bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel cardioprotection strategies for the aged heart: evidence from pre‐clinical studies
Authors: Kane Alice E , Howlett Susan E 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe incidence of cardiovascular disease is rising as the population ages. This has led to an increase in the need to perform cardiac surgery in older patients. However, aged hearts are particularly susceptible to reperfusion injury following periods of myocardial ischaemia that occur during cardiac surgery. Indeed, older adults experience myocardial dysfunction and reduced survival post‐surgery compared to younger people and certain groups, including older women and frail older adults, are at particular risk. This highlights the need to design cardioprotective strategies specifically for the ageing heart. Cardioprotection during surgery is often accomplished by perfusing the heart with chemical arresting agents, known as cardioplegic solutions. New protective strategies have been developed and tested in animal models, where cardioplegic solutions have been modified by changing their temperature, chemical components and/or the frequency of delivery. In addition, drugs designed to activate cardioprotective mechanisms or to inhibit mechanisms involved in injury have been added to improve the efficacy of these solutions. However, most experimental studies have developed and optimized cardioplegic solutions in hearts from younger male animals. This review discusses pre‐clinical models used to optimize cardioplegic solutions, with an emphasis on the few studies that have used hearts from older animals. Pharmacologic agents that have been shown to enhance the benefits of cardioplegia in younger hearts and could, in theory, protect vulnerable older hearts are also considered. We emphasize the need to conduct studies in frail older animals of both sexes to facilitate translation of laboratory‐based observations to the clinic.
Endometrial carcinoma‐related genetic factors: application to research and clinical practice in China
Authors: Zhou JY , Zhang L , Wei LH , Wang JL 
Published: September 2016

Genetic factors affect the initiation and progression of endometrial carcinoma (EC). The routine detection of genetic factors involved in EC has not been extensively performed in Chinese clinical practice, however. In this review we summarise EC‐related genetic factors, including Lynch syndrome‐associated mutations and non‐Lynch syndrome‐associated genetic predispositions found in Chinese women, and their potential clinical applications. In addition, we propose a clinical testing strategy for patients with EC and their family members. The objective of this review is to advance basic research regarding the genetic factors involved in EC and to improve its clinical implementation in China.Tweetable abstractReview summarises Chinese research progression of EC‐related genetic factors and proposes innovative screening strategy.
Impact of replacing Chinese ethnicity‐specific fetal biometry charts with the INTERGROWTH‐21st standard
Authors: Cheng YKY , Leung TY , Lao TTH , Chan YM , Sahota DS 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of adopting the INTERGROWTH‐21st biometry standards in a Chinese population.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA teaching hospital in Hong Kong.PopulationA total of 10 527 Chinese women with a singleton pregnancy having a second‐ or third‐trimester fetal anomaly or growth scan between January 2009 and June 2014.MethodsZ‐scores were derived for fetal abdominal circumference (AC), head circumference (HC), and femur length (FL) using the INTERGROWTH‐21st and Chinese biometry standards. Pregnancies with aneuploidy, structural or skeletal abnormalities, or that developed pre‐eclampsia were excluded. Z‐scores were stratified as <2.5th, <5th, <10th, >90th, >95th, or >97.5th percentile. Birthweight centile, adjusted for gestation and gender, was categorised as ≤3rd, 3rd to ≤5th, 5th to ≤10th, and >10th. Pairwise comparison and the McNemar test were performed to assess biometry Z‐score differences and concordance between the INTERGROWTH‐21st and Chinese standards.Main outcome measuresThe sensitivity of both the local and INTERGROWTH‐21st AC standards to identify pregnancies that were small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) was assessed.ResultsINTERGROWTH‐21st AC, HC, and FL Z‐scores were significantly lower than those obtained using our local reference for AC, HC, and FL (P < 0.0001 for all). The proportion of fetuses with biometry in the <2.5th, <5th, <10th, >90th, >95th, or >97.5th percentiles was statistically significant (P < 0.01 for all). A total of 1224 (15.5%) of the scans at 18–22 weeks of gestation had AC, HC, or FL below the 3rd percentile of the INTERGROWTH‐21st standard.ConclusionsAdopting the INTERGROWTH‐21st standard would lead to a significant number of fetuses being at risk of misdiagnosis for small fetal size, particularly when using HC and FL measures.Tweetable abstractINTERGROWTH‐21st biometry assessment in Chinese leads to fetuses being at risk of misdiagnosis of small fetal size.
