bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant airway responses following experimental exposure to wood smoke in man
Authors: Sehlstedt Maria , Dove Rosamund , Boman Christoffer , Pagels Joakim , Swietlicki Erik , Löndahl Jakob , Westerholm Roger , Bosson Jenny , Barath Stefan , Behndig Annelie F , Pourazar Jamshid , Sandström Thomas , Mudway Ian S , Blomberg Anders 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundBiomass combustion contributes to the production of ambient particulate matter (PM) in rural environments as well as urban settings, but relatively little is known about the health effects of these emissions. The aim of this study was therefore to characterize airway responses in humans exposed to wood smoke PM under controlled conditions. Nineteen healthy volunteers were exposed to both wood smoke, at a particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration of 224 ± 22 μg/m3, and filtered air for three hours with intermittent exercise. The wood smoke was generated employing an experimental set-up with an adjustable wood pellet boiler system under incomplete combustion. Symptoms, lung function, and exhaled NO were measured over exposures, with bronchoscopy performed 24 h post-exposure for characterisation of airway inflammatory and antioxidant responses in airway lavages.ResultsGlutathione (GSH) concentrations were enhanced in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) after wood smoke exposure vs. air (p = 0.025), together with an increase in upper airway symptoms. Neither lung function, exhaled NO nor systemic nor airway inflammatory parameters in BAL and bronchial mucosal biopsies were significantly affected.ConclusionsExposure of healthy subjects to wood smoke, derived from an experimental wood pellet boiler operating under incomplete combustion conditions with PM emissions dominated by organic matter, caused an increase in mucosal symptoms and GSH in the alveolar respiratory tract lining fluids but no acute airway inflammatory responses. We contend that this response reflects a mobilisation of GSH to the air-lung interface, consistent with a protective adaptation to the investigated wood smoke exposure.
Comparison of four phaC genes from Haloferax mediterranei and their function in different PHBV copolymer biosyntheses in Haloarcula hispanica
Authors: Han Jing , Li Ming , Hou Jing , Wu Linping , Zhou Jian , Xiang Hua 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The halophilic archaeon Haloferax mediterranei is able to accumulate large amounts of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with high molar fraction of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) from unrelated carbon sources. A Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase composed of two subunits, PhaCHme and PhaEHme, has been identified in this strain, and shown to account for the PHBV biosynthesis.

Results
With the aid of the genome sequence of Hfx. mediterranei CGMCC 1.2087, three additional phaC genes (designated phaC1, phaC2, and phaC3) were identified, which encoded putative PhaCs. Like PhaCHme (54.8 kDa), PhaC1 (49.7 kDa) and PhaC3 (62.5 kDa) possessed the conserved motifs of type III PHA synthase, which was not observed in PhaC2 (40.4 kDa). Furthermore, the longer C terminus found in the other three PhaCs was also absent in PhaC2. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) revealed that, among the four genes, only phaC
Hme was transcribed under PHA-accumulating conditions in the wild-type strain. However, heterologous coexpression of phaE
Hme with each phaC gene in Haloarcula hispanica PHB-1 showed that all PhaCs, except PhaC2, could lead to PHBV accumulation with various 3HV fractions. The three kinds of copolymers were characterized using gel-permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Their thermal properties changed with the variations in monomer composition as well as the different molecular weights (M
w), thus might meet various application requirements.

Conclusion
We discover three cryptic phaC genes in Hfx. mediterranei, and demonstrate that genetic engineering of these newly identified phaC genes has biotechnological potential for PHBV production with tailor-made material properties.
A comprehensive platform for quality control of botanical drugs (PhytomicsQC): a case study of Huangqin Tang (HQT) and PHY906
Authors: Tilton Robert , Paiva Anthony A , Guan Jing-Qu , Marathe Rajendra , Jiang Zaoli , van Eyndhoven Winfried , Bjoraker Jeffrey , Prusoff Zachary , Wang Hailong , Liu Shwu-Huey , Cheng Yung-Chi 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Establishing botanical extracts as globally-accepted polychemical medicines and a new paradigm for disease treatment, requires the development of high-level quality control metrics. Based on comprehensive chemical and biological fingerprints correlated with pharmacology, we propose a general approach called PhytomicsQC to botanical quality control.

