bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying the Stress and ‘Strength’ Hypothesis to Black Women's Breast Cancer Screening Delays
Authors: Black Angela Rose , Woods‐Giscombé Cheryl 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAssociations between stress and breast cancer highlight stressful life events as barriers to breast cancer screening, increased stress due to a breast cancer scare or diagnosis, or the immunosuppressive properties of stress as a risk factor for breast cancer occurrence. Little is known, however, about how women's reactions to stressful life events impact their breast health trajectory. In this study, we explore how reactions to stressors serve as a potential barrier to breast cancer screening among Black women. We apply a gender‐specific, culturally responsive stress‐process framework, the Stress and ‘Strength’ Hypothesis (“strength hypothesis”), to understand links between the ‘Strong Black Woman role’ role, Black women's stress reactions and their observed screening delays. We conceptualize strength as a culturally prescribed coping style that conditions resilience, self‐reliance and psychological hardiness as a survival response to race‐related and gender‐related stressors. Using qualitative methods, we investigate the potential for this coping mechanism to manifest as extraordinary caregiving, emotional suppression and self‐care postponement. These manifestations may result in limited time for scheduling and attending screening appointments, lack of or delay in acknowledgement of breast health symptoms and low prioritization of breast care. Limitations and future directions are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐operative Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Coping Strategies Adopted by Patients Experiencing Their First or Recurrent Brain Neoplasm: An Explorative Study
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Cecconi Marta , Moreale Renzo , Skrap Miran 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe main aims of this study were to evaluate the intensity of stress, anxiety and depression as well as the effectiveness of coping strategies adopted pre‐operatively in brain neoplasm patients. A descriptive–explorative study design was undertaken. During 2008, patients admitted to a large Italian hospital neurosurgical unit with their first (n = 21) or recurrent (n = 15) brain neoplasm, on the day before their surgical procedure, were consecutively recruited into the study. The Perceived Stress Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Jalowiec Coping Scale were administered via face‐to‐face interview. Patients with their first occurrence of neoplasm perceived the same stress intensity as those with recurrent neoplasm (mean ± standard deviation: 14.9 ± 6.7 versus 17.2 ± 8.8, p = 0.36). They also reported the same likelihood of anxiety at a borderline level (odds ratio (OR) 4.88, 95%CI 0.42 to 40.97, p = 0.06) and at a clinically relevant level (OR 0.32, 95%CI 0.01 to 5.37, p = 0.35) as well as the same likelihood of depression at a borderline level (OR 1.25, 95%CI 0.20 to 8.40, p = 0.78). Only one case of clinically relevant depression emerged among patients at their first diagnosis. Patients at their first occurrence, as well as those at recurrence, reported that they adopted optimistic coping strategies (mean 2.20, 95%CI 2.01 to 2.38 versus mean 1.96, 95%CI 1.71 to 2.20) and sought support (mean 1.81, 95%CI 1.58 to 2.05 versus mean 1.89, 95%CI 1.63 to 2.15). According to the findings of this exploratory study, on the pre‐operative day, brain neoplasm patients at their first diagnosis and at recurrence wish to confront the situation: they adopt optimistic coping strategies, they seek support and they wish to take a constructive problem‐solving approach. Knowledge of the intensity of stress, anxiety and depression as well as the coping strategies adopted by the patients is important for clinicians in their efforts to tailor care to patients' individual needs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal head–symphysis distance: a simple and reliable ultrasound index of fetal head station in labor
Authors: Youssef A. , Maroni E. , Ragusa A. , De Musso F. , Salsi G. , Iammarino M. T. , Paccapelo A. , Rizzo N. , Pilu G. , Ghi T. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo assess the reproducibility of measurement of a new sonographic index of fetal head station in labor, the fetal head–symphysis distance (HSD), using three‐dimensional ultrasound, and its correlation with digital assessment of fetal head descent and with the angle of progression (AoP).MethodsThree‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound volumes were acquired from 47 nulliparous women in active labor following assessment of fetal head station with digital examination. The HSD (the distance between the lower edge of the pubic symphysis and the nearest point of the fetal skull) was measured independently by two operators in order to evaluate intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility. The correlation