bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘But is it a normal thing?’ Teenage mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding promotion and support
Authors: Condon L , Rhodes C , Warren S , Withall J , Tapp A 
Published: March 2012

Aim: To explore teenagers’ experiences of the breastfeeding promotion and support delivered by health professionals. Design: A qualitative study conducted in an English city. Methods: Pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers (n = 29) took part in semi-structured interviews and focus groups between March and July 2009. Results: Breastfeeding is presented by health professionals as incontrovertibly the best choice of feeding method, but teenagers experience an array of conflicting norms which influence their infant feeding choices and behaviours. Conclusions: The social barriers to continuing breastfeeding are insufficiently recognized and addressed by health professionals. It is likely that teenage mothers would breastfeed for longer if they perceived that breastfeeding was a normal way to feed baby in their social milieu.
Applying the transtheoretical model to investigate behavioural change in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Lin Shu-Ping , Wang Ming-Jye 
Published: March 2012

Background: Long-term behaviour change in type 2 diabetic patients may provide effective glycemic control. Purpose: To investigate the key factors that promote behaviour change in diabetic subjects using the transtheoretical model. Methods: Subjects were selected by purposive sampling from type 2 diabetes outpatients. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data related to the stages of behavioural change. HbA1C* values were measured to evaluate glycemic control. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression and multinomial logistic regression. Results: Routine management of diabetes was a key factor in behaviour change, which correlated indirectly with HbA1C values through compliance and was positively affected by social support. Undermining from family or friends was directly associated with HbA1C. Conclusions: Based on factors influencing stages of behaviour change in diabetic subjects, tailoring a programme to help patients balancing life-style with diabetes, strengthening the patients’ perceived confidence in routine management, and establishing a patient-friendly environment as well as support systems may show promise for changing the behaviours in all diabetic patients.
Comparative experimental studies of phosphate glass fiber/polypropylene and phosphate glass fiber/natural rubber composites
Authors: Zaman Haydar U. , Khan Mubarak A. , Khan Ruhul A. 
Published: March 2012

Phosphate glass fiber (PGF)-reinforced polypropylene (PP)/natural rubber (NR)-based unidirectional composites with four levels of fiber loading (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were fabricated by compression molding. The influence of the addition of fiber loadings on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, bending strength, tensile modulus, and percentage elongation at break of the composites was investigated. Based on the fiber loading, 20% PGF-reinforced PP composites yielded better mechanical properties compared with the PGF/NR composites. Degradation tests of the composites were performed in aqueous and soil medium, and it was found that PGF/NR composites lost much of its original strength and modulus compared with that of the PGF/PP composites. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of PGF/PP and PGF/NR systems was investigated using the single-fiber fragmentation tests. The IFSS of PGF/PP and PGF/NR systems appeared to be 5.5 and 1.1 MPa, respectively.
Responses of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to chemical microenvironment of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Liang Chengzhen , Li Hao , Tao Yiqing , Zhou Xiaopeng , Li Fangcai , Chen Gang , Chen Qixin 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) may be ideal source of cells for intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration, but the harsh chemical microenvironment of IVD may significantly influence the biological and metabolic vitality of ADMSCs and impair their repair potential. This study aimed to investigate the viability, proliferation and the expression of main matrix proteins of ADMSCs in the chemical microenvironment of IVD under normal and degeneration conditions.

Methods
ADMSCs were harvested from young (aged 8-12 years, n = 6) and mature (aged 33-42 years, n = 6) male donors and cultured under standard condition and IVD-like conditions (low glucose, acidity, high osmolarity, and combined conditions) for 2 weeks. Cell viability was measured by annexin V-FITC and PI staining and cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. The expression of aggrecan and collagen-I was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.

Results
IVD-like glucose condition slightly inhibited cell viability, but increased the expression of aggrecan. In contrast, IVD-like osmolarity, acidity and the combined conditions inhibited cell viability and proliferation and the expression of aggrecan and collagen-I. ADMSCs from young and mature donors exhibited similar responses to the chemical microenvironments of IVD.

Conclusion
IVD-like low glucose is a positive factor but IVD-like high osmolarity and low pH are deleterious factors that affect the survival and biological behaviors of ADMSCs. These findings may promote the translational research of ADMSCs in IVD regeneration for the treatment of low back pain.
Morphological features of microglial cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of Gunn rat: a possible schizophrenia animal model
Authors: Liaury Kristian , Miyaoka Tsuyoshi , Tsumori Toshiko , Furuya Motohide , Wake Rei , Ieda Masa , Tsuchie Keiko , Taki Michiyo , Ishihara Kotomi , Tanra Andi Jayalangkara , Horiguchi Jun 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Schizophrenia is a debilitating and complex mental disorder whose exact etiology remains unknown. There is growing amount of evidence of a relationship between neuroinflammation, as demonstrated by microglial activation, and schizophrenia. Our previous studies have proposed that hyperbilirubinemia plays a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Furthermore, we suggested the Gunn rat, an animal model of bilirubin encephalopathy, as a possible animal model of schizophrenia. However, the effects of unconjugated bilirubin on microglia, the resident immune cell of the CNS, in Gunn rats have never been investigated. In the present study, we examined how microglial cells respond to bilirubin toxicity in adult Gunn rats.

