bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of immunopotentialization on rate of vaginal smear normalization according to appearance of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Klimek R. , Dembowska J. , Bałajewicz M. , Plechanow J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSixty one women (age range 20–35 years) treated by Gynatren‐immunopotentialization (three vaccinations every second week) were divided into two groups: group I with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and group II without CIN. Four weeks of therapy resulted in normalization of the vaginal flora and cervical milieu as well as in disappearance of CIN in 54% of cases stated cytologically. These findings confirmed our previous observations. Moreover, it was stated that process of regression of inflammation, metaplasia as well as normalization of vaginal flora is less apparent in women with CIN.
Progesterone in saliva as an index of ovarian function
Authors: Adekunle A.O. , Kim J.B. , Collins W.P. , Whitehead M.I. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractProgesterone was assayed in samples of saliva collected daily throughout the menstrual cycle and correlated with corresponding daily concentrations of pregnanediol‐3α‐glucuronide in early morning urine. Ovarian follicular growth was monitored on a daily basis with a real‐time sector scanner. The concentrations of salivary progesterone shows a specific pattern with a mid‐cycle rise and a peak in the luteal phase. The mean concentration in the follicular phase, as determined, was 40.4 pmol/l (range 15.3–110.7 pmol/l). It increased in the peri‐ovulatory period to a peak of 201.1 pmol/l (range 46.4–289.8 pmol/l) 6 days following follicular rupture.
Management of human papilloma virus vulvo‐perineal infection with systemic β‐interferon and thymostimulin in HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Frega A. , di Renzi F. , Stentella P. , Pachi A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a combined therapy based on β‐interferon and thymostimulin in HIV‐seropositive women with florid vulvoperineal condylomatosis. METHODS: Nineteen HIV‐seropositive women affected by HPV florid vulvoperineal infection were studied. Their ages ranged from 19 to 32 years (mean = 26); all were smokers; 11 (57.89%) were intravenous drug users with a mean period of drug addiction of 5 years. No patient was on AZT therapy. All patients underwent a combined medical therapy based on β‐interferon administration with doses of 3 000 000 IU i.m. daily for 7 days and subsequently on alternate days for 2 weeks associated with the administration of 70 mg i.m. of thymostimulin per day on alternate days for 30 days. RESULTS: Seven (36.84%) patients showed complete recovery at the end of follow‐up; 5 (26.31%) patients showed partial recovery and 7 (36.84%) did not respond to therapy. CONCLUSION: A pro‐host immunotherapy seems to be indicated in patients affected by immunodeficiency syndrome.
Immune dysfunction in patients with unexplained repeated abortions
Authors: Konidaris S. , Papadias K. , Gregoriou O. , Gargaropoulos A. , Dalamaga A. , Mantzavinos T. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To examine the immunological profiles by antiphospholipid antibodies IgG, IgM, IgA immunoglobulins ACA, as well as C3, C4 complement component levels. METHODS: A group of 44 women with a history of three or more consecutive pregnancy losses was compared with 34 normal women. RESULTS: Our results showed lower levels of IgG immunoglobulins for the patient group (P < 0.001) while the C3, C4 complement component levels remained unaltered. Anticardiolipin antibodies were positive in ten patients for IgG or IgM isotypes or for both presenting a prevalence of 22.7% while none of the control subjects had ACA positive titers. The lupus anticoagulant was not detected in either group. Ten patients (22.7%) presented positive autoantibody tests as compared with only 3 (8.8%) of the control group. No statistical differences were found between the two groups when the frequency of each autoantibody's positive tests were examined separately. CONCLUSIONS: An inconsistent immune derangement seems to be present in recurrent aborters with the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies as the stronger representative marker of immune alteration.
