bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of apomorphine‐induced erection and spontaneous erection in rats by telemetric assessment of intracavernosal pressure
Authors: Choo S. H. , Sung H. H. , Chae M. R. , Kang S. J. , Han D. H. , Park J. K. , So I. , Lee S. W. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryAlthough there are several methods for assessing erectile function in rats, the standard methods for telemetric monitoring have not been established. Theoretically assessment of spontaneous erection (SE) seems to be a physiologic method but it needs long measuring time and additional efforts. Apomorphine‐induced erection (AIE) is one available and simple method; however, the correlation with SE has not been assessed. We compared erection profiles of AIE and SE in normal and two disease rat models using telemetric assessment of intracavernosal pressure (ICP). Seven‐week‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to normal control, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypercholesterolemia (HC) group. After 19 weeks a telemetric pressure sensor (C40; Data Sciences) was surgically implanted in the corpus cavernosum. One week later, ICP was recorded in freely moving rats after intraperitoneal apomorphine (100 μg/kg) injection (AIE) or during SE. Sexual events were visually identified and recorded. Only the pressure increases that occurred during sexual behavior were analyzed. We compared the erectile profiles such as duration, maximal ICP and the area under the curve (AUC, area under time × ICP curves). Two‐way anova revealed no significant effect of the measuring methods on the mean AUC (F1,43 = 2.756, p‐value = 0.104), but a significant effect of different disease models on mean AUC (two‐way anova: F2,43 = 12.929, p‐value < 0.001) was observed. The mean AUC of normal control rats was significantly higher than that of DM and HC rats (Bonferroni post hoc test: p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). ICP measurements using a telemetric device showed no significant difference in AUC between AIE and SE. AIE is easy and requires less time than SE measurements. Therefore, AIE could be a useful method to evaluate ICP in rats.
Roles of extracellular Ca2+ in the occurrence of full‐type hyperactivation in boar ejaculated spermatozoa pre‐incubated to induce the cAMP‐triggered events
Authors: Kojima A. , Matsushita Y. , Ogura Y. , Ishikawa S. , Noda T. , Murase T. , Harayama H. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThere are species differences in the regulatory system for sperm capacitation and subsequent hyperactivation between livestock and laboratory animals. In livestock spermatozoa, it is poorly understood when and how extracellular Ca2+ is necessary for hyperactivation, although it has been demonstrated that the [Ca2+]i increase is indispensable to occurrence of hyperactivation. In this study, we examined necessity of extracellular Ca2+ for the initiation and maintenance of hyperactivation and then sought possible target molecule of Ca2+ that was involved in hyperactivation of boar spermatozoa. Boar ejaculated spermatozoa were pre‐incubated with a cell‐permeable cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog ‘cBiMPS’ and without CaCl2 to induce the cAMP‐triggered events including capacitation‐associated changes. Subsequently, they were incubated with CaCl2 to induce hyperactivation and then used for motility assessment. Many of the spermatozoa after the incubation exhibited full‐type hyperactivation which was characterized by high‐amplitude and extremely asymmetrical beating of whole middle piece and principal piece. The initiation of full‐type hyperactivation required the millimolar concentration of CaCl2 in the medium. However, CaCl2 of the medium was less necessary for maintenance than initiation of full‐type hyperactivation, as hyperactivated spermatozoa were barely affected by the incubation with the Ca2+‐chelating reagent. On the other hand, the pre‐treatment with the inhibitor for Ca2+‐dependent protease ‘calpain 1 and 2’ clearly suppressed the occurrence of CaCl2‐induced hyperactivation without influences on the percentages of motile spermatozoa. Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence showed distribution of calpain 2 in the middle and principal pieces in which full‐type hyperactivated spermatozoa exhibited extremely asymmetrical beating. On the basis of these results, we conclude that the millimolar concentration of extracellular Ca2+ is necessary for the initiation, but not for the maintenance of full‐type hyperactivation in boar spermatozoa that beforehand undergo the cAMP‐triggered events including capacitation‐associated changes. Moreover, we suggest possible involvement of calpain 2 in the intracellular Ca2+ signal transduction leading to full‐type hyperactivation.
