bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome of a porcine sapovirus from Chinese swine
Authors: Yang Shixing , Zhang Wen , Shen Quan , Huang Fen , Wang Yan , Zhu Jianguo , Cui Li , Yang Zhibiao , Hua Xiuguo 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Porcine sapovirus was first identified in the United States in 1980, hitherto, several Asian countries have detected this virus. In 2008, the first outbreak of gastroenteritis in piglets caused by porcine sapovirus in China was reported. The complete genome of the identified SaV strain Ch-sw-sav1 was sequenced and analyzed to provide gene profile for this outbreak.

Methods
The whole genome of Ch-sw-sav1 was amplified by RT-PCR and was sequenced. Sequence alignment of the complete genome or RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene was done. 3' end of ORF2 with 21-nt nucleotide insertion was further analyzed using software.

Results
Sequence analysis indicated that the genome of Ch-sw-sav1 was 7541 nucleotide long with two ORFs, excluding the 17 nucleotides ploy (A) at the 3' end. Phylogenetic analysis based on part of RdRp gene of this strain showed that it was classified into subgroup GIII. Sequence alignment indicated that there was an inserted 21-nt long nucleotide sequence at the 3' end of ORF2. The insertion showed high antigenicity index comparing to other regions in ORF2.

Conclusion
Ch-sw-sav1 shared similar genetic profile with an American PEC strain except the 21-nt nucleotide at the 3' end of ORF2. The insert sequence shared high identity with part gene of Sus scrofa clone RP44-484M10.
Diagnostic performance of rapid influenza antigen assays in patients infected with the new influenza A (H1N1) virus
Authors: Herzum Ileana , Lutz Thomas , Koch Friederike , Geisel Roland , Gehrt Andreas 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: The new swine influenza (H1N1) requires fast and accurate diagnosis. Currently, there are few reports about the diagnostic performance of influenza antigen tests with regard to the H1N1 virus infection. We evaluated the reactivity of eight commercially available rapid antigen tests in samples from confirmed infected patients.

Methods: From 23 patients tested positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), parallel testing with the antigen tests QuickVue Influenza A+B (Quidel Corporation), Binax NOW Flu A and B (Binax), Clearview Exact Influenza A and B (Inverness medical), TRUFLU (Meridian Bioscience), Directigen EZ Flu A+B (Becton Dickinson), Influenza A and B (Diagnostik Nord), Xpect Flu A and B (remel) and Influenza Antigen Quick (Generic Assays) was performed.

Results: Only few antigen tests showed positive reactivity in six of the 23 samples. The virus load of the reactive samples as indicated by the PCR cycle threshold was high. Negative results of rapid influenza tests do not rule out infection with the new influenza A (H1N1) virus. Their analytical sensitivity with reference to the virus load is low and not reproducible.

Conclusions: As reliable laboratory results during a pandemic are essential, the diagnostic use of rapid influenza tests seems to be questionable.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:53–6.
Process Performance Evaluation with Imprecise Information
Authors: Wu Chien-Wei , Liao Mou-Yuan , Shu Ming-Hung 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Process capability indexes have been widely used in the manufacturing industry for measuring process performance. Most studies on assessing the process capability are based on crisp estimates of process capability indexes while assuming output measurements of the process being precise number. However, in practical situations it is much more realistic that the output characteristics of continuous quantities are more or less imprecise in general. The fuzziness and stochastic uncertainty are unavoidable features of collected observations from continuous quantities. To assess the process performance more accurately, we consider the capability index CPMK, which is recognized as the most useful index to date for assessing the process capability with two-sided specification limits. We construct the fuzzy estimator for the index CPMK according to the fuzzy set theory. To make reliable decisions, we propose a decision rule to assess the process capability based on the fuzzy lower confidence bound of CPMK. A step-by-step procedure for testing process capability is provided for easy execution in practical situations. An example of manufacturing silicon wafers is also presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.
Differential developmental expression of transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6, their cofactor FOG-2 and downstream target genes in testicular carcinoma in situ and germ cell tumors
Authors: Salonen Jonna , Rajpert-De Meyts Ewa , Mannisto Susanna , Nielsen John E , Graem Niels , Toppari Jorma , Heikinheimo Markku 
Published: December 2009

