bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are prescribing doctors sensitive to the price that their patients have to pay in the Spanish National Health System?
Authors: González López-Valcárcel Beatriz , Librero Julián , Sanfélix-Gimeno Gabriel , Peiró Salvador ,   The Group for Drug Utilization Research in the Spanish National Health System (IUM-SNS Group)
Published: December 2011

Background

This study aims to design an empirical test on the sensitivity of the prescribing doctors to the price afforded for the patient, and to apply it to the population data of primary care dispensations for cardiovascular disease and mental illness in the Spanish National Health System (NHS). Implications for drug policies are discussed.

Methods

We used population data of 17 therapeutic groups of cardiovascular and mental illness drugs aggregated by health areas to obtain 1424 observations ((8 cardiovascular groups * 70 areas) + (9 psychotropics groups * 96 areas)). All drugs are free for pensioners. For non-pensioner patients 10 of the 17 therapeutic groups have a reduced copayment (RC) status of only 10% of the price with a ceiling of €2.64 per pack, while the remaining 7 groups have a full copayment (FC) rate of 40%. Differences in the average price among dispensations for pensioners and non-pensioners were modelled with multilevel regression models to test the following hypothesis: 1) in FC drugs there is a significant positive difference between the average prices of drugs prescribed to pensioners and non-pensioners; 2) in RC drugs there is no significant price differential between pensioner and non-pensioner patients; 3) the price differential of FC drugs prescribed to pensioners and non-pensioners is greater the higher the price of the drugs.

Results

The average monthly price of dispensations to pensioners and non-pensioners does not differ for RC drugs, but for FC drugs pensioners get more expensive dispensations than non-pensioners (estimated difference of €9.74 by DDD and month). There is a positive and significant effect of the drug price on the differential price between pensioners and non-pensioners. For FC drugs, each additional euro of the drug price increases the differential by nearly half a euro (0.492). We did not find any significant differences in the intensity of the price effect among FC therapeutic groups.

Conclusions

Doctors working in the Spanish NHS seem to be sensitive to the price that can be afforded by patients when they fill in prescriptions, although alternative hypothesis could also explain the results found.
Azelnidipine prevents cardiac dysfunction in streptozotocin-diabetic rats by reducing intracellular calcium accumulation, oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Kain Vasundhara , Kumar Sandeep , Sitasawad Sandhya L
Published: December 2011

Background

Numerous evidences suggest that diabetic heart is characterized by compromised ventricular contraction and prolonged relaxation attributable to multiple causative factors including calcium accumulation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therapeutic interventions to prevent calcium accumulation and oxidative stress could be therefore helpful in improving the cardiac function under diabetic condition.

Methods

This study was designed to examine the effect of long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB), Azelnidipine (AZL) on contractile dysfunction, intracellular calcium (Ca2+) cycling proteins, stress-activated signaling molecules and apoptosis on cardiomyocytes in diabetes. Adult male Wistar rats were made diabetic by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Contractile functions were traced from live diabetic rats to isolated individual cardiomyocytes including peak shortening (PS), time-to-PS (TPS), time-to-relengthening (TR90), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (± dL/dt) and intracellular Ca2+ fluorescence.

Results

Diabetic heart showed significantly depressed PS, ± dL/dt, prolonged TPS, TR90 and intracellular Ca2+ clearing and showed an elevated resting intracellular Ca2+. AZL itself exhibited little effect on myocyte mechanics but it significantly alleviated STZ-induced myocyte contractile dysfunction. Diabetes increased the levels of superoxide, enhanced expression of the cardiac damage markers like troponin I, p67phox NADPH oxidase subunit, restored the levels of the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), calcium regulatory proteins RyR2 and SERCA2a, and suppressed the levels of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. All of these STZ-induced alterations were reconciled by AZL treatment.

Conclusion

Collectively, the data suggest beneficial effect of AZL in diabetic cardiomyopathy via altering intracellular Ca2+ handling proteins and preventing apoptosis by its antioxidant property.
Analysis of detergent-free lipid rafts isolated from CD4+ T cell line: interaction with antigen presenting cells promotes coalescing of lipid rafts
Authors: Kennedy Colleen , Nelson Matthew D , Bamezai Anil K
Published: December 2011

Background

Lipid rafts present on the plasma membrane play an important role in spatiotemporal regulation of cell signaling. Physical and chemical characterization of lipid raft size and assessment of their composition before, and after cell stimulation will aid in developing a clear understanding of their regulatory role in cell signaling. We have used visual and biochemical methods and approaches for examining individual and lipid raft sub-populations isolated from a mouse CD4+ T cell line in the absence of detergents.

Results

Detergent-free rafts were analyzed before and after their interaction with antigen presenting cells. We provide evidence that the average diameter of lipid rafts isolated from un-stimulated T cells, in the absence of detergents, is less than 100 nm. Lipid rafts on CD4+ T cell membranes coalesce to form larger structures, after interacting with antigen presenting cells even in the absence of a foreign antigen.