Salivary lactate dehydrogenase levels can provide early diagnosis of hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy in neonates with birth asphyxia
Authors: Mehta Akshay , Chawla Deepak , Kaur Jasbinder , Mahajan Vidushi , Guglani Vishal 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTimely detection of hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is crucial for selecting neonates who are likely to benefit from neuroprotective therapy. This study evaluated the efficacy of salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the early diagnosis of HIE among neonates with perinatal asphyxia.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 30 neonates who needed resuscitation at birth or had a history of delayed cry into the HIE group if they developed HIE within 12 h of birth. The control group comprised 30 neonates who had no evidence of HIE, but had intrapartum foetal distress or needed resuscitation at birth. LDH was measured using saliva samples collected within 12 h of birth.ResultsSalivary LDH was significantly higher in the HIE group, with a median of 2578 and an interquartile range (IQR) of 1379–3408 international units per litre (IU/L), than in the control group (median 558.5, IQR: 348–924 IU/L, p < 0.001). The test demonstrated excellent discriminating ability: the area under the curve was 0.92 and the levels of 893 IU/L showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 73.3%.ConclusionMeasuring salivary LDH among neonates with birth asphyxia provided an early and accurate diagnosis of HIE and could be used as a triage tool.
A mean body temperature of 37°C for incubated preterm infants is associated with lower energy costs in the first 11 days of life
Authors: Degorre C , Décima P , Dégrugilliers L , Ghyselen L , Bach V , Libert JP , Tourneux P 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimThis randomised trial compared the energy costs of providing incubated preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation with homeothermia using either air temperature control (ATC) or skin servocontrol (SSC).MethodsWe studied 38 incubated preterm infants for the first 11 days of life, calculating the frequency of hypothermia (<36.0°C), hyperthermia (>37.5°C) and thermal challenge, together with energy costs, based on a change in incubator air temperature of 2°C above or below thermoneutrality.ResultsThe daily mean incubator air temperature was higher in ATC than SSC (p < 0.05) for the first 6 days, and the mean body temperature was higher in ATC (37.0 ± 0.03°C) than SSC (36.8 ± 0.02; p < 0.01) over the whole study period. The frequency of moderate hyperthermia was higher in ATC (p < 0.001), whereas warm and cold thermal challenges were higher in SSC (p < 0.001). The two groups did not differ in terms of energy costs. The time to recover birthweight was shorter in ATC (p < 0.05).ConclusionIn incubators using ATC, a body temperature of 37°C was associated with lower energy costs and greater weight gain at 11 days of life for preterm infants. Future studies should test SSC shielded abdominal skin temperature set to 37°C.
Treatment outcome of young children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: achievements and directions implied from Shanghai Children's Medical Centre based SCMC‐ALL‐2005 protocol
Authors: Liang Yang , Yang Lin‐Hai , Jiang Hui , Yuan Xiao‐Jun , Sun Li‐Rong , Wang Ning‐Ling , Tang Jing‐Yan 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThis multicenter study used the Shanghai Children's Medical Center (SCMC)‐ALL‐2005 protocol for treatment of young patients (<2 years old) with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), which was designed to improve treatment outcome in Chinese paediatric patients. These aims were pursued through risk‐directed stratification based on presenting clinical and genetic features, minimal residual disease (MRD) levels and treatment response. All the patients achieved completed remission with 5‐year event‐free survivals of 82·6 ± 9·7% (low risk), 52·6 ± 8·4% (intermediate risk), 28·6 ± 17·1% (high risk). Disease recurrence was detected in bone marrow, bone marrow plus testis, testis alone and central nervous system in 16 (24·2%), 1 (1·5%), 1 (1·5%) and 1 (1·5%) patients respectively. No deaths were reported during induction. The SCMC‐ALL‐2005 trial for ALL patients <2 years old indicated high remission induction and low infection and treatment‐related mortality rates.
