bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severity in Myocardial Dysfunction Contributed to Long‐term Fluctuation of Heart Rate, Rather than Short‐Term Fluctuations
Authors: Minamihaba Osamu , Yamaki Michiyasu , Tomoike Hitonobu , Kubota Isao
Published: December 2004

Background: It is known that heart rate shows complex behavior, long‐term fluctuation of heart rate, and short‐term fluctuations in heart failure. Analyzing these properties and examining the relationship to the disease, severity may increase the understanding of the background of heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods: In 61 patients (mean age 65 ± 9 years, 32 ischemic heart disease, 29 cardiomyopathy), with myocardial dysfunction, 24‐hour ambulatory electrocardiography was performed. After the construction of the time series of R‐R intervals, 15 HRV parameters were measured, including mean heart rate, standard deviation of N‐N intervals (SDNN), ratio of low frequency/high frequency power (LF/HF), HRV triangular index (TI), and ratio of length/width at the 90% level of all scattered points.

Results: By using the multiple regression analysis, we tested which HRV parameter (HR, SDNN, LF/HF, TI, or length/width) independently correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) or left ventricular diastolic dimension (EDD). The results demonstrated that TI and SDNN independently correlated with EF (multiple R = 0.59). Moreover, TI and SDNN independently correlated with EDD (multiple R = 0.45).

Conclusion: TI and SDNN were indicators of the disease severity in myocardial dysfunction, while LF/HF, indicators of autonomic tone, did not have such an ability. It was of interest that the disease severity contributed to long‐term fluctuations (TI, SDNN) of heart rate, rather than short‐term fluctuations (LF/HF).
Chronic Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia in Elderly Females
Authors: Lopera Gustavo , Castellanos Agustin , Moleiro Federico , Huikuri Heikki V , Myerburg Robert J
Published: December 2004

Background: The vast majority of reports of inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) had included predominantly young females with ages ranging between 15 and 46 years. In contrast, the present study presents the findings in four elderly females (aged 61–71 years) with long‐standing symptoms of palpitations, more than 15 years, in whom IST was diagnosed in their 6th or 7th decade.

Methods: Clinical and laboratory examinations including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and heart rate variability studies were retrospectively reviewed in four of the nine elderly female patients with long‐standing cardiac symptoms. Indices of heart rate variability were compared to four age‐matched asymptomatic elderly females with no structural heart disease.

Results: The resting electrocardiograms were normal but one had voltage criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy. All traditional time‐ and frequency‐domain indices were significantly decreased in the symptomatic elderly females as compared to the controls. Echocardiograms showed normal ejection fraction, and in three patients evidence of diastolic dysfunction and mild left ventricular hypertrophy. Blood pressures were elevated, with systolic blood pressure ranging from 170 to 190 and diastolic blood pressure ranging from 94 to 106. Anxiety disorders were diagnosed in all patients.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that IST can be present in a wide spectrum of patient populations, including elderly populations. It seems that some cases of IST can become chronic if not treated adequately. Apparently, earlier identification and treatment could have improved the quality of life of the patients. Traditional HRV indices may not be valuable to support either a sympathetic or parasympathetic mechanism. Therefore, further studies should consider the potential usefulness of the nonlinear method such as, for example, approximate entropy and detrended fluctuation analysis.
Heart Rate Variability in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Prospective Study and Frequency Domain Analysis
Authors: Gula Lorne J , Krahn Andrew D , Skanes Allan , Ferguson Kathleen A , George Charles , Yee Raymond , Klein George J
Published: December 2004

Background: Cyclic variation of the heart rate is observed during apneic spells in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We hypothesized that autonomic changes would affect frequency‐domain measures of heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods: We studied 20 patients (15 men, 5 women, mean age 47.2 ± 12.2 years) with suspected OSA undergoing overnight polysomnography, and five patients (4 men, 1 woman, mean age 49.2 ± 8.6 years) with recently diagnosed sleep apnea undergoing polysomnography while wearing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Holter monitors were applied during sleep studies and data were analyzed in 5‐minute blocks over the course of the night. Using spectral analysis, low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) powers were calculated for each interval. Overall mean and standard deviation (SD) for LF power, HF power, and the LF:HF ratio were recorded for each patient. Comparisons were made between patients with severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 30, n = 8), moderate OSA (AHI 1–30, n = 5), without OSA (AHI < 10, n = 7), and patients wearing CPAP (n = 5).