Methods
Using immunohistochemical techniques, we compared the distribution, morphology, and ultrastructural features of microglial cells in Gunn rats with Wistar rats as a normal control. We also determined the ratio of activated and resting microglia and observed microglia-neuron interactions. We characterized the microglial cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus.

Results
We found that microglial cells showed activated morphology in the hilus, subgranular zone, and granular layer of the Gunn rat hippocampal dentate gyrus. There was no significant difference between cell numbers between in Gunn rats and controls. However, there was significant difference in the area of CD11b expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Ultrastructurally, microglial cells often contained rich enlarged rich organelles in the cytoplasm and showed some phagocytic function.

Conclusions
We propose that activation of microglia could be an important causal factor of the behavioral abnormalities and neuropathological changes in Gunn rats. These findings may provide basic information for further assessment of the Gunn rat as an animal model of schizophrenia.
Low levels of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Glioblastoma multiforme associates with patient survival; -a case-control study
Authors: Rahbar Afsar , Stragliotto Giuseppe , Orrego Abiel , Peredo Inti , Taher Chato , Willems Jan , Söderberg-Naucler Cecilia 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represent the most aggressive brain tumor with a median overall survival of about 12-15 months. Over 90% of GBM tumors have recently been shown to be infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). In this case-control study, we evaluated whether there was an association between the grade of HCMV infection and long-term survival (> 18 months) in GBM patients.

Material and methods
Brain tumor tissue sections from consecutive GBMs patients who survived more than 18 months (n = 40), and an equal number of GBM patients, matched to date of diagnosis and surgery, operated at Karolinska University Hospital in 2000-2005 were selected. HCMV infection grade was determined by estimation of the number of HCMV positive cells (scored negative or grade 1-4) in tumor tissue specimens. Using Chi-Square test and logistic regression analysis, we analyzed whether there was an association between long-term survival and HCMV low-grade infection or other clinical parameters known to be associated with prolonged survival of GBM patients; age under 50 years, radical surgery or low recursive partition analysis (RPA) subclass.

Results
HCMV infection was detected in tumor samples from 79 of 80 patients (99%). Among patients surviving > 18 months, HCMV infection grade 1 in the GBM tumor was predominant. A low grade HCMV infection was found in 19 patients, of these 16 survived > 18 months. Thus, 16 of 40 (40%) GBM patients who lived > 18 months had low-grade HCMV infection while only 3 of 40 (8%) GBM patients who lived < 18 months did (p .0006, Chi-Square test). Multiple logistic regression analyses yielded an odds ratio estimate of 6.604 with 95% confidence interval (1.36-32.1) (p .019) for low grade HCMV after adjustment for RPA class III and IV, radical surgery, age and gamma knife treatment.

Conclusion
In conclusion, we found that low-grade HCMV infection was strongly associated with long-term survival in GBM patients.
Drug-Addicted Oncology Practice: The Drug Test
Authors: Barth Neil M. , Donegan Beau 
Published: March 2012

