bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
Authors: Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Duong-Hua Minh , Sutradhar Rinku , Fleshner Neil E. , Warde Padraig , Cheung Angela M. , Paszat Lawrence F. 
Published: June 2009

Purpose Use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may be associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus but the risk of both acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiovascular mortality remain controversial because few outcomes and conflicting findings have been reported. We sought to clarify whether ADT is associated with these outcomes in a large, representative cohort. Methods Using linked administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, men age 66 years or older with prostate cancer given continuous ADT for at least 6 months or who underwent bilateral orchiectomy (n = 19,079) were matched with men with prostate cancer who had never received ADT. Treated and untreated groups were matched 1:1 (ie, hard-matched) on age, prior cancer treatment, and year of diagnosis and propensity-matched on comorbidities, medications, cardiovascular risk factors, prior fractures, and socioeconomic variables. Primary outcomes were development of AMI, sudden cardiac death, and diabetes. Fragility fracture was also examined. Results The cohort was observed for a mean of 6.47 years. In time-to-event analyses, ADT use was associated with an increased risk of diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.21) and fragility fracture (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.53 to 1.77) but not with AMI (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.00) or sudden cardiac death (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.10). Increasing duration of ADT was associated with an excess risk of fragility fractures and diabetes but not cardiac outcomes. Conclusion Continuous ADT use for at least 6 months in older men is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and fragility fracture but not AMI or sudden cardiac death.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Either Dose-Dense or Metronomic Temozolomide for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma
Authors: Clarke Jennifer L. , Iwamoto Fabio M. , Sul Joohee , Panageas Katherine , Lassman Andrew B. , DeAngelis Lisa M. , Hormigo Adília , Nolan Craig P. , Gavrilovic Igor , Karimi Sasan , Abrey Lauren E. 
Published: June 2009

Purpose Alternative dosing schedules of temozolomide may improve survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) by increasing the therapeutic index, overcoming common mechanisms of temozolomide resistance, or both. The goal of this randomized phase II study was to evaluate two different temozolomide regimens in the adjuvant treatment of newly diagnosed GBM. Patients and Methods Adult patients with newly diagnosed GBM were randomly assigned to receive standard radiotherapy with concurrent daily temozolomide followed by six adjuvant cycles of either dose-dense (150 mg/m2 days 1 to 7 and 15 to 21) or metronomic (50 mg/m2 continuous daily) temozolomide. Maintenance doses of 13-cis-retinoic acid were then administered until tumor progression. The primary end point was overall survival (OS) at 1 year. Tumor tissue was assayed to determine O6-methylguanine–DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status. Results Eighty-five eligible patients were enrolled; 42 were randomly assigned to dose-dense and 43 to metronomic temozolomide. The 1-year survival rate was 80% for the dose-dense arm and 69% for the metronomic arm; median OS was 17.1 months (95% CI, 14.0 to 28.1 months) and 15.1 months (95% CI, 12.3 to 18.9 months), respectively. The most common toxicities were myelosuppression (leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia) and elevated liver enzymes. Pseudoprogression was observed in 37% of assessable patients and may have had an impact on estimates of progression-free survival (6.6 months in the dose-dense arm and 5.0 months in the metronomic arm). Conclusion Both dose-dense and metronomic temozolomide regimens were well tolerated with modest toxicity. The dose-dense regimen appears promising, with 1-year survival of 80%.
Polymeric nanoparticles of cholesterol-modified glycol chitosan for doxorubicin delivery: preparation and in-vitro and in-vivo characterization
Authors: Yu Jing-Mou , Li Yong-Jie , Qiu Li-Yan , Jin Yi 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Objectives
Polymeric nanoparticles have been extensively studied as drug carriers. Chitosan and its derivatives have attracted significant attention in this regard but have limited application because of insolubility in biological solution. In this work, we attempted to utilize cholesterol-modified glycol chitosan (CHGC) self-aggregated nanoparticles to increase aqueous solubility, and to reduce side effects and enhance the antitumour efficacy of the anticancer drug doxorubicin.

Methods
CHGC nanoparticles were loaded with doxorubicin by a dialysis method, and their characteristics were determined by transmission electron microscopy examination, light-scattering study, in-vitro drug-release study, pharmacokinetic study in rats and in-vivo antitumour activity in mice.

