bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between non‐marital fathers' social networks and social capital and father involvement
Authors: Castillo Jason T. , Fenzl‐Crossman Ashley 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTLiterature and research examining father involvement has focused primarily on outcomes associated with the well‐being and development of children. Receiving limited attention in this literature has been the examination of the contextual factors associated with fathers and how these factors shape fathers' involvement with their young children. Addressing this limitation, this study focuses on the intra‐ and interdependent networks non‐marital fathers maintain and utilize in fulfilling their parental responsibilities of father involvement. Results of the regression models indicate that non‐marital fathers' relationship with their former spouse or partner and involvement with informal networks is positively associated with their involvement with young children. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
Regulation of eotaxin‐3/CCL26 expression in human monocytic cells
Authors: Stubbs Victoria E. L. , Power Christopher , Patel Kamala D. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryEotaxin‐3/CCL26 is an agonist for chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) and a natural antagonist for CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5. CCL26 expression by non‐haematopoietic cells has been well documented; however, no studies to date have demonstrated CCL26 expression by leucocytes. In this study, we investigated the ability of human monocytic cells to produce CCL26 in response to cytokines. We found that interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) increased the expression of CCL26 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in U937 cells, in human monocytes and in human monocyte‐derived macrophages. Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) alone did not induce CCL26 expression, yet these pro‐inflammatory cytokines synergized with IL‐4 to increase CCL26 protein expression. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) was not affected by costimulation with TNF‐α, suggesting that the synergy between IL‐4 and TNF‐α occurs at a step downstream of STAT6 activation. Co‐incubation of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) with IL‐4 had no effect on CCL26 protein release. By contrast, pretreatment with IFN‐γ decreased total STAT6 protein, blocked IL‐4‐mediated STAT6 phosphorylation and decreased IL‐4‐mediated CCL26 mRNA expression and protein release. These data show that IL‐4 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IFN‐γ regulate CCL26 synthesis in human monocytic cells, which may be important in regulating monocyte inflammatory responses.
Partial and transient modulation of the CD3–T‐cell receptor complex, elicited by low‐dose regimens of monoclonal anti‐CD3, is sufficient to induce disease remission in non‐obese diabetic mice
Authors: Mehta Devangi S. , Christmas Rudy A. , Waldmann Herman , Rosenzweig Michael 
Published: January 2010

SummaryIt has been established that a total of 250 μg of monoclonal anti‐mouse CD3 F(ab′)2 fragments, administered daily (50 μg per dose), induces remission of diabetes in the non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of autoimmune diabetes by preventing β cells from undergoing further autoimmune attack. We evaluated lower‐dose regimens of monoclonal anti‐CD3 F(ab′)2 in diabetic NOD mice for their efficacy and associated pharmacodynamic (PD) effects, including CD3–T‐cell receptor (TCR) complex modulation, complete blood counts and proportions of circulating CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+ FoxP3+ T cells. Four doses of 2 μg (total dose 8 μg) induced 53% remission of diabetes, similarly to the 250 μg dose regimen, whereas four doses of 1 μg induced only 16% remission. While the 250 μg dose regimen produced nearly complete and sustained modulation of the CD3 –TCR complex, lower doses, spaced 3 days apart, which induced similar remission rates, elicited patterns of transient and partial modulation. In treated mice, the proportions of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells decreased, whereas the proportions of CD4+ FoxP3+ T cells increased; these effects were transient. Mice with greater residual β‐cell function, estimated using blood glucose and C‐peptide levels at the initiation of treatment, were more likely to enter remission than mice with more advanced disease. Thus, lower doses of monoclonal anti‐CD3 that produced only partial and transient modulation of the CD3–TCR complex induced remission rates comparable to higher doses of monoclonal anti‐CD3. Accordingly, in a clinical setting, lower‐dose regimens may be efficacious and may also improve the safety profile of therapy with monoclonal anti‐CD3, potentially including reductions in cytokine release‐related syndromes and maintenance of pathogen‐specific immunosurveillance during treatment.
