bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfusion medicine in American undergraduate medical education
Authors: Karp Julie K. , Weston Christine M. , King Karen E. 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion is the most common procedure performed in American hospitals, and transfusions are commonly ordered by physicians without formal training in transfusion medicine. Several transfusion medicine curricula have been proposed, including those developed through the Transfusion Medicine Academic Awards (TMAA). To our knowledge, no comprehensive study has assessed how transfusion medicine is incorporated into undergraduate medical education.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted an online survey to determine the manner in which transfusion medicine is incorporated into American undergraduate medical education. The survey was e‐mailed to administrators of medical education at all of the 129 American medical schools accredited by the Association of American Medical Colleges.RESULTS: Eighty‐six (67%) of the 129 identified medical school administrators responded. Seventy‐one (83%) of the 86 administrators reported that their undergraduate medical education curriculum provides didactic lectures in transfusion medicine, with 48% of medical schools providing 1 or 2 hours of lecture‐based instruction. A minority reported small group sessions devoted to transfusion medicine topics. While a slim majority reported the availability of transfusion medicine electives, only one of 84 administrators reported that such a rotation is required. Seventy‐six of 83 (92%) administrators were unfamiliar with either the 1989 or the 1995 TMAA transfusion medicine curricula.CONCLUSION: Transfusion medicine content in American undergraduate medical education is variable and the influence of the TMAA program on contemporary medical school curricula is questionable. Future efforts in this area should focus on standardizing and improving undergraduate medical education in transfusion medicine.
Excretion patterns of large and small proteins in pre‐eclamptic pregnancies
Authors: KRONBORG CAMILLA , VITTINGHUS ERIK , ALLEN JIM , KNUDSEN ULLA BRETH 
Published: May 2011

Abstract Objective. Pre‐eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication causing both fetal and maternal distress. Proteinuria is a diagnostic criterion frequently determined by albuminuria. We determined the protein excretion pattern of additional proteins, immunoglobulin G, transferrin, α1‐microglobulin and β2‐microglobulin, in urine samples collected prospectively during pre‐eclamptic and healthy pregnancies. Design. A prospective cohort study of 1 631 consecutive pregnant women. Setting. A Danish regional hospital. Sample. Thirty‐two women with pre‐eclampsia and 185 healthy control women were identified from the cohort. Urine samples were obtained from the 18th week until delivery and divided into six gestational intervals. Methods. Protein analyses of urine immunoglobulin G, transferrin, α1‐microglobulin and β2‐microglobulin were done with a sandwich ELISA method. Main Outcome Measures. Urine levels of specific proteins during pre‐eclamptic and healthy pregnancies. Results. Immunoglobulin G and transferrin were significantly increased in pre‐eclampsia after the 30th week of pregnancy. α1‐Microglobulin and β2‐microglobulin were differently excreted and found to be higher after the 36th week of pregnancy in pre‐eclampsia, but only α1‐microglobulin increased significantly. Conclusions. Immunoglobulin G, transferrin, α1‐ and β2‐microglobulin excretion patterns indicate initial glomerular damage followed by altered tubular handling of proteins.
Noninvasive measurement of fetal augmentation index by fetal aortic diameter pulse and flow velocity waveforms
Authors: MORI AKIRA , KONDO AKANE , HIRATA TAKAMICHI , TSUTSUI CHIHIRO 
Published: May 2011

Abstract Objective. To study fetal systemic arterial stiffness in normal fetuses and compromised fetuses who had umbilical placental insufficiency (UPI). Design. Prospective study. Setting. University departments. Sample. A total of 118 normal fetuses (21–40 weeks) and 55 fetuses (UPI group) with evidence of potential compromise (high umbilical artery pulsatility index). Methods. A new real‐time noninvasive measurement system based on a combined Doppler ultrasound and echo‐tracking system was used as a measure of aortic/systemic arterial stiffness. The augmentation index (AI) of the fetal thoracic descending aorta was measured by using simultaneous measurements of diameter pulse and flow velocity waveforms. Main Outcome Measure. Augmentation index as a measure of stiffness. Results. In normal fetuses, successful measurements for obtaining the AI were achieved in 103 of 118 fetuses. In the normal group, the AI, as well as placental resistance, decreased during the second trimester; in contrast, an increase in the AI was observed during the third trimester. Using the AI values from the normal group, the UPI group was divided into two subgroups: 29 fetuses with a normal AI and 26 fetuses with a high AI. The clinical outcome was significantly worse in the latter subgroup compared with the normal subgroup. Conclusions. The increase of afterload caused by a high umbilical placental resistance was associated with a decrease of aortic distensibility in the compromised fetuses, suggesting an alteration of aortic wall structure.
