bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperhomocysteinemia and Myocardial Expression of Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Rats
Authors: Herrmann Markus , Taban-Shoma Omid , Hübner Ulrich , Pexa Anette , Kilter Heiko , Umanskaya Natalia , Hans Straub Rainer , Böhm Michael , Herrmann Wolfgang
Published: February 2007

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been linked to impaired left ventricular function and clinical class in patients with chronic heart failure. We hypothesized that HHcy stimulates myocardial brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression and induces adverse left ventricular remodeling.

Methods: We randomized 50 rats into 5 groups. Groups Co1 and Co2 (controls) received a typical diet. Groups Meth, Hcy1, and Hcy2 were fed the same diet supplemented with 2.4% methionine, 1% homocystine, and 2% homocystine, respectively. After 12 weeks, we measured total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) and BNP in plasma and tissue, and we performed histomorphometric analyses.

Results: All animals had comparable baseline body weight [mean (SD) 234 (26) g] and total circulating Hcy [4.7 (1.7) μmol/L]. After 12 weeks of treatment, total circulating Hcy increased in Meth, Hcy1, and Hcy2 [27.3 (8.8), 40.6 (7.0), and 54.0 (46.0) μmol/L, respectively] and remained unchanged in Co1 and Co2. Serum BNP significantly increased in 1 of 10 animals in Meth, 3 of 10 animals in Hcy1, and 3 of 10 animals in Hcy2. Median (25th–75th percentile) BNP tissue concentrations in Hcy1 and Hcy2 were 55% higher than in the corresponding controls [Co1 vs Hcy1, 225 (186–263) vs 338 (262–410) pg/mg protein, P = 0.05; Co2 vs Hcy2, 179 (107–261) vs 308 (192–429) pg/mg protein, P = 0.12]. In the Meth group, BNP expression was comparable to that of controls [200 (159–235) vs 225 (186–263) pg/mg protein, P = 0.32]. The percentage of perivascular and interstitial collagen and mast cell infiltration were comparable in all groups, indicating no adverse cardiac remodeling.

Conclusion: Three months of intermediate HHcy stimulated increased cardiac BNP expression that was not accompanied by adverse cardiac remodeling.
Protein Profiling of Microdissected Pancreas Carcinoma and Identification of HSP27 as a Potential Serum Marker
Authors: Melle Christian , Ernst Günther , Escher Niko , Hartmann Daniel , Schimmel Bettina , Bleul Annett , Thieme Heike , Kaufmann Roland , Felix Klaus , Friess Helmut M , Settmacher Utz , Hommann Merten , Richter Konrad K , Daffner Wolfgang , Täubig Horst , Manger Thomas , Claussen Uwe , von Eggeling Ferdinand
Published: February 2007

Background: Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinomas have a poor prognosis because of late clinical manifestation and the tumor’s aggressive nature. We used proteomic techniques to search for markers of pancreatic carcinoma.

Methods: We performed protein profiling of microdissected cryostat sections of 9 pancreatic adenocarcinomas and 10 healthy pancreatic tissue samples using ProteinChip technology (surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization). We identified proteins by use of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, peptide fingerprint mapping, and immunodepletion and used immunohistochemistry for in situ localization of the proteins found. We used ELISA to quantify these proteins in preoperative serum samples from 35 patients with pancreatic cancer and 37 healthy individuals.

Results: From among the differentially expressed signals that were detected by ProteinChip technology, we identified 2 proteins, DJ-1 and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). We then detected HSP27 in sera of patients by use of ELISA, indicating a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 84% for the recognition of pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions: The detection of DJ-1 and HSP27 in pure defined tissue and the retrieval of HSP27 in serum by antibody-based methods identifies a potential marker for pancreatic cancer.
Preanalytic Influence of Sample Handling on SELDI-TOF Serum Protein Profiles
Authors: Timms John F , Arslan-Low Elif , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Luo Zhiyuan , T’Jampens Davy , Podust Vladimir N , Ford Jeremy , Fung Eric T , Gammerman Alex , Jacobs Ian , Menon Usha
Published: February 2007

Background: High-throughput proteomic methods for disease biomarker discovery in human serum are promising, but concerns exist regarding reproducibility of results and variability introduced by sample handling. This study investigated the influence of different preanalytic handling methods on surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) protein profiles of prefractionated serum. We investigated whether older collections with longer sample transit times yield useful protein profiles, and sought to establish the most feasible collection methods for future clinical proteomic studies.

Methods: To examine the effect of tube type, clotting time, transport/incubation time, temperature, and storage method on protein profiles, we used 6 different handling methods to collect sera from 25 healthy volunteers. We used a high-throughput, prefractionation strategy to generate anion-exchange fractions and examined their protein profiles on CM10, IMAC30-Cu, and H50 arrays by using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Results: Prolonged transport and incubation at room temperature generated low mass peaks, resulting in distinctions among the protocols. The most and least stringent methods gave the lowest overall peak variances, indicating that proteolysis in the latter may have been nearly complete. For samples transported on ice there was little effect of clotting time, storage method, or transit time. Certain proteins (TTR, ApoCI, and transferrin) were unaffected by handling, but others (ITIH4 and hemoglobin β) displayed significant variability.