Conclusions

Findings presented here indicate that lipid raft coalescence occurs during cellular interactions prior to sensing a foreign antigen.
The prototype HIV-1 maturation inhibitor, bevirimat, binds to the CA-SP1 cleavage site in immature Gag particles
Authors: Nguyen Albert T , Feasley Christa L , Jackson Ken W , Nitz Theodore J , Salzwedel Karl , Air Gillian M , Sakalian Michael
Published: December 2011

Background

Bevirimat, the prototype Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) maturation inhibitor, is highly potent in cell culture and efficacious in HIV-1 infected patients. In contrast to inhibitors that target the active site of the viral protease, bevirimat specifically inhibits a single cleavage event, the final processing step for the Gag precursor where p25 (CA-SP1) is cleaved to p24 (CA) and SP1.

Results

In this study, photoaffinity analogs of bevirimat and mass spectrometry were employed to map the binding site of bevirimat to Gag within immature virus-like particles. Bevirimat analogs were found to crosslink to sequences overlapping, or proximal to, the CA-SP1 cleavage site, consistent with previous biochemical data on the effect of bevirimat on Gag processing and with genetic data from resistance mutations, in a region predicted by NMR and mutational studies to have α-helical character. Unexpectedly, a second region of interaction was found within the Major Homology Region (MHR). Extensive prior genetic evidence suggests that the MHR is critical for virus assembly.

Conclusions

This is the first demonstration of a direct interaction between the maturation inhibitor, bevirimat, and its target, Gag. Information gained from this study sheds light on the mechanisms by which the virus develops resistance to this class of drug and may aid in the design of next-generation maturation inhibitors.
Oral administration of interferon-α2b-transformed Bifidobacterium longum protects BALB/c mice against coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis
Authors: Yu Zhijian , Huang Zhen , Shao Chongwen , Huang Yuanjian , Zhang Fan , Yang Jin , Deng Lili , Zeng Zhongming , Deng Qiwen , Zeng Weiseng
Published: December 2011

Multiple reports have claimed that low-dose orally administered interferon (IFN)-α is beneficial in the treatment of many infectious diseases and provides a viable alternative to high-dose intramuscular treatment. However, research is needed on how to express IFN stably in the gut. Bifidobacterium may be a suitable carrier for human gene expression and secretion in the intestinal tract for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. We reported previously that Bifidobacterium longum can be used as a novel oral delivery of IFN-α. IFN-transformed B. longum can exert an immunostimulatory role in mice; however the answer to whether this recombinant B. longum can be used to treat virus infection still remains elusive. Here, we investigated the efficacy of IFN-transformed B. longum administered orally on coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis in BALB/c mice. Our data indicated that oral administration of IFN-transformed B. longum for 2 weeks after virus infection reduced significantly the severity of virus-induced myocarditis, markedly down regulated virus titers in the heart, and induced a T helper 1 cell pattern in the spleen and heart compared with controls. Oral administration of the IFN-transformed B. longum, therefore, may play a potential role in the treatment of CVB3-induced myocarditis.
Chromosomal mapping of rDNAs and H3 histone sequences in the grasshopper rhammatocerus brasiliensis (acrididae, gomphocerinae): extensive chromosomal dispersion and co-localization of 5S rDNA/H3 histone clusters in the A complement and B chromosome
Authors: Oliveira Nathalia L , Cabral-de-Mello Diogo C , Rocha Marília F , Loreto Vilma , Martins Cesar , Moura Rita C
Published: December 2011

Background

Supernumerary B chromosomes occur in addition to standard karyotype and have been described in about 15% of eukaryotes, being the repetitive DNAs the major component of these chromosomes, including in some cases the presence of multigene families. To advance in the understanding of chromosomal organization of multigene families and B chromosome structure and evolution, the distribution of rRNA and H3 histone genes were analyzed in the standard karyotype and B chromosome of three populations of the grasshopper Rhammatocerus brasiliensis.

Results

The location of major rDNA was coincident with the previous analysis for this species. On the other hand, the 5S rDNA mapped in almost all chromosomes of the standard complement (except in the pair 11) and in the B chromosome, showing a distinct result from other populations previously analyzed. Besides the spreading of 5S rDNA in the genome of R. brasiliensis it was also observed multiple sites for H3 histone genes, being located in the same chromosomal regions of 5S rDNAs, including the presence of the H3 gene in the B chromosome.

Conclusions

Due to the intense spreading of 5S rRNA and H3 histone genes in the genome of R. brasiliensis, their chromosomal distribution was not informative in the clarification of the origin of B elements. Our results indicate a linked organization for the 5S rRNA and H3 histone multigene families investigated in R. brasiliensis, reinforcing previous data concerning the association of both genes in some insect groups. The present findings contribute to understanding the organization/evolution of multigene families in the insect genomes.
The Role of Autoantibodies to Zinc Transporter 8 in Prediction of Type 1 Diabetes in Relatives: Lessons from the European Nicotinamide Diabetes Intervention Trial (ENDIT) Cohort
Authors: Long Anna E. , Gooneratne A. Talia , Rokni Saba , Williams Alistair J. K. , Bingley Polly J.
Published: December 2011

Context:

Antibodies to islet autoantigens are detectable many years before clinical onset of type 1 diabetes and can be used to identify individuals at increased risk of diabetes. Zinc transporter 8 is a recently identified islet autoantigen.

