bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormonal and Metabolic Mechanisms of Diabetes Remission after Gastrointestinal Surgery
Authors: Thaler Joshua P. , Cummings David E.
Published: April 2009

Bariatric surgery is the most effective available treatment for obesity. The most frequently performed operation, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), causes profound weight loss and ameliorates obesity-related comorbid conditions, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Approximately 84% of diabetic patients experience complete remission of T2DM after undergoing RYGB, often before significant weight reduction. The rapid time course and disproportional degree of T2DM improvement after RYGB compared with equivalent weight loss from other interventions suggest surgery-specific, weight-independent effects on glucose homeostasis. Potential mechanisms underlying the direct antidiabetic impact of RYGB include enhanced nutrient stimulation of lower intestinal hormones (e.g. glucagon-like peptide-1), altered physiology from excluding ingested nutrients from the upper intestine, compromised ghrelin secretion, modulations of intestinal nutrient sensing and regulation of insulin sensitivity, and other changes yet to be fully characterized. Research aimed at determining the relative importance of these effects and identifying additional mechanisms promises not only to improve surgical design but also to identify novel targets for diabetes medications.
Promotion of Human Trophoblasts Invasion by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) I and GnRH II via Distinct Signaling Pathways
Authors: Liu Jing , MacCalman Colin D. , Wang Yan-ling , Leung Peter C. K.
Published: April 2009

The potential roles of GnRH I and GnRH II have been assigned in promoting the invasive capacity of human trophoblasts by regulating matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9, type I tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, and urokinase plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor protease systems during human placentation, and GnRH II has been shown to be more potent than GnRH I. However, the mechanisms for the differential effects of these two hormones remain unclear. In this study, we examined the invasion-promoting effects and the signaling pathways of GnRH I and GnRH II in human trophoblasts. The data revealed that both GnRH I and GnRH II were key autocrine and/or paracrine regulators in facilitating trophoblast invasion. The GnRH receptor antagonist (Antide) and specific small interfering RNA for GnRH receptor inhibited the regulatory effects of GnRH I, but not GnRH II, on trophoblast invasion. Both GnRH I and II activated protein kinase C, ERK1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase to mediate their effects on trophoblast invasion, whereas only GnRH II elicited invasion-promoting action through transactivating the tyrosine kinase activity of epidermal growth factor receptor in trophoblasts. Our observations elucidate a ligand-dependent selective cross-communication between GnRH receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling systems in human trophoblastic cell, and this would further our understanding on the differentially biological significance of these two forms of GnRH in extrapituitary tissues.
Minireview: The Case for Obesogens
Authors: Grün Felix , Blumberg Bruce
Published: April 2009

Obesity and obesity-related disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, are epidemic in Western countries, particularly the United States. The conventional wisdom holds that obesity is primarily the result of a positive energy balance, i.e. too many calories in and too few calories burned. Although it is self-evident that fat cannot be accumulated without a higher caloric intake than expenditure, recent research in a number of laboratories suggests the existence of chemicals that alter regulation of energy balance to favor weight gain and obesity. These obesogens derail the homeostatic mechanisms important for weight control, such that exposed individuals are predisposed to weight gain, despite normal diet and exercise. This review considers the evidence for obesogens, how they might act, and where future research is needed to clarify their relative contribution to the obesity epidemic.
Endogenous Betaglycan Is Essential for High-Potency Inhibin Antagonism in Gonadotropes
Authors: Wiater Ezra , Lewis Kathy A. , Donaldson Cynthia , Vaughan Joan , Bilezikjian Louise , Vale Wylie
Published: April 2009

Inhibins are endocrine hormones that regulate gametogenesis and reproduction through a negative feedback loop with FSH. Inhibin action involves antagonism of signaling by activin or other TGFβ family ligands. In transfection assays, antagonism by inhibin can be potentiated by betaglycan, a coreceptor for selected TGFβ family ligands. We tested whether betaglycan is an obligate inhibin coreceptor through disruption of betaglycan function by RNA interference-mediated knockdown and immunoneutralization. Betaglycan knockdown and anti-betaglycan IgG each independently prevented inhibin-A binding to betaglycan and reversed functional effects of transfected betaglycan. Neither betaglycan immunoneutralization nor knockdown affected activin responsiveness in cell lines or in rat anterior pituitary cultures. Betaglycan knockdown decreased the potency of inhibin antagonism of activin-induced FSH secretion in primary gonadotropes. Similarly, anti-betaglycan IgG decreased the potency of inhibin antagonism in primary gonadotropes in a dose-dependent manner, with a reduction in the sensitivity to inhibin-A of greater than 1000-fold. These data establish that betaglycan is an endogenous inhibin coreceptor required for high-sensitivity inhibin antagonism of activin signaling in rat anterior pituitary gonadotropes.
Atmospheric oxygen level affects growth trajectory, cardiopulmonary allometry and metabolic rate in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Owerkowicz Tomasz , Elsey Ruth M. , Hicks James W.
Published: April 2009

