bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wound length and corticosteroid administration as risk factors for surgical‐site complications following cesarean section
Authors: DE VIVO ANTONIO , MANCUSO ALFREDO , GIACOBBE ANNAMARIA , PRIOLO ANTONIO MARIA , DE DOMINICI ROSANNA , MAGGIO SAVASTA LAURA 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective. To evaluate the effect of some specific gestational factors and other known variables associated with poor wound healing in women who delivered by cesarean section. Design. Observational, prospective study. Setting. University Hospital of Messina. Population. A total of 212 consecutive pregnant women at term delivering by elective cesarean section. Methods. All data regarding demographic and gestational characteristics were collected at admission. The subcutaneous tissue depth was intra‐operatively measured from the fascia to the skin surface, while the incision length was measured after skin closure. Main outcome measures. Onset of wound complications such as infection, seroma, hematoma, abscess or dehiscence > 1 cm. Results. Body mass index (BMI) at term [odd ratio (OR) 1.2, 95%CI 1.03–1.38; p = 0.01], wound length (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.05; p < 0.001) and corticosteroid administration (OR 3.4, 95%CI 1.5–7.9; p = 0.004) were found to be correlated with wound complications. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis suggested a cut‐off of 31.1 for the BMI at term and 166 mm for the wound length with an OR of 2.28 (95%CI 1.18–4.39; p = 0.013) and 4.3 (95%CI 2.2–8.6; p < 0.001), respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model, applied to these variables and to corticosteroid administration, showed an independent correlation (at term BMI > 31.1: OR 2.04, 1.01–4.13, p = 0.047; wound length > 166 mm: OR 4.89, 2.36–10.14, p < 0.001; corticosteroid administration: OR 3.11, 1.38–6.95, p = 0.006). Conclusions. To avoid wound complications obstetricians should be careful in the administration of steroids before surgery, in the skin incision length that should be kept as short as possible and in carefully observing gestational BMI.
Abnormal uterine bleeding refractory to medical therapy assessed by saline infusion sonohysterography
Authors: HAUGE KIM , EKERHOVD ERLING , GRANBERG SETH 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective. The primary aim of the study was to assess the incidence of intracavitary pathology visualized by saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) in premenopausal women suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding refractory to medical therapy. Secondary aims were to evaluate the clinical course when a minimally invasive therapeutic approach was applied and to examine the need for hysterectomy in this group of women over a follow‐up period of two years. Design. Prospective cohort study. Setting. Tertiary referral university hospital. Population. Between February 2004 and June 2006, 104 premenopausal women suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding refractory to medical treatment were included. Methods. Transvaginal ultrasonography and SIS were performed as first line procedures of the investigation. Hysteroscopy was undertaken for removal of focal intrauterine anomalies. Hysterectomy was only carried out when other approaches failed or were regarded as unsuitable. Women who did not undergo hysterectomy had regular follow‐up consultations for at least two years. Main outcome measures. Incidence of intrauterine focal anomalies, clinical course, and need for hysterectomy. Results. Following saline infusion sonohysterograhy intracavitary anomalies were visualized in 58 (55.8%) women. Over the follow‐up period 80 women had successful minimally invasive treatment, while 24 women underwent hysterectomy. Conclusions. The study shows that focal intracavitary lesions are common in premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding refractory to medical treatment. By applying minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches acceptable bleeding patterns can be re‐established in most cases, thereby resulting in a low rate of hysterectomies.
