bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Placental Lesions Caused by Experimental Infection of Sprague–Dawley Rats with Mycoplasma Pulmonis
Authors: Peltier Morgan R. , Richey Lauren J. , Brown Mary B. 
Published: August 2003

Problem: Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats infected during pregnancy with Mycoplasma pulmonis display adverse pregnancy outcomes that are similar to those observed in women with chorioamnionitis and may provide a good model system for this disease. The placental lesions caused by this microorganism, however, have not been thoroughly characterized.Method of study: Rats were infected with 107 colony‐forming units (CFU) M. pulmonis or vehicle control on gestation day (gd) 14 and were euthanized on gd 16–18. Tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 4 μm, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). The slides were coded and examined by a blinded pathologist using light microscopy.Results: Infection with M. pulmonis was associated with necrosis of trophoblast giant cells at gd 18. Significantly more neutrophils were observed in the decidual region of the apex of the placenta in M. pulmonis infected animals. The vast majority of neutrophils, however, were observed in the decidua in the lateral regions of the placenta and in the adjacent endometrium.Conclusions: Infection of SD rats with M. pulmonis resulted in histological placentitis similar to that described in deciduitis of humans and represents a good model system for investigations into the pathophysiology of intrauterine infection. The influx of neutrophils seems to migrate from the endometrium towards the lateral regions of the placenta near Reichert's membrane and the divergence of the parietal yolk sac.
Cytokines, implantation and early abortion: re‐examining the Th1/Th2 paradigm leads to question the single pathway, single therapy concept
Authors: Chaouat Gérard , Lédée‐Bataille Nathalie , Zourbas Sandrine , Ostojic Sasa , Dubanchet Sylvie , Martal Jacques , Frydman René 
Published: August 2003

Problem: Human in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo transfer is accompanied by a low implantation rate even after a very successful IVF, and there are a certain number of ‘idiopathic sterilities’ which are due to repeated implantation failures. In the very same vein, the question of improving implantation rates is of prime importance in agricultural research to improve the management of livestock. Pre‐implantation prenatal diagnosis cannot be accomplished in individuals who have a high rate of implantation failure, whether women undergoing IVF, or animals, during genetic cloning. Implantation cytokine networks need to be known in such a perspective.Methods: We review the evolution and theories in reproductive immunology, briefly deal with the complexity of implantation as a step by step developmental event, and then present some of our recent data in mice and human.Conclusions: We conclude that the T helper cell type 1/2 (Th1/Th2) paradigm, as useful as it has been to explain pregnancy, is no longer sufficient in view of the emerging complexity of the cytokine network at the materno‐fetal interface. This is peculiarly true for implantation, which, as a step by step developmentally regulated process, involving inflammatory molecules, cannot fit into such a scheme.
Evaluation of Myeloid and Lymphoid Dendritic Cells in Peritoneal Fluid in Women with Non‐malignant Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Wertel Iwona , Kotarski Jan , Roliński Jacek , Bojarska‐Junak Agnieszka , Gogacz Marek 
Published: August 2003

Problem: Identification of myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells (DCs) in peritoneal fluid (PF) and peripheral blood (PB) of patients with ovarian pathology.Method of study: PF and PB were collected from 60 patients who underwent laparoscopy because of non‐malignant ovarian tumors. Mononuclear cells were separated by gradient centrifugation. The cell surface antigens were determined by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies.Results: Both myeloid and lymphoid DCs were detected in PF and PB of women with ovarian tumors. The percentage of myeloid DCs was significantly higher in PF than in PB. The concentration of PF myeloid DCs was the highest (P < 0.05) in patients with dermoid cysts (0.67 × 106/mL PF) in comparison with the other studied groups, excluding patients with normal pelvis.Conclusions: Domination of myeloid and not lymphoid cells in PF may support the hypothesis that local PF immune disturbances may play a role in some non‐malignant ovarian pathology.
Effect of Antisperm Antibodies Present in Human Follicular Fluid upon the Acrosome Reaction and Sperm–Zona pellucida Interaction
Authors: Marín‐Briggiler Clara I. , Vazquez‐Levin Mónica H. , Gonzalez‐Echeverría Fernanda , Blaquier Jorge A. , Miranda Patricia V. , Tezón Jorge G. 
Published: August 2003

