bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intentional cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa from percutaneous aspiration for dissociated intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hung , Huang Liee‐Wen , Seow Kok‐Min , Huang Shih‐Chia , Hsieh Mei‐Ling , Hwang Jiann‐Loung 
Published: July 2004

Background.  To investigate the possibility of cryopreservation of spermatozoa obtained from percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) in patients with obstructive azoospermia and the feasibility of intentional dissociation of PESA and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.Methods.  Fifty‐six patients with obstructive azoospermia underwent diagnostic PESA before ovarian stimulation. If spermatozoa were found, they were frozen for subsequent ICSI. The outcome was compared with 17 fresh PESA/ICSI cycles.Results.  Among the 56 patients, diagnostic PESA obtained spermatozoa in 51 patients. The mean motility of the spermatozoa decreased from 15.2% to 4.2% after freezing and thawing. These patients underwent 96 frozen PESA/ICSI cycles. The rates of fertilization, implantation and clinical pregnancy for frozen–thawed spermatozoa (71.6, 14.0 and 40.6%, respectively) were similar to those for fresh spermatozoa (69.2, 13.2 and 41.2%, respectively).Conclusions.  Sufficient numbers of spermatozoa can be obtained for cryopreservation through PESA and the spermatozoa work well after thawing. The strategy of performing diagnostic PESA before ovarian stimulation and freezing the recovered spermatozoa for subsequent ICSI is feasible for patients with obstructive azoospermia.
Treatment of fetal anemia due to red‐cell alloimmunization with intrauterine transfusions in the Netherlands, 1988–1999
Authors: Van Kamp Inge L. , Klumper Frans J. C. M. , Meerman Robertjan H. , Oepkes Dick , Scherjon Sicco A. , Kanhai Humphrey H. H. 
Published: July 2004

Objective.  To assess pregnancy outcome after intrauterine transfusion (IUT) for fetal anemia due to red‐cell alloimmunization in the Netherlands over 11 years, in order to improve care and counseling.Methods.  A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 1988, to January 1, 1999. Data were collected prospectively on all red‐cell alloimmunized pregnancies requiring intrauterine blood transfusions. Primary outcome variables were fetal and neonatal survival in relation to the type of antibody, gestational age and presence or absence of hydrops. In addition, we studied short‐term neonatal morbidity and procedure‐related complications.Results.  A total of 210 fetuses from 208 pregnancies received 593 transfusions. Overall survival rate was 86%. Survival of hydropic fetuses (78%) was significantly different from those without hydrops (92%). Low survival rates were especially found in hydropic fetuses with the first transfusion at gestational ages of 20 weeks or less (55%) or between 28 and 32 weeks (59%). In maternal rhesus D [Rh(D)] immunization 89% of fetuses survived, whereas survival in the case of Kell immunization was 58%. All fetuses with anemia due to Rh(c) immunization survived. The overall fatal procedure‐related complication rate was 1.7% per procedure, resulting in a fetal loss rate of 4.8%.Conclusions.  Intrauterine intravascular transfusions are effective in the management of fetal alloimmune anemia. Fetal hydrops, mostly associated with late referral, decreases the chance of survival. To improve the outcome of red‐cell alloimmunized pregnancies early diagnosis of fetal anemia and referral to a specialized center are important, enabling the start of treatment before hydrops develops.
The decidual suction method: a new way of collecting decidual tissue for functional and morphological studies
Authors: Harsem Nina Kittelsen , Staff Anne Cathrine , He Liping , Roald Borghild 
Published: July 2004

Background.  Studies of extravillous trophoblasts and placental bed spiral arteries are essential for a better understanding of pathological pregnancies such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and diabetes mellitus. A major challenge is to obtain representative and sufficient tissue for morphological and functional investigations. Currently, tissue material is mostly harvested by placental bed biopsy (PBB). We describe a new suction method to obtain a larger volume of decidual tissue from the placental bed.Methods.  Tissue was harvested in 51 cesarean sections by vacuum suction of the placental bed. Sections from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue were routinely stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), immunostained with a panel of antibodies and morphologically examined for the presence of trophoblasts and spiral arteries. The results were compared with those from archive material from PBBs and placental basal plate sections (BPSs). Short‐term adverse events were registered for the study patients. Long‐term complications were registered from medical charts of 151 women having undergone the decidual suction method (DSM), with a follow‐up of 38–60 months.Results.  In 86% (n = 44), one random section from the decidual suction material demonstrated at least one spiral artery. In 37% (n = 19), six or more spiral arteries were present. All sections revealed extravillous trophoblasts. No short‐ or long‐term morbidity was recorded.Conclusions.  The decidual suction method represents an important improvement in the work to obtain sufficient decidual tissue for morphological and functional studies of extravillous trophoblast function and spiral artery adaptation. The method is safe, as no short‐ or long‐term complications were registered.
