bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding and Reproduction in Endangered Ungulates: Preservation of Genetic Variation through the Organization of Genetic Resource Banks
Authors: Roldan ERS , Gomendio M , Garde JJ , Espeso G , Ledda S , Berlinguer F , Del Olmo A , Soler AJ , Arregui L , Crespo C , González R 
Published: September 2006

ContentsThere is a constant increase in the number of species suffering marked reductions in population size. This reduction in size and the lack of genetic flow may lead to a decrease in genetic variability and to matings between close relatives (i.e. inbreeding) with an ensuing reduction in fitness. It is thus important to understand the mechanism underlying the deleterious effects of inbreeding and to develop reproductive biotechnologies that will allow the reduction of inbreeding depression by facilitating gene exchange between populations. The study of three endangered species of gazelles, Cuvier's gazelle (Gazella cuvieri), Mohor gazelle (Gazella dama mhorr) and dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas neglecta) has revealed that inbreeding negatively affects several semen parameters (motility, sperm morphology, acrosome integrity). Semen cryopreservation has been achieved in the three species but success varies depending on the diluent employed and the level of inbreeding. Artificial insemination of Mohor gazelles have led to the birth of the first gazelle born using frozen‐thawed semen but improvements are needed before this technology can be applied on a routine basis for the genetic management of the populations. Collection of oocytes after ovarian stimulation, followed by in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture has met with some initial success in the Mohor gazelle. These, together with other reproductive technologies, will offer an invaluable help in preserving the maximum of genetic diversity of these and related endangered ungulate species.
Down‐regulation of Hsp27 radiosensitizes human prostate cancer cells
Authors: TEIMOURIAN SHAHRAM , JALAL RAZIEH , SOHRABPOUR MOSTAFA , GOLIAEI BAHRAM 
Published: September 2006

Aim: In this study, we examined whether human Hsp27 is involved in the radiation sensitization induced by gamma radiation in cultured human prostate cancer cells.Methods: We transfected DU145 cells with full length Hsp27 antisense cDNA to obtain viable cell lines which expressed reduced Hsp27. Selected individual clones were subjected to western blot analyses to confirm reduced expression of Hsp27.Results: Hsp27 belongs to a family of abundant and ubiquitous stress proteins, the small heat shock proteins. It has been shown that Hsp27 can inhibit apoptosis both in a caspase‐dependent and independent manner. Colony assays showed that the cells engineered to express reduced Hsp27 levels had a significantly increased sensitivity to gamma radiation compared with control cells that were transfected with the vector alone. However, there was also a significant difference in viability of cells with reduced Hsp27 levels and control cells 72 h after γ‐irradiation.Conclusions: Our results suggest the possible application of antisense Hsp27 cDNA or other methods to reduce Hsp27 expression as a radiation sensitizer in radiation oncology.
Retroperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty: Initial experiences
Authors: CUTTING COLIN , BORUP KIRSTEN , BARBER NEIL , CHOI WILLIAM , POULSEN EJVIND U , POULSEN JOHAN 
Published: September 2006

Aim: To review the results of our first 40 cases of retroperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty and to compare them with series of open and other minimally invasive treatments of pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction. Also to compare our first 20 cases with the second 20 cases to see if there was an improvement in results with experience.Methods: A retrospective review of the first 40 laparoscopic pyeloplasties performed by a single lead surgeon at two institutions was performed. The diagnosis of PUJ obstruction was confirmed with an intravenous urogram as well as a renogram prior to surgery. A retroperitoneal, dismembered pyeloplasty was routinely performed with three or four ports. All patients were followed up with an intravenous urogram, renogram and review of symptoms at 4 months and annual renogram after that.Results: Average operation time was 236 min and this appeared to decrease with experience. Two cases had to be converted to open operations. The mean hospital stay was 3.4 days. Out of the 40 patients, 34 have had successful laparoscopic operations with total symptomatic relief as well as radiologically proven deobstruction. There were four major complications with 3 patients going on to have redo open pyeloplasty operations. There were seven minor complications.Conclusions: In our experience, retroperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty is an effective and safe means of treating PUJ obstruction. Our results seem to be comparable with series of open pyeloplasty and other laparoscopic series and are better than some other minimally invasive techniques.