Recent palaeoatmospheric models suggest large-scale fluctuations in ambient oxygen level over the past 550 million years. To better understand how global hypoxia and hyperoxia might have affected the growth and physiology of contemporary vertebrates, we incubated eggs and raised hatchlings of the American alligator. Crocodilians are one of few vertebrate taxa that survived these global changes with distinctly conservative morphology. We maintained animals at 30°C under chronic hypoxia (12% O2), normoxia (21%O2) or hyperoxia (30% O2). At hatching, hypoxic animals were significantly smaller than their normoxic and hyperoxic siblings. Over the course of 3 months, post-hatching growth was fastest under hyperoxia and slowest under hypoxia. Hypoxia, but not hyperoxia, caused distinct scaling of major visceral organs–reduction of liver mass, enlargement of the heart and accelerated growth of lungs. When absorptive and post-absorptive metabolic rates were measured in juvenile alligators, the increase in oxygen consumption rate due to digestion/absorption of food was greatest in hyperoxic alligators and smallest in hypoxic ones. Hyperoxic alligators exhibited the lowest breathing rate and highest oxygen consumption per breath. We suggest that,despite compensatory cardiopulmonary remodelling, growth of hypoxic alligators is constrained by low atmospheric oxygen supply, which may limit their food utilisation capacity. Conversely, the combination of elevated metabolism and low cost of breathing in hyperoxic alligators allows for a greater proportion of metabolised energy to be available for growth. This suggests that growth and metabolic patterns of extinct vertebrates would have been significantly affected by changes in the atmospheric oxygen level.
Circannual basis of geographically distinct bird schedules
Authors: Helm Barbara , Schwabl Ingrid , Gwinner Eberhard
Published: April 2009

To anticipate seasonal change, organisms schedule their annual activities by using calendrical cues like photoperiod. The use of cues must be fitted to local conditions because schedules differ between species and habitats. In complete absence of temporal information, many species show persistent circannual cycles that are synchronised, but not driven, by photoperiod. The contribution of circannual rhythms to timing under natural photoperiodic conditions is still unclear. In a suite of experiments, we examined timing in two closely related songbirds (Siberian and European stonechats) that inhabit similar latitudes but differ in seasonal behaviour. Under a more continental climate, Siberian stonechats breed later, moult faster and migrate further than European stonechats. We tested hypotheses for seasonal timing mechanisms by comparing the birds under constant and naturally changing daylengths. The taxa retained characteristic reproductive and moult schedules and hybrids behaved roughly intermediately. Based on their distinct circannual cycles, we expected European and Siberian stonechats to differ in photoperiodic responses at a given time of year. We found that the taxa responded, as predicted, in opposite ways to photoperiodic simulations as experienced on different migration routes. The findings indicate that circannual rhythms reflect geographically distinct periodic changes in seasonal disposition and cue-response mechanisms. Under natural daylengths, the phase relationship of the underlying circannual rhythm to the external year determines the action of photoperiod. Circannual rhythms are widespread among long-lived species. Accordingly, responses to environmental change, range expansion and novel migration patterns may depend on the particulars of a species' underlying circannual programming.
Adaptive echolocation behavior in bats for the analysis of auditory scenes
Authors: Chiu Chen , Xian Wei , Moss Cynthia F.
Published: April 2009

Echolocating bats emit sonar pulses and listen to returning echoes to probe their surroundings. Bats adapt their echolocation call design to cope with dynamic changes in the acoustic environment, including habitat change or the presence of nearby conspecifics/heterospecifics. Seven pairs of big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus, were tested in this study to examine how they adjusted their echolocation calls when flying and competing with a conspecific for food. Results showed that differences in five call parameters, start/end frequencies, duration, bandwidth and sweep rate, significantly increased in the two-bat condition compared with the baseline data. In addition, the magnitude of spectral separation of calls was negatively correlated with the baseline call design differences in individual bats. Bats with small baseline call frequency differences showed larger increases in call frequency separation when paired than those with large baseline call frequency differences, suggesting that bats actively change their sonar call structure if pre-existing differences in call design are small. Call design adjustments were also influenced by physical spacing between two bats. Calls of paired bats exhibited the largest design separations when inter-bat distance was shorter than 0.5 m, and the separation decreased as the spacing increased. All individuals modified at least one baseline call parameter in response to the presence of another conspecific. We propose that dissimilarity between the time–frequency features of sonar calls produced by different bats aids each individual in segregating echoes of its own sonar vocalizations from the acoustic signals of neighboring bats.
Protein synthesis is lowered while 20S proteasome activity is maintained following acclimation to low temperature in juvenile spotted wolffish(Anarhichas minor Olafsen)
Authors: Lamarre Simon G. , Le François Nathalie R. , Driedzic William R. , Blier Pierre U.
Published: April 2009

