bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on causes and prevention of electrostatic charge build-up during extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Snijders Jos , de Bruijn Peter , Bergmans Marcel , Bastianen Gijs 
Published: January 2013

For many years it has been known that roller pumps interfere regularly with the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. This electrical activity is also considered responsible for the electrostatic charge build-up in some oxygenators with a plastic heat exchanger. During use of such an oxygenator, an electrical shock can be felt when touching the device. In the absence of a provoked discharge, a spontaneous discharge may occur. The construction of the heat exchanger and the use of nonconductive materials enable some devices to function as a capacitor. If the voltage difference across the fibre wall is too high, an electrostatic discharge may occur. In 1997, four blood-to-water leaks in Maxima Forté oxygenators were reported on a worldwide basis. After thorough research by Medtronic Cardiac Surgery (Cardiopulmonary Division), the cause of the leaks was found to be an electrothermal event across the fibre wall of one single fibre. No patient injuries were reported in any of the events. Medtronic patented a number of US Food and Drug Administration-approved and patient-safe solutions to prevent this electrostatic charge build-up. We studied the electrostatic phenomenon in order to clarify the clinical aspects. The in vitro part of the study is related to the behaviour of the Medtronic Biopump and the Stockert Shiley roller pump - in combination with the use of a PVC or silicone pumpheader. Subsequently, we have investigated the influence of the rotation or flow of both types of blood pumps and occlusion settings on the roller pump. Furthermore, we tried to capture the electrical charge generated by the roller pumps in a capacitor and in some oxygenators with different types of heat exchanger. Finally, we tested the external CEL™ (Charge Equalization Line) and the internal ‘Gold Wire’ charge equalization systems, both patented by Medtronic. In the in vivo part of the study, 15 patients were divided into three groups of five patients each. In the first group a roller pump with a PVC pumpheader was evaluated and, in the second group, a roller pump with a silicone pumpheader. The third group consisted of the Medtronic Biopump. In all the groups, a Maxima Forté oxygenator with the external CEL protection was used. Owing to the fact that, at the time, the Maxima Forté ‘Gold Wire’ oxygenator was not available for clinical use, only the external CEL could be evaluated.
Prognostic factors for low birthweight repetition in successive pregnancies: a cohort study
Authors: Sclowitz Iândora Krolow Timm , Santos Iná S , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Matijasevich Alicia , Barros Aluísio J D 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
To identify prognostic factors associated with recurrence of low birthweight (LBW) in successive gestations, a study was carried out with a subsample of mothers enrolled in the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort.

Methods
Data were collected by hospital-based interviews. Newborns were weighed and measured. Gestational age was defined according to the date of last menstrual period, ultra-sound scan before the 20th week of pregnancy or the Dubowitz method. Mothers who reported at least one LBW newborn in the two previous gestations were included. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from Poisson Regression. All estimates were adjusted for parity.

Results
A total of 4558 births were identified in 2004, and 565 met inclusion criteria, out of which 86 (15.2%) repeated LBW in 2004. Among mothers with two LBW babies before 2004, 47.9% presented LBW recurrence. Belonging to the highest socio-economic stratum (PR 0.89; 0.01-0.46) and gaining ≥ 10 kg during pregnancy (PR 0.09; 0.01-0.77) were protective against LBW recurrence. Higher risk of LBW recurrence was observed among mothers with higher parity (≥3 previous deliveries; PR=1.93; 95% CI 1.23-3.02); who had given birth to a previous preterm baby (PR=4.01; 2.27-7.10); who delivered a female newborn in current gestation (PR=2.61; 1.45-4.69); and that had not received adequate antenatal care (PR=2.57; 1-37-4.81).

