bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute Alcohol Exposure Impairs Fracture Healing and Deregulates β‐Catenin Signaling in the Fracture Callus
Authors: Lauing Kristen L. , Roper Philip M. , Nauer Rachel K. , Callaci John J. 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundAlcohol abuse is a risk factor for bone damage and fracture‐related complications. Through precise β‐catenin signaling, canonical Wnt signaling plays a key role in fracture repair by promoting the differentiation of new bone and cartilage cells. In this study, we examined the effects of alcohol on the Wnt pathway in injured bone using a murine model of alcohol‐induced impaired fracture healing.MethodsMale C57Bl/6 or T cell factor (TCF)‐transgenic mice were administered 3 daily intraperitoneal doses of alcohol or saline. One hour following the final injection, mice were subjected to a stabilized, mid‐shaft tibial fracture. Injured and contralateral tibias were harvested at 6, 9, or 14 days post‐fracture for the analysis of biomechanical strength, callus tissue composition, and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.ResultsAcute alcohol treatment was associated with a significant decrease in fracture callus volume, diameter, and biomechanical strength at day 14 post‐fracture. Histology revealed an alcohol‐related reduction in cartilage and bone formation at the fracture site, and that alcohol inhibited normal cartilage maturation. Acute alcohol exposure caused a significant 2.3‐fold increase in total β‐catenin protein at day 6 and a significant decrease of 53 and 56% at days 9 and 14, respectively.
lacZ
staining in β‐galactosidase‐expressing TCF‐transgenic mice revealed spatial and quantitative differences in Wnt‐specific transcriptional activation at day 6 in the alcohol group. Days 9 and 14 post‐fracture showed that acute alcohol exposure decreased Wnt transcriptional activation, which correlates with the modulation of total β‐catenin protein levels observed at these time points.ConclusionsAcute alcohol exposure resulted in significant impairment of fracture callus tissue formation, perturbation of the key Wnt pathway protein β‐catenin, and disruption of normal Wnt‐mediated transcription. These data suggest that the canonical Wnt pathway is a target for alcohol in bone and may partially explain why impaired fracture healing is observed in alcohol‐abusing individuals.
Comparing Growth Rates of Nickel and Stainless Steel Use in the Early 2000s
Authors: Reck Barbara K. , Rotter Vera Susanne 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThis study introduces the 2005 life cycle data for nickel in 50 countries and presents a comparative analysis of the 2000 and 2005 nickel and stainless steel cycles for these countries. The life cycles of the two metals are linked by nickel's role as a major alloying element in most stainless steels. Between 2000 and 2005, the global use of both metals grew, driven by China's extraordinary growth and despite the fact that many industrialized countries decreased their metal use during that time. China's and India's growth of stainless steel use was greater than that of nickel use, a result of price‐driven substitution away from nickel‐containing stainless steels. The intensity of use (IU) in industrialized countries is about 30 to 50 kilograms (kg) nickel/million U.S. dollars (USD), and 300 to 500 kg stainless steel/million USD. High‐income countries decreased their IU of both metals between 2000 and 2005, while low‐ and medium‐income countries increased their IU of stainless steel. At the per capita level, average industrialized countries use about 1 kg of nickel and 11 kg of stainless steel. Were China's and India's projected urban areas in 2025 to use similar amounts of the two metals, they alone would require the equivalent of global nickel production in 2000, and 200% of the world's stainless steel production in 2005. In China, substantial nickel and stainless steel end‐of‐life flows will arise between 2015 and 2020, and efficient collection and separation systems should be prepared now to maximize the potential environmental and resource benefits of recycling.
