bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formulation effects of topical emulsions on transdermal and dermal delivery
Authors: Otto A. , Du Plessis J. , Wiechers J. W. 
Published: January 2009

SynopsisIt has been recognized that the vehicle in which a permeant is applied to the skin has a distinctive effect on the dermal and transdermal delivery of active ingredients. The cutaneous and percutaneous absorptions can be enhanced, e.g. by an increase in thermodynamic activity, supersaturation and penetration modifiers. Furthermore, dermal and transdermal delivery can be influenced by the interactions that may occur between the vehicle and the skin on the one hand, and interactions between the active ingredient and the skin on the other hand. Emulsions are widely used as cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations because of their excellent solubilizing capacities for lipophilic and hydrophilic active ingredients and application acceptability. This review focuses, in particular, on the effect of emulsions on the dermal and transdermal delivery of active ingredients. It is shown that the type of emulsion (w/o vs. o/w emulsion), the droplet size, the emollient, the emulsifier as well as the surfactant organization (micelles, lyotropic liquid crystals) in the emulsion may affect the cutaneous and percutaneous absorption. Examples substantiate the fact that emulsion constituents such as emollients and emulsifiers should be selected carefully for optimal efficiency of the formulation. Moreover, to understand the influence of emulsion on dermal and transdermal delivery, the physicochemical properties of the formulation after application are considered.
Water coolant supply in relation to different ultrasonic scaler systems, tips and coolant settings
Authors: Koster Tom J. G. , Timmerman Mark F. , Feilzer Albert J. , Van der Velden Ubele , Van der Weijden Fridus A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective: This study evaluated “in vitro” the consistency of the water coolant supply for five ultrasonic scaler systems in relation to the tip type and different coolant settings.Material and Methods: The systems were: EMS PM‐400, EMS PM‐600, Satelec P‐max, Dürr Vector and Dentsply Cavitron. For each system, three units were used and on each unit various tips were tested. The tips were run unloaded for 1 min. at full and medium water supply setting.Results: At full water coolant setting, the PM‐400, PM‐600 and Cavitron supplied on average >45 ml/min. of water coolant (51.5, 46.3 and 46.9 ml/min., respectively). The P‐max supplied 25 ml/min. and the Vector supplied 4.9 ml/min. At medium setting, the PM‐400 and PM‐600 supplied approximately 50% of the volume given at the full coolant setting (25.0 and 26.3 ml/min., respectively). The Cavitron supplied approximately 40% at medium setting (18.2 ml/min.) and the P‐max supplied approximately 25% (5.7 ml/min.).Conclusion: The coolant control system of the different units did not provide a reliable indication of the water flow. Also, some perio tips gave less water coolant as compared with other tips of the same brand. Consequently, a change of tips during treatment may require adjustment of the water coolant supply.
O
2
and Reactive Oxygen Species Detoxification Complex, Composed of O
2
-Responsive NADH:Rubredoxin Oxidoreductase-Flavoprotein A2-Desulfoferrodoxin Operon Enzymes, Rubperoxin, and Rubredoxin, in
Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Kawasaki Shinji , Sakai Yu , Takahashi Tohru , Suzuki Ippei , Niimura Youichi 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Clostridium acetobutylicum
, an obligate anaerobe, grows normally under continuous-O
2
-flow culture conditions, where the cells consume O
2
proficiently. An O
2
-responsive NADH:rubredoxin oxidoreductase operon composed of three genes (
nror
,
fprA2
, and
dsr
), encoding NROR, functionally uncharacterized flavoprotein A2 (FprA2), and the predicted superoxide reductase desulfoferrodoxin (Dsr), has been proposed to participate in defense against O
2
stress. To functionally characterize these proteins, native NROR from
C. acetobutylicum
, recombinant NROR (rNROR), FprA2, Dsr, and rubredoxin (Rd) expressed in
Escherichia coli
were purified. Purified native NROR and rNROR both exhibited weak H
2
O
2
-forming NADH oxidase activity that was slightly activated by Rd. A mixture of NROR, Rd, and FprA2 functions as an efficient H
2
O-forming NADH oxidase with a high affinity for O
2
(the

