bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Systemic Theory of Living Systems and Relevance to CAM: the Theory (Part III)
Authors: Olalde Rangel José A.
Published: August 2005

Western medical science lacks a solid philosophical and theoretical approach to disease cognition and therapeutics. My first two articles provided a framework for a humane medicine based on Modern Biophysics. Its precepts encompass modern therapeutics and CAM. Modern Biophysics and its concepts are presently missing in medicine, whether orthodox or CAM, albeit they probably provide the long sought explanation that bridges the abyss between East and West. Key points that differentiate Systemic from other systems′ approaches are ‘Intelligence’, ‘Energy’ and the objective ‘to survive’. The General System Theory (GST) took a forward step by proposing a departure from the mechanistic biological concept—of analyzing parts and processes in isolation—and brought us towards an organismic model. GST examines the system′s components and results of their interaction. However, GST still does not go far enough. GST assumes ‘Self‐Organization’ as a spontaneous phenomenon, ignoring a causative entity or central controller to all systems: Intelligence. It also neglects ‘Survive’ as the directional motivation common to any living system, and scarcely assigns ‘Energy’ its true inherent value. These three parameters, Intelligence, Energy and Survive, are vital variables to be considered, in our human quest, if we are to achieve a unified theory of life.
Breast Milk Fatty Acid Composition Is Associated with Development of Atopic Dermatitis in the Infant
Authors: Hoppu Ulla , Rinne Minna , Lampi Anna‐Maija , Isolauri Erika
Published: August 2005

Objective:

Breast milk fatty acids may have immunomodulatory properties related to the development of atopic disease. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the breast milk fatty acid composition on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) in high‐risk infants.

Methods:

Mothers with atopic disease were recruited at the end of gestation. Maternal food records and breast milk samples were collected at the infants' age of one month. Infants were clinically examined and AD diagnosed at one, three, six, and 12 months.

Results:

Altogether 13 of 34 (38%) infants were diagnosed with AD during the first year of life. Infants developing AD had consumed breast milk with a higher ratio of saturated to polyunsaturated fatty acids and less n‐3 fatty acids compared to infants not developing AD. Specifically, breast milk consumed by infants with AD contained more stearic acid, 8.9% of total fatty acids (95% confidence interval 7.9‐10.0) in comparison to those without AD, 7.1% (95% CI 6.6‐7.7).

Conclusion:

Breast milk rich in saturated and low in n‐3 fatty acids may be a risk factor for atopic dermatitis in the infant.
Is the Correction Factor used in the Breath Test Assessment of Gastric Emptying Appropriate for use in Infants?
Authors: Omari Taher I , Symonds Erin , Davidson Geoffrey P , Butler Ross N
Published: August 2005

Objectives:

The gastric emptying breath test (GEBT) is now routinely used in many centers. Validation studies in adults have shown that although there is a linear correlation between the GEBT and scintigraphy, the GEBT overestimates gastric half emptying time (GEt1/2) by a constant of approximately 60 minutes because of postgastric processing. It is therefore conventional to apply a “correction factor” to the GEBT result. Because = no similar validation studies have been performed in infants, the aim of this study was to directly characterize the postgastric processing of 13C octanoic acid in infants to assess the suitability of the standard correction factor for use in infants.

Methods:

The pattern of breath 13CO2 excretion after separate infusion of 13C octanoic acid into either the stomach or the duodenum was measured in 13 healthy preterm infants (6 male, 7 female). The raw 13CO2 half excretion time after intragastric (GEt1/2raw) and intraduodenal (DEt1/2raw) administration of 13C octanoic acid was calculated, and the difference between GEt1/2raw and DEt1/2raw (i.e., GEt1/2raw − DEt1/2raw) was directly compared with GEt1/2corrected, derived by applying the standard correction factor to GEt1/2raw.

Results:

Values for GEt1/2raw ‐ DEt1/2raw correlated significantly with GEt1/2corrected.

Conclusion:

Our results show that the standard correction factor is appropriate for performing the GEBT in preterm infants.
Validation of the Pediatric Rome II Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Using the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Caplan Arlene , Walker Lynn , Rasquin Andrée
Published: August 2005

Objective:

To validate the pediatric Rome II criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) using the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS).

