bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein synthesis is lowered while 20S proteasome activity is maintained following acclimation to low temperature in juvenile spotted wolffish(Anarhichas minor Olafsen)
Authors: Lamarre Simon G. , Le François Nathalie R. , Driedzic William R. , Blier Pierre U. 
Published: April 2009

SUMMARY
The effects of temperature on protein metabolism have been studied mostly with respect to protein synthesis. Temperature generally has a parabolic effect on protein synthesis with a maximum rate being observed at optimal growth temperature. The effect of temperature on protein degradation is poorly understood. The 20S proteasome is mainly responsible for the degradation of short-lived and oxidatively modified proteins and has been recently identified as a potentially good proxy for protein degradation in fish. The aim of this experiment was to examine the relationships between the rate of protein synthesis, activity of the 20S proteasome, oxidative stress markers and antioxidant capacity in white muscle of juvenile spotted wolffish(Anarhichas minor) acclimated at three temperatures (4, 8 and 12°C). The rate of protein synthesis was lower at 4°C than at 8°C while it was intermediate at 12°C. Despite the decrease of protein synthesis at low temperature, the activity of 20S proteasome activity was maintained high in fish acclimated at lower temperature (4°C), reaching levels 130% of that of fish acclimated at 8°C when measured at a common temperature. The oxidative stress markers TBARS and protein-carbonyl content did not change among temperature groups, but reduced glutathione concentration was higher in cold-acclimated fish, suggesting a higher antioxidant capacity in this group. Our data suggest that lower growth rate in cold temperature results from both high 20S proteasome activity and a reduced rate of protein synthesis.
Clinical utility of therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid in transplantation medicine: Where are we? / Der klinische Nutzen des Therapeutischen Drug Monitoring von Mycophenolsäure in der Transplantationsmedizin: Wo stehen wir?
Authors: Shipkova Maria 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, CellCept®, Roche Pharmaceuticals) received its first approval for the prevention of renal allograft rejection in 1995 and has now become the most frequently used antiproliferative agent in maintenance immunosuppressive therapy for kidney, pancreas, liver, and heart transplantation. In 2004, a second mycophenolate formulation – the enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS, Myfortic®, Novartis Pharma) – was introduced. Whereas therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is well established for other immunosuppressants, the use of this tool for individualization and optimization of mycophenolate therapy remains a matter of debate during these years. This article focuses on the basic pharmacology of mycophenolic acid and current knowledge about the utility of monitoring mycophenolic acid concentrations. Different tools for performing TDM of mycophenolic acid, current recommendations for TDM of MMF in transplantation medicine, as well as analytical techniques available will be discussed.
Grenzen bei der Ermittlung laborinterner Richtwerte, aufgezeigt am Beispiel des Prostata-spezifischen Antigens (PSA) / Limits for the determination of guiding values from intralaboratory data basis, demonstrated by prostate specific antigen (PSA)
Authors: Gurr Eberhard , Krönig Friedrich , Golbeck Anja , Arzideh Farhad 
Published: April 2009