EXPRESSION OF CONCERN: Dose‐dependent biphasic leptin‐induced proliferation is caused by non‐specific IL‐6/NF‐κB pathway activation in human myometrial cells
Authors: Barrichon Marina , Hadi Tarik , Wendremaire Maeva , Ptasinski Clémentine , Seigneuric Renaud , Marcion Guillaume , Delignette Marc , Marchet Jacques , Dumas Monique , Sagot Paul , Bardou Marc , Garrido Carmen , Lirussi Frédéric 
Published: February 2015

Background and PurposeLeptin, an adipokine synthesized by the placenta during pregnancy, has been proposed for the management of preterm labour (PTL), as it is able to prevent in vitro uterine contractility and remodelling associated with labour onset. Another common feature of labour onset is the phenotypic switch of myometrial smooth muscle cells from a proliferative to a hypertrophic state. As proliferative effects have been demonstrated for leptin in other tissues, we aimed to investigate its ability to induce myometrial proliferation and thus to maintain uterine quiescence.Experimental ApproachWe stimulated human primary myometrial smooth muscle cells with leptin in the presence or absence of receptor antagonists or signalling pathway inhibitors.Key ResultsLeptin induced myometrial cell proliferation in a biphasic manner. At 6.25 ng·mL−1, leptin‐induced proliferation was mediated by the leptin receptor and required the early activation of ERK1/2. At a concentration above 25 ng·mL−1, leptin induced direct non‐specific stimulation of the IL‐6 receptor, leading to NF‐κB activation, and exerted anti‐proliferative effects. However, at 50 ng·mL−1, leptin re‐induces proliferation via IL‐6 receptor stimulation that requires STAT3 and delayed ERK1/2 activation.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese data bring new insights into leptin signalling‐induced myometrial proliferation and its interrelationship with the IL‐6/IL‐6 receptor axis. In the light of our previous work, the present study emphasizes the potential value of leptin in the pharmacological management of PTL and it also strengthens the hypothesis that leptin might be a contributory factor in the parturition‐related disorders observed in obese women.
Endocannabinoids modulate human blood–brain barrier permeability in vitro
Authors: Hind William H , Tufarelli Cristina , Neophytou Maria , Anderson Susan I , England Timothy J , O'Sullivan Saoirse E 
Published: February 2015

Background and PurposeEndocannabinoids alter permeability at various epithelial barriers, and cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid levels are elevated by stroke, with potential neuroprotective effects. We therefore explored the role of endocannabinoids in modulating blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability in normal conditions and in an ischaemia/reperfusion model.Experimental ApproachHuman brain microvascular endothelial cell and astrocyte co‐cultures modelled the BBB. Ischaemia was modelled by oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) and permeability was measured by transepithelial electrical resistance. Endocannabinoids or endocannabinoid‐like compounds were assessed for their ability to modulate baseline permeability or OGD‐induced hyperpermeability. Target sites of action were investigated using receptor antagonists and subsequently identified with real‐time PCR.Key ResultsAnandamide (10 μM) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA, 10 μM) decreased BBB permeability (i.e. increased resistance). This was mediated by cannabinoid CB2 receptors, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels, calcitonin gene‐regulated peptide (CGRP) receptor (anandamide only) and PPARα (OEA only). Application of OEA, palmitoylethanolamide (both PPARα mediated) or virodhamine (all 10 μM) decreased the OGD‐induced increase in permeability during reperfusion. 2‐Arachidonoyl glycerol, noladin ether and oleamide did not affect BBB permeability in normal or OGD conditions. N‐arachidonoyl‐dopamine increased permeability through a cytotoxic mechanism. PPARα and γ, CB1 receptors, TRPV1 channels and CGRP receptors were expressed in both cell types, but mRNA for CB2 receptors was only present in astrocytes.Conclusion and ImplicationThe endocannabinoids may play an important modulatory role in normal BBB physiology, and also afford protection to the BBB during ischaemic stroke, through a number of target sites.
Lessons learnt from school‐based health promotion projects in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Skar M. , Kirstein E. , Kapur A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundNon‐communicable diseases (NCD) are now the leading cause of death worldwide. As habits and lifestyle are established in childhood and adolescence, targeting school children before they develop unhealthy habits offers a window of opportunity to halt and reverse the emerging NCD epidemic. However, few experiences from school interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries have been collected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review experiences of implementing school‐based health promotion interventions to identify barriers and recommendations for future interventions.MethodsA qualitative investigation of 17 school‐based health promotion interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries was conducted. Data were collected through questionnaires (15 project leaders) and in‐depth interviews with nine project leaders. The data from the questionnaires and interviews was triangulated and analysed using content analysis, where themes and categories emerging from the material were explored.ResultsThree key themes emerged from the data: 1) policy environment and stakeholder engagement, 2) health education sessions, and 3) practical health promotion activities. The themes explored the experiences and lessons learned from 17 school‐based health promotion projects in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Stakeholders at different administrative levels were important for the projects; however, stakeholders close to implementation were seen to be more engaged. Most projects conducted traditional health education lectures, which formed the basis of their intervention. Promotion of physical activity and healthy eating through participatory approaches were identified; however, barriers such as lack of areas suitable for physical activity and lack of healthy food alternatives in schools can obstruct the successful implementation of interventions.ConclusionsThis study has documented experiences with school‐based health promotion in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and has shown that schools can play an important role in facilitating NCD‐related behavioural change in children. The study recommends increased emphasis on a whole‐school approach where activities focusing on individual behavioural change are supported by interventions improving the structural environment.
