bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study of videoconferencing for postgraduate continuing education in dentistry in the UK – the teachers’ view
Authors: Odell E. W. , Francis C. A. , Eaton K. A. , Reynolds P. A. , Mason R. D. 
Published: March 2003

Videoconferencing is an established method for providing medical education over long distances. Our aims were to assess the feasibility of videoconferencing in dental postgraduate education, to evaluate its practicability, teacher satisfaction and evaluate equipment. Twenty‐seven teachers from the 4 London Dental Schools provided 41 postgraduate dental education sessions on a range of topics to regional postgraduate centres and dental practices as part of the Thames Health Region’s programme. Videoconferencing was carried out using a relatively inexpensive personal computer system link using ISDN2 telephone lines and Z350 protocol. Presenter views and assessment were obtained by questionnaire, interview and videotape.Teachers felt that minimal additional preparation time was required for videoconferencing and 21/27 preferred it to in‐person teaching, most noting the saving in travel time. Only 3 of the teachers were dissatisfied with their ability to communicate, 4 were equivocal and 20 were either pleased or very pleased. The teachers largely enjoyed the experience and performed well in the new medium. However, sound quality proved inadequate in 5/41 links and most sessions included some periods of suboptimal sound. Only 4 teachers were satisfied with their ability to perform question and answer interaction with the audience. We conclude that experienced teachers adapt readily to videoconferencing and learn to communicate effectively very quickly. Teachers were positive about the medium despite its shortcomings and improvements in sound quality would allow a rapid expansion of postgraduate dental education by videoconference.
Longitudinal trends of hemoglobin levels in a Japanese population – RERF's Adult Health Study subjects
Authors: Yamada Michiko , Lennie Wong F. , Suzuki Gen 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Conflicting results have been reported on the long‐term relationship between hemoglobin (Hb) level and age. We analyzed that relationship over a 40‐yr period in a Japanese population, adjusting for the effects of sex, birth cohort, smoking, and anemia‐associated diseases. We used Hb levels measured biennially between 1958 and 1998 for 4858 Adult Health Study subjects of the Radiation Effects Research Foundation. Using the mixed‐effects model, we showed that the aging Hb profile varied by sex (P < 0.001) and birth cohort (P < 0.001). Male Hb levels peaked in the third and fourth decades and then decreased while female Hb levels dipped slightly in the third decade, peaked in the sixth and seventh, and then decreased. Levels were higher in younger cohorts. The rate of Hb decline after the sixth decade of life was greater for subjects with anemia‐associated diseases (P = 0.002). The annual rate of decline between 70 and 80 yr of age for disease‐free men ranged from 0.083 to 0.042 g/dL and for disease‐free women from 0.049 to 0.036 g/dL. Levels were higher for ever‐smokers (P < 0.001), more so for women than men. A decreasing trend in Hb concentration with advancing age was detected for elderly men and women after controlling for anemia‐associated diseases, suggesting that anemia in the elderly is due not only to disease but also to aging. Cohort and smoking effects on Hb levels were also observed.
An Optimized Technique for Separation of Human Decidual Leukocytes for Cellular and Molecular Analyses
Authors: NAGAEVA OLGA , BONDESTAM KARIN , OLOFSSON JAN , DAMBER MATS‐GÖRAN , MINCHEVA‐NILSSON LUCIA 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Human decidua contains a significant number of leukocytes, phenotypically and functionally different from peripheral blood. In vitro studies of decidual leukocytes require constant improvement of cell isolation technique in order to obtain highly purified viable and functionally active cells.METHOD OF STUDY: Optimized isolation procedure of decidual leukocytes, based on non‐enzymatic cell dispersion, Percoll gradient centrifugation and purification step involving immunomagnetic beads is compared with a similar procedure with Lymphoprep gradient.RESULTS: The method based on Percoll gradient gave a viable leukocyte fraction with higher amount of αβT‐ and γδΤ cells compared with Lymphoprep gradient. The leukocytes exhibited a well‐preserved ultrastructure and surface marker expression and were suitable for molecular analysis. The magnitude and the kinetics of their proliferative response were comparable with peripheral blood lymphocytes.CONCLUSIONS: The results provide an optimized method for isolation and enrichment of decidual leukocytes, suitable for phenotypic, ultrastructural, molecular and functional analyses.
