bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of the protection efficacy and homogeneity of the distribution of sunscreens applied onto skin pre‐treated with cosmetic products
Authors: Weigmann Hans‐Jürgen , de Sainte Claire Maude Suisse , Schanzer Sabine , Patzelt Alexa , Meinke Martina , Antoniou Christina , Sterry Wolfram , Lademann Jürgen 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundThe efficacy of sunscreens depends decisively on the homogeneity of its distribution on the skin surface, which is sensitively reflected by two spectroscopic data – the factor of inhomogeneity and the sum transmission – measured after tape stripping. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a skin pre‐treatment with body lotion on the layout of the formulations.MethodsSix healthy volunteers were pre‐treated using the body lotion, Nivea Body (Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany). The sunscreen was an oil/water (o/w) emulsion, Roc SPF 8 (RoC SA, Paris, France). The tape stripped tesa films were measured with a modified UV/VIS spectrometer Lambda 5 (PerkinElmer, Frankfurt/Main, Germany), the data of which were used to calculate both measurands.ResultsThe obtained results made clear that the original spectroscopic data must be corrected taking into account the changed amounts of horny layer particles removed with the individual tape strips after pre‐treatment. As a consequence of the correction, the factors of inhomogeneity as well as the sum transmissions confirm a more homogeneous distribution of the applied sunscreen.ConclusionThe findings confirm that the applied method is well suited to obtain information on the distribution of topically applied substances, and furthermore that the influence of the pre‐treatment of the skin with the body lotion enhances the homogeneity of distribution and thus the sunscreen efficacy.
Quantitative method for measuring therapeutic efficacy of the 308 nm excimer laser for vitiligo
Authors: Oh Tae Seok , Lee Onseok , Kim Jeong Eun , Son Sang Wook , Oh Chil Hwan 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundThere are several available treatments for vitiligo, but measurement of their therapeutic efficacy is not standardized and is somewhat arbitrary based largely on the global impression of the overall response. The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative method for evaluating the treatment response of vitiligo measuring changes in area using digital image analysis. We applied this parametric model to the evaluation of efficacy of the 308 nm excimer laser.MethodsThis study was a retrospective study, designed as a before and after trial with a single arm. A total of 18 patients were enrolled who had been treated with a 308 nm excimer laser as monotherapy twice a week for 20 sessions. The repigmentation percentage was calculated by measuring changes in area before and after treatment using digital image analysis and graded on a five‐point ordinal scale [global assessment scale (GAS)]. GAS was also measured by physician and patient for comparison with our estimates. Additional GASs were also measured by four different evaluators for inter‐rater variability.ResultsThe mean repigmentation percentage after treatment was 45.3% (range, 0.7–100%). The changes in area after treatment were statistically significant (P < 0.05). A substantial agreement of outcomes was observed between physicians and digital image analysis (κw = 0.78), but lower agreement was observed between patients and digital image analysis (κw = 0.49). The inter‐rater variability for GAS was substantially low (Krippendorff's α = 79.3%).ConclusionMeasurement of changes in area using digital image analysis could be used as a quantitative method in evaluating efficacy of treatment for vitiligo. Because vitiligo lesions can occur in any location with various shapes and sizes, digital image analysis would be a more objective method for measuring treatment response than a GAS.
