bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid Diagnosis of Genital Tuberculosis by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Hooja Saroj , Vyas Leela 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Objective
Rapid diagnosis of genital tuberculosis (GTB) is essential as it is an important cause of infertility among women. Diagnosis can be done by imaging techniques, direct visualization by endoscopy, serology, histopathology, culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Laparoscopy detects macroscopic changes only; histology is only suggestive and not confirmatory unless acid fast bacilli (AFB) are demonstrated in the lesion but sensitivity is poor in paucibacillary disease. Culture methods are the gold standard but slow growth of most pathogenic mycobacteria delays the diagnosis. PCR can rapidly detect even few copies of DNA with high sensitivity and specificity.

Aim
Comparative evaluation of AFB smear examination, culture in Middlebrook 7H9 media and IS6110 based real-time PCR assay for the detection of mycobacteria in various female genital samples.

Materials and methods
A total of 555 female genital samples like endometrial and fallopian tube biopsies, menstrual blood and vaginal discharge were processed by modified Petroff's method. The deposit was used for detection of mycobacteria by AFB smear, culture on Middlebrook 7H9 media and IS6110 based real-time PCR.

Results
Out of 555 samples, 25.22 % (140/555) were positive by the combination of all the methods used. Overall positivity by real-time PCR alone was 23.78% (132/555), by culture 8.28% (46/555) and 2.70% (15/555) by AFB smear examination. Out of total positives, 94.28% (132/140) were positive by PCR alone, 32.85% (46/140) by culture and 10.71% (15/140) by AFB smear. Eight (5.71%) culture positive samples were negative by smear and PCR, six of these were nontubercular mycobacteria (NTM) and two samples had PCR inhibitors as confirmed by spiking with positive DNA. Contamination was observed in 25/555 (4.5%) which were reported negative by culture but three of these were PCR positive. AFB smear results were available in 1 hour, PCR in 1 day and culture in 4 to 6 weeks.

Conclusion
PCR was found to be the most rapid and sensitive (94.28%) method, 9-fold more sensitive than smear examination and 3-fold than the culture for detection of mycobacteria. Results were available in 4 to 6 weeks time for culture but in only 1 day by PCR. IS6110 PCR can detect only MTB and not the NTM. Use of multiplex PCR with genus and MTB specific primers will increase the sensitivity of test but care needs to be taken to prevent false positivity due to cross contamination and false negative due to PCR inhibitors.

How to cite this article
Malhotra B, Sinha P, Hooja S, Vyas L. Rapid Diagnosis of Genital Tuberculosis by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):39-42.
Knowledge and Awareness about Contraception among Married Females under Age Group 20 to 35 Years in Rural Area of Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha
Authors: Inamdar SA , Malhotra Neharika , Sinha Amrita 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Objectives
The aims of the study are:
1. To bridge the gap of knowledge regarding contraception.
2. To enhance the awareness regarding contraception for spacing for a better outcome.
3. To reduce contraceptive related problems, incidence of unwanted pregnancy and pregnancy-related risk in future.
4. To assess the acceptance of different modes of contraception.
5. To find out the success of contraceptive practice which lies in the acceptance of a regular contraceptives to prevent future pregnancies.

Materials and methods
It is a qualitative and quantitative descriptive method to assess married females about knowledge of contraception and other areas of reproductive health. Questionnaire will be used to assess the knowledge of 300 married females ranging in age from 20 to 35 years in rural area Sawangi (Meghe) in Wardha district.

Results
Most of the respondents used MTP and sterilization (48%), followed by barrier (23%), IUCD (17%), oral contraception (10%). Their spouses were engaged in skilled as well as unskilled work. Respondents were being married for less than 5 years (37%), 36% had a married life span of 5 to 10 years. Literacy rate of contraceptive users were not that much high, 31% had primary schooling followed by 25% had secondary schooling.
Majority of them (60%) were in age group 26 to 30 years, followed by 25% in age group 31 to 35 years.

