bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of multi-oocyte follicles in aquaporin 8-deficient mice
Authors: Su Weiheng , Guan Xingang , Zhang Di , Sun Meiyan , Yang Longfei , Yi Fei , Hao Feng , Feng Xuechao , Ma Tonghui 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Granulosa cells play a key role in folliculogenesis and female reproduction. Our previous study demonstrated that water channel aquaporin-8 (AQP8) is expressed in mouse follicular granulosa cells and is an important determinant of granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular maturation. More roles of AQP8 in folliculogenesis remain to be determined.

Findings
The present study reports the increased occurrence of multi-oocyte follicles (MOFs) in ovaries of AQP8 knockout mice. The MOFs in AQP8-deficient ovaries contained two or three oocytes, and distributed at various follicle stages including primary (12.5%), secondary (50%), antral (18.8%) and atretic (18.8%) follicles in 5-week ovaries. The MOF is occasionally seen in wild-type ovary only in primary and secondary follicles. The number of MOFs in AQP8-deficient ovary reduced with age (26.7 +/− 5.2 per ovary at 5 weeks old, 14 +/− 5.5 at 10 weeks old, and 3.3 +/− 5.1 at 20 weeks old). mRNA expression of AQP5, AQP7, AQP8, AQP11 and AQP12 was detected in neonatal mouse ovaries and in granulosa cells in 4 week old mouse ovaries. The expression of AQP7, AQP11 and AQP12 mRNAs are decreased significantly in neonatal AQP8-deficient ovaries, whereas AQP5 mRNA expression remains unchanged.

Conclusions
The emergence of MOFs is associated with AQP8 deficiency. The study suggested the involvement of AQP8 in the formation of follicles and provided new insight into the molecular mechanisms of folliculogenesis.
Male involvement in sexual and reproductive health in the Mendi district, Southern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea: a descriptive study
Authors: Kura Sally , Vince John , Crouch-Chivers Paul 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundLack of male involvement and support for sexual and reproductive health services is seen by many Papua New Guinean women as a barrier to accessing services. Poor utilization of services by both men and women is reflected in high maternal mortality and high rates of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in the Southern Highlands Province. It is therefore important to understand the type of services provided, men’s perceptions of these services and the Health Sector’s capacity to involve men in its programs.MethodsInformation from interviews of married men, officers in charge of health facilities, and information from a focus group discussion with village leaders was collected to assess possible constraints to reproductive and sexual health care delivery.ResultsAlthough many men had heard about antenatal care, supervised births, family planning and sexually transmitted infections including, HIV/AIDS, many were unaware of their importance and of the types of services provided to address these issues. There was a very strong association between men’s literacy and their knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues, their discussion of these issues with their wives and their wives’ utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services. Some men considered SRH services to be important but gave priority to social obligations. Although men made most decisions for sexual and reproductive issues, pregnancy, child birth and rearing of children were regarded as women’s responsibilities. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS appeared to have changed sexual behaviour in some men. Services for men in this rural setting were inadequate and service providers lacked the capacity to involve men in reproductive health issues.ConclusionPoor knowledge, socio-cultural factors and inadequate and inappropriate services for men hampered utilization of services and impaired support for their wives’ service utilization. Programmatic and policy initiatives should focus on improving service delivery to accommodate men in sexual and reproductive health.
Talking about links between sexually transmitted infections and infertility with college and university students from SE England, UK: a qualitative study
Authors: Goundry A Lauren R , Finlay Emma R , Llewellyn Carrie D 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea are largely symptomless diseases which, left untreated, can result in serious complications including infertility. Fertility problems currently affect approximately one in seven couples in the UK and there is increasing demand for couples seeking reproductive technologies. Young people are at greatest risk of contracting STIs, therefore this study aimed to identify young people’s knowledge and beliefs about the link between untreated STIs and infertility.

Methods
Focus groups were conducted with participants aged 16–24 years old inclusive in college or university settings in the SE of England. Groups were quota sampled on the basis of age and gender. A topic guide was used. The data were analysed using a framework analysis approach.

Results
Ten single-sex focus groups were conducted with sixty participants: six groups of college students and four groups of university students. Participants were generally aware of the link between STIs and potential infertility and considered the discussion of this subject very relevant at their age. Knowledge about how and why STIs potentially lead to fertility complications was poor. The issues of blame relating to infertility following an STI emerged, although most participants did not think that access to free reproductive technologies after an untreated STI should be limited.

