bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cluster Headache and the Sympathetic Nerve
Authors: Albertyn J. , Barry R. , Odendaal C. L. 
Published: July 2004

Objective.—To determine the effect of a sympathetic block at C7 on cluster headache.Backround.—Eleven patients presenting to a pain control unit with cluster headache were included in the study after giving informed consent.Methods.—In all patients, a mixture of 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride and 1 cc of methylprednisolone acetate was injected onto the base of the C7 transverse process.Results.—The injection was applied during the acute phase of headache in 6 patients and all experienced immediate and complete relief. The other 5 patients received the injection between attacks. Of the 11 patients treated, 8 went into remission by aborting the cluster. In some patients, repeated injections were given before the cluster was aborted. Three patients did not respond to treatment. One patient with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania experienced pain relief of the acute attack after treatment, but the procedure did not abort the subsequent attacks. A surgical sympathectomy removing the stellate ganglion rendered him pain‐free for 15 months after which he was lost to follow‐up.Conclusion.—Blocking the sympathetic nerve aborts an acute attack of cluster headache and may play a major role in aborting the cluster. Although only one patient with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania responded to surgical sympathectomy, this procedure may be considered as an alternative if there is poor response to oral medication or a sympathetic block.
Fracture toughness of various core build‐up materials
Authors: Bonilla E. D. , Mardirossian G. , Caputo A. A. 
Published: August 2004

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to compare the fracture toughness of several core materials.Materials and Methods Five core build‐up materials were tested: (1) glass ionomer, (2) resin‐modified glass ionomer, (3) titanium‐reinforced composite, (4) composite resin with fluoride, and (5) amalgam. Fracture toughness determinations were made using 3‐point flexure of beams with a central single‐edge notch. The notch was standardized by the use of a special mold into which each of the materials was condensed. Ten beams of each material were tested on an Instron test machine (Instron Corp, Canton, MA) at a crosshead speed of 1.25 mm/min. The maximum loads were determined from which the fracture toughness values (KIC) were calculated. The data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance and t tests.Results The mean fracture toughness value in MN·m−3/2 for each of them is as follows: (1) glass ionomer, 0.717 ± 0.071; (2) resin‐modified glass ionomer, 0.747 ± 0.061; (3) titanium‐reinforced composite, 1.409 ± 0.051; (4) composite resin with fluoride, 1.660 ± 0.086; and (5) amalgam, 1.521 ± 0.081. There was no significant difference in the KIC values for the glass ionomer‐based materials, and both of these were significantly lower than amalgam, titanium‐reinforced composite resin, and composite resin with fluoride (p < .001).Conclusions The titanium‐reinforced composite resin, the composite resin with fluoride, and amalgam materials showed fracture toughness most likely to withstand the stresses generated during mastication.
An in vitro comparison of 5 techniques for impressing dowel space preparations
Authors: Chee Winston W. L. , Cho George C. , Marzola Riccardo 
Published: August 2004

Purpose This in vitro study compared 5 different dowel space impression techniques using polyvinyl siloxane impression material to determine which method produced fewer voids in the dowel space impression.Materials and Methods Five techniques were used to make impressions of a prepared dowel space in a simulated endodontically treated tooth. Technique I used a 25‐gauge anesthetic needle to act as a vent at the apex of the preparation to reduce voids produced during the expression of light body impression material. The anesthetic needle was removed after the impression material was injected, and an impression post was then inserted to the depth of the preparation. Twenty impressions made using this technique were compared with other techniques that used the vent without a post, no vent with a post, no vent without a post, and a lentulo spiral with a post (Techniques II through V, respectively). The percentage of impressions with voids from each group was compared to determine which technique consistently produced a void‐free impression of the complete preparation length. If voids were observed in the impression, the specimen was considered inadequate.Results The percents of void‐free impressions using Techniques I through V were 100%, 70%, 40%, 60%, and 20%, respectively.Conclusions Using a 25‐gauge needle as a vent while expressing impression material into the dowel space followed by placing the impression post consistently produced void‐free dowel space impressions.
The effect of triphenylbismuth on the radiopacity and performance properties of compression‐ and injection‐molded denture resins
Authors: Lang Lisa A. , Mattie Patrick A. , Rawis H. Ralph 
Published: August 2004