ObjectiveTesticular germ cell cancer is the most common malignancy among young males. The pre-invasive precursor, carcinoma in situ testis (CIS), presumably originates from arrested and transformed fetal gonocytes. Given that GATA transcription factors have essential roles in embryonic and testicular development, we explored the expression of GATA-4, GATA-6, cofactor friend of GATA (FOG)-2, and downstream target genes during human testis development and addressed the question whether changes in this pathway may contribute to germ cell neoplasms.MethodsFetal testis, testicular CIS, and overt tumor samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for GATA-4, GATA-6, FOG-2, steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1/SF1), anti-Müllerian hormone/Müllerian-inhibiting substance (AMH), and inhibin-α (INHα).ResultsGATA-4 was not expressed in normal germ cells, except for a subset of gonocytes at the 15th gestational week. The CIS cells expressed GATA-4 and GATA-6 heterogeneously, whereas most of the CIS cells expressed GATA-4 cofactor FOG-2. GATA target gene SF-1 was expressed heterogeneously in CIS cells, whereas INHα and AMH were mostly negative. Seminomas and yolk sac tumors were positive for GATA-4 and GATA-6, but mostly negative for FOG-2 and the GATA target genes. In contrast, pluripotent embryonal carcinomas and choriocarcinomas were GATA-4 and GATA-6 negative.ConclusionsDifferential expression of the GATA-4 target genes suggested cell-specific functions of GATA-4 in the germ and somatic cells. The GATA-4 expression in early fetal gonocytes, CIS, and seminoma cells but the absence in more mature germ cells is consistent with the early fetal origin of CIS cells and suggests that GATA-4 is involved in early germ cell differentiation.
Effect of Music by Mozart on Energy Expenditure in Growing Preterm Infants
Authors: Lubetzky Ronit , Mimouni Francis B. , Dollberg Shaul , Reifen Ram , Ashbel Gina , Mandel Dror 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: The rate of weight gain in preterm infants who are exposed to music seems to improve. A potential mechanism could be increased metabolic efficiency; therefore, we conducted this study to test the hypothesis that music by Mozart reduces resting energy expenditure (REE) in growing healthy preterm infants.DESIGN. A prospective, randomized clinical trial with crossover was conducted in 20 healthy, appropriate-weight-for-gestational-age, gavage-fed preterm infants. Infants were randomly assigned to be exposed to a 30-minute period of Mozart music or no music on 2 consecutive days. Metabolic measurements were performed by indirect calorimetry.RESULTS: REE was similar during the first 10-minute period of both randomization groups. During the next 10-minute period, infants who were exposed to music had a significantly lower REE than when not exposed to music (P = .028). This was also true during the third 10-minute period (P = .03). Thus, on average, the effect size of music on REE is a reduction of ∼10% to 13% from baseline, an effect obtained within 10 to 30 minutes.CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to Mozart music significantly lowers REE in healthy preterm infants. We speculate that this effect of music on REE might explain, in part, the improved weight gain that results from this “Mozart effect.”
Studies on Fetal Circulation in Legal Abortions
Authors: Pehrson Sigvard L. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract. The condition of the fetal circulation after intra‐amniotic instillation of 50% glucose solution and extra‐amniotic instillation of 20% salt solution has been studied with the aid of an ultrasonic technique. The series consisted of 64 cases of legal abortion. Thirty‐six women were given intra‐amniotic instillation and 28 women extra‐amniotic instillation. In a series, comprising 8 patients, where glucose solution was administered intra‐amniotically and the condition of the fetal circulation was recorded every 1/4 hour, the latter disappeared, on an average, after about 2 hours. In a series where the fetal circulation was recorded both before and immediately after the intervention, and then only 24 hours later, all circulation had ceased after 24 hours. In a series of 7 cases of extra‐amniotic intervention, fetal circulation ceased within 1 1/2 hours. In 2 cases it was found to be still intact after 24 hours. In a series of 21 cases where salt solution was instilled extra‐amniotically, the circulation was found to be intact after 24 hours in 7 cases. In 9 cases abortion had occurred within 24 hours of instillation. In 5 cases recordings were negative.In the total material comprising 64 cases (36 intra‐amniotic and 28 extra‐amniotic interventions) fetal circulation could not be detected after 24 hours in all cases where glucose was administered intra‐amniotically. Following extra‐amniotic instillation, fetal circulation was intact in 9 fetuses. With all the intra‐amniotic interventions, abortion was obtained after one course of treatment. Ten of the extra‐amniotic interventions were unsuccessful, and a second instillation was given, which resulted in a rapid, successful effect in each case.
Cytologic Findings and their Significance in Gynaecology
Authors: Sjølin Knud‐Erik 
Published: December 2009

