bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of a new reference-based pricing system in South Africa on the prevalence and cost of antidiabetic medicine: a pilot study
Authors: Steyn Rianda , Burger Johanita Riétte , Serfontein Jan Hendrik Philippus , Lubbe Martha Susanna 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Objective
To determine the influence of the implementation of the new reference-based pricing system (single exit price or SEP) in South Africa on the prescribing prevalence and cost of antidiabetic medicine.

Setting
Private healthcare sector of South Africa (national medicine claims processing company).

Method
A retrospective drug utilisation study and basic cost analysis were conducted on antidiabetic medicine usage data. Data were extracted from a national medicine claims processing company's database for the period January 1, to December 31, 2004, and analysed according to three study periods: January 1 to April 31, 2004 (pre-SEP period), May 1 to August 31, 2004 (interim period) and September 1 to December 31, 2004 (post-SEP period).

Key findings
The study population consisted of the total number of prescriptions claimed (n = 2 595 254) during the 1-year period. The total number of medicine items prescribed were 5 305 882, at a total cost of R661 223 146.00 ($102 375 382.80). Antidiabetics represented 2.7% (n = 143 447) of these, at a cost of R29 734 655.19 ($4 603 735.86) (4.5%). The average cost of insulin on the database for the year 2004 decreased by approximately R188.26 ($29.15) from the pre-SEP period to the post-SEP period, and that of oral antidiabetic products by approximately R47 ($7.28). The average cost of antidiabetic medicine products in general showed a decrease from the pre-SEP period to the post-SEP period — with a reduction in average cost of approximately R73 ($11.30) or 29.6%. Conclusion The reduction in average cost of antidiabetic medicine products observed in this study could possibly be attributed to the implementation of new pricing regulations in South Africa in 2004. It is recommended that further investigations on the impact of the implementation of the new reference-based pricing structure in South Africa be done.
What makes continuing education effective: perspectives of community pharmacists
Authors: Namara Kevin P Mc , Marriott Jennifer L , Duncan Gregory J 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Objective
To explore how different aspects of the professional environment for Australian community pharmacists are perceived to be influencing the effectiveness of continuing education models in improving practice.

Setting
Australian community pharmacy.

Methods
A convenience sample of practising community pharmacists (n = 15) was recruited using the ‘snowballing’ technique to participate in one of four focus group teleconferences. Each focus group examined continuing education experiences from different professional perspectives and training needs (recent graduates, experienced practitioners, specialist practitioners and rural/remote practitioners).

Key findings
Facilitation of professional development by accreditation bodies, and new challenges resulting from the introduction of cognitive services were seen to promote a favourable environment for continuing education engagement. Complex continuing education delivery models combined with high costs and excessive workloads made it more difficult to engage with continuing education systems or try to apply knowledge to the workplace.

Conclusion
Results support findings from previous research that practice development requires a multifaceted approach with continuing education as just one component. Affordable and integrated models of continuing education are required in order to optimise efficacy for participants.
Reforming the quality use of medicines in Australian aged care facilities: a new pharmacy practice model
Authors: Emmerton Lynne , Bessell Tracey , Marriott Jennifer , Nissen Lisa , Dean Laura 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Objective
Numerous problems exist with accessing prescription medicines in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF). This research aimed to identify the issues surrounding a theoretical model for pharmacists' prescribing in these facilities that had been proposed to address these problems. Specific objectives were to conceptually tailor the model to the RACF setting and qualitatively examine its potential applicability.

Setting
Data were collected from June to September 2004 via 34 semi-structured interviews with representatives of 28 stakeholder organisations, and 12 homogeneous focus groups comprising 25 consumers, 28 pharmacists and 18 medical practitioners representing rural and metropolitan locations. Participants were sourced from four states/territories of Australia.