Conclusion
This study was done to evaluate the awareness and the use of different mode of contraception in age group 20 to 35 years. This study is mainly focuses on rural hospital to avoid unseen complications of unwanted termination of pregnancy. The awareness of women regarding the various contraceptive methods was high for MTP and sterilization (48%), followed by barrier method (23%). The commonest reason quoted by the women for not using a contraceptive method was the unwillingness of husband. Along with the women, their spouses should be counseled and educated so that awareness spreads to a greater extent.

How to cite this article
Sinha A, Malhotra N, Inamdar SA. Knowledge and Awareness about Contraception among Married Females under Age Group 20 to 35 Years in Rural Area of Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):43-46.
A Case of Rare Mullerian Anomaly—Functional Rudimentary Uterine Horn: As an Unusual Cause of Unilateral Dysmenorrhea in Postmenarchal Adolescent Girl
Authors: Choudhary Rekha , Verma Suniti , Meena Asha , Gothwal Sitaram 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
An 18-year-old girl presented with progressively increasing dysmenorrhea. A pelvic mass was suspected which on exploratory laparotomy was found to be a rudimentary horn (hematometra, hematosalpinx). We report a case of unicornuate uterus with functioning rudimentary horn to highlight that mullerian duct anomalies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe dysmenorrhea even in normally menstruating girls. Unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn is susceptible to many gynecologic and obstetric complications. Hematometra, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, infertility are some of the complaints in women with unicornuate uterus.

How to cite this article
Choudhary R, Verma S, Meena A, Gothwal S. A Case of Rare Mullerian Anomaly—Functional Rudimentary Uterine Horn: As an Unusual Cause of Unilateral Dysmenorrhea in Postmenarchal Adolescent Girl. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):56-58.
Case Report of Pentalogy of Cantrell
Authors: Jyoti Ragweshwar , Gupta Payal 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
Cantrell's pentalogy with ectopia cordis is an extremely rare and lethal congenital anomaly. We discuss the case and present a brief review of literature of embryogenesis.

How to cite this article
Jyoti R, Gupta P. Case Report of Pentalogy of Cantrell. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012; 4(1):59-60.
Comparison of Midwifery Services in India and Sweden
Authors: Raddi SA , Dandgi SR 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
The objective of the paper is to know how India can strengthen midwifery service to reduce maternal mortality based on the lesson learnt from Sweden and India. High maternal mortality in India is due to absence of skilled attendance at the time of delivery and poor postnatal care. Seventy percent Indian population is rural and it is not possible to have doctors for all births. Adopting evidence-based interventions, such as developing a skilled cadre of locally available midwives backed up by efficient referral and emergency obstetric are service like Sweden and India will help to achieve the goal of reducing maternal mortality with the existing resources. Creating the scope for career advancement will help to improve status of midwifery as a profession.

How to cite this article
Raddi SA, Dandgi SR. Comparison of Midwifery Services in India and Sweden. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):71-73.
Synthesis, self-assembly and lipoplex formulation of two novel cyclic phosphonate lipids
Authors: Yeh Jennifer , Tamarkina Elena , Abdul Khalique Nada , Raju Liji , Pungente Michael D. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Synthetic cationic lipids hold much potential as gene packaging and delivery agents for the treatment of inherited and acquired life threatening diseases, such as cancer, AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, and certain autoimmune disorders. Methods: We report the synthesis, self-assembly as characterized by critical micelle concentrations and plasmid DNA gel retardation using two novel cyclic, phosphonate cationic lipids 2a and 2b, which were synthesized by derivatizing two diastereomeric macrocyclic phosphonates 1a and 1b with a 2-carbon hydroxylamine linker, N, N-dimethylethanolamine (3). Results: The production of cyclic phosphonate lipids 2a and 2b in 73% and 60% yields, respectively, was achieved using classical synthetic methods involving nucleophilic substitution at the phosphorus centre. The characterization of these lipids with Mass Spectrometry, 1H, 13C and 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance supported the proposed stereochemistry and molecular structure of C17H36NO3P for these lipids. Critical micelle concentrations (CMC) for 2a and 2b were found to be 1.2 mM and 1.4 mM, respectively, at 25°C, providing evidence for the self-assembling ability of these novel cyclic lipids. Finally, lipid-DNA complexes (lipoplexes) formulated at various N/P (+/ − ) molar charge ratios and containing the co-lipid, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) were shown to retard DNA in an agarose gel retardation assay. Conclusions: The synthesis, aggregation and DNA binding properties of these novel cyclic phosphonate lipids suggest that they may have utility serving as gene packaging and delivery agents.
The role of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 in Calcification of Human Aortic Valves
Authors: Poudel-Bochmann Bhawana , Barth Mareike , Boeken Udo , Albert Alexander , Lichtenberg Artur , Akhyari Payam 
Published: July 2012

AbstractInsulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) is a multi-functional protein that plays a role in survival, growth, proliferation and differentiation of various cell types. Particularly in the bone, IGF-1 is involved in tissue formation and growth, and the lack of expression of the gene leads to striking features such as short bone phenotype and low bone mineral density. In atherosclerosis, IGF system has been shown to stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis contributing to maintenance of plaque stability. Consequently, a reduction of IGF-1 in atherosclerotic plaques has been suggested to increase SMC apoptosis and reduce ECM synthesis leading to weakening of the plaque. Despite extensive studies on its role in various organs and disease models, there is very little known about the effects of IGF-1 in human aortic valve (hAV) tissue that can suffer damaging effects such as cell death, differentiation and tissue mineralization, resulting into Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS). The objective of the present study is therefore to investigate potential function of IGF-1 in this disease model. Human aortic valve samples were collected from patients undergoing aortic valve replacement or heart transplantation. The tissue expression of IGF-1 was analysed at mRNA level by quantitative Realtime PCR in calcified hAV (n=10-14) and non-calcified hAV (n=3-6), using the comparative Ct method. In vitro, the expression of endogenous IGF-1 was investigated on human valve interstitial cells (hVICs) upon administration of calcifying medium with or without transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-b1), a known pro-mineralization molecule (n=3). In addition to the expression of IGF-1, alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), TGF-b1 and osteopontin (OPN) were also examined at RNA level. IGF-1 expression was significantly up-regulated in the diseased valves compared to the controls (4.10 +/- 1.20 calcified vs. 1.10 +/- 0.76 control, p=0.0127). In vitro, there was an up-regulation of IGF-1 (p=0.06) and TGF-b1 expression (p=0.02) upon TGF-b1 stimulation. OPN expression was also highly up-regulated in calcifying media treated cultures, independent of TGF-b1 treatment. ALPL expression in contrast, was higher in normally growing cells compared to TGF-b1 and/or calcifying media treated cells (p=0.05). The significant elevation of IGF-1 in calcified valves in this small patient cohort strongly suggests that IGF-1 might be a key player in AVS disease. Whether the elevated IGF-1 expression is an effect or the cause of calcification is currently under investigation. Our preliminary data on TGF-b1 treatment of hVICs suggests that IGF-1 expression might be an effect of cells to counter apoptotic death conferred by TGF-b1 treatment. Further work on the detailed molecular mechanisms involved in IGF-1 action and its downstream signalling pathways is needed.
Reversible Effects of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Activation of Interstitial Cells From Porcine Aortic Valves
Authors: Witt Wolfgang , Jannasch Anett , Matschke Klaus , Waldow Thomas 
Published: July 2012

