bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology of nanostructures and their long-acting properties in vivo for a novel synthetic peptide of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist
Authors: Zhang Guiying , Li Jinglai , Gao Lijun , Wang Tao , Quan Dongqin 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objectives
To demonstrate the correlation between the nanostructure formation and the long duration of action in vivo of peptides, the morphology of nanostructures of LXT-101, a novel synthetic amphiphilic peptide of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist were observed when dissolved in different solvents, and their long-acting properties in vivo were investigated in this study.

Methods
The morphology of nanostructures of LXT-101 was observed by transmission electron microscopy when dissolved in different solvents, and the plasma concentrations of LXT-101 and testosterone levels were also assayed for different solutions after intramuscular injection administration in beagle dogs.

Key findings
TEM data suggest that LXT-101 in pure water can form fibres, while in mannitol, dextrose or sodium chloride solution, they tend to form vesicles. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results showed that the plasma concentrations of LXT-101 within 48 h were much higher but descended dramatically with mannitol, dextrose and NaCl solutions structurally composed of vesicles compared with that of pure water structurally composed of fibres. An effectively suppression of testosterone can be achieved only 2 or 3 days with the frontal three solutions, while LXT-101 in pure water maintained over a period of 7 days.

Conclusions
It may indicate that LXT-101 peptide in pure water forms fibre depot that release monomeric active peptide slowly. The correlation between the nanostructure and duration of action in vivo suggests that the addition of excipients influence self-assembly process of LXT-101 that leads to the formation of different nanostructures and exhibit various behaviours in vivo.
Religiosity and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among African American Cocaine Users in the Rural South
Authors: Montgomery Brooke E.E. , Stewart Katharine E. , Yeary Karen H.K. , Cornell Carol E. , Pulley LeaVonne , Corwyn Robert , Ounpraseuth Songthip T. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPurposeRacial and geographic disparities in human immunodeficency virus (HIV) are dramatic and drug use is a significant contributor to HIV risk. Within the rural South, African Americans who use drugs are at extremely high risk. Due to the importance of religion within African American and rural Southern communities, it can be a key element of culturally‐targeted health promotion with these populations. Studies have examined religion's relationship with sexual risk in adolescent populations, but few have examined specific religious behaviors and sexual risk behaviors among drug‐using African American adults. This study examined the relationship between well‐defined dimensions of religion and specific sexual behaviors among African Americans who use cocaine living in the rural southern United States.MethodsBaseline data from a sexual risk reduction intervention for African Americans who use cocaine living in rural Arkansas (N = 205) were used to conduct bivariate and multivariate analyses examining the association between multiple sexual risk behaviors and key dimensions of religion including religious preference, private and public religious participation, religious coping, and God‐based, congregation‐based, and church leader‐based religious support.FindingsAfter adjusting individualized network estimator weights based on the recruitment strategy, different dimensions of religion had inverse relationships with sexual risk behavior, including church leadership support with number of unprotected vaginal/anal sexual encounter and positive religious coping with number of sexual partners and with total number of vaginal/anal sexual encounters.ConclusionResults suggest that specific dimensions of religion may have protective effects on certain types of sexual behavior, which may have important research implications.
Perceived Correlates of Domain‐Specific Physical Activity in Rural Adults in the Midwest
Authors: Chrisman Matthew , Nothwehr Faryle , Yang Jingzen , Oleson Jacob 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPurposeIn response to calls for more specificity when measuring physical activity, this study examined perceived correlates of this behavior in rural adults separately by the domain in which this behavior occurs (ie, home care, work, active living, and sport).MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was completed by 407 adults from 2 rural towns in the Midwest. The questionnaire assessed the perceived social and physical environment, including neighborhood characteristics, as well as barriers to being active. The Kaiser Physical Activity Survey captured domain‐specific activity levels. The response rate was 25%. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between social and physical environment factors and domain‐specific physical activity.FindingsHaving a favorable attitude toward using government funds for exercise and activity‐friendly neighborhood characteristic were positively associated with active living. Friends encouraging exercise was positively associated with participation in sport. Barriers were inversely associated with active living and sport. Total physical activity was positively associated with workplace incentives for exercise, favorable policy attitudes toward supporting physical education in schools and supporting the use of government funds for biking trails, and it was inversely associated with barriers. There were no factors associated with physical activity in the domains of work or home care.ConclusionsCorrelates of physical activity are unique to the domain in which this behavior occurs. Programs to increase physical activity in rural adults should target policy attitudes, neighborhood characteristics, and social support from friends while also working to decrease personal barriers to exercise.