K
m

for O
2
is 2.9 ± 0.4 μM). A mixture of NROR, Rd, and Dsr functions as an NADH-dependent O
2
−
reductase. A mixture of NROR, Rd, and rubperoxin (Rpr, a rubrerythrin homologue) functions as an inefficient H
2
O-forming NADH oxidase but an efficient NADH peroxidase with a low affinity for O
2
and a high affinity for H
2
O
2
(the

K
m

s for O
2
and H
2
O
2
are 303 ± 39 μM and ≤1 μM, respectively). A gene encoding Rd is dicistronically transcribed with a gene encoding a glutaredoxin (Gd) homologue, and the expression levels of the genes encoding Gd and Rd were highly upregulated upon exposure to O
2
. Therefore,
nror
operon enzymes, together with Rpr, efficiently function to scavenge O
2
, O
2
−
, and H
2
O
2
by using an O
2
-responsive rubredoxin as a common electron carrier protein.
Transfer Rates of Enteric Microorganisms in Recycled Water during Machine Clothes Washing
Authors: O'Toole Joanne , Sinclair Martha , Leder Karin 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Approximately 15% of overall Australian household water usage is in the laundry; hence, a significant reduction in household drinking water demand could be achieved if potable-quality water used for clothes washing is replaced with recycled water. To investigate the microbiological safety of using recycled water in washing machines, bacteriophages MS-2 and PRD-1,
Escherichia coli
, and
Cryptosporidium parvum
oocysts were used in a series of experiments to investigate the transfer efficiency of enteric microorganisms from washing machine water to objects including hands, environmental surfaces, air, and fabric swatches. By determining the transference efficiency, it is possible to estimate the numbers of microorganisms that the user will be exposed to if recycled water with various levels of residual microorganisms is used in washing machines. Results, expressed as transfer rates to a given surface area per object, showed that the mean transfer efficiency of
E. coli
, bacteriophages MS-2 and PRD-1, and
C. parvum
oocysts from seeded water to fabric swatches ranged from 0.001% to 0.090%. Greatest exposure to microorganisms occurred through direct contact of hands with seeded water and via hand contact with contaminated fabric swatches. No microorganisms were detected in the air samples during the washing machine spin cycle, and transfer rates of bacteriophages from water to environmental surfaces were 100-fold less than from water directly to hands. Findings from this study provide relevant information that can be used to refine regulations governing recycled water and to allay public concerns about the use of recycled water.
Environmental Poliovirus Surveillance during Oral Poliovirus Vaccine and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine Use in Córdoba Province, Argentina
Authors: Mueller Judith E. , Bessaud Maël , Huang Q. Sue , Martinez Laura C. , Barril Patricia A. , Morel Viviane , Balanant Jean , Bocacao Judy , Hewitt Joanne , Gessner Brad D. , Delpeyroux Francis , Nates Silvia V. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT
This study compares the presence of environmental poliovirus in two Argentinean populations using oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). From January 2003 to December 2005, Córdoba City used IPV in routine infant immunizations, with the exception of intermittent OPV use in August 2005. Between May 2005 and April 2006, we collected weekly wastewater samples in Córdoba City and the province's three major towns, which continued OPV use at all times. Wastewater samples were processed and analyzed for the presence of poliovirus according to WHO guidelines. During the months of IPV use in Córdoba City, the overall proportion of poliovirus-positive samples was 19%. During an intermittent switch from IPV to OPV, this proportion increased to 100% within 2 months. During the 3 months when IPV was reintroduced to replace OPV, a substantial proportion of samples (25%) remained positive for poliovirus. In the OPV-using sites, on average, 54% of samples were poliovirus positive. Seventy-seven percent of poliovirus isolates showed at least one mutation in the VP1-encoding sequence; the maximum genetic divergence from the Sabin strain was 0.7%. Several isolates showed mutations on attenuation markers in the VP1-encoding sequence. The frequency or type of virus mutation did not differ between periods of IPV and OPV use or by virus serotypes. This study indicates that the sustained transmission of OPV viruses was limited during IPV use in a middle-income country with a temperate climate. The continued importation of poliovirus and genetic instability of vaccine strains even in the absence of sustained circulation suggest that high poliovirus vaccine coverage has to be maintained for all countries until the risk of reintroduction of either wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus is close to zero worldwide.
Pattern of developing the performance template
Authors: Foster C , Hendrickson K J , Peyer K , Reiner B , deKoning J J , Lucia A , Battista R A , Hettinga F J , Porcari J P , Wright G 
Published: January 2009

