bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine profiles affecting the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis in Japanese patients
Authors: Kamijo Atsushi , Yoshizawa Kaname , Joshita Satoru , Yoneda Suguru , Umemura Takeji , Ichijo Tetsuya , Matsumoto Akihiro , Ota Masao , Tanaka Eiji 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic hepatitis of unknown etiology, although several cytokines have been implicated in its pathogenesis and severity. This study investigated the relationship between circulating cytokines in the pretreatment phase and remission following corticosteroid therapy phase in Japanese AIH patients.Methods:  A total of 28 cytokines were measured simultaneously by multiple bead array technology in the sera of 40 patients with AIH collected during pretreatment and remission phases.Results:  Interleukin (IL)‐12p40, interferon‐γ‐inducible protein (IP‐10), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, MIP‐1β, IL‐17F and IL‐18 were significantly decreased during remission from pretreatment stage levels. The level of IP‐10 in the pretreatment phase was correlated with serum levels of alanine aminotransferase.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that a complex interplay of several cytokines, especially pro‐inflammatory and T‐helper 17 cytokines and regulatory T‐cell suppression by IL‐12p40 may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AIH.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor agonist treatment of alcohol‐induced hepatic insulin resistance
Authors: de la Monte Suzanne M. , Pang Maoyin , Chaudhry Rajeev , Duan Kevin , Longato Lisa , Carter Jade , Ouh Jiyun , Wands Jack R. 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Chronic ethanol exposure impairs insulin signaling in the liver. Peroxisome‐proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) agonists function as insulin sensitizers and are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. We examined the therapeutic effectiveness of PPAR agonists in reducing alcoholic hepatitis and hepatic insulin resistance in a model of chronic ethanol feeding.Methods:  Adult male Long Evans rats were pair fed with isocaloric liquid diets containing 0% (control) or 37% ethanol (caloric content; 9.2% v/v) for 8 weeks. After 3 weeks on the diets, the rats were treated with vehicle, or a PPAR‐α, PPAR‐δ or PPAR‐γ agonist twice weekly by i.p. injection. Livers were harvested for histopathological, gene expression (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), protein (western and ELISA) and receptor binding studies.Results:  Ethanol‐fed rats developed steatohepatitis with disordered hepatic chord architecture, increased hepatocellular apoptosis, reduced binding to the insulin, insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 and IGF‐2 receptors, and decreased expression of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and aspartyl‐(asparaginyl)‐β‐hydroxylase (mediating remodeling), which are regulated by insulin/IGF signaling. PPAR‐α, PPAR‐δ or PPAR‐γ agonist treatments reduced the severity of ethanol‐mediated liver injury, including hepatic architectural disarray and steatosis. In addition, PPAR‐δ and PPAR‐γ agonists reduced insulin/IGF resistance and increased insulin/IGF‐responsive gene expression.Conclusion:  PPAR agonists may help reduce the severity of chronic ethanol‐induced liver injury and insulin/IGF resistance, even in the context of continued high‐level ethanol consumption.
Effect of suppressor of cytokine signaling on hepcidin production in hepatitis C virus replicon cells
Authors: Miyachi Hirohide , Kobayashi Yoshinao , Relja Borna , Fujita Naoki , Iwasa Motoh , Gabazza Esteban Cesar , Takei Yoshiyuki 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Hepcidin is a key regulator of systemic iron metabolism and its expression is modulated by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS‐1) and SOCS‐3 act as negative regulators of the Jak/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated how HCV infection modulates SOCS‐1 and SOCS‐3 production and how these SOCS proteins affect hepcidin production.Methods:  The effects of SOCS‐1 and SOCS‐3 on hepcidin production were investigated using a complete genome, HCV replicon system.Results:  Unexpectedly, basal expression levels of hepcidin (HAMP) mRNA and the bioactive form of hepcidin protein, hepcidin‐25, were significantly higher in replicon cells. Regardless of HCV infection, STAT3 was activated in response to interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), but this activation was greater in replicon cells than in cured cells. Basal expression of the SOCS‐3 protein was enhanced, but basal expression of SOCS‐1 protein was reduced, in replicon cells. Expression of SOCS‐3 increased dramatically in response to IL‐6 stimulation but expression of SOCS‐1 was not induced by IL‐6. Interestingly, silencing of SOCS‐1 and SOCS‐3 gene expression enhanced STAT3 activation and HAMP gene expression. In addition, overexpression of SOCS‐1 protein strongly suppressed STAT3 activation and HAMP gene expression.Conclusions:  This in vitro study shows that SOCS‐3 expression was enhanced but SOCS‐1 expression was reduced by HCV infection. The upregulation of hepcidin induced by IL‐6 was found to be negatively regulated by SOCS‐1 and SOCS‐3. The modulation of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in HCV‐infected hepatocytes may explain, at least in part, the relative shortage of hepcidin production in CH‐C.
Evaluation of the 6‐Minute Walk Test in Pet Dogs
Authors: Swimmer R.A. , Rozanski E.A. 
Published: February 2011

