bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating Determinants Affecting the Adoption of Contemporary Contraceptive Methods: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Adolescent Utilization in the Nabdan District, Upper East Region, Ghana
Authors: Cudjoe Francis Kronzu , Mohammed Abdul-Samed , Yakong Vida Nyagre 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Promoting the use of contraception among adolescents is essential to improving their sexual and reproductive health. Teenage pregnancies are becoming more common, and the Nabdam area continues to have low rates of use of contemporary contraceptive methods. These facts highlight the urgent need to address the needs of adolescents concerning their sexual and reproductive health. This study aims to investigate the factors impacting the Upper East Region of Ghana's Nabdam District's adoption of contemporary contraceptive methods.
Methods: 261 older teenage girls from the Nabdam district, ages 15 to 19, were included in the study, which used a quantitative technique and a descriptive cross-sectional design. Respondents were chosen using a multiphase sample technique, and data were collected over the course of 10 working days using a standardized survey form. STATA Version 14 was utilized for data analysis. A significance criterion of p < 0.05 was applied to bivariate and logistic regression models to investigate any correlations between independent factors and outcome variables.
Results: 52.1% of respondents said they have had their first sexual experience before turning 20. The oldest stated age at first sex was 19 years old, while the youngest was 10 years old. Additionally, 97.8% of respondents reported learning about contemporary contraception via a variety of sources, such as peers, instructors, health professionals, and radio media. Even with this knowledge, 48.7% of respondents thought using a contraceptive technique would provide 100% protection against getting pregnant, while 73.6% of respondents had never used any kind of birth control. Age (p< 0.001), educational attainment (p< 0.001), marital status (p< 0.001), peer influence (p< 0.001), place of residence (p< 0.001), religious affiliation (p< 0.018), consent from a sexual partner (p< 0.001), positive attitudes from healthcare providers (p < 0.001), and the availability of contraceptives (p < 0.001) were discovered to be linked to the usage of modern contraceptives.
Conclusion: Although a sizable percentage of respondents showed awareness of contemporary contraceptive methods, low modern contraceptive usage was significantly correlated with several factors, including age, marital status, educational attainment, peer influence, partner consent, and the unfavorable attitudes of healthcare professionals. To tackle this problem, a community-based strategy emphasizing the advancement of enabling elements and the removal of obstacles is required. The Ghana Health Service could enhance its School Health Education Program (SHEP) by increasing informational sessions, organizing theatrical productions and debates, and recruiting peer educators as invaluable resources to share experiences and instruct their peers on sexuality, reproductive health issues, and the use of modern contraceptives
Ecofriendly Management of Dry Root Rot in Black Gram Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina
Authors: Yamunarani K. , Sangeetha S. , Chitra K. , Dhanalakshmi K. , Dhanushkodi V. , Kalyanasundaram A. 
Published: January 2024

In the present study Trichoderma asperellum (ECK), Trichoderma asperellum (TNAU), Streptomyces sp (native) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (TNAU) were tested in vitro by dual culture technique. Among the six treatments Trichoderma asperellum (ECK) and Streptomyces sp (native) was found to be more effective as compared to other bio-control agents and inhibited maximum fungal growth (100 %) of Macrophomina phaseolina followed by Trichoderma asperellum (TNAU) (81.6 %). The disease incidence controlled by all other isolates was ranged from 67.72 to 81.66%. The growth promoting activity of various bio-control agents and chemical was assessed based on seedling vigour index by standard Roll Towel Method (ISTA,1993). The treated seeds and controls are placed on the pre-soaked germination paper. After one-week various growth parameters like root length, shoot length, vigour index are determined by using the formulae. The seeds treated with Trichoderma asperellum (ECK) and Streptomyces sp (native) exhibited increased yield parameters like increased germination percentage, root length, shoot length, and Seedling vigour index 2562.0. Under field conditions the seeds are treated with different biocontrol agents and carbendazim. The various growth parameters like root length, shoot length and seedling vigour index observed under field conditions. Streptomyces sp (native) was found to be most effective in reducing pre and post emergence mortality and also it enhances the yield than other treatments. In field trail among the six treatments, treatment containing seed treatment of Streptomyces sp (native) was found to be most effective in reducing pre and post emergence mortality with germination of 87.0 %. Streptomyces sp (native) was found to be more effective as compared to other bio-control agents in increasing the yield parameters like root length, shoot length, and seedling vigour and also it enhances the yield (322.8 Kg/ha) compared to other treatments. Streptomyces sp (native) needs further species level characterization and other biotrophic and tritrophic interaction studies for developing commercial formulation.