Risk factors for recurrent ectopic pregnancy: a case–control study
Authors: Zhang D , Shi W , Li C , Yuan J‐J , Xia W , Xue R‐H , Sun J , Zhang J 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo study the risk factors for recurrent ectopic pregnancy (REP).DesignA retrospective case–control study.SettingA university medical centre.Population554 women with a history of ectopic pregnancy (EP) were included. Among them were 181 women with current EP, 184 women with current intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and 189 nonpregnant women (NonP).MethodsThe three groups were matched at a ratio of 1:1 with respect to current age, age of initial EP and gestational week of initial EP. Socio‐demographic characteristics, reproductive history, gynaecological and surgical history, and experience of contraception were compared among the three groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders and calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs).ResultsThe risk of REP increased with history of infertility (AOR = 3.84, 95%CI 2.16–6.86) in REP women compared with IUP controls. Compared with NonP controls, salpingotomy (AOR = 3.04, 95%CI 1.21–36.51) for previous EP was a risk factor for REP. Multiparous women were less likely to suffer REP when compared with NonP women (AOR = 0.36, 95%CI 0.18–0.62) or IUP controls (AOR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.20–0.62). Current use of an intrauterine device (IUD) (REP versus NonP, AOR = 0.02, 95%CI 0.00–0.08) or condoms (REP versus NonP, AOR = 0.16, 95%CI 0.07–0.38) significantly reduced the risk of REP compared with those not using any contraception. Similarly, previous use of condoms also prevented REP compared with those with no previous condom use (REP versus NonP, AOR = 0.20, 95%CI 0.08–0.49; REP versus IUP, AOR = 0.40, 95%CI 0.22–0.71).ConclusionsWomen with history of infertility or salpingotomy should be alert for the recurrence of EP. Multiparous women are less likely to suffer REP. We propose the use of condoms for effective prevention of REP.Tweetable abstractHistory of infertility and salpingotomy for last EP are risk factors for recurrent EP.
Labour patterns in Chinese women in Chongqing
Authors: Shi Q , Tan X‐Q , Liu X‐R , Tian X‐B , Qi H‐B 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo obtain data on the characteristics of labour from a regional sample of Chinese parturients and to assess the pattern of progress of labour among nulliparous women.DesignA prospective observational study.SettingThe study was conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.PopulationThe final sample involved 1200 Chinese parturients with singleton, vertex and term gestation; spontaneous onset of labour; vaginal delivery; and without adverse perinatal outcomes.MethodsA repeated‐measures analysis was used to depict labour curves while an interval‐censored regression was used to estimate the duration of labour centimetre by centimetre.Main outcome measuresLabour curves and the duration of labour at the 50th and 95th percentiles.ResultsAmong 1091 nulliparous women, 57.7% had cervical dilation of 3 cm or less at the time of admission, and the mean duration of the first stage of labour was 9.1 ± 3.3 hours. From 5 to 9 cm of cervical dilation it sometimes took more than 2 hours for dilation to advance 1 cm. No obvious inflection points appeared in the labour curve of Chinese nulliparae, and no deceleration was observed.ConclusionProgress of labour in Chinese parturients was more gradual than in their Western counterparts. Obstetric practice standards based on data generated from Western countries may not be appropriate for Chinese women.Tweetable abstractA prospective study has evaluated labour patterns in Chinese women using regional data from nulliparae.
