bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Direct Embryotoxicity of Immunoglobulin G Fractions From Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: NADLER DAVID M. , KLEIN NORMAN W. , ARAMLI LILI A. , CHAMBERS BENEDICT J. , MAVES MARGARET , WENER MARK H. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To determine if IgG fractions from sera of individuals with systemic lupus erthymatosus (SLE) were toxic to cultures of whole rat embryos.METHODS: Head‐fold stage rat embryos (9.5 days of gestation) were cultured on media consisting of 50% rat serum containing IgG fractions isolated from plasmapheresis plasma of six subjects with SLE and six with other autoimmune diseases. Each fraction was tested at 11 mg/ml and those toxic were also tested at 7.5 and 4 mg/ml.RESULTS: Of the six SLE IgG fractions, four were embryotoxic (embryolethal or teratogenic) while only one of the six non‐SLE fractions were embryotoxic.CONCLUSION: IgG fractions from subjects with SLE can be toxic to cultures of whole rat embryos in the absence of maternal tissues or influence. Such cultures of whole embryos may be useful to identify those antibodies that represent a risk for fetal loss as well as to understand their mechanisms of embryotoxicity.
Study of Antisperm Antibodies Bound to the Sperm Cell Surface and Their Relationship to Circulating ASA
Authors: GANDINI LOREDANA , LENZI ANDREA , CULASSO FRANCO , LOMBARDO FRANCESCO , PAOLI DONATELLA , DONDERO FRANCO 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Direct and indirect tests for antisperm antibody (ASA) detection are commonly used in laboratories for the diagnosis of male immunological infertility. Even though the two kinds of tests study the same immunological phenomena, frequently no perfect correlation is found even on large series of patients and with precise statistical models. The aim of the present investigation was to try to establish whether biological models can explain the antibody test results and if a predictive threshold can be established for expected positivity/negativity.METHOD: The data relate to 667 patients, who were screened using the Direct Immunobead test (d‐IBT) for ASA bound to the sperm surface and with the gelatin and tray agglutination test (GAT and TAT) in sera for circulating ASA. Correlations were studied and cases of no correlation were further analyzed.RESULTS: The number of patients with a clinically significant positivity to d‐IBT (binding percentage ≥ 20%) was 134 (20.1 % of total patients). The analysis of the results of direct and indirect tests shows that the discordances are due to differences in the Ig class of immunization or to the site of epitopes involved. In fact, as far the Ig class is concerned, if d‐IBT shows a prevalent or exclusive IgG or IgA positivity, this results in a poor correlation between binding percentage to d‐IBT and GAT‐TAT titers. If both the Ig classes are involved, the level of positivity of the two kinds of test are strictly related. As far as the site of Ag‐Ab reaction on the sperm surface is concerned, the wide immunization involving all the surface sperm antigens (mixed), shown by d‐IBT, is related to higher indirect test titers.CONCLUSION: Local and systemic antisperm immunizations are strictly related and a predictive threshold of expectation can be established to explain even apparently discordant direct and indirect results.
Interaction of Heparin With Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APA) From the Sera of Women With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)
Authors: Ermel Leann D. , Marshburn Paul B. , Kutteh William H. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To determine if heparin may act directly with antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) to prevent recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).METHOD: Patients were seen at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Twenty women with a history of RPL (≥3 miscarriages), positive APA, and an otherwise normal evaluation were treated with heparin in two daily subcutaneous dosages during a successful pregnancy. APA levels were obtained prior to conception and again at 6, 20, and 30 weeks.RESULTS: Heparin reduced APA binding to cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine in a dose‐dependent fashion in ELISA. Heparin affinity chromatography absorbed over 80% of the IgG anticardiolipin antibody in serum from women with high levels of APA. Women treated with increasing dosages of heparin during pregnancy had inversely decreasing levels of IgG anticardiolipin antibody.CONCLUSION: Heparin may act by directly binding APA in vivo, thereby decreasing the adverse effects of APA in women with APA associated RPL.
Purification and Characterization of a Pregnancy‐Associated Protein: TJ6s
Authors: Mandal M. , Beaman K. D. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Characterization of the soluble form of a novel protein, TJ6 (TJ6s) with immune suppressive activity from murine fetoplacental units.METHOD: Preferential ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration and ion‐exchange chromatography were employed to purify the protein TJ6s from murine fetoplacental units using an anti‐peptide antibody as a detection tool. Biological activity of the purified protein was studied in lymphocyte proliferation assays.RESULTS: Purified TJ6s has a Mr of approximately 18 kDa as evidenced by SDS‐PAGE in both reducing and non reducing conditions. It exerted a strong anti‐proliferative activity in both anti‐CD3 and Con A proliferation lymphocyte proliferation assays but not in a PHA assay, suggesting that the anti‐proliferative effects on T cells are exerted only on cells specifically activated directly through T cell receptor complex.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that TJ6s is a novel anti‐proliferative protein that has many of the characteristics that are considered necessary for survival of the fetal allograft.
