bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rationale, challenges, and participants in a Phase II trial of a botanical product for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Reddy K Rajender , Belle Steven H , Fried Michael W , Afdhal Nezam , Navarro Victor J , Hawke Roy L , Wahed Abdus S , Doo Edward , Meyers Catherine M ,   for the SyNCH Study Group
Published: November 2011

Background Chronic hepatitis C is associated with significant morbidity and mortality as a consequence of progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Current treatment for chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon (IFN) and ribavirin is associated with suboptimal responses and numerous adverse effects. A number of botanical products have been used to treat hepatic disorders. Silymarin, extracted from the milk thistle plant, Silybum marianum (L) Gaertn. (Asteraceae), has been most widely used for various liver disorders, including chronic hepatitis C, B, and alcoholic liver disease. However, the safety and efficacy of silymarin have not been studied systematically in chronic hepatitis C. Purpose We describe our strategy for a phased approach for studying the impact of silymarin in hepatitis C, in the context of the unique challenges of botanical product clinical trials and the development of specific and curative antiviral therapy. Methods This multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with four clinical centers and a data-coordinating center in the United States, to assess the impact of silymarin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C who failed conventional antiviral therapy. Results Key aspects relevant to performing clinical trials of botanical products include early identification of an appropriate product with standard product chemistry, acquisition of pharmacokinetic and dosing information, selection of the appropriate study group, and choosing rigorous outcome variables. Potential limitations Trial participants were chronic hepatitis C patients who were nonsustained virologic responders to IFN-based therapy; therefore, the findings are not generalizable to all hepatitis C populations. Further, alanine aminotransferase, a biochemical liver test, rather than hepatitis viral RNA or liver histology was the primary end point. Conclusions The challenges identified and addressed during development of this United States multicenter Phase II trial to evaluate silymarin for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection who had failed to respond successfully to previous IFN-based therapy are common and must be addressed to conduct rigorous trials of botanical products.
The repertoire of λ light chains causing predominant amyloid heart involvement and identification of a preferentially involved germline gene, IGLV1-44
Authors: Perfetti Vittorio , Palladini Giovanni , Casarini Simona , Navazza Valentina , Rognoni Paola , Obici Laura , Invernizzi Rosangela , Perlini Stefano , Klersy Catherine , Merlini Giampaolo 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Monoclonal Ig light chains (LC) can be responsible for pathologic conditions in humans, as in systemic amyloid light amyloidosis. Protean clinical manifestations characterize this disorder with the most varied combination of symptoms generated by different degrees of diverse organ involvement. Kidney and heart are most frequently interested, with major heart involvement as the most relevant prognostic factor. The identification of the underlying mechanism involved in organ targeting is of major relevance for the pathobiology of this disorder. To this aim, we characterized the repertoire of variable region germline genes of λ LC preferentially targeting the heart and compared it with the repertoire of LC that do not in a case-control study. We found that the repertoires were highly restricted, showing preferential use of the same few germline genes but with a different frequency pattern. A single gene, IGVL1-44, was found associated with a 5-fold increase in the odds of dominant heart involvement (after adjusting for confounders in a multivariable logistic model). These results support an involvement of LC genetics in the determination of organ targeting. Study of the characteristics of IGVL1-44-LC with, and of the minority without, heart involvement might lead to identification of LC/tissue interactions.
IL-15 administered by continuous infusion to rhesus macaques induces massive expansion of CD8+ T effector memory population in peripheral blood
Authors: Sneller Michael C. , Kopp William C. , Engelke Kory J. , Yovandich Jason L. , Creekmore Stephen P. , Waldmann Thomas A. , Lane H. Clifford 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
IL-15 promotes activation and maintenance of natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T effector memory (TEM) cells, making it a potential immunotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer and immunodeficiency states. Here we report the immunologic effects of 3 different IL-15 dosing strategies in Rhesus macaques. IL-15 at a dose of 20 μg/kg/d administered by continuous intravenous infusion for 10 days resulted in a massive (100-fold) expansion of CD8+ TEM cells in the peripheral blood. In contrast, the administration of 20-40 μg/kg/d of IL-15 by subcutaneous injection resulted in a more modest (10-fold) expansion of CD8+ TEM cells. NK expansion was similar in both the continuous intravenous and daily subcutaneous treatment groups. The observation that IL-15 administered by continuous intravenous infusion is able to induce markedly greater expansions of CD8+ TEM cells than the same dose administered by other routes may have important implications for clinical development of this cytokine.
The existence of solutions to the nonhomogeneous "Equation missing" -harmonic equation
Authors: Li Guanfeng , Wang Yong , Bao Gejun 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the obstacle problem about the nonhomogeneous

A

-harmonic equation. Then, we prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the nonhomogeneous