Purpose Methods of incorporating radiopaque triphenylbismuth into an experimental compression‐molded and injection‐molded heat‐polymerized resins were determined. The transverse flexural properties, radiopacity, and color stability of the resins containing triphenylbismuth were then compared with a commercially available, compression‐molded denture resin.Materials and Methods Varying levels of triphenylbismuth were added to both the monomer and polymer in heat‐polymerized denture resin systems to determine the level of the additive that was necessary to achieve a radiopacity similar to 0.2 mm of copper with minimum resin porosity. Specimens were then prepared by incorporating 0% or 30% wt/wt triphenylbismuth into resins. The commercially available polymethyl methacrylate resin served as a benchmark for physical property comparison, and no additive was included during its polymerization. At 30% wt/wt triphenylbismuth, resin color stability, transverse deflection, and radiopacity were evaluated using methods described in International Standards Organization Standard 4049 and American Dental Association Specification No. 12. The transverse deflection results among the resin groups were compared with a reference resin using the Kruskal‐Wallis method (α= 0.05).Results Incorporation of triphenylbismuth into the monomer of the injection material, resulting in 30% wt/wt in the polymerized resin, produced a level of radiopacity similar to 0.2 mm copper. Although the injection‐molded resin with 30% wt/wt triphenylbismuth remained translucent, the compression‐molded resin was opaque, indicating excessive air‐entrapment porosity. The additive caused a faint yellowing in both types of resins, but color stability was not affected. Transverse deflection of the injection‐molded resin (4.5 ± 0.5 mm) and the injection‐molded resin with triphenylbismuth (3.8 ± 1.7 mm) was greater than that of the experimental resin (3.5 ± 0.2 mm), which was equal to the commercial resin (3.6 ± 0.2 mm). Triphenylbismuth at 30% wt/wt significantly reduced transverse deflection for the experimental resin (2.6 ± 0.5 mm).Conclusions Triphenylbismuth at a final concentration of 30% wt/wt can be added to polymethyl methacrylate injection‐molded resins to provide a high level of detection on chest or abdominal radiographs without adversely affecting resin color stability and transverse deflection.
Adhesion testing of a denture base resin with 5 casting alloys
Authors: Clelland Nancy L. , van Putten Meade C. , Brantley William A. , Knobloch Lisa A. 
Published: August 2004

Purpose This study compared denture base resin shear bond strengths to silicoated Au‐Pd, Au‐Pd‐Ag, Au‐Ag‐Pd‐Cu, high‐Pd, and Ni‐Cr‐Be alloys used to fabricate frameworks for hybrid implant prostheses. Microleakage between alloy and resin was also compared among groups after specimen fracture.Materials and Methods Twelve cylindrical specimens were cast for each alloy. Each specimen was made from a ring‐shaped pattern (diameter [d] = 12 mm and height = 4 mm) and machined to achieve uniform hollow centers (d = 6.5 mm). Castings were abraded with 250‐μm aluminum oxide and ultrasonically cleaned in distilled water before silicoating. Denture base resin was processed to the internal surfaces of the silicoated specimens. All specimens were thermocycled (1,000 cycles) between 4°C and 50°C, and placed in basic fuchsin dye for a week. A punch (d = 3.8 mm) driven at a cross‐head speed of 0.5 mm/min was used to push out the resin specimens. The force required to cause failure was converted to the nominal shear bond strength for each specimen, and mean shear bond strengths for the 5 groups of specimens (N = 12) were compared using one‐way analysis of variance and the Tukey‐Kramer HSD multiple range test (α= 0.05). Six of the 12 debonded resin samples for each alloy were selected at random and evaluated for dye penetration. Using an 80‐square grid, the percentage of dye penetration was evaluated with an optical microscope ×25) to determine the percentage of grid area penetrated by the dye. One‐way analysis of variance was used to compare the degree of microleakage among groups.Results The mean resin‐alloy shear bond strengths for the Au‐Pd (9.6 ± 3.7 MPa) and Au‐Ag‐Pd‐Cu (9.2 ± 1.5 MPa) alloys were significantly greater than mean resin‐alloy shear bond strength for the Au‐Pd‐Ag alloy (5.6 ± 1.9 MPa). No other significant differences in resin‐alloy shear bond strengths were noted among the alloy groups. No significant differences were noted for dye penetration into the resin specimens bonded to any of the 5 alloys. The mean grid area penetrated by the dye was 25% when results for the alloys were pooled.Conclusions Alloy type influences the shear bond strength of a denture base resin to silicoated alloys, but no difference in bond strength was found between Au‐Pd, Au‐Ag‐Pd‐Cu, high‐Pd, and Ni‐Cr‐Be alloys. In addition, under the conditions of this study, all groups showed a similar degree of microleakage, which penetrated approximately 25% of the bonded specimen surface area.
Risk Factors and Mechanisms of Preterm Delivery in Malawi
Authors: Abrams Elizabeth T. , Milner Danny A. , Kwiek Jesse , Mwapasa Victor , Kamwendo Deborah D. , Zeng Donglin , Tadesse Eyob , Lema Valentino M. , Molyneux Malcolm E. , Rogerson Stephen J. , Meshnick Steven R. 
Published: July 2004

