bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypercatabolism of IgG in mice with lupus-like syndrome
Authors: Zhou J , Pop L M , Ghetie V
Published: June 2005

The metabolism of radioiodinated mouse IgG was studied in mice with lupus-like syndrome before and after the onset of the disease. Before the onset of the disease, the pharmacokinetic parameters of IgG in MLR-lpr and Pristane-primed Balb/c mice were within the normal range of values. After the onset of the disease a considerable increase in the catabolic rate of IgG was recorded abbreviating its half life to less than one third of the normal value. The increased catabolism of IgG could not be related to the concentration-catabolism effect or to the presence of rheumatoid factor and autoantibody or to the IgG loss through the kidney and gastrointestinal tract. The hypercatabolism of IgG was explained by disease-induced impairment of the function of the receptor FcRn, which regulates the homeostasis of IgG.
Large pericardial effusions due to systemic lupus erythematosus: a report of eight cases
Authors: Weich H SvH , Burgess L J , Reuter H , Brice E A , Doubell A F
Published: June 2005

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory characteristics of large pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An ongoing prospective study was conducted at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, South Africa between 1996 and 2002. All patients older than 13 years presenting with large pericardial effusions (.10 mm) requiring pericardiocentesis were included. Eight cases (out of 258) were diagnosed with SLE. The mean (SD) age was 29.5 (10.7) years. Common clinical features were Raynaud’s phenomenon, arthralgia and lupus nephritis class III/IV. Echocardiography showed Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) in all the mitral valves. Two patients developed transient left ventricular dysfunction; both these patients had pancarditis. Typical serological findings included antinuclear antibodies, anti-double stranded DNA antibodies, low complement C4 levels and low C3 levels. CRP was elevated in six cases. Treatment consisted of oral steroids and complete drainage of the pericardial effusions. No repeat pericardial effusions or constrictive pericarditis developed amongst the survivors (3.1 years follow up). This study concludes that large pericardial effusions due to SLE are rare, and associated with nephritis, LSE and myocardial dysfunction. Treatment with steroids and complete drainage is associated with a good cardiac outcome.
Review of presentations at the 6th European Lupus Meeting 3-5 March 2005
Authors: Ioannou Y , Bowman S J , Rahman A , Giles I P
Published: June 2005

The 6th European Lupus Meeting was held at the Royal College of Physicians of London and was attended by 450 delegates. The conference brought together leading speakers from Europe and North America who reviewed current knowledge and exciting new developments in both clinical and basic science aspects of systemic lupus erythematosus. This review summarizes the major points covered in each session.
The relationship between national income and health: a new measure applied to Bangkok
Authors: Clarke Matthew , Islam Sardar M.N.
Published: June 2005

The importance of good health of a population is crucial when determining social welfare. A new health-adjusted national income indicator that explores the relationships between economic growth, health and social welfare in Bangkok, Thailand from 1975 to 1999 is applied. This new approach to social welfare analysis is based on normative social choice theory, cost-benefit and systems analysis and is called (new)3 welfare economics. This paper argues that traditional measures of welfare, such as national income, fail to reflect accurately the impact of health on social welfare.
‘Young, gifted and back’: second-generation transnational return migrants to the Caribbean
Authors: Potter Robert B.
Published: June 2005

This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study of a relatively new group of Caribbean migrants, namely second-generation overseas-born Barbadians who have decided to migrate to the country of birth of at least one of their parents, paying particular attention to the development-oriented implications of these migrants. After a brief review of the circumstances surrounding this relatively new and innovative migratory cohort, the insights gained from in-depth interviews with 25 such migrants are presented. The account focuses in particular on the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the young returnees, as well as their pattern of visits to the island prior to migration, and the reasons for their move. The paper then tentatively explores the adjustments made by the returnees and those that they feel they still face. In a number of respects, the essentially ‘hybrid’ and ‘inbetween’ positionality of these young transnational migrants is emphasized. Thus, they report difficulties in making friends (especially female friends), problems regarding their accents, feeling like an outsider, culture shock, the Americanization of society, being regarded as ‘mad’, aspects of resentment and having to accept things as they are. Through the analysis, issues of national and racial identity are shown to be of particular salience.
Thermotropic liquid crystalline drugs
Authors: Bunjes Heike , Rades Thomas
Published: June 2005

Crystalline solids are characterized by long-range positional and orientational order in three dimensions, whereas amorphous liquids lack long-range order in any dimension. Liquid crystals (mesophases) show structural, mechanical and optical properties intermediate to those of crystalline solids and the amorphous, liquid state of matter. There are two principle types of liquid crystals: thermotropic liquid crystals (TLCs) and lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs). TLCs can be formed by heating a crystalline solid or by cooling an isotropic melt of a TLC-forming molecule (mesogen). In the first part of this review the types of liquid crystals are defined and classified and the structural properties of mesogens are explained. In the second part, ten case studies of thermotropic mesomorphous drugs and pharmaceutically relevant molecules (arsphenamine, nafoxidine hydrochloride, L-660711, palmitoyl propranolol hydrochloride, penbutolol sulfate, itraconazole hydrochloride, fenoprofen sodium, fenoprofen calcium, ciclosporin and cholesteryl esters) are presented and their thermotropic mesomorphism is described. The review closes with a brief discussion of the unusual properties of drug mesophases and a potential use of drugs and excipients in this fourth state of matter.
Phytostanol tablets reduce human LDL-cholesterol
Authors: McPherson Timothy B , Ostlund Richard E , Goldberg Anne C , Bateman Joyce H , Schimmoeller Linda , Spilburg Curtis A
Published: June 2005

