bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depigmented genital extramammary Paget’s disease: A possible histogenetic link to Toker’s clear cells and clear cell papulosis
Authors: Chen Ya‐Hui , Wong Tak‐Wah , Lee J. Yu‐Yun 
Published: March 2003

Background: The histogenesis of extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is still controversial. Benign pagetoid cells of the nipple first described by Toker and the similar clear cells found in white maculopapules of clear cell papulosis (CCP) have been proposed to be potential precursor cells giving rise to EMPD and primary intraepidermal Paget’s disease in the nipple. The observation of a rare case of depigmented EMPD provided us with a chance to examine further the interesting Toker’s clear cell/CCP hypothesis.Methods: We performed pathologic studies, including Fontana‐Masson stain and immunostaining for AE1/AE3 and S100P, on a new case of depigmented EMPD manifesting a 4×3 cm hypopigmented‐depigmented patch on the root of the penis.Results: The lesion showed extensive intraepithelial proliferation of atypical pagetoid cells with markedly reduced epidermal melaninization but nearly normal numbers of melanocytes. The tumor cells were strongly positive for AE1/AE3 by immunostaining. Some tumor cells displayed tadpole‐like morphology resembling the pagetoid cells of CCP. Such morphology was not observed in two random examples of non‐depigmented genital EMPD.Conclusions: The findings of tadpole‐shaped pagetoid cells and depigmentation in the present case suggest that depigmented EMPD may be histogenetically related to CCP. Depigmented EMPD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vitiligo, depigmented mycosis fungoides and lichen sclerosus located along the milk line.
Expression of the histiocytic marker PG‐M1 in granuloma annulare and rheumatoid nodules of the skin
Authors: Groisman Gabriel M. , Schafer Ion , Amar Mary , Sabo Edmond 
Published: March 2003

Background:  The expression of PG‐M1, the most specific histiocytic marker, has not yet been studied in granuloma annulare (GA) and other palisaded granulomas of the skin. We evaluated the reactivity of PG‐M1 with a series of GA and rheumatoid nodules (RN) to establish the sensitivity and potential usefulness of this marker in the diagnosis and characterization of these entities.Methods:  Histological sections from 30 GA and 15 RN were immunostained with PG‐M1. For comparison, additional sections were stained with KP‐1 and lysozyme. The stains were recorded as negative, weakly positive (1+) and strongly positive (2+).Results:  PG‐M1 stained all cases of GA (100%). KP‐1 and lysozyme stained 26 (86%) and 18 (60%) GA cases, respectively. PG‐M1 exhibited a significantly stronger staining intensity (1.8 ± 0.07) when compared with KP‐1 (1.4 ± 0.13) (p = 0.018) and with lysozyme (0.9 ± 0.15) (p < 0.0001). All RN were stained by PG‐M1 (100%). KP‐1 and lysozyme stained 14 (93%) and six (40%) RN cases, respectively. PG‐M1 staining intensity (1.6 ± 0.13) was slightly higher than that of KP‐1 (1.4 ± 0.18) (p = 0.27) and significantly higher than that of lysozyme (0.4 ± 0.13) (p < 0.0001).Conclusions:  PG‐M1 is consistently and strongly expressed by the histiocytic population of GA and RN, being more sensitive and reliable than other histiocytic markers. We recommend its use in difficult cases in which the histiocytic nature of the lesion needs to be confirmed.
Possible Roles for Products of Polymorphic MHC and Linked Olfactory Receptor Genes during Selection Processes in Reproduction*
Authors: ZIEGLER ANDREAS , DOHR GOTTFRIED , UCHANSKA‐ZIEGLER BARBARA 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Polymorphic genes of the human major histocompatibility complex [MHC; human leukocyte antigen (HLA)] are probably important in determining resistance to parasites and avoidance of inbreeding. We investigated whether HLA‐associated sexual selection could also involve HLA‐linked olfactory receptor (OR) genes, which might not only participate in olfaction‐guided mate choice, but also in selection processes within the testis.METHOD OF STUDY: The testicular expression status of HLA class I molecules (by immunohistology) and HLA‐linked OR genes (by transcriptional analysis) was determined.RESULTS: Various HLA class I heavy chains, but not β2‐microglobulin (β2m), were expressed, mainly at the spermatocyte I stage. Of 17 HLA‐linked OR genes analyzed, eight were found to be transcribed in the testis. They exhibited varying numbers of 5′‐ or 3′‐non‐coding exons as well as differential splicing.CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that testis‐expressed polymorphic HLA and OR proteins are functionally connected and serve the selection of spermatozoa, enabling them to distinguish `self' from `non‐self' [the sperm‐receptor‐selection (SRS) hypothesis].
