bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravascular myopericytoma
Authors: McMenamin Máirín E. , Calonje Eduardo 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Myopericytoma is a benign tumor composed of cells that show apparent differentiation towards putative perivascular myoid cells called myopericytes. It arises most commonly in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue of the extremities in adults.Methods:  We describe a myopericytoma that was unusual in its intravascular location.Results:  A 54‐year‐old man presented with a 10‐year history of a painful slowly growing 1.5‐cm nodule in the subcutaneous tissue of the thigh. Histologic examination of the excised lesion showed that is was entirely contained within the lumen of a vein. It was composed of a proliferation of myoid‐appearing spindle cells, which were arranged in a striking concentric pattern around numerous blood vessels, in a manner that accentuated the vessel walls. This pattern is characteristic of myopericytoma. In some areas, fascicles of spindle cells, embedded in a myxoid stroma, bulged into the lumina of lesional vessels, reminiscent of myofibroma/myofibromatosis. Lesional spindle cells were diffusely positive for smooth muscle actin, focally positive for CD34 and were negative for desmin, cytokeratin, S100 protein, HMB‐45 and CD31.Conclusion:  This case illustrates that myopericytoma can be entirely intravascular in its location.
An assessment of oral self‐care level among Japanese dental hygiene students and general nursing students using the Hiroshima University – Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU‐DBI): Surveys in 1990/1999
Authors: Kawamura Makoto , Ikeda‐Nakaoka Yumi , Sasahara Hisako 
Published: March 2003

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in oral self‐care levels between Japanese dental hygiene students and general nursing students in 1999, and compare them with a similar study in 1990.Methods: The examination was mainly based upon responses to a questionnaire titled ”Hiroshima University – Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU‐DBI)“. Higher scores of the HU‐DBI indicate better oral health attitudes/behaviour.Results: The mean HU‐DBI score of the 2nd‐year dental hygiene students was significantly greater than that of the 2nd‐year nursing students (9.56 and 6.65, respectively; p<0.001), and much higher than those of the 1st‐year students at each course (dental hygiene course; 6.30, nursing course; 5.88). Except for the 2nd‐year dental hygiene class, there were no significant differences in the HU‐DBI score between the 1990 and 1999 subgroups of each class. About 1/3 of the 2nd‐year nursing students reported a belief that they may eventually require false teeth, while 6% of the 2nd‐year dental hygiene students held this belief. More than 60% of this study sample stated that they put off going to the dentist until they had toothache. The 2nd‐year dental hygiene students were more likely to have this attitude than their 1990 peers. Flossing was not popular among the nursing students in either 1990 or 1999.Conclusion: Although the difference in the HU‐DBI score across time was not major, the variation in HU‐DBI and the favourable attitudes/behaviour toward oral health appeared to reflect the differences in schooling between student hygienists and student nurses.
HPA‐1a‐mediated platelet interaction with monocytes in vitro: involvement of Fcγ receptor (FcγR) classes and inhibition by humanised monoclonal anti‐FcγRI H22
Authors: Wiener E. , Mawas F. , Coates P. , Hossain A. K. , Perry M. , Snachall S. , Deb P. , Rodeck C.H. , Keler T. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: To gain insight into mechanisms of platelet destruction and its possible inhibition during fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FAIT/NAIT) the binding to monocytes (Mo) of anti‐HPA‐1a‐sensitised platelets, the initial step in IgG‐mediated destruction by effector cells, was evaluated in an in vitro assay. Neonatal Mo were compared with adult Mo as effectors in the assay. Moreover, the potential involvement of Fcγ receptor (FcγR) classes during platelet destruction in the disease was tested by using FcγR class‐specific reagents as inhibitors of the binding reaction. Neonatal Mo were 37% less active than adult Mo in their interaction with anti‐HPA‐1a‐sensitised platelets (p<0.05). The FcγRI‐specific reagents human monomeric IgG and humanised anti‐FcγRI monoclonal H22 caused virtually complete inhibition of platelet binding to Mo. When compared to an intravenous immunoglobulin preparation the inhibitory activity of H22 was 10–100× greater than that of the latter compound. Monoclonal anti‐FcγRII IV.3 and anti‐FcγRIII 3G8 decreased platelet binding by 70% and 64%, respectively, but only the anti‐FcγRII inhibition was statistically significant (p<0.001). Finally, anti‐HPA‐1a‐sensitised platelets bound to 131H‐ but not to 131R‐ FcγRIIa transfected 3T6 mouse fibroblasts (p<0.01), in an anti‐HPA‐1a‐concentration‐dependent manner.The results suggest that FcγRI and FcγRIIa may be involved in anti‐HPA‐1a‐mediated platelet destruction by mononuclear phagocytes during FAIT/NAIT. Moreover, the much greater potency of monoclonal H22 than of intravenous immunoglobulin as an inhibitor of anti‐HPA‐1a‐mediated Mo‐platelet interaction, might render it superior to the latter agent in the maternal therapy of the disorder.
