bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced prevalence of cervical Chlamydia infection among women requesting termination
Authors: JonsdóTtir Kristín , Geirsson Reynir T. , SteingríMsson ólafur , óLafsson Jón H. , StefáNsdóTtir Svava 
Published: March 2008

Background. The prevalence and pattern of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women requesting induced abortion in the three year period 1992–95 was evaluated and compared 10 the results of a previous study in 1982–84. where the prevalence of chlamydial infection had been 13.5%.Methods. A total of 1995 women requested termination. 1855 (93%) of whom were tested for Chlamydia and were included in the study. Two types of tests for chlamydial infection. ELISA and PCR. were used in two consecutive periods. In addition cultures for gonorrhea were done in each case. Information on age. marital status, parity, gestational age and the results of chlamydia and gonorrhea tests of the women and sexual partners were recorded.Results. Chlamydia trachomatis positive women were 149 (8.0%). a significant reduction from the previous 1982 84 study (p<0.001). Women with positive tests were significantly younger (80% ≤ 25 years of age: p<0.001) and more frequently single (86.6%; p<0.001). than those with negative tests, as in the previous period. Of the partners, 80.4% were contacted, and 52.1% presented for investigation. Of those tested 42.1% were Chlamydia positive. Four women (0.2%) had Neisseria gonorrhea but none of the partners.Conclusions. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis is receding among women coming for termination of pregnancy. As treatment before or at operation has repeatedly been shown to be of benefit and since the prevalence is still considerable, continued screening of these women is justified.
Preoperative evaluation of tumor extension in patients with recurrent cervical cancer
Authors: Zeisler Harald , Joura Elmar Armin , Moeschl Peter , Maier Ulrich , Koelbl Heinz 
Published: March 2008

Background. Pelvic exenteration is an option in the treatment of locally recurrent cervical cancer. Various preoperative diagnostic procedures in the estimation of tumor invasion of the bladder and rectum or lymphonodal involvement were evaluated.Design. The sensitivity and specificity of cystoscopy, intravenous pyelography, irrigoscopy, recloscopy, and computed tomography were evaluated by comparing the preoperative findings with the histological result as the “golden standards”.Results. In the assessment of bladder invasion the sensitivity of cystoscopy, intravenous pyelography and computed tomography was 22.2%. 55.6% and 55.6%, respectively. The overall sensitivity of the three diagnostic procedures was 77.8%. In the assessment of invasion of the rectum irrigoscopy, rectoscopy and CT revealed a sensitivity of 33.3%, respectively. Only 50% of all cases with tumor infiltration of the rectum showed positive results when all three diagnostic procedures were combined. The sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography in the diagnosis of lymphonodal involvement were 75% and 83.3%, respectively.Conclusion: We think that there is an obvious necessity for all diagnostic procedures for patient selection prior to pelvic exenteration. However, all these investigations are not conclusive but complement each other. Prior to pelvic exenteration, critical interpretation of all preoperative diagnostic procedures is mandatory, otherwise surgery results in an unintended palliative procedure.
Estradiol, gonadotropins, and tumor markers in ovarian cyst fluid
Authors: Reimer Toralf , Gerber Bernd , Kunkel Siegfried , Luettich Karsta 
Published: March 2008

Background. The study was designed to improve the discrimination between functional and neoplastic ovarian cysts in order to avoid unnecessary surgery.Methods. Concentrations of tumor markers (CA 125, CEA, CASA. CA 72–4) and hormones (estradiol, FSH. LH) in cyst fluid were detected by enzyme immuno‐ or immunoradiometric assays. Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the correlation of cyst fluid markers and histology.Results. One hundred and thirty‐eight ovarian cyst aspirates were investigated. Seventy‐one patients (51.5%) had functional cysts whereas 67 (48.5%) had benign (n = 59) or malignant (n = 8) cystic tumors. Statistically significant correlations of CA 125 (p<0.0005) and CASA (p<0.02) with neoplastic histology were found. No significant correlation could be detected between CA 72–4. CEA. or hormone values and histology. Elevated estradiol concentrations are suspicious for functional cysts in premenopausal age. Low FSH and LH levels seem to be an indicator for functional cysts in peri‐ and postmenopausal age.Conclusions. The assessed analytes could not reliably distinguish between functional and neoplastic ovarian cysts. Our results indicate that CA 125 is a marker for neoplastic histology in a proportion of ovarian cysts. The use of FSH and LH in the diagnosis of postmenopausal blastemas needs further investigation.
