bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First trimester interleukin‐6 levels help to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in both thyroid autoantibody positive and negative patients
Authors: Oztas Efser , Erkenekli Kudret , Ozler Sibel , Aktas Aynur , Buyukkagnıcı Umran , Uygur Dilek , Danisman Nuri 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study is to compare pregnancy outcomes among patients with and without thyroid antibodies and/or subclinical hypothyroidism and investigate whether there is an association between first trimester maternal plasma interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes.MethodsA case‐control study was carried out including 83 pregnant women (40 thyroid antibody positive and 43 healthy controls). The predictive value of first trimester maternal plasma IL‐6 levels on adverse pregnancy outcomes were investigated. The optimal cut‐off points of IL‐6 for determining maternal and fetal outcomes were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analyses.ResultsCompared with the control, median IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in thyroid antibody positive pregnancies (median 1.58 vs 1.63 pg/mL; P = 0.047). IL‐6 levels were found to be significantly higher in women who had suffered a miscarriage (P = 0.002), preterm delivery (P < 0.001), intrauterine growth restriction (P = 0.047), preterm premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.043) and overall prenatal complications (P < 0.001). A statistically significant negative correlation between gestational week at birth and IL‐6 levels was also determined among all participants involved in the study (r = ‐0.385, P < 0.001).ConclusionIL‐6 levels are significantly increased in thyroid antibody positive patients and predictive for future adverse outcomes, irrespective of thyroid autoimmunity. Increased first trimester IL‐6 levels independently predict adverse pregnancy outcomes, regardless of subclinical hypothyroidism.
Pancytopenia in the first trimester: An indicator of hidden hyperthyroidism
Authors: Imai Ken , Ohkuchi Akihide , Nagayama Shiho , Saito Shinsuke , Matsubara Shigeki , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPancytopenia in the first trimester is very rare. A 33‐year‐old multiparous woman presented with nausea, loss of appetite, and bodyweight loss of 7.4 kg at 91/7 weeks of gestation due to hyperemesis gravidarum. Her laboratory data demonstrated pancytopenia involving white blood cell count of 3500/μL, a hemoglobin level of 9.8 g/dL, and a platelet count of 10.5 × 104/μL. An extensive investigation into the causes of the pancytopenia detected true hyperthyroidism: thyroid‐stimulating hormone, <0.02 μU/mL; free triiodothyronine, 11.25 pg/mL; free thyroxine, 4.74 ng/dL; and anti‐thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, 12.2 IU/L. Propylthiouracil was started at a dose of 300 mg/day at 105/7 weeks of gestation, which resulted in the normalization of her blood parameters and concomitant improvements in her free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels at 120/7 weeks of gestation. Pancytopenia in the first trimester might be indicative of hidden hyperthyroidism.
Unilateral Hemilaminectomy for Intradural Lesions
Authors: Mobbs Ralph J , Maharaj Monish M , Phan Kevin , Rao Prashanth J 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveUnilateral hemilaminectomy (UHIL), an alternative surgical approach to intradural lesions, involves a unilateral approach to meningeal opening that provides an adequate window for tumor extraction while leaving most of the vertebral structures intact. The techniques and results of a modified hemilaminectomy technique with spinal endoscopy is discussed and limited unilateral hemilaminectomy for intradural tumors (UHIT) evaluated prospectively.MethodsRelevant clinical variables, operative reports, histological findings, pre‐ and post‐operative imaging, and follow‐up data for 11 consecutive patients (five males, six females; mean age 63.36 ± 20.69 years) who underwent modified hemilaminectomy over a 3 year time period were analyzed. Contrast‐enhanced MRI was used to demonstrate the side, size and location of the suspected tumor or intradural lesion and CT to evaluate the bone anatomy. Post‐operative MRI and CT allowed evaluation of anatomy following resection.ResultsLesions included meningiomas (n = 2), neuromas (n = 3), and metastases, cysts or gliomas (n = 6). Pre‐operative indications in order of incidence included cord compression, claudication, lower back pain, radiculopathy, paraplegia, weakness, incontinence, and generalized neuro‐deterioration. There were no major complications, and no spinal deformity or instability at final follow up (mean, 13 months; range, 3–36 months).ConclusionOur data suggest that there is a place for the UHIT approach. This minimally invasive approach is useful for resecting all intradural tumors. UHIL is a useful minimally invasive technique for resecting intradural spinal tumors with maximal preservation of musculoligamentous attachments and posterior bony elements and should be considered an improvement on currently employed techniques.