Results: Assessment of overnight LF or HF power revealed no significant difference between the four groups. The LF:HF ratio, which represents sympathovagal balance, was higher among those with moderate disease compared to normals and those with severe OSA (both P = 0.037). The standard deviation of the LF:HF ratio was higher among those with moderate disease compared to normals (P = 0.0064) and those with severe OSA (P = 0.0006). OSA patients receiving CPAP behaved like patients with moderate OSA, with increased SD of the LF:HF ratio.

Conclusions: The observed changes in the LF:HF ratio and its SD suggest an increased sympathetic tone and discordance in sympathovagal activity in moderate OSA, which is blunted in severe OSA. CPAP may restore autonomic defects, characteristic of severe OSA, to moderate levels.
Effects of Right Coronary Artery PTCA on Variables of P‐Wave Signal Averaged Electrocardiogram
Authors: Budeus Marco , Hennersdorf Marcus , Dierkes Stefan , Preik Michael , Heintzen Matthias P. , Kelm Malte , Perings Christian
Published: December 2004

Background: P‐wave signal averaged ECG has been used to detect atrial late potentials that were found in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Ischemia is supposed to trigger ventricular late potentials, which indicate an elevated risk for ventricular tachycardia. Preexistent ventricular late potentials measured by ventricular signal averaged ECG is supposed to be eliminated by successful PTCA.

Methods: We examined the incidence of atrial late potentials in patients with a proximal stenosis of the right coronary artery and new onset of atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, we investigated the anti‐ischemic effect of a successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.(PTCA) of the right coronary artery. P‐wave signal averaged ECG from 23 patients who had a PTCA of the right coronary artery (group A) were compared to age, sex, and disease‐matched control subjects (group B) one day before, one day after, and one month after PTCA.

Results: A new appearance of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was presented in eight patients before PTCA (group A1) of group A. Patients with a stenosis of the right coronary artery had a significantly higher incidence of supraventricular extrasystoles in a 24‐hour‐Holter ECG (131.1 ± 45.4 vs 17.1 ± 18.9, P < 0.0002). The duration of the filtered P wave was longer (124.8 ± 11.9 vs 118.5 ± 10.1 ms, P < 0.04) and the root mean square of the last 20 ms (RMS 20) was significantly lower in group A than in group B (2.87 ± 1.09 vs 3.97 ± 1.12 μV, P < 0.01). A successful PTCA caused an increase in RMS 20 (2.87 ± 1.11 vs 4.19 ± 1.19 μV, P < 0.02) and a decrease in filtered P‐wave duration (124.8 ± 11.9 vs 118.4 ± 10.4 ms, P < 0.04). Preexistent atrial late potentials were found among 15 patients before PTCA. After successful PTCA only 3 out of 15 patients were affected (P < 0.0004) after one day, as well as after one month. All patients with a history of atrial fibrillation did not suffer from an arrhythmic recurrence within the following six months after successful PTCA.

