bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attitude toward contraception and abortion among Curaçao women. Ineffective contraception due to limited sexual education?
Authors: van den Brink Maaike J , Boersma Adriana A , Meyboom-de Jong Betty , de Bruijn Jeanne GM 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
In Curaçao is a high incidence of unintended pregnancies and induced abortions. Most of the induced abortions in Curaçao are on request of the woman and performed by general practitioners. In Curaçao, induced abortion is strictly prohibited, but since 1999 there has been a policy of connivance. We present data on the relevance of economic and socio-cultural factors for the high abortion-rates and the ineffective use of contraception.

Methods
Structured interviews to investigate knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality, contraception and abortion and reasons for ineffective use of contraceptives among women, visiting general practitioners.

Results
Of 158 women, 146 (92%) participated and 82% reported that their education on sexuality and about contraception was of good quality. However 'knowledge of reliable contraceptive methods' appeared to be - in almost 50% of the cases - false information, misjudgements or erroneous views on the chance of getting pregnant using coitus interruptus and about the reliability and health effects of oral contraceptive pills. Almost half of the interviewed women had incorrect or no knowledge about reliability of condom use and IUD. 42% of the respondents risked by their behavior an unplanned pregnancy. Most respondents considered abortion as an emergency procedure, not as contraception. Almost two third experienced emotional, physical or social problems after the abortion.

Conclusions
Respondents had a negative attitude toward reliable contraceptives due to socio-cultural determined ideas about health consequences and limited sexual education. Main economic factors were costs of contraceptive methods, because most health insurances in Curaçao do not cover contraceptives. To improve the effective use of reliable contraceptives, more adequate information should be given, targeting the wrong beliefs and false information. The government should encourage health insurance companies to reimburse contraceptives. Furthermore, improvement of counseling during the abortion procedure is important.
A short in-frame deletion in NTRK1 tyrosine kinase domain caused by a novel splice site mutation in a patient with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis
Authors: Sarasola Esther , Rodríguez Jose A , Garrote Elisa , Arístegui Javier , García-Barcina Maria J 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by the lack of reaction to noxious stimuli and anhidrosis. It is caused by mutations in the NTRK1 gene, which encodes the high affinity tyrosine kinase receptor I for Neurotrophic Growth Factor (NGF).

Case Presentation
We present the case of a female patient diagnosed with CIPA at the age of 8 months. The patient is currently 6 years old and her psychomotor development conforms to her age (RMN, SPECT and psychological study are in the range of normality). PCR amplification of DNA, followed by direct sequencing, was used to investigate the presence of NTRK1 gene mutations. Reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR amplification of RNA, followed by cloning and sequencing of isolated RT-PCR products was used to characterize the effect of the mutations on NTRK1 mRNA splicing. The clinical diagnosis of CIPA was confirmed by the detection of two splice-site mutations in NTRK1, revealing that the patient was a compound heterozygote at this gene. One of these alterations, c.574+1G>A, is located at the splice donor site of intron 5. We also found a second mutation, c.2206-2 A>G, not previously reported in the literature, which is located at the splice acceptor site of intron 16. Each parent was confirmed to be a carrier for one of the mutations by DNA sequencing analysis. It has been proposed that the c.574+1G>A mutation would cause exon 5 skipping during NTRK1 mRNA splicing. We could confirm this prediction and, more importantly, we provide evidence that the novel c.2206-2A>G mutation also disrupts normal NTRK1 splicing, leading to the use of an alternative splice acceptor site within exon 17. As a consequence, this mutation would result in the production of a mutant NTRK1 protein with a seven aminoacid in-frame deletion in its tyrosine kinase domain.

Conclusions
We present the first description of a CIPA-associated NTRK1 mutation causing a short interstitial deletion in the tyrosine kinase domain of the receptor. The possible phenotypical implications of this mutation are discussed.
Regulation of gene expression in ovarian cancer cells by luteinizing hormone receptor expression and activation
Authors: Cui Juan , Miner Brooke M , Eldredge Joanna B , Warrenfeltz Susanne W , Dam Phuongan , Xu Ying , Puett David 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Since a substantial percentage of ovarian cancers express gonadotropin receptors and are responsive to the relatively high concentrations of pituitary gonadotropins during the postmenopausal years, it has been suggested that receptor activation may contribute to the etiology and/or progression of the neoplasm. The goal of the present study was to develop a cell model to determine the impact of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (LHR) expression and LH-mediated LHR activation on gene expression and thus obtain insights into the mechanism of gonadotropin action on ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) carcinoma cells.

