bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Forms in Pregnancy: Maternal Plasma Profiles during Ovine Gestation Correlate with Placental and Fetal Maturation
Authors: McNeill Bryony A. , Barrell Graham K. , Wellby Martin , Prickett Timothy C. R. , Yandle Timothy G. , Espiner Eric A. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Circulating concentrations of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and a related amino terminal fragment (NTproCNP) were measured at weekly intervals from preconception to 3 wk postpartum in ewes with twins (n = 8) and nonpregnant ewes (n = 8). In contrast to low and stable values in nonpregnant ewes (CNP, 0.75 ± 0.08; NTproCNP, 22 ± 2 pmol/liter), CNP forms increased abruptly at 40–50 d of gestation and rose to peak values (CNP, 31 ± 5, NTproCNP, 270 ± 16 pmol/liter) at about d 120. Approximately 7 d prepartum, the concentration of both CNP forms fell precipitously to preconception values immediately postpartum. In separate studies, circulating maternal CNP forms were positively related to fetal number at d 120. Consistent with a major contribution from the placenta to circulating levels, the concentrations of CNP forms were elevated in the placentome (cotyledon: CNP, 18 ± 4, NTproCNP, 52 ± 10 pmol/g; caruncle: CNP, 13 ± 3, NTproCNP, 31 ± 6 pmol/g) and much higher than those of intercaruncular uterine tissue (CNP, 0.19 ± 0.05, NTproCNP, 0.98 ± 0.2 pmol/g) in late-gestation ewes (P &lt; 0.001, n = 4). These distinctive patterns of maternal plasma CNP forms, positive relation with fetal number, and greatly elevated protein concentrations in the placentome demonstrate the hormone’s strong relation to placental and fetal maturation. The findings provide a firm basis for future studies of the functional role of CNP in fetal-maternal welfare.
14-3-3 Protein Regulates Cell Adhesion in the Seminiferous Epithelium of Rat Testes
Authors: Wong Elissa W. P. , Sun Shengyi , Li Michelle W. M. , Lee Will M. , Cheng C. Yan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPolarity proteins have been implicated in regulating and maintaining tight junction (TJ) and cell polarity in epithelia. Here we report 14-3-3θ, the homolog of Caenorhabditis elegans Par5 in mammalian cells, which is known to confer cell polarity at TJ, is found at the apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES), a testis-specific adherens junction type restricted to the Sertoli cell-elongating spermatid interface, in which TJ is absent. 14-3-3θ was shown to play a critical role in conferring cell adhesion at the apical ES. A loss of 14-3-3θ expression at the apical ES was detected in the seminiferous epithelium before spermiation. Involvement of 14-3-3θ in Sertoli cell adhesion was confirmed by its knockdown by RNA interference in Sertoli cells cultured in vitro with established TJ permeability barrier that mimicked the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in vivo. Mislocalization of N-cadherin and zonula occludens-1, but not α- and β-catenins, was observed after 14-3-3θ knockdown in Sertoli cells, moving from the cell-cell interface to cytosol, indicating a disruption of cell adhesion. Studies by endocytosis assay illustrated that this loss of cell adhesion was mediated by an increase in the kinetics of endocytosis of N-cadherin and junctional adhesion molecule-A at the BTB, which may represent a general mechanism by which polarity proteins regulate cell adhesion. In summary, the testis is using 14-3-3θ to regulate cell adhesion at the apical ES to facilitate spermiation and at the BTB to facilitate the transit of preleptotene spermatocytes at stages VIII–IX of the epithelial cycle. 14-3-3θ may act as a molecular switch that coordinates these two cellular events in the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis.
