bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zygote intrafallopian tube transfer versus intrauterine cleavage or blastocyst stage transfer after intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles in patients with repeated implantation failure: A prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Shahrokh Tehraninejad Ensieh , Azimi Nekoo Elham , Ghaffari Firouzeh , Hafezi Maryam , Karimian Leila , Arabipoor Arezoo 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to compare the outcomes between zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) with intrauterine day‐3 (cleavage stage) embryo transfer and intrauterine day‐5 (blastocyst stage) embryo transfer in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection.Material and MethodsThis prospective study was performed at Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran, between January 2012 and January 2014. Two hundred fifty women with more than three unexplained implantation failures were divided non‐randomly into three groups according to embryonic age and methods used as follows: (i) intrauterine cleavage‐stage embryo transfer (n = 100); (ii) intrauterine blastocyst‐stage embryo transfer (n = 50); and (iii) ZIFT (n = 100). Implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates were our main outcomes.ResultsPatients' characteristics and ovarian response were comparable among the three groups. Implantation rate (56.1% vs 27.9%) was significantly higher in the blastocyst group as compared to the ZIFT group; however, clinical pregnancy rate (38% vs 23%) was not statistically significantly different between the two groups, but due to the significantly higher miscarriage rate (34.7% vs 5.3%) in the ZIFT group, the live birth rate was significantly higher in the blastocyst group (P = 0.04). No significant differences were found between the cleavage‐stage and blastocyst‐stage groups in terms of implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates.ConclusionWe do not recommend the use of the ZIFT procedure for patients with repeated implantation failures. It seems that replication of cleavage‐ or blastocyst‐stage embryo transfer is more efficient and affordable.
Successful radiotherapy for repeated recurrent uterine clear cell adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iwashita Ayumi , Takei Yuji , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Sato Naoto , Saito Koyomi , Suzuki Mitsuaki , Nakazawa Masanori 
Published: August 2015

AbstractUterine clear cell adenocarcinoma (UCCA) is rare and resistant to treatment. We report a UCCA patient who responded to radiotherapy on each relapse. The first relapse was detected in the vaginal wall after the first course of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was conducted. Recurrent tumors were detected in the left lung after 5 months and in the right lung after 8 months. Partial resection of the lungs was performed. After 5 months, relapse was detected in the left pulmonary apex. Stereotactic radiotherapy was conducted. After 7 months, relapse was detected in the left pulmonary apex outside the irradiation field, and stereotactic radiotherapy was performed. During the subsequent 36‐month follow‐up, there has been no relapse. Although UCCA is resistant to treatment, radiotherapy is effective in some cases, as demonstrated in this patient. Even when relapse is repeated, radiotherapy may be considered as a treatment option if the recurrent focus is localized.
Mock communities highlight the diversity of host‐associated eukaryotes
Authors: Wegener Parfrey Laura 
Published: August 2015

Host‐associated microbes are ubiquitous. Every multicellular eukaryote, and even many unicellular eukaryotes (protists), hosts a diverse community of microbes. High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) tools have illuminated the vast diversity of host‐associated microbes and shown that they have widespread influence on host biology, ecology and evolution (McFall‐Ngai et al. ). Bacteria receive most of the attention, but protists are also important components of microbial communities associated with humans (Parfrey et al. ) and other hosts. As HTS tools are increasingly used to study eukaryotes, the presence of numerous and diverse host‐associated eukaryotes is emerging as a common theme across ecosystems. Indeed, HTS studies demonstrate that host‐associated lineages account for between 2 and 12% of overall eukaryotic sequences detected in soil, marine and freshwater data sets, with much higher relative abundances observed in some samples (Ramirez et al. ; Simon et al. ; de Vargas et al. ). Previous studies in soil detected large numbers of predominantly parasitic lineages such as Apicomplexa, but did not delve into their origin [e.g. (Ramirez et al. )]. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Geisen et al. () use mock communities to show that many of the eukaryotic organisms detected by environmental sequencing in soils are potentially associated with animal hosts rather than free‐living. By isolating the host‐associated fraction of soil microbial communities, Geisen and colleagues help explain the surprisingly high diversity of parasitic eukaryotic lineages often detected in soil/terrestrial studies using high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) and reinforce the ubiquity of these host‐associated microbes. It is clear that we can no longer assume that organisms detected in bulk environmental sequencing are free‐living, but instead need to design studies that specifically enumerate the diversity and function of host‐associated eukaryotes. Doing so will allow the field to determine the role host‐associated eukaryotes play in soils and other environments and to evaluate hypotheses on assembly of host‐associated communities, disease ecology and more.
