bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of predictive models of morbidity in intensive care unit after cardiac surgery – Part II: an illustrative example
Authors: Cevenini Gabriele , Barbini Emanuela , Scolletta Sabino , Biagioli Bonizella , Giomarelli Pierpaolo , Barbini Paolo 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackgroundPopular predictive models for estimating morbidity probability after heart surgery are compared critically in a unitary framework. The study is divided into two parts. In the first part modelling techniques and intrinsic strengths and weaknesses of different approaches were discussed from a theoretical point of view. In this second part the performances of the same models are evaluated in an illustrative example.MethodsEight models were developed: Bayes linear and quadratic models,k-nearest neighbour model, logistic regression model, Higgins and direct scoring systems and two feed-forward artificial neural networks with one and two layers. Cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, renal, infectious and hemorrhagic complications were defined as morbidity. Training and testing sets each of 545 cases were used. The optimal set of predictors was chosen among a collection of 78 preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables by a stepwise procedure. Discrimination and calibration were evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, respectively.ResultsScoring systems and the logistic regression model required the largest set of predictors, while Bayesian andk-nearest neighbour models were much more parsimonious. In testing data, all models showed acceptable discrimination capacities, however the Bayes quadratic model, using only three predictors, provided the best performance. All models showed satisfactory generalization ability: again the Bayes quadratic model exhibited the best generalization, while artificial neural networks and scoring systems gave the worst results. Finally, poor calibration was obtained when using scoring systems,k-nearest neighbour model and artificial neural networks, while Bayes (after recalibration) and logistic regression models gave adequate results.ConclusionAlthough all the predictive models showed acceptable discrimination performance in the example considered, the Bayes and logistic regression models seemed better than the others, because they also had good generalization and calibration. The Bayes quadratic model seemed to be a convincing alternative to the much more usual Bayes linear and logistic regression models. It showed its capacity to identify a minimum core of predictors generally recognized as essential to pragmatically evaluate the risk of developing morbidity after heart surgery.
Gene expression profiling of cancer stem cell in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells
Authors: Seo Dong-Cheol , Sung Ji-Min , Cho Hee-Jung , Yi Hee , Seo Kun-Ho , Choi In-Soo , Kim Dong-Ku , Kim Jin-Suk , El-Aty AM Abd , Shin Ho-Chul 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Background
The studies on cancer-stem-cells (CSCs) have attracted so much attention in recent years as possible therapeutic implications. This study was carried out to investigate the gene expression profile of CSCs in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.

Results
We isolated CSCs from A549 cell line of which side population (SP) phenotype revealed several stem cell properties. After staining the cell line with Hoechst 33342 dye, the SP and non-side population (non-SP) cells were sorted using flow cytometric analysis. The mRNA expression profiles were measured using an Affymetrix GeneChip® oligonucleotide array. Among the sixty one differentially expressed genes, the twelve genes inclusive three poor prognostic genes; Aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C1/C2 (AKR1C1/C2), Transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 nuclear receptor (TM4SF1), and Nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 1 (NR0B1) were significantly up-regulated in SP compared to non-SP cells.

Conclusion
This is the first report indicating the differences of gene expression pattern between SP and non-SP cells in A549 cells. We suggest that the up-regulations of the genes AKR1C1/C2, TM4SF1 and NR0B1 in SP of human adenocarcinoma A549 cells could be a target of poor prognosis in anti-cancer therapy.
Regulation of the NFAT pathway discriminates CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells from CD4+CD25− helper T cells
Authors: Sumpter Tina L , Payne Kyle K , Wilkes David S 
Published: November 2007

