bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional proteomic analysis of seminal plasma proteins in men with various semen parameters
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Agarwal Ashok , Mohanty Gayatri , Jesudasan Rachel , Gopalan Banu , Willard Belinda , Yadav Satya P , Sabanegh Edmund 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Alterations at the molecular level in spermatozoa and seminal plasma can affect male fertility. The objective of this study was to determine if analysis of differential expression of proteins in varying semen parameters can serve as potential biomarkers for male infertility.

Methods
The differential expression of proteins in the seminal plasma of men based on sperm count and morphology were examined utilizing proteomic tools. Subjects were categorized based on sperm concentration and morphology into 4 groups: 1) normal sperm count and normal morphology (NN); 2) normal sperm count and abnormal morphology (NA); 3) oligozoospermia and normal morphology (ON); and 4) oligozoospermia and abnormal morphology (OA). Proteomic analysis was performed by LC-MS/MS followed by functional bioinformatics analysis. Protein distribution in the NA, ON and OA groups was compared with that of the NN group.

Results
Twenty proteins were differentially expressed among the 4 groups. Among the unique proteins identified, 3 were downregulated in the NA group, 1 in the ON group and 1 in the OA group while 2 were upregulated in the ON and OA groups. The functional analysis 1) identified biological regulation as the major processes affected and 2) determined that most of the identified proteins were of extracellular origin.

Conclusions
We have identified proteins that are over-or underexpressed in the seminal plasma of men with poor sperm quality. The distinct presence of some of the proteins may serve as potential biomarkers and provide insight into the mechanistic role played by these proteins in male infertility. Further studies using Western Blot analysis are required to validate these findings.
Integrated multicast routing algorithms considering traffic engineering for broadband IPTV services
Authors: Youm Sungkwan , Shon Taeshik , Kim Eui-Jik 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
With the rapid growth of broadband network deployment and multimedia streaming development, Internet protocol (IP) multicast networks have become a delivery mechanism for Internet protocol television (IPTV). IPTV provides a two-way interactive service to the viewers, which generates the path request for IP multicast network. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the path rejection probability accurately and further to reduce it. In this paper, we propose a new dynamic multicast routing algorithm for broadband IPTV services and apply it to three legacy algorithms. These integrated multicast routing algorithms support the minimum cost and the traffic engineering features, in order to maximize the acceptance rate for bandwidth constraint path request under IPTV service environments. Furthermore, we compare their network performances in terms of the acceptance rate and delay by experimental simulations. The simulation result gives us that the nearest node first Dijkstra algorithm can be the optimal solution of multicast connection for IPTV service delivery.
Passive anti-amyloid immunotherapy in Alzheimer's disease: What are the most promising targets?
Authors: Moreth Jens , Mavoungou Chrystelle , Schindowski Katharina 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common dementia in the industrialized world, with prevalence rates well over 30% in the over 80-years-old population. The dementia causes enormous costs to the social healthcare systems, as well as personal tragedies for the patients, families and caregivers. AD is strongly associated with Amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein aggregation, which results in extracellular plaques in the brain, and according to the amyloid cascade hypothesis appeared to be a promising target for the development of AD therapeutics. Within the past decade convincing data has arisen positioning the soluble prefibrillar Aβ-aggregates as the prime toxic agents in AD. However, different Aβ aggregate species are described but their remarkable metastability hampers the identification of a target species for immunization. Passive immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Aβ is in late clinical development but recently the two most advanced mAbs, Bapineuzumab and Solanezumab, targeting an N-terminal or central epitope, respectively, failed to meet their target of improving or stabilizing cognition and function. Preliminary data from off-label treatment of a small cohort for 3 years with intravenous polyclonal immunoglobulins (IVIG) that appear to target different conformational epitopes indicate a cognitive stabilization. Thus, it might be the more promising strategy reducing the whole spectrum of Aβ-aggregates than to focus on a single aggregate species for immunization.
Adenosine A2A receptors promote collagen production by a Fli1- and CTGF-mediated mechanism
Authors: Chan Edwin SL , Liu Hailing , Fernandez Patricia , Luna Alex , Perez-Aso Miguel , Bujor Andreea M , Trojanowska Maria , Cronstein Bruce N 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Adenosine, acting through the A2A receptor, promotes tissue matrix production in the skin and the liver and induces the development of dermal fibrosis and cirrhosis in murine models. Since expression of A2A receptors is increased in scleroderma fibroblasts, we examined the mechanisms by which the A2A receptor produces its fibrogenic effects.