Method
The so-called ‘Medication Maintenance’ model had previously been developed from the international literature and discussion with an expert steering committee. It proposes a system for pharmacists to continue Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions for patients whose therapy had been stabilised by a medical practitioner, by one month, one repeat or one original pack, as appropriate. The potential benefits, harms, barriers and facilitators were discussed with relevant stakeholders. Data were thematically analysed, and recommendations made for trial of the model.

Key findings
Potential benefits of the ‘Medication Maintenance’ model include improved patient focus, efficiency and interprofessional relationships. Potential harms include increased risk, possible wastage and exploitation. Potential barriers include role conflict, lack of controls, legislative issues and conflict of interest for pharmacists. Facilitators for the model were identified as defined roles and protocols, limitations on supply, regular patient review, communication channels and shared patient records.

Conclusion
A range of benefits, harms, barriers and facilitators of this theoretical model were elucidated from stakeholders. This has led to the proposal of a staged implementation trial of the model, which should involve clinical, humanistic and economic outcome monitoring, and attitudinal, practical and legislative issues to be addressed.
Coptidis Rhizoma attenuates repeated nicotine-induced behavioural sensitization in the rat
Authors: Lee Bombi , Yang Chae Ha , Hahm Dae-Hyun , Lee Hye-Jung , Choe Eun Sang , Pyun Kwang-Ho , Shim Insop 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Repeated injections of nicotine can produce an increase in locomotor activity and the expression of immediate-early gene, c-fos, in the central dopaminergic areas. Many studies have shown that Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) and its main alkaloid compound, berberine (BER), have a suppressive effect on the central nervous system. We examined the influence of CR or BER on repeated nicotine-induced locomotor activity in rats and the change of c-Fos expression in the brain by using immunohistochemistry. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given CR and BER before repeated injections of nicotine hydrochloride (0.4 mg kg−1, s.c.) twice daily for 7 days. After 3 days withdrawal, rats received a challenge injection of nicotine. Pretreatment with CR (100 mg kg−1, i.p.) and BER (100 mg kg−1, i.p.) significantly inhibited the nicotine-induced locomotor activity and expression of c-Fos in the striatum and the nucleus accumbens. These results suggest that CR and BER may produce inhibitory effects of nicotine on behavioural sensitization by possibly reducing postsynaptic neuronal activation in the central dopaminergic systems.
Antioxidant properties of phenols
Authors: Foti Mario C 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
The current understanding of the antioxidant properties of phenols (in homogeneous solutions) is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the role of the solvent. Phenols (ArOH) are known to reduce the rates of oxidation of organic matter by transferring a H atom (from their OH groups) to the chain-carrying ROO• radicals, a mechanism that most likely involves a concerted transfer of the hydrogen as a proton and of one electron between the two oxygen atoms, O-H•••O• (proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism). The antioxidant capabilities of phenols are strongly reduced by hydrogen-bond accepting solvents since the hydrogen-bonded molecules ArOH•••S are virtually unreactive toward ROO• radicals. The magnitude of these kinetic solvent effects is determined by the solute acidity α2H of ArOH (range 0 to 1) and solvent basicity β2H (range 0 to 1). Hydroxyl solvents (alcohols) have a double effect on ArOH. On the one hand, they act as hydrogen-bond accepting solvents and reduce the conventional rates of the ArOH + ROO• reaction. On the other hand, these solvents favour the ionization of ArOH into their phenoxide anions ArO−, which may react with ROO• very rapidly by electron transfer (sequential proton loss electron transfer mechanism). The overall effect is therefore determined by the ionization degree of ArOH. Other aspects of the kinetics and thermodynamics of ArOH + ROO• are also discussed.
