bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Cell Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ Reduces Endotoxemic Pulmonary Inflammation and Injury
Authors: Reddy Aravind T. , Lakshmi Sowmya P. , Kleinhenz Jennifer M. , Sutliff Roy L. , Hart C. Michael , Reddy Raju C. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Bacterial endotoxin (LPS)-mediated sepsis involves severe, dysregulated inflammation that injures the lungs and other organs, often fatally. Vascular endothelial cells are both key mediators and targets of LPS-induced inflammatory responses. The nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) exerts anti-inflammatory actions in various cells, but it is unknown whether it modulates inflammation through actions within endothelial cells. To determine whether PPARγ acts within endothelial cells to diminish endotoxemic lung inflammation and injury, we measured inflammatory responses and mediators in mice with endothelial-targeted deletion of PPARγ. Endothelial cell PPARγ (ePPARγ) knockout exacerbated LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation and injury as shown by several measures, including infiltration of inflammatory cells, edema, and production of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines, along with upregulation of the LPS receptor TLR4 in lung tissue and increased activation of its downstream signaling pathways. In isolated LPS-stimulated endothelial cells in vitro, absence of PPARγ enhanced the production of numerous inflammatory markers. We hypothesized that the observed in vivo activity of the ligand-activated ePPARγ may arise, in part, from nitrated fatty acids (NFAs), a novel class of endogenous PPARγ ligands. Supporting this idea, we found that treating isolated endothelial cells with physiologically relevant concentrations of the endogenous NFA 10-nitro-oleate reduced LPS-induced expression of a wide range of inflammatory markers in the presence of PPARγ, but not in its absence, and also inhibited neutrophil mobility in a PPARγ-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate a key protective role of ePPARγ against endotoxemic injury and a potential ePPARγ-mediated anti-inflammatory role for NFAs.
Lack of Influence of the Androgen Receptor Gene CAG-Repeat Polymorphism on Clinical and Electrocardiographic Manifestations of the Brugada Syndrome in Man
Authors: Mariani S. , Musumeci B. , Basciani S. , Fiore D. , Francia P. , Persichetti A. , Volpe M. , Autore C. , Moretti C. , Ulisse S. , Gnessi L. 
Published: October 2012

Background Clinical studies suggest that testosterone (T) plays an important role in the male predominance of the clinical manifestations of the Brugada syndrome (BS). However, no statistically significant correlations have been observed between T levels and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in the BS patients. We investigated whether the hormonal pattern and the variation within CAG repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, affecting androgen sensitivity, are associated with the Brugada ECG phenotype in males. Methods and Results 16 male patients with BS (mean age 45.06 ± 11.3 years) were studied. 12-lead ECG was recorded. Blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, testosterone, free-T, dihydrotestosterone, 17-β-estradiol, estrone, 3-alpha-androstanediol-glucuronide, delta-4-androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and sex hormone binding globulin were assayed. Genotyping of CAG repeats on DNA extracted from leukocytes was carried out. No relationship was found between hormone values and ECG parameters of BS. BS patients showed the CAG length normally recognized in the human polymorphism range and the number of CAG repeats did not correlate with the ECG pattern of BS. Conclusions The AR CAG repeat length does not correlate with the ECG features of the patients affected by BS. The search for genes downstream AR activation as possibly responsible for the increased risk of spontaneous arrhythmias in BS males after puberty is warranted.
La evolución de la agenda mediática española (1980-2010). Un análisis longitudinal de la portada de la prensa de referencia
Authors: López-Rabadán Pablo , Casero-Ripollés Andreu 
Published: October 2012