Effects of Ezrin and Heat Shock Protein 70 on Apoptosis and Proliferation of Human Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Yao Qin , Zhao Hui‐yi , Xie Bo‐zhen 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of knocking down ezrin expression in combination with heat shock protein (HSP)‐induced immune killing on the apoptosis and proliferation of mouse osteosarcoma cells.MethodsThe HSP70 and ezrin‐shRNA DNA fragments cloned into the expression vector pGFP‐V‐RS and the expression vectors pGFP‐V‐RS‐shRNA and pGFP‐V‐RS‐shRNA‐HSP70 constructed and transfected into MG63 cell line, where their status was observed by fluorescent microscopy. Expression of ezrin and HSP70 was determined by RT‐PCR and western blot. Changes in cell apoptosis and proliferation were assessed by flow cytometry and MTS and changes in expression of apoptosis and cell cycle‐related proteins by western blot. Specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were induced by HSP70 and its lethal effect on target MG63 tumor cells analyzed by MTS assay.ResultsThe specific vector simultaneously downregulated ezrin and upregulatedHSP70. Compared with ezrin knockdown alone, simultaneousHSP70 overexpression partially recovered the promoted cellular apoptosis and proliferation suppression by induced by ezrin knockdown; however, the apoptosis rate ofMG63 cells was significantly greater than that of a negative control. In addition, ezrin‐shRNAand ezrin‐shRNA/HSP70 promoted expression ofBax. However, expression of these agents reducesBcl‐2 andCyclinD1.The cytotoxic effects ofCTLson targetMG63 tumor cells were significantly greater in theCTL+IL‐2 +HSP70 group than theCTL+IL‐2 group.ConclusionsSimultaneously knocking down ezrin and overexpressingHSP70 promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of osteosarcoma cells andHSP70 inducesCTL,enhancing the lethal effect on tumor cells.
Isthmus‐guided Cortical Bone Trajectory Reduces Postoperative Increases in Serum Creatinine Phosphokinase Concentrations
Authors: Ohkawa Toshika , Iwatsuki Koichi , Ohnishi Yu‐ichiro , Ninomiya Koshi , Yoshimine Toshiki 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether an isthmus‐guided cortical bone trajectory (CBT) technique provides better clinical outcomes than the original cortical bone trajectory CBT technique for screw fixation.MethodsA consecutive series of 21 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis who had undergone CBT screw fixation using the original technique from June 2012 to February 2013 and 33 who had undergone the isthmus‐guided technique from March 2013 to August 2014 was retrospectively reviewed. The number of screws inserted, interbody fusion and screw misplacements, amount of blood loss, and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) ratios (postoperative day 1 CPK/preoperative CPK) were reviewed to evaluate clinical outcomes and compared between the original and isthmus‐guided CBT techniques.ResultsPostoperative serum CPK concentrations were significantly lower with the isthmus‐guided than the original CBT technique (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in age, blood loss, or number of screws, vertebral interbody fusions and patients with history of previous decompression surgery at the same level. There was a trend to higher incidence of screw misplacement with the original than the isthmus‐guided CBT technique; this difference was not significant (P = 0.53). There were no major intraoperative complications. In all the CBT procedures performed in our institution, almost half (47%) the screw misplacements have occurred at the level of L5, and most on the right side.ConclusionsRight‐handed operators should take care inserting screws on the right side. From the viewpoint of screw misplacement, isthmus‐guided CBT provides superior or equivalent safety to the original CBT technique.