Lack of association between the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors and Y‐chromosome haplogroups in the Japanese population
Authors: EWIS ASHRAF A , LEE JUWON , NARODA TAKUSHI , KAGAWA SUSUMU , BABA YOSHINOBU , NAKAHORI YUTAKA 
Published: September 2006

Background: Despite being relatively uncommon, testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most common malignant disease in young men. Epidemiological studies concerning patients with testicular cancer indicate that the most of them have poor semen quality or testicular dysgenesis. However, many studies have shown that the Y chromosome harbors many candidate genes responsible for spermatogenesis process and development and maintenance of the germ cells. The Y chromosome is thought to have a relationship with the formation and progression of TGCT.Materials and methods: To verify this relationship, we investigated if there is any correlation between the Y chromosome structural variations presented as different haplogroups and the occurrence of TGCT in the Japanese population. Using combined haplogroups based on typing of three Y chromosome polymorphic binary markers, we analyzed 68 TGCT derived from Japanese patients together with randomly selected 104 unrelated healthy Japanese matched male controls who were confirmed as residents of the same geographic area.Results: Our findings showed a lack of association between the incidence of TGCT and the different Y‐ chromosome haplogroups in Japanese population.Conclusion: We concluded that there are no significant variations in males from different Y chromosome lineages regarding their susceptibility or resistance for developing TGCT. The previously hypothesized role of the Y chromosome in the development of TGCT is still uncertain and needs further verification.
Clinical impact of tamsulosin on generic and symptom‐specific quality of life for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients: Using international prostate symptom score and Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Health Survey
Authors: SUZUKI HIROYOSHI , YANO MASASHI , AWA YUSUKE , NAKATSU HIROOMI , EGOSHI KEN‐ICHI , MIKAMI KAZUO , OTA SHO , OKANO TATSUYA , HAMANO SATORU , OHKI TAKEMASA , FURUYA YUZO , ICHIKAWA TOMOHIKO 
Published: September 2006

Aim: To examine the efficiency of α1‐blocker treatment on disease‐specific and generic quality of life (QOL) in men with clinically diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the improvement of QOL scores with International prostate symptom score (I‐PSS) and Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Health Survey (SF‐36) was prospectively analyzed.Methods: A total of 68 newly diagnosed patients with symptomatic BPH that satisfied all inclusion and none of the exclusion criteria were prospectively recruited. All patients received 0.2 mg/day of tamsulosin for 12 weeks. All patients underwent pretreatment documentation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and assessment of symptom‐specific QOL. Symptoms and general health‐related QOL (HRQOL) were assessed using the I‐PSS and SF‐36, respectively. Also, other objective variables, such as prostate volume, maximal urinary flow and postvoid residual urine volume, were evaluated.Results: After 12 weeks, decrease in I‐PSS was 27% compared with baseline (from 16.4 ± 7.18 to 11.9 ± 7.56). All questionnaires in the I‐PSS showed improvement after tamsulosin treatment and the I‐PSS QOL score was improved from 4.51 ± 1.14 to 3.17 ± 1.38 (P < 0.0001) at 12 weeks after tamsulosin administration. In intragroup comparisons of HRQOL scores with age‐gender adjusted SF‐36 Japanese national norms, three SF‐36 subscales (bodily pain, BP; social function, SF; and mental health, MH) were worse in the BPH group aged over 70 years, while younger BPH groups aged <70 had better mean SF‐36 physical function (PF) scores compared with age‐gender adjusted Japanese national norms. In the BPH group with a prostatic volume ≥20 mL, three mean SF‐36 scales (BP, SF and MH) were significantly improved after tamsulosin treatment. It is noteworthy that these SF‐36 subscales were identical to those observed to worsen in the older BPH group compared to Japanese national norms.Conclusions: Treatment with tamsulosin for symptomatic BPH patients is associated with significant improvement in the generic HRQOL, in addition to disease‐specific QOL and symptoms, at 3 months after drug administration. In particularly, for generic HRQOL with SF‐36, tamsulosin treatment can efficiently improve three mean SF‐36 subscales (BP, SF and MH) that are decreased in older BPH patients.