Monoclonal IgM Antiphosphatidylserine Antibody Reacts Against Cytoskeleton‐Like Structures in Cultured Human Umbilical Cord Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lin Lin , Shroyer Lois , Walter Anne , Lyden Timothy W. , Ng Ah Kau , Rote Neal S. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: It has been proposed that antibodies against phospholipid‐dependent antigens (aPLs), induce recurrent pregnancy loss and thrombosis through modulation of endothelial cell function, yet aPLs have not been conclusively shown to bind with endothelial cells.METHOD: Using indirect immunofluorescence we investigated the anti‐endothelial cell reactivity of three monoclonal antibodies that differentiate between the phospholipids cardiolipin (CL) and phosphatidylserine (PS): BA3B5C4 (CL+/PS+); 3SB9b (CL‐/PS+); and D11A4 (CL+/PS‐). Cultured umbilical cord endothelial cells were prepared without fixation or with cold acetone fixation.RESULTS: None of the aPLs reacted with endothelial cells prepared without fixation. 3SB9B reacted strongly with cytoskeletal‐like components in acetone‐fixed cells, whereas BA3B5C4 and D11A4 were unreactive. The cytoskeletal‐like binding of 3SB9b was completely blocked by a monoclonal antibody against vimentin, whereas antibodies against tubulin or actin were not inhibitory. Lipid extraction of the cells destroyed the 3SB9b reactive antigen without affecting the reactivity of anti‐vimentin.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that phospholipid‐dependent antigenic determinants are not expressed on the surface of resting endothelial cells but that a PS‐dependent antigenic determinant is associated with endothelial cell intermediate filaments.
The impact of frequently encountered cardiovascular risk factors on sexual dysfunction in rheumatic disorders
Authors: Anyfanti P. , Pyrpasopoulou A. , Triantafyllou A. , Doumas M. , Gavriilaki E. , Triantafyllou G. , Gkaliagkousi E. , Chatzimichailidou S. , Petidis K. , Avagianou P.‐A. , Zamboulis C. , Aslanidis S. , Douma S. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryTraditional cardiovascular risk factors have been acknowledged as major contributors to sexual dysfunction in the general population. The purpose of this study was to explore their impact on sexual function in rheumatologic patients. A total of 557 consecutive rheumatologic patients, 449 females and 108 males, had their sexual function evaluated with the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire respectively. Personal data regarding presence of cardiovascular risk factors were collected and analysed in association with the FSFI and IIEF scores. Mean age of the participants was 54.1 ± 14.1 years, mean body mass index was 27.5 ± 5.29 and mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 130.5 ± 19.82 and 79.5 ± 10.51 mmHg respectively. Hypertension was present in 39% of the participants, diabetes mellitus in 10.2%, dyslipidaemia in 33.6% and history of cardiovascular events in 8.6%, whereas smoking was recorded by 28.4% and alcohol consumption by 7.4%. Sexual dysfunction affected 68.6% of our study population (73.5% of females and 48.1% of males, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age was the only factor associated with a significantly higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001 for both genders, p = 0.013 in males and p < 0.001 in females). Increased age was identified as the only independent predictor of sexual dysfunction in our population. Apart from age, traditional cardiovascular risk factors failed to explain the increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction in these patients. Other contributing factors (physical and/or psychological) might account for the increased occurrence of sexual dysfunction in rheumatic disorders.
Predictors of Uncontrolled Hypertension in the Stroke Belt
Authors: Dave Gaurav J. , Bibeau Daniel L. , Schulz Mark R. , Aronson Robert E. , Ivanov Louise L. , Black Adina , Spann LaPronda 
Published: May 2013

Inadequate control of high systolic blood pressure in older adults has been largely attributable to poor control of overall hypertension (HTN). The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) guidelines emphasize the importance of controlling isolated systolic HTN in older adults. The study examined demographics, self‐reported health information, and clinical measures as predictors of uncontrolled HTN among individuals taking antihypertensive medications. The Community Initiative to Eliminate Stroke, a stroke risk factor screening and prevention project, collected data in two North Carolina counties. Statistical modeling of predictors included odds ratios (ORs) and logistic regression analyses. Of the 2663 participants, 43.5% and 22.8% had uncontrolled systolic and diastolic HTN, respectively. African Americans were more likely to have uncontrolled systolic (60%) or diastolic HTN (70.9%) compared with whites (40% and 29.1%, respectively). Participants 55 years and older were more likely to have uncontrolled systolic HTN compared with younger individuals. Regression analyses showed that race (OR, 1.239; P=.00), age (OR, 1.683; P=.00), and nonadherence with medications (OR, 2.593; P=.00) were significant predictors of uncontrolled systolic HTN. Future interventions should focus on improving management of isolated systolic HTN in older adults and African Americans to increase overall control of HTN.