Objective:

Our aim was to determine whether addition of zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies (ZnT8A) improved prediction of type 1 diabetes in a well-characterized cohort of islet cell antibody (ICA)-positive first-degree relatives. We were particularly interested in the role of ZnT8A in prediction in antibody-positive relatives with intermediate and low overall risk of diabetes.

Participants and Methods:

ZnT8A were assayed in baseline samples from 526 ICA-positive first-degree relatives randomized in the European Nicotinamide Diabetes Intervention Trial. Antibodies to insulin, glutamate decarboxylase, islet antigen-2 (IA-2A) and IA-2β (IA-2βA), and human leukocyte antigen type had been previously determined. Risk of diabetes was assessed by survival analysis.

Results:

Of 221 ZnT8A-positive individuals, 113 developed diabetes during follow-up (5-yr cumulative risk, 55%). In multivariate models based on other autoantibodies, ZnT8A improved prediction in relatives at low genetic risk of diabetes (P = 0.030) and over age 20 yr (P = 0.026), but not in those with ICA alone or with one additional autoantibody (P = 0.696), IA-2A-negative relatives (P = 0.361), those at high or intermediate genetic risk, or younger relatives.

Conclusions:

ZnT8A are useful additional risk markers in relatives at low genetic risk of diabetes and older individuals, but they add relatively little in younger populations because of the precise prediction possible with current autoantibody combinations.
Rebuilding Bildung: The Middlebrow Novel of Aesthetic Education in the Mid-Twentieth-Century United States
Authors: Perrin Tom
Published: December 2011

This article contributes to the formulation of an aesthetics of the so-called middlebrow novel during the early Cold War years, when the term middlebrow was in its widest circulation. It argues that in their work middlebrow authors frequently attempt to adapt the Enlightenment paradigm of the bildungsroman, or novel of aesthetic education, in order to meet the challenges of modernity; at the same time they critique a then-hegemonic version of modernism that argued that the nature of twentieth-century society required writers to make a radical break with conventional literary aesthetics. Uncoupling the term middlebrow from its familiar location within debates concerning cultural capital, “Rebuilding Bildung” locates the middlebrow at the heart of a widespread mid-century debate concerning the value of aesthetic experience. In particular, this article argues that middlebrow authors generate in their work a nonsubversive irony through free indirect discourse and the tentative deployment of conventional generic tropes. This irony allowed middlebrow authors to critique without undermining the central contention of the bildungsroman: that aesthetic pleasure might allow the individual to come to terms with his or her social world. The essay examines a number of novels, including Herman Wouk's The Caine Mutiny (1951), James Michener's Hawaii (1959), Laura Z. Hobson's Gentleman's Agreement (1947), and Robert Ruark's Poor No More (1959). It focuses primarily on Patricia Highsmith's The Price of Salt (1952), a novel that attempts to move the “lesbian pulp” genre into specifically middlebrow territory and in doing so brings the stakes of a middlebrow aesthetic project into an especially sharp focus.
Transmembrane voltage potential controls embryonic eye patterning inXenopus laevis
Authors: Pai Vaibhav P. , Aw Sherry , Shomrat Tal , Lemire Joan M. , Levin Michael
Published: December 2011

Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of eye development is crucial for understanding the embryonic morphogenesis of complex structures, as well as for the establishment of novel biomedical approaches to address birth defects and injuries of the visual system. Here, we characterize change in transmembrane voltage potential (Vmem) as a novel biophysical signal for eye induction in Xenopus laevis. During normal embryogenesis, a striking hyperpolarization demarcates a specific cluster of cells in the anterior neural field. Depolarizing the dorsal lineages in which these cells reside results in malformed eyes. Manipulating Vmem of non-eye cells induces well-formed ectopic eyes that are morphologically and histologically similar to endogenous eyes. Remarkably, such ectopic eyes can be induced far outside the anterior neural field. A Ca2+ channel-dependent pathway transduces the Vmem signal and regulates patterning of eye field transcription factors. These data reveal a new, instructive role for membrane voltage during embryogenesis and demonstrate that Vmem is a crucial upstream signal in eye development. Learning to control bioelectric initiators of organogenesis offers significant insight into birth defects that affect the eye and might have significant implications for regenerative approaches to ocular diseases.
Improved infarction rates in fibroids after the introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasound during uterine artery embolization
Authors: Dorenberg Eric J , Hol Per-Kristian , Jakobsen Jarl Å , Ring Eva
Published: December 2011

Background

In order to achieve sustained symptom control and minimize the risk of recurrence, uterine artery embolization (UAE) should aim at complete infarction of all fibroids.

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the infarction rate of uterine fibroids in patients that had undergone uterine artery embolization (UAE) after the introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) during UAE procedures at our institution.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients treated with UAE between February 2006 and August 2009 were included. MR images obtained before, at 3 months, and 12 months after the procedure were reviewed. We evaluated volume changes in dominant fibroids as well as the infarction rate of all fibroids in each patient. Clinical results were evaluated by reviewing the medical records. The study was approved by the institutional review board.

