bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defective de novo thymocyte maturation in cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced autoimmunity: expression of costimulatory and activation molecules
Authors: HOMMA M , VAN BREDA VRIESMAN P J C , DAMOISEAUX J G M C 
Published: December 2003

SUMMARY
Lethally x-irradiated Lewis rats, reconstituted with syngeneic bone marrow and transiently treated with CsA for 4 weeks, will develop an autoimmune disease about 2–3 weeks after cessation of CsA therapy. CsA-induced autoimmunity is a thymus-dependent and T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. CsA is thought to generate autoreactive T cells by interference with negative selection in the thymus; x-irradiation is required to eliminate the peripheral autoregulatory T cell circuit. In this study we re-evaluate the effect of CsA on thymic atrophy and thymocyte maturation. Subsequently we examine the expression of costimulatory and activation molecules (CD2, CD5, CD11a, CD11b, CD25, CD28, CD43, CD54, OX-40, RT-1A, RT-1B and RT-1D) during distinct maturational stages in order to detect possible clues to the observed effects of CsA on thymocyte maturation and selection. The results revealed that CsA blocks maturation of double-positive TCRint to double-positive TCRhigh thymocytes and preferentially inhibits the development of mature CD4 single-positive thymocytes. Furthermore, CsA administration resulted in a reduced expression of the costimulatory CD2 molecule. Although it is a matter of debate whether this defective CD2 expression is involved in the aberrant maturation and selection of thymocytes, it is speculated that reduced costimulation via CD2 may influence differentiation into distinct T cell subsets.
Calcium efflux and influx in f-met-leu-phe (fMLP)-activated human neutrophils are chronologically distinct events
Authors: ANDERSON R , MAHOMED A GOOLAM 
Published: December 2003

SUMMARY
The kinetics of efflux of calcium mobilized from intracellular stores following activation of human neutrophils with the synthetic chemotactic tripeptide, fMLP (1 μm), as well as that of the subsequent store-operated influx of this cation, has been measured by radiometric procedures using 45Ca. These procedures enabled distinction between net efflux and influx of 45Ca. Preincubation of neutrophils in medium containing 45Ca as the sole source of Ca2+, followed by activation with fMLP, resulted in a rapid efflux of the cation, which coincided with its release from intracellular stores. Efflux terminated at ≈ 30 s after addition of fMLP to neutrophils and resulted in the loss of 42 ± 3% (P &lt; 0.005) of cell-associated 45Ca. Net influx of 45Ca, which was insensitive to the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blockading agent, verapamil (20 μm), could only be detected at 30–60 s after the addition of fMLP to neutrophils, and proceeded for about 5 min, resulting in intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ which were 27 ± 3% (P &lt; 0.05) higher than preactivation levels. These results demonstrate that the efflux of cytoplasmic Ca2+ mobilized from intracellular stores during activation of neutrophils by fMLP, and the subsequent influx of extracellular Ca2+ to replete these stores, are chronologically distinct events in fMLP-activated neutrophils.
Characterization of murine monoclonal antibodies against the Ro52 autoantigen
Authors: SCHMITZ M , BACHMANN M , LAÜBINGER J , THIJSSEN J P H , PRUIJN G J M 
Published: December 2003

SUMMARY
Immunization of BALB/c mice with purified recombinant human Ro52 protein resulted in three anti-Ro52 MoAbs termed 2E7, 4C6 and 4F11. All anti-Ro52 MoAbs specifically reacted with recombinant human Ro52 protein, and also with Ro52 protein in total extracts of all human cell lines analysed, including the epithelial cell line HeLa, the B cell line Raji, the bladder carcinoma cell line RT112, and a fibroblast cell line derived from patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. The anti-Ro52 MoAbs were able to immunoprecipitate the recombinant human Ro52 protein expressed in wheat germ extract, but failed to precipitate hY RNAs from cell extracts. The staining pattern of the MoAbs strongly differed between the RT112 cells and the fibroblast cell line. RT112 cells displayed an intense cytoplasmic staining and in addition distinct fine nuclear speckles. In contrast, in the fibroblast cell line no cytoplasmic staining but only staining of distinct nuclear speckles was observed. Using deletion mutants of Ro52 the epitopes recognized by the anti-Ro52 MoAbs 2E7, 4C6 and 4F11 were partially mapped. All three MoAbs appeared to recognize distinct epitopes, that are located in the regions of Ro52 bordered by amino acids 136–164, 208–363 and 136–190, respectively. These MoAbs can be of great use in studying the cellular processes in which the Ro52 protein is involved.
Endometrial resection after vacuum curettage
Authors: Maia Jr H. , Calmon L. C. , Marques D. , Oliveira M. C. , Coutinho E. M. 
Published: December 2003