Key findings
The resulting doxorubicin-loaded CHGC nanoparticles (DCNs) formed self-assembled aggregates in aqueous medium. From the observation by transmission electron microscopy, DCNs were almost spherical in shape. The mean diameters of these nanoparticles determined by dynamic light scattering were in the range of 237–336 nm as the doxorubicin-loading content increased from 1.73% to 9.36%. In-vitro data indicated that doxorubicin release from DCNs was much faster in phosphate-buffered saline at pH 5.5 than at pH 6.5 and 7.4, and the release rate was dependent on the loading content of doxorubicin in these nanoparticles. It was observed that DCN-16 (drug loaded content: 9.36%) exhibited prolonged circulation time in rat plasma and showed higher antitumour efficacy against S180-bearing mice than free doxorubicin.

Conclusions
These results indicated that CHGC nanoparticles had potential as a carrier for insoluble anticancer drugs in cancer therapy.
Synthesis of methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) carbonate prodrugs of zidovudine and penetration through human skin in vitro
Authors: N'Da David D , Breytenbach Jaco C 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to synthesise a series of novel methoxypoly (ethylene glycol) carbonate prodrugs of the antiretroviral drug zidovudine (azidothymidine, AZT) in an attempt to enhance the physicochemical properties for transdermal delivery, which may reduce the severe side-effects and toxicity associated with high oral doses of AZT.

Methods
Methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) carbonates of AZT were synthesised in two steps: activation of the relevant methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) with p-nitrophenyl chloroformate, followed by reaction with AZT. Analysis of the hydrolytic stability in phosphate buffer at pH 5.0 and 7.4 revealed that all the carbonates were markedly more stable at pH 5.0 than at pH 7.4 (0.01 m), with half-lives ranging from 15 to 44 days at pH 5.0 and from 6 to 24 days at pH 7.4. The potential of the series to penetrate the skin was evaluated in vitro by measuring diffusion through excised abdominal female human skin at pH 5.0.

Key findings
Prodrugs with 1–3 or 8 oxyethylene units in the methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) moiety were found to permeate the skin whereas those with 12 or 17 units did not. The prodrug with eight oxyethylene units was the most effective penetrant, permeating the skin with a mean flux of 53.3 ± 46.5 nmol/cm2 per h, which is 2.4–10.1 times that of AZT (8.55 ± 5.3 nmol/cm2 per h).

Conclusions
The bioreversible conjugation of the methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) promoiety to AZT appears to be a promising strategy for the transdermal delivery of AZT at a therapeutic dose.
Preparation, physicochemical characterization and biological evaluation of cefodizime metal ion complexes
Authors: Auda Sayed H , Mrestani Yahya , Nies Dietrich H , Groβe Cornelia , Neubert Reinhard H H 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Objectives
Cefodizime is a broad spectrum cephalosporin belonging to the third generation agents. In this study, attention has been paid to the preparation, physicochemical characterization and biological evaluation of new Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe3+, Co2+ and Al3+ complexes of cefodizime.

Methods
The stoichiometrics and the mode of bonding of the complexes were deduced from their elemental and metal analysis, electrical conductivity measurements, UV-vis, infrared and Raman spectroscopic investigations. Study of the stoichiometry of these complexes referred to the formation of 1: 1 ratios of metal to ligand. Antimicrobial activity of the complexes was determined using two strains of Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Proteus vulgaris) and two strains of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli W3110 and Pseudomonas putida) bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentration was determined as the lowest concentration inhibiting bacterial growth on solid Luria Bertani medium.

Key findings
The spectra gave evidence as to the position of binding. In addition, the aqueous solubility of cefodizime was strongly reduced by complexation.

Conclusions
The antibacterial activity of cefodizime was not affected by complexation with Al3+ but it was reduced by complexation with the other tested metal ions against the bacteria under study.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin 
Published: June 2009