The effects of temperature on protein metabolism have been studied mostly with respect to protein synthesis. Temperature generally has a parabolic effect on protein synthesis with a maximum rate being observed at optimal growth temperature. The effect of temperature on protein degradation is poorly understood. The 20S proteasome is mainly responsible for the degradation of short-lived and oxidatively modified proteins and has been recently identified as a potentially good proxy for protein degradation in fish. The aim of this experiment was to examine the relationships between the rate of protein synthesis, activity of the 20S proteasome, oxidative stress markers and antioxidant capacity in white muscle of juvenile spotted wolffish(Anarhichas minor) acclimated at three temperatures (4, 8 and 12°C). The rate of protein synthesis was lower at 4°C than at 8°C while it was intermediate at 12°C. Despite the decrease of protein synthesis at low temperature, the activity of 20S proteasome activity was maintained high in fish acclimated at lower temperature (4°C), reaching levels 130% of that of fish acclimated at 8°C when measured at a common temperature. The oxidative stress markers TBARS and protein-carbonyl content did not change among temperature groups, but reduced glutathione concentration was higher in cold-acclimated fish, suggesting a higher antioxidant capacity in this group. Our data suggest that lower growth rate in cold temperature results from both high 20S proteasome activity and a reduced rate of protein synthesis.
Progress towards smart rotating machinery through the use of active bearings
Authors: Burrows C R , Keogh P S , Sahinkaya M N
Published: April 2009

The design of a smart rotating machine involves the integration of controllable bearings, actuators, and sensors to measure a defined set of physical variables, an on-line adaptive controller, a control algorithm to achieve the desired performance, and an algorithm to re-configure the system in the event of faults. This review discusses each of these issues, and highlights the progress that has been made. The key role played by active magnetic bearings in the evolution of smart or self-adaptive machine design is described.
Clinical utility of therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid in transplantation medicine: Where are we? / Der klinische Nutzen des Therapeutischen Drug Monitoring von Mycophenolsäure in der Transplantationsmedizin: Wo stehen wir?
Authors: Shipkova Maria
Published: April 2009

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, CellCept®, Roche Pharmaceuticals) received its first approval for the prevention of renal allograft rejection in 1995 and has now become the most frequently used antiproliferative agent in maintenance immunosuppressive therapy for kidney, pancreas, liver, and heart transplantation. In 2004, a second mycophenolate formulation – the enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS, Myfortic®, Novartis Pharma) – was introduced. Whereas therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is well established for other immunosuppressants, the use of this tool for individualization and optimization of mycophenolate therapy remains a matter of debate during these years. This article focuses on the basic pharmacology of mycophenolic acid and current knowledge about the utility of monitoring mycophenolic acid concentrations. Different tools for performing TDM of mycophenolic acid, current recommendations for TDM of MMF in transplantation medicine, as well as analytical techniques available will be discussed.
Grenzen bei der Ermittlung laborinterner Richtwerte, aufgezeigt am Beispiel des Prostata-spezifischen Antigens (PSA) / Limits for the determination of guiding values from intralaboratory data basis, demonstrated by prostate specific antigen (PSA)
Authors: Gurr Eberhard , Krönig Friedrich , Golbeck Anja , Arzideh Farhad
Published: April 2009

