bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subacute pyridostigmine exposure increases heart rate recovery and cardiac parasympathetic tone in rats
Authors: Bharadwaj Manushree , Pope Carey , Davis Michael , Katz Stuart , Cook Christian , Maxwell Lara 
Published: April 2017

SummaryHeart rate recovery (HRR) describes the rapid deceleration of heart rate after strenuous exercise and is an indicator of parasympathetic tone. A reduction in parasympathetic tone occurs in patients with congestive heart failure, resulting in prolonged HRR. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as pyridostigmine, can enhance parasympathetic tone by increasing cholinergic input to the heart. The objective of this study was to develop a rodent model of HRR to test the hypothesis that subacute pyridostigmine administration decreases cholinesterase activity and accelerates HRR in rats. Ten days after implantation of radiotelemetry transmitters, male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized to control (CTL) or treated (PYR; 0.14 mg/mL pyridostigmine in the drinking water, 29 days) groups. Rats were exercised on a treadmill to record HRR, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 28 of pyridostigmine administration. Total cholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in plasma was decreased by 32%‐43% and 57%‐80%, respectively, in PYR rats on days 7‐28, while plasma butyrylcholinesterase activity did not significantly change. AChE activity in red blood cells was markedly reduced by 64%‐66%. HRR recorded 1 minute after exercise was higher in the PYR group on days 7, 14 and 28, and on day 7 when HRR was estimated at 3 and 5 minutes. Autonomic tone was evaluated pharmacologically using sequential administration of muscarinic (atropine) and adrenergic (propranolol) blockers. Parasympathetic tone was increased in PYR rats as compared with the CTL group. These data support the study hypothesis that subacute pyridostigmine administration enhances HRR by increasing cardiac parasympathetic tone.
The effect of zinc and vitamin B12 together with thyme and Aloe vera extracts on the viability of Lactobacillus acidophilusLA‐5® and physicochemical properties of Iranian yoghurt drink (Doogh)
Authors: Karami Mostafa 
Published: April 2017

The possibility of a Bio‐Doogh production with active and live probiotic bacteria was investigated. In this study, the effect of zinc and vitamin B12 as micronutrients together with thyme and Aloe vera extracts at days 1, 11 and 21 of production on the development and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilusLA‐5® at 4 °C was studied. The addition of vitamin B12 (1.9 μg/L) and zinc (17.6 mg/L) increased the bacterial count of the probiotic strain; the effect of zinc was greater than that of vitamin B12. In addition, the data obtained indicated that the logarithmic bacterial count of the probiotic strain increased with addition of the thyme and Aloe vera extracts (10 mg/L). The simultaneous use of zinc and Aloe vera extract resulted in the highest probiotic bacterial count. Statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences in the acidity and pH between the samples. The syneresis and odour of the test samples were different from the untreated samples.
Comparing induction of labour with oral misoprostol or Foley catheter at term: cost‐effectiveness analysis of a randomised controlled multi‐centre non‐inferiority trial
Authors: ten Eikelder MLG , van Baaren G‐J , Oude Rengerink K , Jozwiak M , de Leeuw JW , Kleiverda G , Evers I , de Boer K , Brons J , Bloemenkamp KWM , Mol BW 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the costs of labour induction with oral misoprostol versus Foley catheter.DesignEconomic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial.SettingObstetric departments of six tertiary and 23 secondary care hospitals in the Netherlands.PopulationWomen with a viable term singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation, intact membranes, an unfavourable cervix (Bishop score <6) without a previous caesarean section, were randomised for labour induction with oral misoprostol (n = 924) or Foley catheter (n = 921).MethodsWe performed economic analysis from a hospital perspective. We estimated direct medical costs associated with healthcare utilisation from randomisation until discharge. The robustness of our findings was evaluated in sensitivity analyses.Main outcome measuresMean costs and differences were calculated per women induced with oral misoprostol or Foley catheter.ResultsMean costs per woman in the oral misoprostol group and Foley catheter group were €4470 versus €4158, respectively [mean difference €312, 95% confidence interval (CI) –€508 to €1063]. Multiple sensitivity analyses did not change these conclusions. However, if cervical ripening for low‐risk pregnancies in the Foley catheter group was carried out in an outpatient setting, with admittance to labour ward only at start of active labour, the difference would be €4470 versus €3489, respectively (mean difference €981, 95% CI €225–1817).ConclusionsOral misoprostol and Foley catheter generate comparable costs. Cervical ripening outside labour ward with a Foley catheter could potentially save almost €1000 per woman.Tweetable abstractOral misoprostol or Foley catheter for induction of labour generates comparable costs.