Comparison between the single deepest pocket and amniotic fluid index in predicting fetal distress in small‐for‐gestational age fetuses
Authors: Miyamura Tsunetake , Masuzaki Hideaki , Miyamoto Masashi , Ishimaru Tadayuki 
Published: March 2008

Background. The relationship between reduced amniotic fluid volume and increased risk of fetal distress in small‐for‐gestational age fetuses is not yet clear. Furthermore, the criteria used for the diagnosis of ‘oligohydramnios’ are different between the single deepest pocket method and amniotic fluid index. We investigated the relationship between the single deepest pocket and amniotic fluid index and their ability in predicting fetal distress in small‐for‐gestational age fetuses.Method. We examined 69 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy, intact membranes, birth weight below the 50% percentile − 1.5 s.d., in whom delivery occurred within seven days of the last estimation of amniotic fluid volume. Amniotic fluid volume was measured in each woman simultaneously by single deepest pocket and amniotic fluid index. Fetal distress was determined by intrapartum monitoring of fetal heart rate.Results. Estimates of amniotic fluid volume measured by the two methods showed a significant correlation at 24 to 41 weeks of gestation. A cut‐off value for single deepest pocket of 3.0 cm was associated with the highest accuracy in predicting fetal distress in small‐for‐gestational age fetuses. The rate of cesarean section among patients with single deepest pocket <3.0 cm was higher than that in amniotic fluid index < 8.0 cm.Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that a single deepest pocket measurement of < 3 cm is the most useful criterion for ‘oligohydramnios’ in the prediction of fetal distress.
Enhanced separation of X and Y bearing sperm cells by a combined density gradient centrifugation evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization of the Y‐chromosome
Authors: Andersen Claus Yding , Byskov Anne Grete 
Published: March 2008

Objectives. Fluorescent in situ hybridization of decondensed sperm cells was used to evaluate the effectiveness of separating X‐ and Y chromosome bearing sperm cells using a combination of Percoll and NycoPrep media.Material and methods. Semen samples from seven healthy men were divided into three equal aliquots. One aliquot served as an untreated control, the other two were either applied to a seven‐step Percoll gradient (100%‐40%), or to a seven‐step Percoll gradient (100%‐40%) underlayered with 100% NycoPrep for sperm purification. After centrifugation Y‐bearing sperm cells in the pellet and in the control sample was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization.Results. A significantly reduction of Y‐bearing sperm cells were observed in the pellet of the Percoll + NycoPrep centrifugation (39.3% Y‐bearing sperm cells) compared to the control sample and to Percoll centrifugation without NycoPrep. The Percoll centrifugation without NycoPrep did not show a significant reduction of Y‐bearing sperm cells in the pellet compared to the control sample.Conclusion. By the addition of a medium with a density higher than 100% Percoll a significantly increased separation of X and Y‐bearing sperm cells can be achieved. This study opens new perspectives for improving separation of X‐ and Y‐bearing spermatozoa by simple centri‐fugations. The described centrifugation technique can be applied in connection with preim‐plantation diagnosis in order to create more pre‐embryos of the desired gender.
Increasing incidence of ectopic pregnancy in one Norwegian county ‐ a population based study, 1970–1993
Authors: Skjeldestad Finn Egil , Kendrick Juliette S. , Atrash Hani K. , Daltveit Anne Kjersti 
Published: March 2008

Objective. To estimate time trends related to ectopic pregnancy while considering the contribution of repeat ectopic pregnancy and changing treatment for infertile couples over the past 24 years.Methods. Population based incidence data on ectopic pregnancy were collected from the only two hospitals in one Norwegian county from 1970 through 1993. Cases were identified through hospital discharge registries and all medical records were reviewed. Only females, aged 15‐44 years. living permanently in the county and having a histologically verified ectopic pregnancy were eligible for the study. Data were analyzed in 5‐year periods and 5‐year age‐groups.Results. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy (per 1,000 woman‐years) increased fourfold from the first to the last period. When we restricted the analyses to women with no previous ectopic pregnancy and n o previous infertility surgery or treatment, we observed a linear threefold increase in the number of ectopic pregnancies.Conclusions. Repeat ectopic pregnancy and increased infertility treatment in the late 1970s and early 1980s might explain at most 25% of the increase in the incidence of ectopic pregnancy. After 1985; assisted reproduction might contribute to 445%) of ectopic pregnancies diagnosed. The introduction of laparoscopy might explain some of this increase in the 1970s; however. we doubt that the introduction of more sensitive pregnancy tests or vaginal ultrasound in the 1980s contributed to the observed increase in ectopic pregnancy.