Leitlinien für die Früherkennung von Prostatakarzinomen empfehlen für PSA Aktionsgrenzen von 4 μg/L. Ein Vergleich der Methoden verschiedener Hersteller ergab jedoch Unterschiede von bis zu 20% im Bereich der Aktionsgrenze, obgleich sich alle Hersteller auf den gleichen Standard beziehen. Bei der Anwendung der Leitlinien müssen daher methodenspezifische Charakteristika berücksichtigt werden. Hierbei kann die Ermittlung methodenspezifischer lokaler Referenzbereiche helfen. Aufgrund der hohen Prävalenz der benignen Prostatahyperplasie kann die Zerlegung von Häufigkeitsverteilungen hierfür nicht angewendet werden. Wegen der unklaren Verhältnisse bei der Benutzung der Aktionsgrenzen werden für die Früherfassung von Prostatakarzinomen deshalb PSA-Anstiege mit der Zeit herangezogen. Bei der Bewertung solcher Anstiege sollte insbesondere bei niedrigen PSA-Werten die biologische und die analytische Varianz des PSA berücksichtigt werden.
Fatores associados ao sedentarismo no lazer de adultos na coorte de nascimentos de 1982, Pelotas, RS
Authors: Azevedo Mario R , Horta Bernardo L , Gigante Denise P , Victora Cesar G , Barros Fernando C
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Analisar fatores relacionados à prática de atividade física e ao sedentarismo no lazer. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de coorte dos nascidos em 1982 na cidade de Pelotas (RS). Os dados foram coletados no nascimento e na visita em 2004-5, na qual foram avaliados 77,4% dos indivíduos da coorte, totalizando 4.297. Informações sobre a prática de atividades físicas, no período de lazer, foram obtidas por meio do Questionário Internacional de Atividades Físicas. Foram considerados sedentários os indivíduos com escore de prática de atividade física semanal inferior a 150 min. Foram consideradas variáveis independentes: sexo, cor da pele, peso ao nascer, renda familiar no ano do nascimento e mudança de renda entre o nascimento e os 23 anos. A regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância foi utilizada na avaliação dos fatores de risco para o sedentarismo. RESULTADOS: Os homens relataram 334 min do escore de atividades físicas no período de lazer por semana versus 112 min entre as mulheres. A prevalência de sedentarismo foi de 80,6% entre as mulheres e 49,2% entre os homens. Observou-se tendência de aumento do escore de atividades físicas conforme aumentou a renda ao nascer. Indivíduos atualmente pobres ou que se tornaram pobres na idade adulta foram mais sedentários. CONCLUSÕES: O sedentarismo no período de lazer entre adultos jovens mostrou-se elevado, principalmente no sexo feminino. A atividade física no lazer é determinada pelas condições socioeconômicas atuais.
Tabagismo na coorte de nascimentos de 1982: da adolescência à vida adulta, Pelotas, RS
Authors: Menezes Ana M B , Minten Gicele C , Hallal Pedro C , Victora Cesar G , Horta Bernardo L , Gigante Denise P , Barros Fernando C
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de tabagismo em adolescentes e adultos jovens pertencentes a uma coorte de nascimentos de base populacional. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de coorte dos nascidos em 1982 na cidade de Pelotas, RS, entrevistados em 1997, 2000-1 e 2005. O desfecho estudado foi o tabagismo, definido como consumo de pelo menos um cigarro na última semana nos acompanhamentos de 1997 e 2000-1. No acompanhamento de 2005, a variável dependente foi tabagismo atual. A análise ajustada foi realizada por meio de regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: As prevalências de tabagismo entre homens foram de 5,9%, 20,2% e 27,6% nos acompanhamentos de 1997, 2000-1 e 2005, respectivamente. Os respectivos valores para as mulheres foram 9,3%, 27,5% e 23,6%. A idade média de início do fumo foi de 15,1 anos (dp=2,5). Na análise multivariável, menor escolaridade materna, baixa renda familiar em 1982, ter sido pobre durante todo o período acompanhado e fumo materno na gravidez estiveram significativamente associados com maiores prevalências de fumo em ambos os sexos. A cor da pele não branca associou-se com maior risco de fumo apenas entre as mulheres. A amamentação não mostrou associação com tabagismo. Nas mulheres, o fumo esteve inversamente associado com o peso ao nascer na análise bruta, mas perdeu a significância na ajustada. CONCLUSÕES: A maior concentração de tabagismo nos grupos mais pobres sugere que condutas como o combate ao fumo na gestação e o aumento do preço do cigarro poderiam ter importante impacto populacional.
Determinantes precoces da glicemia casual em adultos da coorte de nascimentos de 1982, Pelotas, RS
Authors: Horta Bernardo L , Gigante Denise P , Victora Cesar G , Barros Fernando C , Oliveira Isabel , Silveira Vera
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de variáveis socioeconômicas, peso ao nascer, duração da amamentação e mudança de renda sobre a glicemia ao acaso em jovens adultos. MÉTODOS: Estudo sobre coorte de nascidos em 1982, quando os 5.914 nascimentos hospitalares ocorridos na cidade de Pelotas foram identificados e as mães entrevistadas. As crianças, cujas famílias residiam na área urbana da cidade, foram acompanhadas diversas vezes. Em 2004-5, 4.927 indivíduos da coorte foram entrevistados e 3.730 tiveram sangue da polpa digital coletado para medida da glicemia casual. Foi avaliada a associação entre glicemia casual e cor da pele, renda familiar ao nascer, escolaridade materna, mudança de renda entre 1982 e 2004-5, peso ao nascer e duração da amamentação. RESULTADOS: A média da glicemia foi de 97,3±15,1mg/dL, sendo maior entre os homens. Nenhuma das variáveis estudadas esteve associada com a glicemia dos homens. Entre as mulheres, a escolaridade materna, a renda familiar aos 23 anos e o peso ao nascimento estiveram inversamente associados com a glicemia. Contudo, o efeito do peso ao nascer perdeu a significância estatística na análise multivariável. CONCLUSÕES: O peso ao nascer e a duração da amamentação não apresentaram efeito em longo prazo sobre a glicemia casual, apenas a escolaridade materna e a renda atual estiveram associados com a glicemia casual nas mulheres.
