bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of triblock copolymeric micelles of δ- valerolactone and poly (ethylene glycol) as a competent vector for doxorubicin delivery against cancer
Authors: Nair K Lekha , Jagadeeshan Sankar , Nair S Asha , Kumar G S Vinod 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Specific properties of amphiphilic copolymeric micelles like small size, stability, biodegradability and prolonged biodistribution have projected them as promising vectors for drug delivery. To evaluate the potential of δ-valerolactone based micelles as carriers for drug delivery, a novel triblock amphiphilic copolymer poly(δ-valerolactone)/poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(δ-valerolactone) (VEV) was synthesized and characterized using IR, NMR, GPC, DTA and TGA. To evaluate VEV as a carrier for drug delivery, doxorubicin (DOX) entrapped VEV micelles (VEVDMs) were prepared and analyzed for in vitro antitumor activity.

Results
VEV copolymer was successfully synthesized by ring opening polymerization and the stable core shell structure of VEV micelles with a low critical micelle concentration was confirmed by proton NMR and fluorescence based method. Doxorubicin entrapped micelles (VEVDMs) prepared using a modified single emulsion method were obtained with a mean diameter of 90 nm and high encapsulation efficiency showing a pH dependent sustained doxorubicin release. Biological evaluation in breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) and glioblastoma (U87MG) cells by flow cytometry showed 2-3 folds increase in cellular uptake of VEVDMs than free DOX. Block copolymer micelles without DOX were non cytotoxic in both the cell lines. As evaluated by the IC50 values VEVDMs induced 77.8, 71.2, 81.2% more cytotoxicity in MCF7 cells and 40.8, 72.6, 76% more cytotoxicity in U87MG cells than pristine DOX after 24, 48, 72 h treatment, respectively. Moreover, VEVDMs induced enhanced apoptosis than free DOX as indicated by higher shift in Annexin V-FITC fluorescence and better intensity of cleaved PARP. Even though, further studies are required to prove the efficacy of this formulation in vivo the comparable G2/M phase arrest induced by VEVDMs at half the concentration of free DOX confirmed the better antitumor efficacy of VEVDMs in vitro.

Conclusions
Our studies clearly indicate that VEVDMs possess great therapeutic potential for long-term tumor suppression. Furthermore, our results launch VEV as a promising nanocarrier for an effective controlled drug delivery in cancer chemotherapy.
A tool to measure the attributes of receiving IV therapy in a home versus hospital setting: the Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Management Scale (MSRMS)
Authors: Riazi Afsane , Porter Bernadette , Chataway Jeremy , Thompson Alan J , Hobart Jeremy C 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Intravenous steroids are routinely used to treat disabling relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS). Theoretically, the infusion could take place at home, rather than in hospital. Findings from other patient populations suggest that patients may find the experiences of home relapse management more desirable. However, formal comparison of these two settings, from the patients' point of view, was prevented by the lack of a clinical scale. We report the development of a rating scale to measure patient's experiences of relapse management that allowed this question to be answered confidently.

Methods
Scale development had three stages. First, in-depth interviews of 21 MS patients generated a conceptual model and pool of potential scale items. Second, these items were administered to 160 people with relapsing-remitting MS. Standard psychometric techniques were used to develop a scale. Third, the psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated in a randomised controlled trial of 138 patients whose relapses were managed either at home or hospital.

Results
A preliminary conceptual model with eight dimensions, and a pool of 154 items was generated. From this we developed the MS Relapse Management Scale (MSRMS), a 42-item with four subscales: access to care (6 items), coordination of care (11 items), information (7 items), interpersonal care (18 items). The MSRMS subscales satisfied most psychometric criteria but had notable floor effects.

