bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formulary Forum: Fesoterodine for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder
Authors: Tzefos Maria , Dolder Christian , Olin Jacqueline L 
Published: November 2009

Objective: To review pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety data for fesoterodine and determine its role in the treatment of overactive bladder. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1966–July 2009) was conducted using the key words fesoterodine, tolterodine, muscarinic receptor antagonist, anticholinergic, overactive bladder, urge incontinence, efficacy, safety, adverse effect, pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, and receptor binding. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles written in English that were identified from the data sources were evaluated, prioritizing randomized, controlled trials with human data. The references of published articles that we identified were examined for any additional studies appropriate for the review. Data Synthesis: Fesoterodine, a competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist, is converted to its active metabolite, 5-hydroxymethyltolterodine, by nonspecific esterases, bypassing the cytochrome P450 system. Two randomized controlled Phase 3 trials examined the safety and efficacy of fesoterodine In the treatment of overactive bladder. Fesoterodine was found to produce significant improvements in the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms compared with placebo. Post hoc analysis of these trials demonstrated significant improvements in health-related quality of life in patients with overactive bladder. Only one study included tolterodine, and direct comparisons between fesoterodine and tolterodine were not conducted. The most common treatment-emergent adverse effects associated with fesoterodine included dry mouth, constipation, urinary tract infection, and headache. Conclusions: Fesoterodine appears to be effective and generally safe for the treatment of overactive bladder. The efficacy and safety of fesoterodine in overactive bladder treatment seem to be at least similar to that of tolterodine. Although additional comparative trials are needed, based on available data, it does not appear that fesoterodine provides a substantial advantage over extended-release tolterodine in either efficacy or safety.
Propylene Glycol Accumulation in Critically III Patients Receiving Continuous Intravenous Lorazepam Infusions
Authors: Horinek Erica L , Kiser Tyree H , Fish Douglas N , MacLaren Robert 
Published: November 2009

Background: Lorazepam is recommended by the Society of Critical Care Medicine as the preferred agent for sedation of critically ill patients. Intravenous lorazepam contains propylene glycol, which has been associated with toxicity when high doses of lorazepam are administered. Objective: To evaluate the accumulation of propylene glycol in critically ill patients receiving lorazepam by continuous infusion and determine factors associated with propylene glycol concentration. Methods: A 6-month, retrospective, safety assessment was conducted of adults admitted to the medical intensive care unit who were receiving lorazepam by continuous infusion for 12 hours or more. Propylene glycol serum concentrations were obtained 24–48 hours after continuous-infusion lorazepam was initiated and every 3–5 days thereafter. Propylene glycol accumulation was defined as concentrations of 25 mg/dL or more. Groups with and without propylene glycol accumulation were compared and factors associated with propylene glycol concentration were determined using multivariate correlation regression analyses. Results: Forty-eight propylene glycol serum samples were obtained from 33 patients. Fourteen (42%) patients had propylene glycol accumulation, representing 23 (48%) serum samples. Univariate analyses showed the following factors were related to propylene glycol accumulation: baseline renal dysfunction, presence of alcohol withdrawal, sex, age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, rate of lorazepam continuous infusion, and 24-hour lorazepam dose. Multivariate linear regression modeling demonstrated that propylene glycol concentration was strongly associated with the continuous infusion rate and 24-hour dose (adjusted r2 ≥0,77; p < 0.001). Independent correlation analyses showed that these 2 variables were so strongly associated with propylene glycol concentration (r2 ≥0.71; p < 0.001) that they alone predicted propylene glycol concentration. Seven (21%) patients developed renal dysfunction after continuous-infusion lorazepam was initiated, but associated causes were indeterminable. Other possible propylene glycol-associated adverse effects were not observed. Conclusions: The continuous infusion rate and cumulative 24-hour lorazepam dose are strongly associated with and independently predict propylene glycol concentrations. Despite the absence of confirmed propylene glycol-associated adverse effects, clinicians should be aware that propylene glycol accumulation may occur with continuous-infusion lorazepam.
Factors Associated with Multiple Medication Use in Different Age Groups
Authors: Moen Janne , Antonov Karolina , Larsson Charlotte A , Lindblad Ulf , Nilsson J Lars G , Råstam Lennart , Ring Lena 
Published: November 2009