The feasibility of using solid dosage forms containing stanol lecithin to lower human LDL-cholesterol was investigated. The particle size distribution of a coarse aqueous dispersion of a stanol lecithin mixture was determined at various weight ratios of the components. At a stanol-to-lecithin weight ratio of 1.00–1.50, dispersions could be spray dried and the solid reconstituted with water to produce a particle size distribution that was similar to that of the aqueous dispersion from which it was derived. Two solid dosage forms containing this spray-dried stanol lecithin preparation had different disintegration times — tablets less than 10 min and capsules greater than 45 min. Each delivery system was then tested for LDL-cholesterol reduction activity in a placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial containing a total of 52 subjects. After a six-week treatment period, the group that received rapidly disintegrating stanol lecithin tablets (1.26g stanols daily) experienced a decrease in both LDL-cholesterol and the ratio of LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol by 10.4% (P=0.01) and 11.5% (P=0.03), respectively, relative to placebo. On the other hand, with slowly disintegrating capsules (1.01 g daily) there was no statistically significant difference in any lipid parameter between the active group and placebo group. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that for maximum LDL-cholesterol reduction activity the stanol lecithin formulation must be delivered in a rapidly dispersible form to reach the site of cholesterol absorption.
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect of lectin from Lonchocarpus sericeus seeds in an experimental rat model of infectious peritonitis
Authors: Alencar N M N , Cavalcante C F , Vasconcelos M P , Leite K B , Aragão K S , Assreuy A M S , Nogueira N A P , Cavada B S , Vale M R
Published: June 2005

We have investigated the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect of the lectin from Lonchocarpus sericeus seeds (LSL) in a model of infectious peritonitis in adult Wistar rats. Animals were treated with saline or LSL (10mg kg−1, i.v) immediately and 6h after the induction of peritonitis via cecal ligation and single puncture. Twelve hours after surgery, animals were killed and the infectious process was monitored by total and differential count of cells from blood and peritoneal washing liquid, adenosine deaminase activity, antibiogram and the number of viable bacteria of the peritoneal cavity. LSL treatment decreased the inflammatory response evoked by the induction of peritonitis, as seen by the inhibition of neutrophil migration into peritoneal cavities, leucocytosis and reduction of adenosine deaminase activity in the peritoneal fluid. All these effects were reversed by the lectin association to N-acetyl-glucosamine. LSL in-vitro did not show any antimicrobial action, but promoted a marked decrease of the viable bacterial population in peritoneal cavities. In conclusion, LSL inhibited the inflammatory response and the bacterial colonization of infectious peritonitis in rats.
Pharmacodynamic comparison of pantoprazole enantiomers: inhibition of acid-related lesions and acid secretion in rats and guinea-pigs
Authors: Cao Hong , Wang Min-Wei , Sun Li-Xin , Ikejima Takashi , Hu Zhi-Qing , Zhao Wei-Hua
Published: June 2005

Pantoprazole is an irreversible proton pump inhibitor that is administered as a racemic mixture clinically. The effects of pantoprazole sodium (PAN·Na) enantiomers on acid-related lesions were compared using models of pylorus ligation induced ulcer, histamine induced ulcer and reflux oesophagitis in rats and guinea-pigs. Compared with (+)-PAN·Na and (±)-PAN·Na, (-)-PAN·Na showed much stronger inhibitory effects on pylorus ligation induced and histamine induced ulcers, but similar effects on reflux oesophagitis. The doses of (-)-PAN·Na, (+)-PAN·Na and (±)-PAN·Na required for 50% inhibition (ID50) of acid-related lesions were 1.28, 5.03 and 3.40 mg kg−1 against pylorus ligation induced ulcer, 1.20, 4.28 and 3.15 mg kg−1 against histamine induced ulcer, and 2.92, 3.56 and 3.70 mg kg−1 against reflux oesophagitis, respectively. The inhibitory effects of PAN·Na enantiomers on basal gastric acid output were compared in rats with acute fistula. In contrast to inhibitory rates of 89.3% and 83.6% on gastric acid output by (-)-PAN·Na and (±)-PAN·Na at 1.5 mg kg−1, (+)-PAN·Na had an inhibitory rate of only 24.7% at the same dose. The above results indicate that (-)-PAN·Na is more potent than (+)-PAN·Na at inhibiting acid-related lesions owing to its stronger inhibition of acid secretion.
Evaluation of ultrasonic atomization as a new approach to prepare ionically cross-linked chitosan microparticles
Authors: Albertini Beatrice , Passerini Nadia , Rodriguez Lorenzo
Published: June 2005