Peroxynitrite and nitrosoperoxycarbonate, a tightly connected oxidizing-nitrating couple in the reactive nitrogen-oxygen species family: new perspectives for protection from radical-promoted injury by flavonoids
Authors: Pavlovic Radmila , Santaniello Enzo 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Peroxynitrite is the product of the reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide radical and is implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of human diseases, being responsible for in-vivo oxidation/nitration events. Nitrosoperoxycarbonate anion, formed by the interaction of peroxynitrite with CO2/bicarbonate at physiological concentrations, provides a new interpretation of oxidative/nitrative processes formerly attributed to peroxynitrite. The aim of this review is to summarize the chemistry and biology of peroxynitrite and radical species related to nitrosoperoxycarbonate anion, as well as the information available regarding the molecular mechanisms that determine and regulate radical-promoted injury by the two tightly connected species at physiological concentrations. Interception of carbonate and nitro radicals produced by interaction of peroxynitrite with CO2/bicarbonate, as in-vivo prevention of pathological events, creates new perspectives for the evaluation of safe scavengers of oxidative/nitrative stress at the physiological level. In this respect, natural products such as flavonoids hold a preeminent position among the vast array of compounds endowed with such properties.
Involvement of plasma membrane redox systems in hormone action
Authors: Incerpi Sandra , Fiore Anna Maria , De Vito Paolo , Pedersen Jens Z 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the common name used to describe the partially reduced forms of molecular oxygen that may be generated in cells during oxidative metabolism. They are normally considered to be toxic, and cells possess various defence systems to protect themselves including antioxidant enzymes and low molecular weight antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E. However, it is now clear that small amounts of ROS also act as messenger molecules in cell signal transduction pathways; the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells in particular contains a variety of different ROS-producing oxidases and reductases, of which the best characterized are the superoxide-producing NADPH oxidases. It has been known for many years that membrane redox activity can be changed rapidly by various hormones and growth factors, but the molecular mechanisms involved and the physiological importance of this phenomenon have only recently begun to be unveiled. This review summarizes the state of the art on plasma membrane-based ROS signalling in the pathways of insulin, steroid and thyroid hormones and growth factors. The apparent paradox of ROS being essential biomolecules in the regulation of cellular functions, but also toxic by-products of metabolism, may be important for the pharmacological application of natural and synthetic antioxidants.
Protective effect of icariin on DNA against radical-induced oxidative damage
Authors: Zhao Feng , Tang You-Zhi , Liu Zai-Qun 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Icariin (2-(4′-methoxylphenyl)-3-rhamnosido-5-hydroxyl-7-glucosido-8-(3′-methyl-2-butylenyl)-4-chromanone) is a flavonoid with a rhamnose as ligand. It is the major component in Herba epimedii, widely used for the treatment of atherosclerosis and neuropathy in Chinese traditional medicine, and its antioxidative property has attracted much scientific interest. The major objective of this work is to determine the antioxidative effect of icariin against oxidative DNA damage induced by 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). The oxidative damage of DNA was followed by measuring the formation of carbonyl compounds that can react with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) to form thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). We found that icariin protects DNA against AAPH-induced oxidative damage in a concentration-dependent manner, although it does not affect the rate of AAPH-induced DNA damage. This result indicates that icariin is a concentration-dependent chemopreventor in protecting DNA against radical-induced damage.
Wolverhampton Council for Community Relations: The Pattern of Participation
Authors: Jacobs Brian 
Published: November 2007

