bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a Leukocyte Adhesion Factor Produced by the Early Embryo
Authors: CHECK JEROME H. , BOLLENDORF ANIELA , ASKARI H. ALI
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To determine if the embryo may induce adhesive molecules needed for implantation.

METHOD: Determination of whether platelet rosetting around lymphocytes might occur when exposed to sera from pregnant, but not nonpregnant patients and from culture fluid from embryos but not oocytes.

RESULTS: 90.2% of women with positive sera beta human chorionic gonadotropin (P‐hCG) levels taken at least 12 days postovulation demonstrated platelet rosette factor (PRF) vs only 18.7% when β‐hCG was negative. Using mid‐luteal phase sera in women receiving hCG injection 1 wk before, 64.7% had positive PRF when serial β‐hCG levels were positive as did 100% of samples taken from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients; however, only 15.3% were positive with negative serial hCG levels. Culture media from fertilized oocytes and embryos tested positive for PRF, but follicular fluid and media from unfertilized oocytes were negative.

CONCLUSION: The early embryo secretes a factor(s) that gains access to maternal serum and promotes increased lymphocyte/platelet adhesiveness.
Preimplantation Factor (PIF) Predicts Subsequent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: COULAM CAROLYN B. , ROUSSEV ROUMEN G. , THOMASON EDWARD J. , BARNEA EYTAN R.
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To evaluate the ability of preimplantation factor (PIF) measured in the lymphocyte/platelet binding assay (LPBA) to predict subsequent spontaneous abortion.

METHOD: Serum from 57 women experiencing first trimester pregnancy losses were studied using the LPBA (46 women conceived after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer for treatment of infertility and 11 with a history of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion conceived spontaneously). The assay employs a combination of heat inactivated sera with donor O+ lymphocytes and platelets, complement and an antibody against CD2. Chromosome analysis was performed on 32 of the abortuses. Results of PIF assay were compared between karyotypically normal and abnormal abortuses.

RESULTS: PIF assay was negative in all 57 women at the time of abortion. Among 12 karyotypically normal abortuses only 1 woman (8%) had an initial positive PIF, 11 (92%) had negative PIF. Serial PIF assays were performed on 15 women. PIF assay became negative a minimum of two weeks prior to demonstration of intrauterine demise at a time when hCG concentrations remained elevated. A trend to subnormal was seen in women with normal when compared to those with abnormal abortus karyotype, but the numbers were too small to reach statistical significance (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSION: Measurement of PIF throughout the first trimester of pregnancy predicts subsequent pregnancy loss.
Can the Immunobead Assay for Detecting Sperm Antibodies in Fresh Samples Be Reproduced in Cryopreserved/Thawed Human Spermatozoa?
Authors: MELO‐ABREU SUNDAR , BATTISH SARITA , BROWN KIMBERLY , TURECK RICHARD , HEYNER SUSAN , BLASCO LUIS
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To evaluate the reproducibility of the Immunobead Assay (IBA) on sperm samples before and after cryopreservation.

METHOD: Sperm samples (fresh and post‐thaw) from known antibody negative donors (N=20) were evaluated for percent immunobead binding by IBA following incubation with known antibody‐positive serum.

RESULTS: In both fresh and thawed negative samples, the mean sperm head binding was 0.5% ± 0.5, the mean sperm tail binding was 2.0% ± 2.0 and the mean sperm head‐tail binding was 3.0% ± 2.0 for IgG, IgA and IgM type antibodies, respectively. The same samples exposed to positive sera showed 40.0% ± 10.0 mean head binding, 7.0% ± 8.0 mean tail binding and 47.0% ± 11.0 mean head‐tail binding.

CONCLUSIONS: IBA is highly reproducible for detecting sperm antibodies in both fresh and cryopreserved/thawed samples of human spermatozoa.
Circulating Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)‐α in Normally Cycling Women and Patients with Premature Ovarian Failure and Polycystic Ovaries
Authors: NAZ RAJESH K. , THURSTON DEBORAH , SANTORO NANETTE
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in sera of infertile patients having premature ovarian failure (POF) and polycystic ovaries (PCO), and to compare the levels with those in age‐matched normally cycling women.

METHOD: Levels of TNF‐α, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) were measured in the sera of infertile and normal women by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescent immunoassay and radioimmunoassay (RIA), respectively. Multiple groups comparisons were performed using Dunnet's test. Post‐hoc analysis was performed using a Tukey‐Kramer test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: TNF‐α levels were significantly (P = 0.003 to < .0001) lower in the sera of patients with POF compared to sera of controls and patients with PCO.

CONCLUSIONS: TNF‐α may have a role in ovarian function. Derangement in follicular development, luteal function and atresia results in a change of circulating TNF‐αa levels.
Constitutive Secretion of Interleukin‐6 by Human Decidual Stromal Cells in Culture. Regulatory Effect of Progesterone
Authors: MONTES M. JOSÉ , TORTOSA CARMEN G. , BORJA CONCEPCIÓN , ABADÍA ANA C. , GONZÁLEZ‐GÓMEZ FRANCISCO , RUIZ CONCEPCIÓN , OLIVARES ENRIQUE G.
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Although several studies have demonstrated that decidual stromal cells (DSC) can secrete cytokines in culture, none of these studies documented the purity of the cultures. Since other cells of the decidua, such as macrophages and epithelial cells, also produce cytokines, it is important to ensure purity of the culture so that cytokine production can be ascribed with confidence to DSC.