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of suction curettage in removing the functional layers of the endometrium prior to hysteroscopic resection.DesignProspective study conducted during 1 year.PatientsA total of 43 patients aged between 31 and 51 years, with symptoms of menorrhagia.SettingEndoscopy unit in a hospital.InterventionsHysteroscopy and transvaginal sonography were used in the diagnostic work up. Patients were submitted to vacuum curettage immediately prior to endometrial resection. Postoperative treatment with nomegestrol acetate was used in all cases.ResultsSuction curettage was effective in thinning the endometrium prior to endometrial resection. The visualization of the uterine cavity was not adversely affected by this procedure. The amenorrhea rate was 60% in the patients treated postoperatively with nomegestrol acetate. There were two treatment failures in this group.ConclusionSuction curettage is an effective technique for mechanically preparing the endometrium prior to hysteroscopic resection. There was no increased risk for fluid overload in these patients.
Histological results of salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy: a series of 344 tubal pregnancies
Authors: Dubuisson J.‐B. , Chapron C. , Morice P. , Vacher‐Lavenue M.‐C. 
Published: December 2003

ObjectiveTo find out if knowledge of the type, location and extent of histological lesions to the tube might influence the choices for surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy (EP).DesignRetrospective clinical study.SettingDepartment of Gynaecological Surgery, Clinique Universitaire Baudelocque, CHU Cochin Port‐Royal, Paris, France.SubjectsHistological study of 344 cases of laparoscopic salpingectomy for EP.ResultsThe EP was in a proximal location in 14.8% of cases (51 patients) and in a distal location in 85.2% of cases (293 patients). The tube was histologically normal in 17.7% of cases (61 patients). The rate of histologically normal tubes was significantly greater in patients with no past history of tubal problems (28.9%, 22 patients vs. 14.5%, 39 patients; P = 0.0004). In 32.3% of cases (111 patients) tube pathology was bifocal. The rate of bifocal tubal pathologies was significantly greater in cases of proximal EP (45.1%, 23 patients vs. 30%, 88 patients; P = 0.03). Proximal pathology is less often isolated than distal pathology (4.5%, 19 patients, vs. 44.5%, 153 patients).ConclusionsLaparoscopic surgical treatment needs to be more radical (salpingectomy) when the EP is proximal and when the patient presents a past history of tubal surgery and/or infection.
Direct appositional (no flap) closure of deep anal fistula
Authors: Thomson W. H. F. , Fowler A. L. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective  After sphincter‐sparing core fistulectomy for deep anal fistula most surgeons advance a rectal mucosal flap to reinforce closure of the internal opening. Our own method having for many years been simple appositional closure the resulting series presented an opportunity for comparison.Patients and methods  From November 1987 to January 2001, 44 patients underwent 46 core fistulectomies with flap‐less direct appositional closure in our unit. Records were kept prospectively. Twenty‐six fistulae (in 28 patients) appeared healed at two to five months follow‐up and the patients had been discharged. A full review was mounted in May 2001, when 16 of the healed patients could be contacted and questionnaires completed. Two patients were excluded from the study.Results  The procedure failed in 16 patients initially and was found to have done so in two more at long‐term follow‐up (41% overall). Three patients had died and five could not be traced.Conclusion  Simple appositional closure after core fistulectomy for deep anal fistula seems inferior to methods using flap reinforcement.
Pre‐operative radiotherapy for rectal carcinoma? Has the case really been made for short course pre‐operative radiotherapy if surgical standards for rectal carcinoma are optimal?
Authors: Hermanek P. , Heald R. J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractRecent publications on early results of the Dutch trial on pre‐operative radiotherapy combined with total mesorectal excision (TME) for resectable rectal cancer have initiated a major swing towards routine radiotherapy of this type. However, detailed analysis of the data so far published shows 23.3% microscopic margin involvement and 23.9% macroscopically poor specimens in a sample group. Since only mobile tumours were selected these figures are too high to validate the claim that the whole series represents ‘standardized TME surgery’. The role of pre‐operative radiotherapy for resectable rectal cancer undergoing optimal surgery therefore remains open. It may be expected that in future the individual indication for pre‐operative radiotherapy will be based on the findings of pre‐operative modern fine slice high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Quality of life in patients with chronic anal fissure
Authors: Griffin N. , Acheson A. G. , Tung P. , Sheard C. , Glazebrook C. , Scholefield J. H. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective  Little is known about the quality of life in patients with the distressing symptoms of chronic anal fissure. This was a prospective study assessing the physical and mental health of fissure patients before and after topical treatment.Patients and methods  New patients attending the fissure clinic were recruited prospectively into the study over a 2‐month period. On first appointment, patients were given 2 questionnaires to complete: the Short‐Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) and a general questionnaire recording patients' demographic details, previous treatment, site and duration of fissure and symptoms on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Following an 8‐week course of topical treatment, patients repeated the SF‐36 and symptoms were again recorded on a VAS. Healing of fissure was noted.Results  Fifty‐four patients entered the study, of which 39 returned for follow‐up; 16 male, 23 female; mean age 38.6 years (range 17–80 years). Median duration of fissure was 6 months (3 months – 10 years). Higher VAS ratings for fissure pain were associated with worse scores for all aspects of health‐related quality of life, including mental health (P < 0.001), bodily pain (P < 0.001), vitality (P < 0.006) and social functioning (P < 0.001). Compared to age and gender matched norms for the SF‐36, fissure patients had more bodily pain (P < 0.001, Wilcoxon) and poorer health perceptions (P < 0.02, Wilcoxon). Gender did not affect any of the SF‐36 subscales. However, females did report significantly more bleeding (P = 0.05). On follow‐up, healing was complete in 27 patients (69%). Symptoms of pain, bleeding and irritation were all significantly reduced in this group. Repeating the SF‐36 showed an improvement in bodily pain, role‐physical functioning and vitality (P < 0.05).Conclusion  Successful nonsurgical treatment of chronic anal fissure leads to symptomatic improvement and beneficially affects health‐related quality of life.
Joint Effects of Group Efficacy and Gender Diversity on Group Cohesion and Performance
Authors: Lee Cynthia , Farh Jiing‐Lih 
Published: December 2003

