bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Administration of Cortisone to Female B6A Mice During their Immune Adaptive Period Causes Anovulation and the Formation of Ovarian Cysts
Authors: Chapman John C. , Min Soohong , Kunaporn Saichol , Tung Keith , Shah Saureen , Michael Sandra D. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Female mice that are injected with estradiol‐17β (E2) and testosterone during the 7‐day immune adaptive period are infertile at adulthood. To determine whether the resultant infertility can be caused by steroids other than estrogens/androgens, this study examined the effect of injecting cortisone, alone, and in combination with E2 and testosterone, on reproductive function.METHOD OF STUDY: Neonatal (C57BL/6J × A/J)F1 B6A female mice were injected from 3 to 6 days of age with sesame oil:ethanol (9:1; v:v), alone, or containing 20 μg cortisone acetate, 20 μg E2, or 20 μg testosterone. Two additional groups were given 20 μg cortisone acetate in combination with 20 μg E2 or 20 μg testosterone. At adulthood the animals were killed, the stage of vaginal estrus determined, the ovaries examined for the presence of corpora lutea and follicular cysts, and circulating levels of progesterone, E2, and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA).RESULTS: It was found that injections of cortisone seriously compromise reproductive development. For example, 11% of cortisone‐injected animals had ovaries that lacked corpora lutea. In addition, 39% of cortisone‐injected females had ovaries with follicular cysts. Cortisone‐injected females also had low levels of circulating progesterone (18 ng/mL versus 30 ng/mL for the sesame oil‐injected females).CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the deleterious effect of steroids on reproductive function, when administered during the immune adaptive period, is not restricted to estrogens and androgens. It is proposed that injections of cortisone alter T‐lymphocyte subsets, which contributes to anovulation and the production of follicular cysts.
Fetal Survival in the Rat as Affected by Intrauterine Injection of Serum Containing Antiphospholipid Antibodies
Authors: Halperin Reuvit , Hadas Eran , Shinnar Nili , Bukovsky Ian , Schneider David 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM:  We wanted to study and examine whether the detrimental effect of antiphospholipid antibodies on gestation is locally derived. Therefore, we established an experimental rat model, enabling to study the intrauterine effect of serum, containing antiphospholipid antibodies, in vivo.METHODS:  Sera were obtained from five women, having anticardiolipin antibody and lupus anticoagulant, and presenting with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Pooled serum of 150 μL was injected into unilateral uterine horn of each rat on days L2–L7 of rat pregnancy. The contralateral uterine horn was used for injection of 150 μL normal serum or physiologic saline as a control. The rats were sacrificed on day L14, and the uterus of each rat was inspected for the presence of live and resorbed fetuses.RESULTS:  A significant effect on fetal resorption and viability was observed following the intrauterine injection of antiphospholipid positive serum (APL positive serum), as compared with the intrauterine injection of normal serum or saline. A significant increase in fetal resorption rate and decrease in fetal viability was noted following the injection of APL positive serum on day L6 (P = 0.005 and 0.004, respectively) and day L7 (P = 0.003 and 0.003, respectively) as compared with normal serum. A comparison with the contralateral injection of saline demonstrated a significant effect of the APL positive serum also following the intrauterine injection on days L3 and L5.CONCLUSIONS:  The current study provides an experimental rat model, which can be employed to study the local intrauterine effect of APL positive serum on pregnancy outcome and to further assess the efficacy of various treatment modalities.
Influence of Carrier Protein Conjugation Site and Terminal Modification of a GnRH‐I Peptide Sequence in the Development of a Highly Specific Anti‐fertility Vaccine. Part I
Authors: Ferro Valerie A. , Khan Mohammad A. H. , Earl Elizabeth R. , Harvey Michael J. A. , Colston Angela , Stimson William H. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: We previously immunoneutralized gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), using an analogue of GnRH (des‐1 GnRH‐I), conjugated to tetanus toxoid via a carbodiimide reaction. The castration effect on the reproductive system was not consistent in all the treated animals. Therefore, we examined the possibility that conjugation to the carrier protein via the N‐ or C‐terminal could have an effect on efficacy.METHOD OF STUDY: GnRH analogue sequences were synthesized consisting of an additional cysteine at either terminal and specific conjugation was carried out using a bifunctional linker agent.RESULTS: Conjugation of the monomer through the N‐terminal proved to be a highly effective means of causing immunocastration in terms of decreased gonadotrophin and testosterone concentrations and testicular size, whereas conjugation through the C‐terminal proved to be ineffective. This was reflected in the ability of the antibodies to bind native GnRH, but not the levels of the anti‐GnRH antibodies.CONCLUSION: Immunoneutralization efficacy was attributed to the importance of preserving the GnRH C‐terminal.
Effect of Ovaric Hyper‐stimulation on Blood Lymphocyte Subpopulations, Cytokines, Leptin and Nitrite Among Patients with Unexplained Infertility
Authors: Fornari M. C. , Sarto A. , Berardi V. E. , Martínez M. A. , Rocha M. G. , Pasqualini S. , Diez R. A. 
Published: March 2003