A randomized controlled trial of 24‐hour vaginal dinoprostone pessary compared to gel for induction of labor in term pregnancies with a Bishop score ≤ 4
Authors: TRIGLIA MARIA TERESA , PALAMARA FABRIZIO , LOJACONO ANDREA , PREFUMO FEDERICO , FRUSCA TIZIANA 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective. To compare 24‐hour controlled‐release vaginal dinoprostone pessary vs. gel for induction of labor at term in women with an unfavorable cervix. Design. Randomized controlled trial. Setting. University hospital. Population. A total of 133 women with singleton pregnancies, fetal cephalic presentation, Bishop score ≤ 4, gestational age of 37–42 weeks, no previous cesarean section and intact membranes admitted for induction of labor. Methods. Random allocation to either 24‐hour 10‐mg controlled‐release vaginal dinoprostone pessary or repeat doses of 2 mg vaginal dinoprostone gel. Main outcome measures. Rate of spontaneous vaginal, operative vaginal and cesarean delivery. Results. The rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery was significantly higher in the pessary group (72%) than in the gel group (54%), paralleled by a lower rate of operative vaginal deliveries (3 vs. 15%). The difference in cesarean section rate (25 vs. 31%) did not reach statistical significance. Both methods of induction of labor appeared to be safe, with no cases of 5‐minute Apgar scores < 7 or episodes of uterine hyperstimulation in either group. The medication cost was lower in the pessary group, with a median saving of 50.20€ compared to the gel group. Conclusions. Both the 24‐hour dinoprostone vaginal pessary and the vaginal gel appear to be safe for labor induction. In women induced at term with a Bishop score ≤ 4 the pessary achieved a significantly higher rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery.
Plasma interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) levels are correlated with antioxidant vitamin coenzyme Q10 in preeclampsia
Authors: ROLAND LINDA , GAGNÉ AMÉLIE , BÉLANGER MARIE‐CLAIRE , BOUTET MARIANNE , JULIEN PIERRE , BILODEAU JEAN‐FRANÇOIS 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective. Alteration of cytokines level and oxidative stress are both associated with preeclampsia (PE). We have investigated if IL‐6 and IL‐18 levels were related to coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant and a marker of oxidative stress in the plasma from normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies. Design. IL‐6 and IL‐18 levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays in plasmas from preeclamptic (n = 29) and normotensive pregnancies (n = 30). The concentrations of CoQ10 in the different redox forms were measured in plasma using liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Rank‐Sum test and correlations were obtained by the Spearman's Rho test. Main outcome measures. IL‐6 concentrations were 2.8‐fold higher in preeclamptic plasmas than in controls (p = 0.0006), and IL‐18 concentrations were found significantly lower in preeclamptic samples than in controls (p = 0.007). No correlation was found between IL‐18 or IL‐6 and antioxidant vitamin CoQ10 in plasmas from normotensive pregnant women. However, in PE, IL‐18 level was positively correlated with the reduced form of CoQ10 (r = 0.3680, p = 0.0495). Conclusion. This is the first demonstration that IL‐18 is potentially linked to oxidative stress in PE, since its level correlates with the concentration of the powerful antioxidant CoQ10. These results also associate the immune system with the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance observed in PE.
Male fetal sex is associated with earlier onset of placental abruption
Authors: TIKKANEN MINNA , METSÄRANTA MARJO , GISSLER MIKA , LUUKKAALA TIINA , HIILESMAA VILHO , YLIKORKALA OLAVI , PAAVONEN JORMA , ANDERSSON STURE , NUUTILA MIKA 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective. Placental abruption is an important cause of preterm birth, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although more common with male fetuses, outcomes have not been evaluated by sex. Our aim was to find out whether short‐term morbidity differs by infant sex in cases with placental abruption and in controls. Design. Register‐based case‐control study. Setting. National Hospital Discharge Register and Medical Birth Register data 1987–2005. Population. The study population consisted of 4,081 women with placental abruption and singleton infant. Three control women without placental abruption were selected for each case matched by maternal age, parity, year of birth, and hospital district. A total of 3,688 cases and 12,695 controls had liveborn infants. Methods. Data on pregnancy, delivery, and perinatal outcomes were collected. Main outcome measure. Placental abruption. Results. The sex ratio (proportion of male) of cases was 0.548 and of controls 0.516 (p = 0.001). Compared with females, male fetuses in the placental abruption group were born earlier (p = 0.018). Compared with controls, cases with placental abruption were born earlier (p < 0.001), had lower birthweight (p < 0.001), were more often growth restricted (p < 0.001), had lower Apgar scores (p < 0.001) and pH (p < 0.001). Newborn cases needed special care, respirator treatment, antimicrobial and phototherapy more often (p < 0.001) than controls. There was no difference in perinatal outcomes between female and male infants in the placental abruption group. Conclusions. Placental abruption occurred earlier in pregnancy with male fetal sex but otherwise the outcomes were similar. Compared with controls newborns in the placental abruption group had a worse outcome.
