bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of anal furunculosis in German Shepherd dogs is associated with the major histocompatibility complex
Authors: Kennedy L. J. , O’Neill T. , House A. , Barnes A. , Kyöstilä K. , Innes J. , Fretwell N. , Day M. J. , Catchpole B. , Lohi H. , Ollier W. E. R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAnal furunculosis (AF) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disease of the perianal tissues most frequently affecting middle‐aged or older German Shepherd dogs (GSD). Because this breed accounts for over 80% of all reported cases, there is likely to be a genetic association with disease susceptibility. Although there are some similarities with perianal fistulation that occurs in human Crohn’s disease, the aetiology and pathogenesis of AF are still poorly understood. Recent research has suggested an immune‐mediated aetiology, and evidence for this has been further provided by clinical responses to the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin. The aim of the current study was to investigate canine major histocompatibility complex immune response genes. Dog leucocyte antigen class II alleles and haplotypes were characterised by sequence‐based typing of 107 GSD affected with AF and 196 breed‐matched controls collected in the UK. A highly significant association of DLA‐DRB1*00101 with the presence of AF was observed (OR = 5.01, CI = 2.7–9.3,P < 0.00000001). This association was confirmed in a second cohort of GSD collected in Finland. Homozygosity for this allele is associated with an earlier disease onset.
Changing patterns of hepatitis A and E sero‐prevalences in children after the 1999 earthquakes in Duzce, Turkey
Authors: Kaya Ayse Demet , Ozturk C Elif , Yavuz Taner , Ozaydin Cigdem , Bahcebasi Talat 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Hepatitis A and E are enteric viral diseases that are characteristically found in developing countries. Sero‐epidemiological data about both infections showed higher prevalence rates soon after the 1999 earthquakes in Duzce, Turkey. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the data 4 years after the earthquakes.Methods:  The study group included 589 children (72.3% boys) who were between the ages of 6 months and 17 years (mean age 11.5 years). The children were separated into three groups: Group 1 (ages 6 months to 5.9 years), Group 2 (ages 6.0–12.9 years) and Group 3 (ages 13.0–17.0 years). Serum anti‐hepatitis A virus IgG and anti‐hepatitis E virus IgG were determined using commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. The data were tested for statistical significance with the χ2‐test.Results:  The sero‐prevalence rates of hepatitis A and E were 63.8% and 0.3%, respectively. The sero‐prevalence rates of both hepatitis A and E increased with age, and there was no significant difference between the genders. Hepatitis A infection was associated with socio‐economic condition, crowded living environment, and education level of the family (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  Hepatitis A infection is still common, whereas hepatitis E infection appears to be relatively rare in paediatric age groups in Duzce, Turkey.
Relationship of transforming growth factor‐beta1 with tumour necrosis factor‐alpha and endothelial activation in patients with stable renal transplantation
Authors: PALERMO ALESSANDRO , MULÈ GIUSEPPE , VADALÀ ANNA , VACCARO FRANCESCO , GUARNERI MARCO , ARSENA ROSALIA , BRIOLOTTA CHIARA , CERASOLA GIOVANNI , COTTONE SANTINA 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  To evaluate whether or not transforming growth factor‐beta1 is related to inflammation markers and to intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules in patients with stable renal transplantation.Methods:  Serum concentrations of transforming growth factor‐beta1, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, C‐reactive protein and adhesion molecules were analysed in 33 renal transplanted patients, 33 patients with chronic renal insufficiency (matched to the transplanted group for level of renal function), and 33 hypertensives with normal renal function. anova, Student's t‐test and simple regression analysis were used to analyse the data.Results:  Transplanted patients showed higher values than hypertensives of transforming growth factor‐beta1, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, C‐reactive protein and adhesion molecules (P < 0.0001 for all). Renal insufficiency group exhibited higher concentrations of transforming growth factor‐beta1, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, C‐reactive protein and adhesion molecules than hypertensives (P < 0.0001 for all). Transplanted and renal insufficiency patients had similar blood pressure and renal function levels, and transforming growth factor‐beta1, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, C‐reactive protein and adhesion molecules were not significantly different. In transplanted and in renal insufficiency groups transforming growth factor‐beta1, adhesion molecules and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha correlated significantly each other and with glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.001 for all).Conclusion:  In long‐term renal transplantation inflammation and endothelial activation biomarkers, the pro‐fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor‐beta1 and kidney function are interrelated. Because of the relevant role that inflammation, organ fibrosis and graft dysfunction may play against renal and cardiovascular survival of graft recipients, a better comprehension of the interactions between these variables is needed.