Methods:

Subjects were 315 consecutive new patients, 4 to 18 years of age, seen in a tertiary care clinic and classified by pediatric gastroenterologists as having a functional problem. Patients and parents separately completed the QPGS before medical consultation. Diagnoses were derived using computer algorithms reflecting the Rome II criteria for pediatric FGIDs. Convergent validity was assessed by prevalence of diagnoses and internal validity using factor analysis to confirm symptom clusters of the criteria. Separate analyses were performed for 4 to 9 and 10 to 18 year olds, and for diagnoses based on parent and child reports.

Results:

In both age groups, the most prevalent diagnoses were irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (22.0%, 35.5%), functional constipation (19.0%, 15.2%), and functional dyspepsia (FD) (13.6%, 10.1%). Parent‐child concordance on diagnoses was generally poor. Factor analyses supported the internal validity of FD and of IBS symptoms except for relief with defecation. Although functional abdominal pain syndrome and abdominal migraine occurred rarely, symptom clustering within each diagnosis supports their validity. Among patients with abdominal pain, duration was of at least 3 months in most, and pain was of long duration and severe in at least one third.

Conclusion:

More than half of patients classified as having a functional problem met at least one pediatric Rome II diagnosis for FGIDs. This study offers initial support for the validity of several of the criteria.
Autoantibodies Against Soluble and Immobilized Human Recombinant Tissue Transglutaminase in Children with Celiac Disease
Authors: Agardh Daniel , Dahlbom Ingrid , Daniels Terri , Lörinc Ester , Ivarsson Sten Anders , Lernmark Åke , Hansson Tony
Published: August 2005

Objectives:

The conformation of tissue transglutaminase might influence the performance of immunoassays to detect autoantibodies from patients with celiac disease. The present study investigated how the exposure of tissue transglutaminase kept in a liquid phase and fixed to a solid support affected the binding of immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG autoantibodies in children with untreated and treated celiac disease.

Methods:

Included were 73 untreated celiac disease children, 50 controls and 80 children with treated celiac disease. IgA and IgG antitissue transglutaminase were measured with solid phase enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) and liquid phase radioligand binding assays. For IgG antitissue transglutaminase detection with radioligand binding assays antihuman IgG and protein A were used. IgA endomysial autoantibodies were measured by indirect immunofluorescence.

Results:

Both ELISA and radioligand binding assays detected IgA antitissue transglutaminase in 65 of 73 untreated celiac disease children and in 2 of 50 controls. One additional control child was detected with radioligand binding assays. Endomysial autoantibodies were present in 62 of 73 celiac disease children and in 2 of 50 controls. IgG antitissue transglutaminase was detected with both ELISA and radioligand binding assays in 40 of 73 untreated celiac disease children and in 2 of 50 controls. Radioligand binding assays using protein A detected 20 of 73 additional untreated celiac disease children and one control child with increased IgG antitissue transglutaminase. In treated celiac disease children, 21 of 80 were IgA antitissue transglutaminase positive with radioligand binding assays, 3 of 80 with ELISA, whereas none had endomysial autoantibodies.

Conclusions:

No qualitative differences between radioligand binding assays and ELISA in IgA or IgG antitissue transglutaminase binding from untreated celiac disease children was demonstrated. However, discrepancies in the binding of IgA antitissue transglutaminase from a subgroup of treated celiac disease children indicated that alterations of tissue transglutaminase might occur on fixation of the antigen. Protein A used for radioligand binding assays seemed not to assess IgG autoantibodies exclusively. IgA antitissue transglutaminase detection in screening of childhood celiac disease can be performed either by ELISA or radioligand binding assays because the two assays are interchangeable.
The Absence of Mth1 Inactivation and DNA Polymerase k Overexpression in Rat Mammary Carcinomas with Frequent A:T to C:G Transversions
Authors: Okochi Eriko , Ichimura Shizue , Sugimura Takashi , Ushijima Toshikazu
Published: August 2005