Conclusions
Young people would benefit from more education in order to improve their understanding of the long-term consequences of untreated STIs, such as infertility. Participants in our sample felt these were extremely relevant and important issues for them to understand alongside current education about STIs.
A survey of manual vacuum aspiration’s experiences among the new medical graduates in Thailand
Authors: Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Boonthai Nongluk , Tangthasana Sasikan , Putthasri Weerasak , Tangcharoensathien Viroj , Chaturachinda Kamheang 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundDespite Thai laws permitting abortion conducted by registered medical practitioners, unsafe abortion still kills and maims Thai women as a result of inadequate access to safe abortion services. Surgical evacuation of the uterus by manual vacuum aspirator (MVA) is a safe and effective technique recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. This study assessed new medical graduates’ MVA experiences during their clinical years in medical schools.MethodsCross-sectional questionnaire surveys on all new medical graduates participating in the annual assembly arranged by the Ministry of Public Health in 2010 and 2012 were applied. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis.ResultsThe significant minority of new graduates (44% and 43% in 2010 and 2012 batches) had seen but never used MVA. The proportion of graduates who had ‘never seen’ reduced from 32% in 2010 to 23% in 2012 while the proportion of ‘ever used’ had noticeably increased from 24% to 34% in corresponding years. Graduates from medical schools outside Bangkok and vicinity and those reporting confidence in their surgical skills tended to have more MVA experience. The 2012 graduation year was also positively related to higher experience on MVA.ConclusionThough the proportion of graduates who had ever used MVA was still low in 2012, a positive change from that in 2010 was observed. Medical schools outside Bangkok and vicinity provided more opportunities for learning MVA. It is recommended that medical schools, especially in Bangkok and vicinity should provide more MVA learning opportunities for students. Adequate training and regular hands-on MVA practice should be incorporated into a wide range of clinical practice.
An approach for differentiating echovirus 30 and Japanese encephalitis virus infections in acute meningitis/encephalitis: a retrospective study of 103 cases in Vietnam
Authors: Takamatsu Yuki , Uchida Leo , Nga Phan Thi , Okamoto Kenta , Nabeshima Takeshi , Thao Dang Thi Thu , Hai Do Thien , Tuyet Nguyen Thi , Duc Hoang Minh , Luat Le Xuan , Hasebe Futoshi , Morita Kouichi 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn recent decades, Echovirus 30 (E30) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) have been reported to be the common causative agents of acute meningitis among patients in South East Asia. An E30 outbreak in Vietnam in 2001–2002 gained our interest because the initial clinical diagnosis of infected patients was due to JEV infection. There are few clinical insights regarding E30 cases, and there are no reports comparing E30 and JEV acute meningitis/encephalitis cases based on clinical symptoms and case histories. We therefore aimed to identify reliable clinical methods to differentiate E30 and JEV acute meningitis/encephalitis.MethodsA retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted to compare E30 and JEV acute meningitis/encephalitis cases. We collected and analyzed the clinical records of 43 E30 confirmed cases (E30 group) and 60 JEV confirmed cases (JEV group). Clinical data were compared between the E30 and the JEV groups. Differences of clinical parameters were analyzed by certain statistical tests.ResultsFever, headache, and vomiting were the most common symptoms in both the E30 and the JEV groups. Combined symptoms of headache and vomiting and the triad of symptoms of fever, headache, and vomiting were observed in more patients in the E30 group (E30 vs. JEV: 19% vs. 0%, p < 0.001; 74% vs. 27%, p < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, strong neurological symptoms such as seizure (5% vs. 73%, p < 0.001) and altered consciousness (12% vs. 97%, p < 0.001) were manifested primarily in the JEV group. CSF leukocytosis was observed predominantly in the E30 group (80 vs. 18 cells/μL, p = 0.003), whereas decreasing CSF sugar level was observed predominantly in the JEV group (58.7 vs. 46.9 mg/dL, p < 0.001).ConclusionFever, headache, vomiting, absence of neurological symptoms (seizure, altered consciousness), and presence of CSF leukocytosis are important parameters to consider in differentiating E30 from JEV cases during early infection. Then, proper measures can be adopted immediately to prevent the spread of the disease in the affected areas.
Effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural therapy-based rehabilitation programme (Progressive Goal Attainment Program) for patients who are work-disabled due to back pain: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Raftery Miriam N , Murphy Andrew W , O’Shea Eamon , Newell John , McGuire Brian E 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Psychologically informed rehabilitation programmes such as the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP) have the potential to address pain-related disability by targeting known psychological factors that inhibit rehabilitation progress. However, no randomised controlled trials of this intervention exist and it has not been evaluated in the Irish health service context. Our objective was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the PGAP in a multicentre randomised controlled trial with patients who are work-disabled due to back pain.