Familiality and co‐occurrence of clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tsao Betty P. , Grossman Jennifer M. , Riemekasten Gabriela , Strong Noel , Kalsi Jatinderpal , Wallace Daniel J. , Chen Chung‐Jen , Lau Chak S. , Ginzler Ellen M. , Goldstein Rose , Kalunian Kenneth C. , Harley John B. , Arnett Frank C. , Hahn Bevra H. , Cantor Rita M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate familiality of 15 clinical and laboratory features in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)–affected sibpairs, and to estimate correlations with the age at SLE diagnosis in affected sibpairs and parent–offspring pairs.MethodsConcordance rates and sibling risk ratios were used as indicators of familiality for 15 manifestations of SLE. Pearson's correlations and paired t‐tests were used to compare the age at SLE diagnosis in affected sibpairs and in parent–offspring pairs.ResultsIncreased sibling risk ratios (1.9–3.9) for thrombocytopenia, discoid rash, neurologic disorder (defined as seizure or psychosis), and hemolytic anemia were observed in 159 SLE‐affected sibpairs. Among these clinical features, paired expression of hemolytic anemia plus thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia plus neurologic disorder appeared to be more frequent in 709 SLE patients than would be expected by chance (P < 0.00001 and P < 0.007, respectively). The ratio of the presence of both hemolytic anemia and neurologic disorder was ∼13 times higher in the younger affected sib than in the older affected sib (P < 0.02). Familiality of patient age at SLE diagnosis, as observed by relative correlations, was greater in 125 affected sibpairs (r = 0.67, P < 0.0001) than in 37 affected parent–offspring pairs (r = 0.47, P = 0.003). The median ± SD age at SLE diagnosis was significantly lower in offspring (21.5 ± 10.1 years) than in their parents (41.6 ± 15.8 years) (P < 0.0001) but was not different in sibpairs. The combined non‐Caucasian sibpairs had a younger mean age at SLE diagnosis compared with Caucasian sibpairs (P = 0.014).ConclusionEvidence for familiality of thrombocytopenia, discoid rash, neurologic disorder, hemolytic anemia, and co‐occurring neurologic disorder plus hemolytic anemia in SLE was observed in 159 affected sibpairs. Familiality of the age at SLE diagnosis in relative pairs suggests that shared genes and/or shared environmental exposures impact disease susceptibility. Shared immediate environmental triggers appear less compelling, because the average time between dates of diagnosis was 11 years in parent–offspring pairs and 7.5 years in affected sibpairs. The significantly earlier age at disease diagnosis in offspring compared with their parents suggests that some forms of anticipation might play a role in susceptibility to SLE. Stratifying families by subphenotypes that are familial may reduce heterogeneity and facilitate identification of genetic risk factors for SLE.