Lymphocyte Subsets and Mitogen Stimulation of Blood Lymphocytes in Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Matthiesen Leif , Berg Göran , Ernerudh Jan , Håkansson Leif 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: In normal pregnancy the maternal immune system should be directed towards tolerance or suppression in order not to reject the partly foreign feto‐placental unit. The aim of this investigation was to find hallmarks of systemic immunosuppression during normal pregnancy.METHODS: Five healthy primigravidae were examined during pregnancy and postpartum with flow cytometric analysis to define T and B lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood. In addition, we studied the proliferative response of lymphocytes to mitogens or interleu‐kin‐2 (IL‐2) alone or in combination with immunomodulating drugs or interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). The results were compared to healthy, non‐pregnant women.RESULTS: During pregnancy and early puerperium we noted an immune balance in favour of suppression, as measured by increased numbers of T “helper/suppressor” (CD4+ CD45RA+) and “suppressor”/effector T cells (CD8+S6F1‐), and decreased numbers of T “helper/inducer” (CD4+CD29+), T “helper/memory” (CD4+CD45RO+), killer/effector T cells (CD8+S6F1+), and Natural Killer cells (CD56+), as well as decreased numbers of activated lymphocytes expressing IL‐2 receptor (CD25+) and T cells expressing HLA‐DR (HLA‐DR+CD3+). During pregnancy, lymphocyte proliferation was impaired in autologous serum with concanavalin A (ConA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), or IL‐2. A difference in proliferative response to PHA or IL‐2 between cultures with AB serum and autologous serum is suggestive of an immunosuppressor factor in serum during pregnancy. Indomethacin significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation in autologous serum with ConA, indicating PGE2 mediated suppressor activity during pregnancy. Chlorambucil and cimetidine modulated the proliferative response to ConA, indicating an alkylating agent sensitive and a histamine dependent suppressor activity during pregnancy.CONCLUSIONS: During normal pregnancy, a state of systemic suppression of the maternal immune system seems to be present.
Sequential Measurements of Human Decidua‐Associated Protein (hDP) 200 in the Uterine Fluid During the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Halperin Reuvit , Herman Arie , Golan Abraham , Hadas Eran , Schneider David , Bukovsky Ian , Ron‐El Raphael 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To examine the relationship between the concentration of uterine fluid human decidua‐associated protein (hDP) 200, identified as a monoclonal rheumatoid factor, and different phases of the menstrual cycle.METHODS: Sequential measurements of hDP 200 concentration in uterine fluid were performed in 11 normal ovulatory women, aged 22–36 years. The samples were collected in early proliferative phase, late proliferative phase, periovulatory period, early secretory phase, and late secretory phase.RESULTS: Consistent fluctuations of hDP 200 levels in uterine fluid were found throughout the menstrual cycle. High levels were found during early proliferative phase and periovulatory period related to significantly lower levels during late proliferative and early luteal phases.CONCLUSION: There is menstrual phase dependent variation in the uterine fluid levels of hDP 200.
Progress in the Development of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Antifertility Vaccines
Authors: Stevens Vernon C. 
Published: September 2011

Prototype human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) vaccines have demonstrated the feasibility of effectively eliciting antibodies in women and inhibiting fertility in both humans and nonhuman primates. Also, no serious side‐effects due to immunization against self antigens have been revealed to date. However, the formulations so far tested in clinical trials are not suitable for widespread applications due to problems associated with complexities in production, burdensome application procedures, the need for frequent booster immunizations or cost of manufacture. Current research efforts involve the development of delivery systems to permit annual or biannual intervals between immunizations for protection from pregnancy, procedures for mucosal immunizations, methods to reduce hypersensitivity and local reactions, and procedures for reducing the cost of production. Recent progress in understanding the crystalline structure of the hCG molecule has stimulated further studies to define immunological epitope sequences that might constitute immunogens in future vaccines.The incorporation of vaccine components into biodegradable microspheres has resulted in formulations that elicit elevated antibody levels in rabbits for more than one year. Preclinical and clinical studies with such formulations are planned. Studies using totally synthetic peptide immunogens constituting hCG B‐cell epitopes and “promiscuous” T‐cell epitopes from bacterial or viral proteins have been shown to be equally immunogenic as conjugates of hCG peptides with macromolecular carriers. Still other peptide immunogens have been developed that can elicit antibody production without detectable proliferation of helper T cells. Some of these peptides can induce systemic immunity from oral immunization or systemic injections. Alternative vehicles for administering vaccine components with reduced local reactivity show promise for new vaccine formulations.
Update on the Center for Recombinant Gamete Contraceptive Vaccinogens
Authors: Herr John C. 
