bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Differences in the Soluble HLA‐G Blood Serum Concentration Levels in Patients with Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian and Deep Endometriosis
Authors: Mach Pawel , Blecharz Pawel , Basta Pawel , Marianowski Piotr , Skret‐Magierlo Joanna , Kojs Zbigniew , Grabiec Marek , Wicherek Lukasz 
Published: February 2010

Citation Mach P, Blecharz P, Basta P, Marianowski P, Skret‐Magierlo J, Kojs Z, Grabiec M, Wicherek L. Differences in the soluble HLA‐G blood serum concentration levels in patients with ovarian cancer and ovarian and deep endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010Problem  The relationship between endometriosis and cancer has been widely discussed in the literature but is still not well clarified. Perhaps significantly, soluble human leukocyte antigen‐G (sHLA‐G) has been identified in the microenvironment of both ovarian cancer and endometrioma. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the sHLA‐G levels in the blood sera of women with deep endometriosis and ovarian endometrioma over the course of the menstrual cycle and to compare to the levels of sHLA‐G in the blood sera of women with ovarian cancer.Method of study  In our study, we examined the blood sera obtained from 123 patients operated on because of ovarian cancer (65 cases), ovarian endometrioma (30 cases), and deep endometriosis (28 cases). We decided to compare the levels of sHLA‐G in patients with endometriosis to those found in patients with ovarian cancer with respect to the menstrual cycle phases. The sHLA‐G concentration level was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.Results  The level of sHLA‐G concentration in the blood serum of patients with deep endometriosis fluctuates over the course of the menstrual cycle, and during the proliferative and secretory phases, it remains at a high level comparable to that found in patients with ovarian cancer. By contrast, the level of sHLA‐G concentration in the blood serum of patients with ovarian endometrioma fluctuates minimally over the course of the different menstrual cycle phases and, as in patients with ovarian cancer, it remains at high level during the proliferative phase.Conclusion  sHLA‐G blood serum concentration levels would seem to provide important information regarding the degree of immune system regulation disturbance in both ectopic endometrial cells and the cancer cell suppressive microenvironment.
Rate of succession in restored wetlands and the role of site context
Authors: Matthews Jeffrey W. , Endress Anton G. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractQuestion: Are changes in plant species composition, functional group composition and rates of species turnover consistent among early successional wetlands, and what is the role of landscape context in determining the rate of succession?Location: Twenty‐four restored wetlands in Illinois, USA.Methods: We use 4 years of vegetation sampling data from each site to describe successional trends and rates of species turnover in wetlands. We quantify: (1) the rate at which composition changes from early‐successional to late‐successional species and functional groups, as indicated by site movement in ordination space over time, and (2) the rate of change in the colonization and local extinction of individual species. We correlate the pace of succession to site area, isolation and surrounding land cover.Results: Some commonalities in successional trends were evident among sites. Annual species were replaced by clonal perennials, and colonization rates declined over time. However, differences among sites outweighed site age in determining species composition, and the pace of succession was influenced by a site's landscape setting. Rates of species turnover were higher in smaller wetlands. In addition, wetlands in agricultural landscapes underwent succession more rapidly, as indicated by a rapid increase in dominance by late‐successional plants.Conclusions: Although the outcome of plant community succession in restored wetlands was somewhat predictable, species composition and the pace of succession varied among sites. The ability of restoration practitioners to accelerate succession through active manipulation may be contingent upon landscape context.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Observations of Failures of Implant Overdenture Bars: A Case Series Report
Authors: Waddell J. Neil , Payne Alan GT , Swain Michael V. , Kieser Jules A. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTBackground: Soldered or cast bars are used as a standard of care in attachment systems supporting maxillary and mandibular implant overdentures. When failures of these bars occur, currently there is a lack of evidence in relation to their specific etiology, location, or nature.Purpose: To investigate the failure process of a case series of six failed soldered bars, four intact soldered bars, and one intact cast milled bar, which had been supporting implant overdentures.Materials and Methods: A total of 11 different overdenture bars were removed from patients with different configuration of opposing arches. A failed bar (FB) group (n = 6) had failed soldered overdenture bars, which were recovered from patients following up to 2 years of wear before requiring prosthodontic maintenance and repair. An intact bar (IB) group (n = 5) had both soldered bars and a single cast milled bar, which had been worn by patients for 2 to 5 years prior to receiving other aspects of prosthodontic maintenance. All bars were examined using scanning electron microscopy to establish the possible mode of failure (FB) or to identify evidence of potential failure in the future (IB).Results: Evidence of a progressive failure mode of corrosion fatigue and creep were observed on all the FB and IB usually around the solder areas and nonoxidizing gold cylinder. Fatigue and creep were also observed in all the IB. Where the level of corrosion was substantial, there was no evidence of wear from the matrices of the attachment system. Evidence of an instantaneous failure mode, ductile and brittle overload, was observed on the fracture surfaces of all the FB, within the solder and the nonoxidizing gold cylinders, at the solder/cylinder interface.Conclusion: Corrosion, followed by corrosion fatigue, appears to be a key factor in the onset of the failure process for overdenture bars in this case series of both maxillary and mandibular overdentures. Limited sample size and lack of standardization identify trends only but prevent broad interpretation of the findings.
