bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The application of carbon nanotubes in target drug delivery systems for cancer therapies
Authors: Zhang Wuxu , Zhang Zhenzhong , Zhang Yingge 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAmong all cancer treatment options, chemotherapy continues to play a major role in killing free cancer cells and removing undetectable tumor micro-focuses. Although chemotherapies are successful in some cases, systemic toxicity may develop at the same time due to lack of selectivity of the drugs for cancer tissues and cells, which often leads to the failure of chemotherapies. Obviously, the therapeutic effects will be revolutionarily improved if human can deliver the anticancer drugs with high selectivity to cancer cells or cancer tissues. This selective delivery of the drugs has been called target treatment. To realize target treatment, the first step of the strategies is to build up effective target drug delivery systems. Generally speaking, such a system is often made up of the carriers and drugs, of which the carriers play the roles of target delivery. An ideal carrier for target drug delivery systems should have three pre-requisites for their functions: (1) they themselves have target effects; (2) they have sufficiently strong adsorptive effects for anticancer drugs to ensure they can transport the drugs to the effect-relevant sites; and (3) they can release the drugs from them in the effect-relevant sites, and only in this way can the treatment effects develop. The transporting capabilities of carbon nanotubes combined with appropriate surface modifications and their unique physicochemical properties show great promise to meet the three pre-requisites. Here, we review the progress in the study on the application of carbon nanotubes as target carriers in drug delivery systems for cancer therapies.
An autoimmune disease prevented by anti-retroviral drugs
Authors: Beck-Engeser Gabriele B , Eilat Dan , Wabl Matthias 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Both Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a Mendelian mimic of congenital infection, and the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus can result from mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme Trex1. In mice, the absence of Trex1 causes severe myocarditis. The enzyme is thought to degrade endogenous retroelements, thus linking them to autoimmune disease. However, inhibition of reverse transcription by the inhibitor zidovudine (AZT) did not ameliorate the disease, weakening the link to retroelements.

Findings
Here, we show that two other FDA-approved drugs that inhibit reverse transcriptase can ameliorate the myocarditis in Trex1-null mouse.

Conclusions
The result suggests that retroelements contribute to this hereditary form of autoimmunity, and that treatment with retroelement inhibitors might ameliorate Aicardi-Goutières syndrome in humans.
Genome-wide analysis of chromatin features identifies histone modification sensitive and insensitive yeast transcription factors
Authors: Cheng Chao , Shou Chong , Yip Kevin Y , Gerstein Mark B 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe propose a method to predict yeast transcription factor targets by integrating histone modification profiles with transcription factor binding motif information. It shows improved predictive power compared to a binding motif-only method. We find that transcription factors cluster into histone-sensitive and -insensitive classes. The target genes of histone-sensitive transcription factors have stronger histone modification signals than those of histone-insensitive ones. The two classes also differ in tendency to interact with histone modifiers, degree of connectivity in protein-protein interaction networks, position in the transcriptional regulation hierarchy, and in a number of additional features, indicating possible differences in their transcriptional regulation mechanisms.
Optimizing the Frequency of Follow-Up Visits for Patients Treated for Localized Primary Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Turner Robin M. , Bell Katy J.L. , Morton Rachael L. , Hayen Andrew , Francken Anne Brecht , Howard Kirsten , Armstrong Bruce , Thompson John F. , Irwig Les 
Published: November 2011

Purpose To develop more evidence-based guidelines for the frequency of patient follow-up after treatment of localized (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] stage I or II) melanoma. Methods We used data from Melanoma Institute Australia on an inception cohort of 3,081 consecutive patients first diagnosed with stage I or II melanoma between January 1985 and December 2009. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox models were used to characterize the time course and predictors for recurrence and new primaries. We modeled the delay in diagnosis of recurrence or new primary as well as the number of monitoring visits required using two monitoring schedules: first, according to 2008 Australian and New Zealand guidelines and, second, with fewer visits, especially for those at lowest risk of recurrence. Results For every 1,000 patients beginning follow-up, 229 developed recurrence and 61 developed new primary within 10 years. There was only a small difference in modeled delay in diagnosis (extra 44.9 and 9.6 patients per 1,000 for recurrence and new primary, respectively, with delay greater than 2 months) using a schedule that requires far fewer visits (3,000 fewer visits per 1,000 patients) than recommended by current guidelines. AJCC substage was the most important predictor of recurrence, whereas age and date of primary diagnosis were important predictors of developing new primary. Conclusion By providing less intensive monitoring, more efficient follow-up strategies are possible. Fewer visits with a more focused approach may address the needs of patients and clinicians to detect recurrent or new melanoma.