La portada constituye un espacio mediático preferente donde se manifiestan explícitamente la selección y la jerarquización periodísticas. Este artículo se centra en el análisis longitudinal de la evolución de la agenda periodística, tomando como objeto de estudio la noticia principal de portada. En este marco, se examinan los temas, los actores sociales protagonistas de las noticias, los espacios geográficos vinculados a la información y el grado de homogeneidad. La metodología se basa en la aplicación del análisis de contenido. La muestra se centra en dos importantes diarios españoles con líneas editoriales diferenciadas (El País y Abc) y toma un extenso período de tiempo (1980-2010). En total, se han sometido a estudio 800 piezas informativas. Los resultados demuestran el fuerte peso de los temas y los actores vinculados con la política institucional, por un lado, y la escasa internacionalización de la prensa española, muy centrada en la actualidad nacional, por otro.
Homeless Former Smokers' Interest in Helping Homeless Current Smokers Quit
Authors: Goldade Kate , Guo Hongfei , Jarlais Don Des , Connett John E. , Whembolua Guy L. , Owen Greg , Guy Mignonne , Okuyemi Kolawole S. 
Published: October 2012

Purpose. To describe the factors associated with interest of homeless former smokers in helping homeless smokers quit. Methods. A cross-sectional survey administered to an optimized convenience sample of homeless persons (n = 4570) at emergency shelters, transitional housing units, and open encampments in 80 cities across Minnesota. The in-person survey response rate was 90%. Analysis. Chi-square tests and t-tests for univariate analysis. Results. Of 4534 participants completing the smoking questions, 546 participants (12%) self-identified as former smokers, of which 59% expressed interest in helping homeless smokers quit. Significant predictors of reported interest in helping included racial/ethnic background (p < .05), number of people known who had quit smoking (p < .01), and receiving social services as an adult (p < .01). Conclusion. Homeless former smokers are a potential resource for peer support programs to promote smoking cessation among homeless current smokers.
Health Concerns of the U.S. Fire Service: Perspectives from the Firehouse
Authors: Jahnke Sara A. , Poston Walker S. C. , Jitnarin Nattinee , Haddock C. Keith 
Published: October 2012

Purpose. Firefighters are expected to respond to any domestic emergency at a moment's notice, and therefore their health and readiness are key to the public safety net. Although emerging research is focusing on understanding firefighters' increased risk for disease and injury, the perspectives of fire service personnel is lacking. Design. This study uses the cross-sectional qualitative data collection techniques of key informant interviews and focus groups. Setting. Data collection occurred with a national sample of firefighters from 28 (municipal and federal) career fire departments. Participants. Participants were 332 career firefighters (57.2%), company officers (23.4%), fire chiefs (15.4%), and other fire service personnel (3.9%). Method. Focus groups and informant interviews were conducted with firefighters, fire chiefs, health promotion personnel, and medical directors to assess attitudes, opinions, and perceptions about firefighter health. Results. Major themes that developed among fire service personnel included concerns about cancer, risk of cardiovascular disease, the importance of and barriers to physical fitness, the food culture of the firehouse, psychological stress resulting from repeated exposure to trauma, sleep disruptions, injuries, and risk for infectious disease. Health concerns identified by firefighters are juxtaposed with current efforts and trends within the national fire service. Conclusions. The health concerns of firefighters parallel both available epidemiological research and the health priorities of national fire service organizations. Unfortunately, these concerns often are in contrast with efforts by local governments to limit their financial liability for illnesses presumed to be caused by occupational exposures and long-held traditions in the fire service. This study highlights the need for epidemiological surveillance of firefighters and innovative health and organizational policy in the fire service. Future directions for the fire service, the public health community, and researchers are discussed.
Impact of Financial Incentives on Behavior Change Program Participation and Risk Reduction in Worksite Health Promotion
Authors: Gingerich Stefan B. , Anderson David R. , Koland Heidi 
Published: October 2012

