bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pigment epithelium-derived factor mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress in retinal pericytes exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein
Authors: Zhang Sarah X , Wang Joshua J , Dashti Azar , Wilson Kenneth , Zou Ming-Hui , Szweda Luke , Ma Jian-Xing , Lyons Timothy J
Published: June 2008

Oxidized and/or glycated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may mediate capillary injury in diabetic retinopathy. The mechanisms may involve pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant effects on retinal capillary pericytes. In this study, these effects, and the protective effects of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), were defined in a primary human pericyte model. Human retinal pericytes were exposed to 100 μg/ml native LDL (N-LDL) or heavily oxidized glycated LDL (HOG-LDL) with or without PEDF at 10–160 nM for 24 h. To assess pro-inflammatory effects, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) secretion was measured by ELISA, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation was detected by immunocytochemistry. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite (ONOO−) formation, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and nitric oxide (NO) production. The results showed that MCP-1 was significantly increased by HOG-LDL, and the effect was attenuated by PEDF in a dose-dependent manner. PEDF also attenuated the HOG-LDL-induced NF-κB activation, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of PEDF on MCP-1 was at least partially through the blockade of NF-κB activation. Further studies demonstrated that HOG-LDL, but not N-LDL, significantly increased ONOO− formation, NO production, and iNOS expression. These changes were also alleviated by PEDF. Moreover, PEDF significantly ameliorated HOG-LDL-induced ROS generation through up-regulation of superoxide dismutase 1 expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant effects of HOG-LDL on retinal pericytes, which were effectively ameliorated by PEDF. Suppressing MCP-1 production and thus inhibiting macrophage recruitment may represent a new mechanism for the salutary effect of PEDF in diabetic retinopathy and warrants more studies in future.
An evaluation of the bioavailability and aquatic toxicity attributed to ambient copper concentrations in surface waters from several parts of the world
Authors: Van Genderen Eric , Adams William , Cardwell Rick , van Sprang Patrick , Arnold Ray , Santore Robert , Rodriguez Patricio
Published: July 2008

Ambient concentrations of metals in surface waters have become an important consideration when establishing water quality criteria and conducting risk assessments. This study sought to estimate amounts of copper that may be released into fresh and estuarine waters considering ambient concentrations, toxicity thresholds, and bioavailability. Cumulative distribution functions of ambient copper concentrations were compared statistically for individual sites within 14 surface waters of North America and Europe to identify differences among mean distribution variables (e.g., slopes, intercepts, and inflection points). Results illustrated that the majority of distributions among sites differed significantly. These differences illustrate the variability in ambient copper concentrations in surface waters due to geographic location, regional geology, and anthropogenic influence. Additionally, surface water quality data were used for streams and lakes in Chile, Europe, and North America (including 1 saltwater estuary) to estimate bioavailable copper concentrations in ambient surface waters (based on predictions using biotic ligand models). The amount of dissolved metal that could be added to surface waters without exceeding toxicity thresholds was calculated by subtracting ambient surface water concentrations from chronic (reproduction) no-observable-effect concentrations (NOEC) for Daphnia magna using the freshwater data and 48-h median-effect (normal shell development) concentrations (EC50) for Mytilus edulis using that for saltwater. Because ambient dissolved copper concentrations were, on average, only a small fraction (18%) of predicted effects threshold, an average of 14 ± 17 μg/L (±SD) of copper could be added before exceeding the D. magna chronic NOEC or the M. edulis EC50. However, several sites were identified as having ambient copper concentrations in excess of these toxicity thresholds. The risks posed by copper to sensitive indicator species in surface waters can now be readily computed to facilitate site-specific consideration of point and nonpoint sources of metal.
Simulation-Based Technology for Rapid Assessment of Redevelopment Potential in Marginal Gas Fields—Technology Advances and Validation in Garden Plains Field, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin
Authors: Cheng Y. , McVay D. A. , Wang J. , Ayers W. B.
Published: July 2008

It is often difficult to quantify the redevelopment potential of marginal oil and gas fields because of a wide range of depositional environments, variability in reservoir properties, a large number of wells, and limited reservoir information. Evaluation of infill potential in these fields with traditional simulation methods is timeconsuming, labor-intensive, and frequently cost-prohibitive. Without adequate assessment technology, some unprofitable infill campaigns may be initiated, while other promising infill campaigns may be terminated prematurely because of disappointing early results.

In this paper, we present a simulation-based regression technique to assess infill-drilling potential in marginal gas fields. With limited, basic reservoir information, this technique first estimates the spatial distribution of subsurface reservoir properties by rapid history matching of well production data. We implemented a sequential regression algorithm to estimate, from available flowrate measurements, not only the permeability distribution, but also the pore-volume distribution. Future production is forecasted and infill-drilling potential is determined using the estimated permeability and pore-volume distributions. Because the method uses an approximate reservoir description, it identifies regions of the field with promising infill potential rather than individual-infill-well locations.