Cette étude s’intéresse aux facteurs de l’efficience de groupe et à la conjonction de l’efficience de groupe et de la mixité sur las relation entre l’efficience et les résultats du groupe. On a constitué 45 groupes d’étudiants de 1° cycle (N= 260) devant réaliser en classe deux projets en commun. Il est apparu que la performance antérieure et l’auto‐efficience étaient toutes deux positivement corrélées à l’efficience de groupe. De plus, l’interaction de la mixité et de l’efficience de groupe entretenait une liaison positive avec l’efficacité de groupe (qualité du projet et cohésion du groupe). En particulier, la mixité facilitait la relation entre l’efficacité et l’efficience de groupe. Une discussion porte sur les implications de cette recherche.This study examined the sources of group efficacy and the joint roles of group efficacy and gender diversity on the relationship between group efficacy and group outcomes. We used 45 project groups (260 undergraduate students) designed to complete two in‐class group projects. We found that past performance and self‐efficacy were both positively related to group efficacy. Further, the interaction of gender diversity and group efficacy was positively related to group effectiveness (project grade and group cohesion). Specifically, mixed gender groups facilitated the relationship between group efficacy and group effectiveness. Implications of the study are discussed.
Effects at age nine of maternal smoking in pregnancy: experimental and observational findings
Authors: MacArthur Christine , Knox E. George , Lancashire Robert J. 
Published: December 2003