Abstract. Detection of tumour cells in cervicovaginal secretions nearly always indicates the presence of a malignant tumour or epithelial dysplasia. Presence of suspicious cells or cells with atypical nuclei very often suggests the existence of a malignant tumour or epithelial dysplasia (46 and 14%, respectively). The great majority of the remaining patients with such cytological changes suffer from other gynaecological diseases, most often of an inflammatory nature. A cytologic differentiation between these groups is not yet possible. Other examinations are therefore indicated. Cytological changes in the cervicovaginal secretion rise in frequency with increasing age. In 9% of the patients with carcinoma of the cervix no abnormal cells were detected in the cervicovaginal secretions. The corresponding figures for severe (“carcinoma in situ”) and moderately severe epithelial atypia were 22 and 31%, respectively. No more than one third of the patients with carcinoma of the uterine body had abnormal cytology. Hence, on the slightest suspicion of malignancy we should not rely on a “negative cytology”, and especially not as the result of a single examination.Carcinomas of the uterine body generally manifest themselves by bleeding disorders. The diagnosis is to be established on the basis of curettage.In the present series the cytologic examination decided the diagnosis and treatment in no more than a single case of cervical carcinoma. Cytologic examination therefore seems to be of limited value for patients admitted to a gynaecological unit, where other diagnostic aids are available. On the other hand, the method is believed to be of value in practice, when we bear in mind that, like other methods, it is vitiated by a certain margin of error. On the slightest clinical suspicion of a malignant or premalignant disease we should not rest content with a single negative examination.
Inhibition of Oxytocin‐Induced Uterine Activity in Midpregnancy by Combined Adrenergic α‐Blockade and β‐Stimulation
Authors: Jenssen Helge 
Published: December 2009

Arrest of imminent premature labour by β‐adrenergic stimulation often fails, due to undesirable side effects or lack of effectiveness. Inhibition of oxytocin release from the neurohypophysis by ethanol also has disadvantages.α‐adrenergic stimulation in pregnant and non‐pregnant women increases uterine contractions, while blocking of α‐receptors in non‐pregnant patients has been shown to reduce uterine activity. A combination of adrenergic α‐blockade followed by β‐stimulation therefore might be more effective than β‐stimulation alone in the treatment of premature labour.This combined regimen was used in 6 women at 16–20 weeks of pregnancy. The response to oxytocin‐induced uterine contractions was measured.In mid‐pregnancy, blockade of α‐receptors did not reduce oxytocin‐induced activity, β‐stimulation reduced the uterine activity; this reduction seemed to be independent of α‐blockade.The combination of α‐blockade and β‐stimulation did not seem to be superior to β‐stimulation alone.
Fetal Heart Rate Variation During Uncomplicated Labour
Authors: Westin Björn , Huldt Lars 
Published: December 2009