Conclusions: Changes in preanalytical handling variables affect profiles of serum proteins, including proposed disease biomarkers. Proteomic analysis of samples from serum banks collected using less stringent protocols is applicable if all samples are handled identically.
Creating Successful Rehabilitation Partnerships Between Health Professionals and Employers
Authors: Muenchberger Heidi , Kendall Elizabeth , Mills Eileen
Published: February 2007

Successful rehabilitation outcomes rest on the quality of the links among multiple stakeholders. However, the literature has increasingly recognised the challenges in creating effective partnerships between stakeholders such as external health professionals, employers and injured workers. This study presents findings from an industry-directed project aimed at investigating the links between external health professionals and the employer in relation to return-to-work rehabilitation. Semistructured interviews were conducted with general practitioners (GPs), psychologists, and organisation-based rehabilitation personnel. Findings indicated several major points of consideration to facilitate health professional and employer partnerships, including educating stakeholders about organisational rehabilitation services and key contact personnel within the organisation, establishing standard communication protocols, understanding organisational culture and providing explicit organisational support for the rehabilitation process. To ensure appropriate and timely outcomes for injured workers, the current findings highlight the proactive and educative role that employers must assume when acting in partnership for rehabilitation.
Economic Incentives for Return to Work in Sweden: In Theory and in Practice
Authors: Selander John
Published: February 2007

A significant problem in Sweden is the large number of people on long-term sickness absence and disability pension. To prevent long-term absenteeism, increased focus has been put on employers and disability management (DM). Effective DM, however, also requires a motivated employee. One way to motivate employees to return to work (RTW), is to provide economic incentives. The aim of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of economic incentives for people in Sweden to RTW after long-term sickness absence. The study is based on three fictitious cases. The results show that only marginal economic incentives presently exist in the Swedish RTW system. The necessity for economic incentives in the RTW process can, of course, be usefully debated. Research suggests, however, that such incentives play a part in the RTW process. With stronger economic incentives for the employee, the effectiveness of DM and prospects of job return would, arguably, be enhanced.
Addressing Psychological Injury and Its Consequences in the Workplace: The Intensive Case Management Trial
Authors: Muenchberger Heidi , Kendall Elizabeth , Domalewski Debra , Anderson Colin , Murphy Patricia
Published: February 2007

This study documents the findings of a qualitative investigation of the structure, process, and outcomes of an Intensive Case Management (ICM) program that was implemented in several government departments to improve the management of psychological injury and to reduce costs. The study demonstrated that the ICM model was effective in meeting its intended outcomes. Specifically, the model facilitated the delivery of timely and coordinated services to the workplace, and consequently, reduced the incidence of claim lodgment, assisted with accommodated return to work and minimised time away from work. Issues for future consideration included how the model could be integrated more firmly into the organisational culture and how to incorporate systematic follow-up and the capacity to address longer-term issues for injured workers.
Employer-Based Facilitators of Return to Work Following Disabling Injury
Authors: Murphy Gregory C. , Young Amanda E.
Published: February 2007

Postinjury vocational achievement is an important index of successful vocational rehabilitation. This study involved the identification of factors reported to facilitate labour-force participation of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who, even though lacking the personal characteristics found to correlate with labour-force participation, were actually members of the labour force. The empirically identified subjects comprised the 20 most extreme prediction errors from the application of discriminant function analysis, which was conducted with the aim of predicting vocational achievement (in the labour force vs. not in the labour force) following SCI. Subjects were interviewed to gain an understanding of their explanations for their erroneously predicted labour-force status. Principal factors nominated as most influencing the postinjury labour-force achievements were the assistance of family, friends and representatives of preinjury employers. Implications of these findings for the delivery of rehabilitation services are presented, including the need for more community-based and employer-related services.
Stress, Absence and Reintegration: Perceptions and Practice of Professionals in Six European Jurisdictions
Authors: McAnaney Donal , Wynne Richard
Published: February 2007

As part of a larger study into stress, absence and reintegration (Stress Impact 2003–2005), semistructured interviews were carried out with a range of professionals including general practitioners, occupational health physicians, health and safety officers, human resource professionals, general managers, mental health professionals and return-to-work coordinators. The aim of the study was to explore professional perceptions of stress recognition/diagnosis, experiences, stress factors, interventions, referrals, the return-to-work process and disability management in six European Union jurisdictions (Austria, Finland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom). The most striking characteristic of the responses was the lack of congruence in views and beliefs within the same professional group across jurisdictional boundaries and between professionals within the same jurisdiction. There was little evidence that any clear message is getting across to professionals. Professionals need to respond more flexibly to stress-related absence, particularly in the use of psychosocial and work-based disability management supports or interventions.
The Role of Organisational Culture in Sickness Absence
Authors: Reijenga Femke A.
Published: February 2007