Conclusion: A stenosis of the right coronary artery is associated with atrial late potentials. A successful PTCA of the right coronary artery eliminates preexistent atrial late potentials and may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation.
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.
Noninvasive Risk Stratification in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Turrini Pietro , Corrado Domenico , Basso Cristina , Nava Andrea , Thiene Gaetano
Published: December 2004

The natural history of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is determined by the electrical instability of the dystrophic myocardium, which can precipitate arrhythmic cardiac arrest any time during the course of the disease and by the progressive myocardial loss that results in ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. Sudden death accounts for the majority of the fatal events but its occurrence is mostly unpredictable. There are no prospective and controlled studies assessing clinical markers that can predict the occurrence of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias. However, the noninvasive risk profile, which emerges from retrospective analysis of clinical and pathologic series, is characterized by history of syncope, physical exercise, spontaneous ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, right ventricular dysfunction, left ventricular involvement, right precordial negative T wave, right bundle branch block, QT‐QRS dispersion, right precordial ST‐segment elevation and late potentials. At present only QRS dispersion, history of syncope and right and/or left ventricular abnormalities at radionuclide angiography proved to be independent noninvasive predictors of sudden death.
An Unusual Cause of Reflex Cardiovascular Syncope: Vagal Paraganglioma
Authors: Okmen Ertan , Erdinler Izzet , Oguz Enis , Akyol Ahmet , Cam Nese
Published: December 2004

Vagal paraganglioma is one of the rare tumors of the neuroendocrine system. We are reporting a vagal paraganglioma case presented with uncommon features of the disease: asystole and syncope. Syncope episodes occurred 3 years before the major symptoms of the disease. Dual chamber pacemaker failed to prevent syncope attacks because of the vasodepressor component. The patient was treated successfully with en bloc removal of tumor and vagal nerve. Syncope episodes disappeared after operation.
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.
Correlation between Serum Estradiol in the Follicular Phase of the Ovarian Cycle and Decay Accelerating Factor (DAF) Expression on Red Blood Cells and Coxsackievirus B3‐Induced Hemagglutination in Young Cycling Women
Authors: Sartini Danielle , Moussawi Mohamad , Sallam Reem , Bernstein Ira , Huber Sally
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Decay accelerating factor (DAF) is a widely distributed glycoprotein which aids in the inactivation of complement. DAF is also a cellular receptor for certain group B coxsackieviruses (CVB) and is responsible for the viral hemagglutinating activity for human red blood cells (RBC). Healthy, young female volunteers donated blood on days 11 and 22 of the ovarian cycle. Samples were categorized into luteal and follicular phases based on serum progesterone levels (P4 either <2.0 ng/mL, follicular; P4 ≥ 2.0 ng/mL, luteal) and analyzed by flow cytometry for DAF expression on RBC and CD21+ B lymphocytes. Cycling females showed significant variation in CVB‐induced hemagglutination and % RBC or CD19+ cells which were DAF+. There was a strong correlation between serum estradiol levels and % RBC expressing DAF (P < 0.01) in the follicular, but not in the luteal ovarian phase. Infection of white blood cells with green‐fluorescent protein CVB (GFP‐CVB) showed a correlation between infectivity of CD19+ cells and DAF expression. This indicates that women may show differential susceptibility to CVB infection in the luteal and follicular phases of the ovarian cycle.
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.
Ge
dot organization on Si substrates patterned by focused ion beam
Authors: Karmous A. , Cuenat A. , Ronda A. , Berbezier I. , Atha S. , Hull R.
Published: December 2004

One of the major challenges for the reliable use of self-organization phenomena for device applications is to accurately position quantum dots on the surface. A promising way to get ordered dots is to use prepatterned substrates. We show that a combination of focused ion beam (FIB) prepatterned Si(001) substrates and self-assembled Ge quantum dots (QDs) leads to the precise placement of QDs. The technological advantages of this method are to control the Ge dots size and location, and to scale down the interdots distance to ∼20nm. Regarding more fundamental aspects, the accurate control of nanopatterns characteristics allows us to investigate the influence of various experimental parameters on QDs formation. The process proposed consists mainly of three steps: (1) FIB nanopatterning; (2) ex situ cleaning of the FIB-patterned substrate in order to fully remove the Ga contamination before introduction into the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) chamber; and (3) Ge deposition by solid source MBE. After optimization of the growth parameters, nicely ordered dense arrays of homogeneous QDs are obtained. QDs are organized on the edges of the FIB holes at high temperature or inside the holes at lower temperature. We suggest that two different mechanisms of Ge dots formation are responsible of these results: kinetically limited nucleation at low temperature and stress driven nucleation at higher temperature.
Imaging using lateral bending modes of atomic force microscope cantilevers
Authors: Caron A. , Rabe U. , Reinstädtler M. , Turner J. A. , Arnold W.
Published: December 2004