Conclusions
The MSRMS is a reliable and valid measure of patients' experiences of MS relapse management. The high floor effects suggest most respondents had positive care experiences. Results demonstrate that patients' experiences of relapse management can be measured, and that the MSRMS is a powerful tool for determining which services to develop, support and ultimately commission.
Assessing food appeal and desire to eat: the effects of portion size & energy density
Authors: Burger Kyle S , Cornier Marc A , Ingebrigtsen Jan , Johnson Susan L 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundVisual presentation of food provides considerable information such as its potential for palatability and availability, both of which can impact eating behavior.MethodsWe investigated the subjective ratings for food appeal and desire to eat when exposed to food pictures in a fed sample (n = 129) using the computer paradigm ImageRate. Food appeal and desire to eat were analyzed for the effects of food group, portion size and energy density of the foods presented as well as by participant characteristics.ResultsFood appeal ratings were significantly higher than those for desire to eat (57.9 ± 11.6 v. 44.7 ± 18.0;p< 0.05). Body mass index was positively correlated to desire to eat (r= 0.20;p< 0.05), but not food appeal. Food category analyses revealed that fruit was the highest rated food category for both appeal and desire, followed by discretionary foods. Additionally, overweight individuals reported higher ratings of desire to eat large portions of food compared to smaller portions (p< 0.001), although these effects were relatively small. Energy density of the foods was inversely correlated with ratings for both appeal and desire (r's = - 0.27;p's < 0.01).ConclusionsResults support the hypothesis that individuals differentiate between food appeal and desire to eat foods when assessing these ratings using the same type of metric. Additionally, relations among food appeal and desire to eat ratings and body mass show overweight individuals could be more responsive to visual foods cues in a manner that contributes to obesity.
Efficacy of electroacupuncture at Zhongliao point (BL33) for mild and moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Zhishun , Yu Jinna , Ding Yulong , Liu Xuan 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Acu-point specificity is a key issue in acupuncture. To date there has not been any satisfactory trial which can ratify the specific effect of acupuncture. This trial will evaluate the specific effect of BL33 for mild and moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on the basis of its effectiveness. The non-specific effect will be excluded and the therapeutic effect will be evaluated.

Method
This is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. 100 Patients will be randomly allocated into the treatment group (n = 50) and the control group (n = 50). The treatment group receives needling at BL33 and the control group receives needling at non-point. The needling depth, angle, direction, achievement of De Qi and parameters of electroacupuncture are exactly the same in both groups. The primary outcome measure is reduction of international prostate symptom score (IPSS) at the 6th week and the secondary outcome measures are reduction of bladder residual urine, increase in maximum urinary flow rate at the 6th week and reduction of IPSS at the 18th week.

Discussion
This trial will assess the specific therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at BL33 for mild and moderate BPH.

Trial registration
Protocol Registration System of Clinical Trials.gov NCT01218243
Docetaxel- and 5-FU-concurrent radiotherapy in patients presenting unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a FNCLCC-ACCORD/0201 randomized phase II trial's pre-planned analysis and case report of a 5.5-year disease-free survival
Authors: Oberic Lucie , Viret Frédéric , Baey Charlotte , Ychou Marc , Bennouna Jaafar , Adenis Antoine , Peiffert Didier , Mornex Françoise , Pignon Jean-Pierre , Celier Patrice , Berille Jocelyne , Ducreux Michel 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
To explore possible improvement in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC) we performed a randomized, non-comparative phase II study evaluating docetaxel - plus either daily continuous 5 FU or weekly cisplatin concurrent to radiotherapy. We report here the results of the docetaxel plus 5 FU regimen stopped according to the interim analysis. The docetaxel plus cisplatin arm was continued.

Methods
Forty (40) chemotherapy-naive patients with unresectable LAPC were randomly assigned (1:1) to either continuous fluorouracil (5-FU) 200 mg/m2/day (protracted IV) and docetaxel (DCT) 20 mg/m2/week or DCT 20 mg/m2 and cisplatin (CDDP) 20 mg/m2, plus concurrent radiotherapy for a period of 6 weeks. The radiation dose to the primary tumor was 54 Gy in 30 fractions. The trial's primary endpoint was the 6-month crude non-progression rate (NPR). Secondary endpoints were tolerance, objective response rate, and overall survival. Accrual was to be stopped if at 6 months more than 13 disease progressions were observed in 20 patients.

