Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in rodent testis

We have previously described a 30 kDa basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-like protein in rodent testicular homogenates and have shown that pachytene spermatocytes are the sites of predominant immunoreactivity for this bFGF-like protein (Mayerhofer, A., Russell, L.D., Grothe, C., Rudolf, M. and Gratzl, M. (1991) Endocrinology 129, 921–924). We have now addressed the question whether this 30 kDa bFGF-like protein is a large bFGF form and whether it is produced by pachytene spermatocytes. We detected bFGF mRNA in homogenates of isolated mouse spermatocytes (which consisted mainly of pachytene spermatocytes) using S1 nuclease protection assays. As shown by Western blot analyses, the bFGF mRNA in mouse spermatocytes is translated into bFGF of an approximate molecular weight of 30 kDa. Neither bFGF mRNA, nor bFGF itself, was observed in isolated mouse Leydig cells. These results indicate that the immunoreactive bFGF-like protein observed previously in germ cells of the murine testis is identical to bFGF. Thus, germ cells of the testis produce bFGF, which may exert regulatory function in the process of spermatogenesis

Pregnancy outcome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome comparing the effects of laparoscopic ovarian drilling and clomiphene citrate stimulation in women pre-treated with metformin: a retrospective study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ovarian stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk for perinatal complications. Ovulation induction by laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) might improve the overall pregnancy outcomes. The aim of our study was to assess the adverse events or effects on pregnancy of LOD and clomiphene citrate (CC) stimulation in patients who received metformin.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Setting: Academic research institution. We retrospectively analyzed the courses of 40 spontaneous pregnancies after LOD for CC-resistance, 40 pregnancies after CC stimulation, and 40 pregnancies after metformin treatment alone. Patients in the LOD and the CC groups had been pre-treated with Metformin. Primary outcome parameters were: the rate of multiple pregnancies; the rate of early pregnancy losses/miscarriages; the development of gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and preeclampsia/HELLP-syndrome; premature delivery; and birth weight.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The rate of twin pregnancies did not differ between the CC group (12.5%), the LOD group (7.5%), and the metformin only group (2.5%, p = 0.239). Seventeen women suffered an early miscarriage. There were no differences with regard to the rates of gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery. By analyzing all pregnancy complications together, the overall pregnancy complication rate was highest in the CC group (70.0%, 28/40), followed by the LOD group (45.0%, 18/40), and the metformin only group (47.5%, 19/40; p = 0.047).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>CC, but not LOD, increases the complication rate in pregnant patients who received metformin.</p

The G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER/GPR30) in Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumors

Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are thought to arise from cells of the ovarian follicle and comprise a rare entity of ovarian masses. We recently identified the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) to be present in granulosa cells, to be regulated by gonadotropins in epithelial ovarian cancer and to be differentially expressed throughout folliculogenesis. Thus, supposing a possible role of GPER in GCTs, this study aimed to analyze GPER in GCTs. GPER immunoreactivity in GCTs (n = 26; n (primary diagnosis) = 15, n (recurrence) = 11) was studied and correlated with the main clinicopathological variables. Positive GPER staining was identified in 53.8% (14/26) of GCTs and there was no significant relation of GPER with tumor size or lymph node status. Those cases presenting with strong GPER intensity at primary diagnosis showed a significant reduced overall survival (p = 0.002). Due to the fact that GPER is regulated by estrogens, as well as gonadotropins, GPER may also be affected by endocrine therapies applied to GCT patients. Moreover, with our data supposing GPER to be associated with GCT prognosis, GPER might be considered as a possible confounder when assessing the efficacy of hormone-based therapeutic approaches in GCTs

The nucleus ^198 Au investigated with neutron capture and transfer reactions. II. Construction of the level scheme and calculation of level densities

The level scheme of ^198 Au was constructed. Up to 1560 keV a total of 111 (d,p) and 125 (n,gamma) levels was included, frequently with spin and parity assignments. The results for level densities are calculated in interacting boson-fermion-fermion model (IBFFM) and Gaussian polynomial method (GPM) and are compared to the present data

Proučavanje jezgre 198Au pomoću neutronskog uhvata i (d,p) reakcijom. II. Konstrukcija sheme nivoa i izračunavanje gustoće nivoa

The level scheme of 198Au was constructed. Up to 1560 keV a total of 111 (d,p) and 125 (n,γ) levels was included, frequently with spin and parity assignments. The results for level densities are calculated in interacting boson–fermion–fermion model (IBFFM) and Gaussian polynomial method (GPM) and are compared to the present data.Sastavljena je shema raspada 198Au. Do energije uzbude od 1560 keV, uključeno je 111 stanja određenih (d,p) reakcijom i 125 stanja (n,γ) reakcijom. Za mnoga stanja određeni su momenti impulsa i parnost. Primjenom modela uzajamno djelujućih bozon–fermion–fermiona i metode Gaussovih polinoma, izračunate su gustoće stanja i uspoređene s izmjerenim vrijednostima

Proučavanje jezgre 198au pomoću neutronskog uhvata i (d,p) reakcijom. I. Eksperimenti i procjena

The transfer reaction 197Au(d,p)198Au was measured at the Tandem Accelerator in Munich. The 197Au(n,γ) 198Au and 197Au(n,e)198Au reactions were performed at the High Flux Reactor of ILL, Grenoble. Up to 1560 keV a total of 111 levels were observed by the (d,p) reaction and 125 by the (n,γ) reaction. For many of the levels, spins and parities were assigned. Additional information was obtained from summed (n,γγ) coincidences measured in Dubna.Načinjena su mjerenja relacije 197Au(d,p)198Au pomoću tandem Van de Graaff akceleratora u Munchenu, a reakcije 197Au(n,γ) 198Au i 197Au(n,e)198Au proučavane su pri nuklearnom reaktoru u Institutu Lane–Laugevin u Grenoblu. Reakcijom (d,p) opaženo je do energije uzbude od 156 keV ukupno 111 nivoa, a reakcijom (n,γ) 125 nivoa. Za mnoge nivoe utvrđeni su momenti impulsa i parnosti. Dodatni su podaci postignuti mjerenjem zbrojnih (n,γγ) sudara u Institutu u Dubni