A prospective longitudinal and cross‐sectional study of FHR was performed on 110 healthy multiparae during normal labour. Auscultations during 15 second‐periods were performed immediately after a contraction and 1 min later and related to the station of the fetal head. No significant differences in mean‐FHR were found between related early and late observations during the whole process of labour.The mean‐FHR decreased significantly during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. During the second stage the cross‐sectional biological variation of FHR was twice as large as during the first stage. In the individual subject the maximal difference between related early and late observations following a contraction increased with 70% when the fetal head reached the pelvic floor.The data are compared with those from a previous investigation on nulliparae. Auscultograms for practical clinical use are presented.
Aetiology of Postmenopausal Bleeding
Authors: Procopé Berndt‐Johan 
Published: December 2009

A series consisting of 1,085 women with postmenopausal genital bleeding was investigated. The women were at least 45 years old and the time lapse from the last menstruation was at least one year. The bleeding was due to a malignant process in 28%. The majority of these patients had endometrial or cervical carcinoma. The ratio of these two conditions was 1:1. The median age of the patients showing malignant growth was clearly higher than the median age of those in whom the cause of bleeding was benign. The rate of malignant tumours as a cause of postmenopausal bleeding showed a definite rise with increasing age.Atrophic endometrium was the cause of bleeding in 20.5% of the patients. A hormonal reaction in the endometrium was involved in 15.5%, an endometrial or cervical polyp in 17.2%, cervicitis with erosion in 12.1%, and senile vaginitis in 1.3%. The incidence of other benign conditions was low. The aetiology of postmenopausal genital bleeding is discussed.
Gestational Choriocarcinoma in Denmark 1940–1969: A Reappraisal Based on Modern Histologic Criteria
Authors: Mogensen Bent , Olsen Steen 
Published: December 2009

In Denmark, 94 cases of trophoblastic disease were classified as choriocarcinoma (CHC) or “probably CHC” during the period 1940–1969. All these cases were subjected to a reappraisal in the study presented here. Based on the criteria laid down by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, 50 of the cases were classified as CHC, 18 as invasive moles (IM), and 26 as other trophoblastic proliferations (OTP).Among the CHC patients, 30 died of generalized disease and one from postoperative complications. Eighteen patients (36%)—10 of them with metastases—recovered. Four of these patients have been observed for 2–5 years and 14 for more than 5 years. Finally, one patient has still active disease.Forty‐four patients suffering from IM (18) or OTP (26) were cured of their disease, including 5 with metastases. Determination of chorionic gonadotrophs was performed in 88 of the 94 patients at the time of the original diagnosis. Based on the findings at the re‐evaluation, the frequencies of IM and CHC were one case per 126 000 and 49 000 births, respectively. The ratio of IM to CHC was 1 to 2.6. As compared with Norway and Sweden, Denmark seems to have the lowest incidence of these diseases. During the years 1943–1963, CHC accounted for approx. 0.03% of all malignant neoplasms in Danish females.The study reported here forms the basis of subsequent immunologic investigations into the transplantation aspects of CHC and IM.
Experience with Depo‐Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Depo‐Provera) as a Contraceptive Agent
Authors: Jeppsson Sten 
Published: December 2009

Pure, long‐acting gestagen, medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo‐Provera), was tested as a contraceptive agent in a dose of 150 mg i. m. every 12th week. 139 women were observed for altogether 1 251 calendar months without any undesired pregnancy occurring in the group. The normal regular menstrual cycle was replaced initially by unpredictable vaginal bleeding and/or spotting, most often gradually followed by amenorrhoea. About 15% of the women discontinued the trial because of such menstrual irregularities. About 6% of the women stopped because of weight gain. Only few other side‐effects occurred. Withdrawal of the preparation is followed by regular ovulation and menstruation, but often not until long after the last injection. The method therefore appears to be suitable mainly for women who have decided to have no more children.The simplicity of the method, the absence of estrogen (probably involving a reduced risk of thromboembolic disease and effect on the liver), the high level of safety and reliability combined with good acceptability, despite unpredictable bleeding, and the fact that the method is well tolerated by women who had previously been unable to tolerate hormonal contraception containing estrogen, suggest that the method should have a place in our contraceptive armamentarium. However, it should not be recommended as the primary choice, at any rate not for younger women. The method is probably very suitable for women who have tried other methods without success, followed by unplanned pregnancies and subsequent legal abortions.
Fibrinolytic Activity of Veins During Treatment with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
Authors: Åstedt Birger 
Published: December 2009