Problem: To determine the ability of IgGs isolated from follicular fluids (hFFIgGs) to induce the acrosome reaction (AR) in human spermatozoa and to inhibit sperm–zona pellucida (ZP) interaction.Method of study: Incubation of capacitated spermatozoa with hFFIgGs (n = 40) and assessment of their effect on the AR or hemizona (HZ) assay in a condition that allows sperm–ZP interaction, avoiding acrosomal exocytosis.Results: hFFIgGs from different women varied in their ability of inducing the AR. Those hFFIgGs with the highest AR‐inducing capacity evoked the exocytotic response in most of the different sperm donors tested [high Induction Frequency (IF)]. Some of these antibodies were also able of inhibiting sperm binding to ZP [low HZ Index (HZI)]. A significant correlation was found between the IF and the HZI for each hFFIgG.Conclusions: Human follicular fluid contains antibodies capable of inducing the AR and inhibiting sperm–ZP binding, suggesting that they could be directed towards ZP receptors. hFFIgGs would constitute a tool for the identification of sperm entities involved in fertilization.
GM‐CSF and Pregnancy: Evidence of Significantly Reduced Blood Concentrations in Unexplained Recurrent Abortion Efficiently Reverted by Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment
Authors: Perricone Roberto , De Carolis Caterina , Giacomelli Roberto , Guarino Maria D. , De Sanctis Giuliana , Fontana Luigi 
Published: August 2003

Problem: Certain Th‐2 cytokines and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) are propitious for the success of pregnancy and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is often characterized by a failure of Th‐2 type responses. These considerations as well as the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in RSA induced us to evaluate the levels of GM‐CSF in normal pregnancies, in pregnant women affected with unexplained RSA and the effects of IVIg treatment.Method of study: Peripheral blood free GM‐CSF was measured by means of a sandwich enzyme immunoassay in 39 healthy women (13 non‐pregnant, 26 pregnant) and in 53 RSA patients (11 non‐pregnant, 42 pregnant). In 14 pregnant RSA patients GM‐CSF was studied also after the very first IVIg infusion (0.5 g/kg body weight).Results: In healthy women we found a significant increase of GM‐CSF during pregnancy, in pregnant RSA patients such an increase was not detected. After IVIg, GM‐CSF concentrations were almost doubled.Conclusions: GM‐CSF is found increased in normal pregnancy and is very low during pregnancy in RSA. IVIg infusions are capable of increasing GM‐CSF in pregnant recurrent aborters.
Identification of Possible Mediators of Embryonic Mortality Caused by Mastitis: Actions of Lipopolysaccharide, Prostaglandin F2α, and the Nitric Oxide Generator, Sodium Nitroprusside Dihydrate, on Oocyte Maturation and Embryonic Development in Cattle
Authors: Soto P. , Natzke R. P. , Hansen P. J. 
Published: August 2003

Problem: Mastitis and immunization against constituents of organisms causing mastitis can reduce fertility of cattle and sheep, respectively. For the current experiments, it was hypothesized that these effects are mediated via actions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2), and nitric oxide on oocyte maturation and embryonic development.Method of study: To evaluate effects on oocyte maturation, oocytes were matured with various concentrations of LPS, PGF2α, or the nitric oxide (NO) generator, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Following maturation, oocytes were fertilized and cultured until day 8 after fertilization. To test effects on embryo growth, oocytes were matured and fertilized and cultured after fertilization with LPS, PGF2α, or SNP.Results: Addition of 100 and 1000 ng/mL LPS and 50 and 100 ng/mL PGF2α to oocyte maturation medium reduced the proportion of oocytes that became blastocysts at day 8 after fertilization. When added after fertilization, in contrast, neither LPS nor PGF2α reduced development to the blastocyst stage. Unlike for LPS and PGF2α, addition of SNP during oocyte maturation was without effect on the proportion of oocytes that became blastocysts at day 8 after fertilization. However, addition of 10 μm SNP to culture medium after fertilization completely prevented development to the blastocyst stage while 0.1 and 1 μm SNP did not affect development.Conclusions: Results indicate that increased local concentrations of LPS, PGF2α, and NO can have deleterious consequences on oocyte function (LPS, PGF2α) and embryonic development (NO). Thus, these molecules are putative mediators of effects of infectious disease or inflammation, including mastitis, on fertility of cattle.
Placental Trophoblast from Successful Human Pregnancies Expresses the Tolerance Signaling Molecule, CD200 (OX‐2)*
Authors: Clark David A. , Keil Anja , Chen Zhiqi , Markert Udo , Manuel Justin , Gorczynski Reginald M. 
Published: August 2003