Expression analysis of decapentaplegic gene in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Kim Seong‐Ryul , Choi Gwang‐Ho , Kim Kee‐young , Goo Tae‐Won , Kim Iksoo , Park Seung‐Won 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe decapentaplegic (dpp) gene in Drosophila is involved in multiple developmental processes, and is a highly conserved among various eukaryotic species, including Bombyx mori. Although the gene has well been characterized in Drosophila species the B. mori dpp has not yet been functionally analyzed. In this study, we analyzed the expression pattern of B. mori dpp in 12 different developmental days/stages (7 days for fifth instar larvae, 2 days for spinning stage, 2 days for pupal stages, and 1 day for adults) in both male and female silkworms using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). mRNA expression of B. mori dpp was much higher in the female larvae up to the mid‐stage of the fifth instar compared with the corresponding male larvae. Similarly, dpp expression also was much higher in females during the eclosion period than that in the corresponding male pupae. During the embryonic stage, the expression level of the dpp gene was much higher compared to that of adult stage in both male and female silkworms. These results suggest that the B. mori dpp gene plays multiple roles in the developmental of B. mori.
Oxidation Stability of O/W Emulsion Prepared with Linolenic Acid Enriched Diacylglycerol
Authors: Shin Jung‐Ah , Lee Mi‐Young , Lee Ki‐Teak 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe sn‐1,3‐regiospecific Rhizomucor miehei lipase (Lipozyme RM IM) was employed to produce structured diacylglycerol (SL‐DAG), which contained 67.3 mol% DAG with 27.2 area% of C18:3. To investigate the oxidative stability of the SL‐DAG in emulsion form, 5% oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions were prepared with 200 and 400 ppm sinapic acid. It was shown that the hydroperoxide values of the control (without any antioxidant) was the highest (117.7 meq/L) on day 43 of storage and thereafter the value decreased. However, the emulsions with 200 and 400 ppm sinapic acid resulted in slow oxidation degree until day 64 of storage (30.3 and 7.3 meq/L, respectively). Aldehyde measurements for the 200 ppm sinapic acid emulsion (12.8 mmol/mol) and the 400 ppm sinapic acid emulsion (7.5 mmol/mol) also showed better oxidative stability than that for the 200 ppm catechin emulsion (27.4 mmol/mol) and the control (52.7 mmol/mol). Although the SL‐DAG in the emulsions contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the degree of oxidation in the emulsions can be reduced when sinapic acid is used as an antioxidant.
Prevalence, Distribution, and Diversity of Salmonella spp. in Meat Samples Collected from Italian Slaughterhouses
Authors: Carraturo Federica , Gargiulo Giuseppe , Giorgio Antonella , Aliberti Francesco , Guida Marco 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRecently worldwide food safety authorities indicated the rise of foodborne outbreaks linked to Salmonella: this highlighted the need to intensify monitoring and apply more targeted controls to help manage the spread of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella serotypes in 7 slaughterhouses, located in different areas of Naples province (Regione Campania, Italy). Meat samples collected from the slaughterhouses were submitted for standardized microbiological analysis in 2015. Results of routine testing for Salmonella spp. were analyzed and then compared to biochemical and molecular evaluations. Salmonella spp. were detected in 12% of 320 samples examined (39/320) and the isolation rates ranged from 87% (32 samples) for raw poultry meat to 13% (7 samples) for pork meat. Biochemical serotyping showed that approximately 50% of the isolates belonged to Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis. Rapid detection methods, such as molecular analysis (polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis), able to confirm food matrices contamination, represent a valid support to the fast identification of Salmonella species. A further aspect of the study consisted, indeed, on analyzing isolated strains through molecular evaluations. By amplifying bacterial DNA—using invA primers, selective for Salmonella—it was possible, in less than 3 h, to classify the isolates as Salmonella spp., confirming the results of microbiological outcomes. Results of distribution analysis, supported by rapid molecular approaches, showed the difficulty of reducing Salmonella risk on food chain. This emphasized the importance of periodic surveillance to prevent outbreaks.