AbstractValvular interstitial cells (VICs) constitute the most prominent cell type in aortic valve cusps. VICs are a heterogeneous group of cells of multiple origins with mostly fibroblast properties. Like fibroblasts in general, VICs can acquire an activated state (myofibroblasts) upon exposure to several stimuli including mediators of inflammation, growth factors, mechanical stress or changes of ECM composition. An increase of activated VICs in adult valves is considered as indicator of pathological developments. Cultivation of VICs using standard 2D cell culture procedures also induces VIC activation resulting in contraction and spontaneous nodule formation. Our previous work has shown that this phenotype switch can be reversed by exposure to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In order to investigate underlying cellular mechanisms of the PUFA effects, VICs from porcine aortic valves were isolated and subcultured on collagen-coated surfaces. Spontaneous nodule formation after transfer to uncoated polystyrene was completely blocked by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidoic acid (ARA) whereas eicosapentaenoic acid and a commercial extract from fish oil (Omacor) were less active. Oleic acid and palmitic acid were without effect. Treatment with ARA or DHA reduced the expression of myofibroblast marker proteins, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and myosin II, of a key enzyme of collagen synthesis (prolyl 4-hydroxylase), and of the phosphorylated (inactive) form of the F-actin severing protein, cofilin. In contrast, the abundance of fibroblast marker S100A4 was increased after treatment with PUFAs. The steady state level of active RhoA was reduced in the presence of DHA and ARA, and inhibition of RhoA or ROCK elicited the same effects as PUFAs. Finally, exposure to ARA and DHA reduced the G/F-actin ratio, and stabilization of F-actin with jasplakinolide blocked the effect of PUFAs on the expression of myofibroblast markers and on nodule formation.
After culturing VICs with PUFAs for 14 days and subsequently in the absence of PUFAs for 4 days, cells regained the myofibroblast phenotype, showing the PUFA-induced phenotype switch was fully reversible. In conclusion, the results suggest that the differentiation of VICs to myofibroblasts can be truly reversed by certain PUFAs via the RhoA – ROCK – G-actin pathway, whereas an alternative mechanism, the preferential outgrowth of a undifferentiated subpopulation of VICs, seems to be unlikely since the PUFA effect was fully reversible.
Pentraxin 3 is a Potential Diagnostic Marker for Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Davison Steven , Brinkman-Ferguson Erin , Claude Andrew , Dycus David , Lodato Dena , Cooper Robert , Warnock James N. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPentraxin 3 (ptx3) is a member of the long pentraxin family and is rapidly produced and released by many cell types, including endothelial cells, in response to primary inflammatory signals. In our preliminary work, PTX3 gene expression was significantly increased in aortic valve tissue following exposure to elevated cyclic pressure. Consequently, we hypothesized that ptx3 would be a useful biomarker for the early diagnosis of aortic valve sclerosis. Isolated aortic VICs were treated with Angiotensin II (300nM), TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml) or elevated cyclic pressure for six hours. The cell culture supernatant was collected and used to determine ptx3 protein expression using ELISA. Total RNA was isolated from the cells and PTX3 gene expression was determined using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. In addition to cell culture studies, ptx3 protein expression was determined in hypertensive New Zealand White rabbits. Rabbits underwent Goldblatt one-clip/one-kidney surgery to induce hypertension (n=5). Four sham models served as a control. Blood pressure, echocardiography data and serum samples were collected at 0, 2 and 4 months. After 4 months, rabbits were euthanized and aortic valve tissue was collected for histological and gene expression analysis. Data from the cell culture studies showed that elevated cyclic pressure caused an increase in PTX3 gene expression and ptx3 protein expression. However, no significant changes were observed in gene or protein expression from cells treated with Ang II or TNF-alpha. Data collected from the animal model showed that blood pressure increased significantly for the experimental group but not the control group. Levels of ptx3 protein were measured from the serum and showed a slight increase over the four-month course of the experiments. The data suggest that ptx3 expression is mechanosensitive in the aortic valve and is not stimulated by biochemical factors such as TNF-alpha or Ang II. The increase in ptx3 expression in hypertensive rabbits demonstrates that this could be a potential diagnostic marker for aortic stenosis.