Does marriage between first cousins have any predictive value for maternal and perinatal outcomes in pre‐eclampsia?
Authors: Sezik Mekin , Ozkaya Okan , Sezik Hülya T. , Yapar Elif G. , Kaya Hakan 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim:  To assess the consequences of consanguineous unions between first cousins on the severity of pre‐eclampsia and associated perinatal morbidity.Methods:  Six hundred and eighty‐six women admitted with a diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia were included. The study group consisted of 62 preeclamptic women with a union between first cousins. The remaining patients admitted throughout the same period (n = 624) served as controls. The groups were compared regarding the presence of severe pre‐eclampsia, hemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, eclampsia, placental abruption, hematological complications, renal failure, requirement for antihypertensive or magnesium sulfate treatments, cesarean section for acute fetal distress, birthweight, Apgar scores, perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity including admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, convulsions, intracranial hemorrhage, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, and jaundice. Student’s t‐test, χ2‐test and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical evaluation.Results:  Univariate analysis yielded significant differences in parity (P = 0.034), maternal platelet counts (P = 0.02), and maternal serum potassium levels (P = 0.016) among the groups. Respiratory distress syndrome was more frequent (P = 0.043) in infants of unrelated couples. Multivariate analysis, controlling for the confounding factors, revealed that marriages between first cousins had no effect on any of our outcome variables including neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.Conclusions:  Third‐degree consanguinity in terms of a union between first cousins seems to have no effect on the development of maternal and perinatal complications in established pre‐eclampsia.
Three‐dimensional assessment of the morphology of the umbilical artery in normal and pre‐eclamptic placentas
Authors: Peker Tuncay , Ömeroglu Suna , Hamdemir Sevtap , Çelik Hamdi , Tatar Ilkan , Aksakal Nur , Turgut Hasan Basri 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim:  Pre‐eclampsia is one of the main causes of intrauterine growth retardation. Although there are many studies performed in this setting showing the course of the umbilical vessels within the umbilical cord along with its structural changes, studies are lacking with regard to intraplacental vasculature and its structural changes.Methods:  We investigated whether the vascular pattern differed in preeclamptic placentas in terms of intraplacental course and morphometry of the umbilical artery by using vascular corrosion cast technique. Furthermore, cross‐sections taken from umbilical artery branches at different levels within the placenta, were examined with both light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results:  Vascular corrosion casts generated in both pregnancy groups should be defined with the main umbilical artery divided into 2–4 primary branches. No significant difference was seen between normal and pre‐eclamptic groups regarding the diameters of primary and secondary branches and the number of cotyledons contained (P > 0.05). However, microscopic studies demonstrated expanded intervillous spaces in the placentas of pre‐eclamptic pregnancies. Under SEM, distortion on the endothelial surface of the umbilical artery and an increase in vessel diameter and wall thickness have been determined in pre‐eclamptic placentas. Furthermore, the branching pattern and changes affecting the endothelial surface of the umbilical artery have been shown three‐dimensionally in pre‐eclamptic placentas, using corrosion cast technique and SEM, respectively.Conclusion:  While microscopic findings were consistent with the Doppler ultrasonography findings, namely higher systole/diastole ratio and increased resistance (RI) and pulsatile (PI) index in the umbilical artery, no clear morphometric change has been observed.
