bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparing and Delivering Technical Presentations
Authors: Budinski KG
Published: February 2009

Description

How to achieve a successful presentation with the expected results.

This ASTM manual guides engineers, technologists, scientists and students through the process of preparing and delivering an oral presentation. Gain the respect of your audience by delivering a concise message in an effective manner. You did not make them uneasy or waste their time. You will learn how to develop a presentation strategy, how to assess and accommodate your audience, how to allocate time to various elements of a talk, how to deliver your talk and assess results.

Seven chapters address
Continuous Infusion of Pantoprazole with Octreotide Does Not Improve Management of Variceal Hemorrhage
Authors: Alaniz Cesar , Mohammad Rima A. , Welage Lynda S.
Published: February 2009

Study Objective. To assess the effect of a prolonged continuous infusion of pantoprazole on patient outcomes when the drug was combined with standard octreotide therapy in patients with variceal hemorrhage.

Design. Retrospective cohort study

Setting. Large academic hospital.

Patients. One hundred thirty adults who received treatment for a documented variceal hemorrhage; 53 patients received standard octreotide therapy plus a prolonged continuous infusion of pantoprazole (continuous‐infusion group) and 77 patients received either octreotide alone, octreotide with a short‐term (< 24 hrs) infusion of pantoprazole, or octreotide with intermittent acid suppression (control group).

Measurements and Main Results. The primary outcome measure was the number of units of packed red blood cells transfused during hospitalization. Baseline characteristics between the treatment groups were similar. The duration of therapy for variceal hemorrhage was significantly longer in the continuous‐infusion group than in the control group. Transfusion requirements for packed red blood cells (mean ± SD 6.4 ± 6.5 vs 5.8 ± 6.6 units, p=0.66) and platelets (8.8 ± 15.1 vs 5.1 ± 11.9 units, p=0.13) were similar for the continuous‐infusion group versus the control group. The continuous‐infusion group, however, received significantly more units of fresh‐frozen plasma than the control group (6.1 ± 10.6 vs 2.9 ± 6.2 units, p=0.05). There was no significant difference in mortality rate between groups.

Conclusion. Prolonged continuous infusions of pantoprazole with octreotide seemed to offer no additional benefit compared with octreotide plus short‐term infusions of pantoprazole or intermittent acid suppression in the management of acute variceal hemorrhage. Prospective studies should be conducted to evaluate the role of continuously infused proton pump inhibitors in this setting before their use can be advocated.
Etravirine and Rilpivirine: Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors with Activity Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Strains Resistant to Previous Nonnucleoside Agents
Authors: Fulco Patricia Pecora , McNicholl Ian R.
Published: February 2009

Etravirine and rilpivirine are two new nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) that have the distinct advantage of being able to be used in patients with exposure to previous NNRTIs (e.g., nevirapine or efavirenz). Etravirine was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to be used twice/day in treatment‐experienced patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. The approval was based on phase III clinical studies in which 61% of etravirine‐treated patients reached an undetectable viral load of less than 50 copies/ml compared with 40% of patients who received the optimized background regimen. Etravirine was well tolerated with a self‐limiting skin rash being the most common toxicity, reported in 19% of patients. Rilpivirine, a once‐daily NNRTI, is entering phase III studies; the drug appears to be effective against a broad range of NNRTI‐resistant viruses including etravirine‐resistant strains.
Maraviroc, a CCR5 Coreceptor Antagonist That Blocks Entry of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Hunt Joshua S. , Romanelli Frank
Published: February 2009

Inhibition of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) coreceptor is an encouraging new approach to pharmacotherapy against HIV. The HIV‐1 strain makes use of either the CCR5 or the CXCR4 coreceptor to gain access into host CD4+ cells. Maraviroc, the first HIV‐1 CCR5 coreceptor antagonist, blocks entry of HIV‐1. This recently approved drug has demonstrated clinically significant decreases in plasma concentrations of HIV‐1 RNA and increases in CD4+ cell counts; however, it is indicated only for use as salvage therapy. Drug resistance is a concern, as is selective pressure on viral coreceptor use, because viral coreceptor targets may switch as disease progresses. In addition, before maraviroc therapy can be started, costly assays are required to determine the host's viral coreceptor tropism. Emerging therapies targeting CXCR4, the other HIV coreceptor, have shown promise in decreasing plasma concentrations of HIV‐1 RNA. Long‐term studies with both targets are required to explore the critical issues of efficacy and immunologic safety, as the function of these coreceptors is linked to host chemokine pathways.
Osteoporosis Risk in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Vondracek Sheryl F. , Hansen Laura B. , McDermott Michael T.
Published: February 2009

