bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness for emergency obstetric referrals in rural Uganda
Authors: Kakaire Othman , Kaye Dan K , Osinde Michael O 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundEvery pregnant woman faces risk of life-threatening obstetric complications. A birth-preparedness package promotes active preparation and assists in decision-making for healthcare seeking in case of such complications. The aim was to assess factors associated with birth preparedness and complication-readiness as well as the level of male participation in the birth plan among emergency obstetric referrals in rural Uganda.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted at Kabale regional hospital maternity ward among 140 women admitted as emergency obstetric referrals in antenatal, labor or the postpartum period. Data was collected on socio-demographics and birth preparedness and what roles spouses were involved in during developing the birth plan. Any woman who attended antenatal care at least 4 times, received health education on pregnancy and childbirth danger signs, saved money for emergencies, made a plan of where to deliver from and made preparations for a birth companion, was deemed as having made a birth plan. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze factors that were independently associated with having a birth plan.ResultsThe mean age was 26.8 ± 6.6 years, while mean age of the spouse was 32.8 ± 8.3 years. Over 100 (73.8%) women and 75 (55.2%) of their spouses had no formal education or only primary level of education respectively. On multivariable analysis, Primigravidae compared to multigravidae, OR 1.8 95%CI (1.0-3.0), education level of spouse of secondary or higher versus primary level or none, OR 3.8 95%CI (1.2-11.0), formal occupation versus informal occupation of spouse, OR 1.6 95%CI (1.1-2.5), presence of pregnancy complications OR 1.4 95%CI (1.1-2.0) and the anticipated mode of delivery of caesarean section versus vaginal delivery, OR 1.6 95%CI (1.0-2.4) were associated with having a birth plan.ConclusionIndividual women, families and communities need to be empowered to contribute positively to making pregnancy safer by making a birth plan.
Differential pathogenicity of two different recombinant PVYNTN isolates in Physalis floridana is likely determined by the coat protein gene
Authors: Hu Xinxi , Nie Xianzhou , He Changzheng , Xiong Xingyao 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
A previous study has identified two types of recombinant variants of Potato virus Y strain NTN (PVYNTN) in China and sequenced the complete genome of the variant PVYNTN-HN2. In this study, the complete genome of isolate PVYNTN-HN1 was fully sequenced and analyzed. The most striking difference between the two variants was the location of recombinant joint three (RJ3). In PVYNTN-HN1, like other typical European-PVYNTN isolates such as PVYNTN-Hun, the RJ3 was located at nucleotide (nt) 9183, namely the 3' proximal end of the CP gene (nt. 8571-9371), thus leading to most (the first 613 nucleotides from the 5' proximal end) of the CP gene (801 bp) with a PVYN origin and PVYN-serotype; whereas in contrast, the RJ3 in PVYNTN-HN2 was located at nt 8572, consequently leading to a CP gene of PVYO origin and PVYO-serotype. The varied genome composition among PVYO, PVYN, PVYN:O, PVYNTN-HN1 and PVYNTN-HN2 made them useful for the investigation of possible roles of gene segment(s) in symptom formation on host plants. When Physalis floridana plants were infected with different PVY isolates, two types of symptoms were induced. PVYN and PVYNTN-HN1 induced mild symptoms (mainly mild mottling) whereas PVYO, PVYN:O and PVYNTN-HN2 induced serve symptoms including leaf and stem necrosis, leaf-drop and stunting. These results, together with a previous study using artificial PVY chimeras, demonstrate that the CP gene, especially the 5' proximal segment (nt 8572-9183), and/or CP likely determine the pathogenicity of PVY in P. floridana.
