bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Substandard and counterfeit medicines: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Almuzaini Tariq , Choonara Imti , Sammons Helen 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo explore the evidence available of poor-quality (counterfeit and substandard) medicines in the literature.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesDatabases used were EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and the International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, including articles published till January 2013.Eligibility criteriaPrevalence studies containing original data. WHO definitions (1992) used for counterfeit and substandard medicines.Study appraisal and synthesisTwo reviewers independently scored study methodology against recommendations from the MEDQUARG Checklist. Studies were classified according to the World Bank classification of countries by income.Data extractionData extracted: place of study; type of drugs sampled; sample size; percentage of substandard/counterfeit medicines; formulations included; origin of the drugs; chemical analysis and stated issues of counterfeit/substandard medicines.Results44 prevalence studies were identified, 15 had good methodological quality. They were conducted in 25 different countries; the majority were in low-income countries (11) and/or lower middle-income countries (10). The median prevalence of substandard/counterfeit medicines was 28.5% (range 11–48%). Only two studies differentiated between substandard and counterfeit medicines. Prevalence data were limited to antimicrobial drugs (all 15 studies). 13 studies involved antimalarials, 6 antibiotics and 2 other medications. The majority of studies (93%) contained samples with inadequate amounts of active ingredients. The prevalence of substandard/counterfeit antimicrobials was significantly higher when purchased from unlicensed outlets (p<0.000; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.32). No individual data about the prevalence in upper middle-income countries and high-income countries were available.LimitationsStudies with strong methodology were few. The majority did not differentiate between substandard and counterfeit medicines. Most studies assessed only a single therapeutic class of antimicrobials.ConclusionsThe prevalence of poor-quality antimicrobial medicines is widespread throughout Africa and Asia in lower income countries and lower middle-income countries . The main problem identified was inadequate amounts of the active ingredients.
Changing associations of episiotomy and anal sphincter injury across risk strata: results of a population-based register study in Finland 2004–2011
Authors: Räisänen Sari , Cartwright Rufus , Gissler Mika , Kramer Michael R , Laine Katariina , Jouhki Maija-Riitta , Heinonen Seppo 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the changing association between lateral episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) for women with low and high baseline risk of OASIS.DesignA population-based register study.SettingData gathered from the Finnish Medical Birth Register for the years 2004−2011.ParticipantsAll women with spontaneous vaginal or vacuum-assisted singleton births in Finland (n=384 638).Main outcome measureOASIS incidence.ResultsDuring the study period, the incidence of OASIS increased from 1.3% to 1.7% in women with first vaginal births, including women admitted for first vaginal birth after a prior caesarean section and from 0.1% to 0.3% in women with at least one prior birth, whereas episiotomy rates declined from 56.7% to 45.5% and 10.1– 5.3%, respectively. At the study onset, when episiotomy was used more widely, it was negatively associated with OASIS in women with first vaginal births, but as episiotomy use declined it became positively associated with OASIS. Women with episiotomy were complicated by OASIS with clearly higher risk scores than women without episiotomy suggesting that episiotomy was clearly protective against OASIS. OASIS occurred with lower mean risk scores among women with and without episiotomy over time. However, OASIS incidences increased only among women with episiotomy, whereas it decreased or remained among women without episiotomy.ConclusionsThe cross-over effect between episiotomy and OASIS could be explained by increasing disparity in baseline OASIS risk between treated and untreated women, since episiotomy use declined most in women at low OASIS risk. Episiotomy rate can be safely reduced in low-risk women but interestingly along with the policy change the practice to cut the episiotomy became less protective among high-risk women.
To develop and measure the effectiveness and acceptability of a pharmacy-based chlamydia screening intervention in Australia
Authors: Gudka Sajni , Marshall Lewis , Creagh Alison , Clifford Rhonda M 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo develop and measure the effectiveness and acceptability of a pharmacy-based chlamydia screening intervention called Emergency Contraception Mediated Pharmacy Access to Chlamydia Testing (ECOMPACT).DesignSelective, opportunistic and cross-sectional study targeting asymptomatic women requesting emergency contraception (EC).Setting20 community pharmacies in the Perth metropolitan region, Australia.MethodsECOMAPCT was developed through literature review and stakeholder consensus. Pharmacists were trained to offer ECOMPACT after the EC consultation. Women with signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STI) were referred to a physician for a full sexual health check. Asymptomatic women were offered a free ECOMPACT testing kit. The women self-collected a low-vaginal swab and returned their pathological specimen to designated drop-off sites. A pathology service analysed the specimens and sent the results to a sexual health physician. The effectiveness of ECOMPACT was determined by the uptake of the intervention and how well the target population was reached. An effective screening rate was calculated. Qualitative analysis was undertaken to understand acceptability issues from the perspective of the consumer and the pharmacists.ResultsOf the 769 EC consultations in a 6-month period, 569 (78%) women were given information on chlamydia screening. All 247 (41%) agreed to participate. 