Gynecologic tumors and symptoms in childhood and adolescence; 10‐years' experience
Authors: Imai A. , Furui T. , Tamaya T. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: The advancement of diagnostic imaging evaluations and the earlier occurrence of secondary sexual development prompted us to review our recent experience with genital tract tumors in children. METHODS: We analyzed data for 1938 patients aged less than 18 years who were referred to Gifu University School of Medicine‐affiliated Hospitals for the years 1984 through 1993. RESULTS: Of the patients, 145 underwent surgical treatment. Vaginal tumor was seen in 5 patients; 1 endodermal sinus tumor, 1 sarcoma botryoides and 3 Gartner's duct cysts. Two patients with malignant tumor presented only with bloody vaginal discharge; recurrent abdominal pain due to vaginal obstruction was noted in 1 patient with the cyst. Ten had benign tumors in the vulva, presenting with a genital mass. Of 114 ovarian tumors, 3 were diagnosed by antenatal ultrasonographic examinations. Fifty‐five had germ cell tumors, 33 had epithelial tumors, and 18 had stromal tumors. The most common symptom was abdominal pain and approximately one‐third of girls who complained of abdominal pain had an ovarian tumor. Precocious puberty was noted in 4 girls with stromal tumor. Two of the 23 malignant tumors developed in the vagina and the others originated in the ovary. In 19 patients unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy or local excision was done in an attempt for reproductive organ conservation; 4 cases of advanced stage disease were treated with hysterectomy and/or bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. Only 3 of the 23 patients with malignant tumor died within 4 years and others are free from disease. CONCLUSIONS: Genital symptoms, even common, alert us to the posibility of a genital tract tumor. The prompt and precise detection of either benign or malignant tumors in children may lead to cure and preservation of fertility with conservative surgery.
Sonohysterography versus hysteroscopy for diagnosing endouterine abnormalities in fertile women
Authors: Romano F. , Cicinelli E. , Anastasio P.S. , Epifani S. , Fanelli F. , Galantino P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of abdominal and vaginal sonohysterography (SHG) (considered both singly and in combination) for the diagnosis of intrauterine abnormalities. METHODS: At the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Italy, the results of the abdominal and vaginal SHG were retrospectively compared with those of conventional transvaginal sonography and hysteroscopy in 35 fertile women in whom a hysteroscopy was indicated. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of intrauterine abnormalities of both kinds of SHG (considered both singly and in combination), transvaginal sonography and hysteroscopy were compared; the predictive values of abnormal and normal SHG were determined by a 2 × 2 table relating the test results to the patients' abnormalities shown at hysteroscopy. RESULTS: The combination of both abdominal and vaginal SHG had a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 100%; the predictive value of an abnormal test was 100% and that of a normal test 94%. CONCLUSIONS: SHG provides a reliable diagnosis of intrauterine abnormalities. However, hysteroscopy and guided biopsies remain the decisive diagnostic test for investigating intrauterine abnormalities.
Survey of assessment criteria prior to implantation of spinal cord stimulators in United Kingdom pain management centres
Authors: Ackroyd Rajeena , Bush Dudley J. , Graves Jeanette , McVey Joanne , Horton Sarah 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a useful option in selected patients with chronic neuropathic pain. The aim of this questionnaire‐based survey was to determine what assessment methods are used for patients being considered for SCS in pain management centres in the United Kingdom. This was in relation to the recommendations produced by the Task Force of the European Federation of IASP chapters (1998) on neuromodulation. Questionnaires were sent out to previously identified individual SCS implanters. The response rate was 64% (n=44).The results of the survey were generally encouraging. Just over half of respondents use some form of guideline to assess patients for SCS, most trying opioid and co‐analgesia before proceeding to SCS insertion. There was significant variation concerning absolute contraindications.The majority of respondents worked in a multi‐disciplinary team and 61% stated their patients received a psychological assessment but although 96% of individuals worked with a specialist nurse only 25% reported that the nurse had an active role in the pre‐assessment of patients for SCS. The development of national guidelines may provide a more standardised approach but further research into the role of the specialist nurse and the benefits of psychological assessment would also be useful.