In the Dutch literature on occupational health and sickness absence many references can be found on organisational factors that influence the sickness absence. Many of those factors are related to the culture of an organisation. To classify and analyse those factors we used a well-known management model — the seven S model. After identifying the cultural aspects that might influence sickness absence, we developed a simple management tool consisting of 30 questions. The goal of the tool is to explain the organisational culture in relation to sickness absence. This explanation enables the organisation to choose interventions to change organisational aspects in order to prevent or to reduce the sickness absence in the organisation. We tested the tool with seven human resource (HR) managers in the governmental sector. They completed the checklist and the results were discussed with them in a face-to-face interview. To date, the checklist appears to be helpful in analysing the organisational culture in relation to sickness absence, but it still needs to be tested with a larger population.
On multiple blocking sets in Galois planes
Authors: Blokhuis A , Lovász L , Storme L , Szőnyi T
Published: February 2007

This article continues the study of multiple blocking sets in PG(2, q). In [A. Blokhuis, L. Storme, T. Szőnyi, Lacunary polynomials, multiple blocking sets and Baer
subplanes. J. London Math. Soc. (2) 60 (1999), 321–332. MR1724814 (2000j:05025) Zbl 0940.51007], using lacunary polynomials, it was proven that t-fold blocking sets of PG(2, q), q square, t < q
¼/2, of size smaller than t(q + 1) + c

q

q
⅔, with c

q
= 2−⅓ when q is a power of 2 or 3 and c

q
= 1 otherwise, contain the union of t pairwise disjoint Baer subplanes when t ≥ 2, or a line or a Baer subplane when t = 1. We now combine the method of lacunary polynomials with the use of algebraic curves to improve the known characterization results on multiple blocking sets and to prove a t (mod p) result on small t-fold blocking sets of PG(2, q = p

n
), p prime, n ≥ 1.
On twisted tensor product group embeddings and the spin representation of symplectic groups
Authors: Cossidente Antonio , King Oliver H
Published: February 2007

We describe an alternative perspective for at least some of the subgroups in Aschbacher's class C
9. Then we show that under the twisted tensor product embedding of the groups PSp2(q

t
) and PSp4(q

t
) in orthogonal groups over GF(q), t ≥ 3, q ≥ 4 even, an intermediate embedding of type C
3 occurs.
Projective ovoids and generalized quadrangles
Authors: Brown Matthew R
Published: February 2007

We consider a simple condition defining a
tetradic
set of ovoids in a projective three-space over a finite field. By elementary counting and geometrical methods we establish the properties of a tetradic set and are able to give a purely synthetic construction of the class of generalized quadrangles of order (s, s
2) satisfying Property (G) at a flag. This includes the class of dual flock generalized quadrangles due to Kantor and Payne in the 1980's. We also show that the dual flock generalized quadrangles are characterised by Property (G) at a line.
Stiefel—Whitney classes for coherent real analytic sheaves
Authors: Kucharz Wojciech , Kurdyka Krzysztof
Published: February 2007

We develop Stiefel–Whitney classes for coherent real analytic sheaves and investigate their applications to analytic cycles on real analytic manifolds.
On Weddle surfaces and their moduli
Authors: Bolognesi Michele
Published: February 2007

The Weddle surface is classically known to be a birational (partially desingularized) model of the Kummer surface. In this note we go through its relations with moduli spaces of abelian varieties and of rank two vector bundles on a genus 2 curve. First we construct a moduli space A
2(3)− parametrizing abelian surfaces with a symmetric theta structure and an odd theta characteristic. Such objects can in fact be seen as Weddle surfaces. We prove that A
2(3)− is rational. Then, given a genus 2 curve C, we give an interpretation of the Weddle surface as a moduli space of extensions classes (invariant with respect to the hyperelliptic involution) of the canonical sheaf ω of C with ω
−1. This in turn allows to see the Weddle surface as a hyperplane section of the secant variety Sec(C) of the curve C tricanonically embedded in ℙ4.
Prenatal and early postnatal fatty acid status and neurodevelopmental outcome
Authors: Hadders-Algra Mijna , Bouwstra Hylco , van Goor Saskia A. , Dijck-Brouwer D.A. Janneke , Muskiet Frits A.J.
Published: February 2007

The present review addresses the effect of pre- and postnatal supplementation of nutrition with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) on neurodevelopmental outcome. The few studies which addressed the effect of prenatal LCPUFA status or prenatal LCPUFA supplementation suggest that a better prenatal arachidonic acid (AA) and doxosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status might be related to a better neurodevelopmental outcome until at least 18 months of age. A review of the few randomized controlled trials on formula supplementation with LCPUFA in preterm infants did not provide evidence for a significant beneficial effect of LCPUFA on developmental outcome. A review of the trials on formula supplementation with LCPUFA in term infants revealed that supplementation with LCPUFA, in particularly supplementation with ≥0.30% DHA, has a beneficial effect on neurodevelopmental outcome until 4 months. The studies could not demonstrate a consistent positive effect beyond that age. It was concluded that the relatively subtle effects of LCPUFA supplementation on neurodevelopmental outcome do not only depend on dosage but also on the gestational period during which the nutritional components are supplied: supplementation prior to term seems to have more effect than that after term.
Delayed and stage specific phosphorylation of H2AX during preimplantation development of γ-irradiated mouse embryos
Authors: Adiga Satish Kumar , Toyoshima Megumi , Shimura Tsutomu , Takeda Jun , Uematsu Norio , Niwa Ohtsura
Published: February 2007