Although clinically significant bone loss and fractures in healthy premenopausal women are rare, more women are seeking evaluation for osteoporosis from their health care providers. As pharmacists are in an ideal position to influence the management of premenopausal women with osteoporosis, it is important that pharmacists understand the available data on bone loss, fractures, and risk factors and secondary causes for osteoporosis, as well as when to recommend testing and treatment in premenopausal women. Limited data are available; therefore, we conducted a MEDLINE search of the literature from January 1993‐August 2008. Studies evaluating bone loss, fractures, and fracture risk in healthy premenopausal women were targeted and summarized; most recommendations are based on expert opinion. A small but statistically significant loss in bone mineral density of 0.25‐1%/year by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry is seen healthy premenopausal women; the clinical significance of this is unknown. Whereas absolute fracture risk is low, premenopausal fractures appear to increase postmenopausal fracture risk by 1.5‐3‐fold. Risk factors for low bone density appear to be similar between pre‐ and postmenopausal women. Bone density screening in healthy premenopausal women is not recommended, but bone mineral density testing is advisable for those who have conditions or who receive drug therapy that may cause secondary bone loss. Lifestyle modification emphasizing bone‐healthy habits such as adequate calcium and vitamin D nutrition, regular exercise, limitation of caffeine and alcohol consumption, and avoidance of tobacco are essential to the management of osteoporosis risk. The efficacy and safety of osteoporosis drugs have not been adequately demonstrated in premenopausal women. Therefore, pharmacologic interventions cannot be recommended in young women with low bone mass but may be considered in those having a more significant fracture risk, such as those with a previous low‐trauma fracture or an identified secondary cause for bone loss.
Experiences from a biomarker study on farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) used for environmental monitoring in a Swedish river
Authors: Hanson Niklas , Larsson Ake
Published: February 2009

Biomarkers in fish may serve as a useful tool for evaluating the pollution load in the environment and for early warning signals about new environmental threats. By employing a strategy with fish that are caged or reared in tanks, problems linked to migration and feeding status can be reduced or eliminated. Such a strategy, however, also may introduce other confounding factors linked to, for example, hierarchical behavior or disease outbreaks. In the present study, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were reared in plastic tanks at four sites in the Göta älv river system (plus one external reference) in western Sweden during 2006 and 2007. Because of low population density and high water turnover in the area, pollution levels are expected to be low. Therefore, this should be a good test for the sensitivity of the methodology. Several significant differences were found between sites as well as between years, such as ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites in bile, and concentration of inorganic ions in blood plasma, but it also was seen that factors other than pollution could be contributing to these differences. The condition factor (CF) varied between sites, possibly because of differences in feeding resulting from variations in water turbidity. Furthermore, even the small differences in CF that were found within sites correlated significantly to several of the biomarkers. It was shown that PAHs likely are the most important EROD inducers in Göta älv and that variation over time is greater than variation between sites. Because CF differed between sites despite a standardized feeding ration, starving of the fish during the exposure period should be considered for future studies.
Barriers to Research and Capacity Building at Hispanic-Serving Institutions: The Case of HIV/AIDS Research at the University of Puerto Rico
Authors: Bernal Guillermo , Ortiz-Torres Blanca
Published: February 2009

Substantive barriers to research, such as cultural, language, and methodological variables, exist in Hispanic-serving institutions. Historical and contextual variables account for the differences between academic settings with research-intensive centers and those with limited infrastructure for competitive research.

We provide a case example to serve as a model for developing and strengthening the research infrastructure in Hispanic-serving institutions and for providing the mentorship Latino investigators may need to compete with other investigators in research-intensive centers. We present recommendations to reduce these barriers.
Lessons Learned From a Training Collaboration Between an Ivy League Institution and a Historically Black University
Authors: Flanigan Timothy P. , Payne Nanetta , Simmons Emma , Hyde Jennifer , Sly Kaye , Zlotnick Caron
Published: February 2009

The Miriam Hospital, Brown Medical School, and Jackson State University developed a joint training program for predoctoral, Black psychology students under the auspices of a training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health. The students in the program at Jackson State University had unlimited access to the clinical research resources and mentoring expertise at Brown Medical School.

This innovative program began in 2001 and addresses the need for Black leaders in clinical research and academia who will focus on HIV and other infections that disproportionately affect the Black community. This collaboration has served as a bridge between an Ivy League institution and a historically Black university for training in clinical research to develop successful minority academicians.
On the Outside Looking In: Promoting HIV/AIDS Research Initiated by African American Investigators
Authors: Wyatt Gail E. , Williams John K. , Henderson Tina , Sumner LeKeisha
Published: February 2009

People of color are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, yet African American HIV/AIDS researchers are in short supply. Complex historical, structural, sociocultural, and personal barriers can prevent African Americans from becoming well-trained biomedical, behavioral, and social HIV/AIDS researchers.