AbstractCD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are potent modulators of immune responses. The transcriptional program distinguishing Tregs from the CD4+CD25− Th cells is unclear. NFAT, a key transcription factor, is reported to interact with forkhead box p3, allowing inhibitory and activating signals in T cells. In the current study, we hypothesize that distinctive NFAT regulation in Tregs as compared with Th cells, may contribute to specific functions of these cells. Tregs express basal levels of cytoplasmic NFATc1 and NFATc2. In contrast to Th cells, anti-CD3-mediated T cell activation did not induce nuclear translocation of NFATc1 or NFATc2 in Tregs. This effect was associated with altered regulation for NFAT in Tregs that included reduced calcium flux, diminished calcineurin activation, and increased activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, a negative regulatory kinase for NFAT in Tregs relative to Th cells. These data suggested that NFAT inhibition in Th cells may induce regulatory function. Indeed, pharmacologically mediated NFAT inhibition induced Th cells to function as Tregs, an effect that was mediated by induction of membrane-bound TGF-β on Th cells. Collectively, these data suggest that maintaining NFAT at basal levels is a part of the transcriptional program required for Tregs.
The Membrane-Spanning Domain of CD98 Heavy Chain Promotes αvβ3 Integrin Signals in Human Extravillous Trophoblasts
Authors: Kabir-Salmani Maryam , Fukuda Michiko N. , Kanai-Azuma Masami , Ahmed Nesar , Shiokawa Shigetatsu , Akimoto Yoshihiro , Sakai Keiji , Nagamori Seishi , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Iwashita Mitsutoshi 
Published: November 2007

AbstractCD98 heavy chain (CD98hc) is expressed highly in developing human placental trophoblast. CD98hc is an amino acid transporter and is thought to function in cell fusion, adhesion, and invasion by interacting with integrins. In invasive extravillous trophoblast, αvβ3 integrin is expressed in a temporally and spatially specific manner, which prompted us to investigate the potential role of CD98hc in signal transduction of αvβ3 integrin. Immunocytochemistry of extravillous trophoblast derived from human placenta revealed that CD98hc colocalized with αvβ3 integrin and with αvβ3-associated cytoplasmic proteins including paxillin, vinculin, and focal adhesion kinase. Coimmunoprecipitation of CD98hc and its mutants revealed that the transmembrane domain of CD98hc is necessary for the association of CD98hc with αvβ3 integrin. When CD98hc negative liver cells (FLC4) were stably transfected with CD98hc and the extracellular domain of CD98hc was cross-linked by anti-CD98 antibody, FLC4 cells binding affinity to fibronectin and cell motility increased. The anti-CD98 antibody cross-linking promoted actin stress fiber formation and activation of signal transduction downstream of RhoA GTPase, and elevated the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, and protein kinase B. Pretreatment of transfected FLC4 cells with specific inhibitors for αvβ3integrin, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and RhoA diminished these effects caused by anti-CD98 antibody cross-linking. These results suggest that notoriously invasive activity of extravillous trophoblast is mediated by CD98hc, which promotes αvβ3 integrin-dependent signals.
Characteristics of Australia's community pharmacies: National Pharmacy Database Project
Authors: Berbatis Constantine G , Sunderland V Bruce , Joyce Andrew , Bulsara Max , Mills Christina 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Objective
To report the characteristics of community pharmacies in Australia and analyse them for their association with pharmacists' consultation time.

Setting
A large representative sample of community pharmacies in Australia in 2002.

Method
Questionnaires were mailed by an independent survey group to managers and owners in a national sample of pharmacies stratified into six zones. Questionnaires were returned by 1131 of 1532 pharmacies contacted (73.8%). The data were analysed using the general linear model (GLM) for univariate analysis.

Key findings
Male pharmacists comprised 76.3% of pharmacy owners and 39.5% were aged = 51 years. Most pharmacies (81.1%) had one or two pharmacist owners, and 51.3% of pharmacies were members of marketing groups. Medicines accounted for approximately 75% of annual sales and occupied a minority of the average total area of 187.2 m2. Pharmacies opened for an average of 55.5 h per week. Pharmacists spent 18.8% of their time on patient consultation. This was significantly related to pharmacies with forward pharmacy dispensing areas (P &lt; 0.001), which were owner or partner operated (P &lt; 0.002) and had high numbers of customers (P &lt; 0.004). Holding national accreditation status and belonging to a banner group may be additional factors.