Within minutes of the induction of DNA double-strand breaks in somatic cells, histone H2AX becomes phosphorylated in the serine 139 residue at the damage site. The phosphorylated H2AX, designated as γ-H2AX, is visible as nuclear foci in the irradiated cells which are thought to serve as a platform for the assembly of proteins involved in checkpoint response and DNA repair. It is known that early stage mammalian embryos are highly sensitive to radiation but the mechanism of radiosensitivity is not well understood. Thus, we investigated the damage response of the preimplantation stage development by analyzing focus formation of γ-H2AX in mouse embryos γ-irradiated in utero. Our analysis revealed that although H2AX is present in early preimplantation embryos, its phosphorylation after 3 Gy γ-irradiation is hindered up to the two cell stage of development. When left in utero for another 24–64 h, however, these irradiated embryos showed delayed phosphorylation of H2AX. In contrast, phosphorylation of H2AX was readily induced by radiation in post-compaction stage embryos. It is possible that phosphorylation of H2AX is inefficient in early stage embryos. It is also possible that the phosphorylated H2AX exists in the dispersed chromatin structure of early stage embryonic pronuclei, so that it cannot readily be detected by conventional immunostaining method. In either case, this phenomenon is likely to correlate with the lack of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and high radiosensitivity of these developmental stages.
The control of sexual differentiation of the reproductive system and brain
Authors: Wilson C A , Davies D C
Published: February 2007

This review summarizes current knowledge of the genetic and hormonal control of sexual differentiation of the reproductive system, brain and brain function. While the chromosomal regulation of sexual differentiation has been understood for over 60 years, the genes involved and their actions on the reproductive system and brain are still under investigation. In 1990, the predicted testicular determining factor was shown to be the SRY gene. However, this discovery has not been followed up by elucidation of the actions of SRY, which may either stimulate a cascade of downstream genes, or inhibit a suppressor gene. The number of other genes known to be involved in sexual differentiation is increasing and the way in which they may interact is discussed. The hormonal control of sexual differentiation is well-established in rodents, in which prenatal androgens masculinize the reproductive tract and perinatal oestradiol (derived from testosterone) masculinizes the brain. In humans, genetic mutations have revealed that it is probably prenatal testosterone that masculinizes both the reproductive system and the brain. Sexual differentiation of brain structures and the way in which steroids induce this differentiation, is an active research area. The multiplicity of steroid actions, which may be specific to individual cell types, demonstrates how a single hormonal regulator, e.g. oestradiol, can exert different and even opposite actions at different sites. This complexity is enhanced by the involvement of neurotransmitters as mediators of steroid hormone actions. In view of current environmental concerns, a brief summary of the effects of endocrine disruptors on sexual differentiation is presented.
Mutation screening of the FKBP6 gene and its association study with spermatogenic impairment in idiopathic infertile men
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Sizhong , Xiao Cuiying , Yang Yuan , Zhoucun A
Published: February 2007

Fkbp6 has been proved to be a new component of synaptonemal complexes and be involved in homologous chromosomes pairing and male infertility in mice. To explore the possible association between variations in the FKBP6 gene and impaired spermatogenesis in human, mutation screening of all the eight exons and the intron/exon boundaries of the gene was performed in 323 patients with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia and 205 fertile controls by denatured HPLC and DNA sequencing. As a result, four novel and one known single nucleotide transitions were identified, including c.58-2A>G, c.111C>T, c.156G>T, c.594G>A, and c.216C>A (rs3750075). The frequencies of genotype CA, allele A of c.216C>A and haplotype ‘GAG’ consisting of c.156G>T, c.216C>A, and c.594G>A were significantly lower in infertile patients than those in controls. These findings suggest that the FKBP6 gene may play a role in modifying the susceptibility to idiopathic spermatogenic impairment in human and propose that the allele A of c.216C>A seems to be a protective factor for the development of male infertility.
Expression of insulin-like peptide 3 in the postnatal rat Leydig cell lineage: timing and effects of triiodothyronine-treatment
Authors: Mendis-Handagama S M L C , Ariyaratne H B S , Mrkonjich L , Ivell R
Published: February 2007

