bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Questions about intimate partner violence should be part of contraceptive counselling: findings from a community-based longitudinal study in Nicaragua
Authors: Salazar Mariano , Valladares Eliette , Högberg Ulf 
Published: December 2011

Background and methodologyThe study aim was to examine whether exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) was associated with reversible contraceptive use in ever-pregnant partnered women. The authors conducted a longitudinal panel study in León municipality, Nicaragua. At baseline (2002–2003), 478 pregnant women were interviewed and 398 were available for questioning about contraceptive use 40–47 months after childbirth. IPV was assessed at baseline and follow-up, with women classified as never abused, ending abuse, continued abuse or new abuse. Reversible contraceptive use was defined as women using any form of contraception apart from sterilisation. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were used to assess the association between reversible contraceptive use, IPV patterns and IPV exposures at follow-up.ResultsEighty percent of the women were not pregnant and with a partner at follow-up. Half were using reversible contraceptives and 28% were sterilised. Women exposed to a continued abuse pattern (AOR 2.50, 95% CI 11.04–5.99), and those exposed to emotional (AOR 2.80, 95% CI 1.32–5.95), physical (AOR 3.60, 95% CI 1.15–11.10) or any IPV at follow-up (AOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.24–5.40) had higher odds of reversible contraceptive use than those not exposed, even after adjusting for demographic factors. No significant differences in the type of reversible contraceptive used were found between women exposed or not to IPV.Discussion and conclusionsIPV exposure was associated with more reversible contraceptive use. Abuse inquiring at health facilities providing contraceptives should be implemented to identify women exposed to IPV and provide adequate support.
Low-temperature (293-60 K) Raman spectra of the crystalline tert-butylisocyanide complexes, Cr(CO)5(CNBu-t) and cis-Cr(CO)4(CNBu-t)2
Authors: Li Honqi , Barsan Mirela M. , Butler Ian S. 
Published: December 2011

Low-temperature (293–60 K) Raman spectra have been recorded in the 3500–50 cm–1 region for the crystalline tert-butylisocyanide (CNBu-t) complexes, Cr(CO)5(CNBu-t) (I) and cis-Cr(CO)4(CNBu-t)2 (II). Several of the factor group splittings that are predicted for the νCO, νCN, νCrC, νCrCN and δCrCO modes on the basis of the P21/a (C2h5) (I) and Pccn (D2h10) (II) crystallographic symmetries can be detected at very low temperatures. No phase transitions are observed for either complex throughout the temperature range investigated.
Novel Zn(II) coordination polymer based on 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)hydrazine — From two-dimensional to three-dimensional network
Authors: Wang Huaishan , Szeto Lap , Chan Wesley Ting Kwok , Yeung Ho-Lun , Wong Ka-Leung , Wong Wing-Tak 
Published: December 2011