Oxidative stress in rat kidneys due to 3,4‐methylenedioxymetamphetamine (ecstasy) toxicity
Authors: NINKOVIĆ MILICA , SELAKOVIĆ VESNA , ÐUKIĆ MIRJANA , MILOSAVLJEVIĆ PETAR , VASILJEVIĆ IVANA , JOVANOVIĆ MARINA , MALIČEVIĆ ŽIVORAD 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:Aim: The mechanism of MDMA (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine)‐induced toxicity is believed to be, in part, due to enhanced oxidative stress. As MDMA is eliminated via the kidney, the aim of this study was to investigate whether MDMA created conditions of oxidative stress within rat kidney.Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, control treatment (water), acute MDMA administration (single oral dose: 5, 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg body weight) and subacute MDMA administration (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg body weight per day during 14 days). Animals were sacrificed 8 h after the single oral MDMA administration in the acute MDMA administration group and after the last MDMA administration in the subacute MDMA administration group. Rectal temperature measurements, oxidative stress status parameters and histological examinations were performed.Results: In all MDMA‐administered rats, rectal temperature markedly increased peaking approximately 1 h after MDMA ingestion. Superoxide dismutase activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased after MDMA administration. Histological examinations of the kidney revealed dose‐dependent disruption of tissue structure in subacute MDMA‐administered rats. The latter was not observed in acute MDMA‐administered rats.
How to attract a nephrology trainee: Quantitative questionnaire results
Authors: LANE CATHIE ANNE , HEALY CAROL , HO MARIA‐THERESA , PEARSON SALLIE‐ANNE , BROWN MARK ASHLEY 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  Global health workforce shortages are being experienced across many specialties. Australia faces a nephrology workforce shortage coupled with increased demand for nephrology services. This study examines issues impacting on the choice of nephrology as a career and identifies factors that can be modified to improve trainee recruitment. This study provides evidence to inform those seeking to address nephrology, and by extrapolation, other specialty workforce shortages,Methods:  In Australia in 2005, a mailed self‐administered questionnaire was sent to all basic physician trainees eligible for the clinical component of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians' examination. Trainees were asked about the main influences on career choice; including perceived motivators and detractors surrounding a career in nephrology.Results:  Of the 531 doctors surveyed, 222 (42%) responded. Younger respondents and those with previous nephrology experience were more likely to consider nephrology. Perceptions deterring respondents from considering nephrology included inflexible work hours, an absence of positive role models, the perceived restriction of the subspecialty to a hospital‐based practice and poor remuneration relative to other specialties.Conclusion:  Exposure to a nephrology term in early postgraduate years is an important factor in a decision to undertake nephrology training. During these rotations; trainees need to experience positive role modelling. Effective trainee recruitment strategies should utilize the positive influence of role models, and must consider restructuring workforce and training activities to improve work hour flexibility and remuneration. Negative perceptions, acting as barriers to the pursuit of a career in nephrology, must be addressed and any misinformation corrected.
