bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmia Detection after Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Value of Incremental Monitoring Time
Authors: MULDER ANTON A.W. , WIJFFELS MAURITS C.E.F. , WEVER ERIC F.D. , KELDER JOHANNES C. , BOERSMA LUCAS V.A. 
Published: September 2011

Background:
After pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), patients need to be followed to analyze the effect of the treatment. We evaluated the influence of the duration of Holter monitoring on the detection of arrhythmia recurrences after a single PVI at 12 months.
Methods:
Consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent successful PVI with phased radiofrequency and pulmonary vein ablation catheter. Follow‐up was performed with electrocardiogram at 3, 6, and 12 months and 7‐day Holter at 12 months. Symptomatic patients received additional event recording. The 7‐day Holters at 12 months were evaluated for documented left atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences, and each individual day with AF was categorized.
Results:
At 12 months after the procedure, 21 of the 96 (22%) patients had AF on their 7‐day Holter. In the patients with AF recurrence, there was an increase in sensitivity from 53% of a 1‐day Holter up to 88% with 4‐day Holter, and 100% of a 7‐day Holter. Monitoring with duration of less than 4 days resulted in significantly less detection of patients with AF compared to 7‐day Holter.
Conclusions:
A 4‐day Holter at 12 months has an 88% sensitivity for arrhythmia detection, and appears to provide a sufficient monitoring time. Prolonging the monitoring time to 7 days does not significantly increase the yield. PACE 2012; 35:164–169)
Molecular mechanisms controlling CFTR gene expression in the airway
Authors: Zhang Zhaolin , Ott Christopher J. , Lewandowska Marzena A. , Leir Shih‐Hsing , Harris Ann 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe low levels of CFTR gene expression and paucity of CFTR protein in human airway epithelial cells are not easily reconciled with the pivotal role of the lung in cystic fibrosis pathology. Previous data suggested that the regulatory mechanisms controlling CFTR gene expression might be different in airway epithelium in comparison to intestinal epithelium where CFTR mRNA and protein is much more abundant. Here we examine chromatin structure and modification across the CFTR locus in primary human tracheal (HTE) and bronchial (NHBE) epithelial cells and airway cell lines including 16HBE14o‐ and Calu3. We identify regions of open chromatin that appear selective for primary airway epithelial cells and show that several of these are enriched for a histone modification (H3K4me1) that is characteristic of enhancers. Consistent with these observations, three of these sites encompass elements that have cooperative enhancer function in reporter gene assays in 16HBE14o‐ cells. Finally, we use chromosome conformation capture (3C) to examine the three‐dimensional structure of nearly 800 kb of chromosome 7 encompassing CFTR and observe long‐range interactions between the CFTR promoter and regions far outside the locus in cell types that express high levels of CFTR.
Inhibition of ultraviolet‐induced formation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, erythema and skin photosensitization by Polypodium leucotomos
Authors: González S. , Pathak M. A. 
Published: September 2011

González S, Pathak MA. Inhibition of ultraviolet‐induced formation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, erythema and skin photosensitization by Polypodium leucotomos. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 1996: 12: 45–56. © Munksgaard, 1996The acute reactions of human skin to solar ultraviolet radiation (290–400 nm) are recognized as a form of inflammation reactions that are mediated by several possible mechanisms including (a) direct action of photons on DNA, (b) generation of reactive free radicals and reactive oxygen species involving the formation of O2*−, 1O2, H2O2, *OH, etc., (c) generation of prostaglandins (PGD2, PGE2, etc.), histamine, leucotrienes, and other inflammatory mediators. It is conceivable that UV‐induced reactions represent oxidative stress mediated by the formation of free radicals, reactive oxygen, lipid peroxidation, liberation of membrane phospholipids, and subsequent formation of prostaglandins by cyclo‐oxygenase pathway. In this study, we examined the role of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in in vitro reactions as well as in vivo skin inflammation reactions induced by (a) UVB radiation (290–320 nm), and (b) skin photosensitization reaction by PUVA treatment involving 8‐methoxypsoralen and UVA (320–400 nm) radiation and presented data for the generation of superoxide anion (O2*‐) and lipid peroxides. We have also evaluated, both in vitro as well as in vivo systems, the quenching or the inhibition of O2*‐ by a plant extract known as Polypodium leucotomos. The P. leucotomos extract was found to exhibit interesting antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory as well as photoprotective properties against photo‐oxidative stress involving the generation of reactive oxygen, lipid peroxidation under in vitro reactions as well as in vivo experimental conditions. Significant inhibition of UVB‐induced erythemal response, and 8‐methoxypsoralen plus UVA‐induced phototoxic reaction after topical application or oral administration of the photosensitizer could be demonstrated in guinea pig skin and human skin following the topical application of P. leucotomos extract. The photoprotective mechanism of P. leucotomos involving interaction with reactive oxygen species or free radicals appears to have potential clinical usefulness in preventing sunburn and inhibiting phototoxic reaction.
The Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) DR Expression and the Distribution of T‐Lymphocytes in the Fimbriae of the Normal Fallopian Tube and During Pelvic Adhesion Disease
Authors: EDELSTAM GRETA A.B. , KARLSSON‐PARRA ALEX 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Systematically to investigate the expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DR on the columnar epithelium and the content of T‐lymphocytes in the fimbriae specimens of the fallopian tube from healthy women and from women with infertility and pelvic adhesions.METHOD: The staining of HLA‐DR expression on the columnar epithelium was judged on a four‐graded scale according to the distribution of HLA‐DR expression. The amount and distribution of T‐lymphocytes were registered.RESULTS: The biopsies from normal fimbriae contained sparsely infiltrating T‐lymphocytes. On the columnar epithelial cells, a patchy HLA‐DR expression was observed that was more widespread in preovulatory cases. In some biopsies from sactosalpinx, the HLA‐DR expression was found completely to cover the columnar epithelial cells and was associated with a heavy infiltration of T‐lymphocytes. CD4+ T‐lymphocytes dominated in all but one adhesion biopsies.CONCLUSION: The findings indicate an ongoing immunological activity in pelvic adhesions that might immunologically influence fertility.
The Role of Estradiol, Progesterone, and Transforming Growth Factor on Human Endometrioma Cell Culture
Authors: Badawy Shawky Z.A. , Holland James , Landas Steve , Frankel Loren , Cuenca Violeta , Khan Seema 
Published: September 2011

The present study demonstrates several aspects of endometrioma cells in culture, namely, 1) cell growth, proliferation, and morphology, 2) effect of cell culture on estrogen and progesterone receptor concentration, 3) effect of estradiol, progesterone, and transforming growth factor.The tissue sample was obtained from ovarian endometriomas that were removed via laparotomy or laparoscopy. The tissue sample was digested with collagenase. After washing, the tissue was cultured in endothelial cell culture medium. Cell count was done by flow cytometry. Receptor study was done by immunohistochemistry.The results demonstrated the growth and proliferation of endometrioma cell in culture medium. Electron microscopy showed stroma‐like cells. The cells lost their estrogen and progesterone receptors. Estradiol and progesterone added to these cultures did not affect the rate of growth and proliferation of the cells.Transforming growth factor significantly increased the rate of growth and proliferation of these cells.
Comparison of Immunosuppressive Properties of Hydatidiform Mole Decidua and Trophoblast Extracts
Authors: Bennett William A. , Brackin Martha N. , Long Cecil A. , Cowan Bryan D. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The immunologic privilege afforded the fetus relies upon immunoregulation within the maternal‐fetal interface. Trophoblast and decidua‐derived immunoregulatory factors enforce this privilege by locally suppressing maternal responses to trophoblast antigens. The relative contribution of trophoblast or decidua immunosuppressive factors to pregnancy immunotolerance are not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to compare the suppressive effects of hydatidiform mole trophoblast and decidua extracts on interleukin‐2‐dependent proliferation.METHOD: Tissue extracts were prepared from hydatidiform mole trophoblast and decidua following uterine evacuation. Samples were submitted to interleukin‐2‐dependent and ‐independent cell proliferation assays.RESULTS: Hydatidiform mole trophoblast extract significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed interleukin‐2‐dependent proliferation but did not affect interleukin‐2‐independent cell proliferation. In contrast, molar decidua extract suppressed both cell lines.CONCLUSIONS: Human hydatidiform mole trophoblast contains factor(s) that specifically abrogate interleukin‐2‐dependent clonal expansion of murine cytotoxic T‐cells. In contrast, extracts of molar decidua suppressed both interleukin‐2‐dependent and ‐independent responses. This indicates that the trophoblast antagonizes critical interleukin‐2‐mediated immunologic responses, but that the decidua uses nonspecific antiproliferative mechanisms for immunoregulation.
The Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Associated With Combined Alloimmune and Autoimmune Abnormalities
Authors: Kiprov Dobri D. , Nachtigall Robert D. , Weaver Roderic C. , Jacobson Arnold , Main Elliott K. , Garovoy Marvin R. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Several studies have evaluated the effect of intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA). Data regarding the underlying immunologic abnormalities in these patients is scant. This study reports the pregnancy outcome and immunologic changes observed in a large group of women with RSA associated with well‐defined alloimmune and autoimmune abnormalities treated with IVIG.METHODS: Thirty‐five patients with three or more recurrent miscarriages were studied. None of the patients had identifiable alloimmune response to paternal lymphocytes. Twenty‐four patients had anti‐thyroid antibodies, ten patients had high levels of circulating immune complexes, and six patients had anti‐cardiolipin antibodies. Five patients had Hashimoto's disease, one had immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and one had Crohn's disease. Twenty‐three patients had more than one autoimmune abnormality. All patients received IVIG infusions (200–250 mg/kg) every 3 weeks during the first 8 months of pregnancy.RESULTS: Twenty‐eight patients (80%) had a successful pregnancy. Decrease of the level of autoantibodies and circulating immune complexes was observed in all patients who had a successful pregnancy. Only three of these patients developed measurable alloimmune response to paternal antigens.CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that IVIG may be of benefit to patients with recurrent pregnancy loss associated with combined alloimmune and autoimmune abnormalities. This benefit was seen in spite of lack of detectable correction of the alloimmune abnormality in the majority of patients.
Human Decidua‐Associated Protein (hDP) 200 Identified as a Monoclonal Rheumatoid Factor Is Not an Acute Phase Reactant
Authors: Halperin Reuvit , Schneider David , Maymon Ron , Bukovsky Ian , Hadas Eran 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The role of human decidua associated protein (hDP) 200, identified as a monoclonal rheumatoid factor, has not been determined yet. This study examines if this protein, being an immunoglobulin, participates in the inflammatory processes involving the uterus.METHOD: Uterine fluid samples were obtained prospectively from two groups of women: the study group, containing 26 women with laparoscopically verified pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and the control group, containing 34 regularly cycling, fertile women, referred to the Family Planning Clinic. Uterine fluid sampling was performed once in each patient, and the concentration of uterine fluid hDP 200 was determined by double site ELISA, by using the monoclonal antibody DEC 21.RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in uterine fluid hDP 200 concentration was observed in women with pelvic inflammatory disease as compared to regularly cycling fertile women (P<0.00004). The hDP 200 levels in women with PID ranged from 10 to 1,000 mU/ml, with no difference in hDP 200 concentration among intra‐uterine device (IUD) users as compared to non‐users.CONCLUSION: This study supports the concept that hDP 200, identified as a monoclonal rheumatoid factor existing locally in the uterus, is not an acute phase reactant but is probably involved in the reproduction process.
