bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Markers May Link Kidney Function to Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Maier Christina , Clodi Martin , Neuhold Stephanie , Resl Michael , Elhenicky Marie , Prager Rudolf , Moertl Deddo , Strunk Guido , Luger Anton , Struck Joachim , Pacher Richard , Hülsmann Martin 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE
The increased cardiovascular risk in diabetes has been linked to endothelial and renal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of stable fragments of the precursors of adrenomedullin, endothelin-1, vasopressin, and atrial natriuretic peptide in progression of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This was a prospective, observational study design with a composite end point (death or unexpected admission to hospital due to a cardiovascular event) on 781 patients with type 2 diabetes (54 events, median duration of observation 15 months). The four stable precursor peptides midregional adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), COOH-terminal proendothelin-1 (CT-proET-1), and COOH-terminal provasopressin or copeptin (CT-proAVP) were determined at baseline, and their association to renal function and cardiovascular events was studied using stepwise linear and Cox logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis, respectively.

RESULTS
MR-proADM, CT-proET-1, CT-proAVP, and MR-proANP were all elevated in patients with future cardiovascular events and independently correlated to serum creatinine. MR-proADM and MR-proANP were significant predictors of a future cardiovascular event, with MR-proANP being the stronger (area under the curve 0.802 ± 0.034, sensitivity 0.833, specificity 0.576, positive predictive value 0.132, and negative predictive value 0.978 with a cutoff value of 75 pmol/l).

CONCLUSIONS
The four serum markers of vasoactive and natriuretic peptides are related to both kidney function and cardiovascular events, thus linking two major complications of diabetes, diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular disease.
New Users of Metformin Are at Low Risk of Incident Cancer
Authors: Libby Gillian , Donnelly Louise A. , Donnan Peter T. , Alessi Dario R. , Morris Andrew D. , Evans Josie M.M. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE
The antidiabetic properties of metformin are mediated through its ability to activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activation of AMPK can suppress tumor formation and inhibit cell growth in addition to lowering blood glucose levels. We tested the hypothesis that metformin reduces the risk of cancer in people with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In an observational cohort study using record-linkage databases and based in Tayside, Scotland, U.K., we identified people with type 2 diabetes who were new users of metformin in 1994–2003. We also identified a set of diabetic comparators, individually matched to the metformin users by year of diabetes diagnosis, who had never used metformin. In a survival analysis we calculated hazard ratios for diagnosis of cancer, adjusted for baseline characteristics of the two groups using Cox regression.

RESULTS
Cancer was diagnosed among 7.3% of 4,085 metformin users compared with 11.6% of 4,085 comparators, with median times to cancer of 3.5 and 2.6 years, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). The unadjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) for cancer was 0.46 (0.40–0.53). After adjusting for sex, age, BMI, A1C, deprivation, smoking, and other drug use, there was still a significantly reduced risk of cancer associated with metformin: 0.63 (0.53–0.75).

CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that metformin use may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer. A randomized trial is needed to assess whether metformin is protective in a population at high risk for cancer.
Peripheral blood CD4+CRTH2+ cells in advanced stage non small cell lung cancer
Authors: Karagöz Bülent , Bilgi Oğuz , Kandemir Emin , Erikçi Alev , Sayan Özkan , Özgün Alpaslan , Yılmaz Bahattin , Türken Orhan , Alacacıoğlu Ahmet , Öztürk Ahmet 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
To investigate CD4+CRTH2+ cells in peripheral blood in advanced stage non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Forty-six patients with advanced stage NSCLC, who are chemotherapy or radiotherapy naïve, and 17 healthy volunteers, were enrolled in this study. The study was performed using flow cytometry and a complete blood cell counter analyser. CD4+ T cell percentage, CD4/CD8 ratio, CRTH2+CD4+ cell percentages, counts, and mean fluorescein intensity (MFI) and hematological parameters were evaluated in both groups. A survival analysis was performed to compare the patients with high CD4+CRTH2+ cell percentage and those with low CD4+CRTH2+ percentage. CD4+ T cell percentage in total lymphocytes and the CD4/CD8 ratio were lower in the patient group than in the control group. The absolute CD8 T cell count was higher in the patient group than in the control group, whereas the total T cells was not different. The CRTH2+ cell percentage in CD4+ T cells (7.96% ± 6.21% vs 3.37% ± 3.55%; respectively; p: 0,001) and the absolute count of CRTH2+CD4+ cells ( 97 mm-3 ± 109 mm-3 vs 37 mm-3 ± 38 mm-3, respectively; p: 0,033) in the patient group were higher than in the control group, but CRTH2-PE MFI values were not different between groups. Cox regression analysis did not show that CRTH2+CD4+ cell count or percentage is an independent prognostic factor. The study found that CRTH2 expression of CD4+ T cells and CRTH2+CD4+ cell number are higher in the peripheral blood of NSCLC patients than in that of healthy subjects. Further studies that explore the biological significance of high CD4+CRTH2+ cells in lung cancer patients, should be pursued.
In hospital costs of acute heart failure patients in the Czech Republic
Authors: Ondrackova Barbora , Miklik Roman , Parenica Jiri , Spinar Jindrich , Sticha Michal , Sulcova Alexandra 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The retrospective cost analysis estimates direct in-patient costs and length of stay (LOS) in hospital for acute heart failure (AHF). Patients were hospitalized with acute decompensation (ADHF) or de novo AHF in the Faculty Hospital Brno in 2005 and 2006. Burden incurred is divided to standard cardiology unit (SCU) and intensive care unit (ICU). In-patient care costs include flat rate of admission, stay and medicinal procedures. The pharmaceuticals are included in daily in-patient rate; angiography, revascularizations and antiarrhythmic interventions are calculated separately. In total, 734 patients (57% male, mean age 71.7 years) with AHF were analyzed. De novo AHF (58.6%) was more common than ADHF; according to the clinical classification AHF with mild signs and symptoms prevailed (46%). The overall direct hospital cost of all patients was €2.4 million, mean LOS was 8.3 days and mean in-patient cost was €3295 (including all interventions). Almost a half passed through both SCU and ICU with LOS 10.8 days; mean LOS in the SCU was 8.3 days with one-day cost of €55; mean LOS in the ICU was 3.4 days with one-day cost of €618. Total cost of cardiac catheterizations and revascularizations (50% patients) was almost a million; cost of antiarrhythmic interventions was €529216 (implantation of pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy with biventricular device; 6.9% patients). Mortality during hospitalization was 14.6%. AHF is associated with poor prognosis and high costs during hospital admission; the predominant contributors of high costs are revascularization procedures (39%), stay in the ICU (31%) and antiarrhythmic interventions (22%).
Quality of life in Lithuanian population: the impact of country residence and socio-economic status
Authors: Rėklaitienė Regina , Bacevičienė Miglė , Andrijauskas K. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Quality of life (QoL) and individual perception of health has become a subject of great interest in Lithuania. The relationships between country residence, socio-economic status (SES), and QoL have not been well characterized among the Lithuanian urban and rural populations. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of country residence and SES on QoL in Lithuanian urban and rural population adjusting for the influence of other known determinants of QoL. The study population was randomly selected from 1193 urban and 264 rural men and women aged 45–72 years and have been filled in the self-administered the WHOQOL-100 questionnaire. The survey participation rate was 62.8%. Psychometric evaluation of the WHOQOL-100 showed good internal reliability of Cronbach’s α from 0.78 to 0.94. Multiple linear regression models were used to study the influence of country residence and SES on the WHOQOL-100 scores while adjusting for the influence of other determinants of QoL. After adjusting for the influence of these factors, country residence and SES independently influenced QoL. Rural residence negatively affected the overall QoL, psychological domain, level of independence and spirituality. Higher education level and income directly and positively influenced the WHOQOL-100 scores, while retired, unemployed and residents with chronic medical conditions had negative influence WHOQOL-100 scores. The study results conclude that country residence and SES are associated with differences in QoL among urban and rural Lithuanian population.
Antioxidant activity of NSAID hydroxamic acids
Authors: Končič Marijana , Rajič Zrinka , Petrič Neva , Zorc Branka 
Published: June 2009

