bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poor Preservation Efficacy Versus Quality and Safety of Pediatric Extemporaneous Liquids
Authors: Ghulam Asif , Keen Kate , Tuleu Catherine , Wong Ian Chi-Kei , Long Paul F 
Published: April 2007

Background: Most medicines are available only as solid, adult-strength dosage forms from which oral extemporaneous liquids are often prepared for children. There are few comprehensive reference lists for the preparation of pediatric extemporaneous formulations. Some pediatric reformulations are made by diluting the suspending vehicle, and a shelf life of up to 3 months can be used without documented microbial stability. Although most commercially available ready-to-use vehicles are supplied as preserved formulations, it is still common practice in many European dispensaries to prepare and dilute these vehicles as required for specific prescriptions. Objective: To determine what influence dilution of vehicles has on the preservation efficiency of extemporaneous formulations. Methods: Suspending vehicles were made by diluting methylcellulose 1% and simple syrup, BP (British Pharmacopoeia) in ratios of 1:1 and 1:4. The efficacy of antimicrobial preservation was tested according to the 2007 standards required by the BP. Results: Dilution in ratios greater than 1:1 failed the BP 2007 criteria. Such dilution represents a potential biohazard, especially to premature, newborn, or immunocompromised children, exposing them not only to possible organoleptic changes of the preparation, but also to ingestion of either dangerous numbers of microorganisms or medicines that may have undergone biotransformation, rendering them inactive or toxic. Conclusions: Significant concerns have been raised regarding the quality of extemporaneous preparations. We call for further research in this neglected area to address issues of antimicrobial preservation, including revision of existing quality assurance monographs. Moreover, these monographs should take into account testing that simulates multiple dosing from a single storage container during the intended in-use shelf life of multidose extemporaneous preparations.
Efficacy of Various Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy Protocols in Autoimmune and Chronic Inflammatory Disorders
Authors: Gürcan Hakan M , Ahmed A Razzaque 
Published: April 2007

Objective: To determine the efficacy of various intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) protocols used in the treatment of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Data Sources: Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (November 1984–March 2007) and a search was conducted using the term intravenous immunoglobulin. References cited in the selected articles were also reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Inclusion criteria for studies were (1) English language, (2) randomized controlled trials, (3) defined protocols, (4) a minimum of 15 patients, and (5) objective criteria provided to assess clinical outcomes and course. Data Synthesis: The therapeutic efficacy of IVIG therapy is well established, and defined protocols exist for treatment of Kawasaki disease, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, Guillain–Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, and autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases. In the absence of a defined protocol, studies have demonstrated that IVIG therapy is effective in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, dermatomyositis, stiff person syndrome, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive systemic vasculitides, Graves' ophthalmopathy, and certain forms of systemic lupus erythematosus. It might also be of benefit in some patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. The outcomes are variable in these studies. In toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens–Johnson syndrome, use of IVIG has dramatically influenced clinical response and reduced mortality. Conclusions: The cumulative evidence suggests that the clinical outcomes observed are significantly influenced by the use of a defined protocol. There is a need for multicenter trials approved by the Food and Drug Administration to better define the role of IVIG in many disease states. Such studies would be able to establish the indications for use, optimal dose, frequency of infusions, duration of therapy, and need for gradual withdrawal versus sudden cessation. Defined protocols resulting from the study of a large cohort of patients often convince insurance companies to create policies that provide access to IVIG therapy.
Relevance of Religion and Spirituality in German Patients with Chronic Diseases
Authors: Büssing Arndt , Ostermann Thomas , Koenig Harold G. 
Published: April 2007

Objective: Many American patients depend on religion to cope, but less is known about the spiritual/religious (SpR) characteristics of medical patients in Europe, a more secular environment. We examined self-categorizations of SpR (spiritual, religious, both, neither), patients' search for meaningful support, trust in higher source, positive interpretation of disease, and support in relations of life through SpR, as measured with the SpREUK questionnaire, in German medical patients. Method: We analyzed data on 710 West-German patients with a mean age of 54. Forty-two percent had chronic pain diseases, 25% cancer, 10% multiple sclerosis, 21% other chronic diseases, and 3% acute diseases. Results: The general interest in search for meaningful support was moderate. Trust in a higher source and support in life through SpR were rated higher, while almost all patients had a positive interpretation of their diseases, i.e, hint to change life. The interest in SpR issues was highest in cancer patients and lowest in patients with multiple sclerosis. Univariate analyses confirmed that the SpR self-categorization was the strongest predictor of all four factors, while trust in a higher source was also affected by religious affiliation and age. Positive interpretations of disease correlated well with search for meaningful support. Conclusions: Patients with chronic diseases differ with respect to their SpR self-categorizations and may thus utilize different aspects of SpR. Cancer patients, in particular, often depend on their trust in a higher power and in conventional religious activities to help them to cope with their illness.
Bupropion in the Treatment of Outpatients with Asthma and Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Brown E. Sherwood , Vornik Lana A. , Khan David A. , Rush A. John 
Published: April 2007