A

-harmonic equation and the obstacle problem.
Loss of interest, depressed mood and impact on the quality of life: Cross-sectional survey
Authors: Guajardo Valeri D , Souza Bruno PF , Henriques Sérgio G , Lucia Mara CS , Menezes Paulo R , Martins Milton A , Tardivo Leila SLPC , Gattaz Wagner F , Fráguas Renério 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Depressive symptoms and chronic disease have adverse effects on patients' health-related quality of life (H-RQOL). However, little is known about this effect on H-RQOL when only the two core depressive symptoms - loss of interest and depressed mood - are considered. The objective of this study is to investigate H-RQOL in the presence of loss of interest and depressed mood at a general medical outpatient unit.

Methods
We evaluated 553 patients at their first attendance at a general medical outpatient unit of a teaching hospital. H-RQOL was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Depressed mood and loss of interest were assessed by the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD)-Patient Questionnaire. A physician performed the diagnosis of chronic diseases by clinical judgment and classified them in 13 possible pre-defined categories. We used multiple linear regression to investigate associations between each domain of H-RQOL and our two core depression symptoms. The presence of chronic diseases and demographic variables were included in the models as covariates.

Results
Among the 553 patients, 70.5% were women with a mean age of 41.0 years (range 18-85, SD ± 15.4). Loss of interest was reported by 54.6%, and depressed mood by 59.7% of the patients. At least one chronic disease was diagnosed in 59.5% of patients; cardiovascular disease was the most prevalent, affecting 20.6% of our patients. Loss of interest and depressed mood was significantly associated with decreased scores in all domains of H-RQOL after adjustment for possible confounders. The presence of any chronic disease was associated with a decrease in the domain of vitality. The analysis of each individual chronic disease category revealed that no category was associated with a decrease in more than one domain of H-RQOL.

Conclusion
Loss of interest and depressed mood were associated with significant decreases in H-RQOL. We recommend these simple tests for screening in general practice.
Graphitic carbon growth on crystalline and amorphous oxide substrates using molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Jerng Sahng-Kyoon , Seong Yu Dong , Hong Lee Jae , Kim Christine , Yoon Seokhyun , Chun Seung-Hyun 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe report graphitic carbon growth on crystalline and amorphous oxide substrates by using carbon molecular beam epitaxy. The films are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The formations of nanocrystalline graphite are observed on silicon dioxide and glass, while mainly sp
2
amorphous carbons are formed on strontium titanate and yttria-stabilized zirconia. Interestingly, flat carbon layers with high degree of graphitization are formed even on amorphous oxides. Our results provide a progress toward direct graphene growth on oxide materials.PACS: 81.05.uf; 81.15.Hi; 78.30.Ly.
Genomic phenotyping of the essential and non-essential yeast genome detects novel pathways for alkylation resistance
Authors: Svensson J Peter , Pesudo Laia Quirós , Fry Rebecca C , Adeleye Yeyejide A , Carmichael Paul , Samson Leona D 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
A myriad of new chemicals has been introduced into our environment and exposure to these agents can damage cells and induce cytotoxicity through different mechanisms, including damaging DNA directly. Analysis of global transcriptional and phenotypic responses in the yeast S. cerevisiae provides means to identify pathways of damage recovery upon toxic exposure.

Results
Here we present a phenotypic screen of S. cerevisiae in liquid culture in a microtiter format. Detailed growth measurements were analyzed to reveal effects on ~5,500 different haploid strains that have either non-essential genes deleted or essential genes modified to generate unstable transcripts. The pattern of yeast mutants that are growth-inhibited (compared to WT cells) reveals the mechanisms ordinarily used to recover after damage. In addition to identifying previously-described DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint deficient strains, we also identified new functional groups that profoundly affect MMS sensitivity, including RNA processing and telomere maintenance.