Conclusions
Ownership of community pharmacies in Australia is dominated by pharmacists in contrast to the minority pharmacist ownership in the USA and England. Owners and managers of pharmacies were mainly male and older than other staff. Pharmacists working in pharmacies with a forward dispensing area, designed to facilitate patient consultation, were significantly more likely to provide increased consultation time for patients. Owner- or partner-operated pharmacies, and pharmacies with high numbers of customers were also significantly associated with patient consultation time. The strength of association between membership of marketing groups and national accreditation with consultation time requires more evidence.
A consensus model for delivery of structured pharmaceutical care for the patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus by Scottish community pharmacists
Authors: Power Ailsa , McKellar Susan , Hudson Steve 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo generate a model of pharmaceutical care for the patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care, from a consensus determined among community pharmacists in Scotland. Setting Community pharmacists within Scotland already involved in providing structured pharmaceutical care.MethodThe Delphi questionnaire was based on a validated multidisciplinary model of care for the patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care comprising 47 items under five themes: assessment, treatment plan, treatment administration, patient monitoring, confirmation/review. Seventy participants already participating in a pharmaceutical care model schemes initiative to encourage pharmaceutical care from community pharmacies and with an interest in diabetes mellitus were sent an initial questionnaire. Thirty-seven participants agreed to enter two further rounds; response rates were 22/37 (59%) and 18/22 (82%). Final round cut-off defining consensus was 80% scoring 6–7 from a seven-point Likert scale.Key findingsA model emerged from the achieved consensus. There was an early consensus achieved on the core functions that participants were already delivering to the patient with diabetes mellitus. These are functions that have been highlighted and delivered in previous studies within this disease state: receiving and sharing patient information, individualising treatment, identifying unsatisfactory treatment and monitoring and prescribing analgesia.ConclusionsFor service development and linked continued professional development a well-defined service model for delivering pharmaceutical care to patients is required. This study proposes such a model based on consensus among a self-selected group of community pharmacists leading diabetes pharmacy practice in Scotland.
Pharmacist supplementary prescribing training: a study of pharmacists' perceptions and planned participation
Authors: Stewart Derek C , George Johnson , Pfleger David E , Bond Christine M , Diack H Lesley , Cunningham I T Scott , McCaig Dorothy J 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this research was to investigate in a national sample of pharmacists, who have not yet applied for a supplementary prescribing (SP) course, their planned participation in training, and attitudes towards pharmacist SP. Setting Great Britain.

Method
A postal questionnaire was sent to 4300 pharmacists (approximately 10% of all Great Britain registered pharmacists). The questionnaire had five sections: awareness of SP training; perceptions of aspects of SP training; actions taken relating to SP training based on ‘stage of change’ model; attitudes towards implementing SP into practice; and demographics. Within demographics, respondents were asked to denote themselves as innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority and laggards, based on receptivity to change. Non-respondents were mailed up to two reminders.

Key findings
The response rate was 55.1% (2371/4300). Of the 1707 with patient contact but who had not commenced training, almost all (1668, 97.7%) were aware of pharmacist SP. A minority had taken any significant SP training action, with most being at the precontemplation/contemplation stage of change. However, most respondents either strongly agreed/agreed that practising SP would improve patient care, but strongly disagreed/disagreed that they had sufficient pharmacist/technical support. Two-hundred and forty-three (73.0%) of the ‘venturesome’ pharmacists (the innovators) and 291 (79.5%) of the ‘role models’ (the role models) had either never thought about training or had not yet explored training options further. Following logistic regression, predictors of prescribing training actions were: awareness of local networks for SP; receptivity to change; knowledge of colleagues who had undertaken or were currently undertaking SP training; postgraduate qualifications; intrinsic (professional) factors such as professional duty to become a prescriber; and extrinsic (infrastructure) factors such as sufficient IT support.