Methods
The human ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV-3, was stably transfected to express functional LHR and incubated with LH for various periods of time (0-20 hours). Transcriptomic profiling was performed on these cells to identify LHR expression/activation-dependent changes in gene expression levels and pathways by microarray and qRT-PCR analyses.

Results
Through comparative analysis on the LHR-transfected SKOV-3 cells exposed to LH, we observed the differential expression of 1,783 genes in response to LH treatment, among which five significant families were enriched, including those of growth factors, translation regulators, transporters, G-protein coupled receptors, and ligand-dependent nuclear receptors. The most highly induced early and intermediate responses were found to occupy a network impacting transcriptional regulation, cell growth, apoptosis, and multiple signaling transductions, giving indications of LH-induced apoptosis and cell growth inhibition through the significant changes in, for example, tumor necrosis factor, Jun and many others, supportive of the observed cell growth reduction in in vitro assays. However, other observations, e.g. the substantial up-regulation of the genes encoding the endothelin-1 subtype A receptor, stromal cell-derived factor 1, and insulin-like growth factor II, all of which are potential therapeutic targets, may reflect a positive mediation of ovarian cancer growth.

Conclusion
Overall, the present study elucidates the extensive transcriptomic changes of ovarian cancer cells in response to LH receptor activation, which provides a comprehensive and objective assessment for determining new cancer therapies and potential serum markers, of which over 100 are suggested.
Current smoking behaviour among rural South African children: Ellisras Longitudinal Study
Authors: Mashita Ramaijane J , Themane Mahlapahlapana J , Monyeki Kotsedi D , Kemper Han CG 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The use of tobacco products is the major cause of chronic diseases morbidity and mortality. Most smokers start the smoking habits from childhood and adolescent stages.

Method
This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 1654 subjects (854 boys and 800 girls), aged 11 to 18 years, who were part of the Ellisras Longitudinal Study completed the questionnaire. Association between tobacco products use and habits, attitudes and beliefs were explored in this study. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association.

Results
The prevalence of tobacco product use increases with increasing (4.9 to 17.1%) age among boys whereas girls do not smoke cigarette but only considerable number (1.0 to 4.1%) use home made tobacco products (pipe and snuff) among the Ellisras rural children. Parents and grand parents play a significant (about 50%) role in influencing smoking behaviour among the Ellisras rural children. Seeing actors smoking on TV shows was positively associated (p < 0.05) with smoking (OR = 2.3 95%CI (1.3-4.1 and OR = 2.3 95%CI 1.3-4.1 after adjusting for age and gender). However, women who smoke cigarette were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with success and success and wealth (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.2) even after adjusting for age and gender (OR = 2.9 95% CI 1.5-5.4).

Conclusion
The usage of tobacco products was high among older boys. Girls did not smoke cigarette. This tobacco use behaviour mirrors the cultural norms and adult behaviour. The association of this tobacco used products with biological parameters will shed more light on the health of these children over time.
Centriole polarisation to the immunological synapse directs secretion from cytolytic cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems
Authors: Stinchcombe Jane C , Salio Mariolina , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Pende Daniela , Arico Maurizo , Griffiths Gillian M 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Cytolytic cells of the immune system destroy pathogen-infected cells by polarised exocytosis of secretory lysosomes containing the pore-forming protein perforin. Precise delivery of this lethal hit is essential to ensuring that only the target cell is destroyed. In cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), this is accomplished by an unusual movement of the centrosome to contact the plasma membrane at the centre of the immunological synapse formed between killer and target cells. Secretory lysosomes are directed towards the centrosome along microtubules and delivered precisely to the point of target cell recognition within the immunological synapse, identified by the centrosome. We asked whether this mechanism of directing secretory lysosome release is unique to CTL or whether natural killer (NK) and invariant NKT (iNKT) cytolytic cells of the innate immune system use a similar mechanism to focus perforin-bearing lysosome release.