METHOD: DSC from early human pregnancies were highly purified and maintained in culture. Basal secretion by these cells of IL‐6, together with other cytokines considered critical for pregnancy (IL‐1β, TNFα and IFNγ), was measured with immunological techniques.

RESULTS: We found that DSC in culture produce insignificant quantities of IL‐1β, TNFá and IFNΓ, but appreciable amounts of IL‐6. The production of this later cytokine was, however, inhibited by the effect of progesterone.

CONCLUSIONS: Basal production of IL‐6 by DSC may be involved in physiological functions at the maternal‐fetal interface. Nevertheless, the secretion of this cytokine is regulated by progesterone, probably to prevent excessive production of this cytokine from triggering an inflammatory response that might compromise pregnancy.
Effect of RU‐486 and Related Compounds on the Proliferation of Cultured Macrophages
Authors: ROBERTS C.P. , PARTHASARATHY S. , GULATI R. , HOROWITZ I. , MURPHY A.A.
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Macrophages are implicated in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and are influenced by anti‐inflammatory steroids as well as anti‐oxidants.

METHODS: We tested the effect of RU‐486, an antiprogesterone, antiglucocorticoid and an antioxidant, on the proliferation of RAW macrophages.

RESULTS: The incorporation of 3H‐thymidine was significantly inhibited by both progesterone and RU‐486. Progesterone and RU‐486, in combination, synergistically inhibited macrophage growth. In contrast, dexamethasone‐stimulated growth was antagonized by RU‐486 in a dose dependent manner. ZK 112,993 which is structurally related to RU‐486 but lacks antioxidant properties, also inhibited thymidine incorporation. The synergistic effect of RU‐486 and ZK 112,993 with progesterone implicate a mechanism of action separate from receptor bound antagonists. A cell permeable antioxidant, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate was very effective in inhibiting the incorporation of 3H‐thymidine into cells.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest novel therapeutic modalities in the management of endometriosis via antiglucocorticoid as well as antioxidant mechanisms.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Antigen‐1 (Sca‐1) Expression in Different Lymphoid Tissues of Female Mice Treated With GnRH Agonist
Authors: RAO L. V. , CLEVELAND R.P. , KIMMEL R.J. , ATAYA K.M.
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Our earlier studies have demonstrated a general suppression of leukocyte maturation upon GnRH agonist treatment in mice and suggested a potential effect at an early stem cell stage of leukocyte development.

METHOD: Three‐week old Balb/c and C57BL/6 female mice received 50 μlg injections of Lupron depot or placebo. Sequential changes in Sca‐1+ cells in the bone marrow, thymus, blood and spleen were studied by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: In bone marrow, the absolute numbers of Sca‐1+ cells were significantly decreased at 2 weeks in C57BL/6 mice whereas a decreasing trend was noted in Balb/c mice following agonist administration. Concomitantly, thymocytes expressing Sca‐1+ cells were significantly increased at 2 weeks in C57BL/6 mice, but were significantly decreased in Balb/c mice. Significant decreases in Sca‐1+ cells were also observed in spleen and blood in Balb/c mice whereas no significant differences were observed in C57BL/6 mice.

CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest GnRH agonists affect hematopoietic stem cell development in mice. The effects observed vary with different genetic backgrounds. In Balb/c mice these effects are more pronounced, and appear to result in the inhibition of stem cell maturation. In contrast, GnRH agonist enhances stem cell maturation in C57BL/6 mice.
Decidual Natural Killer Cytotoxicity Decreased in Normal Pregnancy but Not in Anembryonic Pregnancy and Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: CHAO KUANG‐HAN , YANG YU‐SHIH , HO G‐NERNG , CHEN SHEE‐UAN , CHEN HSIN‐FU , DAI HUI‐JU , HUANG SU‐CHENG , GILL THOMAS J.
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: The natural killer (NK) cell activity is depressed in the decidua of early normal pregnancy. Recently Morii et al. (Am J Reprod Immunol 1993;29:1–4) found that all early intradecidual CD3+ T cells expressed either T cell receptor (TCR) α/β or γ/δ but that the expression of the CD3+/TCR complex was down‐regulated.

METHOD: To test whether these changes in decidual cellular immunity are different among normal pregnancy, anembryonic pregnancy and recurrent spontaneous abortion, we examined the immune cell subpopulations in the decidua from these three types of pregnancy using flow cytometry and an NK cytotoxicity assay.

RESULTS: Intradecidual CD3+ T cells expressed either TCR α/β or γ/δ, and the level of expression of the CD3/TCR complex was down‐regulated in normal pregnancy, anembryonic pregnancy, and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Although the relative proportion of decidual NK cells was increased to approximately the same extent in all three types of pregnancy, decidual NK activity was higher in anembryonic pregnancies and in recurrent spontaneous abortions than it was in normal pregnancies.