Background: The 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) is widely used in human medicine to objectively assess the degree of impairment, and to provide objective evidence of disease progression or response to therapy.Hypothesis/Objectives: The 6MWT will be easy to perform and well‐tolerated in pet dogs. Dogs with pulmonary disease will walk shorter distances than healthy dogs.Animals: Sixty‐nine healthy dogs were recruited from the hospital community. Six dogs with mild to moderate pulmonary disease were recruited from animals presented for evaluation at the teaching hospital.Methods: Prospective study. Dogs walked for 6 minutes in a hallway and the distance covered was measured. Pulse oximetry and heart rate were recorded before and after walking. Physical characteristics of the dogs, including age, leg length, body condition score, and weight, were recorded. Healthy dogs were compared with affected dogs by a Student's t‐test (P < .05). Correlations were calculated between the age, physical characteristics, and distances walked in the healthy dogs.Results: Healthy dogs walked 522.7 ± 52.4 m, while sick dogs (n = 6) walked 384.8 ± 41.0 m (P < .001). There was low (r= 0.13) to moderate (r= 0.27) correlation in the healthy dogs between physical characteristics and distances walked.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The 6MWT was easy to perform and discriminated between healthy dogs and dogs with pulmonary disease.
Seroprevalence of Various Infectious Agents in Dogs with Suspected Acute Canine Polyradiculoneuritis
Authors: Holt N. , Murray M. , Cuddon P.A. , Lappin M.R. 
Published: February 2011

Background:Acute canine polyradiculoneuritis (ACP) is considered to be an animal model of the acute axonal form of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) in humans. Various antecedent events have been associated with GBS, including bacterial or viral infection. The relationship between ACP and previous infection requires additional attention.Hypothesis:We hypothesized a relationship between ACP and serological evidence of exposure toEhrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Campylobacter jejuni, and canine distemper virus (CDV).Animals:Eighty‐eight client‐owned dogs, 44 with ACP, 44 age‐matched controls.Methods:Retrospective study with stored serum samples. Serum antibodies against the target organisms were measured with commercially available assays. Sera from dogs with and without ACP that were positive forT. gondiiIgG by ELISA were assayed by an IgG heavy chain‐specific, Western blot immunoassay.Results:Dogs with ACP (55.8%) were more likely to haveT. gondiiIgG serum antibody titers than dogs without ACP (11.4%). Serum antibodies from 8 affected dogs and 11 control dogs bound toT. gondiiantigens with apparent molecular masses of 67, 61, 58, 45, 33, 24, 9, and 6 kDa. An antigen with an apparent molecular mass of 36 kDa was recognized by 2 dogs with ACP but none of the control dogs.Conclusions:Results of this study suggest that ACP in some dogs, like GBS in some humans, may be triggered byT. gondiiand a prospective study should be performed to further evaluate this potential association.
A Comparison of Factors that Influence Survival in Dogs with Adrenal‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism Treated with Mitotane or Trilostane
Authors: Helm J.R. , Mclauchlan G. , Boden L.A. , Frowde P.E. , Collings A.J. , Tebb A.J. , Elwood C.M. , Herrtage M.E. , Parkin T.D.H. , Ramsey I. K. 
Published: February 2011