Conclusion
We have demonstrated that pharmacists are aware of SP courses and that certain factors are associated with actions relating to prescribing training. However, the practice setting(s) require(s) attention to ensure readiness to support such innovations in areas such as IT and administrative support. These issues have implications for education providers, the NHS and policy makers; and the extension into independent prescribing. Issues based on receptivity to change and models of change require further investigation.
Case management of children with malaria in a Nigerian community
Authors: Oreagba Ibrahim A , Ashorobi Razaq B , Olayemi Sunday O , Oparah Azuka C , Awodele Olufunsho E 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Objective
To describe and assess home and facility-based management of malaria in children in a Nigerian community.

Method
Data on malaria treatment of children at home and the referral health facility were generated.

Key findings
Chloroquine was the most frequently administered drug at home (72.2%), and at the health facility (72.6%). The doses were however inadequate for most of the cases. Artemisinin-based therapies accounted for only 6.3% of antimalarial prescriptions at the health facility.

Conclusion
There is a need to promote the appropriate use of artemisinin-based combination therapy as a first-line regimen in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in the home and healthcare setting.
Review of the ethnobotany, chemistry, biological activity and safety of the botanical dietary supplement Morinda citrifolia (noni)
Authors: Pawlus Alison D , Kinghorn A Douglas 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Morinda citrifolia, commonly called noni, has a long history as a medicinal plant and its use as a botanical dietary supplement has grown tremendously in recent years. This has prompted a concomitant increase in research on the phytochemical constituents and biological activity of noni. A relatively large number of scientific publications on noni have been published in recent years, including a number of review articles. The goals of this review are to provide an updated categorization of the phytochemical constituents found in noni and to provide perspective for its extensive utilization as a major botanical dietary supplement. Included herein are a comprehensive list of known ethno-botanical uses and common names of M. citrifolia, a brief summary of relevant biological studies and a discussion of the safety of noni as a supplement.
Preparation and characterization of quercetin-loaded polymethyl methacrylate microcapsules using a polyol-in-oil-in-polyol emulsion solvent evaporation method
Authors: Lee Dong-Hwan , Sim Gwan-Sub , Kim Jin-Hwa , Lee Geun-Soo , Pyo Hyeong-Bae , Lee Bum-Chun 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Flavonoids and related compounds exhibit a wide range of useful pharmacological properties but present challenges related to their stability and solubility in commonly available solvents. In this study, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microcapsules were prepared using a novel polyol-in-oil-in-polyol (P/O/P) emulsion solvent evaporation method as a means of stabilizing the flavonoids, using quercetin as a model flavonoid drug. The morphology of the microcapsules was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope, revealing a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The cross-section image of the PMMA microcapsules prepared with an amphiphilic polymer in the inner polyol phase showed that the microcapsule was filled with several submicron microspheres. The mean diameter varied from 1.03 ± 0.12 μm to 2.39 ± 0.42 μm, and the encapsulation efficiency ranged from 12.7% to 26.9%. When free quercetin was stored at 42°C, the residual quercetin content gradually decreased to 18% over 28 days as a result of oxidation. However, when encapsulated in PMMA microcapsules with an amphiphilic polymer in the inner polyol phase, the residual quercetin content decreased to just 82%. In-vitro release studies indicated a sustained release pattern throughout the 36-h study. The release kinetics of the microcapsules with an amphiphilic polymer followed a diffusion-controlled mechanism and the microcapsule without amphiphilic polymer followed an anomalous diffusion behaviour. This study suggests that the novel P/O/P emulsion solvent evaporation method can be applied to the encapsulation of flavonoids.
Cod liver oil supplementation improves cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities in streptozotocin diabetic rats
Authors: Ceylan-Isık Aslı , Hünkar Tuǧba , Aşan Esin , Kaymaz Fugen , Arı Nuray , Söylemezoǧlu Tülin , Renda Nurten , Soncul Halim , Bali Musa , Karasu Çimen ,   The ADIC Study Group
