bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral lichen planus in relation to transaminase levels and hepatitis C virus
Authors: Ali A A. , Suresh C. S. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Elevation of transaminase levels was reported earlier in patients with oral lichen planus. The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and lichen planus had given positive and negative results. The controversies and uncertainties regarding the association of HCV and the liver function status (transaminase levels) in oral lichen planus inspired us to conduct this study.Patients and Methods:  This study was performed on 40 patients with different types of oral lichen planus as a study group and 40 healthy cases as control group. All patients were subjected to routine blood test and urine analysis and the estimation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels. The values of SGOT and SGPT levels ≤40 IU / l were considered within normal limits. Anti‐HCV titer was estimated in all cases.Results:  Fourteen patients (35%) with oral lichen planus had diabetes mellitus, while six (15%) cases of the control group had diabetes mellitus (P = 0.04). Regarding SGOT and SGPT levels, it was elevated in 19 cases (47.5%) and in 4 cases (10%) of the study group and control group, respectively (P = 0.0002). In relation to the type of oral lichen planus, out of 15 erosive cases, 80% (12 cases) showed elevated SGOT/SGPT levels. Out of 25 non‐erosive cases, 7 (28%) patients showed elevated SGOT/SGPT levels (P < 0.01). Anti‐HCV titer was negative in all cases.Conclusion:  We can conclude that diabetes mellitus and elevated transaminase levels might be related to the development of oral lichen planus lesions. There is a strong association between elevated SGOT/SGPT levels and detection of erosive type of such lesions. However, no correlation between oral lichen planus and HCV infection could be assessed in the present study.
Prevalence of oral cancer and pre‐cancer and associated risk factors among tea estate workers in the central Sri Lanka
Authors: Ariyawardana A. , Sitheeque M. A. M. , Ranasinghe A. W. , Perera I. , Tilakaratne W. M. , Amaratunga E. A. P. D. , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Warnakulasuriya S. 
Published: August 2010

Background: To screen for oral cancer or not is being debated, but for high‐risk populations with minimal access to regular dental care systematic oral examinations could provide some benefit.Methods: We undertook oral mucosal examinations of labourers employed in tea estate plantations in Sri Lanka. In a two‐stage screening procedure, first by estate medical officers and then by visiting specialists, we examined 12 716 persons at their workplaces achieving a coverage of one‐sixth of the total workforce.Results: Fourteen oral cancers and 848 subjects with oral pre‐cancer (6.7%) were detected giving population prevalences of 46.1 per 1000 for leukoplakia and 16.4 per 1000 for oral submucous fibrosis. Among subjects with any oral mucosal disorder (n = 1159) proportions of current users of betel quid, smokers and alcohol use was recorded at 92%, 31% and 61% respectively. The synergistic effect of these three risk habits on the development of oral leukoplakia was evident in mixed habit groups.Conclusions: The prevalence of oral pre‐cancer in tea estate labourers was higher than estimates reported in previous studies. In the absence of state‐sponsored preventive activities, it is necessary to improve the capacity of individual health practitioners and small medical centres to participate in oral health promotion and oral cancer/pre‐cancer screening.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Antibody to the Chlamydia trachomatis 60 kDa Heat Shock Protein in Follicular Fluid and In Vitro Fertilization Outcome
Authors: Jakus Sharon , Neuer Andreas , Dieterle Stefan , Bongiovanni Ann Marie , Witkin Steven S. 
Published: August 2010

ProblemThe association between 60 kDa Chlamydia trachomatis heat shock protein (CHSP60) antibodies and the etiology and outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes is not well known.Method of studyA retrospective study with a double‐blind analysis of follicular fluid from 253 IVF patients for IgG antibodies to CHSP60.ResultsThe CHSP60 antibodies were detected in 74.1% of women without embryo implantation and in 47.9% of women with 1–3 implantations per IVF cycle (P = 0.0004). CHSP60 antibodies were detected in 69.5% of women with tubal occlusion and 49.7% of women with other causes of infertility (P = 0.01). CHSP60 antibody detection was unrelated to maternal age, number of oocytes collected, or percentage of oocytes fertilized.ConclusionDetection of IgG antibody to CHSP60 may indicate persistence of C. trachomatis in the upper genital tract with low implantation rates resulting from a chronic inflammatory reaction. Alternatively, as human hsp60 is expressed in early stage embryogenesis, a cross‐reacting antibody may induce destruction of the embryo.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Gender Dichotomy in Antibody Response in a T‐Cell Lymphoma: Involvement of IL‐13 and Gonadal Hormones
Authors: Deepak Praveen , Kumar Sanjay , Acharya Arbind 
Published: August 2010