Purpose. To examine the impact of financial incentives on behavior change program registration, completion, and risk improvement rates. Design. Retrospective cohort study conducted to observe the relationship between financial incentives and behavior change program registration, completion, and risk improvement rates. Setting. Large public- or private-sector employers. Subjects. Twenty-four organizations (n = 511,060 eligible employees) that offered comprehensive worksite health promotion (WHP) programs. Intervention. Financial incentives offered for completion of a behavior change program as part of a WHP program. Measures. Behavior change program registration and completion data were obtained from standard reports. Company-level risk change was calculated from the average per-person number of risks on baseline and follow-up health risk assessments. Incentive design was determined from questionnaires completed by WHP program managers. Analysis. Average registration rates, program completion rates, and risk improvement rates were compared using t-tests for companies that did versus did not offer incentives. Comparisons were also made between companies with incentives of less than $100 and those with incentives of $100 or more. Correlations between incentive value and outcome variables were assessed using Pearson correlations. Results. Companies that offered incentives had significantly higher health coaching completion rates than companies not offering an incentive (82.9% vs. 76.4%, respectively, p = .017) but there was no significant association with registration (p = .384) or risk improvement rates (p = .242). Incentive values were not significantly associated with risk improvement rates (p = .240). Conclusion. Offering incentives for completing behavior change programs may increase completion rates, but increased health improvement does not necessarily follow.
Kaiser Permanente's Community Health Initiative in Northern California: Evaluation Findings and Lessons Learned
Authors: Cheadle Allen , Rauzon Suzanne , Spring Rebecca , Schwartz Pamela M. , Gee Scott , Gonzalez Esmeralda , Ravel Jodi , Reilly Coire , Taylor Anthony , Williamson Dana 
Published: October 2012

Purpose. To describe the evaluation findings and lessons learned from the Kaiser Permanente Healthy Eating Active Living–Community Health Initiative. Design. Mixed methods design: qualitative case studies combined with pre/post population-level food and physical activity measures, using matched comparison schools for youth surveys. Setting. Three low-income communities in Northern California (combined population 129,260). Subjects. All residents of the three communities. Intervention. Five-year grants of $1.5 million awarded to each community to support the implementation of community- and organizational-level policy and environmental changes. Sectors targeted included schools, health care settings, worksites, and neighborhoods. Measures. Reach (percentage exposed) and strength (effect size) of the interventions combined with population-level measures of physical activity (e.g., minutes of physical activity) and nutrition (e.g., fruit and vegetable servings). Analysis. Pre/post analysis of population level measures, comparing changes in intervention to comparison for youth survey measures. Results. The population-level results were inconclusive overall, but showed positive and significant findings for four out of nine comparisons where “high-dose” (i.e., greater than 20% of the population reached and high strength) strategies were implemented, primarily physical activity interventions targeting school-age youth. Conclusion. The positive and significant changes for the high-dose strategies suggest that if environmental interventions are of sufficient reach and strength they may be able to favorably impact obesity-related behaviors.
Radiology in Vertigo and Dizziness
Authors: Patkar Deepak , Yevankar Girish , Parikh Rashmi 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Objective
Vertigo may or may not be associated with hearing loss. In addition, the imaging findings are often subtle. Underdiagnosis of cause of vertigo on imaging can lead to long standing annoying symptom of vertigo.

Conclusion
This article reviews the radiologic findings of vertigo. After completing this article, the readers should have an improved ability to diagnose the common causes of vertigo, using the optimal imaging tools to achieve this goal.

How to cite this article
Patkar D, Yevankar G, Parikh R. Radiology in Vertigo and Dizziness. Otorhinolaryngol Clin Int J 2012;4(2):86-92.
Sublingual vs Vaginal Misoprostol for Labor Induction
Authors: Bagga Rashmi , Siwatch Sujata , Kalra Jasvinder , Jain Vanita 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Background
This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of sublingual vs vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor.

Materials and methods
A total of 160 women admitted for induction of labor at the PGIMER, Chandigarh, India were randomized to receive 25 μg of vaginal or sublingual misoprostol for labor induction. The two groups were compared for mode of delivery, induction delivery interval, misoprostol dose required, uterine contraction abnormalities and neonatal outcomes.

Results
Majority of women in both groups delivered vaginally (91 and 89% in vaginal and sublingual misoprostol groups respectively). Mean number of doses of misoprostol required for induction of labor was similar in vaginal misoprostol group and sublingual misoprostol group (1.81 ± 0.84 vs 2.05 ± 0.98). The occurrence of uterine contraction abnormalities and neonatal outcome was similar in both groups.