Heart Smart for Women: A Community‐Based Lifestyle Change Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Rural Women
Authors: Khare Manorama M. , Koch Abby , Zimmermann Kristine , Moehring Patricia A. , Geller Stacie E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPurposeCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for rural women in the United States. Lifestyle change interventions in group settings focused on increasing physical activity and improving nutrition have been shown to help reduce the risk for CVD. This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of Heart Smart for Women (HSFW), a 12‐week lifestyle behavior change intervention to reduce CVD risk for women in the rural southernmost 7 counties (S7) of Illinois.MethodsThe HSFW evidence‐based lifestyle intervention was delivered by a trained facilitator in 12 weekly 1‐hour sessions to groups of women in the rural S7 region of Illinois. Dietary and physical activity assessments were collected at baseline, postintervention, and 1 year. Clinical measurements were taken at baseline, 6 months and 1 year. Data were analyzed for change in behavioral and clinical outcomes over time.FindingsIn total, 162 women completed HSFW in 13 communities across the S7 region. HSFW participants showed improvement in dietary and physical activity indicators at the end of the 12‐week intervention, but only increases in vegetable consumption and physical activity were sustained over 1 year. A decrease in total cholesterol was observed at 6 months but not maintained at 1 year.ConclusionsHSFW led to short‐term, moderate changes in nutrition and physical activity in rural women, but some health improvements were not sustained at 1 year. These findings suggest that more intensive follow‐up maybe required to help maintain long‐term behavior change, especially in rural areas where women are geographically dispersed.
Tips and Tricks of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Reservoir Placement: A Case Presentation and Discussion
Authors: Simon Ross , Hakky Tariq S. , Henry Gerard , Perito Paul , Martinez Daniel , Parker Justin , Carrion Rafael E. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
There have been many advances in the inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) since the 1970s. While these devices were initially fraught with mechanical malfunction, the most recent models prove to be much more reliable. Although reservoir complications are not common, when they do occur, it typically involves damage to the surrounding tissues. The ability to recognize and treat these complications is paramount for any surgeon that routinely places IPPs.

Aim
The aim of this article was to present a unique reservoir-related complication as well as perform a literature review of reservoir-related complications and techniques for reservoir placement, and provide a summary of dimensions and technical aspects of commonly used reservoirs.

Methods
We reviewed a unique reservoir-related complication that presented to our institution with urinary retention and constipation. We also reviewed reservoir-related complications since 1984, reviewed the most recent surgical techniques involved in reservoir placement, and summarized the dimensions and technical characteristics of both the American Medical System® and Coloplast® reservoirs.

Main Outcome Measure
A reservoir-related complication that resulted in urinary retention and constipation is the main outcome measure.

Results
Although uncommon, reservoir complications do occur. The most common case report complication in the published literature is bladder erosion followed by external iliac compression, ileal conduit erosion, and small bowel obstruction. The case that presented at our institution was the result of a reservoir that was improperly placed in the perineum, causing urinary retention and constipation due to the compression of the bulbar urethra and rectum.

Conclusions
In this era, mechanical failures of IPP reservoirs are rare as most complications occur due to damage of the surrounding tissues. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these complications are important for any surgeon that implants IPPs.