Results
NK cells were conjugated with B-cell targets lacking major histocompatibility complex class I 721.221 cells, and iNKT cells were conjugated with glycolipid-pulsed CD1-bearing targets, then prepared for thin-section electron microscopy. High-resolution electron micrographs of the immunological synapse formed between NK and iNKT cytolytic cells with their targets revealed that in both NK and iNKT cells, the centrioles could be found associated (or 'docked') with the plasma membrane within the immunological synapse. Secretory clefts were visible within the synapses formed by both NK and iNKT cells, and secretory lysosomes were polarised along microtubules leading towards the docked centrosome. The Golgi apparatus and recycling endosomes were also polarised towards the centrosome at the plasma membrane within the synapse.

Conclusions
These results reveal that, like CTLs of the adaptive immune system, the centrosomes of NK and iNKT cells (cytolytic cells of the innate immune system) direct secretory lysosomes to the immunological synapse. Morphologically, the overall structure of the immunological synapses formed by NK and iNKT cells are very similar to those formed by CTLs, with both exocytic and endocytic organelles polarised towards the centrosome at the plasma membrane, which forms a focal point for exocytosis and endocytosis within the immunological synapse. We conclude that centrosomal polarisation provides a rapid, responsive and precise mechanism for secretory lysosome delivery to the immunological synapse in CTLs, NK cells and iNKT cells.
Oestrogen deficiency modulates particle-induced osteolysis
Authors: Nich Christophe , Langlois Jean , Marchadier Arnaud , Vidal Catherine , Cohen-Solal Martine , Petite Hervé , Hamadouche Moussa 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Postmenopausal osteoporosis may modulate bone response to wear debris. In this article, we evaluate the influence of oestrogen deficiency on experimental particle-induced osteolysis.

Methods
Polyethylene (PE) particles were implanted onto the calvaria of normal controls, sham-ovariectomized (OVX), OVX mice and OVX mice supplemented with oestrogen (OVX+E). After 14 days, seven skulls per group were analyzed using a high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometry, and for tartrate-specific alkaline phosphatase. Five calvariae per group were cultured for the assay of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB (RANKL) secretion using quantitative ELISA. Serum IL-6 concentrations were obtained. The expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA were evaluated using real-time PCR.

Results
As assessed by μCT and by histomorphometry, PE particles induced extensive bone resorption and an intense inflammatory reaction in normal controls, sham-OVX and OVX+E mice, but not in the OVX mice group. In normal controls, sham-OVX and OVX+E mice, PE particles induced an increase in serum IL-6, in TNF-α and RANKL local concentrations, and resulted in a significant increase in RANKL/OPG messenger RNA (mRNA) ratio. Conversely, these parameters remained unchanged in OVX mice after PE implantation.

Conclusions
Oestrogen privation in the osteolysis murine model ultimately attenuated osteolytic response to PE particles, suggesting a protective effect. This paradoxical phenomenon was associated with a down-regulation of pro-resorptive cytokines. It is hypothesized that excessive inflammatory response was controlled, illustrated by the absence of increase of serum IL-6 in OVX mice after PE implantation.
OPC Unified Architecture
Authors: Enste Udo , Mahnke Wolfgang 
Published: June 2011