Conclusions
We present here a data-driven method to reveal modes of toxicity of different agents that impair cellular growth. The results from this study complement previous genomic phenotyping studies as we have expanded the data to include essential genes and to provide detailed mutant growth analysis for each individual strain. This eukaryotic testing system could potentially be used to screen compounds for toxicity, to identify mechanisms of toxicity, and to reduce the need for animal testing.
π-Conjugated Polymers, (Th(R)–CH=CH–Th(R))n (Th(R) = 3-Alkylthiophene-2,5-diyl; R = Octyl, Decyl, and Dodecyl): Preparation of Dibromo Monomers and the Polymers
Authors: Yamamoto Takakazu , Kumagai Akira , Kokubo Hisashi , Nakamura Yoshiyuki 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
π-Conjugated polymers, (Th(R)–CH=CH–Th(R))n (Th(R) = 3-alkylthiophene-2,5-diyl; R = octyl, decyl, and dodecyl), and their dibromo monomers have been prepared. The polymers show a tendency to self-assemble in solutions and in the solid state. X-ray diffraction data suggest that the polymers assume an interdigitation packing in the solid state.
Tailoring the Surface Chemistry of Activated Carbon by Nitric Acid: Study Using Response Surface Method
Authors: Houshmand Amirhossein , Daud Wan Mohd Ashri Wan , Shafeeyan Mohammad Saleh 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Tailoring the surface chemistry of adsorbents, especially activated carbons, make them suitable to specific applications. Many times oxidation is the first step and greatly affects the next steps of tailoring. We modified the surface chemistry of a microporous activated carbon (AC) by nitric acid solutions at different conditions of acid concentration, time, and oxidation temperature. The oxidized AC samples were inspected with the aid of physical adsorption–desorption of nitrogen at 77 °C and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). It was shown that oxidation by nitric acid lowers surface area of the studied AC even at mild severity. Moreover, different instrumental analysis pointed out creation of a considerable amount of oxygen-containing functional groups, especially acidic ones on the surface. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of oxidation parameters and to provide a compromise between the amount of oxygen groups and BET surface area as two of studied responses. The significant factors and interactions on each response were recognized by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A linear model and a two factor interaction (2FI) model were developed to correlate the oxidation conditions to BET surface area and the amount of oxygen surface groups. In addition, optimized oxidation conditions were established.
Shape-Selective Isopropylation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons over H-Mordenite in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Medium
Authors: Laha Subhash Chandra , Naiki Hiroaki , Komura Kenichi , Sugi Yoshihiro 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The isopropylation of aromatic hydrocarbons isobutylbenzene (IBB), naphthalene (NP), and biphenyl (BP) was examined over H-mordenite (MOR), H-β (BEA), and H-Y (FAU) zeolites in supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) medium. MOR was only selective for the formation of the least bulky 4-isobutylcumene (4-IBC) in the isopropylation of IBB. In particular, the catalytic activity and selectivity for 4-IBC were enhanced by the dealumination of MOR; MOR with 110 of SiO2/Al2O3 ratio rendered the highest performance; however, the catalytic activity was decreased by further dealumination. Thermogravimetric analyses confirmed the reduction of coke formation on the catalysts in sc-CO2 medium, preventing the deactivation of MOR. Shape-selective formation of the least bulky isomers, 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene (2,6-DIPN) and 4,4′-diisopropylbiphenyl (4,4′-DIPB), was also observed in the isopropylation of NP and BP over MOR in sc-CO2. sc-CO2 works as an efficient medium to access and/or replace substrates and their products to/from acidic sites in the MOR channels. In particular, the removal of coke precursors from acidic sites on the zeolite is enhanced by the sc-CO2 medium, resulting in decreased coke formation.
Seasonal pseudohyperkalaemia: no longer an issue?
Authors: Turner Helen E , Peake Roy W A , Allison James J 
Published: November 2011

Background Spurious hyperkalaemia is a well-recognized problem when reporting potassium results in samples originating from Primary Care. This is particularly relevant in laboratories serving large geographical areas where sample transport can cause significant delays in sample centrifugation. We have carried out a retrospective audit comparing serum potassium results on samples centrifuged at the general practice (GP) with those centrifuged on arrival at the clinical laboratory. Methods Potassium results were reviewed on serum samples received from 87 GPs in the Grampian region between August 2010 and March 2011. Potassium results were compared between samples centrifuged at the practice versus those centrifuged on arrival at the clinical laboratory. Results In the period between November 2010 and February 2011, median monthly serum potassium results were significantly different between samples centrifuged at practices and those centrifuged on arrival at the laboratory. Median potassium concentrations were 10.2% higher in January 2011 (4.8 mmol/L; interquartile range [IQR]: 4.5–5.1) compared with August 2010 (4.3 mmol/L; IQR: 4.0–4.6). A similar trend in monthly median potassium concentrations was not evident in samples centrifuged at source over the same period. Conclusions The introduction of centrifuges into all GPs across NHS Grampian has significantly reduced the effect of seasonal variation in serum potassium results. There has also been a concurrent reduction in the number of cases of spurious hyperkalaemia. This exercise has significantly improved the overall quality of potassium results reported to Primary Care.
Mean displacement map of spine and spinal cord disorders using high b-value q-space imaging-feasibility study
Authors: Hori Masaaki , Motosug Utaroh , Fatima Zareen , Ishigame Keiichi , Araki Tsutomu 
Published: November 2011

