bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Kisspeptin and its Receptor GPR54 in the First Trimester Trophoblast of Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Park Dong‐Wook , Lee Sung‐Ki , Hong Sung Ran , Han Ae‐Ra , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Yang Kwang Moon 
Published: October 2011

Citation Park D‐W, Lee S‐K, Hong SR, Han A‐R, Kwak‐Kim J, Yang KM. Expression of kisspeptin and its receptor GPR54 in the first trimester trophoblast of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 132–139Problem  Kisspeptin and its receptor GPR54 play a major role in trophoblast invasion. The expression of kisspeptin and GPR54 in trophoblast and decidua and their relationship with decidual and peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells are investigated in women with RPL.Method of study  Trophoblast and decidual tissues were collected from 38 RPL women who miscarried a genetically normal fetus and 14 women who had elective abortion. Kisspeptin, GPR54, and decidual NK cells were investigated with immunohistochemistry, and peripheral blood NK cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results  Kisspeptin expression in syncytiotrophoblast was significantly decreased in RPL women with normal (<15%) peripheral blood NK cells (npNK) (P = 0.021) and high (≥15%) peripheral blood NK cells (hpNK) (P = 0.024) as compared to controls. Kisspeptin expression in cytotrophoblast was significantly decreased hpNK group (P = 0.009) as compared to controls. GPR54 expressions were not different among study groups and controls. The number of CD56+ decidual NK cells are significantly higher in hpNK group as compared to npNK group (P = 0.041) and showed a correlation with kisspeptin expression in syncytiotrophoblasts (r = 0.738, P < 0.001).Conclusion  Decreased kisspeptin expression in trophoblasts is associated with RPL and kisspeptin may engage the regulation of decidual NK cell infiltration.
COMPLETENESS OF REPORTING OF RADIATION THERAPY PLANNING, DOSE, AND DELIVERY IN VETERINARY RADIATION ONCOLOGY MANUSCRIPTS FROM 2005 TO 2010
Authors: Keyerleber Michele A. , McEntee Margaret C. , Farrelly John , Podgorsak Matthew 
Published: October 2011