Arranjos familiares e implicações à saúde na visão dos profissionais do Programa Saúde da Família
Authors: Gabardo Roseclér Machado , Junges José Roque , Selli Lucilda
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Descrever a percepção dos profissionais de equipes do Programa Saúde da Família sobre as configurações familiares e a compreensão de família saudável. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, empregando técnica de grupo focal com profissionais do Programa Saúde da Família do município de Campo Bom, RS, no período de junho a agosto de 2005. A amostra foi composta por 12 profissionais: médicos, enfermeiras, técnicas de enfermagem e agentes comunitárias de saúde. Os temas investigados no roteiro foram: significado da família, do papel da família; tipo de família mais comumente atendida pelos profissionais; significado de família saudável; quais famílias oferecem maiores dificuldades para a atenção. O instrumental metodológico utilizado foi a análise de conteúdo. RESULTADOS: Observaram-se duas categorias principais: arranjos familiares, em que se constatou grande diversidade de arranjos; e família saudável: em que o predomínio dos relatos está de acordo com uma visão multifacetada de compreensão de saúde, abrangendo aspectos políticos, sociais, econômicos e culturais. Os profissionais identificam e respeitam os diferentes arranjos familiares, e adaptam o tratamento ao modelo de família que se apresenta. CONCLUSÕES: Os achados mostram que os profissionais apresentam disposição para lidar com os múltiplos arranjos familiares presentes no seu cotidiano.
Interactions between physical and psychosocial demands of work associated to low back pain
Authors: Fernandes Rita de Cássia Pereira , Carvalho Fernando Martins , Assunção Ada Ávila , Silvany Neto Annibal Muniz
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE: To examine the interaction between physical and psychosocial demands of work associated to low back pain. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in a stratified proportional random sample of 577 plastic industry workers in the metropolitan area of the city of Salvador, Northeast Brazil in 2002. An anonymous standard questionnaire was administered in the workplace by trained interviewers. Physical demands at work were self-rated on a 6-point numeric scale, with anchors at each end of the scale. Factor analysis was carried out on 11 physical demand variables to identify underlying factors. Psychosocial work demands were measured by demand, control and social support questions. Multivariate analysis was performed using the likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: The factor analysis identified two physical work demand factors: material handling (factor 1) and repetitiveness (factor 2). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that factor 1 was positively associated with low back pain (OR=2.35, 95% CI 1.50;3.66). No interaction was found between physical and psychosocial work demands but both were independently associated to low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: The study found independent effects of physical and psychosocial work demands on low back pain prevalence and emphasizes the importance of physical demands especially of material handling involving trunk bending forward and trunk rotation regardless of age, gender, and body fitness.
Nível de ruído no ambiente de trabalho do professor de educação física em aulas de ciclismo indoor
Authors: Palma Alexandre , Mattos Ubirajara A de O , Almeida Marcelo Nunes de , Oliveira Giselle Estrella Martins Coelho de
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Analisar o nível de ruído no ambiente de trabalho do professor de educação física durante as aulas de ciclismo indoor e sua associação com alguns aspectos da saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal conduzido com 15 professores de educação física de diferentes academias de ginástica, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro (RJ), em 2007. As características do processo e da organização do trabalho e as queixas de saúde relatadas pelos professores foram coletadas por meio de questionário padronizado. Para verificação dos transtornos psiquiátricos menores foi usado o SRQ-20 (Self-Report Questionnaire). As medidas de pressão sonora foram realizadas em um aparelho portátil. O nível de pressão foi medido em dB(A) no nível equivalente de energia em diferentes pontos da sala e momentos da aula. As análises estatísticas utilizadas foram a ANOVA, o qui-quadrado e a correlação de Pearson. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de pressão sonora variaram entre 74,4 dB(A) e 101,6 dB(A). Os valores médios encontrados durante as aulas foram: a) aquecimento (média= 88,45 dB(A)); b) parte principal (média= 95,86 dB(A)); e, fechamento (média= 85,12 dB(A)). O ruído de fundo apresentou o valor médio de 66,89 dB(A). Houve diferenças significativas (p<0,001) entre os valores médios de ruído de fundo e as fases da aula. O ruído não se correlacionou aos transtornos psiquiátricos menores. CONCLUSÕES: Os profissionais de educação física que trabalham com ciclismo indoor estão sujeitos a níveis elevados de pressão sonora em suas aulas. Este agente físico tem sido associado a diversos problemas de saúde e, portanto, requerer um controle mais amplo.
Effects of Fear of Abuse and Possible STI Acquisition on the Sexual Behavior of Young African American Women
Authors: Raiford Jerris L. , DiClemente Ralph J. , Wingood Gina M.
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We examined the interactive effects of fear of abuse and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on sexual risk behaviors in a sample of young African American women.