1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 enhances the ability of transferred CD4+ CD25+ cells to modulate T helper type 2‐driven asthmatic responses
Authors: Gorman Shelley , Judge Melinda A. , Burchell Jennifer T. , Turner Debra J. , Hart Prue H. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe severity of allergic diseases may be modified by vitamin D. However, the immune pathways modulated by the active form of vitamin D, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], are yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, naturally occurring CD4+ CD25+ cells from the skin‐draining lymph nodes (SDLN) of mice treated with topical 1,25(OH)2D3 had an increased ability to suppress T helper type 2 (Th2) ‐skewed immune responses. CD4+ CD25+ cells transferred from mice treated with topical 1,25(OH)2D3 into ovalbumin (OVA) ‐sensitized mice challenged intranasally with OVA 18 hr later, significantly suppressed the capacity of airway‐draining lymph node (ADLN) cells to proliferate and secrete cytokines in response to further OVA stimulation ex vivo. The CD4+ CD25+ cells from 1,25(OH)2D3‐treated mice also reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and the proportions of neutrophils and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). To test the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on cells able to respond to a specific antigen, CD4+ CD25+ cells were purified from the SDLN of OVA‐T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice treated 4 days earlier with topical 1,25(OH)2D3. CD4+ CD25+ cells from OVA‐TCR mice treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 were able to alter BALF cell content and suppress ADLN responses to a similar degree to those cells from non‐transgenic mice, suggesting that the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 was not related to TCR signalling. In summary, topical 1,25(OH)2D3 increased the regulatory capacity of CD4+ CD25+ cells from the SDLN to suppress Th2‐mediated allergic airway disease. This work highlights how local 1,25(OH)2D3 production by lung epithelial cells may modulate the suppressive activity of local regulatory T cells.
HREM characterization of nano‐composite Au/SiO2 layers
Authors: MORGIEL J. , FERRARIS M. , JANUS A. M. , CHIARETTA D. , POMORSKA M. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryNano‐composite layers of Au nano‐crystallites embedded in amorphous silica matrix were obtained by a radio‐frequency co‐sputtering technique. Glass or single crystal silicon wafers were chosen as substrates. After deposition, the layers were heat treated at 900°C for 60 min. Microstructure of the layers was investigated using a TECNAI G2 FEG SuperTwin (200 kV) transmission electron microscope. Thin foils were cut using a focused ion beam Quanta 3D. The investigations confirmed that the applied process allowed obtaining nano‐composite layers containing spherical Au crystallites of average size of ∼3 nm embedded in an amorphous silica matrix. Some of the nano‐crystallites were twinned. The layers were heat treated in subsequent step and rise of the crystallite average size up to 5.5 nm confirming activation of diffusion processes was seen. Presence of irregularly shaped Au crystallites in the latter layers indicates incomplete sintering due to short annealing time.
Analgesic efficacy of subcutaneous local anaesthetic wound infiltration in bilateral knee arthroplasty: a randomised, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial
Authors: ANDERSEN L. Ø. , HUSTED H. , KRISTENSEN B. B. , OTTE K. S. , GAARN‐LARSEN L. , KEHLET H. 
Published: January 2010

Background: High‐volume wound local infiltration analgesia is effective in knee arthroplasty, but the analgesic efficacy of subcutaneous wound infiltration has not been evaluated.Methods: In a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in 16 patients undergoing bilateral knee arthroplasty with high‐volume local infiltration analgesia in the deeper layers, saline or ropivacaine 2 mg/ml was infiltrated into the subcutaneous part of the wound in each knee along with the placement of multi‐fenestrated catheters in the subcutaneous wound layers in both knees. Pain was assessed for 6 h post‐operatively and for 3 h after a bolus injection given through the catheter 24 h post‐operatively.Results: Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were significantly lower from the knee infiltrated with ropivacaine compared with the knee infiltrated with saline in the subcutaneous layer of the wound, at rest (P<0.02), with flexion of the knee (P<0.04) and when the leg was straight and elevated (P<0.04). Twenty‐four hours post‐operatively, a decline in the VAS pain scores was observed in both groups, with no statistically significant difference between injection of ropivacaine or saline in the subcutaneously placed catheters (P>0.05).Conclusion: As part of a total wound infiltration analgesia intraoperative subcutaneous infiltration with ropivacaine in bilateral total knee arthroplasty is effective in early post‐operative pain management, while a post‐operative subcutaneous bolus administration through a multiholed catheter 24 h post‐operatively did not show improved analgesia compared with the administration of saline.