Surrounding a shift toward evidence‐based medicine and widespread adoption of reporting guidelines such as the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement, there has been a growing body of literature evaluating the quality of reporting in human and veterinary medicine. These reviews have consistently demonstrated the presence of substantive deficiencies in completeness of reporting. The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of reporting in veterinary radiation oncology manuscripts in regards to treatment planning methods, dose, and delivery and to introduce a set of reporting guidelines to serve as a standard for future reporting. Forty‐six veterinary radiation oncology manuscripts published between 2005 and 2010 were evaluated for reporting of 50 items pertaining to patient data, treatment planning, radiation dose, delivery of therapy, quality assurance, and adjunctive therapy. A mean of 40% of checklist items were reported in a given manuscript (range = 8–75%). Only 9/50 (18%) checklist items were reported in ≥80% manuscripts. The completeness of reporting was best in regards to a statement of prescription radiation protocol (91–98% reported) and worst in regards to specification of absorbed dose within target volumes and surrounding normal tissues (0–6% reported). No manuscripts met the current International Commission of Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) dose specification recommendations. Incomplete reporting may stem from the predominance of retrospective manuscripts and the variability of protocols and equipment in veterinary radiation oncology. Adoption of reporting guidelines as outlined in this study is recommended to improve the quality of reporting in veterinary radiation oncology.
Prenatal findings of omphalocele–exstrophy of the bladder–imperforate anus–spinal defects (OEIS) complex
Authors: Goto Shinobu , Suzumori Nobuhiro , Obayashi Shintaro , Mizutani Eita , Hayashi Yuko , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTOmphalocele–exstrophy of the bladder (cloaca)–imperforate anus–spinal defects (OEIS) complex describes a rare grouping of more commonly occurring component malformations. We report two cases of OEIS complex diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In both cases, OEIS complex was suspected by conventional sonography in the second trimester, and fetal MRI was performed at 27 and 32 weeks of gestation. Conventional sonography revealed low abdominal wall mass, spina bifida, absent bladder and ambiguous genitalia, but those findings were inconclusive. Using fetal MRI, we were able to detect omphalocele, imfraumbilical mass connected to gut tract, absent bladder, ambiguous external genitalia and spinal defect. Our findings suggest that fetal MRI is a useful tool for prenatal diagnosis of OEIS complex. MRI helps prenatal counseling and planning of postnatal early treatment strategy.
Two‐generation reproduction toxicity study in rats with methoxychlor
Authors: Aoyama Hiroaki , Hojo Hitoshi , Takahashi Ken L. , Shimizu‐Endo Naoko , Araki Masayuki , Takeuchi‐Kashimoto Yukiko , Saka Machiko , Teramoto Shoji 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTA two‐generation reproduction toxicity study was conducted in rats with a reference estrogenic pesticide, methoxychlor, to validate the sensitivity and competency of current guidelines recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; and Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development for predicting reproductive toxicity of the test compound based on estrogenic endocrine disrupting effects. Both sexes of SD rats were exposed to methoxychlor in the diet at concentrations of 0, 10, 500 and 1500 ppm for two successive generations. The present study has successfully detected estrogenic activities and reproductive toxicities of methoxychlor, as well as its systemic toxicity. Body weights, body weight gains and food consumption of both sexes of animals were suppressed significantly in the 500 and 1500 ppm groups. Typical reproductive toxicities observed in females of these groups included, but were not limited to, prolonged estrous cycle, reduced fertility, decreased numbers of implantation sites and newborns, decreased ovary weights and/or increased incidences of cystic ovary. Uterine weights of weanlings increased significantly in these groups, suggesting that the sensitivity of this parameter for predicting estrogenic ability of the test compound is comparable to that of the uterotrophic assay. Reproductive toxicities of methoxychlor seemed less potent in males than in females. Methoxychlor delayed preputial separation and significantly reduced sperm counts and reproductive organ weights of males of the 500 and/or 1500 ppm groups; however, most males that failed to impregnate females in the same group showed normal fertility when they were re‐mated with untreated females. Neither systemic nor reproductive toxicities appeared in the 10 ppm group.
Review article: Crisis resource management in emergency medicine
Authors: Carne Belinda , Kennedy Marcus , Gray Tim 
Published: October 2011

AbstractEffective team management is a core element of expert practice in emergency medicine. Thus far, training in emergency medicine has focussed predominantly on proficiency in medical and technical skills, with emergency physicians acquiring these ‘non‐technical’ skills in an ad hoc manner or by trial and error with varying levels of success. This paper describes a set of behaviours that, when practised in conjunction with medical and technical expertise, can reduce the incidence of clinical error and contribute to effective teamwork and the smooth running of an ED. Teaching and practice of these behaviours is now a core element of training and skills maintenance in other high‐risk areas, such as aviation, and is becoming part of the routine training for anaesthetists. They address areas, such as communication, leadership, knowledge of environment, anticipation and planning, obtaining timely assistance, attention allocation and workload distribution. We outline the application of these behaviours in the speciality of emergency medicine, and suggest that the teaching and practice of crisis resource management principles should become part of the curriculum for training and credentialing of emergency medicine specialists.
Arabic Translation of Female Sexual Function Index and Validation in an Egyptian Population
Authors: Anis Tarek H. , Gheit Samah Aboul , Saied Hanan S. , Al_kherbash Samar A. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent health problem thathas been inadequately investigated in the Arab world. An Arabic assessment instrument for FSD is urgently needed.

Aim
To validate the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index (ArFSFI).

