bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An acceptability and safety study of the Duet® cervical barrier and gel delivery system in Zimbabwe
Authors: Montgomery Elizabeth T , Woodsong Cynthia , Musara Petina , Cheng Helen , Chipato Tsungai , Moench Thomas R , Spielberg Freya , van der Straten Ariane 
Published: August 2010

BackgroundAdherence problems with coitally dependent, female‐initiated HIV prevention methods have contributed to several trials' failure to establish efficacy. Continuous use of a cervical barrier with once‐daily cleaning and immediate reinsertion may simplify use for women and improve adherence. We assessed the acceptability and safety of precoital and continuous use of the Duet®, a cervical barrier and gel delivery system, in Zimbabwean women.MethodsUsing a two‐arm crossover design with a parallel observation group, we randomized 103 women in a 2:2:1 ratio: (1) to use the Duet continuously for 14 days, followed by a minimum of seven days of washout and then 14 days of precoital use; (2) to use the same Duet regimens in reverse order; or (3) for observation only. Women were aged 18 to 40 years; half were recruited from a pool of previous diaphragm study participants and the other half from the general community. Acceptability and adherence were assessed through an interviewer‐administered questionnaire at each of two follow‐up visits. Safety was monitored through pelvic speculum exams and report of adverse events.ResultsThe proportion of women who reported consistent Duet use during sex was virtually identical during continuous and precoital regimens (88.6% vs. 88.9%). Partner refusal was the most common reason cited for non‐use during sex in both use regimens. Not having the device handy was the most common reason cited for non‐daily use (in the continuous regimen). Most women were “very comfortable” using it continuously (86.3%) and inserting it precoitally (92.8%). The most favoured Duet attribute was that it did not interfere with “natural” sex (55%). The least favoured Duet attribute was the concern that it might come out during sex (71.3%). No serious adverse events were reported during the study; 57 participants reported 90 adverse events classified as mild or moderate. There were no statistically significant differences in: (1) the proportion of women reporting adverse events; (2) the severity of events among those using the Duet and observational controls; or (3) event severity reported during each regimen use period.ConclusionsIn this study, the Duet was found to be acceptable and safe when inserted precoitally or used continuously for 14 days. Assignment to use of the Duet continuously did not increase adherence to the Duet during sex. Future HIV prevention trials should evaluate use of the Duet (precoitally and continuously) with promising microbicide candidates.
The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein regulates CTL cytotoxicity and is required for efficient killing of B cell lymphoma targets
Authors: De Meester Julie , Calvez Ronan , Valitutti Salvatore , Dupré Loïc 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
CD8+ T cells from Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome patients fail to efficiently kill B cell lymphoma cells in vitro.
WAS is a primary immunodeficiency as a result of mutations in the gene encoding the WASP, a key actin regulator of hematopoietic cells. Whether killing defects in CD8+ CTLs contribute to WAS-associated immunodeficiency and susceptibility to tumor development remains to be explored. CTL lines from WAS patients, generated by repeated stimulation with SAg-loaded B-EBV, displayed reduced production of cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) but almost normal proliferation upon SAg stimulation. Although WAS CTLs killed target B cells in a SAg dose-dependent manner, their efficiency was reduced, especially at a low SAg dose. The cytotoxic efficiency of WAS CTLs was particularly reduced against tumoral B cell lines. WAS CTLs expressed normal levels of lytic molecules and demonstrated efficient exocytosis upon target cell encounter. However, the lytic granules appeared not to fully polarize toward the center of the CTL/tumor target cell contact area. Importantly, the use of a gene therapy lentiviral vector was sufficient to restore efficient cytotoxic activity. Our study suggests that CTL dysfunction contributes to the development of hematological malignancies in WAS patients.
