bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Lipopolysaccharide Alters the Vaginal Electrical Resistance in Cycling and Pregnant Mice
Authors: Agrawal Varkha , Jaiswal Mukesh K. , Chaturvedi Madan M. , Tiwari Dinesh C. , Jaiswal Yogesh K. 
Published: January 2009

Problem  Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been postulated to exert harmful biologic effects during pregnancy. The objective of present investigation is to measure the vaginal electrical resistance (VER) in LPS‐treated normal cycling and pregnant female mice.Method of study  Minimum dose (MD) of LPS (250 μg/kg body weight) was injected in pregnant female mice through i.p. route on day 0.5 of pregnancy. VER was measured during different phases of reproductive cycle in female mice, which were pre‐exposed to LPS and in untreated cycling female mice. VER was also measured in control pregnant female mice (saline‐treated mice) through whole pregnancy and LPS‐treated female mice in early stages of pregnancy.Results  Vaginal electrical resistance was significantly higher during proestrous or early estrous stage as compared with any other stages of reproductive cycle in mouse. One peak of VER was observed during peri‐implantation period of pregnancy in control female mice. The significant differences in the pattern of VER were found between LPS‐treated and control female mice during peri‐implantation period of pregnancy, and between cycling female mice, which were pre‐exposed to LPS and untreated cycling female mice during proestrus.Conclusion  The presented results demonstrate, for the first time, that LPS exposure during pregnancy may be determined by measuring VER in mothers without any adverse effect on ongoing pregnancy and may help in refining the assisted reproduction techniques.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Glycation Endproducts, Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts and Cytokines in Diabetic and Non‐diabetic Pregnancies
Authors: Pertyńska‐Marczewska Magdalena , Głowacka Ewa , Sobczak Małgorzata , Cypryk Katarzyna , Wilczyński Jan 
Published: January 2009

Problem  Cytokines, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and their receptor RAGE have been recently suggested to play a role in human pregnancy. In this study, we sought to determine the alterations of plasma AGEs, soluble RAGE (sRAGE), and proinflammatory cytokines in normal pregnancies and those complicated with type 1 diabetes mellitus.Method of study  These parameters were measured in samples from healthy non‐pregnant (C), diabetic non‐pregnant (D), healthy pregnant (HP), and pregnant diabetic (DP) women.Results  In the first trimester, DP showed lower sRAGE and higher AGEs compared to HP. In the DP group, significant negative correlations were seen between TNF‐α and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated ΙL‐6 in the first trimester and sRAGE in the third trimester. LPS‐stimulated IL‐12 was positively correlated with levels of AGEs in the third trimester.Conclusion  We detected several differences in the levels of AGEs, sRAGE, and proinflammatory cytokines between euglycemic and diabetic pregnancies.
Hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphomas and therapy with TNF‐α‐blocking biologics: a risk for psoriasis patients?
Authors: Beyer Marc , Steinhoff Matthias , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Assaf Chalid , Sterry Wolfram 
Published: January 2009

SummaryTumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α antagonists have considerably improved the therapeutic approach to chronic inflammatory disorders including psoriasis vulgaris. Recently, some cases of highly aggressive hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma (HSTCL) have developed in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) being treated with infliximab or adalimumab. Analysis of the published data suggests that the emergence of HSTCL is favored by the combination of purine analogues and infliximab or adalimumab in the therapy of a granulomatous inflammation involving Vδ1+γδ T cells. Because psoriasis vulgaris is different from IBD in regard to the type of inflammation, the concomitant therapies used and the tissue‐specific subsets of γδ T cells, the use of infliximab or adali‐mumab in psoriasis may not necessarily be associated with an increase in the risk of HSTCL.
Encapsulated lipomas of the tongue in benign symmetric lipomatosis
Authors: Ettl Tobias , Gaumann Andreas , Ehrenberg Ramin , Reichert Torsten E. , Driemel Oliver 
Published: January 2009

