bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of a school-based educational intervention on menstrual health: an intervention study among adolescent girls in Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Syed Emdadul , Rahman Mosiur , Itsuko Kawashima , Mutahara Mahmuda , Sakisaka Kayako 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of a school-based menstrual education programme on: (1) menstrual knowledge, beliefs and practices, (2) menstrual disorders experienced, and (3) restrictions on menstruating adolescents.DesignIntervention study.SettingAraihazar area, Bangladesh.Participants416 adolescent female students aged 11–16 years, in grade 6–8, and living with their parents.InterventionsA school-based health education study conducted from April 2012 to April 2013.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe randomly selected 3 of 26 high schools in the study area. We delivered 6 months of educational intervention by trained (by an obstetrician and gynaecologist) research assistants (RAs) on menstrual hygiene among school girls. RAs read the questionnaire and participants answered. The changes in knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding menstruation, menstrual disorders experienced, and the restrictions and behaviours practiced by menstruating adolescents were compared between the baseline and the follow-up assessments.ResultsAfter health education, participants reported a significant improvement (p<0.001) in ‘high knowledge and beliefs’ scores compared to baseline (51% vs 82.4%). Significant improvement was also observed in overall good menstrual practices (28.8% vs 88.9%), including improvements in using sanitary pads (22.4% change after the intervention), frequency of changing pads/cloths per day (68.8%), drying the used absorbent (77.6%), methods of disposing of the used absorbent (25.5%), and cleaning of genitalia (19.2%). During the follow-up, the participants reported significant improvements in the regularity of their menstrual cycle (94.5% vs 99.5%) and fewer complications during menstruation (78.6% vs 59.6%).ConclusionsThe programme produced significant changes in the knowledge, beliefs and practices of menstrual hygiene, complications from lack of hygiene, and the behaviour and restrictions of the menstruating adolescents. These results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a health education programme for adolescents on menstrual hygiene in secondary schools serving rural Bangladesh.
Impact of infectious diseases consultation on the management ofStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia in children
Authors: Saunderson Rebecca B , Gouliouris Theodore , Cartwright Edward J , Nickerson Emma J , Aliyu Sani H , O'Donnell D Roddy , Kelsall Wilf , Limmathurotsakul D , Peacock Sharon J , Török M Estée 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesInfectious diseases consultation (IDC) in adults withStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia (SAB) has been shown to improve management and outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of IDC on the management of SAB in children.Study designObservational cohort study of children with SAB.SettingCambridge University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, a large acute NHS Trust in the UK.ParticipantsAll children with SAB admitted to the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between 16 July 2006 and 31 December 2012.MethodsChildren with SAB between 2006 and 31 October 2009 were managed by routine clinical care (pre-IDC group) and data were collected retrospectively by case notes review. An IDC service for SAB was introduced in November 2009. All children with SAB were reviewed regularly and data were collected prospectively (IDC group) until 31 December 2012. Baseline characteristics, quality metrics and outcome were compared between the pre-IDC group and IDC group.ResultsThere were 66 episodes of SAB in 63 children—28 patients (30 episodes) in the pre-IDC group, and 35 patients (36 episodes) in the IDC group. The median age was 3.4 years (IQR 0.2–10.7 years). Patients in the IDC group were more likely to have echocardiography performed, a removable focus of infection identified and to receive a longer course of intravenous antimicrobial therapy. There were no differences in total duration of antibiotic therapy, duration of hospital admission or outcome at 30 or 90 days following onset of SAB.ConclusionsIDC resulted in improvements in the investigation and management of SAB in children.
Supporting Policy In health with Research: an Intervention Trial (SPIRIT)—protocol for a stepped wedge trial
Authors:   The CIPHER Investigators
Published: July 2014