Genomics of crop wild relatives: expanding the gene pool for crop improvement
Authors: Brozynska Marta , Furtado Agnelo , Henry Robert J. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryPlant breeders require access to new genetic diversity to satisfy the demands of a growing human population for more food that can be produced in a variable or changing climate and to deliver the high‐quality food with nutritional and health benefits demanded by consumers. The close relatives of domesticated plants, crop wild relatives (CWRs), represent a practical gene pool for use by plant breeders. Genomics of CWR generates data that support the use of CWR to expand the genetic diversity of crop plants. Advances in DNA sequencing technology are enabling the efficient sequencing of CWR and their increased use in crop improvement. As the sequencing of genomes of major crop species is completed, attention has shifted to analysis of the wider gene pool of major crops including CWR. A combination of de novo sequencing and resequencing is required to efficiently explore useful genetic variation in CWR. Analysis of the nuclear genome, transcriptome and maternal (chloroplast and mitochondrial) genome of CWR is facilitating their use in crop improvement. Genome analysis results in discovery of useful alleles in CWR and identification of regions of the genome in which diversity has been lost in domestication bottlenecks. Targeting of high priority CWR for sequencing will maximize the contribution of genome sequencing of CWR. Coordination of global efforts to apply genomics has the potential to accelerate access to and conservation of the biodiversity essential to the sustainability of agriculture and food production.
PPR‐B‐31: a new maintainer allele in the male‐fertility restorer gene of radish (Raphanus sativus) Ogura cytoplasm
Authors: Hawliczek‐Strulak Anna , Bartoszewski Grzegorz , Słomnicka Renata , Korzeniewska Aleksandra , Delourme Régine , Bartkowiak‐Broda Iwona , Niemirowicz‐Szczytt Katarzyna 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe PPR‐B gene is responsible for male‐fertility restoration of the Ogura‐type male‐sterile radish plants, and it is located in the complex Rfo locus in the vicinity of similar PPR‐A gene and PPR‐C pseudogene. The aim of this study was to identify PPR‐B alleles and understand the structure of the Rfo locus in radish breeding lines. Five lines of radish with normal male‐fertile cytoplasm were tested. The entire PPR‐B gene was amplified, sequenced and allelic PPR‐B sequences were identified. The results indicated that the maintainer lines 7, 15 and 21 contained a non‐restoring form of PPR‐B protein. A unique PPR‐B was found in lines 24/15 and 31 that are restorer and maintainer lines, respectively. The substitutions might be responsible for the loss of a restoring function of the PPR‐B‐31 allele. Amplification of the PPR‐A/PPR‐B and PPR‐B/PPR‐C intergenic regions allowed to identify rearrangements within Rfo locus. Obtained results confirm the wide allelic variation within the Rfo locus, as well as high genetic complexity of the fertility restoration mechanism in radish.
Baseline symptom severity predicts serotonin transporter change during psychotherapy in patients with major depression
Authors: Joensuu Mikko , Ahola Pasi , Knekt Paul , Lindfors Olavi , Saarinen Pirjo , Tolmunen Tommi , Valkonen‐Korhonen Minna , Vanninen Ritva , Jääskeläinen Tuija , Virtala Esa , Kuikka Jyrki , Tiihonen Jari , Lehtonen Johannes 
Published: August 2015

AimsThe role of the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the pathophysiology of depression is unclear and only a few follow‐up studies exist. Our aim was to measure changes in SERT availability during psychodynamic psychotherapy in patients with major depression over a follow‐up time of 12 or 18 months.MethodsThe patients were studied with iodine‐123 labelled 2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl) serial single‐photon emission tomography imaging and clinical rating scales of symptoms.ResultsChanges in SERT availability had no correlation with the change of symptoms, but the change of SERT availability during psychotherapy in the midbrain was predicted by the baseline severity of the clinical symptoms measured by the Symptom Checklist Depression Scale and the Symptom Checklist Global Severity Index. With cut‐off values applied, it was found that SERT availabilities increased in patients with high baseline symptoms, and decreased in patients with low baseline symptoms.ConclusionsTogether with our earlier finding of decreased SERT in patients with depression, these results indicate a state‐dependent and possibly a compensatory role of decreased SERT availability in depression.
