bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the hypothalamus in the neuroendocrine regulation of body weight and composition during energy deficit
Authors: Sainsbury A. , Zhang L. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryEnergy deficit in lean or obese animals or humans stimulates appetite, reduces energy expenditure and possibly also decreases physical activity, thereby contributing to weight regain. Often overlooked in weight loss trials for obesity, however, is the effect of energy restriction on neuroendocrine status. Negative energy balance in lean animals and humans consistently inhibits activity of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐thyroid, ‐gonadotropic and ‐somatotropic axes (or reduces circulating insulin‐like growth factor‐1 levels), while concomitantly activating the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, with emerging evidence of similar changes in overweight and obese people during lifestyle interventions for weight loss. These neuroendocrine changes, which animal studies show may result in part from hypothalamic actions of orexigenic (e.g. neuropeptide Y, agouti‐related peptide) and anorexigenic peptides (e.g. alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, and cocaine and amphetamine‐related transcript), can adversely affect body composition by promoting the accumulation of adipose tissue (particularly central adiposity) and stimulating the loss of lean body mass and bone. As such, current efforts to maximize loss of excess body fat in obese people may inadvertently be promoting long‐term complications such as central obesity and associated health risks, as well as sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Future weight loss trials would benefit from assessment of the effects on body composition and key hormonal regulators of body composition using sensitive techniques.
Gallium compound GaQ3‐induced Ca2+ signalling triggers p53‐dependent and ‐independent apoptosis in cancer cells
Authors: Gogna Rajan , Madan Esha , Keppler Bernhard , Pati Uttam 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A novel anti‐neoplastic gallium complex GaQ3 (KP46), earlier developed by us, is currently in phase I clinical trial. GaQ3 induced S‐phase arrest and apoptosis via caspase/PARP cleavage in a variety of cancers. However, the underlying mechanism of apoptosis is unknown. Here, we have explored the mechanism(s) of GaQ3‐induced apoptosis in cancer cells, focusing on p53 and intracellular Ca2+ signalling.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH GaQ3‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis were determined in cancer cell lines, with different p53 status (p53+/+, p53−/− and p53 mutant). Time course analysis of intracellular Ca2+ calcium release, p53 promoter activation, p53‐nuclear/cytoplasmic movements and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were conducted. Ca2+‐dependent formation of the p53–p300 transcriptional complex was analysed by co‐immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Ca2+ signalling, p53, p300 and ROS were serially knocked down to study Ca2+–p53–ROS ineractions in GaQ3‐induced apoptosis.KEY RESULTS GaQ3 triggered intracellular Ca2+ release stabilizing p53–p300 complex and recruited p53 to p53 promoter, leading to p53 mRNA and protein synthesis. p53 induced higher intracellular Ca2+ release and ROS followed by activation of p53 downstream genes including those for the micro RNA mir34a. In p53−/− and p53 mutant cells, GaQ3‐induced Ca2+‐signalling generated ROS. ROS further increased membrane translocation of FAS and FAS‐mediated extrinsic apoptosis.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study disclosed a novel mechanism of Ca2+‐signalling‐mediated p53 activation and ROS up‐regulation. Understanding the mechanism of GaQ3‐induced apoptosis will help establish this gallium‐based organic compound as a potent anti‐cancer drug.
Understanding the first steps in embryonic stem cell exit from the pluripotent state
Authors: Luckey C. John , Lu Yu , Marto Jarrod A. 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: We are interested in understanding how a given cell type, in response to external cues from its environment, makes the decision to differentiate. In the case of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), the key external factor that maintains their undifferentiated state is the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). LIF removal causes mESCs to exit their pluripotent state and differentiate into more restricted precursors. Although LIF is known to activate multiple different phosphorylation cascades, the mechanisms by which its removal leads to mESC differentiation are not well understood.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In order to identify the molecular events that occur upon LIF removal, we developed a set of novel experimental approaches that allowed identification and quantification of global phosphorylation changes that occur when mESCs are deprived of LIF. These included growth of mESCs on permeable membranes and development of a robust and sensitive phospho‐proteomics platform to quantify early signaling events.RESULTS: In addition to the well‐characterized tyrosine 705 phosphorylation of STAT3, LIF removal results in the rapid phosphorylation of multiple other proteins known to regulate the mESC self‐renewal on both tyrosine, serine, and threonine residues. We hypothesize that these unique posttranslational modifications help drive the exit of mESCs from the pluripotent state.CONCLUSIONS: Our data set the stage for future studies investigating the functional role of these phosphorylation events in mESCs. These studies were greatly facilitated by the National Blood Foundation, whose support in the crucial initiation phase of these studies was invaluable.