Long‐term effects of climate change on vegetation and carbon dynamics in peat bogs
Authors: Heijmans Monique M.P.D. , Mauquoy Dmitri , van Geel Bas , Berendse Frank 
Published: March 2008

AbstractQuestions:What are the long‐term effects of climate change on the plant species composition and carbon sequestration in peat bogs?Methods:We developed a bog ecosystem model that includes vegetation, carbon, nitrogen and water dynamics. Two groups of vascular plant species and three groups of Sphagnum species compete with each other for light and nitrogen. The model was tested by comparing the outcome with long‐term historic vegetation changes in peat cores from Denmark and England. A climate scenario was used to analyse the future effects of atmospheric CO2, temperature and precipitation.Results:The main changes in the species composition since 1766 were simulated by the model. Simulations for a future warmer, and slightly wetter, climate with doubling CO2 concentration suggest that little will change in species composition, due to the contrasting effects of increasing temperatures (favouring vascular plants) and CO2 (favouring Sphagnum). Further analysis of the effects of temperature showed that simulated carbon sequestration is negatively related to vascular plant expansion. Model results show that increasing temperatures may still increase carbon accumulation at cool, low N deposition sites, but decrease carbon accumulation at high N deposition sites.Conclusions:Our results show that the effects of temperature, precipitation, N‐deposition and atmospheric CO2 are not straightforward, but interactions between these components of global change exist. These interactions are the result of changes in vegetation composition. When analysing long‐term effects of global change, vegetation changes should be taken into account and predictions should not be based on temperature increase alone.
Salivary gland tissue expression of interleukin‐23 and interleukin‐17 in Sjögren's syndrome: Findings in humans and mice
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Q. , Hu Min H. , Li Yi , Stewart Carol , Peck Ammon B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveRecently, the Th1/Th2 paradigm has been expanded by the discovery of Th17 cells, a subset of CD4+ memory T cells characterized by their unique ability to secrete interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) family cytokines. Importantly, Th17 cells appear to be intimately involved in autoimmunity. We undertook the present study to investigate whether the Th17/IL‐23 system is up‐regulated in Sjögren's syndrome (SS).MethodsSera, saliva, and salivary glands from C57BL/6.NOD‐Aec1Aec2 mice (a model for primary SS), as well as sera, saliva, and salivary gland biopsy specimens obtained from patients with primary SS, were evaluated for IL‐17 and IL‐23 expression by immunohistochemistry, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and the Luminex system.ResultsImmunohistochemical stainings of submandibular glands from C57BL/6.NOD‐Aec1Aec2 mice and of salivary gland biopsy specimens from SS patients revealed strong positive staining for both IL‐17 and IL‐23 within lymphocytic foci and diffuse staining on epithelial tissues. Temporal expression of IL‐17 and IL‐23 in submandibular glands of C57BL/6.NOD‐Aec1Aec2 mice correlated with expression of retinoic acid–related orphan receptor γt, the Th17 cell master control gene. While IL‐17 could not be detected in saliva from 4–20‐week‐old C57BL/6.NOD‐Aec1Aec2 mice, this cytokine was present in the blood of mice up to age 16 weeks. This contrasted with sera and saliva from SS patients, in which IL‐17 and IL‐6 were present at varying levels.ConclusionThese results suggest that the Th17/IL‐23 system is up‐regulated in C57BL/6.NOD‐Aec1Aec2 mice and SS patients at the time of disease. A correlation between up‐regulated IL‐17/IL‐23 expression and specific clinical manifestations of SS has yet to be identified.