Understanding oral health beliefs and practices among Cantonese‐speaking older Australians
Authors: Mariño Rodrigo , Minichiello Victor , MacEntee Michael I 
Published: February 2010

Aim:  The present study was conducted to explore how older immigrants from Hong Kong or Southern China manage their oral health in Melbourne.Methods:  We used six focus groups involving 50 Cantonese‐speaking immigrants who were 55 years and over and living in Melbourne.Results:  Four major themes relevant to oral health care emerged from the discussion: (i) traditional Chinese health beliefs; (ii) traditional medicine and oral health; (iii) attitudes towards dentists; and (iv) access to oral health‐care services. Language, communication and cost of dentistry were identified as major barriers to oral health care.Conclusion:  Older Chinese immigrants in Melbourne have concerns about oral health care that are similar to other ethnic groups, they want more oral health‐related support from government, and many of they return to China or Hong Kong for dental treatment.
Review of psychotropic medication in Tasmanian residential aged care facilities
Authors: Westbury Juanita , Beld Karin , Jackson Shane , Peterson Gregory 
Published: February 2010

Aim:  To examine psychotropic medication review practices in residential aged care facilities.Methods:  Psychotropic medicine use data were collected from residents from 40 residential aged care facilities throughout Tasmania. As an indication of review practices, the measure was repeated at 33 of the original facilities a year later.Results:  A total of 2389 residents' medication records were examined in 2006. Regular doses of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines were taken by 42% and 21% of residents, respectively. Medication data were available for 1307 of the residents in 2007. Over 60% were taking the same antipsychotic or benzodiazepine agent, at the same dose in 2007, as they were in 2006. Dosage reduction or cessation occurred in less than a quarter of the residents.Conclusion:  The utilisation of psychotropic medication is high in Tasmanian residential aged care facilities. Attempts to reduce psychotropic doses happen infrequently. Further research is required to establish the barriers to appropriate psychotropic medication review in this setting.
