bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience in office mini‐hysteroscopy
Authors: Sadik Salih , Önoğlu Ahmet S. , İnal M. Murat , Güler Ahmet , Arici Azra , İspahi Çiğdem 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTObjective  To evaluate the usefulness of and necessity for diagnostic office mini‐hysteroscopy, and to review its indications and results with regard to patients who were admitted to the gynaecology and infertility outpatient clinics of the SSK Aegean Maternity and Women's Health Teaching Hospital.Study design  A retrospective review was carried out of 344 women admitted with various gynaecological and reproductive complaints, who underwent office mini‐hysteroscopy.Results  A mini‐hysteroscope with an operating channel of outer diameter (OD) 4 mm was used successfully in 344 patients, to evaluate abnormal and postmenopausal bleeding, endometrial thickness, intrauterine device dislocation, secondary amenorrhoea, severe dysmenorrhoea, infertility, tubal integrity and endometrial biopsy. In 219 patients (63.7%), the procedure was carried out without local anaesthesia and in 131 patients (38%) without cervical dilation. Local anaesthesia was used in 124 patients (36%) and only one patient (0.2%) had general anaesthesia. When indicated, endometrial biopsies were performed without any complication or difficulty. In 62.5% of patients intrauterine pathology was identified and 28% required further operative procedures.Conclusion  Mini‐hysteroscopy can be used in office conditions for more than 60% of women without the requirement for general or local anaesthesia. The experience of the operator is the most important factor in correct evaluation of the endometrium and for thus reducing the failure rate of endometrial biopsy. Office mini‐hysteroscopy is a safe, fast and effective method of intrauterine evaluation, allowing the operator to take direct biopsies from suspected focal lesions and thus giving the opportunity of curing some intrauterine pathologies during the same session. It is very effective in clarification of indefinite results obtained from ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, blind biopsy and hysterosalpingography.
Feasibility of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage in the second trimester
Authors: Darwish Atef M. , Hassan Zein Z. 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTObjective  To describe a simplified laparoscopic approach to cervical cerclage in the early second trimester.Design  A case study.Setting  Gynaecological Endoscopy Unit, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt.Subject  A 31‐year‐old‐patient, para 5, gravida 11, with a history of eight cervical cerclage operations performed using Shirodkar and McDonald techniques.Interventions  A laparoscopic abdominal cerclage procedure was carried out by fixation of a Mersilene tape into the cervical isthmus at the 12 o’clock position. The stitch was advanced at each side and passed underneath the round ligament after freeing of the bladder. The stitch was tightened posteriorly after appropriate visualization using a fan‐shaped retractor.Main outcome measures  Continuation of the pregnancy after 36 weeks.Results  The patient delivered a healthy 3150‐g female baby at 37 weeks by repeat Caesarean section and the stitch was left in place.Conclusions  Laparoscopic abdominal cerclage in the early second trimester is technically feasible without deleterious effects on the mother or the fetus. Randomized studies are required to compare the cost‐effectiveness, fetal and maternal safety, feasibility and success of laparoscopic vs. open abdominal cerclage.
The uterine and tubal effects of laparoscopy in intra‐abdominal infection: a rat model
Authors: Ergin Tolga , Tarim Ebru , Zeyneloglu Hulusi B. , Ergin Funda , Kuscu Esra , Haberal Ali 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTObjective  To assess the severity of uterine and tubal infection and bacteraemia incidence in CO2 pneumoperitoneum vs. laparotomy, in a rat model of intra‐abdominal infection.Design  Experimental study.Setting  Experimental research laboratory at Başkent University.Subjects  A total of 30 Wistar albino rats.Interventions  Rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of 108 colony‐forming units of Escherichia coli and underwent laparotomy (n = 10), laparoscopy (n = 10) or no further manipulation (control group, n= 10) At 60 min after bacterial injection, a blood sample was collected from each rat, and the fallopian tubes and uterine horns were removed bilaterally. Each blood sample was cultured, and quantitative bacterial cultures were done for each organ.Main outcome measurements  Bacterial counts in uterine horns, fallopian tubes and blood.Results  The mean bacterial counts in the uterine and fallopian tissues from the laparoscopy group were higher than the counts in the laparotomy group, but this difference was not statistically significant. None of the uterine horns or fallopian tubes from the control animals showed bacterial growth. There was no statistically significant difference in bacteraemia incidence among the control, laparotomy and laparoscopy groups at 60 min after bacterial inoculation.Conclusions  Uterine/tubal infection rates and bacteraemia incidence were similar in the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups. The exact mechanism is still unclear, but this finding indicates that, under both these conditions, bacterial biology is modified by mechanical bacterial clearance, peritoneal immunity, elevated intra‐abdominal pressure, CO2 atmosphere and exposure of the peritoneum to air. In addition to many advantages, laparoscopic surgery causes no more deleterious effects than laparotomy in cases of intra‐abdominal infection.