Results
Eighteen (18) progressions occurred at 6 months in the 5-FU-DCT arm. Six-month NPR was 10% (95%CI: 0-23). Six and 12-month survivals were 85% (95%CI: 64-95) and 40% (95%CI: 22-61); median overall survival was 10.1 months. Median progression-free survival was 4.3 months. We report the case of one patient who was amenable to surgery and has been in complete response (CR) for 5.5 years. Toxicities grade ≥ 3 were reported in 75% of patients; no treatment-related death occurred. Severe toxicities were mainly vomiting (35%), abdominal pain (10%) and fatigue (10%).

Conclusions
Combination of 5-FU, docetaxel and radiotherapy has inadequate efficacy in the treatment of LAPC despite good tolerance for the 5-FU-DCT regimen.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00112697
Reptilian-transcriptome v1.0, a glimpse in the brain transcriptome of five divergent Sauropsida lineages and the phylogenetic position of turtles
Authors: Tzika Athanasia C , Helaers Raphaël , Schramm Gerrit , Milinkovitch Michel C 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundReptiles are largely under-represented in comparative genomics despite the fact that they are substantially more diverse in many respects than mammals. Given the high divergence of reptiles from classical model species, next-generation sequencing of their transcriptomes is an approach of choice for gene identification and annotation.ResultsHere, we use 454 technology to sequence the brain transcriptome of four divergent reptilian and one reference avian species: the Nile crocodile, the corn snake, the bearded dragon, the red-eared turtle, and the chicken. Using an in-house pipeline for recursive similarity searches of >3,000,000 reads against multiple databases from 7 reference vertebrates, we compile a reptilian comparative transcriptomics dataset, with homology assignment for 20,000 to 31,000 transcripts per species and a cumulated non-redundant sequence length of 248.6 Mbases. Our approach identifies the majority (87%) of chicken brain transcripts and about 50% ofde novoassembled reptilian transcripts. In addition to 57,502 microsatellite loci, we identify thousands of SNP and indel polymorphisms for population genetic and linkage analyses. We also build very large multiple alignments for Sauropsida and mammals (two million residues per species) and perform extensive phylogenetic analyses suggesting that turtles are not basal living reptiles but are rather associated with Archosaurians, hence, potentially answering a long-standing question in the phylogeny of Amniotes.ConclusionsThe reptilian transcriptome (freely available athttp://www.reptilian-transcriptomes.org) should prove a useful new resource as reptiles are becoming important new models for comparative genomics, ecology, and evolutionary developmental genetics.
National Survey of Neonatal Transport Teams in the United States
Authors: Karlsen Kristine A. , Trautman Michael , Price-Douglas Webra , Smith Sandra 
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:Neonatal transport in the United States is a complex process; however, little is known about the neonatal transport team (NTT) workforce. The purpose of this national study was to describe the US NTT workforce.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS:An exploratory, descriptive design that used a Web-based survey questionnaire was used. We identified 398 NTTs, and 345 (86.7%) were enrolled. One survey was completed per team.RESULTS:Ten NTTs did not complete the survey (response rate: 84.2%). Of the 335 completed surveys, 229 (68.4%) were from unit-based teams and 106 (31.6%) were from dedicated teams. Twenty-six different NTT compositions were used. All except 1 (n = 334) had a registered nurse or a neonatal nurse practitioner as a team member. A registered nurse–respiratory therapist team composition was the most common for unit-based (40.2%) and dedicated (44.3%) teams. Dedicated teams used rotor and fixed-wing modes of travel more frequently, transported further distances, and had higher transport volumes than unit-based teams. The median transport volumes reported suggest that as many as 68 797 critically ill neonates are transported each year.CONCLUSIONS:There is wide variation in many aspects of neonatal transport, including orientation, determination of readiness for independent transport, use of protocols to guide transport care, and quality assurance activities. These results will be useful for (1) evaluating existing transport services, (2) guiding necessary changes in training or services, and (3) aiding programs that seek to develop a neonatal transport program.
Overestimating Neurodevelopment Using the Bayley-III After Early Complex Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Acton Bryan V. , Biggs Wayne S. G. , Creighton Dianne E. , Penner Karen A. H. , Switzer Heather N. , Thomas Julianne H. Petrie , Joffe Ari R. , Robertson Charlene M. T. 