bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated Serum Cholesterol Levels in Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Authors: Hsiao Mei-Chun , Liu Chia-Yih , Hsu Shi-Chieh , Hsiao Cheng-Cheng , Lin Yi-Hsiung , Hsieh T'sang-T'ang 
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To study the association of premenstrual serum total cholesterol level (TC) with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Method: The premenstrual serum cholesterol levels of 34 patients with PMDD and 20 normal controls were measured, and the rates of hypercholesterolemia in the 2 groups were compared. Results: The mean of the premenstrual cholesterol level of the study group was 180.82 + 34.47 mg/dL, while that of the control group was 162.45 + 21.29 mg/dL ( t = 2.152, df = 52, p = 0.036). The prevalence of premenstrual hypercholesterolemia (serum total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL) was 23.53% (8/34) in the PMDD group and zero in the normal control group (chi-square=5.524, df = 1, p = 0.019). Conclusion: The results showed elevated premenstrual serum cholesterol in PMDD and implied a new direction of research to further explore the etiology of PMDD. It is suggested that the pathophysiology of premenstrual dysphoric disorder may be similar to that of anxiety disorders.
n-3 Fatty Acids, Ventricular Arrhythmia–Related Events, and Fatal Myocardial Infarction in Postmyocardial Infarction Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Kromhout Daan , Geleijnse Johanna M. , de Goede Janette , Oude Griep Linda M. , Mulder Barbara J.M. , de Boer Menko-Jan , Deckers Jaap W. , Boersma Eric , Zock Peter L. , Giltay Erik J. 
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE
We carried out a secondary analysis in high-risk patients with a previous myocardial infarction (MI) and diabetes in the Alpha Omega Trial. We tested the hypothesis that in these patients an increased intake of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and α-linolenic acid (ALA) will reduce the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and fatal MI.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A subgroup of 1,014 post-MI patients with diabetes aged 60–80 years was randomly allocated to receive one of four trial margarines, three with an additional amount of n-3 fatty acids and one placebo for 40 months. The end points were ventricular arrhythmia–related events and fatal MI. The data were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle, using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS
The patients consumed on average 18.6 g of margarine per day, which resulted in an additional intake of 223 mg EPA plus 149 mg DHA and/or 1.9 g ALA in the active treatment groups. During follow-up, 29 patients developed a ventricular arrhythmia–related events and 27 had a fatal MI. Compared with placebo patients, the EPA-DHA plus ALA group experienced less ventricular arrhythmia–related events (hazard ratio 0.16; 95% CI 0.04–0.69). These n-3 fatty acids also reduced the combined end-point ventricular arrhythmia–related events and fatal MI (0.28; 0.11–0.71).

CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that low-dose supplementation of n-3 fatty acids exerts a protective effect against ventricular arrhythmia–related events in post-MI patients with diabetes.
Osteogenic potency of stem cell-based genetic engineering targeting Wnt3a and Wnt9a
Authors: Singhatanadgit Weerachai , Varodomrujiranon Manatsanan 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Bone engineering is a promising therapeutic approach to correct skeletal defects, and genetically-modified stem cells have been implicated in engineering new bone. However, the use of genetically-modified human mesenchymal stem cells targeting an osteogenic growth factor Wnt is not yet investigated. In the present study, a proliferation assay and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osteocalcin (OC) transcripts were investigated to examine the effect of Wnt2 overexpression, Wnt3a overexpression, and Wnt9a knockdown on cell proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of bone marrowderived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The results showed that the expression of Wnt2 and Wnt3a was up-regulated throughout the osteoblast differentiation period of BMSCs, whereas that of Wnt9a was down-regulated. Overexpression of Wnt3a stimulated cell proliferation while knockdown of Wnt9a increased the ALP activity and the expression of Runx2 and OC. Double transfection producing Wnt3a overexpression and Wnt9a knockdown simultaneously resulted in up-regulation of osteoblast differentiation markers, i.e., the ALP activity and the Runx2 expression. In conclusion, simultaneous genetic modification of Wnt3a overexpression and Wnt9a knockdown enhances osteoblast differentiation of BMSCs, suggesting its osteogenic potency to regenerate new bone in vivo.
Surgical management of first caudal nerve root foraminal compression secondary to intervertebral disc disease in a Cocker Spaniel
Authors: de Vicente F. , Pinilla M. , McConnell J. F. , Bernard F. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryA nine-year-old spayed female Cocker Spaniel was investigated for an eight week history of licking and rubbing at the tail base, dullness, and signs of pain on manipulation of the tail. Left-sided intraforaminal compression of the first caudal nerve root due to intervertebral disc disease was diagnosed by radiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. The dog was non-responsive to conservative medical therapy. A decompressive left-sided first-second caudal (Cd1-Cd2) foraminotomy was performed.Postoperative computed tomography confirmed surgical decompression of the involved nerve root. At the one month follow-up examination there was marked improvement in clinical signs. At two months, clinical signs were completely resolved and there was not any evidence of recurrence twelve months after surgery.Intervertebral disc disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs with discomfort at the tail base or signs of pain on manipulation of the tail. Surgical decompression may be indicated for management of these cases.This is the first report of diagnosis and surgical management of caudal intervertebral disc disease by foraminotomy in the dog. Surgical decompression by foraminotomy may therefore be a treatment option for this condition.
