bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maintaining stability of the rumen ecosystem is associated with changes of microbial composition and epithelial TLR signaling
Authors: Shen Hong , Chen Zhan , Shen Zanming , Lu Zhongyan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe used the goat as a model to study the effects of rumen microbial composition and epithelial TLR signaling on maintaining rumen stability during exogenous butyrate interference. Six cannulated goats received a rapid intraruminal infusion of 0.1 mol/L potassium phosphate buffer with (BT, n = 3) or without (CO, n = 3) 0.3 g/kg·BW·day sodium butyrate for 28 days. The ruminal pH and the concentration of total SCFA were not affected by the interference. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed a change in microbial composition after the butyrate infusion. LEfSe analysis showed a shift of the biomarker species from butyrate‐producing bacteria to acetate‐and propionate‐producing bacteria. Quantitative PCR‐based comparisons showed that significant increases in TLR2, TLR5, and MyD88 expression were accompanied by a significant decrease in IL‐1β and IFN‐γ expression in the ruminal epithelium. Constrained correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of Roseburia was positively correlated with the expression of TLR5. Taken together, our study shows that microbial composition plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the microbial ecosystem in rumen, and indicates that the microbe‐TLR‐cytokine axis was involved in maintaining the stability of the gastrointestinal ecosystem.
Attitudes towards non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis among obstetricians in Pakistan, a developing, Islamic country
Authors: Ahmed Shenaz , Jafri Hussain , Rashid Yasmin , Mason Gerald , Ehsan Yasmin , Ahmed Mushtaq 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectivesStakeholders' views are essential for informing implementation strategies for non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Little is known about such views in developing countries. We explored attitudes towards NIPT among obstetricians in Pakistan, a developing, Islamic country.MethodsA 35‐item questionnaire was distributed and collected at eight events (a national conference and seven workshops in five cities) for obstetric professionals on advances in fetal medicine.ResultsResponses from 113 obstetrician show positive attitudes towards implementation of NIPT: 95% agreed prevention of genetic conditions was a necessity, and 97% agreed public hospitals should provide prenatal screening tests. However, participants also agreed the availability of NIPT would increase social pressure on women to have prenatal screening tests and to terminate an affected pregnancy (53% and 63%, respectively). Most participants would not offer NIPT for sex determination (55%), although 31% would. The most valued aspects of NIPT were its safety, followed by its utility and then accuracy.ConclusionParticipants generally supported the implementation of NIPT but raised concerns about social implications. Therefore, national policy is needed to regulate the implementation of NIPT, and pretest information and post‐test genetic counselling are needed to mitigate social pressure and support parents to make informed decisions. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relaxing nonequilibrated polymers in thin films at temperatures slightly above the glass transition
Authors: Chowdhury Mithun , Al Akhrass Samer , Ziebert Falko , Reiter Günter 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTWe have studied the dewetting process of thin polystyrene films on nonwettable substrates in the viscoelastic regime slightly above the glass transition temperature. The evolution of the shape of the dewetting rim for varying film thickness, molecular weights and dewetting temperatures allowed us to determine the relaxation rates of residual stresses, which originated from nonequilibrated polymer chain conformations formed during film preparation by spin‐coating. For long chain polymers, we found rates notably faster than the longest bulk relaxation processes, highly independent of molecular weight and temperature. Our study demonstrates that dewetting is a powerful tool for sensitive characterization of nonequilibrium properties of thin polymer films. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2017,55, 515–523
Thermoelectric properties of PEDOT films prepared by electrochemical polymerization