Methods
The effects of A2A receptor ligation on the expression of the transcription factor, Fli1, a constitutive repressor for the synthesis of matrix proteins, such as collagen, is studied in dermal fibroblasts. Fli1 is also known to repress the transcription of CTGF/CCN2, and the effects of A2A receptor stimulation on CTGF and TGF-β1 expression are also examined.

Results
A2A receptor occupancy suppresses the expression of Fli1 by dermal fibroblasts. A2A receptor activation induces the secretion of CTGF by dermal fibroblasts, and neutralization of CTGF abrogates the A2A receptor-mediated enhancement of collagen type I production. A2AR activation, however, resulted in a decrease in TGF-β1 protein release.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that Fli1 and CTGF are important mediators of the fibrogenic actions of adenosine and the use of small molecules such as adenosine A2A receptor antagonists may be useful in the therapy of dermal fibrosis in diseases such as scleroderma.
Molecular apocrine breast cancers are aggressive estrogen receptor negative tumors overexpressing either HER2 or GCDFP15
Authors: Lehmann-Che Jacqueline , Hamy Anne-Sophie , Porcher Raphaël , Barritault Marc , Bouhidel Fatiha , Habuellelah Hanadi , Leman-Detours Solenne , de Roquancourt Anne , Cahen-Doidy Laurence , Bourstyn Edwige , de Cremoux Patricia , de Bazelaire Cedric , Albiter Marcela , Giacchetti Sylvie , Cuvier Caroline , Janin Anne , Espié Marc , de Thé Hugues , Bertheau Philippe 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Molecular apocrine (MA) tumors are estrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancers characterized by androgen receptor (AR) expression. We analyzed a group of 58 transcriptionally defined MA tumors and proposed a new tool to identify these tumors.

Methods
We performed quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) for ESR1, AR, FOXA1 and AR-related genes, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for ER, PR, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), CK5/6, CK17, EGFR, Ki67, AR, FOXA1 and GCDFP15 and we analyzed clinical features.

Results
MA tumors were all characterized by ESR1(-) AR(+) FOXA1(+) and AR-related genes positive mRNA profile. IHC staining on these tumors showed 93% ER(-), only 58% AR(+) and 90% FOXA1(+). 67% and 57% MA tumors were HER2(3+) and GCDFP15(+), respectively. Almost all MA tumors (94%) had the IHC signature HER2(3+) or GCDFP15(+) but none of the 13 control basal-like (BL) tumors did. Clinically, MA tumors were rather aggressive, with poor prognostic factors.

Conclusion
MA tumors could be better defined by their qRT-PCR-AR profile than by AR IHC. In addition, we found that HER2 or GCDFP15 protein overexpression is a sensitive and specific tool to differentiate MA from BL in the context of ER negative tumors. A composite molecular and IHC signature could, therefore, help to identify MA tumors in daily practice.
Antithrombin attenuates myocardial dysfunction and reverses systemic fluid accumulation following burn and smoke inhalation injury: a randomized, controlled, experimental study
Authors: Rehberg Sebastian , Yamamoto Yusuke , Bartha Eva , Sousse Linda E , Jonkam Collette , Zhu Yong , Traber Lillian D , Cox Robert A , Traber Daniel L , Enkhbaatar Perenlei 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Introduction
We hypothesized that maintaining physiological plasma levels of antithrombin attenuates myocardial dysfunction and inflammation as well as vascular leakage associated with burn and smoke inhalation injury. Therefore, the present prospective, randomized experiment was conducted using an established ovine model.