The nucleus ^198 Au investigated with neutron capture and transfer reactions I. Experiments and evaluation

The transfer reaction ^197 Au(d,p)^198 Au was measured at the Tandem Accelerator in Munich. The ^197 Au(n,gamma)^198 Au and ^197 Au(n,e)^198 Au reactions were performed at the High Flux Reactor of ILL, Grenoble. Up to 1560 keV a total of 111 levels were observed by the (d,p) reaction and 125 by the (n,gamma) reaction. For many of the levels, spins and parities were assigned. Additional information was obtained from summed (n,gamma gamma) coincidences measured in Dubna

Proučavanje jezgre 198au pomoću neutronskog uhvata i (d,p) reakcijom. I. Eksperimenti i procjena

The transfer reaction 197Au(d,p)198Au was measured at the Tandem Accelerator in Munich. The 197Au(n,γ) 198Au and 197Au(n,e)198Au reactions were performed at the High Flux Reactor of ILL, Grenoble. Up to 1560 keV a total of 111 levels were observed by the (d,p) reaction and 125 by the (n,γ) reaction. For many of the levels, spins and parities were assigned. Additional information was obtained from summed (n,γγ) coincidences measured in Dubna.Načinjena su mjerenja relacije 197Au(d,p)198Au pomoću tandem Van de Graaff akceleratora u Munchenu, a reakcije 197Au(n,γ) 198Au i 197Au(n,e)198Au proučavane su pri nuklearnom reaktoru u Institutu Lane–Laugevin u Grenoblu. Reakcijom (d,p) opaženo je do energije uzbude od 156 keV ukupno 111 nivoa, a reakcijom (n,γ) 125 nivoa. Za mnoge nivoe utvrđeni su momenti impulsa i parnosti. Dodatni su podaci postignuti mjerenjem zbrojnih (n,γγ) sudara u Institutu u Dubni

Luteinizing hormone and androstendione are independent predictors of ovulation after laparoscopic ovarian drilling: a retrospective cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Our objective was to investigate luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and androstenedione as predicitve markers for ovulation after laparoscopic ovarian drilling.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We retrospectively analyzed 100 clompihen-resistant patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome who underwent laparoscopic ovarian drilling at our department. The main outcome measure was spontaneous postoperative ovulation within three months after laparoscopic ovarian drilling. In order to predict spontaneous ovulation, we tested the following parameters by use of a univariate followed by a multivariate regression model: Preoperative serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, and androstenedione as well as patients' age and body mass index. In addition, we focused on pregnancy and life birth rates.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Spontaneous ovulation was documented in 71/100 patients (71.0%). In a univariate and multivariate analysis, luteinizing hormone (OR 1.58, 95%CI: 1.30-1.92) and androstenedione (OR 3.03, 95%CI: 1.20-7.67), but not follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone were independent predictors of ovulation. Using a cut-off for luteinizing hormone and androstenedione of 12.1 IU/l and 3.26 ng/ml, respectively, spontaneous ovulation was observed in 63/70 (90.0%) and 36/42 patients (85.7%) with elevated and in 8/30 (26.7%) and 35/58 (60.3%) patients with low luteinizing hormone and androstenedione levels, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negatvie predictive values for luteinizing hormone and androstendione as predictors of spontaneous ovulation after ovarian drilling were 88.7% (95%CI: 79.0-95.0%), 75.9% (95%CI: 56.5-89.7%), 90.0% (95%CI: 80.5-95.8%), and 73.3% (95%CI: 54.1-87.7%) for luteinizing hormone, and 50.7% (95%CI: 38.6-62.8%), 79.3% (95%CI: 60.3-92.0%), 85.7% (95%CI: 71.5-94.6%), and 39.7% (95%CI: 27.0-53.4%) for androstenedione, respectively. Complete one-year follow-up was available for 74/100 patients (74%). We observed a one-year pregnancy rate and a resulting life-birth rate of 61% and 51%, respectively.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Luteinizing hormone and androstenedione prior to laparoscopic ovarian drilling are independent predictors of spontaneous ovulation within three months of surgery. We suggest to preferentially performing laparoscopic ovarian drilling in patients with high luteinizing hormone and androstenedione levels.</p

Study of ^194 Ir via thermal neutron capture and (d,p) reactions

Levels of ^194 Ir were studied using thermal neutron capture reaction. A pair spectrometer was used to measure the high-energy gamma-ray spectrum from thermal-neutron capture in enriched ^193 Ir target over the energy range 4640 - 6100 keV. The low-energy gamma-radiation from the reaction was studied with crystal diffraction spectrometers, and conversion electrons were observed with magnetic spectrometers. The high-sensitivity measurements at the Grenoble reactor, evaluated for transition energies up to 500 keV, are compared with lower-sensitivity measurements at the Wuerenlingen and Salaspils reactors. The comparison helped to obtain reliable isotopic identification for a number of ^194 Ir lines. The multipolarity admixtures for 29 gamma-transitions were determined on the basis of conversion lines from different electron subshells. Prompt and delayed gamma-gamma coincidences were measured using semiconductor and scintillation detectors. The ^193 Ir(d,p) high-resolution spectra, observed with a magnetic spectrometer, are given. All these data contributed to establishing a detailed level scheme of ^194 Ir. Additional data and the interpretation of the results in terms of current models will be presented in a forthcoming paper