IntroductionGovernments in different countries have committed to better use of evidence from research in policy. Although many programmes are directed at assisting agencies to better use research, there have been few tests of the effectiveness of such programmes. This paper describes the protocol for SPIRIT (Supporting Policy In health with Research: an Intervention Trial), a trial designed to test the effectiveness of a multifaceted programme to build organisational capacity for the use of research evidence in policy and programme development. The primary aim is to determine whether SPIRIT results in an increase in the extent to which research and research expertise is sought, appraised, generated and used in the development of specific policy products produced by health policy agencies.Methods and analysisA stepped wedge cluster randomised trial involving six health policy agencies located in Sydney, Australia. Policy agencies are the unit of randomisation and intervention. Agencies were randomly allocated to one of three start dates (steps) to receive the 1-year intervention programme, underpinned by an action framework. The SPIRIT intervention is tailored to suit the interests and needs of each agency and includes audit, feedback and goal setting; a leadership programme; staff training; the opportunity to test systems to assist in the use of research in policies; and exchange with researchers. Outcome measures will be collected at each agency every 6 months for 30 months (starting at the beginning of step 1).Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was granted by the University of Western Sydney Human Research and Ethics Committee HREC Approval H8855. The findings of this study will be disseminated broadly through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences and used to inform future strategies.
Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 spinels via coprecipitation precursor
Authors: Maklad M. H. , Shash N. M. , Abdelsalam H. K. 
Published: July 2014

Nanocrystalline Ni 1-x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) spinels are synthesized with a crystallite size range 5–2.2 nm, using different annealing temperatures. The influence of zinc content as well as grain size of ferrite on the ferrite microstructure, therefore on the physical properties of ferrite, are investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), thermal analysis (TG, DTG, DSC) and infrared microscopy (IR). XRD results confirm single phase spinel structure for ferrite with Zn content x = 0.1 whereas second phase appears in higher zinc content ferrites. Thermal analysis shows an endothermic peak at ~ 720°C–750°C reveals the removal of defective surface layer existed on the surface of ferrite grains, which leads to cation redistribution. This is supported by the shift observed in IR bands as a result of the increase in zinc content or calcination temperature. Ferrite with composition Ni 0.7 Zn 0.3 Fe 2 O 4 calcined at 1000°C has the maximum saturation magnetization Ms among various compositions at different calcination temperatures. The Ms and the coercivity Hc of the ferrites nanoparticles are different from their corresponding bulk, which attributes to a defective surface layer, controlling the ultrafine particle behavior.
NEO212, Temozolomide Conjugated to Perillyl Alcohol, Is a Novel Drug for Effective Treatment of a Broad Range of Temozolomide-Resistant Gliomas
Authors: Cho Hee-Yeon , Wang Weijun , Jhaveri Niyati , Lee David Jungpa , Sharma Natasha , Dubeau Louis , Schönthal Axel H. , Hofman Florence M. , Chen Thomas C. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a malignant primary brain tumor, inevitably develop resistance to standard-of-care chemotherapy, temozolomide. This study explores the effects of the novel agent NEO212, a conjugate of temozolomide to perillyl alcohol, on temozolomide-resistant gliomas. NEO212 was tested for cytotoxic activity on three human temozolomide-resistant glioma cell lines, which were resistant to temozolomide based on overexpression of the base excision repair (BER) pathway, mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, or overexpression of O6 methyl-guanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). BER expression was evaluated by Western blotting and PARP activity. MMR deficiency was determined by Western blotting and microsatellite instability. MGMT overexpression was evaluated by Western blotting and O6-benzylguanine (O6BG) inhibition. For in vivo evaluation of NEO212, temozolomide-resistant glioma cells were implanted into immune-incompetent mice, and NEO212 was administered. NEO212, at equimolar concentrations of temozolomide, was more cytotoxic for temozolomide-resistant cells than temozolomide and not toxic to normal cells. NEO212-induced cell death in temozolomide-resistant glioma cells was independent of such mechanisms of resistance as high levels of MGMT, MMR deficiencies, or overexpression of BER proteins. NEO212 functions as a DNA alkylating agent, similar to temozolomide; however, this novel conjugate is unique for it may induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inhibits autophagy. In vivo studies show that NEO212 reduces intracranial tumor growth and increases animal survival without significant toxicity. These results demonstrate that NEO212 is an effective drug against malignant gliomas that can be used for a broad range of newly diagnosed and temozolomide-resistant gliomas. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(8); 2004–17. ©2014 AACR.
Lysyl oxidase (LOX) in vascular remodelling
Authors: Galán María , Martí-Pàmies Ingrid , Varona Saray , Rodríguez-Calvo Ricardo , Briones Ana María , Navarro María , Diego Alicia de , Osada Jesús , Orriols Mar , Guadall Anna , Martínez-González José , Rodríguez Cristina 
Published: July 2014