Institutional factors that influence the numbers of African Americans conducting HIV/AIDS research include the limitation of early-career decisions and a lack of exposure to research, research socialization, and mentoring. Two individual-level factors that influence the submission of federally funded research proposals are the limited availability of support for culturally congruent HIV research and African Americans’ negative perceptions of their own competence and ability to contribute to society.

We discuss progress toward eliminating disparities experienced by African American HIV/AIDS researchers at the individual, academic institution, and sociopolitical levels.
Personal Journeys, Professional Paths: Persistence in Navigating the Crossroads of a Research Career
Authors: Manson Spero M.
Published: February 2009

Persistence in a research career can be readily understood within the trainee models that have emerged from undergraduate and graduate instruction. These models offer a common language for discussing training processes, serve as guides for assessing trainee needs, promise to render training programs that are more comprehensive and attentive than are current programs to the factors that contribute to academic and scientific persistence, and enable us to measure with greater precision, internal consistency, and generalizability the elements that logically belong in research career development programs.
Mentoring Early-Career Scientists for HIV Research Careers
Authors: Kahn James S. , Greenblatt Ruth M.
Published: February 2009

Mentoring is important for early-career HIV researchers; it is key for work satisfaction, productivity, workforce diversity, and retention of investigators in a variety of research settings. Establishment of multidisciplinary research projects often is accomplished through mentoring.

The work of early-career HIV investigators frequently requires networks of collaborators, and networking is regularly facilitated by mentors. A structured mentoring program that avoids unnecessary conflicts or time burdens and connects early-career investigators with senior mentors from different disciplines may stimulate new networking possibilities and lead to effective collaborations among investigators with different skills and perspectives.

Effective mentoring by focused mentors will likely contribute to the skills and networks of investigators necessary for the next generation of HIV investigators.
Building Infrastructure for HIV/AIDS and Mental Health Research at Institutions Serving Minorities
Authors: Yanagihara Richard , Chang Linda , Ernst Thomas
Published: February 2009

The National Institutes of Health and other funding agencies have initiated various programs aimed at enhancing diversity in the workforces for health care delivery and biomedical research. These programs have resulted in improvements in research infrastructure and moderate successes in increasing, retaining, and strengthening the pool of underrepresented minority students and junior faculty at resource-poor institutions serving minorities.

We discuss some of the barriers and obstacles confronting such institutions, and the enablers and facilitators that may ameliorate or overcome such barriers. Although our analysis is drawn from lessons learned at an institution serving a largely Asian and Pacific Islander population, analogous situations may be found for other institutions serving minorities.
Mentoring and Research Capacity-Building Experiences: Acculturating to Research From the Perspective of the Trainee
Authors: Zea Maria Cecilia , Belgrave Faye Z.
Published: February 2009

We participated in the Collaborative HIV Prevention in Minority Communities Program, which was designed to support ethnic minority researchers in improving their HIV-prevention research skills. Here we share our experiences as trainees, as well as the effect this program has had on our research careers.

We liken the process of securing funding for our research to that of acculturation: we had to learn a new culture while retaining our own identity and membership in ethnic minority communities. We also discuss the importance of mentorship from the perspective of the trainee and reflect on our learning and skills acquisition process.
Introduction: The Case for Diversity in Research on Mental Health and HIV/AIDS
Authors: Stoff David M. , Forsyth Andrew , Marquez Ernest D. , McClure Shelia
Published: February 2009

This introductory article provides background and sets the stage for the mentoring programs described in this special supplement. The goal of these programs is to develop scientists from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in the area of HIV/AIDS research on issues related to mental health.

We describe recent epidemiological trends associated with HIV infection in diverse populations, the need for mentoring programs to study disparities, and the ongoing mentoring programs supported by the National Institutes of Health targeting investigators underrepresented in the workforce. We also provide a summary of the content of the articles to follow. We conclude with a comment on future needs and actions.
A Multifaceted Mentoring Model for Minority Researchers to Address HIV Health Disparities
Authors: Rabionet Silvia E. , Santiago Lydia E. , Zorrilla Carmen D.
Published: February 2009

In an era of significant biomedical advances in the treatment of HIV, health disparities still persist. The participation of minority researchers brings new perspectives to health-disparities research. Mentoring is key to this process.

We present the multifaceted mentoring model that evolved in the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Center for the Study of HIV Disparities and the Mentoring Institute for HIV and Mental Health. The model includes (1) multi-institutional collaborations, (2) competency development, and (3) cross-disciplinary teams.