Methods. We recruited 715 young African American women aged 15 to 21 years from a variety of health clinics and assessed them for fear of abuse because of negotiating condom use, knowledge of STIs, and several sexual risk behaviors.

Results. Overall, 75% of young African American women reported inconsistent condom use in the past 60 days. Surprisingly, under relatively higher levels of fear, young women with high STI knowledge were more likely than were those with low STI knowledge to exhibit inconsistent condom use in the past 60 days (89% vs 80%; χ2 = 4.32; P ≤ .04) and during the last sexual intercourse with a main sexual partner (76% vs 70%; χ2 = 8.06; P ≤ .01).

Conclusions. Most HIV prevention interventions focus on increasing knowledge about the transmission of STIs. However, other contextual factors such as fear of abuse because of negotiating condom use may heighten the risk of HIV infection. Our findings highlight the need for combining dating violence prevention activities with STI and HIV prevention programs targeting young African American women.
Prenatal Screening and Perinatal HIV Transmission in Northern Alberta, 1999–2006
Authors: Hughes Christine A. , Zuk Dalyce , Foisy Michelle , Robinson Joan , Singh Ameeta E. , Houston Stan
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of a program that includes routine opt-out prenatal HIV screening, combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), and a multidisciplinary team in preventing perinatal HIV transmission.

Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on HIV-infected pregnant women in northern Alberta, Canada, who delivered between January 1, 1999, and February 28, 2006.

Results. Ninety-eight women had 113 deliveries. Forty-three percent were diagnosed with HIV infection through prenatal screening. Approximately 60% of HIV-infected pregnant women were Aboriginal, with 45% reporting alcohol use and 42% illicit drug use during pregnancy. The use of combination ART during pregnancy increased throughout the study period; 89% or more received combination ART from 2004 through 2006. Only 1 of the 111 infants (0.9%) was confirmed to be HIV infected, and that infant was born to a woman with no prenatal care.

Conclusions. High rates of HIV testing using an opt-out approach, combined with efforts by a multidisciplinary team, resulted in a low rate of perinatal HIV transmission in our cohort. The added value of retesting high-risk women late in pregnancy or with rapid HIV tests at the time of delivery should be explored.
Sexual Violence and Reproductive Health Outcomes Among South African Female Youths: A Contextual Analysis
Authors: Speizer Ilene S. , Pettifor Audrey , Cummings Stirling , MacPhail Catherine , Kleinschmidt Immo , Rees Helen V.
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We studied whether female youths from communities with higher sexual violence were at greater risk of negative reproductive health outcomes.

Methods. We used data from a 2003 nationally representative household survey of youths aged 15–24 years in South Africa. The key independent variable was whether a woman had ever been threatened or forced to have sex. We aggregated this variable to the community level to determine, with control for individual-level experience with violence, whether the community-level prevalence of violence was associated with HIV status and adolescent pregnancy among female, sexually experienced, never-married youths.

Results. Youths from communities with greater sexual violence were significantly more likely to have experienced an adolescent pregnancy or to be HIV-positive than were youths from communities experiencing lower sexual violence. Youths from communities with greater community-level violence were also less likely to have used a condom at their last sexual encounter. Individual-level violence was only associated with condom nonuse.

Conclusions. Programs to reduce adolescent pregnancies and HIV risk in South Africa and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa must address sexual violence as part of effective prevention strategies.
A Public Policy Approach to Local Models of HIV/AIDS Control in Brazil
Authors: Le Loup Guillaume , de Assis Andreia , Costa-Couto Maria-Helena , Thoenig Jean-Claude , Fleury Sonia , de Camargo Kenneth , Larouzé Bernard
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We investigated involvement and cooperation patterns of local Brazilian AIDS program actors and the consequences of these patterns for program implementation and sustainability.

Methods. We performed a public policy analysis (documentary analysis, direct observation, semistructured interviews of health service and nongovernmental organization [NGO] actors) in 5 towns in 2 states, São Paulo and Pará.

Results. Patterns suggested 3 models. In model 1, local government, NGOs, and primary health care services were involved in AIDS programs with satisfactory response to new epidemiological trends but a risk that HIV/AIDS would become low priority. In model 2, mainly because of NGO activism, HIV/AIDS remained an exceptional issue, with limited responses to new epidemiological trends and program sustainability undermined by political instability. In model 3, involvement of public agencies and NGOs was limited, with inadequate response to epidemiological trends and poor mobilization threatening program sustainability.

Conclusions. Within a common national AIDS policy framework, the degree of involvement and cooperation between public and NGO actors deeply impacts population coverage and program sustainability. Specific processes are required to maintain actor mobilization without isolating AIDS programs.
Addressing the Unique Needs of African American Women in HIV Prevention
Authors: El-Bassel Nabila , Caldeira Nathilee A. , Ruglass Lesia M. , Gilbert Louisa
Published: April 2009

African American women continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, yet there are few effective HIV prevention interventions that are exclusively tailored to their lives and that address their risk factors.

Using an ecological framework, we offer a comprehensive overview of the risk factors that are driving the HIV/AIDS epidemic among African American women and explicate the consequences of ignoring these factors in HIV prevention strategies.

We also recommend ways to improve HIV prevention programs by taking into consideration the unique life experiences of adult African American women.
Learning From Successful Interventions: A Culturally Congruent HIV Risk–Reduction Intervention for African American Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women
Authors: Williams John K. , Ramamurthi Hema C. , Manago Cleo , Harawa Nina T.
Published: April 2009

Few HIV prevention interventions have been developed for African American men who have sex with men or who have sex with both men and women. Many interventions neglect the historical, structural or institutional, and sociocultural factors that hinder or support risk reduction in this high-risk group.