Background: Multiple medicine use among elderly persons is likely to be the result of treatment regimens developed over a long period of time. By learning more about how multiple medication use develops, the quality of prescribing may be improved across the adult lifespan. Objective: To describe patterns of multiple medicine use in the general Swedish population and its association with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health status factors. Methods: Data from a cross-sectional population health survey collected during 2001-2005 from 2816 randomly selected Swedish residents (age 30–75 y; response rate 76%) were analyzed. Multiple medicine use was restricted to prescription drugs and defined as the 75th percentile; that is, the 25% of the study group using the highest number of drugs per individual. Results: Seventy-one percent of the respondents used some kind of drug, 51.5% used one or more prescription drug, 38.4% used one or more over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and 8.3% used one or more herbal preparation. The cutoff amounts defining multiple medicine use were: 2 or more medications for 30- to 49-year-olds, 3 or more for 50- to 64-year-olds, and 5 or more for 65- to 75-year-olds. No association between use of multiple medicines and use of OTC drugs or herbal preparations was found. When drugs were classified into therapeutic subgroups, 76.3% of those aged 30–49 years, 97.9% of those aged 50–64 years, and 100% of those aged 65–75 years were taking a unique combination of drugs. Multivariate analyses showed that diabetes and poor self-rated health were associated with multiple medicine use in all age cohorts. Female sex and hypertension were associated with multiple medicine use among those aged 30–49 and 50–64 years, current smoking among those aged 50–64 years, and obesity among those aged 65–75 years. Conclusions: Multiple medicine use was associated with morbidity and poor self-rated health across all age groups. The vast majority of users of multiple drugs are taking a unique combination of medications.
Does Simvastatin Cause More Myotoxicity Compared with Other Statins?
Authors: Backes James M , Howard Patricia A , Ruisinger Janelle F , Moriarty Patrick M 
Published: November 2009

Objective: To review the literature regarding statins and myotoxicity and evaluate these data to determine whether incidence rates are higher with simvastatin. Data Sources: Literature was identified from a search of MEDLINE (1966–August 2009) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–August 2009), as well as references of selected articles. Key search terms included the names of individual statins, rhabdomyolysis, myopathy, myalgia, myotoxicity, statins, and drug interactions. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language articles discussing statin-related myotoxicity and relevant drug interactions that involved human subjects were examined. Data Synthesis: Simvastatin is a commonly prescribed, moderately potent statin. Recent evidence suggests that the risk of severe muscle toxicity with simvastatin may be higher than that with other statins, particularly when used in combination with cytochrome P450 isoenzyme inhibitors. However, the lack of direct comparative clinical trials assessing the risk of myotoxicity among the statins in equivalent doses precludes definitive conclusions. Data sources examining low-to-mode rate doses of simvastatin suggest that myotoxicity with this agent is infrequent, with rates similar to those seen with other statins. Conversely, findings from clinical trials using the maximum daily dose (80 mg) and a clinical trials database of varying doses of simvastatin suggest a possible increase in rates of myotoxicity with the 80-mg dose compared with lower doses and a higher incidence rate when compared with maximum doses of other statins. Conclusions: Overall, the rates of severe myotoxicity with all statins are low, especially with low-to-moderate doses. However, recent trials for those using simvastatin 80 mg daily suggest a higher incidence of myotoxicity compared with maximum approved doses of other statins. Practitioners should be aware of these possible risks and individualize therapy to limit myotoxicity.
Seasonal, Avian, and Novel H1N1 Influenza: Prevention and Treatment Modalities
Authors: Sym Donna , Patel Priti N , Ei-Chaar Gladys M 
Published: November 2009

