bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
REVIEW ARTICLE: Research on Blastocyst Implantation Essential Factors (BIEFs)
Authors: Yoshinaga Koji 
Published: May 2010

Citation Yoshinaga K. Research on Blastocyst Implantation Essential Factors (BIEFs). Am J Reprod Immunol 2010Blastocyst implantation is a process of interaction between embryo and the uterus. To understand this process, this review tries to summarize what blastocyst implantation essential factors (BIEFs) play what roles, as well as where in the uterus and at what stage of implantation process. Addition of more new data to this kind of compilation of information will help the development of diagnosis and treatment of infertility caused by implantation failure. The major, important cells of the endometrial cells that interact with invading blastocyst (trophoblast) are luminal epithelial cells, stromal cells (decidual cells) and resident immune cells. BIEFs regulate these cells to successfully maintain pregnancy.
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: the impact of cerebral cortical malformations
Authors: Engman M‐L , Lewensohn‐Fuchs I , Mosskin M , Malm G 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  Cytomegalovirus has been suggested to have a teratogenous influence during the migration of neural cells from the ventricular zones to the cortex during the gestational period. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of congenital cytomegalovirus infections in a cohort of children with neurological disability and cerebral cortical malformations recognized by neuroimaging.Methods:  Twenty‐six children with neurological disability and cerebral cortical malformations were investigated retrospectively for congenital cytomegalovirus infection by analysing the dried blood spot samples for cytomegalovirus deoxynucleic acid using qualitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:  CMV DNA in the dried blood spot samples was found in four out of 26 children. Two of these four had severe disabilities with mental retardation, autism, spastic cerebral palsy, epilepsy and deafness. A third child had epilepsy and unilateral cerebral palsy, while the fourth had a mild motor coordination dysfunction and hearing deficit.Conclusion:  In our study, the number of congenital cytomegalovirus infections in children with cerebral cortical malformations was higher (4/26) than expected with reference to the birth prevalence (0.2–0.5%) of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Sweden. We thus conclude that congenital cytomegalovirus infection should be considered in children with cortical malformations of unknown origin.
Dietary exposure to low doses of bisphenol A: Effects on reproduction and development in two generations of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichi , Ohtani Katsumi , Kubota Hisayo , Miyagawa Muneyuki 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe present study was conducted to examine the effects of low‐dose exposure to bisphenol A on reproduction and development in two generations of mice. Pregnant female C57BL/6J mice (F0) were fed a diet containing low doses of bisphenol A (0, 0.33, 3.3, or 33 ppm) from gestational day 6 through postnatal day 22, and the weanlings (F1 and F2) from each F0 and F1 dam group, respectively, were also fed these same concentrations of bisphenol A ad libitum until sacrifice. There were no treatment‐related changes in body weight, body weight gain, food consumption, gestation length, or the number of live births on postnatal day 1 in F0 dams between the control group and bisphenol A groups. Sex ratio and viability were similar in all F1 pups. No treatment‐related changes were observed in body weight, food consumption, developmental parameters, anogenital distance, or weight of any of the organs (liver, kidney, heart, spleen, thymus, testis, ovary, or uterus) in F1 and F2 adults in either sex. The epididymis weight was slightly higher with 0.33 and 3.3 ppm in F1 males, but this slight increase was neither dose dependent nor seen across generations. There were no treatment‐related effects of bisphenol A on cauda epididymal sperm count or sperm motility in F1 or F2 males. These findings indicate that dietary exposure to bisphenol A between 0.33 and 33 ppm does not adversely affect reproduction or development as assessed in two generations of mice.