Fallopian tube detorsion in near‐term pregnancy: a laparoscopic approach
Authors: Romano Shabtai , Bustan Moshe , Shalev Eliezer 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTObjective  Torsion of the fallopian tube during pregnancy is infrequent and difficult to diagnose. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can avoid not only permanent damage to the tube but also obstetric complications. We report on a laparoscopic technique for the treatment of fallopian tube torsion in the third trimester of pregnancy.Conclusion  Open laparoscopy, with lateral tilting of the patient can be considered as an additional method for treatment of twisted fallopian tube or adnexa up until near‐term pregnancy.
Missed ovarian pregnancy in early laparoscopic management
Authors: Wu Chun‐Hsing , Wang Chin‐Jung , Yen Chih‐Feng , Lee Chyi‐Long , Hsu Jenn‐Jeih 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTObjective  To report a case of repeat hemoperitoneum which was later proved to be a missed ovarian pregnancy in early laparoscopic management.Design  Case report.Setting  University hospital.Subject and intervention  A 31‐year‐old women who presented with haemoperitoneum was thought to have an ectopic pregnancy, but no substantial lesion was found at early laparoscopy. Haemoperitoneum recurred 10 days later, and repeat laparosopy revealed a ruptured ovarian pseudogestational sac at a site previously thought to be a corpus luteum.Main Outcome  Measure intraoperative transvagianl doppler ultrasonography confirmed the presence of pseudogestational sac. Postoperative histopathology proved the diagnosis of ovarian pregnancy.Result and Conclusion  The lesson learned from this case was the need to remove all suspicious ovarian masses, including the corpus luteum cysts, in early laparoscopic management in patients with otherwise ‘negative’ findings, in order to avoid missing an ovarian pregnancy.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy using the Versapoint system in a normal saline field: report of 94 cases
Authors: Shi Yong Peng , Xie Hui Liang , Feng Zuan Chong , Wang Yu Bao 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTObjectives  To document clinical and surgical experience in a large series of hysteroscopic myomectomies performed using the Versapoint system in a normal saline field, and to determine the outcomes with regard to excessive uterine bleeding.Design  Prospective clinical study.Setting  Jiading Hospital for Maternal and Infant Health, Shanghai, China.Subjects  94 women, mainly with a complaint of heavy bleeding, who underwent hysteroscopic resection of submucous myomas.Result  All the scheduled procedures were completed using the new device. No complications occurred. The mean operating time was 26.12 ± 12.40 min. The mean amount of distension fluid used was 2511.90 ± 2145.65 ml. The time in the operating room and the amount of distension fluid used were related to fibroid size. After a mean follow‐up of 16.60 ± 10.29 months, there was recurrence of myoma in four women. The effectiveness rate was 93.94% at 24 months after operation.Conclusion  The Versapoint system is safe, effective and easy to use for removal of fibroids whose greatest diameter is within the uterine cavity and which are of size less than or equal to 3 cm.