Zusammenfassung
OPC Unified Architecture bietet erweiterte Möglichkeiten der Interoperabilität. Auf Basis eines objekt-orientierten Konzeptes stehen moderne Mittel zur Informationsmodellierung zur Verfügung, um den über Schnittstellen zur Verfügung zu stellenden Datenhaushalt eines Systems repräsentieren zu können. Mit Hilfe einer Kommunikationsinfrastruktur werden darüber hinaus eine Systemarchitektur und generische Dienstevorgaben gemacht.
Steady-State and Transient Electron Transport in ZnO: Recent Progress
Authors: Hadi Walid A. , Shur Michael , Eastman Lester F. , O’Leary Stephen K. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTWe briefly review some recent results on the steady-state and transient electron transport that occurs within bulk wurtzite zinc oxide. These results were obtained using an ensemble semi-classical three-valley Monte Carlo simulation approach. They showed that for electric field strengths in excess of 180 kV/cm, the steady-state electron drift velocity associated with bulk wurtzite zinc oxide exceeds that associated with bulk wurtzite gallium nitride. The transient electron transport that occurs within bulk wurtzite zinc oxide was studied by examining how electrons, initially in thermal equilibrium, respond to the sudden application of a constant electric field. These transient electron transport results demonstrated that for devices with dimensions smaller than 0.1 μm, gallium nitride based devices will offer the advantage, owing to their superior transient electron transport, while for devices with dimensions greater than 0.1 μm, zinc oxide based devices will offer the advantage, owing to their superior high-field steady-state electron transport.
Effect of Bauxsol on properties of cement pastes
Authors: Barbhuiya Salim A. , Basheer Muhammed , Clark Malcolm W. , Rankin Barry 
Published: June 2011

