bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Tween 80 on volume-regulated chloride channel and cell proliferation in rat basilar artery smooth muscle cell
Authors: Du Ren-Hong , Tang Yong-Bo , Zhou Jia-Guo , Guan Yong-Yuan 
Published: January 2011

Abstract

Objectives
We have previously found that volume-regulated chloride current (VRCC) is involved in cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. This study was to examine the effect of Tween 80, a nonionic surfactant, on VRCC and cell proliferation in rat basilar artery smooth muscle cells (BASMCs).

Methods
VRCC was recorded using a whole-cell patch clamp. Cell proliferation and cell cycle were determined by CCK-8, cell count and flow cytometry.

Key findings
The results showed that endothelin-1 promotes cell cycle transition from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase and significantly increases VRCC in BASMCs. The effect of Tween 80 on VRCC is reversible and concentration dependent. However, this chemical has no effect on the calcium-activated chloride channel. Tween 80 also concentration-dependently inhibits BASMCs proliferation and arrests cells in the G1/S checkpoint. The antiproliferative effect is paralleled with the inhibitory effect on VRCC.

Conclutision
Our study demonstrates that the inhibitory effect of Tween 80 on VRCC contributes importantly to arrest of the cell cycle and prevention of cell proliferation.
Design and development of gliclazide-loaded chitosan microparticles for oral sustained drug delivery: in-vitro/in-vivo evaluation
Authors: Barakat Nahla S , Almurshedi Alanood S 
Published: January 2011

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study was to prepare gliclazide–chitosan microparticles with tripolyphosphate by ionic crosslinking.

Methods
Chitosan microparticles were produced by emulsification and ionotropic gelation. The effects of process variables including chitosan concentration, pH of tripolyphosphate solution, glutaraldehyde volume and release modifier agent such as pectin added to the tripolyphosphate crosslinking solution were evaluated. The microparticles were examined with scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning colorimetry. The serum glucose lowering effect of gliclazide microparticles was studied in streptozotocin-diabetic rabbits compared with the effect of pure gliclazide powder and gliclazide commercial tablets.

Key findings
The particle sizes of tripolyphosphate–chitosan microparticles were over the range 675–887 µm and the loading efficiency of drug was greater than 94.0%. In-vivo testing of the gliclazide–chitosan microparticles in diabetic rabbits demonstrated a significant antidiabetic effect of gliclazide–chitosan microparticles after 8 h that lasted for 18 h compared with gliclazide powder, which produced a maximum hypoglycaemic effect after 4 h.

Conclusions
The results suggests that gliclazide–chitosan microparticles are a valuable system for the sustained delivery of gliclazide.
Evaluating clinical pharmacy services on a surgical patient-care area: a nurses' satisfaction survey
Authors: Chevalier Bernadette , Neville Heather L 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectivesTo determine nurses' perceptions and expectations of clinical pharmacists prior to, and 9 months after, clinical pharmacy services were introduced on two general and gastrointestinal surgery hospital wards in Canada.MethodsA survey tool was developed based on previous research, validated to ensure reliability and accuracy, and administered to approximately 70 nurses on the surgery wards.Key findingsResponse rates for the pre and post surveys were 75% and 67% respectively. Nurses indicated that the quality of pharmacy service improved significantly from pre to post survey (85% versus 95%; P &lt; 0.0001). There was a statistically significant increase in positive responses to seven out of eight statements such as accessibility of pharmacists, timely responses to drug-related questions, and timely delivery of unit doses and intravenous admixtures. Almost all statements about nursing staff expectations showed increases in agreement. At least 85% of nurses indicated their expectations had been met or exceeded for all but one clinical pharmacy service. A higher proportion of nurses in the post survey felt that clinical pharmacists positively impact on their roles and responsibilities as a nurse. Comments from nurses indicated enthusiastic support for clinical pharmacy services.ConclusionsA survey tool to assess the quality of pharmacy services in the hospital setting has been developed, validated, and distributed. A high level of nurses' satisfaction with the provision of new clinical pharmacy services on general surgery/gastrointestinal surgery wards was demonstrated. Nursing staff were more aware of the responsibilities of clinical pharmacists and how the clinical pharmacist role could assist them in their own nursing practice. The survey may be useful for other wards and other institutions to measure satisfaction with pharmacy services.
Challenges of Antibacterial Discovery
Authors: Silver Lynn L. 
Published: January 2011

