bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of IL‐17‐Positive Cells in Decidua of Inevitable Abortion Cases
Authors: Nakashima Akitoshi , Ito Mika , Shima Tomoko , Bac Nguyen Duy , Hidaka Takao , Saito Shigeru 
Published: March 2010

Citation Nakashima A, Ito M, Shima T, Bac ND, Hidaka T, Saito S. Accumulation of IL‐17‐positive cells in decidua of inevitable abortion cases. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010Problem  Th17 cells, a new subset of helper T cells, have been focused on as a producer pro‐inflammatory cytokines. It is, however, still unknown how Th17 cells affect pregnancy outcome. We investigated the expression of IL‐17‐producing cells in human spontaneous abortion.Method of study  IL‐17 expression was analyzed in decidual tissues among normal pregnancy, missed abortion, and inevitable abortion cases by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.Results  IL‐17+ cells were accumulated in decidua and were detected in decidual CD4+ T cells and few decidual CD8+ T cells in spontaneous abortion cases. The number of decidual IL‐17+ cells in inevitable abortion cases involving active genital bleeding was significantly higher than that in normal pregnancy cases (P < 0.05). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the numbers of decidual IL‐17+ cells between missed abortion cases and normal pregnancy subjects. Furthermore, the number of IL‐17+ cells was positively correlated with the number of neutrophils in spontaneous abortion cases.Conclusion  IL‐17+ cells might be involved in the induction of inflammation in the late stage of abortion, but not in the early stage of abortion.
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Trophoblast Cells by Human Endometrial Endothelial Cells Induces Proinflammatory Cytokine Production
Authors: Peng Bing , Koga Kaori , Cardenas Ingrid , Aldo Paulomi , Mor Gil 
Published: March 2010

Citation Peng B, Koga K, Cardenas I, Aldo P, Mor G. Phagocytosis of apoptotic trophoblast cells by human endometrial endothelial cells induces proinflammatory cytokine production. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 12–19Problem  Apoptosis is a normal constituent of trophoblast turnover in the placenta; however in some cases, this process is related to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. Recognition and engulfment of these apoptotic trophoblast cells is important for clearance of dying cells. The aim of this study was to show the cross talk between human endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs) and apoptotic trophoblast cells in an in vitro coculture model and its effect on cytokine production by HEECs.Method of study  Fluorescent‐labeled HEECs were cocultured with fluorescent‐labeled apoptotic human trophoblast cells. Confocal microscopy and flowcytometry were used to show the interaction between these two types of cells. Cytokine profiles were determined using multiplex analysis.Results  HEECs are capable to phagocytose apoptotic trophoblasts. This activity is inhibited by the phagocytosis inhibitor cytochalasin B. Phagocytosis of apoptotic trophoblast cells induced the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 by HEECs.Conclusion  This study provides the first evidence that HEECs have an ability to phagocytose apoptotic trophoblasts. Furthermore, we demonstrated an inflammatory response of HEECs after phagocytosing the apoptotic trophoblast cells. This event may contribute to the inflammatory response in both normal pregnancy and pathologic pregnancy such as preeclampsia.
Faecal calprotectin concentrations in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed according to the Pediatric Rome III criteria
Authors: Flagstad G , Helgeland H , Markestad T 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective:  To determine if faecal calprotectin concentrations vary with different entities of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in children.Methods:  Children (4–15 years) who were consecutively referred by general practitioners to four general paediatric outpatient clinics for the evaluation of recurrent abdominal pain were assessed according to a research protocol which included clinical examination, a minimum set of blood, urine and stool tests, and clinical reassessment after 6–9 months. The diagnoses of FGID were based on the parent version of the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms‐Rome III.Results:  Of the 152 patients included, 142 children were diagnosed with FGID. Of these, 126 (89%) provided a stool specimen for quantification of calprotectin. The median calprotectin concentrations were at or lower than 16 mg/kg which was at the lower detection limit and there were no differences between the FGID subgroups. Nine children (7%) had slightly raised values.Conclusion:  The faecal calprotectin concentration is within normal limits in FGID and does not vary with different FGID entities suggesting that bowel inflammation is not a significant part of the pathogenesis in FGID.