Endometriosis in Reproductive Immunology
Authors: ULC̆OVÁ‐GALLOVÁ ZDENKA , BOUŠE VLADIMÍR , ŠVÁBEK LADISLAV , TUREK JIR̆I , ROKYTA ZDENĔK 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Endometriosis is suggested to represent an autoimmune disorder, but what is the prevalence of autoantibodies to antigens relevant to reproduction?METHOD OF STUDY: The humoral immune response to the women with endometriosis (stage I–II: 261 women; stage III–IV: 62 women) in serum and in peritoneal fluid was investigated compared with 101 healthy women. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used in all the women for the detection of seven antiphospholipid antibodies [antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) against cardiolipin, L‐phosphatidyl (ph)‐serine, ph‐glycerol, ph‐inositol, ph‐ethanolamine, phosphatidic (ph)‐acid and against β2‐glycoprotein I] of class IgG, IgA, and IgM. A passive haemmagglutination method and ELISA (BioGen) was used for assessment of antizona pellucida antibodies (aZP), tray agglutination test (TAT) and indirect mixed anti‐imunoglobulin reaction test (MAR‐test) for the determination of sperm antibody levels.RESULTS: Endometriosis I–II were associated with higher serum and peritoneal fluid levels of aPLs against inositol, cardiolipin, ethanolamine, and β2‐glycoprotein I. Forty percent of patients were positive for aZPA.CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lesions of endometriosis stage I–II had more autoantibodies than those with stage III–IV, and may be immunologically more active. This result may be significant for future treatments such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
Transfer of Prostasomal CD59 to CD59‐Deficient Red Blood Cells Results in Protection against Complement‐Mediated Hemolysis
Authors: BABIKER ADIL A. , RONQUIST GUNNAR , NILSSON ULF R. , NILSSON BO 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Prostasomes isolated from human seminal plasma have complement regulatory properties because of their content of CD59, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored protein. We investigated a functional role of prostasomes by the possibility of transferring CD59 from prostasomes to rabbit erythrocytes (RE) and human erythrocytes obtained from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), both types of cells lacking CD59.METHOD OF STUDY: We used the assay of hemolytic activity of the alternative pathway of the complement system to compare the liability of the erythrocytes to hemolysis by the complement system with and without pre‐incubation with prostasomes. CD59 gained by the RE and PNH erythrocytes was established by flow cytometry. The effect of phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C (PIPLC) on the GPI anchor of prostasomal CD59 and the effect of heat treatment on the prostasomes were also studied. Anti‐CD59 antibodies were used to block the protective effect of prostasomes on erythrocytes.RESULTS: Both RE and PNH erythrocytes showed diminished complement‐mediated hemolysis after incubation with prostasomes. This was because of the transfer of CD59 from prostasomes to the red blood cells during pre‐incubation as evidenced by the hemolytic assay and flow‐cytometry. The efficacy of the prostasomes was affected by heat treatment and was totally lost at 100°C. Phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C broke the GPI anchor and released CD59 from prostasomes and the RE surface (after pre‐incubation with prostasomes) but not from the human PNH erythrocytes.CONCLUSIONS: A transfer mechanism of CD59 takes place during pre‐incubation from prostasomes to erythrocytes lacking CD59 which supports the idea that transfer of prostasomal CD59 can protect cells from lysis elicited by C5b‐9. This might be a mechanism by which autologous and allogeneic cells are protected against complement attack in the genital tracts.