The proposed technique provides rapid, reliable, and cost-effective assessment of redevelopment potential in marginal gas fields. In this paper, we first validate our approach using synthetic reservoir data. We then apply the approach to the Second White Specks formation, Garden Plains field, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The prediction of infill potential in this gas field, which has more than 700 wells, demonstrates the power and utility of the proposed technique.
Drainage and Imbibition Relative Permeability Relationships for Supercritical CO2/Brine and H2S/Brine Systems in Intergranular Sandstone, Carbonate, Shale, and Anhydrite Rocks
Authors: Bennion D. Brant , Bachu Stefan
Published: July 2008

Disposal of acid gas, composed of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), in deep underground formations is a means for reducing atmospheric emissions of toxic and greenhouse gases produced from sour-gas reservoirs that has been practiced for 18 years in North America and is currently being considered in other regions, such as the Middle East and central Asia. Acid-gas-injection operations constitute a commercial-scale analog to CO2injection in geological media as a climate-change mitigation measure. Deep saline aquifers provide a very large capacity for the sequestration of acid and greenhouse gases, being found in all sedimentary basins around the world. Proper understanding of the relative permeability-displacement character of such systems is essential in ascertaining gas injectivity and migration, and in assessing the suitability, containment, and safety of prospective injection sites.

Pure CO2 and H2S represent the compositional end members of acid and greenhouse gases, hence the interest in measuring their displacement properties. This paper presents the detailed experimental equipment and protocols along with the results of a series of relative permeability measurements conducted at full reservoir conditions using supercritical pure CO2 and H2S on samples of intercrystalline sandstone, carbonate, shale, and anhydrite rocks from the Wabamun and Zama areas in Alberta, Canada, where large CO2 sources and several acid-gas-injection operations exist. Results of the relative permeability measurements are presented for each fluid and rock type. The results provide a valuable data set for the evaluation and simulation of acid-gas disposal and CO2-sequestration projects.
Performance of an optimally filled discontinuous bioreactor degrading 4-chlorophenol
Authors: Moreno-Andrade Iván , Buitrón Germán
Published: July 2008

The stability of a fed-batch bioreactor operated with a new control strategy (ED-TOC) during a long-term period was evaluated. The ED-TOC strategy uses solely measurements of DO concentration and volume of the reactor to control the influent flow rate, and so the substrate degradation rate oscillates around its maximal value during the whole filling phase. The bioreactor was tested for the degradation of a wastewater containing 4-chlorophenol (4CP) as a model of an inhibitory compound. The experiment was conducted twice in order to investigate whether results were reproducible. Each set of experiments consisted of two phases: acclimation of the biomass to 4-chlorophenol and operation using the ED-TOC strategy. The main conclusion is that the reactor operated by the ED-TOC strategy is robust and stable in large operation periods. Degradation efficiencies greater than 99% as 4CP and greater than 97% as COD degradation were obtained. Toxicity analysis demonstrates that the bioreactor operated by ED-TOC eliminates the toxicity in the wastewater. Community analysis by DGGE was also conducted.
Alpine infrastructure in Central Europe: integral evaluation of wastewater treatment systems at mountain refuges
Authors: Weissenbacher N. , Mayr E. , Niederberger T. , Aschauer C. , Lebersorger S. , Steinbacher G. , Haberl R.
Published: July 2008

Planning, construction and operation of onsite wastewater treatment systems at mountain refuges is a challenge. Energy supply, costly transport, limited water resources, unfavourable climate and load variations are only some of the problems that have to be faced. Additionally, legal regulations are different between and even within countries of the Alps. To ensure sustainability, integrated management of the alpine infrastructure management is needed. The energy and water supply and the wastewater and waste disposal systems and the cross-relations between them were analysed for 100 mountain refuges. Wastewater treatment is a main part of the overall ‘mountain refuge’ system. The data survey and first analyses showed the complex interaction of the wastewater treatment with the other infrastructure. Main criteria for reliable and efficient operation are training, technical support, user friendly control and a relatively simple system set up. Wastewater temperature, alkalinity consumption and high peak loads have to be considered in the planning process. The availability of power in terms of duration and connexion is decisive for the choice of the system. Further, frequency fluctuations may lead to damages to the installed aerators. The type of water source and the type of sanitary equipment influence the wastewater quantity and quality. Biosolids are treated and disposed separately or together with primary or secondary sludge from wastewater treatment dependent on the legal requirements.
Pumped flow biofilm reactors (PFBR) for treating municipal wastewater
Authors: O'Reilly E. , Rodgers M. , Zhan X.-M.
Published: July 2008

