bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Localization of Mast Cells in Endometrial Cysts
Authors: Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Konno Ryo , Netsu Sachiho , Sugamata Masao , Shibahara Hiroaki , Ohwada Michitaka , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: May 2004

Problem:   Although the presence of mast cells in endometriosis lesions has been reported, there have been no reports of their pathological localization in ovarian endometrial cysts.Methods of study:  The localization of mast cells in ovarian endometrial cysts were investigated using hematoxyline and eosin and toluidine blue staining with light microscopy, immunohistochemical c‐kits, and electron microscopy.Results:  Mast cells were identified in endometrial cyst tissues. Few mast cells were localized in the endometrial stroma, which is characteristic of endometrial gland‐like regions. Many mast cells were noted around blood vessels and the interstitium with fibrosis, that is, the fibrotic interstitium of endometrial cysts.Conclusions:  Mast cells may be involved in the development and progression of endometriosis. Localization of mast cells suggests a particularly close relationship with fibrosis and adhesion.
Effects of Interleukin‐12 Administration during the Pre‐ and Peri‐Implantation Period on Mouse Embryofetal Development
Authors: Reina Michela , Broccia Maria Luisa , Menegola Elena , Blasio Anna Maria Di , Viganò Paola , Giavini Erminio 
Published: May 2004

Problem:  The immunological success of pregnancy is thought to depend upon the establishment of a balance between favorable and deleterious cytokines, the current paradigm viewing pregnancy as a T helper (Th)2 cytokine‐dependent phenomenon. In this context, a particular attention should be directed to the potential role of interleukin (IL)‐12, which promotes the development of Th1 responses, in the induction of adverse pregnancy‐related phenomena. Indeed, very few data linked the Th1‐inducer IL‐12 to the event of abortion.Methods:  In this study, we have investigated the maternal and fetal effects of exogenous administration of IL‐12 to CD1 (BR) ICR mice during the pre‐ and peri‐implantation period (day 2–6 of pregnancy). Animals have been evaluated for parameters of reproductive performance, embryo and fetal developmental toxicity and maternal toxicity.Results:  Intraperitoneal administration of IL‐12 at concentrations from 2.5 to 10 μg/kg daily did not result in an increase in the murine abortion rate. A statistically significant, although minimal, decrease in the number of somites were found in the embryos of animals treated with IL‐12 at a dose of 10 μg/kg/day. However, developmental parameters at birth were similar between the two groups of animals suggesting that alteration of somites might be a transitory state during treatment. An increased body weight gains and reduced feed and water consumption were observed in the mothers treated with the cytokine.Conclusion:  In the present experimental conditions and in this specific strain of mice, IL‐12 does not exert adverse effects on reproductive performance and induces an only modest harmful action on mothers and embryos.
Genetic Contribution of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)‐α Gene Promoter (−1031, −863 and −857) and TNF Receptor 2 Gene Polymorphisms in Endometriosis Susceptibility
Authors: Teramoto Mariko , Kitawaki Jo , Koshiba Hisato , Kitaoka Yui , Obayashi Hiroshi , Hasegawa Goji , Nakamura Naoto , Yoshikawa Toshikazu , Matsushita Masaki , Maruya Etsuko , Saji Hiroh , Ohta Mitsuhiro , Honjo Hideo 
Published: May 2004

Problem:  Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is a major cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms at positions −1031, −863 and −857 in the TNF gene promoter region (TNFA) and TNF receptor type 2 gene (TNFR2) are responsible in part for genetic susceptibility to endometriosis.Methods of study:  TNFA and TNFR2 polymorphisms were determined in 123 patients with endometriosis and 165 fertile healthy women by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – preferential homoduplex formation assay and PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism, respectively.Results:  The frequency of the TNFA‐U01 haplotype was increased significantly in patients with endometriosis compared with controls (P = 0.045, OR = 1.45). The TNFA‐U01 haplotype was strongly associated with HLA‐B*0702. No difference was found in TNFR2 polymorphism between patients and controls.Conclusion:  Our results indicated that TNFA promoter polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to endometriosis. However, this association was not independent of HLA‐class I polymorphisms.