between HSD, AoP and fetal head station was evaluated using regression analysis. Using 3D tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI), measurements of the HSD were obtained in different parasagittal planes to evaluate the influence of inaccurate alignment of the probe with the midline of the pelvis.ResultsMeasurement of HSD showed high intraobserver (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.995; 95% CI, 0.991–0.997) and interobserver (ICC = 0.991; 95% CI, 0.984–0.995) reliability. In addition, a high correlation was demonstrated between mid‐sagittal and parasagittal HSD measurements. HSD showed significant negative correlation with both fetal head station and AoP.ConclusionFetal HSD is a simple and reliable method for the assessment of fetal head descent in labor. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluid shift from intravascular compartment during fetal red blood cell transfusion
Authors: Kamping M. A. , Pasman S. A. , Bil ‐ van den Brink C. P. , Oepkes D. , Adama van Scheltema P. N. , Vandenbussche F. P. H. A. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesIntrauterine transfusion imposes a considerable burden on the fetal circulation by increasing volume and pressure, and a fluid shift from the fetal circulation occurs even during the procedure. The aim of this study was to quantify the intraprocedural fluid shift and to investigate the effect of procedural and fetal characteristics on this fluid shift.MethodsIn 95 alloimmunized pregnancies, we calculated fluid shift at the first intrauterine transfusion by determining initial and final blood volumes. We evaluated the association of the fluid shift with the speed and volume of the transfusion, the severity of anemia and the presence of hydrops.ResultsOf the included fetuses, 11 were mildly hydropic and four were severely hydropic. A mean fluid shift of 36% of the transfused volume was found. Fluid shift related positively to transfused volume (P < 0.001). The percentage fluid shift of transfused volume was inversely related to the speed of transfusion (mL/kg/min) (P < 0.041) and was not related to the severity of anemia (P = 0.55) or to hydrops (P = 0.66). It was found that younger fetuses had been unintentionally subject to high volumes and speeds of transfusion relative to their size.ConclusionsAround one‐third of the transfused volume is lost from the intravascular compartment during the procedure of intrauterine transfusion. There is a large variation between fetuses, partly explained by the volume and speed of the transfusion. Neither severity of anemia nor hydrops plays a clear‐cut role, and thus other factors may explain the variation in fluid shift. The probability that hematocrit will still increase after transfusion, as a result of a continuing fluid shift, should be considered in transfusion policy. Advice is given on gestational age‐adjusted speed of transfusion. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a processual microbial ontology
Authors: Bapteste Eric , Dupré John 
Published: November 2012

AbstractStandard microbial evolutionary ontology is organized according to a nested hierarchy of entities at various levels of biological organization. It typically detects and defines these entities in relation to the most stable aspects of evolutionary processes, by identifying lineages evolving by a process of vertical inheritance from an ancestral entity. However, recent advances in microbiology indicate that such an ontology has important limitations. The various dynamics detected within microbiological systems reveal that a focus on the most stable entities (or features of entities) over time inevitably underestimates the extent and nature of microbial diversity. These dynamics are not the outcome of the process of vertical descent alone. Other processes, often involving causal interactions between entities from distinct levels of biological organisation, or operating at different time scales, are responsible not only for the destabilisation of pre-existing entities, but also for the emergence and stabilisation of novel entities in the microbial world. In this article we consider microbial entities as more or less stabilised functional wholes, and sketch a network-based ontology that can represent a diverse set of processes including, for example, as well as phylogenetic relations, interactions that stabilise or destabilise the interacting entities, spatial relations, ecological connections, and genetic exchanges. We use this pluralistic framework for evaluating (i) the existing ontological assumptions in evolution (e.g. whether currently recognized entities are adequate for understanding the causes of change and stabilisation in the microbial world), and (ii) for identifying hidden ontological kinds, essentially invisible from within a more limited perspective. We propose to recognize additional classes of entities that provide new insights into the structure of the microbial world, namely “processually equivalent” entities, “processually versatile” entities, and “stabilized” entities.