Objective: Depressive disorders are common in asthma. Despite the high prevalence, antidepressant therapy in asthma patients with depression remains under-investigated. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the use of bupropion for depression and anxiety in depressed asthma patients. Method: We conducted a 12-week open-label study of bupropion in 18 depressed asthma patients. Participants were assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology—Self-Report (IDS-SR), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and spirometry at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Results: Significant baseline to exit improvements were observed on the HAM-D-17 (mean change=4.72, SD = 7.78, p = 0.02) and the HAM-A (mean change=2.12, SD = 3.97, p = 0.04). Based on the HAM-D-17 scores, 27.8% of the patients were responders and 16.7% were remitters Significant correlations were found between changes in ACQ score and HAM-D-17 r = 0.73, p = 0.001), ACQ score and IDS-SR r = 0.58, p = 0.012), and FEV1% Predicted and HAM-D-17 r = −0.66, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Bupropion treatment was associated with significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms in asthma patients. Improvements in asthma correlated significantly with improvements in depression.
Depression and Diabetes in Iranian Patients: A Comparative Study
Authors: Khamseh Mohammad E. , Baradaran Hamid R. , Rajabali Hassan 
Published: April 2007

Objective: The aim of the present study was determine the rate of depression in people with diabetes in an Iranian population. Method: A hospital-based prospective study with a comparison group was conducted in Firozgar Teaching Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The condition of depression and relationship to diabetes was assessed among 375 individuals (206 people with diabetes and 169 without diabetes) who consecutively presented for this prospective study. Results: Of the total participation, 206 (54.9%) had diabetes (type 1=66 and type 2=140). Female made up 63.7% ( n = 239). The mean age of entire study was 47.2 years ( SD = 16.3 range, 15–87 years). Major depression was present among 71.8% of this sample with diabetes (both types; type 1 and type 2). Depression was more prevalent among women with diabetes than men (Adjusted OR=2.1 (95% CI 1.4–3.2)). Of the 375 participants, 135 (36%) had BID scores lower than 11 and 240 (64%) had BDI scores indicating moderate to severe depression (> 16). Conclusions: Diabetes appears to increase the risk of developing depression; therefore early detection and treatment intervention provide the best protective mechanisms available against the effects of depression on diabetes outcomes, and a psychological service provision for people with diabetes is needed.
Alexithymia and Core Conflictual Relationship Themes: A Study in a Chronically Fatigued Primary Care Population
Authors: Vanheule Stijn , Vandenbergen Jan , Desmet Mattias , Rosseel Yves , Insleghers Ruth 
Published: April 2007

Objective: Clinical studies have indicated that concomitant to problems with affect regulation interpersonal problems can be observed in alexithymic patients. We test whether this is the case, and determine a parsimonious set of typical relationship themes. Method: Relationship themes were assessed by means of the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT) method. This method examines transference patterns, and was applied to clinical interview data collected from a sample ( n = 30) of chronically fatigued primary care patients. Alexithymia was assessed by means of a score on the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The data were analyzed by means of the leaps and bounds regression algorithm for selecting optimal subsets of indicators, and by bootstrapping to determine 95% confidence intervals. Results: Alexithymia can be meaningfully explained by typical relationship themes. A set of two wishes and one response of the self to the other that is most representative of alexithymia was mapped. The wishes demonstrate that the more alexithymic someone is, the less likely it is that this person wishes to be helped by others and the less likely it is that he/she interacts with others in order to feel good about him/herself. The selected response of the self indicates that it is typical of alexithymia that interactions with others do not result in good or happy feelings. Conclusion: Linking alexithymia to typical relationship themes is valid. Limitations of the study are indicated.
Change in Mental Symptoms in Extreme Obesity Patients after Gastric Banding, Part II: Six-Year Follow up
Authors: Nickel M. K. , Loew T. H. , Bachler E. 
Published: April 2007