Usefulness of a novel system for measuring glucose area under the curve while screening for glucose intolerance in outpatients
Authors: Sakamoto Kenya , Kubo Fumiyo , Yoshiuchi Kazutomi , Ono Akemi , Sato Toshiyuki , Tomita Koji , Sakaguchi Kazuhiko , Matsuhisa Munehide , Kaneto Hideaki , Maegawa Hiroshi , Nakajima Hiromu , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Kosugi Keisuke 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo realize the effectiveness of a novel system for measuring glucose area under the curve (AUC) using minimally invasive interstitial fluid extraction technology (MIET), outpatients undergoing oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were investigated for the efficacy of screening for glucose intolerance using this system.Materials and MethodsFifty outpatients scheduled to undergo a 75‐g OGTT for medical reasons were recruited to the study. An area of skin on the forearm was pretreated with microneedle arrays before the application of hydrogels for interstitial fluid extraction. Plasma glucose (PG) levels were measured every 30 min for 2 h to calculate reference (actual) AUC. The AUC was predicted by MIET on the basis of glucose extracted by the hydrogel using sodium ion levels as the internal standard.ResultsGood correlation between MIET‐predicted and reference AUCs obtained using PG levels was confirmed for a wide AUC range. By introducing a threshold level for AUC to separate glucose intolerance with peak glucose ≥180 mg/dL from normal glucose tolerance, the system was demonstrated to provide better screening accuracy compared with conventional methods that use HbA1c and fasting PG levels. The results of a questionnaire‐based survey administered to the subjects suggested that this system was readily accepted by the majority as a painless monitoring method.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that our glucose AUC measurement system using MIET would be useful for screening of glucose intolerance. In the future, this system may prove to be a useful aid as a screen for glucose intolerance before performing an OGTT for diagnosis.
A cluster randomised controlled trial of a nutrition education intervention in the community
Authors: Madigan S. M. , Fleming P. , Wright M. E. , Stevenson M. , MacAuley D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatients with enteral feeding tubes are increasingly managed in their home environment and these patients require support from a range of healthcare professionals.MethodsA cluster randomised trial of an educational intervention was undertaken among General Practitioners and nurses both in the community and in nursing home caring for patients recently discharged to primary care. This was a short, duration (<1 h), nutrition education programme delivered in the work place soon after the patient was discharged from hospital. The primary outcome was an improvement in knowledge immediately after the intervention and the secondary outcome was knowledge at 6 months.ResultsThose in the intervention group had improved knowledge, which was significantly greater than those in the control group (P < 0.001), although this knowledge was not sustained at 6 months.ConclusionsA short, work‐based targeted nutrition education programme is effective for improving knowledge among general practitioners and nurses both in the community and in nursing homes.
The impact of nutritional supplementation on quality of life in patients infected with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Boulhosa R. S. S. B. , Oliveira L. P. M. , Jesus R. P. , Cavalcante L. N. , Lemaire D. C. , Vinhas L. , Lyra L. G. C. , Lyra A. C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the impact of animal and vegetable protein supplementation on health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to investigate clinical and nutritional variables related to quality of life in these patients.MethodsOne hundred and forty patients infected with HCV were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Soy Group (SG; n = 72), where patients received a soy supplement diet and the Casein Group (CG; n = 68), where patients received casein as a supplement. Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical assessments were performed in all patients, and the Short‐Form Health Survey was applied at baseline and 12 weeks after study initiation.ResultsBefore supplementation, poor HRQL scores were associated with female sex (P = 0.004) and advanced fibrosis (F3/F4; P = 0.04). Reduced HRQL scores were correlated with age (r = −0.263; P = 0.002), serum albumin levels (r = 0.245; P = 0.004), lean mass (r = 0.301; P < 0.0001) and body fat percentage (r = −0.262; P = 0.002). After 12 weeks of intervention, patients in both supplementation groups showed significantly increased HRQL scores, with no difference being observed between the SG and the CG.ConclusionsNutritional therapy with either soybean or casein supplementation improved quality of life in patients infected with HCV. Quality of life was influenced by anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and sociodemographic factors in patients with HCV before nutritional supplementation.
