bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exploration of the role of pharmacists within general practice clinics: the protocol for the pharmacists in practice study (PIPS)
Authors: Tan Edwin , Stewart Kay , Elliott Rohan A , George Johnson 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Medication-related problems are a serious concern in Australian primary care. Pharmacist interventions have been shown to be effective in identifying and resolving these problems. Collaborative general practitioner-pharmacist services currently available in Australia are limited and underused. Limitations include geographical isolation of pharmacists and lack of communication and access to patient information. Co-location of pharmacists within the general practice clinics is a possible solution. There have been no studies in the Australian setting exploring the role of pharmacists within general practice clinics.
The aim of this study is to develop and test a multifaceted practice pharmacist role in primary care practices to improve the quality use of medicines by patients and clinic staff.

Methods/design
This is a multi-centre, prospective intervention study with a pre-post design and a qualitative component. A practice pharmacist will be located in each of two clinics and provide short and long patient consultations, drug information services and quality assurance activities. Patients receiving long consultation with a pharmacist will be followed up at 3 and 6 months. Based on sample size calculations, at least 50 patients will be recruited for long patient consultations across both sites. Outcome measures include the number, type and severity of medication-related problems identified and resolved; medication adherence; and patient satisfaction. Brief structured interviews will be conducted with patients participating in the study to evaluate their experiences with the service. Staff collaboration and satisfaction with the service will be assessed.

Discussion
This intervention has the potential to optimise medication use in primary care clinics leading to better health outcomes. This study will provide data about the effectiveness of the proposed model for pharmacist involvement in Australian general practice clinics, that will be useful to guide further research and development in this area.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12612000742875
Steroid biotransformations in biphasic systems with Yarrowia lipolytica expressing human liver cytochrome P450 genes
Authors: Braun Andreas , Geier Martina , Bühler Bruno , Schmid Andreas , Mauersberger Stephan , Glieder Anton 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background

Yarrowia lipolytica efficiently metabolizes and assimilates hydrophobic compounds such as n-alkanes and fatty acids. Efficient substrate uptake is enabled by naturally secreted emulsifiers and a modified cell surface hydrophobicity and protrusions formed by this yeast. We were examining the potential of recombinant Y. lipolytica as a biocatalyst for the oxidation of hardly soluble hydrophobic steroids. Furthermore, two-liquid biphasic culture systems were evaluated to increase substrate availability. While cells, together with water soluble nutrients, are maintained in the aqueous phase, substrates and most of the products are contained in a second water-immiscible organic solvent phase.

Results
For the first time we have co-expressed the human cytochromes P450 2D6 and 3A4 genes in Y. lipolytica together with human cytochrome P450 reductase (hCPR) or Y. lipolytica cytochrome P450 reductase (YlCPR). These whole-cell biocatalysts were used for the conversion of poorly soluble steroids in biphasic systems.
Employing a biphasic system with the organic solvent and Y. lipolytica carbon source ethyl oleate for the whole-cell bioconversion of progesterone, the initial specific hydroxylation rate in a 1.5 L stirred tank bioreactor was further increased 2-fold. Furthermore, the product formation was significantly prolonged as compared to the aqueous system.
Co-expression of the human CPR gene led to a 4-10-fold higher specific activity, compared to the co-overexpression of the native Y. lipolytica CPR gene. Multicopy transformants showed a 50-70-fold increase of activity as compared to single copy strains.

Conclusions
Alkane-assimilating yeast Y. lipolytica, coupled with the described expression strategies, demonstrated its high potential for biotransformations of hydrophobic substrates in two-liquid biphasic systems. Especially organic solvents which can be efficiently taken up and/or metabolized by the cell might enable more efficient bioconversion as compared to aqueous systems and even enable simple, continuous or at least high yield long time processes.
Low-level HIV infection of hepatocytes
Authors: Kong Ling , Maya Walter Cardona , Moreno-Fernandez Maria E , Ma Gang , Shata Mohamed T , Sherman Kenneth E , Chougnet Claire , Blackard Jason T 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
There are only limited data on whether HIV infection occurs within the liver; therefore, we explored early and late stages of the HIV life cycle in two hepatocyte cell lines – Huh7.5 and Huh7.5JFH1 – as well as in primary human hepatocytes.

Results
Integrated HIV DNA was detected in Huh7.5 and Huh7.5JFH1 cells, as well as in primary hepatocytes, and was inhibited by the integrase inhibitor raltegravir in a dose-dependent manner. HIV p24 protein was also detected in cell culture supernatants at days 1, 3, 5, and 7 post-infection and was inhibited by AZT, although levels were modest compared to those in a lymphocyte cell line. Culture supernatants from HIV-infected hepatocytes were capable of infecting a non-hepatic HIV indicator cell line.