Vaginal hysterectomy as a primary route for morbidly obese women
Authors: SHETH SHIRISH S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractVaginal hysterectomy is a least invasive and the choicest route when hysterectomy is possible by recourse to all the three available techniques. However in obese women, the common method is by the more invasive abdominal or laparoscopic route, with attendant morbidity. Vaginal hysterectomy was reviewed in 102 morbidly obese women (body mass index, BMI ≥ 40) and compared with 50 comparable morbidly obese women who underwent abdominal hysterectomy and with vaginal hysterectomy in 200 normal weight women (BMI < 25). Time for vaginal hysterectomy was slightly but significantly longer in the morbidly obese compared to those of normal weight, while the abdominal approach was significantly longer in the morbidly obese. Hospital stay was significantly longer for the abdominal operations in the obese. Surgical and anesthetic complications did not differ. In the absence of specific contraindications for vaginal hysterectomy it is recommended that the surgeon should perform hysterectomy vaginally and consider obesity as a contraindication for taking the abdominal route.
Voicing Culture: Training Korean Actors' Voices through the Namdaemun Market Projects
Authors: McAllister-Viel Tara 
Published: March 2010

Over the past ten years, scholars and voice practitioners have debated issues surrounding the training of the actor's voice and addressed the actor's culture during that training. This article asks, What cultural assumptions are embedded within mainstream voice approaches and how are these transmitted within classrooms that are becoming increasingly multicultural/multilinguistic? How might re-contextualizing western voice praxis in a Korean acting conservatoire reframe issues emerging from recent debates, and offer different ways of thinking, talking, and embodying a culture–voice relationship in the training of actors' voices?This article critically examines the ways in which the actor's voice, and by extension the training of that voice, inform the material conditions for the production of meaning in contemporary devised performance and suggests one practical way voice trainers can create a praxis that places voice and culture at the centre of the training and theatre-making process. Using the author's voice classes at the Korean National University of Arts (KNUA) in Seoul, Korea, as case studies, this article investigates issues through a practice-as-research methodological approach within a series of performance projects called the Namdaemun Market Projects.
Doxorubicin for prevention of epineurial fibrosis in a rat sciatic nerve model: outcome based on gross postsurgical, histopathological, and ultrastructural findings
Authors: Albayrak Baki S. , Ismailoglu Ozgur , Ilbay Konuralp , Yaka Umut , Tanriover Gamze , Gorgulu Askin , Demir Necdet 
Published: March 2010

ObjectEpineural fibrosis may complicate peripheral nerve surgeries and currently is considered as one of the main factors responsible for failed surgeries. The authors investigated the postoperative antiscarring effects of topically applied doxorubicin (DXR) on rat sciatic nerves.MethodsThe sciatic nerves were dissected from the surrounding tissue and exposed bilaterally in 20 Wistar albino adult male rats. Abrasion trauma was produced on the exposed surface of the biceps femoris muscle in the vicinity of the sciatic nerves and their main branches in all animals. In the DXR Group, cottonoid pads soaked with DXR (0.5 mg/ml) were placed around the nerves for 5 minutes, whereas cotton pads soaked with saline (0.9% NaCl) were applied to nerves of animals in the Control Group for the same duration. Twelve weeks after the procedure, all of the rats were killed and the sciatic nerves were examined. Epineural adhesions were evaluated histopathologically and ultrastructurally. Additionally, quantitative histological parameters, the scar tissue formation index and the scar density, were calculated in histological evaluation.ResultsGross postsurgical evaluation as well as histopathological and electron microscopic examination of involved nerve segments showed significantly less epineurial adhesions in the DXR Group than in the Control Group. Quantitative analysis of the epineurium revealed a statistically significant reduction in the density and amount of epineural scarring in specimens from the DXR Group than in those from the Control Group.ConlusionsThe results of gross postsurgical anatomical evaluation and histopathological and ultrastructural studies suggested that topical application of DXR effectively reduced epineural scar formation on rat sciatic nerves. These promising findings merit further experimental and clinical studies to determine the efficacy and safe applicability of DXR in human subjects.