Results

CEUS was technically successfully performed during the UAE procedure in all patients. In five cases the endpoint of embolization was adjusted based on findings at CEUS. The mean volume shrinkage of dominant fibroids was 39.8% after 3 months and 59.8% after 12 months. There was complete infarction of all fibroid tissue in 97% of patients at 3 months and 96% at 12 months. No major complications were observed.

Conclusion

After the introduction of CEUS during UAE procedures in our institution, high infarction rates were achieved.
An International View of Surgically Assisted Conception and Surrogacy Tourism
Authors: Ahmad Nehaluddin
Published: December 2011

Modern medicine, specifically assisted reproductive technology (ART), has overtaken the law in many jurisdictions around the world. New technologies and practices open a Pandora's Box of ethical, religious, social and legal questions, and may present a variety of significant legal problems to the courts and legislators. Surrogate motherhood and pregnancy through ART have both attracted controversy. Some groups condemn ART and want it banned while its supporters acknowledge there is a need for legislative guidelines and regulations. A proposed statute, the Assisted Reproductive Technique Services Act, aimed at regulating reproductive technologies, including surrogacy arrangements, will be introduced in the Malaysian parliament, probably in 2012, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill 2010 is already before the Indian parliament. This paper will discuss several of the potential socio-legal issues surrounding ART in the light of the complex situation, with a comparative analysis of the Malaysian, USA, UK and Indian positions.
The case for early treatment of dislocations of the cervical spine with cord involvement sustained playing rugby
Authors: Newton D. , England M. , Doll H. , Gardner B. P.
Published: December 2011

The most common injury in rugby resulting in spinal cord injury (SCI) is cervical facet dislocation. We report on the outcome of a series of 57 patients with acute SCI and facet dislocation sustained when playing rugby and treated by reduction between 1988 and 2000 in Conradie Hospital, Cape Town. A total of 32 patients were completely paralysed at the time of reduction. Of these 32, eight were reduced within four hours of injury and five of them made a full recovery. Of the remaining 24 who were reduced after four hours of injury, none made a full recovery and only one made a partial recovery that was useful. Our results suggest that low-velocity trauma causing SCI, such as might occur in a rugby accident, presents an opportunity for secondary prevention of permanent SCI. In these cases the permanent damage appears to result from secondary injury, rather than primary mechanical spinal cord damage. In common with other central nervous system injuries where ischaemia determines the outcome, the time from injury to reduction, and hence reperfusion, is probably important.

In order to prevent permanent neurological damage after rugby injuries, cervical facet dislocations should probably be reduced within four hours of injury.
Circulating Troponin As Measured by a Sensitive Assay for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Primary Prevention
Authors: Leistner David M , Klotsche Jens , Pieper Lars , Stalla Günter K , Lehnert Hendrik , Silber Sigmund , März Winfried , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich ,   for the DETECT Study Group, Zeiher Andreas M
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND

Measuring circulating cardiac troponin using novel sensitive assays has revealed that even minute elevations are associated with increased mortality in patients with coronary artery disease or even in the general population. Less well defined, however, is the incremental value of measuring circulating cardiac troponin I (cTnI) by a sensitive assay for risk assessment in primary prevention.

METHODS

We measured circulating concentrations of cTnI, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in 5388 individuals free of known cardiovascular disease recruited into the DETECT study, a prospective longitudinal population-based cohort study. We determined the prognostic implications for incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during 5 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Circulating cTnI was detectable in 19% of the subjects. Increased cTnI concentrations were associated with established risk factors for atherosclerosis and demonstrated a graded relationship with all-cause mortality and incident MACE during 5-year follow-up. A single measurement of cTnI significantly improved risk prediction over established risk factors, and also added prognostic information, when adjusted for serum concentrations of NT-proBNP and hsCRP.

CONCLUSIONS

Minute increases in cTnI are associated with increased mortality and incident MACE in a large primary prevention cohort and, thus, identify contributors to cardiovascular risk not fully captured by traditional risk factor assessment.
Evaluation of An Australian Day Treatment Program for Eating Disorders
Authors: Nowoweiski Dion , Arthey Stephen , Bosanac Peter
Published: December 2011

Day treatment programs (DTP) for eating disorders are being recognised as having therapeutic benefits. However, research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of DTP to establish their validity. This article reports on the evaluation of a pilot DTP in an Australian mental health setting, which utilised an integrative approach combining evidence-based treatments such as dialectical-behavioural therapy and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy offered in a group-based setting. Comparison of pre- and post-treatment data outcome measures for eating disorder pathology and comorbid symptoms was undertaken. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated using qualitative methods. Results indicated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms post-treatment, along with a high degree of satisfaction with the treatment. Limitations of this study, along with the implications of the findings and directions for future research, are discussed.
A Population-Based Evaluation of the Intention to Quit Smoking, Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviour, and Multiple Health Behaviours Among Female Canadian Smokers
Authors: Falasinnu Titilola O.
Published: December 2011

