bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractAimTo 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.BackgroundThe 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.DesignA 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.MethodsThe 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.DiscussionThe 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

AbstractAimTo assess and understand the barriers faced by Vietnamese marital immigrant women who do not regularly undergo cervical screenings in Southeast Taiwan.BackgroundStudies 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.DesignA qualitative, descriptive inquiry design was adopted.MethodsThis 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.FindingsThe barriers to receiving cervical screening were lack of health literacy, lack of female healthcare providers, negative perceptions of cervical screening and personal reasons.ConclusionThe 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

AbstractOrnaments 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

AbstractBackgroundThe 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsOf 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.ConclusionsObesity 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.
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 objectivesTo identify and describe nonpharmacological interventions for the management of fatigue that are within the scope of nursing practice.BackgroundFatigue 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.DesignLiterature review.MethodsMultiple 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionPsycho‐education was evaluated in several studies and demonstrated effectiveness when delivered in both acute and community settings.Relevance to clinical practiceThis 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 objectivesTo 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.BackgroundPatient‐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.DesignA quasi‐experimental study design was used.MethodsSeventy 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.ResultsMean 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.ConclusionsFor 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 practiceFor 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

ABSTRACTLas 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.