bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thinking Outside the Box: Mechanisms of Environmental Selective Pressures on the Outcome of the Materno‐fetal Relationship*
Authors: CLARK DAVID A. , CHAOUAT GERARD , GORCZYNSKI REGINALD M. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Study of mechanisms causing spontaneous abortion of the vascularized placenta have focused primarily on the feto‐maternal immunological relationship within the pregnant mother. The Th1 cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α + interferon (IFN)‐γ derived in part from natural killer (NK) and NKγδT cells have been implicated in causing abortion via up‐regulation of the novel prothrombinase fgl2 at the feto‐maternal interface; Th2/3 cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐10, progesterone‐induced blocking factor (PIBF), and TGF‐β2 derived from γδT cells stimulated by embryo antigens in the context of the OX‐2 (CD200) tolerance signal have been viewed as counteracting the Th1 effect. These mechanisms are distinct from those causing and preventing occult pregnancy loss during the periimplantation phase of pregnancy prior to development of a vascularized placenta. Spontaneous abortions in the CBA/J × DBA/2 can be boosted by injecting TNF‐α + IFN‐γ, but the boosted abortion rates can range from ≤ 30 to >80%, depending on the loss rate in uninjected mice, and this is not explainable by the endogenous level of these cytokines. Furthermore, there is a poor correlation between Th1/Th2,3 cytokine ratios and abortion rates. Could there be a third factor involved, and if so, what might this mean?METHODS: Known precipitants of recurrent abortion in mice were reviewed with particular attention to stress and endotoxin absorption. The effect of antagonizing the response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (endotoxin) was tested. Data on environmental selective pressures were considered (i.e. thinking outside the `box', which typifies the conventional approach to thinking about materno‐fetal interactions).RESULTS: Th1 cytokine‐triggered abortions appear to depend on availability/presence of LPS.CONCLUSIONS: Environmental selective pressures are implicated in eliminating `genetically weaker' embryos in early pregnancy.
Antibody‐Binding Proteins in Human Seminal Plasma
Authors: CHIU W.W.C. , CHAMLEY L.W. 
Published: March 2003

Chiu WWC, Chamley LW. Antibody‐binding proteins in human seminal plasma. AJRI 2002; 48:269–274 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002 PROBLEM: The significance of antibody‐mediated infertility is unclear and complicated by the finding of that antisperm antibodies are found both in fertile and infertile couples. Seminal plasma contains immunosuppressive factors, one such factor may be antibody‐binding proteins (ABP's).METHOD OF STUDY: Antibody‐binding‐proteins were purified using human IgG or IgG‐Fc affinity chromatography columns. The purified antibody‐binding proteins were characterized by their molecular weights, partial amino acid sequences, and immunoreactivities.RESULTS: Three proteins of molecular weight 74, 70 and 55 kDa and other low molecular weight proteins specifically bound to the IgG or IgG‐Fc affinity columns demonstrating Fc‐binding specificities. These proteins were not FcγRIII, IgG, or fragments of these proteins by their behaviors under reducing conditions, Western blot, and partial amino acid sequence analyses. Amino acid sequence data demonstrated some of these proteins to be novel.CONCLUSIONS: We have isolated and partially characterized several ABP's from seminal plasma. The IgG‐binding proteins we have identified may protect spermatozoa against antibody‐mediated damage by conferring protection to antibody‐coated spermatozoa. If this hypothesis holds true, differences in the level or function of these ABP's may alter the status of fertility.
Relationship between Ovarian Stimulation Regimen and Interleukin level in Pre‐ovulatory Follicular Fluid and Their Effect on ICSI Outcome
Authors: HAMMADEH M.E. , ERTAN A.K. , GEORG M.T. , ROSENBAUM P. , SCHMIDT W. 
Published: March 2003