Heterophilic antibodies may be a cause of falsely low total IGF1 levels
Authors: Brugts M P , Luermans J G L M , Lentjes E G W M , van Trooyen-van Vrouwerff N J , van der Horst F A L , Slee P H Th J , Lamberts S W J , Janssen J A M L 
Published: July 2009

BackgroundA low serum total IGF1 is considered as a diagnostic indicator of GH deficiency (GHD) in the presence of hypopituitarism. Introduction of IRMA and chemiluminescent immunometric assay (CLIA) IGF1 immunoassays has introduced endogenous antibodies as a new source of interference. In general, this goes unnoticed and might lead to unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.CaseA 56-year-old man was referred with a decline in physical performance, unexplained osteopenia, and weight loss of 3 kg over the past 8 months. Although clinical signs and symptoms were unremarkable, laboratory results pointed to secondary hypothyroidism and secondary hypogonadism. In addition, the serum total IGF1 level (CLIA; Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics) was in the low normal range. Two GH stimulation tests were performed, but these tests did not support the diagnosis GHD. Moreover, IGF1 bioactivity measured by the kinase receptor activation assay was normal. Interference of heterophilic antibodies was considered. After pretreatment with specific heterophilic blocking tubes that contain blocking reagents to eliminate heterophilic antibodies, serum-free thyroxine, testosterone, and IGF1 levels turned out to be normal.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, we here describe the first case in the literature of a patient with low serum total IGF1 levels due to interference from heterophilic antibodies in the used IGF1 immunoassay. When confronted with low-IGF1 levels that do not fit the clinical picture, interference of heterophilic antibodies should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
The Role of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Helm C. William 
Published: July 2009

AbstractOverall outcomes for women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remain relatively poor, and superior methods of treatment are needed. EOC is a peritoneal surface malignancy that is relatively sensitive to chemotherapy agents, making it a good target for i.p. chemotherapy. Because there is strong laboratory data demonstrating the ability of hyperthermia to increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, the addition of hyperthermia to i.p. chemotherapy, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), makes theoretical sense. This article reviews the current literature and discusses the possible role for HIPEC in EOC at significant natural history time points: front line, at the time of interval debulking, in consolidation, and for recurrent disease. The conclusion is that much further research is needed but that HIPEC could sensibly be researched at all the natural history time points in EOC.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in the Management of Vulvar Carcinoma, Cervical Cancer, and Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Zivanovic Oliver , Khoury-Collado Fady , Abu-Rustum Nadeem R. , Gemignani Mary L. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The treatment of gynecologic malignancies can include surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation. Depending on the primary site of disease and the extent of the disease, these treatment strategies are applied alone or in combination.
Trends over the past few decades have concentrated on performing more comprehensive staging procedures for a large percentage of patients with gynecologic malignancies. The surgical techniques available for comprehensive staging have facilitated a greater understanding of stage and prognosis overall, and better tailoring of postsurgical treatment.
One such technique is regional lymphadenectomy. Although the role of regional lymphadenectomy as a therapeutic procedure in some gynecologic cancers is debated and challenged (regional lymphadenectomy and multimodality therapy increases adverse side effects and long-term sequelae without proven survival benefit), there is no controversy regarding the staging and prognostic benefit of the evaluation of regional lymph nodes. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) concept was successfully introduced in melanoma. It has since become the standard of care in breast cancer and has had a significant impact on postoperative morbidity for a large percentage of breast cancer patients. Interest in using SLN techniques in gynecologic cancers was thus a natural progression. In light of the growing body of evidence in the literature opposing the therapeutic benefit of systematic lymphadenectomy, the SLN concept will continue to play an important role in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. This technique can provide accurate staging information in some gynecologic cancers. Increased use of this technique could potentially impact the quality of life of gynecologic cancer survivors while still providing important staging information without compromising oncologic safety.
In this review, we examine the body of literature related to gynecologic cancer malignancies and SLN biopsy.
Pharmaceutical industry effluent diluted 1:500 affects global gene expression, cytochrome P450 1A activity, and plasma phosphate in fish
Authors: Gunnarsson Lina , Kristiansson Erik , Rutgersson Carolin , Sturve Joachim , Fick Jerker , Förlin Lars , Larsson D. G. Joakim 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPatancheru, near Hyderabad, India, is a major production site for the global bulk drug market. Approximately 90 manufacturers send their wastewater to a common treatment plant in Patancheru. Extraordinary high levels of a wide range of pharmaceuticals have recently been demonstrated in the treated effluent. As little as 0.2% of this effluent can strongly reduce the growth rate of tadpoles, but the underlying mechanisms of toxicity are not known. To begin addressing how the effluent affects aquatic vertebrates, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to 0.2% effluent for 5 d. Several physiological endpoints, together with effects on global hepatic gene expression patterns, were analyzed. The exposed fish showed both an induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) gene expression, as well as enzyme activity. Clinical blood chemistry analyses revealed an increase in plasma phosphate levels, which in humans indicates impaired kidney function. Several oxidative stress-related genes were induced in the livers; however, no significant changes in antioxidant enzyme activities or in the hepatic glutathione levels were found. Furthermore, estrogen-regulated genes were slightly up-regulated following exposure, and moderate levels of estriol were detected in the effluent. The present study identifies changes in gene expression triggered by exposure to a high dilution of the effluent, supporting the hypothesis that these fish are responding to chemical exposure. The pattern of regulated genes may contribute to the identification of mechanisms of sublethal toxicity, as well as illuminate possible causative agents.
The Influence of the VERB Campaign on Children's Physical Activity in 2002 to 2006
Authors: Huhman Marian E. , Potter Lance D. , Nolin Mary Jo , Piesse Andrea , Judkins David R. , Banspach Stephen W. , Wong Faye L. 