Decidual and Placental Histologic Findings in Patients Experiencing Spontaneous Abortions in Relation to Pregnancy Order
Authors: KOHUT KAREN G. , ANTHONY MONIQUE‐NICOLE A. , SALAFIA CAROLYN M. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: In investigating possible immunologic causes of miscarriage, we hypothesized a more frequent maternal immune response in placental tissue in women miscarrying their first pregnancy, compared to woman miscarrying following at least one full‐term delivery.METHOD OF STUDY: We reviewed the medical charts of 273 consecutive women who had treatment for miscarriage. After application of the exclusion criteria, 32 patients were selected who had a full‐term pregnancy outcome following the index miscarriage. The patients were divided into two groups based on the pregnancy order of the index miscarriage. Group 1 (n=16) included women who lost their first pregnancy. Group 2 (n=16) included women who miscarried a pregnancy after at least one full‐term delivery. Miscarriage tissue was evaluated for placental and decidual histologic features of uteroplacental vasculopathy and chronic inflammation.RESULTS: Lesions of chronic inflammatory and uteroplacental vasculopathy were generally more common in Group 1 as compared to Group 2, and the presence of more than one of the histopathologic lesions was significantly more frequent in Group 1 (37.5%, 6/16) than in Group 2 (0/16, P=.02, Fisher's Exact).CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates more frequent lesions of chronic inflammation and uteroplacental vasculopathy in miscarriage patients with a first pregnancy loss, compared to those patients who have had a pregnancy loss following at least one full‐term delivery.
Maternal Response to Paternal Trophoblast Antigens
Authors: Mowbray James , Jalali Reza , Chaouat Gérard , Clark David A. , Underwood Jennifer , Allen W R , Mathias Susanna 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: What is the function of the immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody bound to trophoblast in normal pregnancy, and what is the antigen?METHOD: IgG was acid eluted from term human placental microvesicles and reacted with the antigen, R80K, left on the vesicles. The eluted antibody was used to detect the antigen on monocytes, lymphocytes, and lymphoblastoid cell lines. The eluted antibody is highly polymorphic, but monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were made against conserved regions of the molecule. These also reacted with the murine equivalent of the human R80K and were used in inhibition studies of natural killer (NK) cell killing and the mouse abortion models, CBA x DBA2 F1 resorption in CBA females, the endotoxin‐induced resorption model, and a sonic stress‐induced murine resorption model.RESULTS: All 600 syncytiotrophoblast microvesicle preparations of human term placenta had IgG antibody bound, elutable at pH 3.0. The eluted antibody reacted with about 15% of unrelated human placentae. In horses mares make detectable antibody early in pregnancy, at about the time of implantation. The IgG antibody was bound to an 80‐kDa protein (R80K) also detected on B lymphocytes and monocytes. In HLA homozygous lymphoblastoid B cell lines, which reacted with one or more eluted antibodies, had a pattern of cytotoxicity independent of HLA Class I; and as a single 80‐kDa peptide chain, R80K did not resemble HLA molecules. Genetic studies in horses show that of the two paternal allotypes of R80K detectable by placental alloantibodies, only one, usually the grandpaternal one, is present in all the placentae of a sibship. Two of 26 eluted human antibodies had affinity for K562 and inhibited killing by human peripheral blood NK cells. One mAb, BA11, against a conserved site on R80K inhibited killing of K562, and also reacted with the murine R80K homologue. BA11 inhibited murine NK cell killing and virtually completely inhibited three NK cell‐dependent mouse resorption models.CONCLUSION: R80K protein is a target molecule for NK cell activity expressed on all placentae. It has a polymorphic alloantigenic determinant completely covered with maternal antibody in all successful term pregnancies. In murine NK cell‐dependent models of abortion, a mAb against a monomorphic determinant present in human and murine R80K prevents abortion very effectively. It seems that the R80K molecule must be covered with antibody to prevent NK attacks on trophoblast.
The Role of Virologic and Immunologic Factors in Mother‐to‐Child Transmission of HIV‐1
Authors: Colognesi Claudia , Tresoldi Eleonora , Scarlatti Gabriella , Halapi Eva , Jansson Marianne , Hodara Vida , Steuer Gabriella , Leitner Thomas 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: More than 90% of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection in children is acquired by mother‐to‐child transmission. However, infection of the child occurs in between 14 and 35% of cases.METHOD OF STUDY: To understand the mechanisms involved in HIV‐1 transmission, we have investigated the antigenic, molecular, and phenotypic characteristics of the virus harbored in infected mothers and their children.RESULTS: A clear correlation was observed between the transmission of the virus and the isolation of viral variants with a rapidly replicating and syncytium‐inducing phenotype from the mother Furthermore, non‐transmitting mothers were able to neutralize several primary isolates more frequently than transmitting mothers. The comparison of the viral phenotype and genotype of mother‐child pairs showed that the transmitted virus did not have common features, suggesting that transmission is usually not a selective process.CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that transmission is governed by an interaction of both viral and immunological factors. The results obtained indicate that different strategies can be applied for the prevention of transmission.