Hammadeh ME, Ertan AK, Georg MT, Rosenbaum P, Schmidt W. Relationship between ovarian stimulation regimen and interleukin level in pre‐ovulatory follicular fluid and their effect on ICSI outcome. AJRI 2002; 48:255–261 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002 PROBLEM: The aims of this study were (i) to identify the presence and concentration of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐8 and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in pre‐ovulatory follicular fluid (FF) in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation regimen for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) (G.1), hMG (G.2) or rFSH/hMG (G.3) treatment and (ii) to determine whether controlled ovarian hyperstimulation stimulation regimen could affect the concentration of these investigated interleukins and as a consequences the ICSI outcome. (iii) Moreover, it was intended to clarify the association between these investigated parameters and the peripheral blood level of estradiol 17‐β, progesterone, leuteinizing hormone (LH) at the day of oocyte retrieval and (iv) finally to find out whether these interleukin concentrations in FF could be considered as an additional parameter for predicting fertilization and pregnancy outcome in ICSI patients.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Interleukin‐6, IL‐8 and GM‐CSF concentrations were determined in the FF of 85 patients. The levels of these interleukins were measured by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, using commercially available kits.RESULTS: Interleukin‐6 (6.5 ± 4.6 pg/mL), IL‐8 (222.9 ± 163.4 pg/mL) and GM‐CSF (1.6 ± 2.7 pg/mL) were present in pre‐ovulatory FF in ICSI patients. No significant difference in the mean concentration of IL‐6, IL‐8 and GM‐CSF was found between the groups. Moreover, there was no correlation between these interleukin levels in FF and steroid hormone concentration in the peripheral blood.CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin‐6, IL‐8 and GM‐CSF were found in FF of patients undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation for ICSI treatment. The stimulation protocols showed no influence on these interleukin levels in FF. Moreover, no correlation was found between these investigated interleukins and steroid hormone concentrations in peripheral blood or ICSI outcome. Therefore, the determination of interleukin level in FF of patients undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation for ICSI therapy could not be recommended as a prognostic factor for ICSI outcome.
Nasal Immunization with Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugated‐CD52 Core Peptide Induced Specific Antibody Production in Genital Tract of Female Mice
Authors: Hasegawa Akiko , Fu Yao , Koyama Koji 
Published: March 2003

Hasegawa A, Fu Y, Koyama K. Nasal immunization with diphtheria toxoid conjugated‐CD52 core peptide induced specific antibody production in genital tract of female mice. AJRI 2002; 48:305–311 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002PROBLEM: The common mucosal immune system (CMIS) has developed as a barrier for the numerous encounters between the host and various pathogens. It is possible to exploit this system to induce secretion of IgA antibody which inhibits sperm penetration in the female genital tract. In this study, the immunogenicity of a human sperm surface antigen (CD52) introduced by intranasal immunization was investigated with a view to developing a contraceptive vaccine.METHOD OF STUDY: A synthetic peptide corresponding to CD52 core peptide (GQNDTSQTSSPS) was prepared and conjugated with diphtheria toxoid (DT) as a carrier protein. The immunogen was given to mice with DOTAP:cholesterol liposome adjuvant intranasally, followed by determination of Ig and IgA class antibody levels in the sera and vaginal washes.RESULTS: The CD52 core peptide elicited IgA class as well as Ig antibodies both in the sera and vaginal secretions after intranasal immunization. An additional nasal inoculation after decrease of the antibody titer raised the antibody level to its highest level during the experiment.CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the CMIS could induce Ig and IgA class antibodies reactive to CD52 core peptide in the female genital tract. Intranasal immunization of a sperm‐specific antigen would be a promising regimen for a safe and easy contraceptive vaccine.
The Age‐Related Changes in the Incidence of `Natural' Anti‐Sperm Antibodies Suggest they are not Auto‐/Isoantibodies
Authors: KALAYDJIEV SVETOSLAV K. , DIMITROVA DIMITRINA K. , TRIFONOVA NEDKA L. , FICHOROVA RAINA N. , MASHAROVA NATALIA G. , RAICHEVA YVETTE N. , SIMEONOVA MARIA N. , TODOROVA EVGENIA I. , TODOROV VELISLAV I. , NAKOV LYUDMIL S. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Establishing the age‐dependent patterns of sperm antibody levels among normal humans.METHODS OF STUDY: Sera samples from 498 healthy subjects aged 0–97 years – 246 males and 252 females – were tested by the gelatin agglutination test of Kibrick, tray agglutination test of Friberg, sperm immobilization test of Isojima and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS: We found a significant increase in the level of sperm agglutinins after 40 years, which decreased after 88 years. The antibodies detected by ELISA were the highest among prepubertal subjects and also declined with aging. No age‐dependent changes were established for the sperm immobilizins. With few exceptions, there were no significant differences between male and female sera, as well as between sera of newborn and their mothers.CONCLUSIONS: These data are similar to those established for the age‐dependent changes of antibodies towards exogenous antigens, suggesting that the `naturally occurring' antibodies against human spermatozoa are not auto‐/isoantibodies.
Potentiation of the Maternal Immune System may Modify the Apoptotic Process in Embryos Exposed to Developmental Toxicants
Authors: Savion Shoshana , Kamshitsky‐Feldman Anna , Ivnitsky Irena , Orenstein Hasida , Shepshelovich Jeanne , Carp Howard , Fein Amos , Torchinsky Arkady , Toder Vladimir 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: We have previously shown that teratogen‐induced embryonic maldevelopment may result from excessive apoptosis in affected organs, but the mechanisms underlying this process are not well understood. Here we investigate the ability of maternal immunopotentiation to affect the apoptotic process and its regulatory genes p53 and bcl‐2 in embryos exposed to a teratogenic insult.METHOD OF STUDY: Potentiation of the immune system in pregnant females was performed with xenogeneic rat splenocytes or with granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). The animals were exposed to cyclophosphamide (CP) and the reproductive performance in the various experimental groups was recorded. The level of apoptosis was assessed in the embryonic head and liver by TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling and fluorescence‐activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis, while p53 and bcl‐2 expression was evaluated by FACS and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: In CP‐treated females, a decrease in embryonic weight and an increase in the resorption rate and the percentage of embryos exhibiting head malformations were noted. These effects of CP were accompanied by the appearance of apoptotic cells in the head but not in the liver and an increased expression of p53 in embryonic organs, while bcl‐2 expression was found to be decreased in the head and increased in the liver. Immunopotentiation with rat splenocytes or GM‐CSF was shown to partially normalize the teratogenic effect of CP. It was also found to partially decrease the CP‐induced apoptotic process and exhibited a tendency to normalize the expression of p53 and bcl‐2 in the embryonic head and liver.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a possible role for maternal immunopotentiation in protecting the embryo from teratogenic insults, possibly through regulation of the CP‐induced apoptotic process and the expression of p53 and bcl‐2.
Time course of peritoneal tissue plasminogen activator after experimental colonic surgery: effect of hyaluronan-based antiadhesive agents and bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Reijnen M M P J , Holmdahl L , Kooistra T , Falk P , Hendriks T , van Goor H 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
This study assessed the peritoneal fibrinolytic response during the first week after colonic surgery in rats with and without bacterial peritonitis, and possible modulation of the response by two hyaluronan-based antiadhesive agents.

