bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Free Media on Views Regarding Nuclear Energy after the Fukushima Accident
Authors: Yamamura Eiji 
Published: January 2012

SummaryUsing cross‐country data, this paper investigates how freedom of media influenced views regarding the security of nuclear energy after the Fukushima accident in Japan. Key findings are: (1) citizens are less likely to agree that nuclear power plants are properly secured against accidents with the presence of a free media and higher levels of freedom of expression; and (2) freedom of expression and free media are positively associated with the presence of nuclear plants. These findings indicate that sufficient information leads citizens to both understand the risk of nuclear energy and to accept the existence of nuclear plants.
My health and theirs: clients constructing meanings for a health service programme for unemployed people
Authors: Romppainen Katri , Saloniemi Antti , Jähi Rita , Virtanen Pekka 
Published: January 2012

AbstractHealth care research has been more interested in identifying reasons why people do not participate in health interventions than in trying to understand the reasons why they do. This study examined how unemployed people position themselves with regard to a new health service which was set up as part of an institutional strategy for delivering and enabling their access to health care. Positioning theory was used as a methodological framework to analyse participants’ responses to the novel health service. The focus was on two main issues: the way clients’ positions are established through discourse, and the range of factors that come into play in determining those positions. The analysis revealed six positions unemployed people use when encountering the studied service: the docile citizen, the rebel, the socially responsible citizen, the distinctive individual, the independent actor and the calculating client. These positions and associated discourses display the different sets of rights and duties of the client and simultaneously define the positions of the service. While illustrating how a health service engaged with the ideology of equality is integrated into the value framework of the clients, the findings contribute to the ongoing debate on need of particular health services for unemployed people.
Sex and the community: the implications of neighbourhoods and social networks for sexual risk behaviours among urban gay men
Authors: Kelly Brian C. , Carpiano Richard M. , Easterbrook Adam , Parsons Jeffrey T. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractGay neighbourhoods have historically served as vital places for gay socialising, and gay social networks are important sources of social support. Yet, few studies have examined the influence of these forms of community on sexual health. Informed by theoretical frameworks on neighbourhoods and networks, we employ multi‐level modelling to test hypotheses concerning whether gay neighbourhoods and social network factors are associated with five sexual risk behaviours: receptive and insertive unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), barebacking identity, recent internet use for finding sexual partners, and ‘Party and Play’ (PnP). Our analyses of a community‐based sample of gay men in New York City reveal little evidence for the direct effect of gay enclaves on sexual risk with the exception of PnP, which was more likely among gay enclave residents. Having a network composed predominantly of other gay men was associated with insertive UAI, PnP, and internet use for meeting sexual partners. This network type also mediated the association between gay neighbourhoods and higher odds of insertive UAI as well as PnP. Our findings highlight the sexual health implications of two important facets of gay community and, in doing so, indicate the need to better contextualise the sexual health risks faced by gay men.
Valproic acid in association with highly active antiretroviral therapy for reducing systemic HIV‐1 reservoirs: results from a multicentre randomized clinical study
Authors: Routy JP , Tremblay CL , Angel JB , Trottier B , Rouleau D , Baril JG , Harris M , Trottier S , Singer J , Chomont N , Sékaly RP , Boulassel MR 
Published: January 2012

ObjectivesConflicting results have been reported regarding the ability of valproic acid (VPA) to reduce the size of HIV reservoirs in patients receiving suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In a randomized multicentre, cross‐over study, we assessed whether adding VPA to stable HAART could potentially reduce the size of the latent viral reservoir in CD4 T cells of chronically infected patients.MethodsA total of 56 virologically suppressed patients were randomly assigned either to receive VPA plus HAART for 16 weeks followed by HAART alone for 32 weeks (arm 1; n = 27) or to receive HAART alone for 16 weeks and then VPA plus HAART for 32 weeks (arm 2; n = 29). VPA was administered at a dose of 500 mg twice a day (bid) and was adjusted to the therapeutic range. A quantitative culture assay was used to assess HIV reservoirs in CD4 T cells at baseline and at weeks 16 and 48.ResultsNo significant reductions in the frequency of CD4 T cells harbouring replication‐competent HIV after 16 and 32 weeks of VPA therapy were observed. In arm 1, median (range) values of IU per log10 billion (IUPB) cells were 2.55 (range 1.20–4.20), 1.80 (range 1.0–4.70) and 2.70 (range 1.0–3.90; P = 0.87) for baseline, week 16 and week 48, respectively. In arm 2, median values of IUPB were 2.55 (range 1.20–4.65), 1.64 (range 1.0–3.94) and 2.51 (range 1.0–4.48; P = 0.50) for baseline, week 16 and week 48, respectively.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that adding VPA to stable HAART does not reduce the latent HIV reservoir in virally suppressed patients.
Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections among HIV‐infected persons in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: a review of the literature
Authors: Shadyab AH , Crum‐Cianflone NF 
Published: January 2012

ObjectivesDespite the rise of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) among HIV‐infected persons during the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the precise relationship between these two infections has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we provide a comprehensive, literature‐based review of MRSA infections among HIV‐infected persons.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE using the search terms “HIV” and “MRSA” identified references published during the HAART era (January 1996 to January 2011). Relevant articles on MRSA in the general population were also reviewed for comparison.ResultsThe most common type of MRSA infection among HIV‐infected persons is SSTI caused by USA300, Panton‐Valentine leukocidin (PVL)‐positive strains. HIV‐infected persons have an increased risk for both initial MRSA infections and recurrent infections compared with the general population. Risk factors for MRSA infections in this population include immunosuppression, comorbid conditions and certain lifestyle behaviours such as high‐risk sexual behaviours and illicit drug use. Further research is needed on the optimal treatment and prevention strategies for MRSA infections among HIV‐infected persons.ConclusionsHIV‐infected persons have a propensity for MRSA SSTI and a high rate of recurrent disease. The reasons for the elevated rates of MRSA infections among HIV‐infected persons appear to be multifactorial, but may be mitigated with optimized HIV control and reductions in associated risk factors.
Characteristics of Inclusive Faith Communities: A Preliminary Survey of Inclusive Practices in the United States
Authors: Griffin Megan M. , Kane Lydia W. , Taylor Courtney , Francis Susan H. , Hodapp Robert M. 
Published: January 2012

Background  Although participation in faith communities is important to many individuals with disabilities, few studies have examined differences between communities that are more (versus less) inclusive. This study investigated characteristics of faith communities in the United States related to greater inclusion.Methods  Participants were 160 respondents to an anonymous survey about inclusion. Survey items grouped together to form three inclusion‐related outcomes: the degree to which faith communities welcome and include individuals with disabilities; the roles and contributions of congregants with disabilities; and physical accessibility.Results  Across these outcomes, more inclusive communities (i) featured faith leaders who were more committed to inclusion; (ii) used educational resources to address disability‐related issues; (iii) portrayed people with disabilities positively in their religious teachings; (iv) had stronger ties to disability organizations; and (v) had a stronger orientation towards promoting social justice.Conclusions  These five characteristics have important implications for promoting inclusion in faith communities.