A novel laboratory bench-scale sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) system was developed for the treatment of synthetic domestic strength wastewater, comprising two side-by-side 18 l reactor tanks, each containing a plastic biofilm media module. Aerobic and anoxic conditions in the biofilms were effected by intermittent alternate pumping of wastewater between the two reactors. With a media surface area loading rate of 4.2 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/m2.d, the average influent COD, total nitrogen (TN) and ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) concentrations of 1021 mg/l, 97 mg/l and 54 mg/l, respectively, reduced to average effluent concentrations of 72 mg COD/l, 17.8 mg TN/l, and 5.5 mg NH4-N /l. Using a similar alternating biofilm exposure arrangement, a 16 person equivalent pilot (PE) plant was constructed at a local village treatment works to remove organic carbon from highly variable settled municipal wastewater and comprised two reactors, one positioned above the other, each containing a module of cross-flow plastic media with a surface area of 100 m2. Two different pumping sequences (PS) in the aerobic phase were examined where the average influent COD concentrations were 220 and 237 mg/l for PS1 and PS2, respectively, and the final average effluent COD was consistently less than 125 mg/l – the European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive limit – with the best performance occurring in PS1. Nitrification was evident during both PS1 and PS2 studies. A 300 PE package treatment plant was designed based on the bench-scale and pilot-scale studies, located at a local wastewater treatment works and treated municipal influent with average COD, suspended solids (SS) and TN concentrations of 295, 183 and 15 mg/l, respectively resulting in average effluent concentrations of 67 mg COD/l, 17 mg SS/l and 9 mg TN/l. The SBBR systems performed well, and were simple to construct and operate.
The effect of flow equalisation and prefermentation on the sludge production and sludge characteristics in a BNR plant
Authors: Mikola A. , Rautiainen J. , Kiuru H.
Published: July 2008

A full-scale study investigated the influence of diurnal flow equalisation and prefermentation on the characteristics of sludge. The diurnal variations in the sludge concentration and the level of sludge blanket in the secondary clarifiers were evened out significantly with the use of an equalization basin. Stable conditions in the aeration basin and in the secondary clarifiers contributed to the improvements in the performance of the BNR plant. A decrease in the waste activated sludge production and an improvement in the settleability were also observed. The low WAS yield was attributed to the low yield COD compounds produced by the prefermentation, longer sludge age and constant conditions obtained by the flow equalisation. Some evidence was found that good settling properties would be related to the amount of suspended solids fed to the biological process as well as to the good performance of the biological process.
Diurnal Habitat Use by Lower Keys Marsh Rabbits
Authors: FAULHABER CRAIG A. , SILVY NOVA J. , LOPEZ ROEL R. , LAFEVER DAVID H. , FRANK PHILIP A. , PETERSON MARKUS J.
Published: July 2008

Abstract: We used radiotelemetry to locate daytime forms of endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbits (LKMRs; Sylvilagus palustris hefneri) throughout their range so we could determine habitat characteristics of diurnal cover. We typically found forms (n = 1,298) of 36 rabbits in brackish wetlands in patches of saltmarsh or buttonwoods. In freshwater wetlands, forms (n = 54) were located most often in patches of freshwater hardwoods embedded in or adjacent to freshwater marshes. Forms (n = 942) in brackish wetlands were characterized by thick groundcover (>75%), whereas those (n = 42) in freshwater wetlands had both thick groundcover and canopy vegetation. The mean minimum convex polygon around forms of 15 rabbits was 1.4 ha (SD = 1.7), with smaller ranges characterized by thick bunchgrasses or clump‐forming sedges. To increase the amount of annual space usable by LKMRs, managers should provide more saltmarsh habitat interspersed with buttonwoods and enhance ground cover in existing habitat.
Space Use and Habitat Selection by Bobcats in the Fragmented Landscape of South‐Central Iowa
Authors: TUCKER STEPHANIE A. , CLARK WILLIAM R. , GOSSELINK TODD E.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:Historically, bobcats (Lynx rufus) were found throughout the Corn Belt region, but they nearly disappeared from this area due to habitat loss and unregulated harvest that occurred during the century after European settlement. Reports of bobcat occurrences have been increasing in Iowa, USA, and biologists would like to understand the mechanisms enabling bobcats to recolonize this fragmented agricultural landscape. We determined space use and habitat selection of bobcats by radiocollaring 68 bobcats in south‐central Iowa during 2003–2006. We triangulated 12,966 locations and recovered an additional 1,399 3‐dimensional locations from Global Positioning System collars. We used a fixed kernel estimator to calculate 95% utilization distributions (UDs) for home ranges and 50% UDs for cores. Annual home range area of males (x̄ = 58.6 km2, 95% CI = 49.2–69.9) was nearly 3 times that of females (x̄=19.9 km2, 95% CI = 17.0–23.3). Females used smaller home ranges during April‐September when they were suspected to have kittens with them (x̄ = 16.8 km2, 95% CI = 13.7–20.7), as compared to October‐March (x̄ = 24.1 km2, 95% CI = 19.0–30.7), whereas home ranges of males did not differ between seasons. Similarly, core area of males (x̄ = 7.7 km2, 95% CI = 6.2–9.6) was larger than that of females (x̄ = 2.3 km2, 95% CI = 1.9–2.7). Females used significantly smaller cores in April‐September (x̄ = 1.8 km2, 95% CI = 1.4–2.3) as compared to October‐March (x̄ = 2.8 km2, 95% CI = 2.2–3.7), whereas males did not. For both sexes, compositional analysis indicated that forest habitat was ranked higher than all other habitat classes at both the landscape and local scale. Standardized habitat selection ratios illustrate that female and male bobcats selected forest habitat about twice as frequently as any other habitat class, including grassland and Conservation Reserve Program land. Predictive models indicated that home range and core area was smaller in landscapes where perennial forest and grassland habitats were less fragmented. Predictive models indicated home ranges were more irregular in shape in landscapes where row crop patches were less aggregated within home ranges. Our results have practical implications for wildlife managers regarding expected bobcat habitat use and distribution as the species becomes more abundant in the agricultural landscape of the Midwest.
Suggestions for Basic Graph Use When Reporting Wildlife Research Results
Authors: COLLIER BRET A.
Published: July 2008