Rapid isolation and cross‐amplification of microsatellite markers in Plectritis congesta (Valerianaceae) with 454 sequencing
Authors: McEwen Jamie R. , Vamosi Jana C. , Rogers Sean M. 
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in Plectritis congesta for studying the evolution of this highly variable species.• Methods and Results: We used 454 sequencing of DNA enriched for microsatellite repeats to develop microsatellite markers. This produced 262079 reads with an average length of 324 bp, representing approximately 800 microsatellite regions from which 48 primers were tested. Eleven markers reliably amplified without optimization. These primer pairs showed a high degree of heterozygosity and allelic diversity. Unexpectedly, half of the markers contained multiple peaks, with up to four alleles per individual, which suggests that either polyploidy or isolated gene duplication has occurred within this clade. These primers successfully cross‐amplified in P. macrocera, indicating the utility of these markers for the genus.• Conclusions: With variation in mating system and habitat, a mix of duplicated and nonduplicated markers, and high genetic variance, Plectritis is an ideal candidate model genus for studying the ecological and evolutionary consequences of gene duplication.
Demographic response by a small epiphytic orchid
Authors: Olaya‐Arenas Paola , Meléndez‐Ackerman Elvia J. , Pérez Maria Eglee , Tremblay Raymond 
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: Biotic changes are an inevitable consequence of climate change. Epiphytes may be more susceptible to changes in climate variation, but data regarding responses to climate variability under field conditions are limited. We evaluated whether the abundance of demographic stages in the epiphytic orchid Lepanthes rupestris at the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico was associated with short‐term changes in climate variation over an 8‐yr period.• Methods: We used cross‐correlation analyses to evaluate associations between the abundance of seedlings, juveniles, adults, and fruits per subpopulation, population growth, colonization and extinction rates in L. rupestris with variables related to precipitation and temperature, with and without lag‐ responses.• Key results: We detected significant negative correlations between the average number of seedlings and the number of dry days, between the average number of fruits and minimum average temperature with a 6‐mo response lag, and between the average number of adults and the maximum temperature with a 1‐yr response lag. Neither population growth rate nor probability of colonization and extinction were directly related to climatic variation between 2000 and 2007.• Conclusions: Associations between climatic variables and demographic stages could have negative implications for this orchid within the context of expected drying trends in the Caribbean. Results argue for the establishment of long‐term monitoring studies of orchid populations, because only long‐term studies would provide the appropriate temporal scale to detect and predict climate change effects and adaptive management of orchid populations.
L'illusion du consentement du délinquant à l'acte médical et aux soins en droit pénal
Authors: Mistretta M. Patrick 
Published: November 2011

Alors que le Code civil et le Code de la santé publique imposent l’exigence du consentement sans exclusion aucune relative à l’état de condamné de la personne, il est possible d’observer que le consentement constitue en soi une entrave au droit pénal et à sa logique répressive. Dès lors, c’est avec hostilité que le droit pénal français envisage la question du consentement afin de s’en accommoder ou de s’en affranchir. Tantôt en effet, le consentement à l’acte médical est en apparence obtenu (injonction thérapeutique ou de soins), mais il apparaît à l’analyse davantage extorqué que le fruit d’un consentement libre et éclairé. Tantôt, l’exigence du consentement est plus directement écartée (obligations de soins), de sorte qu’au consentement pression, succède le consentement fiction ; le consentement devenant dans les deux cas illusoire pour n’exister que symboliquement en référence à une exigence de principe en droit médical, mais sans aucune existence réelle en droit pénal.