Methods and design
Adult patients (ages 18 years and older) with nonmalignant back pain who are work-disabled because of chronic pain and not involved in litigation in relation to their pain were invited to take part. Patients were those who show at least one elevated psychosocial risk factor (above the 50th percentile) on pain disability, fear-based activity avoidance, fatigue, depression or pain catastrophizing. Following screening, patients are randomised equally to the intervention or control condition within each of the seven trial locations. Patients allocated to the control condition receive usual medical care only. Patients allocated to the PGAP intervention condition attend a maximum of 10 weekly individual sessions of structured active rehabilitation in addition to usual care. Sessions are delivered by a clinical psychologist and focus on graded activity, goal-setting, pacing activity and cognitive-behavioural therapy techniques to address possible barriers to rehabilitation.
The primary analysis will be based on the amount of change on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire posttreatment. We will also measure changes in work status, pain intensity, catastrophizing, depression, fear avoidance and fatigue. Outcome measures are collected at baseline, posttreatment and 12-month follow-up. Health-related resource use is also collected pre- and posttreatment and at 12-month follow-up to evaluate cost-effectiveness.

Discussion
This study will be the first randomized controlled trial of the PGAP in chronic pain patients and will provide important information about the clinical and cost effectiveness of the programme as well as its feasibility in the context of the Irish health service.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN61650533
Expression of CD44v6 and integrin-β1 for the prognosis evaluation of pancreatic cancer patients after cryosurgery
Authors: Zhou Gang , Chiu David , Qin Dajiang , Niu Lizhi , Cai Jinlei , He Lihua , Tan Dongfeng , Xu Kecheng 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Many previous studies demonstrated that cell adhesion molecules CD44v6 and integrin-β1 had been extensively investigated as potential prognostic markers of various cancers. However, data in PC are scarce.

Methods
We now investigate CD44v6 and integrin-β1 mRNA expression in PBMC by a triplex real-time RT-PCR assay and protein expression in plasma by ELISA. All specimens were collected from 54 PC patients who received the treatment of cryosurgery as well as 20 healthy individuals (control).

Results
The mRNA and protein expression levels of CD44v6 and integrin-β1 in patients were significantly increased compared with control group (P<0.05). The high CD44v6 mRNA and protein expression were significantly correlated with clinical stage, tumor differentiation, LNM, liver metastasis and decreased median DFS (P<0.05), while the high integrin-β1 mRNA and protein expression were significantly correlated with clinical stage, LNM, liver metastasis and decreased median DFS (P<0.05). Clinical stage, LNM, liver metastasis, CD44v6 mRNA and protein expression were the independent predictors of survival in PC patients (P<0.05). Moreover, CD44v6 and integrin-β1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased in patients in 3 months after cryosurgery (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in CD44v6 mRNA and protein expression between patients in 3 months after cryosurgery and control group (P>0.05).

Conclusion
CD44v6 and integrin-β1 mRNA and protein expression in blood may serve as biomarkers for the development and metastasis of PC, and as prognostic indicators for PC. They may become useful predictors in assessing outcome of PC patients after cryosurgery.

Virtual slides
The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/4035308681009006
Lingual orthodontics for children and adolescents: improvement of the indirect bonding protocol
Authors: Beyling Frauke , Schwestka-Polly Rainer , Wiechmann Dirk 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Demineralization of the dental enamel is a finding associated with fixed orthodontic treatment. When an indirect bonding procedure is used in children and adolescents the area beneath the bracket base may be affected.

Aim
To evaluate if the addition of an extra layer of a hydrophilic resin, to a conventional indirect bonding protocol, can reduce the incidence of demineralization beneath the bracket base.

Methods
40 patients under 18 years of age were treated with completely customized lingual appliances. Two different bonding protocols were used either with or without the application of an additional layer of hydrophilic resin. Demineralization beneath the bracket base, after de-bonding, was evaluated by standardized intra-oral photographs.

Results
The addition of an extra layer of a hydrophilic resin helps to reduce the number of demineralized areas beneath the bracket bases significantly (three times less). The severity of the few remaining defects were minor and without any clinical consequence.