Low lying larynx
Authors: Govindaraju Revadi , Rajagopalan Raman , Omar Rahmat , Mukari Shahizon Azura Mohamed 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe report a rare case of laryngotracheal anomaly and its possible etiology and mode of presentation. A teenager presented with voice change and a neck lump. Investigations revealed a laryngeal anomaly in which the larynx was hyperdescended. It was accompanied by low lying thyroid gland and hyoid bone together with an absence of a cervical segment of the esophagus and trachea. The anomaly only became noticeable secondary to pubertal changes in the thyroid cartilage of the teenager. An embryological defect during the formation of the laryngotracheal tube and esophagus is a possible explanation of this anomaly. The present case probably represents the third reported of its kind.
Cerebro‐costo‐mandibular syndrome: Prognosis and proposal for classification
Authors: Nagasawa Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Yutaka , Kohno Yoshinori 
Published: May 2010

AbstractCerebro‐costo‐mandibular syndrome (CCMS) is a very rare syndrome characterized by micrognathia and posterior rib gap, with a poor prognosis. To date, only 75 cases have been reported worldwide. The overall survival rate for patients with this disorder has not been reported, and a classification of the patients on the basis of the prognosis is not yet available. The present study analyzed the figures and prognoses of past patients and documented a new case of CCMS. Formerly published case reports and personal communications were used to reveal the prognosis and classification of CCMS. The occurrence ratios of rib gap defects and of missing ribs were examined. Patients were divided into the following three groups according to their life span: lethal type, where the patients died before 1 month; severe type, where the patients lived for 1–12 months; and mild type, where they survived for more than 1 year. A comparison was made of the number of rib gaps, missing ribs, and the rib gap ratio (defined as the number of rib gaps divided by the number of all existing ribs) among these three groups. A significant difference in the number of rib defects between the lethal type and other types was noted. Short life span of severe type patients, compared to mild type, was attributed to their subjection to severe respiratory infection. CCMS can be classified into three categories – lethal, severe, and mild – according to the severity of the symptoms and prognosis.
Interleukin‐10 gene promoter polymorphism in Polish rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Paradowska‐Gorycka A. , Trefler J. , Maciejewska‐Stelmach J. , Łącki J. K. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryInterleukin (IL)‐10 is an important multifunctional cytokine with both anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, we evaluated the frequency and potential impact of IL‐10 promoter polymorphisms on susceptibility to and severity of RA in Polish in – patients with a high disease activity (mean DAS 28 C‐reactive protein 5.25). DNA was obtained from 244 RA patients and 106 healthy controls. The −592C/A and −1082G/A IL‐10 gene polymorphisms were amplified by polymerase chain reaction with restriction endonuclease mapping. The frequency of the IL‐10‐592CA, ‐592AA genotypes (respectively: 30% vs 5% and 7% vs 0%) and allele −592A (37% vs 5%) were significantly higher in RA patients as compared with a control group. We did not find any association of the IL‐10‐592C/A genotype distribution with disease parameters, except for an increased ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) in patients with the −592CC genotype as compared with those with −592CA or −592AA genotypes (P = 0.01). The frequency of the IL‐10‐1082GG genotype was lower (P = 0.0001), and that of the IL‐10‐1082GA genotype was higher (P = 0.009) in RA patients comparing with the control group. In RA patients with −1082GA or −1082AA genotypes the time duration of the disease (P = 0.03), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Score (P = 0.04) and PLT count (P = 0.001) were significantly increased as compared with subjects with −1082GG genotype. Presented findings indicate that IL‐10‐592C/A and IL‐10‐1082G/A polymorphisms may be considered genetic risk factors for RA susceptibility and severity.