Definition of a pool of epitopes that recapitulates the T cell reactivity against major house dust mite allergens
Authors: Hinz D. , Oseroff C. , Pham J. , Sidney J. , Peters B. , Sette A. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundAllergens from house dust mites (HDM) are a common cause of asthma. Der p and Der f from Dermatophagoides sp. are strong immunogens in humans. Allergen extracts are used to study T helper (Th2) cell responses to HDM, which are implicated in the development and regulation of allergic disease.ObjectiveTo define an epitope mixture that recapitulates, and might substitute for, HDM extract in terms of detecting and characterizing Th2 cell responses.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 52 HDM allergic and 10 non‐allergic individuals were stimulated with HDM extracts and assayed with a set of 178 peptides spanning mite allergens group Der p 1, 2, 23 and Der f group 1 and 2 allergens. A pool of the most dominant T cell epitopes identified in the present study and from published literature was assembled and tested for ex vivo T cell responses. Correlation with HDM‐specific IgE titres was examined.ResultsPatterns of T cell reactivity to Der p and Der f – derived peptides revealed a large number of epitopes. Clear patterns of immunodominance were apparent, with HDM allergen group 1 and 2 dominant over group 23. Furthermore, within a given antigen, 6–11 epitopes accounted for the vast majority of responses. Based on these results and published data, a comprehensive dust mite pool (DMP) of epitopes was designed and found to allow detection of ex vivo T cell responses. DMP ex vivo reactivity correlated with HDM‐specific IgE titres and was similar to that detected with commonly used HDM extracts. Ex vivo DMP stimulation was associated with a predominant Th2 response in allergic donors, and minor reactivity of T cells producing IFNÎ³, IL17 and IL10.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceA detailed map of Der p and Der f antigens defined a pool of epitopes that can be used to detect ex vivo HDM responses.
Evidence that FcRn mediates the transplacental passage of maternal IgE in the form of IgG anti‐IgE/IgE immune complexes
Authors: Bundhoo A. , Paveglio S. , Rafti E. , Dhongade A. , Blumberg R. S. , Matson A. P. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe mechanism(s) responsible for acquisition of maternal antibody isotypes other than IgG are not fully understood. This uncertainty is a major reason underlying the continued controversy regarding whether cord blood (CB) IgE originates in the mother or fetus.ObjectiveTo investigate the capacity of maternal IgE to be transported across the placenta in the form of IgG anti‐IgE/IgE immune complexes (ICs) and to determine the role of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in mediating this process.MethodsMaternal and CB serum concentrations of IgE, IgG anti‐IgE, and IgG anti‐IgE/IgE ICs were determined in a cohort of allergic and non‐allergic mother/infant dyads. Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells stably transfected with human FcRn were used to study the binding and transcytosis of IgE in the form of IgG anti‐IgE/IgE ICs.ResultsMaternal and CB serum concentrations of IgG anti‐IgE/IgE ICs were highly correlated, regardless of maternal allergic status. IgG anti‐IgE/IgE ICs generated in vitro bound strongly to FcRn‐expressing MDCK cells and were transcytosed in an FcRn‐dependent manner. Conversely, monomeric IgE did not bind to FcRn and was not transcytosed. IgE was detected in solutions of transcytosed IgG anti‐IgE/IgE ICs, even though essentially all the IgE remained in complex form. Similarly, the majority of IgE in CB sera was found to be complexed to IgG.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThese data indicate that human FcRn facilitates the transepithelial transport of IgE in the form of IgG anti‐IgE/IgE ICs. They also strongly suggest that the majority of IgE in CB sera is the result of FcRn‐mediated transcytosis of maternal‐derived IgG anti‐IgE/IgE ICs. These findings challenge the widespread perception that maternal IgE does not cross the placenta. Measuring maternal or CB levels of IgG anti‐IgE/IgE ICs may be a more accurate predictor of allergic risk.