Methods
Incorporating the state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, PhytomicsQC was employed in this study and included the use of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for chemical characterization and chemical fingerprinting, differential cellular gene expression for bioresponse fingerprinting and animal pharmacology for in vivo validation. A statistical pattern comparison method, Phytomics Similarity Index (PSI), based on intensities and intensity ratios, was used to determine the similarity of the chemical and bioresponse fingerprints among different manufactured batches.

Results
Eighteen batch samples of Huangqin Tang (HQT) and its pharmaceutical grade version (PHY906) were analyzed using the PhytomicsQC platform analysis. Comparative analysis of the batch samples with a clinically tested standardized batch obtained values of PSI similarity between 0.67 and 0.99.

Conclusion
With rigorous quality control using analytically sensitive and comprehensive chemical and biological fingerprinting, botanical formulations manufactured under standardized manufacturing protocols can produce highly consistent batches of products.
Comparison of the multi-drug resistant human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7402/ADM model established by three methods
Authors: Zhong Xingguo , Xiong Maoming , Meng Xiangling , Gong Renhua 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
To compare the biological characteristics of three types of human hepatocellular carcinoma multi-drug resistant cell sub-lines Bel-7402/ADM models established by three methods.

Methods
Established human hepatocellular carcinoma adriamycin (ADM) multi-drug resistant cell sub-lines models Bel-7402/ADMV, Bel-7402/ADML and Bel-7402/ADMS by three methods of in vitro concentration gradient increased induction, nude mice liver-implanted induction and subcutaneous-implanted induction respectively. Phase contrast microscopy was used to observe the cells and the MTT (methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium) method was used to detect drug resistance of the three different sub-lines of cells.

Results
The three groups of drug resistant cells, Bel-7402/ADMV, Bel-7402/ADML and Bel-7402/ADMS generated cross-resistance to ADM and CDDP (cis-Diaminedichloroplatinum), but showed a significant difference in resistance to Bel-7402 IC50 value (P < 0.01). The doubling times were significantly extended compared to the parent cell line (39 h) and were 65 h (Bel-7402/ADMV), 46 h (Bel-7402/ADML), and 45 h (Bel-7402/ADMS). The excretion rates of ADM were significantly increased compared with the parent cell (34.14%) line and were 81.06% (Bel-7402/ADMV), 66.56% (Bel-7402/ADML) and 61.56% (Bel-7402/ADMS). Expression of P-gp and MRP in the three groups of resistant cells was significantly enhanced (P < 0.01). There was no significant variation in the expression of GSH/GST (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
Stable resistance was involved in the resistant cell line model established by the above three methods. Liver implantation was a good simulation of human hepatocellular and proved to be an ideal model with characteristics similar to human hepatocellular biology and the pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs.
Novel strategies in tendon and ligament tissue engineering: Advanced biomaterials and regeneration motifs
Authors: Kuo Catherine K , Marturano Joseph E , Tuan Rocky S 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Tendon and ligaments have poor healing capacity and when injured often require surgical intervention. Tissue replacement via autografts and allografts are non-ideal strategies that can lead to future problems. As an alternative, scaffold-based tissue engineering strategies are being pursued. In this review, we describe design considerations and major recent advancements of scaffolds for tendon/ligament engineering. Specifically, we outline native tendon/ligament characteristics critical for design parameters and outcome measures, and introduce synthetic and naturally-derived biomaterials used in tendon/ligament scaffolds. We will describe applications of these biomaterials in advanced tendon/ligament engineering strategies including the utility of scaffold functionalization, cyclic strain, growth factors, and interface considerations. The goal of this review is to compile and interpret the important findings of recent tendon/ligament engineering research in an effort towards the advancement of regenerative strategies.
Web-based survey on the effect of digital storytelling on empowering women to seek help for urogenital atrophy
Authors: Cumming Grant P , Currie Heather D , Moncur Rik , Lee Amanda J 
Published: August 2010

