bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Greater Axial Trough Obliquity Increases the Risk of Graft Extrusion in Lateral Meniscus Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Lee Dae-Hee , Kim Jong-Min , Lee Bum-Sik , Kim Kyung-Ah , Bin Seong-Il 
Published: May 2012

Background: In lateral meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) using the keyhole method, precise trough drilling is critical for ensuring the graft is placed at the correct anatomic position to minimize the risk of extrusion. However, no study has focused on the effect of bony trough axial obliquity on graft extrusion. Our purpose was to investigate whether bony trough axial obliquity and bony trough position correlate with graft extrusion in lateral MAT using the keyhole method. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that drilling the tibial bony trough at a greater axial angle would increase the risk of graft extrusion. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The study involved 49 patients who underwent lateral MAT between 2009 and 2010 following total or subtotal meniscectomy. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 34 years (range, 19-52 years). Graft extrusion and bony trough parameters (absolute and relative distance at the anterior, center, and posterior cuttings of the bony trough, and axial trough angle [ATA]) were assessed using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed on postoperative day 2. The correlation between graft extrusion and MRI trough parameters was analyzed, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of graft extrusion. Results: Of the 7 MRI measurement parameters, the ATA ( r = .355, P = .012), absolute anterior distance ( r = .301, P = .031), and relative anterior distance ( r = .307, P = .032) were found to positively correlate with absolute extrusion. The ATA ( r = .296, P = .037) and relative anterior distance ( r = .296, P = .039) were also found to correlate with relative extrusion. The ATA was found to be a predictor of absolute extrusion (β = .36, P = .012) and relative extrusion (β = .33, P = .019). Conclusion: The risk of graft extrusion increases as the axial plane trough angle increases. The angle can be reduced by ensuring that the bony trough starting point is not created in too lateral a position.
Aflatoxin M1 determination in yoghurt produced in Guilan province of Iran using immunoaffinity column and high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Tabari Mahsa , Tabari Khashayar , Tabari Orod 
Published: May 2012

The present study was aimed to determine the presence and levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in 120 natural yoghurt samples consisting of 80 samples of commercial and 40 samples of traditional yoghurt in Guilan province in the north of Iran. The occurrence and concentration range of AFM1 in samples were determined by immunoaffinity column extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. Analysis of yoghurts showed that all the samples were contaminated with AFM1 in concentration levels ranging from 4.2 to 78.9 ng/kg. In general, 16 samples (13.33%) had higher AFM1 level than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/kg) accepted by European Union, but the contamination level was lower than 500 ng/kg in all the samples, which is accepted by Codex Alimentarius and National Standard. The concentration of AFM1 in 26 samples (21.66) was lower than 10 ng/kg. The range of contamination of AFM1 was comparatively higher in traditional yoghurt (average concentration of 32.9 ng/kg) than that in commercial yoghurt (average concentration of 21.6 ng/kg; p < 0.01). Because yoghurt is the most popular dairy product consumed in Iran, the AFM1 contamination is a serious problem for public health. This study reports the data of a first survey on the presence of AFM1 in yoghurt in Guilan, Iran.
A Novel Mutation in the Mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b Gene (MTCYB) in a Patient With Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Strokelike Episodes Syndrome
Authors: Emmanuele Valentina , Sotiriou Evangelia , Rios Purificación Gutierrez , Ganesh Jaya , Ichord Rebecca , Foley A. Reghan , Akman H. Orhan , DiMauro Salvatore 
Published: May 2012

Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene ( MTCYB) have been commonly associated with isolated mitochondrial myopathy and exercise intolerance, rarely with multisystem disorders, and only once with a parkinsonism/mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes (MELAS) overlap syndrome. Here, we describe a novel mutation (m.14864 T>C) in MTCYB in a 15-year-old girl with a clinical history of migraines, epilepsy, sensorimotor neuropathy, and strokelike episodes, a clinical picture reminiscent of MELAS. The mutation, which changes a highly conserved cysteine to arginine at amino acid position 40 of cytochrome b, was heteroplasmic in muscle, blood, fibroblasts, and urinary sediment from the patient but absent in accessible tissues from her asymptomatic mother. This case demonstrates that MTCYB must be included in the already long list of mitochondrial DNA genes that have been associated with the MELAS phenotype.
Removal of Industry-Sponsored Formula Sample Packs from the Hospital
Authors: Feldman-Winter Lori , Grossman Xena , Palaniappan Amudha , Kadokura Elyse , Hunter Krystal , Milcarek Barry , Merewood Anne 
Published: May 2012