Restricted Entry of IgG into Male and Female Rabbit Reproductive Ducts Following Immunization with Recombinant Rabbit PH‐20
Authors: POMERING M. , JONES RUSSELL C. , HOLLAND MICHAEL K. , BLAKE ANITA E. , BEAGLEY KENNETH W. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Successful immunocontraception using sperm antigens is dependent on achieving sufficient sperm‐specific antibody in the reproductive ducts to prevent fertilization. The blood : luminal barrier of the male and female reproductive ducts must be overcome for this to occur. We have, therefore, investigated the relative titers of antigen‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in luminal fluids collected from male and female rabbit reproductive ducts following immunization with recombinant rabbit PH‐20 (rPH‐20).METHOD OF STUDY: Male and female rabbits were immunized subcutaneously with rPH‐20 in Freund's adjuvant. Reproductive tract fluids and plasma were collected and assayed for specific IgG by enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma anti‐rPH‐20 antibodies were tested for their ability to inhibit in vitro fertilization.RESULTS: Plasma rPH‐20‐specific IgG titers of >21 × 106 were induced in bucks. Antibody levels in the rete testis and cauda epididymidis fluids were only 0.026 and 0.168% of plasma levels, respectively. Plasma IgG titers were >30 × 106 in does, but antibody levels in free flow vaginal fluid, free flow uterine fluid and free flow oviduct fluid were only 0.016, 0.078 and 0.072% of plasma levels, respectively. Induction of ovulation by administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) significantly increased rPH‐20‐specific IgG only in free flow vaginal fluids. Plasma antibody from immunized rabbits inhibited in vitro fertilization but conception rates following mating of rPH‐20 immunized male to untreated female rabbits were not affected.CONCLUSIONS: The IgG antibody entry into the reproductive ducts of both male and female rabbits is restricted to less than 0.2% of levels induced in plasma following subcutaneous immunization. This finding raises doubts about the suitability of rPH‐20 to induce immunocontraception in rabbits using strategies optimized for induction of a serum antibody response. Whether mucosal immunization strategies can achieve this remains to be tested.
Effect of laparoscopy on immune function
Authors: Gupta A , Watson D I 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopic surgery is believed to lessen surgical trauma and so cause less disturbance of immune function. This may contribute to the rapid recovery noted after many laparoscopic operations. Preservation of both systemic and intraperitoneal immunity is particularly important in surgery for sepsis or cancer and so an understanding of the impact of laparoscopy on immune function is relevant.

Methods
Literature on immunological changes following laparoscopy and open surgery was identified from Medline, along with cross-referencing from the reference lists of major articles on the subject.

Results and discussion
Despite a few contradictory reports, systemic immunity appears to be better preserved after laparoscopic surgery than after open surgery. However, the local intraperitoneal immune system behaves in a particular way when exposed to carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum; suppression of intraperitoneal cell-mediated immunity has been demonstrated in a number of studies. This feature may be clinically important and should be acknowledged when considering laparoscopic surgery in patients with malignancy or sepsis.
Acute compartment syndromes
Authors: Tiwari A , Haq A I , Myint F , Hamilton G 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundAcute compartment syndrome is both a limb- and life-threatening emergency that requires prompt treatment. To avoid a delay in diagnosis requires vigilance and, if necessary, intracompartmental pressure measurement. This review encompasses both limb and abdominal compartment syndrome, including aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome.MethodsA Pubmed and Cochrane database search was performed. Other articles were cross-referenced.Results and conclusionDiagnosis of limb compartment syndrome is based on clinical vigilance and repeated examination. Many techniques exist for tissue pressure measurement but they are indicated only in doubtful cases, the unconscious or obtunded patient, and children. However, monitoring of pressure has no harmful effect and may allow early fasciotomy, although the intracompartmental pressure threshold for such an undertaking is still unclear. Abdominal compartment syndrome requires measurement of intra-abdominal pressure because clinical diagnosis is difficult. Treatment is by abdominal decompression and secondary closure. Both types of compartment syndrome require prompt treatment to avoid significant sequelae.
Structural investigation on the lipooligosaccharide fraction of psychrophilic Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC 125 bacterium
Authors: Corsaro M. Michela , Lanzetta Rosa , Parrilli Ermenegilda , Parrilli Michelangelo , Tutino M. Luisa 
Published: March 2003

The core structure of the cell‐wall lipooligosaccharide (LOS) fraction of an Antarctic Gram‐negative bacterium, Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC 125 strain, was determined to be deacetylated alditols. These were obtained from native LOS fraction by O‐deacylation, dephosphorylation, reduction and finally N‐deacylation. Two novel structures were detected, the more highly represented molecule consisting of the following hexasaccharide chain: α‐d‐ManpNH2‐(1→3)‐β‐d‐Galp‐(1→4)‐α‐l‐glycero‐d‐manno‐Hepp‐(1→5)‐α‐d‐Kdo‐(2→6)‐β‐d‐GlcpNH2‐(1→6)‐d‐GlcNH2(ol) while the corresponding pentasaccharide, lacking the ManpNH2 residue, was less abundant.To the best of our knowledge, the structural investigation presented here, mainly performed by NMR and MS methods, is the first report of the lipopolysaccharide fraction of a psychrophilic bacterium.