Methods
A colonic anastomosis was constructed in 90 male Wistar rats. Peritonitis was induced in another 108 rats and a colonic anastomosis was constructed after 24 h. Rats in both groups were randomized into an untreated group or one of two groups treated with hyaluronan-based agents. One-third of each group was killed at each of days 1, 3 and 7 after operation, and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen and activity were measured in peritoneal biopsies.

Results
One day after colonic surgery in normal rats, tPA antigen concentration was significantly (P &lt; 0·005) increased, whereas tPA activity levels were normal. By day 3 after operation tPA antigen had returned to baseline values while tPA activity was significantly increased (P &lt; 0·05). One day after inducing peritonitis tPA antigen was significantly increased (P &lt; 0·001), while tPA activity was significantly reduced (P &lt; 0·05). Three and seven days after colonic surgery in rats with peritonitis tPA activity was increased (P &lt; 0·001) while tPA antigen had returned to baseline values. Neither of the hyaluronan-based agents affected peritoneal tPA antigen levels or activity after colonic surgery.

Conclusion
Both abdominal surgery and infection caused an early increase in peritoneal tPA antigen levels, followed by an increase in tPA activity. Peritonitis severely depressed early tPA activity. Application of hyaluronan-based agents did not affect the peritoneal fibrinolytic response to surgery and/or infection.
Randomized clinical trial of the effectiveness of emergency day surgery against standard inpatient treatment
Authors: Conaghan P J , Figueira E , Griffin M A S , Ingham Clark C L 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of treating patients with minor and intermediate general surgical emergency conditions as day cases.

Methods
Emergency referrals for minor and intermediate general surgical conditions were assessed by a surgeon. Those fitting day-case criteria and requiring operation under general anaesthesia were randomized to receive standard inpatient care or day surgery. Patients in the latter group were booked on to day-case lists or gaps on inpatient elective lists for surgery within 48 h. The process was coordinated by an experienced theatre sister.