Objective To evaluate an online digital story aimed to empower women suffering from urogenital atrophy to seek health professional advice. Study design A questionnaire evaluating a digital story on the UK-based menopause website www.menopausematters.co.uk . Main outcome measure Answers to questions on empowerment. Results A total of 539 responses were obtained over the 62 weeks that the questionnaire was online. In women who had not previously sought help for urogenital atrophy, 145 were too embarrassed and 105 did not want to bother the health professional. Having watched the video, 73% ( n = 105/143) of women who had been too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with their doctor would now do so and 87% ( n = 89/102) of women who had not wanted to bother their doctor would also make an appointment. Ninety-six percent ( n = 138/144) of women would be willing to try treatment. Over two-thirds of women favoured webcast information to written information; however, postmenopausal women were less likely than peri- or premenopausal to favour this method of presenting health information. Conclusion Using digital stories for health promotion is a new area for research. Our data provide preliminary evidence that women can feel more empowered to seek help for urogenital atrophy using digital storytelling.
The age of ovarian failure following premenopausal hysterectomy with ovarian conservation
Authors: Read Michael D , Edey Katharine A , Hapeshi Julie , Foy Christopher 
Published: August 2010

Objective To test the hypothesis that premenopausal hysterectomy compromises ovarian function and accelerates ovarian failure. Design Longitudinal prospective cohort study. Annual follow-up with serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels with all women being 46 years of age or less at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease. Setting Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, UK. Participants Five hundred and thirty-one women recruited over a four-year period from 1994 to 1997. Results The median age of women in the study was 37 (range 22–46). Women had earlier ovarian failure after unilateral oophorectomy (hazard ratio 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44–4.04) and after vaginal hysterectomy (hazard ratio 2.04, 95% CI 1.33–3.14) compared with abdominal hysterectomy. The mean age of ovarian failure across all groups was 45.87 (±3.58), and 59 (11%) women remained in the study at the end of 10 years who had not yet entered the menopause. Conclusion This is the largest number of cases collected prospectively looking at ovarian failure after hysterectomy. Earlier ovarian failure occurred in those women having unilateral oophorectomy or vaginal hysterectomy. Early ovarian failure was not confirmed across the study group with only 2% of women having confirmed ovarian failure by Kaplan–Meier estimate one year after surgery and 14% at five years.
Compliance with estrogen hormone replacement therapy after oophorectomy: a prospective study
Authors: Read Michael D , Edey Katharine A , Hapeshi Julie , Foy Christopher 
Published: August 2010

Objective To quantify compliance with using estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) up until the time of mean age of natural menopause in women undergoing either bilateral oophorectomy or removal of one remaining ovary at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease. Design Prospective study. Annual questionnaire follow-up for ten years of women undergoing hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy for benign disease aged 46 or less at the time of surgery. Setting Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Participants Five hundred and twenty-one women recruited over a four-year period from 1994 to 1997. Main outcome measures Compliance with HRT use, changes in HRT preparations and reasons for discontinuation. Results The median age of women at the time of hysterectomy was 42 (range 22–46) years; 4.9% ( n = 24) stopped HRT within the first two years and 16.5% ( n = 86) by the end of the study. The majority of women were prescribed HRT tablets (253, 48%) and the next most common being patches. In total, there were 1271 episodes of changing HRT, with the range between 0 and 18 changes per woman over the ten-year period. In all, 32% of changes were to a different route of HRT, 19% were to a different preparation of the same route, 18% were to an increased dose of the same preparation and 7% were to a decreased dose of the same preparation. Conclusions Compliance with HRT use was high throughout the study, although responses decreased after five years. Change to HRT preparations was consistently high across all preparations. Women requiring HRT after surgical menopause need to be supported in finding the right preparation for them.
Identification of Pregnancy-Associated MicroRNAs in Maternal Plasma
Authors: Miura Kiyonori , Miura Shoko , Yamasaki Kentaro , Higashijima Ai , Kinoshita Akira , Yoshiura Koh-ichiro , Masuzaki Hideaki 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND
Several placental microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as pregnancy-associated molecules with the potential for use in estimating the condition of the placenta. Our understanding of these novel molecules is still limited, however. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize pregnancy-associated miRNAs in maternal plasma.