Objective: Apart from increased somatic morbidity, extreme obesity causes grave psychosocial and psychopathological problems. We examined a sample of 50 extremely adipose women (BMI < 40kg/m2) from 2000 to 2003 to find out whether surgical reduction of stomach volume leads to lasting change in Body Mass Index (BMI), psychosocial symptoms, and health related quality of life. We found that positive changes in BMI reduction, psychosocial symptoms, and health related quality of life could be expected three years after gastric banding ( Int. J Psychiatry Med 2005;35:109–122). During the following three years, we continued to observe these patients to determine long-term effects. Method: Fifty adipose women who had taken part in the first study from 2004 to 2006 were surveyed. Annual primary outcome measures were BMI, self-reported changes on the scales of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D), and Health Survey (SF-36). Results: At the 6-year mark, significant changes in BMI ( p < 0.01), significantly increased employment (0.012) and the existence of a partnership ( p < 0.01), plus significant changes on all three scales of the TFEQ ( p < 0.01), on both scales of the HADS-D (anxiety: p < 0.05; depression: p < 0.011), and all scales of the SF-36 Health Survey (all p < 0.01) were observed. Conclusions: The positive changes in BMI reduction, i.e., increased employment and subjects living in a partnership, improvement in eating behavior, reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and improvement in health related quality of life were also confirmed as remaining stable over a 3-year observation period, i.e., for a total of six years.
Bacteriorhodopsin‐Monolayer‐Based Planar Metal–Insulator–Metal Junctions via Biomimetic Vesicle Fusion: Preparation, Characterization, and Bio‐optoelectronic Characteristics
Authors: Jin Y. D. , Friedman N. , Sheves M. , Cahen D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA reliable and reproducible method for preparing bacteriorhodopsin (bR)‐containing metal–biomolecule–monolayer‐metal planar junctions via vesicle fusion tactics and soft deposition of Au top electrodes is reported. Optimum monolayer and junction preparations, including contact effects, are discussed. The electron‐transport characteristics of bR‐containing membranes are studied systematically by incorporating native bR or artificial bR pigments derived from synthetic retinal analogues, into single solid‐supported lipid bilayers. Current–voltage (I–V) measurements at ambient conditions show that a single layer of such bR‐containing artificial lipid bilayers pass current in solid electrode/bilayer/solid electrode structures. The current is passed only if retinal or its analogue is present in the protein. Furthermore, the preparations show photoconductivity as long as the retinal can isomerize following light absorption. Optical characterization suggests that the junction photocurrents might be associated with a photochemically induced M‐like intermediate of bR. I–V measurements along with theoretical estimates reveal that electron transfer through the protein is over four orders of magnitude more efficient than what would be estimated for direct tunneling through 5 nm of water‐free peptides. Our results furthermore suggest that the light‐driven proton‐pumping activity of the sandwiched solid‐state bR monolayer contributes negligibly to the steady‐state light currents that are observed, and that the orientation of bR does not significantly affect the observed I–V characteristics.
Microphase‐Separated Donor–Acceptor Diblock Copolymers: Influence of HOMO Energy Levels and Morphology on Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Sommer M. , Lindner S. M. , Thelakkat M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe synthesis of novel semiconducting donor–acceptor (D–A) diblock copolymers by means of nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) is reported. The copolymers contain functional moieties for hole transport, electron transport, and light absorption. The first block, representing the donor, is made up of either substituted triphenylamines (poly(bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐4′‐vinylphenylamine), PvDMTPA) or substituted tetraphenylbenzidines (poly(N,N′‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐N‐phenyl‐N′‐4‐vinylphenyl‐(1,1′‐biphenyl)‐4,4′‐diamine), PvDMTPD). The second block consists of perylene diimide side groups attached to a polyacrylate backbone (PPerAcr) via a flexible spacer. This block is responsible for absorption in the visible range and for electron‐transport properties. The electrochemical properties of these fully functionalized diblock copolymers, PvDMTPA‐b‐PPerAcr and PvDMTPD‐b‐PPerAcr, are investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and their morphology is investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All diblock copolymers exhibit microphase‐separated domains in the form of either wire‐ or wormlike structures made of perylene diimide embedded in a hole‐conductor matrix. In single‐active‐layer organic solar cells, PvDMTPD‐b‐PPerAcr reveals a fourfold improvement in power conversion efficiency (η = 0.26 %, short‐circuit current (ISC) 1.21 mA cm–2), and PvDMTPA‐b‐PPerAcr a fivefold increased efficiency (η = 0.32 %, ISC = 1.14 mA cm–2) compared with its unsubstituted analogue PvTPA‐b‐PPerAcr (η = 0.065 %, ISC = 0.23 mA cm–2).
Solvent‐Mediated Plasmon Tuning in a Gold‐Nanoparticle–Poly(Ionic Liquid) Composite