Recent advances in non‐invasive prenatal DNA diagnosis through analysis of maternal blood
Authors: Sekizawa Akihiko , Purwosunu Yuditiya , Matsuoka Ryu , Koide Keiko , Okazaki Shiho , Farina Antonio , Saito Hiroshi , Okai Takashi 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPrenatal diagnosis of aneuploidy and single‐gene disorders is usually performed by collecting fetal samples through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. However, these invasive procedures are associated with some degree of risk to the fetus and/or mother. Therefore, in recent years, considerable effort has been made to develop non‐invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures. One potential non‐invasive approach involves analysis of cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal plasma or serum. Another approach utilizes fetal cells within the maternal circulation as a source of fetal DNA. At the present time, fetal gender and fetal RhD blood type within RhD‐negative pregnant women can be reliably determined through analysis of maternal plasma. Furthermore, genetic alterations can be diagnosed in the maternal plasma when the mother does not have the alterations. However, the diagnosis of maternally inherited genetic disease and aneuploidy is limited using this approach. Non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis through examination of intact fetal cells circulating within maternal blood can be used to diagnose a full range of genetic disorders. Since only a limited number of fetal cells circulate within maternal blood, procedures to enrich the cells and enable single cell analysis with high sensitivity are required. Recently, separation methods, including a lectin‐based method and autoimage analyzing, have been developed, which have improved the sensitivity of genetic analysis. This progress has supported the possibility of non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders. In the present article, we discuss recent advances in the field of non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis.
Influence of progesterone on myometrial contractility in pregnant mice treated with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Anbe Hiroshi , Okawa Toshiaki , Sugawara Noboru , Takahashi Hidenori , Sato Akira , Vedernikov Yuri P. , Saade George R. , Garfield Robert E. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the effect of progesterone on interleukin (IL)‐6, prostaglandin (PG) E2 and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite (NOx) production and contractile activity by NO in pregnant mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods:  Pregnant C57BL mice on day 14 of gestation were killed 6 h after i.p. injection of LPS (400 μg/kg) or vehicle. Progesterone (2 mg) was subcutaneously injected 2 h before LPS treatment. Uterine rings were equilibrated in Krebs‐Henseleit solution (37°C) bubbled with 20% O2 and 5% CO2 (pH 7.4) for sampling and isometric tension recording. IL‐6, PGE2 and NOx productions were measured from the bathing solution. Changes in spontaneous contractile activity in response to cumulative concentrations of l‐arginine, diethylamine/nitric oxide (DEA/NO, the NO donor), and 8‐bromo‐cGMP (8‐br‐cGMP) were compared. Integral contractile activity over 10 min after each concentration was calculated and expressed as percentage change from basal activity. Statistical analyses were performed using one‐way anova followed by Dunnett's test (significance was defined as P < 0.05).Results:  Interleukin‐6 (34.7 ± 6.0 pg/g tissue), PGE2 (66.8 ± 6.7 pg/g tissue) and NOx (51.0 ± 5.4 pmol/2 mL/g wet tissue) production were significantly stimulated by LPS treatment (138.2 ± 23.2, 147.0 ± 29.0, 98.6 ± 16.2, respectively; P < 0.05). l‐arginine, DEA/NO and 8‐br‐cGMP concentration‐dependently inhibited spontaneous contractions in uterine rings both in LPS‐treated and ‐untreated animals. Treatment with LPS significantly attenuated the maximal inhibition induced by l‐arginine, DEA/NO and 8‐br‐cGMP in uterine rings from pregnant mice. Progesterone significantly decreased the levels of IL‐6 production (74.9 ± 12.1, P < 0.05), but not PGE2 and NOx production, and contractile responses by l‐arginine, DEA/NO and 8‐br‐cGMP.Conclusions:  The administration of LPS is associated with increases in IL‐6, PGE2 and NO, and these increases may or may not have a role to play in LPS‐induced preterm labor. Progesterone reduced the LPS‐induced increase in IL‐6 production and this may be one of the ways that progesterone reduces the risk of preterm labor.