Abstract: I review concepts of basic graph design and outline general guidance for basic preparation and presentation of data. I comment on the continued use of convenient summary graphics found in our literature where data are often misrepresented and review potential remedies that will improve data description and graphical efficiency for the most frequently used graph types in wildlife data reporting. I suggest that graphics should play a larger role in data description and analysis and less in summarizing study results.
Controllability of the discrete-spectrum Schrödinger equation driven by an external field
Authors: Chambrion Thomas , Mason Paolo , Sigalotti Mario , Boscain Ugo
Published: June 2008

We prove approximate controllability of the bilinear Schrödinger equation in the case in which the uncontrolled Hamiltonian has discrete non-resonant spectrum. The results that are obtained apply both to bounded or unbounded domains and to the case in which the control potential is bounded or unbounded. The method relies on finite-dimensional techniques applied to the Galerkin approximations and permits, in addition, to get some controllability properties for the density matrix. Two examples are presented: the harmonic oscillator and the 3D well of potential, both controlled by suitable potentials.

Nous montrons la contrôlabilité approchée de l'équation de Schrödinger bilinéaire dans le cas où l'hamiltonien non contrôlé a un spectre discret et non-résonnant. Les résultats obtenus sont valables que le domaine soit borné ou non, et que le potentiel de contrôle soit borné ou non. La preuve repose sur des méthodes de dimension finie appliquées aux approximations de Galerkyn du système. Ces méthodes permettent en plus d'obtenir des résultats de contrôlabilité des matrices de densité. Deux exemples sont présentés, l'oscillateur harmonique et le puits de potentiel en dimension trois, munis de potentiels de contrôle adéquats.
Neurodevelopmental markers in different psychopathological dimensions of first episode psychosis: The ESPIGAS Study
Authors: Ruiz-Veguilla Miguel , Cervilla Jorge A. , Barrigón Maria Luisa , Ferrín Maite , Gutiérrez Blanca , Gordo Estibaliz , Anguita Manuel , Brañas Antía , Fernández-Logroño Jesús , Gurpegui Manuel
Published: June 2008

Objective

The main aim of this study was to explore whether specific groups of patients with first episode non-affective psychosis could be identified on a psychopathological basis and, then, whether such identified groups could be validated by exploring their correlation with a variety of neurodevelopmental markers.

Method

Eighty-seven patients with a first episode of non-affective psychotic disorder were consecutively recruited. We assessed psychopathology and neurological soft signs using the PANSS and the Neurological Evaluation Scale, respectively. We collected information on obstetric complications, premorbid adjustment and family history.

Results

All PANSS symptoms were analysed using principal component analysis and four factors were obtained (negative, disorganization, positive and paranoid). Subsequently, the four factors were subjected to a cluster analysis where three groups emerged: “paranoid” (n = 40), “low score” (n = 29) and “negative” (n = 18) subtype. After adjusting by sex and age, we found that the “negative group” had poorer social premorbid adjustment, worse verbal fluency and higher prevalence of both obstetric complications and neurological soft signs, when compared with the “low score” group. Similarly, the “negative group” showed significantly poorer social premorbid adjustment and higher number of neurological soft signs than the “paranoid group”.

Conclusions

Our results support that, among non-affective first onset psychotic patients, those with predominant negative symptoms are more likely to correlate with higher presence of neurodevelopmental markers.
l‐Arginine prevents metabolic effects of high glucose in diabetic mice
Authors: West Matthew B. , Ramana Kota V. , Kaiserova Karin , Srivastava Satish K. , Bhatnagar Aruni
Published: June 2008

We tested the hypothesis that activation of the polyol pathway and protein kinase C (PKC) during diabetes is due to loss of NO. Our results show that after 4 weeks of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes, treatment with l‐arginine restored NO levels and prevented tissue accumulation of sorbitol in mice, which was accompanied by an increase in glutathiolation of aldose reductase. l‐Arginine treatment decreased superoxide generation in the aorta, total PKC activity and PKC‐βII phosphorylation in the heart, and the plasma levels of triglycerides and soluble ICAM. These data suggest that increasing NO bioavailability by l‐arginine corrects the major biochemical abnormalities of diabetes.
Metabolic profiling reveals disorder of amino acid metabolism in four brain regions from a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress
Authors: Ni Yan , Su Mingming , Lin Jinchao , Wang Xiaoyan , Qiu Yunping , Zhao Aihua , Chen Tianlu , Jia Wei
Published: June 2008