Clinical relevance and cellular source of elevated soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in acute liver failure
Authors: Koch Alexander , Zimmermann Henning W. , Gassler Nikolaus , Jochum Christoph , Weiskirchen Ralf , Bruensing Jan , Buendgens Lukas , Dückers Hanna , Bruns Tony , Gerken Guido , Neumann Ulf P. , Adams David H. , Trautwein Christian , Canbay Ali , Tacke Frank 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsAcute liver failure (ALF) is a life‐threatening condition with a high mortality rate. The expression of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR, CD87) and release of its shedded receptor into serum as soluble uPAR (suPAR) have been closely related to immune activation and prognosis in systemic inflammation and cirrhosis. We now aimed at investigating the clinical relevance and cellular source of uPAR and circulating suPAR in ALF.MethodsSerum suPAR concentrations were measured in 48 ALF patients and 62 healthy controls from a German liver transplantation centre. Hepatic immune cell subsets and uPAR expression were studied by FACS, qPCR and immunohistochemistry.ResultsCirculating suPAR levels were significantly increased in ALF patients, independent from the underlying aetiology, in comparison to controls. Serum suPAR concentrations were closely correlated with parameters reflecting liver cell injury, decreased liver function and the model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score inALFpatients. By immunohistochemistry from explanted livers,ALFwas associated with distinct immune cell accumulation and strong up‐regulation of intrahepatic uPAR mRNA expression. CD87 (uPAR) expression was specifically detected on intrahepatic ‘non‐classical’ monocytes (CD14+CD16+), NKT and CD56dimNK cells isolated from human liver, but not on parenchymal or other non‐parenchymal hepatic cell types. Membrane‐bound uPAR was rapidly cleaved from monocytes upon inflammatory stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and partially by co‐cultured lymphocytes.ConclusionsSimilar to its prognostic properties in patients with sepsis or cirrhosis, intrahepatic uPAR activation and serum suPAR concentrations might serve as an interesting biomarker in ALF.
Reappraisal of serum alpha‐foetoprotein as a surveillance test for hepatocellular carcinoma during entecavir treatment
Authors: Kim Gi‐Ae , Seock Chang Hyeon , Park Jang Won , An Jihyun , Lee Kwang‐Sun , Yang Jee Eun , Lim Young‐Suk , Kim Kang Mo , Shim Ju Hyun , Lee Danbi , Lee Han Chu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsThe aim of this study was to re‐evaluate the diagnostic performance of alpha‐foetoprotein (AFP) as a surveillance test for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related chronic liver disease who were treated with entecavir (ETV).MethodsBetween January 2007 and August 2012, we analysed 373 treatment‐naïve patients with HBV‐related chronic hepatitis (n = 229) or cirrhosis (n = 144) who were candidates for surveillance test, and were treated with ETV (0.5 mg/day) for longer than 12 months. To minimize the effect of AFP elevation caused by hepatitis activity, serum AFP levels were measured 12 months after the initiation of ETV treatment.ResultsHepatocellular carcinoma developed in 28 patients (7.5%) during a median follow‐up period of 48.0 months (IQR = 40.5–57.3 months). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for AFP was 0.71 (95% CI = 0.59–0.84). The optimal AFP cut‐off value was 13 ng/ml, leading to a sensitivity of 50.0%, specificity of 98.8%, positive predictive value of 77.8% and negative predictive value of 96.1%. In multivariate Cox analysis, an older age, the presence of cirrhosis and AFP levels of ≥20 ng/ml at 12 months after treatment were found to be significantly associated with an increased incidence of HCC.ConclusionsThe role of serum AFP as a surveillance test should be re‐evaluated in patients with HBV‐related chronic liver diseases who were treated with antiviral therapy.