This paper examines the major factors affecting the pattern of black ethnic minority interest group affiliation to the Wolverhampton Council for Community Relations (WCCR). The study views group affiliation within the general context of the financial and administrative interrelationships between WCCR, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) and Wolverhampton Corporation.
The political setting is one in which councillors, local authority officials and community leaders prefer to involve themselves in a policy process where decisions are taken which ensure stability in the political environment. The desirability of maintaining stability, particularly from the point of view of those associated with the more formal aspects of policy-making, is evident to the extent that policy formulation and implementation relies, for its effectiveness upon the consent of the community. This consent in the field of race relations has invariably been difficult to achieve because of the cleavages between the black and white communities and within the black community itself. The resolution of the resulting conflicts provides the rationale for the existence of local community relations councils (CRCs) which actively seek to maintain, and where necessary, restore stable community relations.
Regional Devolution, Administrative Decentralization and Bureaucratic Performance in Italy
Authors: Freddi Gorgio 
Published: November 2007

Ten years ago the formal structure of Italian government and administration underwent a momentous and radical change when, for the first time, with the elections of June 7, 1970, regional legislatures and governments were chosen by the people throughout the nation. This step concluded a twenty year long move from centralisation to decentralisation, initiated by the Republican Constitution of 1948. Until then, and from 1859 (the accepted date to designate the completion of national unification), Italy had been governed by a highly centralised and top-heavy administrative structure – modelled after the French example – including a prefectural system that left little or no autonomy to local governments such as municipalities and provinces.
To be sure, between 1860 and 1870, when the new Italian state was being built, some consideration was given to the establishment of autonomous regional governments, but the preoccupation with national unity prevailed. Only after the second World War, with the emergence of democratic politics, and of a generalised revulsion against the stifling centralisation of the Fascist regime, did regional sentiment assert itself again to find recognition in the Constitution, which provided for five ‘special’ regions and fourteen (later fifteen) ‘ordinary’ regions.
Prime Cuts: Public Expenditure and social services planning in a hostile environment
Authors: Glennerster Howard 
Published: November 2007