Chronic stress is closely linked to clinical depression, which could be assessed by a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) animal model. We present here a GC/MS‐based metabolic profiling approach to investigate neurochemical changes in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and remaining brain tissues. Multi‐criteria assessment for multivariate statistics could identify differential metabolites between the CUMS‐model rats versus the healthy controls. This study demonstrates that the significantly perturbed metabolites mainly involving amino acids play an indispensable role in regulating neural activity in the brain. Therefore, results obtained from such metabolic profiling strategy potentially provide a unique perspective on molecular mechanisms of chronic stress.
Cold‐adapted maturation of thermophilic WF146 protease by mimicking the propeptide binding interactions of psychrophilic subtilisin S41
Authors: Yang Yi-Ran , Zhu Hui , Fang Nan , Liang Xiaoliang , Zhong Chuan-Qi , Tang Xiao-Feng , Shen Ping , Tang Bing
Published: June 2008

Thermophilic WF146 protease matures efficiently at 60 °C, but quite slowly at low temperatures. In this report, seven amino acid residues involved in interactions between the mature domain and the propeptide of the enzyme were substituted by corresponding residues of psychrophilic subtilisin S41 to generate mutant Mut7 (S105G/G107D/Y117E/S136N/V143G/K144E/D145S). Mut3 (S105G/G107D/Y117E) and Mut4 (S136N/V143G/K144E/D145S) were also constructed. Transferring structural features from S41 endowed Mut7 with a remarkably increased maturation rate, as well as an improved caseinolytic activity at 25 °C. Moreover, Mut3 and Mut4 each obtained one of the above endowments. Further studies suggest that low‐temperature activity and maturation rate are not necessarily linked, and uncoupling structural elements modulating the two properties may be advantageous to cold adaptation.
Transmembrane protein 85 from both human (TMEM85) and yeast (YGL231c) inhibit hydrogen peroxide mediated cell death in yeast
Authors: Ring Giselle , Khoury Chamel M. , Solar Aidan J. , Yang Zhao , Mandato Craig A. , Greenwood Michael T.
Published: June 2008

Anti‐apoptotic proteins are involved in modulating the process of apoptosis. Here, we report the identification of the previously uncharacterized transmembrane domain protein 85 (TMEM85) as a novel anti‐apoptotic sequence. Using growth and viability assays, we demonstrate that the heterologous expression of human TMEM85 in yeast promotes growth and prevents cell death in response to oxidative stress. Overexpression of the yeast TMEM85 ortholog (YGL231c) also leads to increased resistance to oxidative stress. Analysis of the existing TMEM85 DNA complimentary to mRNAs revealed that the human TMEM85 gene is alternatively spliced to produce multiple transcripts and proteins. Thus TMEM85 is a complex gene that encodes a novel conserved anti‐apoptotic protein.
DJ‐1, a causative gene product of a familial form of Parkinson's disease, is secreted through microdomains
Authors: Tsuboi Yumi , Munemoto Haruko , Ishikawa Shizuma , Matsumoto Ken-ichi , Iguchi-Ariga Sanae M.M. , Ariga Hiroyoshi
Published: June 2008

DJ‐1 is secreted into the serum and plasma of patients with various diseases. In this study, DJ‐1 was found to be secreted into culture media of various cells and the amount of wild‐type DJ‐1 secreted was two‐fold greater than that of mutant DJ‐1 of cysteine at 106 (C106). Furthermore, the oxidative status of more than 90% of the DJ‐1 secreted from HeLa cells was SOH and SO2H forms of C106. A portion of DJ‐1 in cells was localized in microdomains of the membrane. These findings suggest that DJ‐1 is secreted through microdomains and that oxidation of DJ‐1 at C106 facilitates the secretion.
Women's Lived Experience of Infertility After Unsuccessful Medical Intervention
Authors: McCarthy M. Patrice
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the phenomenon of women's experience with infertility in the aftermath of unsuccessful medical treatment. A purposive sample of 22 women between the ages of 33 and 48 years participated in a hermeneutic–phenomenological research process and were interviewed an average of 3.9 years after unsuccessful medical treatment. Women described the existential challenges to their sense of self, their identity, and the meaning and purpose of life. The paradoxical dimensions of loss and opportunity in their experience contributed to an altered view of themselves and their world. Infertility and its role as a life‐defining experience pervaded their stories of living with infertility after unsuccessful treatment. Health care professionals are advised to assess women's overall well‐being, mental health status with particular attention to spiritual well‐being, and their social support network as a basis for determining supportive services that may be required in the wake of unsuccessful treatment for infertility.
Female Adolescents' Perceptions of Male Partners' Pregnancy Desire
Authors: Heavey Elizabeth J. , Moysich Kirsten B. , Hyland Andrew , Druschel Charlotte M. , Sill Michael W.
Published: June 2008

Our objective was to examine the relationship between pregnancy desire among female adolescents and their perception of desire for pregnancy in their male partners. This is an observational cross‐sectional study which examined 92 surveys administered to adolescent women between the ages of 14 to 19 years at two obstetrical care services serving a population from limited socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants were all pregnant or awaiting pregnancy test results. Participants were asked about their levels of pregnancy happiness and desire and their partners' levels of pregnancy happiness and desire. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated and discordant pairs were examined with McNemar's test. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the relationship between male and female pregnancy happiness and desire. We found that there was a significant correlation between the adolescents' feelings about pregnancy and their perceptions of their male partners' feelings about pregnancy (0.326; P = .004). McNemar's test indicated that male partners were significantly more likely to be reported to feel positively about the pregnancy than female partners (P = .017). Female adolescents who reported male partners who felt positively about the pregnancy were four times as likely to report having desired their pregnancy now or sooner (odds ratio [OR] = 4.35). We conclude that male partners may impact adolescent pregnancy desire. Further prospective studies are needed and male‐focused adolescent pregnancy interventions should be developed.
The Obstetrics Team: Midwives Teaching Residents and Medical Students on the Labor and Delivery Unit
Authors: Feinland Julie Baker , Sankey Heather Z.
Published: June 2008