Objectives To compare long term outcomes of a randomised controlled trial of anti‐smoking education in pregnancy and to examine the same outcomes according to maternal pregnancy smoking behaviour.Design Follow up of the population included in the randomised controlled trial nine years later and of ex‐smokers and non‐smokers within the same hospital population.Setting A maternity hospital in Birmingham with follow up of children in schools and mothers at home.Population 1218 smokers recruited to the trial; also 191 ex‐smokers at booking and 414 non‐smokers throughout pregnancy.Methods Children were assessed individually by psychologists in schools, and mothers interviewed at home to obtain additional information relevant to cognitive development and growth. Information on smoking during pregnancy was obtained from mothers and obstetric data from computerised case‐notes, both recorded immediately following delivery.Main outcome measures Height, weight, IQ and neurological soft signs at 9.4 years.Results Differences in birthweight and length between the intervention and control groups were confirmed but no intervention–control differences were found at age 9.4 for weight, height, IQ or neurological soft signs. Differences were found for height and IQ according to mothers pregnancy smoking behaviour, but smoking did not remain an independent predictor after taking account of confounding factors. Alternative classifications of smoking behaviour, taking account of the gestation at stopping and mean cigarette consumption throughout pregnancy likewise showed no effect.Conclusions The well established early hazards of smoking during pregnancy seem to be resolved by later childhood, with no evidence of direct long term effects on growth or cognitive functioning.
A comparison of oral and vaginal misoprostol for induction of labour at term: a randomised trial
Authors: Kwon Janice S. , Davies Gregory A.L. , Mackenzie V. Paul 
Published: December 2003

Objective To compare the efficacy of oral with vaginal misoprostol for induction of labour at term.Design Randomised trial.Setting Tertiary Care hospital.Participants One hundred and sixty‐seven women requiring induction of labour.Methods The women were randomised to receive 50 μg of misoprostol orally or vaginally every 6 h until the cervix was favourable for amniotomy, spontaneous rupture of membranes, or active labour occurred. Sample size was calculated with a two‐tailed alpha of 0.05 and a power of 95% to detect a 5 h difference in induction‐to‐delivery time. Student's t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous variables and the Mann‐Whitney U test was used for non‐Gaussian distributed continuous variables. Fisher's exact and χ2 tests were used for comparison of categorical variables. The main outcome measure was induction to delivery time.Results The median induction to delivery time was significantly shorter with vaginal misoprostol (15.7 h range 4.3‐55.7), compared with oral misoprostol (23.0 h range 3.2‐141.7, P=0.0013). The median number of doses was also significantly less in the vaginal misoprostol group, 1 (range 1‐3), compared with the oral group, 2 (range 1‐8), (P<0.0001). The significant differences in outcome held true when nulliparous and multiparous women were analysed separately. There were no differences between the two routes of administration with respect to rates of hyperstimulation or neonatal asphyxia. There were more caesarean sections in the vaginal misoprostol group, but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions Compared with oral misoprostol, vaginal misoprostol for induction of labour at term results in a shorter induction‐to‐delivery time, with fewer doses required per patient. Vaginal misoprostol may be associated with higher rates of caesarean section than oral misoprostol.
The frequency of significant pathology in women attending a general gynaecological service for postcoital bleeding
Authors: Rosenthal Adam N. , Panoskaltsis Theo , Smith Trudy , Soutter W.P. 
Published: December 2003

Objectives To document the frequency of pathology in women who complain of postcoital bleeding. To determine whether negative cervical cytology excludes serious pathology in women with postcoital bleeding. To determine whether postcoital bleeding increases the risk of serious pathology in women with an abnormal smear.Design A retrospective study.Setting A university teaching hospital.Population 314 women with postcoital bleeding seen in the gynaecology service from first January 1988 to 31 December 1994.Methods Women were identified from the computerised records of the colposcopy service and copies of correspondence, which was routinely retained on computer. The latter was searched for the text strings coital and intercourse.Main outcome measure Histopathological diagnosis.Results Twelve women (4%) had invasive cancer: 10 were cervical or vaginal cancers and two endometrial cancers. Eight of the 10 cervical or vaginal cancers were clinically apparent. Four women of these 10 had had a normal smear before being referred for further investigation of postcoital bleeding. Two of these cancers were visible only with the aid of the colposcope. Thus, 0.6% of women attending a gynaecology service with postcoital bleeding, a normal looking cervix and a normal smear had invasive cancer of the cervix. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were found in 54 women (17.%) and 15 women (5%) had cervical polyps. Nineteen of the 63 women (30%) with significant pathology had a normal or inflammatory cervical smear. No explanation for the postcoital bleeding was found in 155 women (49 %).Conclusions Although invasive cancer is rare in women with postcoital bleeding, it is much commoner than in the general population. It seems likely that cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is also associated with postcoital bleeding, perhaps because the fragile cervical epithelium becomes detached during intercourse. Postcoital bleeding should continue to be regarded as an indication of high risk for invasive cervical cancer and for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Prompt referral to a colposcopy clinic is indicated, but most women with postcoital bleeding will have no serious abnormality.
Oestrogen deficiency causes DNA damage in uterine leiomyoma cells: a possible mechanism for shrinkage of fibroids by GnRH agonists
Authors: Cheng Ya‐Min , Chou Cheng‐Yang , Huang Soon‐Cen , Lin Hui‐Chuan 
Published: December 2003

