bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methods for estimating long‐distance dispersal
Authors: Nathan Ran , Perry Gad , Cronin James T. , Strand Allan E. , Cain Michael L. 
Published: October 2003

Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) includes events in which propagules arrive, but do not necessarily establish, at a site far removed from their origin. Although important in a variety of ecological contexts, the system‐specific nature of LDD makes “far removed” difficult to quantify, partly, but not exclusively, because of inherent uncertainty typically involved with the highly stochastic LDD processes. We critically review the main methods employed in studies of dispersal, in order to facilitate the evaluation of their pertinence to specific aspects of LDD research. Using a novel classification framework, we identify six main methodological groups: biogeographical; Eulerian and Lagrangian movement/redistributional; short‐term and long‐term genetic analyses; and modeling. We briefly discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the most promising methods available for estimation of LDD, illustrating them with examples from current studies.The rarity of LDD events will continue to make collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the necessary data difficult, and a simple and comprehensive definition of LDD will remain elusive. However, considerable advances have been made in some methodological areas, such as miniaturization of tracking devices, elaboration of stable isotope and genetic analyses, and refinement of mechanistic models. Combinations of methods are increasingly used to provide improved insight on LDD from multiple angles. However, human activities substantially increase the variety of long‐distance transport avenues, making the estimation of LDD even more challenging.
Mutual Interactions of Boar Seminal Plasma Proteins Studied by Immunological and Chromatographic Methods
Authors: Maňásková Pavla , Balínová Pavla , Kraus Marek , Tichá Marie , Jonáková Věra 
Published: October 2003

Problem: Boar seminal plasma contains various types of proteins. Most of them belong to spermadhesins and some of them contain fibronectin type II domain. Almost all of these proteins are present under physiological conditions in aggregated forms differing in their relative molecular mass, composition, and binding properties. The study of mutual specific interactions between proteins of boar seminal plasma that could be involved in the formation of aggregated forms and most probably of sperm coating layers is the subject of our present communication.Methods of study: Aggregated forms of boar seminal plasma proteins separated by size exclusion chromatography were analysed by Reversed‐phase High‐performance Liquid Chromatography (RP HPLC), SDS‐PAGE and immunochemical methods (ELISA and immunoblotting). Mutual interactions between proteins were investigated by size exclusion chromatography of a mixture of separated monomer proteins and affinity chromatography of boar seminal plasma on immobilized spermadhesins.Results: Composition of proteins that are adsorbed from boar seminal plasma to immobilized spermadhesins corresponds to that of aggregated forms found in seminal plasma. Mutual interactions between monomer forms observed by size exclusion chromatography are in good agreement with results of affinity chromatography. An existence of interactions between spermadhesins of the AQN and AWN families and the DQH sperm surface protein, as well as between proteins involved in the formation of heterodimer porcine seminal plasma I (PSP I)/PSP II was proved.Conclusion: Mutual specific interactions between protein components of boar seminal plasma were shown. These interactions participate in the formation of aggregated forms of proteins in seminal plasma and probably also in the arrangement and remodelling of protein coating layers of sperm. Aggregation of seminal plasma proteins is probably an important phenomenon in the fertilization process.
Quantitative mRNA Analysis of IL‐1 Gene System in Human Testis
Authors: Fiszer D. , Rozwadowska N. , Łukaszyk A. , Słomski R. , Kurpisz M. 
Published: October 2003