Ultrastructural evaluation of type II pneumocytes in the hypoplastic lung of rabbit fetuses induced by oligohydramnios
Authors: Asabe Koushi , Oka Yoichiro , Kai Hiroki , Shirakusa Takayuki 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  The present study was carried out using electron microscopy to evaluate the expression of lamellar bodies in type II pneumocytes of fetal rabbit lungs with hypoplasia induced by oligohydramnios.Methods:  Using an amniotic shunting rabbit model, the lungs obtained from 32 fetuses, including 16 experimental fetuses (shunting group) and 16 control fetuses (control group), were used for electron microscopic studies. At least 250 type II pneumocytes per fetus were photographed. The number of lamellar bodies per type II pneumocyte was counted.Results:  The number of lamellar bodies per type II pneumocyte of the shunting group was consistently and significantly less than that of the control group (5.49 ± 2.07 vs 7.58 ± 2.08; P < 0.01).Conclusions:  These results suggest that the occurrence of hypoplastic lungs induced by oligohydramnios is associated with an immaturity of the surfactant system, especially the expression of the lamellar bodies of type II pneumocytes.
Pregnancy complicated by diffuse chorioamniotic hemosiderosis: Obstetric features and influence on respiratory diseases of the infant
Authors: Yoshida Shiro , Kikuchi Akihiko , Sunagawa Sorahiro , Takagi Kimiyo , Ogiso Yoshifumi , Yoda Tatsuya , Nakamura Tomohiko 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  To clarify the clinical features of pregnancy and neonatal respiratory problems associated with diffuse chorioamniotic hemosiderosis (DCH).Methods:  Sixteen singleton cases of DCH without chorioamnionitis (CAM) were retrospectively analyzed and compared with gestation‐ and birthweight‐matched controls (32 cases of CAM and 32 cases of non‐DCH‐non‐CAM). Maternal symptoms and respiratory problems of the infants were investigated.Results:  All 16 cases with DCH resulted in preterm delivery from 23 to 35 weeks' gestation. The presence of subchorionic hematoma in the first trimester (P < 0.001), recurrent vaginal bleeding (P < 0.001), brownish amniotic fluid (P < 0.001) and amniotic necrosis or degeneration (P < 0.001) were significantly more frequent in the DCH group compared to the CAM and non‐DCH‐non‐CAM groups. The incidence of dry lung syndrome and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) was significantly higher in the DCH group than in the CAM (P < 0.001) and non‐DCH‐non‐CAM (P < 0.001) groups.Conclusion:  Long‐term exposure to degenerating red blood cells is supposed to damage amnion, fetal alveolar epithelial cells and fetal pulmonary arteries, and may lead to dry lung syndrome and PPHN in the infant complicated by DCH.
Prospective randomized study of oxytocin discontinuation after the active stage of labor is established
Authors: Ustunyurt Emin , Ugur Mustafa , Ustunyurt Basak Ozlem , Iskender Tekin Can , Ozkan Ovgu , Mollamahmutoglu Leyla 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  To investigate the effects of discontinuing oxytocin infusion on labor outcomes once the active stage of labor is established.Methods:  This is a prospective study involving 342 pregnant women who underwent labor induction at our institution. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group oxytocin was discontinued at the beginning of the active phase of labor, and in the other group, oxytocin was administered until delivery.Results:  Duration of the active phase and the second stage of labor were longer in the oxytocin‐discontinued group; however, this was not statistically significant. The rate of uterine hyperstimulation was significantly higher in oxytocin‐continued group (P < 0.05). The total cesarean delivery rate for the oxytocin‐continued group was 6.9%, compared with 4.8% in the oxytocin‐discontinued group (P > 0.05).Conclusion:  Discontinuing oxytocin infusion once the active stage of labor is established may be an alternative protocol in developing countries where the conditions for fetal monitoring and emergency cesarean section are less available.