Problem: Th1 cytokine‐dependent abortions in the CBA × DBA/2 mouse model have been linked to down‐regulation of expression of the CD200 (OX‐2) ‘tolerance’ signal on trophoblast and in decidua prior to onset of the abortion process. Abortions could be prevented by administration of a soluble CD200. Is CD200 expressed on trophoblast in successful human pregnancy?Method of study: As one cannot easily obtain trophoblasts in large quantities from successful human pregnancies in the first trimester prior to the onset of the abortion process at 6 weeks gestation, we examined as a first step, trophoblast isolated from term placentae (i.e. successful pregnancies). CD9− trophoblasts were isolated by affinity column and stained for intracellular cytokeratin, and surface CD200 using PE‐anti‐human CD200 monoclonal antibody. mRNA was extracted from CD9+ and CD9− cells and tested by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for CD200 mRNA. CD9− placental cells were separated by velocity sedimentation and test for CD200‐dependent suppression of an allogeneic human mixed lymphocyte culture where cytotoxic T cell (CTL) generation, and Th1 → Th2 cytokine production shift were measured.Results: CD9− but not CD9+ placental cell populations contained cells with mRNA for CD200, both a normal length transcript and a truncated transcript. Flow cytometry showed a CD200+ cytokeratin+ moderate‐to‐large‐sized cell population compatible with trophoblasts and a smaller subset of cytokeratin− cells that expressed CD200 at normal and at high levels. The moderate‐sized population proved most potent at inhibiting CTL generation and caused a Th1→Th2 cytokine shift. These effects were blocked by monoclonal anti‐CD200.Conclusions: A subpopulation of cytokeratin+ placental trophoblasts express bioactive CD200 able to alter maternal immune responses in a favorable (Th2 > Th1) direction. Two populations of CD200+ small‐ and medium‐small‐sized cytokeratin− placental cells remain to be identified. Studies of karyotyped first trimester elective termination and spontaneous miscarriage tissues are needed.
Radioimmunodiagnosis of lymph node metastases in head and neck cancer
Authors: de Bree R , Roos JC , Verel I , van Dongen GAMS , Snow GB 
Published: August 2003

Introduction:  Reliable staging of the neck remains a diagnostic challenge in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against tumour‐associated antigens can be used for selective tumour targeting. When labelled with a γ‐emitting radionuclide like 99mTechnetium, such MAbs can be used for tumour detection by radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS).Objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the potential of RIS for the detection of lymph node metastases in HNSCC patients.Patients and methods:  In 49 patients with HNSCC, who were scheduled to undergo surgery including neck dissection, RIS using 99mTc‐labelled squamous cell specific MAb E48 or U36 administered intravenously was compared with clinical palpation, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological outcome.Results:  RIS detected lymph node metastases in 35 of 51 positive sides (sensitivity 69%). Interpretation of RIS was correct in 47 of 65 sides (accuracy 72%). Accuracy of palpation, CT and MRI were comparable. Immunohistochemical staining of lymph node metastases missed by RIS showed that the injected MAb had targeted these small tumour deposits but these were not visualized.Conclusions:  RIS at its current stage of development is not superior to CT or MRI for the detection of lymph node metastases. As small tumour deposits were probably not visualized because of the limited sensitivity and/or spatial resolution of the gamma camera, positron emission tomography (PET) using MAbs labelled with positron emitters may improve the detection. As MAb‐PET studies in an animal model showed promising results we will soon start a clinical MAb‐PET study.
Changes of α1‐protease inhibitor and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor levels in gingival crevicular fluid before and after non‐surgical periodontal treatment
Authors: Nakamura‐Minami M , Furuichi Y , Ishikawa K , Mitsuzono‐Tofuku Y , Izumi Y 
Published: August 2003