SUMMARYThe discovery of novel small-molecule antibacterial drugs has been stalled for many years. The purpose of this review is to underscore and illustrate those scientific problems unique to the discovery and optimization of novel antibacterial agents that have adversely affected the output of the effort. The major challenges fall into two areas: (i) proper target selection, particularly the necessity of pursuing molecular targets that are not prone to rapid resistance development, and (ii) improvement of chemical libraries to overcome limitations of diversity, especially that which is necessary to overcome barriers to bacterial entry and proclivity to be effluxed, especially in Gram-negative organisms. Failure to address these problems has led to a great deal of misdirected effort.
A Phase I Clinical-Pharmacodynamic Study of the Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor Tipifarnib in Combination with the Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib in Advanced Acute Leukemias
Authors: Lancet Jeffrey E. , Duong Vu H. , Winton Elliott F. , Stuart Robert K. , Burton Michelle , Zhang Shumin , Cubitt Christopher , Blaskovich Michelle A. , Wright John J. , Sebti Said , Sullivan Daniel M. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Purpose: To determine the safety, target inhibition, and signals of clinical activity of tipifarnib in combination with bortezomib in patients with advanced acute leukemias.
Experimental Design: In a “3 + 3” design, patients received escalating doses of tipifarnib (days 1–14) and bortezomib (days 1, 4, 8, 11) every 3 weeks until maximum tolerated dose was reached. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected at days 1, 8, and 22 for measurement of chymotrypsin-like and farnesyltransferase activity. Purified bone marrow leukemic blasts were collected at baseline and at day 8 for measurement of NF-κB activity.
Results: The combination was well-tolerated, and maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Dose-limiting toxicities included diarrhea, fatigue, and sensorimotor neuropathy. Chymotrypsin-like and farnesyltransferase activity within PBMCs were decreased in a majority of patients at day 8. NF-κB activity within leukemic blasts was decreased in a majority of patients at day 8. Complete response with incomplete count recovery was observed in 2 patients, and additional 5 patients had stable disease.
Conclusions: Tipifarnib and bortezomib combination in patients with advanced leukemias was well-tolerated, demonstrated relevant target inhibition, and was associated with signals of clinical activity in patients with advanced and refractory acute leukemias. Future studies of this combination may be warranted in more selected groups of patients in whom these molecular targets are of particular importance. Clin Cancer Res; 17(5); 1140–6. ©2011 AACR.
Murine Hematopoietic Cell Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Limits Thrombus Growth
Authors: Maroney Susan A. , Cooley Brian C. , Ferrel Josephine P. , Bonesho Catherine E. , Mast Alan E. 
Published: January 2011

Objective—
Tissue factor (TF)–factor VIIa initiates blood coagulation and is found on microparticles that accumulate within intravascular thrombi. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), a factor Xa (fXa)–dependent inhibitor of TF–factor VIIa, is produced by megakaryocytes and is present in platelets. We sought to determine the role of platelet TFPI in regulation of thrombus growth.

Methods and Results—

Western blot analyses demonstrated that murine platelets produce TFPIα, the most evolutionarily conserved alternatively spliced isoform of TFPI. A mouse model of hematopoietic cell TFPI deficiency was developed by transplanting irradiated TFPI
+/−
mice with TFPI
−/−
fetal liver cells. Platelets from transplanted mice totally lack TFPI inhibitory activity. An electrolytic vascular injury model was used to assess thrombus growth in the femoral vein and carotid artery. Mice lacking hematopoietic TFPI developed larger femoral vein and carotid artery thrombi than TFPI
+/−
mice transplanted with TFPI
+/+
hematopoietic cells, as evidenced by increased platelet accumulation.