Endometrial immune markers are potential predictors of normal fertility and pregnancy after in vitro fertilization
Authors: Kofod Louise , Lindhard Anette , Bzorek Michael , Eriksen Jens Ole , Larsen Lise Grupe , Hviid Thomas Vauvert F. 
Published: April 2017

ProblemElucidating immune mechanisms in the endometrium, which lead to the success of implantation and pregnancy, is important in reproductive medicine. Studies of immune cell abundance have shown conflicting results, and the expression and importance of HLA class Ib proteins in pre‐implantation endometrium have not yet been investigated.Method of studyThe study population consisted of four subgroups: a hydrosalpinx, a salpingectomy, an unexplained infertility, and a fertile control group. Endometrial samples were collected during the implantation window. Immune markers (CD56+ and CD16+ cells, FoxP3+ Tregs, HLA‐G, HLA‐F) were quantified in the samples. The outcome of the subsequent IVF treatment was recorded.ResultsIncreased CD56+ uNK cells and high HLA‐G expression served as predictor for successful pregnancy outcome. HLA‐F expression was positively correlated with uNK cells, being indirectly predictive for achieving pregnancy.ConclusionEndometrial uNK cell abundance in the pre‐implantation endometrium seems to be important for normal fertility and pregnancy success, and they may be used as clinical markers to predict implantation success in IVF.
Prevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 at maternal and fetal sides of the placenta in asymptomatic pregnant women
Authors: Finger‐Jardim Fabiana , Avila Emiliana C. , da Hora Vanusa P. , Gonçalves Carla V. , de Martinez Ana Maria B. , Soares Marcelo A. 
Published: April 2017

ProblemHerpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) commonly causes orolabial infection, but can also infect the genital mucosa. In contrast, HSV‐2 is usually genital. Genital herpes can transmit the virus vertically to the fetus during pregnancy. We sought to estimate the prevalence of HSV‐1/2 on the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta.Method of studyPlacental tissues were collected from pregnant women seen at the Rio Grande University Hospital. HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 were detected by nested PCR.ResultsThe prevalence of HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 was, respectively, 28% and 12.6% (maternal side) and 29.9% and 8.3% (fetal side). All HSV‐positive women were asymptomatic. Sexual behavior, vaginal delivery, and presence of HSVs on one side of the placenta were risk factors associated with HSV infection.ConclusionThe occurrence of HSVs in placental tissue was high, especially for HSV‐1. Novel strategies need to be implemented for the management of asymptomatic women who might transmit HSV to their newborns.
Hypoxia‐inhibited DUSP2 expression promotes IL‐6/STAT3 signaling in endometriosis
Authors: Hsiao Kuei‐Yang , Chang Ning , Tsai Jia‐Ling , Lin Shih‐Chieh , Tsai Shaw‐Jenq , Wu Meng‐Hsing 
Published: April 2017

ProblemHow does hypoxia‐mediated downregulation of dual‐specificity phosphatase‐2 (DUSP2) promote the development of endometriotic lesions?Method of studyThe levels of IL‐6 and DUSP2 were assessed in eutopic stromal cells with DUSP2 knockdown or hypoxia treatment. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation was applied for evaluating cell proliferation. The protein levels of DUSP2, cleaved caspase‐3, phosphorylated STAT3, and STAT3 were analyzed using immunoblot.ResultsThe genomewide analysis of cells with DUSP2 overexpression indicated IL‐6 regulates multiple pathways related to inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis. DUSP2 overexpression significantly suppressed IL‐6 expression, while DUSP2 knockdown promoted IL‐6 expression. The hypoxia‐treated eutopic stromal cells expressed higher levels of IL‐6, recapitulating the elevated levels of IL‐6 in ectopic stromal cells. The treatment with IL‐6 elicited the phosphorylation of STAT3, mimicking the elevated levels of phosphorylated STAT3 in the ectopic stromal cells. The IL‐6‐treated eutopic stromal cells showed more BrdU incorporation and less cleaved caspase‐3, which can be reversed by STAT3 inhibitor.ConclusionHypoxia‐induced IL‐6 production in endometriotic lesions is mediated via downregulation of DUSP2, which causes aberrant activation of STAT3 signaling pathway and helps the endometriotic cells survive under the ectopic environment.
