bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of nimesulide on testicular functions in prepubertal albino rats
Authors: Ugochukwu Agbasi Patrick , Ebere Orisakwe Orish , Okwuoma Abanobi 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background: Daily consumption of painkillers has almost become a routine in many parts of Africa and Asia due to manual labor, especially in young adults. In view of the wide-scale use of painkillers in many parts of Africa and Asia, it is feared that the use of nimesulide may constitute an appreciable public health risk. The present work is aimed at assessing the long-term testicular toxicity of nimesulide in growing male albino rats.

Methods: Male albino rats aged 4–5 weeks and weighing between 36 and 42 g were obtained from the Toxicology Unit of the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. The animals were housed singly in a cross-ventilated room at a temperature 22°C±3°C and a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle. They were fed with standard rat pellets (Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Ikeja, Nigeria) and were given water ad libitum. The rats were divided into three groups of five rats each: the first and second groups orally received 5 and 7.5 mg/kg/day of nimesulide, respectively, whereas the third group did not receive any drug and acted as controls for 56 days. Weekly body weight of each rat was taken. Blood samples were collected on the 56th day by cardiac puncture, and serum samples were frozen until analysis. Rats were sacrificed under ether anesthesia. Epididymal semen number was counted using a Neubauer counting chamber. Sperm motility was assayed microscopically within 5 min at 37°C. Estradiol and testosterone were analyzed with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay using Elecsys autoanalyzer, model 1010 (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). The testes were excised, weighed, and fixed in Bouin fluid and processed for histopathology.

Results: Treatment with nimesulide did not significantly affect body weight, absolute and relative testis weights, or epididymal sperm number, but there were significant differences in testosterone and estradiol levels. At the doses studied, there were no significant changes in testicular architecture except for mild degenerative changes.

Conclusions: In conclusion, nimesulide at normal therapeutic doses may not be spermatoxic, but it is feared that at higher doses, it may have testicular toxicity in albino rats.
Sodium-Dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 Deficiency Causes Hypomyelination and Extracellular Matrix Defects in the Peripheral Nervous System
Authors: Gess Burkhard , Röhr Dominik , Fledrich Robert , Sereda Michael W. , Kleffner Ilka , Humberg Anne , Nowitzki Johanna , Strecker Jan-Kolja , Halfter Hartmut , Young Peter 
Published: November 2011

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is necessary for myelination of Schwann cell/neuron cocultures and has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of a Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy 1A (CMT1A) mouse model. Although clinical studies revealed that ascorbic acid treatment had no impact on CMT1A, it is assumed to have an important function in peripheral nerve myelination and possibly in remyelination. However, the transport pathway of ascorbic acid into peripheral nerves and the mechanism of ascorbic acid function in peripheral nervesin vivoremained unclear.In this study, we used sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2-heterozygous (SVCT2+/−) mice to elucidate the functions of SVCT2 and ascorbic acid in the murine peripheral nervous system. SVCT2 and ascorbic acid levels were reduced in SVCT2+/−peripheral nerves. Morphometry of sciatic nerve fibers revealed a decrease in myelin thickness and an increase in G-ratios in SVCT2+/−mice. Nerve conduction velocities and sensorimotor performance in functional tests were reduced in SVCT2+/−mice. To investigate the mechanism of ascorbic acid function, we studied the expression of collagens in the extracellular matrix of peripheral nerves. Here, we show that expression of various collagen types was reduced in sciatic nerves of SVCT2+/−mice. We found that collagen gene transcription was reduced in SVCT2+/−mice but hydroxyproline levels were not, indicating that collagen formation was regulated on the transcriptional and not the posttranslational level. These results help to clarify the transport pathway and mechanism of action of ascorbic acid in the peripheral nervous system and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to peripheral neuropathies by manipulation of SVCT2 function.