Economic Incentives and Foster Child Adoption
Authors: Argys Laura , Duncan Brian 
Published: November 2012

AbstractEvery year, a large number of children in the United States enter the foster care system. Many of them are eventually reunited with their biological parents or quickly adopted. A significant number, however, face long-term foster care, and some of these children are eventually adopted by their foster parents. The decision by foster parents to adopt their foster child carries significant economic consequences, including forfeiting foster care payments while also assuming responsibility for medical, legal, and educational expenses, to name a few. Since 1980, U.S. states have begun to offer adoption subsidies to offset some of these expenses, significantly lowering the cost of adopting a child who is in the foster care system. This article presents empirical evidence of the role that these economic incentives play in foster parents’ decision of when, or if, to adopt their foster child. We find that adoption subsidies increase adoptions through two distinct price mechanisms: by lowering the absolute cost of adoption, and by lowering the relative cost of adoption versus long-term foster care.
Direct renin inhibition prevents cardiac dysfunction in a diabetic mouse model: comparison with an angiotensin receptor antagonist and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
Authors: Thomas Candice M. , Yong Qian Chen , Seqqat Rachid , Chandel Niketa , Feldman David L. , Baker Kenneth M. , Kumar Rajesh 
Published: November 2012

Hyperglycaemia up-regulates intracellular AngII (angiotensin II) production in cardiac myocytes, effects of which are blocked more effectively by renin inhibition than ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) or ACEis (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors). In the present study, we determined whether renin inhibition is more effective at preventing diabetic cardiomyopathy than an ARB or ACEi. Diabetes was induced in adult mice for 10 weeks by STZ (streptozotocin). Diabetic mice were treated with insulin, aliskiren (a renin inhibitor), benazeprilat (an ACEi) or valsartan (an ARB) via subcutaneous mini-pumps. Significant impairment in diastolic and systolic cardiac functions was observed in diabetic mice, which was completely prevented by all three RAS (renin–angiotensin system) inhibitors. Hyperglycaemia significantly increased cardiac oxidative stress and circulating inflammatory cytokines, which were blocked by aliskiren and benazeprilat, whereas valsartan was partially effective. Diabetes increased cardiac PRR (prorenin receptor) expression and nuclear translocation of PLZF (promyelocytic zinc finger protein), which was completely prevented by aliskiren and valsartan, and partially by benazeprilat. Renin inhibition provided similar protection of cardiac function to ARBs and ACEis. Activation of PLZF by PRR represented a novel mechanism in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Differential effects of the three agents on oxidative stress, cytokines and PRR expression suggested subtle differences in their mechanisms of action.
In situ chemistry and microbial community compositions in five deep‐sea hydrothermal fluid samples from Irina II in the Logatchev field
Authors: Perner Mirjam , Gonnella Giorgio , Hourdez Stephane , Böhnke Stefanie , Kurtz Stefan , Girguis Peter 
Published: November 2012

SummaryWe present data on the co‐registered geochemistry (in situ mass spectrometry) and microbiology (pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes; V1, V2, V3 regions) in five fluid samples from Irina II in the Logatchev hydrothermal field. Two samples were collected over 24 min from the same spot and further three samples were from spatially distinct locations (20 cm, 3 m and the overlaying plume). Four low‐temperature hydrothermal fluids from the Irina II are composed of the same core bacterial community, namely specific Gammaproteobacteria and Epsilonproteobacteria, which, however, differs in the relative abundance. The microbial composition of the fifth sample (plume) is considerably different. Although a significant correlation between sulfide enrichment and proportions of Sulfurovum (Epsilonproteobacteria) was found, no other significant linkages between abiotic factors, i.e. temperature, hydrogen, methane, sulfide and oxygen, and bacterial lineages were evident. Intriguingly, bacterial community compositions of some time series samples from the same spot were significantly more similar to a sample collected 20 cm away than to each other. Although this finding is based on three single samples only, it provides first hints that single hydrothermal fluid samples collected on a small spatial scale may also reflect unrecognized temporal variability. However, further studies are required to support this hypothesis.