Using scanning probe techniques, surface properties such as shear stiffness and friction can be measured with a resolution in the nanometer range. The torsional deflection or buckling of atomic force microscope cantilevers has previously been used in order to measure the lateral forces acting on the tip. This letter shows that the flexural vibration modes of cantilevers oscillating in their width direction parallel to the sample surface can also be used for imaging. These lateral cantilever modes exhibit vertical deflection amplitudes if the cantilever is asymmetric in thickness direction, e.g., by a trapezoidal cross section.
Effects of rapid thermal annealing on quality of In0.52Al0.48As∕In0.53Ga0.47As multiquantum wells grown on a compositionally graded InAlAs∕InAlGaAs metamorphic buffer layer
Authors: Ihn Soo-Ghang , Jo Seong-June , Song Jong-In
Published: December 2004

We report improvement in crystalline quality of In0.52Al0.48As∕In0.53Ga0.47As multiquantum wells (MQWs) and compositionally graded InAlAs∕InAlGaAs metamorphic buffer grown on GaAs by using postgrowth rapid thermal annealing (RTA). Dependence of optical and structural properties of the MQWs on RTA was investigated by using photoluminescence (PL) and triple-axis x-ray diffraction measurements. After the RTA, the PL intensity of the MQWs increased, while the linewidth decreased. Also, the triple-axis contour maps of the MQWs showed increase in peak intensity of epilayers as well as crystalline reformation indicated by narrower mosaic spread and restoration of epilayer tilt to the substrate orientation.
Electrical probe storage using Joule heating in phase change media
Authors: Gidon S. , Lemonnier O. , Rolland B. , Bichet O. , Dressler C. , Samson Y.
Published: December 2004

We demonstrate the feasibility of ultrahigh-density probe recording in chalcogenide-based phase change media. The multilayer medium has been optimized with respect to electrical, thermal, and tribological requirements. Design of the multilayer takes into account the nonlinear dependence of the electrical properties of the phase change layer with respect to both electrical field and temperature. Memory dots as small as 15nm have been written and read repeatably. Data storage density of greater than Tbit∕in.2 density has been successfully achieved.
Highly transparent Ag∕SnO2 ohmic contact to p-type GaN for ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Song June-O , Seong Tae-Yeon
Published: December 2004

We report on the formation of highly transparent and low-resistance Ag(3nm)∕Sb-doped SnO2 (ATO) (200nm) ohmic contacts to p-GaN (5×1017cm−3). It is shown that the samples become ohmic with a specific contact resistance of 8.7×10−5Ωcm2 upon annealing at 530°C for 1min in air. The oxidized contacts produce an extremely high light transmittance of 99% at a wavelength of 400nm. The light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fabricated with the annealed Ag/ATO p-type contact layers give a forward-bias voltage of 3.42V at injection current of 20mA, which is better than that of LEDs with the most common oxidized Ni(5nm)∕Au(5nm) contact layers. Based on scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy results, the ohmic formation mechanisms are discussed.
CdSe self-assembled quantum dots with ZnCdMgSe barriers emitting throughout the visible spectrum
Authors: Perez-Paz M. Noemi , Zhou Xuecong , Muñoz Martin , Lu Hong , Sohel Mohammad , Tamargo Maria C. , Jean-Mary Fleumingue , Akins Daniel L.
Published: December 2004

Self-assembled quantum dots of CdSe with ZnCdMgSe barriers have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy on InP substrates. The optical and microstructural properties were investigated using photoluminescence (PL) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. Control and reproducibility of the quantum dot (QD) size leading to light emission throughout the entire visible spectrum range has been obtained by varying the CdSe deposition time. Longer CdSe deposition times result in a redshift of the PL peaks as a consequence of an increase of QD size. AFM studies demonstrate the presence of QDs in uncapped structures. A comparison of this QD system with CdSe∕ZnSe shows that not only the strain but also the chemical properties of the system play an important role in QD formation.
Composition measurement in strained AlGaN epitaxial layers using x-ray diffraction
Authors: Wallis D. J. , Keir A. M. , Balmer R. S. , Soley D. E. J. , Martin T.
Published: December 2004

An x-ray diffraction technique is described which, by careful choice of the x-ray reflection used, minimizes errors in composition measurements resulting from strain and uncertainties in the elastic constants of a material. The method is applied to the AlGaN system, which shows a wide range of values for Poisson’s ratio in the literature and significant variation in strain state due to the high dislocation content and large thermal expansion mismatch with the substrate. It is demonstrated that accurate composition measurements of partially relaxed AlxGa1−xN layers (x<0.3) with thickness >20nm can be made from a single measurement.
Optical limiting of semiconductor nanoparticles for nanosecond laser pulses
Authors: Jia Wenling , Douglas Elliot P. , Guo Fenggi , Sun Wenfang
Published: December 2004

Optical limiting of nanosecond laser pulses at 532 nm has been observed in CdxAg1−xS semiconductor nanoparticles within organic solution of polymeric ionic aggregates. Both free-carrier absorption (FCA) and nonlinear scattering contribute to the optical limiting performance. The optical limiting response of CdS nanoparticles, in the diameter range of 2–9 nm, increases with the increase of particle size. It can be further increased by surface coating of the CdS particle with a thin layer of Ag2S or forming ternary CdxAg1−xS particle. The FCA cross sections of CdxAg1−xS solutions were estimated to be between 10−19 and 10−18cm2, which are comparable with those of bulk semiconductors.
Metal/semiconductor phase transition in chromium nitride(001) grown by rf-plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Constantin Costel , Haider Muhammad B. , Ingram David , Smith Arthur R.
Published: December 2004

Structural and electronic properties of stoichiometric single-phase CrN(001) thin films grown on MgO(001) substrates by radio-frequency N plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy, are investigated. In situ room-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy clearly shows the 1×1 atomic periodicity of the crystal structure as well as long-range topographic distortions which are characteristic of a semiconductor surface. This semiconductor behavior is consistent with ex situ resistivity measurements over the range 285 K and higher, whereas below 260 K, metallic behavior is observed. The resistivity-derived band gap for the high-temperature region, 71 meV, is consistent with the tunneling spectroscopy results. The observed electronic (semiconductor/metal) transition temperature coincides with the temperature of the known coincident magnetic (para-antiferro) and structural (cubic-orthorhombic) phase transitions.
Chip-scale atomic magnetometer
Authors: Schwindt Peter D. D. , Knappe Svenja , Shah Vishal , Hollberg Leo , Kitching John , Liew Li-Anne , Moreland John
Published: December 2004

Using the techniques of microelectromechanical systems, we have constructed a small low-power magnetic sensor based on alkali atoms. We use a coherent population trapping resonance to probe the interaction of the atoms’ magnetic moment with a magnetic field, and we detect changes in the magnetic flux density with a sensitivity of 50pTHz−1∕2 at 10Hz. The magnetic sensor has a size of 12mm3 and dissipates 195mW of power. Further improvements in size, power dissipation, and magnetic field sensitivity are immediately foreseeable, and such a device could provide a hand-held battery-operated magnetometer with an atom shot-noise limited sensitivity of 0.05pTHz−1∕2.
Single-mode subwavelength waveguide with channel plasmon-polaritons in triangular grooves on a metal surface
Authors: Gramotnev D. K. , Pile D. F. P.
Published: December 2004