Topical corticosteroid phobia in atopic dermatitis: International feasibility study of the TOPICOP score
Authors: Stalder J.‐F. , Aubert H. , Anthoine E. , Futamura M. , Marcoux D. , Morren M.‐A. , Trzeciak M. , Szalai Z. , Veres K. , Deleuran M. , Vestergaard C. , Boralevi F. , Chu C.‐Y. , De Raeve L. , Svensson Å. , Fölster‐Holst R. , Buchner M. , Takaoka R. , Aoki V. , Chernyshov P. , Chernyshova L. , Murrell D. F. , Zhao C. , Mckinster C. D. , Von Kobyletzky L. , Eichenfield L. , Totri C. , Lio P. , Seneschal J. , Moret L. , Barbarot S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundAdherence to topical corticosteroids (TCS) is essential for the effective treatment of atopic dermatitis but can be limited by concerns about their use. This study examined the feasibility of applying the validated TOPICOP score for assessing TCS phobia across different countries.MethodsThis was a prospective multicentre feasibility study conducted in 21 hospitals in 17 countries. Patients >3 months of age with atopic dermatitis or their parents or legal representatives completed a validated translation of the TOPICOP questionnaire in the country's native language. Respondents also completed questionnaires collecting opinions about the feasibility and acceptability of the TOPICOP questionnaire.ResultsA total of 1564 participants in 15 countries were included in the analysis. 81% of respondents considered the questions clear or very clear, and 79% reported that it took less than 5 minutes to complete. Each of the individual items in the TOPICOP questionnaire was considered to be not at all difficult to answer by 49% to 74% of participants. The mean global TOPICOP score was 44.7%±20.5. Mean TOPICOP subscores were 37.0±22.8% for knowledge and beliefs, 54.7±27.8% for fears and 50.1±29.1% for behaviours. Global scores and subscores differed between countries, although the subscores did not always vary in parallel, suggesting different levels of TCS phobia and different drivers for each country.ConclusionsThe TOPICOP score can be feasibly applied across countries and may therefore be useful for obtaining qualitative and quantitative data from international studies and for adapting patient education and treatment.
Effect of anti‐IgE in occupational asthma caused by exposure to low molecular weight agents
Authors: Ollé‐Monge M. , Cruz M.J. , Gomez‐Ollés S. , Ojanguren I. , Vanoirbeek J. , Muñoz X. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe role of immunoglobulin (Ig)‐E in occupational asthma (OA) due to low molecular weight (LMW) agents is not well established compared to classical atopic asthma. In this study, we evaluate whether anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody (mAb) has an effect in a mouse model of OA, using persulfate salts.MethodsOn days 1 and 8, BALB/C mice were dermally sensitized with 5% ammonium persulfate (AP) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). On days 15, 18, and 21, animals were injected intraperitoneally with anti‐IgE mAb or PBS 6 hours before challenge with AP or saline. Airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR) using a methacholine test, airway inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue, and total free IgE in serum samples were analyzed 24, 48, and 96 hours after the last challenge.ResultsAnti‐IgE mAb treatment almost completely neutralized free serum IgE. In AP‐sensitized and challenged mice, anti‐IgE mAb treatment abolished AHR 24 hour and 48 hour after the last challenge and significantly reduced the total number of eosinophils and neutrophils 48 hour and 96 hour after the last AP challenge compared with nontreated mice. Levels of interleukin (IL)‐13 in BAL were also significantly decreased after anti‐IgE administration 24 hour and 48 hour after the last AP challenge. Histological analysis of the lung sections from anti‐IgE‐treated mice revealed normal inflammatory patterns similar to control groups 48 hour after the last challenge.ConclusionsAnti‐IgE‐treated mice showed a significant improvement in asthma features related to the AHR and airway inflammation. Anti‐IgE mAb has positive effects in OA induced by persulfate salts.