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study conducted between January and April 2010. Eight hundred and fifty-five women (16–60 years old) participated in the study. Validation was carried out on aspects of face, content, discriminant, and criterion (concurrent) validity. Construct validity was evaluated using principal component analysis. Reliability studies on test–retest and on internal consistency were conducted with Pearson correlation and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. The best cutoff point for the ArFSFI to differentiate cases and noncases was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Main Outcome Measure
Parameters of validity and reliability of the ArFSFI and its domains.

Results
ArFSFI total score and scores of various domains showed high test–retest reliability (r from 0.92 to 0.98). ArFSFI domains showed high internal consistency (α from 0.85 to 0.94). Six hundred and forty-four women (75.32%) met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, criteria for diagnosis of sexual dysfunction while 211 women (24.68%) showed normal function. The ArFSFI was found to have good discriminant validity. There were significant differences between the mean scores of women with sexual dysfunction and those of women without sexual dysfunction. A total score of 28.1 was taken as the cutoff point for the ArFSFI to distinguish between women with FSD and women with normal function (sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 93.2%). The ArFSFI showed an excellent overall performance (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.985, 95% confidence interval 0.978–0.992).

Conclusion
The ArFSFI is a validated, reliable, and locally accepted tool for use in the assessment of FSD in the Egyptian population.
Rectosigmoid Vaginoplasty: Clinical Experience and Outcomes in 86 Cases
Authors: Djordjevic Miroslav L. , Stanojevic Dusan S. , Bizic Marta R. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There are several techniques for creation of a neovagina. However, rectosigmoid segment presents the most natural substitute for vaginal tissue.

Aim
To evaluate the anatomical and functional results of sigmoid vaginoplasty and long-term sexual and psychological outcomes in 86 patients with vaginal absence.

Methods
Between April 2000 and February 2009, 86 patients, aged 18 to 57 years (mean 22) underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty. Indications were vaginal agenesis (54), female transgenderism (27), and genital trauma (5). Rectosigmoid segments ranging from 8 cm to 11 cm were isolated, to avoid excessive mucus production. Preferably, it should be dissected distally first in order to check its mobility and determine the correct site for its proximal dissection. Stapling device was used for the colorectal anastomosis as the safest procedure. Creation of perineal cavity for vaginal replacement was performed using a simultaneous approach through the abdomen and perineum. Perineal skin flaps were designed for anastomosis with rectosigmoid vagina for the prevention of postoperative introital stenosis.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual and psychosocial outcomes assessment was based on the Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Depression Inventory, and standardized questionnaires.

Results
Follow-up ranged from 8 to 114 months (mean 47 months). Good aesthetic result was achieved in 77 cases. Neovaginal prolapse (7) and deformity of the introitus (9) were repaired by minor surgery. There was no excessive mucus production, vaginal pain, or diversion colitis. Satisfactory sexual and psychosocial outcome was achieved in 69 patients (80.23%).

Conclusions
Rectosigmoid colon presents a good choice for vaginoplasty. According to our results, sexual function and psychosocial status of patients who underwent rectosigmoid vaginoplasty were not affected in general, and patients attained complete recovery.
Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) Inhibition Decreases Arginase Activity and Improves Corpora Cavernosal Relaxation in Streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Nunes Kenia P. , Toque Haroldo A. , Caldwell Ruth B. , William Caldwell R. , Clinton Webb R. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Increased arginase activity (AA) has been implicated in hypertension and diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction by reducing L-arginine availability and nitric oxide production. Higher levels of active extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) have been found in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to patients without it. Both ERK and arginase have been reported to affect the expression and activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and consequently penile erection. Nevertheless, signaling pathways activated by ERK in the penis are not well known.

Aim
We hypothesized that inhibition of ERK by ERK inhibitor PD98059 decreases AA and thus improves cavernosal relaxation in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic mice.

Methods
The AA, ERK, eNOS, and arginase I and II expressions were examined through Western blot, and functional response of cavernosal tissue were determined. Control and diabetic cavernosal tissues were pretreated with PD98059 (10−5 M) and arginase inhibitor ((S)-(2-boronoethyl)-L-cysteine hydrochloride, [BEC]10−4 M]).