Introduction:Proschaska's transtheoretical model (TTM) of behaviour change suggests that a population of smokers varies along many dimensions, including readiness to quit and the presence of other risk factors. This study examines whether smokers contemplating quitting are more likely to be contemplating another change (e.g., Pap testing and physical activity).Methods:The study used self-reported cross-sectional data (n= 2,873) from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Cycle 4.1 2007/2008. The association between the smoking stage of change (SOC) and Pap testing behaviour was assessed. Control variables included sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics (e.g. doctor visits and number of cigarettes smoked). The distribution of health behaviours (e.g., dietary changes and exercise) by smoking SOC among women with recent Pap tests was also examined.Results:Female smokers contemplating or preparing to quit smoking had higher odds of having a recent Pap test, OR = 1.40, 95% CI (1.19, 1.65), and OR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.47, 2.25) respectively, compared to smokers who had no intention of quitting. This association remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounders, AOR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.08, 1.52), and AOR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.31, 2.04) respectively. Fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and recent dental visit were associated with advanced smoking SOC among women with recent Pap tests (P< .05).Conclusions:Advanced smoking SOC was associated with the increased likelihood of having a recent Pap test and engaging in other healthy behaviours. These findings show that targeting several health behaviours simultaneously may be an effective health promotion strategy.
Cognitive Appraisals and Smoking Intentions: The Role of Decision Making Competence
Authors: Umeh Kanayo , Barnes Jennifer
Published: December 2011

An important element of smoking cessation programs is the modification of health beliefs about risks and benefits. However, Janis and Mann's (1977) conflict-theory suggests only vigilant decision-makers are motivated by such outcome appraisals. Thus, this study examined the extent to which relations between health beliefs and cigarette smoking are moderated by decision-making competence. Over 150 university undergraduates completed a questionnaire survey assessing health beliefs about smoking (perceptions of susceptibility to and severity of lung cancer, and benefits of not smoking), smoking intentions, and decision-making competence. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed interactions between risk perceptions and competence, whereby perceived susceptibility and severity appraisals better predicted smoking intentions in less proficient decision-makers. However, these interactions disappeared after controlling for smoking status. These findings suggest that risk perceptions are more important in college students averse to information search and appraisal, albeit this is confounded by smoking status.
Evaluation of Graphic Cigarette Warning Images on Cravings to Smoke
Authors: Lin Patrick N. , Zimmermann Mia Hanos , Bover Manderski Michelle T. , Schmelzer Amy C. , Steinberg Michael B.
Published: December 2011

While health warnings are present on cigarette packs around the world, the nature of the warnings varies considerably between countries. In the United States, a small text warning citing the dangers of cigarette smoking is found on the side of all packs. This pilot study sought to determine whether graphic cigarette warning images, like those found in the United Kingdom and Canada, were better at decreasing cravings to smoke than existing text warnings found on cigarette packs in the United States. Twenty-five smokers seeking treatment to quit at a specialty tobacco treatment program were administered the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU — BRIEF), a validated measure of craving, prior to and following exposure to cigarette pack warning images. The graphic cigarette warning images reduced cravings to smoke (6.20 point decrease) more than neutral images (3.36 point decrease) and current text warnings used in the United States (5.75 point decrease), although this difference was not statistically significant. Based on these pilot data, a larger study could further examine the effectiveness of graphic warning images and whether such warnings hold an advantage over the currently used text warnings.
A Theoretical Explanation of Male Partner Participation in Smoking Cessation during the Transition to Fatherhood
Authors: Gage Jeffrey D. , Everett Kevin D. , Bullock Linda
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical explanation of the process of becoming a father and how this impacted on smoking behaviours of men during their partner's pregnancy. Grounded theory method and constant comparative analysis was used to explain data from interviews with 23 men from rural Midwest USA. Becoming a father prompted participants to seek ways to protect their partners and babies from the effects of cigarette smoking. First-time fathers were particularly receptive to quitting smoking early in their partner's pregnancy, whereas motivation to quit declined as pregnancy progressed for first-time fathers and other fathers. Although protecting their families from cigarette smoke remained constant, men's smoking goals and behaviours became increasingly focused on minimising harm rather than quitting as their partner's pregnancy progressed. Findings support the view that the transition to fatherhood is an opportune time in which to encourage and support smoking behaviour change for male partners. Theoretical insights provide understanding of why and when expectant fathers attempt to quit smoking and reduce harm to their families. Future research should focus on appropriate and timely interventions to maximise the success of men to quit smoking when they are naturally motivated to do so.
Roller Profile Development for an Axially Loaded, Single Row Spherical Roller Bearing in an Oscillating Application
Authors: Cowles J. H. , Houle C. A.
Published: December 2011