Two MOFs were reported based on Zn(II) with 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)hydrazine (L1); a two-dimensional interpenetrating MOF I of formula [Zn2(L1)2(L2)2]∞ was formed with terephthalic acid (L2) as an additional linker. A three-dimensional MOF II of formula [Zn2(L1)2(L3)2]∞, was formed with the use of a larger spacer 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (L3). MOF II consists of large porosity with a total volume of 3746 Å3 that occupies 34.1% of the unit cell.
Single-Cell Pharmacodynamic Monitoring of S6 Ribosomal Protein Phosphorylation in AML Blasts during a Clinical Trial Combining the mTOR Inhibitor Sirolimus and Intensive Chemotherapy
Authors: Perl Alexander E. , Kasner Margaret T. , Shank Doris , Luger Selina M. , Carroll Martin 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Purpose: Integration of signal transduction inhibitors into chemotherapy regimens generally has generally not led to anticipated increases in response and survival. However, it remains unclear whether this is because of inadequate or inconsistent inhibition of target or other complex biology. The mTOR signaling pathway is frequently activated in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and we previously showed the safety of combining the mTOR inhibitor, sirolimus, with mitoxantrone, etoposide, and cytarabine (MEC) chemotherapy. However, we did not reliably determine the extent of mTOR inhibition on that study. Here, we sought to develop an assay that allowed us to serially quantify the activation state of mTOR kinase during therapy.
Experimental Design: To provide evidence of mTOR kinase activation and inhibition, we applied a validated whole blood fixation/permeabilization technique for flow cytometry to serially monitor S6 ribosomal protein (S6) phosphorylation in immunophenotypically identified AML blasts.
Results: With this approach, we show activation of mTOR signaling in 8 of 10 subjects' samples (80%) and conclusively show inhibition of mTOR in the majority of subjects' tumor cell during therapy. Of note, S6 phosphorylation in AML blasts is heterogeneous and, in some cases, intrinsically resistant to rapamycin at clinically achieved concentrations.
Conclusions: The methodology described is rapid and reproducible. We show the feasibility of real-time, direct pharmacodynamic monitoring by flow cytometry during clinical trials combining intensive chemotherapy and signal transduction inhibitors. This approach greatly clarifies pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships and has broad application to preclinical and clinical testing of drugs whose direct or downstream effects disrupt PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1716–25. ©2011 AACR.
Tumor Location Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Head and Neck Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Smith Valerie A. , MaDan Olivia P. , Lentsch Eric J. 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveExplore the relationship between tumor location and prognosis among patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the head and neck.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of large population database.SettingSurveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database/multiple settings.Subjects and MethodsUsing the SEER database, the authors identified patients with MCC of the head and neck. They compared clinicopathologic characteristics and disease‐specific survival (DSS) between patients with head and neck MCC at different anatomic subsites. DSS was estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method, and a multivariable regression model was constructed so that independent predictors of DSS could be determined.ResultsOf the 2104 patients identified, 61.0% were men. The mean age at diagnosis was 77.5 years. Tumors were most commonly located on the face (61.1%). Scalp tumors were significantly larger (10.4% >5 cm, P =. 0001) and more likely to present with distant metastasis (8.7%, P =. 07) than other head and neck tumors. Lip tumors had the highest rate of invasion into bone, cartilage, and muscle (13.7%, P =. 012), and ear tumors had the highest rate of nodal metastasis (63.2%, P =. 011). Patients with scalp/neck and lip primary sites had significantly worse survival on univariable analysis (P =. 0054 and P =. 0007, respectively); however, the lip was the only site associated with worse survival on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio = 1.8, P =. 005).ConclusionsThis study is the first to report lip location as an independent prognostic factor in head and neck MCC. More aggressive treatment of patients with MCC of the lip may be warranted to improve outcomes.
A Selected Bibliography from Foreign Journals
Authors: Fenkart E. , Haiderer F. , Alisky Marvin , Martin L. John 
Published: December 2011

Compiled by the Institute for Press Science at the University of Amsterdam The European press gave a great deal of attention to the start of commercial television in England during this period. The BBC and the British press watched with especial interest to see whether the ITA (Independent Television Authority) would eat into their advertising revenue. In France Pierre Mendés-France's weekly, l'Exprès, has been turned into a daily (l'Exprès-Matin) under the editorship of 31-year-old Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber. Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and two of his political friends suddenly dismissed their action against Der Spiegel, the German equivalent of Life magazine. The libel suit had been dragging on for two years, and had been brought because Der Spiegel had accused the Chancellor and his friends of selling important German documents to the French. Colombia's strong man Rojas Pinilla suppressed El Tiempo, possibly the greatest liberal voice of truth south of the border since the suppression of La Prensa.
Murder and Myth: New York Times Coverage of the TWA 847 Hijacking Victim
Authors: Lule Jack 
Published: December 2011