Extracellular ubiquitin: immune modulator and endogenous opponent of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules
Authors: Majetschak Matthias 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTUbiquitin is a post-translational protein modifier and plays essential roles in all aspects of biology. Although the discovery of ubiquitin introduced this highly conserved protein as a molecule with extracellular actions, the identification of ubiquitin as the ATP-dependent proteolysis factor 1 has focused subsequent research on its important intracellular functions. Little attention has since been paid to its role outside of the cell. During recent years, multiple observations suggest that extracellular ubiquitin can modulate immune responses and that exogenous ubiquitin has therapeutic potential to attenuate exuberant inflammation and organ injury. These observations have not been integrated into a comprehensive assessment of its possible role as an endogenous immune modulator. This review recapitulates the current knowledge about extracellular ubiquitin and discusses an emerging facet of its role in biology during infectious and noninfectious inflammation. The synopsis of these data along with the recent identification of ubiquitin as a CXCR4 agonist suggest that extracellular ubiquitin may have pleiotropic roles in the immune system and functions as an endogenous opponent of DAMPs. Functions of extracellular ubiquitin could constitute an evolutionary conserved control mechanism aimed to balance the immune response and prevent exuberant inflammation. Further characterization of its mechanism of action and cellular signaling pathways is expected to provide novel insights into the regulation of the innate immune response and opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
The Evolving Field of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Endocrine Tumors
Authors: Ye Lei , Santarpia Libero , Gagel Robert F. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractActivation of tyrosine kinase receptors (TKRs) and their related pathways has been associated with development of endocrine tumors. Compounds that target and inactivate the kinase function of these receptors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), are now being applied to the treatment of endocrine tumors. Recent clinical trials of TKIs in patients with advanced thyroid cancer, islet cell carcinoma, and carcinoid have shown promising preliminary results. Significant reductions in tumor size have been described in medullary and papillary thyroid carcinoma, although no complete responses have been reported. Case reports have described significant tumor volume reductions of malignant pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. In addition, these compounds showed an initial tumoricidal or apoptotic response followed by long-term static effects on tumor growth. Despite the promising preliminary results, this class of therapeutic agents has a broad spectrum of adverse effects, mediated by inhibition of kinase activities in normal tissues. These adverse effects will have to be balanced with their benefit in clinical use. New strategies will have to be applied in clinical research to achieve optimal benefits. In this review, we will address the genetic alterations of TKRs, the rationale for utilizing TKIs for endocrine tumors, and current information on tumor and patient responses to specific TKIs. We will also discuss the adverse effects related to TKI treatment and the mechanisms involved. Finally, we will summarize the challenges associated with use of this class of compounds and potential solutions.
Kallikreins on Steroids: Structure, Function, and Hormonal Regulation of Prostate-Specific Antigen and the Extended Kallikrein Locus
Authors: Lawrence Mitchell G. , Lai John , Clements Judith A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe 15 members of the kallikrein-related serine peptidase (KLK) family have diverse tissue-specific expression profiles and putative proteolytic functions. The kallikrein family is also emerging as a rich source of disease biomarkers with KLK3, commonly known as prostate-specific antigen, being the current serum biomarker for prostate cancer. The kallikrein locus is also notable because it is extraordinarily responsive to steroids and other hormones. Indeed, at least 14 functional hormone response elements have been identified in the kallikrein locus. A more comprehensive understanding of the transcriptional regulation of kallikreins may help the field make more informed hypotheses about the physiological functions of kallikreins and their effectiveness as biomarkers. In this review, we describe the organization of the kallikrein locus and the structure of kallikrein genes and proteins. We also focus on the transcriptional regulation of kallikreins by androgens, progestins, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, estrogens, and other hormones in animal models and human prostate, breast, and reproductive tract tissues. The interaction of the androgen receptor with androgen response elements in the promoter and enhancer of KLK2 and KLK3 is also summarized in detail. There is evidence that all kallikreins are regulated by multiple nuclear receptors. Yet, apart from KLK2 and KLK3, it is not clear whether all kallikreins are direct transcriptional targets. Therefore, we argue that gaining more detailed information about the mechanisms that regulate kallikrein expression should be a priority of future studies and that the kallikrein locus will continue to be an important model in the era of genome-wide analyses.
Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes prepared by in situ polymerization on the surface of nanoparticles for lithium-ion polymer batteries
Authors: Zhou Ji , Gao Deshu , Li Zhaohui , Lei Gangtie , Zhao Tiepeng , Yi Xiaohua 
Published: August 2010

A kind of nanocomposite polymer based on poly(acrylonitrile-methyl methacrylate) [P(AN-MMA)] copolymer was prepared by in situ polymerization of monomers on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles, which come from the hydrolysis of Ti(OC4H9)4. Analysis of Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra indicated that the acrylonitrile (AN) monomers copolymerized with the methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomers by breaking their own double bonds. The dependence of ionic conductivity on temperature for the resulting nanocomposite polymer electrolyte (NCPE) followed the Arrhenius equation. The ionic conductivity of the NCPE was 1.12 × 10–3 S cm–1 at room temperature when the nanocomposite polymer membrane (NPM) contained 10.8 % of mass fraction of TiO2 nanoparticles.