Liver‐specific G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0s2) expression promotes hepatic insulin resistance by exacerbating hepatic steatosis in male Wistar rats
Authors: Sugaya Yoshiyuki , Satoh Hiroaki 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundHepatic steatosis is strongly associated with insulin resistance. It has been reported that G0
/G1
switch gene 2 (G0s2) inhibits the lipolytic activity of adipose triglyceride lipase, which is a major lipase in the liver as well as in adipocytes. Moreover, G0s2 protein content is increased in the livers of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed rats. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hepatic G0s2 on insulin sensitivity in male Wistar rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were fed a 60% HFD for 4 weeks. After 3 weeks of feeding, rats were injected with adenovirus‐expressing green fluorescent protein (Ad‐GFP; control) or adenovirus‐expressing mouse G0s2 (Ad‐G0s2). On Day 7 after injection, a euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp study was performed in rats fasted for 8 h.ResultsBody weight and fasting glucose levels were not significantly different between the Ad‐GFP and Ad‐G0s2 groups. During the clamp study, the glucose infusion rate required for euglycemia decreased significantly by 16% in the Ad‐G0s2 compared with Ad‐GFP group. The insulin‐suppressed hepatic glucose output increased significantly in the Ad‐G0s2 group, but the insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal rate was not significantly different between the two groups. Consistent with the clamp data, insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt decreased significantly in livers of rats injected with Ad‐G0s2. Furthermore, Oil Red O‐staining indicated that overexpression of G0s2 protein in the liver promoted hepatic steatosis by 2.5‐fold in HFD‐fed rats.ConclusionThe results of the present study indicate that hepatic G0s2 protein may promote hepatic insulin resistance by exacerbating hepatic steatosis.
Identification of new key genes for type 1 diabetes through construction and analysis of protein–protein interaction networks based on blood and pancreatic islet transcriptomes
Authors: Safari‐Alighiarloo Nahid , Taghizadeh Mohammad , Tabatabaei Seyyed Mohammad , Shahsavari Soodeh , Namaki Saeed , Khodakarim Soheila , Rezaei‐Tavirani Mostafa 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundType 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which pancreatic β‐cells are destroyed by infiltrating immune cells. Bilateral cooperation of pancreatic β‐cells and immune cells has been proposed in the progression of T1D, but as yet no systems study has investigated this possibility. The aims of the study were to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and identify key genes associated with T1D risk using a network biology approach.MethodsInteractome (protein–protein interaction [PPI]) and transcriptome data were integrated to construct networks of differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and pancreatic β‐cells. Centrality, modularity, and clique analyses of networks were used to get more meaningful biological information.ResultsAnalysis of genes expression profiles revealed several cytokines and chemokines in β‐cells and their receptors in PBMCs, which is supports the dialogue between these two tissues in terms of PPIs. Functional modules and complexes analysis unraveled most significant biological pathways such as immune response, apoptosis, spliceosome, proteasome, and pathways of protein synthesis in the tissues. Finally, Y‐box binding protein 1 (YBX1), SRSF protein kinase 1 (SRPK1), proteasome subunit alpha1/ 3, (PSMA1/3), X‐ray repair cross complementing 6 (XRCC6), Cbl proto‐oncogene (CBL), SRC proto‐oncogene, non‐receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCG1), SHC adaptor protein1 (SHC1) and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 N (UBE2N) were identified as key markers that were hub‐bottleneck genes involved in functional modules and complexes.ConclusionsThis study provide new insights into network biomarkers that may be considered potential therapeutic targets.