Neonatal Meckel diverticulum: Obstruction due to a short mesodiverticular band
Authors: Kunitsu Tomoaki , Koshida Shigeki , Tanaka Katsunori , Nakahara Sayuri , Yanagi Takahide , Maruo Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Yoshihiro , Kubota Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis is the first report of symptomatic Meckel diverticulum in a newborn, in which direct compression by a short mesodiverticular band (MDB) caused intestinal obstruction. A short MDB can cause intestinal obstruction due to direct compression. There are two mechanisms by which Meckel diverticulum with MDB can cause intestinal obstruction: internal hernia and direct compression. Onset of intestinal obstruction due to direct compression by a short MDB might be earlier than that for internal hernia with long MDB.
Japanese family with congenital factor VII deficiency
Authors: Sakakibara Kanae , Okayama Yoshiki , Fukushima Kenji , Kaji Shunsaku , Muraoka Michiko , Arao Yujiro , Shimada Akira 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCongenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. The present female patient was diagnosed with congenital FVII deficiency because of low hepaplastin test (HPT), although vitamin K was given. Heterozygous p.A191T mutation was detected in the peripheral blood, and the same mutation was also found in the mother and sister. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fourth reported case of p.A191T mutation of FVII in the literature and the first to be reported in Japan. FVII coagulation activity (FVII:C) in asymptomatic heterozygous carriers is mildly reduced. Therefore, some patients may not be accurately diagnosed with congenital FVII deficiency. In infants with low HPT without vitamin K deficiency, congenital FVII deficiency should be considered.
A novel HLA allele, HLA‐DRB1*13:204, detected in a Brazilian unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Visentainer J. E. L. , Nascimento E. , Dalalio M. M. O. , Colli C. M. , Fabreti‐Oliveira R. A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe HLA‐DRB1*13:204 allele differs from HLA*13:64 by two nucleotide substitutions at positions 181 and 189 in the exon 2.
Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse quantitative elastography: a new noninvasive technique for the evaluation of parotid glands. A preliminary study in controls and in patients with irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Authors: Badea Iulia , Tamas-Szora Attila , Chiorean Ioana , Crisan Maria , Ciuleanu Elisabeta , Baciut Grigore , Badea Mindra 
Published: August 2015

Aim: We aim to define the values of the shear wave velocity (SWV) in the normal parotid glands (PG) and to identify the modifications of tissue stiffness in patients with irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Material and methods: Sixty normal parotid glands pertaining to 30 healthy volunteers and 40 pathological parotid glands pertaining to 20 patients who had had underwent radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were included in this study. The patients underwent a B mode ultrasonography examination and the volume of the parotid gland was determined. A subsequent Acoustic Radiation Forde Impulse Imaging (ARFI) examination was performed and the SWV were determined for the central and the periphery of the glandular parenchyma. Results: The mean volume of the gland in the volunteers’ group (12.02±0.6 ml) was significantly higher than in the group of patients who underwent radiation therapy (10.3±0.74 ml) (p<0.0001). The SWV values in the normal group were lower compared to the patients group (1.54±0.6 m/s vs. 1.76±0.73 m/s, p<0.0001). Conclusion: Elastography using the ARFI technique constitutes an objective method used for the evaluation of glandular stiffness in both normal and post radiotherapy glands. The SWV values determined in patients who underwent head and neck radiotherapy are increased, indicating a greater tissue stiffness thereby implying a structural transformation of the glandular parenchyma.