Single nucleotide instability (SNI), an increase in spontaneous point mutation rates (MRs) without involvement of microsatellite instability, is present in rat mammary carcinoma cell lines and human breast cancer cell lines. A:T to C:G transversions, which are generally rare, were frequently observed in two rat mammary carcinoma cell lines and in their primary carcinomas, and were considered to be related to the molecular mechanism of SNI. In this study, two known molecular mechanisms that cause increases of A:T to C:G transversions, inactivation of the MutT mammalian homologue (Mth1) gene and overexpression of the DNA polymerase k (Pol k) gene, were analyzed in two rat mammary carcinoma cell lines and 11 rat primary carcinomas. PCR‐SSCP analysis revealed no mutations in the entire Mth1 coding region. Quantitative real‐tune RT‐PCR analysis showed that Mth1 mRNA expression was slightly, but significantly, increased in the primary carcinomas (P=0.001 using GAPDH for normalization, and P=0.002 using histone H4, t‐ test), contrary to our expectation, and was decreased to 1/2 in the cell lines. The expression of Pol k, which is known to be error‐prone with frequent A:T to C:G transversions, was rather decreased in the cell lines and primary carcinomas. Inactivation of Mth1 and overexpression of Pol k were unlikely to have caused SNI in the two rat mammary carcinoma cell lines with a high frequency of A:T to C:G transversions, and searching for other unknown molecular mechanisms is important.
Down‐regulation of Gal 3–O‐sulfotransferase‐2 (Gal3ST‐2) Expression in Human Colonic Non‐mucinous Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Seko Akira , Nagata Koji , Yonezawa Suguru , Yamashita Katsuko
Published: August 2005

Expression levels of sulfomucin in human colonic adenocarcinomas are lower than those in normal colonic mucosa; this should be in part caused by down‐regulation of expression of sulfotransferases, but it remains unclear which Gal 3‐O‐sulfotransferase (Gal3ST) is responsible for the bio‐ synthesis of sulfomucin. In this study, we first examined the substrate specificities of four Gal3STs cloned so far, and found that Galβ1→3GlcNAcβl→3Galβ1→4Glc (LNT) can be utilized only by Gal3ST‐2 as an acceptor substrate. The substrate specificity of Gal3ST‐2 is closely similar to those of Gal3ST activities present in human normal mucosa and adenocarcinomas, suggesting that Gal3ST‐2 is the dominant Gal3ST in colon and colonic cancer. Secondly, using LNT as a substrate, we comparatively analyzed levels of Gal3ST‐2 activities in non‐mucinous adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinomas, and the adjacent normal mucosa. We found that levels of Gal3ST‐2 activities in non‐mucinous adenocarcinoma are significantly lower than those in the adjacent normal mucosa, while those in mucinous adenocarcinomas are not significantly different from those in the adjacent normal mucosa. Moreover, we showed by a competitive RT‐PCR method that expression levels of transcript for Gal3ST‐2 in non‐mucinous adenocarcinoma are lower than those in normal mucosa. These results suggest that Gal3ST‐2 is one of the enzymes responsible for biosynthesis of sulfomucin, and that expression levels of Gal3ST‐2 are down‐regulated in non‐mucinous adenocarcinoma.
Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor (HNF)‐4α Induces Expression of Endothelial Fas Ligand (FasL) to Prevent Cancer Cell Transmigration: A Novel Defense Mechanism of Endothelium against Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Osanai Makoto , Chiba Hideki , Kojima Takashi , Fujibe Masato , Kuwahara Kazuhide , Kimura Hiromichi , Satoh Masaaki , Sawada Norimasa
Published: August 2005