We demonstrate that single-mode operation of a subwavelength plasmonic waveguide in the form of a V-groove on a metal surface can be achieved by adjusting the depth of the groove. Strongly localized channel plasmon-polaritons (CPPs) are shown to propagate in such waveguides. If the groove depth is close to the penetration depth of the fundamental CPP mode, then all higher modes are not supported by the structure, leaving only the fundamental mode propagating in the groove. In this case, propagation distances of fundamental mode ∼10μm can easily be achieved together with strong subwavelength localization.
Evaluation of optical quality and defect properties of GaNxP1−x alloys lattice matched to Si
Authors: Izadifard M. , Bergman J. P. , Vorona I. , Chen W. M. , Buyanova I. A. , Utsumi A. , Furukawa Y. , Moon S. , Wakahara A. , Yonezu H.
Published: December 2004

By using a variety of optical characterization techniques, including cathodoluminescence, temperature-dependent cw- and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL), and PL excitation spectroscopies, high optical quality of the GaN0.018P0.982 epilayers lattice matched to Si substrates is demonstrated and is shown to be comparable to that of the “state-of-the-art” GaNP alloys grown on GaP substrates. The growth of GaNP on Si is, however, found to facilitate the formation of several point defects, including complexes involving Ga interstitial atoms (Gai).
Addressable micropost array for the dielectrophoretic manipulation of particles in fluid
Authors: Hunt T. P. , Lee H. , Westervelt R. M.
Published: December 2004

A microfluidic device has been developed to trap and position neutral particles using dielectrophoresis. An array of microscale post shaped electrodes provides an inhomogeneous electric field. The voltage on each electrode can be independently controlled by a computer to trap and move particles in fluid above the micropost electrodes. Yeast cells and polystyrene spheres were trapped and moved, demonstrating both positive and negative dielectrophoresis.
Magnetism in thin films of CaB6 and SrB6
Authors: Dorneles L. S. , Venkatesan M. , Moliner M. , Lunney J. G. , Coey J. M. D.
Published: December 2004

Thin films of disordered hexaborides CaB6 and SrB6 deposited by pulsed-laser deposition on MgO (100) or Al2O3 (001) substrates are ferromagnetic. A typical room-temperature moment per unit area of substrate is 350μBnm−2, with the largest values being found for CaB6 on Al2O3. Lattice defects are the likely origin of the exotic, high-temperature magnetism. The moment, which is present in films as thin as 12nm, appears to reside in an interface layer whose polarization is approximately 0.4Tesla.
Oxygen sensing characteristics of individual ZnO nanowire transistors
Authors: Li Q. H. , Liang Y. X. , Wan Q. , Wang T. H.
Published: December 2004

Individual ZnO nanowire transistors are fabricated, and their sensing properties are investigated. The transistors show a carrier density of 2300μm−1 and mobility up to 6.4cm2∕Vs, which are obtained from the ISD−VG curves. The threshold voltage shifts in the positive direction and the source-drain current decreases as ambient oxygen concentration increases. However, the opposite occurs when the transistors are under illumination. Surface adsorbates on the ZnO nanowires affect both the mobility and the carrier density. Our data are helpful in understanding the sensing mechanism of the gas sensors.
Lightly phosphorus-doped homoepitaxial diamond films grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Katagiri Masayuki , Isoya Junichi , Koizumi Satoshi , Kanda Hisao
Published: December 2004

Lightly phosphorus-doped {111} homoepitaxial diamond films have been grown by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition under optimized growth conditions. The Phosphorus concentration in the film can be controlled at a low doping level of the order of 1016cm−3. N-type conductivity of the films with phosphorus concentrations above 1×1016cm−3 is reproducibly confirmed by Hall-effect measurements in the temperature range from 300to873K. The highest value of the Hall mobility at room temperature is 660cm2∕Vs obtained for a film with a phosphorus concentration of 7×1016cm−3.