81 (33%) of these women were ineligible. They were either symptomatic (n=33; 41%), or were under 18 years of age (n=48; 59%). Pharmacists successfully requested 166 (67%) pathology tests, of which 46 (28%) were returned to a pathology drop-off site. All tested negative forChlamydia trachomatis. The effective screening rate was 6%. Consumers and pharmacists considered ECOMPACT to be highly convenient and the time taken to offer a chlamydia test along with an EC consultation as highly appropriate.ConclusionsECOMPACT was found to be simple, effective and acceptable. Given the opportunity, adequate training and support, community pharmacists in Australia were capable of requesting direct-to-consumer chlamydia tests.
Living with economic hardship at the end of life
Authors: Essue Beverley M , Beaton Angela , Hull Catherine , Belfrage John , Thompson Shannon , Meachen Michele , Gillespie James A 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundDying patients and their families often face an added burden of economic hardship, especially if they have become ill in the years before expected retirement. In Australia, patients can fall through the cracks of the national system of social protection because there are gaps in the access to and provision of healthcare and social assistance at the end of life.DesignA mixed-method, prospective case study of individuals and their family carers, recruited from a specialist palliative care service in Melbourne, Australia, is presented. Participants were interviewed and followed up over 6 months and completed a 2-week diary of all services used and out-of-pocket costs.ResultsMean out-of-pocket spending was $A369 per month (median: $A176, IQR: 356) ($A1=US$1=€0.73=£0.62; January 2011). Households with economic hardship were more likely to have a patient who was male, had ceased paid employment earlier than expected due to illness, reported a reduction in income due to illness, had less access to financial resources and used significantly fewer health-related community services. Three factors shaped the participants’ experience of hardship: (1) the premature loss of employment capacity and income; (2) the affordability of care and; (3) a welfare system that could not accommodate their complex needs.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the multidimensional nature of the economic burden experienced at the end of life and imply the need for nuanced solutions to better support patients and their families. If terminally ill people wish to die at home and are to be supported to do so, policies must take account of the shift in economic burden from the health system onto families.
Phosphatidylserine-Targeting Antibody Induces M1 Macrophage Polarization and Promotes Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Differentiation
Authors: Yin Yi , Huang Xianming , Lynn Kristi D. , Thorpe Philip E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMultiple tumor-derived factors are responsible for the accumulation and expansion of immune-suppressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in tumors. Here, we show that treatment of tumor-bearing mice with docetaxel in combination with the phosphatidylserine-targeting antibody 2aG4 potently suppressed the growth and progression of prostate tumors, depleted M2-like TAMs, and MDSCs, and increased the presence of M1-like TAMs and mature dendritic cells in the tumors. In addition, the antibody markedly altered the cytokine balance in the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory. In vitro studies confirmed that 2aG4 repolarized TAMs from an M2- to an M1-like phenotype and drove the differentiation of MDSCs into M1-like TAMs and functional dendritic cells. These data suggest that phosphatidylserine is responsible for the expansion of MDSCs and M2-like TAMs in tumors, and that bavituximab, a phosphatidylserine-targeting antibody currently in clinical trials for cancer, could reverse this process and reactivate antitumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(4); 256–68. ©2013 AACR.
Current Practices of Saudi Shareholder’s Rights: A Case for Reform
Authors: al-Kahtani Faleh Salem 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This article will analyse Saudi shareholder’s rights, in particular by focusing on the legitimate articles of the Corporate Governance Code (hereinafter CGC), Company Law (hereinafter CL) and law cases related to shareholder’s rights. Analytical and comparative approaches are employed, examining the OECD principles of corporate governance and the UK Companies Act provisions with a view to reforming shareholder’s rights in the Saudi corporate governance system. In addition, shareholder’s rights are divided into financial and administrative rights. Thereafter, a number of recommendations are made regarding shareholder’s rights in the Saudi context.
Parasitoids of Hesperiidae from peninsular India with description of a new species of Dolichogenidea (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitic on caterpillar of Borbo cinnara (Wallace) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
Authors: GUPTA ANKITA , LOKHANDE SWAPNIL A. , SOMAN ABHAY 
Published: August 2013