METHODS
By microarray-based screening of 723 human miRNAs, we selected miRNAs that exhibited signal intensities &gt;100 times higher in placental tissues than in the corresponding whole blood samples. Subsequent quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR revealed miRNAs produced predominantly in the placenta that showed significantly decreased concentrations in maternal plasma after delivery. These miRNAs were identified as pregnancy-associated miRNAs.

RESULTS
We selected 82 miRNAs produced predominantly in the placenta and identified 24 as pregnancy-associated miRNAs. The genes encoding these miRNAs included 16 that are clustered on 19q13.42 and 5 clustered on 14q32. As the pregnancy progressed into the third trimester, the plasma concentrations of cell-free chromosome 19–derived miRNAs (has-miR-515-3p, has-miR-517a, has-miR-517c, has-miR-518b, and has-miR-526b) increased significantly (P = 0.0284, 0.0069, 0.0125, 0.0284, and 0.0093, respectively, Wilcoxon signed rank test), whereas that of cell-free has-miR-323-3p on chromosome 14q32.31 showed no change (P = 0.2026).

CONCLUSIONS
In addition to the known pregnancy-associated miRNAs, we identified new pregnancy-associated miRNAs with our microarray-based approach. Most of the genes encoding these miRNAs were clustered on 19q13.42 or 14q32, which are critical regions for placental and embryonic development. These new pregnancy-associated miRNAs may be useful molecular markers for monitoring pregnancy-associated diseases.
Professional Issues: Leadership in the Product Development Process: Attitude Counts!
Authors: McLoone Hugh E. 
Published: August 2010

Editor's Note: Our attitudes make a difference as we participate in the product development process and meet challenges that arise for us individually or for the team. The author offers 10 lessons learned about attitudes and how they have helped or hindered efforts to create superior user experiences and industry-leading products. Previous articles by Hugh McLoone in this Ergonomics in Design column have covered other aspects of leadership, including schedule constraints, decision making, communication, and teamwork. Questioning the design of an existing product – or even the research on which it is based – can help design teams find new ways to succeed.
Colonnal történt nyelőcsőpótlás után kialakult vastagbél-adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sikorszki László , Horváth Örs Péter , Papp András , Cseke László , Pavlovics Gábor 
Published: August 2010

Absztrakt

Esetismertetés: A szerzők a PTE KK Sebészeti Klinikán korrozív nyelőcsősérülés után 44 évvel a bőrcső-colon anastomosis területén, a nyakon kialakult vastagbél-adenocarcinoma operatív megoldását ismertetik. Megbeszélés: Betegüknél ezen műtétet megelőzően 44 évvel sósav ivását követően kialakult középsúlyos nyelőcső-, gyomor- és gégesérülés után sorozatos gégeplasztikák, majd végleges tracheostomia, illetve nyelőcső-eltávolítás történt, pylorus plasztikával, két ülésben végzett ileocolon transzpozíciójával. A műtét során antethoracalis nyelőcsőképzést végeztek ileocolonnal és bőrcső-kiegészítéssel. A felvitt colonban 44 évvel később kifekélyesedett adenocarcinoma igazolódott, melyet resecáltak és mikro-éranastomosisok alkalmazásával izolált jejunumszegmentum átültetésével állították helyre a beteg nyelésképességét.
Mediastinalis és retroperitonealis bronchogen cysták sikeresen operált esetei és tanulságaik
Authors: Sugár István , Vörös Attila , Diczházi Csaba , Barabás Loránd , Valkó Luca , Kovács Gábor László , Ondrejka Pál 
Published: August 2010