Problem:  We examined risk factors and mechanisms of preterm delivery (PTD) in malaria‐exposed pregnant women in Blantyre, Malawi.Method of study:  The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), malaria, syphilis, and anemia were assessed in a cross‐sectional study of 572 pregnant women. In a nested case–control study, chorioamnionitis (CAM) was examined; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, cortisol, and corticotropin‐releasing hormone were measured in placental, maternal and/or cord blood.Results:  HIV, infrequent antenatal clinic attendance, low‐maternal weight, no intermittent preventive malaria therapy (IPT), and CAM were associated with PTD, while malaria was not. Of the 18 compartmental cytokine measurements, elevations in placental and/or cord IL‐6 and IL‐8 were associated with both CAM and PTD. In contrast, there was no overlap between the cytokines affected by malaria and those associated with PTD.Conclusions:  The HIV and CAM were the major infections associated with PTD in this study. CAM, but not malaria, causes PTD via its effect on proinflammatory cytokines.
Molecular Cloning, Expression of Testicular Transcript Abundant in Germ Cells and Immunobiological Effects of the Recombinant Protein
Authors: Verma Saguna , Mohapatra Bhagyalaxmi , Jagadish Nirmala , Selvi Ramasamy , Roy Pragyan , Rana Ritu , Lakshmi Kavitha , Suri Anil 
Published: July 2004

Problem:  It has been well documented that antisperm antibodies can be causative factors for infertility. In this report we have identified a protein on human sperm referred as human sperm‐associated protein (HSAP) using serum of an immunoinfertile woman; it is thus a sperm‐specific protein – a candidate molecule for control of fertility.Method of study:  An immunoinfertile woman serum showing head–head sperm agglutination and acrosomal localization, reacted with human sperm protein of apparent molecular weight of 48 kDa on Western blot. Anti‐48 kDa antiserum was raised in rabbit by eluting 48 kDa protein and was used to screen the human testis cDNA expression library. A putative positive hsap cDNA clone was obtained, sequenced and subjected to tissue specificities studies by Northern blotting. The cell type‐specific expression was done using in situ RNA hybridization studies. To obtain recombinant HSAP (r‐HSAP), hsap cDNA was cloned in pET 22b(+) expression vector. r‐HSAP was expressed as polyhistidine fusion protein in Escherichia coli and purified. Rabbits were immunized with the purified r‐HSAP, which led to generation of antibodies. In order to evaluate in vitro immunocontraceptive potential, the anti‐r‐HSAP antibodies were characterized by agglutination assay, zona‐free hamster egg penetration assay, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay, and by flow cytometry analysis.Results:  We have cloned a human testis gene encoding a protein (HSAP) of 328 amino acids. Antibodies against the purified recombinant protein specifically recognized approximately 40 kDa r‐HSAP, and a cognate 48 kDa protein band in human sperm extract in Western blot procedure. The anti‐r‐HSAP antibodies localized acrosomal compartment, inhibited sperm binding/attachment in zona‐free hamster penetration assay and revealed surface binding with human live sperm by flow cytometry. The cDNA sequence has been submitted to EMBL and has been given the accession number Y16676.Conclusion:  This study has put in evidence that novel sperm‐specific r‐HSAP has role in sperm function and may have application in the development of a contraceptive vaccine. The availability of the recombinant protein will facilitate studies on the assessment of its potential as a contraceptive immunogen.
Structural and Functional Heterogeneity in the CD200R Family of Immunoregulatory Molecules and their Expression at the Feto‐maternal Interface
Authors: Gorczynski Reginald M. , Chen Zhiqi , Clark David A. , Kai Yu , Lee Lydia , Nachman Joseph , Wong Simon , Marsden Philip 
Published: July 2004