CONCLUSION: Decidual NK cell responses are different in anembryonic pregnancies and in recurrent spontaneous abortions than in normal pregnancies. Whether this difference is pathogenic or is the response to a dead embryo remains to be elucidated.
Differential Expression of VLAβ1 (CD29) on Monocytes From Patients With Endometriosis
Authors: GEBEL HOWARD M. , RANA NASSIR , BRAUN DONALD P. , DMOWSKI W. PAUL
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Previous studies have established that in vitro proliferation of endometrial cells is enhanced by peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) and suppressed by peritoneal macrophages (PM) from patients with endometriosis but only suppressed by PBM and PM obtained from normal subjects. The functional activity of PBM and PM is influenced by the engagement of numerous cell surface receptors with their respective physiological ligands.

METHOD: In this study, PBM and PM from fertile women (Group 1), women with unexplained infertility (Group 2), and women with limited (Group 3) or severe (Group 4) endometriosis were isolated in order to analyze these cells for the expression of CD54, CD58 and HLA‐DR (immunoglobulin supergene antigens) CD18 and CD29 (integrins) and CD44 (an addresin). These cell surface antigens are involved in monocyte/macrophage trafficking, activation, signal transduction and/or adhesion.

RESULTS: No differences were detected in the percentage of PBM expressing CD18, CD44, CD54, CD58, or HLA‐DR among the four groups of subjects. Furthermore, the density of these antigens expressed on PBM was identical in patients and control subjects. In contrast, the percentage of PBM expressing CD29 (also known as VLAβ1) and the density of CD29 expressed per cell were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in patients with limited endometriosis compared to controls and patients with severe disease. Interestingly, although the percentage of CD29+ PBM from women with severe endometriosis was not statistically different from the percentage of CD29+ PBM from controls, the density of CD29 expressed per cell was significantly elevated among patients with severe disease. Analysis of PM from the four subject groups revealed no differences in CD29 expression or density. However, the percentage of PM expressing CD18 was significantly decreased in patients with limited (but not severe) endometriosis.

CONCLUSION: Since both CD18 and CD29 play a role in cell trafficking and/or adhesion, alterations in their expression among patients with endometriosis suggest that these integrin β chains may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and HLA‐DR Antigens Are Expressed on Endovascular Cytotrophoblasts in Abnormal Pregnancies
Authors: Labarrere Carlos A. , Faulk W. Page
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: We asked if the lack of normal trophoblastic invasion of spiral arteries in the basal plate of abnormal pregnancies was associated with the expression of HLA‐DR antigens and intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1) on endovascular cytotrophoblasts.

METHOD: The basal plates of placentae from 15 normal and 55 abnormal pregnancies, including preeclampsia, small‐for‐gestational age infants, and mothers with history of secondary recurrent spontaneous abortion, were studied immunocytochemically by using monoclonal antibodies to HLA‐DR and ICAM‐1. Spiral and uteroplacental arteries were identified by using a triple antibody technique with antibodies to cytokeratin, α‐smooth muscle actin, and von Willebrand factor to detect cytotrophoblasts, arterial smooth muscle cells, and endothelium, respectively.

RESULTS: Placentae with normal placentation showed the presence of uteroplacental arteries that contained endovascular cytotrophoblasts that were negative for HLA‐DR and ICAM‐1 antigens. Placentae from abnormal pregnancies showed the presence of spiral arteries without trophoblastic invasion and uteroplacental arteries that were surrounded by numerous macrophages and T lymphocytes. Endovascular cytotrophoblasts in uteroplacental arteries of placentae from abnormal pregnancies reacted with antibodies to HLA‐DR and ICAM‐1 antigens.

CONCLUSION: Placentae from normal pregnancies show uteroplacental arteries that contain endovascular cytotrophoblasts that do not react with antibodies to ICAM‐1 and HLA‐DR antigens, and placentae from abnormal pregnancies with uteroplacental arteries that are associated with arteries that do not show physiological changes contain endovascular cytotrophoblasts that react with antibodies to ICAM‐1 and HLA‐DR antigens. Normal uteroplacental arteries were found to be not surrounded by round cell infiltrates, but uteroplacental arteries associated with arteries that lack physiological changes were surrounded by round cell infiltrates, indicating that round cell infiltrates and endovascular cytotrophoblasts which react with antibodies to ICAM‐1 and HLA‐DR antigens are associated with abnormal pregnancies. These findings suggest that the cellular infiltrates are associated with endovascular cytotrophoblasts that react with ICAM‐1 and HLA‐DR antigens.
Stress‐Triggered Abortion: Inhibition of Protective Suppression and Promotion of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α (TNF‐α) Release as a Mechanism Triggering Resorptions in Mice
Authors: Arck Petra C. , Merali Fatima S. , Manuel Justin , Chaouat Gerard , Clark David A.
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Stress adversely affects pregnancy outcome and has been implicated as an abortogen in both animals and humans. However, the mechanisms whereby stress aborts are largely unknown. Alloimmunization can prevent stress‐triggered abortion, and immunization is known to increase transforming growth factor‐β2 (TGF‐(32)‐related suppressive activity.

METHOD: To investigate these mechanisms, DBA/2J males were mated to CBA/J or C3H/ HeJ females, and the pregnant females were exposed to ultrasonic sound stress for a period of 24 h between day 4.5 to 8.5 of pregnancy.