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. However, we do not review software. To submit a book for review, please send it to me at the above address. Although we cannot review all books because of space limitations, we do list all books that we receive. We commission all book reviews and do not accept unsolicited reviews. To become a reviewer, please send me your name, address, and specific areas of expertise. We encourage readers to suggest books for review or to ask publishers to send copies of such books. The authors or editors of books we review in this issue are Frada Burstein, Clyde W. Holsapple, John W. Chinneck, Michael C. Ferris, Olvi L. Mangasarian, and Stephen J. Wright.
Pregnancy Intentions and Happiness Among Pregnant Black Women at High Risk for Adverse Infant Health Outcomes
Authors: Blake Susan M. , Kiely Michele , Gard Charlotte C. , El‐Mohandes Ayman A. E. , El‐Khorazaty M. Nabil ,   the NIH‐DC Initiative
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT:  Unintended pregnancy is associated with risk behaviors and increased morbidity or mortality for mothers and infants, but a woman’s feelings about pregnancy may be more predictive of risk and health outcomes than her intentions. METHODS:  A sample of 1,044 black women who were at increased risk were enrolled at prenatal care clinics in the District of Columbia in 2001–2003. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed associations between pregnancy intentions or level of happiness about being pregnant and multiple psychosocial and behavioral risk factors, and identified correlates of happiness to be pregnant. RESULTS:  Pregnancy intentions and happiness were strongly associated, but happiness was the better predictor of risk. Unhappy women had higher odds than happy women of smoking, being depressed, experiencing intimate partner violence, drinking and using illicit drugs (odds ratios, 1.7–2.6). The odds of being happy were reduced among women who had other children or a child younger than two, who were single or did not have a current partner, who had had more than one sexual partner in the past year and who reported that the baby’s father did not want the pregnancy (0.3–0.6). In contrast, the odds of being happy were elevated among women who had better coping strategies (1.03), who had not used birth control at conception (1.6) and who had 1–2 household members, rather than five or more (2.1). CONCLUSIONS:  Additional psychosocial screening for happiness about being pregnant and for partner characteristics, particularly the father’s desire to have this child, may help improve prenatal care services and prevent adverse health outcomes.
The Quality of Family Planning Services in the United States: Findings from a Literature Review
Authors: Becker Davida , Koenig Michael A. , Mi Kim Young , Cardona Kathleen , Sonenstein Freya L. 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT:  Family planning services are frequently used and important services for American women, yet little is known about their quality. Service quality has important implications for women’s reproductive health. If women do not receive adequate information and tools, and learn appropriate skills, from their providers, they may be hampered in their efforts to control their fertility. METHODS:  A variety of strategies, including database, journal and Internet searches, were used to identify published and unpublished U.S. studies on family planning service quality that came out between 1985 and 2005. Studies were categorized by their focus, and key points of their methodologies and findings were assessed. RESULTS:  Twenty‐nine studies were identified, most of which were based on client surveys. Most conceptualized quality as a multidimensional construct, but a uniform definition of quality is lacking, and the domains studied have not been consistent. The available studies focus on four areas: assessments of quality, its correlates, its consequences for client behavior and attitudes, and clients’ values and preferences regarding services. Relations between clients and service facility staff have typically been rated favorably, but communication, patient‐centeredness and efficiency have been rated more poorly. Service quality varies by characteristics of the facility, provider, client and visit. Research on the consequences of service quality for clients’ contraceptive behavior or risk of unintended pregnancy has been very limited and yielded mixed results. CONCLUSIONS:  Studies that assess service quality need stronger designs and greater consistency in measures used so that results are comparable.
Legal Abortion Worldwide: Incidence and Recent Trends
Authors: Sedgh Gilda , Henshaw Stanley K. , Singh Susheela , Bankole Akinrinola , Drescher Joanna 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT:  Information on abortion levels and trends can inform research and policies affecting maternal and reproductive health, but the incidence of legal abortion has not been assessed in nearly a decade. METHODS:  Statistics on legal abortions in 2003 were compiled for 60 countries in which the procedure is broadly legal, and trends were assessed where possible. Data sources included published and unpublished reports from official national reporting systems, questionnaires sent to government agencies and nationally representative population surveys. The completeness of country estimates was assessed by officials involved in data collection and by in‐country and regional experts. RESULTS:  In recent years, more countries experienced a decline in legal abortion rates than an increase, among those for which statistics are complete and trend data are available. The most dramatic declines were in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where rates remained among the highest in the world. The highest estimated levels were in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, where surveys indicate that women will have close to three abortions each, on average, in their lifetimes. The U.S. abortion rate dropped by 8% between 1996 and 2003, but remained higher than rates in many Northern and Western European countries. Rates increased in the Netherlands and New Zealand. The official abortion rate declined by 21% over seven years in China, which accounted for a third of the world’s legal abortions in 1996. Trends in the abortion rate differed across age‐groups in some countries. CONCLUSIONS:  The abortion rate varies widely across the countries in which legal abortion is generally available and has declined in many countries since the mid‐1990s.
The Association of Health Insurance with Use of Prescription Contraceptives