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:The newest measure of neurodevelopmental outcomes, the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (Bayley-III), gives higher-than-expected scores for preterm infants; results after cardiac surgery are unknown.OBJECTIVES:The goal of this study was to report Bayley-III scores after cardiac surgery and compare the results with those of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd Edition (BSID-II) on a subset of the same children.METHODS:In this prospective, inception cohort, neurodevelopmental outcome study after complex cardiac surgery in infants from 2004 to 2007, the Bayley-III was given to 110 survivors (68% boys) at a mean age of 21 months (SD: 4 months). Analysis of variance was used to compare intergroup differences. Results for both test editions on the same 25 children were compared by using paired-samples statistics.RESULTS:Mean (SD) Bayley-III mean composite scores (CSs) for 110 children were as follows: cognitive, 95.9 (14.1); language, 90.8 (18.1); and motor, 93.7 (14.2), differentiating selected cardiac surgery groups. The average difference in mean CSs was 7.4 points higher than BSID-II scores for a previous cohort from this site and 7.2 points higher than a systematic review report. Direct comparison of BSID-II and Bayley-III revealed an average difference in mean CSs of 6.1 points, similar to normative results. Mean cognitive CSs increased by 10.0 (P &lt;.001), language by 1.4 (P = .526), and motor by 6.9 points (P = .009).CONCLUSIONS:Researchers should be careful attributing higher Bayley-III scores to changes in acute care. At-risk children who previously qualified for early developmental intervention may no longer do so. School-age longitudinal studies are needed to determine the accuracy of early developmental estimates using the Bayley-III.
Mechanical Properties and Magnetism: Stainless Steel Alloys from First-principles Theory
Authors: Vitos L. , Zhang H. L. , Al-Zoubi N. , Lu S. , Nilsson J.-O. , Hertzman S. , Johansson B. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTStainless steels are among the most important engineering materials, finding their principal scope in industry, specifically in cutlery, food production, storage, architecture, medical equipment, etc. Austenitic stainless steels form the largest sub-category of stainless steels having as the main building blocks the paramagnetic substitutional disordered Fe-Cr-Ni-based alloys. Because of that, austenitic steels represent the primary choice for non-magnetic engineering materials. The presence of the chemical and magnetic disorder hindered any previous attempt to calculate the fundamental electronic, structural and mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steels from first-principles theories. Our ability to reach an ab initio atomistic level approach in this exciting field has become possible by the Exact Muffin-Tin Orbitals (EMTO) method. This method, in combination with the coherent potential approximation, has proved an accurate tool in the description of the concentrated random alloys. Using the EMTO method, we presented an insight to the electronic and magnetic structure, and micromechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel alloys. In the present contribution, we will discuss the role of magnetism on the stacking fault energies and elastic properties of paramagnetic Fe-based alloys.
Solubility Products for Precipitate Phases in Steels from First-principles Calculations
Authors: Klymko Tetyana , Ande Chaitanya Krishna , Sluiter Marcel 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe work presented gives an insight into using formation enthalpies determined from ab initio calculations for computing solubility products in steels. The role of enthalpy and entropy contributions to the solubility product is discussed. As an illustration of the method, we present solubility products for observed stoichiometric precipitate phases in ferrite from first-principles calculations and in austenite as obtained from the combined approach based on ab initio and experimental phase diagram analysis. The results are compared with experimental data where available.
CVM-based first-principles calculations for Fe-based alloys
Authors: Mohri Tetsuo 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTCluster Variation Method (CVM) has been recognized as one of the most reliable theoretical tools to incorporate wide range of atomic correlations into a free energy formula. By combining CVM with electronic structure total energy calculations, one can perform first-principles calculations of alloy phase equilibria. The author attempted such CVM-based first-principles calculations for various alloy systems including noble metal alloys, transition-noble alloys, III-V semiconductor alloys and Fe-based alloy systems. Furthermore, CVM can be extended to two kinds of kinetics calculations. One is Path Probability Method (PPM) which is the natural extension of the CVM to time domain and is quite powerful to investigate atomistic kinetic phenomena. The other one is Phase Field Method (PFM) with the CVM free energy as a homogeneous free energy density term in the PFM. The author’s group applied the latter procedure to study time evolution process of ordered domains associated with disorder-L10 transition in Fe-Pd and Fe-Pt systems. CVM has, therefore, a potential applicability for the systematic studies covering atomistic to microstructural scales. It has been, however, pointed out that the conventional CVM is not able to include local lattice relaxation effects and that the resulting order-disorder transition temperatures are overestimated. In order to circumvent such inconveniences, Continuous Displacement Cluster Variation Method (CDCVM) has been developed. Since first-principles CDCVM calculations are still beyond the scope at the present stage, preliminary results on the two dimensional square lattice and an fcc lattice with primitive Lennard-Jones type potentials are demonstrated in the last section.
A two pulse drug delivery system for amoxicillin: An attempt to counter the scourge of bacterial resistance against antibiotics
Authors: Akhter Habban , Saigal Nitin , Baboota Sanjula , Faisal Shah , Ali Javed 
Published: September 2011