RESULTS: Ultrasonic stress significantly elevated the resorption rate with a peak effect on day 5.5 in the CBA/J females and on day 4.5 in the LPS‐resistant C3H/HeJ females. The tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) release from the decidua was also elevated and the TGF‐β2‐mediated suppressive activity was significantly decreased. The resorption rate only increased when the TNF‐α/TGF‐β2 ratio was increased compared to the control.

CONCLUSION: These data suggest that stress may inhibit protective suppressor mechanisms and promote secretion of abortogenic cytokines such as TNF‐α. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Immune Status of Newborns in Perinatal Chlamydial Infection
Authors: Pirogova V.I. , Vinograd N.A. , Zhemela E.M. , Chegrinec N.A.
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Thirty newborns, delivered by mothers with urogenital chlamydiosis, diagnosed on the 35th‐36th weeks of gestation, and 10 newborns of healthy mothers were studied immunologically. CD3 (T‐lymphocytes), CD19 (B‐lymphocytes), CD4 (T‐helpers‐inductors), CD8 (T‐suppressor‐cytotoxic), T‐lymphocyte response to PHA, levels of Ig G, A, M in umbilical blood were detected.

METHOD: Chlamydia trachomatis antibody's titers in umbilical blood were determined by indirect immunofluorescent method (with antigen C. trachomatis, serovar L2). Antibody titers found in umbilical blood were in 50% of cases higher than antibody level in mother's blood serum, and they later varied from 1:64 to 1:256. It was established that newborns delivered by mothers with urogenital chlamydiosis had imbalance of T‐lymphocyte subsets, decrease in the numbers of T‐ and B‐lymphocytes, and increased level of Ig M, while the level of Ig G did not change significantly. The exposed disproportion in immune status neonatal, born from mothers with urogenital chlamydiosis, in combination with high C. trachomatis antibody titers in umbilical blood may be prognostic of the development of neonatal chlamydial infections.
Immunosuppression by Conditioned Media Derived From a Cloned Choriocarcinoma Cell Line in Serum‐Supplemented and Defined Media
Authors: Bennett William A. , Brackin Martha N. , Long Cecil A. , Cowan Bryan D.
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Immunosuppressive factor(s) of trophoblast origin may contribute to the immunological privilege afforded the fetal allograft. Characterization of these immunoregulators in humans has been impeded by a lack of sufficient quantities of early gestational trophoblast for experimentation.

METHOD: In this study, a cloned choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo) was evaluated as an experimental model of trophoblast‐derived immunoregulation. BeWo cells were cultured in both serum‐supplemented (15% fetal bovine serum; FCS‐CM) and serum‐free (10% bovine serum albumin, BSA‐CM; 0.01% gelatin, Gel‐CM) media. Immunosuppressive activity was determined through the use of interleukin‐2‐dependent (CTLL‐2) and ‐independent (LBRM) cell lines. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels were determined by an immunoradiometric assay, and cellular morphology was assessed by light microscopy.

RESULTS: In the serum‐supplemented cultures, a portion of cells underwent transformation from single nucleated cytotrophoblast to multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast during days 1 to 5 of culture and was accompanied by a rise in hCG. Serum‐free cultures were characterized as islands of cytotrophoblast and did not exhibit differentiation. FCS‐CM suppressed CTLL‐2 and LBRM proliferation with estimated EC50 values of 415 and 280 μg protein/ mL, respectively. Gel‐CM suppressed CTLL‐2 and LBRM proliferation with EC50 values of 12 and 7 μg protein/mL, respectively. BSA‐CM suppressed CTLL‐2 proliferation with an EC50 of 132 μg protein/mL, but failed to suppress LBRM proliferation below 50% of control.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the BeWo cell line is a promising model for the study of trophoblast‐derived suppressive factors and that these factors can be generated in serum‐free medium.
Expression of Phosphatidylserine‐Dependent Antigens on the Surface of Differentiating BeWo Human Choriocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Rote Neal S. , Chang Joshua , Katsuragawa Hiroshi , Ng Ah Kau , Lyden Timothy W. , Mori Takahide
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are associated with pregnancy loss, pregnancy‐induced hypertension, and intrauterine growth retardation. We have previously reported that phosphatidylserine (PS)‐dependent antigens are expressed in formalin‐fixed cells concurrent with differentiation in a choriocarcinoma model (BeWo) of cytotrophoblast. That study, however, could not differentiate between cytoplasmic or surface antigen expression.

METHOD: Three monoclonal aPLs that differentiate between PS‐ and cardiolipin (CL)‐dependent antigens were reacted with BeWo, with or without forskolin activation, before fixation, and antibody binding was evaluated by immunoperoxidase techniques.

RESULTS: Activation with forskolin induced a PS‐dependent antigenic determinant on the surface on BeWo cells. CL‐reactive monoclonal antibodies did not react with the cell surface, whether forskolin treated or not.