Hydroxyurea therapy in paraparesisand cauda equina syndrome due to extramedullary haematopoiesis in thalassaemia: improvement of clinicaland haematological parameters
Authors: Cianciulli P. , Caravita di Toritto T. , Sorrentino F. , Sergiacomi L. , Massa A. , Amadori S. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Patients with β‐globin disorders show amelioration of clinical condition by sustained synthesis of fetal haemoglobin in adult life.We report data on a patient with β°‐thalassaemia genotype and thalassaemia intermedia clinical phenotype. He received therapy with hydroxyurea (20 mg/kg/d) because of the presence of extramedullary masses causing paraparesis, neurogenic bladder and impotence. During therapy, the patient showed an improved clinical picture and a significant increase in total Hb (from 71.8 to 103.2 g/L) and a γ/α globin synthetic ratio (from 0.39 to 0.68). The myelosuppressive effect of hydroxyurea was revealed by a decrease in CFU‐GEMM, BFU‐E, and CFU‐GM. Therefore hydroxyurea can be effective in the treatment of patients with extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) who are not transfusion‐dependent and cannot be treated with radiotherapy.
Diel microhabitat use of age‐0 bull trout in Indian Creek, Washington
Authors: Polacek M. C. , James P. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAbstract  – We studied diel microhabitat use at the focal point of age‐0 bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, in Indian Creek, Washington during mid‐summer and fall of 1997. Microhabitat variables included water depth and velocity, distance from the stream bottom, habitat and refuge use, substrate type, and substrate embeddedness. Age‐0 fish were located over fines and gravel substrates in shallow, low‐velocity water near stream margins, but were located in shallower water at night. Bull trout were highly associated with loose substrate, and used the substrate interstices for refuge cover. Diurnal bull trout counts decreased and no age‐0 fish were observed after 15 September at water temperatures below 6.1 °C. Nocturnal counts remained relatively constant throughout the study. Our results suggest that age‐0 bull trout surveys be conducted at night when summer water temperatures begin to decline.
T‐cell Cytokines in Pregnancy
Authors: PICCINNI MARIE‐PIERRE 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Immunological mechanisms induced by T cells may play an important role in preimplantation embryo development, in implantation process and in the phenomenon of fetal allograft tolerance.METHODS: We review existing data on the role of T cells in pregnancy.RESULTS: The production of LIF, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10 and M‐CSF by the decidual T cells may contribute to the maintenance of pregnancy. T cells are not only confined to the uterus. T cells are also present in cumulus oophorus and are able to produce LIF and IL‐4.CONCLUSIONS: These findings may provide an initial cue in favor of the possibility that different cytokines produced by T cells acting in concert are required to create a suitable microenvironment for the preimplantation embryo development and for the maintenance of pregnancy. T cells could work in parallel with other cells present in the decidua and cumulus suggesting a complex network of hormones, cytokines and cells.