Placental IGF‐I, IGFBP‐1, zinc, and iron, and maternal and infant anthropometry at birth
Authors: Akram Shahzad K , Carlsson‐Skwirut Christine , Bhutta Zulfiqar A , Söder Olle 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAim:  To correlate placental protein levels of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)‐1, with previously determined levels of IGF‐I and IGF‐II mRNA expression, and the micronutrients zinc and iron, and maternal and newborn anthropometry.Methods:  Placental samples were collected from rural field sites in Pakistan. Samples were divided into small and large for gestational age groups (SGA and LGA, respectively). IGFBP‐1 levels were assessed using Western immunoblotting. IGF‐I protein levels were assessed using ELISA techniques. IGF mRNA expression, zinc, and iron, were quantified as previously described and were used for comparative purposes only.Results:  Thirty‐three subjects were included (SGA, n = 12; LGA n = 21). Higher levels of IGFBP‐1 were seen in the SGA group (p < 0.01). IGFBP‐1 correlated positively with maternal and infant triceps skin‐fold thickness in the LGA and SGA groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Significantly lower IGF‐I protein levels were seen in the SGA group. IGF‐I levels correlated significantly with maternal and newborn anthropometry. IGFBP‐1 correlated significantly with IGF‐II mRNA expression (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  Placental protein levels of IGF‐I and IGFBP‐1 appear to be associated with maternal anthropometry. Maternal anthropometry may thus influence IGFBP‐1 and IGF‐I levels and may possibly be used for screening of pregnancies, with the potential for timely identification of these high‐risk pregnancies.
Brassinosteroid Enhances Jasmonate‐Induced Anthocyanin Accumulation in Arabidopsis Seedlings
Authors: Peng Zhihong , Han Chengyun , Yuan Libing , Zhang Kun , Huang Hongman , Ren Chunmei 
Published: May 2011

Abstract Jasmonate (JA) regulates plant development, mediates defense responses, and induces anthocyanin biosynthesis as well. Previously, we isolated the psc1 mutant that partially suppressed coi1 insensitivity to JA, and found that brassinosteroid (BR) was involved in JA signaling and negatively regulated JA inhibition of root growth in Arabidopsis. In this study it was shown that JA‐induced anthocyanin accumulation was reduced in BR mutants or in wild type treated with brassinazole, an inhibitor of BR biosynthesis, whereas it was induced by an application of exogenous BR. It was also shown that the ‘late’ anthocyanin biosynthesis genes including DFR, LDOX, and UF3GT, were induced slightly by JA in the BR mutants relative to wild type. Furthermore, the expression level of JA‐induced Myb/bHLH transcription factors such as PAP1, PAP2, and GL3, which are components of the WD‐repeat/Myb/bHLH transcriptional complexes that mediate the ‘late’ anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, was lower in the BR mutants than that in wild type. These results suggested that BR affects JA‐induced anthocyanin accumulation by regulating the ‘late’ anthocyanin biosynthesis genes and this regulation might be mediated by the WD‐repeat/Myb/bHLH transcriptional complexes.
Pandemic influenza in Africa, lessons learned from 1968: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Ortiz Justin R. , Lafond Kathryn E. , Wong Tiffany A. , Uyeki Timothy M. 