Background: Most US hospitals distribute industry-sponsored formula sample packs. No research has examined outcomes associated with sample pack removal as part of a hospital intervention to eliminate sample distribution postpartum. Objective: To examine prospectively hospital-based and breastfeeding outcomes associated with removal of industry-sponsored formula sample packs from the hospital. Methods: We enrolled mothers postpartum at Cooper University Hospital, an urban New Jersey hospital, in 2009-2010. For the first 6 months, all women received industry-sponsored formula samples packs (control group); for the next 6 months, all postpartum women received hospital-sponsored bags with no formula at source (intervention group). Research assistants blinded to the design called subjects weekly for 10 weeks to determine feeding practices. Results: We enrolled 527 breastfeeding women (284 control; 243 intervention). At 10 weeks postpartum, 82% of control and 36% of intervention women ( P < .001) reported receiving formula in the “diaper discharge bag.” Kaplan-Meyer curves for any breastfeeding showed the intervention was associated with increased breastfeeding ( P = .03); however, exclusive breastfeeding was not significantly different between intervention and controls ( P = .46). In post hoc analysis, receiving no take-home formula in bottles from the hospital was associated with increased exclusive breastfeeding in control ( P = .02) and intervention ( P = .03) groups at 10 weeks. Conclusion: Although the hospital-branded replacement contained no formula at source, many women reported receiving bottles of formula from the hospital. Change in practice to remove industry-sponsored formula sample packs was associated with increased breastfeeding over 10 weeks, but the intervention may have had a greater impact had it not been contaminated.
Adherence to hepatitis B screening and prophylactic lamivudine for prevention of rituximab-associated hepatitis B reactivation
Authors: Liu Chin Y , Chandrasekar Pranatharthi H , Masood Ashiq , Schiffer Charles A 
Published: May 2012

Purpose: Treatment with rituximab can be associated with hepatitis B reactivation leading to fulminant hepatitis and sometimes fatal hepatitis. The manufacturer has recommended screening the high-risk patients and monitoring hepatitis B virus carriers during and several months after the therapy. Prophylaxis with lamivudine has been recommended to prevent reactivation in hepatitis B virus carriers receiving rituximab. An institutional guideline was developed and implemented. This study evaluated the adherence to these clinical guidelines of hepatitis B screening in patients receiving rituximab-based treatment, the use of lamivudine prophylaxis, and the prevalence of positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen in this patient population in southeast Michigan. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients begun on rituximab therapy from January 2009 through June 2010 was conducted. Results: Two hundred and eighty patients who received rituximab were identified. Approximately 70% of patients had hepatitis B virus surface antigen screening test prior to rituximab therapy. Antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen was detected in 11.1% of patients, although the hepatitis B virus surface antigen positive rate was only 0.6%. One patient had hepatitis B virus reactivation despite lamivudine prophylaxis, but fully recovered after antiviral therapy was changed to tenofovir. Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen positivity is low in this study; however, antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen positivity is high. Education to clinicians is warranted to increase awareness and further improve adherence to the clinical guidelines.
Renin–angiotensin system inhibitors can suppress atrial fibrillation recurrence after encircling ipsilateral pulmonary vein isolation in patients with a non-dilated left atrium
Authors: Takigawa Masateru , Yamada Takumi , Yoshida Yukihiko , Ando Monami , Ishikawa Kiyotake , Aoyama Yutaka , Yamamoto Takashi , Inoue Natsuo , Tatematsu Yasushi , Nanasato Mamoru , Kato Kazuo , Tsuboi Naoya , Hirayama Haruo 
Published: May 2012

