bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adverse reactions to complementary medicines: the Australian pharmacy experience
Authors: Braun Lesley A , Tiralongo Evilin , Wilkinson Jenny M , Poole Susan , Spitzer Ondine , Bailey Michael , Dooley Michael 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of adverse reactions to over-the-counter complementary medicines and their severity, as described by consumers. Secondary aims were to identify consumers' reporting behaviours and understanding of the AUST L designation on product labels.

Methods
An anonymous, self-administered survey was completed by randomly selected pharmacy customers at 60 community pharmacy locations between August 2008 and February 2009.

Key findings
Of the 1121 survey participants (response rate 62%), 72% had used a complementary medicine product in the previous 12 months, and 7% of this group (n = 55) reported having experienced an adverse reaction at some time. Of these, 71% described the reaction as mild and not requiring treatment, 22% as moderate and/or requiring advice from a healthcare professional and 7% (n = 4) described it as severe and requiring hospitalisation. If they were to report the reaction, it was most commonly to a medical practitioner. Most (88%) of complementary medicine consumers had never noticed the term ‘AUST L’.

Conclusions
Complementary medicines are widely used by pharmacy customers. Adverse reactions to these products are under-reported to healthcare authorities. Most adverse reactions are mild and serious reactions are rare. Customers have little awareness of the designation AUST L.
The DoTS classification is a useful way to classify adverse drug reactions: a preliminary study in hospitalized patients
Authors: Calderón-Ospina Carlos , Bustamante-Rojas Carlos 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Objective
The aim was to determine the prevalence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in hospitalized patients in a university hospital.

Methods
ADRs were identified by two evaluators, who reviewed the clinical histories of all patients admitted between 24 April and 24 May 2006. Patients with suspected ADRs were contacted. Three different investigators evaluated causality, the degree of preventability, and the mechanism producing the ADR. Causality was assessed using the scale proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and preventability was assessed using the modified Schumock and Thornton criteria.

Key findings
There were 32 ADRs in 104 hospitalized patients. Effects on the autonomic nervous system were the most common (13%) and the drugs most frequently implicated were systemic antimicrobial drugs (19%). Fifty-four per cent of the ADRs were classified as possible. Using the Dose, Time and Susceptibility (DoTS) classification, 77% of the ADRs were classified as being of collateral dose-responsiveness (i.e. they occurred within the range of therapeutic doses), and 65% were classified as intermediate reactions. The susceptibility factors associated most frequently with ADRs were comorbidities (i.e. the presence of diseases that were considered as risk factors to developing an ADR; 36%), age (26%) and exogenous factors (i.e. the presence of drug interactions that were involved in the occurrence of ADRs; 17%). Fifty per cent of the ADRs could have been prevented.

Conclusions
ADRs are very frequent in hospitalized patients and a significant proportion of them is preventable. The DoTS classification allowed complete evaluation of the types of ADR encountered. We are currently carrying out a much larger prospective study.
Effects of Electrode Microstructure on Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance
Authors: Naimaster Edward J. , Sleiti A. K. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
In this study, the effects of electrode microstructure and electrolyte parameters on intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (ITSOFC) performance were investigated using a one-dimensional solid oxide fuel cell model from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The activation overpotential was investigated through the exchange current density term, which is dependent on the cathode activation energy, the cathode porosity, and the pore size and grain size at the cathode triple phase boundary. The cathode pore size, grain size, and porosity were not integrated in the PNNL model, therefore, an analytical solution for exchange current density from Deng and Petric (2005, “Geometric Modeling of the Triple-Phase Boundary in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells,” J. Power Sources, 140, pp. 297–303) was utilized to optimize their effects on performance. Through parametric evaluation and optimization of the electrode microstructure parameters, the activation overpotential was decreased by 29% and the overall ITSOFC maximum power density was increased by almost 400% from the benchmark PNNL case. The effects and importance of electrode microstructure parameters on ITSOFC performance were defined. Optimization of such parameters will be the key in creating viable ITSOFC systems. Although this was deemed successful for this project, future research should be focused on numerically quantifying and modeling the electrode microstructure in two- and three-dimensions for more accurate results, as the electrode microstructure may be highly multidimensional in nature.
Efficacy of Daptomycin against
Bacillus anthracis
in a Murine Model of Anthrax Spore Inhalation
Authors: Heine Henry S. , Bassett Jennifer , Miller Lynda , Purcell Bret K. , Byrne W. Russell 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT

Daptomycin demonstrated
in vitro
(MIC
90
, 4 μg/ml) and
in vivo
activities against
Bacillus anthracis
. Twice-daily treatment with a dose of 50 mg/kg of body weight was begun 24 h after challenge and continued for 14 or 21 days; results were compared to those for controls treated with phosphate-buffered saline or ciprofloxacin. Day 43 survival rates were 6/10 mice for the 14-day and 9/10 mice for the 21-day treatment groups, compared to survival with ciprofloxacin: 8/10 and 9/10 mice, respectively. Culture results from tissues removed at the termination of the experiment were negative.
ADS-J1 Inhibits HIV-1 Entry by Interacting with gp120 and Does Not Block Fusion-Active gp41 Core Formation
Authors: González-Ortega Emmanuel , Mena Maria-Pau , Permanyer Marc , Ballana Ester , Clotet Bonaventura , Esté José A. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT
We had shown that virus resistance to ADS-J1 was associated with amino acid changes in the envelope glycoprotein, mostly located in the gp120 coding region. Time-of-addition and endocytic virus transfer assays clearly demonstrated that ADS-J1 behaved as a gp120 inhibitor. ADS-J1-resistant virus was cross-resistant to the polyanion dextran sulfate, and recombination of gp120 recovered only the ADS-J1-resistant phenotype. In summary, ADS-J1 blocks an early step of virus entry that appears to be driven by gp120 alone.
Lysogenic Transfer of
mef
(A) and
tet
(O) Genes Carried by Φm46.1 among Group A Streptococci
Authors: Di Luca Maria Chiara , D'Ercole Stefania , Petrelli Dezemona , Prenna Manuela , Ripa Sandro , Vitali Luca A. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT

We report the ex vivo lysogenic transfer of erythromycin and tetracycline resistance genes among group A streptococci (GAS). Of 42 susceptible strains, 69% acquired erythromycin/tetracycline resistance when infected with purified supernatants from strain m46 culture containing the phage Φm46.1. A significant
emm
-type-dependent barrier to lysogenic transfer was not observed. The
emm
12 strains were the only strains susceptible to the lytic action of the bacteriophage preparation.
Developmental Expression of a
Trypanosoma cruzi
Phosphoinositide-Specific Phospholipase C in Amastigotes and Stimulation of Host Phosphoinositide Hydrolysis
Authors: de Paulo Martins Vicente , Galizzi Melina , Salto Maria Laura , Docampo Roberto , Moreno Silvia N. J. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT

Phosphoinositide phospholipase C (PI-PLC) plays an essential role in cell signaling. A unique
Trypanosoma cruzi
PI-PLC (
Tc
PI-PLC) is lipid modified in its N terminus and localizes to the outer surface of the plasma membrane of amastigotes. We show here that
Tc
PI-PLC is developmentally regulated in amastigotes and shows two peaks of surface expression during the developmental cycle of
T. cruzi
, the first immediately after differentiation of trypomastigotes into amastigotes and the second before differentiation of amastigotes into trypomastigotes. Surface expression of
Tc
PI-PLC coincides with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP
2
) depletion in the host cell membrane and with an increase in the levels of its product, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. During extracellular differentiation, PI-PLC is secreted into the incubation medium. Maximal early expression of
Tc
PI-PLC on the surface of amastigotes and PIP
2
depletion coincide with host cytoskeletal changes, Ca
2+
signaling, and transcriptional responses described previously. The presence of
Tc
PI-PLC on the outer surface of the plasma membrane of the parasite and the capacity to be secreted and to alter host phospholipids are novel mechanisms of the host-parasite interaction.
Involvement of Regulatory T Cells in the Immunosuppression Characteristic of Patients with Paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Ferreira Maria Carolina , de Oliveira Rômulo Tadeu Dias , da Silva Rosiane Maria , Blotta Maria Heloisa Souza Lima , Mamoni Ronei Luciano 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT

Patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) exhibit a suppression of the cellular immune response characterized by negative delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
antigens, the apoptosis of lymphocytes, and high levels of expression of cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are involved in this immunosuppression by analyzing the number, phenotype, and activity of these cells in patients with active disease (AD group) and patients who had received treatment (TD group). Our results showed that the AD patients had more Treg cells than the TD patients or controls (C group) and also had elevated levels of expression of regulatory markers (glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor [TNF] receptor-related protein [GITR], CTLA-4, CD95L, LAP-1, and CD38). An analysis of regulatory activity showed that Treg cells from the AD group had greater activity than did cells from the other groups and that cell-cell contact is mandatory for this activity in the C group but was only partially involved in the regulatory activity of cells from AD patients. The addition of anti-IL-10 and anti-TGF-β neutralizing antibodies to the cultures showed that the production of cytokines may be another mechanism used by Treg cells. In conclusion, the elevated numbers of these cells with an increased regulatory phenotype and strong suppressive activity suggest a potential role for them in the immunosuppression characteristic of paracoccidioidomycosis. In addition, our results indicate that while Treg cells act by cell-cell contact, cytokine production also plays an important role.
Evaluating the Involvement of Alternative Sigma Factors SigF and SigG in
Clostridium perfringens
Sporulation and Enterotoxin Synthesis
Authors: Li Jihong , McClane Bruce A. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT

Clostridium perfringens
type A food poisoning is the second most commonly identified bacterial food-borne illness. Sporulation contributes to this disease in two ways: (i) most food-poisoning strains form exceptionally resistant spores to facilitate their survival of food-associated stresses, and (ii) the enterotoxin (CPE) responsible for the symptoms of this food poisoning is synthesized only during sporulation. In
Bacillus subtilis
, four alternative sigma factors mediate sporulation. The same four sigma factors are encoded by
C. perfringens
genomes, and two (SigE and SigK) have previously been shown to be necessary for sporulation and CPE production by SM101, a transformable derivative of a
C. perfringens
food-poisoning strain (K. H. Harry, R. Zhou, L. Kroos, and S. B. Melville, J. Bacteriol. 2009, 191:2728-2742). However, the importance of SigF and SigG for
C. perfringens
sporulation or CPE production had not yet been assessed. In the current study, after confirming that sporulating wild-type SM101 cultures produce SigF (from a tricistronic operon) and SigG, we prepared isogenic
sigF
- or
sigG
-null mutants. Whereas SM101 formed heat-resistant, phase-refractile spores, spore formation was blocked in the
sigF
- and
sigG
-null mutants. Complementation fully restored sporulation by both mutants. By use of these mutants and complementing strains, CPE production was shown to be SigF dependent but SigG independent. This finding apparently involved regulation of the production of SigE and SigK, which Harry et al. showed to be necessary for CPE synthesis, by SigF. By combining these findings with those previous results, it is now apparent that all four alternative sigma factors are necessary for
C. perfringens
sporulation, but only SigE, SigF, and SigK are needed for CPE synthesis.
Firearm possession among arrestees in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Wells William , Katz Charles M , Kim Jeonglim 
Published: July 2010

ObjectivesTo describe the sources that active offenders in Trinidad and Tobago use to obtain firearms and report their motivations for obtaining them. To estimate relationships between gang involvement, drug selling, and firearm ownership (or possession).SettingPort of Spain (Republic of Trinidad and Tobago).MethodsA cross-sectional research design was used to collect self-report data from 421 recently booked arrestees (within 72 h of their arrest) in the Port of Spain Police District Detention Center. A survey instrument was used to collect data on firearm acquisition, drug use, gang membership and other behaviours. The sample provides insights about guns in the lives of arrestees in Trinidad and Tobago.Results15% of respondents reported ever owning (or possessing) a firearm. Among the possessor group, 82% owned a gun primarily for defensive purposes, but approximately half reported using a gun in a crime. Nearly half of gun possessors stored their guns in outside locations. Firearm possession was greater among arrestees involved in gangs and those involved in drug selling.ConclusionsA comprehensive approach of prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies that are intended to prevent gun-related incidents should be focused on gangs, drugs, and guns. Searches for high-risk firearms should focus on public areas where gang members live and socialise. The study shows the value of collecting data from offender-based populations in the region for the purpose of directing violence-prevention strategies.
Epilepsy: creative sparks
Authors: Thomas Rhys H , Mullins Jane M , Waddington Tracey , Nugent Kane , Smith Phil E M 
Published: July 2010

“If you are exposed to radioactive toxic waste there are case reports of people developing super-powers; but lymphoma is more likely.”Naomi Thomas, paediatrician and philosopherAn epilepsy diagnosis is very verbal, relying on witness history, personal narrative and analysis of how people describe the experience. Occasionally however, non-verbal descriptions of seizures allow us to gain a fuller understanding of this complex disorder. Artists are often inspired by personal experience, so it should be no surprise to find people depicting images of ill health, both their own and people they have observed. Furthermore, an ailment or affliction may influence an artist's portfolio over their lifetime, such as de Kooning's Alzheimer's disease and Monet's glaucoma. Epilepsy (in contrast with cerebrovascular or neurodegenerative disease) may present not just with a loss of function but with unusual super-added experiences such as déjà vu, ecstatic auras or hallucinations. Here we describe some artists who were thought to have had epilepsy, and the way in which their seizures influenced their art. It appears that for some, they have succeeded despite, rather than because of, their epilepsy and that rather than be inspired by their symptoms they were ashamed of them. If there is a common theme, it is in the unwanted psychological harm of some seizures provoking dark, frustrated imagery.
Lung cancer risk and radon exposure in a cohort of iron ore miners in Malmberget, Sweden
Authors: Jonsson Håkan , Bergdahl Ingvar A , Åkerblom Gustav , Eriksson Kåre , Andersson Kurt , Kågström Leif , Järvholm Bengt , Damber Lena 
Published: July 2010