Cutting Edge: H-2Ld Class I Molecule Protects an HIV N-Extended Epitope from In Vitro Trimming by Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase Associated with Antigen Processing
Authors: Infantes Susana , Samino Yolanda , Lorente Elena , Jiménez Mercedes , García Ruth , Del Val Margarita , López Daniel 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
In the classical MHC class I Ag presentation pathway, antigenic peptides derived from viral proteins by multiple proteolytic cleavages are transported to the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and are then exposed to ami-nopeptidase activity. In the current study, a long MHC class I natural ligand recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes was used to study the kinetics of degradation by aminopeptidase. The in vitro data indicate that this N-extended peptide is efficiently trimmed to a 9-mer, unless its binding to the MHC molecules protects the full-length peptide.
Cutting Edge: Critical Role of IκB Kinase α in TLR7/9-Induced Type I IFN Production by Conventional Dendritic Cells
Authors: Hoshino Katsuaki , Sasaki Izumi , Sugiyama Takahiro , Yano Takahiro , Yamazaki Chihiro , Yasui Teruhito , Kikutani Hitoshi , Kaisho Tsuneyasu 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
A plasmacytoid dendritic cell (DC) can produce large amounts of type I IFNs after sensing nucleic acids through TLR7 and TLR9. IκB kinase α (IKKα) is critically involved in this type I IFN production through its interaction with IFN regulatory factor-7. In response to TLR7/9 signaling, conventional DCs can also produce IFN-β but not IFN-α in a type I IFN-independent manner. In this study, we showed that IKKα was required for production of IFN-β, but not of proinflammatory cytokines, by TLR7/9-stimulated conventional DCs. Importantly, IKKα was dispensable for IFN-β gene upregulation by TLR4 signaling. Biochemical analyses indicated that IKKα exerted its effects through its interaction with IFN regulatory factor-1. Furthermore, IKKα was involved in TLR9-induced type I IFN-independent IFN-β production in vivo. Our results show that IKKα is a unique molecule involved in TLR7/9-MyD88–dependent type I IFN production through DC subset-specific mechanisms.
CD22 × Siglec-G Double-Deficient Mice Have Massively Increased B1 Cell Numbers and Develop Systemic Autoimmunity
Authors: Jellusova Julia , Wellmann Ute , Amann Kerstin , Winkler Thomas H. , Nitschke Lars 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
CD22 and Siglec-G are inhibitory coreceptors for BCR-mediated signaling. Although CD22-deficient mice show increased calcium signaling in their conventional B2 cells and a quite normal B cell maturation, Siglec-G–deficient mice have increased calcium mobilization just in B1 cells and show a large expansion of the B1 cell population. Neither CD22-deficient, nor Siglec-G–deficient mice on a pure C57BL/6 or BALB/c background, respectively, develop autoimmunity. Using Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice, we addressed whether Siglec-G and CD22 have redundant functions. Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice show elevated calcium responses in both B1 cells and B2 cells, increased serum IgM levels and an enlarged population of B1 cells. The enlargement of B1 cell numbers is even higher than in Siglecg−/− mice. This expansion seems to happen at the expense of B2 cells, which are reduced in absolute cell numbers, but show an activated phenotype. Furthermore, Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice show a diminished immune response to both thymus-dependent and thymus-independent type II Ags. In contrast, B cells from Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice exhibit a hyperproliferative response to stimulation with several TLR ligands. Aged Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice spontaneously develop anti-DNA and antinuclear autoantibodies. These resulted in a moderate form of immune complex glomerulonephritis. These results show that Siglec-G and CD22 have partly compensatory functions and together are crucial in maintaining the B cell tolerance.