AbsztraktEsetismertetés:Két fiatal férfi betegünk egyikénél nyelési panaszait okozó mediastinalis szövetszaporulat exstirpatióját követő szövettani vizsgálat, a másiknál egyéb okból elvégzett hasi CT által valószínűsített mellékvese-adenoma „kivétele” után derítette ki a hisztológia a pontos diagnózist: a bronchialis cystát.Megbeszélés:A mediastinalis tumorok néhány százalékát fejlődési rendellenesség hatására keletkező bronchogen cysták alkotják. Csekély hányaduk okoz panaszt, ezek kerülnek felismerésre. Különösen ritka formája, amikor az ébrényi szakban, az egyedfejlődés során a cystakezdemény a hasüregbe vagy a retroperitoneumba vándorol. Diagnosztizálásuk praktikusan csak az eltávolítást követő szövettan révén lehetséges.
Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Among Women Reporting Sexual Activity With Women Screened in Family Planning Clinics in the Pacific Northwest, 1997 to 2005
Authors: Singh Devika , Fine David N. , Marrazzo Jeanne M. 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We sought to define Chlamydia trachomatis positivity among women who report sexual activity with women, a population for which sparse data on this infection are available and for whom health disparities including challenged access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, have been reported. Methods. We analyzed data from 9358 family planning clinic visits with C trachomatis tests among women aged 15 to 24 years who reported sexual activity within the past year exclusively with women (WSW) or with men and women (WSMW), in the Region X Infertility Prevention Project. Characteristics were compared with women who reported sexual activity exclusively with men (WSM). Results. C trachomatis positivity among both WSW and WSMW was 7.1%, compared with 5.3% among WSM. Behavioral risks were more commonly reported by WSW and WSMW, compared with reports by WSM. Risks for C trachomatis positivity were comparable across groups and included younger age, non-White race, behavioral risks, and clinical signs. Conclusions. Higher C trachomatis positivity among women reporting same-sex sexual behavior supports investigation into potential explanatory factors, including sexual behaviors, biological susceptibility, routine C trachomatis screening disparities, sexual identity disclosure, and sexual network assessment.
Household Expenditures for Medicines and the Role of Free Medicines in the Brazilian Public Health System
Authors: Bertoldi Andréa D. , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Camargo Aline Lins , Hallal Pedro C. , Vandoros Sotiris , Wagner Anita , Ross-Degnan Dennis 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We sought to investigate, across different socioeconomic groups, the proportion of household medicine expenses that were paid by households and the proportion paid by the Brazilian national health system. Methods. We carried out a survey in Porto Alegre, Brazil, that included 2988 individuals of all ages. We defined 2 expenditure variables: “out-of-pocket medicines value” (the sum of retail prices of all medicines used by family members within the previous 15 days and paid for out of pocket) and “free medicines value” (a similar definition for medicines obtained without charge). Results. In 2003, the Brazilian national health system provided, free of charge, 78% of the monetary value of medicines reported (79% in the bottom wealth quintile and 32% in the top 2 quintiles). The mean out-of-pocket expense for medicines was 6 times greater among the top wealth quintiles compared with those in lower quintiles, but free medicines constituted a 3-times-greater proportion of potential expenditures for medicines among the bottom quintile than among the top 2 quintiles. Conclusions. Free provision of medicines seems to be saving substantial amounts of medicine expenditures for poor people in Brazil.
Age and Gender Trends in Long-Term Opioid Analgesic Use for Noncancer Pain
Authors: Campbell Cynthia I. , Weisner Constance , LeResche Linda , Ray G. Thomas , Saunders Kathleen , Sullivan Mark D. , Banta-Green Caleb J. , Merrill Joseph O. , Silverberg Michael J. , Boudreau Denise , Satre Derek D. , Von Korff Michael 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We describe age and gender trends in long-term use of prescribed opioids for chronic noncancer pain in 2 large health plans. Methods. Age- and gender-standardized incident (beginning in each year) and prevalent (ongoing) opioid use episodes were estimated with automated health care data from 1997 to 2005. Profiles of opioid use in 2005 by age and gender were also compared. Results. From 1997 to 2005, age–gender groups exhibited a total percentage increase ranging from 16% to 87% for incident long-term opioid use and from 61% to 135% for prevalent long-term opioid use. Women had higher opioid use than did men. Older women had the highest prevalence of long-term opioid use (8%–9% in 2005). Concurrent use of sedative-hypnotic drugs and opioids was common, particularly among women. Conclusions. Risks and benefits of long-term opioid use are poorly understood, particularly among older adults. Increased surveillance of the safety of long-term opioid use is needed in community practice settings.