Phase II Study of Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel Plus Cisplatin and Intravenous Paclitaxel Plus Bevacizumab As Adjuvant Treatment of Optimal Stage II/III Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Konner Jason A. , Grabon Diana M. , Gerst Scott R. , Iasonos Alexia , Thaler Howard , Pezzulli Sandra D. , Sabbatini Paul J. , Bell-McGuinn Katherine M. , Tew William P. , Hensley Martee L. , Spriggs David R. , Aghajanian Carol A. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose Intraperitoneal (IP) cisplatin and intravenous (IV) or IP paclitaxel constitute a standard therapy for optimally debulked ovarian cancer. Bevacizumab prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) when included in first-line IV chemotherapy. In this study, the safety and feasibility of adding bevacizumab to a first-line IP regimen were assessed. Patients and Methods Treatment was as follows: paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 IV over 3 hours day 1, cisplatin 75 mg/m2 IP day 2, and paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 IP day 8. Bevacizumab 15 mg/kg IV was given after paclitaxel on day 1 beginning in cycle 2. After six cycles of chemotherapy, bevacizumab was given every 3 weeks for 17 additional treatments. The primary end point was safety and tolerability determined by whether 60% of patients completed six cycles of IV/IP chemotherapy. Results Of 41 treated patients, 30 (73%) received six cycles of IV/IP chemotherapy and 35 (85%) received at least four cycles. Three (27%) of those who discontinued chemotherapy did so because of complications related to bevacizumab (hypertension, n = 2; perforation, n = 1). Grades 3 to 4 toxicities included neutropenia (34%), vasovagal syncope (10%), hypertension (7%), nausea/vomiting (7%), hypomagnesemia (7%), and abdominal pain (7%). There were three grade 3 small bowel obstructions (7%) during cycles 3, 9, and 15. One patient died following rectosigmoid anastomotic dehiscence during cycle 4. Estimated median PFS is 28.6 months (95% CI, 19.1 to 38.9 months). Three patients (7%) had IP port malfunction. Conclusion The addition of bevacizumab to this IP regimen is feasible; however, bevacizumab may increase the risk of bowel obstruction/perforation. The observed median PFS is similar to that seen with IP/IV chemotherapy alone.
Microporous Membrane Technology for Measurement of Soil-Water Characteristic Curve
Authors: Nishiumura Tomoyoshi , Koseki Junichi , Fredlund Delwyn G. , Rahardjo Harianto 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
High air entry ceramic disks are commonly used for the control of matric suction in triaxial and direct shear tests and in tests for obtaining the soil-water characteristic curve. Geotechnical engineers have made increasing use of high air entry ceramic disks in order to measure or control matric suctions during unsaturated soil testing. One of the limitations associated with the use of high air entry ceramic disks has been the time required in order for equilibrium conditions to be established across the disk. Improving the efficiency associated with establishing suction equilibrium is of considerable interest to geotechnical engineers. Pressure membrane technology involving the use of microporous membranes is one possible technology that could result in improved performance for the measurement or control of matric suctions. If microporous membrane technology can be used, the end result could provide considerable time and cost savings, particularly in the measurement of soil-water characteristic curves (SWCCs). In this study, a new apparatus was developed to make use of a microporous membrane for the measurement of the SWCC with matric suction of up to 25 kPa. The maximum AEV (i.e., air-entry value) of the membrane is 250 kPa. This paper presents the results of laboratory SWCC measurements on several soil types using pressure membrane technology. Comparisons are made between the soil-water characteristic curves measured using a conventional pressure plate apparatus and those obtained from the new micro membrane apparatus.