Conclusion—
Hematopoietic TFPI limits thrombus growth following vascular injury. Because platelets are the primary hematopoietic cell accumulating within a growing thrombus, these findings suggest that TFPI present within platelets functions to limit intravascular thrombus growth, likely through inhibition of the procoagulant activity of blood borne TF.
Through the Looking Glass: Kingly Virtues in Safavid and Mughal Historiography
Authors: Quinn Sholeh A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDuring the reigns of the Safavid Shah ‘Abbās I and the Mughal Emperor Akbar, two chroniclers, one from each dynasty, included in their texts lists of “kingly virtues.” This paper explores the possible historiographical precedents for this section in the chronicles, and places particular emphasis on the “mirrors for princes” literature. The paper concludes with a suggestion that reading the narrative portions of the chronicles in light of the mirrors for princes literature helps us understand why chroniclers may have included certain information in those sections.
Antiviral memory CD8 T-cell differentiation, maintenance, and secondary expansion occur independently of MyD88
Authors: Rahman Adeeb H. , Zhang Ruan , Blosser Christopher D. , Hou Baidong , DeFranco Anthony L. , Maltzman Jonathan S. , Wherry E. John , Turka Laurence A. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Inflammatory signals induced during infection regulate T-cell expansion, differentiation, and memory formation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are inflammatory mediators that allow innate immune cells to recognize and respond to invading pathogens. In addition to their role in innate immune cells, we have found that signals delivered through the TLR adapter protein myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88) play a critical, T cell–intrinsic role in supporting the survival and accumulation of antigen-specific effector cells after acute viral infection. However, the importance of MyD88-dependent signals in regulating the generation and maintenance of memory T cells remained unclear. To address this, we used a novel, inducible knockout system to examine whether MyD88 is required for optimal memory CD8 T-cell generation and responses after lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. We show that whereas MyD88 is critical for initial T-cell expansion, it is not required for the subsequent differentiation and stable maintenance of a memory T-cell population. Furthermore, in contrast to naive CD8 T cells, memory CD8 T cells do not depend on MyD88 for their secondary expansion. Our findings clarify the importance of MyD88 during distinct phases of the antiviral T-cell response and establish differential dependence on MyD88 signaling as a novel characteristic that distinguishes naive from memory CD8 T cells.
The relationship between ambient particulate matter and respiratory mortality: a multi-city study in Italy
Authors: Faustini A. , Stafoggia M. , Berti G. , Bisanti L. , Chiusolo M. , Cernigliaro A. , Mallone S. , Primerano R. , Scarnato C. , Simonato L. , Vigotti M.A. , Forastiere F. 
Published: January 2011

The association of air pollutants with natural and respiratory mortality has been consistently reported. However, several aspects of the relationship between particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM10) and respiratory mortality require further investigation. The aim of the present study was to assess the PM10–respiratory mortality association in Italy and examine potentially susceptible groups.All deaths from natural (n=276,205) and respiratory (n=19,629) causes among subjects aged ≥35 yrs in 10 northern, central and southern Italian cities in 2001–2005 were included in the study. Pollution data for PM10, nitrogen dioxide and ozone were also obtained. A time-stratified case-crossover analysis was carried out. Different cumulative lags were selected to analyse immediate, delayed, prolonged and best-time effects of air pollution. The shape of the exposure–response curve was analysed. Age, sex, chronic conditions and death site were investigated as potential effect modifiers.We found a 2.29% (95% CI 1.03–3.58%) increase in respiratory mortality at 0–3 days lag. The increase in respiratory mortality was higher in summer (7.57%). The exposure–response curve had a linear shape without any threshold. Sex and chronic diseases modified the relationship between particular matter (PM) and respiratory mortality.The effect of PM on respiratory mortality was stronger and more persistent than that on natural mortality. Females and chronic disease sufferers were more likely to die of a respiratory disease caused by air pollution than males and healthy people.
Different inflammatory phenotypes in adults and children with acute asthma
Authors: Wang F. , He X.Y. , Baines K.J. , Gunawardhana L.P. , Simpson J.L. , Li F. , Gibson P.G. 
Published: January 2011