Typically it is not recommended to use a single row spherical roller bearing in an application in which there are significant axial loads. The use of these bearings in a less than optimal customer application can be driven by the need for a high load capacity within a limited geometric envelope. Specialized roller profiles can be developed that eliminate high contact stresses on the roller ends that can lead to the premature failure of the bearing. In this paper, analytical results are presented for the roller to raceway contact stress of four different roller profiles with a given load applied to the bearing. The profiles considered are single transverse radius, double transverse radii, and optimized symmetric and asymmetric. The piecewise logarithmic profiles developed are applied to a barrel roller in this paper, but a generalized method is developed such that the profile could be applied to any type of roller—cylindrical, barrel, hourglass, or tapered. The analysis results for two of the profiles are validated by dynamic testing performed within RBC’s Corporate Test Laboratory on a three axis, hydraulic, computer controlled test rig. The bearing inner ring is oscillated while the bearing is subjected to simultaneous radial and axial loads. The control software allows the monitoring of radial displacement and bearing torque during testing. The test results correlate very well with the analytical results. The displacement and torque readouts are shown to predict the onset of raceway fatigue and spalling for one of the roller configurations before testing is complete and the bearing is disassembled.
Prolactin down-regulates CD4+CD25hiCD127low/− regulatory T cell function in humans
Authors: Legorreta-Haquet M V , Chávez-Rueda K , Montoya-Díaz E , Arriaga-Pizano L , Silva-García R , Chávez-Sánchez L , Moreno-Lafont M , Zenteno-Galindo E , Blanco-Favela F
Published: December 2011

Among its many functions, prolactin (PRL) participates in immune responses and promotes the activation, differentiation and proliferation of T cells. However, the mechanisms by which PRL regulates regulatory T (Treg) cells are still unknown. Our goal was to determine whether PRL plays a role in Treg function. We measured the expression of PRL and its receptor in Treg and effector T (Teff) cells from 15 healthy individuals. We also evaluated the functional activity of Treg cells by examining proliferation and cytokine secretion in cells activated with anti-CD3/CD28 in the presence or absence of PRL. We report that Treg cells constitutively expressed PRL receptor, whereas Teff cells required stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 to induce PRL receptor expression. Expression of PRL was constitutive in both populations. We found that the addition of PRL inhibited the suppressor effect (proliferation) mediated by Treg cells in vitro, reducing suppression from 37.4 to 13% when PRL was added to co-cultures of Treg and Teff cells (P<0.05). Cultures treated with PRL favoured a Th1 cytokine profile, with increased production of TNF and IFNγ. We report for the first time that PRL receptor expression was constitutive in Treg cells but not in Teff cells, which require stimulation to induce PRL receptor expression. PRL inhibited the suppressive function of Treg cells, apparently through the induced secretion of Th1 cytokines.
Role of R classification in the interdisciplinary oncology
Authors: Tóth Csaba
Published: December 2011

The R classification describes the tumor status after therapy. Many clinicians and pathologists use the definition in a misunderstood or wrong way, and sometimes, despite many recommendations this definition is not used in the daily routine, at all. The R status means not only the tumorous infiltration of the surgical margins but also includes the lymph node status and the metastases. It represents the whole tumorous process giving the most reliable prognostic marker. It is important for colleagues working in the same therapeutic group that the R status defined by pathologists has to mean the same consequences. This article shows how the R classification can be used in the daily routine and how someone can solve the misunderstandings in different R categories. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 2086–2090.
Castor oil polyurethane containing silica nanoparticles as filling material of bone defect in rats
Authors: Nacer Renato Silva , Poppi Rodrigo Ré , Carvalho Paulo de Tarso Camilo de , Silva Baldomero Antonio Kato da , Odashiro Alexandre Nakao , Silva Iandara Schettert , Delben José Renato Jurkevicz , Delben Angela Antonia Sanches Tardivo
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biologic behavior of the castor polymer containing silica nanoparticles as a bone substitute in diafisary defect. METHODS: Twenty seven male rattus norvegicus albinus wistar lineage were submitted to bone defect filled with castor oil polymer. Three experimental groups had been formed with nine animals each: (1) castor oil polymer containing only calcium carbonate; (2) castor oil polymer with calcium carbonate and doped with 5% of silica nanoparticles; (3) castor polymer with calcium carbonate doped with 10% of silica nanoparticles; 3 animals of each group were submitted to euthanasia 15, 30 and 60 days after experimental procedure, and their femurs were removed to histological evaluation. RESULTS: there was bone growth in all the studied groups, with a greater tendency of growth in the group 1. After 30 days all the groups presented similar results. After 60 days a greater amount of fibroblasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts in group 3 was observed, with integrated activity of 3 kinds of cells involved in the bone activation-reabsorption-formation. CONCLUSIONS: The castor polymer associated to the silica nanoparticles is biocompatible and allows osteoconduction. The presence of osteoprogenitors cells suggests silica osteoinduction capacity.
Analysis of 6 Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Androgen Receptor Gene in Chilean Patients With Primary Spermatogenic Failure
Authors: Parada‐Bustamante Alexis , Lardone María Cecilia , Valdevenito Raúl , Ebensperger Mauricio , López Patricia V. , Madariaga Marcia , Piottante Antonio , Castro Andrea
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT: Androgens are essential for spermatogenesis. It has been postulated that androgen activity is modulated directly or indirectly by genetic variability in the androgen receptor gene sequence, including CAG/GGN polymorphisms and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). In this study, the frequency of 6 SNPs that constitute a haplotype in the androgen receptor sequence was determined by enzyme restriction assays and allele‐specific polymerase chain reactions in 117 secretory azo/oligozoospermic men (93 idiopathic and 24 excryptorchidic), and in 121 controls with normal spermatogenesis (42 obstructive and 79 normozoospermic men) whose hormonal measurements and length of CAG/GGN polymorphisms were previously determined. The frequency of these 6 SNPs was not different between patients and controls. A total of 10 haplotypes (HAPs 1–10) formed by these 6 SNPs were found, and one of these haplotypes was observed with high frequency in the total population (HAP1, 83.2%; P < .001, χ2 test). The frequency of the 10 haplotypes was not different between patients and controls, except for HAP5, which was only detected in one patient with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism (P = 0.014, Bonferroni test). On the other hand, no associations were found between the haplotypes studied and shorter or longer CAG or GGN polymorphisms. Interestingly, we found that the CAG 21 allele, which was previously correlated with an increased risk of idiopathic spermatogenic impairment, was more frequently found among the less common haplotypes that have higher follicle‐stimulating hormone serum levels. In summary, we did not find an increased frequency of particular haplotypes in infertile men with idiopathic spermatogenic impairment compared with control men; however, we found that the CAG 21 allele, which appears to be associated with male infertility, is observed at a significantly higher proportion among the less common androgen receptor haplotypes.
Cytokine Levels as Potential Biomarkers for Predicting the Development of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Casualties of Accidents
Authors: Cohen Miri , Meir Tamar , Klein Ehud , Volpin Gershon , Assaf Michael , Pollack Shimon
Published: December 2011