Main Outcome Measures
Diabetes increased AA significantly (twofold) over control mice and this effect was blocked by acute treatment with PD98059. Cavernosal strips from diabetic mice exhibited decreased relaxation (STZ-diabetic vs. control, respectively) to both the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine (38.0 ± 5% vs. 82.5 ± 7%) and nitrergic stimulation (27 ± 2% vs. 76 ± 6%) by electrical field stimulation (EFS, 1–32 Hz). However, this impairment in cavernosal relaxation from diabetic mice was attenuated by treatment with PD98059 in nitrergic (27 ± 2% vs. 60 ± 4%) and endothelium-dependent relaxation responses (38.0 ± 5% vs. 67.5 ± 6%). Acute treatment with the arginase inhibitor BEC (10−4 M) also improves EFS-induced relaxation in diabetic mice (31 ± 3% vs. 49 ± 2%). Moreover, vascular expression of activated ERK was increased in diabetic over control mice.

Conclusions
These data suggest that ERK inhibition prevents elevation of penile AA and protects against ED caused by diabetes.
FK506 Neuroprotection After Cavernous Nerve Injury is Mediated by Thioredoxin and Glutathione Redox Systems
Authors: Lagoda Gwen , Xie Yi , Sezen Sena F. , Joseph Hurt K. , Liu Limin , Musicki Biljana , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Immunophilin ligands such as FK506 (FK) preserve erectile function (EF) following cavernous nerve injury (CNI), although the precise mechanisms are unclear. We examined whether the thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione (GSH) redox systems mediate this effect after CNI.

Aim
To investigate the roles of Trx reductase 2 (TrxR2) and S-Nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) as antioxidative/nitrosative and antiapoptotic mediators of the neuroprotective effect of FK in the penis after CNI.

Methods
Adult male rats, wild-type (WT) mice, and GSNOR deficient (GSNOR -/-) mice were divided into four groups: sham surgery (CN [cavernous nerves] exposure only) + vehicle; sham surgery + FK (5 mg/kg/day/rat or 2 mg/kg/day/mouse, for 2 days, subcutaneous); CNI + vehicle; and CNI + FK. At day 4 after injury, electrically stimulated changes in intracavernosal pressure (ICP) were measured. Penises were collected for Western blot analysis of TrxR2, GSNOR, and Bcl-2, and for immunolocalization of TrxR2 and GSNOR.

Main Outcome Measures
EF assessment represented by maximal ICP and total ICP in response to electrical stimulation. Evaluation of protein expression levels and distribution patterns of antioxidative/nitrosative and antiapoptotic factors in penile tissue.

Results
EF decreased after CNI compared with sham surgery values in both rats (P &lt; 0.01) and WT and GSNOR -/- mice (P &lt; 0.05). FK treatment preserved EF after CNI compared with vehicle treatment in rats (P &lt; 0.01) and WT mice (P &lt; 0.05) but not in GSNOR -/- mice. In rats, GSNOR (P &lt; 0.01) and Bcl-2 (P &lt; 0.05) expressions were significantly decreased after CNI. FK treatment in CN-injured rats restored expression of GSNOR and upregulated TrxR2 (P &lt; 0.001) and Bcl-2 (P &lt; 0.001) expressions compared with vehicle treatment. Localizations of proteins in the penis were observed for TrxR2 (endothelium, smooth muscle) and for GSNOR (nerves, endothelium, smooth muscle).