Background:Trilostane is a recognized treatment for canine pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH); however, its efficacy in dogs with adrenal‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH) is unknown.Objectives:To examine factors that might influence survival in the medical management of ADH, with particular emphasis on treatment selection.Animals:Thirty‐seven animals referred to 4 centers over a period of 12 years that had been diagnosed with ADH and treated with either trilostane (22/37), mitotane (13/37), or both (2/37).Methods:Retrospective analysis of clinical records.Results:There was no statistically significant difference between the survival times of 13 dogs treated only with mitotane when compared with 22 dogs treated only with trilostane. The median survival time for animals treated with trilostane was 353 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 95–528 days), whereas it was 102 days (95% CI 43–277 days) for mitotane. Metastatic disease was detected in 8 of 37 dogs. There was a significantly lower probability of survival for dogs with metastatic disease when compared with those without metastatic disease (P< .001).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:The choice of medical treatment for ADH may not have a major effect on survival times. However, the presence of metastatic disease considerably decreases survival time regardless of the choice of medical treatment.
Development of solid nanoparticles based on hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin aimed for the colonic transmucosal delivery of diclofenac sodium
Authors: Gavini Elisabetta , Spada Gianpiera , Rassu Giovanna , Cerri Guido , Brundu Antonio , Cossu Massimo , Sorrenti Milena , Giunchedi Paolo 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Nanoparticles were designed for the oral administration and transmucosal colon delivery of drugs.

Methods
Preparation parameters were studied in order to develop solid pH-dependent drug-release nanoparticles, constituted by hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and/or Eudragit® L100 loaded with diclofenac sodium. Nanoemulsions were prepared by the emulsion-evaporation method using various homogenizers. Different preparative conditions were tested. The emulsions obtained were analysed in terms of size and then dried to obtain solid nanoparticles which were characterized in vitro (particle size, morphology, dissolution, solid state characterization). The effect of nanoparticles on drug permeation through synthetic membranes, colonic pig mucosa and Caco2 cell line were performed. Toxicity studies were carried out to assess the safety of the raw materials used and the nanosystems produced.

Key findings
Appropriate parameters to obtain nanoemulsions stable enough to be desiccated were determined: Panda NS100L was the most suitable homogenizer for the preparation; particle size ranged between 100 and 600 nm depending on the production method. Solid nanoparticles were obtained by an exsiccation process, which does not modify the mean size. pH-dependent drug-release nanoparticles were obtained. The nanoencapsulation process decreased the crystallinity of the drug. Materials and nanoparticles were highly biocompatible. Transmucosal delivery of drug is dependent on the polymer and the test employed: cyclodextrin improved drug permeation across colonic pig mucosa.

Conclusions
Formulations containing hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin represent new colon-targeted nanoparticles for transmucosal delivery of drugs.
The General Practitioner–Pharmacist Collaboration (GPPC) study: a randomised controlled trial of clinical medication reviews in community pharmacy
Authors: Bryant Linda J M , Coster Gregor , Gamble Greg D , McCormick Ross N 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objectives
There are conflicting results in studies of pharmacists undertaking medication reviews for older people. With increasing promotion and funding for ‘medication reviews’ there is a need for them to be standardised, and to determine their effectiveness and the feasibility of providing them from a community pharmacy. The objective was to determine whether involvement of community pharmacists undertaking clinical medication reviews, working with general practitioners, improved medicine-related therapeutic outcomes for patients.

Methods
A randomised controlled trial was carried out in people 65 years and older on five or more prescribed medicines. Community pharmacists undertook a clinical medication review (Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Care) and met with the patient's general practitioner to discuss recommendations about possible medicine changes. The patients were followed-up 3-monthly. The control group received usual care. The main outcome measures were Quality of Life (SF-36) and Medication Appropriateness Index.