Background:The pattern of energy expenditure during sustained high-intensity exercise is influenced by several variables. Data from athletic populations suggest that a pre-exercise conceptual model, or template, is a central variable relative to controlling energy expenditure.Aims:The aim of this study was to make systematic observations regarding how the performance template develops in fit individuals who have limited specific experience with sustained high-intensity exercise (eg, time trials).Methods:The study was conducted in four parts and involved measuring performance (time and power output) during: (A) six 3 km cycle time trials, (B) three 2 km rowing time trials, (C) four 2 km rowing time trials with a training period between trials 2 and 3, and (D) three 10 km cycle time trials. All time trials were self-paced with feedback to the subjects regarding previous performances and momentary pace.Results:In all four series of time trials there was a progressive pattern of improved performance averaging 6% over the first three trials and 10% over six trials. In all studies improvement was associated with increased power output during the early and middle portions of the time trial and a progressively greater terminal rating of perceived exertion. Despite the change in the pattern of energy expenditure, the subjects did not achieve the pattern usually displayed by athletes during comparable events.Conclusions:This study concludes that the pattern of learning the performance template is primarily related to increased confidence that the trial can be completed without unreasonable levels of exertion or injury, but that the process takes more than six trials to be complete.
Delayed Enhancement Morphology on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging is Correlated with Signal-averaged Electrocardiogram and QT Dispersion in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Takase Bonpei , Nagata Masayoshi 
Published: January 2009

Background In patients with myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia is related with nonconductive ventricular scar. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is an excellent modality to evaluate myocardial scars in myocardial infarction. Furthermore, late potential obtained from signal-averaged electrocardiogram and QT dispersion are both well-known parameters for predicting lethal arrhythmias. Methods and Results To investigate whether the pattern of necrotic scar tissue visualized by delayed enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is associated with late potential and QT dispersion, we measured late potential and QT dispersion in 27 patients (68 ± 8 years old) with a prior myocardial infarction. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was also obtained using a 1.5-tesla cardiac magnetic resonance scanner, and delayed enhancement was analyzed in the short axis of the left ventricle. By conducting this, we tried to determine whether the pattern of necrotic scar tissue predicts lethal ventricular arrhythmias. Semiquantitative patchy scores were identified as the mean patchy score and the maximum patchy score in each patient. There were 9 patients with a positive late potential and 18 patients with a negative late potential. Patients with positive late potentials had significantly larger mean (1.7 ± 0.3) and maximum (2.2 ± 0.6) patchy scores than patients with negative late potentials (mean, 1.3 ± 0.2, P < .05; maximum, 1.7 ± 0.4, P < .05). QT dispersion was significantly correlated with the number of slices showing delayed enhancement, which reflects the size of necrotic scar tissue ( r = .59, P < .05). Conclusions These findings suggest that the pattern of necrotic scar tissue visualized by delayed enhancement with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was correlated to the predictive indices of lethal ventricular arrhythmias.
Altruism, Foreign Aid and Humanitarian Military Intervention
Authors: Seiglie Carlos 
Published: January 2009