Published: September 2011

The overall goal of the Center for Recombinant Gamete Contraceptive Vaccinogens is to develop a contraceptive vaccine which will induce antibodies in the female reproductive tract at sufficient levels to block fertilization. It is envisioned that antibodies developed by this vaccine will act to agglutinate, immobilize or coat either the egg or the sperm in the oviduct, uterus, cervix or vagina. Thus, the vaccine will exert its effects before the fertilization event, as a “prefertilization contraceptive.”The Center has focused its activities over the past 4 years on four areas: 1) sperm antigens: the identification and characterization of novel sperm surface molecules which are attractive candidates for inclusion in a vaccine; 2) zona antigens: the identification of synthetic peptides derived from the zona pellucida which possess contraceptive potential without adverse pathology; 3) oral vaccine delivery: the development of live Salmonella vectors which deliver vaccine antigens through the oral route and which will stimulate secretory immunity in the female reproductive tract; and 4) animal testing: the testing of vaccine formulations in in vitro fertilization models, in small animals, in monkeys and in baboons. In addition, preparations for human testing are underway through preparation of an Investigational New Drug Application to begin Phase I human trials of a LDH‐C4 peptide vaccine.
Decidua as a Site of Extrathymic VγI T‐cell Differentiation
Authors: Hayakawa Satoshi , Shiraishi Hisami , Saitoh Shigeru , Satoh Kazuo 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Decidual tissue is an interface between the host and fetus, which is regarded as a natural allograft. We have reported the possible presence of extrathymic T cells in human decidua through the expression of recombinase‐activating genes in the decidual CD16− CD56bright large granular lymphocytes.METHODS: In this study we analyzed expression of TCR Vγδ gene segments in peripheral lymphocytes and decidual and nonpregnant endometrial samples using RT‐PCR and oligonucleotide hybridization.RESULTS: Interestingly, a limited repertoire of Vγ gene segments were discovered in decidual lymphocytes of normal pregnancy when compared with peripheral lymphocytes, whereas usage of Vδ gene segments were ubiquitous in peripheral and decidual lymphocytes. Strong expression of VγI gene segment, often exceeding 50% of total Vγ, were noted in all (13/13) pregnant decidual tissues obtained at different gestational stages. Interestingly, this predominance of VγI gene is also noted in nonpregnant endometrial samples and the decidua of patients with ectopic pregnancies.CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the nature of decidual VγI T cells as possible suppressors of rejective maternal cytotoxic T cells during the maintenance of normal pregnancies.
Platelet Activating Factor and Conception
Authors: Minhas B.S. , Ripps B.A. , Zhu Y.P. , Kim H.N. , Burwinkel T.H. , Gleicher N. 
Published: September 2011

PURPOSE: This review provides evidence for the involvement of platelet activating factor (PAF) in the several facets of pregnancy establishment.METHODS: A comprehensive literature review and new data.RESULTS: PAF has a role in spermatozoal function, fertilization, embryo development, and implantation.CONCLUSIONS: PAF is intimately involved in conception.
Progesterone Induced Blocking Factor Seen in Pregnancy Lymphocytes Soon After Implantation
Authors: H. Check Jerome , Szekeres‐Bartho Julia , O'Shaughnessy Althea 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The immunomodulatory effect of progesterone (P) in pregnancy manifested via a protein named the P‐induced blocking factor (PIBF) was previously reported. The goal of this study was to measure and compare the PIBF expression on lymphocytes between pregnant and non‐pregnant women especially in early pregnancy.METHODS: PIBF expression was determined by immunocytochemistry using a PIBF‐specific polyclonal antibody. Levels were assessed during the mid‐cycle, luteal phase, and first trimester of pregnancy.RESULTS: PIBF expression was found in 24.9% of mid‐cycle sera, 49% of luteal phase sera of women who failed to conceive, and 75% of luteal phase sera of women who conceived.CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the percentage of PIBF expressing lymphocytes increases as a result of pregnancy and that the stimulus for PIBF induction occurs soon after implantation. These data support the concept that PIBF may play an important role in early implantation possibly by inhibiting the destructive function of natural killer lymphocytes.