MHC‐dependent and ‐independent modulation of endogenous Ly49 receptors on NK1.1+ T lymphocytes directed by T‐cell receptor type
Authors: Sköld Markus , Stenström Martin , Sidobre Stephane , Höglund Petter , Kronenberg Mitchell , Cardell Susanna 
Published: October 2003

SummaryNatural killer (NK) T lymphocytes are thought to act as regulatory cells directing early events during immune responses. Murine NKT cells express inhibitory receptors of the Ly49 family. These receptors have a well‐established and crucial role in modulating NK cell activities, but their physiological role in regulating NKT cells is not well understood, nor is the influence of major histocompatibility (MHC) ligands on endogenous Ly49 expression. We have further investigated how the expression of inhibitory NK receptors is regulated on NKT cells, and demonstrate a non‐random expression of ligated Ly49 molecules on CD1d‐restricted NKT cells. The nature of the T‐cell receptor on the NKT cell crucially determines the profile of expressed Ly49 isoforms. Further, we show that MHC class I ligands efficiently modulate the expression levels of the inhibitory receptors, and the frequencies of cells positive for the Ly49 members. In addition, we find a several‐fold increase in Ly49C/I‐expressing NKT cells in adult thymus, apparently independent of MHC class I molecules. Abundant expression of Ly49 receptors on NKT cells, and the striking differences found in Ly49 isoform patterns on NKT‐cell subsets differing in T‐cell receptor expression, suggest that the pattern of Ly49 expression is tuned to fit the T‐cell receptor and to emphasize further a role for these receptors in NKT immunity.
Glycosylation of FcγRIII in N163 as mechanism of regulating receptor affinity
Authors: Drescher Bettina , Witte Torsten , Schmidt Reinhold E. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryHuman FcγRIII (CD16) is a low‐affinity receptor for immunoglobulin G (IgG). There are two different isoforms of this protein: CD16a (transmembranous, expressed on natural killer cells and on macrophages) and CD16b (glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐linked, expressed on neutrophilic granulocytes in two allelic forms NA1 and NA2). Both forms of the protein have a variable glycosylation pattern. The NA1 allele of CD16B has four asparagine (N)‐linked glycosylation sites. One of them (N163) is localized in the ligand‐binding site of domain II. This site is shared by the NA2 allele and CD16A. To examine the functional role of the glycosylation we mutated the four glycosylation sites of the NA1 allele (N39, N75, N163, N170) into glutamine (Q). HEK293 cells were stably transfected with the single mutants and wild‐type CD16 as control. We determined binding of human IgG to transfected cells using immunofluorescence studies with anti‐human IgG antibody. Monomeric IgG bound to N163Q transfectants with higher affinity than to other transfectants, showing that glycosylation in N163 influences the affinity of CD16 to its ligand. In addition, preincubation of WT‐CD16‐transfected cells with Tunicamycin (an inhibitor of N‐glycosylation) resulted in an increased binding of monomeric IgG whereas N163Q‐CD16‐transfected cells remained unaffected. Therefore, glycosylation in N163 is a mechanism of regulating affinity of FcγRIII to its ligand IgG.
Role of early‐ or late‐phase activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase induced by tumour necrosis factor‐α or 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene during maturation of murine dendritic cells
Authors: Iijima Norifumi , Yanagawa Yoshiki , Onoé Kazunori 
Published: October 2003

SummaryDendritic cells (DCs) are maturated by a variety of stimuli. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the maturation of DCs are not fully understood. In the present study, we analysed the effects of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on phenotypic maturation and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, using a murine DC line. TNF‐α markedly increased the surface expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and costimulatory molecules, CD86 and CD80, on DCs. DNCB more markedly enhanced the surface expression of costimulatory molecules, but showed less stimulatory capability on MHC molecules, compared with TNF‐α. Simultaneous treatment of DCs with TNF‐α and DNCB showed additive enhancement of costimulatory molecule expression. TNF‐α activated p38 MAPK in DCs only at an early time‐point (15 min). In contrast, DNCB activated p38 MAPK at later time‐points (3–6 hr). SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, partially or markedly inhibited the phenotypic changes of DCs induced by TNF‐α or DNCB, respectively. In addition, N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine, a reducing supplier, completely inhibited the DNCB‐induced expression of MHC and costimulatory molecules, but not those induced by TNF‐α. These findings demonstrate that TNF‐α and DNCB activate the p38 MAPK pathway at an early and a late phase, respectively, and thereby induce DC maturation through different signal pathways.