Ventilator‐induced central venous pressure variation can predict fluid responsiveness in post‐operative cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Cherpanath T. G. V. , Geerts B. F. , Maas J. J. , de Wilde R. B. P. , Groeneveld A. B. , Jansen J. R. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundVentilator‐induced dynamic hemodynamic parameters such as stroke volume variation (SVV) and pulse pressure variation (PPV) have been shown to predict fluid responsiveness in contrast to static hemodynamic parameters such as central venous pressure (CVP). We hypothesized that the ventilator‐induced central venous pressure variation (CVPV) could predict fluid responsiveness.MethodsTwenty‐two elective cardiac surgery patients were studied post‐operatively on the intensive care unit during mechanical ventilation with tidal volumes of 6–8 ml/kg without spontaneous breathing efforts or cardiac arrhythmia. Before and after administration of 500mL hydroxyethyl starch, SVV and PPV were measured using pulse contour analysis by modified Modelflow®, while CVP was obtained from a central venous catheter positioned in the superior vena cava. CVPV was calculated as 100 × (CVPmax−CVPmin)/[(CVPmax + CVPmin)/2].ResultsNineteen patients (86%) were fluid responders defined as an increase in cardiac output of ≥ 15% after fluid administration. CVPV decreased upon fluid loading in responders, but not in non‐responders. Baseline CVP values showed no correlation with a change in cardiac output in contrast to baseline SVV (r = 0.60, P = 0.003), PPV (r = 0.58, P = 0.005), and CVPV (r = 0.63, P = 0.002). Baseline values of SVV > 9% and PPV > 8% could predict fluid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 89% and 95%, respectively, both with a specificity of 100%. Baseline CVPV could identify all fluid responders and non‐responders correctly at a cut‐off value of 12%. There was no difference between the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of SVV, PPV, and CVPV.ConclusionThe use of ventilator‐induced CVPV could predict fluid responsiveness similar to SVV and PPV in post‐operative cardiac surgery patients.
Going feral: Time and propagule pressure determine range expansion of Asian house geckos into natural environments
Authors: Barnett Louise K. , Phillips Ben L. , Hoskin Conrad J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUpon establishment in a new area, invasive species may undergo a prolonged period of relatively slow population growth and spread, known as a lag period. Lag periods are, apparently, common in invasions, but studies of the factors that facilitate subsequent expansions are lacking in natural systems. We used 10 semi‐independent invasions of the Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) to investigate which factors facilitate expansion of this human‐associated species across the urban–woodland interface. We conducted 590 surveys over 12 months on 10 transects running from the urban edge to 2 km into adjacent natural woodland. We recordedH. frenatusout to 2 km from the urban edge on nine of 10 transects, and at high abundance at many woodland sites. Body size, body condition, sex ratio and proportion of gravid females did not vary with distance from the urban edge, suggesting viable, self‐sustaining populations in natural habitats. The extent of expansion was, however, strongly dependent on propagule pressure (the abundance ofH. frenatusat the urban edge), and time (time sinceH. frenatusestablished in the urban area). The size of the urban area and the structure of the surrounding environment did not impact invasion. Our results show that an invasive species that is deemed ‘human‐associated’ over most of its range is invading natural habitats, and propagule pressure strongly controls the lag time in this system, a finding that echoes results for establishment probability at larger scales.
Umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells are reduced in neonates born to women in spontaneous preterm labor
Authors: Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Romero Roberto , Xu Yi , Miller Derek , Unkel Ronald , C. MacKenzie Tippi , Frascoli Michela , Hassan Sonia S. 
Published: September 2016

ProblemPreterm neonates are highly susceptible to infection. Neonatal host defense against infection seems to be maintained by the temporal presence of immunosuppressive CD71+ erythroid cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells are reduced in neonates born to women who undergo spontaneous preterm labor/birth.Method of studyUmbilical cord blood samples (n=155) were collected from neonates born to women who delivered preterm with (n=39) and without (n=12) spontaneous labor or at term with (n=82) and without (n=22) spontaneous labor. Time‐matched maternal peripheral blood samples were also included (n=111). Mononuclear cells were isolated from these samples, and CD71+ erythroid cells were identified and quantified as CD3‐CD235a+CD71+ cells by flow cytometry.Results(i) The proportion of CD71+ erythroid cells was 50‐fold higher in cord blood than in maternal blood; (ii) a reduced number and frequency of umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells were found in neonates born to women who underwent spontaneous preterm labor compared to those born to women who delivered preterm without labor; (iii) umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells were fewer in neonates born to term pregnancies, regardless of the process of labor, than in those born to women who delivered preterm without labor; and (iv) no differences were seen in umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells between neonates born to women who underwent spontaneous preterm labor and those born to women who delivered at term with labor.ConclusionUmbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells are reduced in neonates born to women who had undergone spontaneous preterm labor.