Habitat assessment for a rare, arboreal forest mammal, the tree hyrax Dendrohyrax arboreus
Authors: Gaylard A. , Kerley G. I. H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRecent findings have suggested that there has been a change in the structural nature of forests in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which explains decreases in forest fauna. One of these (rare) forest species is the tree hyrax Dendrohyrax arboreus, a nocturnal, arboreal folivore, which makes use of cavity‐bearing trees as dens. However, a conflict exists between the use of forest resources and in protecting habitats for the tree hyrax. In order to design appropriate management strategies, conservation authorities and forest managers require information regarding the specific habitat requirements of fauna in their forest, particularly those that are already threatened by resource use. The aims of this study were thus: (i) to characterise the den trees of D. arboreus, (ii) to determine whether D. arboreus selects for certain den tree characteristics (i.e. relative to the abundance of that characteristic); and (iii) to develop a habitat assessment model for D. arboreus. The tree hydrax was found to select for den trees with particular characteristics: seven tree species were selected as den trees, which were usually the tallest trees in the canopy (4–8 m). Den trees were usually only partly decayed, with multiple cavity entrances and trunk angles of between 45° and 68°. Cavity entrance and orientation did not appear to play a role in den tree selection by D. arboreus. A function which discriminated between den trees and non‐den trees was calculated, and can be used to determine the suitability of a tree as a den for a tree hyrax (and thus to prevent it from being removed during commercial logging operations), or to assess the suitability of an area for habitation by tree hyraxes. This model can therefore help to alleviate the conflict between forest conservation managers and resource users in the Eastern Cape.
Decline of the African lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) in Lake Victoria (East Africa)
Authors: Goudswaard Kees (P. C.) , Witte Frans , Chapman Lauren J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCatch and effort data for the period 1973–1990 demonstrate a dramatic decline of lungfish in the Tanzanian waters of Lake Victoria. Bottom trawl catches in the Mwanza Gulf showed a decline in catch rates from 67.5 kg h−1 in 1973 to 5.5 kg h−1 in 1986. Trawling of commercial vessels in the Speke Gulf revealed a decline in lungfish catches from 1.3 kg h−1 in 1986 to 0.07 kg h−1 in 1990. The development of anoxia in the deeper waters of Lake Victoria, the algal blooms, and the decline of water transparency, all associated with eutrophication, are not likely to have contributed to the decreased catch rate. However, the lungfish decline may reflect the interaction of overexploitation by the fishery and a low level of Nile perch predation that restricts lungfish to wetland refugia. We suggest that this may have been reinforced over the past few decades by large‐scale conversion of wetlands to agricultural land and harvesting of nest‐guarding male lungfish leading to decreased recruitment of young.
Phenological influences on the utilization of woody plants by eland in semi‐arid shrubland
Authors: Watson Laurence H. , Owen‐Smith Norman 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOur study monitored the acceptability, shoot phenology and chemical content of karoid woody species over the seasonal cycle. Species favoured by eland as long as they retained leaves, were classified as palatable, while those neglected for part of the seasonal cycle, even though they retained leaves, were classified as unpalatable. Changes in the acceptability of unpalatable species over the seasonal cycle appeared to be related to changes in the proportion of young shoots on plants, as influenced by rainfall and temperature. These species were typically only favoured when they offered relatively high proportions of young shoots. Our study identified total fibre as the most important chemical factor influencing the acceptability of woody species to eland. The shoots of palatable species contained low fibre concentrations, while the shoots of unpalatable species were more variable in fibre content. When favoured, the shoots of unpalatable species typically had similar levels of fibre to palatable species, but when neglected, the shoots of unpalatable species generally had increased fibre levels. Eland have thrived since being introduced into our study area, which is dominated by microphyllous and leptophyllous woody species. We suggest that this is because eland are able to select a diet sufficiently low in fibre content.