In June 1985, Shiite Moslem gunmen commandeered a TWA jetliner from Athens, Greece. The group held more than 150 people hostage and demanded the release of 700 Shiite Moslems jailed or detained by Israel. A passenger, U.S. Navy diver Robert Dean Stethem, was beaten and killed, his body pushed from the plane onto the runway. After 17 days of negotiations, with agreements reached for the release by Israel of hundreds of detainees, the hostages were released. Focusing on language in the New York Times, elite and essential for studies of international news images, a dramatistic analysis explores the newspaper's portrayal of the victim. The study suggests that the news reports of Robert Dean Stethem's killing may serve as a mythic drama of sacrifice. That is, in gripping portrayals of the victim's sacrifice to terrorism, the language of the news reports offers readers the opportunity to participate in a great drama of hope and despair, purpose and pain.
Splenic Lacerations and Return to Play
Authors: Silvis Matthew L. , Plakke Michael J. , Tice Joshua G. , Black Kevin P. 
Published: December 2011

Background: Several sports medicine reviews have highlighted a 3- to 6-month time frame for return to play after splenic lacerations. These reviews are based on several well-defined grading scales for splenic injury based on computed tomography (CT). None of the articles suggest that serial CT scanning is necessary for follow-up; some even indicate that it has no role in the management of these injuries. Hypothesis: With proper follow-up and possibly the use of serial CT scanning or other imaging modalities, it may be possible for athletes to safely return to play sooner than what current guidelines recommend. Study Design: The authors present 2 cases of professional hockey players who both suffered grade III splenic lacerations while playing. Methods: Both players were treated conservatively and monitored with serial CT scanning until radiographic and clinical findings suggested complete healing. Results: Both players were able to return to full-contact professional hockey within 2 months after suffering grade III splenic lacerations. Neither athlete suffered any complications after his return. Conclusions: With CT scanning, 2 athletes were able to return to play earlier (2 months) than previously recommended (3-6 months) without compromising their safety. Clinical relevance: Additional cases must be examined before outlining more definitive recommendations regarding splenic lacerations in sports, but it is possible that elite athletes may return to play sooner than what the current literature recommends.
A novel role of sesamol in inhibiting NF-κB-mediated signaling in platelet activation
Authors: Chang Chao-Chien , Lu Wan-Jung , Ong Eng-Thiam , Chiang Cheng-Wen , Lin Song-Chow , Huang Shih-Yi , Sheu Joen-Rong 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Platelet activation is relevant to a variety of coronary heart diseases. Our previous studies revealed that sesamol possesses potent antiplatelet activity through increasing cyclic AMP formation. Although platelets are anucleated cells, they also express the transcription factor, NF-κB, that may exert non-genomic functions in platelet activation. Therefore, we further investigated the inhibitory roles of sesamol in NF-κB-mediated platelet function.

Methods
Platelet aggregation, Fura 2-AM fluorescence, and immunoblotting analysis were used in this study.

Results
NF-κB signaling events, including IKKβ phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, and p65 phosphorylation, were markedly activated by collagen (1 μg/ml) in washed human platelets, and these signaling events were attenuated by sesamol (2.5~25 μM). Furthermore, SQ22536 and ODQ, inhibitors of adenylate cyclase and guanylate cyclase, respectively, strongly reversed the sesamol (25 μM)-mediated inhibitory effects of IKKβ phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, and p65 phosphorylation stimulated by collagen. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89, also reversed sesamol-mediated inhibition of IκBα degradation. Moreover, BAY11-7082, an NF-κB inhibitor, abolished IκBα degradation, phospholipase C (PLC)γ2 phosphorylation, protein kinase C (PKC) activation, [Ca2+]i mobilization, and platelet aggregation stimulated by collagen. Preincubation of platelets with the inhibitors, SQ22536 and H89, both strongly reversed sesamol-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation and [Ca2+]i mobilization.