Urban Minority Women's Perceptions of and Preferences for Postpartum Contraceptive Counseling
Authors: Yee Lynn , Simon Melissa 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Focused antenatal contraceptive counseling about postpartum contraception may reduce the risk of contraceptive nonuse and misuse, although the optimal timing, content, and communication style of such counseling remain controversial. This study used an in‐depth, qualitative approach in a population of young, postpartum, urban, minority group women in order to examine women's perspectives toward the optimal provision of comprehensive contraceptive counseling. Methods: Brief surveys and semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 consenting postpartum women. In‐person, one‐on‐one interviews were then reviewed for themes, by using an iterative process. Qualitative analysis techniques identifying emergent themes were applied to interview data. Results: In this cohort of African American (63%) and Hispanic (37%) women (median age 26 y), 73% had unplanned pregnancies. Women preferred frequent, short sessions of provider‐initiated comprehensive contraceptive counseling throughout the antepartum period with reinforcement of decisions during the postpartum period. Participants valued patient‐centered counseling that was inclusive of all appropriate methods and personalized to individual needs. Discussion: We recommend that frequent, provider‐initiated, multiple‐modality discussions of appropriate postpartum contraceptive options should take place throughout pregnancy in an open, individualized manner. Further work should address the long‐term effects of improved patient‐centered antenatal contraceptive counseling on rates of unintended pregnancy.
A Pilot Study Evaluating a Telephone‐Based Exercise Intervention for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Authors: Lewis Beth A. , Martinson Brian C. , Sherwood Nancy E. , Avery Melissa D. 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Exercise during pregnancy is associated with reduced rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, anxiety, insomnia, and excessive weight gain. Continued exercise during the postpartum period is important for healthy weight loss and reduced anxiety. Unfortunately, pregnant and postpartum women are significantly less active than nonpregnant women. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a telephone‐based exercise intervention designed for pregnant and postpartum women. Methods: Healthy women (N = 37) who were pregnant (16 weeks’ gestation or less) or postpartum (6 months or less) participated in a 3‐month, telephone‐based exercise intervention based on the transtheoretical model and social cognitive theory. Exercise was assessed by using the 7‐Day Physical Activity Recall Interview. Results: Pregnant participants significantly increased their exercise from a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 60.47 (63.1) minutes per week at baseline to 132.9 (82.3) minutes at 3 months, F(1,13) = 9.96, P < .01. Postpartum participants significantly increased their exercise from a mean (SD) of 68.9 (63.5) minutes per week at baseline to 123.8 (48.8) minutes at 3 months, F(1,15) = 6.56, P < .05. Discussion: Participants responded positively to the intervention by significantly increasing their exercise levels. There is a need for a large, randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of telephone‐based exercise interventions for pregnant and postpartum women.
Perineal Analgesia With an Ice Pack After Spontaneous Vaginal Birth: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Leventhal Lucila Coca , de Oliveira Sonia Maria Junqueira Vasconcellos , Nobre Moacyr Roberto Cuce , da Silva Flora Maria Barbosa 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an ice pack applied for 20 minutes to alleviate perineal pain after spontaneous vaginal birth. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial at the Amparo Maternal Birth Center in São Paulo, Brazil. Study participants included 114 nulliparous women divided into 3 groups (n = 38 per group): experimental (ice packs on the perineum), placebo (water packs at set temperature), and control (no treatment). Results: A numerical scale (0 to 10) was used for pain assessment. A comparison of the average pain at the beginning and after 20 minutes showed a significant reduction of pain (P < .001) in the 3 groups, and the experimental group had a lower average score for pain compared with the control group (1.6 versus 3.3, P = .032). Discussion: The use of ice packs for 20 minutes was effective for perineal pain relief after vaginal birth.
Maternal Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone and the Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Independently Predict the Occurrence of Preterm Birth
Authors: Latendresse Gwen , Ruiz Roberta Jeanne 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Studies support the premise that chronic maternal stress may trigger a premature sequence of physiologic events ending in preterm birth (PTB). Furthermore, chronic stress is highly correlated with depression and anxiety, which also are associated with PTB. However, some studies report that medication status rather than depression and/or anxiety may reflect the risk for PTB. Although the purpose of this small, preliminary study was to evaluate the association between chronic maternal stress and PTB, this report focuses on the unexpected finding of the association between maternal use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and PTB. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 100 pregnant women included measures of contributors to chronic maternal stress and corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH). Demographic and behavioral data included smoking, substance use, and use of medications for depression and anxiety. Results: Pregnant women who used SSRIs to treat depression and/or anxiety were nearly 12 times more likely to give birth before term when compared with women who did not use these medications. Women with CRH levels in the fourth quartile were 6 times more likely to give birth before term when compared with women whose CRH levels were in the lower 3 quartiles. No associations were found between SSRI use and CRH levels. Discussion: Associations between PTB and maternal use of SSRIs are not understood. It is important not to alter current approaches to the treatment of depression and anxiety without thorough discussion with women regarding the potential benefits and harms of various treatment options.