These aspects of the model provide guidelines for institutions seeking to formalize mentoring programs while addressing the complexities of health disparities. The competency development component is a powerful tool in assessing and supporting the researchers. Further explorations on the applicability of the model are encouraged.
A Call for Training the Trainers: Focus on Mentoring to Enhance Diversity in Mental Health Research
Authors: Jeste Dilip V. , Twamley Elizabeth W. , Cardenas Veronica , Lebowitz Barry , Reynolds Charles F.
Published: February 2009

There is a widening disparity between the proportion of ethnic minority Americans in the population and the number of researchers from these minority groups. One major obstacle in this arena relates to a dearth of mentors for such trainees. The present academic settings are not optimal for development and sustenance of research mentors, especially for mentees from underrepresented minority ethnic groups.

Mentoring skills can and should be evaluated and enhanced. Universities, medical schools, and funding agencies need to join hands and implement national- and local-level programs to help develop and reward mentors of junior scientists from ethnic minority groups.
Effects of LY379268, A Selective Agonist of mGLu2/3 Receptors, on Isolation-Induced Aggression in Male Mice
Authors: Francisco Navarro José , Jesús Luque María , Martín-López Mercedes
Published: February 2009

Recent studies indicate that glutamate metabotropic receptors (mGlu) 1 and 5 are involved in the regulation of
aggressive behaviour. Brain distribution of mGlu2/3 receptors suggests that they may also play important roles in emotional
responses, including aggression. This study examines the effects of LY379268 (0.25- 4 mg/kg, ip), a selective agonist
of the mGlu2/3 receptors, on agonistic interactions between male mice using an animal model of isolation-induced
aggression. Individually housed mice were exposed to anosmic “standard opponents” 30 min after drug administration.
Ten min of diadic interactions were staged between a singly housed and an anosmic mouse in a neutral area. The encounters
were videotaped and the accumulated time allocated by subjects to ten broad behavioural categories was estimated using
an ethologically based analysis. LY379268 (2 mg/kg) significantly reduced attack behaviour, as compared with the
control group, without affecting immobility, whereas the highest dose of the drug (4 mg/kg) also decreased offensive behaviours
(threat and attack), but with a marked increase of immobility (non-selective effect). These results indicate that
mGlu2/3 receptors might be implicated in the modulation of aggression.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Coryneform Bacteria Isolated
from Semen
Authors: Türk Silver , Punab Margus , Mändar Reet
Published: February 2009

Background:

The susceptibility of coryneform bacteria has been studied mostly in invasive pathogens, less data
are available concerning the mucosal or physiological fluid strains. At the same time they can serve as the source of various
infections, besides the invasive infections also the local ones, for example, coryneforms of male genital tract have
been associated with inflammatory prostatitis.

Material and Methods:

A total of 62 coryneform isolates from human semen were tested for susceptibility to eight antimicrobial
agents using the E test method.

Results:

All strains were susceptible to ampicillin-sulbactam and only a few were resistant to penicillin G and TMP/SMX
while nearly one third of strains were resistant or intermediate to doxycycline (35%) and norfloxacin (29%), and more
than half to clindamycin (63%), nitrofurantoin (62%) and erythromycin (53%). The strains showing resistance to at least 3
antimicrobials belonged to Corynebacterium group F1, Corynebacterium seminale and Cellulomonas/Microbacterium sp.
A distinct co-occurring macrolide and lincosamine resistance pattern was common.

Conclusion:

Ampicillin-sulbactam, penicillin G and TMP/SMX revealed the highest activity against coryneforms isolated
from semen that were frequently resistant or intermediate to several other antimicrobials. Norfloxacin revealed only moderate
activity against prostatitis-associated Corynebacterium group G.
Evaluation of Rainfall Measurements from the WXT510 Sensor for Use in the Oklahoma City Micronet
Authors: Basara Jeffrey B. , Illston Bradley G. , Winning Jr. Thomas E. , Fiebrich Christopher A.
Published: February 2009

A network of 40 real-time, automated atmospheric monitoring stations was deployed in Oklahoma City and officially commissioned on 8 November 2008: the Oklahoma City Micronet (OKCNET). The Oklahoma City Micronet includes 36 stations mounted on traffic signals which utilize the Vaisala WXT510 sensor. As part of the design of the WXT510, an impact sensor is utilized for the collection of rainfall observations. Prior to deployment in Oklahoma City, an array of 33 WXT510 sensors were deployed at the OKCNET intercomparison facility and compared with traditional instruments used to measure rainfall including tipping bucket rain gauges and a Geonor weighing gauge. The results of the comparison revealed that a consistent, linear bias was present between the WXT510 sensors and the traditional gauges whereby, on average, the traditional gauges measured approximately 26% less precipitation than the WXT510 sensors. In addition, the variation in recorded rainfall between WXT510 sensors was consistent with that recorded by the tipping bucket gauges. As such, a correction was developed using the WXT510 and tipping bucket data. This correction was applied
to the WXT510 rainfall observations and cross-verified using the Geonor gauge data. The overall result of the study yielded a bulk correction that can be applied to rainfall observations recorded by the WXT510 to greatly improve the accumulated rainfall values. This correction is designed to improve the overall accuracy of the observations without specifically calibrating each individual WXT510 sensor and is valid regardless of rainfall intensity, length of the precipitation event, seasonal characteristics of the rainfall, or rainfall type (i.e., stratiform, convective, etc.)
Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Activity of a C-glycosidic Flavonoid Derived from Enicostemma hyssopifolium
Authors: Patel Mayurkumar B , Mishra Shrihari M
Published: February 2009