Conclusion
Improved quality of antenatal care and adequate maternal weight gain during pregnancy may be feasible strategies to prevent LBW repetition in successive pregnancies.
Decreased Semaphorin3A expression correlates with disease activity and histological features of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Takagawa Shu , Nakamura Fumio , Kumagai Ken , Nagashima Yoji , Goshima Yoshio , Saito Tomoyuki 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of which the pathogenetic mechanisms are not fully understood. Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) has an immune regulatory role. Neuropilin1 (NRP1), the primary receptor for Sema3A, is also a receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165). It has been shown that Sema3A competitively antagonizes VEGF165 signaling. This study investigated whether Sema3A is expressed in synovial tissues, and is associated with disease activity and the histological features of synovial tissues from RA patients.MethodsHuman synovial tissues samples were obtained from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Disease activity of RA patients was calculated using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score based on C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP). The histological features of RA synovial tissues were evaluated using Rooney’s inflammation scoring system. The localization of Sema3A, VEGF165and NRP1 positive cells was immunohistochemically determined in synovial tissues. Expression levels ofSema3A, VEGF-AandNRP1mRNA were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).ResultsIn OA specimens, Sema3A, VEGF165and NRP1 proteins were expressed in the synovial lining and inflammatory cells beneath the lining. Immunohistochemistry revealed the protein expression of Sema3A in synovial lining cells was decreased in RA tissues compared with OA samples. qPCR analysis demonstrated a significant reduction ofSema3AmRNA levels in RA synovial tissue samples than in OA and a significant correlation of the ratio ofSema3A/VEGF-AmRNA expression levels with DAS28-CRP (R = −0.449, p = 0.013).Sema3AmRNA levels also correlated with Rooney’s inflammation score, especially in perivascular infiltrates of lymphocytes (R = −0.506, p = 0.004), focal aggregates of lymphocytes (R = −0.501, p = 0.005) and diffuse infiltrates of lymphocytes (R = −0.536, p = 0.002).ConclusionsReduction of Sema3A expression in RA synovial tissues may contribute to pathogenesis of RA.
An evaluation of the ability of Dichelobacter nodosus to survive in soil
Authors: Cederlöf Sara Ellinor , Hansen Tomas , Klaas Ilka Christine , Angen Øystein 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background

Dichelobacter nodosus is the causative agent of footrot in sheep. The survival of the bacterium in soil is of importance for the epidemiology of the disease. The investigation evaluates the survival of D. nodosus in soil with and without added hoof powder stored under different temperatures.

Results
An experimental setup was used with bacteriological culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the results indicate that the bacteria can survive in soil for longer time than previously expected. The survival time was found to be dependent on temperature and the addition of hoof powder to the soil, with the longest survival time estimated to be 24 days in soil samples with hoof powder stored at 5°C.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that the survival time of D. nodosus and its ability to infect susceptible sheep on pasture under different climatic conditions should be studied further.
Genome-wide prediction and analysis of human tissue-selective genes using microarray expression data
Authors: Teng Shaolei , Yang Jack Y , Wang Liangjiang 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Understanding how genes are expressed specifically in particular tissues is a fundamental question in developmental biology. Many tissue-specific genes are involved in the pathogenesis of complex human diseases. However, experimental identification of tissue-specific genes is time consuming and difficult. The accurate predictions of tissue-specific gene targets could provide useful information for biomarker development and drug target identification.

Results
In this study, we have developed a machine learning approach for predicting the human tissue-specific genes using microarray expression data. The lists of known tissue-specific genes for different tissues were collected from UniProt database, and the expression data retrieved from the previously compiled dataset according to the lists were used for input vector encoding. Random Forests (RFs) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) were used to construct accurate classifiers. The RF classifiers were found to outperform SVM models for tissue-specific gene prediction. The results suggest that the candidate genes for brain or liver specific expression can provide valuable information for further experimental studies. Our approach was also applied for identifying tissue-selective gene targets for different types of tissues.