Sex‐specific associations between umbilical cord blood testosterone levels and language delay in early childhood
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew J.O. , Mattes Eugen , Maybery Murray T. , Sawyer Michael G. , Jacoby Peter , Keelan Jeffrey A. , Hickey Martha 
Published: January 2012

Background:  Preliminary evidence suggests that prenatal testosterone exposure may be associated with language delay. However, no study has examined a large sample of children at multiple time‐points.Methods:  Umbilical cord blood samples were obtained at 861 births and analysed for bioavailable testosterone (BioT) concentrations. When participating offspring were 1, 2 and 3 years of age, parents of 767 children (males = 395; females = 372) completed the Infant Monitoring Questionnaire (IMQ), which measures Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Adaptive and Personal–Social development. Cut‐off scores are available for each scale at each age to identify children with ‘clinically significant’ developmental delays. Chi‐square analyses and generalized estimating equations examined longitudinal associations between sex‐specific quartiles of BioT concentrations and the rate of developmental delay.Results:  Significantly more males than females had language delay (Communication scale) at age 1, 2 and 3 years (p‐values ≤. 01). Males were also more likely to be classified as delayed on the Fine‐Motor (p = .04) and Personal–Social (p < .01) scales at age 3 years. Chi‐square analyses found a significant difference between BioT quartiles in the rate of language delay (but not Fine‐Motor and Personal–Social delay) for males (age 3) and females (age 1 and 3). Generalized estimating equations, incorporating a range of sociodemographic and obstetric variables, found that males in the highest BioT quartile were at increased risk for a clinically significant language delay during the first 3 years of life, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.47 (95% CI: 1.12, 5.47). By contrast, increasing levels of BioT reduced the risk of language delay among females (Quartile 2: OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.59; Quartile 4: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.99).Conclusion:  These data suggest that high prenatal testosterone levels are a risk factor for language delay in males, but may be a protective factor for females.
Therapeutic options for immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia
Authors: Nakamura Reid K. , Tompkins Emily , Bianco Domenico 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo review the therapeutic options for immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT).Data SourcesOriginal research publications and review articles using thePubMed search engine for the phrases “immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia” or “immune thrombocytopenic purpura” or “immune thormbocytopenia.”Veterinary and Human Data SynthesisThere are a number of therapeutic options for adult‐onset immune thrombocytopenia in human medicine with demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies although corticosteroids and immunoglobulin therapy remain the first‐line medical treatments. Thrombopoietin receptor agonist therapy and, to a lesser extent, rituximab have shown great promise in initial clinical trials and may become standard of care in human medicine for the management ofIMT. Therapeutic options in veterinary medicine are less diverse and only vincristine and human intravenous immunoglobulin therapies have been evaluated in controlled clinical studies.ConclusionsThere are a number of therapeutic options in the management ofIMTveterinary medicine, most of which have not been investigated in clinical studies. Further research is warranted to best identify the optimal treatment strategy forIMTin veterinary patients.
MicroRNA‐122 suppresses cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by directly targeting Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhu Xiuming , Wu Lingjiao , Yang Rong , Yang Zeran , Wang Qiangfeng , Wu Fusheng 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAimsTo validate whether the anti‐cancer effect of microRNA‐122 (miR‐122) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mediated through regulating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathways.MethodsThe expression levels of miR‐122 in HCC tissues and varied hepatoma cells were quantified by real‐time PCR. MiR‐122 agomir was transfected into HepG2, Hep3B cells to over‐express miR‐122. The effect of over‐expression miR‐122 on proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 and Hep3B cells was evaluated using CCK‐8 kit and flow cytometer respectively. The 3′‐UTR segments of Wnt1 containing the miR‐122 binding sites were amplified by PCR and the luciferase activity in the transfected cells was assayed. Wnt1 mRNA level was quantified using RT‐PCR. Protein levels of Wnt1, β‐catenin and TCF‐4 were detected using Western blotting.ResultsIn comparison with the expression level of miR‐122 in para‐cancerous tissues or Chang liver cell, the expression level in HCC tissues or varied hepatoma cells was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Over‐expression of miR‐122 significantly inhibited the proliferation (P < 0.05), and promoted the apoptosis of HepG2 and Hep3B cells. Over‐expressed miR‐122 down‐regulated the protein levels of Wnt1, β‐catenin and TCF‐4 (P < 0.05). MiR‐122 suppressed the luciferase activity of the pmiR‐Wnt1‐wt by approximately 50% compared with the negative control, while mutation or removal of the miR‐122 binding site using siRNA or mir‐122 inhibitor blocked the suppressive effect (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMiR‐122 expression is down‐regulated in human HCC. Over‐expression of miR‐122 inhibits HCC cell growth and promotes the cell apoptosis by affecting Wnt/β‐catenin‐TCF signalling pathway.