Conclusion
The low dose of 25 μg is equally efficacious and safe by both vaginal and sublingual routes.

How to cite this article
Siwatch S, Kalra J, Bagga R, Jain V. Sublingual vs Vaginal Misoprostol for Labor Induction. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2012;46(3):138-143.
Scheimpflug Imaging in Unilateral Acute Pupillary Block Glaucoma in a Weill-Marchesani Syndrome in an Adult Female
Authors: Gupta Nishant , Chaudhary Manish , Ram Jagat , Verma Neelam 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
We report an interesting case of Weill-Marchesani syndrome presenting as unilateral acute pupillary block glaucoma after dislocation of crystalline lens into anterior chamber in a middleaged woman. Scheimpflug imaging demonstrated accurately the dimensions of spherophakic crystalline lens and its corneal lenticular touch. Glaucoma resolved completely after lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy and she achieved best corrected visual acuity of 20/30.

How to cite this article
Chaudhary M, Ram J, Gupta N, Verma N. Scheimpflug Imaging in Unilateral Acute Pupillary Block Glaucoma in a Weill-Marchesani Syndrome in an Adult Female. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2012;46(3):152-154.
Ruptured Left Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm
Authors: Khandelwal Niranjan , Mahajan Rajiv , Singhal Manphool , Mahajan Divyesh 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
The left sinus of valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a very uncommon condition which can compress the coronary arteries leading to potential catastrophic complications. We present a case of a contained rupture of left SVA causing significant mass effect on the adjacent cardiac chambers and coronary arteries diagnosed on computed tomographic angiography (CTA).

How to cite this article
Singhal M, Mahajan D, Mahajan R, Khandelwal N. Ruptured Left Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2012;46(3):155-156.
Biofilm Formation on Composite Resins for Dental Restorations: An in Situ Study on the Effect of Chlorhexidine Mouthrinses
Authors: Brambilla Eugenio , Ionescu Andrei , Gagliani Massimo , Cochis Andrea , Arciola Carla Renata , Rimondini Lia 
Published: October 2012

Purpose Biofilm formation on the surface of dental restorative materials by oral bacteria is considered an important step in the development of secondary caries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in situ effect of a chlorhexidine (CHX)-containing mouthrinse on the biofilm formation occurring on the surface of human enamel and of two resin-based commercially available materials: a silorane-based material (Filtek Silorane®) and a methacrylate-based material (Filtek Supreme XT®). Methods 53 disks were obtained for each of the two composites and 37 disks for enamel. The surface was characterized by determining the surface roughness and the surface free energy of 5 samples for each of the three materials tested, then the remaining samples were mounted on splints worn by 16 volunteers. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group that used 0.12% CHX-based mouthrinse and a control group that used a placebo mouthrinse. Biofilm formation on the different surfaces after a 24 h period was assessed using MTT assay. Results The two composites in the group treated with the placebo mouthrinse showed a similar biofilm formation, which was significantly higher than that occurring on enamel surfaces. The CHX-based mouthrinse significantly reduced biofilm formation on the surfaces of the two resin-based materials when compared with the placebo mouthrinse. The reduction was particularly relevant on the Filtek Silorane surfaces. Conclusions The new silorane-based material seems to interact with CHX in a promising way from the point of view of biofilm formation control.
From Koch's Postulates to Biofilm Theory. The Lesson of Bill Costerton
Authors: Ehrlich Garth D. , Arciola Carla Renata 
Published: October 2012