Challenging the inbreeding hypothesis in a eusocial mammal: population genetics of the naked mole‐rat, Heterocephalus glaber
Authors: Ingram Colleen M. , Troendle Nicholas J. , Gill Clare A. , Braude Stanton , Honeycutt Rodney L. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe role of genetic relatedness in the evolution of eusociality has been the topic of much debate, especially when contrasting eusocial insects with vertebrates displaying reproductive altruism. The naked mole‐rat, Heterocephalus glaber, was the first described eusocial mammal. Although this discovery was based on an ecological constraints model of eusocial evolution, early genetic studies reported high levels of relatedness in naked mole‐rats, providing a compelling argument that low dispersal rates and consanguineous mating (inbreeding as a mating system) are the driving forces for the evolution of this eusocial species. One caveat to accepting this long‐held view is that the original genetic studies were based on limited sampling from the species’ geographic distribution. A growing body of evidence supports a contrary view, with the original samples not representative of the species—rather reflecting a single founder event, establishing a small population south of the Athi River. Our study is the first to address these competing hypotheses by examining patterns of molecular variation in colonies sampled from north and south of the Athi and Tana rivers, which based on our results, serve to isolate genetically distinct populations of naked mole‐rats. Although colonies south of the Athi River share a single mtDNA haplotype and are fixed at most microsatellite loci, populations north of the Athi River are considerably more variable. Our findings support the position that the low variation observed in naked mole‐rat populations south of the Athi River reflects a founder event, rather than a consequence of this species’ unusual mating system.
Increased soil phosphorus availability induced by faba bean root exudation stimulates root growth and phosphorus uptake in neighbouring maize
Authors: Zhang Deshan , Zhang Chaochun , Tang Xiaoyan , Li Haigang , Zhang Fusuo , Rengel Zed , Whalley William R. , Davies William J. , Shen Jianbo 
Published: August 2015

Summary

Root growth is influenced by soil nutrients and neighbouring plants, but how these two drivers affect root interactions and regulate plant growth dynamics is poorly understood. Here, interactions between the roots of maize (Zea mays) and faba bean (Vicia faba) are characterized.

Maize was grown alone (maize) or with maize (maize/maize) or faba bean (maize/faba bean) as competitors under five levels of phosphorus (P) supply, and with homogeneous or heterogeneous P distribution.

Maize had longer root length and greater shoot biomass and P content when grown with faba bean than with maize. At each P supply rate, faba bean had a smaller root system than maize but greater exudation of citrate and acid phosphatase, suggesting a greater capacity to mobilize P in the rhizosphere. Heterogeneous P availability enhanced the root‐length density of maize but not faba bean. Maize root proliferation in the P‐rich patches was associated with increased shoot P uptake.

Increased P availability by localized P application or by the presence of faba bean exudation stimulated root morphological plasticity and increased shoot growth in maize in the maize/faba bean mixture, suggesting that root interactions of neighbouring plants can be modified by increased P availability.