Distribution of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in Mexican children and adolescents
Authors: Aradillas-García Celia , Rodríguez-Morán Martha , Garay-Sevilla María Eugenia , Malacara Juan Manuel , Rascon-Pacheco Ramón Alberto , Guerrero-Romero Fernando 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveSeveral cutoff points of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; varying from 2.5 to 4.0) have been suggested for diagnosing IR in youth. In this study, we determined the distribution of the HOMA-IR in Mexican children and adolescents.Design and methodsA total of 6132 children and adolescents from San Luis Potosi, León, Queretaro, and Durango, which are cities in central and northern Mexico, were enrolled in a population-based cross-sectional study. Eligible participants were apparently healthy children and adolescents aged 6–18 years. Pregnancy and the presence of chronic illnesses were exclusion criteria.ResultsA total of 3701 (60.3%) girls and 2431 (39.7%) boys were included in this study. In the overall population, the mean body mass index, insulin levels, and fasting glucose levels were 21.8±1.3 kg/m2, 7.1±3.2 μU/ml, and 86.2±10.0 mg/dl respectively. The concentrations of insulin and fasting glucose gradually increased from 6 to 12 years of age, whereas the concentrations tended to plateau in the 13- to 18-year-old population. The absolute mean of the HOMA-IR was 2.89±0.7. The HOMA-IR gradually increased with age and reached a plateau at 13 years of age.ConclusionsBecause the insulin concentrations, glucose levels, and HOMA-IR exhibited a gradual increase with age that was not related to obesity, our results suggested that the evaluation of IR in children should be based on percentiles of the HOMA-IR rather than a dichotomous value derived from a single cutoff point.
Nano-characterization of Jagged-1-educated dendritic cells
Authors: Xing Feiyue , Wang Jiongkun , Fang Zhiyuan , Hu Mingqian , Yu Yu , Chen Guoliang , Liu Jing 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Jagged-1-educated dendritic cells (DCs) are of distinct phenotypes different from Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-educated DCs. However, to date, little is known as to nano-features of Jagged-1-educated DCs. In this study, nanostructure of Jagged-1-educated DCs was observed through atomic force microscopy. Our results showed that the volume, surface area and width of Jagged-1-educated DCs, and the number of protrusion, pseudopodia and lamellapodia on the surface of Jagged-1-educated DCs were significantly more than those of GM-CSF-induced DCs, but less than those of LPS-educated DCs. Compared with GM-CSF-induced DCs, the roughness on the surface of Jagged-1-educated DCs was greatly increased, similar to LPS-educated DCs, but the particle size and number of them on the membrane were markedly less than the latter. The change of DC nanostructure caused by Jagged-1 was abrogated with N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycinet-butyl ester, a γ-secretase inhibitor of Notch signaling pathway. Compared to LPS-educated DCs, Jagged-1-educated DCs highly expressed NICD, Deltex-1 and Hes-1 proteins, moderately produced IL-12, but not IFN-γ, and the level of CD40 molecules on the surface of them was much lower, suggesting that Jagged-1-educated DCs are in a semi-mature status and may have unique functions distinguished from LPS-educated DCs.