Antioxidant activity of NSAID hydroxamic acidsIn the present study, seven hydroxamic acid derivatives of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (ibuprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen, indomethacin and diclofenac) were found to possess significant antioxidant, radical scavenging and metal chelating activities. The most active antioxidant and radical scavenger wasN-methylhydroxamic acid of diclofenac (ANT= 88.0% andEC50= 60.1 μg mL-1). The activity of the standard substance, butylated hydroxyanisole, in the two assays wasANT= 86.9% andEC50= 18.8 μg mL-1, respectively. Ibuproxam was the strongest iron chelator among investigated hydroxamic acids (EC50= 255.6 μg mL-1), yet significantly weaker than the standard substance, EDTA (EC50= 29.1 μg mL-1). It seems that different mechanism is involved in metal chelating activity than in antioxidant and radical scavenging activity. Antioxidant and radical scavenging activities may be connected with conjugation of the nitrogen lone electron pair with the carbonyl group. On the other hand, more hydrophilic substances tend to be better iron chelators.
Development and evaluation of gastroretentive norfloxacin floating tablets
Authors: Bomma Ramesh , Swamy Naidu Rongala , Yamsani Madhusudan , Veerabrahma Kishan 
Published: June 2009

Development and evaluation of gastroretentive norfloxacin floating tabletsFloating matrix tablets of norfloxacin were developed to prolong gastric residence time, leading to an increase in drug bioavailability. Tablets were prepared by the wet granulation technique, using polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M, HPMC K100M) and xanthan gum. Tablets were evaluated for their physical characteristics,viz., hardness, thickness, friability, and mass variation, drug content and floating properties. Further, tablets were studied forin vitrodrug release characteristics for 9 hours. The tablets exhibited controlled and prolonged drug release profiles while floating over the dissolution medium. Non-Fickian diffusion was confirmed as the drug release mechanism from these tablets, indicating that water diffusion and polymer rearrangement played an essential role in drug release. The best formulation (F4) was selected based onin vitrocharacteristics and was usedin vivoradiographic studies by incorporating BaSO4. These studies revealed that the tablets remained in the stomach for 180 ± 30 min in fasting human volunteers and indicated that gastric retention time was increased by the floating principle, which was considered desirable for the absorption window drugs.
Preparation of pegylated nano-liposomal formulation containing SN-38: In vitro characterization and in vivo biodistribution in mice
Authors: Atyabi Fatemeh , Farkhondehfai Anahita , Esmaeili Farnaz , Dinarvand Rassoul 
Published: June 2009

Preparation of pegylated nano-liposomal formulation containing SN-38:In vitrocharacterization andin vivobiodistribution in mice7-Ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin (SN-38), a metabolite of irinotecan x HCl, is poorly soluble in aqueous solutions and practically insoluble in most physiologically compatible and pharmaceutically acceptable solvents. Formulation of SN-38 in concentrated pharmaceutical delivery systems for parenteral administration is thus very difficult. Due to their biocompatibility and low toxicity, liposomes were considered for the delivery of SN-38. In this study, pegylated liposomes with distearoylphosphatidylcholine, distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine containing SN-38 were prepared and their characteristics, such as particle size, encapsulation efficiency,in vitrodrug release and biodistribution, were investigated. The particle size of liposomes was in the range of 150--200 nm. The encapsulation efficiency andin vitrorelease rate of pegylated liposomes was higher than those of non-pegylated liposomes. As expected, the distribution of pegylated liposomes in body organs such as liver, kidney, spleen and lung was considerably lower than that of non-pegylated liposomes. Also, their blood concentration was at least 50 % higher than that of non-pegylated liposomes.
Pollen morphology of Agropyron Gaertner in Turkey
Authors: Özler Hülya , Cabi Evren , Us Ebru , Do?an Musa , Pehlivan Sevil 
Published: June 2009