SHIP1 Inhibition Increases Immunoregulatory Capacity and Triggers Apoptosis of Hematopoietic Cancer Cells
Authors: Brooks Robert , Fuhler Gwenny M. , Iyer Sonia , Smith Michelle J. , Park Mi-Young , Paraiso Kim H. T. , Engelman Robert W. , Kerr William G. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Genetic studies revealed that SHIP1 limits blood cell production and immune regulatory cell numbers in vivo. We postulated that molecular targeting of SHIP1 might enhance blood cell production and increase immunoregulatory capacity. In this study, we report the identification of a chemical inhibitor of SHIP1, 3 α-aminocholestane (3AC). Treatment with 3AC significantly expands the myeloid immunoregulatory cell compartment and impairs the ability of peripheral lymphoid tissues to prime allogeneic T cell responses. In addition, 3AC treatment profoundly increases granulocyte production without triggering the myeloid-associated lung consolidation observed in SHIP1−/− mice. Moreover, 3AC also enhances RBC, neutrophil, and platelet recovery in myelosuppressed hosts. Intriguingly, we also find that chemical inhibition of SHIP1 triggers apoptosis of blood cancer cells. Thus, SHIP1 inhibitors represent a novel class of small molecules that have the potential to enhance allogeneic transplantation, boost blood cell production, and improve the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
Constitutive Association of TGF-β–Activated Kinase 1 with the IκB Kinase Complex in the Nucleus and Cytoplasm of Human Neutrophils and Its Impact on Downstream Processes
Authors: Ear Thornin , Fortin Carl F. , Simard François A. , McDonald Patrick P. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Neutrophils influence innate and adaptative immunity by generating numerous mediators whose regulation largely depends on the IκB kinase (IKK)/IκB/NF-κB signaling cascade. A singular feature of neutrophils is that they express several components of this pathway (namely, NF-κB/Rel proteins and IκB-α) in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. We recently reported that the IKK complex of neutrophils is similarly expressed and activated in both cellular compartments. However, the upstream IKK kinase has not yet been identified. In this study, we report that neutrophils express the mitogen-activated protein 3 kinase, TGF-β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1), as well as its associated partners, TAK1-binding protein (TAB) 1, TAB2, and TAB4, in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Following cell stimulation by TNF-α or LPS, TAK1 becomes rapidly and transiently activated. Blocking TAK1 kinase activity with a highly selective inhibitor (5z-7-oxozeaenol) attenuated the phosphorylation of nuclear and cytoplasmic IKKα/β, IκB-α, and RelA, and also impaired IκB-α degradation and NF-κB DNA binding in activated neutrophils. Moreover, TAK1 was found to be involved in the activation of p38 MAPK and ERK, which also influence cytokine generation in neutrophils. As a result, inflammatory cytokine expression and release were profoundly impaired following TAK1 inhibition. Similarly, the delayed apoptosis observed in response to LPS or TNF-α was reversed by TAK1 inhibition. By contrast, IKKγ phosphorylation and STAT1 activation were unaffected by TAK1 inhibition. Our data establish the central role of TAK1 in controlling nuclear and cytoplasmic signaling cascades in primary neutrophils, making it a promising target for therapeutic intervention in view of the foremost role of neutrophils in several chronic inflammatory conditions.
IL-7 Promotes T Cell Viability, Trafficking, and Functionality and Improves Survival in Sepsis
Authors: Unsinger Jacqueline , McGlynn Margaret , Kasten Kevin R. , Hoekzema Andrew S. , Watanabe Eizo , Muenzer Jared T. , McDonough Jacquelyn S. , Tschoep Johannes , Ferguson Thomas A. , McDunn Jonathan E. , Morre Michel , Hildeman David A. , Caldwell Charles C. , Hotchkiss Richard S. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Sepsis is a highly lethal disorder characterized by widespread apoptosis-induced depletion of immune cells and the development of a profound immunosuppressive state. IL-7 is a potent antiapoptotic cytokine that enhances immune effector cell function and is essential for lymphocyte survival. In this study, recombinant human IL-7 (rhIL-7) efficacy and potential mechanisms of action were tested in a murine peritonitis model. Studies at two independent laboratories showed that rhIL-7 markedly improved host survival, blocked apoptosis of CD4 and CD8 T cells, restored IFN-γ production, and improved immune effector cell recruitment to the infected site. Importantly, rhIL-7 also prevented a hallmark of sepsis (i.e., the loss of delayed-type hypersensitivity), which is an IFN-γ– and T cell-dependent response. Mechanistically, rhIL-7 significantly increased the expression of the leukocyte adhesion markers LFA-1 and VLA-4, consistent with its ability to improve leukocyte function and trafficking to the infectious focus. rhIL-7 also increased the expression of CD8. The potent antiapoptotic effect of rhIL-7 was due to increased Bcl-2, as well as to a dramatic decrease in sepsis-induced PUMA, a heretofore unreported effect of IL-7. If additional animal studies support its efficacy in sepsis and if current clinical trials continue to confirm its safety in diverse settings, rhIL-7 should be strongly considered for clinical trials in sepsis.