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the effects of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) after encircling ipsilateral pulmonary veins isolation (EIPVsI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) differed between patients with non-dilated and dilated left atria. Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied 292 consecutive patients (mean age=61±11 years, 75% males) who underwent successful EIPVsI for paroxysmal or persistent AF. RASIs’ effects were compared between the patients with a non-dilated left atrium of <40 mm ( n=178) and dilated left atrium of ≥40 mm ( n=114). Results: During a mean follow-up period of 18.9±12.7 months, AF recurred in 38 (21.4%) and 45 (39.5%) patients with non-dilated and dilated left atria, respectively. A multivariate Cox proportional analysis revealed that treatment with RASIs (hazard ratio (HR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.13–0.66, p=0.003), the duration of AF (HR 1.08/year, 95% CI=1.01–1.16, p=0.03), a history of hypertension (HR 2.86, 95% CI=1.21–6.85, p=0.02) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.54/10%↑, 95% CI=0.34–0.87, p=0.01) were associated with AF recurrences in patients with a non-dilated left atrium. On the other hand, only the duration of AF (HR 1.11/year, 95% CI=1.01–1.21, p=0.03) was associated with AF recurrences in those with a dilated LA, and RASIs had no effect on AF recurrences ( p=0.65). Conclusions: RASIs suppressed AF recurrences after EIPVsI only in patients with a non-dilated left atrium.
Extending the course of intravenous antibiotics in adult patients with cystic fibrosis with acute pulmonary exacerbations
Authors: Sequeiros Iara Maria , Jarad Nabil A 
Published: May 2012

Most severe pulmonary exacerbations (PExs) in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are treated with 2 week of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. At occasions, the treatment is extended. The morbidity and the cost of extending the treatment are considerable. Risk factors and the outcome of extending the course of treatment have not been formally investigated. This was a prospective study. Decision to extend the course of antibiotics was made in patients who were not deemed to have responded to the initial 14 days of treatment. Risk factors examined for extending the course were site of treatment (home or hospital), CF symptom score, body mass index (BMI), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) at days 1 and 14 of the treatment. The following outcome measures were assessed for PExs requiring prolongation of treatment: FEV1, BMI, CF symptom score, CRP and number of days until the following PExs. PExs that were treated with 14 day course were used for comparison. Of all the PExs, 22.9% needed extension of treatment beyond day 14. Compared with PExs needing 14 days of antibiotics, CF symptom score, FEV1 and CRP at day 14 were worse in those who had to have the course extended. Extending the course of IV antibiotics to 21 days improved symptom score, but not any of the other outcome measures, including the number of days until the next PEx. Extending the course beyond 21 days did not result in improvement in any outcome measure. PExs in patients with worse lung disease and greater residual symptoms and lung inflammation at day 14 of antibiotic treatment were associated with the extension of the course of IV antibiotics. Prolonging the treatment to 21 days improved symptoms, but did not result in improvement in any other short-term or lung outcome measures.
Challenges in recruiting participants in a multi-centre study on symptom experiences and self care strategies of bowel symptoms following colo-rectal surgery
Authors: Landers Margaret , McCarthy Geraldine , Savage Eileen 
Published: May 2012

Aim: the purpose of this paper is to present some of the challenges found to be problematic in recruiting individuals following sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer for a multi-centre study. While the focus of the study is on symptom experience and self-care strategies of bowel symptoms following colo-rectal surgery, the paper will concentrate solely on the challenges experienced in recruiting a sample for the study. Background: recruitment of an adequate number of participants is a challenge for researchers in any area of research involving patients. Enrolment of patients treated for rectal cancer poses particular challenges, because the total population of this group in a given country can be small. The use of multiple centres was required to obtain the required number of participants for the current study. Findings: in multi-centre studies, researchers can encounter substantial challenges in obtaining ethical approval, accessing clinical sites and gaining direct access to patients. These challenges are embedded in a convoluted process involving many systems of communication, which can vary from one centre to another. Conclusions: the process of obtaining ethical approval is prolonged in the absence of a central ethical review committee. A central review process based on a standard application for researchers seeking ethical approval for multi-centred studies is necessary. Establishing and maintaining access to clinical sites requires co-operation from many individuals during the development of the proposal and continuing throughout the data collection process.
Birth memories of Jordanian women: findings from qualitative data
Authors: Hatamleh Reem , Sinclair Marlene , Kernohan George , Bunting Brendan 
Published: May 2012