Objective: Our study was aimed to determine the aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory activity of Enicostemma hyssopifolium (EH) and isolation and characterization of the bioactive principle responsible for the activity.Methods: An enzyme, aldose reductase, was isolated from the lenses of Wistar rats. An enzyme inhibitory assay was performed on the extract and bitter fraction of aerial parts. Two major components from methanol extract were isolated and characterized and subjected for AR inhibitory assay. Their anticataract potential was assessed in vitro by studying their effect on polyol accumulation in rat lenses.Results: Methanol extract, bitter fraction and two isolated compounds of EH were found to inhibit lens AR to various extents. An isolated C- glycosidic flavonoid was found to be a potent AR inhibitor, having an IC50 value of 0.71 ?g/ml, and is comparable with that of the positive standard quercetin (0.62 ?g/ml). Similarly, it showed significant anticataract potential in vitro, decreasing polyol accumulation by 41.67 % compared to control lenses.Conclusion: Swertisin, a C-glycosidic flavonoid from Enicostemma hyssopifolium has significant activity against sugar-induced cataract in vitro. This effect of swertisin is due to its aldose reductase inhibitory potential.
Premenopausal Oophorectomy and the Risk for Dementia
Authors: Sohrabji Farida
Published: February 2009

Evaluation of: Rocca WA, Bower JH, Maraganore DM et al.: Increased risk of cognitive impairment or dementia in women who underwent oophorectomy before menopause. Neurology 69(11), 1074–1083 (2007). This study examines the incidence of dementia in a population of women who underwent unilateral or bilateral oophorectomy before menopause. Patients were drawn from the Mayo Clinic database and included women who had surgical removal of either one or both ovaries during a preceding 40-year period (1950–1987), as well as a reference group of women who did not undergo oophorectomy. Women who agreed to participate in the study were interviewed by phone and received a modified Telephone Interview for Cognition or a brief dementia questionnaire answered by a proxy if the subject was deceased or incapacitated. Women who had unilateral oophorectomy had a greater incidence of dementia as compared with surgical controls. In women with bilateral oophorectomies, the risk for dementia was increased in women who were younger at the time of surgery as well as in women who discontinued estrogen therapy before 50 years of age.
Pre-Eclamptic Pregnancies: An Opportunity to Identify Women at Risk for Future Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Craici Iasmina M , Wagner Steven J , Hayman Suzanne R , Garovic Vesna D
Published: February 2009

Evaluation of: Bellamy L, Casas JP, Hingorani AD, Williams DJ: Pre-eclampsia and risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer in later life: systematic review and meta-analysis. Br. Med. J. 335(7627), 974 (2007). Evidence has emerged over the years suggesting that women who develop hypertensive pregnancy disorders, most notably pre-eclampsia, are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed, assessing the future risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer and all-cause mortality in women with a history of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, compared with women without such a history, had an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, including a fourfold increased risk for hypertension, a twofold increased risk for ischemic heart disease, stroke and deep venous thrombosis, and a 1.5-times higher all-cause mortality. The study suggests that affected women may be eligible for preventive therapies at an earlier age, especially if future studies establish the role of pre-eclampsia as an independent cardiovascular risk factor.
Association of Human Papillomavirus with Vulvar and Vaginal Intraepithelial Disease: Opportunities for Prevention
Authors: Pearson J Matt , Feltman Richard S , Twiggs Leo B
Published: February 2009

While the majority of studies regarding the health benefits from human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination have focused on cervical neoplasia and cancer, few have investigated how the epidemiology of vaginal and vulvar disease may be affected. To better understand how occurrence rates for vaginal and vulvar neoplasias and carcinomas may change in the future, we must have an understanding of the overall disease prevalence within a given population, the efficacy of vaccination and the proportion of cases attributable to HPV types administered in the vaccine. In this review, we will examine basic HPV epidemiology and prevalence, the molecular transformation events carried out by HPV oncoproteins, and clinical trials monitoring HPV-induced disease of the female genital tract. While precise projections of exactly how vaginal and vulvar disease prevalence will change with vaccination will require more studies, the preliminary data are promising.
Progesterone and Breast Cancer
Authors: Lange Carol A , Yee Douglas
Published: February 2009