Effect of Chemokine Receptors CCR7 on Disseminated Behavior of Human T cell Lymphoma: clinical and experimental study
Authors: Yang Jing , Wang Shengyi , Zhao Guofan , Sun Baocun 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe expression of chemokine receptors CCR7 has been studied in relation to tumor dissemination and poor prognosis in a limited number of cancers. No such studies have been done on CCR7 expression in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (T-NHL). Our aim in this paper is to investigate the association between CCR7 expression and progression and prognosis of T-NHL.Methods1) Analysis of clinical data: The specimens were obtained from 41 patients with T-NHL and 19 patients with lymphoid hyperplasia. Their corresponding clinicopathologic data were also collected. The expression levels of CCR7, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were examined by immunohistochemical staining. 2) Human T-NHL cell lines Hut 78 (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) and Jurkat (adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma) were cultured. The invasiveness of the two cell lines were measured with a Transwell invasion assay, and then used to study the effects of chemokine receptors on T-NHL invasion and the underlying molecular mechanism. The transcript and expression of CCR7 were evaluated using RT-PCR and western blotting.Results1) The higher CCR7 and MMP-9 expression ratios were significantly associated with multiple lesions and higher stage III/IV. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between CCR7 and MMP-9 expression. 2) The Hut 78 cell line was more invasive than the Jurkat cells in the Transwell invasion assay. The transcript and expression levels of CCR7 were significantly higher in Hut78 than that of Jurkat cell line. The T-NHL cell lines were co-cultured with chemokine CCL21 which increased the invasiveness of T-NHL cell. The positive association between CCL21 concentration and invasiveness was found. 3) The stronger transcript and expression of PI3K, Akt and p- Akt were also observed in Hut78 than in Jurkat cell line.ConclusionsHigh CCR7 expression in T-NHL cells is significantly associated with lymphatic and distant dissemination as well as with tumor cell migration and invasionin vitro. Its underlying mechanism probably involves the PI3K/Akt signal pathway.
Modulation of human β-defensin-1 (hBD-1) in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC), monocytes, and epithelial cells by influenza virus, Herpes simplex virus, and Sendai virus and its possible role in innate immunity
Authors: Ryan Lisa K , Dai Jihong , Yin Zhiwei , Megjugorac Nicholas , Uhlhorn Victoria , Yim Sunghan , Schwartz Kyell D , Abrahams Joshua M , Diamond Gill , Fitzgerald-Bocarsly Patricia 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACThBD comprise a family of antimicrobial peptides that plays a role in bridging the innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. The expression of hBD-2 increases upon stimulation of numerous cell types with LPS and proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast, hBD-1 remains constitutively expressed in most cells in spite of cytokine or LPS stimulation; however, its presence in human PDC suggests it plays a role in viral host defense. To examine this, we characterized the expression of hBD-1 in innate immune cells in response to viral challenge. PDC and monocytes increased production of hBD-1 peptide and mRNA as early as 2 h following infection of purified cells and PBMCs with PR8, HSV-1, and Sendai virus. However, treatment of primary NHBE cells with influenza resulted in a 50% decrease in hBD-1 mRNA levels, as measured by qRT-PCR at 3 h following infection. A similar inhibition occurred with HSV-1 challenge of human gingival epithelial cells. Studies with HSV-1 showed that replication occurred in epithelial cells but not in PDC. Together, these results suggest that hBD-1 may play a role in preventing viral replication in immune cells. To test this, we infected C57BL/6 WT mice and mBD-1(−/−) mice with mouse-adapted HK18 (300 PFU/mouse). mBD-1(−/−) mice lost weight earlier and died sooner than WT mice (P=0.0276), suggesting that BD-1 plays a role in early innate immune responses against influenza in vivo. However, lung virus titers were equal between the two mouse strains. Histopathology showed a greater inflammatory influx in the lungs of mBD-1(−/−) mice at Day 3 postinfection compared with WT C57BL/6 mice. The results suggest that BD-1 protects mice from influenza pathogenesis with a mechanism other than inhibition of viral replication.