Time-series analysis of abundance indices of young fish
Authors: Gudmundsson G. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Catch-at-age analysis provides estimates of stock size at ages when the fish have reached catchable size. Survey indices contain information about relative cohort size at younger ages. The present analysis is concerned with survey indices of juveniles up to the youngest age where stock estimates, based on time-series analysis of catch-at-age data, are available. A stock estimate at that age from catch-at-age data is also included. A common model of the relationship between stock size and survey indices is combined with the model describing the decline of a stock by natural mortality. Random variations in natural mortality are defined separately from sampling variations and irregular catchability in the survey. The stock size and magnitudes of the random variations are estimated by the Kalman filter, which also provides predictions of future recruitment to the catchable stock. Analysis of observations of Icelandic cod reveals a large deviation from proportionality in the relationship between the index and the stock estimates in the youngest ages, but haddock data are compatible with proportionality. Variations in natural mortality during the second to fourth year of cod and the second to third year of haddock are not a major factor in variations of stock size.
Surgery for Dupuytren’s Disease in Japanese Patients and a New Preoperative Classification
Authors: ABE Y. , ROKKAKU T. , OFUCHI S. , TOKUNAGA S. , TAKAHASHI K. , MORIYA H. 
Published: May 2004

The surgical outcome of Dupuytren’s disease was evaluated in 73 hands of 57 patients in a Japanese population. Subtotal fasciectomy was performed in all cases. Surgical results were evaluated using the percentage improvement of extension in each finger joint. Statistical analyses were performed on the risk factors associated with recurrence and extension. The surgical outcome depended on the degree of contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Recurrence of disease occurred in eight patients (14%) and extension occurred in nine (16%). Recurrence and extension frequently occurred in those who had ectopic lesions or involvement of the radial side of the hand. The present results suggested that the Dupuytren’s diathesis had an influence on recurrence and extension. We proposed a new classification of Dupuytren’s disease that might help to predict the surgical outcome and facilitate surgical planning.
Morphological Measurements of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: LAWRENCE T. , TRAIL I. A. , NOBLE J. 
Published: May 2004

The morphology of the proximal interphalangeal joint was determined using a photographic technique. The head of the proximal phalanx, viewed end on, has a complex trapezoid appearance characteristic for each named digit. The asymmetric condyles diverge from one another and are separated by an intercondylar groove that increases in depth from the dorsal to the palmar surface. Saggital sections of the head of the proximal phalanx are not circular, but, sections taken in the plane of maximum dimensions of the condyle are circular with a radius of curvature of approximately one half of the height of the condyles. The articular surface of the base of the middle phalanx is not circular in outline in either the saggital or coronal plane. In coronal sections the articular surface is biconcave convex with a prominent median ridge separating the two adjacent concave articular surfaces. The implications of this varied morphology on implant design are discussed.
A CHEMICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF THE LIPIDES OF THE PYLORIC CECUM OF THE STARFISH, ASTERIAS FORBESI
Authors: Karnovsky Manfred L. , Jeffrey Susan Skilling , Thompson Michaela Smits , Deane Helen Wendler 
Published: May 2004

The lipides of the diverticula of Asterias forbesi have been studied by histochemical and biochemical means.
Correlations between results obtained by histochemical examination of sections, and chemical analysis of isolated lipide have been made, particularly with respect to phosphatides, steroids, and aldehyde lipides.
The results of the histochemical study were in good agreement with the chemical data as to the nature of the phosphatide fraction, the presence of acetone-soluble aldehyde lipides, and the composition of the free droplet fat.
Homogenized diverticula were differentially centrifuged in order to establish the distribution of types of lipides in the various cellular components.
In addition, data have been presented which demonstrate a direct correlation between the titer of α-glycerol ethers and that of acetone-soluble lipide acetals in the unsaponifiable fraction.
EVIDENCE OF DIFFERENCES IN THE DESOXYRIBONUCLEOPROTEIN COMPLEX OF RAPIDLY PROLIFERATING AND NON-DIVIDING CELLS
Authors: Bloch David P. , Godman Gabriel C. 