The small mammal community of a coastal site of south‐west Mauritania
Authors: Granjon L. , Bruderer C. , Cosson J. F. , Dia A. T. , Colas F. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe small mammal community of a coastal site of south‐western Mauritania was monitored using live trapping, owl pellet analysis and nocturnal visual censuses. Ten species of rodents and two shrews were recorded. Gerbillid rodents (Gerbillus nanus, G. gerbillus, G. tarabuli, G. nigeriae and Taterillus arenarius) were the most prevalent in traps, whereas a relatively large proportion of owl pellets were made up of a murid rodent, Mastomys huberti. The presence of two species of murids (M. huberti and Arvicanthis niloticus) in this presaharian environment is made possible by the presence of small patches of green vegetation associated with localized fresh water inputs. The contradiction of results from the sampling methods indicate potential biases in the determination of community composition and relative species abundance. Results are also discussed in estimating the potential role of predation and competition in this small mammal community.
Rapid cold hardening in Antarctic microarthropods
Authors: Worland M. R. , Convey P. 
Published: March 2003

Summary

Rapid cold hardening was examined in three common Antarctic microarthropods using differential scanning calorimetry over timescales between 3 and 30 h, under field and controlled laboratory conditions.
In fresh field samples and cultures of the springtail, Cryptopygus antarcticus (Willem), and cultures of the mites, Alaskozetes antarcticus (Michael) and Halozetes belgicae (Michael), maintained under summer field‐simulating conditions, supercooling point (SCP) distributions tracked microhabitat temperature variation over the observation period.
Controlled acclimation of samples of summer‐acclimatized C. antarcticus caused significant cold hardening after 12 h at temperatures around 0 °C (+3 to −2 °C). No response was obtained at higher or lower temperatures, or in field‐fresh winter‐acclimatized animals. The latter did not lose cold hardiness when held at positive temperatures for 12 h.
Gradual cooling of C. antarcticus over 20 h from +5 to −5 °C caused a considerable increase in cold tolerance. Rewarming partially but non‐significantly reversed this effect. The greatest response occurred between +3 and +1 °C. Maximum faecal pellet production also occurred in this interval, but gut clearance alone was not sufficient to explain observed cold hardening.
It is hypothesized that these species possess a hitherto unrecognized capacity to alter cold hardiness in summer in response to environmental temperature cues over a shorter timescale than previously thought, by a mechanism that relies on neither gut clearance nor concentration of body fluids via water loss. This ability may reduce the developmental costs of premature entry into an inactive, cold‐hardy state.
Metastatic tumours of the adrenal glands: a 30‐year experience in a teaching hospital
Authors: Lam K.‐Y. , Lo C.‐Y. 
Published: March 2003

Summaryobjective Adrenal metastases are frequently encountered during autopsy but uncommonly present clinically. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological impact of adrenal metastases in a large series of patients.patients Four hundred and sixty‐four patients (288 men, 176 women) with metastatic disease in the adrenal glands over a 30‐year period were included in the study.measurements The clinical records and pathological features were reviewed.results The frequencies of adrenal metastases at autopsies, adrenalectomies and fine‐needle aspiration biopsies were 3·1%, 7·5% and 33%, respectively. The lesions were often seen in elderly patients (mean age, 62, SD = 13 years). Many of the metastatic lesions in the adrenal gland occurred shortly after the detection of a primary tumour (mean latent period = 7 months). Four per cent of the adrenal lesions (n = 20) were symptomatic. The symptomatic adrenal lesions, as compared with asymptomatic ones, were bigger and seen in younger patients. Five patients presented with adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) and one had massive peritoneal haemorrhage because of metastatic carcinoma. Ninety per cent (n = 421) of the metastatic adrenal tumours were carcinomas and 56% of these were adenocarcinoma. Lung was the most common primary tumour site (35%), followed by the stomach (14%), the oesophagus (12%) and the liver/bile ducts (10%). The adrenal metastases were bilateral in approximately half of the patients (49%, n= 229). The mean diameter of the adrenal metastases was 2 cm (SD = 1·9 cm). The mean weight of the right adrenal gland harbouring the metastasis was 19 g, while that of the left 20 g. The median survival of the 20 patients with symptomatic adrenal lesions was 3 months (range, 0–75 months) after the detection of adrenal metastases. Patients with surgically removed adrenal metastases had slightly better survival rates than those without surgical resection.conclusions A variety of tumours may give rise to adrenal metastases. They are often asymptomatic and detected as part of multiorgan metastases. Symptomatic cases, albeit rare, may occur. Long‐term survival may be achieved in selected patients in whom an aggressive surgical approach may be adopted.