Recurrent Reproductive Wastage and Immunologic Factors
Authors: MAKINO TSUNEHISA 
Published: March 2003

Makino T. Recurrent reproductive wastage and immunologic factors. AJRI 2002; 48:266–268 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002 PROBLEM: The causes of recurrent reproductive wastage are varied and complex. The present study was designed to focus on the role of immunologic factors in cases where other causes were not evident.METHOD OF STUDY: Over 20 years, more than 1500 couples were evaluated in our clinic because of recurrent spontaneous abortion. Women were tested for anti‐phospholipid antibodies and plasma contact proteins of the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation after endocrine, organic, infectious and genetic etiologies of miscarriages were excluded.RESULTS: Anti‐phosphatidylethanolamine antibodies, anti‐annexin antibodies, and factor XII deficiency were more common factors in recurrent spontaneous abortion patients than were anti‐cardiolipin antibodies in terms of induction of recurrent pregnancy losses. Paternal leukocyte immunotherapy of patients without such abnormalities was associated with a significantly improved success rate.CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent reproductive wastage can be minimized by individualized therapy based on comprehensive evaluation of immunologic factors, including several anti‐phospholipid antibodies.
Value of Flow Cytometric Assay for the Detection of Antisperm Antibodies in Women with a History of Recurrent Abortion
Authors: AL‐HUSSEIN KHALED , AL‐MUKHALAFI ZUHA , BERTILSSON PER‐ANDERS , JAROUDI KAMAL , SHOUKRI MOHAMMED , HOLLANDER JOHANSON 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: To verify the proposed relationship between recurrent spontaneous abortions and the presence of maternal antisperm antibodies (ASA) in women as detected by a sensitive and reliable method.METHOD OF STUDY: The presence of maternal antipaternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were determined against three different paternal antigens comprising T, B lymphocytes and semen cells by a sensitive flow cytometric crossmatch method to examine their possible correlation with pregnancy outcome.Group 1 consisted of sera obtained from 24 women with a history of abortion, and lymphocytes and semen samples collected from their husbands at the same time of visiting the in vitro fertilization (IVF) Clinic at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center. Sera, lymphocytes and semen samples were also collected from six couples with no history of abortion who served as controls (Group 2).RESULTS: Using a sensitive flow cytometric assay to analyse the samples, without knowledge of clinical status, elevated levels of both IgG and IgM were detected in Group 1. However, no significant association was found when compared with normal females who had healthy pregnancies.CONCLUSION: Flow cytometry is a highly sensitive and specific tool for the detection of alloantibodies in human sera from patients with rejected transplanted organs. Our findings suggest that maternal antipaternal antibodies with respect to IgG and IgM classes do not play a major role in women with a history of recurrent abortions, despite the presence of increased levels of antibodies against three different sources of paternal antigens.
Interleukin‐12 Secretion by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells is Decreased in Normal Pregnant Subjects and Increased in Preeclamptic Patients
Authors: SAKAI MASATOSHI , TSUDA HIROSHI , TANEBE KYOKO , SASAKI YASUSHI , SAITO SHIGERU 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM:  It has been reported that T‐helper (Th) 2 dominance in normal pregnancy shifts to Th1 dominance in preeclampsia. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) production of interleukin (IL)‐12, which induce Th1 responses, has not been compared between these clinical states.METHOD OF STUDY:  Peripheral blood mononuclear cell from 35 non‐pregnant women, 35 healthy pregnant women, 12 mildly preeclamptic patients, and 15 severely preeclamptic patients were cultured for 24 hr. IL‐12 secretion was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Th1/Th2 ratios in PBMC were determined flow‐cytometrically, and the amounts of HLA‐DR and CD14 expression on the monocytes were obtained by flow cytometry.RESULTS:  Peripheral blood mononuclear cell from healthy pregnant subjects secreted less IL‐12 than non‐pregnant women. PBMC from severely preeclamptic patients secreted more IL‐12 than those from healthy pregnant subjects, while IL‐12 secretion in mild preeclampsia resembled secretion in normal pregnancy. Th1/Th2 ratios correlated were positively with IL‐12. Increased HLA‐DR antigens and reduced CD14 expression, suggesting monocyte activation, were observed in preeclamptic patients, although monocyte counts were unchanged.CONCLUSION:  Decreased IL‐12 secretion by PBMC may cause Th2 dominance in normal pregnancy, while increased IL‐12 secretion by activated monocytes may cause Th1 dominance in preeclampsia.