In vivo expression and antitumor activity of p53 gene transfer with naked plasmid DNA in an ovarian cancer xenograft model in nude mice
Authors: Collinet Pierre , Vereecque Rodolphe , Sabban Frédéric , Vinatier Denis , Leblanc Eric , Narducci Frabrice , Querleu Denis , Quesnel Bruno 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIntroduction:  Abnormalities in the p53 and p16 tumor suppressor genes are one of the most common occurrences associated with human neoplasia. Consequently, restoration of wild‐type p53 or p16 functions is seen as a particularly promising approach for cancer gene therapy. In vitro and in vivo data have demonstrated that virus‐mediated p53 gene transfer can induce active cell death and ovarian tumor regression.Aim:  To evaluate the efficiency of intratumoral injection of naked DNA in tumor growth inhibition in an ovarian xenograft model. For that purpose, plasmid vectors encoding wild‐type p53 (wt‐p53) or p16 alone or in combination were used.Methods:  Nude mice were injected subcutaneously with the human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line SKOV3. Three weeks after xenograft, tumor‐bearing mice were injected twice a week with plasmid vectors carrying WT‐p53 and/or WT‐p16 cDNA. Empty plasmids and saline buffer were used as control. Tumor growth was monitored to evaluate the inhibition potential with p53 and/or p16 restoration.Results:  When compared to the control, intratumoral repeated injections of naked plasmid DNA encoding wt‐p53 were inhibiting tumor growth. This inhibition was not observed with p16 and no synergy could be obtained between p53 and p16. p53 expression was restored in 84% of mice injected with plasmid encoding wt‐p53. p16 expression was restored in 63% of mice injected with plasmid encoding p16.Conclusions:  In this report we demonstrated that: (i) naked DNA represents an efficient gene transfer in the SKOV3 xenograft model; (ii) restoration of wt‐p53 gene allows tumor growth inhibition; and (iii) this inhibition could be correlated with p53 expression as seen in 84% of treated mice after repeated naked DNA injections. These results allow us to envisage naked DNA as a therapeutic adjuvant in ovarian cancer treatment, concomitantly with tumor resection and chemotherapy.
Reducing postpartum hemorrhage in Vietnam: Assessing the effectiveness of active management of third‐stage labor
Authors: Tsu Vivien D. , Mai Tran T. P. , Nguyen Yen H. , Luu Huong T. T. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim:  The study was undertaken to meet the need of the Ministry of Health to have local evidence on the effectiveness of active management of third‐stage labor (AMTSL) in reducing the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) ≥ 500 mL and the need for PPH treatment.Methods:  Using a quasi‐experimental design, AMTSL was introduced for all births attended by government midwives (at home, community, and district levels) in one district while standard practice without AMTSL was continued in three neighboring districts (with a 1:2 ratio of participants). Oxytocin (10 IU) was administered either by standard disposable syringe and needle or by a prefilled, single‐use injection device. Postpartum blood loss was estimated using standard containers; other outcome measures included the duration of third stage, the need for additional treatments, and final maternal condition. A total of 3607 women participated (1236 in the intervention district and 2371 in the comparison districts). Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for age, parity, place of delivery, and first‐stage oxytocin augmentation.Results:  AMTSL was associated with reduced risks for prolonged third stage beyond 30 min (odds ratio [OR] = 0.20, 95%; confidence interval [CI]: 0.11, 0.35), supplemental oxytocin (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.94), and bimanual compression (OR = 0.63, 95%; CI: 0.41, 0.98). When cases with first‐stage oxytocin augmentation were excluded, AMTSL was associated with a 34% reduction in PPH incidence (OR = 0.66, 95%; CI: 0.45, 0.98).Conclusion:  This study supports the value of AMTSL in reducing the incidence of PPH, shortening the third stage of labor, and reducing the need for additional treatments.
Pure uterine lipoma
Authors: Fujimoto Yoshinobu , Kasai Kenji , Furuya Masataka , Honda Nobuhisa , Tojo Ryuichiro , Saito Suguru , Mochimaru Fumio 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPure fatty tumors of the uterus are extremely rare and usually develop in postmenopausal women. We present the first reported Japanese case of a pure uterine lipoma, in which a preoperative diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and was pathologically confirmed postoperatively. As in our case, MRI is currently the best modality for determining the internal architecture of a tumor and the presence of fat. Because of the benign nature of a uterine lipoma, such an approach can avoid unnecessary surgery in asymptomatic patients.