Published: May 2011

Please cite this paper as: Ortiz et al. (2012) Pandemic influenza in Africa, lessons learned from 1968: a systematic review of the literature. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(1), 11–24.Background  To help understand the potential impact of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in Africa, we reviewed published data from Africa of the two previous influenza pandemics.Methods  We conducted a systematic search of three biomedical databases for articles in any language on 1957 H2N2 or 1968 H3N2 pandemic influenza virus infection in Africa published from January 1950 through August 2008.Results  We identified 1327 potentially relevant articles, and 298 warranted further review. Fourteen studies on 1968 H3N2 influenza met inclusion criteria, while two studies identified describing 1957 H2N2 were excluded for data limitations. Among these 14 studies, community attack rates for symptomatic infection during all 1968 pandemic waves were around 20%. However, the proportion infected in communities ranged from 6% in isolated communities to 100% in enclosed populations. A total of 22–64% of sampled clinic patients and 8–72% of hospitalized patients had evidence of 1968 H3N2 virus infection. After the second pandemic wave, up to 41–75% of persons tested had serological evidence of 1968 H3N2 virus infection.Conclusion  The 1968 H3N2 influenza pandemic, generally regarded as mild worldwide, appears to have had a substantial impact upon public health in Africa. Without more epidemiologic data the impact of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in Africa cannot be assumed to have been mild. Assessment of the burden of 2009 H1N1 virus and future influenza pandemics in Africa should attempt to assess disease impact by a variety of methods, including substudies among specific populations.
Bioactive Dietary Polyphenols Inhibit Heme Iron Absorption in a Dose‐Dependent Manner in Human Intestinal Caco‐2 Cells
Authors: Ma Qianyi , Kim Eun‐Young , Lindsay Elizabeth Ann , Han Okhee 
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Although heme iron is an important form of dietary iron, its intestinal absorption mechanism remains elusive. Our previous study revealed that (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and grape seed extract (GSE) markedly inhibited intestinal heme iron absorption by reducing the basolateral iron export in Caco‐2 cells. The aim of this study was to examine whether small amounts of EGCG, GSE, and green tea extract (GT) could inhibit heme iron absorption, and to test whether the inhibitory action of polyphenols could be offset by ascorbic acid. A heme‐55Fe absorption study was conducted by adding various concentrations of EGCG, GSE, and GT to Caco‐2 cells in the absence and presence of ascorbic acid. Polyphenolic compounds significantly inhibited heme‐55Fe absorption in a dose‐dependent manner. The addition of ascorbic acid did not modulate the inhibitory effect of dietary polyphenols on heme iron absorption when the cells were treated with polyphenols at a concentration of 46 mg/L. However, ascorbic acid was able to offset or reverse the inhibitory effects of polyphenolic compounds when lower concentrations of polyphenols were added (≤ 4.6 mg/L). Ascorbic acid modulated the heme iron absorption without changing the apical heme uptake, the expression of the proteins involved in heme metabolism and basolateral iron transport, and heme oxygenase activity, indicating that ascorbic acid may enhance heme iron absorption by modulating the intracellular distribution of 55Fe. These results imply that the regular consumption of dietary ascorbic acid can easily counteract the inhibitory effects of low concentrations of dietary polyphenols on heme iron absorption but cannot counteract the inhibitory actions of high concentrations of polyphenols.Practical Application:  Bioactive dietary polyphenols inhibit heme iron absorption in a dose‐dependent manner. The small amounts of polyphenolic compounds present in foods are capable of reducing heme iron transport across the intestinal enterocyte. However, the inhibitory effects of dietary polyphenolic compounds on heme iron absorption can be offset by ascorbic acid and can possibly be avoided by decreasing the consumption of polyphenols while simultaneously taking ascorbic acid.