The Suppression of Peritoneal Cellular Immunity in Women With Endometriosis Could Be Restored After Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment
Authors: Wu Ming‐Yih , Chao Kuang‐Han , Chen Shee‐Uan , Chen Hsin‐Fu , Yang Yu‐Shih , Huang Su‐Cheng , Ho Hong‐Nerng 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Our previous study reported that peritoneal natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity and CD3+CD25+ lymphocyte subpopulation were suppressed in women with advanced endometriosis. Whether these phenomena are general for all stages of endometriosis and whether these alterations could be restored by long‐term use of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) are further tested in this study.METHOD: Lymphocyte subpopulations (B cells, NK cells, T cells, and T‐cell activation markers such as CD69, HLA‐DR, and CD25) and NK cell cytotoxicity of peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid by dual‐color flow cytometry and 5lCr release assay in 30 cases of endometriosis were compared with those in 26 controls. We also compared these changes before and after 6‐month treatment with GnRHa for advanced endometriosis.RESULTS: Compared with the controls, only those women with advanced endometriosis showed lower NK cytotoxicity in peritoneal fluid mononuclear cells (PFMC). The CD3+CD69+ lymphocyte subpopulation decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of advanced endometriosis, while the CD3+CD25+ lymphocyte subpopulation decreased in both PBMC and PFMC of mild and advanced endometriosis. After GnRHa treatment, the CD3+CD69+ lymphocyte subpopulation increased in both PBMC and PFMC and the CD3+CD25+ lymphocyte subpopulation increased in PFMC, but not in PBMC.CONCLUSION: Impaired local immunological function in the PF of endometriosis was confirmed by this study and the impairments could be restored after long‐term GnRHa therapy.
Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha on Human Trophoblast Cell Adhesion and Motility
Authors: Todt Jill C. , Yang Yan , Lei Jun , Lauria Michele R. , Sorokin Yoram , Cotton David B. , Yelian Frank D. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Adhesive interaction between trophoblast cells and uterine endometrial basement membrane is one of the critical processes in embryo implantation. This interaction is directly or indirectly regulated by hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. Since tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is synthesized by both decidual and trophoblast cells, we hypothesized that TNF‐α may play a regulatory role in trophoblast cell invasion. To test this hypothesis, we have used in vitro models to determine the effect of TNF‐α on human trophoblast cell adhesion and motility, two major steps in trophoblast invasion.METHODS: The effect of TNF‐α on the motility of extended‐lifespan first trimester trophoblasts (HTR) and JEG‐3 choriocarcinoma cells was tested using the phagokinetic track motility assay. An in vitro adhesion assay was used to determine the effect of TNF‐α on the adhesion of HTR and JEG‐3 cells to laminin, a major basement membrane component. In addition, the effect of TNF‐α on the surface expression of the laminin receptor β1 integrin subunit was examined using flow cytometry.RESULTS: HTR or JEG‐3 cells were strongly adherent to laminin which was not significantly altered by TNF‐α treatment. We also measured the effect of TNF‐α on the surface expression of β1 integrin on HTR and JEG‐3 cells; no difference was observed between control and treatment groups. Interestingly, the motility of both HTR and choriocarcinoma JEG‐3 cells was significantly inhibited by TNF‐α.CONCLUSIONS: The role of TNF‐α in human embryo implantation is currently unknown. Our data demonstrate that TNF‐α does not alter trophoblast cell adhesion to laminin, but significantly inhibits trophoblast cell motility in vitro, suggesting that TNF‐α may play a regulatory role in trophoblast cell invasion.