Objective: To review the pathophysiology, pandemics/epidemics, transmissibility, clinical presentation, treatment, prevention/immunization, and resistance associated with seasonal, avian, and swine influenza. Data Sources: Literature was obtained from MEDLINE (1966–October 2009) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1971–October 2009) using the search terms influenza, seasonal influenza, avian influenza, swine influenza, H1N1, novel H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Available English-language articles were reviewed, along with information obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the World Health Organization. Data Synthesis: The influenza virus has caused disease in birds, swine, and humans for many centuries. Pandemics and epidemics have occurred throughout history and reports of new strains continue to emerge. Two major surface antigenic glycoproteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, have various subtypes, resulting in numerous combinations of these proteins. For example, combinations occur when an influenza strain from a bird “mixes” with a strain from a human. This mixing occurs in a host, often in pigs, resulting in a new strain. This new strain can cause pandemics since people have no immunity to the new strain. An H1N1 subtype pandemic occurred in 1918, causing millions of deaths. Simultaneously, veterinary reports of “influenza” in pigs also emerged. It is postulated that humans infected pigs with this H1N1 virus. H1N1 reappeared in humans in 1976, and more recently in 2009. Other pandemics have occurred with H2N2 and H3N2 strains. In 1997, strain H5N1, which usually causes disease in fowl, was able to infect humans. Conclusions: Influenza subtypes continue to change, causing disease in animals and humans. Utilization of immunization and antiviral treatment options are available to prevent, treat, and contain the spread of this infection.
Preparation of low-molecular-weight chitosan derivative zinc complexes and their effect on the growth of liver cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Wang Rong-Min , He Nai-Pu , Song Peng-Fei , He Yu-Feng , Ding Lan , Lei Ziqiang 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Low-molecular-weight (LMW) chitosan salicylaldehyde Schiff-base and its zinc(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), gel permeation chromatography-multiangle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS), and elemental analysis. The results of electrophoretic analysis suggest that the Zn complexes bound to DNA by means of electrostatic interactions and intercalation. The effect of the Zn complexes on the growth of SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells was investigated by sulforhodamine B assay in vitro. The results reveal that the growth of liver cancer cells was inhibited by LMW-chitosan and their Zn complexes. The inhibition rate of the Zn complexes was higher than that of LMW-chitosan ligand. The LMW-chitosan Schiff-base Zn complex exhibited higher anticancer activity than the LMW-chitosan Zn complex. Combining LMW-chitosan with Schiff-base and Zn improved its anticancer activity, which we ascribe to the synergistic effect between the chitosan matrix and the planar construction of the Zn complexes.
The relative importance of disturbance and exotic‐plant abundance in California coastal sage scrub
Authors: Fleming Genie M. , Diffendorfer James E. , Zedler Paul H. 
Published: November 2009

Many ecosystems of conservation concern require some level of disturbance to sustain their species composition and ecological function. However, inappropriate disturbance regimes could favor invasion or expansion of exotic species. In southern California coastal sage scrub (CSS) fire is a natural disturbance, but because of human influence, frequencies may now be unnaturally high. Other anthropogenic disturbances such as grazing also occur in reserve areas. Managers charged with imposing or tolerating fire or other disturbance within their reserves are concerned that habitat quality may be degraded by an increasing abundance of exotic plants.We used vegetation monitoring data from Camp Pendleton, California, USA, to assess the correlation between past disturbances (frequent fire, agriculture, or grazing and mechanical disturbances) and current exotic species abundance in CSS. We found that disturbance history was only modestly related to exotic abundance overall, but fire frequency showed the strongest association. We also examined whether cover and richness of various native plant life forms (woody species, perennial herbs, and annual herbs) were more strongly influenced by disturbance history or by exotic‐plant abundance. Native plant responses varied among life forms, but woody species and annual herbs were generally more strongly and negatively associated with exotic abundance than with disturbance.Effective CSS conservation will require developing means to curb the negative impacts of exotic plants, which may abound with or without severe or recent disturbance. Additionally, more focus should be given to understory herbs showing sensitivity to invasion. Though understudied, native herbs comprise the greatest portion of plant diversity in CSS and are critical to preservation of the community as a whole.
Optimization of Microcellular Injection Molding Parameters
Authors: Rizvi S. J. A. , Bhatnagar N. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Microcellular foamed polymeric products have found various applications depending upon their cell morphology. The microcellular injection molding process parameters have effect on the cell size, cell density and cell distribution. In order to develop desired cell morphology for a particular application, the set of injection molding parameters is required to be optimized for achieving a correct process window. In this paper an effort is made to study the effect of various injection molding processing parameters on cell morphology. Series of experiments were conducted for each of the processing parameter and the samples were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The trends of cell size and cell density with respect to the processing parameters were qualitatively analyzed. The results are useful for the processors who are interested in building up an understanding of this novel process and also to enable optimization of the set of processing parameters so that the desired microstructure of a foamed polymer can be obtained.
Extrusion Effects with Bactericidal Additives in Polymer Wood Composites
Authors: Fiori M. A. , Paula M. M. S. , da Silva L. , Santos M. F. , Angioletto E. , Riella H. G. , Quadri M. G. N. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Wood polymer composite is an important material class for industries. Microbiological properties can be an important aspect to enlarge its application base. The biocidal properties of wood polymer composite (WPC) can be aggregated by incorporation of biocidal additives on its composition. But, an important aspect is the evaluation the influence of the fabrication process on its biocidal properties. In particular, the temperature and screw velocity are important parameters for extrusion processes, and the mass proportions of the compounds are important factors to define the WPC properties. Different combinations of process conditions and mass proportions of the composite can promote variation in the magnitude of the bactericidal effect. The bactericidal properties are aggregated in the composite by organic bactericidal additive and the high temperature and high shear rate during the extrusion process can affect the effectiveness of the bactericidal additive function. This paper investigates the effects of the extrusion process parameters associated with different percentages of bactericidal additives on the WPC. The results showed significant effects on the bactericidal properties that depended only on the bactericidal content.
Novel Processing Additives for Rotational Molding of Polyethylene
Authors: Kulikov O. , Hornung K. , Wagner M. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Over 85% of the articles manufactured via rotational molding employ Polyethylene (PE) resins. PE resins used for rotomolding have usually particle sizes less than about 0.8 mm and used as powders or micro-pellets. During heating in a rotating mold, these particles get fused and merge into one piece. A disadvantage of the rotomolding process is long cycle times that affect not only the production rate but also increase thermal degradation of the polymer due to its long exposure to heat. One of the problems in rotomolding is bubbles of gasses trapped during sintering of the PE powders which reduce mechanical strength of the article produced. We propose to use reacting mixtures of Polyethylene Glycol with citric acid as an additive to rotomolding grades of PE. The additive accelerates sintering of the PE particulates and greatly reduces number of bubbles in the melt but at high concentrations (>0.4 wt.%) it impedes flow of the particles. Fine powders with particles of irregular shape and wide distribution of sizes are characterized by low flowability while micro-pellets of oval shape with smooth surface have too high flowability for rotomolding. To improve cost-efficiency and quality of the rotomolding process we propose to use micro-pellets instead of powders and to fabricate micro-pellets by extrusion at reduced temperatures and cutting the produced strands in conditions of air-cooling. Amazingly, the same processing additives improve extrusion of PE resins and rotomolding of the PE micro-pellets. The additives also adjust flowability of micro-pellets in the direction to optimum. Silica fume, vinyl-silanes and stearates can be ingredients of the additive package. Mechanisms of the observed improvements are discussed.
An Approach to Adaptivity and Collaboration Support in a Web-Based Learning Environment
Authors: Holenko Dlab Martina , Hoić-Božić Nataša 
Published: November 2009