Purpose: The buy-and-bill model of pharmaceuticals has been an economic reality for medical oncology practices for more than 30 years. Infusion services, once just a supportive service, grew exponentially in most practices between 1991 and 2000, to the point at which revenue from these services created a high, which made all things possible, including care of underinsured or uninsured patients. This altered state was further enhanced in the early part of this past decade when the introduction of high-cost chemotherapeutics and biologic agents created the euphoria of big business and a true dollar distortion for even the smallest oncology practice. Results: In 2005, government and payer intervention forced average wholesale price to average sales price conversion to reduce the drug effect. Concurrently, payer scrutiny of utilization and medical necessity with further dose reductions, equating to margins, led many practices to experience painful drug withdrawal symptoms. Despite the enormous financial risk for unreimbursed expense and acknowledged spiraling decline of drug margins of greater than 30% since 2002, the seductive possibility of a financial fix keeps the practices hooked. Conclusion: Many practices will make poor financial choices and will gamble with their financial health by consuming precious resources to support the habit. We propose the drug test: Run your practice financials without drugs. Can you cover the total practice expense without drugs? If not, determine your level of dependency on the drug margin, and adjust your service lines and salaries accordingly. We issue the following warning: Drug dependencies may be hazardous to the financial health of your organization.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Induced Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor via Transactivation of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptors in Mesangial Cells
Authors: El-Shewy Hesham M. , Sohn Mimi , Wilson Parker , Hye Lee Mi , Hammad Samar M. , Luttrell Louis M. , Jaffa Ayad A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe pro-fibrotic connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been linked to the development and progression of diabetic vascular and renal disease. We recently reported that low-density lipoproteins (LDL) induced expression of CTGF in aortic endothelial cells. However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully defined. Here, we have studied the mechanism by which LDL regulates CTGF expression in renal mesangial cells. In these cells, treatment with pertussis toxin abolished LDL-stimulated activation of ERK1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), indicating the involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in LDL signaling. Treatment with LDL promoted activation and translocation of endogenous sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) from the cytosol to the plasma membrane concomitant with production of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Pretreating cells with SK inhibitor, dimethylsphinogsine or down-regulation of SK1 and SK2 revealed that LDL-dependent activation of ERK1/2 and JNK is mediated by SK1. Using a green fluorescent protein-tagged S1P1 receptor as a biological sensor for the generation of physiologically relevant S1P levels, we found that LDL induced S1P receptor activation. Pretreating cells with S1P1/S1P3 receptor antagonist VPC23019 significantly inhibited activation of ERK1/2 and JNK by LDL, suggesting that LDL elicits G protein-dependent activation of ERK1/2 and JNK by stimulating SK1-dependent transactivation of S1P receptors. Furthermore, S1P stimulation induced expression of CTGF in a dose-dependent manner that was markedly inhibited by blocking the ERK1/2 and JNK signaling pathways. LDL-induced CTGF expression was pertussis toxin sensitive and inhibited by dimethylsphinogsine down-regulation of SK1 and VPC23019 treatment. Our data suggest that SK1-dependent S1P receptor transactivation is upstream of ERK1/2 and JNK and that all three steps are required for LDL-regulated expression of CTGF in mesangial cells.
Exploring molecular genetics of bladder cancer: lessons learned from mouse models
Authors: Ahmad Imran , Sansom Owen J. , Leung Hing Y. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryUrothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) of the bladder is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. It is unusual among the epithelial carcinomas because tumorigenesis can occur by two distinct pathways: low-grade, recurring papillary tumours usually contain oncogenic mutations in FGFR3 or HRAS, whereas high-grade, muscle-invasive tumours with metastatic potential generally have defects in the pathways controlled by the tumour suppressors p53 and retinoblastoma (RB). Over the past 20 years, a plethora of genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of UCC have been developed, containing deletions or mutations of key tumour suppressor genes or oncogenes. In this review, we provide an up-to-date summary of these GEM models, analyse their flaws and weaknesses, discuss how they have advanced our understanding of UCC at the molecular level, and comment on their translational potential. We also highlight recent studies supporting a role for dysregulated Wnt signalling in UCC and the development of mouse models that recapitulate this dysregulation.
Comparison of serum testosterone and estradiol measurements in 3174 European men using platform immunoassay and mass spectrometry; relevance for the diagnostics in aging men
Authors: Huhtaniemi Ilpo T , Tajar Abdelouahid , Lee David M , O'Neill Terence W , Finn Joseph D , Bartfai György , Boonen Steven , Casanueva Felipe F , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S , Kula Krzysztof , Labrie Fernand , Lean Michael E J , Pendleton Neil , Punab Margus , Silman Alan J , Vanderschueren Dirk , Forti Gianni , Wu Frederick C W , _ _ 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundThe limitations of serum testosterone and estradiol (E2) measurements using non-extraction platform immunoassays (IAs) are widely recognized. Switching to more specific mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods has been advocated, but directly comparative data on the two methods are scarce.MethodsWe compared serum testosterone and E2 measurements in a large sample of middle-aged/elderly men using a common platform IA and a gas chromatography (GC)–MS method, in order to assess their limitations and advantages, and to diagnose male hypogonadism. Of subjects from the European Male Aging Study (n=3174; age 40–79 years), peripheral serum testosterone and E2 were analyzed using established commercial platform IAs (Roche Diagnostics E170) and in-house GC–MS methods.ResultsOver a broad concentration range, serum testosterone concentration measured by IA and MS showed high correlation (R=0.93, P<0.001), which was less robust in the hypogonadal range (<11 nmol/l; R=0.72, P<0.001). The IA/MS correlation was weaker in E2 measurements (R=0.32, P<0.001, at E2 <40.8 pmol/l, and R=0.74, P<0.001, at E2 >40.8 pmol/l). Using MS as the comparator method, IA ascertained low testosterone compatible with hypogonadism (<11 nmol/l), with 75% sensitivity and 96.3% specificity. The same parameters with IA for the detection of low E2 (<40.7 pmol/l) were 13.3 and 99.3%, and for high E2 (>120 pmol/l) 88.4 and 88.6%.ConclusionA validated platform IA is sufficient to detect subnormal testosterone concentrations in the diagnosis of male hypogonadism. The IA used for E2 measurements showed poor correlation with MS and may only be suitable for the detection of high E2 in men.
Nano Superlattice-like Materials as Thermal Insulators for Phase-Change Random Access Memory
Authors: Loke D. , Shi L. P. , Wang W. J. , Zhao R. , Ng L. T. , Lim K. G. , Yang H. X. , Chong T. C. , Yeo. Y. C. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTNanoscale superlattice-like (SLL) dielectric was employed to reduce the power consumption of the Phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) cells. In this study, we have simulated and found that the cells with the SLL dielectric have a higher peak temperature compared to that of the cells with the SiO2 dielectric after constant pulse activation, due to the interface scattering mechanism. Scaling of the SLL dielectric has resulted in higher peak temperatures, which can be even higher after material/structural modifications. Furthermore, the SLL dielectric has good material properties that enable the cells to have high endurance. This shows the effectiveness of the SLL dielectric for advanced memory applications.
Impact of Local and Systemic Alendronate on Simvastatin‐Induced New Bone Around Periodontal Defects
Authors: Killeen Amy C. , Rakes Pota A. , Schmid Marian J. , Zhang Yijia , Narayana Nagamani , Marx David B. , Payne Jeffrey B. , Wang Dong , Reinhardt Richard A. 
Published: March 2012