An Effectiveness and Cost‐Benefit Analysis of a Hospital‐Based Discharge Transition Program for Elderly Medicare Recipients
Authors: Saleh Shadi S. , Freire Chris , Morris‐Dickinson Gwendolyn , Shannon Trip 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate the business case of postdischarge care transition (PDCT) among Medicare beneficiaries by conducting a cost‐benefit analysis.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingA general hospital in upstate New York State.ParticipantsElderly Medicare beneficiaries being treated from October 2008 through December 2009 were randomly selected to receive services as part of a comprehensive PDCT program (intervention—173 patients) or regular discharge process (control—160 patients) and followed for 12 months.InterventionThe intervention comprised five activities: development of a patient‐centered health record, a structured discharge preparation checklist of critical activities, delivery of patient self‐activation and management sessions, follow‐up appointments, and coordination of data flow.MeasurementsCost‐benefit ratio of the PDCT program; self‐management skills and abilities.ResultsThe 1‐year readmission analysis revealed that control participants were more likely to be readmitted than intervention participants (58.2% vs 48.2%; P = .08); with most of that difference observed in the 91 to 365 days after discharge. Findings from the cost‐benefit analysis revealed a cost‐benefit ratio of 1.09, which indicates that, for every $1 spent on the program, a saving of $1.09 was realized. In addition, participating in a care transition program significantly enhanced self‐management skills and abilities.ConclusionPostdischarge care transition programs have a dual benefit of enhancing elderly adults' self‐management skills and abilities and producing cost savings. This study builds a case for the inclusion of PDCT programs as a reimbursable service in benefit packages.
Couples' Cultural Values, Shared Parenting, and Family Emotional Climate Within Mexican American Families
Authors: Sotomayor‐Peterson Marcela , Figueredo Aurelio J. , Christensen Donna H. , Taylor Angela R. 
Published: June 2012

This study tested a model of shared parenting as its centerpiece that incorporates cultural values as predictors and family emotional climate as the outcome variable of interest. We aimed to assess the predictive power of the Mexican cultural values of familismo and simpatia over couples' shared parenting practices. We anticipated that higher levels of shared parenting would predict family emotional climate. The participants were 61 Mexican American, low income couples, with at least one child between 3 and 4 years of age, recruited from a home‐based Head Start program. The predictive model demonstrated excellent goodness of fit, supporting the hypothesis that a positive emotional climate within the family is fostered when Mexican American couples practice a sufficient level of shared parenting. Empirical evidence was previously scarce on this proposition. The findings also provide evidence for the role of cultural values, highlighting the importance of family solidarity and avoidance of confrontation as a pathway to shared parenting within Mexican American couples.
A Narrative Evaluation of a Psychoeducation and a Therapeutic Alliance Intervention for Parents of Persons with a Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Levy‐Frank Itamar , Hasson‐Ohayon Ilanit , Kravetz Shlomo , Roe David 
Published: June 2012

Most attempts to study the impact of psychosocial interventions on parents of persons with severe mental illness (SMI) are quantitative. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the subjective experience of parents of persons with SMI who participated in either a psychoeducational intervention which emphasized providing information on the illness and support, or a therapeutic alliance focused intervention (TAFI) which emphasized the alliance between the group members and group leaders. Ninety‐three parents, who participated in either one of these two interventions, were interviewed using the Narrative Evaluation of Intervention Interview.Results show that participants found both interventions to be beneficial with no statistical differences in the level of perceived change. Themes describing change in relating to illness were significantly more frequently mentioned by participants in the TAFI group, whereas significantly more participants in the family psychoeducation interventions reported that implementation and information provided contributed to positive change. Also participants in the TAFI reported significantly more often that group regulation contributed to change. As both interventions were perceived as contributing, the findings support the relationship orientation to psychosocial interventions, which stresses the quality of the social support and interpersonal interaction as the source of positive outcomes of intervention.