The development of Web 2.0 and social software applications was not initially aimed for education, but its influence in this field, especially in e-learning, is recently recognized as positive. New approach to e-learning inspired by these technologies is called e-learning 2.0. It emphasizes social learning using different tools available on the web rather then integrated systems like LMSs.
This paper describes framework for further development of adaptive LMS according to constructivist theory of learning, advantages of Web 2.0 applications and characteristics of e-learning 2.0.
Relentless Patterns: The Immersive Interior
Authors: Taylor Mark 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWhat happens when patterns become all pervasive? When pattern contagiously corrupts and saturates adjacent objects, artefacts and surfaces; blurring internal and external environment and dissolving any single point of perspective or static conception of space. Mark Taylor ruminates on the possibilities of relentless patterning in interior space in both a historic and a contemporary context. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracing Change: Patterns in Landscape Architecture
Authors: Swaffield Simon 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFor Simon Swaffield, landscape design can be regarded as the product of distinctive patterns formed through the intersection of site, technology and idealised nature. Across time and cultures, the interpretation of nature has shifted endlessly, and with it the manner in which the natural world is conceived, transformed and represented. Given its history, what might also be the future patterns of landscape design?. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reductive Engineering Patterns: An Interview with Hanif Kara
Authors: Garcia Mark 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFor the structural engineer, patterns provide vast potential, ranging from the meta‐ to the microscale. Here, guest‐editor Mark Garcia captures the ebullient enthusiasm Hanif Kara of Adams Kara Taylor has for this infinite topic, which is open‐ended in its application, providing endless representational possibilities while also embracing both natural models and artificial forms and forces. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pattern Deposition: From Scripts to Applications
Authors: Silver Mike 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIs the widespread adoption of existing design software appropriated from other disciplines limiting architects' potential for pattern‐making? Could the development of complex code applied to equally complex pattern problems open up alternative avenues of expression? Mike Silver illustrates work by himself and other architects and artists that suggest that new kinds of software‐driven pattern recognition and simulation computer models are opening up the field. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Futuristic Retail Spaces
Authors: Croci Valentina 
Published: November 2009

AbstractValentina Croci finds the entries to a competition organised by the Benetton Group, displayed at the 2009 Milan Triennale, a rich source for emerging retail design trends. Not only do the various schemes express new relationships between shops and the city, they also highlight the importance of interactivity and experience for the physical shopping environment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.