Endogenous PMN sialidase activity exposes activation epitope on CD11b/CD18 which enhances its binding interaction with ICAM-1
Authors: Feng Chiguang , Zhang Lei , Almulki Lama , Faez Sepideh , Whitford Melissa , Hafezi-Moghadam Ali , Cross Alan S 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTDiapedesis is a dynamic, highly regulated process by which leukocytes are recruited to inflammatory sites. We reported previously that removal of sialyl residues from PMNs enables these cells to become more adherent to EC monolayers and that sialidase activity within intracellular compartments of resting PMNs translocates to the plasma membrane following activation. We did not identify which surface adhesion molecules were targeted by endogenous sialidase. Upon activation, β2 integrin (CD11b/CD18) on the PMN surface undergoes conformational change, which allows it to bind more tightly to the ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 on the EC surface. Removal of sialyl residues from CD18 and CD11b, by exogenous neuraminidase or mobilization of PMN sialidase, unmasked activation epitopes, as detected by flow cytometry and enhanced binding to ICAM-1. One sialidase isoform, Neu1, colocalized with CD18 on confocal microscopy. Using an autoperfused microflow chamber, desialylation of immobilized ICAM-1 enhanced leukocyte arrest in vivo. Further, treatment with a sialidase inhibitor in vivo reversed endotoxin-induced binding of leukocytes to ICAM-1, thereby suggesting a role for leukocyte sialidase in the cellular arrest. These data suggest that PMN sialidase could be a physiologic source of the enzymatic activity that removes sialyl residues on β2 integrin and ICAM-1, resulting in their enhanced interaction. Thus, PMN sialidase may be an important regulator of the recruitment of these cells to inflamed sites.
Gender-related differences in MEN1 lesion occurrence and diagnosis: a cohort study of 734 cases from the Groupe d'étude des Tumeurs Endocrines
Authors: Goudet P , Bonithon-Kopp C , Murat A , Ruszniewski P , Niccoli P , Ménégaux F , Chabrier G , Borson-Chazot F , Tabarin A , Bouchard P , Cadiot G , Beckers A , Guilhem I , Chabre O , Caron P , Du Boullay H , Verges B , Cardot-Bauters C 
Published: May 2011

ContextMultiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) disease is an autosomal dominant syndrome that is believed to equally affect men and women. This assumption has never been confirmed.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of gender on the prevalence of MEN1 lesions, on their lifetime probability of occurrence, and on the diagnosis of MEN1.DesignData regarding a study of 734 cases of MEN1 from the multicenter ‘Groupe d'étude des Tumeurs Endocrines’ were analyzed.ResultsThere were 57.8% females. The prevalence and probability of pancreatic tumors were higher in males than in females (P=0.06, P=0.0004). This difference was due to gastrinomas. The prevalence and probability of developing pituitary tumors were significantly greater in females (P<0.001, P<0.0001). Thymic tumors were exclusively found in men. There were no significant gender differences in the prevalence and the probability of developing hyperparathyroidism, or adrenal and bronchial tumors, or in the proportion of positive genetic tests. A family history of MEN1 was more frequently found in men than in women at the time of diagnosis (P=0.02). In the case of pituitary tumor, the proportion of patients diagnosed with MEN1 at the time of the first lesion was lower in women (44.2%) than in men (67.3%).ConclusionThe phenotype expression of the MEN1 disease gene was different in males and females. In female patients, the possibility of MEN1 is not sufficiently taken into account. Any patient presenting a lesion that belongs to the MEN1 spectrum, such as a pituitary tumor, should be closely questioned about their family history and should be tested for hypercalcemia.
Life-threatening metabolic alkalosis in Pendred syndrome
Authors: Kandasamy Narayanan , Fugazzola Laura , Evans Mark , Chatterjee Krishna , Karet Fiona 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPendred syndrome, a combination of sensorineural deafness, impaired organification of iodide in the thyroid and goitre, results from biallelic defects in pendrin (encoded by SLC26A4), which transports chloride and iodide in the inner ear and thyroid respectively. Recently, pendrin has also been identified in the kidneys, where it is found in the apical plasma membrane of non-α-type intercalated cells of the cortical collecting duct. Here, it functions as a chloride–bicarbonate exchanger, capable of secreting bicarbonate into the urine. Despite this function, patients with Pendred syndrome have not been reported to develop any significant acid–base disturbances, except a single previous reported case of metabolic alkalosis in the context of Pendred syndrome in a child started on a diuretic.Case reportWe describe a 46-year-old female with sensorineural deafness and hypothyroidism, who presented with severe hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis during inter-current illnesses on two occasions, and who was found to be homozygous for a loss-of-function mutation (V138F) in SLC26A4. Her acid–base status and electrolytes were unremarkable when she was well.ConclusionThis case illustrates that, although pendrin is not usually required to maintain acid–base homeostasis under ambient condition, loss of renal bicarbonate excretion by pendrin during a metabolic alkalotic challenge may contribute to life-threatening acid–base disturbances in patients with Pendred syndrome.
Analysis of expression and function of the inhibitory receptor ILT2 in lymphocytes from patients with autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Doníz-Padilla Lesly , Paniagua Amalia E , Sandoval-Correa Pilar , Monsiváis-Urenda Adriana , Leskela Susanna , Marazuela Mónica , González-Amaro Roberto 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveAutoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is characterized by different defects in immunoregulatory mechanisms. The immunoglobulin-like transcript receptor 2 (ILT2) or leukocyte Ig-like receptor 1 (LIRB1/CD85j) exerts an important immunoregulatory role. We hypothesized that the lymphocytes from AITD patients have a diminished expression and function of ILT2. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and function of ILT2 in lymphocytes from patients with AITD.Design and methodsIn this study, 18 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), 20 with Graves' disease, and 26 healthy controls were studied. ILT2 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and thyroid tissue. The regulatory function of ILT2 was assessed by an assay of inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and by an analysis of cell cycle progression. The effect of ILT2 on cytokine synthesis was also evaluated.ResultsWe found a significant increased expression of ILT2 by lymphocytes in AITD patients. ILT2 was also detected in the leukocyte infiltrate of thyroid tissue from HT patients. On the contrary, a significant diminished inhibitory activity of ILT2 on cell proliferation was observed in AITD patients. In addition, PBMC from AITD patients showed a diminished synthesis of interleukin 10 on ILT2 engagement.ConclusionsThe abnormal expression and function of ILT2 detected in AITD suggests that this receptor may participate in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Long-term outcome following interstitial laser photocoagulation of benign cold thyroid nodules
Authors: Døssing Helle , Bennedbæk Finn Noe , Hegedüs Laszlo 
Published: May 2011

AimTo evaluate the long-term efficacy of interstitial laser photocoagulation (ILP) in solitary benign thyroid nodules.Design and methodsA total of 78 euthyroid outpatients (45 participating in randomized trials) with a benign solitary solid and scintigraphically cold thyroid nodule causing local discomfort were assigned to ILP. ILP (using one laser fiber) was performed under continuous ultrasound (US) guidance and with an output power of 1.5–3.5 W. Thyroid nodule volume was assessed by US and thyroid function determined by routine assays, before and during follow-up. Pressure symptoms and cosmetic complaints were evaluated on a visual analogue scale (0–10 cm). Of the total patients, six had thyroid surgery 6 months after ILP and three were lost to follow-up. The median follow-up for the remaining 69 patients was 67 months (range 12–114).ResultsThe overall median nodule volume decreased from 8.2 ml (range 2.0–25.9) to 4.1 ml (range 0.6–33.0; P<0.001) at the final evaluation, corresponding to a median reduction of 51% (range: −194 to 95%). This correlated with a significant decrease in pressure as well as cosmetic complaints. After 12--96 months (median 38 months) of ILP, 21 patients (29%) had thyroid surgery because of an unsatisfactory result. All had benign histology. Thyroid function was unaltered throughout and side effects were restricted to mild local pain.ConclusionUS-guided ILP results in a satisfactory long-term clinical response in the majority of patients with a benign solitary solid cold thyroid nodule. Further large-scale studies should aim at optimizing selection criteria for ILP, preferably in randomized studies.
Sandstone Reservoir Stimulation Using High-Temperature Deep-Penetrating Acid
Authors: Feng Puyong , Wang Da , Liu Gangzhi , Wang Hongbin , Economides Michael J. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Conventional mud acid (a mixture of HF and HCl) is the most commonly used acid system for the stimulation of sandstone formations. However, well known disadvantages such as fast reaction rate, precipitation and matrix deconsolidation restrict the usefulness of this type of acid.
A high-temperature deep-penetrating acid system (HTDP acid) is presented in this paper. Compared with regular mud acid, the HTDP acid penetrates deeper into the formation by generating HF at a slower rate in situ. HTDP acid is one type of retarded mud acid, and it is made up of composite phosphate and fluoride salt. A new corrosion inhibitor has been developed which makes HTDP acid suitable for formations with temperatures as high as 356°F. Very important, the HTDP acid has much higher quartz solubility compared with the mud acid and could reduce precipitation.