ObjectivesLung cancer caused by radon in miners is a well-known risk. However, the risk estimates vary between studies and between mines. We have studied the dose response–relationship in a Swedish iron ore mine where two other studies have previously reached different risk estimates. As this mine has relatively low radon levels, the results are highly relevant for risk estimation in non-uranium underground mines.MethodsA new cohort of 5486 male workers employed from 1923 to 1996 was established. Cumulative radon exposures were assessed based on a large number of measurements, including reconstructions of historical conditions. 122 lung cancer cases occurred during the follow-up period of 1958–2000.ResultsThe average cumulative exposure in underground workers was 32 kBq year/m3(65 working level months (WLM)), experienced over 14.6 years. The excess RR (ERR) per kBq year/m3was 0.046 (95% CI 0.015 to 0.077; 0.022 ERR/WLM). Confounding by quartz may affect these results but appears to account only for 10–20% of the risk. The results for squamous cell and small cell lung cancer were 0.049 and 0.072, respectively. However, no increased risk was observed for adenocarcinoma (0.000 ERR per kBq year/m3, 95% CI −0.017 to 0.017).ConclusionOur overall risk estimate is about half of that found in the first Malmberget study but twice that found in the same cohort in the previously published pooled analysis. Radon did not increase the risk for adenocarcinoma in the lung.
The incidence of medically reported work-related ill health in the UK construction industry: Table 1
Authors: Stocks S J , McNamee R , Carder M , Agius R M 
Published: July 2010

ObjectiveSelf-reported work-related ill health (SWI) data show a high incidence of occupational ill health and a high burden of cancer attributable to occupational factors in the UK construction industry. However, there is little information on the incidence of medically reported work-related ill health (WRI) within this industry. This study aims to examine the incidence of WRI within the UK construction industry.MethodStandardised incidence rate ratios (SRRs) were used to compare incidence rates of reports of medically certified work-related ill health returned to The Health and Occupation Reporting network (THOR) within the UK construction industry with all other UK industries combined.ResultsMale UK construction industry workers aged under 65 years had significantly raised SRRs for respiratory (3.8, 95% CI 3.5 to 4.2), skin (1.6, 1.4 to 1.8) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD; 1.9, 1.6 to 2.2). These SRRs were further raised for those working within a construction trade. The increased SRRs for skin disease within male construction industry workers were due to contact dermatitis (1.4, 1.2 to 1.6) and neoplasia (4.2, 3.3 to 5.3). For respiratory disease, the increased SRRs were due to non-malignant pleural disease (7.1, 6.3 to 8.1), mesothelioma (7.1, 6.0 to 8.3), lung cancer (5.4, 3.2 to 8.9) and pneumoconiosis (5.5, 3.7 to 8.0), but the SRRs for asthma (0.09, 0.06 to 0.11) and mental ill health (0.3, 0.1 to 0.4) were significantly reduced.ConclusionThe significantly raised SRRs for medically reported MSD and significantly reduced SRRs for mental ill health in construction workers confirm self-reported UK data. These SRRs provide a baseline of the incidence of WRI in the UK construction industry from which to monitor the effects of changes in policy or exposures.
Novel Bone-Targeted Strategies in Oncology
Authors: Vallet Sonia , Smith Matthew R. , Raje Noopur 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Most patients with bone metastases experience skeletal complications, resulting in significant morbidity and increased risk of death. Although the use of bisphosphonates is a well-established form of supportive care treatment for bone metastasis, complications arising from long-term use require schedule optimization and a search for alternative strategies. Moreover, the scope of use of bone-targeted agents in oncology has widened to include therapy-induced bone loss and antitumor effects. Indeed, bone provides a permissive niche to tumor growth, and targeting the interactions within the bone microenvironment is a promising antitumor strategy. In addition, the pathogenesis of cancer-related bone disease has been partially unraveled with a focus on the anabolic bone compartment, and the rapid bench-to-bedside translation has resulted in the identification of novel therapeutically amenable targets. This review focuses on studies optimizing bisphosphonate use and recent clinical data on denosumab in the treatment of bone disease. We also provide data on trials that have evaluated the antitumor effects of bisphosphonates and summarize the most recent discoveries on the role of the bone niche in cancer development, with insights into the preclinical rationale and clinical assessment of novel antiresorptive and anabolic bone-targeted agents. Clin Cancer Res; 16(16); 4084–93. ©2010 AACR.
Volumes to Learn: Advancing Therapeutics with Innovative Computed Tomography Image Data Analysis
Authors: Maitland Michael L. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Semi-automated methods for calculating tumor volumes from computed tomography images are a new tool for advancing the development of cancer therapeutics. Volumetric measurements, relying on already widely available standard clinical imaging techniques, could shorten the observation intervals needed to identify cohorts of patients sensitive or resistant to treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 16(18); 4493–5. ©2010 AACR.