Progesterone is an ovarian steroid hormone that is essential for normal breast development during puberty and in preparation for lactation and breastfeeding. The actions of progesterone are primarily mediated by its high-affinity receptors, which include the classical progesterone receptor (PR)-A and -B isoforms, located in diverse tissues, including the brain, where progesterone controls reproductive behavior, and the breast and reproductive organs. Progestins are frequently prescribed for contraception or during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, in which progestins are combined with estrogen as a means to block estrogen-induced endometrial growth. The role of estrogen as a potent breast mitogen is undisputed, and inhibitors of the estrogen receptor and estrogen-producing enzymes (aromatases) are effective first-line cancer therapies. However, PR action in breast cancer is grossly understudied and remains controversial. Herein, we review existing evidence and discuss the challenges to defining a role for progesterone in breast cancer.
Bioidentical Hormones for Menopausal Therapy
Authors: Sites Cynthia K
Published: February 2009

'Bioidentical hormones' is a term created by the lay media to refer to chemicals derived from plants that are modified to be structurally identical to endogenous human hormones. These compounds include estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone when prescribed for menopausal women. Patients assume bioidentical hormones are natural and safer than synthetic hormones with regard to the risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases, but there is little evidence to support this belief. Proponents of this therapy also support the use of salivary hormone measurements to adjust doses of these hormones instead of adjustment based on improvement or lack of improvement in menopausal symptoms. In this review, the rationale behind the use of bioidentical hormones is discussed, along with the evidence supporting the use of compounded and FDA-approved bioidentical products.
Impact of Obesity on Female Fertility and Fertility Treatment
Authors: Zain Murizah M , Norman Robert J
Published: February 2009

Obesity and overweight are common conditions that have consequences not only on general health but also to a great extent on reproductive health. There is a high prevalence of obese women in the infertile population and numerous studies have highlighted the link between obesity and infertility. Obesity contributes to anovulation and menstrual irregularities, reduced conception rate and a reduced response to fertility treatment. It also increases miscarriage and contributes to maternal and perinatal complication. Reduction of obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is associated with improvements in reproductive functions; hence, treatment of obesity itself should be the initial aim in obese infertile women before embarking on ovulation-induction drugs or assisted reproductive techniques. While various strategies for weight reduction, including diet, exercise, pharmacological and surgical intervention exist, lifestyle modification continues to be of paramount importance.
Hazards of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Elderly Women
Authors: McCullough Peter A , Chinnaiyan Kavitha M
Published: February 2009

Evaluation of: Sidhu RB, Brown JR, Robb JF et al.: Interaction of gender and age on post cardiac catheterization contrast-induced acute kidney injury. Am. J. Cardiol. 102(11), 1482–1486 (2008). A total of 13,127 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography with complete data were grouped by age and gender into four age categories (<50, 51–64, 65–79 and >80 years). Rates of postcatheterization contrast-induced acute kidney injury were higher for women compared with men in the 65–79 years (14.5 vs 11.0%; p < 0.001) and over 80 years (18.7 vs 15.1%; p = 0.048) age groups.
Menopausal Symptoms and Ethnicity: The Study of Women's Health across the Nation
Authors: Green Robin , Santoro Nanette
Published: February 2009

A number of studies have suggested that ethnic background influences a woman's perception of her symptoms. The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) is a multiethnic, longitudinal, cohort study of US women that includes non-Hispanic Caucasian, African–American, Chinese, Japanese and Hispanic women. The initial strategy for this seven-site study involved community-based recruitment of non-Hispanic Caucasians at each site, plus one minority ethnic group. Since ethnicity varies with many other factors, measures of education, acculturation, social status, psychological wellbeing and financial strain were all taken into account in interpreting symptom onset, frequency and severity of the common menopausal symptoms. Biological and physical measures were also assessed and related to symptoms. Most symptoms varied by ethnicity. Vasomotor symptoms were more prevalent in African–American and Hispanic women and were also more common in women with greater BMI, challenging the widely held belief that obesity is protective against vasomotor symptoms. Vaginal dryness was present in 30–40% of SWAN participants at baseline, and was most prevalent in Hispanic women. Among Hispanic women, symptoms varied by country of origin. Acculturation appears to play a complex role in menopausal symptomatology. We conclude that ethnicity should be taken into account when interpreting menopausal symptom presentation in women.
Early Life Circumstances and Their Impact on Menarche and Menopause
Authors: Mishra Gita D , Cooper Rachel , Tom Sarah E , Kuh Diana
Published: February 2009