Efficacy of a Recombinant Chimeric Anti‐hCG Antibody to Prevent Human Cytotrophoblasts Fusion and Block Progesterone Synthesis
Authors: Dhar Ruby , Karmakar Subhradip , Sriraman Rajan , Talwar Gursaran Prasad , Das Chandana 
Published: May 2004

Problem:A recombinant chimeric antibody against hCG (cPIPP) has been engineered and expressed at high yield in plants. The purpose of this work was to enquire whether this antibody is competent to neutralize the bioactivity of hCG on human trophoblasts.Methods:  Cytotrophoblast cells, isolated from term placentae were maintained in culture for 3 days in presence or absence of humanized chimeric anti‐hCG antibodies. Progesterone secreted was quantitated by ELISA. Fusion and cyto‐architecture of the cells was studied by light and electron microscopy. Modulation of E‐cadherin was investigated using RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry.Results:  Recombinant chimeric anti‐hCG antibody blocked the synthesis of progesterone by trophoblasts. No fusion of cytotrophoblasts to form syncytium took place. E‐cadherin, a vital cell adhesion molecule involved in cell‐to‐cell interaction did not show differentiation related decline in its expression in presence of the antibody.Conclusion:  Recombinant chimeric anti‐hCG antibody (cPIPP) was effective to neutralize hCG induced bioactivities in the human derived trophoblast cells.
Killer Inhibitory Receptor CD158a Overexpression Among Natural Killer Cells in Women With Endometriosis is Undiminished by Laparoscopic Surgery and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment*
Authors: Maeda Nagamasa , Izumiya Chiaki , Kusum Tomoaki , Masumoto Takayuki , Yamashita Chika , Yamamoto Yorito , Oguri Hiroyoshi , Fukaya Takao 
Published: May 2004

Problem:  Natural killer (NK) dysfunction is considered to contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In this study, we investigated the host immune response to endometriosis in terms of killer inhibitory receptor (KIR) expression by NK cells.Method of study:  We compared cells from Japanese women laparoscopically diagnosed with endometriosis and treated with laparoscopic surgery (n = 98), 1 month after laparoscopic surgery (n = 36), and 12 weeks after gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment (n = 18) to cells from 104 women with other laparoscopic diagnoses. KIR expression by NK cells was assessed in peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid samples by flow cytometry.Results:  In women with endometriosis, the percentage of CD158a‐expressing cells among CD16‐expressing NK (CD158a+NK) cells in both peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood was significantly higher than in control subjects. No significant differences in proportion of CD158a+NK cells were identified between peripheral blood NK cells sampled before and 1 month after laparoscopic surgery, or 12 weeks after initiating GnRHa treatment.Conclusions:  Increased percentage of CD158a+NK cells in peripheral blood from women with endometriosis was undiminished by laparoscopic surgery and GnRHa treatment; the persistence of CD158a+NK cell excess is probably related to NK cell suppression in endometriosis. This overexpression may represent a risk factor for development of endometriosis and its recurrence after treatments.
The Differential Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and Regulation by Interferon‐Gamma during the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
Authors: Wu Meng‐Hsing , Yang Bei‐Chang , Lee Yeu‐Chin , Wu Pei‐Ling , Hsu Chao‐Chin 
Published: May 2004

Problem:  To establish an in vitro culture model of the endometrium and endometriotic lesions, and demonstrate the different expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in these lesions.Methods:  Eight women with moderate to severe stages of endometriosis were enrolled. The specimens were collected from their eutopic endometrium, visually normal peritoneum, ovarian endometrioma and peritoneal endometriotic spots during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. ICAM‐1 mRNA and protein were expressed by using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblot, and immunocytochemistry.Results:  The results demonstrate that visually normal peritoneal cells and ovarian endometriomas of endometriotic patients can express high ICAM‐1 mRNA. Normal peritoneal cells further expressed significant soluble ICAM‐1 protein levels without cytokine stimulation. The eutopic endometrium expressed less soluble ICAM‐1 protein, and ICAM‐1 expressions increased in cultured stromal cells of eutopic endometrium, ovarian endometrioma, and peritoneal endometriotic spots under interferon‐gamma (INF‐γ) stimulation.Conclusion:  The ICAM‐1 expression in visually normal peritoneal cells from women with endometriosis may play a role in the early implantation of peritoneal endometriosis. Peritoneal INF‐γ stimulation is significantly associated with ICAM‐1 expression in endometriosis. Therefore, the differential expression and changes of ICAM‐1 may be involved in the mechanism that can escape immunosurveillance and allow refluxed endometrial cells to spread and invade other location.