Optimized dose of imatinib for treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Shang Long , Chen Ge , Zhao Yu Pei , Wu Wen Ming , Zhang Tai Ping 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of standard‐dose versus high‐dose imatinib.MethodsAfter a systematic review of English language articles, five studies including 2008 patients were eligible for the meta‐analysis. Data extracted from each study were synthesized into overall odds ratios (OR).ResultsThe overall OR for the high dose vs standard dose was 1.19 (95% CI 1.00–1.42) and the Z‐score for the overall effect was 1.93 (P = 0.054), suggesting that high‐dose imatinib added no survival benefits. The dose‐related toxicity was also assessed in the same way. The rates of rash, hemorrhage, nausea, vomiting and taste disturbance increased as dose increased (P < 0.05), whereas the incidence of headache, abdominal pain, edema, fatigue, anemia, infection, muscle cramp and constipation was nearly identical and showed no significant difference.ConclusionsImatinib at a standard dose produces a similar effect to that at a high dose. The severity of the toxicity is associated with the dose of imatinib. However, larger and randomized studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Alcohol Facilitates HCV RNA Replication Via Up‐Regulation of miR‐122 Expression and Inhibition of Cyclin G1 in Human Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Hou Wei , Bukong Terence N. , Kodys Karen , Szabo Gyongyi 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundClinical studies demonstrate synergistic liver damage by alcohol and hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, the mechanisms by which alcohol promotes HCV infection remain obscure. The liver‐specific microRNA‐122 (miR‐122) regulates HCV replication and expression of host genes, including Cyclin G1. Here, we hypothesized that alcohol regulates miR‐122 expression and thereby modulates HCV RNA replication.MethodsThe J6/JFH/Huh‐7.5 model of HCV infection was used in this study. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and confocal microscopy were used for experimental analysis.ResultsWe found that acute alcohol exposure (25 mM) significantly increased intracellular HCV RNA as well as miR‐122 levels in Huh‐7.5 and Huh‐7.5/CYP2E1 expressing cells in the presence and absence of J6/JFH‐HCV infection. Expression of the miR‐122 target, Cyclin G1, was inhibited by alcohol both in J6/JFH‐infected and uninfected Huh‐7.5 cells. The use of a miR‐122 inhibitor increased Cyclin G1 expression and prevented the alcohol‐induced increase in HCV RNA and protein levels, suggesting a mechanistic role for alcohol‐induced miR122 in HCV replication. We discovered that siRNA‐mediated silencing of Cyclin G1 significantly increased intracellular HCV RNA levels compared with controls, suggesting a mechanistic role for Cyclin G1 in HCV replication. Alcohol‐induced increase in miR‐122 was associated with increased nuclear translocation and DNA binding of the nuclear regulatory factor‐κB and could be prevented by NF‐κB inhibition.ConclusionsOur novel data indicate a miR‐122‐mediated mechanism for alcohol increasing HCV RNA replication. We show for the first time that Cyclin G1, a miR‐122 target gene, has regulatory effects on HCV replication and that alcohol increases HCV replication by regulating miR‐122 and Cyclin G1.