Identification of a polygalacturonase (Cup s 2) as the majorCCD‐bearing allergen inCupressus sempervirenspollen
Authors: Shahali Y. , Sutra J.‐P. , Hilger C. , Swiontek K. , Haddad I. , Vinh J. , Guilloux L. , Charpin D. , Sénéchal H. , Poncet P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAs IgE glyco‐epitopes, also referred to as cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs), can share significant structural homologies between different plants, they are prone to extensive cross‐reactivity among allergen pollen extracts. Here, cypress pollen allergens, especially a polygalacturonase (PG), were further characterized using double one‐dimensional electrophoresis (D1‐DE). The presence of specific IgE directed againstCCDs was investigated by bromelain IgE inhibition and concanavalin A binding assays using sera of cypress pollen‐sensitized patients. Our results showed that IgE reactivity toCCDs inCupressus sempervirenspollen extracts is mainly related to bromelain‐type epitopes of a newly identified cypressPG. This glycoprotein has been further characterized through an immunoproteomic approach and officially indexed as Cup s 2 by theWHO/IUISallergen nomenclature. Cup s 2 could thus be associated with the increased prevalence of IgE reactivity to cypress pollen extracts because ofCCDinterference.
Der f 35: An MD‐2‐like house dust mite allergen that cross‐reacts with Der f 2 and Pso o 2
Authors: Fujimura T. , Aki T. , Isobe T. , Matsuoka A. , Hayashi T. , Ono K. , Kawamoto S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundDermatophagoides farinae is a source of airborne house dust mite (HDM) allergens. We elucidated IgE‐reactive allergens from D. farinae by two‐dimensional immunoblotting‐based allergenome analysis, and identified one new allergen, named Der f 35, that possesses IgE‐binding capacity comparable to that of Der f 2. The aim of this study was to clarify the allergenic capacity of new HDM allergen Der f 35.MethodsWe cloned der f 35 from D. farinae mRNA and produced recombinant Der f 35 in Escherichia coli. The IgE‐binding capacity of Der f 35 and its cross‐reactivity with group 2 allergens from D. farinae and Psoroptes ovis were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ELISA inhibition assays, respectively.ResultsThe deduced amino acid sequence for der f 35, which possesses the MD‐2‐related lipid‐recognition domain, showed higher identity with group 2 allergens from P. ovis (61.5%) and Blomia tropicalis (50.7%) than with Der f 2 (40.8%). Der f 35 showed IgE‐binding frequencies of 77.5% (31/40) for the native form upon allergenome analysis and 51.4% (18/35) for recombinant structure by ELISA. Der f 35 showed cross‐reactivity with Der f 2 and Pso o 2 in reaction with HDM‐allergic patients' IgE by ELISA inhibition assay.ConclusionDer f 35 is a candidate major allergen from D. farinae, which is more similar to group 2 allergens from sheep scab mite and storage mites. Der f 35 could be responsible for the cross‐reactivity among group 2 mite allergens.
Effect of B9 and B12 vitamin intake on semen parameters and fertility of men with MTHFR polymorphisms
Authors: Najafipour R. , Moghbelinejad S. , Aleyasin A. , Jalilvand A. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThe methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene codes a crucial enzyme which involve in folate metabolism. The effect of MTHFR gene polymorphisms on male fertility status is uncertain and controversial. We evaluated the effect of B vitamin family intake on total homocysteine content and semen parameters of men with MTHFR gene polymorphisms. MTHFR genotypes frequency and serum total homocysteine concentration were measured among 280 men with impaired spermatogenesis (asthenospermia, oligospermia, severe oligospermia and azoospermia) and 85 control participants. B vitamin family dietary intakes were assessed using a semi‐quantitative food‐frequency questionnaire. In addition, concentrations of vitamins B9 and B12 were evaluated in serum samples of some participants (n = 60). We observed significantly higher frequency of TC or TT genotypes in C677T polymorphism among oligospermic, severe oligospermic and azoospermic men. CC genotype of A1298C polymorphism was significantly higher only in azoospermic men. Also, we observed critical effect of vitamin B9 and B12 intake on decreasing of total homocysteine and improving of semen parameters among the men with T allele of MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Our investigation showed that sufficient consumption of vitamins B9 and B12 influences sperm parameters of men with different MTHFR polymorphisms, especially genotypes with T allele.