Fetal (FLC) and adult Leydig cells (ALC) secrete insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), which is linked to cryptorchidism in the newborn rat. Its gene regulation appears to be independent of that for most steroidogenic enzymes, and may thus be a marker for other aspects of ALC differentiation. Our study examined the following on INSL3 peptide expression in ALC lineage (i) timing, (ii) which cell stage, and (iii) effects of triiodothyronine (T3). Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats of postnatal days (pd) 1, 5, 7–21, 28, 40, 60, and 90 were used for the objectives (i) and (ii). For the objective (iii), control and T3-treated (daily T3 SC, 50 μg/kg bw) SD rats of pd7–16 and 21 were used. INSL3 was immunolocalized in Bouin’s-fixed testes. FLC were positive and mesenchymal and Leydig progenitor cells were negative for INSL3 at tested ages. INSL3 in ALC lineage was first detected in newly formed ALC on pd16, although they were present from pd10. The intensity of INSL3 label was greater in ALC of pd40–90. ALC were present in T3-treated testes at pd9, but INSL3 first detected in them was on pd12. While INSL3 in FLC regulates testicular descent, INSL3 in ALC still has no well-defined function. However, its pattern of expression correlates temporally with the development of steroidogenic function and spermatogenesis. Thus, the delay between ALC differentiation and INSL3 expression in them implies that INSL3 in ALC is associated with maturation. The advancement of INSL3 expression in the ALC of T3-treated rats implies that this function is established earlier with T3-treatment.
Induction of ovulation and natural oestrous cycling in the Stripe-faced Dunnart, Sminthopsis macroura
Authors: Menkhorst E , Ezard N , Selwood L
Published: February 2007

Induced ovulation allows reproduction by otherwise infertile females, and is ideal for the captive breeding of endangered species where the population is aged or breeding is unsuccessful. A predictable time of ovulation after induction has not yet been achieved in polyovular marsupials. Ovulation was induced in Sminthopsis macroura using an initial injection of 20 IU equine serum gonadotrophin (eSG; Day 0), followed on Day 4 by either 20 IU eSG (n = 25) or 0.5 mg porcine luteinizing hormone (n = 26). I.p. hormone injection was given in the morning or early evening, and reproductive status was established prior to induction. Five non-cyclic animals began to cycle naturally following induction and one gave birth to a litter. The time of ovulation after the 1st injection (7.8 ± 0.9 days) was significantly shorter (P = 0.000) and less variable than the previous study, mimicked the timing of natural cycling, and both natural and induced animals ovulated in the early morning. In vitro oocyte movement through the oviduct, observed for the first time in a marsupial, occurred in pulses. We estimated one group of oocytes could travel the length of the oviduct in 40 min, but it was probably around 4 h. The entire ovulation time (including multiple ovulations) was estimated at 7.5 h. This study has achieved a predictable timing of ovulation after stimulation, and induced noncyclic animals to cycle naturally and give birth, providing a modified methodology for use in captive breeding programs of endangered dasyurid marsupial species with low fecundity.
Characterization of mitochondrial replication and transcription control during rat early development in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Kameyama Yuichi , Filion France , Yoo Jae Gyu , Smith Lawrence C
Published: February 2007

In vitro culture (IVC), used in assisted reproductive technologies, is a major environmental stress on the embryo. To evaluate the effect of IVC on mitochondrial transcription and the control of mtDNA replication, we measured the mtDNA copy number and relative amount of mRNA for mitochondrial-related genes in individual rat oocytes, zygotes and embryos using real-time PCR. The average mtDNA copy number was 147 600 (±3000) in metaphase II oocytes. The mtDNA copy number was stable throughout in vivo early development and IVC induced an increase in mtDNA copy number from the 8-cell stage onwards. Gapd mRNA levels vary during early development and IVC did not change the patterns of these housekeeping gene transcripts. Polrmt mRNA levels did not vary during early development up to the morula stage but increased at the blastocyst stage. IVC induced the up-regulation of Polrmt mRNA, one of the key genes regulating mtDNA transcription and replication, at the blastocyst stage. An increase in mt-Nd4 mRNA preceded the blastocyst-related event observed in nuclear-encoded Gapd and Polrmt, suggesting that the expression of mitochondrial encoded genes is controlled differently from nuclear encoded genes. We conclude that the IVC system can perturb mitochondrial transcription and the control of mtDNA replication in rat embryos. This perturbation of mtDNA regulation may be responsible for the abnormal physiology, metabolism and viability of in vitro-derived embryos.
Establishment of the mammalian membrane block to polyspermy: evidence for calcium-dependent and -independent regulation
Authors: Gardner Allison J , Williams Carmen J , Evans Janice P
Published: February 2007