Authors: Zhang Lu , Goto Tatsunari , Imae Ichiro , Sakurai Yasuaki , Harima Yutaka 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThermoelectric (TE) properties of flexible and free‐standing poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films synthesized via galvanostatic polymerization of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene in propylene carbonate containing sulfated poly(β‐hydroxyethers) (S‐PHE) as polymer electrolyte were elaborately studied. Both electrical conductivities (σ) and Seebeck coefficients (S) of the PEDOT:S‐PHE films were increased by decreasing the temperature (T) or by increasing the current density (J) during electrosynthesis. Possible reasons for the lack of a trade‐off relation commonly observed between σ and S are discussed on the basis of SEM and oxidation‐level measurements. Preparation of the PEDOT:S‐PHE films was optimized with respect to T and J. In addition, the oxidation level of the PEDOT:S‐PHE films was controlled by potential and the change of their TE performances was discussed in conjunction with the change of chemical species involved. The power factor (PF = σS2) of the PEDOT:S‐PHE films reached 7.9 μW m−1 K−2, leading to a dimensionless TE figure‐of‐merit (ZT) of 0.013. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 524–531
Analyzing the risk factors for a diminished oocyte retrieval rate under controlled ovarian stimulation
Authors: Nakamura Mayumi , Yamashita Yoshiki , Hayashi Atsushi , Saito Natsuho , Yu Masae , Hayashi Masami , Terai Yoshito , Ohmichi Masahide 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimTo investigate which risk factors contribute to a lower oocyte retrieval ratio in women who are receiving controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.MethodsThe authors retrospectively analyzed 329 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles under controlled ovarian hyperstimulation by using a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist or agonist at Osaka Medical College, Japan. The patients were classified into five groups: advanced age, male infertility, severe endometriosis, tubal infertility, and unexplained infertility. The primary outcomes were the patients’ age, oocyte retrieval ratio, serum basal follicle‐stimulating hormone, total dose of gonadotropin, and the clinical outcome. A secondary outcome was the stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess the factors associated with the failure of oocyte retrieval.ResultsThe oocyte retrieval ratio declined significantly with the patient's age. The ratio of endometriosis in unsuccessful cases was significantly higher than that in successful cycles. Advanced age and endometriosis were the factors that were significantly associated with a lowered oocyte retrieval rate.ConclusionAdvanced age and endometriosis are high‐risk factors that contribute to oocyte retrieval failure in infertile patients who are receiving IVF treatment.
Management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with abdominal compartment syndrome, based on intravesical pressure measurement
Authors: Makino Hiroshi , Furui Tatsuro , Shiga Tomomi , Takenaka Motoki , Terazawa Keiko , Morishige Ken‐ichiro 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThere are few reports on abdominal compartment syndrome that are caused by ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Here, a case of a 29 year old woman is reported in which intravesical pressure measurement was useful in the management of severe OHSS that had been complicated by abdominal compartment syndrome. The patient's urinary output and general condition did not improve after the initial treatment. The woman's intra‐abdominal pressure was evaluated indirectly, based on her intravesical pressure, and was found to be significantly elevated. The patient's urinary volume increased after a 14 mm Hg decrease in the intravesical pressure was achieved by the drainage of ascitic fluid. Intravesical pressure measurement was useful in the management of the general condition of this patient with OHSS.
Molecular mechanism of estrogen–estrogen receptor signaling
Authors: Yaşar Pelin , Ayaz Gamze , User Sırma Damla , Güpür Gizem , Muyan Mesut 
Published: January 2017

Abstract17β‐Estradiol (E2), as the main circulating estrogen hormone, regulates many tissue and organ functions in physiology. The effects of E2 on cells are mediated by the transcription factors and estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ that are encoded by distinct genes. Localized at the peri‐membrane, mitochondria, and the nucleus of cells that are dependent on estrogen target tissues, the ERs share similar, as well as distinct, regulatory potentials. Different intracellular localizations of the ERs result in dynamically integrated and finely tuned E2 signaling cascades that orchestrate cellular growth, differentiation, and death. The deregulation of E2–ER signaling plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of target tissue malignancies. A better understanding of the complex regulatory mechanisms that underlie ER actions in response to E2 therefore holds a critical trajectory for the development of novel prognostic and therapeutic approaches with substantial impacts on the systemic management of target tissue diseases.