Prooxidant Effects of the Combination of Green Tea Extract and Sodium Nitrite for Accelerating Lipolysis and Lipid Oxidation in Pepperoni during Storage
Authors: Lin Yuhai , Huang Ming , Zhou Guanghong , Zou Yufeng , Xu Xinglian 
Published: May 2011

Abstract: The individual and interactive effects of green tea (GT) extract and sodium nitrite (NT) on lipolysis and lipid oxidation were investigated in pepperoni during processing and storage (4 °C). Pepperoni was treated with GT at concentrations of 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%; and NT from 0.003% to 0.015% in increments of 0.003%; and a combination of 0.05% GT and 0.009% NT (GT/NT). The pH, color, residual nitrite, fatty acid (FA), and 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were measured. The results showed inhibitory effects on TBARS value were concentration dependent. The largest effect was at 0.05% for GT and 0.009% for NT. Adding 0.05% GT significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the TBARS values but did not affect color values during storage. NT (0.009%) was more effective than GT (0.05%) for maintaining lower TBARS values (P < 0.05). Total fatty acids were not affected by 0.05% GT and 0.009% NT treatments. However, adding GT/NT showed a significant prooxidant effect (P < 0.05) in pepperoni, which accelerated lipolysis and lipid oxidation significantly (P < 0.05) during storage, with depletion of nitrite. This suggests that adding GT and an appropriate amount of NT into pepperoni could promote lipolysis and lipid oxidation during storage, as compared to NT alone.Practical Application: When using GT extract as an antioxidant in industrial production of pepperoni, the interaction effect with NT should be considered, as it may lead to a prooxidant effect during refrigerated storage.
Substance P accelerates hypercellularity and angiogenesis in tendon tissue and enhances paratendinitis in response to Achilles tendon overuse in a tendinopathy model
Authors: Andersson Gustav , Backman Ludvig J , Scott Alexander , Lorentzon Ronny , Forsgren Sture , Danielson Patrik 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundTenocytes produce substance P (SP), and its receptor (neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R)) is expressed throughout the tendon tissue, especially in patients with tendinopathy and tissue changes (tendinosis) including hypercellularity and vascular proliferation. Considering the known effects of SP, one might ask whether SP contributes to these changes.ObjectivesTo test whether development of tendinosis-like changes (hypercellularity and angiogenesis) is accelerated during a 1-week course of exercise with local administration of SP in an established Achilles tendinopathy model.MethodsRabbits were subjected to a protocol of Achilles tendon overuse for 1 week, in conjunction with SP injections in the paratenon. Exercised control animals received NaCl injections or no injections, and unexercised, uninjected controls were also used. Tenocyte number and vascular density, as well as paratendinous inflammation, were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation to detect NK-1R were conducted.ResultsThere was a significant increase in tenocyte number in the SP-injected and NaCl-injected groups compared with both unexercised and exercised, uninjected controls. Tendon blood vessels increased in number in the SP-injected group compared with unexercised controls, a finding not seen in NaCl-injected controls or in uninjected, exercised animals. Paratendinous inflammation was more pronounced in the SP-injected group than in the NaCl controls. NK-1R was detected in blood vessel walls, nerves, inflammatory cells and tenocytes.ConclusionsSP accelerated the development of tendinosis-like changes in the rabbit Achilles tendon, which supports theories of a potential role of SP in tendinosis development; a fact of clinical interest since SP effects can be effectively blocked. The angiogenic response to SP injections seems related to paratendinitis.
Employment and work schedule are related to telomere length in women
Authors: Parks C G , DeRoo L A , Miller D B , McCanlies E C , Cawthon R M , Sandler D P 
Published: May 2011

ObjectivesTo examine the association of employment and work schedule with shorter DNA telomeres, a marker of cellular ageing and disease risk factor, and consider whether differences were related to health, behaviours and sociodemographic factors, or varied by stress levels or menopausal status.MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis of 608 women aged 35–74 in the Sister Study examined determinants of relative telomere length (rTL) measured by quantitative PCR in leucocyte DNA. Age-adjusted regression models estimated base pair (bp) rTL differences for current and lifetime schedule characteristics (ie, part-time, full-time or overtime hours; multiple jobs; irregular hours; shiftwork; work at night). Covariates included race, smoking, perceived stress, sleep, physical activity, health and menopausal status, education, marital status, live births, children under 18, measured body mass index and urinary stress hormones.ResultsCompared with non-employed women with moderate or substantial past work histories (n=190), those currently working full-time (n=247; median 40 h/week) had a shorter rTL, an age-adjusted difference of −329 bp (95% CI −110 to −548). Longer-duration full-time work was also associated with shorter rTL (age-adjusted difference of −472 bp, 95% CI −786 to −158 for 20+ vs 1–5 years). Findings were not explained by health and demographic covariates. However, rTL differences for working at least full-time were greater in women with higher stress and epinephrine levels.ConclusionsCurrent and long-term full-time work were associated with shorter rTL, with differences of similar magnitude to smoking and history of heart disease or diabetes. Longitudinal data with specific stress measures are needed to further evaluate the impact of work schedule on rTL.
