bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Same Immunoregulatory Molecules Contribute to Successful Pregnancy and Transplantation
Authors: GORCZYNSKI REGINALD M. , HADIDI SIMA , YU GARY , CLARK DAVID A. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: At least two dendritic cell‐associated molecules have been shown to contribute to the successful outcome of organ and tissue allografts in mice, namely CD200 and MD‐1. CD200 is up‐regulated in rodent transplantation models where successful inhibition of rejection is accomplished, and is believed to signal immunosuppression following engagement of a receptor, CD200R, on macrophages and/or γδ T‐cell receptor (γδ TCR+cells MD‐1 is implicated in controlling expression of costimulatory molecules including CD80/CD86 which induce an immunorejection response, and thus inhibition of MD‐1 expression also facilitates increased graft survival MD‐1 also stabilizes expression of CD14, part of the receptor complex for LPS. As well as the inhibition of rejection which follows blockade of MD‐1 expression and/or augmentation of CD200 expression, an altered polarization in cytokine production is seen, with increased expression of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), IL‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and decreased IL‐2, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumor nerosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Successful pregnancy in allopregnant mice also depends upon control of graft rejection mechanisms. Proinflammatory T‐helper 1 (Th1) cytokines (TNF‐α + IFN‐γ + IL‐1) have been shown to cause spontaneous abortion in mice by activating a novel prothrombinase, fibrinogen‐like peptide (fibroleukin) fgl2, which may promote fibrin deposition in the graft rejection process; expression of IL‐10, TGF‐β, and progesterone‐induced blocking factor (PIBF) in contrast leads to lowering of abortion rates. Interestingly, the spontaneous abortion rates in abortion‐prone CBA × DBA/2 matings and in the low abortion rate CBA × BALB/c matings were lower than the frequency of implantation sites showing fibrinhi+ fgl2 (mRNA)hi, implying regulation of the pro‐abortion consequences of fgl2 expression.METHODS: We have investigated, byin situhybridization, CD200, MD‐1 and fgl2 expression in implantation sites in different strains of mice, and studied the effects of anti‐MD‐1, anti‐CD200 and CD200Fc immunoadhesin on fetal and allograft survival. The role of indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO) was evaluated.RESULTS: CD200 mRNA expression occurred in the same sites as fgl2 mRNA. Anti‐CD200 antibody raised the abortion rate to predicted levels, and infusion of a CD200 immunoadhesin reduced the abortion rate, as did an anti‐MD‐1 antibody. The latter also improved organ and tissue graft survival. Suppression by antigen‐presenting macrophages triggered by CD200 is dependent upon intact IDO activity.CONCLUSION: Regulation of CD200 and MD‐1 expression may control both pregnancy and allograft survival.
Natural Killer Cell Receptor Expression by Human First Trimester Decidual Granular Leukocytes and T‐Lymphocytes
Authors: LEWIS BARRY J. , CROKER SIMON , NEWTON DARREN J. , LENNON GREIG P. , JOHNSON PETER M. , CHRISTMAS STEPHEN E. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Detailed analysis of the expression of natural killer (NK) cell activatory and inhibitory receptors by human decidual leukocyte subpopulations has not been undertaken.METHOD OF STUDY: Expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46 by decidual leukocytes were studied by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Expression of the killer cell Ig‐like receptors CD158a and CD158b on decidual T cells were studied by flow cytometry.RESULTS: First trimester decidual leukocytes expressed mRNA for the NKp30 and NKp46 receptors but expression of NKp44, a marker of activated NK cells, was not detected. A mean of 11.8 and 15.8% of decidual T cells expressed CD158a or 158b, respectively, while only around 1% of peripheral blood T cells were CD158a+ or CD158b+.CONCLUSIONS: Like peripheral blood NK cells, decidual NK cells express the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp30 and NKp46 but the significance of this will not become apparent until ligands for these molecules have been identified. Only a minority of decidual T cells express CD158, indicating that this is not a mechanism for inhibition of cytotoxicity mediated by all decidual T cells.
The Role of Pro‐ and Anti‐apoptotic Molecular Interactions in Embryonic Maldevelopment
Authors: TODER V. , CARP H. , FEIN A. , TORCHINSKY A. 
Published: March 2003