Analysis of peripheral blood T‐cell subsets, natural killer cells and serum levels of cytokines in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Cetiner S. , Demirhan O. , Inal T. C. , Tastemir D. , Sertdemir Y. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between humoral and cell‐mediated immune response parameters and impairment of immune functions in children with Down syndrome (DS). The patient group was consisted of cytogenetically documented 32 children with DS. Lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cells were counted by flow‐cytometry system. Levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Serum IgG, IgM, IgA levels were measured by turbidimetric methods. The percentage of CD8+ lymphocytes and CD56+ cells of patients with DS were significantly higher, whereas CD20+ lymphocytes were lower than that of controls (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD2 and CD4 levels and CD4/CD8 ratio of patients with DS and normal controls were similar (P > 0.05). Levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10 were significantly increased, but IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels were decreased in children with DS (P < 0.05). Levels of other studied cytokines between patients with DS and controls were not statistically different (P > 0.05, for all). Serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels were found to be similar between the groups (P > 0.05). It has been known that IL‐4 and IL‐10 are anti‐inflammatory molecules which inhibit the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6 and TNF‐α. In this study, levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10 were significantly increased, but IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels were decreased in children with DS. These results may suggest that continuing anti‐inflammatory state in DS and this process may explain the cause of recurrent infection of the disease. On the other hand, in contrast to the low percentage of CD20+ cells, high percentage of CD8+ and CD56+ cells were found. Our findings may demonstrate that the cell‐mediated and humoral immune system parameters in children with DS were altered according to healthy children.
Vascular endothelial growth factor +405 G/C,−460 T/C and −2578 A/C polymorphisms are not associated with insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Vural P. , Küskü‐Kiraz Z. , Doğru‐Abbasoğlu S. , Çil E. , Karadağ B. , Uysal M. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryInsulin resistance (IR) and pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction are usual comorbidities in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. This study examined firstly the possible association of common +405 G/C,−460 T/C and −2578 A/C polymorphisms of VEGF gene with fasting glucose, fasting insulin and the indices of IR [glucose/insulin ratio (GIR), homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)] in 137 patients with PCOS. None of the studied polymorphisms were found to affect IR indices significantly. However, there was a trend towards higher HOMA in +405 G and −460 T allele carriers in comparison with homozygotes +405 CC and −460 CC, respectively. With regard to −2578 A/C polymorphism, although not significant, in −2578 C carriers HOMA was lower, and GIR was higher in comparison with −2578 AA genotype. Alteration of QUICKI between genotypes was minimal and varied from 4% to 7%. Because of the relatively small sample size, more studies with greater number of cases are necessary to confirm our observations before any statement can be made about the relationship between VEGF gene polymorphism and IR parameters in PCOS.
Genetic polymorphisms of the T‐cell coreceptors CD28 and CTLA‐4 in Afro‐ and Euro‐Brazilians
Authors: Pincerati M. R. , Dalla‐Costa R. , Pavoni D. P. , Petzl‐Erler M. L. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryCD28 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) are two receptors that have complementary functions in control of T‐cell activation. Polymorphisms of their genes, CD28 and CTLA4, might confer differential susceptibility to diseases resulting from unbalanced or inefficient immune responses. Thus far, little is known about the CD28 polymorphism in populations and even for CTLA4 just one or two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are usually analysed. To assess the allelic and haplotypic diversity and linkage disequilibrium in the Brazilian population, two samples differing according to predominant ancestry – African or European – have been analysed for seven SNPs, CD28 −372(G>A), and int3 17(T>C); CTLA4 −1722(T>C), −1577(G>A) −318(C>T), 49(A>G), 6230(G>A) also named CT60, and three microsatellites, CD28 (CAA)n, CTLA4 (AT)n and D2S72 (CA)n. The two population strata show little differentiation, the only significant differences being the allele frequencies of the CTLA4 −1577(G>A) SNP and the CTLA4 (AT)n microsatellite (P = 0.018 and P = 0.007, respectively). Linkage disequilibrium is high, especially between the CTLA4 polymorphisms. However, low r2 values indicate that none of the markers is a tag SNP in these populations. These results provide valuable information for optimal selection of markers for use in future association studies. We conclude that disease association studies and functional studies addressing the possible consequences of polymorphisms of the 2q33 genomic region should consider haplotypic data besides analysis of individual polymorphisms.