Zusammenfassung
Leitlinien für die Früherkennung von Prostatakarzinomen empfehlen für PSA Aktionsgrenzen von 4 μg/L. Ein Vergleich der Methoden verschiedener Hersteller ergab jedoch Unterschiede von bis zu 20% im Bereich der Aktionsgrenze, obgleich sich alle Hersteller auf den gleichen Standard beziehen. Bei der Anwendung der Leitlinien müssen daher methodenspezifische Charakteristika berücksichtigt werden. Hierbei kann die Ermittlung methodenspezifischer lokaler Referenzbereiche helfen. Aufgrund der hohen Prävalenz der benignen Prostatahyperplasie kann die Zerlegung von Häufigkeitsverteilungen hierfür nicht angewendet werden. Wegen der unklaren Verhältnisse bei der Benutzung der Aktionsgrenzen werden für die Früherfassung von Prostatakarzinomen deshalb PSA-Anstiege mit der Zeit herangezogen. Bei der Bewertung solcher Anstiege sollte insbesondere bei niedrigen PSA-Werten die biologische und die analytische Varianz des PSA berücksichtigt werden.
Effects of Fear of Abuse and Possible STI Acquisition on the Sexual Behavior of Young African American Women
Authors: Raiford Jerris L. , DiClemente Ralph J. , Wingood Gina M. 
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We examined the interactive effects of fear of abuse and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on sexual risk behaviors in a sample of young African American women. Methods. We recruited 715 young African American women aged 15 to 21 years from a variety of health clinics and assessed them for fear of abuse because of negotiating condom use, knowledge of STIs, and several sexual risk behaviors. Results. Overall, 75% of young African American women reported inconsistent condom use in the past 60 days. Surprisingly, under relatively higher levels of fear, young women with high STI knowledge were more likely than were those with low STI knowledge to exhibit inconsistent condom use in the past 60 days (89% vs 80%; χ2 = 4.32; P ≤ .04) and during the last sexual intercourse with a main sexual partner (76% vs 70%; χ2 = 8.06; P ≤ .01). Conclusions. Most HIV prevention interventions focus on increasing knowledge about the transmission of STIs. However, other contextual factors such as fear of abuse because of negotiating condom use may heighten the risk of HIV infection. Our findings highlight the need for combining dating violence prevention activities with STI and HIV prevention programs targeting young African American women.
Prenatal Screening and Perinatal HIV Transmission in Northern Alberta, 1999–2006
Authors: Hughes Christine A. , Zuk Dalyce , Foisy Michelle , Robinson Joan , Singh Ameeta E. , Houston Stan 
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of a program that includes routine opt-out prenatal HIV screening, combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), and a multidisciplinary team in preventing perinatal HIV transmission. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on HIV-infected pregnant women in northern Alberta, Canada, who delivered between January 1, 1999, and February 28, 2006. Results. Ninety-eight women had 113 deliveries. Forty-three percent were diagnosed with HIV infection through prenatal screening. Approximately 60% of HIV-infected pregnant women were Aboriginal, with 45% reporting alcohol use and 42% illicit drug use during pregnancy. The use of combination ART during pregnancy increased throughout the study period; 89% or more received combination ART from 2004 through 2006. Only 1 of the 111 infants (0.9%) was confirmed to be HIV infected, and that infant was born to a woman with no prenatal care. Conclusions. High rates of HIV testing using an opt-out approach, combined with efforts by a multidisciplinary team, resulted in a low rate of perinatal HIV transmission in our cohort. The added value of retesting high-risk women late in pregnancy or with rapid HIV tests at the time of delivery should be explored.