Association of IRF5 polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Japanese population: Support for a crucial role of intron 1 polymorphisms
Authors: Kawasaki Aya , Kyogoku Chieko , Ohashi Jun , Miyashita Risa , Hikami Koki , Kusaoi Makio , Tokunaga Katsushi , Takasaki Yoshinari , Hashimoto Hiroshi , Behrens Timothy W. , Tsuchiya Naoyuki 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the IRF5 gene, which encodes interferon regulatory factor 5, is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Japanese population.MethodsA case–control study was performed in 277 SLE patients and 201 healthy controls. Associations between the IRF5 genotype and levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for interferon (IFN) pathway genes were examined using an mRNA expression database of HapMap samples.ResultsCarriers of the rs2004640T single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were slightly increased among SLE patients (58.8%) as compared with controls (50.2%). When data from our Japanese population were combined with previously published data from a Korean population, the T allele frequency was found to be significantly increased in SLE patients (P = 8.3 × 10−5). While no association was observed for the rs10954213 SNP or the exon 6 insertion/deletion, significant associations with 3 intron 1 SNPs (−4001, rs6953165, and rs41298401) were found. The allele frequency of rs41298401G was significantly decreased in SLE patients (13.0% versus 18.7% in controls; P = 0.017), and the allele frequency of rs6953165G, which was in absolute linkage disequilibrium with −4001A, was increased in SLE patients (8.8% versus 5.2% in controls; P = 0.034). The Caucasian risk haplotype was not present; instead, a protective haplotype carrying rs2004640G, rs41298401G, the deletion in exon 6, and rs10954213A was identified. SNP rs10954213, but not intron 1 SNPs, was associated with IRF5 at the mRNA level; nevertheless, intron 1 SNPs were also associated with levels of mRNA for several IFN pathway genes, suggesting a functional role.ConclusionIRF5 was found to be associated with SLE in Asian populations. Intron 1 SNPs, rather than exon 6 and 3′‐untranslated region polymorphisms, appeared to play a crucial role.
Autoantibodies and neuropsychiatric events at the time of systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis: Results from an international inception cohort study
Authors: Hanly J. G. , Urowitz M. B. , Siannis F. , Farewell V. , Gordon C. , Bae S. C. , Isenberg D. , Dooley M. A. , Clarke A. , Bernatsky S. , Gladman D. , Fortin P. R. , Manzi S. , Steinsson K. , Bruce I. N. , Ginzler E. , Aranow C. , Wallace D. J. , Ramsey‐Goldman R. , van Vollenhoven R. , Sturfelt G. , Nived O. , Sanchez‐Guerrero J. , Alarcón G. S. , Petri M. , Khamashta M. , Zoma A. , Font J. , Kalunian K. , Douglas J. , Qi Q. , Thompson K. , Merrill J. T. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine, in an inception cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, the association between neuropsychiatric (NP) events and anti–ribosomal P (anti‐P), antiphospholipid (lupus anticoagulant [LAC], anticardiolipin), anti–β2‐glycoprotein I, and anti–NR2 glutamate receptor antibodies.MethodsNP events were identified using the American College of Rheumatology case definitions and clustered into central/peripheral and diffuse/focal events. Attribution of NP events to SLE was determined using decision rules of differing stringency. Autoantibodies were measured without knowledge of NP events or their attribution.ResultsFour hundred twelve patients were studied (87.4% female; mean ± SD age 34.9 ± 13.5 years, mean ± SD disease duration 5.0 ± 4.2 months). There were 214 NP events in 133 patients (32.3%). The proportion of NP events attributed to SLE varied from 15% to 36%. There was no association between autoantibodies and NP events overall. However, the frequency of anti‐P antibodies in patients with central NP events attributed to SLE was 4 of 20 (20%), versus 3 of 107 (2.8%) in patients with other NP events and 24 of 279 (8.6%) in those with no NP events (P = 0.04). Among patients with diffuse NP events, 3 of 11 had anti‐P antibodies (27%), compared with 4 of 111 patients with other NP events (3.6%) and 24 of 279 of those with no NP events (8.6%) (P = 0.02). Specific clinical–serologic associations were found between anti‐P and psychosis attributed to SLE (P = 0.02) and between LAC and cerebrovascular disease attributed to SLE (P = 0.038). There was no significant association between other autoantibodies and NP events.ConclusionClinically distinct NP events attributed to SLE and occurring around the time of diagnosis were found to be associated with anti‐P antibodies and LAC. This suggests that there are different autoimmune pathogenetic mechanisms, although low sensitivity limits the clinical application of testing for these antibodies.