Endothelial Fas ligand (FasL) contributes to the “immune privilege” of tissues such as testis and eye, in which apoptosis is induced in infiltrating Fas‐positive activated T cells and results in the inhibition of leukocyte extravasation. In this study, we examined the role of endothelial FasL in controlling cancer cell transmigration using rat lung endothelial (RLE) cell line bearing a doxycycline‐inducible hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)‐4α expression system. We showed that a detectable level of FasL was expressed in RLE cells and that this expression was markedly up‐regulated and well correlated to the degree of HNF–4α expression in a time‐dependent manner. When various cancer cells were overlaid on an RLE monolayer sheet, we examined the ability of endothelial FasL to induce massive apoptosis in Fas‐expressing cancer cells and found a causal link to inhibition of the transmigration. Finally, we showed that FasL was expressed in capillaries of the rat brain by immunohistochemical staining, suggesting that FasL serves its functions not only in vitro, but also in vivo. These results raise the possibility that HNF–4α is involved in regulating cancer cell transmigration by modulating the Fas‐FasL system.
Estrone and 17β‐Estradiol Reverse Breast Cancer Resistance Protein‐mediated Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Imai Yasuo , Tsukahara Satomi , Ishikawa Etsuko , Tsuruo Takashi , Sugimoto Yoshikazu
Published: August 2005

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), an adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter, confers resistance to a series of anticancer reagents, including mitoxantrone, SN‐38 and topotecan. In the present study, we found that estrone and l7β‐estradiol potentiated the cytotoxicity of mitoxantrone, SN‐38 and topotecan in BCRP‐transduced K562 cells (K562/BCRP). These estrogens showed only a marginal effect, or none, in parental K562 cells. Estrone and 17β‐estradiol increased the cellular accumulation of topotecan in K562/BCRP cells, but not in K562 cells, suggesting that these estrogens inhibit the BCRP‐mediated drug efflux and overcome drug resistance.
Induction of Apoptosis by Sulindac in Azoxymethane‐induced Possible Colonic Premalignant Lesions in Rats
Authors: Kuno Toshiya , Yamada Yasuhiro , Hirose Yoshinobu , Katayama Masaki , Sakata Keiko , Hara Akira , Saji Shigetoyo , Mori Hideki
Published: August 2005

We have reported that β‐catenin‐accumulated crypts (BCAC), which do not have the appearance of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are possible colonic premalignant lesions in rats. Suppression of the occurrence and advancement of such lesions should have critical relevance to cancer prevention. This study examined whether sulindac, a chemopreventive nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug is able to induce apoptosis in such premalignant lesions. At 6 weeks of age, rats groups 1–3 were given azoxymethane (AOM) (15 mg/kg‐body weight) once weekly for 3 weeks. Two groups were given sulindac in the diet (200 and 400 ppm), starting at 9 weeks of age. The rats were sacrificed at the termination, and the colons were carefully examined. The incidence and crypt multiplicity of BCAC and ACF were significantly less than those of the control group. The effect of sulindac on the expression of BCAC was greater than that on ACF. Exposure to sulindac significantly increased the apoptotic index (terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells) in BCAC. However, no significant increase of the index was found in the case of ACF. These results suggest that the chemopreventive effect of sulindac in rats is related to the induction of apoptosis in premalignant lesions. Our results also provide additional evidence that BCAC are premalignant lesions in colon carcinogenesis in rodents.
Lack of Direct Involvement of 8‐Hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine in Hypoxanthine‐guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase Mutagenesis in V79 Cells Treated with N,N'‐Bis(2‐hydroxyperoxy‐2‐methoxyethyl)‐l,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic‐diimide (NP‐III) or Riboflavin
Authors: Nakajima Madoka , Takeuchi Toru , Ogino Keiki , Morimoto Kanehisa
Published: August 2005

The object of this study is to investigate the relationship between a typical product of oxidative DNA damage, 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), and mutagenesis in V79 cells through a molecular analysis of hypoxanthine‐guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) gene mutants. We performed a direct sequencing analysis of the cDNA of mutants obtained after treatment with N,N'‐bis(2‐hydroxyperoxy‐2‐methoxyethyl)‐l,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic‐diimide (NP‐III) or riboflavin, each of which induces the formation of 8OHdG in cellular DNA upon UVA irradiation. The frequency of mutation after both treatments was no more than 2 to 5 times the control value. A considerable number of the mutants could not be amplified by RT‐PCR, and this was also the case for the control mutants. Among the mutants analyzed, deletions and a TA→Ã transversion occurred predominantly. The reasons for the weak association of induction of 8OHdG with frequency of mutation and the possible mechanism of oxidative‐stress‐derived mutagenesis are discussed.
Three‐dimensional Reconstruction and Fractal Geometric Analysis of Serrated Adenoma
Authors: Iwabuchi Masahiro , Endoh Mareyuki , Hiwatashi Nobuo , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Shimosegawa Tooru , Masuda Takayuki , Moriya Takuya , Sasano Hironobu
Published: August 2005