Testis‐Specific Antigen (TSA‐1) is Expressed in Murine Sperm and its Antibodies inhibit Fertilization
Authors: TRIVEDI RAM N. , NAZ RAJESH K. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: We recently cloned and sequenced a sperm‐specific antigen, designated as testis‐specific antigen‐1 (TSA‐1), from human testis. The present study was conducted to examine its expression and function in murine sperm, in order to find out whether or not the mouse can provide a suitable model for examining its immunocontraceptive effects.METHOD OF STUDY: The antibodies (Ab) were raised against purified human rTSA‐1 in virgin female rabbits. The rTSA‐1 was run in sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and the gel containing the ˜ 18 kDa band was cut, minced and used for immunization to obtain the specific Ab. The immunoglobulins from preimmune bleed and from animals injected with adjuvant alone served as control. These Ab were analysed in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot procedure, immunoprecipitation procedure, immunocytochemical technique (ICT), immunobead binding technique (IBT), acrosome reaction and sperm–zona binding assay.RESULTS: Active immunization of female rabbits with purified rTSA‐1 protein of ˜ 18 kDa, produced high titer Ab against the recombinant antigen. These Ab to rTSA‐1 were used in the present study. In Western blot procedure, rTSA‐1 Ab recognized a specific protein band of ˜ 24 ± 3 kDa in murine sperm extract, the band similar to found in human sperm extract. In the immunoprecipitation procedure, rTSA‐1 Ab immunoprecipitated the protein band of similar size from extracts of murine sperm and murine testis. The ICT and the IBT studies revealed the subcellular localization of TSA‐1 on the surface of acrosome and tail regions of the non‐capacitated and capacitated murine sperm cells. In functional bioassays, rTSA‐1 Ab inhibited the acrosome reaction and sperm–egg binding in vitro.CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the TSA‐1 is expressed in murine sperm and may have a biological role in sperm function and sperm–egg binding. In vitro inhibition of capacitation/acrosome reaction and sperm–zona binding suggests that the mouse can provide a suitable model to examine the immunocontraceptive effects of TSA‐1 in actively immunized animals.
Normal Pregnancy is Associated with Peripheral Leukocyte Activation
Authors: LUPPI P. , HALUSZCZAK C. , TRUCCO M. , DELOIA J.A. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Normal pregnancy has been described as both a pro‐inflammatory condition and a T helper (Th)2‐dominated state. Deviations in the percentage of different subpopulations of circulating leukocytes have been detected, although with conflicting results. This study was designed to analyse further the phenotype of subpopulations of peripheral blood leukocytes in normal pregnant women.METHOD OF STUDY: Whole‐blood flow cytometry was used to differentiate subsets of leukocytes using directly labeled monoclonal antibodies to specific cell surface antigens and to a panel of activation‐associated markers in 33 normal pregnant women in their third trimester and in 26 non‐pregnant controls.RESULTS: We found a significant increase in the proportion of granulocytes and of CD8+ T lymphocytes during pregnancy. Up‐regulation of the expression of adhesion molecules was observed on granulocytes, monocytes and T lymphocytes.CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy alters the representation of leukocyte subpopulations in the maternal circulation and is associated with systemic activation of leukocytes.
Differential Expression of Interleukins (IL)‐13 and IL‐15 in Ectopic and Eutopic Endometrium of Women With Endometriosis and Normal Fertile Women
Authors: Chegini Nasser , Roberts Marisa , Ripps Barry 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM:  Interleukins (IL) 13 and 15 are key regulators of inflammatory and immune responses, processes that are central to endometriosis and associated abnormalities. The present study examined (1) whether ectopic endometrial tissue expresses IL‐13 and IL‐15 (2) if their expression differs compared with matched eutopic endometrium and control endometrium from normal fertile women, and (3) if peritoneal fluids (PF) content of these cytokines reflects the disease compared with PF from women with peritoneal adhesions unrelated to endometriosis and those without pelvic pathology.METHODS:  The expression of IL‐13 and IL‐15 mRNA and protein was determined using quantitative RT‐PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:  Ectopic endometrium expresses IL‐13 and IL‐15 mRNA and protein with elevated levels compared with eutopic and control endometrium, irrespective of the phases of the menstrual cycle, with predominance in IL‐13 expression. Endometrial epithelial cells were found to be the primary site of IL‐13 and IL‐15 expression. The PF content of IL‐13 and IL‐15 show a trend toward higher concentrations in women with adhesion and endometriosis, respectively, compared with fertile control without pelvic pathology.CONCLUSION:  Interleukins 13 and 15 are expressed in ectopic endometrium and present in PF of women with endometriosis and their elevated expression in ectopic endometrium suggests that these cytokines play a key role in local inflammatory/immune responses that are critical in endometriosis‐associated abnormalities.