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We evaluated physical activity outcomes for children exposed to VERB, a campaign to encourage physical activity in children, across campaign years 2002 to 2006. Methods. We examined the associations between exposure to VERB and (1) physical activity sessions (free time and organized) and (2) psychosocial outcomes (outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and social influences) for 3 nationally representative cohorts of children. Outcomes among adolescents aged 13 to 17 years (cohort 1, baseline) and children aged 9 to 13 years from cohorts 2 and 3 were analyzed for dose–response effects. Propensity scoring was used to control for confounding influences. Results. Awareness of VERB remained high across campaign years. In 2006, reports of children aged 10 to 13 years being active on the day before the survey increased significantly as exposure to the campaign increased. Psychosocial outcomes showed dose–response associations. Effects lessened as children aged out of the campaign target age range (cohort 1, baseline), but dose–response associations persisted in 2006 for outcome expectations and free-time physical activity. Conclusions. VERB positively influenced children's physical activity outcomes. Campaign effects persisted as children grew into their adolescent years.
Carbon Monoxide Epidemic Among Immigrant Populations: King County, Washington, 2006
Authors: Gulati Reena K. , Kwan-Gett Tao , Hampson Neil B. , Baer Atar , Shusterman Dennis , Shandro Jamie R. , Duchin Jeffrey S. 
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We investigated an outbreak of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after a power outage to determine its extent, identify risk factors, and develop prevention measures. Methods. We reviewed medical records and medical examiner reports of patients with CO poisoning or related symptoms during December 15 to 24, 2006. We grouped patients into households exposed concurrently to a single source of CO. Results. Among 259 patients with CO poisoning, 204 cases were laboratory confirmed, 37 were probable, 10 were suspected, and 8 were fatal. Of 86 households studied, 58% (n = 50) were immigrant households from Africa (n = 21), Asia (n = 15), Latin America (n = 10), and the Middle East (n = 4); 34% (n = 29) were US-born households. One percent of households was European (n = 1), and the origin for 7% (n = 6) was unknown. Charcoal was the most common fuel source used among immigrant households (82%), whereas liquid fuel was predominant among US-born households (34%). Conclusions. Educational campaigns to prevent CO poisoning should consider immigrants’ cultural practices and languages and specifically warn against burning charcoal indoors and incorrect ventilation of gasoline- or propane-powered electric generators.
Explaining the Decrease in Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in Italy Between 1980 and 2000
Authors: Palmieri Luigi , Bennett Kathleen , Giampaoli Simona , Capewell Simon 
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We examined the extent to which the decrease in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rates in Italy could be explained by changes in cardiovascular risk factors versus the use of medical and surgical treatments. Methods. We used a validated model to combine data on changes in risk factors and uptake and effectiveness of cardiac treatments among adult men and women in Italy between 1980 and 2000. Data sources included results of published trials, meta-analyses, official statistics, longitudinal studies, and national surveys. The difference between observed and expected CHD deaths in 2000 was partitioned among treatments and risk factors. Results. From 1980 to 2000, the age-adjusted CHD mortality rate in Italy fell among persons aged 25 to 84 years, resulting in 42 930 fewer CHD deaths in 2000. Approximately 40% of this decrease was attributed to treatments and 55% to changes in risk factors. Conclusions. Over half of the CHD mortality fall in Italy between 1980 and 2000 was attributable to reductions in major risk factors, mainly cholesterol and blood pressure, and less than half to evidence-based medical therapies. These results are becoming increasingly important, both for understanding past trends and for planning future prevention and treatment strategies.
Estimated Autism Risk and Older Reproductive Age
Authors: King Marissa D. , Fountain Christine , Dakhlallah Diana , Bearman Peter S. 
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We sought to estimate the risk for autism associated with maternal and paternal age across successive birth cohorts. Methods. We linked birth records and autism diagnostic records from the California Department of Developmental Services for children born in California between 1992 and 2000 to calculate the risk associated with maternal and paternal age for each birth cohort as well as for the pooled data. Results. The categorical risks associated with maternal age over 40 years ranged from a high of 1.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37, 2.47) to a low of 1.27 (95% CI = 0.95, 1.69). The risk associated with paternal age ranged from 1.29 (95% CI = 1.03, 1.6) to 1.71 (95% CI = 1.41, 2.08). Conclusions. Pooling data across multiple birth cohorts inflates the risk associated with paternal age. Analyses that do not suffer from problems produced by pooling across birth cohorts demonstrated that advanced maternal age, rather than paternal age, may pose greater risk. Future research examining parental age as a risk factor must be careful to avoid the paradoxes that can arise from pooling data, particularly during periods of social demographic change.