Objectives: The possible contribution of α1‐protease inhibitor (α1‐PI) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to predict the periodontal disease activity was evaluated.Design: GCF samples were collected at each site before scaling and root planning (SRP), 2 and 4 weeks after SRP.Subjects And Methods: Forty‐one sites that initially bled on probing in 21 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were studied. Sites were classified according to the presence or absence of bleeding on probing (BOP) at 4 weeks. In GCF α1‐PI and SLPI were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.Results: A significant decrease was observed in α1‐PI at 2 and 4 weeks in BOP(−) sites and at 4 weeks in BOP(+) sites. SLPI significantly increased at 2 weeks in BOP(+) site, while SLPI did not significantly differ at both time points in BOP(−) sites and at 4 weeks in BOP(+) sites. GCF α1‐PI was significantly less at 2 weeks in BOP(−) than in BOP(+) sites.Conclusion: At 2 weeks GCF α1‐PI may reflect the healing response of the periodontal tissues following non‐surgical periodontal treatment. GCF SLPI levels may be influenced by healing.
Characterization of the development of ectopic chondroid/bone matrix and chondrogenic/osteogenic cells during osteoinduction by rhBMP‐2: a histochemical and ultrastructural study
Authors: Nakagawa T , Sugiyama T , Shimizu K , Murata T , Narita M , Nakamura S , Tagawa T 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of ectopic chondroid/bone matrix and chondrogenic/osteogenic cells induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2).Materials and methods: rhBMP‐2 (5 μg) combined with atelocollagen was implanted into calf muscles of rats and removed on days 7, 10, 14, 21, or 28. Tissue sections were examined using: (i) hematoxylin/Alcian blue/Sirius red stain, (ii) enzyme histochemistry for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase activity, (iii) immunohistochemistry for types I, II, and X collagen, and (iv) electron microscopy.Results: On day 7, numerous fibroblast‐like cells with ALP activity were present on the pellet rim. On day 10, chondroid matrix (CM) had formed, contained both type I collagen and proteoglycans, and often continued into the BMP pellet. On day 14, bone‐like matrix formed around hypertrophic chondrocytes simultaneously with endochondral ossification. Coexpression of types I and II collagen within chondrocytes and osteocytes was observed throughout the time course of the experiment.Conclusion: These results suggest that fibroblast‐like cells invading the pellet differentiate into chondrocytes and form CM under the scaffold of the carrier component. It appears that some chondrocytes change their phenotype to produce the bone‐like matrix and remain within the endochondral bone. This process enables rapid osteogenesis to occur.
Immunohistochemical demonstration of p63 in DMBA‐induced hamster buccal pouch squamous cell carcinogenesis
Authors: Chen YK , Hsue SS , Lin LM 
Published: August 2003