Interleukin‐18 is High in the Serum of IVF Pregnancies with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome*
Authors: Gutman Guy , Soussan‐Gutman L. , Malcov M. , Lessing J. B. , Amit A. , Azem F. 
Published: May 2004

Problem:  The presence of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) in serum and pre‐ovulatory follicular fluid (FF) and its possible correlation to in‐vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) outcome and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) development.Method of study:  A prospective study was carried out. Assays for serum and pooled pre‐ovulatory FF levels of IL‐18 were performed on 30 patients who underwent oocyte retrieval for IVF/ET.Results:  Mean serum and FF levels of IL‐18 were 370.4 ± 224 and 228.9 ± 208 pg/mL, respectively (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001). Levels of FF IL‐18 were comparable between the two ovaries (right = 221 ± 166.8 pg/mL, left = 237 ± 171.9 pg/mL; r = 0.7550, P = 0.49). A positive correlation was found between IL‐18 FF levels and number of retrieved oocytes (r = 0.45; P = 0.019). In three patients (10%) who developed OHSS, the mean serum level of IL‐18 at day of ovum pickup was significantly higher compared with patients without OHSS (620 ± 196 pg/mL versus 345 ± 251 pg/mL, respectively, P = 0.04).Conclusions:  Both pre‐ovulatory FF and serum levels of IL‐18 correlate with the number of retrieved oocytes. The serum IL‐18 level at day of ovum pickup may predict consequent development of OHSS. Further investigations are warranted to determine the role of IL‐18 in the folliculogenesis and OHSS pathogenesis.
Developing Ovarian Follicles Inhibit the Endotoxin‐Induced Glomerular Inflammatory Reaction in Pseudopregnant Rats
Authors: Faas Marijke M. , Van Der Schaaf Gerda , Moes Henk , Heineman Maas Jan , De Vos Paul 
Published: May 2004

Problem:  We tested the hypothesis that developing ovarian follicles produce factors inhibiting the endotoxin induced inflammatory response.Method of study:  Pseudopregnant rats were treated with FSH to induced follicular development (FSH‐rats). For control we used untreated pseudopregnant rats (PSP‐rats) and rats in the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle (C‐rats). All rats were infused with either saline or endotoxin. Three days after the infusion rats were sacrificed and kidney specimens were snapfrozen. Cryostat kidney sections were stained for the presence of monocytes, granulocytes, CD11a‐ and CD11b‐positive cells and for ICAM‐1 expression.Results:  The results show that induction of follicular development in pseudopregnant rats inhibited glomerular infiltration of monocytes and CD11b+ cells, while it did not affect the other parameters, i.e. glomerular granulocyte number, CD11a+ cells and glomerular ICAM‐1 expression.Conclusion:  Developing ovarian follicles produce factors inhibiting monocyte responses to endotoxin.
Nutrition and feed management in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)
Authors: COOPER Ross G. , HORBANCZUK Jaroslaw O. , FUJIHARA Noboru 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTThe ostrich is an important animal in many livestock industries and in the developing world ostrich production is a valuable source of foreign currency netted from the export of meat and skins. Its successful growth and reproductive performance is dependent upon good nutrition. In Zimbabwe, one of the greatest costs involved in the upkeep of ostrich breeder birds is purchased feed (US$4555.45/10 birds p.a.). In order to cover these costs, the producer needs to ensure an adequate throughput of birds for slaughter. The energy provided by a particular feed source is important for growth and development of the bird. More research is required in ostrich nutrition.