Is there a role for an ultrasensitive thyroglobulin assay in patients with serum antithyroglobulin antibodies? A large (Australian) cohort study in differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: McGrath Rachel T. , Preda Veronica A. , Clifton‐Bligh Philip , Robinson Bruce , Sywak Mark , Delbridge Leigh , Ward Peter , Clifton‐Bligh Roderick J. , Learoyd Diana L. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjectiveSerum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a marker of residual differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after total thyroidectomy; however, circulating antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) may interfere with the immunoassay for Tg. Ultrasensitive assays may have a more significant role in detecting circulating Tg in the context of samples containing TgAb. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of ultrasensitive thyroglobulin (US‐Tg) measurement compared to standard Tg measurement and to assess the influence of serum TgAb positivity on Tg detection in a large tertiary referral centre cohort in Australia.DesignAll patients with DTC who had undergone total thyroidectomy were included in this retrospective, observational cohort study.PatientsPatients providing samples for the period of June 2006 until January 2014 were analysed. Three thousand two hundred and eight samples were measured at the same points in time, enabling serum Tg assays to be compared for the same TSH status (stimulated or suppressed).MeasurementsThe standard assay, the Siemens Immulite 2000 Tg assay, was compared to the serum ultrasensitive ELISA RSR™ Tg. TgAb were simultaneously measured using Abbott Architect or Immulite 2000.ResultsThere were 3019 samples included in the final analysis for comparison of the standard and ultrasensitive assays along with TgAb status. The majority of samples were TgAb negative (87%), with 48% of TgAb‐negative samples associated with an undetectable serum Tg, suggestive of disease‐free status at the time of sampling. Of note, 26% (n = 104) of the TgAb‐positive samples were positive for Tg on the ultrasensitive Tg assay, but negative on the immulite Tg assay, and 62·5% (n = 65) of these samples corresponded to DTC recurrence.ConclusionThe US‐Tg assay has greater clinical utility than the standard immulite Tg assay specifically in the scenario of antibody positivity, with a significant number of samples corresponding to clinically relevant recurrent or metastatic disease.
Safety and effectiveness of propofol‐based monitored anesthesia care without intubation during endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric and esophageal cancers
Authors: Nonaka Satoru , Kawaguchi Yosuke , Oda Ichiro , Nakamura Jun , Sato Chiko , Kinjo Yuzuru , Abe Seiichiro , Suzuki Haruhisa , Yoshinaga Shigetaka , Sato Tetsufumi , Saito Yutaka 
Published: February 2015

Background and AimEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) becomes more difficult with an increased risk of complications if patient sedation is insufficient. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of propofol‐based monitored anesthesia care (MAC) without intubation during ESD for early esophageal cancer (EEC) or early gastric cancer (EGC) in the endoscopy room.MethodsWe investigated 1013 consecutive patients with 1126 lesions who underwent ESD for EGC/EEC with either MAC or regular sedation by endoscopists (control group) between July 2010 and March 2013. Patient characteristics, endoscopic findings, technical results, body movement, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and drug dosages were then examined.ResultsMAC was carried out in 137 EGC (16%) and 82 EEC patients (57%), whereas regular sedation was used in 731 EGC (84%) and 63 EEC patients (43%). MAC was conducted in 21% of all ESD procedures. In the MAC and control groups, body movement requiring a third person for control occurred in 30 (22%) and 533 (72%) cases during gastric ESD (P < 0.0001) and in 36 (44%) and 53 (84%) cases during esophageal ESD (P < 0.0001), respectively. The median minimum SpO2 was significantly lower in the MAC group than in the control group during both gastric and esophageal ESD (96% vs 98%, P < 0.0001; 96% vs 98%, P < 0.0004, respectively). MAC did not cause any adverse effects requiring prolongation of hospitalization.ConclusionsPropofol‐based MAC without intubation provided a safer treatment environment by significantly reduced body movement and was very effective for difficult cases requiring longer procedure times or more powerful sedation.