Impact of T wave amplitude in lead aVR on predicting cardiac events in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Tanaka Yoshihiro , Konno Tetsuo , Tamura Yudai , Tsuda Toyonobu , Furusho Hiroshi , Takamura Masayuki , Sakata Kenji , Yamagishi Masakazu , Hayashi Kenshi 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundT wave amplitudes during ventricular repolarization in the lead aVR (TAaVR) are shown to be associated with adverse cardiac events in patients with several cardiovascular diseases, such as postmyocardial infarction. However, the utility of TAaVR has not been previously evaluated in patients with cardiomyopathy who have received implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). Patients with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM or NICM, respectively) and who received an ICD may experience worsening of their condition due to the introduction of electric shock during treatment. This study aimed to investigate the utility of TAaVR in the prediction of cardiac events in ICM or NICM patients with ICD.MethodsNinety‐three consecutive ICM or NICM patients with ICD were retrospectively analyzed (median age: 64 years; male: 77.4%; ICD for secondary prevention: 76.3%; NICM: 64.5%). The median follow‐up period was 31 months. The primary endpoint was defined as composite cardiac events, including cardiac death, major ventricular arrhythmic events (MVAE), or hospitalization due to heart failure (HHF).ResultsMultivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that less negative TAaVR (−0.1 mV ≤ TAaVR <0 mV and 0 mV ≤ TAaVR) was independently associated with the primary endpoint (HR: 3.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–23.7; p = .04). Kaplan–Meier curve also revealed that the event free survival rate in the less negative TAaVR group was significantly lower than that in the normal TAaVR group (<−0.1 mV) (p < .01).ConclusionsTAaVR is useful in risk stratification for cardiac events in ICM or NICM patients with ICD.
Impact of atrial fibrillation detected by extended monitoring—A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Busch Mathias C. , Gross Stefan , Alte Dietrich , Kors Jan A. , Völzke Henry , Ittermann Till , Werner André , Krüger Anne , Busch Raila , Dörr Marcus , Felix Stephan B. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundThe clinical relevance of extended monitoring of AF in the general population is unclear. The study evaluated the detection of AF using transtelephonic electrocardiography and the clinical relevance of additional AF findings, especially with regard to stroke risk and mortality.MethodsThe data of 1678 volunteers participating in the tele‐ECG‐subproject of the Study of Health in Pomerania was evaluated. Occurrence of AF as revealed by tele‐ECG and conventional ECG was evaluated. Associations with mortality, history of stroke, and other clinical parameters were analyzed.ResultsAF was detected in 21 subjects (1.3%) by conventional ECG (ECG‐AF) and in 43 (2.6%) by tele‐ECG. All individuals with AF revealed by conventional ECG were also diagnosed to have AF by tele‐ECG; 22 were diagnosed by tele‐ECG only (Tele‐AF).During follow‐up (median: 6.3 years) 42/1635, 1/22, and 5/21 participants died in the no‐AF‐, tele‐AF‐, and ECG‐AF groups (p < .001). Whereas, in comparison to the no‐AF group, the risk of death was higher in the ECG‐AF group (HR 9.4; 3.7–23.8; p < .001), there was no significant increase in mortality in the tele‐AF group (HR 1.9; 0.26–14.0; p = .52).Prevalence of stroke history was higher in the ECG‐AF group (19%; 5.5–42%) than with the no‐AF (1.9%; 1.3–2.7%; p = .001) and the tele‐AF groups (0%; 0–15%; p = .05).ConclusionsTele‐ECG identifies significantly more AF cases in a population‐based setting compared to conventional ECG. The impact of AF diagnosed only by extended monitoring differs from conventionally diagnosed AF. Additional studies are warranted, since this might have an impact on clinical management.