Interleukin 2 Receptor Gamma Chain (γc) Knockout Mice Show Less Regularity in Estrous Cycle but Achieve Normal Pregnancy Without Fetal Compromise
Authors: MIYAZAKI SATOMI , TANEBE KYOKO , SAKAI MASATOSHI , MICHIMATA TOSHIHIKO , TSUDA HIROSHI , FUJIMURA MASAKI , NAKAMURA MASATAKA , KISO YASUO , SAITO SHIGERU 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Implication of cytokines in pregnancy suggested but remains to be established. We studied the effect of cytokines on reproductive functions such as ovulation and pregnancy, with mutant mice lacking interleukin 2 receptor γ (IL‐2Rγ), the so‐called common γ chain (γc), which is shared among receptors for multiple cytokines such as IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐7, IL‐9 and IL‐15.METHOD OF STUDY: Regularities of estrous cycles were observed by vaginal smear. Ovaries stimulated with postmenopausal serum gonadotropin (PMSG) were examined for the ovarian capacities. The uteri at 13 days of gestation were used for histological analysis of the maternal–fetal interface.RESULTS: The estrous cycles in γc knockout (γc KO) mice were irregular compared with wild‐type mice, although, the mutants could become pregnant. No uterine natural killer (uNK) cell was found in the uterus at 13 days of pregnancy, and poor decidual formation and thickness of blood vessel walls were observed. Apparent differences were not seen in the numbers and weight of the fetuses between wild type and mutant animals, and fetuses were not compromised throughout pregnancy.CONCLUSIONS: The γc KO mice showed irregular estrous cycle but they could carry out normal pregnancy despite lacking uNK and cytokines actions of IL‐2, 4, 7, 9 and 15.
Immunization for Protection of the Reproductive Tract: A Review
Authors: RUSSELL MICHAEL W. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Local application of non‐replicating antigens to the female reproductive tract is ineffective in stimulating the common mucosal immune system, and induces only weak genital antibody responses. Studies of immune responses to genital infections such as gonorrhea also support the concept that, lacking mucosal immune inductive sites, the reproductive tract is ill‐equipped to mount effective immune responses.METHOD OF STUDY: Intranasal (i.n.) and intravaginal (i.vag.) routes of immunization of mice with a protein antigen coupled to cholera toxin (CT) B subunit, or genetically engineered as chimeric proteins with the A2/B sunbunits of CT or type II heat‐labile enterotoxin, were compared for their ability to induce specific antibody responses in vaginal fluids, saliva, and serum.RESULTS: Mice immunized i.n. developed substantially stronger vaginal immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum IgG and IgA antibodies, than those immunized i.vag. which also failed to develop salivary antibodies. Vaginal antibody responses induced i.n. persisted for at least 1 year, and were recallable by booster immunization after a prolonged period.CONCLUSIONS: Such alternative strategies for inducing potent genital antibody responses offer the prospect of prophylactic immunization against genital infections. Further studies are required to evaluate their applicability to humans, and to comprehend the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in delivering effective immune responses to the reproductive tracts.
Accumulation of CD16+ Cells with Secretion of Ksp37 in Decidua at the End of Pregnancy
Authors: HAYANO CHIKAKO , KOI HIDEKI , OGAWA KAZUYUKI , NAGATA KINYA , MATSUMOTO YUKIE , NAKAMURA MASATAKA , ASO TAKESHI 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Maternal cellular immunity is thought to be in a state of tolerance during pregnancy, but the precise mechanism of immunomodulation is not yet known. We investigated a novel serum protein, killer‐specific secretory protein of 37 kDa (Ksp37), produced by cytotoxic lymphocytes, during pregnancy.METHOD OF STUDY: The level of Ksp37 was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the sera of healthy pregnant women. Intracellular Ksp37 expression in mononuclear cells, isolated from peripheral blood and decidua at parturition, was examined with a flow cytometer.RESULTS: Serum Ksp37 levels significantly increased at late pregnancy, compared with non‐pregnant controls and the first trimester of pregnancy. The flow cytometric analysis exhibited that Ksp37 was mainly expressed in CD16+ natural killer (NK) cells in decidua of term placenta.CONCLUSIONS: Serum Ksp37 level was elevated at late gestational period. CD16+ NK cells in decidua seem to be a main maternal source of Ksp37. Innate immunity, with CD16+ NK cells, may play important roles near parturition.