Use of inhaled nitric oxide in the new born period: results from the European inhaled nitric oxide registry
Authors: Dewhurst Chris , Ibrahim Hafis , Göthberg Sylvia , Jónsson Baldvin , Subhedar Nimish ,   On behalf of the European inhaled nitric oxide registry
Published: March 2010

AbstractAims:  The aim of this study was to present data relating to the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in newborn infants included in the European Inhaled Nitric Oxide Registry.Methods:  Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data from seven European centres are reported. Univariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with acute response to iNO and survival without extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).Results:  A total of 112 newborn infants received iNO, with 40% being less than 34 weeks gestational age. The commonest indication for iNO was secondary pulmonary hypertension. Acute response to iNO was more common in infants with a higher oxygenation index (median OI 32.7 vs 22.6, p = 0.040), although acute response did not predict survival without ECMO. Infants who survived without ECMO had a lower OI prior to therapy (median OI 24 vs 43, p = 0.009), were commenced on a higher starting dose (median dose 20 ppm vs 10 ppm p = 0.013) and received a lower maintenance dose (median dose 10 vs 17 ppm, p = 0.027) than those who died or received ECMO.Conclusion:  Collating and reporting data about iNO therapy in neonates across a number of European centres using a web‐based system is feasible. These data may be used to monitor the clinical use of iNO, identify adverse effects, generate research hypotheses and promote high standards in the clinical use of iNO.
Health and the use of health care services in 5‐year‐old very‐low‐birth‐weight infants
Authors: Rautava L , Häkkinen U , Korvenranta E , Andersson S , Gissler M , Hallman M , Korvenranta H , Leipälä J , Peltola M , Tammela O , Lehtonen L ,   for PERFECT Preterm Infant Study Group
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim:  We aimed to study the effect of prematurity, time of birth and level of birth hospital on morbidity and the use of health care services at age 5.Methods: This national study included all very‐low‐birth‐weight infants (VLBWI, <32 gestational weeks or birth weight ≤1500 g) born in Finnish level II or III hospitals in 2001–2002 (n = 918), and full‐term controls (n = 381). Parental questionnaires and register data were used to compare morbidity, and the use of health care services between VLBWI and full‐term controls, and within VLBWI according to the time of birth and birth hospital level.Results:  Cerebral palsy, retinopathy of prematurity, other ophthalmic problems, respiratory infections, asthma or chronic lung disease, and inguinal hernia were overrepresented in VLBWI compared with the controls. VLBWI had more outpatient and inpatient days than the controls. The time of birth and birth hospital level were not associated with the use of services or with prematurity‐related morbidity.Conclusion:  Although morbidity and the use of health care services were increased in the surviving VLBWI, the average use of services was relatively small at age 5. In surviving VLBWI, the time of birth and the birth hospital level did not affect morbidity or the use of services.
Skin‐to‐skin contact of fullterm infants: an explorative study of promoting and hindering factors in two Nordic childbirth settings
Authors: Calais E , Dalbye R , Nyqvist KH , Berg M 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim:  To explore factors that promote or hinder skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) during the first days after birth between parents and healthy fullterm infants.Methods:  A total of 117 postnatal mothers and 107 fathers/partners attending two childbirth settings, where Kangaroo mother care (KMC) was implemented as a standard routine of care, one in Sweden and one in Norway, were recruited consecutively and answered questionnaires two weeks postpartum.Results:  Satisfaction with support for SSC in postnatal care and being a mother in the Swedish setting was found to promote SSC during the first day postpartum; previous knowledge about SSC increased the practice also during the 2nd and 3rd days. Receiving visitors apart from partner and siblings emerged as a hindering factor. SSC was known of and practised to a larger extent in the Swedish setting, whereas parents in the Norwegian setting received more visitors and were more satisfied with the received information and support for SSC in postnatal care.Conclusions:  The results highlight the need for caregivers to give parents adequate support for practising SSC with their newborn healthy fullterm infants and indicate the importance of developing information routines during the antenatal period as well as in relation to the birth of the child, to effectively introduce and implement SSC.