Conclusions
These results indicating low-level HIV replication in hepatoctyes in vitro complement evidence suggesting that HIV has deleterious effects on the liver in vivo.
Cervical spinal cord bullet fragment removal using a minimally invasive surgical approach: a case report
Authors: Lawton Cort D , Smith Zachary A , Sugimoto Koichi , Smith Justin S , Fessler Richard G 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Introduction
We present a case of penetrating gunshot injury to the high-cervical spinal cord and describe a minimally invasive approach used for removal of the bullet fragment. We present this report to demonstrate technical feasibility of a minimally invasive approach to projectile removal.

Case presentation
An 18-year-old African-American man presented to our hospital with a penetrating gunshot injury to the high-cervical spine. The bullet lodged in the spinal cord at the C1 level and rendered our patient quadriplegic and dependent on a ventilator. For personal and forensic reasons, our patient and his family requested removal of the bullet fragment almost one year following the injury. Given the significant comorbidity associated with quadriplegia and ventilator dependency, a minimally invasive approach was used to limit the peri-operative complication risk and expedite recovery. Using a minimally invasive expandable retractor system and the aid of a microscope, the posterior arch of C1 was removed, the dura was opened, and the bullet fragment was successfully removed from the spinal cord.

Conclusions
Here we describe a minimally invasive procedure demonstrating the technical feasibility of removing an intramedullary foreign object from the high-cervical spine. We do not suggest that the availability of minimally invasive procedures should lower the threshold or expand the indications for the removal of bullet fragments in the spinal canal. Rather, our objective is to expand the indications for minimally invasive procedures in an effort to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with spinal procedures. In addition, this report may help to highlight the feasibility of this approach.
The immune theory of psychiatric diseases: a key role for activated microglia and circulating monocytes
Authors: Beumer Wouter , Gibney Sinead M , Drexhage Roosmarijn C , Pont-Lezica Lorena , Doorduin Janine , Klein Hans C , Steiner Johann , Connor Thomas J , Harkin Andrew , Versnel Marjan A , Drexhage Hemmo A 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Review on the key role for activated microglia and monocytes in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
This review describes a key role for mononuclear phagocytes in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric disorders. There is accumulating evidence for activation of microglia (histopathology and PET scans) and circulating monocytes (enhanced gene expression of immune genes, an overproduction of monocyte/macrophage-related cytokines) in patients with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. These data are strengthened by observations in animal models, such as the MIA models, the chronic stress models, and the NOD mouse model. In these animal models of depressive-, anxiety-, and schizophrenia-like behavior, similar activations of microglia and circulating monocytes can be found. These animal models also make in-depth pathogenic studies possible and show that microglia activation impacts neuronal development and function in brain areas congruent with the altered depressive and schizophrenia-like behaviors.
Spherical cell shape of FLC-4 cell, a human hepatoma cell, enhances hepatocyte-specific function and suppresses tumor phenotype through the integration of mRNA–microRNA interaction
Authors: Laurent Thomas , Kataoka Yutaro , Kobayashi Satoru , Ando Misaki , Nagamori Seishi , Oda Hiroaki 
Published: August 2012

Summary
The induction mechanism of HNF-4α by spherical cell shape in human hepatoma cells, FLC-4, was investigated. To get insight into the induction mechanism of HNF-4α in three-dimensional FLC-4 cells, mRNA microarray analysis was performed. The gene expression related to drug metabolism and nuclear receptors, such as LXRα, was elevated in spherical FLC-4 cells. We found the first time that the expressions of genes related to malignancy of hepatoma cells, such as HIF-1α, c-Myc and VEGFC, were downregulated by spherical cell shape. Network analysis revealed that HNF-4α would elicit both the enhancement of hepatocyte-specific gene expression and suppression of malignancy. Since HNF-4α gene expression was known to be regulated by microRNA, we inferred that spherical cell shape would induce HNF-4α gene expression through microRNA. To investigate the possibility of such a mechanism, mRNA–microRNA interactions were examined using microRNA microarray and bioinformatics analysis. The level of miR-24, a microRNA targeting HNF-4α, was reduced in spherical FLC-4 cells. On the other hand, spherical cell shape-induced miR-194 and miR-320c would directly downregulate SLC7A5 and E2F1 gene expression, respectively, which are both related to malignancy. Our study suggested that spherical cell shape would induce HNF-4α gene expression and consequent enhancement hepatocyte-specific functions. Spherical cell shape itself would suppress malignancy in FLC-4 cells through microRNA, such as miR-194 and miR-320c.
Measurement of teicoplanin by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: development of a novel method
Authors: Fung Francis H Y , Tang Jonathan C Y , Hopkins John P P , Dutton John J , Bailey Lisa M , Davison Andrew S 
Published: August 2012