Intraoperative injection of bupivacaine‐adrenaline close to the fascia reduces morphine requirements after cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: NIKLASSON BOEL , BÖRJESSON ASTRID , CARMNES ULLA‐BRITT , SEGERDAHL MÄRTA , ÖHMAN SUSANNE GEORGSSON , BLANCK AGNETA 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjective. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a single injection of bupivacaine with adrenaline close to the fascia could decrease opiate consumption and pain in patients undergoing cesarean section in spinal anesthesia. Design. Randomized double‐blind controlled study. Settings. Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. Population. 260 women scheduled for elective cesarean section were enrolled in the study. Methods. The treatment group (n= 130) received 40 mL bupivacaine (2.5 mg/mL) with adrenaline (5 μg/mL) (Marcain® adrenalin) and the control group (n= 130) received 40 mL saline solution (0.9%), which was, in both groups, injected close to the fascia before closure of the wound. Main outcome measures. Morphine consumption and mean resting pain intensity numerical rating scale at 12 and 24 hours were the primary outcome variables. Other assessments for pain as well as mobilization parameters were considered secondary. Results. Morphine requirements were significantly less in the bupivacaine group, 19.0 mg/woman, compared with 24.0 mg/woman in the placebo group, during the first 12 postoperative hours. During this time period there was also a trend towards a difference between groups in mean pain intensity, but significant only during the first six hours. Over the whole first postoperative 24 hours, there were no differences in either morphine requirement or pain intensity between groups. Conclusions. A single injection of bupivacaine with adrenaline in the surgical wound decreases the need for morphine requirements for the first 12 postoperative hours and contributes to safe and effective pain management in women undergoing cesarean section.
An Increase of Treg Cells in the Peripheral Blood is Associated with a Better In Vitro Fertilization Treatment Outcome
Authors: Zhou Jianjun , Wang Zhiqun , Zhao Xia , Wang Junxia , Sun Haixiang , Hu Yali 
Published: June 2012

ProblemThe objective of this study was to determine whether there was any association between the peripheral blood CD4+
CD25+
Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and implantation success in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.Method of studyProspective observational study of 101 randomly selected women who underwent IVF treatment for tubal factor from May 2011 to June 2011. The percentage of peripheral blood Treg cells and the expression levels of Foxp3 and CTLA4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were recorded and their relations to IVF treatment outcomes were analyzed.Results
Treg cells were significantly elevated in the pregnant group (
P = 0.03). The expression level of Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs from pregnant group also significantly increased (
P = 0.02). A receiver operating characteristic analysis (area under curve = 0.631) found that those women with Treg cells >0.6%, the pregnancy rate and live birth rate were much higher as compared to women with Treg cells below this level (
P < 0.05). An increase of Treg cells in the peripheral blood was associated with a better IVF treatment outcome (OR 4.3, 95% CI = 1.76–10.48), with a sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 71%.ConclusionAn elevated level of circulating Treg cells was associated with increased rates of pregnancy and live birth in IVF treatment.
Leg swelling after inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy and primary melanoma excision with a safety margin
Authors: Kretschmer Lutz , Pratsch Aila Luise 
Published: June 2012

SummaryBackground: Risk‐factors for leg swelling following primary melanoma excision and inguinal sentinel lymphadenectomy (SLNE) have not been sufficiently investigated.Patients and Methods: We prospectively studied three parameters in 105 subjects: 1) subjectively perceived swelling, 2) clinically diagnosed swelling and 3) photo‐optical measurement of volume differences between both legs.Results: Perceived swelling, clinically diagnosed swelling, and manifest edema occurred in 31%, 15%, and 7% of patients respectively. Following inguinal SLNE, there was a mean volume increase of 1.5% in the operated leg. Both the lower leg and the thigh increased in volume. Obesity, primary melanoma location on the lower leg, and inguinal seromas were identified as significant risk factors for postoperative swelling. Wider excision margins around a primary melanoma on the thigh were also associated with a significant increase in volume. Age, sex, the number of sentinel lymph nodes, the drainage fluid volume, and the time since SLNE were non‐significant.Conclusions: Both inguinal SLNE and primary melanoma excision may contribute to minimal fluid accumulation in the leg. More than two‐thirds of patients did not have any swelling. Obesity, location of the primary melanoma at a distal site on the leg, a wide safety margin, and seromas are associated with postoperative leg swelling.