CONCLUSION: These observations demonstrate that a PS‐dependent antigen is expressed on the surface of a model of differentiating cytotrophoblastic cells and should be accessible in vivo to circulating aPLs.
The Effect of Sera Antisperm Antibodies in the Female Partner on In Vivo and In Vitro Pregnancy and Spontaneous Abortion Rates
Authors: Check Jerome H. , Katsoff Diane , Bollendorf Aniela , Callan Carrie
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To determine the incidence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in female sera from infertile couples or those suffering from recurrent abortions. Also to determine if the pregnancy and/or abortion rates are any higher in those positive versus those negative for ASA.

METHOD: All registered patients had sera drawn and ASA measured by indirect immunobead test on initial study. Pregnancy and abortion rates were determined for patients undergoing in vivo or in vitro therapy.

RESULTS: There was a low incidence of ASA in patients having in vivo or in vitro treatment. There was no decrease in pregnancy rates (PRs) or increase in spontaneous abortions (SAB) in those positive for ASA.

CONCLUSION: Antisperm antibodies in female sera do not seem to be etiologic in causing infertility or SAB. Future studies might consider changing the antigen source from donor sperm to husband's sperm.
Perceived unmet supportive care needs and determinants of quality of life among head and neck cancer survivors: a research protocol
Authors: So Winnie K.W. , Choi K.C. , Chan Carmen W.H. , Tang Winnie P.Y. , Leung Alice W.Y. , Chair S.Y. , Wan Rayman W.M. , Mak Suzanne S.S. , Ling W.M. , Ng W.T. , Yu Bernice W.L.
Published: May 2013

Aim

To describe a study protocol designed to explore the associations among the perceived unmet supportive care needs, quality of life and the demographic and clinical characteristics of head and neck cancer survivors.

Background

The prognoses for people with head and neck cancer are improving with medical advances. However, studies have reported that such cancer survivors experience poor quality of life. Current studies mainly focus on Western populations and there is limited research investigating the needs of head and neck cancer survivors.

Design

A mixed‐design method is proposed, which will include two phases. Phase I will use a quantitative cross‐sectional design and Phase II a qualitative descriptive approach.

Methods

The participants will be recruited from the outpatient departments of three public hospitals in Hong Kong. In Phase I, a questionnaire will be used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics, supportive care needs, necessary access to various supportive services and quality of life. Semi‐structured interviews will be conducted in Phase II. The study is supported by a grant from the Health and Health Services Research Fund, Hong Kong, September 2011.

Discussion

The study will generate in‐depth information on the needs of head and neck cancer survivors, to help healthcare professionals allocate resources better and develop new services, which can be more person‐centred, to meet the needs of the these survivors.
Barriers faced by Vietnamese immigrant women in Taiwan who do not regularly undergo cervical screenings: a qualitative study
Authors: Lee Fang Hsin , Wang Hsiu Hung , Yang Yung Mei , Tsai Hsiu Min
Published: May 2013

Aim

To assess and understand the barriers faced by Vietnamese marital immigrant women who do not regularly undergo cervical screenings in Southeast Taiwan.

Background

Studies have shown a low uptake rate of preventive medical services among immigrants. As immigrant women may not be aware of the healthcare delivery system in their host country, their uptake of and access to healthcare services might be limited.

Design

A qualitative, descriptive inquiry design was adopted.

Methods

This qualitative study employed semi‐structured, individual, in‐depth interviews of 17 Vietnamese immigrant women. Data were collected from February–July 2011 and analysed using content analysis.

Findings

The barriers to receiving cervical screening were lack of health literacy, lack of female healthcare providers, negative perceptions of cervical screening and personal reasons.

Conclusion

The results might serve as a reference for government entities and healthcare providers in Taiwan to improve cervical screening rates; this should help enhance the effectiveness of healthcare services for Vietnamese immigrant women. The findings can also provide a reference for making appropriate healthcare policies for immigrant women in other countries.
Lifetime fitness and age‐related female ornament signalling: evidence for survival and fecundity selection in the pied flycatcher
Authors: Potti J. , Canal D. , Serrano D.
Published: May 2013

Ornaments displayed by females have often been denied evolutionary interest due to their frequently reduced expression relative to males, habitually attributed to a genetic correlation between the sexes. We estimated annual and lifetime reproductive success of female pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) and applied capture–mark–recapture models to analyse annual survival rates in relation to the patterns of expression (absence/presence) of an ornament displayed by all males and a fraction of females. Overall, the likelihood of expressing the ornament increased nonlinearly with female age and was due to within‐individual variation, not to the selective appearance or disappearance of ornament‐related expression of phenotypes in the population. Accordingly, expressing the forehead patch in a given year did not influence survival probability. However, those females expressing the ornament at early ages (1–2 years old) enjoyed survival advantages throughout lifetime. Although ornamented females had higher lifetime fecundity and fledging success, their yearly reproductive performance, in terms of fledging productivity, decreased as they aged so that, late in life, ornamented females reared fewer offspring than nonexpressing females of the same age. In addition, both strategies (expressing vs. not expressing the trait) returned similar fitness payoffs in terms of recruited offspring. Our results support the hypothesis that fecundity and survival selection are involved in the displaying of this ‘male’ ornament by females.
Malnutrition and obesity: influence in mortality and readmissions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Zapatero A. , Barba R. , Ruiz J. , Losa J. E. , Plaza S. , Canora J. , Marco J.
Published: May 2013

Background

The present study aimed to assess the association of obesity and malnutrition with the mortality of hospitalised patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the risk of readmission in <30 days.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients admitted with COPD as the primary reason for discharge in Spain between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2007 was performed. Patients with a diagnosis of obesity or malnutrition in the hospital discharge clinical report were identified. The in‐hospital mortality and re‐admittance 30 days after discharge indices of obese and malnourished patients were compared against the subpopulation without these diagnoses.