Significance of local immunity in hen reproductive organs
Authors: YOSHIMURA Yukinori 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTThe current paper describes aspects of local immunity in the ovary and oviduct, and the significance of immunity to reproductive functions in hens. The immunocompetent cell populations in the ovary and oviduct change with a positive correlation to sexual activity, and gonadal steroid is one of the key factors in the increase. Local immune responses mediated by major histocompatibility complex class II and T cell subsets occur in response to infection by Salmonella enteritidis, which may contaminate eggs. In the ovary, immunocompetent cells are also suggested to play roles in the regulation of ovarian functions. Macrophages and T cells are likely to enhance the regression of atretic follicles to maintain the ovarian tissue microenvironment. Autoantibodies to ovarian tissues appeared in the hens with low egg laying frequency, suggesting that the auto‐antibodies may be one of the factors in the decline of egg production. In the oviduct, local immunity possibly has a role in the selection of sperm, though the immunoreactions may also affect sperm survival leading to the decline in fertility. The concentration of yolk IgY, which plays a role in maternal immunity transmission, significantly decreases with the aging of birds, whereas it is significantly increased by estrogen. Therefore, the immune system plays significant roles not only in defense against infection, but also in the functions of reproductive organs. Investigations on the local immune system in the reproductive organs and factors affecting it are of importance for the production of sterile eggs and improvement of reproductive functions.
Further examination on the truncation point in truncation selection for proportion‐defined trait
Authors: SHOJO Masayuki , IWAISAKI Hiroaki , MUKAI Fumio 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTFor truncation selection on a proportion‐defined trait, an approximate expression for the true truncation point is currently available, which has been derived assuming that the component traits follow a curtailed normal distribution. This note deterministically examines the validity of the approximate expression in some details. We show that the value defined by the approximate expression is equivalent to that derived from an approximation to the true probability density function for the proportion trait of concern. We also show that the validity of the approximate expression is definitely dependent on the magnitude of the lower limit in the definite integral involved in the true probability density function for the proportion trait. We reveal some properties of the lower limit concerning its maximum and minimum. We indirectly assess the adequacy of the approximate expression under the settings of the altered coefficients of variation for the component traits and the changed correlation between them. The results indicate that the true value of the truncation point can be numerically represented quite sufficiently by the approximate expression, when the coefficients of variation are approximately below 25% and the positive correlation is not extremely high.
Comparison and relation among different estimates of residual feed intake for Japanese Black (Wagyu) bulls
Authors: HOQUE Azharul , OIKAWA Takuro 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTResidual  feed intake (RFI) was estimated by ordinary regression (RFIord), linear regression (RFIreg), and genetic regression (RFIgen) for Japanese Black bulls, and compared among them by the magnitude of correlations, heritabilities, and empirical mean squared errors. The estimations were made for a total test periods of 140 days (77 bulls) and 112 days (663 bulls) sub‐divided each into two equal stages: first half and second half of the test periods. The means of RFIreg, RFIord, and RFIgen for the total test periods were 1.09, −0.05, and −2.21 kg/day, respectively. The genetic variation exists for these estimates at different stages of the test period. High genetic and phenotypic correlations (>0.95) were found between RFIord and RFIgen, confirming that these are regarded practically as the same traits. The phenotypic variance (0.714) and heritability (0.24) of RFIord were close to those of RFIgen (0.726 and 0.25, respectively). According to the empirical mean squared errors from the result of the total test periods, RFIgen yielded better estimates of RFI. The high to moderate heritabilities for RFIord were estimated for the three stages of the test periods, indicating that RFIord might be an alternative estimate for genetic improvement of feed utilization.