The polymorphism of human leucocyte antigen‐G gene in a healthy population of Iran
Authors: Rahimi R. , Zavaran Hosseini A. , Yari F. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryHuman leucocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) is a non‐classical HLA class I molecule that unlike the classical HLA, has low polymorphism. This molecule, initially, found on invasive trophoblast cells and is postulated to have mediatory role in maternal–fetal interface. So far 43 alleles of HLA‐G gene have been found. Studies on alleles of HLA‐G gene could be useful in understanding the genetic variants of HLA‐G alleles in Iranian population. The goal of this research was to determine the polymorphism of HLA‐G gene in a healthy population of Iran. Genomic DNA was isolated from the whole blood of 102 randomly selected, healthy, unrelated Iranian individuals using salting‐out technique followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the exons 2 and 3 of HLA‐G gene. For the performance of PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism method, the PCR products were digested with several restriction enzymes and the resulted fragments were analysed using gel electrophoresis. The obtained results indicated nine alleles of HLA‐G in Iranian individuals including G*01011 (4%), G*01012 (29.86%), G*01013 (10.8%), G*01015 (1.47%), G*01017 (1.96%), G*01018 (2.45%), G*01041 (29.4%), G*01043 (1.96%) and the null allele G* 0105N (18.1%). According to this study, in the Iranian subjects the most incident alleles were G*01012 and G*01041. The results for the frequency of G*01012 showed some similarity with Caucasians (36.3%).
Delayed Selfing in an Alpine BiennialGentianopsis paludosa(Gentianaceae) in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Duan Yuan‐Wen , Dafni Amots , Hou Qin‐Zheng , He Ya‐Ping , Liu Jian‐Quan 
Published: April 2010

AbstractDelayed selfing could provide ovules with an opportunity to be fertilized as a means of “pollination assurance” before the flowers wilt. It could, thus, be regarded as an adaptation to unpredictable pollinator environments. Within the alpine biennialGentianopsis paludosa,the showy flowers and herkogamy at the early stage of a flower's life cycle may favor outcrossing. As the flower ages, anthers contact the central stigma due to the elongation of all filaments, resulting in autonomous selfing. Flower visitors are extremely rare in a high altitude population; and examination of the mating system indicates thatG. paludosais self‐pollinated under natural conditions in this population. While at the lower altitude, the bumblebee visitation rate is relatively high but possibly unreliable. Stigma receptivity is the highest on the third day of anthesis, and decreases thereafter. Pollen viability is the highest when flowers open, and gradually decreases later. Self‐pollination ofG. paludosaoccurs at the late stage of a flower's lifecycle when stigma receptivity and pollen viability have both decreased, suggesting delayed selfing and assurance of seed production. This delayed selfing could assure seed production under the constraints of pollinator scarcity, but ensure outcrossing when pollinators were available. Such a flexible pollination mechanism is highly adaptive in the alpine environment of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.
Role of Ca2+ on Growth of Brassica campestris L. and B. juncea (L.) Czern & Coss under Na+ Stress
Authors: Badr‐uz‐Zaman  , Salim M. , Asghar Rehana 
Published: May 2010

Abstract Root and shoot growth of Brassica campestris L. and B. juncea increased significantly (P < 0.01) with enhanced Ca2+ treatment along with 60 mM NaCl in the root medium. The maximum fresh mass of shoot and root in B. juncea was recorded at 10 mM Ca2+ concentration. The relative growth rate of shoot of both species reached its maximum at 8 mM of Ca2+ concentration. Average rate of Ca2+ intake (ÎCa) was higher in B. juncea than B. campestris. In B. juncea, the average transport of Ca2+ to shoot increased by 19%, 38%, 119%, 125% and 169% compared with the control. Furthermore specific utilization rate of Ca2+ was higher in B. juncea than B. campestris. In B. campestris it increased by 9%, 32%, 41% and 59% at 4, 6, 8, and 10 mM of calcium in comparison to 2 mM Ca2+ treatment. At 4, 6, 8 and 10 mM of Ca2+ application, the increase in the leaf area ratio was 10, 17, 23 and 30%, respectively. In the shoot and root portions of B. campestris and B. juncea, Ca2+ had a linear relationship with potassium and sulfur, whereas it was in antagonism with sodium ion.