Preserved IFN‐α production of circulating Vα24 NKT cells in primary lung cancer patients
Authors: Motohashi Shinichiro , Kobayashi Seiichiro , Ito Toshihiro , Magara Kumiko K. , Mikuni Osamu , Kamada Noriaki , Iizasa Toshihiko , Nakayama Toshinori , Fujisawa Takehiko , Taniguchi Masaru 
Published: October 2002

AbstractHuman Vα24 NKT cells bearing an invariant Vα24JαQ antigen receptor, the counterpart of murine Vα14 NKT cells, are activated by a specific ligand, α‐GalCer, in a CD1d‐dependent manner. Here, we demonstrate decreased numbers of circulating Vα24 NKT cells in patients with primary lung cancer compared to healthy volunteers. However, Vα24 NKT cells and DCs from lung cancer patients were functionally normal, even in the presence of tumor. Furthermore, levels of Vα24 NKT cells in surgically resected lung tissue appeared to be equivalent to those of Vα14 NKT cells in the mouse lung. Levels of Vα24 NKT cells in the tumor tissue itself were increased about 2.5 times. Administration of α‐GalCer‐pulsed DCs expanded Vα14 NKT cells in the lung more than 10 times, and the increased levels were sustained for 1 week. This may explain the previous finding that α‐GalCer‐pulsed DCs exerted strong antitumor activity in mouse lung tumor metastatic models. The potential use of α‐GalCer‐pulsed DCs for immunotherapy aimed at activating endogenous Vα24 NKT cells in the lung of cancer patients is discussed. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mouse embryo‐derived NIH3T3 fibroblasts adopt an osteoblast‐like phenotype when treated with 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and dexamethasone in vitro
Authors: Shui Chaoxiang , Scutt Andrew M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThis study examines the capability of NIH3T3 fibroblasts to express osteoblastic markers following stimulation with a number of hormones and growth factors in vitro. Of the agents tested, 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) dose‐dependently induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in NIH3T3 cells, and this effect was enhanced by the addition of dexamethasone (Dex), which when administered alone caused no detectable ALP expression. The combined use of 1,25(OH)2D3 and Dex also stimulated the synthesis of osteocalcin, and osteopontin. Furthermore, cells treated with the both hormones, in the presence of β‐glycerophosphate and l‐ascorbic acid, formed mineralized plaques, indicating an osteoblast (OB) phenotype. By contrast, the differentiation induced by 1,25(OH)2D3 or 1,25(OH)2D3 plus Dex was significantly antagonized by transforming growth factor‐β1 and all trans‐retinoic acid. These data indicate that NIH3T3 cells have the potential to adopt an OB‐like phenotype and may prove to be a convenient model for studying the early events of osteogenic differentiation and the specific interactions of 1,25(OH)2D3 with glucocorticoids in controlling this process in vitro. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation of carotid body tumors
Authors: Baysal Bora E. , Myers Eugene N. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe carotid body (CB) is a highly specialized small organ located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery in the neck and plays an important role in acute adaptation to hypoxia. The most common diseased state of the carotid body is its enlargement (i.e., the CB paraganglioma), which can be caused by a genetic predisposition (hereditary paraganglioma, PGL) and by chronic hypoxic stimulation. The CB is the most common tumor site in head and neck paragangliomas. Currently, inactivating germline mutations in the mitochondrial complex II subunits SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD have been identified as genetic risk factors for CB tumors (CBTs). Another locus at chromosome 11q13, identified by linkage analysis in a single family, may harbor a fourth susceptibility gene. Although CBTs are mostly slow‐growing and benign, they can cause significant morbidity because of their proximity to major arteries and nerves in the head and neck. Here, we review the etiological factors implicated in the development of CBTs and provide information pertaining to their clinical presentation. Although CBTs are rare, they have the potential to provide unique insights for tumorigenesis and oxygen sensing and signaling mechanisms. Microsc. Res. Tech. 59:256–261, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An open study of B lymphocyte depletion in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Leandro Maria J. , Edwards Jonathan C. , Cambridge Geraldine , Ehrenstein Michael R. , Isenberg David A. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo gain preliminary evidence for the safety and efficacy of B lymphocyte depletion therapy in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsSix female patients with active SLE, resistant to standard immunosuppressive therapy, were treated on an open‐label basis. During a 2‐week period, each patient received two 500‐mg infusions of rituximab, two 750‐mg infusions of cyclophosphamide, and high‐dose oral corticosteroids.ResultsNo significant adverse events were observed during followup. Patient 1 had not improved at 3 months but was then lost to followup. At 6 months, all 5 remaining patients had improved, as evidenced by improvement in British Isles Lupus Assessment Group global scores, from a median of 14 (range 9–27) at baseline to a median of 6 (range 3–8) at 6 months. Manifestations of SLE such as fatigue, arthralgia/arthritis, and serositis responded particularly well to this protocol. Hemoglobulin levels increased in patients 2, 3, 5, and 6. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate decreased in patients 2, 3, 4, and 5 and was stable in patient 1. In patients 4 and 5, the urinary protein–to‐creatinine ratio decreased significantly. C3 serum levels increased in all 5 patients who had low levels at baseline; in two of these patients, patients 2 and 5, C3 values were normal at 6 months. The variation in the level of anti–double‐stranded DNA antibody was different in individual patients.ConclusionThis study provides sufficient evidence for the safety and possible efficacy of B lymphocyte depletion therapy in SLE to justify a formal controlled trial.