Inflammatory phenotypes are recognised in stable adult asthma, but are less well established in childhood and acute asthma. Additionally,Chlamydophila pneumoniaeinfection as a cause of noneosinophilic asthma is controversial. This study examined the prevalence of inflammatory phenotypes and the presence of currentC. pneumoniaeinfection in adults and children with stable and acute asthma.Adults with stable (n=29) or acute (n=22) asthma, healthy adults (n=11), children with stable (n=49) or acute (n=28) asthma, and healthy children (n=9) underwent clinical assessment and sputum induction. Sputum was assessed for inflammatory cells, and DNA was extracted from sputum cell suspensions and supernatants forC. pneumoniaedetection using real-time PCR.The asthma phenotype was predominantly eosinophilic in children with acute asthma (50%) but neutrophilic in adults with acute asthma (82%). Paucigranulocytic asthma was the most common phenotype in both adults and children with stable asthma.C. pneumoniaewas not detected in 99% of samples.The pattern of inflammatory phenotypes differs between adults and children, with eosinophilic inflammation being more prevalent in both acute and stable childhood asthma, and neutrophilic inflammation being the dominant pattern of acute asthma in adults. The aetiology of neutrophilic asthma is unknown and is not explained by the presence of current activeC. pneumoniaeinfection.
Health Inequalities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Lower Healthy Life Expectancy in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Areas
Authors: Szwarcwald Célia Landmann , Corrêa da Mota Jurema , Damacena Giseli Nogueira , Sardinha Pereira Tatiana Guimarães 
Published: January 2011

Objectives. We investigated deprivation and inequalities in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy by location in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods. We conducted a health survey of 576 adults in 2006. Census tracts were stratified by income level and categorization as a slum. We determined health status by degree of functional limitation, according to the approach proposed by the World Health Organization. We calculated healthy life expectancies by Sullivan's method with abridged life table. Results. We found the worst indicators in the slum stratum. The life expectancy at birth of men living in the richest parts of the city was 12.8 years longer than that of men living in deprived areas. For both men and women older than age 65 years, healthy life expectancy was more than twice as high in the richest sector as in the slum sector. Conclusions. Our analysis detailed the excess burden of poor health experienced by disadvantaged populations of Rio de Janeiro. Policy efforts are needed to reduce social inequalities in health in this city, especially among the elderly.
Integrated Behavioral Intervention to Improve HIV/AIDS Treatment Adherence and Reduce HIV Transmission
Authors: Kalichman Seth C. , Cherry Chauncey , Kalichman Moira O. , Amaral Christina M. , White Denise , Pope Howard , Swetzes Connie , Eaton Lisa , Macy Rene , Cain Demetria 
Published: January 2011

Objectives. We conducted a randomized clinical trial to test an integrated behavioral intervention designed to enhance using HIV treatment as prevention by improving medication adherence, reducing risks for other sexually transmitted infections, and minimizing risk compensation beliefs. Methods. Individuals living with HIV/AIDS (n = 436) participated in a randomized clinical trial testing an intensive behavioral intervention aimed at reducing HIV transmission risks compared with an attention control condition. We used unannounced pill counts to monitor antiretroviral therapy adherence and computerized interviews to measure risk behaviors. Results. The integrated transmission risk reduction intervention demonstrated increased antiretroviral therapy adherence and less unprotected intercourse with nonseroconcordant partners at 3- and 6-month follow-ups as well as fewer new sexually transmitted infections diagnosed over the 9-month follow-up period (adjusted odds ratio = 3.0; P < .05; 95% confidence interval = 1.01, 9.04). The integrated intervention also reduced behavioral risk compensation beliefs. Conclusions. A theory-based integrated behavioral intervention can improve HIV treatment adherence and reduce HIV transmission risks. HIV treatment as prevention should be bundled with behavioral interventions to maximize effectiveness.
The Effect of an Early Education Program on Adult Health: The Carolina Abecedarian Project Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Muennig Peter , Robertson Dylan , Johnson Gretchen , Campbell Frances , Pungello Elizabeth P. , Neidell Matthew 
Published: January 2011