Toder V, Carp H, Fein A, Torchinsky A. The role of pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic molecular interactions in embryonic maldevelopment. AJRI 2002; 48:235–244 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002 PROBLEM: Pregnancy loss and the occurrence of inborn structural anomalies are often preceded by excessive apoptosis in targeted embryonic and extraembryonic tissues. Apoptogenic stimuli activate both death and survival, signaling cascades consisting of molecules acting as activators and effectors, or negative regulators of apoptosis. The interplay between these cascades determines whether the cell which is exposed to an apoptogenic stimulus dies or survives. This review summarizes the functioning of pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic molecules in embryos responding to various teratogens. The effect of potentiation of the maternal immune system on these molecules is also discussed.METHODS OF STUDY: The data on the functioning of various pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic molecules in embryos exposed to various developmental toxicants, and embryos developing in a diabetic environment are reviewed. Techniques such as the TUNEL method, DNA fragmentation assay, electromobility shift assay (EMSA), fluorometric assay, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, In situ hybridization, have been used in our studies to detect apoptosis, and evaluate the functioning of molecules such as TNFα, caspases, NF‐κB and IκB, p53, and bcl‐2 in different embryonic and extraembryonic tissues.RESULTS: Our and other data summarized in this review have demonstrated that the doses of developmental toxicants required to induce pregnancy loss and gross structural anomalies induce excessive apoptosis shortly after treatment. Depending on the intensity and type of targeted tissues, this apoptosis was accompanied by alterations in the activity of the molecules which act as activators and effectors (e.g. caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 2, p53) or negative regulators (bcl‐2, NF‐κB) of apoptosis. Maternal immunopotentiation, which decreases the level of induced and spontaneous pregnancy loss and the incidence and severity of teratogen‐induced structural anomalies has been shown to modulate the expression of these molecules both in embryonic tissues and at the feto‐maternal interface.CONCLUSIONS: The data presented in this review suggest that molecules such as TNFα, caspase 3, caspase 8, NF‐κB, p53 and bcl‐2, which are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, may also be involved in determining the sensitivity of the embryo to developmental toxicants. Maternal immunopotentiation may modulate the functioning of these molecules.
Characterization of Proteins from Boar Prostate
Authors: MAŇÁSKOVÁ PAVLA , RYŠLAVÁ HELENA , TICHÁ MARIE , JONÁKOVÁ VĚRA 
Published: March 2003

Maňásková P, Ryšlavá H, Tichá M, Jonáková V. Characterization of proteins from boar prostate. AJRI 2002; 48:283–290 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002 PROBLEM: Most components of seminal plasma are secreted by accessory sexual glands: seminal vesicle, prostate gland and bulbourethral gland. The portion of proteins secreted by prostate gland differs in various species. Characterization of boar prostate proteins is the subject of this communication.METHODS OF STUDY: Proteins of boar prostate gland were separated by affinity chromatography on heparin‐polyacrylamide to non‐heparin‐binding (H−) and heparin‐binding (H+) fractions. The H− and H+ fractions were subjected to reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP HPLC) and their elution profiles were compared with those of the H− and H+ fractions of boar seminal plasma. The isolated proteins were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), immunodetection, N‐terminal amino acid sequencing and mass spectrometry (MALDI).RESULTS: The following proteins of boar prostate secretion were identified: β‐microseminoprotein, serotransferrin, serum albumin, myoglobin and PSP I and PSP II spermadhesins.CONCLUSION: Presented results demonstrate composition of the main proteins of boar prostate secretion. β‐Microseminoprotein was found to be a major protein of prostate secretion. PSP I and PSP II, major proteins of the H− fraction of boar seminal plasma, were found in boar prostate secretion in lower amounts. The major proteins of the H+ fraction of boar seminal plasma (AQN, AWN) were not detected in prostate secretion.
Induction of Transferrin Secretion in Murine Sertoli Cells by FSH and IL‐1: The Possibility of Different Mechanism(s) of Regulation
Authors: HULEIHEL MAHMOUD , ZEYSE DANIEL , LUNENFELD EITAN , ZEYSE MELANIE , MAZOR MOSHE 
Published: March 2003