Problem  Dalton’s lymphoma (DL) shows very high interleukin (IL)‐13 level in the serum and ascitic fluid. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated if any sexual dichotomy in the level of IL‐13, and resulting B‐cell activation and Ig subclass switching also exist in the tumor‐bearing host.Method of study  Serum and ascitic fluid of different groups of DL‐bearing mice were isolated and IL‐13 level and various Ig levels in serum were quantified by double‐sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Further, the B cells were isolated from DL‐bearing mice and effects of various concentrations of IL‐13 and sex steroids were measured.Results  Uncastrated and hormone replaced DL‐bearing mice showed sexual dichotomy in IL‐13 level, and subsequent difference in Ig‐level and this was found to be more pronounced in females. Similarly, in vitro study suggested that estrogen treatment, in combination with IL‐13, strongly modulates B‐cell Ig switching in comparison to testosterone treatment in association with IL‐13.Conclusion  It can be concluded that IL‐13, in concert with gonadal hormones, differentially modulates the B‐cell function in a tumor‐bearing host.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Endometrial Explant Culture for Characterizing Equine Endometritis
Authors: Nash Deborah , Lane Elizabeth , Herath Shan , Martin Sheldon I. 
Published: August 2010

Problem Endometritis after insemination is ubiquitous in the horse and is associated with semen and/or bacteria in the uterus. In up to 40% of horses, inflammation persists causing infertility. An endometrial explant culture was developed to study uterine secretion of prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) in response to physiological and pathological challenge.Method of study Uteri were collected from mares, the endometrium dissected and explants from the uterine body or horn cultured in William’s or RPMI medium. The response of explants to oxytocin, semen or bacteria compared to untreated tissue was tested by collecting medium after 24 and 72 hr and measuring PGF2αby radioimmunoassay.Results Explants from the uterine horn and cultured in William’s medium secreted the most PGF2αafter challenge with oxytocin. Explants treated with semen produced a PGF2αresponse after 72 hr. Explants collected from mares in the transition season treated with killedS. zooepidemicusorE. colilipopolysaccharide (LPS) secreted increased concentrations of PGF2αafter 24 and 72 hr. The response to LPS was inhibited by polymyxin B. Follicular and luteal phase explants did not respond to treatments.Conclusions An endometrial explant culture was developed that measured PGF2αand may be used to study endometritis.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: MBL2 Genetic Screening in Patients with Recurrent Vaginal Infections
Authors: Milanese Michele , Segat Ludovica , De Seta Francesco , Pirulli Doroti , Fabris Annalisa , Morgutti Marcello , Crovella Sergio 
Published: August 2010

Problem  Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is an important component of the innate immunity, present at the mucosal level in vagina: a common pathogen’s entry point.Method of study  We used a rapid genotyping method based on melting temperature assay to search for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the first exon of the MBL2 gene and we also measured MBL serum levels in patients with recurrent bacterial vaginosis (rBV) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (rVVC).Results  Detected frequencies of MBL2 SNPs were comparable to the ones already reported for the Italian population and no significant differences were found between rVVC, rBV and controls. MBL serum levels did not show significant differences between the studied groups.Conclusion  No correlation for the screened mutations has been found neither in protecting nor in favoring the infection in rVVC and rBV patients. Our data demonstrate a lack of association between functional polymorphisms in the first exon of MBL2 gene, MBL deficiency,VVC and rBV.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Systemic Changes in Haemostatic Balance are not Associated with Increased Levels of Circulating Microparticles in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Toth Bettina , Nieuwland Rienk , Kern Meike , Rogenhofer Nina , Berkmans René , Rank Andreas , Lohse Peter , Friese Klaus , Thaler Christian J. 
Published: August 2010