Concurrent reactivation of latent EBV with hepatitis A can affect clinical feature of childhood hepatitis
Authors: Kim SY , Ryu IS , Baek SH , Chung KS , Koh H 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAims:  Some children with acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection have concurrent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation serologically. We studied the frequency of EBV reactivation during HAV infection and determined whether simultaneous occurrence of EBV reactivation and HAV infection affected the clinical features of HAV infection.Methods:  The medical records of patients under 19 years of age diagnosed with acute hepatitis A between January 1996 and June 2009 were reviewed.Results:  Among 72 patients with acute hepatitis A, 22 patients (30.6%) had EBV reactivation. A markedly prolonged duration of full recovery from hepatitis was observed in reactivated group. The peak levels of AST and ALT in reactivated group were higher than non‐reactivated group (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Higher peak levels of AST and ALT in reactivated subgroups over 10 years old were observed compared to non‐reactivated subgroup (p = 0.027 and p = 0.001, respectively). Duration of recovery showed significant differences between two subgroups.Conclusions:  Concurrent reactivation of latent EBV and HAV infections is common. EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical feature of hepatitis. Therefore, we should keep in mind that the concurrence especially in older children may cause worse injury to the liver.
Growth, neurological and cognitive development in infants with a birthweight <501 g at age 5 years
Authors: Rieger‐Fackeldey E , Blank C , Dinger J , Steinmacher J , Bode H , Schulze A 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim:  To determine growth, neurological and cognitive development at 5 years of preterm infants with birthweights <501 g born in three German tertiary perinatal centres between 1998 and 2001.Methods:  Structured neurological examination, the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale and the Kaufman‐Assessment‐Battery Test for Children.Results:  Of 107 infants, 48 received immediate life support (gestational age 25.2 weeks [21–30.7]; birth weight 435 g [290–500]) median [range]), 27 (56%) survived until follow‐up [95% CI 39–69%], 19 (70%) could be tested. In few infants had catch‐up growth taken place. Neurological test results were normal in five infants (26%) and mildly abnormal/severely abnormal in 11 (58%)/3 (16%) infants. Visual impairment was present in eight (42%), and hearing disability in three (16%). The mean mental processing composite (IQ) was 82 [50–104] (median [range]).Conclusion:  Of all resuscitated infants with a birthweight <501 g, 56% survived to school age. Of these, composite outcome score showed normal development or mild disability in one‐half, and moderate or severe disability in the other half of them. Investigators should include such infants in studies and their reports should give specific information about them.
The heavily polluted atmosphere of the DAZ white dwarf GALEX J193156.8+011745
Authors: Vennes S. , Kawka A. , Németh P. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
We report on the discovery of a new heavily polluted white dwarf. The DAZ white dwarf GALEX J193156.8+011745 was identified in a joint Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX)/GSC survey of ultraviolet-excess objects. Optical spectra obtained at ESO New Technology Telescope show strong absorption lines of magnesium and silicon, and a detailed abundance analysis based on Very Large Telescope-Kueyen UVES spectra reveal super-solar abundances of silicon and magnesium and near-solar abundances of oxygen, calcium and iron. The overall abundance pattern bears the signature of on-going accretion on to the white dwarf atmosphere. The infrared spectral energy distribution shows an excess in the H and K bands likely associated with the accretion source.