Pharmacological Characterization of the 20% Alcohol Intermittent Access Model in Sardinian Alcohol‐Preferring Rats: A Model of Binge‐Like Drinking
Authors: Sabino Valentina , Kwak Jina , Rice Kenner C. , Cottone Pietro 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundBinge drinking is defined as a pattern of alcohol drinking that brings blood alcohol levels to 80 mg/dl or above. In this study, we pharmacologically characterized the intermittent access to 20% ethanol (EtOH) model (Wise, Psychopharmacologia 1973;29:203) in Sardinian alcohol‐preferring (sP) rats to determine to which of the compounds known to reduce drinking in specific animal models this binge‐like drinking was sensitive to.MethodsAdult male sP rats were divided into 2 groups and allowed to drink either 20% v/v alcohol or water for 24 hours on alternate days (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) or 10% v/v alcohol and water for 24 hours every day. After stabilization of their intake, both groups were administered 3 pharmacological agents with different mechanisms of action, naltrexone—an opioid receptor antagonist, SCH 39166—a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, and R121919—a Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor 1 (CRF1) receptor antagonist, and their effects on alcohol and water intake were determined.ResultsIntermittent 20% alcohol (“Wise”) procedure in sP rats led to binge‐like drinking. Alcohol drinking was suppressed by naltrexone and by SCH 39166, but not by R121919. Finally, naltrexone was more potent in reducing alcohol drinking in the intermittent 20% binge‐drinking group than in the 10% continuous access drinking group.ConclusionsThe Wise procedure in sP rats induces binge‐like drinking, which appears opioid‐ and dopamine‐receptor mediated; the CRF1 system, on the other hand, does not appear to be involved. In addition, our results suggest that naltrexone is particularly effective in reducing binge drinking. Such different pharmacological responses may apply to subtypes of alcoholic patients who differ in their motivation to drink, and may eventually contribute to treatment response.
A comparison of clinical practice guidelines for proximal femoral fracture
Authors: Kearns R. J. , Moss L. , Kinsella J. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryClinical practice guidelines are designed to assist clinical decision‐making by summarising evidence and forming recommendations. The number of available guidelines is vast and they vary in relevance and quality. We reviewed guidelines relevant to the management of a patient with a fractured neck of femur and explored similarities and conflicts between recommendations. As guidelines are often produced in response to an area of clinical uncertainty, recommendations differ. This can result in a situation where the management of a particular clinical problem will depend upon which guideline is followed. We explore the reasons for such differences.
Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity
Authors: Bunchorntavakul C. , Reddy K. R. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryBackgroundHerbal and dietary supplements are commonly used throughout the World. There is a tendency for underreporting their ingestion by patients and the magnitude of their use is underrecognised by Physicians. Herbal hepatotoxicity is not uncommonly encountered, but the precise incidence and manifestations have not been well characterised.AimsTo review the epidemiology, presentation and diagnosis of herbal hepatotoxicity. This review will mainly discuss single ingredients and complex mixtures of herbs marketed under a single label.MethodsA Medline search was undertaken to identify relevant literature using search terms including ‘herbal’, ‘herbs’, ‘dietary supplement’, ‘liver injury’, ‘hepatitis’ and ‘hepatotoxicity’. Furthermore, we scanned the reference lists of the primary and review articles to identify publications not retrieved by electronic searches.ResultsThe incidence rates of herbal hepatotoxicity are largely unknown. The clinical presentation and severity can be highly variable, ranging from mild hepatitis to acute hepatic failure requiring transplantation. Scoring systems for the causality assessment of drug‐induced liver injury may be helpful, but have not been validated for herbal hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity features of commonly used herbal products, such as Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs, black cohosh, chaparral, germander, greater celandine, green tea, Herbalife, Hydroxycut, kava, pennyroyal, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, skullcap, and usnic acid, have been individually reviewed. Furthermore, clinically significant herb–drug interactions are also discussed.ConclusionsA number of herbal medicinal products are associated with a spectrum of hepatotoxicity events. Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis and the risks involved are needed to improve herbal medicine safety.
Rediscovering the Social Model of Childbirth
Authors: Kitzinger Sheila 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe assumption is often made that women in a traditional birth culture are bound to benefit by its replacement with a medical system. In a technocratic system, birth usually takes place in an alien environment among strangers, with routine use of invasive procedures that are promoted by multinational drug and equipment companies. For many women, it is an experience comparable to rape that leads to posttraumatic stress disorder. We need to rediscover woman‐to‐woman support, celebrate birth as a social process, and acknowledge that it is a political issue. (BIRTH 39:4 December 2012)