Pollen morphology of Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertner. s.s. (subsp. incanum (Náb?lek) Melderis and subsp. pectinatum (M. Bieb.) Tzvelev, latter including var. pectinatum and var. imbricatum (Roemer & Schultes) G. Beck) in Turkey has been studied by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The above-mentioned taxa are homogenous in both aperture type and exine ornamentation. Pollen grains are monoporate (rarely diporate in the case of var. imbricatum) having scabrate grouped exine surface. The scabra density and the height of scabrae as well as other morphological parameters such as annulus and operculum diameter are peculiar features for differentiation of taxa. Two different phenograms were created with the UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean) clustering technique using quantitative measurements of the pollen grains. Keywords: Agropyron; Pollen morphology; SEM; Turkey.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i1.2743Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(1): 21-28, 2009 (June)
An assessment of floristic diversity of Gandhamardan Hill Range, Orissa, India
Authors: Reddy C. Sudhakar , Pattanaik Chiranjibi 
Published: June 2009

The plant resources of Gandhamardan hill range were studied and analysed. A total of 912 vascular species belonging to 556 genera under 142 families were recorded. Herbs dominate the flora followed by trees, climbers and shrubs. Dominance of phanerophytes indicates the tropical moist and humid climate. Proper conservation and management plans are needed to save the natural resources, especially medicinal plants, of this sacred hill range. Keywords: Floristic diversity; Gandhamardan hill range; Life-form; Medicinal plants; Orissa. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i1.2744 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(1): 29-36, 2009 (June)
Pollen morphology and systematics in two subfamilies of Ericaceae: Cassiopoideae and Harrimanelloideae
Authors: Sarwar A.K.M. Golam , Takahashi Hideki 
Published: June 2009

Pollen morphology of two subfamilies of Ericaceae, Cassiopoideae and Harrimanelloideae, was studied using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and also, for selected species, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The systematic significance of new palynological data is discussed in the light of the recent classification of Ericaceae. The Cassiopoideae are stenopalynous; the four 3-aperturate grains are united in compact minute tetrads with striate apoclopial exine sculpture. Infra- and inter-specific variations have been observed in some palynological features of Cassiope, this might be due to geographical distribution. The Harrimanelloideae pollen grain is characterized by minute tetrahedral tetrads with coarsely rugulate to psilate apoclopial exine sculpture and perforated septum. Pollen morphology supports the subfamilial status of Cassiopoideae and Harrimanelloideae, and the close relationship between the members of subfamily Harrimanelloideae and Vaccinioideae. The secondary sculpture on the exine surface might be a synapomorphic palynological character state for Harrimanelloideae + Styphelioideae + Vaccinioideae clade. Keywords: Pollen morphology; Systematics; Cassiopoideae; Harrimanelloideae; Ericaceae. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i1.2745 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(1): 37-46, 2009 (June)
Comparative morphology, anatomy and palynology of two <i>Salvia</i> L. species (Lamiaceae) and their taxonomic implications
Authors: Kahraman Ahmet , Celep Ferhat , Dogan Musa 
Published: June 2009

Morphological, anatomical and palynological characteristics of Salvia glutinosa L. and S. staminea Montbret & Aucher ex Bentham and their taxonomic importance are presented. Their expanded description and phenology are also given. The features of stems, leaves, calyces, corolla and nutlets have been found to be significant to distinguish the species. Mesophyll structure, distribution of stomata on upper epidermis, size of stomata on lower epidermis, shape of vascular structure in midrib, and number of vascular bundles and presence of sclerenchymatic fibers in petiole are diagnostic characters. Moreover, pollen size and exine ornamentation are important in separating these two species. Keywords: Morphology; Anatomy; Palynology; Salvia. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i1.2749 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(1): 73-82, 2009 (June)
Angiospermic flora of Runctia sal forest, Bangladesh. I. Liliopsida (Monocots)
Authors: Tutul Ershad , Uddin Md. Zashim , Rahman Md. Oliur , Hassan Md. Abul 
Published: June 2009