Procedural pain of an ultrasound‐guided brachial plexus block: a comparison of axillary and infraclavicular approaches
Authors: FREDERIKSEN B. S. , KOSCIELNIAK‐NIELSEN Z. J. , JACOBSEN R. B. , RASMUSSEN H. , HESSELBJERG L. 
Published: January 2010

Background: Ultrasound (US)‐guided infraclavicular (IC) and axillary (AX) blocks have similar effectiveness. Therefore, limiting procedural pain may help to choose a standard approach. The primary aims of this randomized study were to assess patient's pain during the block and to recognize its cause.Methods: Eighty patients were randomly allocated to the IC or the AX group. A blinded investigator asked the patients to quantify block pain on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS 0–100) and to indicate the most unpleasant component (needle passes, paraesthesie or local anaesthetics injection). Sensory block was assessed every 10 min. After 30 min, the unblocked nerves were supplemented. Patients were ready for surgery when they had analgesia or anaesthesia of the five nerves distal to the elbow. Preliminary scan time, block performance and latency times, readiness for surgery, adverse events and patient's acceptance were recorded.Results: The axillary approach resulted in lower maximum VAS scores (median 12) than the infraclavicular approach (median 21). This difference was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Numbers of patients indicating the most painful component were similar in both groups. Patients in either group were ready for surgery after 25 min. Two patients in the IC group and seven in the AX group needed block supplementation (n.s.). Block performance times and number of needle passes were significantly lower in the IC group. Patients' acceptance was 98% in both groups.Conclusions: We did not find significant differences between the two approaches in procedural pain and patient's acceptance. The choice of approach may depend on the anaesthesiologist's experience and the patient's preferences.
Experimental Addition of Green Plants to the Nest Increases Testosterone Levels in Female Spotless Starlings
Authors: Polo Vicente , López‐Rull Isabel , Gil Diego , Veiga José P. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMultiple male traits and displays may act in signalling sexually selected processes during courtship. Spotless starling males (Sturnus unicolor) carry green plants into their nests before egg laying, and recent studies have shown that this behaviour is related to female breeding decisions and the production of male‐biased broods. Although the functional implications of this effect on females are not yet clear, data suggest that it could be mediated by female circulating hormones. Additionally, females may show higher androgen levels as a consequence of the increased female–female competition generated by the increase in male attractiveness. We tested this hypothesis using the same manipulation of green nesting material that has been previously shown to result in an increase of male attractiveness in male spotless starlings. We found that females in experimental nests increased their circulating testosterone levels during the laying period. In addition, there was an increase of social interferences in the experimental nests because of the addition of green plants. We hypothesise that testosterone may allow females to maintain their mating status when competing with other females for the preferred males. Addition of green plants also increased the variance in the levels of circulating testosterone, suggesting plasticity between females in their response to the manipulation. We propose that there is a functional link between high testosterone levels, male‐biased sex ratios and female resource‐holding potential in intra‐sexual competition in this species.
Influence of marital and educational status on clients' psychosocial adjustment to HIV/AIDS in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Akpabio Idongesit I. , Uyanah David A. , Osuchukwu Nelson C. , Samson‐Akpan Patience E. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA comparative descriptive design and a stratified random sampling technique were adopted to study the influence of marital and educational status on the psychological, social, and spiritual adjustment of 280 respondents living with HIV/AIDS in two randomly selected clinics within Calabar, Nigeria. A 30 item questionnaire, with a content validity index of 0.92 and a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of 0.94, was used for data collection, with due attention to ethical considerations. The findings showed that marital status had a significant influence on the respondents' psychological and social adjustment but not on their spiritual adjustment. Those that were married and those with higher educational qualifications had better psychological adjustment than those who had never married. The marital and educational status of clients should be considered when conducting education or counseling, making recommendations, or organizing support groups for living with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, advocacy aimed at meeting the psychosocial needs of single and less‐educated clients could enhance their psychosocial adjustment.