Ages at menarche and menopause have been shown to be associated with adverse health outcomes in later life. For example, earlier menarche and later menopause have been independently linked to higher risk of breast cancer. Earlier menarche may also be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, menstrual problems and adult obesity. Given the associations of ages at menarche and menopause with future health outcomes, it is important to establish what factors across life, and generations, may influence these. This article examines the associations of early life factors, namely birthweight, bodyweight and growth during childhood, childhood socioeconomic circumstances and psychosocial factors with ages at menarche and menopause. It examines possible explanations of the associations found, including life history theory, and discusses areas for future research.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Women
Authors: Suzuki Ayako , Abdelmalek Manal F
Published: February 2009

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries and is increasing in prevalence with the rise of diabetes and obesity. In addition to obesity and age, gender may also influence the prevalence and severity of NAFLD. However, mechanisms underlying gender-based differences in NAFLD have not been clearly defined. Furthermore, alterations in body composition, fat distribution and/or hormonal or metabolic changes that occur following menopause and in the setting of polycystic ovary syndrome may influence the development and progression of NAFLD. In this article, we will summarize known gender differences as well as the proposed mechanisms for gender differences in NAFLD, review two women-specific issues that may influence the prevalence and severity of NAFLD, menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome, and discuss potential therapeutic options for women with NAFLD who are postmenopausal or have polycystic ovary syndrome.
Pharmacologic Management of the Older Woman Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Chiang Seine , Gerten Kimberly A , Granieri Evelyn , Richter Holly E
Published: February 2009

Surgical intervention for both emergency and elective surgeries will Increase as women live longer and maintain active lifestyles. Older women with operable conditions tolerate elective gynecologic and other nonvascular surgery with acceptable morbidity and mortality. However, increased medical comorbidities, with their associated increase in polypharmacy and perioperative risks as women age, make it important to a priori optimize perioperative medical conditions and medication management. Other considerations include assessing functional and cognitive status, since these may be impaired acutely with increased prevalence of drug use during surgical hospitalization. With aging and postmenopausal status, changes associated with aging appear to play a greater role than gender in pharmacologic responses. Surgical outcomes should be optimized to maintain and even improve women's quality of life.
The Pedagogical Dimension of Internationalisation? A Challenging Quality Issue in Higher Education for the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Wihlborg Monne
Published: February 2009

What are the pedagogical impacts of internationalisation on the development of higher education in Europe? How can we proceed in this process and take a pedagogical stance on the issue? This theoretical article is partly based on a series of empirical studies, conducted by the author, investigating students' and teachers' experiences and understanding of an internationalised educational context in Sweden. Here, some further implications of these studies are examined and discussed in relation to recent publications and research concerned with internationalisation in higher education in various ways. Underpinned by the findings of earlier studies, this article argues that even though the internationalisation of higher education has been extensively researched in recent decades, more qualitative studies are needed. In particular, there is a lack of studies from the perspective of teachers and students concerned with their experience of internationalisation, and with how they interpret various aspects of this process in relation to their respective educational contexts. The empirical results of the series of studies conducted earlier in this area by the author show that teachers' and students' experience of internationalised contexts varied, and that they were experienced as ambiguous and difficult to grasp. Both teachers and students experienced such contexts as difficult to evaluate in terms of learning outcomes. This article argues in favour of a shift in research perspective, from an overall external perspective to a relational, experienced and context-based perspective, to understand how internationalisation in higher education is developed in practice. Adopting this perspective not only sheds light on issues of meaning making in learning and understanding knowledge content, but also raises significant questions of a general order, concerned with the nature of knowledge development in international educational contexts.
Strengths and Weaknesses in the Swedish and Swiss Education Systems: A Comparative Analysis Based on PISA Data
Authors: Fredriksson Ulf , Holzer Thomas , McCluskey-Cavin Huguette , Taube Karin
Published: February 2009

Sweden and Switzerland are among the wealthiest countries in the world, but also two countries with different approaches to how to provide welfare. Sweden has followed a social democratic welfare model and Switzerland a liberal model. This has implications for how the education systems have been organised. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study makes it possible to compare the achievements of students in reading and mathematics. Students in Switzerland are significantly better than Swedish students in mathematics. In reading, Swedish students are significantly better than Swiss students. In both countries, girls are better readers than boys. The gender difference in reading is larger in Sweden than in Switzerland. Boys are better than girls in mathematics. The gender difference in mathematics is smaller in Sweden than in Switzerland. The difference in reading between natives and non-natives is considerably lower in Sweden than in Switzerland. Sweden is among those countries where the variance between schools is very low. In Switzerland the variation in student performance among schools is higher than the average in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Both education systems may be regarded to be of high quality in an international perspective. The Swedish system has, with the exception of the gender gap in reading, produced a system that seems to have a higher degree of equity than the Swiss system.
A Fresh Look at Spanish Scientific Publishing in the Framework of International Standards
Authors: Kindelan Paz
Published: February 2009