Serrated adenoma (SA) is a relatively newly defined entity of colorectal neoplasm first characterized by Longacre and Fenoglio‐Preiser in 1990. This lesion is characterized by a complicated serrated edge of crypts. In this study, we performed three‐dimensional (3‐D) reconstruction, including 3‐D distribution patterns of Ki‐67‐positive cells and fractal dimension of SA, in order to evaluate the nature of the complicated architecture, including its possible morphogenesis. We studied nine colonoscopic polypectomy specimens including three SAs, three tubular adenomas (TAs), and three hyperplastic polyps (HPs). Sixty serial tissue sections per case were stained alternately with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Ki‐67 immunostain. Each serial image was then digitized for 3‐D computer analysis and the distribution pattern of Ki‐67‐positive cells was evaluated. Ki‐67‐immunostained sections were also subjected to 2‐D quantitative morphometric study. In addition, the fractal dimensions of images from H&E‐stained sections were examined using a box‐counting method. Results of the 3‐D reconstruction study demonstrated that glandular budding and branching were more frequent in SA than in TA or HP. These findings were confirmed quantitatively by the results of fractal geometric analysis of these polyps (fractal dimension:1.34±0.08 for SA, 1.23±0.07 for TA, and 1.28±0.12 for HP). Ki‐67‐positive cells in HP were localized mainly in the bottom of crypts and those in TA were diffusely distributed, while Ki‐67‐positive cells in SA were mainly aggregated in the depressed sites of serrated epithelia. These findings were also confirmed quantitatively using 2‐D morphometry. These distribution patterns of the proliferative zone of SA are considered to contribute to the formation of the characteristic serrated epithelia and the complicated morphological appearance of SA.
Suppression of Postmitochondrial Signaling and Delayed Response to UV‐induced Nuclear Apoptosis in HeLa Cells
Authors: Sasai Kaori , Yajima Hirohiko , Suzuki Fumio
Published: August 2005

Activation of postmitochondrial pathways by UV irradiation was examined using mouse lymphoma 3SB and human leukemic Jurkat cells and two human carcinoma cell lines (HeLa and MCF‐7). Exposure of 3SB and Jurkat cells resulted in large amounts of cytochrome c and apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) being released into the cytosol, and a clear laddering pattern of DNA fragments was observed within 3 h of incubation after irradiation. Simultaneously, activation of caspase‐9 and its downstream caspases was detected. HeLa and MCF‐7 cells also showed extensive release of mitochondrial factors and caspase‐9 activation at 4 to 6 h after exposure, but apoptotic nuclear changes appeared much later. Compared with 3SB and Jurkat cells, these carcinoma cell lines exhibited reduced activation of caspase‐9‐like proteolytic activity by UV radiation, and levels of caspase‐3‐like activity in HeLa cells were extremely low, similar to those in caspase‐3‐deficient MCF‐7 cells. These results suggest that the delayed response to UV‐induced nuclear apoptosis in HeLa cells is due to a reduced activation of the caspase cascade downstream of cytochrome c release and suppression of caspase‐3 activity.
Measuring alcohol consumption—should the ‘graduated frequency’ approach become the norm in survey research?
Authors: Gmel Gerhard , Graham Kathryn , Kuendig Hervé , Kuntsche Sandra
Published: August 2005

Aims  To analyse whether recommendations for the graduated frequency (GF) approach to measure alcohol consumption are justified in a multi‐cultural comparative study.

Design  Representative surveys, conducted between 1995 and 2003, of 10 countries participating in the GENACIS project (Gender, Alcohol and Culture: an International Study).