Sexual Violence and Reproductive Health Outcomes Among South African Female Youths: A Contextual Analysis
Authors: Speizer Ilene S. , Pettifor Audrey , Cummings Stirling , MacPhail Catherine , Kleinschmidt Immo , Rees Helen V. 
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We studied whether female youths from communities with higher sexual violence were at greater risk of negative reproductive health outcomes. Methods. We used data from a 2003 nationally representative household survey of youths aged 15–24 years in South Africa. The key independent variable was whether a woman had ever been threatened or forced to have sex. We aggregated this variable to the community level to determine, with control for individual-level experience with violence, whether the community-level prevalence of violence was associated with HIV status and adolescent pregnancy among female, sexually experienced, never-married youths. Results. Youths from communities with greater sexual violence were significantly more likely to have experienced an adolescent pregnancy or to be HIV-positive than were youths from communities experiencing lower sexual violence. Youths from communities with greater community-level violence were also less likely to have used a condom at their last sexual encounter. Individual-level violence was only associated with condom nonuse. Conclusions. Programs to reduce adolescent pregnancies and HIV risk in South Africa and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa must address sexual violence as part of effective prevention strategies.
A Public Policy Approach to Local Models of HIV/AIDS Control in Brazil
Authors: Le Loup Guillaume , de Assis Andreia , Costa-Couto Maria-Helena , Thoenig Jean-Claude , Fleury Sonia , de Camargo Kenneth , Larouzé Bernard 
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We investigated involvement and cooperation patterns of local Brazilian AIDS program actors and the consequences of these patterns for program implementation and sustainability.Methods. We performed a public policy analysis (documentary analysis, direct observation, semistructured interviews of health service and nongovernmental organization [NGO] actors) in 5 towns in 2 states, São Paulo and Pará.Results. Patterns suggested 3 models. In model 1, local government, NGOs, and primary health care services were involved in AIDS programs with satisfactory response to new epidemiological trends but a risk that HIV/AIDS would become low priority. In model 2, mainly because of NGO activism, HIV/AIDS remained an exceptional issue, with limited responses to new epidemiological trends and program sustainability undermined by political instability. In model 3, involvement of public agencies and NGOs was limited, with inadequate response to epidemiological trends and poor mobilization threatening program sustainability.Conclusions. Within a common national AIDS policy framework, the degree of involvement and cooperation between public and NGO actors deeply impacts population coverage and program sustainability. Specific processes are required to maintain actor mobilization without isolating AIDS programs.
Addressing the Unique Needs of African American Women in HIV Prevention
Authors: El-Bassel Nabila , Caldeira Nathilee A. , Ruglass Lesia M. , Gilbert Louisa 
Published: April 2009