Ultrasonic atomization was evaluated as a new approach for the preparation of ionically cross-linked controlled-release chitosan microparticles loaded with theophylline as the model drug, using tri-polyphosphate (TPP) as counter-ion. It was possible to nebulize both 2% and 3% (w/v) chitosan solutions as a function of their viscosity, usually not processed by employing the conventional nebulizer. The results of the chitosan molecular characterization using the SEC-MALS analysis revealed that ultrasonic atomization caused a certain depolymerization, probably due to the main chain scission of the 1,4-glycosidic bond; however, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy revealed the absence of other chemical modifications. The ultrasonic atomization allowed preparation of TPP cross-linked chitosan microparticles mostly ranging between 50 and 200 μm. As regards manufacturing parameters, the linking time and washing medium were found to affect the properties of the microparticles, while the stirring rate of the TPP solution did not show any influence. The evaluation of the formulation variables revealed that chitosan concentration strongly affected both the feasibility of the ultrasonic atomization and the drug release. All the microparticles showed an encapsulation efficiency of > 50 % and, after an initial burst effect, a controlled release of drug for 48 h. In conclusion, the ultrasonic atomization could be proposed as a robust and innovative single-step procedure with scale-up potential to successfully prepare ionically cross-linked chitosan microparticles.
Comparison of post-emulsification freeze drying or spray drying processes for the microencapsulation of plasmid DNA
Authors: Lane Majella E , Brennan Fiona S , Corrigan Owen I
Published: June 2005

In this work, methods used to microencapsulate plasmid DNA in a biodegradable polymer were compared for their effects on the physicochemical characteristics of DNA-loaded microparticles and on the release and integrity of encapsulated DNA. Microparticles were formulated by either w/o/w emulsification and freeze-drying (EFD) or by w/o/w emulsification and spray-drying (ESD). The influence of both manufacturing processes on particle morphology, charge, release characteristics and biological activity of encapsulated DNA was evaluated. Particles produced by emulsification/spray-drying exhibited more diversity in shape and size than those produced by emulsification/freeze-drying. These particles also exhibited higher plasmid DNA encapsulation efficiency than particles produced by emulsification/freeze-drying. The fractional DNA release rates were similar over the first 25 days for both formulations, release rate declining more rapidly at later times for the ESD product. Mammalian cell transfection assays confirmed the biological activity of encapsulated DNA extracted from both types of particles, with significantly higher transfection levels being observed for ESD particles. Application of a double emulsion (w/o/w) before spray drying resulted in higher encapsulation levels (> 90%) relative to previous literature values, which used single (w/o) emulsions before spray drying. The emulsification/spray-drying technique described here appears to be a rapid and efficient method for the preparation of PLGA microparticles loaded with plasmid DNA.
Design of novel injectable cationic microspheres based on aminated gelatin for prolonged insulin action
Authors: Morimoto Kazuhiro , Chono Sumio , Kosai Tadashi , Seki Toshinobu , Tabata Yasuhiko
Published: June 2005

The aim of this study was to prepare two types of injectable cationized microspheres based on a native gelatin (NGMS) and aminated gelatin with ethylenediamine (CGMS) to prolong the action of insulin. Release of rhodamin B isothiocyanate insulin from CGMS was compared with that from NGMS under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Lower release of insulin from CGMS compared with that from NGMS was caused by the suppression of initial release. The disappearance of 125I-insulin from the injection site after intramuscular administration by NGMS and CGMS had a biphasic profile in mice. Almost all the 125I-insulin had disappeared from the injection site one day after administration by NGMS. The remaining insulin at the injection site after administration by CGMS was prolonged, with approximately 59% remaining after one day and 16% after 14 days. The disappearance of CGMS from the injection site was lower than that of NGMS. However, the difference in these disappearance rates was not great compared with those of 125I-insulin from the injection site by NGMS and CGMS. The time course of disappearance of 125I-CGMS from the injection site was similar to that of 125I-insulin by CGMS. The initial hypoglycaemic effect was observed 1h after administration of insulin by NGMS, thereafter its effect rapidly disappeared. The hypoglycaemic effect was observed 2–4h after administration by CGMS and continued to be exhibited for 7 days. The prolonged hypoglycaemic action by CGMS depended on the time profiles of the disappearance of insulin from muscular tissues, which occurs due to the enzymatic degradation of CGMS.
6-Hydroxymelatonin protects against quinolinic-acid-induced oxidative neurotoxicity in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Maharaj D S , Maharaj H , Antunes E M , Maree D M , Nyokong T , Glass B D , Daya S
Published: June 2005

Melatonin, a naturally occuring chemical mediator, although assigned a diverse range of functions, has attracted interest because of its ability to function as a free radical scavenger. Its major hepatic metabolite and photoproduct, 6-hydroxymelatonin (6-OHM), also shares this property. Since singlet oxygen and quinolinic acid (QUIN) are critically involved in the pathology of neurotoxicity, the objective of this study was to investigate the ability of 6-OHM to scavenge singlet oxygen and evaluate its ability to scavenge superoxide anions and reduce QUIN-induced neurotoxicity in the hippocampus in-vivo. The results show that 6-OHM is an efficient inhibitor of singlet oxygen formation as indicated by the rate constants and quantum yields reported for 6-OHM and zinc phthalo-cyanine (ZnPc), respectively. 6-OHM, appears to reduce QUIN-induced superoxide anion generation in the hippocampus, which provides some evidence of the neuroprotective effects of 6-OHM.
The sensitivity of the cis/trans-isomerization of enalapril and enalaprilat to solvent conditions
Authors: Ledger Robin , Stellwagen Earle
Published: June 2005