Published: May 2004

1. Quantitative cytophotometric analysis of the interphase cells of a rapidly proliferating differentiated tissue such as liver of new born rat, indicates that these cells can be separated into two groups on the basis of their staining characteristics after methanol fixation.
2. These groups are thought to correspond to two stages of interphase. The first, called "autosynthetic interphase," comprises cells which are duplicating chromosomal material in preparation for mitosis, and shows parallel increases in the methyl green and Feulgen staining of DNA and the fast green staining of histone from the diploid (2 C) to double these values (4 C).
3. The second group is designated the "heterosynthetic interphase," during which the cell ceases proliferating and functions in a manner commensurate with its state of differentiation. In this stage Feulgen staining indicates the diploid chromosomal complement, but there is a decreased capacity of the DNA to bind methyl green and of the histone to bind fast green.
4. The difference between the methyl green binding of the heterosynthetic and autosynthetic 2 C cells is due to the presence of a protein in the former which presumably inhibits staining by competing with the dye for binding sites on the DNA. The effect of this inhibition can be removed by extracting the protein, or by blocking the protein basic groups.
5. The decreased fast green staining of histone in the heterosynthetic cells can be minimized by prolonged fixation with formaldehyde. It is thought to stem either from a similar type of inhibition, or from an increased susceptibility of the histone to loss from the cell during this stage.
6. While histone inhibits methyl green staining of DNA in all cells, the differences between the staining properties of the autosynthetic and heterosynthetic interphase cells are believed to be due to another protein, whose properties appear similar to those of the chromosomal "residual protein." It is concluded that a complex of DNA and residual protein existing during the heterosynthetic interphase is dissociated during the autosynthetic interphase.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE LAMELLAE AND GRANA IN THE CHLOROPLASTS OF ZEA MAYS L
Authors: Hodge A. J. , McLean J. D. , Mercer F. V. 
Published: May 2004

The fine structure of the chloroplasts of maize (Zea mays L.) has been investigated by electron microscopic examination of ultrathin sections of leaves fixed in buffered osmium tetroxide solutions. Both the parenchyma sheath and mesophyll chloroplasts contain a system of densely staining lamellae about 125 A thick immersed in a finely granular matrix material (the stroma), and are bounded by a thin limiting membrane which often appears as a double structure.
In the parenchyma sheath chloroplasts, the lamellae usually extend the full width of the disc-shaped plastids, and grana are absent. The mesophyll chloroplasts, however, contain numerous grana of a fairly regular cylindrical form. These consist of highly ordered stacks of dense lamellae, the interlamellar spacing being ca. 125 A. The grana are interlinked by a system of lamellae (intergrana lamellae) which are on the average about one-half as numerous as the lamellae within the grana. In general, this appears to be due to a bifurcation of the lamellae at the periphery of the granum, but more complex interrelationships have been observed.
The lamellae of the parenchyma sheath chloroplasts and those of both the grana and intergrana regions of the mesophyll chloroplasts exhibit a compound structure when oriented normally to the plane of the section. A central exceptionally dense line (ca. 35 A thick) designated the P zone is interposed between two less dense layers (the L zones, ca. 45 A thick), the outer borders of which are defined by thin dense lines (the C zones). Within the grana, the C zones, by virtue of their close apposition, give rise to thin dense intermediate lines (I zones) situated midway between adjacent P zones. A model of the lamellar structure is proposed in which mixed lipide layers (L zones) are linked to a protein layer (P zone) by non-polar interaction. Chlorophyll is distributed over the entire lamellar surface and held in the structure by van der Waals interaction of the phytol "tail" with the hydrocarbon moieties of the mixed lipide layers. The evidence in favour of the model is briefly discussed.
ALTERATIONS IN BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND RIBONUCLEIC ACID METABOLISM INDUCED IN RAT LIVER BY CORTISONE
Authors: Lowe Charles Upton , Rand Royden N. 