Regrowth of transected retinal ganglion cell axons despite persistent astrogliosis in the lizard (Gallotia galloti)
Authors: del Mar Romero‐Alemán María , Monzón‐Mayor Maximina , Santos Elena , Yanes Carmen M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe analysed the astroglia response that is concurrent with spontaneous axonal regrowth after optic nerve (ON) transection in the lizard Gallotia galloti. At different post‐lesional time points (0.5, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) we used conventional electron microscopy and specific markers for astrocytes [glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin (Vim), sex‐determining region Y‐box‐9 (Sox9), paired box‐2 (Pax2)¸ cluster differentiation‐44 (CD44)] and for proliferating cells (PCNA). The experimental retina showed a limited glial response since the increase of gliofilaments was not significant when compared with controls, and proliferating cells were undetectable. Conversely, PCNA+ cells populated the regenerating ON, optic tract (OTr) and ventricular wall of both the hypothalamus and optic tectum (OT). Subpopulations of these PCNA+ cells were identified as GFAP+ and Vim+ reactive astrocytes and radial glia. Reactive astrocytes up‐regulated Vim at 1 month post‐lesion, and both Vim and GFAP at 12 months post‐lesion in the ON‐OTr, indicating long‐term astrogliosis. They also expressed Pax2, Sox9 and CD44 in the ON, and Sox9 in the OTr. Concomitantly, persistent tissue cavities and disorganised regrowing fibre bundles reaching the OT were observed. Our ultrastructural data confirm abundant gliofilaments in reactive astrocytes joined by desmosomes. Remarkably, they also accumulated myelin debris and lipid droplets until late stages, indicating their participation in myelin removal. These data suggest that persistent mammalian‐like astrogliosis in the adult lizard ON contributes to a permissive structural scaffold for long‐term axonal regeneration and provides a useful model to study the molecular mechanisms involved in these beneficial neuron–glia interactions.
The impact structured patient assessment frameworks have on patient care: an integrative review
Authors: Munroe Belinda , Curtis Kate , Considine Julie , Buckley Thomas 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate structured patient assessment frameworks' impact on patient care.BackgroundAccurate patient assessment is imperative to determine the status and needs of the patient and the delivery of appropriate patient care. Nurses must be highly skilled in conducting timely and accurate patient assessments to overcome environmental obstacles and deliver quality and safe patient care. A structured approach to patient assessment is widely accepted in everyday clinical practice, yet little is known about the impact structured patient assessment frameworks have on patient care.DesignIntegrative review.MethodsAn electronic database search was conducted using Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, PubMed and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The reference sections of textbooks and journal articles on patient assessment were manually searched for further studies. A comprehensive peer review screening process was undertaken. Research studies were selected that evaluated the impact structured patient assessment frameworks have on patient care. Studies were included if frameworks were designed for use by paramedics, nurses or medical practitioners working in prehospital or acute in‐hospital settings.ResultsTwelve studies met the inclusion criteria. There were no studies that evaluate the impact of a generic nursing assessment framework on patient care. The use of a structured patient assessment framework improved clinician performance of patient assessment. Limited evidence was found to support other aspects of patient care including documentation, communication, care implementation, patient and clinician satisfaction, and patient outcomes.ConclusionStructured patient assessment frameworks enhance clinician performance of patient assessment and hold the potential to improve patient care and outcomes; however, further research is required to address these evidence gaps, particularly in nursing.Relevance to clinical practiceAcute care clinicians should consider using structured patient assessment frameworks in clinical practice to enhance their performance of patient assessment.
Polychlorinated biphenyls disrupt cell division and tip growth in two species of fucoid algae
Authors: Hable Whitney E. , Nguyen Xuan 
Published: May 2013

Environmental contaminants, including poly‐chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are enriched in coastal sediments, and despite a 1977 moratorium by theUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency on the production ofPCBs, levels remain high, more so near former industrial plants. The effects of these contaminants on sessile species in the intertidal zone, particularly nonanimal species such as the ubiquitous fucoid brown algae, are not well known. We investigated the developmental effects of chronicPCBtreatment beginning at fertilization on two species of marine rockweed,Fucus vesiculosusLinnaeus andSilvetia compressa(J.Agardh) E.Serrão, T.O.Cho, S.M.Boo & Brawley. A mixture of the most widely usedPCBcongeners, Aroclors 1221, 1242, and 1254, was delivered at concentrations well below levels found in contaminated sediments, and resulted in severely delayed mitosis and cytokinesis in both species. InF. vesiculosus, this delay was accompanied by abnormal spindle morphology.PCBtreatment also dramatically slowed or arrested rhizoid growth after 2–4 d, and by 7 dF. vesiculosusembryos were dead; in contrast, polar secretion of adhesive, germination, and photopolar germination were not affected. The dramatic delay in the first cell division and reduction in tip growth within the first week of development are likely to compromiseS. compressa'sability to reproduce and establish new generations. Thus, the data presented here suggest thatPCBs still present in coastal sediments may be inhibiting recruitment in these species. Moreover, as sediment dredging causes temporary spikes inPCBconcentrations, these kinds of bioremediation steps may exacerbate the disruption of fucoid development.