The cis- and trans-isomers of enalapril and enalaprilat can be resolved by HPLC and by capillary electrophoresis. The isomeric content of enalapril is perturbed by the ionization of both its carboxyl and amine groups, while the isomeric content of enalaprilat is only perturbed by the ionization of its amine group. Increasing the hydrophobicity of the analyte solvent, as reflected in its molar polarization, increases the Z (cis) content of enalapril and markedly decreases the kinetics for isomerization. Far UV circular dichroic measurements suggest that the increase in Z (cis) content of enalapril is due to protonation of its carboxylate group. Taken together, the in-vitro properties of enalapril and enalaprilat suggest that the in-vivo transformation of the prodrug enalapril to the inhibitor enalaprilat and its delivery to angiotensin-converting enzyme should not be significantly limited by cis/trans-isomerization.
Comparative study of the disposition of levofloxacin, netilmicin and cefepime in the isolated rat lung
Authors: Martínez María Santos Martínez , Gandarillas Clara Isabel Colino , Lanao José Martínez , Navarro Amparo Sánchez
Published: June 2005

An experimental model of artificially perfused and mechanically ventilated lung has been applied to compare the kinetic behaviour of levofloxacin, cefepime and netilmicin in this body tissue. The study has been performed to explore the usefulness of the isolated lung technique in the pharmacokinetic field, particularly to study the disposition of antibiotics in pulmonary tissue. The lung was perfused with Krebs-Henseleit medium containing 3% bovine albumin at a flow rate of 5 mL min−1. It was ventilated at 60 respirations/min with a 2-mL tidal volume of air previously humidified and warmed to 37°C. The concentrations of the above antibiotics were determined by HPLC techniques and the outflow curves were analysed by stochastic, as well as by model-dependent, methods. The results show pharmacokinetic differences among these antibiotics, which are in accordance with previously reported data, levofloxacin being the drug with the highest distribution coefficient in this tissue (1.25 ± 0.14 vs 0.39 ± 0.07 and 0.41 ± 0.06 mL g−1 for netilmicin and cefepime, respectively). Accordingly, the isolated lung of the rat, under the experimental conditions used here, constitutes an alternative model to be incorporated to pharmacokinetic studies with a great potential use for those drugs that show a pharmacological or toxicological action depending on the kinetic profile in the lung tissue.
Relationship between Two Job Stress Models and Coronary Risk Factors among Japanese Part‐Time Female Employees of a Retail Company
Authors: Kobayashi Yuka , Hirose Toshio , Tada Yumiko , Tsutsumi Akizumi , Kawakami Norito
Published: June 2005

Relationship between Two Job Stress Models and Coronary Risk Factors among Japanese Part‐Time Female Employees of a Retail Company: Yuka Kobayashi, et al. Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry—The objective of this study was to explore the associations between two major job stress models (job strain and effort‐reward imbalance) and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors (blood pressure; total, high‐ (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; and triglycerides) in Japanese part‐time female employees of a retail company. The study population was either 35 yr old or between 40 and 63 yr old. Data collection was carried out in 2002; a total of 1,401 subjects participated in a medical examination and completed a questionnaire. After adjusting for other covariates (age, relative weight, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, education, marital status, history of child bearing, medical treatment for disease, and occupation), a significant association was found between the effort‐reward imbalance, a “high‐cost and low‐gain” condition at work, and a high prevalence of low HDL cholesterol (Odds ratio = 4.4). A weak but unexpected association was found between job strain and low prevalence of low HDL cholesterol. In explanatory analysis with individual components of the two models, associations were evident between high extrinsic effort and high prevalence of low HDL cholesterol and low prevalence of high triglyceride, high job control and low prevalence of high systolic blood pressure, and high job demands and low prevalence of high systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In this cross‐sectional study of Japanese part‐time working women, a significant association was found between effort‐reward imbalance and unfavorable HDL cholesterol profiles. The findings did not support the hypothesis that job strain is associated with CHD risk factors.
Lifting Strengths in Different Horizontal Distances of Objects to be Lifted
Authors: Cheng Te‐Shiang , Lee Tzu‐Hsien
Published: June 2005

Lifting Strengths in Different Horizontal Distances of Objects to be Lifted: Te‐Shiang Cheng, et al. Department of Management and Information Technology, Southern Taiwan University of Technology, Taiwan, R.O.C.—This study recruited eleven healthy males and thirteen healthy females to examine their maximum two‐handed isometric back lifting strength, upper‐body lifting strength, arm lifting strength and shoulder lifting strength in three different horizontal distances of objects to be lifted (toes were anterior to, aligned with, and posterior to the exerted handle). The results showed that human lifting strength decreased significantly as the toe position shifted from anterior of the vertical plane of the exerted handle to posterior of the vertical plane of the exerted handle. The strength order relationship between back lifting strength and upper‐body lifting strength was dependent on the horizontal distance of objects to be lifted. This study also observed that the effects of the horizontal distance of objects to be lifted on human lifting postural angles for the four assessed lifting types mainly occurred in the upper extremities. This study recommends that practitioners should not overlook the effects of the horizontal distance of objects to be lifted on lifting strength when evaluating workers’ lifting strength for screening purposes.
Secular Trends and Geographical Variations in the Dietary Intake of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) Using Archived Samples from the Early 1980s and Mid 1990s in Japan
Authors: Wada Yasuhiko , Koizumi Akio , Yoshinaga Takeo , Harada Kouji , Inoue Kayoko , Morikawa Akiko , Muroi Junko , Inoue Sumiko , Eslami Bita , Hirosawa Iwao , Hirosawa Akitsu , Fujii Shigeo , Fujimine Yoshinori , Hachiya Noriyuki , Koda Shigeki , Kusaka Yukinori , Murata Katsuyuki , Nakatsuka Haruo , Omae Kazuyuki , Saito Norimitsu , Shimbo Shinichiro , Takenaka Katsunobu , Takeshita Tatsuya , Todoriki Hidemi , Watanabe Takao , Ikeda Masayuki
Published: June 2005