Total Cortisol Levels are Reduced in the Periovulatory Follicle of Infertile Women with Minimal–Mild Endometriosis
Authors: SMITH M.P. , KEAY S.D. , MARGO F.C. , HARLOW C.R. , WOOD P.J. , CAHILL D.J. , HULL M.G.R. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: To measure and compare concentrations of total and free glucocorticoids with oocyte fertilizing capacity in the follicular fluid (FF) of women with minimal–mild endometriosis and tubal damage.METHOD OF STUDY: Follicular fluid was collected from individual periovulatory follicles during oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in natural cycles. Total and free levels of cortisol and cortisone were measured using specific radioimmunoassays after chloroform extraction.RESULTS: Cortisol concentrations in women with minimal–mild endometriosis were significantly lower compared with controls (women with tubal infective damage) (258 versus 328 nmol/L, P < 0.02). There was no correlation between total or free concentrations of cortisol or cortisone and the fertilization capacity of the oocyte.CONCLUSIONS: Total cortisol levels are lower in the follicles of women with endometriosis. Our findings provide further evidence of follicular dysfunction contributing to the subfertility associated with minimal–mild endometriosis.
Distinct T Cell Subsets and Cytokine Production in Cultures Derived from transformation Zone and Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Biopsies of the Uterine Cervix
Authors: Jacobs Nathalie , Renard Isabelle , Al‐Saleh Walid , Hubert Pascale , Doyen Jean , Kedzia Witold , Boniver Jacques , Delvenne Philippe 
Published: March 2003

Jacobs N, Renard I, Al‐Saleh W, Hubert P, Doyen J, Kedzia W, Boniver J, Delvenne P. Distinct T cell subsets and Cytokine production in cultures derived from transformation zone and squamous intraepithelial lesion biopsies of the uterine cervix. AJRI 2003; 49:6–13 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2003PROBLEM: The characterization of lymphocytes issued from squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) and from the transformation zone (TZ), where the majority of SIL occur, is important to understand the role of immunity in SIL development.METHOD OF STUDY: We compared lymphocyte populations of the TZ and SIL with those of normal exocervix, using a technique allowing for the isolation of lymphocytes, either from the epithelium or from the underlying stroma of small biopsies.RESULTS: The majority of cells derived from the epithelium of all biopsies were CD8+ T cells. Some SIL‐derived cultures were characterized by an increased proportion of activated TCRγδ+. The production of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL10 was significantly higher in lymphocyte cultures from the normal TZ in comparison with the exocervix. A decreased percentage of effector T cells was observed in cultures derived from the stroma of normal TZ (TCRγδ+) or SIL (CD8+) in comparison with the exocervix.CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a low proportion of effector T cells and IL10 production could contribute to the predisposition of the TZ to the development of SIL and to the progression of SIL to cervical cancer.
The Herbal Medicine Unkei‐to Stimulates the Secretion of a Cytokine‐induced Neutrophil Chemoattractant, CINC/gro, in the Rat Ovarian Cell Culture
Authors: Yasui Toshiyuki , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Ogata Rie , Kiyokawa Machiko , Ushigoe Kenjiro , Uemura Hirokazu , Kuwahara Akira , Ikawa Hiroshi , Maegawa Masahiko , Furumoto Hiroyuki , Aono Toshihiro , Irahara Minoru 
Published: March 2003

Yasui T, Matsuzaki T, Ogata R, Kiyokawa M, Ushigoe K, Uemura H, Kuwahara A, Ikawa H, Maegawa M, Furumoto H, Aono T, Irahara M. The herbal medicine Unkei‐to stimulates the secretion of a cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant, CINC/gro, in the rat ovarian cell culture. AJRI 2003; 49:–© Blackwell Munksgaard, 2003PROBLEM AND METHOD OF STUDY: We investigated the ovulation‐inducing effects of Unkei‐to, a Japanese herbal medicine, in relation to the production of sex steroid hormones (17β‐estradiol and progesterone), cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC/gro), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) in the rat ovarian cell culture.RESULTS: Unkei‐to at a concentration of 100 μg/mL significantly stimulated the secretions of 17β‐estradiol and progesterone (P < 0.01) in cultured whole ovarian dispersates. Unkei‐to also enhanced the secretion of CINC/gro in a dose‐dependent manner, and the secretions of CINC/gro increased significantly