In response to the new standards for resident work hours issued in 2003, Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA developed a program for midwifery involvement in resident and medical education. The Obstetrics Team consists of a midwife teaching first‐year residents in obstetrics/gynecology and emergency medicine and third‐year medical students on the labor and delivery unit. This program has successfully addressed the need for resident and medical education as well as service provision created by reduced resident work hours and provides a useful model for other institutions.
Methods of Stimulating the Onset of Labor: An Exploration of Maternal Satisfaction
Authors: Knoche Amber , Selzer Casey , Smolley Katherine
Published: June 2008

M.S., a healthy 20‐year‐old gravida 2, para 0010 presented at 40 and 2/7 weeks' gestation for a routinely scheduled prenatal visit. She had an uncomplicated prenatal course with a history of termination of pregnancy at 8 weeks without complications 3 years ago. Her due date was based on the date of her last menstrual period. She denied pain, vaginal bleeding, or loss of fluid, and reported positive fetal movement with occasional mild uterine contractions every 30 minutes. Leopold's maneuver revealed an estimated fetal weight of 3200 g in longitudinal lie, vertex presentation. Her vaginal exam revealed a soft, posterior cervix with dilation of 1 cm, 50% effacement, –2 station, with an overall Bishop score of 5. Her membranes were intact. The fetal nonstress test was reactive, with a biophysical profile score of 8/8 and an amniotic fluid index of 12.3 cm. At the visit, the midwife made an autonomous decision to sweep her membranes to encourage spontaneous labor in order encourage labor before 42 weeks so that M.S. would not have to transfer out of the in‐hospital birthing center, M.S.'s desired birthing location. M.S. reported discomfort during the exam. She returned home with counseling regarding fetal movement counting, danger signs, signs of labor, and instructions to eat, drink, and rest if possible in preparation for labor. Two days later, at 7:30 pm, M.S. presented to the birthing center experiencing painful uterine contractions every 5 to 7 minutes since 5:00 pm. She denied vaginal bleeding, reported positive fetal movement and a “gush of clear fluid” at 6:30 pm. Upon triage in the birthing center, the fetal heart rate was 140 bpm with moderate variability, accelerations, and no decelerations. Contractions via tocodynamometer were measured every 4 to 6 minutes lasting 60 seconds. Ruptured membranes were confirmed by sterile speculum exam. Her cervix via sterile vaginal exam was noted to be soft, midposition, 4 cm dilated, 80% effaced, –1 station, and vertex with an overall Bishop score of 10. She was admitted to the birthing center with the diagnosis of early labor, spontaneous rupture of membranes, and reassuring fetal status. Labor was monitored per protocol and she progressed to have a normal spontaneous birth of a healthy baby girl early the next morning.
Hormonal Contraception and HIV‐Positive Women: Metabolic Concerns and Management Strategies
Authors: Womack Julie , Richman Susan , Tien Phyllis C. , Grey Margaret , Williams Ann
Published: June 2008

As HIV‐positive women live longer lives, and as testing for HIV becomes more routine, clinicians can expect to see more HIV‐positive women in their practices. The need to be aware of management issues particular to this population becomes increasingly important. Metabolic dysregulation is a common, long‐term complication associated with HIV and is one of the most difficult to manage. Hormonal contraception also is associated with metabolic dysregulation. As more HIV‐positive women choose long‐term, reversible contraception, the potential for concomitant and additive side effects, and the need for careful, proactive management strategies to avoid these complications, will become more important. This article reviews research detailing the metabolic dysfunction associated with hormonal contraception and with HIV‐seropositivity. It highlights reasons for concern regarding the potential, although as yet theoretical, increased risk for metabolic dysfunction when hormonal contraception is used in the presence of HIV. Suggestions for management strategies for women living with HIV who choose to use hormonal contraception are presented. These strategies should be viewed as suggestions for management until substantitive research becomes available.
Use of the Optimality Index‐United States in Perinatal Clinical Research: A Validation Study
Authors: Low Lisa Kane , Seng Julia S. , Miller Janis M.
Published: June 2008