Objectives: Abnormalities in the p53 gene are regarded as the most consistent genetic abnormalities detected in head and neck squamous cell carcinogenesis. Two new members of the p53 gene family, p73 at the 1p36 region and p63 at the 3q27‐29 region, have recently been identified. They share considerable sequence homology with p53 in the transactivation, DNA binding, and oligomerization domains, indicating possible involvement in carcinogenesis. To our knowledge, however, p63 expression in experimental oral carcinogenesis has not been studied.Materials and methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of p63 protein expression was performed in 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)‐induced hamster buccal pouch squamous cell carcinogenesis. Fifty outbred, young (6 weeks), male, Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricatus auratus) were randomly divided into three experimental groups (each consisting of 10 3‐, 9‐ and 15‐week DMBA treated animals), and two control groups (with 10 animals in each). The pouches of the three experimental groups were painted bilaterally with a 0.5% DMBA solution three times a week. The treatment protocol for animals in one of the control groups was identical with only mineral oil applied, while the other control group remained untreated throughout the experiment.Results: In all of the untreated and mineral oil‐treated pouch mucosa, nuclear positivity for p63 was mainly observed in the basal/parabasal cell layers. The p63 nuclear positivity extended from the basal/parabasal layers to the whole epithelial layers in the 3‐ and 9‐week DMBA‐treated pouch mucosa. Furthermore, the positive nuclear‐stain cells were randomly distributed throughout the entire epithelial layers in the 3‐ and 9‐week DMBA‐treated pouch‐mucosa specimens. In carcinomas from 15‐week DMBA‐treated pouch specimens, p63 staining was more uniform and homogeneous for the less‐differentiated tumor areas. By contrast, p63 expression was noted mainly in the peripheral cells of tumor nests in the well‐differentiated tumor areas.Conclusions: The results of this study are consistent with those from previous analyses of p63 expression in human oral mucosa, suggesting that p63 may be associated with the regulation of epithelial differentiation and proliferation in DMBA‐induced hamster buccal pouch squamous cell carcinogenesis. Further study is required to investigate which p63 isoform(s) is/are involved in hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.
Oral lesions in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Serrano‐Martínez MC , Bagán JV , Silvestre FJ , Viguer MT 
Published: August 2003

Objective:  To study the prevalence of oral lesions in 35 patients diagnosed with generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEBg), with a quantification of their microstomia in comparison with a control group.Material and methods:  The presence of oral mucosal lesions and interincisal maximum oral aperture (MOA) was determined, classifying microstomia according to the method of Naylor, Douglass and Mix (1984).Results:  Blister lesions were identified in 92% of the patients at the time of exploration – the tongue being the most affected location. Microstomia and palatal atrophy were the most prevalent sequelae (100%), while ankyloglossia, vestibular obliteration and lingual depapillation were recorded in over 90%. In 80% of the patients interincisal MOA was <30 mm (severe microstomia), while in the remaining cases maximum aperture was in the range of 31–40 mm (moderate microstomia).Conclusions:  Blister lesions were found throughout the oral mucosa in our series of patients with RDEBg, the most frequently affected location being the tongue. These lesions in turn led to invalidating sequelae such as microstomia and ankyloglossia.
Interferon‐β treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis does not alter CYP2C19 or CYP2D6 activity
Authors: Hellman Karin , Roos Ewa , Österlund Anna , Wahlberg Anneli , Gustafsson Lars L. , Bertilsson Leif , Fredrikson Sten 
Published: August 2003

Aims  To determine CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) before and during interferon (IFN)‐β treatment.Methods  CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 activities were assessed using the probe drugs mephenytoin and debrisoquine, respectively. Urinary mephenytoin (S/R) and debrisoquine (debrisoquine/hydroxy‐debrisoquine) metabolic ratios (MR) were determined in 10 otherwise healthy Caucasian multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the initial stage of the disease, prior to and 1 month after commencing treatment with IFN‐β (Avonex, Rebif or Betaferon). In addition, CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, CYP2D6*3, CYP2D6*4, and CYP2D6*5 genotyping was performed.Results  There was no significant difference in the (S)/(R) mephenytoin ratio (mean difference 0.04; 95% CI −0.03, 0.11) or the debrisoquine MR (mean difference 0.29; 95% CI −0.44, 1.02) before and during regular IFN‐β treatment in extensive metabolizers (EM) (P = 0.5 and P = 0.4 for the respective probe drugs; n = 9 subjects). There were also no differences between the different IFN‐β treatments (P = 0.6 for the (S)/(R) mephenytoin ratio and P = 0.7 for the debrisoquine MR; anova; n = 10).Conclusions  IFN‐β treatment did not affect the activity of CYP2C19 or CYP2D6. The results suggest that it is safe to administer CYP2C19 or CYP2D6 substrates, without dose adjustment, to patients treated with IFN‐β.