SummaryLysyl oxidase (LOX) is an extracellular matrix-modifying enzyme that seems to play a critical role in vascular remodelling. However, the lack of viable LOX-deficient animal models has been an obstacle to deep in LOX biology. In this study we have developed a transgenic mouse model that over-expresses LOX in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to clarify whether LOX could regulate VSMC phenotype and vascular remodelling. The SM22 proximal promoter drove the expression of a transgene containing the human LOX cDNA. Two stable transgenic lines, phenotypically indistinguishable, were generated by conventional methods (TgLOX). Transgene expression followed the expected SMC-specific pattern. In TgLOX mice, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry evidenced a strong expression of LOX in the media from aorta and carotid arteries, coincident with a higher proportion of mature collagen. VSMC isolated from TgLOX mice expressed high levels of LOX pro-enzyme, which was properly secreted and processed into mature and bioactive LOX. Interestingly, cell proliferation was significantly reduced in cells from TgLOX mice. Transgenic VSMC also exhibited low levels of Myh10 (marker of SMC phenotypic switching), PCNA (marker of cell proliferation) and MCP-1, and a weak activation of Akt and ERK1/2 in response to mitogenic stimuli. Accordingly, neointimal thickening induced by carotid artery ligation was attenuated in TgLOX mice that also displayed a reduction in PCNA and MCP-1 immunostaining. Our results give evidence that LOX plays a critical role in vascular remodelling. We have developed a new animal model to study the role of LOX in vascular biology.
Platelet immunology in fungal infections
Authors: Speth Cornelia , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Rambach Günter 
Published: July 2014

SummaryUp to date, perception of platelets has changed from key players in coagulation to multitaskers within the immune network, connecting its most diverse elements and crucially shaping their interplay with invading pathogens such as fungi. In addition, antimicrobial effector molecules and mechanisms in platelets enable a direct inhibitory effect on fungi, thus completing their immune capacity. To precisely assess the impact of platelets on the course of invasive fungal infections is complicated by some critical parameters. First, there is a fragile balance between protective antimicrobial effects and detrimental reactions that aggravate the fungal pathogenesis. Second, some platelet effects are exerted indirectly by other immune mediators and are thus difficult to quantify. Third, drugs such as antimycotics, antibiotics, or cytostatics, are commonly administered to the patients and might modulate the interplay between platelets and fungi. Our article highlights selected aspects of the complex interactions between platelets and fungi and the relevance of these processes for the pathogenesis of fungal infections.
Ticagrelor vs prasugrel one-month maintenance therapy: Impact on platelet reactivity and bleeding events
Authors: Stavrou Katerina , Koniari Ioanna , Gkizas Vassilios , Perperis Angelos , Kontoprias Kosmas , Vogiatzi Chrysoula , Bampouri Theodora , Xanthopoulou Ioanna , Alexopoulos Dimitrios 
Published: July 2014

SummaryPlatelet reactivity (PR) and bleeding events following therapy with ticagrelor vs prasugrel have not been adequately studied. We aimed to compare PR and bleeding events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) while on ticagrelor vs prasugrel for one month. Consecutive patients who were discharged either on ticagrelor 90 mg bid maintenance dose (MD) or prasugrel 10 mg MD were invited for PR assessment (VerifyNow, in PRU) at one month. High PR (HPR) was defined as >208 PRU. Bleeding events [Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification] were monitored. Out of 937 screened patients, 512 were analysed, 278 under ticagrelor MD and 234 under prasugrel MD. PR at 30 days (C-statistic of the propensity score model 0.63, 0.58–0.67 95% CI, p<0.001) was lower when on ticagrelor compared with prasugrel (33.3, 95% CI 29.3–37.3 vs 84.6, 95% CI 73.6–95.6, p<0.001). In the analysed population more BARC type 1 bleeding events were observed with ticagrelor compared to prasugrel (36.7% vs 28.2%, p=0.047). In 221 propensity score matched pairs, BARC type 1 bleeding rate was marginally higher in ticagrelor vs prasugrel treated patients (35.7% vs 27.1%, p=0.05). BARC type ≥2 events did not differ between groups 5 (2.3%) vs 5 (2.3%). HPR rate was higher for prasugrel-treated patients (5.4% vs 0%, p<0.001). In conclusion, in patients with ACS undergoing PCI, ticagrelor MD produces a significantly higher platelet inhibition compared to prasugrel MD. This pharmacodynamic difference might be associated with more nuisance bleeding events with ticagrelor use.Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01774955.
Protease-activated receptor signalling by coagulation proteases in endothelial cells
Authors: Rezaie Alireza 
Published: July 2014