The HTDP acid has been used in 23 wells in China offshore oilfields since 2006, and 22 of the stimulation jobs have been deemed effective. Among those wells, five are high temperature/low permeability wells (the highest temperature is 293 °F) and are located in China's Bohai Bay. Two of the wells are in a loose sandstone formation in the South China Sea. The production of these wells after stimulation was enhanced remarkably.
Though developed and used in China, the acid together with the high temperature inhibitor could be extrapolated to other similar sandstone reservoirs world-wide.
Studying the Breaking Mechanism of Polymer-Based In-Situ Gelled Acids using Solid Breaker
Authors: Tian Z. , Gomaa A. M. , Nasr-El-Din H. A. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
In-situ gelled acids that are based on polymers have been used in the field for several years as an acid diversion agent. These acid should not cause permanent formation damage, and should clean-up rapidly and completely when the well is put back on production. However, recent lab studies indicated that a significant amount of gel retained inside the core even when the recommended breaker concentration was used. This gel significantly reduced the core permeability. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the working mechanisms of the solid breaker and the factors that effect on the breaking time. Temperature (150 to 250°F), shear rate (0.1 to 1000 s−1), and breaker concentrations (0 to 16 lb/Mgal) were the main parameters that were investigated in this study.
Experimental studies were conducted using polymer-based in-situ gelled acids that used Zr as a crosslinker agent. To form the gel, this acid was neutralized using pink desert limestone to pH 4.5. Then, the rheological properties of the gel were measured under different breaking conditions for 2 hr using HPHT rotational and oscillatory rheometers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the elastic properties were measured for these acids during the breaking.
Experimental results showed breaker concentration of 16 lb/Mgal was recommended at temperature equal to 150°F, while 4 lb/Mgal is enough at temperature higher than 200°F. A full breaking of these acids was obtained when the values of elastic modulus (G') were equalized with the viscose modules (G"). By shearing only the gel, the viscosity was reduced by 40% after 2 hr. The same viscosity reduction was obtained after adding 4 lb/Mgal of solid breaker without shearing. However, Shearing and adding 4 lb/Mgal breaker completely broke the gel after 40 min. With no shearing, in-situ gelled acid was fully broken after 45 min when 4 lb/Mgal breakers used at 250°F. However at lower temperatures, no full break was observed, but reduction in viscosity and in elastic modulus were noted. As the breaker concentration increased the elastic modulus decreased while the viscous modulus was increased.
Offshore Accidents, Regulations and Industry Standards
Authors: Visser Robert C. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Major offshore accidents, like the Macondo blowout, receive an enormous amount of publicity and are instrumental in enacting new and/or revised industry standards and governmental regulations. This paper reviews four major offshore accidents that occurred prior to 1988, and the effect that these accidents had on improving the reliability and safety of offshore operations. There had not been any significant offshore accident in more than twenty years. The absence of accidents, coupled with technological advances in being able to drill and produce in ever deeper waters, had gradually changed the public's perception of the safety of offshore drilling and had lessened the opposition for exploration in new offshore areas. All this has come to a halt with the 2010 Macondo blowout. The industry, unprepared to rapidly contain the Macondo blowout, will now be subject to new regulations and be required to develop a rapid containment capability.
The paper summarizes how regulations and industry standards evolved prior to 1988. Oil spills caused by drilling blowouts resulted in improved drilling procedures and regulations. Platform accidents caused by fires and explosions in process facilities resulted in mandatory subsurface safety valve requirements, regulatory inspection and compliance programs, the API RP 14C process facility reliability standard and the voluntary, now mandatory, SEMP program. Accidents in the North Sea led to regulatory requirements for platform risk management programs. The implementation of these regulations and industry standards resulted in significant improvements in the reliability and safety of offshore operations as evidenced by the absence of significant accidents over the past two decades. The paper also summarizes the background of the 2010 Macondo blowout and the new U.S. government regulations that will affect future offshore drilling and production operations in the Gulf of Mexico.