Proinflammatory responses to self HLA epitopes are triggered by molecular mimicry to Epstein‐Barr virus proteins in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Massa Margherita , Mazzoli Federica , Pignatti Patrizia , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Passalia Maristella , Viola Stefania , Samodal Rodrigo , La Cava Antonio , Giannoni Francesca , Ollier W. , Martini Alberto , Albani Salvatore 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether abnormal T cell recognition may be generated by exposure to exogenous antigens presenting sequence homology with epitopes contained in self HLA alleles, and if such recognition may be part of the mechanisms that fuel inflammation in autoimmune diseases associated with certain HLA alleles.MethodsCytotoxic responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to 9‐mer peptides derived from HLA molecules (DRB1*1101, DRB1*0801, or DPB1*0201) associated with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or homologous peptides derived from Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) proteins (Bolf1 or Balf2) were analyzed in patients with oligoarticular JIA and in healthy controls matched for HLA–DRB1*1101, DRB1*0801, or DPB1*0201. Production of proinflammatory cytokines in culture supernatants was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsT cell cytotoxic responses and production of proinflammatory cytokines in response to stimulation with self HLA–derived peptides were found only in patients with oligoarticular JIA, and not in controls. Patients with oligoarticular JIA, but none of the healthy controls, had EBV–self HLA cross‐reactive T cells.ConclusionOur data suggest a disease‐ and allele‐specific mechanism of autoimmunity in oligoarticular JIA. This mechanism may be part of the pathogenesis of the disease, and could be the basis of one of the likely multiple candidates for antigen‐specific immunotherapy approaches in the future.
Method of calculation of heat transfer coefficient of the heater in a circulating fluidized bed furnace
Authors: Lu J.F. , Zhang J.S. , Yue G.X. , Liu Q. , Yu L. , Lin X.D. , Li W.J. , Tang Y. , Luo T.Y. , Ge R.S. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractKnowledge of heat transfer coefficients is important in the design and operation of CFB boilers. It is the key to determining the area and the layout of the heat transfer surfaces in a CFB furnace. Local bulk density has a close relationship to the local heat transfer coefficient. Using a heat flux probe and bulk density sampling probe, the local bed to wall heat transfer coefficient in the furnace of a 75 t/h CFB boiler was measured. According to the experimental results and theoretical analysis of the facts that influence the heat transfer, the heat transfer coefficient calculation method for the CFB furnace was developed. The heat transfer surface configuration, heating condition, and the material density are considered in this method. The calculation method has been used in the design of CFB boilers with a capacity from 130 t/h to 420 t/h. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 31(7): 540–550, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.10056
Effects of interleukin‐8 on granulation tissue maturation
Authors: Moyer K.E. , Saggers G.C. , Allison G.M. , Mackay D.R. , Ehrlich H.P. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe inflammatory α‐chemokine, interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), affects the function and recruitment of various inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. Gap junctions are anatomical channels that facilitate the direct passage of small molecules between cells. The hypothesis is that IL‐8 enhances gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) between fibroblasts in granulation tissue, which increases the rate of granulation tissue maturation. In vitro, human dermal fibroblasts were incubated with IL‐8 prior to scrape loading, a technique that quantifies GJIC. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges were implanted within subcutaneous pockets in rats and received local injections of either IL‐8 or saline and were harvested on day 11. In vitro, IL‐8 treated fibroblasts demonstrated an increase in GJIC by scrape loading compared to saline treated controls. In vivo, IL‐8 treated PVA sponges demonstrated a decrease in cell density and an increase in vascularization compared to saline controls by H&E staining. Polarized light viewed Sirius red‐stained specimens demonstrated greater collagen birefringence intensity, indicating thicker, more‐mature collagen fibers. IL‐8 increases GJIC in cultured fibroblasts and induces a more rapid maturation of granulation tissue. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Puromycin insensitive leucyl‐specific aminopeptidase (PILSAP) is involved in the activation of endothelial integrins