Results

Of the 313 233 COPD admittances analysed, there were 22 582 (7.2%) diagnoses of obesity and 6354 (2.0%) diagnoses of malnutrition. In‐hospital global mortality and the re‐admittance risk were 12.0% and 16.7%, respectively. Obese patients showed a lower in‐hospital mortality risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49–0.55] and early re‐admittance risk (OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.85–0.92) compared to non‐obese patients. Malnourished patients had a much higher risk of death when in hospital (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.62–1.85) or of being re‐admitted within 30 days after discharge (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.22–1.38), even after adjusting for possible confounding factors.

Conclusions

Obesity in patients hospitalised for COPD substantially reduces in‐hospital mortality risk and the possibility of early re‐admittance. Malnutrition is associated with an important increase in in‐hospital mortality and risk of re‐admittance in the 30 days following discharge.
Oxytocin in Brattleboro Rats: Increased Synthesis is Contrasted by Blunted Intrahypothalamic Release From Supraoptic Nucleus Neurones
Authors: Zelena D. , Pintér O. , Langnaese K. , Richter K. , Landgraf R. , Makara G. B. , Engelmann M.
Published: May 2013

Adult male Brattleboro rats were used to investigate the impact of the congenital absence of vasopressin on the release pattern of oxytocin (OXT) within the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) in response to a 10‐min forced swimming session and osmotic stimulation. Both immunohistochemical and in situ hybridisation data suggest that vasopressin‐deficient animals have more oxytocin‐synthesising neurones in the SON than homozygous wild‐type controls. Unexpectedly, both forced swimming and peripheral osmotic stimulation resulted in a blunted release profile of oxytocin within the SON of vasopressin‐deficient rats compared to controls. A similar intranuclear OXT response to direct osmotic stimulation of the SON by retrodialysis with hypertonic Ringer's solution in both genotypes confirmed the capability of SON neurones to locally release oxytocin in vasopressin‐deficient rats, indicating an altered processing of information originating from multisynaptic inputs rather than a deficit in release capacity. Taken together with data obtained in previous studies, the present findings provide evidence suggesting that autocrine and paracrine signalling of magnocellular neurones differs within the paraventricular nucleus and the SON. Thus, significant alterations in intra‐SON oxytocin mRNA levels cannot easily be extrapolated to intranuclear release profiles and the local signal intensity of this neuropeptide after physiological stimulation.
Stability and Dynamics of Forebrain Vasopressin Receptor and Oxytocin Receptor During Pregnancy in Prairie Voles
Authors: Ophir A. G. , Sorochman G. , Evans B. L. , Prounis G. S.
Published: May 2013

During pregnancy, females undergo several physiologically driven changes that facilitate adaptive behaviours and prepare the mother to care for her developing offspring. The nonapeptide hormone oxytocin is best recognised for its involvement in mammalian pregnancy and has been tightly associated with maternal care, in addition to its roles in pregnancy, parturition and lactation. A closely‐related nonapeptide hormone, arganine vasopressin, has received considerably less attention for its role in pregnancy, although it has recently been implicated in modulating maternal care and aggression. In the present study, we examined the expression patterns of receptors for oxytocin (OXTR) and vasopressin (V1aR) over the course of pregnancy, ranging from non‐mated virgin to immediately postpartum female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Unexpectedly, we found that OXTR was highly stable in all measured structures in the forebrain. V1aR was also stable throughout most of the brain. Two exceptions to this were found in the ventral pallidum (VPall) and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN); both significantly correlated with the length of time that females were pregnant. Changes in the PVN may reflect functional feedback in vasopressin release, or preparatory changes for ensuing maternal behaviour. The results also indicate an unappreciated role for VPall V1aR in pregnancy, which may relate to the function of the VPall in hedonic ‘liking’ and motivational ‘wanting.’ Taken together, our data indicate that, with a few compelling exceptions, nonapeptide dynamics during prairie vole pregnancy are largely limited to changes in the synthesis and release of oxytocin and vasopressin, and not the receptors to which they bind.
Nonpharmacological nursing interventions for the management of patient fatigue: a literature review
Authors: Patterson Erin , Wan Yi Wai Teresa , Sidani Souraya
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To identify and describe nonpharmacological interventions for the management of fatigue that are within the scope of nursing practice.

Background

Fatigue is a complex multidimensional symptom experienced by patients with varying diagnoses. Limited details are available on the nature of nursing interventions to manage fatigue, which preclude fidelity of implementation in day‐to‐day practice.

Design

Literature review.

Methods

Multiple databases were searched for publications reporting on the evaluation of nurse‐delivered interventions for the management of fatigue. Data were extracted on study and intervention characteristics and results pertaining to the effects of the intervention on fatigue.

