bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crosstalk between circulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, adipokines and metabolic syndrome in obese subjects
Authors: Mirzaei Khadijeh , Hossein-nezhad Arash , Keshavarz Seyed Ali , Koohdani Fariba , Saboor-Yaraghi Ali Akbar , Hosseini Saeed , Eshraghian Mohammad Reza , Djalali Mahmoud 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has direct and indirect function in adipokines production process. We aimed to assess the possible influence of circulating PPARγ on relative risk of metabolic syndrome and also examine the association between circulating PPARγ and adipokines levels among obese subjects.

Methods
A total of 96 obese subjects (body mass index (BMI) ≥30) were included in the current cross-sectional study. We assessed the body composition with the use of Body Composition Analyzer BC-418MA - Tanita. The MetS (metabolic syndrome) was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. All baseline blood samples were obtained following an overnight fasting. Serum concentrations of adipokines including Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), omentin-1, vaspin, progranulin, nesfatin-1 and circulating PPARγ was measured with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Statistical analyses were performed using software package used for statistical analysis (SPSS).

Results
We found main association between circulating PPARγ and body composition in obese population. The risk of metabolic syndrome in subjects with higher concentration of PPARγ was 1.9 fold in compared with lower concentration of PPARγ after adjustment for age, sex and BMI. There was significant association between PPARγ and adipokines, specially nesfatin-1 and progranulin. Defined adipokines pattern among participants demonstrated the markedly higher concentration of vaspin, RBP4 and nesfatin-1 in participants with MetS compared to non-MetS subjects.

Conclusions
It appears all of studied adipokines might have association with PPARγ level and might simultaneously be involve in some common pathway to make susceptible obese subjects for MetS.
Vascular Pool of Releasable Soluble VEGF Receptor-1 (sFLT1) in Women With Previous Preeclampsia and Uncomplicated Pregnancy
Authors: Weissgerber Tracey L. , Rajakumar Augustine , Myerski Ashley C. , Edmunds Lia R. , Powers Robert W. , Roberts James M. , Gandley Robin E. , Hubel Carl A. 
Published: December 2013

Context:
Research examining the source of excess soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1) in preeclampsia has focused on the placenta. The potential contribution of the releasable store of sFLT1 in the systemic vasculature is unknown.

Objective:
We asked whether the nonplacental releasable store of sFLT1 is larger in women with previous preeclampsia than in women with a previous uncomplicated pregnancy.

Design:
We administered heparin to nulligravid women and to women with previous preeclampsia or a previous uncomplicated pregnancy. We compared post-heparin sFLT1 concentrations with those observed in uncomplicated pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Setting:
The study was performed at Magee-Womens Hospital.

Patients:
Participants included nulligravidas (n = 8), women 6–24 months postpartum (previous uncomplicated pregnancy, n = 16; previous preeclampsia, n = 15), and pregnant women (uncomplicated pregnancy, n = 30; preeclampsia, n = 25).

Intervention:
Nonpregnant women received an unfractionated heparin bolus.

Main Outcome Measures:
Pre- and post-heparin plasma sFLT1, placental growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor were measured.

Results:
In nonpregnant women, heparin increased plasma sFLT1 by 250-fold (P &lt; .01), increased placental growth factor by 7-fold (P &lt; .01), and decreased free vascular endothelial growth factor (P &lt; .01). These changes did not differ between nulligravidas, women with previous preeclampsia, and women with a previous uncomplicated pregnancy. Post-heparin sFLT1 in nonpregnant women was higher than sFLT1 in uncomplicated pregnancy, but lower than sFLT1 in preeclampsia. Baseline and post-heparin sFLT1 were positively correlated (r2 = 0.19; P &lt; .01). Heparin increased the concentration of the 100-kDa sFLT1 isoform. Adding heparin to whole blood or plasma did not increase sFLT1.

Conclusions:
Nonpregnant women have a significant vascular store of releasable sFLT1. The size of this store does not differ between women with previous preeclampsia vs women with previous uncomplicated pregnancy.
Co-administration of hyaluronic acid with local anaesthetics shows lower cytotoxicity than local anaesthetic treatment alone in bovine articular chondrocytes
Authors: Onur T. S. , Sitron C. S. , Dang A. 
Published: December 2013