In the present study we examined the capacity of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) α, β, interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to induce transferrin secretion by Sertoli cells under in vitro conditions. Primary Sertoli cell (SC) cultures from immature mice secreted constitutively transferrin. Stimulation of these cultures with IL‐1α, IL‐1β significantly increas\d their capacity to secrete transferrin. Addition of IL‐1ra to unstimulated SC cultures did not affect their capacity to secrete transferrin. Stimulation of SC cultures with a combination of both IL‐1α and FSH or IL‐1β and FSH showed additive effect between IL‐1 and FSH in their capacity to induce transferrin secretion by these cells. However, stimulation of Sertoli cells with a combination of both IL‐1ra and FSH did not affect their capacity to secrete transferrin compared with FSH‐stimulated cultures.Our results may suggest the involvement of testicular paracrine/autocrine factors (IL‐1) and endocrine (FSH) factors in the regulation of transferrin secretion by SC. This capacity seems to be differently regulated by these factors.Thus, IL‐1α and β may directly affect physiological functions of the testis; which may suggest their involvement in the regulation of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis processes and male fertility.
Internal root resorption studied by radiography, stereomicroscope, scanning electron microscope and computerized 3D reconstructive method
Authors: Lyroudia Kleoniki M. , Dourou Vasiliki I. , Pantelidou Ourania CH. , Labrianidis Theodoros , Pitas Ioannis K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract – Aim and methology: Two cases of internal tooth resorption were examined. A mandibular premolar and a mandibular canine were studied after they were extracted using radiographs, a stereomicroscope (SM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Lastly, 3D images of the sectioned teeth were obtained(3D). Results: Radiographically, internal root resorption was shown as a uniform radiolucency. By SM examination, an extensive destruction of dentin was seen, while, by SEM examination, a disappearance of dentinal tubules was clear. The 3D reconstructive method revealed a circumscribed, oval‐shaped defect that did not perforate the cemental layer. Conclusions: Internal root resorption is a rare remodeling process that can be studied using different experimental methods.
Retracted: The effect of ulinastatin pre‐treatment on vecuronium‐induced neuromuscular block in patients with hepatic cirrhosis
Authors: Saitoh Y. , Kaneda K. , Murakawa M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ulinastatin, a protease inhibitor, on the neuromuscular block produced by vecuronium in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Thirty adult patients with hepatic cirrhosis were randomly allocated to receive ulinastatin (cirrhosis/ulinastatin group, n = 15) or saline (cirrhosis/saline group, n = 15). Fifteen healthy adult patients without hepatic cirrhosis comprised a control group. Patients were given a standardised anaesthetic that␣included nitrous oxide and isoflurane in oxygen, and fentanyl. A bolus dose of ulinastatin 5000 unit.kg−1 was given to members of the cirrhosis/ulinastatin group. The same volume of normal saline was given to the other two groups. Two minutes later, vecuronium 0.1 mg.kg−1 was given. The onset of neuromuscular block was significantly slower in the cirrhosis/ulinastatin group than in the cirrhosis/saline and control groups (p < 0.05). Spontaneous recovery of neuromuscular function was significantly quicker in the cirrhosis/ulinastatin and control groups than in the cirrhosis/saline group (p < 0.05). The time course of recovery in the cirrhosis/ulinastatin and control groups was similar. We conclude that in cirrhotic patients, ulinastatin delays the onset of neuromuscular block produced by vecuronium. After pretreatment with ulinastatin, the speed of recovery from neuromuscular block in patients with cirrhosis becomes similar to that seen in healthy patients.
Severe hyperphosphataemia and associated electrolyte and metabolic derangement following the administration of sodium phosphate for bowel preparation
Authors: Tan H. L. , Liew Q. Y. , Loo S. , Hawkins R. 
Published: March 2003

SummarySodium phosphate is widely used as an effective bowel preparation agent. It is used in smaller volumes, leading to improved patient tolerance. Although it is generally safe, cases of severe hyperphosphataemia following sodium phosphate administration have been reported in the literature. The common risk factors identified are advanced age, impaired renal function, impaired colonic motility and multiple doses. However, many doctors remain unaware of the dangers associated with this agent. We report six cases of severe electrolyte and metabolic derangement due to sodium phosphate bowel preparation: two patients had delayed awakening from general anaesthesia, and four patients suffered life‐threatening consequences.
Botulinum toxin A in the treatment of patients with Frey syndrome
Authors: Beerens A J F , Snow G B 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
This was a prospective study of the treatment of Frey syndrome, also known as gustatory sweating, with botulinum toxin A.