The clinical diagnoses of implant infections pose insurmountable difficulties for cultural methods because of their frequent failure when bacteria are growing in biofilms. In 1978 Bill Costerton warned that chronic infections in patients with indwelling medical devices were caused by bacteria growing in well-developed glycocalyx-enclosed biofilms and that bacteria within biofilms resist antibiotic therapies and immune host defenses. Costerton's “biofilm theory” opened two lines of scientific endeavor: the study of the biochemistry and genetics of biofilm formation and function; and, on the other side, the search for new methods for medical diagnosis and treatment of biofilm-centered implant infections. This Editorial and the entire 2012 issue “Focus on Implant Infections” are dedicated to the memory of Bill Costerton, recognized worldwide as the Father of Biofilms for his innovation and body of work on infections caused by sessile bacteria. Bill Costerton was a great scientist, heedful both to the biological aspects of biofilms and to the medical challenges of new diagnostic methods and modern therapeutic approaches to implant infections. But, most of all, he was a charming Maestro for the large number of colleagues and students whose enthusiasm for the science he was able to nourish. Bill passed away on May 12th, 2012 and the entire science community mourns the death of a friend and a leader.
Blutungsrisiko und Blutungsnotfälle unter Rivaroxaban
Authors: Koscielny J. , Beyer-Westendorf J. , von Heymann C. , Braun J. , Klamroth R. , Lindhoff-Last E. , Tiede A. , Spannagl M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryRivaroxaban, the first direct factor-Xa inhibitor anticoagulant, has been approved for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery, for stroke prophylaxis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. There is no requirement for coagulation monitoring with rivaroxaban in routine clinical practice. However, in certain clinical circumstances such as life-threatening bleeding or an emergency operation the measurement of the thromboplastin time with a sensitive reagent will deliver first information. A quantitative determination of rivaroxaban plasma concentration is possible using an anti-factor Xa assay.In the case of a patient under long-term anticoagulation with rivaroxaban requiring an elective surgery, a discontinuation of rivaroxaban 20 to 30 hours before the operation is sufficient to normalize the associated bleeding risk, as long as the renal and liver function is normal. A longer interval should be taken into consideration, when the patient presents a renal and liver impairment or is of a higher age. In the event of an emergency operation effective rivaroxaban concentrations might be present. Nevertheless, we advise against using a prophylactic dose of factor concentrates. Recommendations: From a clinical perspective, in the event of a minor bleeding we recommend a temporary discontinuation of rivaroxaban, whereas for clinically relevant major or severe bleeding events a mechanical compression or a limited surgical i. e. interventional treatment is required. Supportive measures such as the administration of blood products or tranexamic acid might be beneficial. In addition to haemodynamic supportive measures life threatening bleeding events demand a comprehensive haemostasis management, as well as the application of PCC.
Image Quality Enhancement Using the Direction and Thickness of Vein Lines for Finger-Vein Recognition
Authors: Park Young Ho , Park Kang Ryoung 
Published: October 2012

On the basis of the increased emphasis placed on the protection of privacy, biometric recognition systems using physical or behavioural characteristics such as fingerprints, facial characteristics, iris and finger-vein patterns or the voice have been introduced in applications including door access control, personal certification, Internet banking and ATM machines. Among these, finger-vein recognition is advantageous in that it involves the use of inexpensive and small devices that are difficult to counterfeit. In general, finger-vein recognition systems capture images by using near infrared (NIR) illumination in conjunction with a camera. However, such systems can face operational difficulties, since the scattering of light from the skin can make capturing a clear image difficult. To solve this problem, we proposed new image quality enhancement method that measures the direction and thickness of vein lines. This effort represents novel research in four respects. First, since vein lines are detected in input images based on eight directional profiles of a grey image instead of binarized images, the detection error owing to the non-uniform illumination of the finger area can be reduced. Second, our method adaptively determines a Gabor filter for the optimal direction and width on the basis of the estimated direction and thickness of a detected vein line. Third, by applying this optimized Gabor filter, a clear vein image can be obtained. Finally, the further processing of the morphological operation is applied in the Gabor filtered image and the resulting image is combined with the original one, through which finger-vein image of a higher quality is obtained. Experimental results from application of our proposed image enhancement method show that the equal error rate (EER) of finger-vein recognition decreases to approximately 0.4% in the case of a local binary pattern-based recognition and to approximately 0.3% in the case of a wavelet transform-based recognition.