Selective regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 expression by interleukin‐18 and interleukin‐12 on human monocytes
Authors: Stuyt Rogier J. L. , Netea Mihai G. , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H. , Kullberg Bart Jan , Dinarello Charles A. , Van Der Meer Jos W. M. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryInduction of expression of adhesion molecules is a crucial step in inflammation. The role of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) in induction of various adhesion molecules was investigated in freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human monocyte and T‐cell lines. IL‐18 selectively up‐regulated intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression on freshly isolated human monocytes, but not on lymphocytes. The expression of other adhesion molecules was not influenced. Induction of ICAM‐1 by IL‐18 was dependent on endogenous tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and IL‐12 had an additive effect on that of IL‐18. No changes in adhesion molecule expression were observed on the monocytic cell line THP‐1 and on the T‐cell lines HSB‐2 and Jurkat J16. In addition, induction of ICAM‐1 on monocytes by lipopolysaccharide was slightly, but significantly, inhibited by blockade of either endogenous IL‐18 or TNF‐α with IL‐18 binding protein or TNF binding protein, respectively. Blocking IL‐1 effects with IL‐1 receptor antagonist did not influence ICAM‐1 levels. In conclusion, IL‐18 selectively up‐regulates the expression of ICAM‐1 on monocytes, and this contributes to the proinflammatory effects of this cytokine.
Dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid inhibits tumour necrosis factor‐α production by human leucocytes independently of cyclooxygenase activity
Authors: Dooper Maaike M. B. W. , Van Riel Boet , Graus Yvo M. F. , M'Rabet Laura 
Published: October 2003

SummaryDietary oils (such as borage oil), which are rich in γ‐linolenic acid (GLA), have been shown to be beneficial under inflammatory conditions. Dihomo‐GLA (DGLA) is synthesized directly from GLA and forms a substrate for cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, resulting in the synthesis of lipid mediators (eicosanoids). In the present study, the immunomodulatory effects of DGLA were investigated and compared with those of other relevant fatty acids. Freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured in fatty acid (100 µm)‐enriched medium for 48 hr. Subsequently, cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 20 hr and the cytokine levels were measured, in supernatants, by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phospholipids were analysed by gas chromatography. Fatty acids were readily taken up, metabolized and incorporated into cellular phospholipids. Compared with the other fatty acids tested, DGLA exerted pronounced modulatory effects on cytokine production. Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐10 levels were reduced to 60% of control levels, whereas IL‐6 levels were not affected by DGLA. Kinetic studies showed that peak levels of TNF‐α, occurring early after LPS addition, were inhibited strongly, whereas IL‐10 levels were not affected until 15 hr after stimulation. Both the reduction of cytokine levels and the decrease in arachidonic acid levels in these cells, induced by DGLA, were dose dependent, suggesting a shift in eicosanoid‐subtype synthesis. However, although some DGLA‐derived eicosanoids similarly reduced TNF‐α levels, the effects of DGLA were probably not mediated by COX products, as the addition of indomethacin did not alter the effects of DGLA. In conclusion, these results suggest that DGLA affects cytokine production by human PBMC independently of COX activation.
Allergen‐specific immunosuppression by mucosal treatment with recombinant Ves v 5, a major allergen of Vespula vulgaris venom, in a murine model of wasp venom allergy
Authors: Winkler Birgit , Bolwig Caroline , Seppälä Ulla , Spangfort Michael D. , Ebner Christof , Wiedermann Ursula 
Published: October 2003

SummaryUp to 5% of the population suffer from systemic, 19% from local allergic hypersensitivity reactions to stinging insects. Even though specific immunotherapy is very effective in treating allergy to insect venom, new concepts of treatment strategies with only the disease eliciting allergen in recombinant form, along with antigen application via a less invasive route might be suggested for enhanced treatment efficacy and compliance. In the present study we aimed (i) to establish a mouse model of wasp venom allergy, mimicking the natural mode of sensitization, and (ii) to develop a prophylactic treatment strategy based on mucosal tolerance induction, using one major wasp venom allergen in recombinant form, i.e. recombinant (r)Ves v 5. Immunization with wasp venom – with or without the use of the adjuvant aluminium hydroxide – led to comparable T helper 2‐like immune responses in vivo and in vitro. Intranasal administration of rVes v 5 prior to sensitization with wasp venom resulted in a significant reduction of wasp venom‐specific antibody levels (immunoglobulin E (IgE)/IgG2a), type I hypersensitivity reactions in vivo and cytokine production in vitro. Pretreatment with the whole venom was less effective and caused toxic side reactions in higher concentrations, suggesting a favourable use of the recombinant venom allergen for mucosal application. Increased mRNA levels of transforming growth factor‐β and interleukin‐10, along with adoptive cell transfer experiments indicated that the immunosuppression after intranasal rVes v 5‐application has been mediated by regulatory mechanisms. This is further supported by the fact that the immunosuppression to rVes v 5 was associated with a bystander suppression to the unrelated aero‐allergen Bet v 1. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the intranasal application of recombinant Ves v 5 prevented subsequent allergic sensitization to all components of the whole wasp venom. As allergy to insect venom develops in dependence of the frequency of insect stings, a prophylactic treatment based on mucosal tolerance induction with recombinant allergens might be of interest for people at high risk to frequent exposure to the stinging insects.