Background Teicoplanin is an antibiotic used for the treatment of endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Teicoplanin is emerging as a suitable alternative antibiotic to vancomycin, where their trough serum levels are monitored by immunoassay routinely. This is the first report detailing the development of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for measuring teicoplanin in patients' serum. Methods An Acquity™ UPLC (ultra-pressure liquid chromatography) tandem mass spectrometer was used to measure teicoplanin concentrations in samples from patients, quality assurance schemes and quality control preparations. Ristocetin was successfully implemented as a suitable internal standard. Ion suppression, linearity, stability, matrix effects, recovery, imprecision, lower limits of quantification and detection, interference and method comparison against immunoassay were all assessed. Results Teicoplanin and ristocetin had elution times of 1.39 and 1.24 min, respectively. Ion suppression was shown to be negligible, and linear calibration curves (0–200 μg/mL) were consistently reproduced to have r2 values >0.99. Postextraction stability was achieved up to 20 h, while matrix effects were minimal coupled with sample recovery of >93%. The lower limit of quantification was 1 μg/mL, and 0.2 μg/mL was the lower limit of detection. Interference with other antibiotics was dependent on the combination of drugs present in patients’ serum. A method comparison between immunoassay and LC-MS/MS suggested a negative bias for tandem mass spectrometry. Conclusions This novel method of teicoplanin determination by LC-MS/MS is proven to be a robust protocol that is consistent and reproducible. Clinicians searching for alternatives in therapeutic drug monitoring may have an additional option that is potentially more accurate and specific.
Improved Curve Fitting Methods for Underdamped Slug Tests
Authors: Chapuis Robert P. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A slug test yielding an oscillating water level response is called “underdamped.” Usually, test data are fitted visually to theoretical solutions. Considering that visual fits are user dependent, this paper provides two best fit user independent methods for analyzing test data. It provides also a velocity graph method that can be used to select only those data that are not influenced by initial dynamic effects such as splashing. Several examples are provided, with emphasis on the utility of the three checks required by ASTM D5785. It is shown that the selected value of the soil modulus or its storativity S does not interfere with the fitting process but does influence the derived k value by about ±30% (the lower the selected S value, the higher the resulting k value). If the elastic S value is confused with a specific yield, the interpretation results do not pass the three checks of ASTM D5785, and, as shown by an example of a few hundred tests, they might yield k values that are wrong by about 300%, with serious consequences for estimates of groundwater velocity and the fate of contaminants.
Investigation on Characteristics of Internal Structure of Early-age Concrete by Non-destructive Testing
Authors: Shui Zhonghe , Ding Sha , Chen Wei , Li Kai , Lu Jianxin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Non-destructive methods such as ultrasonic wave, impact echo, and ground penetrating radar were used to study the internal structure of early-age concrete. The results indicate that the ultrasonic, stress, and electromagnetic wave velocity can reflect well the variation of the internal structure in concrete. With the influence of cement hydration, it is obvious that the three wave velocity increases and the dielectric constant decreases in the first 28 days. However, the changing of these characteristics tends to slow down with cement hydration. Results of compressive strength tests show that the combination of the three methods can accurately probe changes in the internal concrete structure at early ages. In addition, structural defects and the above steel bars in reinforced concrete were also investigated using ground penetrating radar together with the impact echo method.
Comparative Study on Laboratory Performance of Hot- and Warm-mix Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Tan Yiqiu , Guo Meng , Xu Huining , Zhang Rui 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In an effort to study sustainable environmentally friendly pavement, the physical mechanics and road performance of warm-mix asphalt mixtures based on an emulsifying platform were studied via the Marshall design method. The results show that the optimum asphalt content of warm-mix asphalt mixtures is generally higher than that of hot-mix asphalt mixtures by 0.1 % to 0.2 %; the values of the stability, bulk specific gravity, air voids, and voids in mineral aggregate do not change significantly; and the number of voids filled with asphalt and the flow value increase a little. The residual stability value of warm-mix asphalt mixtures increases, whereas the freeze–thaw splitting strength decreases. The high-temperature performance and seepage performance of warm-mix asphalt mixtures are similar to those of hot-mix asphalt mixtures.
Degradation Behavior and Mechanism of HMA Aggregate