Effects of Systemic versus Local Administration of Corticosteroids on Mucosal Tolerance
Authors: Kerzerho Jerome , Wunsch Daniela , Szely Natacha , Meyer Hellmuth-Alexander , Lurz Lisa , Röse Lars , Wahn Ulrich , Akbari Omid , Stock Philippe 
Published: November 2011

AbstractRespiratory exposure to allergen induces T cell tolerance and protection against the development of airway hyperactivity in animal models of asthma. Whereas systemic administration of dexamethasone during the delivery of respiratory Ag has been suggested to prevent the development of mucosal tolerance, the effects of local administration of corticosteroids, first-line treatment for patients with bronchial asthma, on mucosal tolerance remain unknown. To analyze the effects of systemic versus local administration of different types of corticosteroids on the development of mucosal tolerance, mice were exposed to respiratory allergen to induce mucosal tolerance with or without systemic or intranasal application of different doses of dexamethasone or prednisolone. After the induction of mucosal tolerance, proliferation of T cells was inhibited in tolerized mice, whereas systemic applications of corticosteroids restored T cell proliferation and secretion of Th2 cytokines. In contrast, inhaled corticosteroids showed no effect on both T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. In addition, mice systemically treated with corticosteroids showed an increased airway hyperactivity with a significant lung inflammation, but also an increased T effector cells/regulatory T cells ratio in the second lymphoid organs when compared with mice that receive corticosteroids by inhalation. These results demonstrate that local administration of corticosteroids has no effect on the development of immune tolerance in contrast to systemically applied corticosteroids. Furthermore, although different concentrations of corticosteroids are administered to patients, our results demonstrated that the route of administration rather than the doses affects the effect of corticosteroids on respiratory tolerance induction. Considering the broad application of corticosteroids in patients with allergic disease and asthma, the route of administration of steroid substances seems crucial in terms of treatment and potential side effects. These findings may help elucidate the apparently contradicting results of corticosteroid treatment in allergic diseases.
p53 Serves as a Host Antiviral Factor That Enhances Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses to Influenza A Virus
Authors: Muñoz-Fontela César , Pazos Michael , Delgado Igotz , Murk William , Mungamuri Sathish Kumar , Lee Sam W. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Moran Thomas M. , Aaronson Stuart A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSeveral direct target genes of the p53 tumor suppressor have been identified within pathways involved in viral sensing, cytokine production, and inflammation, suggesting a potential role of p53 in antiviral immunity. The increasing need to identify immune factors to devise host-targeted therapies against pandemic influenza A virus (IAV) led us to investigate the role of endogenous wild-type p53 on the immune response to IAV. We observed that the absence of p53 resulted in delayed cytokine and antiviral gene responses in lung and bone marrow, decreased dendritic cell activation, and reduced IAV-specific CD8+ T cell immunity. Consequently, p53−/− mice showed a more severe IAV-induced disease compared with their wild-type counterparts. These findings establish that p53 influences the antiviral response to IAV, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. Thus, in addition to its established functions as a tumor suppressor gene, p53 serves as an IAV host antiviral factor that might be modulated to improve anti-IAV therapy and vaccines.
Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Policies in Manufacturing Facilities in the Tobacco-Growing State of Kentucky
Authors: Hahn Ellen J. , Rayens Mary Kay , Okoli Chizimuzo T. C. , Love Kathy , Kim Sanggil 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To assess workplace tobacco use prevention and cessation policies in manufacturing facilities and explore factors associated with tobacco policies and practices in the tobacco-growing state of Kentucky. Design. Cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design. Setting. Telephone survey of Kentucky manufacturing facilities. Subjects. A total of 437 human resource managers (77% participation rate). Measures. Telephone interviews by trained local health department staff to assess indoor and outdoor smoking policies, sale of cigarettes on company property, and provision of cessation and prevention programs. Results. Nearly seven in 10 manufacturing facilities had a written smoking policy, but only 43% banned indoor smoking. About one-fourth of companies reimbursed for cessation treatment and/or provided cessation resources. Companies with unions were more likely than those without unions to provide cessation resources but were also more likely to allow indoor smoking. Although large companies had more than two and a half times the odds as small companies to have a written smoking policy, they were more likely to allow cigarette sales on company property. Conclusion. Despite the importance of smoke-free policies in the workplace, most manufacturing facilities surveyed allowed indoor smoking and few helped smokers quit. Companies with unions were more likely to cater to their smoking employees. Manufacturing facilities provide an opportunity to protect large numbers of adult workers from the hazards of secondhand smoke and to provide quit assistance for smokers.