Problem:
There is a growing body of evidence that interleukins exhibit modulatory activity on development of reproductive cells. In this context, there appears to be a role for IL‐1, which is also produced in human testis. We have analysed transcripts of IL‐1 gene system (IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐1RI, IL‐1RII and IL‐1RA) to evaluate the possible link between the level of gene(s) transcription and their function.Method of study: To determine the activity of gene transcription, a quantitative PCR with isotopic and/or nonisotopic detection was applied.Results and Conclusions: We have detected differential expression of IL‐1α and IL‐1β genes in separate functional compartments of a male gonad. A strong expression of IL‐1α gene in an intratubular cell fraction was shown, while the IL‐1β expression seemed to be dominant in extratubular compartment of the male gonad. Abundant amounts of IL‐1RA mRNA in gametogenic cells fraction slightly higher than in interstitium have also been found. IL‐1RA is the most important regulatory molecule in IL‐1 system, which down‐regulates activity of both interleukins. Looking more closely at gene(s) differential expression it appears that IL‐1α can be preferentially down‐regulated by IL‐1RA gene in intratubular fraction while the IL‐1β, through the ‘‘false’’ IL‐1RII receptor in the interstitium. Genes coding for both receptors (IL‐1RI and IL‐1RII) showed, however, relatively low levels of transcription in both studied compartments. IL‐1 genes system creates a complex intragonadal environment and the function of these genes is reflected by their respective distribution in the two main functional compartments of the testis.
Materno‐fetal Immunogenetic Disparity: The Biological Basis for In vitro Fertilization Treatment in Patients with Unexplained Recurrent Abortion?
Authors: Creus Montserrat , Calafell Josep Mª , Cívico Salvadora , Fábregues Francisco , Carmona Francisco , Vanrell Juan A. , Balasch Juan 
Published: October 2003

Problem: The majority of women with recurrent miscarriage have no discernible cause but it has been postulated that immunologic aberrations may be the cause in most of such cases. Also, it has been stressed that deliberate modification of the maternal host defense system can improve the chances of success. We tested the hypothesis that it is possible to potentiate maternal immune functions so as to improve reproductive performance by replacing several embryos into the uterus, thus favoring the recognition of fetal antigens.Method of study: A total of 57 couples with three or more (mean 5.52; range 3–12) consecutive first‐trimester spontaneous clinical abortions of unknown etiology were treated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer for a total of 84 cycles. Patients underwent IVF after combined gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist/gonadotropin treatment for ovarian stimulation, and up to four embryos were replaced into the uterus.Results: There were 32 pregnancies (three of them after frozen–thawed embryo transfers) and 26 (81%) of them were viable gestations. Overall, patients had a previous obstetric history of 315 pregnancy losses and 15 live‐born babies. Thus, the probability of having a live baby before treatment was 4.54% (95% CI, 2.78–7.36) a figure significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than that observed under IVF treatment (81%; 95% CI, 64.53–91.01). None of selected variables potentially related with the outcome of pregnancy after IVF and embryo transfer in recurrent aborters (including pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis) was found to be associated with miscarriage.Conclusions: This study shows that replacement of several embryos after IVF is a useful treatment in the prevention of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion thus providing further evidence for immunologically modifiable pregnancy loss.
Characterization of Spermatozoa Surface Antigens by Antisperm Antibodies and its Influence on Acrosomal Exocytosis
Authors: Bohring Claudia , Krause Walter 
Published: October 2003

Problem:Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are the main cause of immunological infertility, they impair sperm functions by binding to the sperm membrane. The aim of this study was to characterize highly enriched sperm membrane proteins by 2‐D‐electrophoresis and to identify membrane antigens binding ASA and to evaluate the influence of ASA on the acrosome reaction (AR).Method of study:Sperm membrane proteins were separated by 2‐D‐electrophoresis and antigens were identified by immunoblotting with ASA from seminal plasma samples of infertile men. The influence of ASA on the AR were observed and determined by means of flowcytometry.Results:A total of 18 antigens were identified by using ASA from seminal plasma. Six of the recognized proteins were analyzed by means of mass spectrometry and peptide matching: HSP70 and HSP70‐2, disulfide‐isomerase‐ER60, caspase‐3 and two subunits of the proteasome (component‐C2 and zeta‐chain). ASA from seminal plasma are able to enhance the AR in donor‐spermatozoa.Conclusion:The biochemical identification of these proteins will be helpful to understand the mechanism by which ASA impair sperm function and the fertilization process. Spermatozoa, in which the AR was prematurely induced by ASA, will not be able to fertilize anymore.
Increased Production of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α by Peritoneal Fluid Mononuclear Cells Induced by 60‐kDa Heat Shock Protein in Women with Minimal to Mild Endometriosis
Authors: Noda Takahiro , Murakami Takashi , Terada Yukihiro , Yaegashi Nobuo , Okamura Kunihiro 
Published: October 2003