Background Q-space analysis is a new metric that uses multiple, high b-value, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) data. This technique shows promising results as a tool to provide information complementary to that of other imaging techniques used on biological tissue in vivo. Purpose To investigate the use of a mean displacement (MDP) map of high b-value, q-space imaging (QSI) to characterize spinal and spinal cord lesions in vivo. Material and Methods Eight patients with spine or spinal cord disorders (two neurinomas, one myeloma, three cases of syringohydromyelia, and two cases of cervical spondylosis) were included. The MR imaging protocol consisted of conventional MR sequences, conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; b = 1000), and high b-value QSI with a maximum q value of 836.9 cm−1. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps of conventional DWI and MDP maps of QSI data were obtained and region-of-interest analyses for the lesions were performed. Results MDP values of normal spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and tumor parenchyma were 6.57 ± 0.52, 17.6 ± 2.75, and 8.49 ± 2.09, respectively (µm, mean ± standard deviation). In general, MDP maps were not well correlated with the corresponding ADC maps at the pathologic lesions. Spondylotic lesions tended to have higher MDP values than normal spinal cord, whereas syringohydromyelia produced MDP values slightly lower than those of CSF. Conclusion The heterogeneous MDP values were probably due to differences in tissues and pathologic structures. This technique has potential to provide additional clinical information to that obtained with conventional MR imaging.
Diagnosis of Whole-Body Vibration Related Health Problems in Occupational Medicine
Authors: Johanning Eckardt 
Published: November 2011

Occupational whole-body vibration (WBV) exposed workers may report nonspecific health complaints or debilitating physical disorders. Health care providers and safety professionals may not recognize such occupational injuries and be unfamiliar with appropriate exposure assessment. Method: Review of peer-reviewed clinical studies and publications, medical evidence, differential diagnostic evaluation protocols, surveillance programs, national and international standards, and intervention recommendations regarding WBV. Results: There are well-designed epidemiological studies showing that prolonged and increasing exposures to WBV can primarily result in musculoskeletal or neurological disorders of the spine. Less frequent and weaker evidence exist for organ damage that include intestinal organs, vascular system and other body parts. In some countries spinal injury caused by long-term occupational WBV exposure is compensable. Many physicians and occupational safety experts seem to be unfamiliar with the wide spectrum of health complaints and the proper evaluation of WBV-exposed patients following expert reviews and international guidelines/standards. Detailed protective regulations and provisions exist primarily in highly industrialized countries with good occupational health systems. The causal diagnosis should be based on medical findings, a differential diagnostic methodology and adequate work exposure assessment and documentation of WBV. Conclusion: A proper WBV-related injury diagnosis includes a critical review of the work history, exposure data assessment and the clinical differential diagnostic evaluation. Many health care providers receive little or no training in the recognition of WBV-related injuries and case management. WBV health surveillance should assess the health status of WBV-exposed workers and address preventive measures for employers and employees.
Oral Solid Medication Appearance Should Play a Greater Role in Medication Error Prevention;Some Nurses Unaware of Proper Use of Sensorcaine Vials;Tall Man Letters in RxNorm;Tamiflu Concentration Change
Authors: Michael R. Cohen , Judy L. Smetzer 
Published: November 2011

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Impacting Readmission Rates and Patient Satisfaction: Results of a Discharge Pharmacist Pilot Program
Authors: Wilkinson Samaneh Tavalali , Aroop Pal , Richard J. Couldry 
Published: November 2011

Background Readmission to a hospital within 30 days of discharge has become a key quality outcome measure. With an observed 30-day readmission rate as high as 20% and attributed costs of almost $17.4 billion a year for Medicare patients, the potential implications for patients and the entire health care system are significant. Medication-related complications have been shown to increase the risk for unplanned readmission. Pharmacists have an opportunity to impact quality and cost by risk stratifying and identify patients at high risk for hospital readmission. Objective To study the impact of a pharmacist-driven discharge counseling program for high-risk patients identified by BOOST (Better Outcomes for Older adults through Safe Transitions) criteria on 30-day readmission rates. Method This was a prospective, cohort, nonrandomized trial at a single medical-surgical unit with telemetry capability at a single academic medical center including 669 patients who were older than 18 years. Primary outcome was 30-day readmission rate. Secondary outcomes were the number and type of pharmacist interventions, cost avoidance, and patient satisfaction results. Results The readmission rate for patients counseled by a pharmacist during the discharge process was 15.7% compared to 21.6% for patients not counseled by a pharmacist on discharge (relative risk [RR] 0.728; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.514–1.032; P = .04). The readmission rate for adult medicine patients not counseled at discharge by a pharmacist in the study was comparable to the readmission rates of a similar patient control group at 3 months and 1 year prior to the initiation of the study (18.7% and 19.1% vs 19.6%). Conclusions Pharmacists' support in the discharge process facilitated increased communication on the multidisciplinary team and resulted in a lower unplanned readmission rate for patients.