Preliminary Characterization of an Immunosuppressive Inducer Factor Secreted by the JEG‐3 Choriocarcinoma Cell Line: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Markert Udo R. , Chaouat Gérard 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The direct immunosuppressive and suppressive inducing capacities of supernatants from human trophoblastic choriocarcinoma cell lines (HCS) are well investigated in several former studies. The responsible factor is not yet determined.METHOD OF STUDY: We first confirmed those data and we purified a 3–5‐kDa suppressor‐inducer factor from HCS by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on both DEAE and gel filtration columns, followed by ultrafiltration. We then tested the activities of such isolated fractions on in vitro immune responses from human cells and in vivo by its effects in a murine local graft‐versus‐host (GVH) assay (popliteal lymph node assay, PLN).RESULTS: A single fraction induces both “direct suppression” in vitro as well as in vitro suppressor cell activation/development in human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures as assessed by suppression of cells cultured in such a fraction containing culture medium of the mixed lymphocyte reaction. Furthermore the very same fraction suppresses in vivo murine allogeneic immune responses as assessed by a local GVH reaction (PLN assay).CONCLUSIONS: We have isolated a suppressive fraction, whose activities suggest that it might be of interest not only in reproductive immunology, but also in transplantation systems.
Effect of Rat Placental Culture Supernatants on Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses
Authors: Borel Ileana Malan , Freire Songeli Menezes , Canellada Andrea , Margni Ricardo A. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To evaluate the effect of rat placental culture supernatants (PS) on spontaneous, mitogen‐ and alloantigen‐induced lymphoproliferation, antibody synthesis regulation, and symmetric/asymmetric antibody ratio.METHOD Of STUDY: The effect of PS was determined: (a) on cell proliferation of murine hybridoma cells and on spontaneous or ConA‐induced proliferation of murine and rat splenocytes by thymidine incorporation; (b) on rat or mouse cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) by 51Cr release; and (c) on antibody synthesis by enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS: With 20% PS, hybridoma cell inhibition was 37% and that of splenocytes up to 60%, whereas it was 75 and 43%, respectively, in the presence of ConA. Despite marked cell death, hybridoma proliferation index increased significantly. There was a drop in total anti‐dinitrophenylated (DNP) immunoglobulin Gl (IgG1) antibody production and an increase in asymmetric antibody percentage, correlating with placental supernatant concentration.CONCLUSIONS: Rat placental culture supernatants inhibit cell proliferation in all cases, diminish total antibody production, and increase the percentage of asymmetric antibodies by the hybridoma, and they increase antibody production by rat splenocytes.
Prevention of Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Using Intravenous Immunoglobulin: A Prospective, Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Stephenson Mary D. , Dreher Kim , Houlihan Edwina , Wu Vivian 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for treatment of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion was assessed in a prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, and placebo‐controlled study.METHOD OF STUDY: The study took place in a provincial recurrent pregnancy loss clinic, located in a tertiary/quaternary care academic center. The study subjects were women with a history of two or more documented consecutive spontaneous pregnancy losses under 20 weeks of gestation, excluding any associated with aneuploidy by karyotype analysis, and with no evidence of genetic, endocrine, infectious, anatomic, or autoimmune factors associated with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion. The subjects were randomized to receive either intravenous immunoglobulin (Gamimune N) as treatment or normal saline as placebo. Randomization was stratified for primary, secondary, and unclassified unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Success was defined as an ongoing pregnancy beyond 20 weeks of gestation.RESULTS: Sixty‐two subjects enrolled in the trial. There were 37 index pregnancies and 6 cross‐over pregnancies. There was no clinically significant difference between the treatment arm and the placebo arm in terms of subsequent pregnancy success. There seemed to be a higher success rate with the stratified analysis of couples with secondary unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, but the trial did not have sufficient power to confirm this.CONCLUSIONS: Based on this trial and three similar trials in the literature, a multicentered trial is needed to determine conclusively whether IVIG is effective in the treatment of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion.