bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Deficits Related to the QT Interval Could Affect Patient Safety
Authors: LaPointe Nancy M. Allen , Al‐Khatib Sana M. , Kramer Judith M. , Califf Robert M. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Recently, some QT‐prolonging, noncardiac medications were withdrawn from the U.S. drug market because of continued inappropriate use by health care practitioners despite warnings and label changes from both the drug manufacturers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This led us to assess the health care practitioners' knowledge of the QT interval and medications that may prolong it. Methods: We surveyed health care practitioners, primarily specialists in cardiology, to identify knowledge deficits related to the QT interval. Results: From a total of 334 survey respondents, 157 (47%) were physicians; 271 (81%) stated that cardiology was their area of specialization. Most of the respondents (86%) said that they would check an ECG before and after starting QT‐prolonging medications, but less than half (42%) of all respondents and only 60% of physician respondents were able to accurately measure a sample QT interval on the survey. Less than two‐thirds (63%) of respondents were able to accurately identify possible QT‐prolonging medications, while only about half (51%) could accurately identify medication combinations that might prolong the QT interval. Conclusions: We identified significant knowledge deficits regarding the QT interval and QT‐prolonging medications. Additional research is needed to determine the extent to which these knowledge deficits may negatively affect patient safety. We must also develop effective strategies to eliminate these deficits.
Partial Purification of Mare Early Pregnancy Factor
Authors: Ohnuma Katsuhiko , Ito Kazuei , Takahashi Jutaro , Nambo Yasuo , Miyake Yoh‐Ichi 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  Early pregnancy factor (EPF) is an immunosuppressive protein detected in the serum in early pregnancy. We have already reported the development of the rosette inhibition test for mare EPF and have detected EPF in thoroughbreds and ponies. Here, we attempted to purify equine EPF from pregnant mare serum.Methods of study:  Mare EPF was purified by ultrafiltration and ion‐exchange chromatography. Purified EPF was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE), immunoblotting and a neutralization test. EPF activity was estimated as the rosette inhibition titer (RIT) by the rosette inhibition test.Results:  Purified EPF bound to carboxymethyl (CM) sepharose and did not adsorb to diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) sepharose. SDS–PAGE revealed that in the final purified fraction there were many proteins. In the immunoblotting analysis, a protein band of 25.8 kDa was detected as the pregnancy‐specific band. Further, antibody gained from the 20 to 30 kDa protein band of the final purified fraction neutralized the RIT activity of pregnant mare serum.Conclusions:  Mare EPF was detected in the final purified fraction and had a molecular weight of 25.8 kDa. EPF in the mare is similar to that obtained from the serum of pregnant cows.
Abnormal First Trimester Serum Interleukin 18 Levels are Associated with a Poor Outcome in Women with a History of Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Wilson Rhoda , Moor Judith , Jenkins Carol , Miller Helen , Walker James J. , McLean Marjorie A. , Norman J. , McInnes I. B. 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  How the maternal immune system adapts to tolerate the fetus is not fully understood, but a successful pregnancy is associated with the production of Th2‐type cytokines and miscarriage is associated with the production of Th1‐type cytokines.Method of study:  Levels of interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐12 and IL‐18 were measured in serum from 205 pregnant women of whom 115 pregnant women had a history of recurrent miscarriage.Results:  Compared with healthy pregnant women those who miscarried had increased serum levels of the Th1‐associated cytokines IFN‐γ, IL‐12 and IL‐18.Conclusions:  Increased levels of IL‐18 appeared to be critical in early pregnancy and were able to discriminate between pregnancies that continued and those that end in miscarriage.
Immunohistochemical Localization of the Growth Hormone in Human Endometrium and Decidua
Authors: Sbracia Marco , Scarpellini Fabio , Poverini Roberto , Alò Piero Lvigi , Rossi Gabriele , Di Tondo Ugo 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  Recent evidence of growth hormone (GH) receptor expression in rat endometrium and human myometrium have focused our attention on the role of the GH in endometrial development. We tested the expression of GH in the human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.Method of study:  Immunohistochemical study was performed on endometrial specimens of fertile women in different periods of the menstrual cycle and in decidua of pregnant women.Results:  Glandular cells of the human endometrium were positive for GH in the mid and late luteal phase. Furthermore, the glandular cells of decidua showed intense staining for GH, while the stromal cells were negative. No immunostaining was expressed in the proliferative or early luteal phase. The intensity levels of staining for GH in decidual specimens were significantly higher than in glandular cells of secretory endometrium specimens (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  The glandular cells of the human endometrium express GH from the late luteal phase throughout pregnancy in the decidual tissue. We suppose that GH plays an important role in blastocyst implantation.
Macrophages of Human First Trimester Decidua Express Markers Associated to Alternative Activation
Authors: Cupurdija Kristijan , Azzola Dagmar , Hainz Ursula , Gratchev Alexei , Heitger Andreas , Takikawa Osamu , Goerdt Sergij , Wintersteiger Reinhold , Dohr Gottfried , Sedlmayr Peter 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  Depending on the type of their activation, macrophages may promote TH1‐ or TH2‐type of immune responses. To date, not much is known about the activation phenotype of decidua macrophages, which – together with NK cells – constitute the majority of bone marrow derived cells at this location.Method of study:  The study was based on analysis of healthy first trimester decidua by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. We analyzed expression of markers characteristic for alternatively activated macrophages (Mφ2).Results:  The markers MS‐1 (stabilin‐1) and coagulation factor XIIIa were found expressed in the interior of decidua macrophages (DMφ). In contrast, indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme induced in macrophages by IFNγ, was not present in DMφ.Conclusions:  First trimester DMφ display phenotypic markers associated to alternatively activated macrophages. In addition, absence of IDO indicates that DMφ are not under a predominant influence of IFNγ.
The Influence of Extracellular Matrix Proteins on T‐cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Women with Endometriosis or Uterine Leiomyoma
Authors: Chrobak Agnieszka , Gmyrek Grzegorz B. , Sozański Rafał , Sieradzka Urszula , Paprocka Maria , Gabryś Marian , Jerzak Małgorzata 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  Interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and peripheral blood T cells in women with endometriosis and leiomyoma are hardly unknown. We have investigated the influence of two major ECM components, collagen IV (C‐IV) and fibronectin (Fn), on T‐cell proliferation and apoptosis in women with endometriosis and uterine leiomyoma. β1 integrin expression, responsible for interactions with ECM proteins, was also studied.Method of study:  Peripheral blood lymphocytes were obtained from 53 women (17 with uterine leiomyomas, 18 with endometriosis, and 18 from healthy donors). T cells were exposed to ECM proteins co‐immobilized with monoclonal antibody anti‐CD3 for 72 hr. Apoptosis and S phase of the cell cycle of the T cells were studied by DNA analysis using flow cytometry. The proliferation of T cells was evaluated by MTT assay. The percentage of CD3+ cells expressing CD29 (β1 integrin chain) was evaluated by double‐color flow cytometry. Results were analyzed statistically using the Mann–Whitney test.Results and conclusions:  (1) A general increase in the percentage of T cells in S phase could be seen in women with endometriosis and uterine leiomyoma in all culture conditions what may suggest general activation of T cells. (2) A significant increase in the percentage of cells in S phase was shown only in the case of T cells exposed to anti‐CD3 + C‐IV in both women with uterine leiomyoma and endometriosis. (3) However, no apoptotic cells were observed. (4) T cells from patients with uterine leiomyoma exhibited significantly increased level of proliferation after culture with anti‐CD3 + C‐IV. (5) More T cells expressed β1 integrin in women with endometriosis or uterine leiomyoma than in healthy donors. Our data may suggest that increased β1 integrin expression may enhance T‐cell–ECM interactions, which may be responsible for the increased proliferation of T cells but not for apoptosis. Therefore, it is possible that interactions of T cells with ECM proteins, especially with C‐IV, may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis and uterine leiomyoma.
Trophoblasts and Soluble Adhesion Molecules in Peripheral Blood of Women with Pregnancy‐Induced Hypertension
Authors: Heimrath J. , Krawczenko A. , Kozlak J. , Dus D. 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  The current hypothesis on the pathogenesis of pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) considers it as an endothelial disorder that is first local but with the potential of becoming general. The aim of the work was to investigate the relation of the number of trophoblast cells in maternal peripheral blood against the serum levels of soluble vascular and intercellular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM‐1 and sICAM‐1) in PIH.Method of study:  Women with PIH were at 28th to 40th week of gestation. Control group were normotensive (NT) pregnant women at 28th to 41st week of gestation. Flow cytometry was used to assess the relative number of the trophoblasts in the peripheral blood. Trophoblasts were labeled with monoclonal anti‐human trophoblast protein antibody MCA 277. The presence of sVCAM‐1 and sICAM‐1 was determined using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.Results:  Women with PIH had significantly higher trophoblasts number than NT women (median 19.0, range 5.0–57.0/400 μL versus median 7.0, range 0.0–18.0/400 μL; P = 0.000011) as well as plasma level of sVCAM‐1 when compared with NT women (median 730.0, range 325.0–1525.0 ng/mL versus median 493, range 310–1075 ng/mL; P = 0.02). ICAM‐1 level in the PIH group was slightly elevated (median 280.0, range 174.0–524.0 ng/mL) when compared with NT women (median 260.0, range 190.0–464.0 ng/mL, P = 0.322). Eight of 21 women with PIH had proteinuria but no correlation was found between this symptom and the laboratory findings.Conclusion:  The increased number of trophoblast cells in maternal peripheral blood and higher levels of sVCAM‐1 correlate with the presence of PIH. The differences of sVCAM levels were significantly higher than those observed for sICAM. The results indicate an association between circulating trophoblasts and vascular endothelium activation, during PIH.
Regulation of Interleukin‐6 Fetoplacental Levels could be Involved in the Protective Effect of Low‐molecular Weight Heparin Treatment on Murine Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Gutiérrez G. , Sarto A. , Berod L. , Canellada A. , Gentile T. , Pasqualini S. , Margni R.A. 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion rate could be the consequence of a deficient local production of T helper (Th2) cytokines, which cause fetal wastage via fgl2 prothrombinase. Heparin reduces significantly the abortion rate in mice and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients. We proposed to determine the effect of enoxaparin on the levels of local interleukin (IL)‐6 during murine pregnancy.Method of study:  Recombinant human IL‐6 (rhIL‐6) or enoxaparin were inoculated in CBA/J × DBA/2 pregnant mice on days 6.5–12.5. IL‐6 levels in sera as well as in culture supernatants of day 9.5 fetoplacental units of CBA/J × BALB/c control mice or CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion combination were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test.Results:  CBA/J × DBA/2 fetoplacental units secreted significantly lower levels of IL‐6 with regard to CBA/J × BALB/c normal units. rhIL‐6h and enoxaparin treatments decreased the resorption rate and regulated IL‐6 fetoplacental levels.Conclusion:  This study suggests that regulation of IL‐6 fetoplacental levels could be involved in heparin‐mediated anticoagulation protection against abortion.
To Die or Not to Die: the Function of the Transcription Factor NF‐κB in Embryos Exposed to Stress
Authors: Torchinsky A. , Toder V. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Cytokines operating in the embryo and embryonic microenvironment determine, to a significant extent, whether pregnancy is completed successfully or results in embryonic loss or maldevelopment. They act as activators of specific transcription factors, which control cell responses such as cell proliferation differentiation and apoptosis. One such transcription factor is the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), which is presently seen as a key molecule controlling the apoptosis process. In the light of evidence that a majority of embryopathic stresses, regardless of their nature, first disturb the apoptotic process, it is conceivable, that NF‐κB may play an important role in regulating the resistance of embryos to embryopathic stresses. In this brief review, we discuss such a possibility based on data characterizing expression and function of NF‐κB in the embryo and extraembryonic tissues during normal embryogenesis as well as after exposure to various embryopathic stresses.Methods:  Critical review of existing data.Results:  Data summarized in this review suggest that (a) practically all NF‐κB/Rel family members are expressed in embryonic, trophoblast and uterine cells in a developmental stage‐ and cell type‐specific manner; (b) NF‐κB‐mediated anti‐apoptotic signaling in embryonic cells seems to be indispensable for proper development during the organogenesis stage, (c) NF‐κB activity in stress‐targeted embryonic and extraembryonic structures directly correlates with their ability to resist stress‐induced process of embryo loss and maldevelopment.Conclusion:  Data presented in this review suggest that NF‐κB may act as a protector of embryos exposed to embryopathic stresses, possibly, because of the ability of NF‐κB to prevent the induction of programmed cell death as well as to activate cell proliferation.
Early Pregnancy Factor in Cervical Mucus of Pregnant Women
Authors: Cheng Shu‐Juan , Zheng Zhen‐Qun 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  This study was carried out to determine the presence of early pregnancy factor (EPF) activity in cervical mucus of pregnant women and explore the relationship between EPF activity in sera suggested it and in cervical mucus.Method of study:  Cervical mucus and sera were collected from 60 pregnant women in different terms and 25 non‐pregnant women, respectively. EPF activity was detected by rosette inhibition assay.Results:  EPF activity did exist in cervical mucus of pregnant women and was similar both in cervical mucus and sera.Conclusions:  We report here for the first time the EPF activity in cervical mucus of pregnant women. The parallel change observed in sera suggested it might be another useful index in evaluating embryo viability.
Serum Concentrations of Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐1, Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor‐1 and Angiogenin in Endometriosis Patients
Authors: Steff Ann‐Muriel , Gagné Danièle , Pagé Martin , Rioux Annick , Hugo Patrice , Gosselin Diane 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  Many soluble factors contributing to the pathophysiology of endometriosis are found at abnormal levels in patients suffering from the disease. We postulated that levels of these factors could also be altered in the serum of patients. We compared levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), soluble form of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) receptor‐1 (sTNFR‐1) and angiogenin in the serum of patients with endometriosis and controls.Method of study:  Levels of IGF‐1, sTNFR‐1 and angiogenin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in samples from 148 patients (77 cases and 71 controls) with diagnostic confirmed by laparoscopy. Correlations with demographic data and stage of the disease were evaluated and potential confounders in the study population were controlled.Results:  A significant increase in sTNFR‐1 and angiogenin serum levels was observed in cases in comparison with controls, but only for patients in the follicular phase of the cycle. No significant difference was found in serum levels of IGF‐1, sTNFR‐1 and angiogenin between cases and controls in the luteal phase of the cycle. Correlations between levels of angiogenin and stage of the disease could also be observed.Conclusion:  sTNFR‐1 and angiogenin represent potential blood markers for endometriosis.
Antiphosphatidylserine Antibodies Affect Rat Yolk Sacs in Culture: a Mechanism for Fetal Loss in Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Matalon Shelly Tartakover , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Blank Miri , Yacobi Sarah , Von Landenberg Philipp , Ornoy Asher 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  A variety of reproductive impairments have been reported in the context of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS is associated with the presence of antibodies to negatively charged phospholipids that may affect the outcome of pregnancy.Method of study:  Rat embryos were cultured within their yolk sacs. The effects of two antiphosphatidylserine monoclonal aPS antibodies (HL5B, RR7F) regarding their influence on growth and apoptotic events of the yolk sacs, as well as on growth and the morphology of the embryos, were studied.Results:  Exposure of rat embryos and their yolk sacs to aPS inhibited yolk sac growth. Moreover, increased number of apoptotic events of giant cells in the aPS‐exposed ectoplacental cone was found in comparison with control IgG‐exposed giant cells (P < 0.05). No significant damage was observed in the embryos.Conclusions:  The results suggest that aPS affect growth and apoptosis of rat ectoplacental cone.