Secular Trends and Geographical Variations in the Dietary Intake of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) Using Archived Samples from the Early 1980s and Mid 1990s in Japan: Yasuhiko Wada, et al. Hyogo College of Medicine—A retrospective exposure assessment among the general population for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was conducted using dietary surveys. We analyzed samples of food duplicate portions collected in the early 1980s (1980 survey: N=40) and the mid 1990s (1995 survey: N=39) from female subjects (5 participants from each of 8 sites per survey except for one site) living throughout Japan, from the north (Hokkaido) to the south (Okinawa). The study populations in the 1980 and 1995 surveys were different, but lived in the same communities. We measured four PBDE congeners [2,2’,4,4’‐tetrabrominated diphenyl ether (tetraBDE): #47; 2,2’,4,4’,5‐pentaBDE: #99; 2,2’,4,4’,6‐pentaBDE: #100; and 2,2’,4,4’,5,5’‐hexaBDE: #153] in the diet. #99 was the most abundant congener in the diet (49% of the total PBDEs), followed by #47 (33%), #100 (12%) and #153 (6%). Regional variations found in the 1980 survey decreased in the 1995 survey. The total daily intake of PBDEs (ng/d) [GM (GSD)] in the 1980 survey [91.4 (4.1)] was not significantly different from that in the 1995 survey [93.8 (3.4)] for the total population, nor did it differ among the sites including Shimane, in which a 20‐fold increase in serum concentrations was observed in the same population1). In consideration of the significant increases in the serum concentration, inhalation may be more important than food ingestion as the route of human exposure to PBDEs.
A 13‐Week Toxicity Study of Bismuth in Rats by Intratracheal Intermittent Administration
Authors: Sano Yuri , Satoh Hiroshi , Chiba Momoko , Shinohara Atsuko , Okamoto Masahide , Serizawa Koji , Nakashima Hiroshi , Omae Kazuyuki
Published: June 2005

A 13‐Week Toxicity Study of Bismuth in Rats by Intratracheal Intermittent Administration: Yuri Sano, et al. Department of Preventative Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Keio University—Although bismuth is widely used as a lead substitute in the industrial field, the toxicity of bismuth by inhalation is little known. We performed a 13‐wk intratracheal intermittent bismuth dose toxicity study. Bismuth was administered at dose levels of 0, 0.8, 4, 20 mg/kg to male Crj:CD(SD)IGS rats (SPF) by intratracheal intermittent administration once a week for thirteen weeks to investigate its potential toxic effects; especially for specific adverse effects and changes related to pre‐neoplastic lesions. Our results showed foreign body inflammation in the lungs, which was caused by intratracheal administration of bismuth, and physical changes related to pulmonary lesions; however, there were no serious changes in other organs. We concluded that dose‐dependent, but not specific adverse effects, were attributable to bismuth inhalation in the rat.
The Effects of 1‐Nitropyrene on Oxidative DNA Damage and Expression of DNA Repair Enzymes
Authors: Kim Yong‐Dae , Ko Young‐Jun , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Kim Heon
Published: June 2005

The Effects of 1‐Nitropyrene on Oxidative DNA Damage and Expression of DNA Repair Enzymes: Yong‐Dae Kim, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine & Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, South Korea—Nitropyrenes (NPs) present in diesel and gasoline emissions are mutagenic and carcinogenic in experimental animals. Nitro‐reduction of 1‐NP causes oxidative stress. It is unclear whether 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OH‐dG) is produced from 1‐NP and whether it contributes to the carcinogenic activity of 1‐NP. In this study, we measured the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured human lung epithelial cells after exposure to 1‐NP and the intracellular level of 8‐OH‐dG and expression level of the 8‐OH‐dG repair enzymes. As results, 1‐NP induced the generation of 8‐OH‐dG via ROS, but 8‐OH‐dG repair enzymes prevented an increase of 8‐OH‐dG formation in cellular DNA of the A549 cell line below 250 µM of 1‐NP. These data suggest that 1‐NP can induce oxidative DNA damage by generation of ROS, which may play a role in the carcinogenesis induced by 1‐NP. These data also suggest that individuals with impaired DNA repair enzymes might be more susceptible to lung cancer induced by 1‐NP.
An Integrated Approach for Improving Occupational Health and Safety Management: The Voluntary Protection Program in Taiwan
Authors: Su Teh‐Sheng , Tsai Way‐Yi , Yu Yi‐Chun
Published: June 2005