Impact of ethnicity on gestational diabetes identified with the WHO and the modified International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Jenum Anne K , Mørkrid Kjersti , Sletner Line , Vange Siri , Torper Johan L , Nakstad Britt , Voldner Nanna , Rognerud-Jensen Odd H , Berntsen Sveinung , Mosdøl Annhild , Skrivarhaug Torild , Vårdal Mari H , Holme Ingar , Yajnik Chittaranjan S , Birkeland Kåre I 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveThe International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) recently proposed new criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We compared prevalence rates, risk factors, and the effect of ethnicity using the World Health Organization (WHO) and modified IADPSG criteria.MethodsThis was a population-based cohort study of 823 (74% of eligible) healthy pregnant women, of whom 59% were from ethnic minorities. Universal screening was performed at 28±2 weeks of gestation with the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Venous plasma glucose (PG) was measured on site. GDM was diagnosed as per the definition of WHO criteria as fasting PG (FPG) ≥7.0 or 2-h PG ≥7.8 mmol/l; and as per the modified IADPSG criteria as FPG ≥5.1 or 2-h PG ≥8.5 mmol/l.ResultsOGTT was performed in 759 women. Crude GDM prevalence was 13.0% with WHO (Western Europeans 11%, ethnic minorities 15%,P=0.14) and 31.5% with modified IADPSG criteria (Western Europeans 24%, ethnic minorities 37%,P< 0.001). Using the WHO criteria, ethnic minority origin was an independent predictor (South Asians, odds ratio (OR) 2.24 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–3.97); Middle Easterners, OR 2.13 (1.12–4.08)) after adjustments for age, parity, and prepregnant body mass index (BMI). This increased OR was unapparent after further adjustments for body height (proxy for early life socioeconomic status), education and family history of diabetes. Using the modified IADPSG criteria, prepregnant BMI (1.09 (1.05–1.13)) and ethnic minority origin (South Asians, 2.54 (1.56–4.13)) were independent predictors, while education, body height and family history had little impact.ConclusionGDM prevalence was overall 2.4-times higher with the modified IADPSG criteria compared with the WHO criteria. The new criteria identified many subjects with a relatively mild increase in FPG, strongly associated with South Asian origin and prepregnant overweight.
Structural comparison of endomorphin-2 and its conformationally restricted analog
Authors: Borics Attila , Gach Katarzyna , Fichna Jakub , Sobolewski Dariusz , Toth Géza , Janecka Anna 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
In the present study, the effect of a conformational constraint introduced into the endomorphin-2 (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2, EM-2) structure was studied using computational analysis and radioligand binding assay. EM-2 was modified by connecting nitrogen atoms of both phenylalanine residues by a methylene bridge. The obtained analog did not bind to the µ- or δ-opioid receptors in the in vitro studies. The computational analysis of this analog showed twisted, type IV turns and the absence of canonical β-turns typical for the EM-2 structure, which can be explained by the lack of hydrogen bonds involving Phe4. Our results show that the introduction of chemical constraint in the EM-2 structure has a significant effect on opioid receptor affinity and in vitro bioactivity.
Coagulation and UF treatment of pulp and paper mill wastewater in comparison
Authors: Simonič Marjana , Vnučec Doroteja 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
A study using coagulation-flocculation and ultrafiltration (UF)methods for pulp and paper mills’ wastewater (WW)was carried out. The reduction efficiencies of turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD), the removal efficiency of total suspended solids (TSS) and absorbance at 254 nm were the main evaluating parameters. Using coagulation-flocculation, the efficiencies of alum and polyaluminum chloride (PACl)were studied, when used alone and when coupled with flocculant aids. During the coagulation-flocculation process, use of a single coagulant, the coagulant dosage, and the pH, play an important role in determining the coagulation efficiency. At the optimum PACl dosage of 840 mg L−1 and optimum pH of 9.0, turbidity reduction was found to be 94.5%. A combination of inorganic coagulant and flocculant, or polymer was applied, in which PACl was used coupled with the polyelectrolytes Organopol WPB20 and WPB40. PACl coupled with Organopol WPB20 by optimal pH 9 gave a 98.3% reduction of turbidity, 91.9% removal of TSS, and a 60.2% reduction in COD. Ultrafiltration trials were carried out on a pilot scale. A tubular module was used with ceramic membrane. This membrane is a multi-channel membrane with an active surface layer made of Al2O3 and ZrO2. Within the acidic range, the turbidity and TSS were removed at above 99%.