Clinical outcome of metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma and carcinosarcoma in a single institute
Authors: Yoshinaga Mitsuhiro , Togami Shinichi , Tsuji Takahiro , Fukamachi Nobuyuki , Kamio Masaki , Yanagi Masakazu , Douchi Tsutomu 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  To investigate the clinical outcome of uterine sarcomas, particularly in patients with pulmonary and abdominal metastasis, treated at a single institute.Methods:  We identified five patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS), one patient with endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), and three patients with carcinosarcoma (CS) between 2003 and 2006.Results:  All patients underwent at least hysterectomy and bilateral adnectomy. All five LMS cases (two patients in International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology stage I and three in stage III) recurred: one patient showed metastasis to the lung and four patients showed metastasis to the abdomen 16.6 months (mean) after hysterectomy. Two of three (66.7%) CS recurred: one patient showed metastasis to the lung and the other to the abdomen 5 months (mean) after hysterectomy. The ESS (stage I) patient showed metastasis to the lung 11 months after hysterectomy. Five patients with metastases received surgical interventions (two pulmonary resections and three abdominal resections), and all of these patients are currently alive 1.1–5.1 years postoperatively. Two patients with CS (stage I) and one patient with LMS (stage III) died of sarcoma dissemination, but neither of these three patients had undergone surgical intervention after hysterectomy (one for pulmonary and two for abdominal metastases).Conclusions:  Resection of lung and abdominal metastases in uterine LMS and CS is beneficial to improve patient survival.
Detection of human papillomavirus DNA and genotyping in patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Atalay Funda , Taskiran Cagatay , Taner M. Zeki , Pak Isın , Or Melis , Tuncer Serdar 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in Turkish patients with epithelial ovarian cancer by using the highly sensitive technique of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify all the subtypes of this unique oncogenic virus.Methods:  All patients were subjected to initial surgery, and subsequently recruited for postoperative chemotherapy depending on the extent of the disease and their condition. HPV PCR screening was done from paraffin embedded samples. PCR amplifications were done using the MY09/11 primer set after digestion and phenol–chloroform extraction of the DNA. HPV PCR‐positive samples were analyzed and genotyped using an OpenGene automated DNA sequencing system.Results:  Overall, 94 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 52.7 years (range, 21–76 years). As a histopathologic diagnosis, the majority of the patients had serous papillary tumors (81%). HPV was found to be positive in eight patients (8.5%). All of the positive patients had serous papillary tumors (8/76, 10.5%) and advanced stage disease. Six patients had HPV type 16, and the remaining two patients had HPV type 33. None of the patients had more than one type of HPV.Conclusion:  HPV may have a role in the carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer. It is worth investigating this possible relation both in large case–control studies and in vitro models by using more sensitive techniques.
Correlation of angiogenesis and recurrence‐free survival of early stage cervical cancer patients undergoing radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection
Authors: Phoophitphong Thitikul , Hanprasertpong Jitti , Dechsukhum Chavaboon , Geater Alan 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  To assess the correlation between the intensity of tumor angiogenesis, expressed as microvessel density, and recurrence‐free survival in patients with early stage cervical cancer.Methods:  In a historical cohort study of patients with early stage cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection at Songklanagarind Hospital during January 1998–December 2004, histological slides were immunostained for factor VIII‐related antigen. Microvessel density was scanned at low magnification to identify the area with the highest number of vessels. Stained microvessels were counted at high magnification (×200) in an examination area of 0.25 mm2. Microvessel density and other potential prognostic factors were considered as covariates in multivariate Cox‐proportional hazards regression models to evaluate their association with recurrence‐free survival.Results:  One hundred and sixty‐four patients were included in the study, and 16 patients developed recurrent disease during follow‐up. The overall 5‐year recurrence‐free survival was 86.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 78.9–92.0). In the multivariate analysis, microvessel density (hazard ratio [HR], for ≥9 vs <6 vessels per high power field: 5.8, 95% CI 1.5–22.7; P = 0.013), tumor size (HR for maximum diameter ≥2 vs <2: 3.6, 95% CI 1.2–10.7; P = 0.017) and parity (HR for ≥3 vs <3: 3.6, 95% CI 1.2–10.7; P = 0.018) were identified as significant independent prognostic factors for recurrence‐free survival.Conclusion:  Microvessel density is an independent prognostic parameter for recurrence‐free survival in patients with early stage cervical cancer. Microvessel density at or above the cut‐off point of nine vessels per high power field had significantly poorer recurrence‐free survival.