Objective To study the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) on local anaesthetic chondrotoxicity in vitro. Methods Chondrocytes were harvested from bovine femoral condyle cartilage and isolated using collagenase-containing media. At 24 hours after seeding 15 000 cells per well onto a 96-well plate, chondrocytes were treated with media (DMEM/F12 + ITS), PBS, 1:1 lidocaine (2%):PBS, 1:1 bupivacaine (0.5%):PBS, 1:1 lidocaine (2%):HA, 1:1 bupivacaine (0. 5%):HA, or 1:1 HA:PBS for one hour. Following treatment, groups had conditions removed and 24-hour incubation. Cell viability was assessed using PrestoBlue and confirmed visually using fluorescence microscopy. Results Media-treated groups had a mean of 1.55×104 cells/well (sem 783). All treated cells showed statistically significant reduced viability when compared with media alone (all p < 0.003). Cells treated with bupivacaine + HA (6.70×103 cells/well (sem 1.10×103)) survived significantly more than bupivacaine (2.44×103 cells/well (sem 830)) (p < 0.001). Lidocaine + HA (1.45×103 cells/well (sem 596)) was not significantly more cytotoxic than lidocaine (2.24×103 cells/well (sem 341)) (p = 0.999). There was no statistical difference between the chondrotoxicities of PBS (8.49×103 cells/well (sem 730) cells/well) and HA (4.75×103 cells/well (sem 886)) (p = 0.294). Conclusions HA co-administration reduced anaesthetic cytotoxicity with bupivacaine but not lidocaine, suggesting different mechanisms of injury between the two. Co-administered intra-articular injections of HA with bupivacaine, but not lidocaine, may protect articular chondrocytes from local anaesthetic-associated death. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:270–5.
The role of leptin/adiponectin ratio in metabolic syndrome and diabetes
Authors: López-Jaramillo Patricio , Gómez-Arbeláez Diego , López-López Jose , López-López Cristina , Martínez-Ortega Javier , Gómez-Rodríguez Andrea , Triana-Cubillos Stefany 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The metabolic syndrome comprises a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors, with insulin resistance and adiposity as its central features. Identifying individuals with metabolic syndrome is important due to its association with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Attention has focused on the visceral adipose tissue production of cytokines (adipokines) in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as the levels of the anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin are decreased, while proinflammatory cytokines are elevated, creating a proinflammatory state associated with insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we will give special attention to the role of the leptin/adiponectin ratio. We have previously demonstrated that in individuals with severe coronary artery disease, abdominal obesity was uniquely related to decreased plasma concentrations of adiponectin and increased leptin levels. Leptin/adiponectin imbalance was associated with increased waist circumference and a decreased vascular response to acetylcholine and increased vasoconstriction due to angiotensin II. Leptin and adiponectin have opposite effects on subclinical inflammation and insulin resistance. Leptin upregulates proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6; these are associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In contrast, adiponectin has anti-inflammatory properties and downregulates the expression and release of a number of proinflammatory immune mediators. Therefore, it appears that interactions between angiotensin II and leptin/adiponectin imbalance may be important mediators of the elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases associated with abdominal obesity.
Effects of hormones on platelet aggregation
Authors: Farré Antonio López , Modrego Javier , Zamorano-León José J. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Platelets and their activation/inhibition mechanisms play a central role in haemostasis. It is well known agonists and antagonists of platelet activation; however, during the last years novel evidences of hormone effects on platelet activation have been reported. Platelet functionality may be modulated by the interaction between different hormones and their platelet receptors, contributing to sex differences in platelet function and even in platelet-mediated vascular damage. It has suggested aspects that apparently are well established should be reviewed. Hormones effects on platelet activity are included among them. This article tries to review knowledge about the involvement of hormones in platelet biology and activity.
Peripartum thromboprophylaxis before and after implementation of a uniform heparin protocol
Authors: Anderson Sarah B. , Lin Stephanie N. , Reiss Jonathan , Skupski Daniel , Grunebaum Amos 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Study design: The present study is a retrospective review of 500 consecutive births at one academic institution before and after implementation of a uniform thromboprophylaxis policy with heparin for all cesarean deliveries. An “opt-out” policy for ordering physicians was implemented by automatically defaulting to order heparin in the electronic order set used after cesarean delivery.

Results: Cesarean delivery rates were similar during both time periods. Heparin thromboprophylaxis was indicated in 99.6% of the cesarean delivery population before implementation and 94.5% after implementation. Prior to implementation only 5.7% received thromboprophylaxis compared to 96.1% after implementation, P<0.0001.

Conclusion: An opt-out heparin thromboprophylaxis policy improves compliance with thromboprophylaxis guidelines compared to an opt-in policy. Institutions should consider opt-out heparin thromboprophylaxis policies after cesarean deliveries to improve compliance with recommendations.
Cytomegalovirus infection among infants in California neonatal intensive care units, 2005–2010
Authors: Lanzieri Tatiana M. , Bialek Stephanie R. , Bennett Mihoko V. , Gould Jeffrey B. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Aim: To assess the burden of congenital and perinatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease among infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Methods: CMV infection was defined as a report of positive CMV viral culture or polymerase chain reaction at any time since birth in an infant hospitalized in a NICU reporting to California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative during 2005–2010.