Improved Frequency Equations for Calculating the Young’s Modulus of Bars of Rectangular or Circular Cross Section from Their Flexural Resonant Frequencies
Authors: Bosomworth Paul A. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
New analyses of the frequency equations relating Young’s modulus to the flexural resonant frequencies of bars of uniform rectangular, square, or circular cross section have expanded the practical slenderness ratio range, over which these equations can be used, while maintaining the precision of the older equations. The original experimental data obtained on steel bars of cylindrical, square, and rectangular cross sections were also used here.
Determining the Slope and Quality of Fit for the Linear Part of a Test Record
Authors: Graham Stephen M. , Adler Matthew A. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
It is often necessary to determine the slope of a linear region within a test record, and for standardization purposes, it is desirable to have a method for determining the slope that is not subjective. A fully automated algorithm is presented, which is independent of operator judgment for data sets that meet specific quality of data and fit criteria. The algorithm uses analysis of residuals to simulate the visual process of determining the linear region. Analysis of benchmark and real test data provide validation that the algorithm correctly differentiates between problem data (noisy, insufficient digital resolution, or no significant linear range) and good data.
Upper airway obstruction in patients with endothoracic goiter enlargement: no relationship between flow-volume loops and radiological tests
Authors: Albareda M , Viguera J , Santiveri C , Lozano P , Mestrón A , Bengoa N , Calvet R , Roger A , Pardillo D , Delgado E , Vila Ll 
Published: August 2010

BackgroundIn about 16–85% of subjects with goiter, upper airway obstruction (UAO) is observed. This percentage is higher in patients affected by goiter with endothoracic enlargement. UAO is an indication for surgery. Visual analysis of flow-volume loops (FVL) are the best indicators for UAO, although various studies using clinical and radiological parameters have observed no correlation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the presence of UAO in patients with endothoracic goiter enlargement and the relationship between the FVL with the observed symptoms and the measurements obtained by computed tomography (CT).SubjectsSubjects with endothoracic goiter enlargement participated in the study.Designi) Symptom questionnaire (dysphagia, dyspnea, cough, oppression, dysphonia, and worsened symptoms when prone); ii) analysis: TSH and free thyroxine; iii) cervical ultrasound; iv) cervical-thoracic CT (measurements of area and diameter in the area of maximum stenosis and at 2 cm from the carina); v) chest radiography and vi) forced spirometry: visual analysis of FVL morphology and the maximum forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 50% vital capacity/forced inspiratory flow at 50% vital capacity and FEV1/peak expiratory flow parameters.ResultsFifty subjects participated in the study: 11 men/39 women, median age 73.8 years (43.76–88.43). UAO was diagnosed in 13 cases (26%, confidence interval: 14.6–40.3%) and 27 subjects (54%) presented symptoms suggesting goiter compression. No clinical or radiological variables showed the presence of UAO.ConclusionsThe frequency of UAO in subjects affected by goiter with endothoracic enlargement was lower than that described for goiter patients, and there were no clinical or radiological indicators to establish its presence.
Simple Diagnostic Method to Assess the Available Bone for Immediate Implant Placement in an Extracted Socket
Authors: Chowdhary Ramesh , Chandraker Neeraj 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The success rate of immediate tooth replacement has been well documented in the literature. To achieve long-term success of dental implants, evaluation of the dimensions of the resorbing alveolar process must be accurate because an implant should be surrounded by at least 1 mm of bone. To minimize facial gingival recession, an intact labial bony plate along with an osseous-gingival relationship of 3 mm on the facial aspect of the failing tooth has been suggested. This article mentions a technique wherein the amount of available labial and palatal bone of an extracted socket can be assessed by using the extracted tooth that is to be replaced with an endosseous implant and a ridge mapping procedure without reflecting the flap.
Effect of Posture on Acromiohumeral Distance With Arm Elevation in Subjects With and Without Rotator Cuff Disease Using Ultrasonography
Authors: Kalra Nitin , Seitz Amee L. , Boardman N. Douglas , Michener Lori A. 