Problem  Placental fibrin deposits in patients wih recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) indicate an exaggerated haemostatic response. This ‘hypercoagulability’ may involve pro‐coagulant factors such as circulating microparticles (MPs). We investigated the relationship between circulating pro‐coagulant MPs and systemic coagulation in RSA patients.Method of study  Platelet‐ and endothelial cell‐derived microparticles (PMPs, EMPs) were evaluated by flow cytometry in RSA patients (n = 51) and compared to controls (n = 24) using annexin V (total numbers of MP), and antibodies against CD61, CD63 and CD62P (PMP), as well as CD144 and CD62E (EMP). Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1+2) and thrombin generation were determined to assess the pro‐coagulant potential of MP.Results  Numbers of annexin V‐binding MP were nearly similar in RSA patients and controls. However, a subgroup of ten RSA patients (10/51; 20%) presented with MP concentrations >10,000 × 106/L, compared to only one women out of the control group (1/24; 4%; P = 0.038). Neither PMP and EMP nor F1+2 and thrombin generation differed significantly within the study population.Conclusion  The present study shows that circulating MPs are not directly associated with the extent of systemic coagulation activation in RSA patients. We hypothesize that increased numbers of circulating MPs either are only indirectly associated with coagulation during pregnancy of RSA patients, or affect abortion via mechanisms independently from hypercoagulation.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Effect of Sulfasalazine on Basal and Bacteria‐Stimulated Interleukin‐8 Production by Endocervical Epithelial Cells
Authors: Peltier Morgan R. , Tee Siew C. , Kinzler Wendy L. , Smulian John C. 
Published: August 2010

Problem  Sulfasalazine (SASP) inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced nuclear‐factor kappa B activation and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) production by cultured explants of placenta, amnion and choriodecidua. Bacteria‐induced IL‐8 production in the cervix is a potential mechanism for premature cervical ripening that may lead to preterm birth. Our objective was to determine if SASP inhibits IL‐8 production by endocervical cells stimulated with bacterial pathogens associated with preterm birth.Method of study  Human endocervical cells were incubated with 0–1.6 mm SASP and then stimulated with Ureaplasma parvum, Escherichia coli, or Gardnerella vaginalis. Conditioned medium was then harvested and production of IL‐8 was quantified by ELISA. Viability of the cells was ascertained at the end of the experiment with the MTT‐assay.Results  At the highest concentration tested (1.6 mm), SASP significantly inhibited IL‐8 production by cultures stimulated with E. coli (P < 0.001), U. parvum (P < 0.001), and G. vaginalis (P < 0.001). Viability of the cells, however, was significantly reduced by SASP at 0.8 and 1.6 mm in both the presence and absence of bacteria for all experiments.Conclusion  Although high concentrations of SASP inhibit IL‐8 production by cultures of endocervical cells stimulated with pathogens associated with preterm birth, this effect may be because of toxicity of the antibiotic on the cells.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Effect of Progesterone on HLA‐E Gene Expression in JEG‐3 Choriocarcinoma Cell Line
Authors: Huang Zhongying , Hyodo Hironobu , Fujii Tomoyuki , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Matsumoto Junko , Kawana Kei , Yamashita Takahiro , Yasugi Toshiharu , Kozuma Shiro , Taketani Yuji 
Published: August 2010

Problem  Among class Ib human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, HLA‐E is known to be a major ligand of CD94/NKG2 receptor on natural killer (NK) cells, and to play a pivotal role in recognition of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) by maternal immune cells. However, it is scarcely known how HLA‐E expression is regulated in EVTs.Method of study  In this study, we investigated whether progesterone, an essential hormone in maintaining pregnancy, regulated HLA‐E expression in EVT‐like cell line, JEG‐3. HLA‐E mRNA amount in cultured JEG‐3 cells was assessed by real‐time PCR and cell‐surface HLA‐E protein was analyzed by flowcytometry.Results  Real‐time PCR showed 3.5‐fold increase 1 hour after the addition of 1000 ng/ml progesterone. This response was dimished by the addition of RU486, an antagonist for progesterone receptor. Flowcytometry indicated that 1000 ng/ml progesterone slightly enhanced HLA‐E expression on the surface of JEG‐3.Conclusion  These results suggest that progesterone up‐regulates HLA‐E expression in JEG‐3 cells through the pathway mediated by progesterone receptor. Our findings might give a new insight into immunomodulatory function of progesterone at fetomaternal interface.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies Evaluating Recombinant Plasmid pCXN2‐mIzumo as a Potential Immunocontraceptive Antigen
Authors: An Gang , Huang Tian‐Hua , Wang De‐Gang , Xie Qing‐Dong , Ma Lian , Chen De‐Yu 
Published: August 2010