Conclusions
The neuroprotective effect of FK in preserving EF after CNI involves antioxidative/nitrosative and antiapoptotic mechanisms mediated, to some extent, by Trx and GSH systems.
The gluttonous side of malignant melanoma: basic and clinical implications of macroautophagy
Authors: Checinska Agnieszka , Soengas María S. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryTrue to their inherent aggressive behavior, melanomas keep impressing the melanoma community with their ability to bypass tumor suppressor mechanisms. Name a pathway with the potential to control cell survival and melanoma cells will likely have it potentiated by multiple genetic or epigenetic alterations. In the context of progression and chemoresistance, large efforts have been dedicated to the identification of protective mechanisms associated with or linked to apoptotic death programs. These studies have guided the design of targeted anticancer strategies. Still, the promise for pro‐apoptotic inducers as lead compounds for drug development has yet to come to fruition. It was then a question of time to identify alternative modulators of cell viability. An ideal candidate that is raising great expectations in the oncology field is autophagy, a catabolic process with multiple roles in cell homeostasis. Here we review the incipient literature on autophagy markers in melanocytic lesions. Intriguingly, histopathological studies are unveiling an intrinsic inter‐ and intratumor variability in the expression of autophagy modulators. Nonetheless, functional studies support a key role of autopaphagy programs in the response to a variety of stress factors. These include adaptive responses to nutrient deprivation, hypoxia and many anticancer agents, among other stimuli. Strategies are being also developed to mobilize the endocytic machinery and shift autolysosomes into death effectors. The opportunities that lie ahead in this field are exciting. Various authophagy mediators are potentially druggable. Moreover, animal models and the development of sophisticated screening methods offer a platform for multilevel academic–industrial collaborations. These efforts are expected to open avenues of research and, hopefully, lead to a more rational approach to melanoma treatment.
Perceptions of cause and control of impulse control behaviours in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Delaney Mary , Simpson Jane , Leroi Iracema 
Published: October 2011

Objectives. Impulse control behaviours (ICBs) have been a recent focus of research in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the current literature is largely limited to a biomedical understanding and gaps remain in our understanding of the perceived cause of these behaviours and how people themselves experience them. Consequently, this study sought to investigate how people with PD perceive the cause and controllability of their ICB.Design. The study utilized qualitative methodology involving semi‐structured interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) allowed an in‐depth exploration of the subjective experience of ICBs.Methods. Ten people with idiopathic PD and current or recent history of ICBs were recruited from an existing research participant pool.Results. The themes that arose from the participants’ accounts were ‘Conflicting views on causality’, ‘Impulse control behaviours as a coping strategy’, and ‘The relationship between causal attribution and perceived controllability’.Conclusion. Participants’ beliefs about the cause of ICBs varied from externalized cause (medication) to internalized (coping with the impact of PD). These causal attributions were fundamental to the perceived controllability of the behaviours and psychological benefits. Further research is warranted to explore a psychosocial viewpoint of this feature of PD and to provide appropriate and effective biopsychosocial interventions.
Prediction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Effectiveness against Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Using Opsonophagocytic Activity and Antibody Concentrations Determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay with 22F Adsorption
Authors: Schuerman L. , Wysocki J. , Tejedor J. C. , Knuf M. , Kim K.-H. , Poolman J. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT
We compared the abilities of two serological readouts, antipolysaccharide IgG antibody concentrations and opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) titers, to predict the clinical effectiveness of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (7vCRM) against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We also assessed the accuracy of the previously established thresholds for GlaxoSmithKline's enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with 22F adsorption (22F-ELISA) (≥0.2 μg/ml) and OPA assay (titer, ≥8) in predicting effectiveness. We showed that following a 3-dose 7vCRM primary vaccination, the serological response rates as determined using thresholds of ≥0.2 μg/ml IgG and an OPA titer of ≥8 corresponded well with overall effectiveness against IPD. In addition, the OPA assay seemed to better predict serotype-specific effectiveness than enzyme-linked immunoassay. Finally, when applied to post-dose-2 immune responses, both thresholds also corresponded well with the overall IPD effectiveness following a 2-dose 7vCRM primary vaccination. These results support the importance of the OPA assay in evaluating immune responses to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.