The stated objectives for countries in providing foreign aid have been strategic, economic and humanitarian. The end of the Cold War and the recent disintegration of territorial states has increased the prominence of the humanitarian objective. Therefore, the paper concentrates on the transfer of resources from wealthier and politically stable countries to poorer and politically unstable ones. The amount of foreign aid provided by governments and international relief agencies is determined by the altruistic desires of individuals. Within a median voter framework, it is found that foreign aid is increasing in the degree of altruism of the median voter, their income, the similarity the median voter has with the ethnicity or religion of the recipient group, and the number of civilian casualties resulting from armed conflicts in the recipient nation. Foreign aid is inversely related to the size of the recipient country and the extent that international relief is being pilfered. This latter result explains "foreign aid fatigue." An implication of this analysis is that donor nations may have an incentive to intervene militarily in civil conflicts which reduce the welfare of their altruistic citizens in order to establish order in the relief effort or to stabilize or establish a government capable of controlling the domestic unrest. This option will be chosen if the welfare of the median voter is greater under military intervention than under the status quo of continuing to send only aid. Intervention will occur, the more effective the military option is in reducing the unrest, the greater the degree of altruism of the median voter, the larger the size of the donor country, the lower the cost of intervention, the larger the extent and size of the group being victimized, the lower the relative valuation placed on alternative domestic uses of foreign aid, and the greater the size of the transfer being provided.
Association of renin-angiotensin system and natriuretic peptide receptor A gene polymorphisms with hypertension in a Hellenic population
Authors: Tsezou Aspasia , Karayannis Georgios , Giannatou Eirini , Papanikolaou Vassilios , Triposkiadis Filippos 
Published: January 2009

Introduction. Hypertension results from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Since the renin-angiotensin and the natriuretic peptide systems contribute to blood pressure regulation, variations in the relative genes are candidates for the development of hypertension. Materials and methods. In 194 hypertensives and 304 controls of Hellenic origin, the possible association between the (CA)n repeat polymorphism of angiotensinogen (AGT), the 250 bp insertion/deletion (I/D) of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), the tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism (TCTG)n of renin, and the (CT)n repeat polymorphism of the natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) and hypertension was assessed. Results. No association between AGT and NPRA polymorphisms and hypertension was observed. The presence of ID or DD genotype of ACE was associated with an increased risk for hypertension compared with the II genotype (OR: 1.782 [95% CI: 1.032—3.077]), whereas the LL genotype of the renin gene was associated with a decreased risk compared with the SS genotype (OR: 0.174 [95% CI: 0.044—0.689]). However, after adjustment for confounding factors only the latter association remained. Conclusions. In the present study conducted in a homogeneous Hellenic population, no associations betweenAGT,ACE, and NPRA gene polymorphisms and hypertension were found. The presence of a significant negative association between the LL polymorphism of the renin gene and hypertension requires further confirmation.
Spontaneous improvement in randomised clinical trials: meta-analysis of three-armed trials comparing no treatment, placebo and active intervention
Authors: Krogsbøll Lasse Theis , Hróbjartsson Asbjørn , Gøtzsche Peter C 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
It can be challenging for patients and clinicians to properly interpret a change in the clinical condition after a treatment has been given. It is not known to which extent spontaneous improvement, effect of placebo and effect of active interventions contribute to the observed change from baseline, and we aimed at quantifying these contributions.

Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis, based on a Cochrane review of the effect of placebo interventions for all clinical conditions. We selected all trials that had randomised the patients to three arms: no treatment, placebo and active intervention, and that had used an outcome that was measured on a continuous scale or on a ranking scale. Clinical conditions that had been studied in less than three trials were excluded.

Results
We analysed 37 trials (2900 patients) that covered 8 clinical conditions. The active interventions were psychological in 17 trials, physical in 15 trials, and pharmacological in 5 trials. Overall, across all conditions and interventions, there was a statistically significant change from baseline in all three arms. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for change from baseline was -0.24 (95% confidence interval -0.36 to -0.12) for no treatment, -0.44 (-0.61 to -0.28) for placebo, and -1.01 (-1.16 to -0.86) for active treatment. Thus, on average, the relative contributions of spontaneous improvement and of placebo to that of the active interventions were 24% and 20%, respectively, but with some uncertainty, as indicated by the confidence intervals for the three SMDs. The conditions that had the most pronounced spontaneous improvement were nausea (45%), smoking (40%), depression (35%), phobia (34%) and acute pain (25%).