Key findings
A total of 498 patients were enrolled in the study. The quality-of-life domains of emotional role and social functioning were significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group. The Medication Appropriateness Index was significantly improved in the intervention group. Only 39% of the 44 pharmacists who agreed to participate in the study provided adequate data, which was a limitation of the study and indicated potential barriers to the generalisability of the study.

Conclusion
Clinical medication reviews in collaboration with general practitioners can have a positive effect on the Medication Appropriateness Index. However, pharmacist withdrawal from the study suggests that community pharmacy may not be an appropriate environment from which to expand clinical medication reviews in primary care.
The provision of current and future Healthy Weight Management (HWM) services from community pharmacies: a survey of community pharmacists' attitudes, practice and future possibilities
Authors: Newlands Rumana S , Watson Margaret C , Lee Amanda J 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objectives
The extent to which community pharmacists contribute to the management of the global obesity epidemic is unclear. Local, regional and national obesity management schemes need to be informed by existing services which will be influenced by health professionals' attitudes and willingness to engage in service provision. The purpose of this study was to derive an accurate account of community pharmacists' activities and attitudes towards the provision of current and future Healthy Weight Management (HWM) services.

Methods
A postal survey was developed and disseminated to all 128 community pharmacies in Grampian, north-east Scotland.

Key findings
The response rate was 64.8% (83/128). A range of HWM services was already being provided. The most common services offered were the supply of weight-loss medication (n = 69, 84.1%) and advice about its use (n = 68, 84.0%). Other services commonly offered were dietary advice (n = 59, 72.8%), physical activity advice (n = 53, 66.3%) and body mass index (BMI) calculation (n = 56, 68.3%). Most pharmacists were confident in measuring weight (n = 78, 93.9%), height (n = 78, 93.9%) and BMI (n = 78, 93.9%). Many pharmacists perceived a need for HWM services in their local area (n = 56, 67.5%) as well as a need to extend these services within their pharmacies (n = 48, 57.9%). Barriers to the provision of HWM services included workload (n = 77, 92.8%) and the need for additional reimbursement (n = 63, 75.9%) and additional staff (n = 49, 59.7%). The pharmacists' perceived training needs included estimation of body fat (n = 67, 81.7%), one-to-one consultation skills (n = 60, 73.2%), advice on weight-loss products (n = 52, 63.4%), measurement of blood cholesterol (n = 51, 63%) and advice on weight-loss drugs (n = 49, 60.5%).

Conclusions
Community pharmacies could be an ideal setting for the provision of HWM services. The barriers to service provision need to be addressed. Furthermore, the development of appropriate undergraduate and postgraduate training is required to equip pharmacists and their staff with appropriate knowledge and skills to deliver these services effectively.
Phone calls to a hospital medicines information helpline: analysis of queries from members of the public and assessment of potential for harm from their medicines
Authors: Marvin Vanessa , Park Cathryn , Vaughan Louella , Valentine Jackie 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To find out what questions the public ask of pharmacists on a hospital medicines information helpline, and to assess the potential for improving individuals' management of medicines through telephone helpline support.

Methods
We analysed consecutive phone calls made by members of the public over 6 months to a hospital pharmacy medicines information helpline. Calls were coded for type of medicine, reason for phoning and any error revealed in the call. We also looked at which medicines were associated with harm and/or potential for harm had the caller not enquired about appropriate action to take.

Key findings
Five hundred of the 923 consecutive calls to the helpline were from members of the public (including discharged hospital patients). Antimicrobial agents, analgesics and cardiovascular medicines accounted for approximately half of all calls. The reason for phoning was most often to ask about interactions (22%), directions for use (21%) or advice on adverse effects (15%). In a third of calls it is possible an error had occurred (including patient error and directions missing from a dispensed item). Forty-eight per cent of calls were concerned with harm or judged to have potential for harm had professional information not been available. Four of these cases (0.8%), one of which was patient error and three of which were adverse effects reported by the caller, were categorised as Harm Index category F, defined as requiring intervention and referral.