An Integrated Approach for Improving Occupational Health and Safety Management: The Voluntary Protection Program in Taiwan: Teh‐Sheng SU, et al. Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, Chungtai Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Taiwan, R. O. C.— A voluntary compliance program for occupational health and safety management, Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), was implemented with a strategy of cooperation and encouragement in Taiwan. Due to limitations on increasing the human forces of inspection, a regulatory‐based guideline addressing the essence of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) was promulgated, which combined the resources of third parties and insurance providers to accredit a self‐improving worksite with the benefits of waived general inspection and a merit contributing to insurance premium payment reduction. A designated institute accepts enterprise's applications, performs document review and organizes the onsite inspection. A final review committee of Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) confers a two‐year certificate on an approved site. After ten years, the efforts have shown a dramatic reduction of occupational injuries and illness in the total number of 724 worksites granted certification. VPP worksites, in comparison with all industries, had 49% lower frequency rate in the past three years. The severity rate reduction was 80% in the same period. The characteristics of Taiwan VPP program and international occupational safety and health management programs are provided. A Plan‐Do‐Check‐Act management cycle was employed for pursuing continual improvements to the culture fostered. The use of a quantitative measurement for assessing the performance of enterprises’ occupational safety and health management showed the efficiency of the rating. The results demonstrate that an employer voluntary protection program is a promising strategy for a developing country.
At the Confluence of Paradox
Authors: Van Gelder Leslie
Published: June 2005

Using storied memoir as her source, the author describes the paradoxical nature of contemporary culture’s relationship to wilderness and the wild. She defines three separate entities: wilderness, wildlands, and the wild, and discusses their implications in the way in which we view self, other, and the natural world.
Stories that Matter
Authors: Stahl William A. , Stenmark Lisa L.
Published: June 2005

Human beings are story-telling animals. We create meaning, identity, and legitimacy—the core elements of culture—first and foremost through the use of narratives. Many of these narratives, particularly those we call myths, are explicitly or implicitly religious. In this paper we will present a model of the dynamic structure of narratives, in which the narrator is a moral agent who must exercise judgement and responsibility in mediating between the symbols embodying our temporal experience and actions and those institutional patterns we call culture and tradition. What is different in the modern world is the quality of our stories. Too many of our stories are shallow, and we are losing our ability to tell our own stories. The modern world has entered a crisis of meaning, and the study of implicit religion is a key tool to help us understand it. What this model of narrative and agency suggests is that the modern ‘crisis of meaning’ is a crisis of narrative. More than defining the problem, this suggests that through our stories we have the power to move beyond this crisis.
Ordovician echinoderms from the Tabas and Damghan regions, Iran: palaeobiogeographical implications
Authors: Lefebvre Bertrand , Ghobadipour Mansooreh , Nardin Elise
Published: June 2005

Two echinoderm assemblages are described in the Middle Ordovician of Iran (Darriwilian). The Simeh Kuh section (Damghan area, eastern Alborz range) has yielded a rich and diverse blastozoan fauna consisting of fistuliporite (Echinosphaerites, Heliocrinites) and dichoporite rhombiferans (cheirocrinids indet., hemicosmitids indet.), as well as aristocystitid (Sinocystis) and sphaeronitid diploporites (Glyptosphaerites, Tholocystis). Heliocrinites, cheirocrinids, hemicosmitids, Glyptosphaerites, and Tholocystis are reported for the first time in the Ordovician of Iran. A less diverse assemblage was collected in the Shirgesht section (Tabas area, Derenjal Mountains), and represents the first report of Ordovician echinoderms in east-central Iran. The Shirgesht fauna includes fistuliporite rhombiferans (Heliocrinites), aristocystitid and sphaeronitid diploporites. The new Iranian material documents some of the earliest known assemblages of diploporites and rhombiferans, and thus, brings important information on the radiation of these two major blastozoan classes. The two Iranian echinoderm faunas show relatively strong affinities with contemporary faunas from Baltica, the northern Gondwanan margin (e.g. Bohemia, Morocco), Sibumasu, and South China terranes. Aristocystitids suggest stronger links between Iran, and regions from the “Province à Amphorides” (northern Gondwanan margin, Sibumasu, South China). These observations support a palaeogeographical position of Iran at intermediate palaeolatitudes during the early Middle Ordovician, in the periphery of the northeastern Gondwanan margin.
A giant brachyopoid temnospondyl from the Upper Triassic or Lower Jurassic of Lesotho
Authors: Steyer J. Sébastien , Damiani Ross
Published: June 2005

A jaw fragment of a giant temnospondyl from the Upper Triassic or Lower Jurassic of Lesotho (southern Africa), initially regarded as a Triassic mastodonsaurid because of its size, is redescribed in detail and considered to be a member of the Brachyopoidea (Brachyopidae + Chigutisauridae sensu Warren and Marsicano [2000]) based on its dental morphology, presence of a well-developed ectopterygoid tusk, and the concavity of the ventral margin of the skull in lateral view. Recognition of the specimen as a brachyopid, rather than as a chigutisaurid, is of palaeobiogeographical significance in representing one of the youngest known brachyopids from Gondwana. The Lesotho specimen is also of palaeobiological interest in that an estimate of its overall size indicates that it represents one of the largest amphibians sensu lato ever known.
U-Th vs. AMS 14C dating of shells from the Achenheim loess (Rhine Graben)
Authors: Innocent Christophe , Flehoc Christine , Lemeille Francis
Published: June 2005

Shells extracted from loess deposits at Achenheim (Rhine Graben) have been investigated for AMS 14C and for U-Th dating by the isochron method on single shells. The two chronometers provide results that are not in agreement : the obtained 14C date is 38 ka B.P. In contrast, U-Th results provide much older ages. The 238U/232Th –230Th/232Th isochron diagram gives an age of 69 kyr, whereas a slightly younger age of 64 kyr is derived from the other, 234U/232Th – 230Th/232Th, diagram. 234U/238U ratios have not been found to vary from a shell to another : the average value is 1.199, slightly higher than radioactive equilibrium. For both isochrons, the Y-axis intercept is slightly negative, which indicates that there is no evidence for a significant detrital component. Thorium 232 that is present in the shells is probably incorporated in the material. The negative intercepts suggest that the two ages have been probably “aged” resulting from a slight mobilisation of uranium. By constraining the Y-axis intercepts at 0, ages that are in good agreement from one to another, can be calculated at 60.9 kyr and 60.4 kyr, respectively. In both cases, the statistical quality of the alignment is only slightly deteriorated.