Conclusion
When bonding a completely customized lingual appliance in children and adolescents, an extra layer of a hydrophilic resin should be added to the teeth.
Rapamycin increases survival in ALS mice lacking mature lymphocytes
Authors: Staats Kim A , Hernandez Sara , Schönefeldt Susann , Bento-Abreu André , Dooley James , Van Damme Philip , Liston Adrian , Robberecht Wim , Van Den Bosch Ludo 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease. Disease pathophysiology is complex and not yet fully understood, but is proposed to include the accumulation of misfolded proteins, as aggregates are present in spinal cords from ALS patients and in ALS model organisms. Increasing autophagy is hypothesized to be protective in ALS as it removes these aggregates. Rapamycin is frequently used to increase autophagy, but is also a potent immune suppressor. To properly assess the role of rapamycin-induced autophagy, the immune suppressive role of rapamycin should be negated.

Findings
Autophagy is increased in the spinal cord of ALS mice. Dietary supplementation of rapamycin increases autophagy, but does not increase the survival of mutant SOD1 mice. To measure the effect of rapamycin in ALS independent of immunosuppression, we tested the effect of rapamycin in ALS mice deficient of mature lymphocytes. Our results show that rapamycin moderately increases the survival of these ALS mice deficient of mature lymphocytes.

Conclusions
Rapamycin could suppress protective immune responses while enhancing protective autophagy reactions during the ALS disease process. While these opposing effects can cancel each other out, the use of immunodeficient mice allows segregation of effects. Our results indicate that maximal therapeutic benefit may be achieved through the use of compounds that enhance autophagy without causing immune suppression.
The CARE guidelines: consensus-based clinical case reporting guideline development
Authors: Gagnier Joel J , Kienle Gunver , Altman Douglas G , Moher David , Sox Harold , Riley David ,   the CARE Group
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
A case report is a narrative that describes, for medical, scientific, or educational purposes, a medical problem experienced by one or more patients. Case reports written without guidance from reporting standards are insufficiently rigorous to guide clinical practice or to inform clinical study design.

Primary Objective. Develop, disseminate, and implement systematic reporting guidelines for case reports.

Methods
We used a three-phase consensus process consisting of (1) pre-meeting literature review and interviews to generate items for the reporting guidelines, (2) a face-to-face consensus meeting to draft the reporting guidelines, and (3) post-meeting feedback, review, and pilot testing, followed by finalization of the case report guidelines.

Results
This consensus process involved 27 participants and resulted in a 13-item checklist—a reporting guideline for case reports. The primary items of the checklist are title, key words, abstract, introduction, patient information, clinical findings, timeline, diagnostic assessment, therapeutic interventions, follow-up and outcomes, discussion, patient perspective, and informed consent.

Conclusions
We believe the implementation of the CARE (CAse REport) guidelines by medical journals will improve the completeness and transparency of published case reports and that the systematic aggregation of information from case reports will inform clinical study design, provide early signals of effectiveness and harms, and improve healthcare delivery.
Improvement of n-butanol tolerance in Escherichia coliby membrane-targeted tilapia metallothionein
Authors: Chin Wei-Chih , Lin Kuo-Hsing , Chang Jui-Jen , Huang Chieh-Chen 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Though n-butanol has been proposed as a potential transportation biofuel, its toxicity often causes oxidative stress in the host microorganism and is considered one of the bottlenecks preventing its efficient mass production.

Results
To relieve the oxidative stress in the host cell, metallothioneins (MTs), which are known as scavengers for reactive oxygen species (ROS), were engineered in E. coli hosts for both cytosolic and outer-membrane-targeted (osmoregulatory membrane protein OmpC fused) expression. Metallothioneins from human (HMT), mouse (MMT), and tilapia fish (TMT) were tested. The host strain expressing membrane-targeted TMT showed the greatest ability to reduce oxidative stresses induced by n-butanol, ethanol, furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and nickel. The same strain also allowed for an increased growth rate of recombinant E. coli under n-butanol stress. Further experiments indicated that the TMT-fused OmpC protein could not only function in ROS scavenging but also regulate either glycine betaine (GB) or glucose uptake via osmosis, and the dual functional fusion protein could contribute in an enhancement of the host microorganism’s growth rate.

Conclusions
The abilities of scavenging intracellular or extracellular ROS by these engineering E. coli were examined, and TMT show the best ability among three MTs. Additionally, the membrane-targeted fusion protein, OmpC-TMT, improved host tolerance up to 1.5% n-butanol above that of TMT which is only 1%. These results presented indicate potential novel approaches for engineering stress tolerant microorganism strains.