We examined ways to incorporate these factors into Men of African American Legacy Empowering Self, a culturally congruent HIV intervention targeting African American men who have sex with men and women.

We also studied how to apply key elements from successful interventions to future efforts. These elements include having gender specificity, a target population, a theoretical foundation, cultural and historical congruence, skill-building components, and well-defined goals.
HIV Prevention for Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States
Authors: Peterson John L. , Jones Kenneth T.
Published: April 2009

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has exacted a devastating toll upon Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States, and there is a tremendous need to escalate HIV-prevention efforts for this population.

The social context in which Black MSM experience the impact of racism and heterosexism strongly affects their risk for HIV infection; thus, HIV-prevention research focused on Black MSM should focus on contextual and structural factors. There is a pronounced lack of community-level HIV-intervention research for Black MSM, but effective preliminary strategies involve adapting existing effective models and tailoring them to the needs of Black MSM.

Future research should develop new, innovative approaches, especially structural interventions, that are specifically targeted toward HIV prevention among Black MSM.
Papanicolaou Screening Behavior in Mothers and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Chao Chun , Slezak Jeff M. , Coleman Karen J. , Jacobsen Steven J.
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We investigated whether maternal attitude toward prevention, as indicated by history of seeking Papanicolaou (Pap) tests and contracting sexually transmitted infections, influenced human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among their adolescent daughters.

Methods. We linked the electronic health records of girls aged 9 to 17 years with their mothers at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (n = 148 350 mother–daughter pairs). Personal identifying information was removed from the data set after the matching of daughters and mothers was completed. We used logistic regression models to detect associations between mothers' history of Pap tests and abnormal results, genital or anal warts, and other sexually transmitted infections and daughters' HPV vaccine initiation and 3-dose regimen completion.

Results. Mothers' testing history was associated with daughters' likelihood for vaccination across ethnic and neighborhood socioeconomic strata (overall odds ratio [OR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43, 1.52). Mothers' history of sexually transmitted infections was only modestly associated with daughters' vaccination. Mothers' testing history was positively associated with daughters' regimen completion (overall OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.31, 1.54).

Conclusions. Mothers' attitude toward prevention may influence HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls. The impacts of targeting mothers should be considered by HPV vaccination programs and investigated by further research.
PPDM Update 1993
Authors: PPDM Association _
Published: April 2009

The Public Petroleum Data Model (PPDM) is a non proprietary data model that is designed for the oil industry to store, retrieve and process computer information more efficiently through standardization. Last year's paper (SPE 26237) outlined the PPDM organization and modeling concepts. This paper discusses the past year's experience with the model in several areas: successes and problems encountered trying to implement the model, how various companies are using the model, to what extent integration is being achieved between exploratory and engineering information, and the progress achieved toward having one common model for the industry.
Ameliorative Role of Vitamin E on Adverse Impact of Azadirachta indica in Reproductive Indices of Male Rats
Authors: Raji Yinusa , Salami Shakiru Ademola , Adisa Rahmat Adetutu
Published: April 2009

This study was undertaken to determine the role of vitamin E on reproductive activity of Azadirachta indica extract in rats. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into 5 equal groups. The control group received distilled water while the other groups were treated with Azadirachta indica (150mg/kg bwt) extract alone, vitamin E (100mg/kg bwt) alone, combined Azadirachta indica (150mg/kg bwt) and vitamin E (100mg/kg bwt), and combined Azadirachta indica (150 mg/kg bwt) and vitamin E (150 mg/kg bwt). Group administered Azadirachta indica alone showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in sperm count, viability and motility. Co-administration of A. indica with vitamin E caused an increase in values of these parameters. Serum testosterone concentration decreased significantly (p<0.05) in A. indica only treated group with concomitant increase in groups co-administered with vitamin E. Lipid peroxidation showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in all treated groups with group co-administered with vitamin E showing enhanced modulatory effect than group administered with Azadirachta indica extract alone. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was also significantly (p<0.05) enhanced in all treated groups; the groups treated with vitamin E showed higher activity. The results suggest possible ameliorative effect of vitamin E on adverse impact of Azadirachta indica in reproductive activity of male rats.
Reconstruction of the finite size canonical ensemble from incomplete micro-canonical data
Authors: Lundow Per , Markström Klas
Published: April 2009

In this paper we discuss how partial knowledge of the density of states for a model can be used to give good approximations of the energy distributions in a given temperature range. From these distributions one can then obtain the statistical moments corresponding to e.g. the internal energy and the specific heat. These questions have gained interest apropos of several recent methods for estimating the density of states of spin models. As a worked example we finally apply these methods to the 3-state Potts model for cubic lattices of linear order up to 128. We give estimates of e.g. latent heat and critical temperature, as well as the micro-canonical properties of interest.
Are we really in safe hands? How safe is safe?
Authors: Pradhan R , Shrestha K , Gurung S
Published: April 2009

doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1702 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 298-300
Consultant Editor’s Note regarding publication of a duplicate article: “Correlation between serum-ascites albumin concentration gradient and endoscopic parameters of portal hypertension (PMID: 16449830; Oct- Dec 2005)”
Authors: Editor Consultant
Published: April 2009

doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1703 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 301
Peak expiratory flow rate of Nepalese children and young adults
Authors: Dhungel KU , Parthasarathy D , Dipali S
Published: April 2009