This paper presents 49 plant species belonging to 38 genera and 13 families of the division Liliopsida (monocots) from Runctia sal forest in Sherpur district, Bangladesh. The update nomenclature, habit, habitat and representative specimen have been provided for each species. Important synonyms and local names have also been furnished, wherever available. Keywords: Angiosperm; Monocots; Runctia sal forest. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i1.2750 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(1): 83-90, 2009 (June)
<i>Jungermannia obliquifolia</i> (Schiffn.) VÁNA (Marchantiophyta) from India
Authors: Manju C. N. , Rajesh K. P. , Madhusoodanan P. V. 
Published: June 2009

Not available.Keywords: Marchantiophyta; Jungermannia obliquifolia; New record; Western Ghats; India. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i1.2752 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(1): 95-97, 2009 (June)
Impact of a Rheumatology Consultation Service on the Diagnostic Accuracy and Management of Gout in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: BARBER CLAIRE , THOMPSON KARA , HANLY JOHN G. 
Published: June 2009

Objective.To determine if a hospital rheumatology consultation service improves diagnostic accuracy and adherence to treatment recommendations for gout.Methods.This was a retrospective, single-center, case-control study of consecutive hospitalized patients with gout. Demographic, diagnostic, and treatment variables were compared in patients with and without a rheumatology consultation (controls). American College of Rheumatology (ACR) preliminary criteria for the classification of acute gout and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations were used to determine diagnostic accuracy. Adherence to EULAR drug management recommendations and Quality Indicators for treatment were compared between groups.Results.In total, 138 patients were studied. The mean (SD) age was 71.3 (13.4) years and 70% were men. Forty-eight (35%) patients had gout on admission, 90 (65%) during their hospital stay, and 8 (6%) had multiple attacks. A total of 79 (57%) patients had a rheumatology consultation. These patients had more joints involved (p < 0.001), more frequent synovial fluid analysis (p < 0.001), and fulfilled ACR classification criteria more frequently than those who did not have a rheumatology consultation (65% vs 37%; p = 0.002). Intraarticular corticosteroid use was more common (44% vs 12%; p < 0.001) in patients who were seen by rheumatology. In contrast, colchicine was used more frequently in controls (63% vs 40%; p = 0.006). Patients seen by rheumatology were more likely to use nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or colchicine for gout prophylaxis while titrating allopurinol to target (p = 0.033).Conclusion.A rheumatology consultation service for hospitalized patients with gout significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy and adherence to established guidelines for short and longterm treatment.
The Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-blocking Agent Infliximab Inhibits Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-6 Gene Expression in Human Osteoblastic Cells
Authors: MUSACCHIO ESTELLA , VALVASON CHIARA , BOTSIOS CONSTANTIN , OSTUNI FRANCESCA , FURLAN ANTONIO , RAMONDA ROBERTA , MODESTI VALENTINA , SARTORI LEONARDO , PUNZI LEONARDO 
Published: June 2009

Objective.Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of several rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), associated with systemic bone loss and subchondral bone erosions. TNF-α-blocking agents such as infliximab have been successful in treatment of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-resistant rheumatic diseases. Infliximab therapy in RA also had beneficial effects on local bone destruction and bone mineral density. We assessed effects of infliximab treatment on the bone tissue compartment and cytokine profile expression in vitro.Methods.Osteoblast-like cells were exposed for 24 h to sera of RA patients collected at baseline and after 1 month (T1) and 3 years (T2) of infliximab treatment. Total RNA was extracted, and expression of interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was measured by RT-PCR.Results.IL-1ß gene expression was significantly reduced by the T1 serum, and the same decrease was elicited by the T2 serum. IL-6 downregulation was evident with the T2 serum. OPG was unaffected.Conclusion.The finding of downregulation of inflammatory cytokines was interesting, particularly IL-6, which plays a crucial role in arthritis-related bone loss due to its involvement in osteoclast recruitment and activation. These results may represent a biological explanation and a link for the clinical observation of the beneficial effects of anti-TNF-α agents on the progression of rheumatic diseases at the bone level.