Problems  Study on feasibility of pCXN2‐mIzumo as a potential immunocontraceptive antigen.Method of study  Two groups of mice received 100 μg/mouse plasmids of pCXN2‐mIzumo and pCXN2 respectively. RT‐PCR Immunofluorescence assay and ELISA were performed to observe pCXN2‐mIzumo expression and antibody response in the inoculated mice. Sperm penetration assay and animal mating were employed to detect differences of in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate and mean litter size between the experimental and control groups.Results  Izumo cDNA positive bands were detected in sample from mice immunized with pCXN2‐mIzumo. IgG response started to rise at 2 weeks after first boost and reached the highest antibody titers at 2 weeks after third boost of immunization with pCXN2‐mIzumo in the experimental mice. In vitro fertilization rate in the experimental group (11.57%) was significantly lower than that in control (36.60%). Significant difference of mean litter size between female experimental and control groups was observed, and there was significant negative correlation between individual anti‐serum titers and litter size (r = −0.308, P < 0.05).Conclusion  pCXN2‐mIzumo plasmid possesses appreciable anti‐fertility potential.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Sperm Antibodies, Intra‐Acrosomal Sperm Proteins, and Cytokines in Semen in Men from Infertile Couples
Authors: Ulcova‐Gallova Zdenka , Gruberova Jitka , Vrzalova Jindra , Bibkova Katarina , Peknicova Jana , Micanova Zdenka , Topolcan Ondrej 
Published: August 2010

Problem  The aim of this study was to investigate seminal sperm‐agglutinating antibodies, intra‐acrosomal proteins, sperm head abnormalities, and cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12p70 TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ) in men from infertile couples.Method of study  The direct mixed anti‐immunoglobulin reaction test for IgG, IgA, and IgE in semen, and immunocytochemical method using monoclonal antibodies and indirect immunofluorescence for the examination of intra‐acrosomal proteins in the spermatozoa were used. Cytokines in seminal plasma were determined by multiplex immunoanalytic xMAP (LUMINEX) technology.Results  Sperm‐agglutinating antibodies, IgG and IgA, in seminal plasma were found to be more in asthenospermatic and oligoasthenospermatic men than in normospermatic men. Sperm head pathology and very low amounts of acrosomal proteins were frequently detected in pathologic semen samples. Cytokine levels defined as ‘high’ (based on the 75 percentile for each cytokine in all groups) were obtained especially for IL‐8, IL‐5, IL‐6, and IL‐10. The high cellularity in semen was correlated with higher IL‐5.Conclusion  Immunologic cause of male infertility is a very important risk factor in the pathogenesis of sperm cells. Sperm autoantibodies and the presence of intra‐acrosomal factors must be studied together, cytokines according to accessory cellularity in the semen.
Children's fluid intake during diarrhoea: a comparison of questionnaire responses with data from observations
Authors: Zaman K , Sack DA , Chakraborty J , Yunus M , Baqui AH , Black RE 
Published: August 2010