The SWI/SNF protein BAF60b is ubiquitinated through a signalling process involving Rac GTPase and the RING finger protein Unkempt
Authors: Lorès Patrick , Visvikis Orane , Luna Rosa , Lemichez Emmanuel , Gacon Gérard 
Published: February 2010

The SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complexes are important regulators of transcription; they consist of large multisubunit assemblies containing either Brm or Brg1 as the catalytic ATPase subunit and a variable subset of approximately 10 Brg/Brm‐associated factors (BAF). Among these factors, BAF60 proteins (BAF60a, BAF60b or BAF60c), which are found in most complexes, are thought to bridge interactions between transcription factors and SWI/SNF complexes. We report here on a Rac‐dependent process leading to BAF60b ubiquitination. Using two‐hybrid cloning procedures, we identified a mammalian RING finger protein homologous to drosophila Unkempt as a new partner of the activated form of RacGTPases and demonstrated that mammalian Unkempt specifically binds to BAF60b and promotes its ubiquitination in a Rac1‐dependent manner. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that Unkempt is primarily localized in the cytoplasmic compartment, but has the ability to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, suggesting that the Rac‐ and Unkempt‐dependent process leading to BAF60b ubiquitination takes place in the nuclear compartment. Ubiquitinated forms of BAF60b were found to accumulate upon treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, indicating that BAF60b ubiquitination is of the degradative type and could regulate the level of BAF60b in SWI/SNF complexes. Our observations support the new idea of a direct connection between Rac signalling and chromatin remodelling.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7543606: Rac1 (uniprotkb:P63000) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Unkempt (uniprotkb:B1GXI8) by two hybrid (MI:0018)
MINT‐7543198: Unkempt (uniprotkb:B1GXI8) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Rac1 (uniprotkb:P63000) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐7543251: Unkempt (uniprotkb:B1GXI8) physically interacts (MI:0915) with BAF60b (uniprotkb:B4DV56) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐7543745: Unkempt (uniprotkb:B1GXI8) physically interacts (MI:0915) with BAF60b (uniprotkb:B4DV56) by two hybrid (MI:0018)
MINT‐7543182: Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P61864) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Unkempt (uniprotkb:B1GXI8) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐7543805: Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P61864) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Unkempt (uniprotkb:Q6RUT6) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐7543760: Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P61864) physically interacts (MI:0915) with BAF60b (uniprotkb:B4DV56) by pull down (MI:0096)
Erectogenic and Neurotrophic Effects of Icariin, a Purified Extract of Horny Goat Weed (Epimediumspp.) In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Shindel Alan W. , Xin Zhong-Chen , Lin Guiting , Fandel Thomas M. , Huang Yun-Ching , Banie Lia , Breyer Benjamin N. , Garcia Maurice M. , Lin Ching-Shwun , Lue Tom F. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionEpimedium species (aka horny goat weed) have been utilized for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years. Icariin (ICA) is the active moiety of Epimedium species.AimTo evaluate the penile hemodynamic and tissue effects of ICA in cavernous nerve injured rats. We also studied the in vitro effects of ICA on cultured pelvic ganglia.MethodsRats were subjected to cavernous nerve injury and subsequently treated for 4 weeks with daily gavage feedings of a placebo solution of normal saline and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vs. ICA dissolved in DMSO at doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg. A separate group underwent a single dose of ICA 10 mg/kg 2 hours prior to functional testing. Functional testing with cavernous nerve stimulation and real-time assessment of intracavernous pressure (ICP) was performed at 4 weeks. After functional testing, penile tissue was procured for immunohistochemistry and molecular studies. In separate experiments, pelvic ganglia were excised from healthy rats and cultured in the presence of ICA, sildenafil, or placebo culture media.Main Outcome MeasureRatio of ICP and area under the curve (AUC) to mean arterial pressure (MAP) during cavernous nerve stimulation of subject rodents. We also assayed tissue expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), calponin, and apoptosis via immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Differential length of neurite outgrowth was assessed in cultured pelvic ganglia.ResultsRats treated with low-dose ICA demonstrated significantly higher ICP/MAP and AUC/MAP ratios compared with control and single-dose ICA animals. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were revealing of significantly greater positivity for nNOS and calponin in penile tissues of all rats treated with ICA. ICA led to significantly greater neurite length in cultured specimens of pelvic ganglia.ConclusionICA may have neurotrophic effects in addition to known phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibiting effects. Shindel AW, Xin Z-C, Lin G, Fandel TM, Huang YC, Banie L, Breyer BN, Garcia MM, Lin C-S, and Lue TF. Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo.