The presumption of growth in a relatively stable economic and political environment is deeply embedded not merely in administrative and budgetary practice but in the framework of ideas that political scientists have used to analyse resource decisions. It is as much a part of the rational comprehensive planning tradition as it is of the incrementalist budgetary literature. The more turbulent economic environment and the era of cuts in public spending call for a re-appraisal of theory and practice.
There have been a series of articles on this theme in the Public Administration Review (1978) and in Maurice Wright’s recently (1980) edited collection of essays and Christopher Hood’s contribution to this Journal (1980). The discussion so far seems to be an extension of the debate between the rational comphrehensive school and the incrementalists.
The theme of some contributors to Maurice Wright’s book and many American writers has been to argue that cuts will be good for the public sector. Faced with a tight financial situation public authorities will be forced to adopt more rational and therefore more efficient appraisals of their spending.
In the Wright volume Professor Stewart suggests that the management process can no longer focus on the increment.
A High Concentration of Epidermal Growth Factor Increases the Growth and Survival of Neurogenic Radial Glial Cells Within Human Neurosphere Cultures
Authors: Nelson Aaron D. , Suzuki Masatoshi , Svendsen Clive N. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Human neural progenitor cells (hNPC) isolated from the fetal cortex can be expanded as aggregates of cells termed neurospheres. Traditional methods have used 20 ng/ml epidermal growth factor (EGF) to drive the proliferation of these cells. Here, we show that 100 ng/ml EGF can significantly increase growth rates of hNPC at later passages. This was through increased survival of dividing cells rather than increased proliferation and associated with prolonged activation of ErbB2 and phosphorylated Akt. High EGF also resulted in a larger proportion of elongated “radial glial”-like cells within the growing neurospheres and increased expression of the radial glial markers. The number of new neurons generated from cultures maintained in 100 ng/ml EGF was significantly higher than from 20 ng/ml EGF. Thus, high concentrations of EGF increase the survival of a highly neurogenic human radial glial cell.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Fibrochondrogenesis in Two Embryonic Stem Cell Lines: Effects of Differentiation Timelines
Authors: Hoben Gwendolyn M. , Koay Eugene J. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are an exciting cell source for fibrocartilage engineering. In this study, the effects of differentiation time and cell line, H9 versus BG01V, were examined. Embryoid bodies (EBs) were fibrochondrogenically differentiated for 1, 3, or 6 weeks and then used to engineer tissue constructs that were grown for an additional 4 weeks. Construct matrix was fibrocartilaginous, containing glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagens I, II, and VI. A differentiation time of 3 or 6 weeks produced homogeneous constructs, with matrix composition varying greatly with cell line and differentiation time: from 2.6 to 17.4 μg of GAG per 106 cells and from 22.3 to 238.4 μg of collagen per 106 cells. Differentiation for 1 week resulted in small constructs with poor structural integrity that could not be mechanically tested. The compressive stiffness of the constructs obtained from EBs differentiated for 3 or 6 weeks did not vary significantly as a function of either differentiation time or cell line. In contrast, the tensile properties were markedly greater with the H9 cell line, 1,562–1,940 versus 32–80 kPa in the BG01V constructs. These results demonstrate the dramatic effects of hESC line and differentiation time on the biochemical and functional properties of tissue-engineered constructs and show progress in fibrocartilage tissue engineering with an exciting new cell source.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Absence of OCT4 Expression in Somatic Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Cantz Tobias , Key Göran , Bleidiβel Martina , Gentile Luca , Han Dong Wook , Brenne Alexandra , Schöler Hans R. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
The POU-domain transcription factor OCT4 is associated with the pluripotent state of cells comprising the inner cell mass of pre-implantation embryos and has been known to play a critical role in the maintenance of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. Reactivation of OCT4 expression is postulated to occur in differentiated cells that have undergone carcinogenesis, or tumor formation. In contrast to earlier studies, recent reports describe OCT4 expression in several human tumor cell lines. To resolve the apparent discrepancy in OCT4 expression between earlier and recent studies, we determined OCT4 expression in the cervical carcinoma cell line HeLa and the breast cancer cell line MCF7 in comparison with the human teratoma cell line nTera by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR analyses. We were unable to detect staining of the OCT4 transcription factor in the nucleus of HeLa and MCF7 cells by immunofluorescence using two different monoclonal antibodies. Faint cytoplasmic staining in HeLa and MCF7 cells was observed; however, no OCT4 signal could be detected by Western blot analysis. In addition, we were unable to detect significant levels of OCT4 mRNA in HeLa and in MCF7 cells by RT-PCR. Furthermore, the OCT4 promoter region is highly methylated in HeLa and MCF7 cells. We argue that recent reports of OCT4 expression in these and other cancer cell lines could actually be attributed to OCT4 pseudogene expression or misinterpretation of background signals in immunofluorescence experiments. In conclusion, we emphasize the need for adequate controls in investigations of OCT4 expression in somatic cell lines by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Family History of Diabetes Mellitus and Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing Criteria
Authors: Piscitelli Joanne , Eden Robert D. , Jelovsek Frederick R. , Grandis Arnold S. , Gall Stanley A. 
Published: November 2007

A review of 185 obstetrical patients, having a family history of diabetes mellitus without medical history of glucose intolerance in the non‐pregnant state was conducted. A 3‐hour 100‐g oral glucose tolerance test was performed on all patients between 20 and 34 weeks of gestation. According to O'Sullivan's criteria for glucose tolerance testing, normal glucose tolerance occurred in 89.7%, while Class A diabetes was identified in 10.3% of patients tested. 3.8% of the study population fulfilled the O'Sullivan criteria for abnormal glucose intolerance and required insulin treatment during pregnancy.The Division of Perinatal Medicine at Duke University has traditionally defined the abnormal glucose tolerance test at glucose values lower than O'Sullivan's internationally accepted criteria. An intermediate group, having abnormal glucose values according to the Duke criteria, was classified as “Carbohydriate Intolerance”, comprised 32.4% of the patients tested and were managed identically to O'Sullivan Class A Diabetes. Analysis or perinatal outcome, including macro‐somia, birth trauma and neonatal morbidity, revealed that Carbohydrate Intolerance patients fulfilling O'Sullivan criteria, being similar to patients with ‘normal’ GTT test results. Patients having a family history of diabetes mellitus, appeared as a group to be at increased risk for macro‐somia, fetal distress and cesarean delivery, compared with the general population.