Stressful Childbirth Situations: A Qualitative Study of Midwives
Authors: Halperin Ofra , Goldblatt Hadass , Noble Anita , Raz Iris , Zvulunov Irit , Liebergall Wischnitzer Michal 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: This study aimed to explore clinical life‐threatening childbirth situations, which midwives perceive as extremely stressful, and to identify how midwives cope with those experiences. Methods: Participants were 18 midwives employed in 6 labor and delivery units in Israeli hospitals. Individual semistructured, in‐depth interviews were conducted wherein participants were asked to describe an extremely stressful situation that they had experienced, their significant feelings associated with the event, their coping strategies, and their support systems. Results: Thematic content analysis revealed 2 themes, with each consisting of 4 categories. The first theme focused on reactions to stressful childbirth situations and their impact on midwives. Categories were: functioning professionally in an unexpected reality, emotional reactions, physical reactions, and long‐term effects. The second theme related to coping with stressful situations, focusing on coping difficulties, and suggestions for change. Categories were: midwives’ coping difficulties, their colleagues’ reactions, their feelings about supervisory staff support, and their suggestions for meeting expressed needs. Discussion: Stressful childbirth situations can have a long‐term impact on midwives’ professional and personal identities. Midwives need to feel supported and valued in order to deal with emotional stress. Incorporating clinical supervision by experienced midwives can serve as a supportive framework for other midwives.
Racial Discrimination and the Black‐White Gap in Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Review
Authors: Giurgescu Carmen , McFarlin Barbara L. , Lomax Jeneen , Craddock Cindy , Albrecht Amy 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: The purpose of this integrative review was to evaluate what is known about the relationship between racial discrimination and adverse birth outcomes. Methods: A search of the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO was conducted. The keywords used were: preterm birth, premature birth, preterm delivery, preterm labor, low birth weight, very low birth weight, racism, racial discrimination, and prejudice. Ten research studies were reviewed. All of the studies included African American women in their samples, were conducted in the United States, and were written in English. We did not limit the year of publication for the studies. Data were extracted based on the birth outcomes of preterm birth, low birth weight, or very low birth weight. Results: A consistent positive relationship existed between perceptions of racial discrimination and preterm birth, low birth weight, and very low birth weight. No relationship was found between racial discrimination and gestational age at birth. Discussion: Future research should explore the effects of racial discrimination as a chronic stressor contributing to the persistent gap in birth outcomes between racial groups.
Postpartum Depressive Symptomatology: Results from a Two‐Stage US National Survey
Authors: Tatano Beck Cheryl , Gable Robert K. , Sakala Carol , Declercq Eugene R. 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Up to 19% of new mothers have major or minor depression sometime during the first 3 months after birth. This article reports on the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms and risk factors obtained from a 2‐stage US national survey conducted by Childbirth Connection: Listening to Mothers II (LTM II) and Listening to Mothers II Postpartum Survey.Methods: The weighted survey results are based on an initial sample of 1573 women (1373 online, 200 telephone interviews) who had given birth in the year prior to the survey and repeat interviews with 902 women (859 online, 44 telephone) 6 months later. Three main instruments were used to collect data: the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS), the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 (PHQ‐2), and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale‐Self Report (PSS‐SR).Results: Sixty‐three percent of the women in the LTM II sample screened positive for elevated postpartum depressive symptoms with the PDSS, and 6 months later 42% of the women in this sample screened positive for elevated postpartum depressive symptoms with the PHQ‐2. A stepwise, multiple regression revealed 2 variables that significantly explained 54% of the variance in postpartum depressive symptom scores: posttraumatic stress symptom scores on the PSS‐SR and health promoting behaviors of healthy diet, managing stress, rest, and exercise.Discussion: The high percentage of mothers who screened positive for elevated postpartum depressive symptoms in this 2‐stage national survey highlights the need for prevention and routine screening during the postpartum period and follow‐up treatment.