In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the evaluation of the endometrium
Authors: Sarac Kaya , Celik Onder , Hascalik Seyma , Alkan Alpay , Mizrak Bulent 
Published: July 2004

Background.  The purposes of this study were to compare proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic evaluation of the endometrium with histology obtained by endometrial biopsy in women undergoing diagnostic curettage and to determine whether screening with MR spectroscopy (MRS) might be useful in the evaluation of the endometrium.Methods.  Twenty‐three consecutive women who were scheduled for endometrial biopsy were included in the study. The women were evaluated by MRS, performed immediately before the endometrial biopsy. The MRS results were compared with the histological findings obtained from the endometrial biopsy.Results.  All of the cases were proven by pathological examination, and their diagnoses were secretory endometrium (11 cases), proliferative endometrium (seven cases) and disordered proliferative endometrium (five cases). The characteristically obtained signals of choline (Cho) and lipid were detected in all subjects in the secretory endometrium group. In the same group, eight patients showed lactate signals and six showed creatine (Cr) signals. In the disordered proliferative endometrium group, four patients showed lipid plus Cho signals. Two patients in the same group demonstrated both lactate and Cr signals. All patients in the proliferative endometrium group showed Cho signals, two patients demonstrated lactate plus Cho signals, and none of the patients in this group showed lipid and Cr signals.Conclusion.  Proton magnetic resonance spectra can register certain metabolic differences in human endometrium in its different stages.
Fetal age assessment based on ultrasound head biometry and the effect of maternal and fetal factors
Authors: Johnsen Synnøve Lian , Rasmussen Svein , Sollien Rita , Kiserud Torvid 
Published: July 2004

Background:  Maternal height and weight have increased during the past 20 years, as has birthweight. The aim of the present study was to establish new reference charts for gestational age (GA) assessment using fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) and head circumference (HC), and to determine the effect of maternal and fetal factors on age assessment.Methods:  This was a prospective, cross‐sectional study of 650 healthy women with regular menstrual periods and singleton uncomplicated pregnancies, recruited after written consent. BPD (outer–outer) and HC were measured at 10–24 weeks of gestation. We used regression analysis to construct mean curves and assess the effect of maternal and fetal factors on age assessment.Results:  BPD and HC were successfully measured in 642 participants. Using BPD and HC before 20 weeks, the new charts gave 3–8 days higher GA assessment than the charts presently in use, and <1 day difference compared to other recently established charts. Maternal age, multiparity, fetal gender, breech position and shape of fetal head affect GA estimation by 1–2 days when using BPD (p = 0.0001–0.02). Only maternal age and fetal gender affected GA estimation when using HC (≤ 1 day, p = 0.001).Conclusions:  Our new charts for assessing gestational age based on fetal head biometry are notably different from charts presently in use. Maternal and especially fetal factors affect gestational age assessment when using BPD, but less so for the HC method, which is suggested as the more robust method.