Problem:  We have shown that CD200Fc, a chimeric molecule including the extracellular domain of CD200 and a murine immunoglobulin (Ig)G2a Fc region, regulates immune responses and prevents T helper (Th)1 cytokine‐triggered spontaneous abortions in mice. CD200 is expressed on a subpopulation of uterine decidua cells and on trophoblast, both in the mouse and human. The receptor(s) for CD200, CD200R(s), was not previously well‐characterized.Methods:  5′‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), cDNA and genomic DNA clone analysis were used to identify a family of CD200Rs on mouse chromosome 16, juxtaposed to the CD200 gene, named CD200R1, R2, R3, and R4. Northern blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis was used to detect expression of different CD200R subtypes in different organs. Rabbit polyclonal and rat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to CD200R isoforms was used for fluoresence‐activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis, to test for immunomodulatory effects on allogeneic mixed‐lymphocyte responses in vitro, and for immunohistochemistry.Results:  The CD200Fc was able to interact physically with each of the CD200Rs expressed on the cell surface. Northern blot and RT‐PCR analyses indicated distinct patterns of CD200R isoform mRNA expression in different tissues and FACS analyses confirmed unique cell‐ and tissue‐specific expression of the different CD200Rs. mAbs directed against the different isoforms modified the development of in vitro alloimmune responses. The addition of anti‐CD200R1/R4 elicited immunomodulatory responses in vitro comparable to findings with CD200Fc, but different from the effects of anti‐CD200R2–3.Conclusions:  These data provide evidence for a family of CD200R molecules in the mouse genome and defines the existence of previously unrecognized diversity in the CD200/CD200R immunomodulatory gene member family. Although this gene member family is clustered in the genome, the different CD200Rs and CD200 exhibit distinct expression patterns and functional properties. Restricted CD200R isoform expression at the feto‐maternal interface suggests CD200:CD200R interactions may serve important function(s) determining the successful outcome of pregnancy.
Interleukin‐4 Gene Polymorphism is not Involved in the Risk of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Saijo Yasuaki , Sata Fumihiro , Yamada Hideto , Konodo Tomoko , Kato Emi Hirayama , Kataoka Soromon , Shimada Shigeki , Morikawa Mamoru , Minakami Hisanori , Kishi Reiko 
Published: July 2004

Problem:  Enhanced secretion of type‐2 T‐helper (Th2) cytokine is a characteristic feature in normal physiological pregnancy. A study has demonstrated defective production of interleukine‐4 (IL‐4) and other Th2 cytokine in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Several studies have suggested that IL‐4 variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) gene polymorphism is probably associated with different IL‐4 production.Methods of study:  The IL‐4 VNTR genotypes were assessed in 109 Japanese women with RPL and 210 ethnically matched women experiencing at least one live birth and no spontaneous abortion.Results:  No significant differences in IL‐4 VNTR genotype frequencies were found between the RPL and the control [B1B1 genotype (reference); B1/B2 and B2/B2 genotypes, odds ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–1.45].Conclusion:  The present study suggests that the IL‐4 VNTR allele is not a major genetic regulator in RPL.
Serum P‐selectin Level During Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation – a Preliminary Report
Authors: Orvieto Raoul , Badir Walid , Bar Jacob , La Marca Antonio , Ashkenazi Jacob , Avrech Ori M. , Fisch Benjamin 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  To measure levels of serum P‐selectin in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles and to determine their possible correlation to COH variables.Setting:  Large university‐based infertility and in vitro fertilization unit.Patients:  Fourteen consecutive patients undergoing our routine COH protocol for unexplained infertility.Interventions and Main Outcome Measures:  Blood was drawn three times during the COH cycle: (1) day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle, before gonadotropin treatment (Day‐0); (2) day of or prior to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (Day‐hCG); and (3) day of ovulation (Day‐OVU). Serum levels of sex steroids and P‐selectin were compared among the three time points. P‐selectin was measured with a commercial quantitative sandwich immunoassay technique. To reduce interpatient variability, the percent difference between the Day‐0 (non‐stimulated, basal) level and the Day‐hCG and Day‐OVU levels was calculated.Results:  P‐selectin level on Day‐hCG was significantly higher than on Day‐0 (P < 0.05) and non‐significantly higher than on Day‐OVU (P < 0.12). No significant correlations were observed between serum P‐selectin and patient age, amount of gonadotropins used, or estradiol or progesterone level.Conclusion:  The increase in serum P‐selectin level during COH until peak estradiol suggests that COH may potentiate a state of platelet activation which is substantially attenuated after hCG administration.
11β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Inhibitor Carbenoxolone Stimulates Chorionic Gonadotropin Secretion from Human Term Cytotrophoblast Cells Differentiated In Vitro*
Authors: Nacharaju Vijaya L. , Divald Andras , McCalla Cyrus O. , Yang Lianfu , Muneyyirci‐Delale Ozgul 
Published: July 2004