Reconstruction of Segmental Stability of Goat Cervical Spine with Poly (D, L‐lactic acid) Cage
Authors: Li Xiao‐hui , Song Yue‐ming , Duan Hong 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo compare the characteristics of inter body fusion after using an established poly (D, L‐lactic acid) (PDLLA) cage, a titanium cage or autologous tricortical iliac crest graft in a goat cervical spine model in vivo.MethodsTwenty‐four goats were assigned to three groups: PDLLA cage group (n = 8), titanium alloy cage group (n = 8) and autologous iliac bone group (n = 8), and underwent C3‐4 discectomy and fusion with the allocated procedure. Radiography was performed pre‐ and post‐operatively and after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks and disc space height (DSH), intervertebral angle (IVA), and lordosis angle (LA) measured at these time points. After 12 weeks, the goats were killed and fusion sites removed. Biomechanical testing was performed in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending to determine the stiffness and range of motion (ROM). All specimens were also assessed histomorphologically.ResultsThe IVA of PDLLA cage four weeks postoperatively and DSH eight and twelve weeks postoperatively were significantly greater than that of autologous iliac bone graft (P < 0.05). The LA values did not differ significantly between groups. The stiffness of both types of cages for axial rotation and lateral bending, and ROM for every movement, were significantly greater than that of the autologous iliac bone graft group (P < 0.05). PDLLA and titanium cages did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Radiographic and histomorphological assessment showed better fusion in the cage than the autologous bone groups.ConclusionThe PDLLA cage can provide good intervertebral distract ability and enough biomechanical stability for cervical fusion.
Effects of Cemented Hip Stem Pre‐heating on Stem Push‐out Strength
Authors: Wilairatana Vajara , Pirot Chatchawan , Limpaphayom Noppachart 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the effect on ultimate push‐out load and cement–stem surface shear strength of thermally manipulating the cobalt‐chromium‐molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy stems of bone cement–stem constructs.MethodsSatin‐finished CoCrMo alloy stems were allocated to the following three groups with the predetermined temperatures:T24, ambient (24 °C);T37, body (37 °C); andT44, pre‐heated stem (>44 °C). They were then inserted into hand‐mixed high viscosity bone cement. Ultimate push‐out load to failure was assessed with a servo hydraulic testing machine and the surface shear strength calculated. Data were compared among groups using theKruskal–Wallis withDunn's test. APvalue of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAccording toKruskal–Wallis analysis, ultimate push‐out load and surface shear strength differed significantly between the groups (P= 0.001). TheT37 andT44 groups had higher ultimate push‐out loads and surface shear strengths than theT24 group (P= 0.04 and 0.001, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant difference in these two variables between the T37 and T44 groups (P= 0.08).ConclusionsPre‐heatingCoCrMoalloy stems enhance the ultimate push‐out load and surface shear strengthin vitro. The suggested temperature is 37 °C. This technique is recommended for hip arthroplasty procedures.
Fixation of Metacarpal Shaft Fractures: Biomechanical Comparison of Intramedullary Nail Crossed K‐Wires and Plate‐Screw Constructs
Authors: Curtis Benjamin D , Fajolu Olukemi , Ruff Michael E , Litsky Alan S 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesMetacarpal (MC) fractures are very common, accounting for 18% of all fractures distal to the elbow. Many MC fractures can be treated non‐operatively; however, some are treated most effectively with surgical stabilization, for which there are multiple methods. It was postulated that plates would have a significantly higher (P < 0.05) load to failure than crossed K(XK)‐wires and that intramedullary metacarpal nails (IMNs) and XK‐wires would have equivalent load to failure.MethodsMid‐diaphyseal transverse fractures were created in 36 synthetic metacarpals and stabilized using nails, XK‐wires or non‐locking plates. Three‐point bending was performed with continuous recording of load and displacement. Statistical analysis was performed using single factor ANOVA and Scheffe's test. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.ResultsBiomechanical testing revealed significant differences between groups in load‐to‐failure. Average load to failure was significantly greater in the plate (1669 ± 322 N) than the XK‐wire (146 ± 56 N) or IMN (110 ± 43 N) groups. The loads to failure of the K‐wires and nails were equivalent. Plates were 11 and 15 times stronger in three‐point bending than the K‐wires and nails, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between strengths of the K‐wires and nails.ConclusionsAlthough plates are the most stable means of fixation of midshaft metacarpal fractures, if minimally‐invasive techniques are indicated, intramedullary nails may provide equivalent stability as commonly‐used XK‐wires. Although some studies have shown favorable clinical outcomes with IMNs, additional clinical correlation of these biomechanical results to fracture healing and outcomes is needed.