Many of the individual questions used by the World Health Organization for household surveys on diarrhoea management have not been systematically assessed. This study assessed the use of simple questions to caretakers of children to estimate the proportion of young children who received increased quantities of fluids during diarrhoeal episodes by comparing caretakers' responses with data obtained by direct observations. Children aged 4–35 mo (n= 215) with diarrhoea starting within the last 24 h were observed for 12 h. These children were observed for 12 h again 2 wk later, when healthy. On the following day the questionnaire was administered to the caretakers. The observation focused on the frequency of feeding episodes, including breastfeeding and the type and quantity of fluids consumed by the child. The same questionnaire was administered to the caretakers of another group of children (n= 421) with diarrhoea in the past 2wk. The mean number of feedings (6.0 ± 3.8 vs 5.0 ± 3.5), breastfeeding episodes (11.2 ± 3.6 vs 8.4 ± 3.3), breastfeeding duration (85.8 ± 36.3 min vs 49.1 ± 22.8 min), other fluid intake (345.8 ± 309.6 ml vs 120.9 ± 136.4 ml) and total fluid consumption (653.9 ± 240.4 ml vs 399.5 ± 133.6 ml) were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) during diarrhoea compared with healthy periods. At the population level, the simple questionnaire administered to caretakers was found to have high agreement between the reported increase in fluid consumption and the actual increase in fluid intake (defined as ≥100ml). At the individual level, caretakers' questionnaire responses for detecting increased fluid intake were highly sensitive (84.3%), but specificity (36.4%) and agreement (0.22) were low. Conclusion: This study documents that children had higher fluid intake, which included both breast milk and other fluid, during acute episodes of diarrhoea. Further research is warranted to improve the specificity and agreement of caretakers' responses to simple questions regarding change in fluid intake during diarrhoeal episodes.
Effectiveness and tolerability of ibuprofen‐arginine versus paracetamol in children with fever of likely infectious origin
Authors: Nadal C Figueras , Garía de Miguel Ma J , Campderá A Gómez , Fernández J Pou , Calatayud G Alvarez , Bayle M Sánchez ,   the Paediatric Fever Co‐operative Group from the Spanish Paediatric Association
Published: August 2010

The aim of this multicentre, double‐blind, randomized study was to assess the paediatric antipyretic efficacy of a new ibuprofen formulation containing L‐arginine for gastric protection, compared with the efficacy of paracetamol. For this purpose 100 patients were given ibuprofen‐arginine (1 drop/kg: 6.67mg/kg) and 99 paracetamol (4 drops/kg: 10.65 mg/kg). The main efficacy endpoint was the mean change in tympanic temperature 4 h after drug intake. Twelve patients were excluded because of early vomiting or spitting out the medication. The resulting efficacy analysis population included a total of 88 patients treated with ibuprofen‐arginine and 87 with paracetamol. Mean change in tympanic temperature (°C) showed no difference between groups (p= 0.527) but more patients in the ibuprofen‐arginine group attained a temperature reduction greater than 2°C (p= 0.043). A total of 107 patients required antipyretic rescue medication, with a smaller proportion in the ibuprofen‐arginine group. Although this was not statistically significant, a trend towards improved activity was observed (p= 0.100). Overall efficacy was judged from the recovery or improvement in 68.8% of patients in the ibuprofen‐arginine group compared with 65.5% in the paracetamol group. Nineteen patients reported adverse events, with vomiting being the most common complaint, but no differences were detected between treatments. Conclusion: Based on the present results, ibuprofen‐arginine oral drops have shown to be a safe, well‐tolerated and potent paediatric antipyretic agent. Hence, ibuprofen‐arginine should be considered as an adequate choice for the control of paediatric fever of likely infectious aetiology.
Central airways stenosis in school‐aged children: differential diagnosis from asthma
Authors: Linna O , Hyrynkangas K , Lanning P , Nieminen P 
Published: August 2010

This study assessed the value of spirometry and chest X‐rays in the diagnosis of airways stenosis in the tracheal or laryngeal regions at school age. A series of 14 patients was studied. Six of them had vascular ring anomalies, four subglottic stenosis, two aberrant innominate artery, one tracheal stenosis and one a laryngeal web. Four patients were suffering from chronic cough and ten from dyspnoea, noisy breathing and cough upon physical exercise. Two had had their symptoms since infancy and five since 3–6 y of age, whereas seven had had their first symptoms at school age. Nine patients had previously been suspected of having asthma, and five of them had been using inhaled corticosteroids, one inhaled sodium cromoglycate and one peroral terbutaline without any effect. The ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to peak expiratory flow (PEF) was abnormally high in most of the patients. All six children with vascular ring anomalies also had an abnormal aortic configuration on a chest X‐ray, and narrowing of the trachea was seen in two of the four with subglottic stenosis. Two children had both chest X‐rays and spirometry values within the normal limits. Conclusion: The results show that children with stenosis in the laryngeal or tracheal region may not have their first symptoms until school age. Many patients are falsely suspected of having asthma. Simple spirometry and chest X‐rays will help the physician to make the correct diagnosis in these patients.