Published: May 2004

An investigation of the effect of cortisone administration upon the chemical composition of intracellular particulates of rat liver has been made. Livers were homogenized in 0.25 M sucrose solutions and submitted to differential centrifugation. Five fractions were prepared: mitochondria (Mit), microsomes (Mi), ultracentrifugable (U), non-sedimentable (S), and nuclear (Nuc). Measurement was made of total and polymerized RNA, nitrogen, lipide P, and uptake of P32 by the RNA of each fraction. The following observations were made:—
Cortisone administration caused a fall in concentration in all measured constituents except glycogen. On a per liver basis, however, total liver RNA was unchanged in amount; nitrogen content of Mi fell and that of S increased; the lipide P of Mit and Mi also decreased. The biochemical composition of a statistical mitochondrion was significantly altered; in contrast, the microsomal fraction decreased in amount, but the relationship between the chemical constituents was unchanged.
When polymerized RNA was sought by a process involving precipitation from ethanol at 20°C., none was found in the Mit of cortisone livers and the amount in Mi was much less than found in the normal. When, however, precipitation was conducted at 4°C., yields of polymerized RNA in all fractions after cortisone were equal to or greater than those found in the normal. Furthermore, incubation of mixtures of homogenates from normal and cortisone livers resulted in loss of warm precipitable RNA.
These data strongly suggest the presence of an enzyme in cortisone livers which upon incubation with normal livers made preparation of polymerized RNA virtually impossible by use of the warm method. This agent, thought to operate in vivo and in vitro, was not present in significant amounts in normal livers, since incubation in this instance had no effect upon the amount of polymerized RNA.
Mit from cortisone livers obtained by the cold technique had a significantly decreased rate of incorporation of P32 even though the yield of RNA from this fraction was increased. To reconcile these observations, it was proposed that under the influence of cortisone a variant of normal RNA is synthesized or normal RNA is converted to this variant. This "new" RNA has new solubility properties, a new rate of incorporation of P32, and conceivably it cannot act as a template for normal protein synthesis.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES ON THE DICTYOSOMES AND ACROBLASTS IN THE MALE GERM CELLS OF THE CRICKET
Authors: Beams H. W. , Tahmisian T. N. , Devine R. L. , Anderson Everett 
Published: May 2004

The dictyosome (Golgi body) in the secondary spermatocyte of the cricket appears in electron micrographs as a duplex structure composed of (a) a group of parallel double-membraned lamellae and (b) a group of associated vacuoles arranged along the compact lamellae in a chain-like fashion. This arrangement of ultramicroscopic structure for the dictyosomes is strikingly comparable to that described for the Golgi apparatus of vertebrates. Accordingly, the two are considered homologous structures. Associated with the duplex structure of the dictyosomes is a differentiated region composed of small vacuoles. This is thought to represent the pro-acrosome region described in light microscope preparations.
In the spermatid the dictyosomes fuse, giving rise to the acroblast. Like the dictyosomes, the acroblasts are made up of double-membraned lamellae and associated vacuoles. In addition, a differentiated acrosome region is present which, in some preparations, may display the acrosome vacuole and granule.
Both the dictyosomes and acroblasts are distinct from mitochondria.
VARIATIONS IN THE STRUCTURE OF MITOCHONDRIA
Authors: Dempsey E. W. 
Published: May 2004

A characteristic internal structure, consisting of a double-layered outer wall enclosing a matrix-filled space through which pass double-layered membranous folds, would appear to comprise as satisfactory a definition of mitochondria for electron microscopy as their intravital affinity for Janus green affords for light microscopy. Relying for identification upon this characteristic internal structure, mitochondria appear to be pleomorphic structures which vary in size, shape, complexity, and density. They are labile also in that their number may increase or decrease under controlled conditions. The possibility therefore exists that these organelles are constantly being formed and destroyed, perhaps by their participation in metabolic processes.
The problem of the origin of mitochondria is in an unsatisfactory state. New organelles unquestionably are formed in particular physiological states. The possibility that new bodies are produced by fission of ones already present does not seem adequate. On the other hand, the possible fabrication of new mitochondria out of intracellular membranes, although an attractive hypothesis, has not been adequately substantiated.