Methods
Thirteen patients with a mean involved skin area of 53 (range 36–80) cm2, as assessed with the Minor starch–iodine test, were treated with 0·1 ml toxin (75 units/ml) injected intracutaneously into every 4 cm2 of involved skin. The mean total dose was 100 (range 67·5–150) units. Treatment results were assessed every 3 months with the Minor test. The Frey Questionnaire Card (FQC) was used for subjective assessment. The mean follow-up after primary treatment was 20 (range 9–24) months. Treatment was repeated if the symptoms recurred.

Results
After 3 months 11 of the 13 patients showed a decrease of gustatory sweating of more than 90 per cent. All but one patient with a follow-up of 2 years suffered recurrent gustatory sweating. The mean recurrence-free period after primary treatment was 11 months and that after secondary treatment was 15 months. FQC score and objective assessment correlated well. Treatments were well tolerated, although two patients developed a temporary perioral muscle paresis.

Conclusion
Botulinum toxin A produces good results in the treatment of Frey syndrome. Repeated treatment improves on the results of primary treatment.
Ultrasonography is superior to plain radiography in the diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum
Authors: Chen S-C , Yen Z-S , Wang H-P , Lin F-Y , Hsu C-Y , Chen W-J 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to compare plain radiography with abdominal ultrasonography in the detection of pneumoperitoneum.

Methods
A total of 188 patients with suspected hollow organ perforation were studied. All patients had abdominal ultrasonography, upright chest radiography and left lateral decubitus abdominal radiography examinations. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy of chest and abdominal radiography were compared with that of abdominal ultrasonography.

Results
One hundred and seventy-eight patients underwent laparotomy; 170 patients had hollow organ perforation, five patients had perforated appendicitis and three had acute cholecystitis. In the diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum, ultrasonography had improved sensitivity (92 versus 78 per cent), negative predictive value (39 versus 20 per cent) and accuracy (88 versus 76 per cent), and similar specificity (both 53 per cent) and positive predictive value (95 versus 94 per cent) compared with plain radiography.

Conclusion
Ultrasonography is more sensitive than plain radiography in the diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum.
Implications of the simultaneous occurrence of hepatic glycolysis from glucose and gluconeogenesis from glycerol
Authors: Phillips John W. , Jones Michael E. , Berry Michael N. 
Published: March 2003

Glycolysis from [6‐3H]glucose and gluconeogenesis from [U‐14C]glycerol were examined in isolated hepatocytes from fasted rats. A 5 mm bolus of glycerol inhibited phosphorylation of 40 mm glucose by 50% and glycolysis by more than 60%, and caused cellular ATP depletion and glycerol 3‐phosphate accumulation. Gluconeogenesis from 5 mm glycerol was unaffected by the presence of 40 mm glucose. When nonsaturating concentrations of glycerol (< 200 µm) were maintained in the medium by infusion of glycerol, cellular ATP concentrations remained normal. The rate of uptake of infused glycerol was unaffected by 40 mm glucose, but carbohydrate synthesis from glycerol was inhibited 25%, a corresponding amount of glycerol being diverted to glycolytic products, whereas 10 mm glucose had no inhibitory effect on conversion of infused glycerol into carbohydrate. Glycerol infusion depressed glycolysis from 10 mm and 40 mm glucose by 15 and 25%, respectively; however, the overall rates of glycolysis were unchanged because of a concomitant increase in glycolysis from the infused glycerol.These studies show that exposure of hepatocytes to glucose and low quasi‐steady‐state concentrations of glycerol result in the simultaneous occurrence, at substantial rates, of glycolysis from glucose and gluconeogenesis from the added glycerol. We interpret our results as demonstrating that, in hepatocytes from normal rats, segments of the pathways of glycolysis from glucose and gluconeogenesis from glycerol are compartmentalized and that this segregation prevents substantial cross‐over of phosphorylated intermediates from one pathway to the other. The competition between glucose and glycerol implies that glycolysis and phosphorylation of glycerol take place in the same cells, and that the occurrence of simultaneous glycolysis and gluconeogenesis may indicate channelling within the cytoplasm of individual hepatocytes.
Drought mortality of bush elephants in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dudley J. P. , Criag G. C. , Gibson D. ST. C. , Haynes G. , Klimowicz J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAfrican bush elephants inhabiting the undeveloped Kalahari Sands region of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe are subject to episodic mortality during droughts. We monitored the drought‐related mortality of elephants in Hwange National Park over the course of an extended drought between 1993 and 1995. The drought‐related mortality of elephants was higher during 1994 than 1995, despite significantly higher rainfall in 1994 than 1995. We found significant differences in the age‐specific mortality of elephants during 1994 and 1995. The cumulative mortality profile from this study differed significantly from previous die‐offs at this site, with a higher mortality among adult age classes than that reported from earlier studies in Hwange National Park. The effective duration of the rainy season, not total annual precipitation, appears to be the best predictor for the potential severity of drought mortality among elephants in the Kalahari Sands habitats of Hwange National Park.
Gene therapy for the treatment of disorders of the musculo‐skeletal system
Authors: Goomer R. 
Published: March 2003