Fornari MC, Sarto A, Berardi VE, Martínez MA, Rocha MG, Pasqualini S, Diez RA. Effect of ovaric hyper‐stimulation on blood lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokines, leptin and nitrite among patients with unexplained infertility. AJRI 2002; 48:394–403 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002PROBLEM: To determine the effect of ovarian stimulation on TH1, TH2 and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes, plasma cytokines, leptin and nitrite levels.METHODS: Women with reproductive failure were studied during the implantation window, at baseline (n=18) and under ovarian stimulation (gonadotropins + progesterone, n=6). Controls: eight fertile women. Lymphocyte subpopulations and NK function were determined by flow cytometry. Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐4, IL‐10, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, TGF‐β1 and leptin were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA); nitrite by the Griess reaction.RESULTS: At baseline, patients had higher values of NK effectors, NK activity and plasma IFN‐γ and IL‐2 than controls. Conversely, TGF‐β1 values were lower. Hormones induced leukocytosis. Under stimulation, TH1 CD4+ cells, NK effectors and function and plasma IFN‐γ and IL‐2 decreased, while transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 increased. Other variables did not change.CONCLUSION: The abnormal distribution of leukocytes, high TH1 cytokines and a low TGF‐β1 associated with reproductive failure, respond to ovarian stimulation, achieving total or partial normalization.
Progesterone Induced Blocking Factor (PIBF) Mediates Progesterone Induced Suppression of Decidual Lymphocyte Cytotoxicity
Authors: LAŠKARIN GORDANA , TOKMADŽIĆ VLATKA S. , ŠTRBO NATAŠA , BOGOVIĆ TATJANA , SZEKERES‐BARTHO JULIA , RANDIĆ LJILJANA , PODACK ECKHARD R. , RUKAVINA DANIEL 
Published: March 2003