Results
One hundred patients were randomized. There was a reduction in the number of nights spent in hospital in the day-case group (median 0 versus 2 nights; P &lt; 0·001). The median time from diagnosis to treatment was 1 day in both groups, although there was a small but significant delay in the day-case group (P = 0·018). There was no significant difference in postoperative outcome or patient and general practitioner satisfaction. The day-case option had no increased impact on primary care services but was associated with a significant saving of about £150 per patient (P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
Certain general surgical emergencies may be managed as day cases with cost saving but without detriment to patient care.
The sizes, maturity stages and biomass of mayfly assemblages colonizing disturbed stream bed patches in central Kenya
Authors: Mathooko Jude Mutuku 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe sizes, maturity stages and biomass of mayfly species colonizing disturbed patches on the stream bed surface of the Naro Moru River, Kenya, were determined from June 1993 to January 1994. All maturity stages I–VI+ were present in the pre‐disturbance mayfly assemblages. Colonization of the disturbed patches by mayflies of different maturity stages was continuous, but slow or fast depending on the season and species. The overall post‐disturbance maturity structure of the mayflies colonizing the disturbed patches did not demonstrate any distinct pattern. The majority of Caenis nymphs colonizing the patches in wet season II (November–January) were in emerging maturity stage VI+, whilst the majority of the individuals of Afronurus and Choroterpes (Euthraulus) populations matured from stage I in the wet seasons to stage VI+ in the dry season. Furthermore, the majority of the individuals of Baetis (Nigrobaetis) sp.1 were maturing to stages IV–VI during the wet seasons. Small‐sized mayfly individuals (body length <3.0 mm) of all mayflies colonized the disturbed patches in the majority of numbers. However, although having the highest densities, they contributed a very low biomass compared with the fewer large‐sized nymphs. There was no size gradation in the colonization of the disturbed patches, since all sizes were sampled at all times but in differing proportions. Colonization of the patches by mayflies was not size‐ or maturity stage‐specific. Size distribution patterns could be useful in assessing which mayfly size‐spectra are more or less susceptible to disturbance in streams.
Host plant and ants influence the honeydew sugar composition of aphids
Authors: Fischer M. K. , Shingleton A. W. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Honeydew composition is an important factor in mediating ant–homopteran mutualisms. The trisaccharide melezitose is especially significant in this interaction. Honeydew of threeChaitophorusaphids (Homoptera: Aphididae), reared on two species ofPopulus(Salicaceae), was analysed to investigate factors that may influence honeydew composition. Honeydew ofChaitophorus populialbaeandC. populeticontained high proportions of the melezitose. These species are typically tended by ants. In contrast,C. tremulaehoneydew contained low proportions of melezitose. This species is typically untended. Chaitophorus populetiandC. populialbaeproduced higher proportions of melezitose when reared onPopulus tremulathan onP. alba. Chaitophorus populetiandC. populialbaereduced their production of melezitose when reared in the absence of ants. The reverse was true inC. tremulae. These results show that honeydew composition differs not only between aphid species but also within aphid species. They support known differences in ant preference for the different aphid species, and produce further predictions for ant preference for aphids on different host plants. In particular they show for the first time that ant tending may itself influence honeydew composition. They suggest that maintaining a honeydew composition attractive to ants may incur metabolic costs on aphids.
Natural variability in zygote dispersal ofAscophyllum nodosumat small spatial scales
Authors: Dudgeon S. , Kübler J. E. , Wright W. A. , Vadas Sr R. L. , Petraitis P. S. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Dispersal of propagules of marine benthic species may contribute to variation in the structure and dynamics of populations.Ascophyllum nodosumdominates the mid‐intertidal zone of sheltered rocky shores in the north‐west Atlantic, and populations often consist of large, mature individuals and few newly recruited thalli. We investigated the dispersal of zygotes ofA. nodosumat three sites on Swans Island, ME, USA, to determine its variability under natural conditions and to test whether limited dispersal explains recruitment patterns. At each site we released artificially fertilized, marked zygotes from a single point during the rising tide, and sampled their dispersal using two methods: sampling the water column to track the dispersing cloud of zygotes; and assaying caged ceramic tiles affixed to the shore for the presence of marked zygotes. At all sites, zygotes were diluted to ≤1·3% of the initial concentration within 8–12 min of their release. The mean direction of transport was correlated with both wind and tidal current direction at only one site. The most dense settlement occurred at this site, suggesting greater local reproductive success. Regression analyses based on settlement densities suggest that a quadratic model fit the data best for all sites. Quadratic terms occurred in the direction normal to flow, and are interpreted to represent turbulent transport and diffusion. Both linear and quadratic terms were significant parallel to flow, and we ascribe these to advective transport without and with turbulent mixing, respectively. The range of zygote dispersal exceeded 6 m from the source, and therefore cannot explain the exponential decline of recruits in large patches (≈10 m diameter) within adult stands ofA. nodosum. Migration of zygotes between populations is unlikely, but their local dispersal may strongly influence the spatial and temporal dynamics within populations.
Effects of maternal identity and incubation temperature on Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) growth
Authors: Steyermark A. C. , Spotila J. R. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Individual variation in physiological traits may have important consequences for offspring survival rates and adult fitness. Variance in offspring phenotypes is due to interindividual differences in genotype, environment or maternal effects. This study examined the contributions of family identity, egg incubation environment and maternal effects to individual variation in growth rates in the common Snapping Turtle,Chelydra serpentina. The growth rates of 254 individuals, representing 24 clutches, were measured for approximately 6 months. Mean growth rate for all individuals was 7·21 mg g−1 day−1(= day−1) (SE = 0·12 day−1, range =−3·70–13·03 day−1). Growth rates varied significantly among clutches, ranging from 5·76 to 9·20 day−1, indicating that family identity, and possibly genotype, significantly affects posthatching growth. In general, larger eggs produced larger hatchlings, and individuals that were larger at birth were larger at 175 days of age. Thus, maternal effects were significant throughout the entire growth measurement period. In contrast to results from previous studies, egg incubation temperature did not significantly affect individual growth. Because all individuals received similar treatments and were in similar environments posthatching, our results suggest that there is a genetic component to growth rate, but that egg incubation temperature does not affect growth.