Conclusions
A machine learning approach has been developed for accurately identifying the candidate genes for tissue specific/selective expression. The approach provides an efficient way to select some interesting genes for developing new biomedical markers and improve our knowledge of tissue-specific expression.
Bioluminescence imaging of leukemia cell lines in vitro and in mouse xenografts: effects of monoclonal and polyclonal cell populations on intensity and kinetics of photon emission
Authors: Christoph Sandra , Schlegel Jennifer , Alvarez-Calderon Francesca , Kim Yong-Mi , Brandao Luis N , DeRyckere Deborah , Graham Douglas K 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
We investigated the utility of bioluminescence imaging (BLI) using firefly luciferase in monoclonal and polyclonal populations of leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
Monoclonal and polyclonal human lymphoid and myeloid leukemia cell lines transduced with firefly luciferase were used for BLI.

Results
Kinetics and dynamics of bioluminescence signal were cell line dependent. Luciferase expression decreased significantly over time in polyclonal leukemia cells in vitro. Transplantation of polyclonal luciferase-tagged cells in mice resulted in inconsistent signal intensity. After selection of monoclonal cell populations, luciferase activity was stable, equal kinetic and dynamic of bioluminescence intensity and strong correlation between cell number and light emission in vitro were observed. We obtained an equal development of leukemia burden detected by luciferase activity in NOD-scid-gamma mice after transplantation of monoclonal populations.

Conclusion
The use of monoclonal leukemia cells selected for stable and equal luciferase activity is recommended for experiments in vitro and xenograft mouse models. The findings are highly significant for bioluminescence imaging focused on pre-clinical drug development.
Bcl-2 overexpression ameliorates immune complex-mediated arthritis by altering FcγRIIb expression and monocyte homeostasis
Authors: Lawlor Kate E , van Nieuwenhuijze Annemarie , Parker Karen L , Drake Sarah F , Campbell Ian K , Smith Scott D , Vince James E , Strasser Andreas , Wicks Ian P 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Selective effects of the Bcl-2 survival pathway on monocyte differentiation and its importance in determining the outcome of autoimmune disease.
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by accumulation of inflammatory cells within synovial joints. RA is associated with a failure of apoptosis of infiltrating leukocytes, thought to be a result of overexpression of prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins. Overexpression of Bcl-2 in hematopoietic cells can result in spontaneous autoimmunity. We therefore hypothesized that increased Bcl-2 in the hematopoietic compartment would reduce apoptosis and thereby, exacerbate inflammatory arthritis. Paradoxically, we found that overexpression of Bcl-2 in mice (vav-bcl-2) markedly reduced pathology in antibody-dependent models of RA (CIA and K/BxN serum transfer arthritis). No such protection was observed in a model of CD4+ T cell-dependent, B cell-independent arthritis (mBSA/IL-1-induced arthritis). In CIA, vav-bcl-2 Tg mice had lower antibody production to CII, which might explain reduced disease. However, Bcl-2 overexpression also reduced passive K/BxN serum transfer arthritis. Overexpression of Bcl-2 caused a monocytosis, with preferential expansion of Ly6Clo monocytes and increased expression of the inhibitory receptor for IgG, FcγRIIb, on leukocytes. Skewing of the myeloid cell population, increases in FcγRIIb, and reduced arthritis were independent of the hypergammaglobulinemia found in vav-bcl-2 Tg mice. These data reveal selective effects of the Bcl-2-regulated apoptotic pathway on monocyte differentiation and the expression of FcRs critical for regulation of antibody/immune complex-mediated disease.
Central Ghrelin Signaling Mediates the Metabolic Response of C57BL/6 Male Mice to Chronic Social Defeat Stress
Authors: Patterson Z.R. , Khazall R. , MacKay H. , Anisman H. , Abizaid A. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Chronic stressors promote metabolic disturbances, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. Ghrelin, a peptide that promotes appetite and the accumulation of adipose tissue, is also secreted in response to stressors to protect the brain and peripheral tissues from the effects of these stressors. Here we demonstrate that elevated ghrelin levels produced by chronic exposure to social stress are associated with increased caloric intake and body weight gain in male C57BL mice. In contrast, stressed mice lacking ghrelin receptors (GHSR KO mice) or C57BL mice receiving chronic intracerebroventricular delivery of the ghrelin receptor antagonist [d-Lys3]-GHRP-6 show attenuated weight gain and feeding responses under the same social stress paradigm. Interestingly, stressed GHSR KO mice showed depleted sc and intrascapular brown fat depots, whereas stressed young wild-type mice did not. In old wild-type mice, chronic social defeat increased visceral and intrascapular brown fat depots in association with increases in obesity markers like hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia along with increased hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y and Agouti related peptide. Importantly, the elevated expression of these peptides persisted least for 2 weeks after cessation of the stressor regimen. In contrast, old GHSR KO mice did not show these alterations after chronic social defeat. These results suggest that ghrelin plays an important role in the metabolic adaptations necessary to meet the energetic demands posed by stressors, but chronic exposure to stress-induced ghrelin elevations ultimately could lead to long lasting metabolic dysfunctions.
Collagen Binding Provides a Sensitive Screen for Variant von Willebrand Disease
Authors: Flood Veronica H , Gill Joan Cox , Friedman Kenneth D , Christopherson Pamela A , Jacobi Paula M , Hoffmann Raymond G , Montgomery Robert R , Haberichter Sandra L ,   the Zimmerman Program Investigators
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND
von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a multimeric protein that binds platelets and collagen, facilitating hemostasis at sites of vessel injury. Measurement of VWF multimer distribution is critical for diagnosis of variant von Willebrand disease (VWD), particularly types 2A and 2B, but the typical measurement by gel electrophoresis is technically difficult and time-consuming. A comparison of VWF collagen binding (VWF:CB) and VWF multimer distribution was performed to evaluate the utility of VWF:CB as a diagnostic test.