Authors: Ma Tao , Huang Xiaoming , Zhao Yongli , Yuan Hao , Ma Xin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The degradation behavior and mechanism of aggregate used for hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures has been investigated in this study. Laboratory tests, including the crushing test, Marshall compactor test, and Superpave gyratory compactor test, were used to evaluate the degradation behavior of single-size aggregate and/or graded aggregates. In order to verify the laboratory test results, the degradation of field HMA materials extracted from asphalt pavements after long-time service was also evaluated. The stress-transfer model for an aggregate skeleton was analyzed in order to provide a fundamental understanding of the stress distribution and degradation mechanism of the aggregate system. The results indicate that the degradation of the aggregate gradation is not random and has a fixed internal trend. The 4.75 mm aggregate proved to be the demarcation point between coarse and fine aggregate. During the degradation process, coarse aggregate tends to break into graded aggregate to form a well-balanced skeleton to bear an external load, and the 4.75 mm aggregate plays a key role in the graded aggregate. The crushing test and Superpave gyratory compactor test proved to be easily done and promising for capturing the degradation of aggregate and the gradation of HMA. The variation in the retained percentage of 4.75 mm aggregate and the breakdown ratio of the original aggregate and/or gradation can quantitatively depict the degradation of HMA aggregate.
Application of Sessile Drop Method to Determine Surface Free Energy of Asphalt and Aggregate
Authors: Wei Jianming , Zhang Yuzhen 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Surface free energy is an important parameter to determine the work of adhesion between the asphalt binder and the aggregate, which is related to the moisture damage of asphalt mixture. In this study, the sessile drop technique was performed to obtain the contact angle between asphalt/aggregate and different probe liquids. The surface free energies of asphalt and aggregate were characterized on the basis of the Owens-Wendt’s theory. It was found that the sessile drop technique is a convenient way to determine the static contact angle. A test procedure was developed to offer a clear method to prepare the sample and measure the contact angle. The surface free energy of aggregate determined in this study was found to be smaller than that measured in other techniques because of equilibrium spreading pressure. The work of adhesion calculated from surface free energy can be utilized to choose the best combination of asphalt and aggregate, which can work as a reference in the selection of materials. Meanwhile, it was found that for the same aggregate, the pull-off strength and the work of adhesion of each asphalt-aggregate have the same trend of ranking.
Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Various Fibers
Authors: Ye Qunshan , Guan Hongxin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The effects of fiber modifiers on the performance of asphalt mixtures were investigated. Cellulose fiber, polyester fiber, and basalt mineral fiber were adopted as modifiers, and the dynamic modulus test, indirect tension fatigue test, and wheel track test were conducted in order to study the properties of asphalt mixtures containing various fibers. The test results indicate that the viscoelastic property of asphalt mixtures can be improved by the addition of fiber modifiers, which resulted in an increase of the dynamic modulus and a reduction in the phase angle. Dynamic modulus master curves also confirmed that fiber addition caused a general increase in the dynamic modulus for all mixtures evaluated within the range of the loading frequency, especially at low frequencies. The fatigue property and rutting resistance of fiber modified asphalt mixtures could be enhanced significantly.
Study on the Intrinsic Viscosity of Bitumen Containing Organo Montmorillonite Nanoclay
Authors: Liu Gang , van de Ven Martin , Wu Shaopeng , Molenaar Andre 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The intrinsic viscosity of the filler is a key parameter to determine the increase in viscosity of bitumen as a function of filler volume fraction. In this study, the intrinsic viscosity of bitumen containing different organo montmorillonite (Mt) nanoclay was studied by using Simha composite model. The comparison of intrinsic viscosity was made to bitumens containing different fillers. Compared with the data on the intrinsic viscosity of other mineral fillers in bitumen, organo Mt is more effective to enhance this rheological property, due to its better compatibility with bitumen and its intercalated structure formation. These data can give a clear insight into the reinforcement mechanisms of bitumen when different types of mineral filler are used to modify the bitumen.
Application of the Steam Aging Method to Evaluate the Long-Term Performance of Secondary Materials for Road Construction
Authors: Akbarnejad S. , Houben L. J. M. , Molenaar A. A. A. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Long-term performance of secondary materials is becoming a challenging aspect in road construction because, as a result of their benefits, they are being used on a large scale. The problem with these materials, however, is that their future behaviors are difficult to estimate. In this study, aging is proposed as a means of exploring the long-term mechanical and physical performance of secondary materials. A blast furnace slag (BFS) mixture, which is routinely used in the Netherlands in road (sub-)base construction, was selected as a reference material. A motorway in the Netherlands was used as a source of field-aged BFS materials. The base layer of this motorway suddenly experienced serious failures. To prevent similar problems, an aging method was suggested to detect potential poor material performance at an early stage. The steam aging approach was chosen and applied to the field-aged and fresh materials. This aging treatment has affected material characteristics. This showed that there is a linkage between material performance, mixture composition, and aging conditions.