Problem:  We sought to examine the role of Hsp60, a 60‐kDa stress‐responsive protein (hsp60) with potent immunostimulatory properties, in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. We investigated the response of peritoneal fluid mononuclear cells (PFMCs) to hsp60 to identify differences in PFMCs between women with and without endometriosis.Method of study:  PFMCs from women with or without endometriosis were incubated with hsp60 in vitro. The release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:  The rapid secretion of TNF‐α was observed following the exposure of PFMCs to hsp60. PFMCs from women with minimal to mild endometriosis produced greater amounts of TNF‐α in response to hsp60 stimulation than levels seen in cells from women without endometriosis.Conclusion:  Hsp60 may play a role in the activation of peritoneal immunity in patients with minimal to mild endometriosis.
Comparison of four different suture materials in soft tissues of rats
Authors: Yaltirik M , Dedeoglu K , Bilgic B , Koray M , Ersev H , Issever H , Dulger O , Soley S 
Published: October 2003

Objectives: The purpose of this in vivo study was to histopathologically evaluate the inflammatory reaction incited by Vicryl in rats and compare this material with various suture materials that are widely used in the clinic.Subjects and methods: Four different suture materials, catgut, silk, polypropylene, and Vicryl were used in soft tissues of 32 Sprague–Dawley rats. Incisions performed were sutured by a standard technique. Eight rats were killed at the first, third, fifth, and seventh days. Histopathological evaluation of the en bloc samples was performed by determining the density of seven cell‐types. A numerical grading from one to three was used. The data were statistically analysed by Kruskal–Wallis one way ANOVA and Dunn's tests.Results: Vicryl has produced the mildest tissue reaction among the test materials at all experimental periods (P < 0.05). Total cell number value in Vicryl group was found to be significantly lower than the one in catgut group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Under the conditions of this study, the results demonstrated that Vicryl as a suture material produced the mildest tissue reaction during early healing period.
Hepatitis C virus infection in Thai patients with oral lichen planus
Authors: Klanrit P , Thongprasom K , Rojanawatsirivej S , Theamboonlers A , Poovorawan Y 
Published: October 2003

Objective: Many studies focusing on the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and oral lichen planus (OLP) have been conducted. Diversities of geographical locations could be a major factor influencing the prevalence of HCV. This study was aimed to define whether there was a relationship between the OLP and HCV infection in Thailand.Materials and methods: Serum samples of 60 patients (with OLP) and 60 controls (without OLP), whose age and gender were matched, were respectively screened for anti‐HCV by ELISA (third generation), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for HCV‐RNA.Results: We found five patients (8.33%) with OLP infected with HCV: three patients were positive for both anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA; one patient was only positive for anti‐ HCV; and one patient was only positive for HCV‐RNA; whereas all the controls were negative for both anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA (P = 0.029). Three of five cases of OLP with HCV infection had histories of blood transfusions over 10 years ago.Conclusion: The present study reports a small, but statistically significant high prevalence of HCV infection among patients with OLP, although the underlying mechanism still remains unknown.
Eotaxin expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas with and without tumour associated tissue eosinophilia
Authors: Lorena SCM , Oliveira DT , Dorta RG , Landman G , Kowalski LP 
Published: October 2003