Authors: Culwell Kelly R. , Feinglass Joe 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT:  Given that substantial proportions of women of reproductive age lack health insurance coverage, it is important to assess whether lack of insurance is associated with the use of prescription contraceptives, which are the most expensive but also the most effective methods for preventing pregnancy. METHODS:  Data from 26,674 females aged 18–44 who participated in the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey (representing more than 25 million women in the U.S. population) were used to assess risk of unintended pregnancy, prescription contraceptive use and health insurance status. Logistic regression models tested the likelihood of prescription contraceptive use among insured versus uninsured respondents after controlling for socioeconomic characteristics and self‐reported overall health. RESULTS:  A significantly higher proportion of insured women than of uninsured women reported use of prescription contraceptives (54% vs. 45%). In multiple regression analysis, women lacking health insurance were 30% less likely to report using prescription contraceptive methods than were women with private or public health insurance. Results were similar across racial, age and income subgroups. CONCLUSIONS:  Lack of health insurance is associated with reduced use of prescription contraceptives. Universal insurance coverage is needed to ensure access to the most effective contraceptive methods for all women in need.
Prior Pill Experiences and Current Continuation Among Pill Restarters
Authors: Kalmuss Debra , Koenemann Shelly , Westhoff Carolyn , Heartwell Stephen , Edwards Sharon , Zieman Mimi , Cushman Linda , Robilotto Christina , Stuart Gretchen 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT:  Discontinuation of oral contraceptives often puts women at risk for unintended pregnancies. Understanding why a woman discontinued pill use can provide insight into her risk of discontinuation if she restarts use. METHODS:  Women younger than 25 obtaining oral contraceptives at three university health centers in 2003–2005 were recruited to participate in a randomized trial; 628 former users were interviewed about their previous experience with the method, and were followed up three months after restarting use. Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between prior reasons for stopping pill use and method continuation. RESULTS:  Women who had discontinued using oral contraceptives because of side effects were less likely to be very sure about restarting the pill at baseline (73%) than were those who had stopped for logistical or fertility‐related reasons (88–94%). They also were less likely to have been satisfied with the pill in the last use interval (49% vs. 95–98%) and less likely to be satisfied with it in the three months after restarting (76% vs. 89–93%). These women were more likely to report a short duration of use than an intermediate duration or continuous use during follow‐up (odds ratios, 2.5 and 4.5). CONCLUSIONS:  When counseling women who are restarting pill use, providers should ask about their experiences with the method and reasons for discontinuation; counseling for women who discontinued because of side effects should address their risk factors for early discontinuation and informing them about other contraceptive choices.
Recent Evaluations of the Peer‐Led Approach in Adolescent Sexual Health Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Caron R. , Free Caroline 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT:  Peer‐led interventions have become a popular method of providing sexual health education to adolescents, but the efficacy of this approach and the methodological quality of recent trials have not been systematically reviewed. METHODS:  Electronic and hand searches were conducted to identify quasi‐randomized and randomized controlled trials of peer‐led adolescent sexual health education published from 1998 to 2005. Studies were eligible if they had an appropriate comparison group, provided preintervention and postintervention data, and reported all outcomes. Study results were summarized and, where appropriate, pooled; in addition, 10 aspects of studies’ methodological quality were assessed. RESULTS:  Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Pooled, adjusted results from seven trials that examined the effects of peer‐led interventions on condom use at last sex found no overall benefit (odds ratio, 1.0). None of the three trials that assessed consistent condom use found a benefit. One study reported a reduced risk of chlamydia (0.2), but another found no impact on STD incidence. One study found that young women (but not young men) who received peer‐led education were more likely than nonrecipients to have never had sex. Most interventions produced improvements in knowledge, attitudes and intentions. Only three studies fulfilled all 10 of the assessed quality criteria; two others met nine criteria. CONCLUSIONS:  Despite promising results in some trials, overall findings do not provide convincing evidence that peer‐led education improves sexual outcomes among adolescents. Future trials should build on the successful trials conducted to date and should strive to fulfill existing quality criteria.
Associations Between Low‐Income Women’s Relationship Characteristics and Their Contraceptive Use
Authors: Wilson Ellen K. , Koo Helen P. 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT:  Women’s relationship context likely influences both their ability and their motivation to use contraceptives. No recent studies, however, have examined associations between women’s relationship characteristics and use of different methods. METHODS:  Data were collected in a longitudinal study of 839 low‐income women at risk of unintended pregnancy who visited public family planning and postpartum clinics and maternity wards in two Southeastern cities. Simulated probabilities calculated from multivariate analyses assessed associations between a wide range of relationship characteristics and the use of no method, condoms, withdrawal, female methods or dual methods. RESULTS:  Women who had had a child with their partner had an increased likelihood of contraceptive nonuse and use of withdrawal, and a decreased likelihood of using any female method. Respondents who were in a relationship for a relatively long time had an elevated likelihood of nonuse and use of female methods, but a lowered likelihood of condom use. Furthermore, married or cohabiting women were less likely than others to use dual methods. Respondents who had good communication with their partner had an elevated likelihood of using condoms. In addition, women who expected to receive a lot of emotional support from their partner if they became pregnant were more likely than others to report any condom use or dual method use, and less likely to report contraceptive nonuse. CONCLUSIONS:  When counseling family planning clients, providers should consider women in the context of their relationships. Future research exploring factors associated with contraceptive method use should examine variables related to the establishment, quality and expectations of their relationships.