Introduction: In diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, the assessment of lung functions is of considerable importance. So, normal reference values for pulmonary function tests of any population need to be assessed. Objective: An attempt has been made in the present study to measure the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in healthy Nepalese children and young adults. Material and methods: One hundred ninety six (196) students were selected by inclusion criteria from different schools and colleges in Pokhara Sub- Metropolitan City, Nepal. The anthropometric measurements and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured by standard procedures. Result: The mean PEFR values of males and females are found to have 350.3 (±135.0) l.min-1 and 280.2 (±98.77) l. min-1 respectively. The PEFR values of Nepalese males of the present study are found to be higher as compared to their females' counterparts. It is interestingly noted that at preadolescence time, PEFR is almost comparable in both sexes but after puberty males attained significantly higher values than females. The trend of PEFR values with development of the age is also been noted. It is interestingly pointed out that PEFR values of Nepalese males in the present study increases significantly with the advancement of age up to 20 years of age and then after PEFR do not change. On the other hand, females showed significant PEFR increment with the advancement of age up to 15 years of age only and then after PEFR do not improve significantly. Conclusion: PEFR was found to be influenced significantly by height not by the weight. Finally, a prediction equation was established by which PEFR of Nepalese population of 5 to 25 years of age can be estimated from age or height. Keywords: Peak expiratory flow rate, Nepalese children, Growth & Development, sex difference and obesity     doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1710 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 346-354
Surgery for recurrent lower lip carcinoma
Authors: Maharjan S , Bista M , Toran KC , Joshi KD
Published: April 2009

A 38 year old gentleman presented with recurrent Squamos cell carcinoma of lower lip. He had earlier undergone previous surgeries and radiotherapy. At the time that he presented in KMCTH his lower lip area was much scarred and the tongue was shrunk and unavailable for vermilion reconstruction. This case report is an account of the various treatment carried out to reconstruct the lip. It was done with co-operation of the ENT department. Key words: Recurrent squamous cell carcinoma, Gillies fan flap, Deltopectoral flap, Delay of flaps doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1715 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 375-378
Profile of trauma related mortality at Manipal
Authors: Singh B , Palimar V , Arun M , Mohanty MK
Published: April 2009

Background: the main objective of the present study is to analyse the pattern of death related to trauma/injuries at Manipal in Udupi district, Karnataka state, India. Material and methods: Retrospective data (January 2001 to December 2003) were collected from autopsy reports maintained in the department of forensic medicine, and the inquest reports from the police. Out of the total (n=470) autopsies, 344 victims had traumatic fatality. The demographic data, type of trauma, duration of survival, body areas involved was recorded. Results: 470 autopsies were performed during the period of study. Of these 344 (73%) were traumatic fatalities. Males were preponderant (71%). More than half of the victims were between 1-40 years. The youth age of 21-30 years were affected maximum due to all type of trauma except for falls and assault in this area of the country (India). The leading type of trauma was Road Traffic Accident (RTA) (52%) followed by burn (24%). Females were predominant with 74% in trauma due to burns. In majority of cases where the death was reported in the hospital, among them more than 50% of victims were survived in hospital for more than 24 hours. The victims those expired within 3 hours were in majority from RTA and those who survived for more than 24 hours were in majority from burns. Majority (258) of the victims had head injuries followed by thoracic injuries (169), and abdomen (125). Twenty four percent of the victims died on the spot or before reaching hospital. Conclusion: In this area of the country the trauma due to RTA is a leading cause of death among the traumatic death followed by burns. Keywords: Trauma, Road Traffic Accident, Death Related Trauma, Burn   doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1722 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 393-398
Medical education and training in Nepal: SWOT analysis
Authors: Dixit H , Marahatta SB
Published: April 2009

Objective: To analyse the impact of the medical colleges that have been set up within the last two decades by production of the doctors and the effect on the health of the people Materials and methods: SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and threats) analysis of medical education in Nepal has been done by reviewing medical manpower produced by the different institutions in the undergraduate and postgraduate (PG) categories, their registration with the Nepal Medical Council in terms of the existing health scenario of the country Results: Shows severe shortage of basic sciences teachers. In the clinical areas ophthalmic manpower and services provided are exemplary. There are shortages and shortcomings in all areas if standard health care is to be provided to the Nepalese. There is a long way to go to provide the expected educational and medical services to foreigners prepared to pay more to avail of this in Nepal. Key words: HRH, undergraduate, PG, basic sciences, clinical, medical tourism.   doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1725   Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 412-420
A neurosurgical hand rest
Authors: Dhawan V , Cherian I , Mittal N
Published: April 2009

doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1727  Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 426-427