Conclusions
Sesamol activates cAMP-PKA signaling, followed by inhibition of the NF-κB-PLC-PKC cascade, thereby leading to inhibition of [Ca2+]i mobilization and platelet aggregation. Because platelet activation is not only linked to hemostasis, but also has a relevant role in inflammation and metastasis, our data demonstrating that inhibition of NF-κB interferes with platelet function may have a great impact when these types of drugs are considered for the treatment of cancer and various inflammatory diseases.
Impact of stirred suspension bioreactor culture on the differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Shafa Mehdi , Krawetz Roman , Zhang Yuan , Rattner Jerome B , Godollei Anna , Duff Henry J , Rancourt Derrick E 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can proliferate endlessly and are able to differentiate into all cell lineages that make up the adult organism. Under particular in vitro culture conditions, ESCs can be expanded and induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes in stirred suspension bioreactors (SSBs). However, in using these systems we must be cognizant of the mechanical forces acting upon the cells. The effect of mechanical forces and shear stress on ESC pluripotency and differentiation has yet to be clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the suspension culture environment on ESC pluripotency during cardiomyocyte differentiation.

Results
Murine D3-MHC-neor ESCs formed embyroid bodies (EBs) and differentiated into cardiomyocytes over 25 days in static culture and suspension bioreactors. G418 (Geneticin) was used in both systems from day 10 to enrich for cardiomyocytes by eliminating non-resistant, undifferentiated cells. Treatment of EBs with 1 mM ascorbic acid and 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide from day 3 markedly increased the number of beating EBs, which displayed spontaneous and cadenced contractile beating on day 11 in the bioreactor. Our results showed that the bioreactor differentiated cells displayed the characteristics of fully functional cardiomyocytes. Remarkably, however, our results demonstrated that the bioreactor differentiated ESCs retained their ability to express pluripotency markers, to form ESC-like colonies, and to generate teratomas upon transplantation, whereas the cells differentiated in adherent culture lost these characteristics.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that although cardiomyocyte differentiation can be achieved in stirred suspension bioreactors, the addition of medium enhancers is not adequate to force complete differentiation as fluid shear forces appear to maintain a subpopulation of cells in a transient pluripotent state. The development of successful ESC differentiation protocols within suspension bioreactors demands a more complete understanding of the impacts of shear forces on the regulation of pluripotency and differentiation in pluripotent stem cells.
MicroRNA-mediated gene regulation plays a minor role in the transcriptomic plasticity of cold-acclimated Zebrafish brain tissue
Authors: Yang Ruolin , Dai Zhonghua , Chen Shue , Chen Liangbiao 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulating the expression of protein-coding genes by directing the degradation and/or repression of the translation of gene transcripts. Growing evidence shows that miRNAs are indispensable player in organismal development with its regulatory role in the growth and differentiation of cell lineages. However, the roles of miRNA-mediated regulation in environmental adaptation of organisms are largely unknown. To examine this potential regulatory capability, we characterized microRNAomes from the brain of zebrafish raised under normal (28°C) and cold-acclimated (10°C, 10 days) conditions using Solexa sequencing. We then examined the expression pattern of the protein-coding genes under these two conditions with Affymetrix Zebrafish Genome Array profiling. The potential roles of the microRNAome in the transcriptomic cold regulation in the zebrafish brain were investigated by various statistical analyses.

Results
Among the total 214 unique, mature zebrafish miRNAs deposited on the miRBase website (release 16), 175 were recovered in this study. In addition, we identified 399 novel, mature miRNAs using multiple miRNA prediction methods. We defined a set of 25 miRNAs differentially expressed under the cold and normal conditions and predicted the molecular functions and biological processes that they involve through Gene Ontology (GO) annotation of their target genes. On the other hand, microarray analysis showed that genes related to mRNA processing and response to stress were overrepresented among the up-regulated genes in cold-stress, but are not directly corresponding to any of the GO molecular functions and biological processes predicted from the differential miRNAs. Using several statistical models including a novel, network-based approach, we found that miRNAs identified in this study, either individually or together, and either directly or indirectly (i.e., mediated by transcription factors), only make minor contribution to the change in gene expression patterns under the low-temperature condition.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that the cold-stress response of mRNA expression may be governed mainly through regulatory modes other than miRNA-mediated regulation. MiRNAs in animal brains might act more as developmental regulators than thermal adaptability regulators.
Dietary patterns and hypertension among Chinese adults: a nationally representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Dong , He Yuna , Li Yanping , Luan Dechun , Yang Xiaoguang , Zhai Fengying , Ma Guansheng 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Several healthful dietary patterns appear to be effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing hypertension. However, the relationship between dietary patterns and hypertension among a representative Chinese population sample is unclear.