Does fetal gender affect cytotrophoblast cell activity in the human term placenta? Correlation with maternal hCG levels
Authors: Gol Mert , Tuna Burçin , Dogan Erbil , Gulekli Bülent , Bagci Mustafa , Altunyurt Sabahattin , Saygili Ugur 
Published: July 2004

Background.  Pregnant women with female fetuses have higher maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels than pregnant women with male fetuses. Ki‐67, a cell proliferation and activity marker, is confined mostly in the nuclei of villous cytotrophoblasts of the human placenta. In this study, we examined the effect of fetal gender on the cytotrophoblast cell activity in human term placenta, with special regard to maternal serum and cord blood hCG levels.Methods.  Thirty‐four uncomplicated, singleton, term pregnancies (17 male and 17 female fetuses) were recruited in the study. hCG was measured in maternal peripheral serum and umbilical cord blood. Placental samples were collected in each patient during the cesarean section. Cytotrophoblast cell activity was measured by using immunohistochemistry for Ki‐67 antigen. Ki‐67 staining index values of the cytotrophoblasts were compared between the female and male placentas.Results.  Maternal serum and cord blood hCG levels were higher in pregnant women with female fetuses than in those carrying male fetuses. There was no sex difference in Ki‐67 immunostaining rates of the cytotrophoblast cells. There was no correlation between maternal serum and cord blood hCG levels and Ki‐67 staining index values of the cytotrophoblast cells.Conclusions.  The difference in maternal serum and cord blood hCG levels in correlation with the fetal gender is not associated with cytotrophoblast cell activity in the human term placenta. The gender of the fetus does not seem to affect the regulation of cytotrophoblast cell proliferation.
Anterior placenta percreta: surgical approach, hemostasis and uterine repair
Authors: Palacios Jaraquemada José M. , Pesaresi Mario , Nassif Juan C. , Hermosid Susana 
Published: July 2004

Background.  To describe an accurate approach, hemostatic procedures and uterine repair in patients with anterior placenta percreta.Methods.  A total of 68 patients with anterior placenta percreta were included. A large retrovesical and parametrial dissection was performed in all cases. Hemostasis was achieved with selective vascular ligature or with surgical myometrial compression. The anterior wall defect was repaired using a myometrial suture, fibrin glue and polyglycolic mesh. Finally, a nonadherent cellulose layer was applied over this reconstruction. Hysteroscopy and T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed as a reconstruction control at 90 days after discharge.Results.  Elective surgery was performed in 49 patients and emergency surgery in 19. In 59 midline incisions were performed and in nine lower transverse incisions. Forty‐nine patients underwent fundal hysterotomy and 19 transplacental segmental uterine approaches. The uteri of 50 patients with anterior placenta percreta were repaired. Of the 18 hysterectomies performed in this series, 16 were indicated due to massive destruction and two were secondary to coagulopathies. The following surgical complications developed: pelvic hemorrhage (one), coagulopathies (two), uterine infection (three), low ureteral ligations (two), iatrogenic foreign bodies (two) and collection (three). Uterine conservation was highly significant between the upper and lower invasion areas. Ten pregnancies were reported after the repair, resulting in uncomplicated cesarean delivery.Conclusion.  This approach has allowed an adequate uterine repair in patients with anterior placenta percreta. Based on these results it is valid to assume that a functional and anatomic uterine repair has been successfully performed.
Immunohistochemical localization of the bone morphogenetic protein receptors in the porcine ovary
Authors: Quinn Ruth L. , Shuttleworth Gail , Hunter Morag G. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family is emerging as playing a crucial role in regulating normal follicle growth and determining ovulation rate. BMPs exert their effects via BMP receptors (BMPR‐IA, ‐IB and ‐II). However, there is a paucity of information relating to the expression of the BMPRs within the ovary of large polyovular species such as the pig. Furthermore, there is a lack of information on the expression of BMPRs by fetal ovaries of any species. The purpose of this study was to investigate temporal and spatial expression of the BMPRs in the porcine ovary, at different developmental stages. Immunohistochemistry for BMPR‐IA, BMPR‐IB and BMPR‐II was performed using sections from paraffin wax‐embedded ovaries, obtained from fetal (n = 15), prepubertal (n = 3) and cycling postpubertal (n = 4) pigs. Results confirmed the presence of all three receptors in the fetal egg nests and in the granulosa cell layer of follicles ranging from primordial to late antral stages. Immunostaining was also observed in oocytes, theca layer, corpus luteum and ovarian surface epithelium. The expression of BMPRs by fetal ovaries may be related to follicle formation, whereas expression in pre‐ and post‐pubertal animals indicates BMPs are involved in regulating porcine ovarian follicle growth.