Conclusion
Spontaneous improvement and effect of placebo contributed importantly to the observed treatment effect in actively treated patients, but the relative importance of these factors differed according to clinical condition and intervention.
Carcinosarcoma of the breast: two case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Esses Kristi M , Hagmaier Ramona M , Blanchard Susan A , Lazarchick John J , Riker Adam I 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Carcinosarcoma of the breast, often referred to as metaplastic carcinoma of the breast, is a rare malignancy with two distinct cell lines described as a breast carcinoma of ductal type with a sarcoma-like component. Clinically, carcinosarcoma of the breast is an aggressive breast cancer. The prognosis for carcinosarcoma of the breast is less favorable compared to more common types of breast cancer such as infiltrating ductal or lobular carcinoma. Currently, the evaluation of breast carcinoma includes hormone receptor analysis of the tumor tissue, with those positive for estrogen or progesterone responding better to both hormonal and chemotherapy.
Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) is available as an adjunct treatment for tumors which over-express the HER2/neu gene. Typically, metaplastic carcinomas of the breast do not express the estrogen or progesterone receptors and do not over-express the HER2/neu oncogene. As a result of this "triple negative" phenotype, such tumors tend to be more aggressive and are unlikely to respond to targeted therapy with Herceptin. The epidermal growth factor receptor HER-1/EGFR protein is expressed in the majority of metaplastic carcinomas and thus may serve as a potential therapeutic target for EGFR inhibitors such as gefitinib and cetuximab. The two cases we describe exemplify the aggressive nature of carcinosarcoma of the breast and support the findings that this tumor type does not express the common receptors found in other breast carcinomas. These case reports also emphasize the need for investigating the role for blockade of the HER-1/EGFR receptor with targeted therapies when found to be over-expressed in the primary tumor.
ABVD Compared With BEACOPP Compared With CEC for the Initial Treatment of Patients With Advanced Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Results From the HD2000 Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio dei Linfomi Trial
Authors: Federico Massimo , Luminari Stefano , Iannitto Emilio , Polimeno Giuseppe , Marcheselli Luigi , Montanini Antonella , La Sala Antonio , Merli Francesco , Stelitano Caterina , Pozzi Samantha , Scalone Renato , Di Renzo Nicola , Musto Pellegrino , Baldini Luca , Cervetti Giulia , Angrilli Francesco , Mazza Patrizio , Brugiatelli Maura , Gobbi Paolo G. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeTo compare doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) versus bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (BEACOPP) versus cyclophosphamide, lomustine, vindesine, melphalan, prednisone, epidoxirubicin, vincristine, procarbazine, vinblastine, and bleomycin (COPPEBVCAD; CEC) for advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL).Patients and MethodsThree hundred seven patients with advanced HL (stage IIB, III, and IV) were randomly assigned to receive six courses of ABVD, four escalated plus two standard courses of BEACOPP, or six courses of CEC, plus a limited radiation therapy program.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 41 months, BEACOPP resulted in a superior progression-free survival (PFS), with a significant reduction in risk of progression (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.50) compared with ABVD. No differences between BEACOPP and CEC, or CEC and ABVD were observed. The 5-year PFS was 68% (95% CI, 56% to 78%), 81% (95% CI, 70% to 89%), and 78% (95% CI, 68% to 86%), for ABVD, BEACOPP, and CEC, respectively (BEACOPP v ABVD, P = .038; CEC v ABVD and BEACOPP v CEC, P = not significant [NS]). The 5-year overall survival was 84% (95% CI, 69% to 92%), 92% (95% CI, 84% to 96%), and 91% (95% CI, 81% to 96%) for ABVD, BEACOPP, and CEC, respectively (P = NS). BEACOPP and CEC resulted in higher rates of grade 3-4 neutropenia than ABVD (P = .016); BEACOPP was associated with higher rates of severe infections than ABVD and CEC (P = .003).ConclusionAs adopted in this study BEACOPP is associated with a significantly improved PFS compared with ABVD, with a predictable higher acute toxicity.