Measurements  Usual quantity, usual frequency and mean consumption per day measured with three instruments: GF, generic quantity–frequency (QF) and beverage‐specific quantity–frequency (QFBS).

Findings  The GF did not consistently yield higher volumes and quantities across all countries compared with the generic QF, while the QFBS resulted in higher quantities and higher volumes compared with the GF (in all but one country) and the QF. Frequencies were mostly higher on the GF compared with the QF and QFBS but there was also evidence of over‐reporting of frequencies with the GF. Results for the GF suggested that it was implemented improperly in at least three of the 10 countries.

Conclusion  The GF does not appear to be appropriate for cross‐cultural research. It results in over‐reporting of frequencies and appears to be too complex to be administered correctly in many countries. The best measure for these purposes appeared to be the QFBS particularly because it captures more effectively the variability of different alcoholic beverages with different ethanol contents and consumption with different vessel sizes.
Of genes and genomes, needles and haystacks:Blumeria graminisand functionality
Authors: ZHANG Z. , HENDERSON C. , PERFECT E. , CARVER T. L. W. , THOMAS B. J. , SKAMNIOTI P. , GURR S. J.
Published: August 2005

Here, we consider the barley powdery mildew fungus,Blumeria graminis(DC Speer) f.sp.hordei(Marchal), and review recent research which has added to our understanding of the biology and molecular biology which underpins the asexual life cycle of this potentially devastating pathogen. We focus on the early stages of the host–pathogen interaction and report current understanding in the areas of leaf perception, fungal signal transduction and host‐imposed oxidative stress management. Through this, it is becoming increasingly clear how closely and subtly both sides of the relationship are regulated. Collectively, however, this review highlights the high degree of complexity in working with an obligate parasite. Our experiences suggest that we would make more efficient progress towards understanding the basis of susceptibility and resistance to this true obligate biotroph if its genome sequence was available.
A minor fraction of a high‐affinity folate binding protein from the epididymis is associated with membranous vesicles and spermatozoa in human semen
Authors: MALM JOHAN , BIRN HENRIK , FROHM BÍIRGITTA , HANSEN STEEN‐INGEMANN , HØIER‐MADSEN MIMI , HOLM JAN
Published: August 2005

A glycolipid linked high‐affinity folate binding protein (FBP) is present in human semen at a concentration of 1–2 nmol/L. The association between FBP and seminal components as well as the cellular source of FBP was analysed. Immunoblotting of human seminal plasma, with and without prostasomes, prostasomal fractions and spermatozoa with antibodies against human FBP revealed a single distinct band similar to that observed with purified human FBP. Flow cytometry identified FBP on the surface of ejaculated spermatozoa. Immunohistochemistry showed positive immunostaining of epididymal epithelium, vas deferens and ejaculated spermatozoa, whereas the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, testicular spermatozoa and seminiferous tubules of testis stained negatively. Electron microscopy immunocytochemistry with antibodies against rat FBP showed labelling located to luminal microvilli and intracellular vesicles of rat epididymal epithelial cells and the surface of spermatozoa in the epididymal duct. High‐affinity binding of picomolar amounts of tritiated folate to fractions of human prostasomes or prostasome‐like vesicles was completely depressed by excess amounts of unlabelled folate. The study indicates that FBP is secreted from the epithelia of epididymis and vas deferens, and that a small fraction of FBP is associated with prostasome‐like vesicles which adhere to spermatozoa in the epididymal duct. FBP could have a bacteriostatic function by depriving folate‐requiring bacteria of folate and/or ascertain a normal DNA replication subsequent to fertilization by vectorial transfer of folate to the inner compartment of the spermatozoa.
Consequences of semen inflammation and lipid peroxidation on fertilization capacity of spermatozoa in in vitro conditions
Authors: JE˛DRZEJCZAK PIOTR , FRA˛CZEK MONIKA , SZUMAŁA‐KA˛KOL ANNA , TASZAREK‐HAUKE GRAŻYNA , PAWELCZYK LESZEK , KURPISZ MACIEJ
Published: August 2005