Results: One hundred and fifty-six (1.7 per 1000) infants were reported with CMV infection, representing an estimated 5% of the expected number of live births with symptomatic CMV disease. Prevalence was higher among infants with younger gestational ages and lower birth weights. Infants with CMV infection had significantly longer hospital stays and 14 (9%) died.

Conclusions: Reported prevalence of CMV infection in NICUs represents a fraction of total expected disease burden from CMV in the newborn period, likely resulting from underdiagnosis and milder symptomatic cases that do not require NICU care. More complete ascertainment of infants with congenital CMV infection that would benefit from antiviral treatment may reduce the burden of CMV disease in this population.
Cellulose fibre-cellulose acetate hybrid composites with nanosilica
Authors: Pang Chaowei , Shanks Robert , Daver Fugen 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Biocomposites incorporating cellulose fibres, a renewable resource, have high modulus and strength and flexibility suitable for structural applications. Solution casting, ultrasonication, and compression moulding methods were used to prepare the specimens. Results show that plasticiser indeed improved the flexibility of the composite and adding fillers further enhanced the performance of the composite.
Morphology, mechanical, bound rubber, swelling, and dynamic mechanical studies of chlorobutyl elastomer nanocomposites: effect of multiwalled carbon nanotube and solvent
Authors: Tiwari Shashi K. , Sahoo Bibhu P. , Mahapatra Shyama P. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced chlorobutyl elastomer nanocomposites were prepared. The morphology of nanocomposite samples has been studied from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of MWCNT loadings on mechanical properties shows increase in tensile strength, hardness, and modulus and decrease in elongation at break with MWCNT loadings, which can be attributed toward better chlorobutyl-MWCNT interaction. At higher filler loading, the rate of increase slowly decreases. The above explanation was also verified from bound rubber (BdR) measurements, showing increase in BdR contents with MWCNT loading. Swelling of the nanocomposites in chloroform, benzene, and trichloroethylene was measured and found to be dependent on both MWCNT concentration and the type of solvent used. The degree of swelling, diffusion coefficient, and penetration rate was calculated. The effect of solvent on swelling properties at different periods of time shows that the degree of swelling increases with time and decreases with concentration of MWCNT loading. Dynamic mechanical properties of nanocomposites have been studied as a function of temperature (from -100°C to 100°C) at a constant frequency of 1 Hz and 1% strain. The effect of MWCNT loading on storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss tangent has been studied. The nonlinearity in tan δ and storage modulus and loss modulus was explained on the basis of MWCNT-elastomer interaction. The smooth Cole-Cole plots explain the nonlinearity in the nanocomposites as well as good distribution of MWCNT in the elastomer matrix.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Hate Crimes and Suicidality Among a Population-Based Sample of Sexual-Minority Adolescents in Boston
Authors: Duncan Dustin T. , Hatzenbuehler Mark L. 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We examined whether past-year suicidality among sexual-minority adolescents was more common in neighborhoods with a higher prevalence of hate crimes targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.Methods. Participants’ data came from a racially/ethnically diverse population-based sample of 9th- through 12th-grade public school students in Boston, Massachusetts (n = 1292). Of these, 108 (8.36%) reported a minority sexual orientation. We obtained data on LGBT hate crimes involving assaults or assaults with battery between 2005 and 2008 from the Boston Police Department and linked the data to the adolescent’s residential address.Results. Sexual-minority youths residing in neighborhoods with higher rates of LGBT assault hate crimes were significantly more likely to report suicidal ideation (P = .013) and suicide attempts (P = .006), than were those residing in neighborhoods with lower LGBT assault hate crime rates. We observed no relationships between overall neighborhood-level violent and property crimes and suicidality among sexual-minority adolescents (P > .05), providing evidence for specificity of the results to LGBT assault hate crimes.Conclusions. Neighborhood context (i.e., LGBT hate crimes) may contribute to sexual-orientation disparities in adolescent suicidality, highlighting potential targets for community-level suicide-prevention programs.
Analyzing Whether Countries Are Equally Efficient at Improving Longevity for Men and Women
Authors: Barthold Douglas , Nandi Arijit , Mendoza Rodríguez José M. , Heymann Jody 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We examined the efficiency of country-specific health care spending in improving life expectancies for men and women. Methods. We estimated efficiencies of health care spending for 27 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries during the period 1991 to 2007 using multivariable regression models, including country fixed-effects and controlling for time-varying levels of national social expenditures, economic development, and health behaviors. Results. Findings indicated robust differences in health-spending efficiency. A 1% annual increase in health expenditures was associated with percent changes in life expectancy ranging from 0.020 in the United States (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.008, 0.032) to 0.121 in Germany (95% CI = 0.099, 0.143). Health-spending increases were associated with greater life expectancy improvements for men than for women in nearly every OECD country. Conclusions. This is the first study to our knowledge to estimate the effect of country-specific health expenditures on life expectancies of men and women. Future work understanding the determinants of these differences has the potential to improve the overall efficiency and equity of national health systems.
Using Organizational Network Analysis to Plan Cancer Screening Programs for Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Lobb Rebecca , Carothers Bobbi J. , Lofters Aisha K. 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We examined relationships among organizations in a cancer screening network to inform the development of interventions to improve cancer screening for South Asians living in the Peel region of Ontario. Methods. From April to July 2012, we surveyed decision-makers, program managers, and program staff in 22 organizations in the South Asian cancer screening network in the Peel region. We used a network analytic approach to evaluate density (range = 0%–100%, number of ties among organizations in the network expressed as a percentage of all possible ties), centralization (range = 0–1, the extent of variability in centrality), and node characteristics for the communication, collaboration, and referral networks. Results. Density was similar across communication (15%), collaboration (17%), and referral (19%) networks. Centralization was greater in the collaboration network (0.30) than the communication network (0.24), and degree centralization was greater in the inbound (0.42) than the outbound (0.37) referral network. Diverse organizations were central to the networks. Conclusions. Certain organizations were unexpectedly important to the South Asian cancer screening network. Program planning was informed by identifying opportunities to strengthen linkages between key organizations and to leverage existing ties.
Raising Sexual Minority Youths’ Health Levels by Incorporating Resiliencies Into Health Promotion Efforts
Authors: Herrick Amy L. , Egan James E. , Coulter Robert W. S. , Friedman M. Reuel , Stall Ron 
Published: December 2013