Don't Worry, be Active: Positive Affect and Habitual Physical Activity
Authors: Pasco Julie A. , Jacka Felice N. , Williams Lana J. , Brennan Sharon L. , Leslie Eva , Berk Michael 
Published: November 2011

Objective: The aim of ths study was to examine the association between habitual physical activity and positive and negative affect. Method: This cross-sectional study included 276 women aged 20 +, from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Habitual physical activity and other lifestyle exposures were assessed by questionnaire, concurrent with anthropometric assessments. Physical activity was categorized as very active, moderately active or sedentary. Positive and negative affect scores were derived from the validated 20 item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) self-report and were categorized into tertiles. Results: There was a pattern of lower positive affect scores for lower levels of physical activity. With very active as the reference category, the odds for having a positive affect score in the highest tertile were sequentially lower for those who were moderately active (OR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.28–1.01) and sedentary (OR = 0.28, 95%CI 0.10–0.75). Associations were sustained after adjusting for body mass index and polypharmacy (OR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.26–0.96 and OR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.09–0.72, respectively). These associations were not explained by age, negative affect score or other exposures. No association was detected between physical activity and negative affect scores. Conclusions: This study reports that higher positive affect scores, encompassing emotions such as interest, excitement, enthusiasm and alertness, are associated with higher levels of habitual physical activity. These observations warrant further investigations into possible mechanistic interplay between neurobiological and psychosocial factors that underpin this association.
Spherical Agglomeration of Naproxan by Solvent Change Method
Authors: Kulkarni Parthasarathi Keshavarao , Dixit Mudit , Jain Achin 
Published: November 2011

Naproxen, an anti-inflammatory drug, exhibits poor water solubility and flow properties. Spherical agglomerates were prepared by solvent change method. Solvent composition for spherical agglomeration was determined by constructing ternary diagram. Crystallization medium used for spherical agglomerates of naproxen consisted of tetra-hydro-furan (good solvent); water (poor solvent); isopropyl acetate (bridging liquid) in the ratio of 29:61:10, respectively. Spherical agglomerates were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. Micromeritic and dissolution behavior studies were carried out. Process variables such as amount of bridging liquid, stirring time and duration of stirring were optimized. Dissolution profile of the spherical agglomerates was compared with pure sample and recrystallized sample. Spherical agglomerates exhibited decreased crystallinity and improved micromeritic properties. The dissolution of the spherical agglomerates was not improved compared with pure sample because the dissolution of naproxen dependent on particle size or surface area. Key words: Spherical agglomerates; Naproxen; Crystallinity; Dissolution.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i1.8860 SJPS 2011; 4(1): 1-8
Effect of Proteinase-K on Genomic DNA Extraction from Gram-positive Strains
Authors: Shahriar Mohammad , Haque Md Rashidul , Kabir Shaila , Dewan Irin , Bhuyian Mohiuddin Ahmed 
Published: November 2011

Direct extraction of DNA from natural environment and clinical samples has become a useful alternative for the phylogenetic identification and in situ detection of individual microbial cells without cultivation. In this study, three different Gram positive microorganisms (B. cereus, B. subtilis, and S. aureus) were chosen for genomic DNA extraction. High salt SDS (Sodium Dodesyl Sulfate) based extraction method was followed to extract genomic DNA with addition of three different lysis protocols to observe the effect of proteinase-K on total genomic DNA yield, lysis steps were carried with SDS, SDS with 3 μl proteinase-K and SDS with 6μl proteinase-K. High molecular weight intact DNA bands were observed only for Bacillus subtilis when the extraction procedure was carried out in presence of SDS, SDS with proteinase-K (3μl) and SDS with increased amount of proteinase-K (6μl). In presence of SDS and increased amount of proteinase-K (6μl) the mean value of DNA concentration for Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus were found to be 1.53±0.15, 1.36±0.10 and 1.65±0.10 μg/μl respectively. However, in absence of proteinase-K, the mean values of DNA concentration were found to be decreased (1.28±0.10, 1.34±0.15, 1.23±0.10 μg/μl for B. cereus, B. subtilis, and S. aureus respectively) for all these stains. Although in case of B. subtilis the overall effect of proteinase-K was not found to be significant in terms of DNA concentration and DNA band intensity, however, for B. cereus, and S. aureus sharp decrease in total extracted DNA concentration was observed suggesting the increased lysis effect of proteinase-K on the thick peptidoglycan layer of Gram-positive cell wall such as B. cereus, and S. aureus. Key words: Extraction; Genomic DNA; Lysis buffer; Gram positive organism. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i1.8867 SJPS 2011; 4(1): 53-57