Methods
Following 40% of total body surface area, third degree flame burn and 4 × 12 breaths of cold cotton smoke, chronically instrumented sheep were randomly assigned to receive an intravenous infusion of 6 IU/kg/h recombinant human antithrombin (rhAT) or normal saline (control group; n = 6 each). In addition, six sheep were designated as sham animals (not injured, continuous infusion of vehicle). During the 48 h study period the animals were awake, mechanically ventilated and fluid resuscitated according to standard formulas.

Results
Compared to the sham group, myocardial contractility was severely impaired in control animals, as suggested by lower stroke volume and left ventricular stroke work indexes. As a compensatory mechanism, heart rate increased, thereby increasing myocardial oxygen consumption. In parallel, myocardial inflammation was induced via nitric oxide production, neutrophil accumulation (myeloperoxidase activity) and activation of the p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway resulting in cytokine release (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6) in control vs. sham animals. rhAT-treatment significantly attenuated these inflammatory changes leading to a myocardial contractility and myocardial oxygen consumption comparable to sham animals. In control animals, systemic fluid accumulation progressively increased over time resulting in a cumulative positive fluid balance of about 4,000 ml at the end of the study period. Contrarily, in rhAT-treated animals there was only an initial fluid accumulation until 24 h that was reversed back to the level of sham animals during the second day.

Conclusions
Based on these findings, the supplementation of rhAT may represent a valuable therapeutic approach for cardiovascular dysfunction and inflammation after burn and smoke inhalation injury.
Continuous on-line glucose measurement by microdialysis in a central vein. A pilot study
Authors: Blixt Christina , Rooyackers Olav , Isaksson Bengt , Wernerman Jan 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Tight glucose control in the ICU has been proven difficult with an increased risk for hypoglycaemic episodes. Also the variability of glucose may have an impact on morbidity. An accurate and feasible on-line/continuous measurement is therefore desired. In this study a central vein catheter with a microdialysis membrane in combination with an on-line analyzer for continuous monitoring of circulating glucose and lactate by the central route was tested.

Methods
A total of 10 patients scheduled for major upper abdominal surgery were included in this observational prospective study at a university hospital. The patients received an extra central venous catheter with a microdialysis membrane placed in the right jugular vein. Continuous microdialysis measurement proceeded for 20 hours and on-line values were recorded every minute. Reference arterial plasma glucose and blood lactate samples were collected every hour.

Results
Mean microdialysis-glucose during measurements was 9.8 ± 2.4mmol/l.No statistical difference in the readings was seen using a single calibration compared to eighth hour calibration (P =0.09; t-test). There was a close agreement between the continuous reading and the reference plasma glucose values with an absolute difference of 0.6+ 0.8mmol, or 6.8+ 9.3% and measurements showed high correlation to plasma readings (r = 0.92). Thelimit of agreement was 23.0%(1.94 mmol/l) compared to arterial plasma values with a line of equality close to zero.However, in a Clarke-Error Grid 93.3% of the values are in the A-area,and the remaining part in the B-area.Mean microdialysis-lactate was 1.3 ± 1.1mmol/l. The measurements showed high correlation to the blood readings (r = 0.93).