Effects of protein deficiency on the mRNA levels of insulin‐like growth factors and myostatin in skeletal muscle of weaned lambs
Authors: HIRAI Shizuka , KAWACHI Hiroyuki , MATSUI Tohru , YANO Hideo 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTWe investigated the effect of protein deficiency on mRNA levels of insulin‐like growth factors (IGF‐I and ‐II) and myostatin in skeletal muscle of weaned lambs. Weaned lambs were given a control diet (crude protein, 18%) or a low protein diet (crude protein, 5.7%) for 20 days. A small piece of the M. longissimus thoracis was collected by surgical biopsy at the end of feeding trial. The mRNAs of IGFs and myostatin were determined using a real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Blood samples were also collected to measure plasma concentrations of IGF‐I and serum urea nitrogen. Control lambs gained normally, whereas the bodyweight of the animals given the low protein diet was maintained and was significantly lower than that of the control from 10 days of the onset of feeding trial. Protein deficiency affected neither IGF mRNAs nor myostatin mRNA in the muscle. The expression of these mRNAs was unlikely to respond sensitively to protein deficiency in the muscle. However, serum IGF‐I concentration was significantly lower in the protein deficient lambs than in the control animals. Therefore, we consider that the retardation of muscular growth does not depend on the local mRNA expression of these factors in protein deficient lambs, but the reduction of serum IGF‐I, at least, partly contributes to the suppression of growth.
The change of dry matter intake, milk yield and bone turnover in primiparous cows compared to multiparous cows during early lactation
Authors: IWAMA Yuko , KAMIYA Mitsuru , TANAKA Masahito , SHIOYA Shigeru 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTData from six primiparous and nine multiparous Holstein cows were used to clarify the difference of Ca and P mobilization between primiparous and multiparous cows during early lactation. The dry matter intake (DMI) of primiparous cows was lower (P < 0.01) than those of multiparous cows. Milk yield was lower in primiparous cows at 7, 14, 21 (P < 0.01), and 28 days (P < 0.05) after parturition. There was no significant difference in milk Ca and P concentrations between primiparous and multiparous cows. There were no significant differences in plasma Ca and P concentrations between primiparous and multiparous cows. The plasma P level at 7 days postpartum in primiparous cows was lower (P < 0.05) than 28 days postpartum. The concentration of plasma osteocalcin (OC) measured as bone formation marker of primiparous cows was significantly higher than multiparous cows (P < 0.01) at 21 and 28 days postpartum. The urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) as bone resorption marker of primiparous cows tended to be higher (P < 0.10) than multiparous cows at 21 days after parturition and decreased to the same level as that of multiparae toward the peak lactation. These results show that Ca and P mobilization of primiparous cows are more active than multiparous cows.
Effects of supplementary probiotics to two different diets on dry matter intake, daily gain, digestibility, ruminal pH, and fecal microbial populations and metabolites in ewes
Authors: KUMAGAI Hajime , KUMAGAE Shuichiro , MITANI Katsunosuke , ENDO Tsuyoshi 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTTo study the effects of supplementary probiotics on dry matter intake (DMI), daily gain (DG), digestibility, ruminal pH, and fecal microbial populations and metabolites in ruminants, two reversal trials were conducted by using four Suffolk ewes fitted with rumen cannula. The ewes were fed with oat hay and with concentrate and oat hay in the ratio of 60 : 40 in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. The ewes in the treatment groups were supplemented with 10 g/day/head probiotics for 49 days. Fresh fecal samples were collected to measure microbial populations and metabolites. On days 43–47 total feces was collected to measure digestibility, and on the days 48 and 49 ruminal pH was measured. No significant difference of DMI, DG, dry matter digestibility, and ruminal pH was observed between the control and treatment groups. The probiotics treatment tended to increase crude fiber (P = 0.11) and organic cell wall digestibility (P = 0.18). In the final week, probiotics treatment significantly increased the fecal population of Bacilli (P < 0.05) and mold (P < 0.01) in experiment 1 and 2, respectively. No significant difference of fecal VFA and ammonia concentrations between the control and treatment groups was observed. The supplementary probiotics changed population of some microbial strains in the feces and possibly the large intestine of ewes.