Selection of priority groups for obesity prevention: current approaches and development of an evidence‐informed framework
Authors: Nichols M. S. , Swinburn B. A. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryResources for obesity prevention interventions are inevitably limited, necessitating the selection of priority groups to ensure effective and equitable use of funds. This paper aims to review published approaches to selection of priority groups (‘target populations’) for obesity prevention, and to present the development of a new systematic framework for organizing and assessing evidence for selecting priority groups. A review was conducted of the process and justification described for selecting priority groups in a sample of obesity prevention publications. Using the results of this review and adaptation of theory and frameworks in both the obesity prevention and health promotion priority‐setting literature, a framework was developed for assessment of potential priority groups for obesity prevention. The published literature lacks discussion of and explicit processes for selection of priority groups for obesity prevention intervention. The new framework describes specific types of evidence that should be considered in the assessment of a potential priority group for obesity prevention and has applications for funding and implementing community‐based or settings‐level obesity prevention interventions and research. Application of this framework has the potential to enhance the effective use of limited obesity prevention resources and to identify areas in need of additional research evidence.
Accuracy of simple clinical and epidemiological definitions of childhood obesity: systematic review and evidence appraisal
Authors: Reilly J. J. , Kelly J. , Wilson D. C. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe optimum means of defining obesity in children is unclear, creating variation in practice, and hindering obesity surveillance, prevention and treatment. This study aimed to review evidence on the use of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference for diagnosis of high body fat content and adverse cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. A systematic literature review was carried out and evidence appraised using the Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy in Systematic Reviews method. Literature searching began following the last systematic review of this topic (end 2001) and collected evidence in MEDLINE and EMBASE in 0‐ to 18‐year‐olds that compared the accuracy of BMI vs. waist circumference and compared BMI interpreted relative to national reference data vs. BMI interpreted relative to Cole/International Obesity Task Force international reference data. Ten studies compared diagnostic accuracy of BMI vs. waist circumference: they reported no improved identification of adverse cardiometabolic risk profiles from waist circumference over that provided by high BMI. Eight studies compared BMI with national reference data vs. the international approach: 5/8 found significantly poorer accuracy (lower sensitivity) using BMI with the international approach; 3/8 found similar sensitivity; in 7/7 studies that compared specificity this was similar. In conclusion, the present review provides no compelling evidence for use of either high waist circumference or BMI interpreted using the International Obesity Task Force approach in preference to the use of national BMI percentiles for the identification of children and adolescents with excess fatness and adverse cardiometabolic risk profile.
Sparse Partial Least Squares Regression for Simultaneous Dimension Reduction and Variable Selection
Authors: Chun Hyonho , Keleş Sündüz 
Published: January 2010

SummaryPartial least squares regression has been an alternative to ordinary least squares for handling multicollinearity in several areas of scientific research since the 1960s. It has recently gained much attention in the analysis of high dimensional genomic data. We show that known asymptotic consistency of the partial least squares estimator for a univariate response does not hold with the very large p and small n paradigm. We derive a similar result for a multivariate response regression with partial least squares. We then propose a sparse partial least squares formulation which aims simultaneously to achieve good predictive performance and variable selection by producing sparse linear combinations of the original predictors. We provide an efficient implementation of sparse partial least squares regression and compare it with well-known variable selection and dimension reduction approaches via simulation experiments. We illustrate the practical utility of sparse partial least squares regression in a joint analysis of gene expression and genomewide binding data.