SCREENING OF SPECIAL STARCHES FOR USE IN TEMPERATURE‐TOLERANT FISH PROTEIN GELS
Authors: HUNT A. , GETTY K.J. , PARK J.W. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT Five newly developed starches (tapioca acetylated, phosphated distarch; waxy maize acetylated distarch; waxy maize hydroxypropylated, phosphated starch; and two tapioca hydroxypropylated, phosphated starches) were compared, respectively, with native cornstarch. Starches were added to surimi at 2, 4, 6 and 8%. Textural properties of surimi were evaluated at various test temperatures (5, 25, 40, 55C), during frozen storage (0, 3, 6 freeze/thaw cycles) and refrigerated storage (0, 3, 6 days). The interaction between starch type and percent addition contributed to significant (P < 0.05) difference in starch‐fish protein gel values for failure shear stress, puncture force, puncture deformation, L*(whiteness) and stickiness. For fracture shear strain, starch type had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on gel values, whereas percent addition did not have a significant (P > 0.05) effect. Lower concentration of starch addition (2–4%) generally contributed to improved gel textural properties compared with higher (8%) starch concentrations.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSTapioca acetylated, phosphated distarch (TAPDS) and waxy maize acetylated distarch (WADS) maintained higher (P < 0.05) fracture shear stress and shear strain values than native cornstarch (CS) at each test temperature (5, 25, 40, 55C). TAPDS and WADS also improved (P < 0.05) water retention ability (WRA) of starch‐fish protein gels during 6 freeze/thaw cycles (FT) compared with CS. Puncture force values of TAPDS starch‐fish protein gels were consistently maintained during 6 FT. Addition of TAPDS did not significantly (P < 0.05) increase gel stickiness values compared with native CS during 6 days refrigerated storage. Best performance (P < 0.05) of starch addition occurred at concentrations of 6% or less. Therefore, addition of modified starches, TAPDS and WADS, could be added to surimi seafood products at 2–6% concentration levels in order to minimize textural changes at either hot or cold serving temperatures and also to maintain gel properties (WRA and texture) during long‐term frozen storage.
EFFECT OF PACKAGING AND STORAGE TIME ON BEEF QUALITATIVE AND MICROBIAL TRAITS
Authors: D'AGATA MARIA , NUVOLONI ROBERTA , PEDONESE FRANCESCA , RUSSO CLAUDIA , D'ASCENZI CARLO , PREZIUSO GIOVANNA 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT The effect of polyvinyl chloride packaging (PP), vacuum packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (60% O2, 30% CO2, 10% N2) on some quality parameters and microbiological profile of beef was studied. Longissimus dorsi samples were examined at 7‐day intervals during storage at 4C ± 2C, until 21 days. pH of PP beef increased during storage, whereas in VP and MAP beef remained stable. Superficial color darkened for PP samples, remaining stable until 7 and 21 days for VP and MAP samples, respectively; internal color was not significantly influenced by either storage time and packaging methods. Water‐holding capacity was not affected by packaging methods, increasing from 7 to 21 days. VP showed lower lipid oxidation than MAP until 21 days and than PP until 14 days. Total mesophilic counts reached the threshold of 107 ufc/g after 7 days in PP and after 14 and 21 days in MAP and VP, respectively.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe results of this study confirmed that meat packaged in polyvinyl chloride packaging (PP) must be stored for few days to not fall into pH, color and microbiological alterations; meat packaged in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), even though maintained appreciable superficial colorimetric characteristics, showed a high microbiological growth from 14 days of storage; meat vacuum packaged (VP), although the worst colorimetric appearance, showed the best keeping properties in terms of microbiological profile and lipid oxidation lower than MAP until 21 days of storage. Nevertheless, the fact that the internal color of meat is similar among different packaging systems, independently from time of storage, may suggest that VP system may be useful for prolonged storage of big pieces of meat.
The effects of food waste disposers on the wastewater system: a practical study
Authors: Thomas Philip 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDomestic food waste disposers (FWDs) have recently come to prominence as a possible alternative for disposal of organic waste, to reduce the quantities of this type of waste sent to landfill. There has been little research undertaken on the potential effects of food waste on the wastewater system, and it is believed no previous practical studies have been undertaken in the United Kingdom. In this study, food waste was ground in an FWD and analysed for chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total suspended solids and rapidly settleable solids to determine their effects on the wastewater system. The largest impacts were on COD, BOD and suspended solids, compared with the amounts of these determinands that currently arrive at sewage treatment works (STW). Experiments using settled samples showed that a relatively high proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, COD and BOD would pass through to secondary treatment at the STW.