Conclusion
Continuous on-line microdialysis glucose measurement in a central vein is a potential useful technique for continuous glucose monitoring in critically ill patients, but more improvements and testingare needed.
Technical Advance: Autofluorescence-based sorting: rapid and nonperturbing isolation of ultrapure neutrophils to determine cytokine production
Authors: Dorward David A , Lucas Christopher D , Alessandri Ana L , Marwick John A , Rossi Fiona , Dransfield Ian , Haslett Christopher , Dhaliwal Kevin , Rossi Adriano G 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe technical limitations of isolating neutrophils without contaminating leukocytes, while concurrently minimizing neutrophil activation, is a barrier to determining specific neutrophil functions. We aimed to assess the use of FACS for generating highly pure quiescent neutrophil populations in an antibody-free environment. Peripheral blood human granulocytes and murine bone marrow-derived neutrophils were isolated by discontinuous Percoll gradient and flow-sorted using FSC/SSC profiles and differences in autofluorescence. Postsort purity was assessed by morphological analysis and flow cytometry. Neutrophil activation was measured in unstimulated-unsorted and sorted cells and in response to fMLF, LTB4, and PAF by measuring shape change, CD62L, and CD11b expression; intracellular calcium flux; and chemotaxis. Cytokine production by human neutrophils was also determined. Postsort human neutrophil purity was 99.95% (sem=0.03; n=11; morphological analysis), and 99.68% were CD16+ve (sem=0.06; n=11), with similar results achieved for murine neutrophils. Flow sorting did not alter neutrophil activation or chemotaxis, relative to presorted cells, and no differences in response to agonists were observed. Stimulated neutrophils produced IL-1β, although to a lesser degree than CXCL8/IL-8. The exploitation of the difference in autofluorescence between neutrophils and eosinophils by FACS is a quick and effective method for generating highly purified populations for subsequent in vitro study.
Comparative Analysis of the Thyrocytes and T Cells: Responses to H2O2 and Radiation Reveals an H2O2-Induced Antioxidant Transcriptional Program in Thyrocytes
Authors: Versteyhe Soetkin , Driessens Natacha , Ghaddhab Chiraz , Tarabichi Maxime , Hoste Candice , Dumont Jacques-Emile , Miot Françoise , Corvilain Bernard , Detours Vincent 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Context:
Radiation is an established cause of thyroid cancer, and growing evidence supports a role for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in spontaneous thyroid carcinogenesis. Little is known about the molecular programs activated by these agents in thyrocytes.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to compare the responses of thyrocytes and T cells to H2O2 and radiation.

Methods:
We profiled the DNA damage and cell death induced by γ-radiation (0.1–5 Gy) and H2O2 (0.0025–0.3 mM) in primary human thyrocytes and T cells. We next prepared thyroid and T-cell primary cultures from 8 donors operated for noncancerous thyroid pathological conditions and profiled their genome-wide transcriptional response 4 hours after (1) exposure to 1-Gy radiation, (2) treatment with H2O2 and (3) no treatment. Two H2O2 concentrations were investigated, calibrated in each cell type to elicit levels of single- and double-strand breaks equivalent to 1-Gy γ-radiation.

Results:
Although thyrocytes and T cells had comparable radiation responses, 3- to 10-fold more H2O2 was needed to induce detectable DNA damage in thyrocytes. At H2O2 and radiation doses inducing double-strand breaks, cell death occurred after 24 hours in T cells but not in thyrocytes. The transcriptional responses of thyrocytes and T cells to radiation were similar, involving DNA repair and cell death genes. In addition to this transcriptional program, H2O2 also up-regulated antioxidant genes in thyrocytes, including glutathione peroxidases and heme oxygenase at the double-strand breaks–inducing concentration. In contrast, a transcriptional storm involving thousands of genes was raised in T cells. Finally, we showed that inhibiting glutathione peroxidases activity increased the DNA damaging effect of H2O2 in thyrocytes.

Conclusion:
We propose that high H2O2 production in thyrocytes is matched with specific transcriptionally regulated antioxidant protection.
Multicenter Italian Experience in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Tarantino Giuseppe , Ercolani Giorgio , Baccarani Umberto , Montalti Roberto , De Ruvo Nicola , Berretta Massimiliano , Adani Gian Luigi , Zanello Matteo , Tavio Marcello , Cautero Nicola , Tirelli Umberto , Pinna Antonio D. , Gerunda Giorgio E. , Guaraldi Giovanni 
Published: May 2013

Learning Objectives
Compare clinical outcomes following liver transplant for heptaocellular carcinoma in patients with and without HIV infection. Identify predictors of mortality following liver transplant for heptaocellular carcinoma in patients with and without HIV infection.
Sol-gel-processed porous water-repellent silica microbowls
Authors: Gurav Annaso B. , Latthe Sanjay S. , Vhatkar Rajiv S. 
Published: May 2013