Volume estimation from projections
Authors: WULFSOHN D. , GUNDERSEN H. J. G. , VEDEL JENSEN E. B. , NYENGAARD J. R. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryWe describe a new estimator of the volume of axially convex objects from total vertical projections with known position of the vertical axis. The estimator combines the Cavalieri method with the known formula for area in terms of the support function of a convex body. We examine the accuracy of the proposed estimator for ellipsoidal objects having exactly known support function and volume. In addition, we illustrate practical problems of accuracy by implementing the method for some biological products.
Characterization of crystallographic properties of SMC poly Si using electron backscattered diffraction
Authors: KIM D.‐I. , OH K. H. , LEE H.‐C. , CHANG Y. J. , SOHN W. S. , JANG J. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryCrystallographic properties of silicide mediated crystallization (SMC) polycrystalline silicon (poly Si) and excimer laser annealing (ELA) poly Si were studied by electron backscattered diffraction. Large‐grain sized poly Si with a large fraction of low‐angle grain boundaries was acquired by SMC, and small‐grain sized poly Si with high‐angle grain boundaries especially around 60° was acquired by ELA. The thin film transistor (TFT) device characteristics were investigated in view of short‐range crystallinity (pattern quality) and long‐range crystallinity (misorientation distribution) of the specimens. Short‐range crystallinity did not significantly affect the TFT device characteristics, and long‐range crystallinity considering the low energy level of special boundaries could be better related to the TFT device characteristics of poly Si.
Exploring the use of soft X‐ray microscopy for imaging subcellular structures of the inner ear1
Authors: JOHANSSON GÖRAN A. , KHANNA SHYAM M. , NAIR AJIT , MANNSTRÖM PAULA , DENBEAUX GREG , ULFENDAHL MATS 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe soft X‐ray microscope at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory was developed for visualization of biological tissue. Soft X‐ray microscopy provides high‐resolution visualization of hydrated, non‐embedded and non‐sectioned cells and is thus potentially an alternative to transmission electron microscopy. Here we show for the first time soft X‐ray micrographs of structures isolated from the guinea‐pig inner ear. Sensory outer hair cells and supporting pillar cells are readily visualized. In the hair cells, individual stereocilia can easily be identified within the apical hair bundle. The underlying cuticular plate is, however, too densely composed or too thick to be clearly visualized, and thus appears very dark. The cytoplasmic structures protruding from the cuticular plates as well as the fibrillar material surrounding and projecting from the cell nuclei can be seen. In the pillar cells the images reveal individual microtubule bundles. Soft X‐ray images of the acellular tectorial membrane and thin two‐layered Reissner's membrane display a level of resolution comparable to low‐power electron microscopy.
Estimation of the number of stellate cells in a liver with the smooth fractionator
Authors: MARCOS R. , MONTEIRO R. A. F. , ROCHA E. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryTo better evaluate the activation and proliferative response of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in hepatic fibrosis, it is essential to have sound quantitative data in non‐pathological conditions. Our aim was to obtain the first precise and unbiased estimate of the total number of HSC in the adult rat, by combining the optical fractionator, in a smooth sampling design, with immunocytochemistry against glial fibrillary acidic protein. Moreover, we wanted to verify whether there was sufficiently relevant specimen inhomogeneity that could jeopardize the high expected estimate precision when using the smooth fractionator design for HSC. Finally, we wanted to address the question of what sampling scheme would be advisable a priori for future studies. Microscopical observations and quantitative data provided no evidence for inhomogeneity of tissue distribution of HSC. Under this scenario, we implemented a baseline sampling strategy estimating the number (&#x004e;̂) of HSC as 207E06 (CV = 0.17). The coefficient of error [CE(&#x004e;̂)] was 0.04, as calculated by two formerly proposed approaches. The biological difference among animals contributed ≅ 95% to the observed variability, whereas methodological variance comprised the remaining 5%. We then carried out a half reduction of sampling effort, at the level of both sections and fields. In either occasion, the CE(&#x004e;̂) values were low (≅ 0.05) and the biological variance continued to be far more important than methodological variance. We concluded that our baseline sampling (counting 650–1000 cells/rat) would be appropriate to assess the lobular distribution and the &#x004e;̂ of HSC. However, if the latter is the only parameter to be estimated, around half of our baseline sampling (counting 250–600 cells/rat) would still generate precise estimates [CE(&#x004e;̂) < 0.1], being in this case more efficient to reduce the number of sections than to reduce the sampled fields.