Since U-Th ages are in agreement with stratigraphic data, in contrast to the 14C date, one may believe that they date the end of early diagenesis, with uranium trapping. In contrast, the AMS 14C date is either thought to reflect analytical limitations of AMS 14C dating for such type of material, or to date a younger geologic event. In this latter case, a possible hypothesis is that this event has triggered the slight opening of the 238U – 234U system.

In any case, this study demonstrates once again that surface formations often tell such complex stories that only one single dating method cannot usually be sufficient to describe precisely these histories. Instead, informations derived from different independent chronometers have to be compared.
Paleoenvironments, paleoclimates and sequences of Westphalian deposits of Lorraine coal basin (Upper Carboniferous, NE France)
Authors: Izart Alain , Palain Christian , Malartre Fabrice , Fleck Stéphanie , Michels Raymond
Published: June 2005

Facies and sequences of the Westphalian C are identified in cores and well logs of three boreholes and three seismic lines supplied by Conoco-Phillips from the Lorraine coal Basin. The lithofacies associations suggest various paleoenvironments and sequences during the Westphalian C. Decameter-thick sedimentary bodies display alluvial fan deposits in the northwestern border of the basin (Chaumont borehole). Decametric sedimentary bodies constituted either of conglomeratic and sandy facies with cylindrical shape in well logs represent braided river deposits, or alternations of fining and coarsening upward sequences with sandy, silty and clayey facies with bell and funnel shapes in well log correspond to meander river and lacustrine deltaic deposits in the Saulcy and Lorettes boreholes. Three fining upward third order sequences in the center of the basin in the Lorettes and Saulcy boreholes represent a period 1 with braided river deposits, a period 2 with flood plain, lake and meandering river deposits and a period 3 with anastomosed or meandering river deposits.

Period 1 is correlated with a subsidence period in the basin and uplift of the borders, period 2 with the maximum fresh water flooding period with flood plain or lake deposits and period 3 with the filling period.