Results

The studies (n = 16) evaluated eight interventions: psycho‐education, cognitive behavioural therapy, exercise, acupressure, relaxation, distraction, energy conservation and activity management, and a combination of exercise, education and support.

Conclusion

Psycho‐education was evaluated in several studies and demonstrated effectiveness when delivered in both acute and community settings.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review focused on interventions that are within the scope of nursing practice for the management of fatigue. The findings provide nurses with an overview of the effectiveness of interventions they may use in their day‐to‐day practice to help patients manage fatigue. A detailed description of interventions found effective is provided to assist nurses in translating evidence into practice.
Comparing effects of intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia and intravenous injection in patients who have undergone total hysterectomy
Authors: Hong Sung‐Jung , Lee Eunjoo
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To compare the effects of two pain management methods, intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia and conventional intravenous injection, in terms of pain level, adverse reactions experienced, nursing care time spent for pain management, satisfaction with pain management and total cost of pain management for patients who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy.

Background

Patient‐controlled intravenous analgesia has been used most commonly for management of postoperative pain. Although it can be very effective in management of postoperative pain, patients still complained of many adverse reactions.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study design was used.

Methods

Seventy female participants were recruited for each group and were randomly assigned to one of the pain management methods. Data regarding pain level, adverse reactions experienced and level of satisfaction with pain management methods during a 48‐hour postoperative period were collected. Calculation of cost for each pain management method was based on the cost of the device, drugs for both analgesics and antiemetics, and time spent by nurses for both pain management methods. Frequencies, percentages and means of the data were calculated, and chi‐squared test andt‐test were performed for homogeneity.

Results

Mean postoperative pain levels at 2, 6 and 12 hour were significantly lower in patients who used patient‐controlled analgesic compared with patients who received intravenous injection; however, after that, there was no significant difference between the two methods. The cost for pain management was much higher for patients who used patient‐controlled analgesic; however, satisfaction level with pain control was lower than that for patients who received intravenous injection.

Conclusions

For patients who underwent total hysterectomy, patient‐controlled analgesia was not cost‐effective for management of postoperative pain for 48 hour, compared with conventional intravenous injection.

Relevance to clinical practice

For nurses caring for patients with pain, adaptation of diverse methods of pain management that will increase patients' satisfaction with pain management as well as lower the cost and occurrence of adverse reactions should be considered.
Adolescent Purpose Development: Exploring Empathy, Discovering Roles, Shifting Priorities, and Creating Pathways
Authors: Malin Heather , Reilly Timothy S. , Quinn Brandy , Moran Seana
Published: May 2013

The development of youth purpose was explored in a qualitative, cross‐sequential study. Interviews about life goals and reasons for pursuing them were conducted with 146 adolescents from four age groups (6th grade, 9th grade, 12th grade, and college sophomores or juniors). Participants completed the interview twice in 2 years. Each cohort focused on different aspects of purpose: middle school youth desired to be empathic; high school youth focused on finding a role to engage their purpose; high school graduates focused on re‐evaluating their priorities through transitions; and college students focused on developing pathways to support their purpose. These phases were impacted by several factors, including transitions, identity formation processes, and external supports and influences.
EVALUATING THE WELFARE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS: A RESIDENTIAL SORTING APPROACH
Authors: Tra Constant I. , Lukemeyer Anna , Neill Helen
Published: May 2013

Las Vegas experienced improvements in math and reading performance between 2006 and 2011. This study evaluates the benefits of these nonmarginal improvements to Las Vegas area homeowners, using a residential sorting model. We estimate households’ preferences for multiple characteristics including the proportion of proficient students in their assigned elementary school. The estimation accounts for the endogeneity of school quality using school boundary fixed effects. The welfare estimates suggest that the school quality improvements provided substantial benefits to the area's households. We find that benefit measures derived from a hedonic price model are substantially larger than our sorting model benefit measures.
Simulating pH effects in an algal‐growth hydrodynamics model1
Authors: James Scott C. , Janardhanam Vijayasarathi , Hanson David T.
Published: May 2013

Models and numerical simulations are relatively inexpensive tools that can be used to enhance economic competitiveness through operation and system optimization to minimize energy and resource consumption, while maximizing algal oil yield. This work uses modified versions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers' water‐quality code (CE‐QUAL) to simulate flow hydrodynamics coupled to algal growth kinetics. The model allows the flexibility of manipulating a host of variables associated with algal growth such as temperature, light intensity, and nutrient availability. pH of the medium is a newly added operational parameter governing algal growth that affects algal photosynthesis, differential availability of inorganic forms of carbon, enzyme activity in algae cell walls, and oil production rates. A single‐layer algal‐growth/hydrodynamic model without pH limitation was verified by comparing solution curves of algal biomass and phosphorus concentrations to an analytical solution. Media pH, now included in the model as a growth‐limiting factor, can be entered as a measured value or calculated based on CO2 concentrations. Upon adding the ability to limit growth due to pH, physically reasonable results have been obtained from the model both with and without pH limitation. When the model was used to simulate algal growth from a pond experiment in the greenhouse, a least‐squares fitting technique yielded a maximum algal production (subsequently modulated by limitation factors) of 1.05 d−1. Overall, the measured and simulated biomass concentrations in the greenhouse pond were in close agreement.
Lean on me: Effects of social support on low socioeconomic‐status pregnant women
Authors: Byrd‐Craven Jennifer , Massey Amber R.
Published: May 2013