Direct observation of the asphaltene structure in paving‐grade bitumen using confocal laser‐scanning microscopy
Authors: BEARSLEY S. , FORBES A. , G. HAVERKAMP R. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe structure of the asphaltene phase in the bitumen is believed to have a significant effect on its rheological properties. It has traditionally been difficult to observe the asphaltene phase in unaltered samples of bitumen. The maltenes are thought to form a continuous phase in which the asphaltenes are ‘dispersed’. In this study, confocal laser‐scanning microscopy (CLSM) operating in fluorescence mode was used to examine the structure of paving‐grade Safaniya and San Joaquin bitumen. The asphaltene fraction fluoresces in the 515–545 nm wavelength range when irradiated with light with a wavelength of 488 nm. The major advantages of CLSM are that the bitumen sample requires little pretreatment or preparation that may affect the original dispersion of asphaltenes and the bitumen is observed at ambient temperature and pressure. This reduces the possibility of producing images that are not representative of the original material. CLSM was able to show the distribution of maltene and asphaltene components in bitumen. The asphaltene aggregates in the bitumen were observed to be 2–7 µm in size and formed a dispersed ‘sol’ structure in the continuous maltene matrix rather than a network ‘gel’ structure. Surprisingly, the structure and fluorescence of the asphaltene phase does not appear to alter radically upon oxidative ageing. The structure of the asphaltene phase of an AR4000 San Joaquin bitumen was found to be more homogeneous than that of Safaniya bitumen, illustrating the range of structures that can be observed in bitumens by this method.
Coexistence of similar genotypes of Daphnia magna in intermittent populations: response to thermal stress
Authors: E. Mitchell S. , Halves J. , Lampert W. 
Published: July 2004

We investigated the diversity and thermal response of a fitness related trait, juvenile growth rate, in seasonal population samples of Daphnia magna from two temperate ponds. Both populations were intermittent, i.e. they disappeared from the water body and recolonized seasonally by hatching from resting eggs in the sediment.Temporally isolated clones of Daphniamagna showed the typical asymmetric response for growth rate with temperature and a sharp decline after the maximum response at 26°C (TMR). There was no evidence for genetically adapted seasonal groups. Despite significant genetic variation among clones and for phenotypic plasticity (G×E interactions without genetic correlations), seasonal groups of clones showed no shift in TMR and mean temperature reaction norms were similar among groups and both populations. Heritabilities remained similar among temperatures despite a large increase in genetic variance at stressfully high temperatures of 29°C and 32°C, due to simultaneous increase in environmental variance. Further, heritabilities remained high among sample periods and were not eroded during several months of asexual reproduction.Regular diapause, an intrinsic feature of intermittent Daphnia populations, may replace the need for physiological temperature adaptation and promote maintenance of diversity through phenotypic similarity by reducing the time over which competitive interactions occur. Such populations are unlikely to be directly affected by elevated temperatures. They have a large potential for phenotypic plasticity as their TMR is higher than the temperature normally encountered.
JOB MOBILITY IN BRITAIN: ARE THE SCOTS DIFFERENT? EVIDENCE FROM THE BHPS†
Authors: Heitmueller Axel 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe Scottish extension‐sample of the British Household Panel Study (BHPS) is used to shed light on differences in job mobility patterns in England and Scotland for both men and women. Based on probit estimates of the overall mobility rate, a new decomposition technique is applied to distinguish between explained and unexplained differences. Furthermore, exploiting data on the number of job changes, a zero inflated Poisson model is estimated to provide information on possible differences in the expected number of job changes. Overall, there is evidence that suggests significant differences in mobility patterns south and north of the Borders; however, this is confined to men. Yet, whether this suffices to justify a heterogeneous regional labour market remains to be seen.