The Increased Lysis of Fetal Cells in the Mother after Pregnancies Complicated by Pre‐eclampsia or HELLP Syndrome is not the Result of a Specific Anti‐fetal Cytotoxicity of the Mother
Authors: Brune Thomas , Hornung Tanja , Koch Hans‐Georg , G. Riepe Felix , Louwen Frank 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  In pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia or hemolytisis elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, an increase of fetal DNA in the maternal serum indicates an increased lysis of fetal cells. Whether this cytolysis is the cause or the result of an increased specific cytotoxicity against the fetal cells is not yet known.Methods:  Ten mothers after healthy pregnancy, eight mothers after pregnancy complicated by prematurity (GA < 37 weeks), and eight mothers with pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia or HELLP syndrome and their male children were enrolled in the study. Fetally derived DNA in the maternal serum and the specific anti‐fetal cytotoxicity of the maternal lymphocytes were measured.Results:  Detection of fetal DNA in maternal serum was significantly associated with pre‐eclampsia/HELLP syndrome but not with anti‐fetal cytotoxicity of the maternal lymphocytes.Conclusion:  The cytolysis of fetal cells in mothers after pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia/HELLP syndrome is neither the reason for nor the result of an increased specific anti‐fetal cytotoxicity.
Extracellular Matrix Protein‐dependent Apoptosis of T Cells in Women with a History of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Jerzak Małgorzata , Kasprzycka Monika , Baranowski Włodzimierz , Górski Andrzej 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  The purpose of the study was to determine the role of T‐cell apoptosis in extracellular matrix (ECM) environment in pregnancy maintenance in women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).Method of study:  Thirty‐nine non‐pregnant women with the history of RSA (anatomic, genetic, endocrine and microbiologic causes were excluded) and 22 healthy women with the previous successful pregnancy outcome were studied. In addition, 21 women with the history of RSA were also studied at the beginning of their next pregnancy. We studied apoptosis of peripheral blood T cells after culture with monoclonal antibody (mAb) OKT‐3 alone or with mAb OKT‐3 following ECM proteins: collagen IV (C‐IV) or fibronectin (Fn). We used Cell Death Detection ELISA for studying cell death in cell population. In addition, apoptotic peripheral blood T cells were identified by annexin V‐PE staining protocol using flow cytometry. CD29+ and CD95+ T‐cell surface receptors were also analyzed by flow cytometry.Results:  The significantly higher values of enrichment factor: mU of the sample (dying/dead cells) per mU of the corresponding control (viable cells) were observed after peripheral blood T‐cell culture with C‐IV (P = 0.0002) or Fn (P = 0.004) in samples of non‐pregnant women with the history of RSA when compared with control women. The significantly higher values of enrichment factor were observed after peripheral blood T‐cell culture with C‐IV in samples of pregnant women with the history of RSA with successful pregnancy outcome when compared with pregnant women with the history of RSA with failed pregnancy outcome (P = 0.01). However, the percentage of apoptotic T cells stained by annexin V was significantly lower in non‐pregnant RSA women compared with control (P = 0.0001). CD95 expression was significantly lower in non‐pregnant RSA women compared with control (P = 0.01).Conclusions:  Apoptosis of T cells might be an interesting possible explanation of successful pregnancy outcome in women with the history of RSA.
Clustering of diverse genomic data using information fusion
Authors: Kasturi Jyotsna , Acharya Raj 
Published: December 2004

AbstractMotivation: Genome sequencing projects and high-through-put technologies like DNA and Protein arrays have resulted in a very large amount of information-rich data. Microarray experimental data are a valuable, but limited source for inferring gene regulation mechanisms on a genomic scale. Additional information such as promoter sequences of genes/DNA binding motifs, gene ontologies, and location data, when combined with gene expression analysis can increase the statistical significance of the finding. This paper introduces a machine learning approach to information fusion for combining heterogeneous genomic data. The algorithm uses an unsupervised joint learning mechanism that identifies clusters of genes using the combined data.Results: The correlation between gene expression time-series patterns obtained from different experimental conditions and the presence of several distinct and repeated motifs in their upstream sequences is examined here using publicly available yeast cell-cycle data. The results show that the combined learning approach taken here identifies correlated genes effectively. The algorithm provides an automated clustering method, but allows the user to specify apriori the influence of each data type on the final clustering using probabilities.Availability: Software code is available by request from the first author.Contact: jkasturi@cse.psu.edu