Defining a periodontitis case: analysis of a never‐treated adult population
Authors: Baelum Vibeke , López Rodrigo 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAimThe purpose of the present study was to assess the extent to which the three periodontitis case definition systems proposed by van der Velden, Tonetti & Claffey and Page & Eke identify the same cases in a population of never‐treated adults with limited tradition for oral hygiene procedures.Material and MethodsBased on data on clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) of four sites in all teeth present among 1,130 adult Kenyans we classified the population according to the three case definition systems, and according to the occurrence of the concomitant presence of CAL and BOP at the site level.ResultsThe case definitions by Tonetti & Claffey and by Page & Eke yielded similar results, which were also quite similar to the results of simply identifying a case of periodontitis as a person having at least one site showing both CAL ≥ 4 mm and BOP.ConclusionsThe results indicate that it should be feasible for the periodontal community to reach an agreement over the distinction between a case and a non‐case. The classification system proposed by van der Velden is better suited for providing clinicians with a clear image of the case.
Retrobulbar primitive neuroectodermal tumor in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Authors: Banlunara Wijit , Tsuboi Masaya , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kongmekee Piyaporn , Ngamsuk Piyanee , Nakayama Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  A 2.8‐year‐old female captive‐bred common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) showed exophthalmos of the right eye, and the eye was surgically enucleated. A tumor mass was found in the eye.Methods  Formalin‐fixed tumor samples were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically for diagnosis.Results  The retrobulbar tumor mass adhered to the sclera and infiltrated the choroid. Histopathologically, tumor cells were pleomorphic, arranged in a sheet pattern, and mimicked primitive neuroectodermal cells. The tumor cells were strongly positive for precursor neuronal cell markers (beta III tubulin, neuron‐specific enolase, vimentin, nestin, doublecortin, oligo2, and S‐100), but negative for mature cell markers (cytokeratin, neurofilament, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) and a retinoblastoma marker (rhodopsin).Conclusions  This is the first reported case for the retrobulbar location of primitive neuroectodermal tumor in non‐human primates.
Lipid metabolism and other metabolic changes in vervet monkeys experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
Authors: Gaithuma A.K. , Karanja S.M. , Ngotho M. , Maathai R.G. , Kagira J.M. , Maina N.W.N. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Human African trypanosomiasis is associated with metabolic changes which have not been well characterized.Methods  Chlorocebus aethiops were experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and late‐stage disease induced at 28 days post‐infection. Ear prick blood for glucose determination and blood samples were obtained at weekly intervals for 56 days. Analysis was carried out using dry chemistry analysis.Results  In early infection, there was a significant increase in creatine kinase, while during early and transitional stage of infection there was a significant decrease in glucose and high‐density lipoprotein and an increase in triglyceride levels. In the late stage, there was a significant increase in both total cholesterol and LDL levels.Conclusions  Further investigations should focus on levels of total cholesterol during the follow‐up period in curatively treated vervet monkeys. Apart from their importance in disease staging, the changes in lipids levels may also affect the pharmacokinetics of some trypanocides.
Consistent seed bank spatial structure across semi‐natural habitats determines plot sampling
Authors: Plue Jan , Hermy Martin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractQuestionSeed bank sampling remains a critical bottleneck to the quality of studies investigating community patterns in the seed bank. The main cause is a large knowledge gap in two aspects critical to sampling, i.e. spatial autocorrelation and species–area relations. The central question of this study is how the seed bank of a single plot should be sampled, in order to obtain more precise estimates on plot seed bank characteristics, without resorting to a disproportionate investment of available resources. Similar seed bank samples may then enable better plot‐based statistical inference of ecological patterns in the seed bank in community ecology studies.LocationSemi‐natural habitats in Flanders (Belgium) and northern France.MethodsWe investigated the fine‐scale spatial structure of individual seed banking species across 12 2.1 m × 2.1 m plots in three widespread habitats: temperate forest, grassland and heathland. Soil core samples (128) were collected in each plot, using a combined systematic (64) and random design (64). This enabled both geostatistical analyses of the fine‐scale spatial structure of individual species–plot combinations as well as the calculation of sampled‐based species rarefaction curves.ResultsFine‐scale (i.e. within plot) spatial seed bank structure was detected in all plots in each habitat, in at least one or usually more plant species. Over half of the species records displayed significant spatial structure – visible as a random distribution of seed clusters – with medium to strong spatial dependence between point observations of a species of ca. 30 cm. Species rarefaction curves did not attain an asymptote at the actual sampling intensity of 128 samples. Seven out of 12 extrapolated species rarefaction curves did reach an asymptote in less than 384 samples.ConclusionsUsing these consistent results in spatial structure and species–area relations across habitats, we present a method of how researchers can develop a tailor‐made seed bank design to accommodate their individual needs, abiding by simple predefined boundaries. When the tailored design samples ca. 3% of a plot surface area along a systematic grid with a mesh width of at least 30 cm, these studies will potentially significantly increase the comparability among future seed bank community studies in semi‐natural habitats.