Methods
A nationally representative sample of 23 671 participants aged 18-59 years were recruited by the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. All participants had their blood pressure measured with standardized mercury sphygmomanometers. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg. We conducted factor analysis using dietary information from a validated food frequency questionnaire to derive dietary patterns. Information of participants on physical activities, education level, annual household income, smoking status and family history of hypertension was collected by interviewer-administrated questionnaires.

Results
Three major dietary patterns, defined as 'Western', 'traditional northern', and 'traditional southern', were identified. Participants with the highest quartile for the score of the Western pattern had significantly higher blood pressure comparing with counterparts in the lowest quartile. In contrast, participants in the top quartile for the score of the traditional southern pattern presented significantly lower blood pressure comparing with counterparts in the lowest quartile. In multivariate analyses the traditional northern pattern score was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.53, P for trend = 0.0001) comparing with the lowest quartile. The OR for the top quartile of score for the traditional southern pattern was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.59-0.89, P for trend = 0.0040) compared with the lowest quartile of traditional southern pattern score. However, the significant association between the traditional northern pattern and prevalence of hypertension disappeared after further adjusting for body mass index (BMI) (P for trend = 0.3), whereas the association between the traditional southern pattern and prevalence of hypertension persisted after further adjusting for BMI (P for trend = 0.01).

Conclusions
We observed a positive relationship between the traditional northern pattern and hypertension that was mediated through differences in BMI. In addition, the traditional southern pattern was significantly associated with lower odds of presenting with hypertension.
Challenges and opportunities for policy decisions to address health equity in developing health systems: case study of the policy processes in the Indian state of Orissa
Authors: Gopalan Saji S , Mohanty Satyanarayan , Das Ashis 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Achieving health equity is a pertinent need of the developing health systems. Though policy process is crucial for planning and attaining health equity, the existing evidences on policy processes are scanty in this regard. This article explores the magnitude, determinants, challenges and prospects of 'health equity approach' in various health policy processes in the Indian State of Orissa - a setting comparable with many other developing health systems.

Methods
A case-study involving 'Walt-Gilson Policy Triangle' employed key-informant interviews and documentary reviews. Key informants (n = 34) were selected from the departments of Health and Family Welfare, Rural Development, and Women and Child Welfare, and civil societies. The documentary reviews involved various published and unpublished reports, policy pronouncements and articles on health equity in Orissa and similar settings.

Results
The 'health policy agenda' of Orissa was centered on 'health equity' envisaging affordable and equitable healthcare to all, integrated with public health interventions. However, the subsequent stages of policy process such as 'development, implementation and evaluation' experienced leakage in the equity approach. The impediment for a comprehensive approach towards health equity was the nexus among the national and state health priorities; role, agenda and capacity of actors involved; and existing constraints of the healthcare delivery system.

Conclusion
The health equity approach of policy processes was incomprehensive, often inadequately coordinated, and largely ignored the right blend of socio-medical determinants. A multi-sectoral, unified and integrated approach is required with technical, financial and managerial resources from different actors for a comprehensive 'health equity approach'. If carefully geared, the ongoing health sector reforms centered on sector-wide approaches, decentralization, communitization and involvement of non-state actors can substantially control existing inequalities through an optimally packaged equitable policy. The stakeholders involved in the policy processes need to be given orientation on the concept of health equity and its linkage with socio-economic development.