Healing of Fresh Extraction Sockets Filled with Bioactive Glass Particles: Histological Findings in Humans
Authors: Clozza Emanuele , Pea Maurizio , Cavalli Fabio , Moimas Loredana , Di Lenarda Roberto , Biasotto Matteo 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTPurpose: The aim of the present study was to histologically evaluate fresh human sockets filled with bioactive glass after 6 months of healing.Materials and Methods: In 13 patients, 32 single extraction sites in the anterior area underwent socket ridge preservation procedure (RPP) with a bioactive glass (BioRestore™, Inion Oy, Tampere, Finland). At implant installation, 22 bone cores were trephined out and processed for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis.Results: Newly formed immature bone around residual particles of bioactive glass was found in all 22 biopsies. The histomorphometry of the amount of bone, provisional matrix, and residual graft returned a mean ± SD value of 54 ± 31%, 37.9 ± 25.6%, and 8.1 ± 7.8, respectively, 6 months after RPP.Conclusion: The use of this grafting material in fresh extraction sockets appears to delay the healing processes of the alveolar bone; therefore, its indication as a material for RPP when implant placement is considered within 6 months after extraction should be revised.
Robbing Banks
Authors: Reilly Barry , Rickman Neil , Witt Robert 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Robbing a bank is the staple crime of thrillers, movies and newspapers. But, say Barry Reilly, Neil Rickman and Robert Witt, bank robbery is not all it is cracked up to be. With access to a unique data set, they give us the low-down on the economics of the bank heist.
In the name of charity: Institutional support for and resistance to redefining the meaning of charity in Canada
Authors: Levasseur Karine 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis article examines how state institutions shape the meaning of charity in Canada. It concludes that the courts have made limited changes to the meaning of charity and that the Department of Finance has resisted redefining charity. In contrast, the Canada Revenue Agency's Charities Directorate has worked to update the meaning of charity, but it does not have the power to amend the tax laws so its changes have been primarily administrative. While these administrative changes may not overcome the central public policy issue related to a narrow interpretation of the meaning of charity, they could shape future definitions depending on the voluntary sector's ability to mobilize around this issue and the receptiveness of the federal government.
Lipid profiling of pre‐treatment liver biopsy tissue predicts sustained virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Cobbold Jeremy F. L. , Cox I. Jane , Brown Ashley S. , Williams Horace R. T. , Goldin Robert D. , Thomas Howard C. , Thursz Mark R. , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Hepatic lipid is important in the pathogenesis and progression of hepatitis C‐related liver disease. Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to reduce viral replication in cell culture. Proton magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MAS MRS) enables metabolic analysis of intact tissue. The aim was to examine the relationship between hepatic lipid composition by metabolic profiling of liver tissue at baseline and treatment response to pegylated‐Interferon alfa2 and Ribavirin.Methods:  Baseline liver biopsy samples from 31 patients with chronic hepatitis C were analyzed histologically and by 1H MAS MRS. Indices of lipid composition were derived and partial least squares discriminant analysis with cross‐validation was used to predict treatment outcome.Results:  Of 31 patients, 14 achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Lipid polyunsaturation (median (IQR)) was higher in SVR (3.41% (2.31)) than in treatment failure (TF) (2.15% (1.51)), P = 0.02. Lipid saturation was lower in SVR (85.9% (3.39)) than TF (86.7% (2.17)), P = 0.04. The total lipid content was lower in SVR (1.54% (0.81)) than TF (2.72% (3.47)), P = 0.004. Total choline to lipid ratio was higher in SVR (11.51% (9.99)) than TF (7.5% (6.82)), P = 0.007. Cross‐validation correctly predicted the SVR group in 13 of 14 samples with 1 sample misclassified, and the TF group in all 17 samples.Conclusions:  Lipid polyunsaturation was greater and total lipid lower in those with SVR, compared with TF. Metabolic profiling of intact liver biopsy samples predicted SVR with high accuracy. Hepatic lipid composition may impact on treatment success.