The objective of this study was to assess the validity and observed effect size of a new instrument, the Optimality Index‐United States (OI‐US), for use in perinatal clinical research. Using a large, hospital‐based, midwifery service clinical database that included complete obstetric data for 3425 women, we examined discriminant validity and the effects of two different scoring methods used with the OI‐US. Discriminant validity was confirmed by comparing OI scores for women who remained low risk and did not require physician involvement in their care (OI score mean = 84%; standard deviation [SD] = 8%) compared to those whose condition changed to require physician involvement in their care (mean = 71%; SD = 10%; P < .001). Two methods of scoring the OI‐US were compared, finding no significant difference and suggesting that the types of data available and the research question can drive this decision. Finally, effect size was calculated by two methods: Cohen's d (–1.4) and the effect size correlation (r = –0.548), the latter of which corresponds to a d of –1.3, both resulting in a similarly large effect size estimation. The OI‐US is a new instrument that shows promise for use in perinatal clinical research, particularly when assessing more subtle clinical differences in outcomes between study groups.
Gynecologic Care of the Female‐to‐Male Transgender Man
Authors: Dutton Lauren , Koenig Karel , Fennie Kristopher
Published: June 2008

Transgender men are a vulnerable population whose health care needs have been difficult to identify because of limited research and an inability to identify the population. Limited evidence suggests that transgender men are at increased risk of having polycystic ovarian syndrome, contracting HIV, experiencing violence, and committing suicide. This qualitative study, conducted through face‐to‐face interviews of a convenient sample, was a three‐part interview containing a demographic and health questionnaire, the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire, as well as the Health Care Relationship Trust Scale. Audio recordings and written notes were reviewed and common themes were identified via content analysis. Six self‐identified transgender men between the ages of 19 and 45 years were enrolled in the study. Participants were at varying degrees of social and medical transition. Four major themes were identified: 1) receiving gynecologic care was perceived to be important; 2) breasts caused the most gender identity conflict; 3) transgender men struggle with revealing their gender identity to health care providers; and 4) the male/female boxes on health intake forms, as well as pronoun usage by medical staff, were barriers to receiving health care. This gynecologic health care needs assessment of transgender men begins to characterize the barriers transgender men face when seeking health care.
Fish Consumption During Pregnancy: An Overview of the Risks and Benefits
Authors: Dovydaitis Tiffany
Published: June 2008

Evidence supports the benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy, primarily because of the effects of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Many fish may also be potent sources of methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenol exposure, which have been shown to have severe negative impacts on both the mother and fetus. Therefore, all women of childbearing age should be informed of both the benefits and risks of fish consumption.
Use of Hyaluronidase to Prevent Perineal Trauma During Spontaneous Delivery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Scarabotto Leila Barreto , Riesco Maria Luiza Gonzalez
Published: June 2008

Our objective was to compare the frequency, degree, and location of perineal trauma during spontaneous delivery with or without perineal injections of hyaluronidase (HAase). This was a randomized, controlled pilot study, conducted in a midwife‐led hospital birth center in São Paulo, Brazil. Primiparous women (N = 139) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (HAase injection, n = 71) or to a control group (no injection, n = 68). Significant differences were noted between the two groups in frequency of perineal trauma (intervention, 39.4%; control, 76.5%), degree of spontaneous laceration (intervention, 0.0%; control, 82.4%), and laceration located in the posterior region of the perineum (intervention, 54.2%; control, 84.3%). When episiotomy and second‐degree lacerations were considered together and women with intact perineum were excluded from the analysis, the difference between the groups was no longer significant. With the use of the HAase enzyme, the relative risk was 0.5 for perineal trauma and 0.0 for second‐degree lacerations. The present findings suggest that perineal injection of HAase prevented perineal trauma. These findings provide strong rationale for a larger follow‐up study.
Functional Status Outcomes in Mothers With and Without Postpartum Depression
Authors: Posmontier Bobbie
Published: June 2008

Our objective was to compare functional status between women with and without postpartum depression (PPD). A two‐group cross‐sectional design compared functional status between 23 women with and 23 women without PPD. Participants were 6 to 26 weeks postpartum and from obstetric practices in the northeastern United States. Structured clinical interviews were used to establish diagnoses of PPD. Participants were matched on type of delivery, weeks postpartum, and parity. Participants compared current functioning to prepregnancy functioning using the Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth. The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale was used to measure PPD severity. Hierarchical multiple and logistic regression models were used to analyze data. We found that after controlling for infant gender, number of nighttime infant awakenings, and income, PPD predicted lower personal (P < .001), household (P < .05), and social functioning (P < .001), but no difference in infant care. Women with PPD were 12 times less likely to achieve prepregnancy functional levels. We conclude that interventions are needed to address household, social, and personal functioning in women with PPD. Clinicians may find functional assessment is a useful adjunct and a less threatening way to screen and monitor treatment for PPD.
Low Maternal Awareness of Fetal Movement is Associated With Small for Gestational Age Infants
Authors: Saastad Eli , Ahlborg Tone , Frøen J. Frederik
Published: June 2008