One crucial result of egg activation is the establishment of blocks on the zona pellucida and the egg plasma membrane to prevent fertilization by additional sperm. The mechanism(s) by which a mammalian egg regulates the establishment of the membrane block to polyspermy is largely unknown. Since Ca2+ signaling regulates several egg activation events, this study investigates how sperm-induced Ca2+ transients affect the membrane block to polyspermy, building on our previous work (Biology of Reproduction 67:1342). We demonstrate that mouse eggs that experience only one sperm-induced Ca2+ transient establish a membrane block that is less effective, than in eggs that experience normal sperm-induced Ca2+ transients but that is more effective than in eggs with completely suppressed [Ca2+]cyt increases. Sperm-induced increases in [Ca2+]cyt regulate the timing of membrane block establishment, as this block is established more slowly in eggs that experience one or no sperm-induced Ca2+ transients. Finally, our studies produce the intriguing discovery that there is also a Ca2+-independent event that is associated with fertilization in the pathway leading to membrane block establishment. Taken together, these data indicate that Ca2+ plays a role in facilitating membrane block establishment by regulating the timing with which this change in egg membrane function occurs, and also that the membrane block differs from other post-fertilization egg activation responses as Ca2+ is not the only stimulus. The membrane block to polyspermy in mammalian eggs is likely to be the culmination of multiple post-fertilization events that together modify the egg membrane’s receptivity to sperm.
Progesterone supplementation extends uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation in mice
Authors: Song Haengseok , Han Kyuyong , Lim Hyunjung
Published: February 2007

We previously showed that blastocyst can initiate implantation beyond the normal ‘window’ of uterine receptivity on day 5 of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy (PSP) in mice. In this study, we investigated whether uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation can be further extended on day 6 of PSP and the role of progesterone (P4) on this event. Embryo transfers, experimentally induced decidualization, in situ hybridization and [3H]thymidine incorporation were performed. Blastocysts initiate attachment reaction within 48 h when transferred on day 5, but not on day 6 of PSP. Likewise, decidualization reaction occurred on days 4 and 5 of PSP, but completely failed on day 6. However, P4 supplementation partially retains uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation and decidualization on day 6 of PSP. In addition, certain indicators of uterine receptivity, such as cell proliferation profile and expression patterns of implantation-related genes were similarly observed on days 4 and 5 of PSP, but not on day 6. Consistent with embryo transfer and decidualization, exogenous administration of P4 partially restores these indicators on day 6 of PSP. We concluded that critical physiological changes occur between days 4 and 5 of PSP, leading to uterine non-receptivity on day 6, but P4 is able to extend the uterine receptivity through day 6.
The Meanings of Autonomy for Physical Therapy
Authors: Sandstrom Robert W
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this article is to explore the social context and meanings of autonomy to physical therapy. Professional autonomy is a social contract based on public trust in an occupation to meet a significant social need and to preserve individual autonomy. Professional autonomy includes control over the decisions and procedures related to one’s work (technical autonomy) and control over the economic resources necessary to complete one’s work (socioeconomic autonomy). Professional autonomy is limited and weakened by the relationship of one profession to another (dominance), by the influence of other social institutions (rationalization and deprofessionalization), and by the internal disposition of the profession itself (insularity). Professional autonomy for physical therapists is increasing as medical dominance has declined but is limited by the trends of rationalization and deprofessionalization in health care. Physical therapists must recognize that professional autonomy represents a social contract based on public trust and service to meet the health needs of people who are experiencing disablement in order to maintain their individual autonomy.
Timed “Up & Go” Test as a Predictor of Falls Within 6 Months After Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Kristensen Morten T , Foss Nicolai B , Kehlet Henrik
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose

Previous studies of Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG) scores as a predictor of falls were based primarily on retrospective data, and no prospective studies of the TUG for predicting falls in people with hip fracture are available. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TUG scores obtained upon discharge from an acute orthopedic hip fracture unit can predict falls in people with hip fracture during a 6-month follow-up period.

Subjects

The subjects included in this study were 79 consecutive elderly people who had hip fractures and were able to perform the TUG when discharged directly to their own homes or to assisted living facilities from a specialized acute orthopedic hip fracture unit, with 59 (75%) being able to participate in the follow-up interview.

Methods

In this prospective study, all subjects were contacted for a 6-month follow-up interview about falls since discharge from the hospital. The score on the TUG performed at discharge (median of 10 days after surgery) was compared with the New Mobility Score, which describes functional level before the fracture and mental status on admission, sex, type of fracture, residence, and walking aids before and after the fracture. All subjects followed a well-defined care plan with multimodal fast-track rehabilitation including an intensive physical therapy program comprising 2 daily sessions; discharge was in accordance with standardized criteria. Analyses and correlations of all variables were examined for prediction of falls, and sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios were calculated. Falls were classified as “none” or as “1 or more.”

Results

Among the 59 subjects in the follow-up group, 19 subjects (32%) experienced 1 or more falls in the period since discharge; 4 of these falls resulted in new hip fractures. The TUG performed at discharge with a cutoff point of 24 seconds was the only parameter that significantly predicted falls during the 6-month follow-up period, with a negative likelihood ratio of 0.1 to be a faller as a nonfaller.