Background:

Traumatic injuries are usually associated with increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and are sometimes followed by the development of acute stress symptoms (ASS) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).

Aims:

To measure serum pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in accident casualties and to associate it with ASS at hospitalization, and with PTSS 1 month later.

Methods:

Participants were 48 patients, aged 20–60, hospitalized following various orthopedic injuries including bone fractures, and 13 healthy volunteers matched for gender. At hospitalization (Time 1), 30 ml heparinized venous blood were drawn and cytokines levels in serum were assessed; participants filled out the Acute Stress Disorder Inventory (ASDI), COPE, and injury-related questionnaires. One month later (Time 2), 26 participants filled out the Posttraumatic Disorder Symptom Scale (PDS).

Results:

High serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β and low levels of serum IL-4 and IL-10 were found in injured patients as compared with controls. When controlling for age and severity of injury in the regression analysis, higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and lower TGF-β were predicted by higher ASS and higher use of and emotion-focused coping. Higher PTSS scores at Time 2 were predicted by higher levels of IL-8, lower levels of TGF-β, and higher ASS measured at Time 1.

Conclusions:

High levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and IL-8 and lower levels of the regulatory cytokine TGF-β should be further assessed as a possible risk factor or a bio-marker of PTSS in accident casualties.
The Role of Qualitative Research in a Mixed Methods Study ‐ Assessing the e‐Business Enabled Transformation in a Strategic Business Unit
Authors: Bak Ozlem
Published: December 2011

This article describes the use of mixed methods in the context of e‐business enabled organisational transformation in a strategic business unit of a multinational corporation. It includes a theoretical reasoning as to why mixed methods were used and a description of the role of qualitative research in this research agenda. The article begins by examining the research paradigm, leading to the use of mixed methods and the design process of the actual mixed methods. In giving a roadmap in a contextual setting, the article addresses the need for including studies from the initial conceptual development to its application.
Serosurvey and Isolation of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Chickens Reared in Commercial and Semi-Scavenging Systems
Authors: Barua Himel , Biswas Paritosh Kumar , Anwar M Nural , Dey Bhabesh Chandra , Debnath Mitish Chandra
Published: December 2011

A cross sectional survey was undertaken to estimate the seroprevalence of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chickens reared under both intensive and semi-scavenging systems in Bangladesh. Attempts were also made to isolate the virus from these two chicken populations. Chickens being reared under intensive system at a Government poultry farm (Pahartali Zonal Poultry Farm, PZPF, Chittagong, Bangladesh) and the semiscavenging system at Smallholder Livestock Development Project-2 (SLDP-2) areas, which is being operated in 5 southern districts of Bangladesh, were serologically investigated. The survey was conducted during the period from October 2005 to March 2006. Serum samples were at random from 184 chickens: 104 (Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red [RIR] breeds) from PZPF and 80 (Fayoumi, Sonali and indigenous) from the SLDP-2 areas. To isolate the IBV, organ samples were also collected from 100 dead chickens, 74 from PZPF and 26 from the SLDP-2 areas. Seroprevalence of the IBV in chickens was determined using Ab-ELISA test. Virological inocula prepared from the pooled organ samples of dead birds according to the standard procedure were inoculated through allantoic sac route (@ 0.2 ml inoculum/embryo) of 10-11 days' old developing-chicken embryos. The growth of the IBV was determined by finding characteristic changes in the embryos - curling and dwarfing at the age of 18 days. Allantoic fluids were harvested in positive cases. The survey revealed that, 19% (confidence intervals [CI] 11, 27%) Fayoumi and 54% (CI 35, 73%) RIR chickens reared at PZPF were seropositive to the IBV. In semi-scavenging chickens, the seroprevalence was 98% (CI 96, 100%), which is significantly higher (p = 0.00) than the chickens reared in the intensive system. Presence of the IBV was diagnosed in 11 and 6 dead chickens collected from PZPF and SLDP-2 areas, respectively. Keywords: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Serosurvey, ChickenDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v23i2.873 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 23, Number 2, December 2006, pp 114-117
Impacts of Mycoplasma gallisepticum Vaccine on Newcastle Disease Vaccination and Protection in Parent Stock Flocks
Authors: Faruque M Rayhan , Christensen Jens P
Published: December 2011