Our aim was to identify associations between information given to pregnant women about fetal activity, level of maternal awareness of fetal activity, maternal concern about decreased fetal movement, and pregnancy outcomes. This was a population‐based cross‐sectional study. Mothers with a singleton delivery were invited to answer an anonymous structured questionnaire before discharge from the delivery unit. Six hundred and ninety‐one mothers participated (60.4% of eligible women). Women were highly aware of fetal activity. Yet, 25% did not receive any information from care providers about expected normal fetal activity. Receiving information about fetal activity was associated with increased maternal awareness (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–3.4). Low maternal awareness of fetal activity was associated with an increased risk of having a small for gestational age infant (odds ratio, 6.5; 95% CI, 3.5–12.3). Expectations about the normal frequency of fetal movements, as reported by the mothers, varied from 25 kicks/hour to 3 kicks/24 hours. Receiving information about expected fetal activity was associated with maternal concerns about decreased fetal movement, but not with improved outcomes. We conclude that receiving information about expected fetal activity was associated with maternal concerns, but not with improved outcomes.
Risk factors for well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma in patients with thyroid nodular disease
Authors: Raza S. Naweed , Shah Manish D. , Palme Carsten E. , Hall Francis T. , Eski Spiro , Freeman Jeremy L.
Published: June 2008

Objectives

Evaluate current accepted risk factors for well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and develop a predictive model to determine one's risk of malignancy given a thyroid nodule.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of 600 patients.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with benign thyroid nodular disease and with well‐differentiated thyroid cancer were randomly selected. Patient, clinical, and investigational data were compared by means of univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Age, regional lymphadenopathy, ipsilateral vocal cord palsy, solid and/or calcified nodules, and an aspiration biopsy being malignant or suspicious predicted for cancer (P < 0.05). Regional lymphadenopathy and vocal cord palsy are perfect predictors of malignancy. Multivariate analysis indicated age, solid and/or calcified nodules, and all fine‐needle aspiration biopsy results to be significant in assessing risk (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Taking individual risk factors in isolation is not always reliable. Using a predictive model, one can anticipate a patient's risk of malignancy when the diagnosis is unclear.
Intralesional steroid injection for the management of otohematoma
Authors: Im Gi Jung , Chae Sung Won , Choi Jun , Kim Yang Soo , Kim Woo Joo , Jung Hak Hyun
Published: June 2008

Objectives

To compare the therapeutic efficacies of aspiration plus intralesional steroid injection and aspiration plus pressure dressing for the management of otohematoma.

Study Design and Setting

Fifteen patients with otohematoma were treated by aspiration plus pressure dressing (the pressure dressing group) and 34 patients were treated with intralesional steroid injections followed by simple aspiration (the steroid injection group).

Results

Otohematoma resolved within four weeks in all 15 patients in the pressure dressing group, but eight of the 15 showed perichondrial thickening. The duration of treatment was shorter in the steroid injection group than in the pressure dressing group; 14 (41.2%) of the 34 recovered after the first injections and another 15 (44.1%) after the second, and the remaining 5 (14.7%) after the third without any complications. However, multiple steroid injections are needed due to a high early recurrence rate.

Conclusion

Intralesional steroid injection is the treatment of choice for the management of otohematoma. The correction of causative use of a hard pillow, a helmet, and headphones is essential to prevent late recurrence.
Laser myringoplasty for tympanic membrane atelectasis
Authors: Brawner J. Travis , Saunders James E. , Berryhill Wayne E.
Published: June 2008

Objective

To review our experience with laser myringoplasty using a potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate (KTP) laser for pars tensa atelectasis.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

A pulsed diode KTP laser (532 nm) was used to tighten the tympanic membrane after lysis of middle ear adhesions through a myringotomy. A tympanostomy tube was then placed. Operative reports and clinic notes were reviewed.

Results

We reviewed 34 procedures performed on 31 ears in 29 patients. The average time of follow‐up was 10.5 months with a range of 1 to 30 months. Seventeen of 34 tubes (50%) extruded during the follow‐up period. Eleven cases had follow‐up with the tube extruded and TM intact. Two (18%) of those had progression of atelectasis. Two (6%) cases had operative perforations and both healed spontaneously.

Conclusion

Laser myringoplasty using a KTP laser for pars tensa atelectasis appears to be beneficial in selected patients. Patients should be followed closely for early tube extrusion and recurrent disease.
Accelerating functional recovery after rat facial nerve injury: Effects of gonadal steroids and electrical stimulation
Authors: Hetzler Laura E. T. , Sharma Nijee , Tanzer Lisa , Wurster Robert D. , Leonetti John , Marzo Sam J. , Jones Kathryn J. , Foecking Eileen M.
Published: June 2008

Objective

We investigated the combined effects of electrical stimulation and testosterone propionate on overall recovery time in rats with extracranial crush injuries to the facial nerve.

Study Design

Male rats underwent castration 3 to 5 days prior to right facial nerve crush injury and electrode implantation. Rats were randomly assigned to two groups: crush injury + testosterone or crush injury with electrical stimulation + testosterone. Recovery was assessed by daily subjective examination documenting vibrissae orientation/movement, semi‐eye blink, and full eye blink.

Results

Milestones of early recovery were noted to be significantly earlier in the groups with electrical stimulation, with/without testosterone. The addition of testosterone to electrical stimulation showed significant earlier return of late recovery parameters and complete overall recovery.

Conclusion

Electrical stimulation may decrease cell death or promote sprouting to accelerate early recovery. Testosterone may affect the actual rate of axonal regeneration and produce acceleration in functional recovery. By targeting different stages of neural regeneration, the synergy of electrical stimulation and testosterone appears to have promise as a neurotherapeutic strategy for facial nerve injury.