Mimicking a developmental gene expression pathway may be the best means for repairing or healing orthopedic tissues. Identification and isolation of genes that are critical inducers of these regulatory pathways is a significant first step towards this goal. Delivering the genes of interest into the appropriate environment with the least amount of side‐effects is crucial.Successful in vivo gene delivery requires development of methodologies that are highly efficient and would not induce a host immune response. I will discuss a non‐viral gene delivery that we have used to deliver genes with high efficiency in a cartilage defect repair model in the rabbit and for direct delivery of the marker gene into canine flexor tendons during repair surgery. Using this gene delivery approach, efficiencies exceeding 70% have been demonstrated in both models. Specific growth and transcription factors are now being used in this gene therapy system.In addition to the specific growth and regulatory transcription factors, subtractive hybridization or differential gene expression profiling is identifying critical new genes involved in the healing process. I will present one example where we have identified a ras activated, proliferation dependent PT‐12 gene. PT‐12 is expressed by patellar tendon, a tissue that heals readily, but is completely absent in anterior cruciate ligament, a tissue that fails to raise a successful repair response following injury. I will discuss the potential role of this as a marker of tissue repair and healing.Finally, the potential for specific morphoregulatory factors such as growth and transcription factors and adhesion molecules in cartilage repair and ligament healing and antifibrosis in gene therapy will be discussed.
Exercise training lowers the resting metabolic rate of Zebra Finches, Taeniopygia guttata
Authors: Nudds R. L. , Bryant D. M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary

Although changes in the mass and biochemistry of vertebrate locomotory muscle are established responses to exercise training, the effects of training on resting metabolic rate (RMR) are not clear. Here, a sustained flight training regime was shown to lower both the night‐time and day RMR of captive Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Training also reduced fat reserves and overall body mass.
Our results are largely consistent with the effects of an elevated energy expenditure on night‐time RMR detected in a study of workload on Zebra Finches but contrast with most studies of humans, where exercise training increases or has no effect upon RMR.
A compensatory lowering of RMR in response to increased physical activity may be an artefact of captivity and could be dependent upon the activity levels of the captives concerned.
It is suggested that when extrapolating from cage bird studies to wild situations, consideration should be given to the physical condition of the caged individuals being used.
Variation in physical fitness may account for some of the unexplained variation in comparative studies of basal metabolism.
Massive use of chemotherapy influences life traits of parasitic nematodes in domestic ruminants
Authors: Leignel V. , Cabaret J. 
Published: March 2003

Summary The size of nematodes is an operational indicator of fecundity. The variation in size due to chemotherapy was studied with a benzimidazole anthelmintic in susceptible and resistant nematodes.Teladorsagia circumcincta circumcincta(Stadelmann 1894), a nematode endoparasite of sheep and goats, was investigated as many components of its fitness are already known. Susceptible worms submitted to increasing selective pressure by anthelmintics increased in size (by 6–10%); it was hypothesized that this was partly under the control of sheep, as treated lambs may mount and maintain a better response when infected (premunition). The resistant worms, whatever the anthelmintic pressure, were always 3% larger than susceptible ones. Thus, size may increase in susceptible worms and resistant worms for very different reasons. If resistance does not emerge, massive chemotherapy should lead to larger nematodes, and hence to more fertile worms.