A two pulse drug delivery system for amoxicillin: An attempt to counter the scourge of bacterial resistance against antibiotics
Bearing in mind the present scenario of the increasing biological tolerance of bacteria against antibiotics, a time controlled two pulse dosage form of amoxicillin was developed. The compression coating inlay tablet approach was used to deliver the drug in two pulses to different parts of the GIT after a well defined lag time between the two releases. This was made possible by formulating a core containing one of the two drug fractions (intended to be delivered as the second pulse), which was spray coated with a suspension of ethyl cellulose and a hydrophilic but water insoluble agent as a pore former (microcrystalline cellulose). Coating of up to 5 % (m/m) was applied over the core tablet, giving a corresponding lag of 3, 5, 7 and 12 h. Increasing the level of coating led to retardation of the water uptake capacity of the core, leading to prolongation of the lag time. Microcrystalline cellulose was used as a hydrophilic but water insoluble porosity modifier in the barrier layer, varying the concentration of which had a significant effect on shortening or prolongation of the lag time. This coated system was further partially compression coated with the remaining drug fraction (to be released as the first immediate release pulse) with a disintegrant, giving a final tablet. The core tablet and the final two pulse inlay tablet were further investigated for their in vitro performance.
Cordon pricing in the monocentric city: theory and application to Paris region
Authors: De Palma André , Kilani Moez , de Lara Michel , Piperno Serge 
Published: September 2011

Résumé Nous proposons un algorithme de résolution du modèle monocentrique de transport avec congestion et nous utilisons cet algorithme afin d’explorer l’impact du péage routier dans les zones urbaines. Plus particulièrement, on considère la région Île-de-France et on cherche à comparer le péage de cordon simple avec le péage de cordon double. Le cas de référence étant celui où il n’y a pas de péage (situation actuelle). On trouve que le cordon double permet d’atteindre un niveau d’efficience de 73 % (par rapport à l’optimum de premier rang) et donc une amélioration de près de 10 % par rapport au cordon simple. Les deux schémas contribuent à réduire les véhicules-kilomètres et donc les émissions de CO 2 . Nous discutons aussi la question de l’acceptabilité du péage où l’on montre une opposition relativement plus faible pour le cordon double. Classification JEL : R21, R41, R48.
Airline Pricing Strategies Versus Consumer Rights
Authors: Bischoff Gregor , Maertens Sven , Grimme Wolfgang 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAs airlines price-discriminate, business travelers usually have to pay prices above average cost for flexible tickets. This allows the airlines to offer cheaper tickets to leisure travelers, albeit in the form of restrictive fares. Methods used by business travelers to circumvent strict rules of discounted fares are known as “cross-” and “hidden-city” ticketing. However, according to IATA Recommended Practice 1724, Article 3.3.1, airlines reserve the right to cancel all remaining legs of a booking if flight coupons are not used in full and sequential order. We discuss this issue from both a legal and commercial perspective. After providing an overview of various legal opinions, we predict the impact on airline marketing and economics if the described forms of fare rule circumvention are allowed.