Cilostazol protects rat chondrocytes against nitric oxide–induced apoptosis in vitro and prevents cartilage destruction in a rat model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Lee Sung Won , Song Yeon Suk , Shin Sang Hwa , Kim Kyung Taek , Park Young Chul , Park Bong Soo , Yun Il , Kim Kunhong , Lee Sang Yeob , Chung Won Tae , Lee Hye Jeong , Yoo Young Hyun 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether cilostazol, a selective phosphodiesterase type III inhibitor, protects rat articular chondrocytes against nitric oxide (NO)–induced apoptosis and prevents cartilage destruction in mono‐iodoacetate–induced osteoarthritis (OA) in a rat model in which inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is expressed.MethodsThe NO donor sodium nitroprusside was administered to rat articular chondrocytes that had been pretreated with cilostazol. Induction of apoptosis was evaluated by DNA electrophoresis and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. The expression level and the subcellular location of apoptosis‐associated factors were examined by Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy, respectively. Protein kinase CK2 (PKCK2) activity was also assayed. To examine whether orally administered cilostazol prevents cartilage destruction in vivo, cartilage samples obtained from rats with experimentally induced OA were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O, and TUNEL staining and immunohistochemical analysis of iNOS expression.ResultsCilostazol prevented NO‐induced reduction in viability, in a dose‐dependent manner. It also prevented the up‐regulation of phosphorylated p53 and p38, the down‐regulation of heme oxygenase 1, the subcellular translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor and cytochrome c, and the activation of caspases 3, 7, and 8 induced by NO treatment, indicating that cilostazol prevented NO‐induced cell death by blocking apoptosis. In addition, cilostazol prevented NO‐induced translocation of cleaved Bid onto mitochondria, and caused phosphorylated Bid to accumulate in the nucleus and cytosol. Cilostazol prevented the down‐regulation of PKCK2 and the reduction in PKCK2 activity induced by NO, indicating that its apoptosis‐preventing activity was mediated via PKCK2. It also prevented chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage destruction in a rat model of experimentally induced OA.ConclusionOur findings indicate that cilostazol prevents NO‐induced apoptosis of chondrocytes via PKCK2 in vitro and prevents cartilage destruction in a rat model of OA.
Crucial role of the interleukin‐6/interleukin‐17 cytokine axis in the induction of arthritis by glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase
Authors: Iwanami Keiichi , Matsumoto Isao , Tanaka‐Watanabe Yoko , Inoue Asuka , Mihara Masahiko , Ohsugi Yoshiyuki , Mamura Mizuko , Goto Daisuke , Ito Satoshi , Tsutsumi Akito , Kishimoto Tadamitsu , Sumida Takayuki 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo clarify the glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase (GPI)–specific CD4+ T cell lineage involved in GPI‐induced arthritis and to investigate their pathologic and regulatory roles in the induction of the disease.MethodsDBA/1 mice were immunized with GPI to induce arthritis. CD4+ T cells and antigen‐presenting cells were cocultured with GPI, and cytokines in the supernatant were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Anti–interferon‐γ (anti‐IFNγ) monoclonal antibody (mAb), anti–interleukin‐17 (anti–IL‐17) mAb, or the murine IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) mAb MR16‐1 was injected at different time points, and arthritis development was monitored visually. After MR16‐1 was injected, percentages of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, and CD4+ T cell proliferation was analyzed using carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester.ResultsGPI‐specific CD4+ T cells were found to be differentiated to Th1 and Th17 cells, but not Th2 cells. Administration of anti–IL‐17 mAb on day 7 significantly ameliorated arthritis (P < 0.01), whereas administration of anti‐IFNγ mAb exacerbated arthritis. Neither anti–IL‐17 mAb nor anti‐IFNγ mAb administration on day 14 ameliorated arthritis. Administration of MR16‐1 on day 0 or day 3 protected against arthritis induction, and MR16‐1 administration on day 8 significantly ameliorated existing arthritis (P < 0.05). After administration of MR16‐1, there was marked suppression of Th17 differentiation, without an increase in Th1, Th2, or Treg cells, and CD4+ T cell proliferation was also suppressed.ConclusionIL‐6 and Th17 play an essential role in GPI‐induced arthritis. Since it has previously been shown that treatment with a humanized anti–IL‐6R mAb has excellent effects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we propose that the IL‐6/IL‐17 axis might also be involved in the generation of RA, especially in the early effector phase.