Interfacial tension of bilayer lipid membranes
Authors: Petelska Aneta 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Interfacial tension is an important characteristic of a biological membrane because it determines its rigidity, thus affecting its stability. It is affected by factors such as medium pH and by the presence of certain substances, for example cholesterol, other lipids, fatty acids, amines, amino acids, or proteins, incorporated in the lipid bilayer. Here, the effects of various parameters to on interfacial tension values of bilayer lipid membranes are discussed.
The mathematically derived and experimentally confirmed results presented in this paper are of importance to the interpretation of phenomena occurring in lipid bilayers. These results can lead to a better understanding of the physical properties of biological membranes. The simple interfacial tension method proposed herein may be successfully used to determine the interfacial tension values of 1:1 lipid-lipid, lipid-cholesterol, lipid-fatty acid, lipid-amine, and lipid-amino acid systems.
A study of photodegradation of quetiapine by the use of LC-MS/MS method
Authors: Skibiński Robert 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Photodegradation of quetiapine under UVC irradiation in methanol solution was investigated and structural elucidation of its photodegradation products was performed with the use of the reversed phase UHPLC system coupled with accurate mass hybrid ESI-Q-TOF mass spectrometer. During one run all essential data for the determination of photodegradation kinetics and for the structural elucidation of the products was collected with the use of auto MS/MS mode. Five degradation products were found and their masses and formulas were obtained with high accuracy (0.26–5.02 ppm). For all the analyzed compounds, MS/MS fragmentation spectra were also obtained allowing structural elucidation of the unknown degradation products and indicating photodegradation pathways of quetiapine. The main photodegradation product was identified as 2-[2-[4-(5-oxidodibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepin-11-yl)-1-piperazinyl]ethoxy]-ethanol and the photodegradation reaction yields the first-order kinetics with the rate constant k = 0.1094 h−1.
Diagnostic Accuracy of IGA Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody Testing in Celiac Disease
Authors: Eremić Nevena , Đerić Mirjana , Hadnađev Ljiljana 
Published: November 2011

Diagnostic Accuracy of IGA Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody Testing in Celiac DiseaseContemporary guidelines for the first-line diagnosis of celiac disease recommend determination of IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies or IgA antiendomysial antibodies, as well as total serum IgA antibodies. The aim of our study was to assess the validity and clinical significance of serological testing for IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies in the diagnosis of celiac disease, and to investigate the presence of malabsorption symptoms in celiac patients. IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody testing was performed in 50 subjects with clinically suspected celiac disease (21 men and 29 women). All subjects underwent endoscopy with small intestine biopsy. Celiac disease was confirmed by histopathological findings in four subjects, whereas the IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase test was positive in three subjects. The IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase test showed sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 100%. There were significant differences between men with biopsy-confirmed and excluded celiac disease in the erythrocyte parameters MCV (96.5±7.7 vs. 78.6 ±11.3; p<0.05), MCH (36.9±4.6 vs. 25.9±4.9; p<0.01), and MCHC (382.5±16.3 vs. 326.9±19.1; p<0.005), as well as in the levels of total protein (47.5 ±16.3 vs. 68.3 ± 7.6; p<0.01) and albumins (24.6±9.5 vs. 42.1 ± 6.9; p<0.01). In addition, HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower in men with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease (0.42.±0.12 vs. 0.90±0.30; p<0.05). Our results show a high correlation between IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase testing and endoscopy with biopsy as the gold diagnostic standard.
Contemporary Changes in Vegetation of Polar Regions
Authors: Olech Maria , Węgrzyn Michał , Lisowska Maja , Słaby Agnieszka , Angiel Piotr 
Published: November 2011

Contemporary Changes in Vegetation of Polar RegionsRapid climate changes which have been observed over the recent years in both polar regions of the Earth, directly or indirectly affect vegetation dynamics. This article presents the main directions of the changes taking place in the recent years in tundra communities of both polar regions, based on original research carried out in the Arctic in Spitsbergen and in the maritime Antarctic on King George Island.