miR‐181a mediates TGF‐β‐induced hepatocyte EMT and is dysregulated in cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer
Authors: Brockhausen Jennifer , Tay Szun S. , Grzelak Candice A. , Bertolino Patrick , Bowen David G. , d'Avigdor William M. , Teoh Narcy , Pok Sharon , Shackel Nick , Gamble Jennifer R. , Vadas Mathew , McCaughan Geoff W. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in the processes of embryogenesis, tissue fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) has been identified as a key driver of EMT and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim was to identify microRNA (miR) expression in TGF‐β‐induced hepatocyte EMT.MethodsWe treated a human hepatocyte cell line PH5CH8 with TGF‐β to induce an EMT‐like change in phenotype and then identified dysregulated miRs using TaqMan Low Density Arrays. MiR expression was altered using miR‐181a mimic and inhibitor in the same system and gene changes were identified using TaqMan gene arrays. MiR‐181a gene expression was measured in human and mouse cirrhotic or HCC liver tissue samples. Gene changes were identified in rAAV‐miR‐181a‐expressing mouse livers using TaqMan gene arrays.ResultsWe identified miR‐181a as a miR that was significantly up‐regulated in response to TGF‐β treatment. Over‐expression of a miR‐181a mimic induced an in vitro EMT‐like change with a phenotype similar to that seen with TGF‐β treatment alone and was reversed using a miR‐181a inhibitor. MiR‐181a was shown to be up‐regulated in experimental and human cirrhotic and HCC tissue. Mouse livers expressing rAAV‐miR‐181a showed genetic changes associated with TGF‐β signalling and EMT.ConclusionsMiR‐181a had a direct effect in inducing hepatocyte EMT and was able to replace TGF‐β‐induced effects in vitro. MiR‐181a was over‐expressed in cirrhosis and HCC and is likely to play a role in disease pathogenesis.
High‐Volume Lesions Using a New Second‐Generation Open Irrigation Radiofrequency Catheter Are Associated with the Development of Inhomogeneous Lesions
Authors: AKCA FERDI , HUBAY MARTHA , ZIMA ENDRE , SZÉPLAKI GÁBOR , VÉGH ESZTER M. , SKOPÁL JUDIT , LENDVAI ZSUZSANNA , THEUNS DOMINIC , MERKELY BELA , SZILI‐TOROK TAMAS 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundAfter catheter ablation there is often a discrepancy between acute and chronic success rates. We aimed to evaluate major determinants for lesion quality and understand different manifestations of lesion structures.MethodsIn a canine thigh muscle model radiofrequency (RF) current was delivered for 60 seconds at 30 W (n = 39) or 50 W (n = 18) with 15‐g contact force. A second‐generation 12‐hole gold open irrigation catheter (SGIT) and a first‐generation six‐hole platinum‐iridium catheter (FGIT; Biotronik, Berlin, Germany) were used. Electrode and tissue temperatures (at the surface and 3.5‐mm and 7‐mm depth) were recorded and lesion dimensions were measured. Lesions with steam pops were excluded. Histological examination was performed to evaluate homogeneity of the lesions. Inhomogeneity was defined as a visual multiband lesion pattern indicating different histological characteristics.ResultsIn total 57 lesions were created. Seventeen lesions were excluded (steam pops) and 40 lesions were analyzed. A total number of 11 homogeneous and 29 inhomogeneous lesions were identified. Using the SGIT catheter 16.7% of the lesions was homogeneous and 83.3% inhomogeneous; for FGIT it was 43.8% and 56.2% (P = 0.065), respectively. Homogeneous lesions had lower volumes as compared to inhomogeneous lesions (514.0 ± 198.8 vs 914.8 ± 399.1 mm, P = 0.003). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the SGIT catheter is a significant predictor for inhomogeneous lesions (odds ratio 6.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1–38.8; P = 0.040) independent from power setting and flow rate.ConclusionsThe development of inhomogeneous lesions after acute RF ablation is associated with higher lesion volumes and the use of the second‐generation irrigation gold‐tip catheter.