The present study reports on the impact of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccination on vaccine respond and subsequent protection against Newcastle disease (ND) in parent stock flocks of Department of Livestock Services (DLS) using MG killed vaccine and conventional ND vaccines. Birds were grouped into four groups, each consisted of 50 birds from the same flock. Group A birds were vaccinated with ND, group B with ND and MG, group C with MG, and group D birds were kept as unvaccinated control. The parameters studied included detection of ND antibody, MG seroprevalance, mortality (%), and cause of death. The sera of groups B and C were sero-positive after administration of MG vaccine. The haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) titres of group A were higher than group B from week 4 after administration of MG vaccine to the birds of group B. The mortality was very low; one bird of group C died at week 5 due to traumatic injury and another bird of group D died at week 2 due to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). After challenge, birds of groups A and B showed no clinical signs and normal post mortem findings were found. Birds of groups C and D showed clinical signs from day 3 and different pathological lesions were found in post mortem. The MG vaccination did not improve other parameters. Therefore, inoculation of MG INAC vaccine is not justified and is too expensive at farm levels.Keywords: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccine, Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination, Protection, MortalityDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i1.1240   Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 1, June 2007, pp 62-64
Factors Influencing the Vaccination Programme for Newcastle Disease in Bangladesh: Disease Outbreaks, Haemagglutination-Inhibition Titres and Production under Field Conditions
Authors: Faruque M Rayhan , Christensen Jens P , Bisgaard Magne , Roy Bibek Chandra , Biawas Paritosh Kumar
Published: December 2011

The study was undertaken to examine the immune response of birds following the present Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination programme by haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test (Î²-procedure) from three study regions. This study also investigated factors possibly influencing the success of the vaccination programme. Though, those three farms had followed the different vaccination schedules, but using the same ND vaccines. Haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) titres at day-old were lower in Central Poultry Farm, Mirpur than Government Poultry Farms Jamalganj, Joypurhat and Bogra. Birds of these three farms did not persist challenge at day-old, because minimum HI titre for challenge was 24. But after introduction of ND vaccines, the HI titres showed the protective level (>24). The HI titres were lower in Mirpur after introduction of ND vaccines than Joypurhat and Bogra. The EID50 of ND vaccines were determined before introduction to test the potency of vaccines. The embryo infective dose fifty (EID50) of BCRDV (ND-F strain) was 107.67 and the EID50 RDV (ND-â€˜M' strain) was 107.46 EID50. It was done in the specific pathogen free (SPF) embryonating chicken eggs of 9-11 days of incubation. The bird mortality (%) at three different farms was different from week 1 to week 30. The body weight gain of birds at 3 different farms was different. It was also related to hen day egg production percentage. The body weight of birds of the 3 farms was different from week 2 to week 30. The intraocular vaccination of chicks with BCRDV (ND-F strain) at day 5 or day-old followed by vaccination with RDV (ND-M strain) by intramuscular route 8 weeks after primary vaccination and also before laying revaccination with RDV (ND-M strain) by intramuscular route would be a safe and efficient vaccination schedule. Keywords: Newcastle disease (ND) virus, Vaccine, Haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test, Embryo infective dose fifty (EID50)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i2.1250 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 2, December 2007, pp 90-94
Comparative Studies on the Production of Extracellular α-Amylase by Three Mesophilic Bacillus Isolates
Authors: Nusrat Arifa , Rahman Sabita Rezwanan
Published: December 2011

In the present study three mesophilic Bacillus isolates were analyzed for their α-amylase activity in shakeflask cultures. The organisms were capable to produce hydrolysis zone around their colonies on starch agar medium. The effect of various fermentation conditions on α-amylase production was investigated, and in every case it was found that B. subtilis was the best producer of the enzyme, which was followed by the newly isolated Bacillus sp. and B. amyloliquefaciens. The synthesis of extracellular α-amylase by the bacteria was repressed by the presence of readily metabolizable carbon source like glucose in the culture medium. Maximum α-amylase activity by the Bacillus isolates was obtained at 37°C with an initial medium pH 7.0 under agitation at 160-180 rpm for 72 h of growth. Keywords: Bacillus species, α-Amylase, Enzyme production, Shake-flask cultureDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i2.1257 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 2, December 2007, pp 129-132