, as this is a major issue in the organization of health care systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional MRI of the kidneys
Authors: Zhang Jeff L. , Rusinek Henry , Chandarana Hersh , Lee Vivian S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractRenal function is characterized by different physiologic aspects, including perfusion, glomerular filtration, interstitial diffusion, and tissue oxygenation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows great promise in assessing these renal tissue characteristics noninvasively. The last decade has witnessed a dramatic progress in MRI techniques for renal function assessment. This article briefly describes relevant renal anatomy and physiology, reviews the applications of functional MRI techniques for the diagnosis of renal diseases, and lists unresolved issues that will require future work. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:282–293. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of different particle processing on hypocholesterolemic and antiatherogenic activities of yam (Dioscorea pseudojaponica) in cholesterol‐fed rabbit model
Authors: Pan Chun‐Hsu , Tsai Chia‐Hua , Liu Fon‐Chang , Fan Ming‐Jen , Sheu Ming‐Jyh , Hsieh Wen‐Tsong , Wu Chieh‐Hsi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundNanoparticle processing is implicated in enhancing bioactive or nutritional compound release from raw foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether different particle processing might affect the lipid‐lowering activity of Dioscorea pseudojaponica (DP) and to investigate whether DP could be a potential functional food for prevention of atherogenesis. Its possible molecular mechanisms were also evaluated.ResultsThe results indicated that 50 mesh‐size DP (50 mesh DP) particles exhibited stronger effects than nanoscale DP (nano DP) particles in terms of lowering the level of serum cholesterol as well as reducing the extent of fatty liver and aortic fatty streak. Moreover, both DP particle types, particularly 50 mesh DP, significantly activated AMPK (5′‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase) and deactivated ACC (acetyl‐CoA carboxylase), as demonstrated by the increased levels of both enzymes in their phosphorylated form. Coincidently, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed a higher content (P < 0.01) of dioscin, a known lipid‐lowering compound, in 50 mesh DP than in nano DP.ConclusionThese results suggest that improper processing conditions will lead to the decomposition of bioactive components in yam. They also demonstrate for the first time that the lipid‐lowering mechanisms of DP may occur through the AMPK–ACC pathway. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Production and partial characterisation of an inducer‐dependent novel antifungal compound(s) by Pediococcus acidilacticiLAB 5
Authors: Mandal Vivekananda , Sen Sukanta Kumar , Mandal Narayan Chandra 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundPediococcus acidilactici LAB 5 produces an antifungal compound under in vitro conditions in an inducer‐dependent manner. The main objective of the present study was to partially characterise this antifungal compound by UV–visible, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and GC/MS analyses and also to assess its potentiality against a number of food spoilage, plant‐pathogenic and human‐pathogenic fungal species.ResultsThe strain produced a broad‐spectrum antifungal compound(s) that was induced by certain constituent factors of MRS and malt extract media. The production was higher in solid culture than in broth culture. The product was found to be a mixture of lactic acid and a compound of molecular mass 83. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC90, 1.32–2.86 g L−1) of the active extract were much lower than those of sodium benzoate and calcium propionate. Scanning electron micrographs proved its drastic action on the development of conidial structures.ConclusionThe chemical analysis indicated a novel compound with fungicidal activity. This compound could be used in fermented foods and feeds to extend their shelf life and also in agricultural crop plants against certain fungal pathogens. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Independent evaluation of low‐level laser therapy at 635 nm for non‐invasive body contouring of the waist, hips, and thighs
Authors: McRae Elizabeth , Boris Jaime 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe non‐invasive body‐contouring segment continues to exhibit uninhibited growth, a trend that has provoked the emergence of numerous body‐contouring devices. One particular device, low‐level laser therapy at 635 nm (LLLT‐635), has exhibited promising clinical results. We performed an independent, physician‐led trial to evaluate the utility of LLLT‐635 nm for non‐invasive body contouring of the waist, hips, and thighs.MethodsEighty‐six participants were retrospectively assessed at an individual clinic in the United States. A multi‐head laser device was administered every‐other‐day for 2 weeks. Each treatment consisted of 20 minutes of anterior and posterior treatment. Patients received concurrent treatment of the waist, hips, and bilateral thighs. Circumferential measurements were evaluated at baseline and one week following the 2‐week treatment administration phase.ResultsCompared with baseline, a statistically significant 2.99 in. (7.59 cm) mean loss was observed at the post‐procedure evaluation point (P < 0.0001). When analyzed individually, the waist, hips, and thighs each reported a statistically significant reduction of −1.12, −0.769, and −1.17, respectively. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed a weak linear dependence (r = 0.179) between the reported weight and circumference change.ConclusionThese data further validate the clinical efficacy and safety of LLLT at 635 nm. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 1–7, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.