C-type Natriuretic Peptide Modulates TGF-β1-induced Synthesis of Proteoglycan by VICs
Authors: Blaser Mark , Kwon Jung Woo , Sider Krista L. , Kwong Andrea V. , Wei Kuiru , Simmons Craig A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAortic valve disease (AVD) is a cell-mediated pathology marked by unchecked remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This process is thought to be promoted by increased levels of TGF-β1 in the valve leaflets and the concomitant loss of protective factors such as C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). Among its many functions, TGF-β1 stimulates the expression of proteoglycan (PG), in part via mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated Smad signalling. We and others have observed the formation of PG-rich lesions in early diseased aortic valves. Here we investigated the relationship between TGF-β1, CNP, and PG in a mouse model of early AVD and in vitro. Male wild-type (WT) C57Bl/6J mice were fed a control diet or BioServ F3282, a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet (HF/HC) with 58.7% kcal from fat (cholesterol < w/w) for four months (n = 4-6 per group). Longitudinal aortic valve sections from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded hearts were stained by Movat’s pentachrome and immunostained for CNP and TGF-β1. Valve interstitial cells (VICs) were isolated from healthy porcine aortic valves and treated in vitro with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 and/or 1 µM CNP or 10 µM U0126 (inhibitor of MEK, upstream of the MAPK Erk1/2) for up to 6 days. Erk1/2 phosphorylation was measured by Western blot, while PG expression in media collected from these cultures was assayed by Alcian Blue guanidine-HCL solubilisation. Mice on the HF/HC diet for four months became obese, developed mild hypercholesterolemia, and had early AVD, as demonstrated by hemodynamic dysfunction and significant thickening of the leaflets (data shown in another abstract). Thickening was due to PG deposition (11435 ± 7681 vs. 5448 ± 2948 µm2, p < 0.01), not increased collagen content (1729 ± 815 vs. 1771 ± 663 µm2, p = 0.87). TGF-β1 levels were elevated in leaflets of mice on the HF/HC diet, particularly in the region of PG lesions. The PG lesions in HF/HC mice also had lower CNP expression than non-lesion regions. In VICs, TGF-β1 induced a 29% increase of PG expression (p < 0.05), which was significantly reduced by the addition of CNP (p < 0.05). Interactions between TGF-β1 and CNP in PG synthesis were mediated in part via Erk1/2 signaling, as TGF-β1 increased Erk1/2 phosphorylation, CNP abrogated TGF-β1-induced Erk1/2 activation, and blocking Erk1/2 signaling with U0126 significantly reduced PG expression (p = 0.06). These studies demonstrate that in early AVD, thickened leaflets are PG-rich with elevated expression of TGF-β1 and down-regulated CNP. Furthermore, TGF-β1 induces PG expression in VICs, a process which is inhibited by CNP – possibly through Erk1/2. Insight into the mechanisms by which TGF-β1 and CNP regulate the formation of PG lesions helps further our understanding of early disease progression and may aid in identifying novel medical strategies to arrest this disease before a substantive and possibly untreatable burden of calcification occurs.
Contribution of epicardially derived cells to the leaflets of the murine AV valves
Authors: Burch John , Van den Hoff Maurice , Lockhart Marie , Briggs Laura , Wessels Andy 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTo determine the spatiotemporal contribution of epicardially derived cells (EPDCs) to the leaflets of the developing atrioventricular (AV) valves in the murine heart we have used a mWt1/IRES/GFP-Cre mouse and traced the fate of EPDCs from embryonic day (ED)10 until birth. Migration of EPDCs into the mesenchyme of the AV cushions starts around ED12. As development progresses, the number of EPDCs increases significantly, specifically in the leaflets that derive from the lateral atrioventricular cushions, i.e. the mural leaflet of the left AV valve and the lateral leaflet of the right AV valve. In these developing leaflets the EPDCs eventually largely replace the endocardially-derived cells. Importantly, the contribution of EPDCs to the leaflets derived from the major AV cushions is very limited. The differential contribution of EPDCs to the respective leaflets of the atrioventricular valves provides a new paradigm in valve development and could lead to new insights into the pathogenesis of abnormalities that preferentially affect individual components of this region of the heart. The notion that there is a significant difference in the contribution of epicardially and endocardially derived cells to the individual leaflets of the atrioventricular valves has also important pragmatic consequences for the use of endocardial and epicardial cre-mouse models in heart development.