Effects of pegaptanib injections on intraocular pressure with and without anterior chamber paracentesis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Knip Maria M. , Välimäki Juha 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate how prophylactic anterior chamber paracentesis affects the intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal pegaptanib injections.Methods:  In this prospective study, 41 eyes of 41 patients receiving intravitreal pegaptanib injections were randomly assigned either to receive anterior chamber paracentesis prior to the injection (Group A, 20 patients, n = 35 injections) or not (Group B, 21 patients, n = 38 injections). IOP was measured before the pegaptanib injection (T0) and 2 min (T1), 30 min (T2) and 1 week (T3) after the injection. A four‐point scale was used to evaluate the subjective pain experienced during the procedure.Results:  The mean IOP at T1 was 15.3 ± 7.5 mmHg in group A and 47.1 ± 24.1 mmHg in group B (difference −31.85 mmHg, 95% Confidence interval −40.13 to −23.56; p < 0.0001). In 45% of the injections without paracentesis, IOP was higher than 50 mmHg 2 min after the pegaptanib injection. No significant difference in IOP was observed at T0, T2 and T3 between the two study groups. The mean pain scores did not differ significantly (0.97 in group A versus 1.32 in group B; p = 0.08).Conclusions:  The results suggest that prophylactic anterior chamber paracentesis helps to prevent the high postoperative IOP spike without causing patients any additional pain.
Prevalence and correlates of shoulder pain and stiffness in a population‐based study: the North West Adelaide Health Study
Authors: HILL Catherine L. , GILL Tiffany K. , SHANAHAN E.M. , TAYLOR Anne W. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAim:  To determine the prevalence, correlates and impact of shoulder pain in a population‐based sample.Methods:  The North West Adelaide Health Study is a representative longitudinal cohort study of people aged 18 years and over. The original sample was randomly selected and recruited by telephone interview. Overall, 3206 participants returned to the clinic during the second stage (2004–2006) and were asked to report whether they had pain, aching or stiffness on most days in either of their shoulders. Data was also collected on body mass index; shoulder range of motion, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors; the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF36) was used.Results:  Overall, 22.3% of participants indicated that they had pain, aching or stiffness in either of their shoulders. Women, those aged 50 years and over, current smokers and those classified as obese were all significantly more likely to report shoulder pain. Respondents with shoulder pain scored lower on all domains of the SF36. In those with shoulder symptoms, women had more severe pain and worse shoulder function than men, and older people had worse shoulder function than younger people.Conclusion:  Shoulder pain affects almost a quarter of people in the Australian community, with a significant detrimental impact on health‐related quality of life and physical functioning.
Pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of neuromyelitis optica: Changing concept of an old disease
Authors: Illes Zsolt 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe concept of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) has changed considerably during the past few years. The identification of autoantibodies in the sera generated against the water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) has increased the specificity of diagnosis and modified guidelines. A pathogenic role of anti‐AQP4 antibodies has recently been indicated; they evoke the pathological and clinical hallmarks of the disease on transfer and cause necrosis of astrocytes expressing AQP4. The diagnosis of NMO is based on clinical, neuroimaging and serological criteria. Early therapy preventing relapses is mandatory, because neurological impairment accumulated during relapses is the main cause of permanent disability. In a number of cases defined as NMO spectrum diseases, the clinical manifestation is spatially limited. Such events of separate myelitis or relapsing/bilateral optic neuritis challenge diagnosis and might delay proper therapy. Here, current concepts of diagnosis and treatment of NMO and NMO spectrum diseases are summarized. Diagnostic and treatment decisions in different clinical situations are shown by discussion of cases. (Clin. Exp. Neuroimmunol. doi: 10.1111/j.1759‐1961.2010.00011.x, 2010)