SummaryBenign symmetric lipomatosis (Madelung disease) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology characterized by diffuse growth of unencapsulated lipomas predominantly in the head, neck and shoulder region. Involvement of the tongue has been previously described in only five cases. A 49‐year‐old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented with an 11‐year history of benign symmetric lipomatosis complaining of increasing dysphagia, dysarthria and hoarseness. Clinical intraoral examination revealed asymmetric, globular, firm, circumscribed masses on both borders of the tongue. During surgery, the masses seemed encapsulated from surrounding muscles and could easily be extirpated. However, “satellite fat cells” became obvious, which might give rise to the development of new lipomas.
Establishment of the gut microbiota in Western infants
Authors: Adlerberth I , Wold AE 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn adult individuals, the intestinal microbiota comprises several hundred, mostly anaerobic, bacterial species. This complex ecosystem is formed through the successive establishment of different bacteria in infancy and early childhood. Facultative and aerotolerant bacteria establish first, followed by more and more strict anaerobes. The bacteria derive from different sources and the colonization pattern is influenced by delivery mode and environmental factors. Commensal microbes provide the major drive for maturation of the immune system. Increased hygiene appears to have changed the gut flora of Western infants, which may affect the risk of developing immune mediated diseases.Conclusion: It is clear that the process of infant colonization needs to be studied further, since composition of the microbiota may impact on child health.
Body temperature measurement in VLBW infants by continuous skin measurement is a good or even better alternative than continuous rectal measurement
Authors: Van Der Spek RDG , Van Lingen RA , Van Zoeren‐Grobben D 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground: An inadequate body temperature in preterm infants influences morbidity and mortality. Continuous rectal measurement is a reliable method to measure body temperature but might have adverse effects and is even contra‐indicated in case of low platelets or necrotising enterocolitis. A save and non‐invasive method to measure body temperature is the transcutaneous ‘zero heat flow’ method.Aim: We hypothesised that for monitoring body temperature in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, central measurement of temperature by way of the zero heat flow principle is just as reliable as rectal temperature.Methods: Twenty‐six infants, birth weight between 520 g and 1250 g, gestational age 25.28–32.28 weeks were provided with an insulated continuous skin probe with ‘zero heat flow’ and a continuous rectal probe. Both measurements were registered every hour over a period of 48 h. The sample size was calculated to detect a difference of less than or equal to 0.20°C.Results: 1205 of the 1248 temperature measurements were analysed. At any moment, skin temperature was higher or equal when compared to rectal temperature. Mean skin temperature was 0.13°C (SD 0.33) higher than mean rectal temperature (t‐test, p < 0.001). Correlation between rectal and skin temperature was 0.82 (p ≤ 0.05).Conclusion: In VLBW infants, temperature measurement by ‘zero heat flow’ method is just as reliable as by rectal method.
Follow‐up of 5‐ to 11‐year‐old children treated for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Authors: Eriksen Vibeke , Nielsen Lars Holme , Klokker Mads , Greisen Gorm 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: Determine the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and relate this to cumulative exposure to hypoxia, hypocapnia and hypotension. Describe chronic health problems among 5‐ to 11‐year‐old children treated for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).Methods: The index group consisted of 85 children and a reference group was matched for age, sex and municipality of current residence. Questionnaires were sent to the families. The families in the index group were asked to participate in an examination of their child's hearing.Results: Seven children (11%) had SNHL. SNHL was not associated with hypoxia, hypocapnia or hypotension during treatment for PPHN. In the index group chronic health problems were reported in 42% compared with 17% in the reference group (chi‐square test, p = 0.001). Twenty‐one percent in the index group were treated with bronchodilator therapy compared with 8% in the reference group (chi‐square test, p = 0.028). In the index group five children had cerebral palsy and two had developmental delay. Nineteen percent in the index group and 5% in the reference group had remedial education (chi‐square test, p = 0.008).Conclusion: Children treated for PPHN are at high risk for SNHL. Exposure to hypoxia, hypocapnia or hypotension did not predict SNHL. The incidence of chronic health problems and use of remedial education was high.
Assessment of childhood diabetes‐related quality‐of‐life in West Sweden
Authors: Chaplin J E , Hanas R , Lind A , Tollig H , Wramner N , Lindblad B 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: To investigate health‐related quality‐of‐life (HrQoL) in childhood diabetes and the level of agreement between West Sweden and European reference data for the new multi‐cultural European questionnaire – DISABKIDS.Method: Twenty percent of the Swedish paediatric diabetes population was included in the survey. Child‐parent pairs completed the DISABKIDS chronic generic (37 questions) and diabetes modules (10 questions) during their routine clinic visit. A one‐page results summary, based on positive domains, was used to provide feedback to clinicians.Results: Three hundred and sixty‐one child‐parent pairs were included in the analysis. In Sweden, diabetes was perceived by the children as having less impact than the European average. Swedish parents rated the HrQoL of their children lower than did the European parents. Swedish girls had a lower HrQoL than boys and greater difficulty accepting their diabetes; adolescents had greater difficulty accepting the diagnosis than younger children. Parents reported greater impact of diabetes on their children than the children themselves but reported no difference between boys and girls. Parents reported better acceptance of treatment in boys. The child's reported quality‐of‐life (QoL) is related to age and gender.Conclusion: Our results confirm the applicability of DISABKIDS to the Swedish paediatric diabetes population.
Children with chronic kidney disease: a 3‐year prospective study of growth, bone mass and bone turnover
Authors: Swolin‐Eide Diana , Hansson Sverker , Magnusson Per 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk of developing skeletal problems. This 3‐year prospective study investigated the development of bone mass and bone turnover in children with CKD.Methods: Fifteen patients, 4–15 years, were included with a median glomerular filtration rate of 48 (range 8–94) mL/min/1.73 m2. Bone mineral density (BMD) and markers of bone and mineral metabolism were investigated over a 3‐year period.Results: Growth was satisfactory but a delayed bone age was observed. Total body bone mineral density (TBBMD) Z‐scores were below zero in five patients at start and after 3 years, but none had a Z‐score below −2.5. Lumbar spine BMD Z‐scores were below zero in three patients at start and in five patients after 3 years. The median TBBMD and lumbar spine Z‐scores did not change during the study period. Eleven CKD patients had increased PTH levels at baseline and 13 patients after 3 years. Most children had normal levels of leptin and vitamin D. Almost 50% of the patients had increased osteoprotegerin levels after 3 years.Conclusion: A normal BMD does not exclude mineral bone disorder in patients with CKD, yet the BMD Z‐scores were well preserved and most markers of bone turnover were within the reference intervals.
Is there an increased frequency of food allergy in children delivered by caesarean section compared to those delivered vaginally?
Authors: Kvenshagen Bente , Halvorsen Ragnhild , Jacobsen Morten 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: Allergic diseases are increasing. At the same time an increasing number of children are delivered by caesarean section. These children do not get the same contact with their mother's gut flora as babies delivered vaginally. Theoretically, lack of exposure to maternal vaginal and perineal bacteria might change the gut flora, with secondary changes in the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether children delivered by caesarean section were more prone to develop food allergy.Methods: Six hundred and nine children were included at birth. At 2‐year follow‐up, 512 children participated, 171 delivered by caesarean section, 341 born vaginally. The children reported to have symptoms consistent with possible food allergy, were examined at the outpatient clinic. The diagnosis was based on the history, skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE, elimination/challenge test and double blind placebo controlled challenge.Results: Thirty‐five (6.8%) children were diagnosed with adverse reactions to food, 27 with non‐IgE‐mediated and eight with IgE‐mediated allergy. There was no over representation of children born by caesarean section.Conclusion: In this study there seems to be no increased risk for food allergy in the first 2 years of life in children delivered by caesarean section.
Use of plastic bags to prevent hypothermia at birth in preterm infants‐do they work at lower gestations?