This study identified how close relationships are related to low‐income pregnant women's ability to cope and overall health. Previous research has shown that stress during pregnancy is related to long‐term negative physical and psychological health outcomes for both the mother and the infant. Lower socioeconomic status has been related to higher morbidity and mortality across the lifespan. Women typically rely on close relationships for social support to help reduce stress. However, stress levels can be elevated when women engage in co‐rumination. Co‐rumination is defined as excessive problem discussion with negative‐affect focus. Thirty‐one low‐income pregnant women from central Oklahoma, USA, reported their daily stressors, social support, communication habits with friends and family, and general health in a series of questionnaires at a prenatal visit. The results revealed that daily stressors, co‐rumination with friends, and the relationship with the baby's father were related to physical pain and depressive symptoms. The results suggested that specific social support dynamics, such as co‐rumination, during pregnancy have implications for the health of low‐income mothers and their infants.
Hybrid Technique for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Combination of Open Decompression and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation
Authors: Mobbs Ralph J , Sivabalan Praveenan , Li Jane , Wilson Peter , Rao Prashanth J
Published: May 2013

The authors describe a hybrid technique that involves a combination of open decompression and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and percutaneously inserted pedicle screws. This technique allows performance of PLIF and decompression via a midline incision and approach without compromising operative time and visualization. Furthermore, compared to standard open decompression, this approach reduces post‐operative wound pain because the small midline incision significantly reduces muscle trauma by obviating the need to dissect the paraspinal muscles off the facet joint complex and by avoiding posterolateral fusion, thus requiring limited lateral muscle dissection off the transverse processes. A series of patients with Grade I‐II spondylolisthesis at L4–5 and moderate–severe canal/foraminal stenosis underwent midline PLIF at L4–5, with closure of the midline incision. Percutaneous pedicle screws were inserted, thereby minimizing local muscle trauma, reduction of the spondylolisthesis being performed by using a pedicle screw construct. Rods were inserted percutaneously to link the L4 and L5 pedicle screws. Image intensification was used to confirmed satisfactory screw placement and reduction of spondylolisthesis. The results of a prospective study comparing a standard open decompression and fusion technique for spondylolisthesis versus the minimally invasive hybrid technique are discussed. The minimally invasive technique resulted in shorter hospital stay, earlier mobilization and reduced postoperative narcotic usage. The long‐term clinical outcomes were equivalent in the two groups.
Use of Ultrasound and Fluoroscopy Guidance in Percutaneous Radiofrequency Lesioning of the Sensory Branches of the Femoral and Obturator Nerves
Authors: Chaiban Gassan , Paradis Tyler , Atallah Joseph
Published: May 2013

Hip pain is a common condition that is often seen in patients with multiple comorbidities. Often surgery is not an option due to these comorbidities. Percutaneous radiofrequency lesioning of the articular branches of the obturator and femoral nerves is an alternative treatment for hip pain. Traditionally, fluoroscopy is used to guide needle placement. We report a case where a novel approach was used with ultrasound guidance to visualize vascular and soft tissue structures in real time. The use of ultrasound might help to guide the needle to avoid vascular complications due to anatomical variation between patients.
The Role of Contract Negotiation and Industry Structure in Production Outsourcing
Authors: Feng Qi , Lu Lauren Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2013

Despite the spread of cost‐driven outsourcing practices, academic research cautions that suppliers' cost advantage may weaken manufacturers' bargaining positions in negotiating outsourcing agreements, thereby hurting their profitability. In this study, we attempt to further understand the strategic impact of low‐cost outsourcing on manufacturers' profitability by investigating the contractual form of outsourcing agreements and the industry structure of the upstream supply market. We consider a two‐tier supply chain system, consisting of two competing manufacturers, who have the option to produce in‐house or to outsource to an upstream supplier with lower cost. To reach an outsourcing agreement, each manufacturer engages in bilateral negotiation with her supplier, who may be an exclusive supplier or a common supplier serving both manufacturers. Our analysis shows that wholesale‐price contracts always mitigate the competition between manufacturers regardless of whether they compete with price or quantity. In contrast, two‐part tariffs intensify the competition when the manufacturers compete with quantity, but soften it when they compete with price. As a result, when outsourcing with two‐part tariffs, the manufacturers may earn lower profits than they would from in‐house production, although the suppliers are more cost efficient. This suggests that managers have to be wary about the downside of using coordinating contracts such as two‐part tariffs when pursuing low‐cost outsourcing strategies. Our analysis also sheds some light on the profitability of using an exclusive supplier for outsourcing. When outsourcing with wholesale‐price contracts, the competing manufacturers are better off outsourcing to an exclusive supplier. However, when outsourcing with two‐part tariffs, the manufacturers may earn higher profits by outsourcing to a common supplier than to an exclusive one when the manufacturers' bargaining power is sufficiently strong (weak) under quantity (price) competition.