Conodont Colour Alteration pattern in the Carboniferous of the Craven Basin and adjacent areas, northern England
Authors: Metcalfe I. , Riley N. J. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARY
Conodont Colour Alteration Indices (CAI) values in the Craven area show a general range of 2.5–3.5, the majority being a value of 3. The higher values generally occur in the south and south-west and low values are found on the Ashnott High (Ashnott Anticline and eastern closure of the Whitewell Anticline) and in Waulsortian limestones. These values are consistent with the limited vitrinite reflectance data and are a result of the Carboniferous sedimentary and tectonic history of the region. There is no evidence of significant modification by subsequent burial, igneous events, reheating or mineralization. Low values of CAI 2–2.5 on the Ashnott High are interpreted to be due to the thinner sedimentary cover in that area and possible insulation derived from underlying Waulsortian limestones. Relatively high values of CAI 4 for Dinantian strata in the Holme Chapel Borehole and 3.5 in the Silesian sediments to the south of the Craven Basin probably reflect a thicker Westphalian cover than further north.
The North Pennine batholith (Weardale Granite) of northern England: new data on its age and form
Authors: Kimbell G. S. , Young B. , Millward D. , Crowley Q. G. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARY
A three-dimensional gravity model of the North Pennine batholith is interpreted to show that it comprises five contiguous steep-sided plutons. The North Pennine batholith was previously referred to as the Weardale Granite, but this term is now restricted to the largest, most central pluton, which was proved by the Rookhope Borehole in 1961. The surrounding plutons are the Tynehead and Scordale plutons in the west, and the Rowlands Gill and Cornsay plutons in the east. A new U–Pb zircon age of 399.3±0.7 Ma demonstrates an unequivocal Early Devonian (Emsian) age of emplacement for the Weardale Pluton. The similarity of the forms of the four unsampled plutons to the body beneath Rookhope, and to other Devonian granites in northern England, strongly suggests that they are also of Devonian age. Seismic reflection evidence supports a contrast between relatively deep-seated Devonian granites and tabular Ordovician granites in northern England. The most conspicuous magnetic anomalies over the North Pennine batholith are associated with the Early Permian Great Whin Sill, but there is also evidence of magnetized basement rocks or denser magnetic intrusive phases on the flanks of the non-magnetic, low density plutons. A long-wavelength magnetic low can be explained in part by the granite puncturing a deep magnetic basement, although the demagnetized zone may extend beneath the batholith. A spatial correlation between the vein systems in the Northern Pennine Orefield and the form of the batholith suggests that the granite masses played a significant role in focussing mineralizing fluids into the overlying Carboniferous rocks. The highest temperature mineralization occurs over the Weardale and Tynehead plutons, where there is also the clearest evidence for the channelling of mineralizing fluids through the batholith. The other plutons are generally associated with a lower intensity of mineralization, which occurs on their flanks rather than above their roofs. The Rookhope and Tynehead areas may therefore mark the location of convective ‘chimneys’ which were important in focussing the fluid circulation responsible for the mineralization. The coincidence of the ‘chimney’ zones with the minimum of the long wavelength magnetic low suggests that the hydrothermal system may also have played a role in modifying crustal magnetization.