Phase III trial of 8% vaginal progesterone gel for luteal phase support in Japanese women undergoing in vitro fertilization and fresh embryo transfer cycles
Authors: Kokeguchi Shoji , Hayashi Naoki , Rogoff Daniela , Shimizu Shin , Ishihara Osamu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimThis study evaluated the efficacy and safety of vaginal progesterone gel that was administered daily for luteal phase support as part of in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) cycles in Japanese women.MethodsThis was a phase III, multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm trial in Japanese women undergoing IVF/ET, using the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2009 registry as a historical control. The primary objective was to demonstrate the non‐inferiority, with regard to the clinical pregnancy rate per ET, of vaginal progesterone gel that was administered once daily, compared with the historical standard value in IVF/ET cycles in Japan. The biochemical pregnancy (positive serum β‐hCG pregnancy test but no clinical pregnancy) rate per ET also was investigated, as were the safety and tolerability of the vaginal progesterone gel.ResultsOf the 178 women who were enrolled, 123 underwent IVF/ET. The clinical pregnancy rate per ET was non‐inferior in the prospective arm, compared with the historical population. The biochemical pregnancy rate per ET was 7.3%. The safety profile of the vaginal progesterone gel was as expected, with no new safety issue identified.ConclusionThe vaginal progesterone gel was efficacious, with a safety profile as expected, in this study in Japanese women undergoing IVF/ET cycles.
Observation of the dynamics of follicular development in the ovary
Authors: Komatsu Kouji , Masubuchi Satoru 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe number of ovulated oocytes is different among mammals but does not vary much within the same species. In order to sustain periodic ovulation, follicular development must be coordinated at the tissue level. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of follicular development is difficult because the ovary has a complicated structure and it takes a long time for primordial follicles to develop into Graafian follicles. Therefore, it is not possible to observe follicular development by conventional experiments. The authors previously developed a new ovarian tissue culture method that enabled the observation of follicular development from the early follicle stage. These findings indicated that follicular interactions are important in regulating follicular development and ovulation. This review describes the current methods of observing follicular development in the ovary and the regulatory mechanisms of follicular development.
Immobilized pH in culture reveals an optimal condition for somatic cell reprogramming and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Kim Narae , Minami Naojiro , Yamada Masayasu , Imai Hiroshi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimOne of the parameters that greatly affects homeostasis in the body is the pH. Regarding reproductive biology, germ cells, such as oocytes or sperm, are exposed to severe changes in pH, resulting in dramatic changes in their characteristics. To date, the effect of the pH has not been investigated regarding the reprogramming of somatic cells and the maintenance and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.MethodsIn order to investigate the effects of the pH on cell culture, the methods to produce induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and to differentiate embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into mesendoderm and neuroectoderm were performed at each medium pH from 6.6 to 7.8. Using the cells of the Oct4‐GFP (green fluorescent protein) carrying mouse, the effects of pH changes were examined on the timing and colony formation at cell reprogramming and on the cell morphology and direction of the differentiation of the ESCs.ResultsThe colony formation rate and timing of the reprogramming of the somatic cells varied depending on the pH of the culture medium. In addition, mesendodermal differentiation of the mouse ESCs was enhanced at the high pH level of 7.8.ConclusionThese results suggest that the pH in the culture medium is one of the key factors in the induction of the reprogramming of somatic cells and in the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: early diagnosis and intervention are necessary for fertility preservation in young women with endometrial cancer under 35 years of age