METHODS
Participants were enrolled in the Zimmerman Program for the Molecular and Clinical Biology of VWD. VWF:CB was analyzed with type III collagen and multimer distribution by agarose gel electrophoresis. The study population included 146 healthy controls, 351 individuals with type 1 VWD, and 77 with type 2 VWD. Differences between individuals with multimer group results within (controls) and outside the reference intervals were assessed with Mann–Whitney tests.

RESULTS
The mean VWF:CB/VWF antigen ratio was 1.10 for individuals with multimer distribution within the reference intervals and 0.51 for those with multimer distribution outside the reference intervals (P &lt; 0.001). Sensitivity of VWF:CB for multimer abnormalities was 100% for healthy controls, 99% for patients with type 1, and 100% for patients with type 2A and type 2B VWD using a VWF:CB/VWF antigen cutoff ratio of 0.6, and decreased to 99% for all patients with a ratio of 0.7. With the exception of individuals with novel or unclassified mutations, the VWF:CB was able to correctly categorize participants with variant VWD.

CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that VWF:CB may substitute for multimer distribution in initial VWD testing, although further studies are needed to validate the clinical utility of VWF:CB.
myo-Inositol Supplementation and Onset of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnant Women With a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: D’Anna Rosario , Scilipoti Angela , Giordano Domenico , Caruso Carmela , Cannata Maria Letizia , Interdonato Maria Lieta , Corrado Francesco , Di Benedetto Antonino 
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE
To check the hypothesis that myo-inositol supplementation may reduce gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) onset in pregnant women with a family history of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A 2-year, prospective, randomized, open-label, placebo-controlled study was carried out in pregnant outpatients with a parent with type 2 diabetes who were treated from the end of the first trimester with 2 g myo-inositol plus 200 µg folic acid twice a day (n = 110) and in the placebo group (n = 110), who were only treated with 200 µg folic acid twice a day. The main outcome measure was the incidence of GDM in both groups. Secondary outcome measures were as follows: the incidence of fetal macrosomia (&gt;4,000 g), gestational hypertension, preterm delivery, caesarean section, shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal distress respiratory syndrome. GDM diagnosis was performed according to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) recommendations.