Conclusions
Our medicines information helpline appears to be a valuable resource for discharged patients and public and the advice given may be expected to improve safety with medicines and reduce harm. Our results reveal gaps in patient education about their medicines, some of which could be addressed by dispensing staff or the pharmacist at discharge. The data provide a baseline for measuring improvements in medicines management and will be useful in identifying patients who may benefit from follow-up call support from pharmacists.
Electronic capture of dispensing data by the New Zealand Intensive Medicines Monitoring Programme: a consultation study of community and hospital pharmacists
Authors: Harrison-Woolrych Mira , Jamieson Simon , Malik Muzaffar , Holt Alec , Herbison Peter 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
To obtain pharmacists' views on proposals for electronic transmission of dispensing data to the New Zealand Intensive Medicines Monitoring Programme (IMMP).

Methods
Consultation with a randomly selected group of 100 community pharmacists and all 28 hospital pharmacies in New Zealand was conducted by postal survey. A specific questionnaire was designed to obtain pharmacists' views on several aspects of electronic data transmission including willingness to co-operate with a new system, awareness of other electronic systems and views on security.

Key findings
Survey response rates were 95% for community pharmacists and 73% for hospital pharmacists. Ninety (95%) of the community pharmacists and 18 (95%) of the hospital pharmacists who responded stated they would use the IMMP proposed method of electronic data transmission. Some 91% of community pharmacists and 100% of hospital pharmacists considered the proposed new method would be equally or more secure than the present hard-copy system of posting dispensing records.

Conclusions
There is a high level of support from New Zealand pharmacists for electronic capture of prescription dispensing data for medicines monitored by the IMMP. This electronic method will now be implemented. Development of such systems is important for enhancing patient safety and pharmacovigilance programmes worldwide.
Measuring dispensary workload: a comparison of the event recording and direct time techniques
Authors: James K Lynette , Barlow Dave , Bithell Anne , Burfield Robin , Hiom Sarah , Lord Sue , Pollard Mike , Roberts Dave , Way Cheryl , Sutton Caroline , Whittlesea Cate 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objectives
To compare dispensary workload, determined using the Welsh benchmarking event recording technique and the direct time technique, at two district general UK National Health Service hospitals within different university local health Boards (hospital A – manual dispensing system; hospital B – automated dispensing system).

Methods
Data on dispensary workload were collected, over a period of 6 weeks (hospital A: 8 May–18 June 2007; hospital B: 1 October–11 November 2007), by a non-participant observer using two simultaneous methods of workload measurement: direct time and event recording. Direct time technique involved timing each task involved in dispensing a sample of prescriptions from receipt to issue of dispensed medicines to patients. Welsh benchmarking event recording involved continuously logging staff activities that deviated from the dispensary rota on a data collection form to enable calculation of total staff time involved in dispensing activities. Data on number of items dispensed were obtained from the pharmacy computer system and also by manual counting of prescription items. The mean dispensary workloads were calculated as the number of items dispensed per person per hour. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare dispensary workload measurements determined using direct time and event recording technique reported by each individual hospital. Mean workloads for hospitals A and B were compared using a two-sample t-test. Statistical significance was taken as P ≤ 0.05.

Key findings
Hospital A was associated with a lower workload (direct time: 7.27 ± 7.16 items per person per hour; event recording: 9.57 ± 10.6 items per person per hour). In contrast, hospital B gave a higher workload (direct time: 11.93 ± 8.3 items per person per hour; event recording: 12.6 ± 8.80 items per person per hour). There was a significant difference between workload (direct time: P &lt; 0.01; event recording: P &lt; 0.01) reported for both hospitals. The direct time and event recording techniques produced consistent results at each hospital (hospital A: t = 0.02, P = 0.99; hospital B: t = 0.004, P = 0.1).

Conclusion
The direct time and Welsh benchmarking event recording techniques produced consistent results at both hospitals. Thus the Welsh benchmarking event recording technique is a valid and reproducible method of measuring dispensary workload. Hospital B (automated) had a higher workload than hospital A (manual). Further work is required to investigate the impact of automation on dispensary workload.