Authors: Okamura Yoshinori , Saito Fumitaka , Takaishi Kiyomi , Motohara Takeshi , Honda Ritsuo , Ohba Takashi , Katabuchi Hidetaka 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a significant risk factor for premenopausal endometrial cancer (EC) and/or atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH). The aim was to elucidate the clinical background and detailed menstrual history of EC and/or AEH in young women with PCOS.MethodsFrom January 2001 to December 2013, women under 35 years of age who had been diagnosed with EC and/or AEH and who had been treated at Kumamoto University Hospital, Japan, were recruited. The patients’ clinical characteristics, clinical stages of EC and/or AEH, medication and operation methods, endocrine profiles, and menstrual history were assessed retrospectively.ResultsOf all the cases of EC and/or AEH, 25 (4.6%) were under 35 years of age. The mean age was 29.0 years and all the patients were nulligravida. The clinical stages of EC and/or AEH that were identified included: AEH (five cases), stage IA (18 cases), IB (one case), and IIIA (one case). Fourteen (56%) cases met the criteria for PCOS. Both the Body Mass Index and Homeostatic Model Assessment–insulin resistance were significantly higher in the patients with PCOS than in the patients without PCOS. Medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy was not effective for the patients with PCOS and they underwent a hysterectomy more often than the patients without PCOS. All the patients with PCOS exhibited irregular menstruation or amenorrhea, the mean duration of which was 13.1 years before PCOS and EC and/or AEH were diagnosed.ConclusionAlthough both the patients with and without PCOS had irregular menstruation, the patients with PCOS were less likely to have fertility‐sparing surgery than the patients without PCOS because they had more advanced disease or failed to respond to medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy.
Range of Movement for Impingement and Dislocation Avoidance in Total Hip Replacement Predicted by Finite Element Model
Authors: Ezquerra Laura , Quilez María Paz , Pérez María Ángeles , Albareda Jorge , Seral Belén 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Dislocation is a serious complication in total hip replacement (THR). An inadequate range of movement (ROM) can lead to impingement of the prosthesis neck on the acetabular cup; furthermore, the initiation of subluxation and dislocation may occur. The objective of this study was to generate a parametric three-dimensional finite element (FE) model capable of predicting the dislocation stability for various positions of the prosthetic head, neck, and cup under various activities. Three femoral head sizes (28, 32, and 36 mm) were simulated. Nine acetabular placement positions (abduction angles of 25°, 40° and 60° combined with anteversion angles of 0°, 15° and 25°) were analyzed. The ROM and maximum resisting moment (RM) until dislocation were evaluated based on the stress distribution in the acetabulum component. The analysis allowed for the definition of a “safe zone” of movement for impingement and dislocation avoidance in THR: an abduction angle of 40°–60° and anteversion angle of 15°–25°. It is especially critical that the anteversion angle does not fall to 10°–15°. The sequence of the RM is a valid parameter for describing dislocation stability in FE studies.
Peripheral inflammatory markers indicate microstructural damage within periventricular white matter hyperintensities in Alzheimer's disease: A preliminary report
Authors: Swardfager Walter , Yu Di , Ramirez Joel , Cogo‐Moreira Hugo , Szilagyi Gregory , Holmes Melissa F. , Scott Christopher J.M. , Scola Gustavo , Chan Pak C. , Chen Jialun , Chan Parco , Sahlas Demetrios J. , Herrmann Nathan , Lanctôt Krista L. , Andreazza Ana C. , Pettersen Jacqueline A. , Black Sandra E. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroductionWhite matter hyperintensities (WMH) presumed to reflect cerebral small vessel disease and increased peripheral inflammatory markers are found commonly in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their interrelationships remain unclear.MethodsInflammatory markers were assayed in 54 elderly participants (n = 16 with AD). Periventricular WMH were delineated from T1, T2/proton density, and fluid‐attenuated magnetic resonance imaging using semiautomated fuzzy lesion extraction and coregistered with maps of fractional anisotropy (FA), a measure of microstructural integrity assessed using diffusion tensor imaging.ResultsMean FA within periventricular WMH was associated with an inflammatory factor consisting of interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor, IL‐10, IL‐21, and IL‐23 in patients with AD (ρ = −0.703, P = .002) but not in healthy elderly (ρ = 0.217, P = .190). Inflammation was associated with greater FA in deep WMH in healthy elderly (ρ = 0.425, P = .008) but not in patients with AD (ρ = 0.174, P = .520).DiscussionPeripheral inflammatory markers may be differentially related to microstructural characteristics within the white matter affected by cerebral small vessel disease in elders with and without AD.