Published: August 2010

Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Objectives To examine the effects of altering posture on the subacromial space (SAS) in subjects with rotator cuff disease and subjects without shoulder pain. Background Poor upper quadrant posture has been linked to altered scapular mechanics, which has been theorized to excessively reduce SAS. However, no study has examined the direct effects of altering upper quadrant posture on SAS. We hypothesized that upright posture would increase and slouched posture would decrease the SAS, as compared to a normal posture, when measured both with the shoulder at rest along the side of the trunk and when maintained in 45° of active shoulder abduction. Methods Participants included 2 groups: the subjects with shoulder pain and rotator cuff disease, as diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging (n = 31), and control subjects without shoulder pain (n = 29). The SAS was imaged with ultrasound using a 7.5-MHz linear transducer placed in the coronal plane over the posterior to midportion of the acromion. The SAS was measured on ultrasound images using the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), defined as the shortest distance between the acromion and the humerus. The AHD was measured in 2 trials at 2 arm angles (at rest along the trunk and at 45° of active abduction) and across 3 postures (normal, slouched, and upright), and averaged for data analysis. Results Two mixed-model analyses of variance, 1 for each arm angle, were used to compare AHD across postures and between groups. There was no interaction between group and posture, and no significant main effect of group for either arm position. There was no significant main effect of posture for the arm at rest (P = .26); however, there was a significant main effect of posture on AHD at the 45° abduction arm angle (P = .0002), with a significantly greater AHD in upright posture (mean AHD, 9.8 mm), as compared to normal posture (mean AHD, 8.6 mm). Conclusion The effect of posture on SAS, as measured by the 2-dimensional AHD using ultrasound of the posterior to middle aspect of the SAS, is small. The AHD increased with upright posture by 1.2 mm compared to normal posture, when the arm was in 45° active abduction. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther2010;40(10):633–640. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3155
Neuromuscular Training Improves Performance on the Star Excursion Balance Test in Young Female Athletes
Authors: Filipa Alyson , Byrnes Robyn , Paterno Mark V. , Myer Gregory D. , Hewett Timothy E. 
Published: August 2010

Study Design Controlled cohort repeated-measures experimental design. Objectives To determine if a neuromuscular training program (NMTP) focused on core stability and lower extremity strength would affect performance on the star excursion balance test (SEBT). We hypothesized that NMTP would improve SEBT performance in the experimental group and there would be no side-to-side differences in either group. Background The SEBT is a functional screening tool that is used to assess dynamic stability, monitor rehabilitation progress, assess deficits following an injury, and identify athletes at high risk for lower extremity injury. The SEBT requires lower extremity coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength. Methods Twenty uninjured female soccer players (13 experimental, 7 control) participated. Players trained together as a team, so group allocation was not randomized. The SEBT was administered prior to and following 8 weeks of NMTP in the experimental group and 8 weeks of no NMTP in the control group. A 3-way mixed-model ANOVA was used to determine the effect of group (experimental versus control), training (pretraining versus posttraining), and limb (right versus left). Results After participation in a NMTP, subjects demonstrated a significant improvement in the SEBT composite score (mean ± SD) on the right limb (pretraining, 96.4% ± 11.7%; posttraining, 104.6% ± 6.1%; P = .03) and the left limb (pretraining, 96.9% ± 10.1%; posttraining, 103.4% ± 8.0%; P = .04). The control group had no change on the SEBT composite score for the right (pretraining, 95.7% ± 5.2%; posttraining, 94.4% ± 5.2%; P = .15) or the left (97.4% ± 7.2%; 93.6% ± 5.0%; P = .09) limb. Further analysis identified significant improvement for the SEBT in the posterolateral direction on both the right (P = .008) and left (P = .040) limb and the postero-medial direction of the left limb (P = .028) in the experimental group. Conclusion Female soccer players demonstrated an improved performance on the SEBT after NMTP that focused on core stability and lower extremity strength. Level of Evidence Performance enhancement, level 2b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(9):551–558.doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3325
Development of a Unique Triage System for Acute Care Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Services: An Administrative Case Report
Authors: Hobbs Julie A. , Boysen Julia F. , McGarry Kimberly A. , Thompson Jeffrey M. , Nordrum Jon T. 
Published: August 2010

Background and PurposeThis administrative case report documents the development of a mechanism by which systematic triage was used to assign patients to therapists in acute care settings. The primary objective was to develop a triage tool to improve patient access to medically necessary therapy services.Case DescriptionA unique triage tool and a decision tree were developed to determine which patients referred to therapists for acute care therapy required skilled services. The triage tool was used to examine therapy referrals for patients from 2 large academic hospitals; 6 criteria were used to determine which evaluations should be cancelled. During the trial period, the predictive ability of individual triage criterion items was analyzed, the tool was modified and validated, and a decision tree was established. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were performed on all variables of interest.OutcomesThe systematic triage system reduced the number of therapy evaluations that were not appropriate by 29%, resulting in an improvement in the availability of therapy services for patients who required skilled care. The average number of patients per therapist per workday decreased from 18.9 to 12.1 and from 15.1 to 12.8 in the 2 hospitals. An improvement in a newly developed “workload index” related to missed patient visits also indicated the success of this project.DiscussionA novel systematic triage system reduced the number of therapy evaluations that were not appropriate, resulting in an improvement in the availability of therapy services for patients who require skilled intervention.