The seismic profiles of Conoco-Phillips confirm the tectonic structures described by previous authors in Lorraine Basin. We agree that this basin was a strike-slip basin as demonstrated by previous authors with depocenters near the South Hunsrück and Metz faults from the Westphalian to the Permian. Biomarkers show that paleoclimate changes (wet/dry) of weak amplitude in the equatorial climate could also modify the sedimentation of this basin and act on sequences of second order.
A Review of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Human Semen and the Formulation of a Semen Simulant
Authors: Owen Derek H. , Katz David F.
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT:A fluid medium was developed to simulate the salient physical and chemical properties of human semen. The composition of the medium was based upon an extensive review of the literature on constituents of human semen. In choosing the ingredients for this medium, the goal was to emphasize properties that influence interactions of human semen with topical contraceptive, prophylactic, or therapeutic products. Among these properties, pH and buffering capacity, osmolarity, ionic strength, and rheological properties play dominant roles in the physico‐chemical processes that govern drug release kinetics and delivery vehicle distribution.
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Spermatozoa Osmotic Tolerance and Cryoprotectant Permeability Characteristics
Authors: Agca Yuksel , Liu Jun , Mullen Steve , Johnson‐Ward Jill , Gould Kenneth , Chan Anthony , Critser John
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT: Osmotic properties of chimpanzee spermatozoa were studied at 22°C. An electronic particle counter was used to determine the isosmotic cell volume, and the volume response after exposure to four commonly used cryoprotectants: dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, propylene glycol, and ethylene glycol. The data were analyzed to determine the hydraulic conductivity and the permeability coefficients for the four cryoprotectants. The osmotically inactive volume fraction was determined using a Boyle van't Hoff plot of cells exposed to sodium chloride solutions. A computer‐assisted semen analysis system was used to determine the osmotic tolerance of chimp spermatozoa, as well as the effects of a one‐step addition and removal of 1 M permeating cryoprotectant on sperm motility. The isosmotic volume of chimpanzee sperm is 27.7 μm3. The osmotically inactive cell fraction is 69%. Hydraulic conductivity was higher in the presence of ethylene glycol: 4.09 ± 0.76 (mean ± SEM) and propylene glycol: 3.91 ± 0.71 as compared to dimethyl sulfoxide: 3.49 ± 0.79 and glycerol: 2.83 ± 0.40 μm/min per atmosphere. The permeability of chimpanzee sperm in ethylene glycol (2.18 ± 0.40 × 10−3 cm/min) and propylene glycol (1.75 ± 0.17 × 10−3 cm/min) was higher than in glycerol (1.42 ± 0.12 × 10−3 cm/min) and dimethyl sulfoxide (0.82 ± 0.015 × 10−3 cm/min). Although chimpanzee sperm tolerated osmotic stress in the range of 169–400 mOsm very well, loss of motility was observed as the solution concentrations diverged from isosmotic condition. Exposure to the four cryoprotectants at 1 M did not cause a significant reduction in sperm motility. This information on membrane permeability characteristics and cryoprotectant tolerance will aid in designing more reliable cryopreservation protocols for chimpanzee sperm.
Immunocytochemical Localization and Biochemical Characterization of Two Seminal Plasma Proteins That Protect Ram Spermatozoa Against Cold Shock
Authors: Barrios Beatriz , Fernández‐Juan Marta , Muiño‐Blanco Teresa , Cebrián‐Pérez José A.
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT: We have already shown that seminal plasma proteins in the ram can repair cold‐shock sperm membrane damage and that the addition of seminal plasma proteins before cold‐shock treatment prevents sperm membrane injury. In this study, we prove that 2 protein bands of approximately 14 (P14) and 20 (P20) kd isolated from seminal plasma are responsible for this protective effect. In vitro capacitation (CA) and acrosome reaction (AR) modified the content of both proteins on the sperm surface. P20 release began at the beginning of CA, and the induction of the AR accounted for an additional release of both proteins; not more than 35% of these proteins remained on acrosome‐reacted sperm. Cytochemical analysis detected that there are several binding sites for P14 and P20 on the sperm surface and that membrane alterations induced by CA and the AR accounted for the loss and redistribution of both proteins to the equatorial and postequatorial regions. The P14‐sequenced fragment showed a high homology with several seminal plasma proteins of different species and contained the FN 2 domain like bovine PDC‐109. However, the sequence of the P20 fragment was not homologous with any reported protein. By immunochemical analysis, we obtained evidence that P14 is phosphorylated in serine and threonine residues and that P20 is a glycosylated protein. These results suggest that both proteins are involved in sperm CA and gamete interaction, first by stabilizing the sperm membrane and then by participating in CA in the female reproductive tract. The protective effect of P14 and P20 could be related to their decapacitating role.
Cellular Localization of GABA and GABAB Receptor Subunit Proteins During Spermiogenesis in Rat Testis
Authors: Kanbara Kiyoto , Okamoto Keiko , Nomura Sakashi , Kaneko Takeshi , Shigemoto Ryuichi , Azuma Haruhito , Katsuoka Yoji , Watanabe Masahito
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT: The GABAergic system, a major inhibitory regulator in the central nervous system, may also play important roles in peripheral nonneuronal tissues and cells. Recent studies showed that GABAB receptor is expressed in testis and sperm. To understand the role of the GABAergic system in spermiogenesis, we examined cellular localization of GABA and GABAB receptor subunits in rat spermatids by immunocytochemistry. Immunoreactivity for GABA was detected around acrosomal granules of spermatids during the Golgi and cap phases. GABAB(1) immunoreactivity was observed in the acrosomal vesicle of spermatids in Golgi phase, and during cap phase, this reactivity expanded to the entire region of the acrosome covering the nuclear membrane. The level of reactivity decreased gradually with maturation of spermatids. In contrast, GABAB(2) immunoreactivity was not observed in spermatids during Golgi phase but was detected in the equatorial region during cap phase. Both GABA immunoreactivity and GABAB(2) immunoreactivity were transferred to the residual cytoplasm during the release of spermatozoa. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry revealed that, during cap phase, GABA and GABAB(1) were distributed within the whole acrosomal vesicle but not in the acrosomal granule. GABAB(2) immunoreactivity was observed in the narrow space between the inner acrosomal and nuclear membrane and was limited to the equatorial region of the spermatid head. These results indicate that the GABAergic system might be involved in regulation of spermiogenesis.
Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene Haplotype Distribution in Normozoospermic and Azoospermic Men
Authors: Ahda Yuni , Gromoll Jörg , Wunsch Alain , Asatiani Ketevan , Zitzmann Michael , Nieschlag Eberhard , Simoni Manuela
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT: The human follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor (FSHR) gene possesses single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in exon 10, which influence serum FSH levels in women, but not in men. In the present study we extend our previous investigation and for the first time analyze a novel, common SNP at position −29 of the FSHR core promoter in men. The SNP in codon 680 was analyzed in 438 men with nonobstructive azoospermia and in 304 controls. The SNP in codon 307 and at position −29 was analyzed in 345 men with nonobstructive azoospermia and 186 controls. SNPs were determined by allelic discrimination. No significant difference in the frequency of the polymorphism at position 680 and serum FSH levels was found. At position −29 (A/G) the A−29 allele was less frequent than the G−29 allele both in controls (25% vs 75%) and in patients (30% vs 70%) (P not signficant). Together the three SNPs form four discrete haplotypes (A‐Thr‐Asn, G‐Thr‐Asn, A‐Ala‐Ser, and G‐Ala‐Ser) occurring in 10 combinations. A statistically significant difference in the allelic distribution between controls and azoospermic men was found (P < .05 by χ2 test). The A‐Ala‐Ser allele was more frequent in patients (9.1%) than in controls (5.4%), whereas the G‐Thr‐Asn allele was less frequent in patients (33.1%) than in controls (40.6%) (P < .01 by Fisher's exact test). No significant correlation between serum FSH levels and FSHR allele was found. We conclude that the FSHR haplotype does not associate with different serum FSH levels but it is differently distributed in normal and azoospermic men. The A‐Ala‐Ser and the G‐Thr‐Asn allele might represent genetic factors contributing to phenotypic expression of severe spermatogenetic impairment.