Surface wettability, as one of the most crucial properties of solid surface, is a very common interface phenomenon in our daily life and nature. The authors obtained water-repellent porous silica microbowl-like structure by controlled sol-gel method with tetraethaoxysilane (TEOS) as a precursor and 3,3,3-trifluropropyltrimethoxysilane (TFPTMOS) as a coprecursor. The water-repellent properties of the coatings were raised with increasing molar ratio (M) of TFPTMOS/TEOS. The prepared silica coatings showed water-repellent behavior with water contact angle of 136 ± 3° and sliding angle of 18 ± 1° without any posthydrophobization. In conclusion, the wetting properties were dependent on the micro-/nano-structure and the chemical composition of the coatings.
The Relationships between Postpartum Adaptation and Postpartum Depression Symptoms of First Pregnancy Mothers in Taiwan
Authors: Ho Ciao-Lin , Chang Lu-I , Wan Kong-Sang 
Published: May 2013

Background: Motherhood is a critical situation characterized by role conflicts. These conflicts between the roles of mother, worker, and wife are the norm in the postpartum period and may jeopardize a mother's well-being. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between postpartum adaptation and depression among new mothers who live in northern Taiwan. Material and Methods: A total of 186 first pregnancy mothers were recruited via convenience sampling methods and they completed mailed questionnaires between 1 week and 2 months after giving birth. Structured questionnaires including Demographic Inventory Scale, Postpartum Self-Evaluation Questionnaire, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used. Results: Ninety-four (50.5%) women exhibited depressive symptoms (EPDS > 10) and 73 (39.2%) women needed to consult the doctor (EPDS > 12). The risk factors for postpartum depression symptoms included unplanned birth, low socioeconomic status, and part-time employment. The correlation between women's different aspects of postpartum adaptation and depression ranged was from low to medium. The best predictors of postpartum depression were confidence in their own competence of motherhood tasks, satisfaction with life circumstances, and partner participating in child care. These three subsets explained 44.8% of the total variance. Conclusion: This study shows that healthcare providers who work with primiparas during the first 2 months after giving birth should pay more attention to postpartum depression, keeping in mind associated risk factors. A new mother's confidence in her own abilities as a new mother may be particularly important in determining the likelihood of postpartum depression.
Association of CD8 T Cells with Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Ko Fang-Yuan , Tsai Shih-Jen , Yang Albert C. , Zhou Yang , Xu Lie-Ming 
Published: May 2013

Objective: Depression and anxiety frequently co-occur in patients with cirrhosis, but their underlying biological substrates are unclear. There is now evidence to suggest that depression is accompanied by signs of an immune response. This study investigated the correlation between depression/anxiety and T-lymphocyte subsets in liver cirrhosis patients. Methods: A total of 59 patients (37 males and 22 females; aged between 26–81 years) with cirrhosis were enrolled in the study. Severity of depression and anxiety were assessed through the Hamilton depressive scale (HAMD, the 24-item version) and the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA). T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, and CD8) in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. The relationship between lymphocyte subsets and depression/anxiety scores was studied by correlation analysis. Results: The mean total HAMD and HAMA scores for the 59 subjects were 12.8 ± 10.4 (range = 0−46) and 7.0 ± 5.7 (range = 0−26), respectively. Fourteen of 59 subjects (23.7%) had HAMD scores equal to or above 20, indicative of depression. The percentage of CD8, but not CD3 or CD4, in T-lymphocyte subsets was positively correlated with depression (HAMD) ( r = 0.268, P = 0.043) and anxiety severity (HAMA) ( r = 0.321, P = 0.013). After controlling for age and Child-Pugh scores, the correlations were still significant. Conclusion: Around one-fourth of cirrhosis patients may have depression, although depression is not related to cirrhosis severity. Our findings are the first to show that depression and anxiety may be associated with increased levels of CD8 in T-lymphocyte subsets in cirrhosis patients, suggesting that an imbalance of T-lymphocyte subsets may be a factor facilitating depression and anxiety in cirrhotic patients. Examination of CD8 T-lymphocytes may prove useful in assessing the potential relationship between depression, anxiety, immunity, and liver cirrhosis.