Considerations and concepts of case selection in the management of post‐treatment endodontic disease (treatment failure)
Authors: Friedman Shimon 
Published: March 2003

Dear ColleaguesI feel honoured and excited to participate in Endodontic Topics, the new review journal focusing on all aspects of the science and art of endodontics, and I hope you will join me in celebrating this first issue, wherever you are! In contrast to future issues, which will focus on one area each, this issue covers different areas, all reviewed by my fellow Associate Editors. I selected the following review for this issue because it touches on several topics that have been assigned to me to cover in the future. In this review, you will find reference to endodontic treatment outcome criteria, concepts of endodontic health and disease, decision‐making, treatment outcome of apical surgery and orthograde re‐treatment, post‐operative pain associated with the aforementioned procedures, removal of crowns and posts, as well as broken instruments, perforation repair, retrograde re‐treatment and more. All of these topics are dealt with in this article in the context of case selection in the management of post‐treatment disease. In the future, however, you will see the focus shifting to examining each of these topics on their own, with many of them being reviewed in greater detail by those researchers and clinicians quoted in this review. So, to my mind, this review is not just a review but a sign of things to come.I look forward to working with many knowledgeable colleagues in the future to develop good quality, comprehensive and critical reviews for your benefit. I hope you find these reviews exciting and useful.
Laparoscopic treatment of acute small bowel obstruction: A multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Levard Hugues , Boudet Marie‐Jeanne , Msika Simon , Molkhou Jean‐Michel , Hay Jean‐Marie , Laborde Yves , Gillet Michel , Fingerhut Abe ,   French Association for Surgical Research
Published: March 2003

Background:  Laparoscopic surgery is thought to promote early recovery and quicker return to bowel function. The objective was to evaluate the rate and predictive factors of success, the causes of failure, the morbidity, and mortality during and after hospitalization, as well as to determine whether laparoscopic treatment of acute small bowel obstruction offers the same benefits as for other laparoscopic procedures.Methods: The records of 308 patients with acute small bowel obstruction treated laparoscopically in 35 centres between 1 October 1988 and 30 September 1996 were retrospectively reviewed.Results: Treatment was implemented completely by laparoscopy (‘success’ group) in 168 patients (54.6%). Conversion to laparotomy (‘failure’ group) was required in 140 patients (45.4%; during the same operation in 126 patients and after a median delay of 4 days (range: 1–12 days) in 14 patients). There were significantly more successes in patients with a history of one or two surgical interventions than in those with more than two (56%vs 37%; P < 0.05). There were significantly more successes in patients who had undergone appendectomy only (67/94; 71%) than in patients who (i) had no antecedent surgery (52%; P < 0.05), or (ii) underwent other surgery (33%; P < 0.001). The rate of success was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in patients operated on early (< 24 h) and in patients with bands (54%), than in those with adhesions (31%) or with other causes of obstruction (15%). The median duration of postoperative ileus was significantly shorter in the ‘success’ group than in the ‘failure’ group (2 days vs 4 days; P < 0.001). The median duration of postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the ‘success’ group than in the ‘failure’ group (4 days vs 10 days; P < 0.001). Fewer immediate wound complications were sustained in the ‘success’ group than in the ‘failure’ group (1.2%vs 10.7%; P < 0.001). The total number of immediate or delayed complications and particularly the number of recurrent obstructions after hos­pitalization as well as the number of deaths did not differ significantly between the two groups.Conclusions: Successful laparoscopic treatment of small bowel obstruction can be expected in patients who are seen early, and who have had one or two previous interventions (particularly appendectomy, especially if bands are found).