Five species of parasitic wasps associated with hesperiids from peninsular India are documented along with the description of a new species of gregarious endoparasitoid, Dolichogenidea cinnarae sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitic on caterpillar of Borbo cinnara (Wallace) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). Also, the gregarious larval parasitoid, Cotesia erionotae (Wilkinson) (Braconidae) and solitary pupal parasitoid Charops plautus Gupta & Maheshwary (Ichneumonidae) were bred from the host Udaspes folus (Cramer) on the host plant Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig. Udaspes folus is the new host record for the parasitic wasp genus Charops. Cotesia erionotae was bred from U. folus caterpillars from three states: Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. An encyrtid wasp Ooencyrtus papilionis Ashmead was bred from eggs of Bibasis jaina (Moore) on the host pant Hiptage benghalensis (L.). This is the first documentation of a parasitic wasp from the genus Bibasis. Leptobatopsis indica (Cameron) (Ichneumonidae), often associated with Parnara guttatus (Bremer & Grey), was recorded from the Andaman islands.
Community practitioner involvement in collaborative research
Authors: Stockwell-Smith Gillian , Moyle Wendy , Kellett Ursula , Brodaty Henry 
Published: August 2013

This paper focuses on the benefits and limitations of collaborative research in community-based service settings explored through the implementation of a psychosocial intervention. The study aimed to establish the effectiveness of working with dementia dyads (person with dementia and family caregiver) in the early stages of dementia and to recruit and train an existing practitioner workforce to deliver a psychosocial intervention designed to assist dementia dyads to manage the consequences of dementia. Seven intervention staff participated in post-intervention semi-structured interviews. Whilst staff recruitment and retention proved challenging the degree to which staff demonstrated the required communication skills and competence was an important component in dyad acceptability of the intervention. Participatory factors, collaborative development, selective recruitment, focused training and ongoing specialist support, can assist the implementation of practice-based research. However, intervention staff participation and therefore intervention delivery can be hampered by workplace culture and workforce demands.
Nitric oxide modulates the hyperalgesic response to mechanical noxious stimuli in sleep-deprived rats
Authors: Damasceno Fabio , Skinner Gabriela O , Araújo Paulo C , Ferraz Marcia MD , Tenório Frank , de Almeida Olga MMS 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Sleep restriction alters pain perception in animals and humans, and many studies have indicated that paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) promotes hyperalgesia. The hyperalgesia observed after mechanical nociceptive stimulus is reversed through nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition. Both nitric oxide (NO) and the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter (dlPAG) area of the brainstem are involved in hyperalgesia. Thus, in this work, we investigated the pain-related behavior response after mechanical noxious stimuli (electronic von Frey test), and the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d), an indicator of NOS activity, within the dlPAG of paradoxical sleep-deprived rats. We also evaluated the effects of pre-treatment with L-NAME on these parameters.