Immunosuppressive Properties of Monoclonal Antibodies and Human Polyclonal Alloantibodies to the R80K Protein of Trophoblast
Authors: Jalali G.R. , Arck P. , Surridge S. , Markert U. , Chaouat G. , Clark D.A. , Underwood J.L. , Mowbray J.F. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The R80K protein on human trophoblast is antigenically polymorphic, and in all placentae of successful pregnancies, the protein is covered by maternal alloantibody. Alloantibody eluted from human placenta has been shown to inhibit killing by human NK cells. Do those antibodies to R80K that inhibit NK killing also affect the murine abortion models?METHODS: We made three murine monoclonal antibodies to conserved epitopes on human R80K, all of which also reacted with the homologous murine molecule. One antibody only, BA11, suppressed NK cytotoxicity to K562 and of mouse spleen NK cells to murine trophoblast. All three were tested in mouse models of abortion: the CBA × DBA/2 model with a high resorption rate of F1 embryos compared with the parental strains, an endotoxin induced abortion/resorption model and a third model in which the pregnant mouse is subject to sonic stress.CONCLUSION: Those IgG antibodies eluted from microvesicles which bound to K562, and one of the three monoclonals, BA11, inhibited NK killing. The antibodies react with the murine molecule, and BA11 inhibited abortion in all three mouse abortion models. This reinforces the thesis that interference with NK killing can influence abortion/resorption in mice, and the BA11 antibody may effect similar results in analogous human situations.
Effects of Products of Activated Immune Cells and Recombinant Cytokines on Spontaneous and Ionophore‐Induced Acrosome Reaction
Authors: Dimitrov Dimitar G. , Petrovská Marianna 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The purpose of this study was to examine whether the products of activated immune cells influence spontaneous and ionophore‐induced sperm acrosome reaction.METHOD: The spontaneous and ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction were evaluated by staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) Pisum sativam agglutinin after incubation in capacitating media supplemented with either supernatants from Con‐A activated leukocyte cultures or human recombinant (r) IL‐Iβ, TNF‐α, and INF‐γ.RESULTS: The supernatants from Con A‐activated peripheral blood leukocyte cultures at 1:1 and 1:10 dilution significantly increased the rate of spontaneous acrosome reaction (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01). Along with displayed abnormally elevated levels of spontaneous acrosome loss, sperm cells showed an insufficient ability to undergo acrosome reaction in response to the ionophore treatment. Recombinant IL‐Iβ at increasing concentrations from 30 to 3 × 104 U/ml did not have an effect on spontaneous and ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction. In contrast, spermatozoa that underwent capacitation in media with 7 × 103, 7 × 104, and 7 × 105 U/ml of rINF‐γ showed a significant increase in spontaneous and induced acrosome reaction compared to the control (P < 0.001). Recombinant TNF‐α at concentrations of 3.5 × 103 U/ml and 3.5 × 104 U/ml significantly inhibited ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction (P <0.001). Both rINF‐γ and rTNF‐α together revealed an effect on the acrosome reaction similar to Con‐A generated supernatants (1:1 and 1:10 dilution) only at the highest concentrations.CONCLUSIONS: Some cases of infertility may result from a defective acrosome reaction (premature acrosome loss or insufficient acrosome response to the stimulants) caused by products of activated lymphocytes and macrophages that are released into the male and female reproductive tracts.
Does In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Influence the Levels of Sperm and Zona Pellucida (ZP) Antibodies in Infertile Women?
Authors: Ulčová‐Gallová Zdenka , Mardešic Tonko 
Published: September 2011

The levels of sperm and zona pellucida antibodies in 250 women divided into four groups according to number of recurrent IVF failures (1–4) were analysed and compared with results of a control group of 211 unexplained infertile women never treated by IVF. Sperm antibodies in serum and in ovulatory cervical mucus were determined by mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) test, serum zona pellucida antibodies were detected using passive haemagglutination and ELISA.These tests showed increased occurrence of zona pellucida antibodies in women after repeated IVF. Zona pellucida antibodies were found in 20% after one unsuccessful IVF (similarly to 27% in the control group), but in 64% after two, in 91% after three and in 4 of 5 cases after four IVF failures.Sperm IgG, A, M and E antibodies in serum and in ovulatory cervical mucus do not seem to be influenced by IVF procedure.The results show evolution of autoimmune process due to repeated ovarial intervention during oocyte collections. Presence of zona pellucida antibodies, on the other hand, may become a cause of IVF failure.