Discussion and Conclusion

The results suggest that the TUG is a sensitive measure for identifying people with hip fracture at risk for new falls, and it should be part of future outcome measures to decide for whom preventive measures against falls should be instituted.
A New Evaluation Method for Lumbar Spinal Instability: Passive Lumbar Extension Test
Authors: Kasai Yuichi , Morishita Koichiro , Kawakita Eiji , Kondo Tetsushi , Uchida Atsumasa
Published: February 2007

Background and PurposeAlthough many studies have described clinical examination measures for the diagnosis of lumbar spinal instability, few of them have investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the measures that were used. The authors devised a passive lumbar extension (PLE) test for assessing lumbar spinal instability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of this test. Subjects and Methods. The PLE test as well as the instability catch sign, painful catch sign, and apprehension sign tests were done for 122 subjects with lumbar degenerative diseases. The subjects were divided into 2 groups—instability positive and instability negative—on the basis of findings on flexion-extension films of the lumbar spine. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and positive likelihood ratio of each test were investigated. Results. The sensitivity and specificity of the PLE test were 84.2% and 90.4%, respectively. These values were higher than those of other signs. The positive likelihood ratio of the PLE test was 8.84 (95% confidence interval=4.51–17.33). Discussion and Conclusion. The PLE test is an effective method for examining patients for lumbar spinal instability and can be performed easily in an outpatient clinic.
Wrist Extensor Torque Production and Discomfort Associated With Low-Frequency and Burst-Modulated Kilohertz-Frequency Currents
Authors: Ward Alex R , Oliver Warwick G , Buccella Danielle
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. A randomized controlled trial to compare 2 forms of monophasic pulsed currents with 2 forms of burst-modulated, kilohertz-frequency alternating current (“Russian current” and “Aussie current”) was conducted to establish whether different amounts of wrist extensor torque were produced and whether discomfort varied with stimulus type. Subjects. The 32 subjects were adults who were healthy and were drawn from a population of staff and students at La Trobe University. Methods. Each subject received all 4 currents. Maximal electrically induced torque (MEIT) of the wrist extensors was measured for each stimulus type. Relative discomfort of stimulation also was assessed. Results. Russian current elicited lower mean torque than those elicited by Aussie current and monophasic pulsed currents. The Russian and Aussie currents elicited significantly less discomfort than the 2 monophasic pulsed currents. Discussion and Conclusion. When force production and relative discomfort were jointly used as the criteria, Aussie current was found to be more effective than either of the monophasic pulsed currents or Russian current stimulation.
Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence With Surface Electromyography–Assisted Biofeedback in Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Rett Mariana T , Simoes Jose A , Herrmann Viviane , Pinto Cristina LB , Marques Andrea A , Morais Sirlei S
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose

Although surgery has been widely accepted as the treatment of choice for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), there has recently been an increased interest in the conservative management of this condition. The aims of this study were to test the ability of a biofeedback-assisted pelvic-floor muscle exercise (PFME) program to affect symptoms of SUI in premenopausal women and to evaluate a training program that might lead to successful outcomes in a relatively limited number of sessions.

Subjects

Twenty-six women with SUI were treated with PFME with surface electromyography (sEMG)–assisted biofeedback. All participants were of reproductive age and were treated individually for 12 sessions.

Methods

Results were evaluated with a 7-day voiding diary, a 1-hour pad test, pelvic-floor muscle strength measurements, sEMG amplitudes, a leakage index, and a quality-of-life questionnaire. These variables were compared before and after the intervention.

Results

The frequency of urine loss, the occurrence of nocturia, and the number of pads required decreased significantly after the intervention. Objective cure was found in 61.5% of women. There was a significant improvement in the quality of life, in pelvic-floor muscle strength, and in the sEMG amplitudes of all contractions throughout the intervention.

Discussion and Conclusion

A relatively short-term intervention of PFME with sEMG-assisted biofeedback appeared to be helpful in relieving symptoms of SUI in premenopausal women and represents a reasonable conservative management option.
A Collaborative Model of Service Delivery for Children With Movement Disorders: A Framework for Evidence-Based Decision Making
Authors: Palisano Robert J
Published: February 2007