Results
These data revealed that PSD reduced the hindpaw withdrawal threshold (−47%, p < 0.0001) confirming the hyperalgesic effect of this condition. In addition, there were more NADPH-d positive cells in dlPAG after PSD than in control rats (+ 59%, p < 0.0001). L-NAME treatment prevented the reduction in the hindpaw withdrawal threshold (+ 93%, p < 0.0001) and the increase in the NADPH-d positive cells number in the dlPAG of PSD-treated rats (−36%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
These data suggest that the hyperalgesic response to mechanical noxious stimuli in paradoxical sleep-deprived rats is associated with increased NOS activity in the dlPAG, which presumably influences the descending antinociceptive pathway.
HLA-DRB1 Class II antigen level alleles are associated with persistent HPV infection in Mexican women; a pilot study
Authors: Bernal-Silva Sofía , Granados Julio , Gorodezky Clara , Aláez Carmen , Flores-Aguilar Hilario , Cerda-Flores Ricardo M , Guerrero-González Geraldina , Valdez-Chapa Lezmes D , Morales-Casas José , González-Guerrero Juan Francisco , Barrera-Saldaña Hugo A 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major risk factor for malignant lesions and cervical cancer. A widely studied element in the search for genetic factors influencing risk HPV infection diseases is allelic variation of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus. The study was designed to search for HLA susceptibility alleles contributing to the persistence of HPV infection in Mexican women.

Methods
A total of 172 subjects were divided into three groups: 1) HPV–persistent patients; 2) HPV–cleared; and 3) HPV–reinfected patients. They were screened for HPV types using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR-sequence specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSOP) was used for HLA DRB1 and DQB 1 typing.

Results
We observed that HLA-DQB1*0501 allele might be associated with susceptibility of reinfection with HPV (p = 0.01, OR = 4.9, CI 95% = 1.3 -18.7). Allele frequency of HLA-DRB1*14 was particularly reduced in patients with cancer when compared with the HPV–persistent group (p = 0.04), suggesting that this allele is a possible protective factor for the development of cervical cancer (OR = 2.98). HLA-DRB1*07 might be associated with viral clearance (p = 0.04).

Conclusions
Genetic markers for HPV infection susceptibility are different in each population, in Mexicans several HLA-DQB1 alleles might be associated with an enhanced risk for viral persistence. In contrast, DRB1*14, seems to confer protection against cervical cancer.
Polyethyleneimine-functionalized Biomass-derived Adsorbent Beads for Carbon Dioxide Capture under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Fujiki Junpei , Yogo Katsunori 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A chitosan-based adsorbent functionalized by polyethyleneimine has been prepared using a freeze-drying method. The adsorbent showed a CO2 adsorption capacity of 2.38 mmol g−1 at 333 K and 15 kPa of CO2. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity increased up to 3.61 mmol g−1 in the presence of water vapor. This biomass-derived material is, therefore, a potential low-cost and efficient adsorbent for CO2.
Curcumin reduces prostaglandin E2, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and proteoglycan release in the secretome of interleukin 1β-treated articular cartilage
Authors: Clutterbuck Abigail L , Allaway David , Harris Pat , Mobasheri Ali 
Published: August 2013