Authors: Ibrahim CPH , Yoxall CW 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground: Hypothermia at birth is strongly associated with mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Occlusive wrapping of preterm infants during resuscitation, including polythene bags have been shown to prevent hypothermia.Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the introduction of polythene bags at resuscitation of infants born below 30 weeks gestation in a large tertiary neonatal centre.Methods: Retrospective audit of admission temperatures of all infants born below 30 weeks gestation for two years before and two years after the introduction of polythene bags. Hypothermia was defined as admission axillary temperature < 36°C.Results: A total of 334 eligible infants were born during the study period. Two hundred and fifty‐three (75.8%) had admission temperatures recorded. The incidence of hypothermia fell from 25% to 16%(p = 0.098) for the whole group since the introduction of polythene bags. The main reduction in hypothermia was seen in infants born above 28 weeks gestation (19.4% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.017). There was no significant effect in infants born between 28 weeks and 30 weeks (29.3% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.58).Conclusions Polythene bags are effective in reducing the incidence of hypothermia at admission in infants born below 30 weeks gestation. The benefit in infants born below 28 weeks gestation was only marginal. This is in contrast to previously published studies. This may be related to the comparatively low incidence of hypothermia at the study centre even prior to introduction of polythene bags.
T‐Cell Immunodeficiency in CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Chopra Charu , Baretto Richard , Duddridge Michael , Browning Michael J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractCHARGE syndrome comprises coloboma of the eye, heart defects, choanal atresia, growth and developmental retardation, genitourinary anomalies and ear and hearing defects. The association between CHARGE syndrome and T‐cell immunodeficiency is recognized, but has not been reported widely in the literature. We report four patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for CHARGE syndrome, who had moderate or severe T‐cell lymphopenia complicated by infections. The patients presented in Leicester, UK, between 2000 and 2007. All patients were negative for 22q11.2 deletions by FISH analysis, but mutations in the CHD7 gene were identified in three patients in whom the analysis was performed. Our cases indicate that patients with CHARGE syndrome may have a spectrum of T‐cell immune deficiency, and that this association may be more common than has previously been appreciated. We recommend that all patients diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome should have lymphocyte subsets evaluated as part of their initial investigation.Conclusion: Thymic hypoplasia should be included in the clinical features associated with CHARGE syndrome. All patients with CHARGE syndrome should have lymphocyte subset analysis performed, to exclude T‐cell immunodeficiency.
Reducing blood transfusion requirements in preterm infants by a new device: a pilot study
Authors: Ballin Ami , Livshiz Victoria , Mimouni Francis B , Dollberg Shaul , Kohelet David , Oren Assaf , Arbel Eliana , Boaz Mona , Tal Adina , Matas Zipora , Mandel Dror 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective: To test a new device designed to salvage red blood cells (RBCs) from blood samples drawn from preterm infants, with the intent of decreasing blood loss and lowering the requirements for RBC transfusions.Design: A case‐controlled pilot study was conducted in two Israeli neonatal intensive care units in large municipal hospitals. Twenty low‐birthweight preterm infants were randomly and equally divided into the ErythroSave™ group or a control group. All blood tests in the study group (except for complete blood count and coagulation parameters) were obtained during the first week of life by the new device in the study group and by ordinary syringes in the control group. The main outcome measure was the total number of units of blood needed.Results: The average volume of blood obtained for laboratory analyses from each infant was 27 mL in the ErythroSave group and 24 mL in controls (not significant). The average volume of transfused packed cells was 6.4 mL for the ErythroSave group and 21.3 mL for the controls (p = 0.008).Conclusion: The use of ErythroSave for sampling blood significantly reduced blood transfusion requirements in premature infants compared to sampling by conventional syringes.
Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction is a Predictor of Abnormal Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Mulhall John , Teloken Patrick , Barnas Jennifer 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and atherosclerotic vascular disease have the same risk factors; furthermore, endothelial dysfunction has been shown to be a common link between these conditions. A high prevalence of silent coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with ED has been observed.

Aims
The aims of this article were to define the prevalence and identify predictors of occult obstructive CAD in patients with documented vasculogenic ED.

Main Outcome Measures
Duplex Doppler penile ultrasonography (DUS); exercise stress echocardiography; IIEF; CAD risk factors.

Methods
Patients presenting with ED who had penile vascular insufficiency documented by DUS and who had no history of diabetes or symptoms of CAD were prospectively enrolled for noninvasive cardiac stress testing using exercise stress echocardiography.

Results
Forty-nine men (mean age 517 years) with an average duration of ED of 2.52 years were evaluated. Penile arterial insufficiency was present in 94%, and venous leak in 20% of patients. Comorbidities included hypertension (51%), hyperlipidemia (41%), and smoking (35%). All patients had at least one vascular risk factor, with 40% having two, 15% three, and 15% four risk factors. Ten patients (20%) had abnormal cardiac stress test. On univariate analysis, age, IIEF–EF domain score, cavernosal artery insufficiency, presence of venous leak, and history of a first-degree relative with CAD were significant predictors. On multivariate analysis, cavernosal artery insufficiency, venous leak, and family history of CAD continued to be predictors of an abnormal stress test.

Conclusions
A significant proportion of men with vasculogenic ED have abnormal cardiac stress test. The greatest chance for abnormal cardiac stress test was observed in those with corporo-venocclusive dysfunction or family history of CAD. In some men presenting with ED, even without a CAD history, performing penile DUS or cardiology referral for stress testing should be considered.
Neuropeptide Modulation of a Lumbar Spinal Reflex: Potential Implications for Female Sexual Function
Authors: Wilson Lesley A. , Wayman Chris P. , Jackson V. Margaret 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionNeuropeptides are known to modulate female receptivity. However, even though receptivity is a spinal reflex, the role of neuropeptides within the spinal cord remains to be elucidated.AimThe aims were to (i) investigate neuropeptides in the lumbosacral region; and (ii) determine how neuropeptides modulate glutamate release from stretch Ia fibers, touch sensation Aβ fibers and Aδ/C pain fibers.Main Outcome MeasuresNeuropeptide modulation of the lumbosacral dorsal-root ventral-root reflex in vitro.MethodsSpinal cords were removed from Sprague-Dawley rats in compliance with UK Home Office guidelines. Hemisected cords were superfused with aCSF and the dorsal root (L4–S1) was stimulated to evoke glutamate release. A biphasic reflex response was evoked from the opposite ventral root consisting of a monosynaptic (Ia fibers) and polysynaptic (Aβ, Aδ/C fibers) component.ResultsThe µ opioid receptor (MOR) agonist DAMGO inhibited the monosynaptic (EC50 0.02 ± 0.02 nM) and polysynaptic area (EC50 125 ± 167 nM) but not polysynaptic amplitude. Oxytocin and corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) inhibited the monosynaptic amplitude (EC50, 1.4 ± 1.0 nM and EC50 4.3 ± 3.5 nM, respectively), polysynaptic amplitude (EC50 18.2 ± 28.0 nM and EC50, 9.5 ± 13.3 nM, respectively), and area (EC50 11.6 ± 13.0 nM and EC50, 2.8 ± 3.3 nM, respectively); effects that were abolished by oxytocin and CRF1 antagonists, L-368899 and 8w. Melanocortin agonists solely inhibited the monosynaptic component, which were blocked by the MC3/4 receptor antagonist SHU9119.ConclusionThese data suggest endogenous neuropeptides are released within the lumbosacral spinal cord. Melanocortin agonists, oxytocin, CRF, and DAMGO via MC4, oxytocin, CRF1, and MOR inhibit glutamate release but with differing effects on afferent fiber subtypes. Melanocortins, oxytocin, CRF, and DAMGO have the ability to modulate orgasm whereas oxytocin, CRF and DAMGO can increase pain threshold. Oxytocin and CRF may dampen touch sensation.