RESULTS
Incidence of GDM was significantly reduced in the myo-inositol group compared with the placebo group: 6 vs. 15.3%, respectively (P = 0.04). In the myo-inositol group, a reduction of GDM risk occurrence was highlighted (odds ratio 0.35). A statistically significant reduction of fetal macrosomia in the myo-inositol group was also highlighted together with a significant reduction in mean fetal weight at delivery. In the other secondary outcome measures, there were no differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS
myo-Inositol supplementation in pregnant women with a family history of type 2 diabetes may reduce GDM incidence and the delivery of macrosomia fetuses.
Circulating Prolactin Associates With Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Regulation
Authors: Wang Tiange , Lu Jieli , Xu Yu , Li Mian , Sun Jichao , Zhang Jie , Xu Baihui , Xu Min , Chen Yuhong , Bi Yufang , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang 
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE
Prolactin is a major stimulus for the β-cell adaptation during gestation and guards postpartum women against gestational diabetes. Most studies of the role of prolactin on glucose metabolism have been conducted in humans and animals during pregnancy. However, little is known concerning the association between circulating prolactin and glucose metabolism outside pregnancy in epidemiological studies. We aimed to determine whether the variation of circulating prolactin concentration associates with diabetes and impaired glucose regulation (IGR) in a cross-sectional study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We recruited 2,377 participants (1,034 men and 1,343 postmenopausal women) without hyperprolactinemia, aged 40 years and older, in Shanghai, China. Diabetes and IGR were determined by an oral glucose tolerance test. Multinomial logit analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship of prolactin with diabetes and IGR.

RESULTS
Prolactin levels decreased from normal glucose regulation to IGR to diabetes. Multinomial logit analyses, adjusted for potential confounding factors, showed that high circulating prolactin was associated with lower prevalence of diabetes and IGR. The adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for IGR and diabetes for the highest compared with the lowest quartile of prolactin were 0.54 (95% CI 0.33–0.89) and 0.38 (0.24–0.59) in men and 0.54 (0.36–0.81) and 0.47 (0.32–0.70) in women.

CONCLUSIONS
High circulating prolactin associates with lower prevalence of diabetes and IGR in the current study. Further studies are warranted to confirm this association.
Abnormal Bleeding during Menopause Hormone Therapy: Insights for Clinical Management
Authors: De Medeiros Sebastião Freitas , Yamamoto Márcia Marly Winck , Barbosa Jacklyne Silva 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveOur objective was to review the involved mechanisms and propose actions for controlling/treating abnormal uterine bleeding during climacteric hormone therapy.MethodsA systemic search of the databases SciELO, MEDLINE, and Pubmed was performed for identifying relevant publications on normal endometrial bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding, and hormone therapy bleeding.ResultsBefore starting hormone therapy, it is essential to exclude any abnormal organic condition, identify women at higher risk for bleeding, and adapt the regimen to suit eachwoman's characteristics. Abnormal bleeding with progesterone/progestogen only, combined sequential, or combined continuous regimens may be corrected by changing the progestogen, adjusting the progestogen or estrogen/progestogen doses, or even switching the initial regimen to other formulation.ConclusionTo diminish the occurrence of abnormal bleeding during hormone therapy (HT), it is important to tailor the regimen to the needs of individual women and identify those with higher risk of bleeding. The use of new agents as adjuvant therapies for decreasing abnormal bleeding in women on HT awaits future studies.
MyoRing Treatment for Keratoconus: DIOPTEX PocketMaker vs Ziemer LDV for Corneal Pocket Creation
Authors: Daxer Barbara , Mahmood Haifa , Daxer Albert 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeTo compare the results of MyoRing implantation for keratoconus using two different techniques for corneal pocket creation.Materials and methodsSeven eyes suffering from keratoconus were treated using Ziemer LDV for corneal pocket creation and seven eyes suffering from keratoconus were treated using DIOPTEX PocketMaker for corneal pocket creation.ResultsBoth groups did not show any statistically significant difference, neither in the severity of the disease nor in the results.ConclusionZiemer LDV and DIOPTEX PocketMaker give equal results for MyoRing implantation for keratoconus.How to cite this articleDaxer B, Mahmood H, Daxer A. MyoRing Treatment for Keratoconus: DIOPTEX PocketMaker vs Ziemer LDV for Corneal Pocket Creation. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(3):151-152.