Objective
To examine whether gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist or oestradiol can directly affect DNA in leiomyoma cells.Design
In vitro explant culture of leiomyoma cells.Setting
University research group.Sample
Leiomyoma cells were cultured from the specimens of four premenopausal women at myomectomy.Methods
The presence of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone receptor in leiomyoma cells was determined by reverse transcriptase–olymerase chain reaction. Leiomyoma cells were treated with gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist or cultured in different concentrations of oestrogen, progesterone or fetal calf serum for one, four or seven days.Main outcome measures
Cell number, expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and DNA damage after one, four or seven days of treatment.Results
Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone receptor messenger ribonucleic acid was detected on cultured leiomyoma cells. Leiomyoma cell growth was not affected by the addition of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist or progesterone, but increased with oestrogen or fetal calf serum supplementation. Overexpression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was prevented in cultures added with oestrogen or fetal calf serum, but not related to gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist treatment. Significant decreases in DNA damage as indicated by decreased comet number were found in the leiomyoma cultures treated with oestrogen or fetal calf serum for four and seven days but not with gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist or progesterone. Furthermore, 5% fetal calf serum supplementation was more growth supporting and more significantly reduced the comet number than 250 pM 17 β‐oestradiol.Conclusion
Cell growth, proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and DNA damage are dependent on oestrogen or fetal calf serum, but independent of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist or progesterone. Our findings suggest that gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist‐induced leiomyoma shrinkage may be due in part to a mechanism involving DNA damage, and support the hypothesis that gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist exerts its action indirectly through oestrogen action on the tumour level.
The Ipswich childbirth study: one year follow up of alternative methods used in perineal repair
Authors: Grant Adrian , Gordon Beverley , Mackrodat Carolyn , Fern Elizabeth , Truesdale Ann , Ayers Sarah 
Published: December 2003

Objective To assess the long term implications of four alternative approaches to postpartum perineal repair.Design A stratified randomised controlled trial using a 2x2 factorial design.Setting Original recruitment at the Maternity Unit at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, a district general hospital, between 1992 and 1994.Sample Seven hundred and ninety three women who had participated in the Ipswich Childbirth Study – a trial among women who had required repair of episiotomy or first or second degree tears – at least one year previously.Methods Self‐completed postal follow up at least one year after recruitment to trial comparing 1. two‐stage repair leaving the skin unsutured with standard three‐stage repair, and 2. polyglactin 910 with chromic catgut as suture material for the repair.Main outcome measures Failure to resume pain‐free intercourse; persistent perineal pain; perineum feeling different; resuturing; time to resume pain‐free intercourse; and dyspareunia.Results Fewer women allocated two‐stage repair reported that the perineum felt different (30% versus 40%; RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.91; 2P<0.01); otherwise there were no clear differences between the two methods. Women allocated polyglactin 910 were less likely to have dyspareunia (8% versus 13%; RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.91; 2P= 0.02) and less likely to fail to resume pain‐free intercourse (8% versus 14%; RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.87; 2P<0.01).Conclusion Two‐stage repair of perineal trauma leaving the skin unsutured appears to reduce the likelihood of the perineum feeling different from before delivery, in addition to less pain and dyspareunia initially; there were no apparent disadvantages. Polyglactin 910 reduces dyspareunia long term, indicating that the short term benefits of this material over chromic catgut persist.