Polymers and Permeation Enhancers: Specialized Components of Mucoadhesives
Authors: Alexander Amit , Ajazuddin M , Swarna M , Sharma Mukesh , Tripathi DK 
Published: November 2011

Mucoadhesive polymers have recently gained interest among pharmaceutical scientists as a means of improving drug delivery by promoting dosage form residence time and contact time with the mucous membranes. Mucoadhesion occurs between two surfaces, one of which is a mucous membrane and another is drug delivery system. Pharmaceutical aspects of mucoadhesion have been the subject of great interest during recent years because mucoadhesion could be a solution for bioavailability problems that result from a too short length of stay of the pharmaceutical dosage form at the absorption site within the gastro-intestinal tract. It has been a great challenge to the pharmaceutical sciences in order to enhance localised drug delivery or to deliver ‘difficult’ molecules (proteins and oligonucleotides) into the systemic circulation. Mucoadhesive systems remain in close contact with the absorption tissue, the mucous membrane, releasing the drug at the site of action leading to increase in bioavailability (both local and systemic effects). Extending the residence time of a dosage form at a particular site and controlling the release of drug from the dosage form are useful especially for achieving controlled plasma level of the drug as well as improving bioavailability. The present review describes mucoadhesion, mucoadhesive polymers and use of these polymers in designing different types of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems. Key words: Mucoadhesion; Mucoadhesive polymers; Mucoadhesive force; Bioadhesive property. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i1.8878 SJPS 2011; 4(1): 91-95
Common Inherited Mitochondrial Dna Mutations and Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor-Induced Severe Hyperlactataemia in HIV-Infected Adults: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Arenas-Pinto Alejandro , Weller Ian , Ekong Rosemary , Grant Alison , Karstaedt Alan , Reiss Peter , Telisinghe Lilanganee , Weber Rainer , Bolhaar Martine , Bradman Neil , Ingram Catherine 
Published: November 2011

Background Genetic predisposition to dideoxynucleoside-induced mitochondrial dysfunction might be related to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms. Severe hyperlactataemia is probably the best model to assess such a predisposition. Methods For this exploratory study in White European and Black African HIV-infected adults, hypervariable region 1 of mtDNA samples from peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells or buccal smears of patients who have developed confirmed severe hyperlactataemia was sequenced. Additionally, 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms and a 9 bp deletion were genotyped to assign mtDNA haplogroups. Finally, entire mtDNA sequencing was performed in a subset of European samples. Samples were obtained from Black African cases and controls recruited from a single centre in Johannesburg, South Africa and from white European cases from Amsterdam, London and Zurich. Results A total of 40 cases and 38 controls from Johannesburg were included. All of the cases and 33 controls were receiving stavudine-based therapy at the time of the index date ( P=0.024). The distribution of mtDNA haplotypes was not different between cases and controls ( P=0.137), and neither were the predicted haplogroups ( P=0.751). In total, 11 of the 12 European cases were on stavudine and/or didanosine at the time of the event. No hypervariable region 1 haplotype was consistently found in the European cases. Sequencing of the entire mtDNA from three of these cases supported the absence of any shared mutations other than major alleles frequently seen in the mtDNA database. Conclusions We did not find an association between homoplasmic inherited mtDNA polymorphisms and severe hyperlactataemia. Our data do not support the existence of non-synonymous mtDNA mutations that explain an increased predisposition to dideoxynucleoside-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.