Gender Differences in Physical Activity Levels of Older People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kelly Joan , Edney Katrina , Moran Chris , Srikanth Velandai , Callisaya Michele 
Published: August 2015

Background:Physical activity (PA) is important in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to determine 1) the number of daily steps taken by older people with T2DM, 2) if T2DM is associated with taking fewer steps per day and less likelihood of meeting PA guidelines, and 3) whether these associations are modified by age or gender.Methods:PA was obtained by pedometer from 2 cohorts of older adults with and without T2DM. Multivariable regression was used to determine associations between T2DM, mean steps per day and meeting a guideline equivalent (7 100 steps per day).Results:There were 293 participants with T2DM (mean age 67.6 ± 6.8 years) and 336 without T2DM (mean age 72.1 ± 7.1 years). In women, T2DM was associated with fewer mean steps per day (β = –1306.4; 95% CI –2052.5, –560.3; P = .001) and not meeting the PA guidelines (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.28, 0.92; P = .03). Associations were not significant in men (P > .05). Only 29.7% of those with T2DM and 33.3% of those without T2DM met PA guidelines.Conclusions:Greater focus is needed on how to maintain and increase PA in older age with particular focus on women with T2DM.
Generation and Efficacy Evaluation of a Recombinant Pseudorabies Virus Variant Expressing the E2 Protein of Classical Swine Fever Virus in Pigs
Authors: Wang Yimin , Yuan Jin , Cong Xin , Qin Hua-Yang , Wang Chun-Hua , Li Yongfeng , Li Su , Luo Yuzi , Sun Yuan , Qiu Hua-Ji 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT
Classical swine fever (CSF) is an economically important infectious disease of pigs caused by classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Pseudorabies (PR), which is caused by pseudorabies virus (PRV), is another important infectious disease of pigs and other animals. Coinfections of pigs with PRV and CSFV occur occasionally in the field. The modified live vaccine Bartha-K61 strain has played an important role in the control of PR in many countries, including China. Since late 2011, however, increasing PR outbreaks caused by an emerging PRV variant have been reported in Bartha-K61-vaccinated swine populations on many farms in China. Previously, we generated a gE/gI-deleted PRV (rPRVTJ-delgE) based on this PRV variant, which was shown to be safe and can provide rapid and complete protection against lethal challenge with the PRV variant in pigs. Here, we generated a new recombinant PRV variant expressing the E2 gene of CSFV (rPRVTJ-delgE/gI-E2) and evaluated its immunogenicity and efficacy in pigs. The results showed that rPRVTJ-delgE/gI-E2 was safe for pigs, induced detectable anti-PRV and anti-CSFV neutralizing antibodies, and provided complete protection against the lethal challenge with either the PRV TJ strain or the CSFV Shimen strain. The data indicate that rPRVTJ-delgE/gI-E2 is a promising candidate bivalent vaccine against PRV and CSFV coinfections.
Immunization with Pneumococcal Surface Protein K of Nonencapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae Provides Protection in a Mouse Model of Colonization
Authors: Keller Lance E. , Luo Xiao , Thornton Justin A. , Seo Keun-Seok , Moon Bo Youn , Robinson D. Ashley , McDaniel Larry S. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Current vaccinations are effective against encapsulated strains of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, but they do not protect against nonencapsulated
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(NESp), which is increasing in colonization and incidence of pneumococcal disease. Vaccination with pneumococcal proteins has been assessed for its ability to protect against pneumococcal disease, but several of these proteins are not expressed by NESp. Pneumococcal surface protein K (PspK), an NESp virulence factor, has not been assessed for immunogenic potential or host modulatory effects. Mammalian cytokine expression was determined in an
in vivo
mouse model and in an
in vitro
cell culture system. Systemic and mucosal mouse immunization studies were performed to determine the immunogenic potential of PspK. Murine serum and saliva were collected to quantitate specific antibody isotype responses and the ability of antibody and various proteins to inhibit epithelial cell adhesion. Host cytokine response was not reduced by PspK. NESp was able to colonize the mouse nasopharynx as effectively as encapsulated pneumococci. Systemic and mucosal immunization provided protection from colonization by PspK-positive (PspK
+
) NESp. Anti-PspK antibodies were recovered from immunized mice and significantly reduced the ability of NESp to adhere to human epithelial cells. A protein-based pneumococcal vaccine is needed to provide broad protection against encapsulated and nonencapsulated pneumococci in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance and vaccine escape mutants. We demonstrate that PspK may serve as an NESp target for next-generation pneumococcal vaccines. Immunization with PspK protected against pneumococcal colonization, which is requisite for pneumococcal disease.