Background: Simvastatin has been shown to stimulate new bone growth on rat mandibles, but much of the bone is lost over time. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a locally or systemically applied antiresorptive agent (alendronate) on simvastatin‐induced bone formation in and adjacent to a rat periodontal defect.Methods: Fenestration defects were created over mandibular molar roots in 65 mature female Sprague‐Dawley rats. Two weeks later, animals were divided into eight groups of eight to nine rats, and three weekly injections around the defect were applied: 1) 0.5 mg simvastatin in ethanol (SIM‐EtOH); 2) 0.5 mg simvastatin in alendronate–cyclodextrin conjugate (SIM‐ALN‐CD); 3) EtOH alone; 4) ALN‐CD alone; or 5) no injections. Twenty‐four animals were evaluated for new bone width around the defect 21 days after the last injections (short‐term) and 41 rats were followed for 48 days (long‐term). Three SIM‐EtOH groups of long‐term rats also were subjected to 2 weeks of daily systemic ALN or saline either during or 3 to 4 weeks after SIM‐EtOH injections. Decalcified, hematoxylin‐and‐eosin‐stained cross‐sections of the defect area were analyzed for new bone width and groups were compared using mixed‐model analyses of variance.Results: All groups showed nearly 100% bone fill, with no differences among the short‐term groups. However, in the long‐term animals, two‐fold to three‐fold more new bone width (≤0.004) was seen around the periphery of the defect with the use of systemic ALN after SIM‐EtOH injections (0.93 ± 0.12 and 0.78 ± 0.11 mm with early and late systemic ALN, respectively) compared to local SIM/ALN‐CD preparations (0.32 ± 0.10 mm) or short‐term SIM‐EtOH injections (0.35 ± 0.10 mm). No significant new cementum formation or ankylosis was noted.Conclusion: The use of a short course of systemic ALN during the healing period after bone anabolic SIM injections has the potential to enhance local bone augmentation.
Protein-Signaled Guided Bone Regeneration Using Titanium Mesh and Rh-BMP2 in Oral Surgery: A Case Report Involving Left Mandibular Reconstruction after Tumor Resection
Authors: Cicciù M , Herford A.S , Stoffella E , Cervino G , Cicciù D 
Published: March 2012

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is an osteoinductive protein approved for use in oral and maxillofacial defect reconstruction. Growth factors act as mediators of cellular growth on morphogenesis and mythogenesis phases. Utilized as recombinant proteins, these growth factors need the presence of local target cells capable of obtaining the required results. This cell population may be present at the wound site or added to scaffolding material before implantation at the surgical site.The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of a reported case with a large bone defect, treated with an absorbable collagen sponge, rhBMP-2 and a titanium plate and mesh. The Authors want to report a case which shows the resulting effectiveness of the rhBMP2 action regarding a large, mandibular defect reconstruction. This case also shows how the removal of a rare tumor such as a ghost cell tumor of the jaw may be treated without harvesting bone from another body site. A quick diagnosis of the lesions is important in order to perform the most suitable treatment. The Authors also underline the clinical and histological steps to insure the correct treatment is carried out to solve the case.Moreover, from results obtained from this case, it is possible to highlight several clinical benefits for the patient by adding rhBMP-2 to the common allograft to not only have alveolar reconstruction defects and sinus floor augmentation, but also to have alveolar cleft reconstruction and to treat segmental defects.