Research has become a key element in the knowledge-based society with its role of producing and disseminating results. In this context, scientific publishing becomes the means by which research activity and knowledge production are circulated to the scientific community and society at large. However, there are factors influencing the system of scientific publications in every national community or country that have to be taken into consideration. The author discusses the effects of the Spanish research system on scholars and publications, with particular reference to the humanities, and the factors affecting this system. Recent research policy in Spain has moved scholars to publish internationally and adopt the linguistic and rhetorical conventions that characterise the discourse of the international English-speaking community. Consequently, all participants in knowledge production and dissemination have joined in a concerted effort to elevate the quality and standards of national scientific publications to obtain international visibility and recognition.
Lengthening of the Pectoralis Minor Muscle During Passive Shoulder Motions and Stretching Techniques: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study
Authors: Muraki Takayuki , Aoki Mitsuhiro , Izumi Tomoki , Fujii Misaki , Hidaka Egi , Miyamoto Shigenori
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose

Lengthening of the pectoralis minor muscle (PMi) during passive shoulder motions and the effect of stretching techniques for this muscle are unclear. The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the amount and pattern of the lengthening between passive shoulder motions and (2) to determine which stretching technique effected the greatest change in PMi length.

Methods

Nine fresh cadaveric transthoracic specimens were used. Lengthening in the lateral and medial fiber group of the PMi was directly measured during 3 passive shoulder motions (flexion, scaption, and external rotation at 90° of abduction) and 3 stretching techniques (scapular retraction at 0° and 30° of flexion and horizontal abduction) for this muscle. The measurement was conducted by using a precise displacement sensor.

Results

Although the length of the PMi linearly increased during all shoulder motions, lengthening during flexion and scaption was steeper and significantly larger than that during external rotation at 90 degrees of abduction. For the stretching techniques, scapular retraction at 30 degrees of flexion and horizontal abduction stretched the PMi more than scapular retraction at 0 degrees of flexion. In comparison with lengthening at 150 degrees of flexion, scapular retraction at 30 degrees of flexion significantly stretched the medial fiber group of the muscle.

Discussion and Conclusion

The extensive lengthening of the PMi is necessary during shoulder motions, especially flexion and scaption. Scapular retraction at 30 degrees of flexion makes the greatest change in PMi length. This study suggests the importance of the PMi in shoulder motion and provides anatomical and biomechanical evidence that might guide appropriate selection of stretching techniques.
Never Cry Wolf: Science, Sentiment, and the Literary Rehabilitation of Canis Lupus
Authors: Jones Karen
Published: February 2009

A shepherd Boy was watching his flock near the village and was bored. He thought it would be great fun to pretend that a Wolf was attacking the sheep, so he cried out Wolf! Wolf! and the villagers came running. He laughed and laughed when they discovered there was no Wolf. He played the trick again. And then again. Each time the villagers came, only to be fooled. Then one day a Wolf did come and the Boy cried out Wolf! Wolf! But no one answered his call. They thought he was playing the same games again.
Thrombectomy for acute basilar artery occlusion by using double Merci retriever devices and bilateral temporary vertebral artery flow reversal
Authors: Clarençon Frédéric , Blanc Raphaël , Gallas Sophie , Hosseini Hassan , Gaston André
Published: February 2009

Basilar artery occlusion is a dramatic clinical event with a high mortality rate if patients are treated by standard medical therapy, including anticoagulation agents. The use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator or intraarterial thrombolysis recanalizes 30–53 and 64%, respectively, of patients with basilar stroke. Mechanical endovascular treatments allow tailored procedures with quicker results and higher recanalization rates. The authors describe a successful mechanical removal of an obstruction in an acute occlusion of the basilar artery tip involving both proximal segments of posterior cerebral arteries in a 20-year-old man. They used 2 Merci retriever devices at the same time, and performed bilateral proximal vertebral artery occlusion for temporary flow reversal and aspiration.
Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the skull with increased intracranial pressure caused by cerebral venous sinus occlusion
Authors: Ideguchi Makoto , Kajiwara Koji , Yoshikawa Koichi , Kato Shoichi , Fujii Masami , Fujisawa Hirosuke , Suzuki Michiyasu
Published: February 2009

The authors present a very rare case of benign fibrous histiocytoma of the skull with increased intracranial pressure caused by sinus occlusion. A 33-year-old woman was referred for investigation of a right occipital protrusion with tenderness and double vision. She had only mild divergence insufficiency and bilateral papilledema neurologically. Imaging findings showed that the skull tumor was located at the right occipital bone with bone disruption and a compressed right sigmoid sinus. When planning the resection, caution was required to spare the collateral flow so as to manage the intracranial pressure. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumor was positive for CD68, α1-antichymotrypsin, and α1-antitrypsin. From these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a primary benign fibrous histiocytoma of the skull.