Background: Birth memories about their childbirth experience are powerful factors influencing women’s future fertility and exploring birth memories is important. Birth memories of women in Jordan have never been reported previously. Objective: To explore the childbirth memories of women in Jordan. Design: An exploratory descriptive study was conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative data on 160 first-time mothers giving birth in Northern Jordan’s Bade' a Hospital. Data were collected using three open-ended questions up to six weeks after the birth. Major themes emerging from the analysis were subject to manifest and latent content analysis to quantify qualitative data where appropriate. Results: All women were married and their age ranged from 17 to 37 years. About two-thirds (64.5%) had school education and 35.5% had graduate education. The majority (72.5%) were housewives. The major themes to emerge from the data were negative childbirth memories, women being processed, dehumanised birth, vivid recall, halo effect, the joy of becoming a mother and praise for the support of Allah. Conclusion: Findings provide evidence of the poor care that women receive during labour and birth. Women seem to be processed as objects to give birth in a technological manner. They are treated more like machines devoid of feeling than independent women requiring information, childbirth education or supportive ‘one to one’ care. Childbirth care was based on a medical model where the birth process is institutionalised, managed and controlled by the use of birth technology. There was no evidence of holistic care provided for women, and little consideration of their psychological, environmental or family relationships.
Monocyte-derived dendritic cells from breast cancer patients are biased to induce CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Ramos Rodrigo Nalio , Chin Lilian Sally , dos Santos Ana Paula S A , Bergami-Santos Patrícia Cruz , Laginha Fábio , Barbuto José Alexandre M 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Immune deviation induced by breast cancer may have a role in current failures of dendritic cell-based immunotherapy.
DCs orchestrate immune responses contributing to the pattern of response developed. In cancer, DCs may play a dysfunctional role in the induction of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs, contributing to immune evasion. We show here that Mo-DCs from breast cancer patients show an altered phenotype and induce preferentially Tregs, a phenomenon that occurred regardless of DC maturation stimulus (sCD40L, cytokine cocktail, TNF-α, and LPS). The Mo-DCs of patients induced low proliferation of allogeneic CD3+CD25negFoxp3neg cells, which after becoming CD25+, suppressed mitogen-stimulated T cells. Contrastingly, Mo-DCs from healthy donors induced a stronger proliferative response, a low frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ with no suppressive activity. Furthermore, healthy Mo-DCs induced higher levels of IFN-γ, whereas the Mo-DCs of patients induced higher levels of bioactive TGF-β1 and IL-10 in cocultures with allogeneic T cells. Interestingly, TGF-β1 blocking with mAb in cocultures was not enough to completely revert the Mo-DCs of patientsˈ bias toward Treg induction. Altogether, these findings should be considered in immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer based on Mo-DCs.
IFN type I and type II independent enhancement of B cell TLR7 expression by natural killer cells
Authors: Sinha Suwan , Guo Yuhong , Thet Suwannee , Yuan Dorothy 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Natural Killer cells can augment the expression of TLR7 by resting B cells via IFNIII leading to enhanced ability to respond to TLR7 ligand.
The PRR TLR7 plays a key role in the activation of autoantigen-reactive B cells. This response is increased markedly by IFN-α, produced by accessory cells, as a result of the up-regulation of TLR7. We report herein an alternative pathway by which TLR7 expression can be augmented. This finding was derived from continuation of ongoing studies to uncover interactions between NK and B cells. Here, we have compared gene expression profiles by microarray analysis of B cells before and after their interaction with purified NK cells. The most outstanding alteration of genes transcribed in B cells is a significant increase in the expression of many members of the ISG family, among which is TLR7. Further analysis revealed that the enhancement of TLR7 on B cells is not mediated via type I or type II IFN but by another cytokine, IL-28, a type III IFN, which acts in concert with contact-mediated interactions with NK cells. This increased expression allows B cells to respond more readily upon stimulation by its ligand and may increase in vivo responses to other TLR7 ligands, such as autoantigens, prior to or jointly with stimulation by other cytokines.