Understanding Bureaucracy in Health Science Ethics: Toward a Better Institutional Review Board
Authors: Bozeman Barry , Slade Catherine , Hirsch Paul 
Published: July 2009

Research involving human participants continues to grow dramatically, fueled by advances in medical technology, globalization of research, and financial and professional incentives. This creates increasing opportunities for ethical errors with devastating effects. The typical professional and policy response to calamities involving human participants in research is to layer on more ethical guidelines or strictures. We used a recent case—the Johns Hopkins University/Kennedy Kreiger Institute Lead Paint Study—to examine lessons learned since the Tuskegee Syphilis Study about the role of institutionalized science ethics in the protection of human participants in research. We address the role of the institutional review board as the focal point for policy attention.
“Everywhere the Soldier Will Be”: Wartime Tobacco Promotion in the US Military
Authors: Smith Elizabeth A. , Malone Ruth E. 
Published: July 2009

Deployment of young Americans in military engagements places them at increased risk for not only war hazards but also tobacco addiction and disease. Tobacco use diminishes troop health and readiness, and increases medical and training costs.Military tobacco control efforts began in 1986, yet tobacco use remains high. To determine whether and how the tobacco industry targets military personnel in wartime, we analyzed internal industry documents about the Gulf War (1990–1991) and constructed a historical case study. During this conflict, tobacco companies targeted troops with free cigarettes, direct advertising, branded items, ways to communicate with family, and “welcome home” events. Military authorities sometimes restricted this activity, but frequently enabled it; tobacco companies were regarded as benefactors.Considering tobacco use a benefit undermines military health priorities. Stronger policy is needed to reframe tobacco use as incompatible with military ideals.
Menu Labeling as a Potential Strategy for Combating the Obesity Epidemic: A Health Impact Assessment
Authors: Kuo Tony , Jarosz Christopher J. , Simon Paul , Fielding Jonathan E. 
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We conducted a health impact assessment to quantify the potential impact of a state menu-labeling law on population weight gain in Los Angeles County, California. Methods. We utilized published and unpublished data to model consumer response to point-of-purchase calorie postings at large chain restaurants in Los Angeles County. We conducted sensitivity analyses to account for uncertainty in consumer response and in the total annual revenue, market share, and average meal price of large chain restaurants in the county. Results. Assuming that 10% of the restaurant patrons would order reduced-calorie meals in response to calorie postings, resulting in an average reduction of 100 calories per meal, we estimated that menu labeling would avert 40.6% of the 6.75 million pound average annual weight gain in the county population aged 5 years and older. Substantially larger impacts would be realized if higher percentages of patrons ordered reduced-calorie meals or if average per-meal calorie reductions increased. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that mandated menu labeling could have a sizable salutary impact on the obesity epidemic, even with only modest changes in consumer behavior.
Planning for Posttrial Access to Antiretroviral Treatment for Research Participants in Developing Countries
Authors: Shah Seema , Elmer Stacey , Grady Christine 
Published: July 2009

Despite recognition of the importance of posttrial access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), the implementation process has not been studied. We examined whether the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidance document was being implemented in NIH-funded ART trials conducted in developing countries between July 2005 and June 2007. All of the 18 studies we identified had posttrial access plans for trial participants. More than 70% had specific mechanisms for posttrial access, but none guaranteed long-term sponsor funding after the trials. The plans reflected variation in local contexts and the uncertainty of predicting local conditions in the long term. The strength of the NIH guidance document may be that it encourages investigators to formulate plans in advance and to work with other stakeholders to provide access to ART.
A New Method for Evaluating the Productivity Index of Nonlinear Flows
Authors: Aulisa Eugenio , Ibragimov Akif , Walton Jay R. 
Published: July 2009

Summary
This paper addresses the effects of nonlinearity of flows on the value of the productivity index (PI) of the well. Experimental data show that, during the dynamic process of hydrocarbon recovery, the PI stabilizes to some constant value, which, in general, is a nonlinear function of both the pressure drawdown and the production rate.
Linear Darcy flow is well understood, and excellent approximate formulas are available for the PI in various well/reservoir geometries. To handle the more realistic nonlinear situation, the current practice is to solve the nonlinear problem multiple times for different values of production rate and then add ad-hoc corrective parameters in the linear formulas to reproduce the nonlinear nature of the flow.
In this paper, we propose a rigorous framework to measure the PI of a well for nonlinear Forchheimer flows. Our approach, based on recent progress in the modeling of transient Forchheimer flows, uses both analytical and numerical techniques. It provides, for a wide class of reservoir geometries, an accurate relation between the PI for nonlinear Forchheimer flows and the PI for linear Darcy flows.
The proposed method of building look-up tables and analytical formulas serves as an effective tool for fast PI evaluation in nonlinear cases.