Residual substance P levels after capsaicin treatment correlate with tendon repair
Authors: Bring Daniel K.‐I. , Paulson Kent , Renstrom Per , Salo Paul , Hart David A. , Ackermann Paul W. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess healing after capsaicin‐induced substance P (SP) depletion during rat Achilles tendon repair by biomechanical testing. Capsaicin treatment reduced the concentrations of SP by ∼60% and calcitonin gene‐related peptide by ∼40% as compared with the control group, as assessed by radioimmunoassay in the dorsal root ganglia, at 1 and 4 weeks post‐tendon rupture. Also, the peripheral neuronal presence of SP and calcitonin gene‐related peptide, as assessed by immunohistochemistry, was lower at both weeks 1 and 4. The decreased peripheral neuronal presence of SP at week 1 correlated with the corresponding levels in the dorsal root ganglia (r = 0.54, p = 0.018). The reduced presence of SP/calcitonin gene‐related peptide after capsaicin treatment was verified by a decreased sensitivity to painful mechanical and thermal stimuli (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses between individual residual SP levels and biomechanical tissue properties were performed because of differences in failure mode between the groups and high individual variations in the SP levels after capsaicin treatment. Thus, the residual SP levels in the dorsal root ganglia correlated with transverse area, ultimate tensile strength, and stress at failure (r = 0.39, p = 0.036; r = 0.53, p = 0.005; and r = 0.43, p = 0.023, respectively). Furthermore, individual pain sensitivity at week 2 correlated with peripheral occurrence of SP and was correlated with tensile strength and stress at failure (r = 0.89, p = 0.006 and r = 0.78, p = 0.015) at week 4.In conclusion, rats with higher residual SP levels after capsaicin‐induced neuropathy develop improved tensile strength and stress at failure in the healing of Achilles tendon.
Topical androgen antagonism promotes cutaneous wound healing without systemic androgen deprivation by blocking β‐catenin nuclear translocation and cross‐talk with TGF‐β signaling in keratinocytes
Authors: Toraldo Gianluca , Bhasin Shalender , Bakhit Mena , Guo Wen , Serra Carlo , Safer Joshua D. , Bhawan Jag , Jasuja Ravi 
Published: January 2012

AbstractOrchidectomy in rodents and lower testosterone levels in men are associated with improved cutaneous wound healing. However, due to the adverse effects on skeletal and sexual tissues, systemic androgen blockade is not a viable therapeutic intervention. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that topical application of an androgen antagonist would elicit accelerated wound healing without systemic androgen antagonism. Full‐thickness cutaneous wounds were created on adult C57BL6/J mice. Daily topical application of androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide, resulted in improved gap closure similar to orchiectomized controls and faster than orchidectomized mice treated with topical testosterone. In vivo data showed that the effects of androgen antagonism on wound closure primarily accelerate keratinocytes migration without effecting wound contraction. Consequently, mechanisms of testosterone action on reepithelialization were investigated in vitro by scratch wounding assays in confluent keratinocytes. Testosterone inhibited keratinocyte migration and this effect was in part mediated through promotion of nuclear translocation of β‐catenin and by attenuating transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling through β‐catenin. The link between Wnt and TGF beta signaling was confirmed by blocking β‐catenin and by following TGF‐β‐induced transcription of a luciferase reporter gene. Together, these data show that blockade of β‐catenin can, as a potential target for novel therapeutic interventions, accelerate cutaneous wound healing.