Authors: Akada Tetsuya , Yamazaki Tohru , Miyashita Hiroki , Niizeki Osamu , Abe Mayumi , Sato Akira , Satomi Susumu , Sato Yasufumi 
Published: October 2002

AbstractWe previously reported that mouse orthologue of puromycin insensitive leucyl‐specific aminopeptidase (mPILSAP) played an important role in angiogenesis by regulating the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells (ECs) (Miyashita et al., 2002. Blood 99:3241–3249). Here, we examined the mechanism as to how mPILSAP regulates the migration of ECs. Cell adhesion through integrins plays a crucial role in cell migration, and ECs use at least type‐1 collagen receptor integrin α2β1, fibronectin receptor α5β1, and vitronectin receptors αvβ3 and αvβ5. mPILSAP antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS‐ODN) or leucinethiol (LT), a leucyl‐aminopeptidase inhibitor, did not affect the attachment but did significantly inhibit the spreading of cells of the murine endothelial cell line MSS31 when they were plated on vitronectin‐, fibronectin‐, or type‐1 collagen, although they did not affect the expression of integrin α2, α5, αv, β1, β3, and β5 subunits on the cell surface. AS‐ODN and LT also inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK when cells were plated on vitronectin, fibronectin, or type‐1 collagen. This inhibition of cell spreading and of tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK could be negated by Mg2+. These results suggest that mPILSAP is involved in the activation of endothelial integrins. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypoxia‐induced production of stromal cell–derived factor 1 (CXCL12) and vascular endothelial growth factor by synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Hitchon Carol , Wong Keng , Ma Guoping , Reed Jennifer , Lyttle David , El‐Gabalawy Hani 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveStromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF‐1; or, CXCL12) is a potent chemotactic and angiogenic factor that has been proposed to play a role in the recruitment of lymphocytes into rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. We tested the hypothesis that synovial SDF‐1 expression is regulated by cytokine and hypoxic stimulation, the latter being mediated by hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α). These factors regulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), itself an important angiogenic mediator.MethodsRA and osteoarthritic synovial fibroblasts and whole tissue explants were cultured under normoxic or hypoxic (1% O2) conditions for up to 72 hours in the presence or absence of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), or transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Expression of HIF‐1α, VEGF, and SDF‐1 was detected in synovial tissue and cells by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. VEGF and SDF‐1 expression by cultured synovial fibroblasts was evaluated by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsImmunohistochemistry revealed the presence of HIF‐1α, VEGF, and SDF‐1 in RA synovium. Patchy expression of HIF‐1α was detected primarily in the synovial lining and sublining areas; expression in synovial fibroblasts and in the lining cells of whole synovial tissue explants was markedly augmented by hypoxic culture conditions. Hypoxia enhanced the expression of VEGF and SDF‐1 messenger RNA in synovial fibroblasts. The production of VEGF and SDF‐1 protein by synovial fibroblasts was augmented by 50% and 132%, respectively, after 24 hours of hypoxia. VEGF production was potently induced by TGFβ, and to a lesser extent by IL‐1β and TNF, and was further augmented by hypoxia. In contrast, none of the tested cytokines induced SDF‐1 production.ConclusionAs with VEGF, SDF‐1 expression is induced by hypoxia; however, cytokines induce VEGF but not SDF‐1. Hypoxic conditions in RA synovium, which are likely to be transient and episodic, may contribute to the persistence of synovitis by inducing VEGF and SDF‐1.
Rapid and complete resolution of proteinuria due to renal amyloidosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with infliximab
Authors: Elkayam Ori , Hawkins Philip N. , Lachmann Helen , Yaron Michael , Caspi Dan 
Published: October 2002

AbstractWe describe herein a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who developed proteinuria due to AA amyloidosis, in whom the inflammatory disease was rapidly and completely suppressed by treatment with infliximab. This response was accompanied by resolution of the proteinuria and stabilization of the amyloid deposits as seen on serial 123I‐labeled serum amyloid P scintigraphy.