Aim:Eotaxin is a powerful and selective eosinophil chemoattractant. The purpose of this study was to compare the expression of eotaxin in oral squamous cell carcinomas with and without tumour associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE). The mechanisms that control the recruitment of eosinophils to these tumours are not clearly established.Methods: A total of 60 patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) with TNM stages II and III, located in the tongue, oral floor, retromolar area and inferior gingiva were divided in two groups: 1 – OSCC with intense eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate and 2 – OSCC with absent/low eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate. The eotaxin expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using standard streptavidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex technique with monoclonal (mouse anti‐human eotaxin) and polyclonal (rabbit anti‐human eotaxin) antibodies.Results: The eotaxin expression was identified in normal oral mucosa as well as in both OSCC groups including malignant epithelial cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, plasma cells and fibroblasts. The eosinophils showed intense immunopositivity for eotaxin.Conclusion: These results suggest that the eotaxin expressed in oral squamous cell carcinomas, mainly derived from eosinophils, is probably involved in the mechanisms of eosinophils chemotaxis to the tumour and in the maintenance of TATE in these malignant tumours.
The evaluation of anxiety and salivary cortisol levels in patients with oral lichen planus
Authors: Koray M , Dülger O , Ak G , Horasanli S , Ü çok A , Tanyeri H , Badur S 
Published: October 2003

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine any association between anxiety and salivary cortisol levels in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients by the case–control method.Design relevant:  Forty patients with OLP were evaluated. The OLP diagnosis was established through a composite of accepted clinical and histopathological characteristics. Forty patients from the register of patients who obtained general dental care were selected as controls.Material and method:  The saliva samples collected between 9:00 and 9:15am were analysed for the level of cortisol with Cortisol EIA that used competetive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Trait and state anxiety levels of 80 patients were measured using the Spielberger's State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory.Results:  The mean level of cortisol from 40 saliva samples in study group was 1.46 and 0.93μg dl−1 in 40 controls (P=0.001). The mean level for state anxiety in the study group were 48.85 and 39.45 in control group (P=0.001). Trait anxiety levels in study group were 49.77 and 38.51 in control group (P=0.001). We found that salivary cortisol, state and trait anxiety levels in OLP group were significantly higher than in the control group.Conclusion:  Because of the fact that the level of anxiety and salivary cortisol of OLP patients were high, our findings concluded that this disease is closely related with stress. Thus besides traditional treatment of OLP patients, our findings suggest that psychological support is also needed.
HIV/AIDS orofacial lesions in 156 Zimbabwean patients at referral oral and maxillofacial surgical clinics
Authors: Chidzonga MM 
Published: October 2003