African American women continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, yet there are few effective HIV prevention interventions that are exclusively tailored to their lives and that address their risk factors. Using an ecological framework, we offer a comprehensive overview of the risk factors that are driving the HIV/AIDS epidemic among African American women and explicate the consequences of ignoring these factors in HIV prevention strategies. We also recommend ways to improve HIV prevention programs by taking into consideration the unique life experiences of adult African American women.
Learning From Successful Interventions: A Culturally Congruent HIV Risk–Reduction Intervention for African American Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women
Authors: Williams John K. , Ramamurthi Hema C. , Manago Cleo , Harawa Nina T. 
Published: April 2009

Few HIV prevention interventions have been developed for African American men who have sex with men or who have sex with both men and women. Many interventions neglect the historical, structural or institutional, and sociocultural factors that hinder or support risk reduction in this high-risk group. We examined ways to incorporate these factors into Men of African American Legacy Empowering Self, a culturally congruent HIV intervention targeting African American men who have sex with men and women. We also studied how to apply key elements from successful interventions to future efforts. These elements include having gender specificity, a target population, a theoretical foundation, cultural and historical congruence, skill-building components, and well-defined goals.
HIV Prevention for Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States
Authors: Peterson John L. , Jones Kenneth T. 
Published: April 2009

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has exacted a devastating toll upon Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States, and there is a tremendous need to escalate HIV-prevention efforts for this population. The social context in which Black MSM experience the impact of racism and heterosexism strongly affects their risk for HIV infection; thus, HIV-prevention research focused on Black MSM should focus on contextual and structural factors. There is a pronounced lack of community-level HIV-intervention research for Black MSM, but effective preliminary strategies involve adapting existing effective models and tailoring them to the needs of Black MSM. Future research should develop new, innovative approaches, especially structural interventions, that are specifically targeted toward HIV prevention among Black MSM.
Papanicolaou Screening Behavior in Mothers and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Chao Chun , Slezak Jeff M. , Coleman Karen J. , Jacobsen Steven J. 
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We investigated whether maternal attitude toward prevention, as indicated by history of seeking Papanicolaou (Pap) tests and contracting sexually transmitted infections, influenced human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among their adolescent daughters. Methods. We linked the electronic health records of girls aged 9 to 17 years with their mothers at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (n = 148 350 mother–daughter pairs). Personal identifying information was removed from the data set after the matching of daughters and mothers was completed. We used logistic regression models to detect associations between mothers' history of Pap tests and abnormal results, genital or anal warts, and other sexually transmitted infections and daughters' HPV vaccine initiation and 3-dose regimen completion. Results. Mothers' testing history was associated with daughters' likelihood for vaccination across ethnic and neighborhood socioeconomic strata (overall odds ratio [OR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43, 1.52). Mothers' history of sexually transmitted infections was only modestly associated with daughters' vaccination. Mothers' testing history was positively associated with daughters' regimen completion (overall OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.31, 1.54). Conclusions. Mothers' attitude toward prevention may influence HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls. The impacts of targeting mothers should be considered by HPV vaccination programs and investigated by further research.
PPDM Update 1993
Authors: PPDM Association _ 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT
The Public Petroleum Data Model (PPDM) is a non proprietary data model that is designed for the oil industry to store, retrieve and process computer information more efficiently through standardization. Last year's paper (SPE 26237) outlined the PPDM organization and modeling concepts. This paper discusses the past year's experience with the model in several areas: successes and problems encountered trying to implement the model, how various companies are using the model, to what extent integration is being achieved between exploratory and engineering information, and the progress achieved toward having one common model for the industry.
Reconstruction of the finite size canonical ensemble from incomplete micro-canonical data
Authors: Lundow Per , Markström Klas 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
In this paper we discuss how partial knowledge of the density of states for a model can be used to give good approximations of the energy distributions in a given temperature range. From these distributions one can then obtain the statistical moments corresponding to e.g. the internal energy and the specific heat. These questions have gained interest apropos of several recent methods for estimating the density of states of spin models. As a worked example we finally apply these methods to the 3-state Potts model for cubic lattices of linear order up to 128. We give estimates of e.g. latent heat and critical temperature, as well as the micro-canonical properties of interest.
Peak expiratory flow rate of Nepalese children and young adults
Authors: Dhungel KU , Parthasarathy D , Dipali S 
Published: April 2009

Introduction: In diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, the assessment of lung functions is of considerable importance. So, normal reference values for pulmonary function tests of any population need to be assessed. Objective: An attempt has been made in the present study to measure the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in healthy Nepalese children and young adults. Material and methods: One hundred ninety six (196) students were selected by inclusion criteria from different schools and colleges in Pokhara Sub- Metropolitan City, Nepal. The anthropometric measurements and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured by standard procedures. Result: The mean PEFR values of males and females are found to have 350.3 (±135.0) l.min-1 and 280.2 (±98.77) l. min-1 respectively. The PEFR values of Nepalese males of the present study are found to be higher as compared to their females' counterparts. It is interestingly noted that at preadolescence time, PEFR is almost comparable in both sexes but after puberty males attained significantly higher values than females. The trend of PEFR values with development of the age is also been noted. It is interestingly pointed out that PEFR values of Nepalese males in the present study increases significantly with the advancement of age up to 20 years of age and then after PEFR do not change. On the other hand, females showed significant PEFR increment with the advancement of age up to 15 years of age only and then after PEFR do not improve significantly. Conclusion: PEFR was found to be influenced significantly by height not by the weight. Finally, a prediction equation was established by which PEFR of Nepalese population of 5 to 25 years of age can be estimated from age or height. Keywords: Peak expiratory flow rate, Nepalese children, Growth & Development, sex difference and obesity doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1710 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 346-354
Profile of trauma related mortality at Manipal
Authors: Singh B , Palimar V , Arun M , Mohanty MK 
Published: April 2009