The effects of different learning environments on students’ motivation for learning and their achievement
Authors: Baeten Marlies , Dochy Filip , Struyven Katrien 
Published: June 2012

Background. Research in higher education on the effects of student‐centred versus lecture‐based learning environments generally does not take into account the psychological need support provided in these learning environments. From a self‐determination theory perspective, need support is important to study because it has been associated with benefits such as autonomous motivation and achievement.Aim. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of different learning environments on students’ motivation for learning and achievement, while taking into account the perceived need support.Sample. First‐year student teachers (N= 1,098) studying a child development course completed questionnaires assessing motivation and perceived need support. In addition, a prior knowledge test and case‐based assessment were administered.Method. A quasi‐experimental pre‐test/post‐test design was set up consisting of four learning environments: (1) lectures, (2) case‐based learning (CBL), (3) alternation of lectures and CBL, and (4) gradual implementation with lectures making way for CBL.Results. Autonomous motivation and achievement were higher in the gradually implemented CBL environment, compared to the CBL environment. Concerning achievement, two additional effects were found; students in the lecture‐based learning environment scored higher than students in the CBL environment, and students in the gradually implemented CBL environment scored higher than students in the alternated learning environment. Additionally, perceived need support was positively related to autonomous motivation, and negatively to controlled motivation.Conclusions. The study shows the importance of gradually introducing students to CBL, in terms of their autonomous motivation and achievement. Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of perceived need support for students’ motivation.
Effects of chronic heart failure on neuronal nitric oxide synthase‐mediated control of microvascular O2 pressure in contracting rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Copp Steven W. , Hirai Daniel M. , Ferguson Scott K. , Holdsworth Clark T. , Musch Timothy I. , Poole David C. 
Published: June 2012

Key points
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important vasodilatory signalling molecule that regulates O2 pressure within the skeletal muscle microvasculature (). In healthy subjects, NO is derived from two principal NO synthase (NOS) isoforms: neuronal NOS (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS).
Chronic heart failure (CHF) results in peripheral vascular dysfunction that is attributed, in part, to impaired NO function. This NO‐mediated impairment is attributed generally to eNOS dysfunction. It is unknown if nNOS‐mediated regulation of function is impaired in CHF.
Our present results demonstrate that skeletal muscle blood flow reductions and alterations during contractions observed following nNOS inhibition in healthy rats are markedly attenuated or absent in CHF rats, which is indicative of impaired nNOS function.
Identification of the mechanisms underlying impaired microvascular function in CHF is an important step in the development of treatments designed to improve CHF‐induced skeletal muscle microvascular pathology.
Abstract  Chronic heart failure (CHF) impairs nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated regulation of the skeletal muscle microvascular O2 delivery/ ratio (which sets the microvascular O2 pressure, ). Given the pervasiveness of endothelial dysfunction in CHF, this NO‐mediated dysregulation is attributed generally to eNOS. It is unknown whether nNOS‐mediated regulation is altered in CHF. We tested the hypothesis that CHF impairs nNOS‐mediated control. In healthy and CHF (left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP): 6 ± 1 versus 14 ± 1 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05) rats spinotrapezius muscle blood flow (radiolabelled microspheres), (phosphorescence quenching), and (Fick calculation) were measured before and after 0.56 mg kg−1 i.a. of the selective nNOS inhibitor S‐methyl‐l‐thiocitrulline (SMTC). In healthy rats, SMTC increased baseline (Control: 29.7 ± 1.4, SMTC: 34.4 ± 1.9 mmHg, P < 0.05) by reducing (↓20%) without any effect on blood flow and speeded the mean response time (MRT, time to reach 63% of the overall kinetics response, Control: 24.2 ± 2.0, SMTC: 18.5 ± 1.3 s, P < 0.05). In CHF rats, SMTC did not alter baseline (Control: 25.7 ± 1.6, SMTC: 28.6 ± 2.1 mmHg, P > 0.05), at rest, or the MRT (Control: 22.8 ± 2.6, SMTC: 21.3 ± 3.0 s, P > 0.05). During the contracting steady‐state, SMTC reduced blood flow (↓15%) and (↓15%) in healthy rats such that was unaltered (Control: 19.8 ± 1.7, SMTC: 20.7 ± 1.8 mmHg, P > 0.05). In marked contrast, in CHF rats SMTC did not change contracting steady‐state blood flow, , or (Control: 17.0 ± 1.4, SMTC: 17.7 ± 1.8 mmHg, P > 0.05). nNOS‐mediated control of skeletal muscle microvascular function is compromised in CHF versus healthy rats. Treatments designed to ameliorate microvascular dysfunction in CHF may benefit by targeting improvements in nNOS function.