Artificial ponds in a Mediterranean region (Andalusia, southern Spain): agricultural and environmental issues
Authors: Casas Jesús , Toja Julia , Bonachela Santiago , Fuentes Francisca , Gallego Irene , Juan Melchor , León David , Peñalver Patricio , Pérez Carmen , Sánchez Pedro 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA total of 16 543 artificial ponds were inventoried. Ninety‐one per cent of the ponds were classified as for farming use. Generally, the fraction of farm land converted to pond structures was close to that predicted from the average annual precipitation in the region. However, in several areas, this fraction was remarkably higher than the value predicted, probably due to excessive groundwater extraction. Overall, the naturalisation stage of ponds was poor. However, ponds sited on natural substrate basins had more structured‐marginal vegetation, compared with ponds of artificial substrate basins. Furthermore, other factors related to pond management might seriously limit their naturalisation stage. Despite the high abundance of ponds in Andalusia, our results suggest that, in order to improve the potential for biodiversity conservation in these environments, substantial structural and management changes are required.
Water industry asset management in England and Wales: successes and challenges
Authors: Bridgeman John 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper considers the structure, regulation and performance of the water industry in England and Wales in the postprivatisation period from 1989. The paper examines the improvements achieved in drinking water and wastewater effluent quality and in the overall performance. The challenges facing the industry in the areas of water resource planning, energy efficiency and chemical consumption, arising from climate change, are also considered. The paper considers how the industry's current approach and attitude towards research and development (R&D) will influence its ability to meet the latest challenges laid down by the regulators. The paper calls for increased emphasis on, and incentive for, R&D in the water industry to ensure sustainable solutions in both water and sewage treatment.
Assessing the power of informative subsets of loci for population assignment: standard methods are upwardly biased
Authors: ANDERSON E. C. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIt is well known that statistical classification procedures should be assessed using data that are separate from those used to train the classifier. This principle is commonly overlooked when the classification procedure in question is population assignment using a set of genetic markers that were chosen specifically on the basis of their allele frequencies from amongst a larger number of candidate markers. This oversight leads to a systematic upward bias in the predicted accuracy of the chosen set of markers for population assignment. Three widely used software programs for selecting markers informative for population assignment suffer from this bias. The extent of this bias is documented through a small set of simulations. The relative effect of the bias is largest when screening many candidate loci from poorly differentiated populations. Simple unbiased methods are presented and their use encouraged.
An ounce of prevention: cost‐effectiveness of coral reef rehabilitation relative to enforcement
Authors: Haisfield Kelly M. , Fox Helen E. , Yen Sheen , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Mous Peter J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBlast fishing has destroyed many coral reefs in Southeast Asia by creating large fields of dead coral rubble where new coral recruits settle but cannot survive and grow. Possible management responses include reef rehabilitation of damaged areas, and/or increased enforcement to protect still‐living ones. Here we show that in Komodo National Park, Indonesia, rehabilitation by installing locally‐quarried rocks on blasted rubble fields can be relatively low cost (∼US$4.80 per m2) and simple, but it is not economically viable at large scales. Although rehabilitation without enforcement is unlikely to be effective, we compared rehabilitation data (costs and coral growth over 8 years) and enforcement costs to conduct two economic analyses: cost‐per‐area calculations and a cost‐effectiveness model over 7 years, and found that rehabilitation costs ∼70 and ∼5‐times more, respectively, than marine patrols to enforce blast fishing bans. Hence, we recommend that marine protected area managers prioritize investment in achieving compliance with regulations above investment in rehabilitation to ensure that reefs continue to generate biodiversity and fisheries benefits and tourist revenues.