Models of physical therapist service delivery provide a framework for integration of knowledge, research, and assumptions in a clinically relevant context that facilitates evidence-based decision making. In this perspective, a collaborative model of service delivery for children with movement disorders is presented. The focus is on services that address child and family priorities and preferences in settings where children live, learn, and play. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is applied to identify relationships among the components of functioning, environmental, and personal factors that are important for the plan of care and achievement of outcomes. An assumption of the model is that physical therapists use multiple types of evidence to guide decision making. Application of the model and how child and family priorities change over time are illustrated through a longitudinal case report of a child with cerebral palsy. [Palisano RJ. A collaborative model of service delivery for children with movement disorders: a framework for evidence-based decision making. Phys Ther. 2006;86:1295–1305.]
Functional Restoration for a Chronic Lumbar Disk Extrusion With Associated Radiculopathy
Authors: Hahne Andrew J , Ford Jon J
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. The effectiveness of functional restoration (FR) for patients with lumbar disk herniation with associated radiculopathy (LDHR) is unclear. This case report describes how an FR program was used to rehabilitate a patient with such an injury. Case Description. The patient was a 26-year-old female child care worker with a 12-month history of back pain and a 4-month history of unremitting left leg symptoms. She had clinical and radiological evidence of an L5–S1 disk extrusion with associated left S1 radiculopathy. Interventions. The patient completed a 9-week FR program supervised by a physical therapist. Exercises then were continued more independently for a 2-year period at a public gymnasium. Outcomes. Following 9 weeks of supervised FR, the patient demonstrated marked improvement in symptoms and functional ability, and resolution of neurological signs. Fourteen months after commencing FR, a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated resolution of the L5–S1 disk extrusion and relief of S1 nerve root compression. Functional improvements continued and were maintained 2 years following the start of intervention. Discussion. A patient with chronic LDHR who underwent FR made significant improvements. Research is needed to determine the efficacy of an FR approach for treating such patients.
Gait Characteristics of Elderly People With a History of Falls: A Dynamic Approach
Authors: Barak Yaron , Wagenaar Robert C , Holt Kenneth G
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. This study investigated changes in the kinematics of elderly peoplewho experienced at least one fall 6 months prior to data collection. The authors hypothesized that, in order todecrease variability of walking, people with a history of falls would show different kinematic adaptations of their walking patterns compared with elderly people with no history of falls. Subjects and Methods. Twenty-one elderly people who had fallen within the previous 6 months(“fallers”; mean age=72.1 years, SD=4.9) and 27 elderly people with no history of falls (“nonfallers”; mean age=73.8 years, SD=6.4) walked at their preferred stride frequency (STF) as treadmill speed wasgradually increased (from 0.18 m/s to 1.52 m/s) and then decreased in steps of 0.2 m/s. Gait parameter measurements were recorded, and statistical analysis was applied using walking speed and STF as independent variables. Results. Fifty-seven percent of the fallers were unable to walk at the fastest speed, whereas all nonfallers walked comfortably at all walking speeds. Although the fallers showed significantly greater STF, smaller stride lengths, smaller center-of-mass lateral sway, and smaller ankle plantar flexion and hip extension during push-off, they showed increased variability of kinematic measures in their coordination of walking compared with the nonfallers. Discussion and Conclusion. Although the fallers’ adaptations were expected to reduce variability in the coordination of walking, they showed less stable gait patterns (ie, greater variability) compared with the nonfallers. Increased variability of walking patterns may be an important gait risk factor in elderly people with a history of falls.
Decision-Making Ability of Physical Therapists: Physical Therapy Intervention or Medical Referral
Authors: Jette Diane U , Ardleigh Kerry , Chandler Kellie , McShea Lesley
Published: February 2007

Background and PurposeOpponents of direct access to physical therapy argue that physical therapists may overlook serious medical conditions. More information is needed to determine the ability of physical therapists to practice safely in direct-access environments. The purpose of this study was to describe the ability of physical therapists to make decisions about the management of patients in a direct-access environment. Subjects. Of a random sample of 1,000 members of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, 394 participated. Methods. A survey included 12 hypothetical case scenarios. For each case, participants determined whether they would provide intervention without referral, provide intervention and refer, or refer before intervention. The percentage of correct decisions for each group of scenarios was calculated for each participant, and participants were classified as having made correct decisions for 100% of cases or less for each group. Three sets of logistic regressions were completed to determine the characteristics of the participants in relation to the decision category. Results. The average percentages of correct decisions were 87%, 88%, and 79% for musculoskeletal, noncritical medical, and critical medical conditions, respectively. Of all participants, approximately 50% made correct decisions for all cases within each group. The odds of making 100% correct decisions if a physical therapist had an orthopedic specialization were 2.23 (95% confidence interval=1.35–3.71) for musculoskeletal conditions and 1.89 (95% confidence interval=1.14–3.15) for critical medical conditions. Discussion and Conclusion. Physical therapists with an orthopedic specialization were almost twice as likely to make correct decisions for critical medical and musculoskeletal conditions.
Activity, Activity, Activity: Rethinking Our Physical Therapy Approach to Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Damiano Diane L
Published: February 2007

This perspective outlines the theoretical basis for the presentation with the same name as the second part of this title, which was given at the III STEP conference in July 2005. It elaborates on the take-home message from that talk, which was to promote activity in children and adults with cerebral palsy and other central nervous system disorders. The author proposes that the paradigm for physical therapist management of cerebral palsy needs to shift from traditional or “packaged” approaches to a more focused and proactive approach of promoting activity through more intense active training protocols, lifestyle modifications, and mobility-enhancing devices. Increased motor activity has been shown to lead to better physical and mental health and to augment other aspects of functioning such as cognitive performance, and more recently has been shown to promote neural and functional recovery in people with damaged nervous systems. Although the benefits of fairly intense physical exercise programs such as strength training are becoming increasingly well recognized, few studies on the positive effects of generalized activity programs have been conducted in individuals with cerebral palsy. More research is needed and is currently under way to design and test the efficacy of activity-based strategies in cerebral palsy.