Availability of School Physical Activity Facilities to the Public in Four U.S. Communities
Authors: Evenson Kelly R. , McGinn Aileen P. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. This study documents the public availability of school physical activity facilities, reasons facilities were not made available to the public, and the barriers and benefits associated with having facilities available. Design. Cross-sectional. Setting. All schools located in four geographic locations (Washington County, Maryland; northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jackson, Mississippi; and Forsyth County, North Carolina). Subjects. The survey was completed by 289 school representatives for a response rate of 82.3% (289/351 schools). For the nonrespondents, 61 of 62 schools were visited to obtain information on outdoor facilities. Measures. Information on indoor and outdoor physical activity facilities available to the public was collected for all schools (public, private, and colleges) using a telephone survey. Site visits were made to schools that did not participate in the survey to collect information on outdoor facilities only. Results. The schools in the four geographic areas owned a wide range and number of physical activity facilities for their students. For the schools, 27% had no indoor facilities and 11% had no outdoor facilities. Private schools and colleges were less likely to have indoor or outdoor facilities compared to public schools. Outdoor facilities were available more often to the public than indoor facilities overall, across sites, and by school type (public, private, college). Among the 313 schools with outdoor facilities, 240 (77%) allowed at least some public use, and among the 210 schools with indoor facilities, 134 (64%) allowed at least some public use. Some reasons that facilities were not made available included: for student use only, supervision and personnel requirements, safety concerns, insurance, liability, and a private or church-owned status. The most common benefits of allowing the public to use the facilities included providing a space to keep youth active and good publicity for the school. Conclusion. These findings suggest that safety, insurance, and liability concerns are barriers that need to be addressed with schools before indoor and outdoor facilities can be made available to the public. Furthermore, emphasizing the benefits that we found, such as providing a space to keep youth active and good publicity for the school, would also be important.
Association of Environmental Factors to Meeting Physical Activity Recommendations in Two South Carolina Counties
Authors: Sharpe Patricia A. , Granner Michelle L. , Hutto Brent , Ainsworth Barbara E. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to examine associations between environment and policy factors and physical activity. Design. A random-digit-dialed, cross-sectional telephone survey was administered. Setting. The setting was a two-county area of eastern South Carolina. Subjects. Before weighting, the sample included 1936 adults; 36.9% African-American, 63.1% white, and 60.1% women. The age group distribution was 28.8% 55+ years, 39.3% 35–54 years, and 31.9% 18–34 years of age. The response rate was 62.9%. Measures. Six physical activity questions (2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey [BRFSS]) were used to create a dichotomous variable, “meets/does not meet recommendation for moderate or vigorous physical activity.” Self-report items assessed knowledge, presence, and use of recreational facilities; presence of environmental and worksite supports; perceived safety; condition of sidewalks; and quality of street lighting Results. Linear and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Unadjusted odds for meeting the recommendation were significantly greater for well-maintained sidewalks (OR = 1.90); safe areas for walking/jogging (OR = 1.39); knowledge of routes for bicycling (OR = 1.38) and walking/jogging (OR = 1.32); and worksites with sports teams (OR = 1.53), exercise facilities (OR = 1.33), flexible time for exercise (OR = 1.33), and preventive checkups (OR = 1.26). Among persons who met the recommendation, means were greater for number of known walking/jogging routes (p = .04); number of known bicycling routes (p < .01); number of days per month uses tracks, trails, routes, pathways (p < .01); and number of days per month uses outdoor recreation areas (p < .01). Conclusion. The results support an association between level of physical activity and environmental and policy factors in two southeastern counties in South Carolina. Limitations of the study include self-reported data and cross-sectional design.
Association of Additional Health Risks on Medical Charges and Prevalence of Diabetes within Body Mass Index Categories
Authors: Musich Shirley , Lu Chifung , McDonald Timothy , Champagne Laura J. , Edington Dee W. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. The prevalence of obesity and diabetes continues to increase among employee populations. Although medical costs and the prevalence of diabetes have been studied across increasing body mass index (BMI) categories, little attention has been given to the association of additional health risks within those categories. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of health risk levels on medical charges and prevalence of diabetes across BMI categories within an employee population. Methods. A cross-sectional study design utilized health risk appraisal data (30% response rate) to measure BMI levels, self-reported diabetes status, and selected additional health risks among 38,841 active employees under age 65 of the General Motors Corporation. Associated average annual medical charges from 1996 to 2000 were calculated for defined health risk levels across five BMI categories (<18.5; 18.5–24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9, and ≥35). Results. Higher medical charges were significantly associated with additional health risks (zero risks to four or more risks) across each of the BMI categories: $2689 to $7576 (<18.5); $2655 to $6555 (18.5–24.9); $3239 to $7118 (25–29.9); $3579 to $7758 (30–34.9); and $4151 to $8075 (≥35). Likewise, higher prevalence of diabetes was significantly associated with additional health risks (zero risks to four or more risks) across the BMI categories: 2.6% to 7.0% (<18.5); 1.3% to 2.7% (18.5–24.9); 2.4% to 5.3% (25–29.9); 5.5% to 8.3% (30–34.9); and 7.7% to 15.8% (≥35). Discussion. Medical costs and the prevalence of diabetes were lower when the numbers of additional health risks were lower, regardless of the BMI category. Programs to promote weight management have largely been unsuccessful in maintaining long-term weight control. The current results suggest that a strategy focused on reducing health risks within any weight category could provide an alternative strategy to achieve medical cost savings and a lower prevalence of diabetes. The implied benefits of risk reduction within BMI categories would need to be confirmed with a longitudinal study.