Objective:  To document the prevalence, age and gender distribution and clinical features of HIV/AIDS orofacial lesions in patients referred to the two largest Oral and Maxillofacial specialist centers in Harare, Zimbabwe, and compare the findings with those from other parts of the world.Design:  Descriptive study.Setting:  Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Clinics at specialist referral hospitals; Harare Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Government Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe.Subjects:  A total of 7800 consecutive patients referred for various orofacial conditions were examined. From this group, 156 patients with orofacial lesions of or suggestive of HIV/AIDS were further interviewed and examined by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in charge of the clinics.Methods:  Head, neck and oral examinations were carried out. Oral examination was carried out using mouth mirror and dental light in a dental chair. HIV/AIDS orofacial lesions were recorded and diagnosed using the EC Clearing House Criteria on Oral Problems related to HIV Infection (1993).Results:  There were 79 males and 77 females. Male:female ratio 1:1; age range 1–56 years; candidiasis (55.1%) was the most common lesion with the pseudomembranous type (55.8%) predominating. High prevalences of Kaposi's sarcoma (18.6%), salivary gland disease (12.2%) and cancrum oris (3.8%) were noted. Heterosexual contact and mother to child transmissions appear to be the mode of transmission.Conclusion:  The spectrum of orofacial lesions is similar to that in other countries. This study shows a high prevalence of candidiasis, Kaposi's sarcoma, salivary gland disease, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, cancrum oris and rampant caries.
Polymorphisms in the IL‐10 and IL‐12 gene cluster and risk of developing recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Bazrafshani MR , Hajeer AH , Ollier WER , Thornhill MH 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common, painful, ulcerative condition of the mouth. Although there is no clear genetic mode of inheritance, there is evidence that inheritance of specific gene polymorphisms may predispose individuals to RAS. AlsoTh1 cell mediated immune responses under the control of IL‐10/IL‐12 are thought to play an important role inits pathogenesis.Objective:  The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility that susceptibility to RAS is associated with the inheritance of specific gene polymorphisms for the T cell regulatory cytokines interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and interleukin‐12 (IL‐12).Patients and Methods:  One hundred RAS patients and 91 ethnically matched controls were genotyped for the IL‐10‐592, and ‐1082 polymorphisms, and the IL‐12 1188 polymorphism. Chi‐square analysis was used to compare the allele frequencies and genotypes of cases and controls.Results:  No significant association was identified between inheritance of specific alleles or genotypes of the IL‐10‐592 and ‐1082 polymorphisms or IL‐12 1188 polymorphism and susceptibility to RAS.Conclusions:  We were unable to demonstrate an association between the inheritance of specific IL‐10 or IL‐12 gene polymorphisms and RAS susceptibility.
The Association Between Male Offspring Aggression and Paternal and Maternal Behavior of Peromyscus Mice
Authors: Bester‐Meredith Janet K. , Marler Catherine A. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractParents influence offspring aggression through genetic and non‐genetic mechanisms, although the latter are less well understood. To examine potential non‐genetic effects of parents on offspring, we cross‐fostered the highly aggressive and biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) and the less aggressive, less parental white‐footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). In‐fostered animals within each species were used as controls. We examined associations between the foster parents’ behavior and aggression of the fostered male offspring in resident–intruder (R–I) and neutral arena aggression tests. When both species and fostering groups were combined, R–I aggression of offspring was positively associated with paternal time spent retrieving pups. In contrast, aggression in a neutral arena was negatively associated with a composite score of maternal behavior. We discuss how our findings regarding paternal retrievals may explain previously reported effects of cross‐fostering on male aggression.
Observational Learning and Predator Inspection in Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Brosnan Sarah F. , Earley Ryan L. , Dugatkin Lee A. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractPrior work has demonstrated that, following a predator inspection visit of their own, guppies prefer to associate with individuals who inspected a predator most closely. Based on this work, as well as studies of social learning in the context of mate choice, we predicted that male guppies that observed but did not participate in an inspection trial would subsequently choose to associate with the closer of two inspectors. Our experimental protocol consisted of three treatments: a control test in which an observer watched two fish consecutively, only one of which was exposed to a predator, a sequential test in which an observer watched two fish consecutively, both of which were exposed to the predator, and a social test in which an observer watched two fish inspect simultaneously. We found no preferences by the observer for either of the fish in any of the trials. Our results suggest that direct interaction is a critical component to the development of preferences in male guppies. We discuss our findings in light of game theoretical treatments of cooperation.
Candidaemia in a London teaching hospital: analysis of 128 cases over a 7‐year period
Authors: Schelenz S. , Gransden W. R. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryIn a retrospective analysis of 128 cases of Candida bloodstream infections in a London teaching hospital between 1995 and 2001, the incidence of candidaemia increased from 0.2/1000 admissions in 1995 to 0.5 and 0.4/1000 admissions in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Risk factors for candidaemia included the presence of intravascular (IV) lines (88%), admission to intensive care (51%), parenteral nutrition (35%), multiple antibiotics (74%), corticosteroid therapy (12%), cancer chemotherapy (11%), renal transplantation (5%) and neutropenia (3%). The sources of infection were IV lines (77%), the urinary tract (7%) and the gastrointestinal tract (7%). Serious infective complications (endocarditis, endophthalmitis or brain abscess) were noted in 6% of cases. The most frequently isolated species were Candida albicans (64%), C. glabrata (20%), C. tropicalis (9%) and C. parapsilosis (5%). The overall fluconazole‐resistance rate of Candida spp. was 7% (MIC ≥ 64 mg l−1). All the C. albicans isolates were sensitive to fluconazole (MIC ≤ 8 mg l−1) whereas 20% of non‐C. albicans isolates (27% of C. glabrata and 14%C. tropicalis) were resistant. The mortality rate (35%) was lower than in other reports and may be due to the early recognition of candidaemia and the prompt removal of IV lines together with the initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy. Regular surveillance of local Candida species, resistance profiles and risk factors is important in order to identify patients at risk and to develop empirical treatment protocols to reduce the incidence and mortality of candidaemia.