SummaryEndothelial cells express several types of integral membrane protein receptors, which upon interaction and activation by their specific ligands, initiate a signalling network that links extracellular cues in circulation to various biological processes within a plethora of cells in the vascular system. A small family of G-protein coupled receptors, termed protease-activated receptors (PAR1–4), can be specifically activated by coagulation proteases, thereby modulating a diverse array of cellular activities under various pathophysiological conditions. Thrombin and all vitamin K-dependent coagulation proteases, with the exception of factor IXa for which no PAR signalling has been attributed, can selectively activate cell surface PARs on the vasculature. Thrombin can activate PAR1, PAR3 and PAR4, but not PAR2 which can be specifically activated by factors VIIa and Xa. The mechanistic details of the specificity of PAR signalling by coagulation proteases are the subject of extensive investigation by many research groups worldwide. However, analysis of PAR signalling data in the literature has proved to be challenging since a single coagulation protease can elicit different signalling responses through activation of the same PAR receptor in endothelial cells. This article is focused on briefly reviewing the literature with respect to determinants of the specificity of PAR signalling by coagulation proteases with special emphasis on the mechanism of PAR1 signalling by thrombin and activated protein C in endothelial cells.
External validation of a risk assessment model for venous thromboembolism in the hospitalised acutely-ill medical patient (VTE-VALOURR)
Authors: Mahan Charles , Liu Yang , Turpie A. Graham , Vu Jennifer , Heddle Nancy , Cook Richard , Dairkee Undaleeb , Spyropoulos Alex 
Published: July 2014

SummaryVenous thromboembolic (VTE) risk assessment remains an important issue in hospitalised, acutely-ill medical patients, and several VTE risk assessment models (RAM) have been proposed. The purpose of this large retrospective cohort study was to externally validate the IMPROVE RAM using a large database of three acute care hospitals. We studied 41,486 hospitalisations (28,744 unique patients) with 1,240 VTE hospitalisations (1,135 unique patients) in the VTE cohort and 40,246 VTE-free hospitalisations (27,609 unique patients) in the control cohort. After chart review, 139 unique VTE patients were identified and 278 randomly-selected matched patients in the control cohort. Seven independent VTE risk factors as part of the RAM in the derivation cohort were identified. In the validation cohort, the incidence of VTE was 0.20%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.22, 1.04%; 95%CI 0.88–1.25, and 4.15%; 95%CI 2.79–8.12 in the low, moderate, and high VTE risk groups, respectively, which compared to rates of 0.45%, 1.3%, and 4.74% in the three risk categories of the derivation cohort. For the derivation and validation cohorts, the total percentage of patients in low, moderate and high VTE risk occurred in 68.6% vs 63.3%, 24.8% vs 31.1%, and 6.5% vs 5.5%, respectively. Overall, the area under the receiver-operator characteristics curve for the validation cohort was 0.7731. In conclusion, the IMPROVE RAM can accurately identify medical patients at low, moderate, and high VTE risk. This will tailor future thromboprophylactic strategies in this population as well as identify particularly high VTE risk patients in whom multimodal or more intensive prophylaxis may be beneficial.
NADPH Oxidase–Generated Reactive Oxygen Species Are Required for Stromal Cell–Derived Factor-1α–Stimulated Angiogenesis
Authors: Pi Xinchun , Xie Liang , Portbury Andrea L. , Kumar Sarayu , Lockyer Pamela , Li Xi , Patterson Cam 
Published: July 2014

Objective—
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling molecules during angiogenesis; however, the mechanisms used for such signaling events remain unclear. Stromal cell–derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is one of the most potent angiogenic chemokines. Here, we examined the role of ROS in the regulation of SDF-1α–dependent angiogenesis.