Role of Intraoperative Disc Contrast Injection in Determining the Segment Responsible for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury without Radiographic Abnormalities
Authors: Zhang Ji‐dong , Xia Qun 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the features of discs in spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) by intraoperative disc contrast injection (IODCI) and to subsequently treat the responsible discs operatively.MethodsFrom January 2007 to December 2011, 16 adult cases of cervical SCIWORA were enrolled in this study. The average preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 9.1 ± 1.8. Although preoperative imaging showed no obvious fracture or dislocation, spinal cord compression was evident in all cases. High spinal cord signals on MRI T2WI and cervical disc degeneration were present in all cases and swollen soft tissue anterior to the cervical spine in nine cases. All patients underwent anterior cervical surgeries for spinal cord compression, IODCI being performed after exposure of suspicious discs. Patients with only one ruptured disc underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion; those with more complex injuries underwent anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion with fixation of the ruptured segment. JOA scores, X‐rays and CT scans were checked at specified intervals over an average of 24.4 months.ResultsOf 32 discs suspected preoperatively of being injured, 19 were identified as ruptured by IODCI. Anterior annulus fibrosus rupture was proved in 11 patients whereas the anterior longitudinal ligament was intact in all. JOA scores at 2 weeks, 3 months and last follow‐up postoperatively were 13.3 ± 1.5, 14.5 ± 1.6 and 15.1 ± 1.5 respectively. The recovery rates were 53.2%, 68.3% and 75.9%, respectively.ConclusionIODCI helps to determine the segment responsible for cervical SCIWORA.
Heat‐shock pretreatment reduces expression and release of TSLP from keratinocytes under Th2 environment
Authors: Kao Jun‐Kai , Lee Cheng‐Han , Lee Ming‐Sheng , Hsu Cheng‐Sheng , Tsao Long‐Yen , Tsai Yi‐Giien , Shieh Jeng‐Jer , Yang Rei‐Cheng 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease of the skin. Current therapy is not curative, and recalcitrant disease is a big stress and challenge for parents and physicians. This study explored the potential role of heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP‐70) and its anti‐inflammatory effects on keratinocyte under TH2 environment.MethodsHuman keratinocyte cell line (HaCa T) was stimulated with IL‐4, IL‐13, and TNF‐α to synthesize and secrete thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an important cytokine of immunopathogenesis in atopic dermatitis. Heat shock was performed by immersing the cell‐contained flash into a water bath of 45°C for 20 min. Cell viability, TSLP expression, and secretion of HaCa T cells were measured and compared. Possible regulatory mechanisms influencing the expression of TSLP, such as the STAT6 and NF‐κB signal pathways, were investigated.ResultsHeat‐shock treatment induced intracellular HSP‐70 expression in HaCa T cells without affecting cell viability. The induced expression and secretion of TSLP in HaCa T cells were suppressed by heat shock. The NF‐κB signal pathway was inhibited by heat shock, leading to decreased TSLP expression and secretion.ConclusionHeat stress‐induced HSPs can significantly reduce the production and secretion of TSLP from HaCaT cells under Th2 environment. Thus, the evidence highlights the potential role of HSP‐70 for atopic dermatitis in the future.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Lesion of the Superior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion in Patients with Tinnitus
Authors: Koning Henk M. , Dyrbye Brigitte A. , van Hemert Frits J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of radiofrequency lesioning of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion for patients with tinnitus.Study DesignThis is a retrospective long‐term clinical review of patients with tinnitus treated with a blockade of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.SettingThe human subjects were 366 consecutive patients who came to the DC Klinieken in Almere and Amsterdam from January 2010 to January 2014 for consultations on their tinnitus that persisted for 1 month or longer.Subjects and MethodsData were recorded from patients whose charts were reviewed retrospectively to identify the patients who were treated with a blockade of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion for tinnitus. An independent observer conducted a long‐term follow‐up assessment of the therapy by telephone interview.ResultsRelief of tinnitus at 7‐week follow‐up was achieved in 64% of the patients treated with a radiofrequency lesion of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion after a positive test blockade of this structure. Two years after the treatment, the maintenance of a tinnitus relief occurred in almost 40% of the patients with a follow‐up period of two years or longer.ConclusionsA radiofrequency lesion of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion may be a useful alternative for patients with tinnitus not responding to conventional therapy.
Drought‐stress and plant resistance affect herbivore performance and proteome: the case of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Verdugo Jaime A. , Sauge Marie‐Helene , Lacroze Jean‐Philippe , Francis Frederic , Ramirez Claudio C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractLittle is known about the simultaneous effects of drought stress and plant resistance on herbivorous insects. By subjecting the green peach aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer to well‐watered and drought‐stressed plants of both susceptible and resistant peach (Prunus persica), the effects of both stressors on aphid performance and proteomics are tested. Overall, the influence of the water treatment on aphid performance is less pronounced than the effect of host plant genetic resistance. On the susceptible cultivar, aphid survival, host acceptance and ability to colonize the plant do not depend on water treatment. On the resistant cultivar, aphid survival and ability to colonize are higher on drought‐stressed than on well‐watered plants. A study examining the pattern of protein expression aiming to explain the variation in aphid performance finds higher protein expression in aphids on the drought‐stressed susceptible cultivars compared with the well‐watered ones. In the susceptible cultivar, the regulated proteins are related to energy metabolism and exoskeleton functionality, whereas, in the resistant cultivar, the proteins are involved with the cytoskeleton. Comparison of the protein expression ratios for resistant versus susceptible plants reveals that four proteins are down‐regulated in well‐watered plants and 15 proteins are down‐regulated in drought‐stressed plants. Drought stress applied to the susceptible cultivar induces the regulation of proteins in M. persicae that enable physiological adaptation to maintain an almost unaltered aphid performance. By contrast, for aphids on the resistant cultivar subjected to drought stress, the down‐regulation of proteins responds to an induced host susceptibility effect.
Improvement of high‐resolution fluorescence in situ hybridisation mapping on chromosomes of Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Authors: Yang K. , Zhang Y. , Converse R. , Lv J. , Shi M. , Zhang H. , Zhu L. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe low resolution of chromosome‐based Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) mapping is primarily due to the structure of the plant cell wall and cytoplasm and the compactness of regular chromosomes, which represent a significant obstacle to FISH. In order to improve spatial resolution and signal detection sensitivity, we provide a reproducible method to generate high‐quality extended chromosomes that are ~13 times as long as their pachytene counterparts. We demonstrate that proteinase K used in this procedure is crucial for stretching pachytene chromosomes of Brassica oleracea in the context of a modified Carnoy's II fixative (6:1:3, ethanol:chloroform:acetic acid). The quality of super‐stretched chromosomes was assessed in several FISH experiments. FISH signals from both repetitive 5S rDNA and single‐copy ARC1 on super‐stretched chromosomes are brighter than those on other different types of chromosome due to enhanced accessibility to targets on stretched pachytene chromosomes. In conclusion, the resulting extended chromosomes are suitable for FISH mapping for repetitive DNA sequences and the localisation of a single‐copy locus, and FISH performed on super‐stretched chromosomes can achieve significantly higher sensitivity and spatial resolution than other chromosome‐based FISH mapping techniques.