Coagulation and fibrinolytic studies were performed on 18 postmenopausal women receiving medroxyprogesterone acetate S mg a day by mouth for one month. The fibrinolytic activity in the vessel wall was determined histochemically in vein biopsy specimens and in the blood after stimulation by venous stasis.In contrast with what is seen after oestrogen treatment the fibrinolytic activity in the vein vessel wall was unchanged. Neither were any changes found in the response of the fibrinolytic activity to venous stasis, or of the coagulation factors or components of the fibrinolytic system. The investigation thus produced no evidence of a thrombogenic effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Cystine Aminopeptidase Activity in Pregnancy
Authors: Rydén Gunnar 
Published: December 2009

Using a new method for estimation of cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) activity in maternal serum, serial CAP determinations have been performed in 7 women during normal pregnancy, in 7 patients after delivery, in 10 patients with pre‐eclampsia, in 5 patients with suspected placental insufficiency and in 4 multiple pregnancies. The results were as follows.The enzyme activity decreased slowly after delivery. The half‐life of the enzyme in maternal blood was calculated as 3–6 days except in one patient where only 20% of the enzyme activity was lost within 4 days. The decrease of CAP activity in serum after intra‐uterine foetal death was also very slow. In patients with uncomplicated mild toxaemia of pregnancy the CAP values were in the normal range. In patients with severe pre‐eclampsia the results varied. In one patient with acute severe pre‐eclampsia and a threatening eclamptic attack the CAP values were high, and this might be explained by the presence of non‐specific aminopeptidase activity in serum. In preeclampsia with associated retardation of foetal growth the CAP values were rather low, with decreasing values prior to foetal death. In patients with pronounced placental insufficiency the CAP values were consistently low, whereas high figures were often found in multiple pregnancy.The observations indicate that determination of CAP in maternal serum might be a valuable parameter in judging the condition of the placenta. However, the significance of CAP assays in assessing placental function cannot be established until the method is compared with other placental function tests on the same clinical material.
Amenorrhoea Following Oral Contraception
Authors: Starup Jørgen 
Published: December 2009

Investigation of 31 patients who developed amenorrhoea following the use of combined oral contraceptives for a period of 3 to 84 months revealed that 55% had a variable degree of oligomcnorrhoea prior to the treatment. It is therefore concluded that an antecedent menstrual dysfunction is a relative contra‐indication to treatment with combined oestrogen‐gestagen preparations, and that another form of contraception should be recommended in these cases.In 5 of the 31 patients the amenorrhoea was associated with galactorrhea. None of these patients had any signs of a hypothalamic or hypophyseal tumour, and no explanation can be given for this phenomenon.Eighteen patients were observed without any subsequent hormonal treatment, 9 patients were treated with clomiphene alone, 1 patient with clomiphene‐HCG, 4 patients with HMG‐HCG, and in 1 patient a bilateral ovarian resection was performed. These forms of treatment resulted in ovulation in 16 patients and pregnancy in 5 patients. On the basis of both the present and previous investigations the following lines of treatment are recommended. In patients with no sterility problem the management should be expectant, whereas hormonal treatment should be initialed in patients with infertility. Clomiphene either alone or combined with HCG is the treatment of choice in patients with a normal oestrogen level, but in patients with a low oestrogen level treatment with human gonadotropins is preferred.