Accelerating progress in Artificial General Intelligence: Choosing a benchmark for natural world interaction
Authors: Rohrer Brandon 
Published: November 2011

Accelerating progress in Artificial General Intelligence: Choosing a benchmark for natural world interactionMeasuring progress in the field of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) can be difficult without commonly accepted methods of evaluation. An AGI benchmark would allow evaluation and comparison of the many computational intelligence algorithms that have been developed. In this paper I propose that a benchmark for natural world interaction would possess seven key characteristics: fitness, breadth, specificity, low cost, simplicity, range, and task focus. I also outline two benchmark examples that meet most of these criteria. In the first, the direction task, a human coach directs a machine to perform a novel task in an unfamiliar environment. The direction task is extremely broad, but may be idealistic. In the second, the AGI battery, AGI candidates are evaluated based on their performance on a collection of more specific tasks. The AGI battery is designed to be appropriate to the capabilities of currently existing systems. Both the direction task and the AGI battery would require further definition before implementing. The paper concludes with a description of a task that might be included in the AGI battery: the search and retrieve task.
The Impact of a Health Education Program Targeting Patients with High Visit Rates in a Managed Care Organization
Authors: Dally Diana L. , Dahar Wendy , Scott Ann , Roblin Douglas , Khoury Allan T. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To determine if a mailed health promotion program reduced outpatient visits while improving health status. Design. Randomized controlled trial. Setting. A midsized, group practice model, managed care organization in Ohio. Subjects. Members invited (N = 3214) were high utilizers, 18 to 64 years old, with hypertension, diabetes, or arthritis (or all). A total of 886 members agreed to participate, and 593 members returned the initial questionnaires. The 593 members were randomized to the following groups: 99 into arthritis treatment and 100 into arthritis control, 94 into blood pressure treatment and 92 into blood pressure control, and 104 into diabetes treatment and 104 into diabetes control. Measures. Outpatient utilization, health status, and self-efficacy were followed over 30 months. Interventions. Health risk appraisal questionnaires were mailed to treatment and control groups before randomization and at 1 year. The treatment group received three additional condition-specific (arthritis, diabetes, or hypertension) questionnaires and a health information handbook. The treatment group also received written health education materials and an individualized feedback letter after each returned questionnaire. The control group received condition-specific written health education materials and reimbursement for exercise equipment or fitness club membership after returning the 1-year end of the study questionnaire. Results. Changes in visit rates were disease specific. Parameter estimates were calculated from a Poisson regression model. For intervention vs. controls, the arthritis group decreased visits 4.84 per 30 months (p < 0.00), the diabetes group had no significant change, and the hypertension group increased visits 2.89 per 30 months (p < 0.05), the overall health status improved significantly (−6.5 vs. 2.3, p < 0.01) for the arthritis group but showed no significant change for the other two groups, and coronary artery disease and cancer risk scores did not change significantly for any group individually. Overall self-efficacy for intervention group completers improved by −8.6 points (p < 0.03) for the arthritis group, and the other groups showed no significant change. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that in a population of 18 to 64 years with chronic conditions, mailed health promotion programs might only benefit people with certain conditions.