Objective:Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a phytochemical with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of a range of inflammatory diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to determine whether non-toxic concentrations of curcumin can reduce interleukin-1beta (IL-1β)-stimulated inflammation and catabolism in an explant model of cartilage inflammation.Methods:Articular cartilage explants and primary chondrocytes were obtained from equine metacarpophalangeal joints. Curcumin was added to monolayer cultured primary chondrocytes and cartilage explants in concentrations ranging from 3μM-100μM. Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 release into the secretome of IL-1β-stimulated explants was measured using a competitive ELISA and western blotting respectively. Proteoglycan (PG) release in the secretome was measured using the 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay. Cytotoxicity was assessed with a live/dead assay in monolayer cultures after 24 hours, 48 hours and five days, and in explants after five days.Results:Curcumin induced chondrocyte death in primary cultures (50μM p<0.001 and 100μMp<0.001) after 24 hours. After 48 hours and five days, curcumin (≥25μM) significantly increased cell death (p<0.001 both time points). In explants, curcumin toxicity was not observed at concentrations up to and including 25μM after five days. Curcumin (≥3μM) significantly reduced IL-1β-stimulated PG (p<0.05) and PGE2release (p<0.001) from explants, whilst curcumin (≥12μM) significantly reduced MMP-3 release (p<0.01).Conclusion:Non-cytotoxic concentrations of curcumin exert anti-catabolic and anti-inflammatory effects in cartilage explants.
Blogs, Advertising, and Local-Market Movie Box Office Performance
Authors: Gopinath Shyam , Chintagunta Pradeep K. , Venkataraman Sriram 
Published: August 2013

We measure the effects of pre- and postrelease blog volume, blog valence, and advertising on the performance of 75 movies in 208 geographic markets in the United States. We attribute the variation in blog effects across markets to differences in demographic characteristics of markets combined with differences across demographic groups in their access and exposure to blogs as well as their responsiveness conditional on access. We study the effects of prerelease factors on opening day box office performance and of pre- and postrelease factors on box office performance one month after release. Our estimation accounts for confounding factors in the measurement of these effects via the use of instrumental variables. We find considerable heterogeneity in the effects across consumer- and firm-generated media and across geographic markets, with gender, income, race, and age driving across-market differences. Release day performance is impacted most by prerelease blog volume and advertising, whereas postrelease performance is influenced by postrelease blog valence and advertising. Across markets, there is more variance in advertising and blog valence (postrelease) elasticities than there is in blog volume (prerelease) elasticities. We identify the top 20 markets in terms of their elasticities to each of these three instruments. Further, we classify markets in terms of their sensitivities across these three instruments to identify the most sensitive markets that studios can target with their limited release strategies. Finally, we characterize the extent to which studios could have improved their limited release strategies by identifying the overlap between the actual release markets and the most responsive ones. We find that at the time of first-release studios cover only 53% of the most responsive advertising markets and 44% of the most responsive markets to prerelease blog volume in their limited release strategies, implying considerable room for improvement if these were the only metrics to assess those strategies.This paper was accepted by Gérard P. Cachon, marketing.
Gray optimization of process parameters of surface modification of coconut sheath reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Siva Irullappasamy , Jappes Jebas Thangaih Winowlin , Pitchipoo Pandian , Amico Sandro Campos , Nagarajan Erumaipatty Rajagounder , Azhagesan Nainar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Surface modification of natural fiber may greatly enhance the mechanical interlocking between fiber and matrix. Although there are many reports on surface modification of natural fibers, little technical information is available to enable the selection of optimized surface modification conditions. In this work, treatment parameters, such as bath temperature, agent concentration, and treatment time, are optimized to achieve higher interfacial adhesion. The effect of these parameters on flexural and impact strength is investigated by applying gray relational techniques. Experimental results show that NaOH concentration and treatment time are significant variables which improve interfacial strength, while NaOH bath temperature appears less important.
Mediastinalis mellékpajzsmirigy-adenoma operált esete
Authors: Mészáros László , Kajdácsi Zita , Tóth Miklós , Révai Tamás , Vadász Pál 
Published: August 2013

Absztrakt
A primer hyperparathyreosis esetén a mellékpajzsmirigyek ectopiás elhelyezkedésűek is lehetnek. Ezen esetek diagnosztizálása és kezelése számos kihívással jár. Jelen tanulmányunkban hypercalcaemiát okozó mediastinalis mellékpajzsmirigy-adenomás betegünk diagnosztikus útját és sikeresen operált esetét mutatjuk be.