Localization and functional characterization of the human NKCC2 isoforms
Authors: Carota I. , Theilig F. , Oppermann M. , Kongsuphol P. , Rosenauer A. , Schreiber R. , Jensen B. L. , Walter S. , Kunzelmann K. , Castrop H. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  Salt reabsorption across the apical membrane of cells in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle is primarily mediated by the bumetanide‐sensitive Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter NKCC2. Three full‐length splice variants of NKCC2 (NKCC2B, NKCC2A and NKCC2F) have been described. The NKCC2 isoforms have specific localizations and transport characteristics, as assessed for rabbit, rat and mouse. In the present study, we aimed to address the localization and transport characteristics of the human NKCC2 isoforms.Methods:  RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization and uptake studies in Xenopus oocytes were performed to characterize human NKCC2 isoforms.Results:  All three classical NKCC2 isoforms were detected in the human kidney; in addition, we found splice variants with tandem duplicates of the variable exon 4. Contrary to rodents, in which NKCC2F is the most abundant NKCC2 isoform, NKCC2A was the dominant isoform in humans; similarly, isoform‐specific in situ hybridization showed high expression levels of human NKCC2A along the TAL. Compared to NKCC2B and NKCC2F, human NKCC2A had the lowest Cl− affinity as determined by 86Rb+ uptake studies in oocytes. All NKCC2 isoforms were more efficiently inhibited by bumetanide than by furosemide. A sequence analysis of the amino acids encoded by exon 4 variants revealed high similarities between human and rodent NKCC2 isoforms, suggesting that differences in ion transport characteristics between species may be related to sequence variations outside the highly conserved sequence encoded by exon 4.Conclusion:  The human NKCC2 is an example of how differential splicing forms the basis for a diversification of transporter protein function.
The Cerebral Cortex Overlying Periventricular Leukomalacia: Analysis of Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Andiman Sarah E. , Haynes Robin L. , Trachtenberg Felicia L. , Billiards Saraid S. , Folkerth Rebecca D. , Volpe Joseph J. , Kinney Hannah C. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe role of the cerebral cortex in the cognitive deficits in preterm survivors is poorly understood. Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), the key feature of encephalopathy of prematurity, is characterized by periventricular necrotic foci and diffuse gliosis in the surrounding cerebral white matter. Here, we tested the hypothesis that reductions in the density of layer I neurons and/or pyramidal neurons in layers III and/or V are associated with PVL, indicating cortical pathology potentially associated with cognitive deficits in long‐term survivors. In controls (23 gestational weeks to 18 postnatal months) (n = 15), a lack of significant differences in pyramidal density among incipient Brodmann areas suggested that cytoarchitectonic differences across functional areas are not fully mature in the fetal and infant periods. There was a marked reduction (38%) in the density of layer V neurons in all areas sampled in the PVL cases (n = 17) compared to controls (n = 12) adjusted for postconceptional age at or greater than 30 weeks, when the six‐layer cortex is visually distinct (P < 0.024). This may reflect a dying‐back loss of somata complicating transection of layer V axons projecting through the necrosis in the underlying white matter. This study underscores the potential role of secondary cortical injury in the encephalopathy of prematurity.
Nurse tele‐consultations with discharged COPD patients reduce early readmissions – an interventional study
Authors: Sorknæs Anne Dichmann , Madsen Hanne , Hallas Jesper , Jest Peder , Hansen‐Nord Michael 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroduction:  Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD) are the most common cause for admissions and readmissions to medical wards worldwide.Objectives:  To investigate the effect on early readmissions of telemedicine video consultations (TVCs) between respiratory nurses placed at the hospital and COPD patients in their homes after a discharge from the hospital, which was caused by ECOPD.Methods:  This study was an interventional study in which all ECOPD were consecutively allocated into two groups (TVC or control) depending on their home municipality. The patient received daily TVC at home with a nurse based at the hospital for approximately one week. Thereafter, the patient received at least one follow‐up call and they could call the nurse for the rest of the study period of 28 days. The telemedicine equipment was composed of a computer with a web camera, a microphone and measurement equipment.Results:  Within each of the two groups, TVC (n = 50) and control (n = 50), 12% and 22%, respectively, were readmitted [differences between rates –10% (95% confidence interval –25;5)] because of ECOPD. The multivariate Cox regression model showed the TVC assignment as a significant protective factor for early readmission [hazard ratio (HR) 0.25 (0.09–0.69)]. High age [HR 3.94 (1.46–10.6)] and male gender [HR 2.97 (0.99–8.97)] were associated with high hazard. Patient satisfaction was high.Conclusions:  In a hospitalised population with ECOPD, a nurse TVC assignment is protective against early readmission and reduces the days of readmission.Please cite this paper as: Sorknæs AD, Madsen H, Hallas J, Jest P and Hansen‐Nord M. Nurse tele‐consultations with discharged COPD patients reduce early readmissions – an interventional study. Clin Respir J 2011; 5: 26–34.