at concentrations of 10 and 100 μg/mL (P < 0.01). These stimulatory effects of Unkei‐to on steroidgenesis and CINC/gro production are very similar to those of another Japanese herbal medicine, Toki‐Shakuyaku‐san. In addition, Unkei‐to significantly (P < 0.01) enhanced the secretions of both IL‐1β and TNF‐α, which are known to stimulate the secretion of CINC/gro in the ovulatory process, at concentrations of 10 and 100 μg/mL. The stimulatory effect of Unkei‐to at a concentration of 100 μg/mL on IL‐1β/was significantly (P < 0.01) lower than that of Toki‐Shakuyaku‐san, while the stimulatory effects of these two herbal medicines at a concentration of 100 μg/mL on TNF‐α were similar.CONCLUSIONS: These results show that Unkei‐to can stimulate ovarian steroidgenesis and the ovulatory process by inducing the secretion of CINC/gro with IL‐1 β and TNF‐αin vitro. Unkei‐to has stimulatory effects on both steroidgenesis and the ovulatory process in the ovary as well as a stimulatory effect on the hypothalamus‐pituitary axis, and it may be useful for treating patients with ovulatory disorders.
Progesterone Regulates IL12 Expression in Pregnancy Lymphocytes by Inhibiting Phospholipase A2
Authors: Par G. , Geli J. , Kozma N. , Varga P. , Szekeres‐Bartho J. 
Published: March 2003

Par G, Geli J, Kozma N, Varga P, Szekeres‐Bartho J. Progesterone regulates IL12 expression in pregnancy lymphocytes by inhibiting phospholipase A2. AJRI 2003; 49:1–5 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2003PROBLEM: Progesterone‐induced blocking factor (PIBF) is one of the pathways that mediate the immunological effects of progesterone. PIBF inhibits natural killer (NK) cytotoxic activity. Recently we showed that neutralization of PIBF results in an increased interleukin (IL)‐12 expression, which is corrected by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. As exogenous arachidonic acid (AA) voids the NK blocking effect of PIBF, it is likely that PIBF acts before the level of the cyclooxygenase enzyme. Therefore in this study we investigated the effect of PIBF neutralizing antibody and simultaneous phospholipase A2 inhibitor quinacrine (Q) treatment on IL‐12 production.METHODS: Pregnancy lymphocytes were treated with anti‐PIBF antibody or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a positive control, in the presence or absence of Q. IL‐12 expression by PBMC was detected by immunocytochemistry.RESULTS: Neutralization of PIBF as well as LPS treatment resulted in an increased IL‐12 expression, which was corrected by simultaneous Q treatment. Pre‐treatment of lymphocytes with progesterone prevented the stimulating effect of LPS on IL‐12 production.CONCLUSION: Progesterone binding of the lymphocytes is followed by the release of PIBF that inhibits AA release. The subsequent block of prostaglandin synthesis reduces IL‐12 production and results in a lowered cytotoxic NK activity, which may contribute to a normal pregnancy outcome.
Autotransplantation of immature third molars: influence of different splinting methods and fixation periods
Authors: Bauss Oskar , Schilke Reinhard , Fenske Christian , Engelke Werner , Kiliaridis Stavros 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
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Different data were published documenting the influence of fixation methods and periods on the outcome of autotransplantations of teeth. Besides studies reporting increased ankylosis and disturbances of pulpal revascularization following rigid or extended fixation, there are studies revealing no connection in this matter. The clinical and radiological results of 76 transplanted germs of third molars were to be assessed after a rigid fixation for 4 weeks or after a suture splinting for 7 days and compared with each other. The choice of fixation method depended on the initial stability of the transplant. After a mean observation period of 3.4 years (range 1.0–6.1 years), 92.9% of the teeth stabilized with a suture, but only 73.5% fixed with an acid‐etch composite and wire splint could be classified as successful (P = 0.029). The significant increases in ankylosis (P = 0.036) and pulp necrosis (P = 0.041) were the factors for the less favorable results of the rigidly fixed teeth. Our data support the results of other experimental and clinical studies with regard to the negative influences of an extended and rigid fixation on the success of tooth transplantation. However, apart from a correlation with the method and period of fixation, we also suspect the influence of an incongruity between the transplant and recipient site.