Myriad health inequities that sexual minority youths (SMYs) experience have been documented over the past several decades. Evidence demonstrates that these are not a result of intrinsic characteristics; rather, they result from high levels of adversity that SMYs experience. Despite the pervasive marginalization that SMYs face, there is also evidence of great resilience within this population. It seems likely that if a culture of marginalization produces health inequities in SMYs, a culture of acceptance and integration can work to produce resiliencies.We have described how promoting forms of acceptance and integration could work to promote resilient SMYs despite an overarching culture of marginalization.Building on SMYs’ resiliencies may potentiate the effectiveness of health promotion interventions to reduce health disparities within this population.
Military Sexual Trauma Among US Servicewomen During Deployment: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Burns Bridgit , Grindlay Kate , Holt Kelsey , Manski Ruth , Grossman Daniel 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We explored qualitatively US servicewomen’s experiences with and perceptions of military sexual trauma (MST), reporting, and related services. Methods. From May 2011 to January 2012, we conducted 22 telephone interviews with US servicewomen deployed overseas between 2002 and 2011. We analyzed data thematically with modified grounded theory methods. Results. Factors identified as contributing to MST included deployment dynamics, military culture, and lack of consequences for perpetrators. Participants attributed low MST reporting to negative reactions and blame from peers and supervisors, concerns about confidentiality, and stigma. Unit cohesion was cited as both a facilitator and a barrier to reporting. Availability and awareness of MST services during deployment varied. Barriers to care seeking were similar to reporting barriers and included confidentiality concerns and stigma. We identified several avenues to address MST, including strengthening consequences for perpetrators. Conclusions. We identified barriers to MST reporting and services. Better understanding of these issues will allow policymakers to improve MST prevention and services.
Exploring Alcohol-Use Behaviors Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Adolescents: Intersections With Sex, Age, and Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Talley Amelia E. , Hughes Tonda L. , Aranda Frances , Birkett Michelle , Marshal Michael P. 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We examined sexual orientation status differences in alcohol use among youths aged 13 to 18 years or older, and whether differences were moderated by sex, age, or race/ethnicity. Methods. We pooled data from the 2005 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys and conducted weighted analyses, adjusting for complex design effects. We operationalized sexual orientation status with items assessing sexual orientation identity, sexual behavior, sexual attraction, or combinations of these. Results. Compared with exclusively heterosexual youths, sexual-minority youths were more likely to report each of the primary study outcomes (i.e., lifetime and past-month alcohol use, past-month heavy episodic drinking, earlier onset of drinking, and more frequent past-month drinking). Alcohol-use disparities were larger and more robust for (1) bisexual youths than lesbian or gay youths, (2) girls than boys, and (3) younger than older youths. Few differences in outcomes were moderated by race/ethnicity. Conclusions. Bisexual youths, sexual-minority girls, and younger sexual-minority youths showed the largest alcohol-use disparities. Research is needed that focuses on identifying explanatory or mediating mechanisms, psychiatric or mental health comorbidities, and long-term consequences of early onset alcohol use, particularly frequent or heavy use, among sexual-minority youths.