The usefulness of basic fibroblast growth factor for radiation‐exposed tissue
Authors: Kinoshita Naoshi , Tsuda Masayoshi , Hamuy Rodrigo , Nakashima Masahiro , Nakamura‐Kurashige Tomomi , Matsuu‐Matsuyama Mutsumi , Hirano Akiyoshi , Akita Sadanori 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA high dose of ionizing external radiation damage to the skin and soft tissue results in changes in function as well as in the general body condition. Once radiation surpasses the tissue safety or survival level, progressive alteration in the damaged tissue results in tissue loss and then flap loss. Local expression and action of stem cells or local growth factors in the irradiated tissue is mitigated, and external administration is sought to investigate the possibility of skin and soft tissue survival after an elevating flap. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is primarily considered as a potent angiogenic growth factor. In burns, resurfacing with a dermal component is required, and bFGF stimulates wound healing and enhances human skin‐derived mesenchymal stem cells under serum‐free conditions in a dose‐dependent manner. Thirty‐five male, 4‐ to 8‐week‐old CLAWN miniature pigs received radiation exposure to assess the effectiveness of bFGF in terms of the progressive clinical course relevant to human skin and soft tissue. At 2 weeks following 10‐Gy irradiation, tissue was preserved in the group receiving subcutaneous placement of a round‐type tissue expander and bFGF. The expander plus bFGF group demonstrated significantly greater dermo‐epidermal proliferation than the radiation alone, radiation plus bFGF, or expander plus radiation plus vehicle‐solution groups, and new blood vessel formation was significantly increased in the expander tissue with bFGF after irradiation (p < 0.01). Electron microscopy revealed that tissue with expander and bFGF maintained more stable skin adnexae with preserved intact epidermis and dermis. Thus, bFGF improved and maintained the tissue viability after immediate irradiation in the skin and soft tissue.
Evidence‐Based Review of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Chhibber Vishesh , Weinstein Robert 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSeveral neurologic disorders have been treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Case reports, case series, and clinical trials have published results regarding the outcomes in such patients. The data gathered have been used to formulate evidence‐based guidelines, which can be used to guide therapy in patients with these neurological disorders. Adequately designed and powered randomized controlled trials have proven the efficacy of TPE in some disease entities, while other diseases are lacking such data. In the latter, decisions for the use of TPE must be made using the limited published data available. In this review, we discuss the published evidence regarding the use of TPE in neurological disorders, focusing on the most recent guidelines published by the American Society of Apheresis in 2010 and the American Academy of Neurology in 2011.
Low‐Density Lipoprotein Apheresis: Principles and Indications
Authors: Winters Jeffrey L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractLow‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis describes a group of apheresis techniques that selectively remove apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins producing an acute reduction in LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C). Six devices are available for the removal of LDL‐C while sparing other important plasma components. The LDL‐apheresis (LDL‐A) is not routinely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, which usually responds to medical management, but is used to treat familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited metabolic abnormality resulting in premature death due to progressive coronary artery disease, and to treat patients who fail medical management. The mechanism of action of the available LDL‐A devices, reactions that can occur with these treatments, and the role of this specialized apheresis technique in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia are described.
Therapeutic Apheresis in Children: Special Considerations
Authors: Goldstein Stuart L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe provision of therapeutic apheresis to children is a technically challenging procedure, requiring trained personnel and an understanding of the disease processes that leads to the need for apheresis. Most apheresis protocols are derived from studies in adult patients, even though most studies are of limited sample size. The focus of this review is to highlight the disease processes commonly treated with therapeutic apheresis in children, and to address the technical considerations pertinent to the provision of safe and effective apheresis in the pediatric setting.
HIV Prevention in the Context of Care: HIV Testing and Public Health Practice
Authors: O'Byrne Patrick 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this article, an argument is put forth that clinic‐based HIV testing can function as an important aspect of public health HIV prevention. This assertion is not an outright declaration that all HIV testing is beneficial. Instead, it is the conclusion that the individual‐focused initiative of HIV testing could, if structured properly, induce population‐level HIV prevention benefits. This analysis was informed using the impact fraction model, the Anderson‐May equation, current epidemiological information about HIV from Canada, the United States, and England, and the extant literature on the dynamics of HIV transmission. This conclusion could help inform the development of public and population health HIV testing and HIV prevention policies/practices.