Laškarin G, Tokmadžić VS, Štrbo N, Bogović T, Szekeres‐Bartho J, Randić L, Podack ER, Rukavina D. Progesterone induced blocking factor (PIBF) mediates progesterone induced suppression of decidual lymphocyte cytotoxicity. AJRI 2002; 48:201–209 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002PROBLEM:  Progesterone induced blocking factor (PIBF) is a mediator of progesterone that blocks peripheral blood lytic natural killer (NK) activity. Progesterone or PIBF stimulated decidual macrophages block up‐regulation of perforin expression in decidual lymphocytes (DL). Therefore, we investigated whether progesterone regulates cytotoxicity of DL.METHOD OD STUDY:  Decidual mononuclear cells were cultured with progesterone, PIBF, progesterone and anti‐PIBF antibody or in the medium only. Cytolytic activity of non‐adherent DL was measured by PKH‐26 (red) 2 hr cytolytic assay and flow cytometry. Perforin positive DL were detected by immunofluorescency and PIBF‐positive cells by immunohistology.RESULTS:  Progesterone and PIBF, in a dose‐dependent manner decreased cytotoxicity of DL against K‐562 targets, and perforin egzocytosys was blocked. Anti‐PIBF antibodies reversed the progesterone mediated reduction in cytolytic activity of DL. PIBF positive cells were found in first trimester pregnancy decidua.CONCLUSION:  The results indicate possible role for PIBF, as a mediator of progesterone in regulation of DL cytolytic activity at the maternal–foetal (M–F) interface.
Changes in the Number of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and Concentrations of IL‐8 and Granulocyte Elastase in the Vaginas of Normal Pregnant Women
Authors: YAMADA TETSUO , MINAKAMI HISANORI , MATSUBARA SHIGEKI , KOHMURA YASUHIRO , AOYA TOSHIO , SATO IKUO 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: It is unknown whether the number of vaginal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (vPMNs) of healthy pregnant women changes during pregnancy.METHOD OF STUDY: We studied 23 women after 14.7 ± 3.6 weeks, 37 women after 25.2 ± 3.1 weeks, and 26 women after 32.9 ± 2.0 weeks of gestation. Numbers of total vPMNs, viable vPMNs, dead vPMNs, percentage viability of vPMNs, and concentrations of IL‐8 and elastase activity were determined in vaginal washings.RESULTS: The vPMNs, including viable and dead vPMNs, significantly increased with advancing gestation from 9.9 ± 8.6 × 105 to 13.1 ± 13.4 × 105, and to 27.1 ± 26.6 × 105 (r=0.315, P < 0.01). Vaginal IL‐8 significantly increased with advancing gestation. However, increases in vaginal elastase activity did not occur.CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that an increase in vPMNs is an early event, and that the increase in vaginal elastase activity is a late event in relation to the ripening of the uterine cervix.
Expression of Pro‐inflammatory Cytokines in Mouse Blastocysts During Implantation: Modulation by Steroid Hormones
Authors: BASAK SAYANTANI , DUBANCHET SYLVIE , ZOURBAS SANDRINE , CHAOUAT GÉRARD , DAS CHANDANA 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Expression and hormonal regulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and their role in blastocyst activation and implantation is poorly known. The present study is aimed at analysing the expression and hormonal modulation of two pro‐inflammatory cytokines [interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) and IL‐6] in mouse blastocysts during implantation.METHOD OF STUDY: Blastocyst–uterine interactions are inhibited by progesterone during implantation and subsequent treatment with oestrogen triggers events that allow implantation to begin. Using this delayed implantation mouse model, dormant and activated blastocysts were recovered from mice treated with progesterone alone and progesterone plus oestrogen therapy, respectively. Expression of IL‐1α and IL‐6 messenger RNA (mRNA) was analysed in normal, dormant and activated blastocysts by in situ hybridization using specific labelled sense and antisense RNA probes, and the protein expression of the same was analysed by immunocytochemistry.RESULTS: In situ hybridization revealed IL‐1α and IL‐6 mRNA localization in normal, dormant and activated blastocysts and a differential expression was observed in relation to the exposure to progesterone and oestrogen. There was less expression in the dormant blastocysts as compared with the normal and activated ones, and the pattern was similar for both cytokines. Immunocytochemistry also revealed a similar pattern of protein expression to that of the mRNA expression for both the cytokines.CONCLUSIONS: Using a delayed implantation model, we show that mouse blastocysts express both IL‐1α and IL‐6 mRNA as well as their respective proteins. Both mRNA and the protein levels of IL‐1α and IL‐6 seem to be hormonally modulated in mouse blastocysts during implantation.