Identification, purification and characterization of an acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase from rat liver peroxisomes
Authors: Antonenkov Vasily D. , Croes Kathleen , Waelkens Etienne , Van Veldhoven Paul P. , Mannaerts Guy P. 
Published: October 2003

Acetoacetyl‐CoA specific thiolases catalyse the cleavage of acetoacetyl‐CoA into two molecules of acetyl‐CoA and the synthesis (reverse reaction) of acetoacetyl‐CoA. The formation of acetoacetyl‐CoA is the first step in cholesterol and ketone body synthesis. In this report we describe the identification of a novel acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase and its purification from isolated rat liver peroxisomes by column chromatography. The enzyme, which is a homotetramer with a subunit molecular mass of 42 kDa, could be distinguished from the cytosolic and mitochondrial acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolases by its chromatographic behaviour, kinetic characteristics and partial internal amino‐acid sequences. The enzyme did not catalyse the cleavage of medium or long chain 3‐oxoacyl‐CoAs. The enzyme cross‐reacted with polyclonal antibodies raised against cytosolic acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase. The latter property was exploited to confirm the peroxisomal localization of the novel thiolase in subcellular fractionation experiments. The peroxisomal acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase most probably catalyses the first reaction in peroxisomal cholesterol and dolichol synthesis. In addition, its presence in peroxisomes along with the other enzymes of the ketogenic pathway indicates that the ketogenic potential of peroxisomes needs to be re‐evaluated.
The origin and development of retinal pigment cells and melanophores analyzed by Xenopus black‐white chimeras
Authors: Kageura Hiroshi , Eguchi Goro , Yamana Kiyotaka 
Published: October 2003

At the 16 cell stage, three kinds of borealis–laevis and eight kinds of laevis–laevis chimeric embryos were produced by replacing a particular blastomere of albino embryos of Xenopus laevis with that of wild‐type embryos of X. borealis or X. laevis, and then leaving the embryos to develop into frogs.In the borealis–laevis chimera frogs, we found that all the melanized cells (retinal pigment cells and melanophores) were derived from a transplanted wild‐type blastomere with a nuclear marker of X. borealis and that all the albino‐mutant cells derived from the host did not become melanized. Thus, retinal pigment cells and melanophores differentiated according to their own genotype. We then examined the origin of these two types of cells, using melanin as a cell‐marker in the borealis–laevis and laevis–laevis chimeras.Retinal pigment cells derive from A1 (dorso‐animal) and A2 (latero‐animal) blastomeres. A1 of one side contributes to retinal pigment cells in both eyes. Though the blastomeres of one side contribute to the formation of bilateral melanophores, the major contribution is to melanophores of the same side. A1, A2 and V2 (latero‐vegetal) form the anterior part of the neural fold, and A2 and V2 contribute to melanophores of the head region. The most anterior part of the neural fold derived from A1 does not make a significant contribution to melanophores. Though V2 is a vegetal blastomere, it forms the anterior part of the neural fold by upward movement against the downward movement for gastrulation. A3 forms the middle and posterior parts of the neural fold and contributes to melanophores of the trunk and hindlimbs. Melanophores of hindlimbs also come from A2, A4 and V2. It is to be noted that A4 contributes to melanophores of hindlimbs, despite no apparent contribution to the neural fold.Development of the retinal pigment cells and melanophores is discussed from the point of pigmentation patterns of the chimeras.