Background: the main objective of the present study is to analyse the pattern of death related to trauma/injuries at Manipal in Udupi district, Karnataka state, India. Material and methods: Retrospective data (January 2001 to December 2003) were collected from autopsy reports maintained in the department of forensic medicine, and the inquest reports from the police. Out of the total (n=470) autopsies, 344 victims had traumatic fatality. The demographic data, type of trauma, duration of survival, body areas involved was recorded. Results: 470 autopsies were performed during the period of study. Of these 344 (73%) were traumatic fatalities. Males were preponderant (71%). More than half of the victims were between 1-40 years. The youth age of 21-30 years were affected maximum due to all type of trauma except for falls and assault in this area of the country (India). The leading type of trauma was Road Traffic Accident (RTA) (52%) followed by burn (24%). Females were predominant with 74% in trauma due to burns. In majority of cases where the death was reported in the hospital, among them more than 50% of victims were survived in hospital for more than 24 hours. The victims those expired within 3 hours were in majority from RTA and those who survived for more than 24 hours were in majority from burns. Majority (258) of the victims had head injuries followed by thoracic injuries (169), and abdomen (125). Twenty four percent of the victims died on the spot or before reaching hospital. Conclusion: In this area of the country the trauma due to RTA is a leading cause of death among the traumatic death followed by burns. Keywords: Trauma, Road Traffic Accident, Death Related Trauma, Burn doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1722 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 393-398
Medical education and training in Nepal: SWOT analysis
Authors: Dixit H , Marahatta SB 
Published: April 2009

Objective: To analyse the impact of the medical colleges that have been set up within the last two decades by production of the doctors and the effect on the health of the people Materials and methods: SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and threats) analysis of medical education in Nepal has been done by reviewing medical manpower produced by the different institutions in the undergraduate and postgraduate (PG) categories, their registration with the Nepal Medical Council in terms of the existing health scenario of the country Results: Shows severe shortage of basic sciences teachers. In the clinical areas ophthalmic manpower and services provided are exemplary. There are shortages and shortcomings in all areas if standard health care is to be provided to the Nepalese. There is a long way to go to provide the expected educational and medical services to foreigners prepared to pay more to avail of this in Nepal. Key words: HRH, undergraduate, PG, basic sciences, clinical, medical tourism. doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i3.1725 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 3, Issue 23, 412-420
Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: A clinicopathological study from a tertiary care health institution
Authors: Kansakar PBS , Rodrigues G , Khan SA 
Published: April 2009

Background: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis is an unusual and destructive form of chronic cholecystitis and is indistinguishable from other forms of cholecystitis which makes preoperative diagnosis and surgery difficult. Objectives: To review the demographic and clinical aspects of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis; to study the possibility of preoperative diagnosis and to identify the causes for difficult surgery. Materials and methods: All cases histopathologically diagnosed as xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis over a period of six years from October 1999 to September 2005 at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal, India were included in the study. Data of the patients was collected retro and prospectively. Results: A total of 615 patients underwent cholecystectomy out of which 33 (5.2%) were diagnosed to have xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. Ultrasound abdomen showed gallbladder wall thickening in 19 (57.5%) cases and gallstones in 32 (96.9%) cases. Thirty (90.9%) underwent open cholecystectomy. Gallbladder could be removed totally in 25 (75.6%) cases whereas five (15.2%) had to undergo partial cholecystectomy and in one patient, only cholecystostomy could be performed due to dense adhesions. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted in 11 patients but successful only in two patients with a conversion rate of 81.8%. Postoperative wound infection was seen in five (15.1%) patients and one (3%) had minor biliary leak which was treated conservatively. Histologically, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis was associated with malignancy in one (3.03%) patient. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Clinical presentation of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis was indistinguishable from chronic cholecystitis. Ultrasonography may reveal only non specific findings of calculi and thickened gall bladder wall. Hence preoperative diagnosis is unlikely. Cholecystectomy was usually difficult owing to dense adhesions of gallbladder and Calot's triangle. Conversion rate of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is higher. Morbidity associated with surgery is significant. Key words: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, Cholecystectomy, Malignancy doi: 10.3126/kumj.v6i4.1738 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2008), Vol. 6, No. 4, Issue 24, 472-475