Comparative study of induction of labor in nulliparous women with premature rupture of membranes at term compared to those with intact membranes: Duration of labor and mode of delivery
Authors: Park Kyo Hoon , Hong Joon‐Seok , Ko Ji Kyung , Cho Yong Kyoon , Lee Chul Min , Choi Hoon , Kim Bok Rin 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the effect of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term on the duration of labor and mode of delivery in comparison with intact membranes in nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix whose labor was induced.Methods:  This retrospective cohort study included all term nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix requiring labor induction over a 2‐year period. Prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) and oxytocin were used for labor induction. Criteria for enrolment included (i) singleton pregnancy; (ii) term nulliparous women; or (iii) Bishop score below 6. Statistics were analyzed with Student’s t‐test, χ2‐test, Fisher’s exact test, and multiple logistic regression.Results:  Our study subjects were 82 women whose labor was induced for PROM and 219 women with intact membranes whose labor was induced for social or fetal reasons. The mean durations of active phase of labor were not significantly different between women with PROM and those with intact membranes. However, the women with PROM had a significantly longer mean duration of second stage and a higher rate of cesarean delivery for failure to progress than those with intact membranes. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that only PROM and fetal macrosomia were significantly associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery for failure to progress after other confounding variables were adjusted.Conclusions:  Labor induction for PROM at term in nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix is associated with longer duration of the second stage and a higher risk of cesarean delivery for failure to progress in comparison to those with intact membranes.
Effect of sera on the adhesion of natural killer cells to the endothelium in severe pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Wei Jun , Satomi Misao , Negishi Yasuyuki , Matsumura Yoshikatsu , Miura Atsushi , Nishi Yayoi , Asakura Hirobumi , Takeshita Toshiyuki 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjective:  To investigate the effect of serum on the interaction between natural killer (NK) cells and endothelial cells in pre‐eclampsia.Methods:  Seven severely pre‐eclamptic patients, five normal pregnant women, and four normal non‐pregnant women were included in this study. Freshly isolated NK cells labeled with Chromium‐51 were incubated on an endothelial cell monolayer in the presence of patient serum. In regard to the characteristics of adhesive molecules, the endothelial cells were blocked by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1); the NK cells were blocked by mAbs to leukocyte function‐associated antigen (LFA‐1) and very late antigen‐4 (VLA‐4) before co‐incubation. After incubation, the adherent cells were solubilized with 1% Triton X. The lysates were collected and counted in a gamma counter.Results:  The adhesion of NK cells to the endothelium in the normal pregnancy group decreased significantly in comparison to the non‐pregnant group (7%vs 72%; P < 0.01). Adhesion in the severe pre‐eclamptic group was significantly higher in comparison to the normal pregnant group (44%vs 7%; P < 0.01). The blocking percentages of mAbs on NK adhesion in the severe pre‐eclampsia group were 49 ± 4% to LFA‐1, 61 ± 48%, 67 ± 39% to VLA‐4, ICAM‐1, and 68 ± 7% to VCAM‐1.Conclusion:  Sera from normal pregnant women suppress the adhesion between NK cells and endothelial cells, whereas the suppressive effect of sera from pre‐eclamptic patients has a diminished affect.
Effects of ovarian drilling in middle Black Sea region Turkish women with polycystic ovary syndrome having normal and high body mass indices
Authors: Demirturk Fazli , Caliskan Ahmet C. , Aytan Hakan , Erkorkmaz Unal 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim:  To assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with normal and high body mass indices (BMIs).Methods:  We investigated the effects of LOD process on two different groups of Turkish women with normal (n = 13) and high (n = 12) body mass indices. Three‐puncture laparoscopy was performed under general anesthesia. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate (DHEAS) and total testosterone (total T) levels were measured one menstrual cycle before the operation (in early follicular phase defined as day 3 of the menstrual cycle) and one menstrual cycle after the operation (in early follicular phase defined as day 3 of the menstrual cycle).Results:  Ovarian drilling had a positive effect on FSH increase and DHEAS, total testosterone and LH/FSH ratio decrease; but BMI levels had no effect on these hormonal changes, respectively (F = 0.343, P = 0564) (F = 0.790, P = 0383) (F = 0.083, P = 0776) and (F = 0.816, P = 0376). Ovarian drilling had a positive effect on LH decrease and BMIs were effective on this change (F = 6.946, P < 0.05). LH decrease in the group with normal BMI was significantly higher than the obese group with high BMI. Ten of 13 women with normal BMI (76.9%) and eight of 12 women with high BMI (66.6%) started to see regular menses 2 to 3 months after the procedure.Conclusion:  Ovarian drilling is an effective procedure on PCOS. Women with lower BMI may benefit more from the procedure.