Demonstration of the Presence of IL‐16, IL‐17 and IL‐18 at the Murine Fetomaternal Interface during Murine Pregnancy
Authors: Ostojic S. , Dubanchet S. , Chaouat G. , Abdelkarim M. , Truyens C. , Capron F. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM:  To determine if interleukin‐16 (IL‐16), IL‐17, and IL‐18 are present at the murine fetomaternal interface during pregnancy as a first step towards investigating their roles in fetomaternal relationship.METHODS:  Expression of IL‐16, IL‐17, and IL‐18, was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the BALB/c × BALB/k (H2d × H2k), and the CBA/J × BALB/c non‐abortion prone, and CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion prone matings. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed for the two latter cytokines to compare local production in the abortion prone CBA/J × DBA/2 versus the non‐abortion prone CBA/J × BALB/c matings.RESULTS:  Expression of IL‐17 was borderline. The anti‐IL‐16 staining specifically localized in the uterine stroma and glandular epithelium and was rather low in the placenta. IL‐18 staining started in the peri‐implantation uterus in the basal proliferative stroma, and was also traced, although weaker, in the glandular epithelium. In the immediate post‐implantation period, a weak stromal staining persisted but there was a strong labeling of the ectoplacental cone. Interestingly, when the ectoplacental cone differentiates into placenta having a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I+ spongiotrophoblast and a (MHC class I–) labyrinth, a very strong transient labeling of uterine natural killer (u‐NK) cells was found. Later in gestation, IL‐18 was also produced by giant cell and spongiotrophoblast. Finally, we compared by ELISA the production of IL‐17/‐18 in CBA/J × DBA/2 and CBA/J × BALB/c matings. We detected significantly more IL‐18 in the non‐abortion prone combination decidua or placenta.CONCLUSION:  The three cytokines IL‐16, IL‐17, and IL‐18 were detected at the fetomaternal interface with a tissue specific, stage‐dependent distribution. The predominance of IL‐18 secretion in the non‐resorption prone matings lead us to question the general validity of the classical T‐helper (Th)1/2 paradigm.
Increased Pregnancy‐Associated Plasma Protein‐A (PAPP‐A) Concentrations in Peritoneal Fluid of Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Arici Aydin , Matalliotakis Ioannis , Goumenou Anastasia , Koumantakis Georgios , Fragouli Yvoni , Mahutte Neal G. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM:  Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) belongs to a group of glycoproteins isolated from extracts of human placenta. Healthy ovarian and uterine tissues are also known to express PAPP‐A. We hypothesized that PAPP‐A levels might also be elevated in the peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with endometriosis, and examined variations in PF PAPP‐A during the menstrual cycle and with the severity of the disease.METHOD OF STUDY:  PF PAPP‐A were measured in 60 women with endometriosis and 38 women without endometriosis using a high‐sensitivity immunofluorometric assay.RESULTS:  We found that the mean level of PAPP‐A was higher in PF from patients with endometriosis than controls (p = 0.003). Furthermore, significant correlation was found between the stages of endometriosis and the levels of PAPP‐A in these patients (r = 0.39, p = 0.009). The concentrations of PAPP‐A in PF were significantly higher in the secretory phase than the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle in both women with and without endometriosis (p = 0.009 and P = 0.002, respectively). Finally, among the controls, women undergoing tubal ligation had significantly lower mean PF levels of PAPP‐A than women with infertility or pelvic pain (p = 0.001).CONCLUSION:  We conclude that PF levels of PAPP‐A vary during the menstrual cycle, and are highest in the secretory phase. We also find that PF PAPP‐A levels are significantly increased in women with endometriosis, and that the degree of elevation corresponds to the extent of disease.
Traumatized Primary Teeth in Children Assisted at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Mariane , De Carvalho Rocha Maria José 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  – The goal of the present study was to identify the factors related to the occurrence of dental trauma in deciduous teeth. Over a period of 25 months, 85 children between 10 months and 6 years of age were assisted by the staff of the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) Florianópolis, Brazil. The children, all assisted by only one professional, a dentist working as a trainee in the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic, had 157 traumatized teeth treated. The occurrence of trauma was higher in male patients (51.8%) and in children between 1 and 3 years old. The average age was about