Objectives. We explored whether a successful randomized controlled trial of early education, the Carolina Abecedarian Project (ABC), which enrolled infants from 1972 to 1977 at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, improved health outcomes and behaviors by 21 years of age. Methods. ABC randomized 111 infants to receive an intensive early education program or nutritional supplements and parental counseling alone; participants have been followed to the present day. We examined the effect of ABC on health outcomes and behavioral risk factors when participants were aged 21 years, and then explored the mediators of this relationship. Results. Relative to the control group, the ABC treatment group was previously found to have improved cognition and educational attainment. We found that the intervention also improved heath (P = .05) and health behaviors (P = .03) when participants were aged 21 years. These improvements in behaviors were not mediated by IQ, math and reading scores at 15 years of age, educational attainment, or health insurance. Conclusions. Effective early education programs may improve health and reduce risky health behaviors in adulthood.
In vitro antifungal activity of propolis samples of Czech and Slovak origin
Authors: Buchta Vladimír , Černý Jan , Opletalová Veronika 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Propolis has been used in traditional folk medicine for ages owing to a number of biological effects. Four propolis samples of Czech and one of Slovak origin were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus and analysed by thin-layer chromatography. Raw propolis samples and their extracts were tested by microdilution broth method to determine minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in eight strains of human pathogenic fungi. Raw propolis samples showed a lower in vitro antifungal activity than their extracts. In general, the petroleum ether extracts exhibited the highest in vitro antifungal activity (MIC range of 16–64 µg/ml). The content of flavonoids in the samples varied according to region. The highest amount of flavonoids was found in sample A that originated from Broumov (4%). The most susceptible to the propolis extracts were Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans. The propolis samples of Czech and Slovak origin and their extracts showed a considerable in vitro antifungal effect which was associated especially with nonpolar petroleum ether and toluene extracts. There was only a partial correlation between flavonoids content and in vitro antifungal activity.
Lumbar spinal stenosis in elderly patients: is a unilateral microsurgical approach sufficient for decompression?
Authors: Morgalla Matthias Hubert , Noak Nicola , Merkle Martin , Tatagiba Marcos Soares 
Published: January 2011

Object
For the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, less invasive procedures, which preserve maximal bony and ligamentous structures, have been recommended to reduce associated morbidity. The authors examined the outcome after decompression of spinal stenosis in the elderly by comparing 3 different surgical approaches. Their focus was whether a unilateral microsurgical decompression provided sufficient outcomes in the elderly population.

Methods
The authors investigated 108 elderly patients (age ≥ 60 years) with lumbar spinal stenosis (mean age 71 years [range 60–93 years]) who underwent surgery between 2004 and June 2006 at the authors' institution. Three different modes of decompression were analyzed in this study: a unilateral partial hemilaminectomy, a hemilaminectomy, and a laminectomy. The outcome was assessed 12 months postoperatively using the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale and the Hannover Functional Back Pain Questionnaire.

Results
The authors performed a unilateral partial hemilaminectomy in 53 patients (49%). Patients who underwent unilateral partial hemilaminectomies achieved favorable results of at least 80% as assessed using the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale and Hannover Functional Back Pain Questionnaire. Hemilaminectomies were performed in 45 patients (41.7%), and laminectomies were performed in 10 patients (9.3%). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the various techniques regarding the postoperative results (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Laminectomies did not show any advantage when compared with unilateral transmedian approaches. A unilateral partial hemilaminectomy combined with a transmedian decompression sufficiently treated the stenosis. This method seemed advantageous in minimizing the procedure and associated morbidity in this elderly population. Further investigations with long-term results (> 5 years) are still necessary.