Cord blood LC‐PUFA composition and allergic diseases during the first 10 yr. Results from the LISAplus study
Authors: Standl Marie , Demmelmair Hans , Koletzko Berthold , Heinrich Joachim 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundIt has been suggested that n‐6 and n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs) in blood are associated with risk of allergic diseases, although results are inconclusive. Low levels of n‐6 LC‐PUFA and high levels of n‐3 LC‐PUFA are anticipated to have beneficial effects. Pregnancy is considered a critical time period for imprinting the developing immune system. We examined whether n‐6 LC‐PUFA, n‐3 LC‐PUFA concentrations or the n‐6/n‐3 ratio in cord blood (CB) serum are associated with allergic diseases up to the age of 10 yr.MethodsThis analysis included 436 children from the Munich LISAplus birth cohort study. Information on doctor‐diagnosed asthma, hay fever/allergic rhinitis, and eczema was collected using questionnaires completed at the ages 6 and 10 yr, and for eczema additionally at 2 yr. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against inhalant allergens was measured at 6 and 10 yr. Fatty acid composition was measured by gas chromatography in serum from CB and from blood collected at 2, 6, and 10 yr. Associations between n‐3, n‐6 LC‐PUFA concentrations, and the n‐6/n‐3 ratio in CB serum and allergic diseases or atopy were assessed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) considering the longitudinal structure. Models were adjusted for LC‐PUFA concentrations at follow‐up and potential confounding factors.ResultsThere was no significant association between n‐3 LC‐PUFA, n‐6 LC‐PUFA, or the n‐6/n‐3 ratio in CB serum with eczema, asthma, hay fever/allergic rhinitis, or aeroallergen sensitization.ConclusionsThere is no indication of a beneficial effect of increased n‐3 LC‐PUFA in CB serum on the development of any of the disease entities.
Leishmania braziliensis amastigotes stimulate production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10 and TGF‐β by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from nonendemic area healthy residents
Authors: Gomes C. M. , Ávila L. R. , Pinto S. A. , Duarte F. B. , Pereira L. I. A. , Abrahamsohn I. A. , Dorta M. L. , Vieira L. Q. , Ribeiro‐Dias F. , Oliveira M. A. P. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryLeishmania (Viannia) braziliensis causes cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis in several countries in Latin America. In mammals, the parasites live as amastigotes, interacting with host immune cells and stimulating cytokine production that will drive the type of the specific immune responses. Generation of Th17 lymphocytes is associated with tissue destruction and depends on IL‐1β, IL‐6, TGF‐β and IL‐23 production, whereas IL‐10 and TGF‐β are associated with tissue protection. Here, we evaluate whether amastigotes stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors to produce the major cytokines responsible for the generation of Th17. Seven L. (V.) braziliensis isolates from patients with different clinical forms of leishmaniasis were expanded in interferon‐γ knockout mice to obtain amastigotes and in culture to get promastigotes. The parasites were used to stimulate PBMCs from healthy donors, and cytokine production was evaluated by ELISA or qPCR. Amastigotes and promastigotes induced IL‐10 production in PBMCs; however, only amastigotes induced IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TGF‐β. These data demonstrate for the first time that L. (V.) braziliensis amastigotes directly stimulate production of a unique pattern of cytokines that could contribute to the generation of Th17.
Experimental Analysis of Various Types of Road Intersections for Interchange Detection
Authors: Zhou Qi , Li Zhilin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRoad interchanges are a major pattern type in road networks. Recognition of road interchanges benefits automated road network generalization, car navigation and traffic flow analysis. This study first investigated several existing approaches to automatically detecting interchanges in a road network, and determined that the recognition of characteristic road intersections is essential for the effective detection of interchanges. Several experiments were carried out to investigate nine types of road intersections for interchange detection and to analyze characteristic ones. Furthermore, an approach to the detection of both intersections and segments of interchanges was proposed and validated. The road networks across different scales were tested and results show that: (1) the T‐shaped and Cross‐shaped junctions are very common in road networks, but they are not the most characteristic ones for interchange detection; (2) the y‐shaped, Y‐shaped types, X‐shaped, Fork‐shaped and Multi‐leg may be the characteristic types for interchange detection; (3) the proposed approach to detecting interchanges is effective, and most of the intersections and segments of interchanges can be detected. In addition, taking multiple characteristic types into consideration for interchange detection is suggested.