Approach and Results—
Bovine aortic endothelial cells were treated with SDF-1α, and intracellular ROS generation was monitored. SDF-1α treatment induced bovine aortic endothelial cell migration and ROS generation, with the majority of ROS generated by bovine aortic endothelial cells at the leading edge of the migratory cells. Antioxidants and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) inhibitors blocked SDF-1α–induced endothelial migration. Furthermore, knockdown of either NOX5 or p22phox (a requisite subunit for NOX1/2/4 activation) significantly impaired endothelial motility and tube formation, suggesting that multiple NOXs regulate SDF-1α–dependent angiogenesis. Our previous study demonstrated that c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 activity is essential for SDF-1α–dependent angiogenesis. Here, we identified that NOX5 is the dominant NOX required for SDF-1α–induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 activation and that NOX5 and MAP kinase phosphatase 7 (MKP7; the c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 phosphatase) associate with one another but decrease this interaction on SDF-1α treatment. Furthermore, MKP7 activity was inhibited by SDF-1α, and this inhibition was relieved by NOX5 knockdown, indicating that NOX5 promotes c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 activation by blocking MKP7 activity.

Conclusions—
We conclude that NOX is required for SDF-1α signaling and that intracellular redox balance is critical for SDF-1α–induced endothelial migration and angiogenesis.
A Comparative Study of Outcomes for Endoscopic Diverticulotomy versus External Diverticulectomy
Authors: Shahawy Sarrah , Janisiewicz Agnieszka M. , Annino Don , Shapiro Jo 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesCurrent literature on the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) favors the use of various endoscopic procedures over external surgical techniques for patients, arguing that endoscopic approaches reduce intraoperative time and anesthesia, length of hospital stay, and days until oral diet is restarted. However, such techniques often have higher symptomatic recurrence rates and require further interventions. Because of our experience with both endoscopic diverticulotomy (ENDO) and external diverticulectomy (EXT) using the GIA‐stapler, we sought to compare these 2 procedures in terms of in‐hospital parameters, complications, return to normal diet, and rates of symptom recurrence.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic tertiary care hospital.SubjectsPatients with Zenker's diverticulum who underwent surgical repair.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 67 patients seen at Brigham and Women's Hospital between 1990 and 2012 with Zenker's diverticulum who underwent either an endoscopic Zenker's procedure (36) or an external stapler‐assisted diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy (31).ResultsAlthough the external stapler‐assisted procedure for ZD does carry a longer intraoperative time and a slightly longer hospital stay than the endoscopic approach, it provides similar days until initiation of an oral diet and a similar incidence of postoperative complications. Further, it is superior to the endoscopic approach when one considers its much lower rate of symptomatic recurrence and need for revision procedures.ConclusionWe argue that the external stapler‐assisted diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy should be considered as a viable treatment in patients who need definitive, single‐session treatment for ZD, especially to prevent life‐threatening aspiration pneumonia.
Occipital nerve block prior to occipital nerve stimulation for refractory chronic migraine and chronic cluster headache: Myth or prediction?
Authors: Kinfe Thomas M , Schuss Patrick , Vatter Hartmut 
Published: July 2014

Background Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) results in beneficial outcomes, with marked pain relief, in otherwise intractable chronic migraine (CM) and chronic cluster headache (CCH). Some studies have reported that a positive response to occipital nerve block (ONB) administered prior to ONS predicts a positive response to ONS. However, other studies concerned with proper patient selection claimed no predictive value for ONB. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the usefulness and predictive value of ONB prior to ONS. Methods Literature searches on the predictive value of ONB were performed in MEDLINE and PubMed. Patient data were extracted and a pooled analysis was performed. Results The literature review revealed 133 patients with CM and seven patients with CCH who received preoperative ONB. To date, a randomized controlled study examining the relationship between ONB and ONS has not been conducted in patients with CM. Conclusions Current literature suggests that ONB does not sufficiently predict ONS responsiveness in patients with refractory CM and CCH; this important issue requires further investigation.