Authors: Batra D. , Seifert S. , Varela L. M. , Liu A. C. Y. , Firestone M. A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe design, synthesis, and characterization of a hierarchically ordered composite whose structure and optical properties can be reversibly switched by adjustment of solvent conditions are described. Solvent‐induced swelling and de‐swelling is shown to provide control over the internal packing arrangement and hence, optical properties of in situ synthesized metal nanoparticles. Specifically, a gold‐nanoparticle‐containing ionic‐liquid‐derived polymer is synthesized in a single step by UV irradiation of a metal‐ion‐precursor‐doped, self‐assembled ionic liquid gel, 1‐decyl‐3‐vinylimidazolium chloride. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) studies indicate that in the de‐swollen state, the freestanding polymer adopts a perforated lamellar structure. Optical spectroscopy of the dried composite reveals plasmon resonances positioned in the near‐IR. Strong particle–particle interactions arise from matrix‐promoted formation of aggregated 1D clusters or chains of gold nanoparticles. Upon swelling in alcohol, the composite undergoes a structural conversion to a disordered structure, which is accompanied by a color change from purple to pale pink and a shift in the surface plasmon resonance to 527 nm, consistent with isolated, non‐interacting particles. These results demonstrate the far‐field tuning of the plasmonic spectrum of gold nanoparticles by solvent‐mediated changes in its encapsulating matrix, offering a straightforward, low‐cost strategy for the fabrication of nanophotonic materials.
Time trends in occupational risks of lung cancer among Swedish men from 1961–1979
Authors: Carstensen John M. , Pershagen Göran , Eklund Gunnar 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUsing data from the Swedish Cancer‐Environment Register, time trends in the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for lung cancer 1961–1979 were studied in different occupations. After adjustments for differences in the SIR with respect to year of birth, only the decreasing trends for blacksmiths and members of the armed forces as well as increasing trends for foundry workers and construction machine operators were significant (p<0.05). For bakers and pastry cooks, there was a significant interaction between year of birth and observation period in relation to SIR. Data on smoking habits, obtained from a sample of the population, did not seem to explain the trends.
Reactions of asbestos‐exposed workers to notification and screening
Authors: Meyerowitz Beth E. , Sullivan Clare D. , Premeau Cheri L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn the wake of efforts to pass legislation mandating notification of workers at high risk of developing occupational disease, considerable controversy exists regarding the potential costs and benefits of such notification efforts. It has been suggested that individual notification would cause undue psychological distress, especially when primary prevention efforts are no longer possible. In this study, we assessed reactions of asbestos‐exposed workers to a letter notifying them of their risk for asbestos‐related illnesses and the availability of a medical screening program. Two hundred forty‐seven workers who attended the screening program and 53 who chose not to attend completed a questionnaire that tapped reactions to notification. Workers reported neither undue psychological distress nor avoidance behavior in response to notification, and many respondents reported engaging in active and appropriate coping behaviors. Workers who first learned of their risk through the notification letter (33.7%) were no more likely to report distress or denial than were workers who had learned previously through other sources. Individuals who chose not to attend the screening program were less likely than attenders to report experiencing distress upon learning of their risk status, more likely to engage in minimization of risk, and less likely to have taken direct action. Our results suggest that the psychological costs of notifying workers of increased risk for asbestosrelated illness appear to be outweighed by the benefits of notification and screening.
Minnesota highway maintenance worker study: Cancer mortality
Authors: Bender Alan P. , Parker David L. , Johnson Rebecca A. , Scharber Wendy K. , Williams Allan N. , Marbury Marian C. , Mandel Jack S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHighway maintenance workers (HMWs) have been exposed to a broad range of potentially toxic substances, including diesel fuels and exhaust, asphalts and tars, herbicides, gasoline, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, and lead. The number of current and former state, county, and municipal HMWs in the United States exceeds 500,000, yet the health risks of this occupation had never been studied. To fill this void and to respond to the public perception that Minnesota HMWs were at high risk of developing leukemia, an occupational cohort mortality study was conducted of Minnesota HMWs employed between 1945 and 1984. Leukemia mortality in HMWs with 30–39 years of work (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 425; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 171–876) and urologic cancer mortality in HMWs with 40–49 year latency (SMR = 292; CI = 117–602) were significantly elevated. The extent to which these and other findings were directly related to work exposures is unknown. Further investigations to resolve the significance of the risks associated with the HMW occupation are currently underway.