IFN-γ-deficient mice develop IL-1-dependent cutaneous and musculoskeletal inflammation during experimental brucellosis
Authors: Skyberg Jerod A , Thornburg Theresa , Kochetkova Irina , Layton William , Callis Gayle , Rollins MaryClare F , Riccardi Carol , Becker Todd , Golden Sarah , Pascual David W 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Osteoarticular and soft tissue inflammation occur in subsequent infection with wild-type Brucella in mice deficient of IFN-γ, resembling aspects of human disease.
Human brucellosis exhibits diverse pathological manifestations that can affect almost any organ. In particular, osteoarticular complications are the most common focal manifestation of brucellosis and occur in 40–80% of patients. In immunocompetent mice, Brucella replication is generally restricted to the spleen, liver, and to a lesser extent, LNs, thereby limiting their use for study of focal inflammation often found in brucellosis. Here, we report that nasal, oral, or peritoneal infection of IFN-γ−/− mice with WT Brucella melitensis or Brucella abortus results in joint and periarticular tissue inflammation. Histological analysis of the affected joints revealed inflammatory infiltrates and debris within the joint space colocalizing with Brucella antigen. Osteoarthritis, necrosis, periarticular soft tissue inflammation, and substantial brucellae burdens were observed. Oral rifampicin was effective in clearing infection and halting further progression of focal inflammation from infected IFN-γ−/− mice, although some symptoms and swelling remained. Elevated IL-1β, but not TNF-α, IL-6, or IL-17, was detected in joint homogenates from infected IFN-γ−/− mice. Whereas more susceptible to systemic infection, IL-1R−/− mice depleted of IFN-γ were more resistant to focal inflammation than WT mice similarly depleted of IFN-γ. Collectively, these results show IFN-γ−/− mice represent a potential model for study of focal inflammation attributed to Brucella infection and will allow evaluation of intervention strategies targeting IL-1, IL-1R, or other inflammatory mediators, with the potential to complement antibiotic-based therapies.
Biasing the Prostaglandin F2α Receptor Responses toward EGFR-Dependent Transactivation of MAPK
Authors: Goupil Eugénie , Wisehart Veronica , Khoury Etienne , Zimmerman Brandon , Jaffal Sahar , Hébert Terence E. , Laporte Stéphane A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe G protein-coupled prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) receptor [F prostanoid (FP) receptor] has been implicated in many physiological events including cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, reproductive, and endocrine responses. Binding of PGF2α to FP receptor elicits inositol production and protein kinase C-dependent MAPK activation through Gαq coupling. Here we report that AL-8810, previously characterized as an orthosteric antagonist of PGF2α-dependent, Gαq-mediated signaling, potently activates ERK1/2 in a protein kinase C-independent manner. Rather, AL-8810 promoted ERK1/2 activation via an epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation mechanism in both human embryonic kidney 293 cells and in the MG-63 osteoblast-like cells, which express endogenous FP receptors. Neither AL-8810- nor PGF2α-mediated stimulation of FP receptor promoted association with β-arrestins, suggesting that MAPK activation induced by these ligands is independent of β-arrestin's signaling scaffold functions. Interestingly, the spatiotemporal activation of ERK1/2 promoted by AL-8810 and PGF2α showed almost completely opposite responses in the nucleus and the cytosol. Finally, using [3H]thymidine incorporation, we noted differential regulation of PGF2α- and AL-8810-induced cell proliferation in MG-63 cells. This study reveals, for the first time, the signaling biased nature of FP receptor orthosteric ligands toward MAPK signaling. Our findings on the specific patterns of ERK1/2 activation promoted by FP receptor ligands may help dissect the distinct roles of MAPK in FP receptor-dependent physiological responses.