Prevalence, serotyping and molecular characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in mussels from Italian growing areas, Adriatic Sea
Authors: Ottaviani Donatella , Leoni Francesca , Rocchegiani Elena , Canonico Cristina , Potenziani Stefano , Santarelli Sabrina , Masini Laura , Mioni Renzo , Carraturo Antonio 
Published: February 2010

SummaryThe aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of total and pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains in Italian mussels from different geographical areas of the Adriatic Sea and to determine their serotypes, toxigenic profiles and pandemic potential. Out of 559 samples analysed during 2007, 65 (11.6%) were positive for V. parahaemolyticus. None of the isolates had the genes for thermostable direct haemolysin (tdh) and pandemic marker (toxRS), while five strains (7.7%) had that for TDH‐related haemolysin (trh). Regarding geographical location of the toxigenic strains, three were from the Adriatic coast of Puglia, one from Veneto, and one from the Marches. The trh‐positive V. parahaemolyticus isolates from Puglia belonged to O1:KUT (2/3) and O1:K37(1/3) serotypes, the trh‐positive isolate from the Marches to OUT(O untypeable):KUT serotype, and that from Veneto to O3:KUT. The prevalence of trh‐positive V. parahaemolyticus obtained from mussels in this study was higher respect to that reported in previous studies from other European and Extraeuropean countries. The Health Authorities should be more aware of the epidemiological role of environmental V. parahaemolyticus in local food‐borne diseases, and increase the microbial surveillance on these microorganisms isolated from shellfish.
Diversity and pathogenecity of Vibrio species in cultured bivalve molluscs
Authors: Beaz‐Hidalgo Roxana , Balboa Sabela , Romalde Jesús L. , Figueras Maria José 
Published: February 2010

SummaryShellfish production is seriously affected by bacterial pathogens that cause high losses in hatcheries and in the aquaculture sector. A number of Vibrio species are considered important pathogens and have provoked severe mortality outbreaks. The pathologies caused by vibrios in bivalves have been described since the 1960s; however, over recent years, successive episodes of high mortality have been recorded due to these microorganisms. The present work provides an updated overview of the different studies performed in relation with the diversity of Vibrio spp. associated to bivalves. Special attention is given to the main Vibrio diseases and implicated species affecting the different life stages of cultured bivalves.
The pre‐seventh pandemic Vibrio cholerae BX 330286 El Tor genome: evidence for the environment as a genome reservoir
Authors: Haley Bradd J. , Grim Christopher J. , Hasan Nur A. , Taviani Elisa , Chun Jongsik , Brettin Thomas S. , Bruce David C. , Challacombe Jean F. , Detter J. Chris , Han Cliff S. , Huq Anwar , Nair G. Balakrish , Colwell Rita R. 
Published: February 2010

Summary Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor BX 330286 was isolated from a water sample in Australia in 1986, 9 years after an indigenous outbreak of cholera occurred in that region. This environmental strain encodes virulence factors highly similar to those of clinical strains, suggesting an ability to cause disease in humans. We demonstrate its high similarity in gene content and genome‐wide nucleotide sequence to clinical V. cholerae strains, notably to pre‐seventh pandemic O1 El Tor strains isolated in 1910 (V. cholerae NCTC 8457) and 1937 (V. cholerae MAK 757), as well as seventh pandemic strains isolated after 1960 globally. Here we demonstrate that this strain represents a transitory clone with shared characteristics between pre‐seventh and seventh pandemic strains of V. cholerae. Interestingly, this strain was isolated 25 years after the beginning of the seventh pandemic, suggesting the environment as a genome reservoir in areas where cholera does not occur in sporadic, endemic or epidemic form.