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation carried out to evaluate the influence of Bauxsol, an artificially neutralised bauxite refinery residue (NBRR), on various properties of cement pastes. It was found that the NBRR does not have any pozzolanic properties and hence cannot be used as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete. In order to evaluate the effect of adding the product to Portland cement (PC) pastes, fresh properties (i.e. standard consistency and slump), setting time and heat of hydration were measured. In addition, its influence on chemical changes and compressive strength was investigated. It was found that the addition of this NBRR resulted in a decrease in compressive strength beyond 7 days. The setting time decreased with an increase in NBRR content in PC pastes. The rate of heat evolution for NBRR pastes was greater than that of the PC pastes, but a corresponding increase in the quantity of calcium hydroxide was not found. Therefore, it was concluded that unidentified hydration products when Bauxsol was used in PC pastes might have been the reason for the decrease in setting times.
Identification and Validation of QTL for Grain Quality Traits in a Cross of Soft Wheat Cultivars Pioneer Brand 25R26 and Foster
Authors: Smith Nathan , Guttieri Mary , Souza Edward , Shoots Jenny , Sorrells Mark , Sneller Clay 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTEnd‐use quality is vital to the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) industry. Understanding the genetics of components of quality is needed for efficient genetic improvement. Our objectives were to determine the genetics of soft wheat quality in a population derived from soft wheat cultivars and to validate the results. We developed 171 families from the cross ‘Foster’ × Pioneer ‘25R26’ and obtained quality data from four environments. We assessed flour yield (FY) and flour protein (FP), softness equivalent (SE), and water (WA), sodium carbonate (SO), sucrose (SU), and lactic acid (LA) solvent retention capacities (SRCs). Families were genotyped with markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses were performed. All traits were heritable (0.71– 0.93) and transgressive segregants were noted. The traits FY, WA, SO, and SU were correlated to one another as were SE and FP. A total of 29 QTL were detected from 11 genomic regions. Quantitative trait loci for correlated traits were generally coincident. Two regions of chromosome 1B had the greatest effect on WA, SO, FY, and LA (r2 = 0.23 to 0.30); these QTL appeared to be associated with the 1BL.1RS rye (Secale cereale L.) translocation and the Glu‐B1 locus. A region of chromosome 2B had the greatest effect on FP, SE, and SU (r2 = 0.13 to 0.23). The 1B and 2B QTL were validated in crosses between each of the original mapping parents and ‘Hopewell’. We documented the relative importance for soft wheat quality of two known regions of 1B and report on a novel QTL on 2B. Marker‐assisted selection for these three regions could have a significant impact on soft wheat quality.
Tall Fescue Forage Mass and Canopy Characteristics on Steer Ingestive Behavior and Performance
Authors: Burns J. C. , Fisher D. S. , Pond K. R. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTTall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a well‐adapted perennial pasture species utilized across the north–south transition zone of the United States. This 3‐yr trial evaluated the influence of three forage masses (FM) on steer and pasture responses for spring (April to July) and fall (October) growths. Spring FM averaged 1450 kg ha−1 (Short), 3032 kg ha−1 (Medium), and 3812 kg ha−1 (Tall) for the three treatments. Canopy in vitro true organic matter disappearance (ITOD) decreased linearly from Short (797 g kg−1) to Tall (771 g kg−1). Steer daily gains (0.88 kg) and gains per hectare (392 kg ha−1 yr−1) were not altered by FM, but the mean number of steers per hectare decreased linearly from Short (8.2 steers ha−1) to Tall (6.1 steers ha−1) as did effective feed units per hectare (2256 to 1712 kg ha−1 yr−1). Canopies were predominately leaf (53%) and averaged 847 g kg−1 ITOD with estimates similar among FM treatments. Diet ITOD declined linearly from Short (870 g kg−1) to Tall (839 g kg−1) as did crude protein (CP) (from 235 to 192 g kg−1). In the fall, FM averaged 1556, 3228, and 3494 kg ha−1 for the three FM treatments. Canopy ITOD averaged 774 g kg−1 and was not altered by FM. Canopy leaves averaged 60% with an ITOD of 864 g kg−1 and were similar among FM treatments. Diets selected averaged 834 g kg−1 ITOD and 233 g kg−1 CP and were not altered by FM. Tall fescue pasture free of toxic endophyte needs to be effectively utilized to enhance production and can be managed flexibly in grazing systems.
Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability of Phosphorus Concentration in Two Soybean Germplasm Sources with Modified Phosphorus Composition
Authors: Maupin Laura M. , Rosso M. Luciana , Shang Chao , Rainey Katy M. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTTwo sources of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm, CX1834 and V99‐5089, improve the nutritional composition of soybeans due to different genetic mutations resulting in decreases in phytate and increases in inorganic phosphorus (Pi) concentration. Commercial production of cultivars with these germplasm sources depends on the stability of phytate and Pi concentration under diverse growing environments. We analyzed phytate and Pi concentration from eight genotypes grown in 12 environments to evaluate the genotypic and environmental effects and to determine trait stability. Two lines with normal composition and six lines modified for P composition, including three CX1834‐derived lines from different genetic backgrounds and three sister lines derived from V99‐5089, were evaluated. The genotypic effects and the genotype × environment interaction were significant for phytate and Pi concentration. The environment significantly affected Pi concentration of the modified P lines but had no significant effect on phytate concentration. The CX1834‐derived lines were lower for phytate concentration and higher for Pi concentration compared to the V99‐5089‐derived lines. Five modified P composition lines were average or above average for phytate stability which may allow these cultivars to be produced commercially in a range of environments.
Interspecific Tetraploid Hybrids between Two Forage Grass Species: Sexual Paspalum plicatulum and Apomictic P. guenoarum
Authors: Aguilera Patricia M. , Sartor María E. , Galdeano Florencia , Espinoza Francisco , Quarin Camilo L. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe Plicatula group of the grass genus Paspalum contains about 30 species. Most are tetraploid and reproduce by apomixis, though some of them contain sexual diploid races. We crossed a sexual colchicine‐induced autotetraploid plant of brownseed paspalum (Paspalum plicatulum Michx.) with apomictic tetraploid P. guenoarum Arechav., also from the Plicatula group. Crossability was 35% and the progeny showed morphological characteristics intermediate to those of the parents but resembling more the male parent. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis showed that the whole progeny amplified bands that were specific of the male parent, confirming its hybrid origin. Meiotic chromosome behavior of hybrids exhibited primarily bivalent and quadrivalent associations similar to those of the two parents. This suggests that natural tetraploid P. guenoarum shares the same basic chromosome set with that of autotetraploid P. plicatulum, and both species probably originate from the same ancestral species. Fourteen out of 23 hybrids reproduced only sexually, while nine were obligate or highly apomictic. Seed set ranged from 11 to 55% among the hybrids. Our results open the possibility of exchanging genes at the tetraploid level in breeding programs of P. plicatulum and P. guenoarum. This possibility is based on their rate of crossability, the degree of fertility among the hybrids, the segregation observed for the reproductive mode in the F1 progeny, and the very simple procedure flow cytometry seed screen (FCSS) used to determine the reproductive mode for each hybrid.