Problem:  To investigate the effect of altering local glucocorticoid concentration on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production by cultured placental trophoblast cells.Method of study:  Human placental trophoblasts were isolated from fresh placentas. Cytotrophoblasts were purified and placed into 24‐well multiplates. For cultivation Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with 15 mm HEPES and 15% FBS was used. 11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD) activity and its inhibition by carbenoxolone (CE) were measured in cultured cells. Cultures were exposed to CE for 16–20 hr. Overnight production of hCG was measured by radioimmunoassay in control and treated cells.Results:  The 11β‐HSD activity in these cultures was inhibited by nm concentrations of CE, the apparent Ki being 2.5 nm. Inhibition of 11β‐HSD activity with 0.1 nm CE resulted in 1.5‐fold increase in the production of hCG.Conclusions:  Increasing local glucocorticoid concentration by the inhibition of 11β‐HSD results in higher hCG secretion, which in turn enhance cell differentiation.
Life‐Threatening Bleeding, Pregnancy and Lupus Anticoagulant: Success after Steroid and Anticoagulant Therapy
Authors: Alijotas‐Reig Jaume , Ferrer‐Raventos Juan Carlos 
Published: July 2004

Problem:  The clinical manifestations associated with the presence of the lupus anticoagulant (LAC) are usually thrombotic and/or obstetric complications, specially miscarriages and/or repeated fetal deaths. The bleeding episodes in patients with LAC with no other coagulation disorders are exceptional, especially during pregnancy, intra‐ and postpartum.Method of study:  Here we present two cases of patients with classification criteria of primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, a history of recurrent complicated pregnancies and massive bleeding during abortion and postpartum. We studied anticardiolipin (IgG/IgM), beta2glicoprotein‐1 (IgG) and antimitochondrial (type 5) antibodies, LAC, rapid plasma reagin, coagulation test, clotting factors and, placental vascular flow from the second trimester of their last pregnancies.Results:  LAC was repeatedly detected in both cases. The prothrombin time and clotting factors including factors II and XIII were normal. Intrauterine growth restriction was also observed in both patients. Pre‐eclampsia was detected in patient 2. We tried enoxaparin (60–80 mg/day) and prednisone (1 mg/kg/day) therapy and no maternal, hemorrhagic or thrombotic episodes were observed.Conclusions:  Exceptionally, LAC may be associated with recurrent, life‐threatening bleeding, even in patients with no prothrombin deficiency. The close follow‐up and early anticoagulant and steroid therapy seems to be able to control thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications during the pregnancy and postpartum.
The Effect of Inflammatory Cytokines on Secretion of Macrophage Colony‐Stimulating Factor and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein‐1 in Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: Kawano Yasushi , Fukuda Junichiro , Itoh Hiroko , Takai Noriyuki , Nasu Kaei , Miyakawa Isao 
Published: July 2004

Problem:  In order to investigate the role of macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein ‐1 (MCP‐1) in human ovulation, we studied the regulation of M‐CSF and MCP‐1 in cultured human granulosa cells.Method of study:  Immortalized granulosa cells (GC1a) were cultured in serum‐free medium, and incubated with interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1 receptor antagonist (ra) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. The supernatants were collected, and M‐CSF and MCP‐1 were measured by ELISA.Results:  The levels of M‐CSF and MCP‐1 were increased after treatment with IL‐1α (1 nm) and TNF‐α (1 nm) in a time‐dependent manner. The levels of M‐CSF and MCP‐1 were significantly increased after treatment with IL‐1α and TNF‐α in a dose‐dependent manner. However, the levels of M‐CSF and MCP‐1 were significantly decreased by treatment with IL‐1α (1 nm) and/or increasing concentrations of IL‐1 ra.Conclusions:  Our data indicated that M‐CSF and MCP‐1 were regulated by IL‐1α and TNF‐α. It was suggested that M‐CSF and MCP‐1 may play an important role in human preovulatory processes.