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Abnormalities in the metabolism of essential fatty acids and the results of increased oxidative stress have been implicated in cardiovascular disorders observed in diabetes mellitus. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the effects of cod liver oil (CLO, Lysi Ltd, Iceland), which comprises mainly an antioxidant vitamin A, n:3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n:3 PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on cardiovascular abnormalities in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Two days after single STZ (55 mg kg−1, i.p.) or vehicle injection, diabetes was verified by increased blood glucose, and non-diabetic and diabetic rats were left untreated or treated with CLO (0.5 mL kg−1 daily, by intragastric probing) for 12 weeks. Plasma glucose, triacylglycerol and cholesterol concentrations were significantly elevated in 12-week untreated-diabetic rats; CLO provided better weight gain, entirely prevented the plasma lipid abnormalities, but partially controlled the glycaemia in diabetic rats. In isolated aorta rings, diabetes resulted in increased phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction and isoprenaline-induced vasorelaxation, impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and unchanged responsiveness to sodium nitroprusside. CLO treatment completely prevented endothelial deficiency, partly corrected the phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction and did not affect the responses to isoprenaline and sodium nitroprusside in diabetic aorta. Diabetes also produced a marked decrease in the rate of spontaneously beating right atria and a significant increase in basal contractile force of left ventricular papillary muscle. The responsiveness of right atria to the positive chronotropic effect of isoprenaline was significantly decreased in diabetic rats, and was increased in CLO-treated diabetic rats. The positive chronotropic effect of noradrenaline was markedly increased in diabetic atria, but prevented by CLO treatment. Diabetes also resulted in an increased positive inotropic response of papillary muscle to both noradrenaline and isoprenaline, which were prevented by CLO treatment. CLO treatment also resulted in lower tissue sensitivity (pD2) to these agonists in diabetic papillary muscle. Ventricular hydroxy-proline content was found to be unchanged among the experimental groups. The ultrastructure of diabetic myocardium displayed various degenerations (i.e. intracellular oedema, myofibrillar fragmentation, condensed pleomorphic mitochondria, thick capillary irregular basement membrane, swollen endothelial cells), which were partially prevented by CLO treatment. We conclude that the supplementation with CLO is effective in preventing cardiovascular disorders observed in experimental diabetes.
Efficient synthesis of polyoxygenated flavones from naturally occurring flavanones
Authors: Bovicelli Paolo , D'Angelo Vittoria , Collalto Daniela , Verzina Antonio , D'Antona Nicola , Lambusta Daniela 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Flavonoids are constituents of the human diet (they are present in many beverages and food), and in organisms they are responsible for several biological functions, including that of antioxidant. Because of the increasing interest in these molecules, methods for their synthesis and structural modification are of great importance; studies on the biological activities of many of these compounds are insufficient because of their scarcity and/or high cost. We have developed an expeditious synthesis of polyoxygenated flavones, starting from available and inexpensive flavanones, using a bromination-methoxylation procedure. A series of flavonoids that are not otherwise accessible can be prepared using this method. As an example, 3′-demethoxysudachitin, a limited flavone possessing antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori and acting as a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenger, was prepared in fairly satisfactory yield.
Implementing Inner City Policy: Reflections from Experience
Authors: Hambleton Robin 
Published: November 2007

This paper starts from the premise that Britain’s inner city initiative is an important innovation in urban policy which has considerable potential for ameliorating living conditions in inner areas. It will be suggested, however, that the initiative is in danger of being side tracked away from its key objectives of redirecting policy, concentrating on meeting the needs of inner area residents and effecting change in the institutions of urban government. These were the three guiding principles of the Labour government’s bold White Paper of June 1977 which asserted that: ‘the time has now come to give the inner areas an explicit priority in social and economic policy, even at a time of particular stringency in public resources’. The incoming Conservative government of May 1979, whilst introducing marked changes in emphasis and procedure, has accepted the need for special programmes for inner areas and has, with some streamlining, retained the arrangement whereby seven ‘partnership’ areas and fifteen ‘programme’ authorities prepare annually rolled forward Inner Area Programmes (lAPs).
There is a burgeoning literature on inner city problems and policies but much of it is specific to particular localities or particular policy questions.