A new, simple, safe, effective and cost‐effective procedure for genuine stress incontinence: Midurethral polypropylene sling
Authors: Demirci Fuat , Ozdemir Ismail , Yucel Oguz , Alhan Ali 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe developed a cost‐effective procedure for genuine stress incontinence (GSI) that has the advantages of the tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT). The midurethral polypropylene sling procedure (MPS) is carried out under local anaesthesia. A self‐fashioned sling (7.5 × 1 cm) was created from a polypropylene mesh with two lengthening polypropylene sutures at the ends. The sutures are carried through the rectus fascia using a needle and the sling is placed around the urethra. Ten patients underwent the MPS and were followed up for a mean of 6.2 months. All patients were cured. The short‐term results of the MPS were comparable to those of the TVT. The procedure costs approximately US$9. We conclude that the MPS can be considered as an alternative to the TVT procedure.
Radical surgery with omental flap for uncontrolled locally recurrent breast cancer
Authors: Henderson Michael A. , Burt James D. , Jenner David , Crookes Peter , Bennett Richard C. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Uncontrolled chest wall disease due to breast cancer is a highly morbid condition causing pain, ulceration, malodour and the need for frequent dressings. Aggressive surgical approaches are rarely justified because most patients will succumb to metastatic breast cancer within a short period. A highly selected group of patients with minimal or no evidence of metastatic disease and good performance status may benefit from radical chest wall surgery. Omental transposition flaps are ideal for reconstructing extensive surgical defects following chest wall surgery.Methods:  A retrospective review was carried out of 61 female patients treated consecutively between 1980 and 1995. The surgical technique is described herein.Results:  All patients were symptomatic preoperatively. Symptoms included ulceration (80%), pain (44%) and malodour (40%). Twenty‐nine patients had uncontrolled local recurrence following initial treatment for locally advanced breast cancer and 32 patients developed uncontrolled recurrence after treatment for operable breast cancer by mastectomy or conservation surgery. Median survival following chest wall surgery was 21 months and the median local recurrence‐free interval was 20 months. Morbidity was ­limited. There were no cases of major flap loss. Twenty‐nine patients (48%) had no further local disease. Eighteen patients (30%) developed soft‐tissue recurrence at the edge of the omental flap or in surrounding skin and 14 (23%) developed recurrence beneath the flap.Conclusion:  In a highly selected group of patients with symptomatic uncontrolled chest wall recurrence who are fit and have an expectation of at least moderate‐term survival, radical chest wall surgery and omental flap transposition offers excellent palliation and local control in the majority of patients
Why do some patients with > 80% stenosis of the internal carotid artery not undergo surgery? A retrospective review
Authors: Gunawardena Indunil D. , Burnett Alison , Makeham Virginia , Harris John P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Carotid endarterectomy is known to benefit both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with high‐grade internal carotid artery stenosis. Duplex scanning is the ‘gold standard’ for non‐invasive preoperative investigation of carotid artery stenosis. The aim of the present study was to analyse the indications for duplex scanning and to identify other factors that influenced the management of patients with high‐grade stenosis who did not undergo carotid endarterectomy.Methods: A total of 271 patients was observed to have > 80% stenosis of the internal carotid artery on duplex scanning during the period of review. Of these patients, 85 did not undergo carotid endarterectomy. The vascular laboratory database and hospital records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed.Results: The indications for requesting a carotid duplex scan in the 85 patients were transient ischaemic attack (22%), stroke (25%), symptomatic bruit (7%), asymptomatic bruit (12%), and stroke and symptomatic bruit combined (7%). Falls and preoperative carotid assessment prior to coronary surgery were the commonest indications in the remaining patients. The main risk factors were cardiac (68%), hypertension (60%), respiratory (21%), diabetes (25%), peripheral vascular disease (19%), neoplasm (16%) and renal disease (16%). Twenty‐five per cent of the patients were over 80 years of age.Conclusion: In the present study risk factors associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality were the commonest explanation for patients with high‐grade stenosis of the internal carotid artery not undergoing surgery. These patients would generally not meet the inclusion criteria for the major carotid endarterectomy trials.