Sleep‐wake cycle disturbances in elderly acute general medical inpatients: Longitudinal relationship to delirium and dementia
Authors: FitzGerald James M. , O'Regan Niamh , Adamis Dimitrios , Timmons Suzanne , Dunne Colum P. , Trzepacz Paula T. , Meagher David J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroductionSleep disturbances in elderly medical inpatients are common, but their relationship to delirium and dementia has not been studied.MethodsSleep and delirium status were assessed daily for a week in 145 consecutive newly admitted elderly acute general hospital patients using the Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised‐98 (DRS‐R98), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5, and Richards‐Campbell Sleep Quality Scale measures. The longitudinal relationship between DRS‐R98 and Richards‐Campbell Sleep Quality Scale sleep scores and delirium, also with dementia as a covariate, was evaluated using generalized estimating equation logistic regression.ResultsThe cohort was divided into delirium only, dementia only, comorbid delirium‐dementia, and no‐delirium/no‐dementia subgroups. Mean age of total group was 80 ± 6.3, 48% were female, and 31 (21%) had dementia, 29 had delirium at admission (20%), and 27 (18.5%) experienced incident delirium. Mild sleep disturbance (DRS‐R98 sleep item score ≥1) occurred for at least 1 day in all groups, whereas moderate sleep disturbance (score ≥2) occurred in significantly more of the prevalent delirium‐only (81%; n = 17) cases than incident delirium‐only (46%; n = 13) cases (P < .001). There were more cases with DRS‐R98 sleep item scores ≥2 (P < .001) in the delirium‐only group compared with the other subgroups. Severity of sleep‐wake cycle disturbance over time was significantly associated with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 delirium status but not with age, sex, or dementia (P < .001).ConclusionsObserver‐rated more severe sleep‐wake cycle disturbances are highly associated with delirium irrespective of dementia status, consistent with being a core feature of delirium. Monitoring for altered sleep‐wake cycle patterns may be a simple way to improve delirium detection.
Reduced relative volume in motor and attention regions in developmental coordination disorder: A voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Reynolds Jess E. , Licari Melissa K. , Reid Siobhan L. , Elliott Catherine , Winsor Anne M. , Bynevelt Michael , Billington Jac 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground and objectivesDevelopmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a prevalent childhood movement disorder, impacting the ability to perform movement skills at an age appropriate level. Although differences in grey matter (GM) volumes have been found in related developmental disorders, no such evidence has been linked with DCD to date. This cross‐sectional study assessed structural brain differences in children with and without DCD.MethodsHigh‐resolution structural images were acquired from 44 children aged 7.8–12 years, including 22 children with DCD (≤16th percentile on MABC‐2; no ADHD/ASD), and 22 typically developing controls (≥20th percentile on MABC‐2). Structural voxel‐based morphology analysis was performed to determine group differences in focal GM volumes.ResultsChildren with DCD were found to have significant, large, right lateralised reductions in grey matter volume in the medial and middle frontal, and superior frontal gyri compared to controls. The addition of motor proficiency as a covariate explained the between‐group GM volume differences, suggesting that GM volumes in motor regions are reflective of the level of motor proficiency. A positive correlation between motor proficiency and relative GM volume was also identified in the left posterior cingulate and precuneus.ConclusionsGM volume reductions in premotor frontal regions may underlie the motor difficulties characteristic of DCD. It is possible that intervention approaches targeting motor planning, attention, and executive functioning processes associated with the regions of reduced GM volume may result in functional improvements in children with DCD.