= 2.7 years. The 54.1% of the assisted children had more than one traumatized tooth and the repeat trauma occurred 16.7% of the time. Anterior teeth represented 98.7% of the cases and 76.4% of the trauma were on the maxillary central incisor teeth. Both sides of the mouth had approximately the same number of traumatic injuries. Luxations were more frequent (85.4%) than fractures (14.6%). Subluxations represented 38.8% of the luxated teeth. Falls were the main cause of trauma (78%). A percentage of 41.9 children were assisted by a dental professional during the first 24 h after the incident. The study concluded that the deciduous dentition is mostly affected by luxations (subluxations) that occur specially on the maxillary central incisor teeth, in patients between 1 and 3 years of age. Falls are the most common etiological factor and more than one traumatized tooth is common. Some of the cases were repeat traumatic injuries.
Treatment of replacement resorption with Emdogain® − a prospective clinical study
Authors: Filippi Andreas , Pohl Yango , Von Arx Thomas 
Published: March 2003

Abstract –The present clinical study investigated the outcome of intentional replantation using Emdogain for periodontal healing following trauma‐related ankylosis. Sixteen ankylosed teeth affected by replacement resorption were treated as follows: After tooth extraction, the root canal was obturated with a retrograde titanium post. Emdogain was applied to the root surface and into the extraction socket with subsequent replantation of the tooth. Evaluation parameters included horizontal and vertical Periotest scores, percussion sound and periapical radiographs. All findings were compared to those of the adjacent teeth. The mean follow‐up period was 15 months (range 4–24 months). Eleven teeth showed no signs of recurrence of ankylosis: they were in full function and exhibited no pathological clinical findings. Four severely traumatized teeth demonstrated a recurrence of ankylosis after a mean period of 6 months, one tooth was lost in a second accident after 7 months. The estimated probability of 1 year without recurrence of ankylosis was P = 0.66 (95% confidence interval [0.40; 0.94]). The mean survival time was 10.2 months (SD 1.1). The results indicate that treatment of replacement resorption following light to moderate trauma with replantation and Emdogain appears to prevent or delay recurrence of ankylosis in many cases.
Methods for detecting coronary disease: epidemiology and clinical management
Authors: Faergeman O. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe epidemic of atherosclerotic disease in wealthy countries had probably begun by 1900. Although a few physicians understood how atherosclerosis/thrombosis of the coronary arteries caused angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, the medical community did not accept that relationship until the 1920s. In wealthy countries, the epidemic peaked in mid‐century, and it is now advancing in poor countries and in countries becoming affluent. Two recent developments in methods for disease detection, however, will profoundly affect not only our understanding of the epidemic of atherosclerotic disease, but also our management of patients. A redefinition of the clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, a well‐used but imperfect measure of the epidemic, was published in September 2000. Criteria employed for about 50 years have now been replaced by criteria based on sensitive biochemical markers of necrosis of as little as 1 g of myocardium, accompanied by chest discomfort or electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, or following coronary artery intervention. The new criteria, adopted by the major societies of cardiology in Europe and the United States, is likely to increase the apparent incidence and prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD). In the beginning of the twentieth century, diagnosis of CHD required an autopsy. In the end it was carried out by angiography as well, but it could not be applied to large proportions of the population. That has now been changed by new, non‐invasive methods of computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and patients, however, asymptomatic, will expect treatment for a disease that physicians have detected. Coronary artery disease (CAD) will be to CHD what occult cancer is to cancer.
Randomized trial of Lichtenstein versus Shouldice hernia repair in general surgical practice
Authors: Nordin P , Bartelmess P , Jansson C , Svensson C , Edlund G 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
The aim of the present randomized trial was to compare the Shouldice procedure and the Lichtenstein hernia repair with respect to recurrence rate, technical difficulty, convalescence and chronic pain. A further aim was to determine to what extent general surgeons in routine surgical practice were able to reproduce the excellent results reported from specialist hernia centres.

Methods
Three hundred patients with primary inguinal hernia were randomized to either a Shouldice repair or to a tension-free Lichtenstein repair. In a pretrial training programme the five participating general surgeons were taught to perform the two techniques in a standard manner. Follow-up was performed after 8 weeks, 1 year and 3 years. The last examination was performed by an independent blinded assessor.

Results
There was a significant difference in operating time in favour of the Lichtenstein technique. After a follow-up of 36–77 months seven recurrences were found in the Shouldice group (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1·3 to 8·1) and one in the mesh group (95 per cent c.i. 0·0 to 2·0). Chronic groin pain was reported by 4·2 and 5·6 per cent in the Shouldice and Lichtenstein groups respectively. It was characterized as mild or moderate in all except two patients who had the Shouldice operation.

Conclusion
Lichtenstein hernia repair was easier to learn, took less time and resulted in fewer recurrences. It was possible to achieve excellent results with this technique in a general surgical unit.
Liver fibrosis increases the risk of intrahepatic recurrence after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ko S , Kanehiro H , Hisanaga M , Nagao M , Ikeda N , Nakajima Y 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly develops in patients with chronic hepatitis. Intrahepatic recurrence after hepatectomy often includes nodules of new tumour in the liver remnant. The aim of this study was to examine hepatitis-related factors that might predict this type of recurrence.

Methods
The influence of various hepatitis-related factors on intrahepatic recurrence of HCC was studied by multivariate analysis in 138 patients who underwent curative resection and were followed for more than 2 years.

Results
The Cox proportional hazard model showed that histological evidence of fibrosis of the underlying liver was the most significant predictive factor for intrahepatic recurrence (P = 0·001). Serum albumin level was also significantly associated with recurrence (P = 0·038). The relative risks of histological fibrosis and low serum albumin levels were 8·9 and 1·7 respectively. Among tumour-related factors, only tumour size was significantly associated with recurrence (P = 0·017). Major hepatectomy was also an independent risk factor for intrahepatic recurrence (P = 0·004).

Conclusion
Histological evidence of fibrosis and low serum albumin levels are useful predictors of intrahepatic recurrence after hepatectomy, presumably owing to metachronous multifocal tumour in the liver remnant.