The Relationship between National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Weight Guidelines and Concurrent Medical Costs in a Manufacturing Population
Authors: Wang Feifei , Schultz Alyssa B. , Musich Shirley , McDonald Tim , Hirschland David , Edington Dee W. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To explore the relationship between the 1998 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) weight guidelines and concurrent medical costs. Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. In a nationwide manufacturing corporation (General Motors Corporation). Subjects. A total of 177,971 employees, retirees, and their adult dependents who were enrolled in Indemnity/PPO health insurance plan during the years 1996 and 1997 and completed one health risk appraisal (HRA) in the same period. Measures. The participants were categorized into six weight groups according to the NHLBI 1998 guidelines (body mass index [BMI] <185, 185–24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9, 35–39.9, ≥40 kg/m2). The height and weight data were collected by self-reported values on an HRA or biometric screening completed during 1996 to 1997. To represent the typical medical costs in a given group, the median, instead of mean, medical charges were used in this article. The annual median medical charges (including drug charges) for years 1996 and 1997 were compared among the six weight groups by using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. The differences in median charges were also tested between the normal weight group and the other five groups for each of the 10 gender-age subgroups (five age groups: 19–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75+). Results. Overall median medical costs were consistent with the NHLBI weight guidelines. The normal-weight group costs the least and both underweight and overweight-obesity groups cost more. The median medical costs of the six weight groups were $3184, $2225, $2388, $2801, $3182, and $3753, respectively, with statistical differences existing between any two groups of the last five categories. The underweight groups, especially in females, were not consistent with the guidelines in the two young groups (ages 19–44 and 45–54). An inconsistent relationship between medical costs and BMI groups was seen in the oldest males (age 75+). Conclusions. The six weight groups defined by the 1998 NHLBI guidelines are consistent with concurrent medical costs. Except for the underweight group (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), medical costs gradually increased with BMI. Given that the prevalence of obesity continues to increase in western countries, effective weight control programs would help avoid a substantial amount of medical costs associated with overweight/obesity and related diseases.
Process Evaluation of a Monitoring Log System for Community Coalition Activities: Five-Year Results and Lessons Learned
Authors: Chalmers Maria L. , Housemann Robyn A. , Wiggs Imogene , Newcomb-Hagood Laura , Malone Bernard , Brownson Ross C. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. Coalitions can be a successful way to promote healthy initiatives throughout a community. To properly measure the success of coalition-based interventions, it is important to conduct a process evaluation of coalition activities and establish a system for evaluating outcomes. This article describes a process evaluation of a monitoring and feedback system for community coalitions targeting chronic disease risk reduction. Methods. Community coalitions in six rural, southeast Missouri counties collaborated with the Missouri Department of Health and Saint Louis University to track coalition events using the process described in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention manual Evaluating Community Efforts to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases. Summary. First, we describe the methodology used to monitor monthly activities and to evaluate satisfaction with the process. Next, we discuss the data that resulted from the monitoring system and interviews with recorders. Third, we discuss changes made to the monitoring system and lessons learned along the way. Finally, we end with recommendations for incorporating this monitoring system in community practice. Conclusions. When used properly, this system is an effective way of evaluating and promoting sustainability of community interventions.
Parental, Family, and Home Characteristics Associated with Cigarette Smoking among Adolescents
Authors: Komro Kelli A. , McCarty Maribet C. , Forster Jean L. , Blaine Therese M. , Chen Vincent 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. This study examines the relationship between smoking-related parental, family, and home factors with adolescents' cigarette use. Design. Cross-sectional surveys of adolescents, via a self-administered questionnaire in classrooms, and their parents, via a telephone interview, were conducted. Setting. Fifteen suburban and rural communities within Minnesota. Subjects. The study sample included 8th, 9th, and 10th grade public school students and their parents. Measures. The dependent variable was monthly tobacco use among students. The independent measures were parental, family, and home smoking-related characteristics. There were 1343 parent-child dyads with completed surveys. Results. The final, multivariate logistic regression model found the following variables to be independently related to higher smoking rates among adolescents: child's grade (odds ratio [OR] = 3.03 for 10th vs. 8th), parents' permissiveness of adult smoking (OR = 1.80), parents' having higher normative estimates of how many people smoke (OR = 1.70), parents' decreased likelihood of punishing their teenager for smoking (OR = 1.65), smoking by an adult living in the home (OR = 1.99), and sibling smoking (OR = 8.95). Lack of communication about consequences for breaking family smoking rules was associated with lower smoking rates among adolescents (OR = .49). Conclusion. The results of this study highlight the importance of parental smoking norms and attitudes and smoking role models in the home. It is important that smoking prevention strategies target and include the entire family. Limitations of the study are its cross-sectional design and that the sample was primarily white.