Combining Information from Multiple Surveys by using Regression for Efficient Small Domain Estimation
Authors: Merkouris Takis 
Published: January 2010

SummaryIn sample surveys of finite populations, subpopulations for which the sample size is too small for estimation of adequate precision are referred to as small domains. Demand for small domain estimates has been growing in recent years among users of survey data. We explore the possibility of enhancing the precision of domain estimators by combining comparable information collected in multiple surveys of the same population. For this, we propose a regression method of estimation that is essentially an extended calibration procedure whereby comparable domain estimates from the various surveys are calibrated to each other. We show through analytic results and an empirical study that this method may greatly improve the precision of domain estimators for the variables that are common to these surveys, as these estimators make effective use of increased sample size for the common survey items. The design-based direct estimators proposed involve only domain-specific data on the variables of interest. This is in contrast with small domain (mostly small area) indirect estimators, based on a single survey, which incorporate through modelling data that are external to the targeted small domains. The approach proposed is also highly effective in handling the closely related problem of estimation for rare population characteristics.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Immunocontraceptive Effect of DNA Vaccine Targeting Fertilin β in Male Mice
Authors: Sun Zhongyi , Jin Fengshuo , Li Yanfeng , Zhang Jun 
Published: January 2010

Citation Sun Z, Jin F, Li Y, Zhang J. Immunocontraceptive effect of DNA vaccine targeting fertilin β in male mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 282–290Problem  In previous study, two eukaryotic expression plasmids pSG.SS.YL‐Fβ.ECD and pSG.SS.C3d3.YL‐Fβ.ECD were successfully constructed and transfected in HEK293 cells. Now, we want to evaluate the immunocontraceptive effect of these two DNA vaccines that target the extracellular domain (Fβ.ECD) of sperm antigen fertilin β subunit in Kunming male mice.Method of study  DNA vaccines pSG.SS.YL‐Fβ.ECD and pSG.SS.C3d3.YL‐Fβ.ECD were injected into Kunming male mice three times at 0, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively. An antifertility effect was observed. Serum antibody and cytokines were also detected.Results  Both vaccines significantly decreased both the pregnancy rate and the number of newborns. The serum levels of IL‐2 and INF‐γ significantly decreased, whereas the levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10 significantly increased. Compared with pSG.SS.YL‐Fβ.ECD, pSG.SS.C3d3.YL‐Fβ.ECD was more effective in birth control, and its specific Fβ‐IgG antibody titer in serum was significantly higher and longer.Conclusion  The results indicate that both pSG.SS.YL‐Fβ.ECD and pSG.SS.C3d3.YL‐Fβ.ECD DNA vaccines are effective in birth control of mice. The immunocontraceptive effect of Fβ.ECD DNA vaccine in male mice is improved with the addition of immuno‐adjuvant C3d3.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐10, HSP‐60, Anti‐HSP‐60 Antibodies, and Anti‐sperm Antibodies, in Semen of Men with Leukocytes and/or Bacteria
Authors: Martínez‐Prado Elizabeth , Camejo Bermúdez María Isabel 
Published: January 2010

Citation Martínez‐Prado E, Bermúdez MIC. Expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐10, HSP‐60, anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies, and anti‐sperm antibodies, in semen of men with leukocytes and/or bacteria. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 233–243Problem  Different cellular and biochemical markers have been proposed as indicators of infection‐inflammation of male genital tract.Method of study  Semen samples from 80 men attending an andrologic clinic were evaluated to determine the presence of leukocyte, bacteria, antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α, HSP‐60, anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies, and anti‐sperm antibodies.Results  Leukocytes in semen significantly correlated with an increase in IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α. The simultaneous presence of pathogens and leukocytes was associated with high levels of IL‐8 and TNF‐α, whereas IL‐6 was more associated with the presence of leukocytes. Anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies positively correlated with IL‐6 and IL‐8. The presence of anti‐sperm antibodies highly associated with an increase in anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies.Conclusions  The type of cytokines present in the semen will depend on the single or simultaneous presence of leukocytes and/or pathogens. Chronic male genital tract infections could be associated with the development of anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies and anti‐sperm antibodies.