A body of data exists on reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, however, no direct correlation was found between the oxidative stress and infertility. The aim of the study was to measure semen oxidative stress and its correlation with classical in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate. A prospective study in academic non‐profit institution where 79 infertile couples were subjected to IVF programme was conducted. Two infertile groups were discriminated according to the pronuclei presence in IVF. The main outcome measure (pronuclei presence) was then correlated with lipid peroxidation product in semen (ROS effect). Although the average IL‐8 levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in semen did not differ between the studied subgroups (successful vs. non‐successful fertilization), a statistically significant negative correlation was found between MDA level and fertilization rate in performed regression analysis. Thus we may suggest that MDA levels in seminal plasma may have prognostic value for IVF success.
Androgens induce CD‐9 in human prostate tissue
Authors: CHUAN Y. , PANG S.‐T. , BERGH A. , NORSTEDT G. , POUSETTE Å.
Published: August 2005

Based on microarray analyses of LNCaP and LNCaP‐r prostatic cell‐lines we tentatively identified CD‐9 as an androgen sensitive protein. This prompted us to characterize the androgen sensitivity and the correlation to malignancy of CD‐9 at the protein level. Using Western blot, RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry the expression of CD‐9 was analysed in LNCaP cells stimulated during increasing time by the synthetic androgen R1881 and also in 88 specimens of human prostate cancer tissues. Expression of CD‐9 was induced by R1881 in LNCaP. CD‐9 was immunolocalized in human prostate tissue sections representing non‐malignant tissue as well as tumour areas. In non‐malignant glands CD‐9 immunoreactivity was observed at the apical and lateral cell borders of luminal epithelial cells. Basal epithelial cells were largely unstained. In tumour areas CD‐9 staining intensity was variable and apparently not related to primary Gleason grade. In prostate tissue from a patient under androgen ablation therapy no staining was observed in luminal epithelial cells or in the tumour areas, but some staining was observed in basal epithelial cells. CD‐9 is regulated by androgens in LNCaP and present in human prostate specimens. The expression is variable and changes in expression levels. These and earlier studies using other tissues indicate that CD‐9 and its cellular localization could have an important role in prostate cancer cell development.
The synergism of penile venous surgery and oral sildenafil in treating patients with erectile dysfunction
Authors: WEN HSIEN‐SHENG , HSIEH CHENG‐HSING , HSU GENG‐LONG , KAO YU‐CHI , LING PEI‐YING , HUANG HSIU‐MEI , WANG CHII‐JYE , FERDINAND EINHORN E.
Published: August 2005

A possible synergistic effect between penile venous surgery and oral sildenafil was inadvertently found in treating patients with erectile dysfunction in our clinic. We therefore sought to elucidate the possible synergic effect between venous surgery and sildenafil through studying patients who were non‐responders preoperatively. From July 1998 to July 2003, 128 patients were diagnosed with veno‐occlusive dysfunction. Subsequently, 65 of them underwent penile venous surgery and were assigned to the surgical treatment group. The remaining 63 men were assigned to the control group, and were subject to a simple re‐exposure of oral sildenafil. All patients were evaluated with the international index of erectile function (IIEF‐5) scoring. Sildenafil (12.5–100 mg) was prescribed postoperatively to all surgical patients as venous surgery alone was unsatisfactory and similarly, 100 mg preparation was prescribed for patients in the control group. The IIEF‐5 scoring in the control group changed from a preoperative mean IIEF‐5 score of 9.4 ± 3.9 to 10.7 ± 3.5 postoperatively. In surgical patients, however, the mean preoperative IIEF‐5 score of 9.2 ± 5.0, which increased to 15.1 ± 5.0 (p < 0.001) postoperatively, further increased to 20.1 ± 5.4 (p < 0.0001) after the addition of sildenafil. Although there was no significant difference between the two groups characteristics, there was a statistically significant difference between treatment results (p < 0.001). Overall, 61 men (93.8%) reported a positive response to sildenafil after venous stripping surgery. In contrast, only eight patients (12.7%) felt a beneficial response in the control group (p < 0.001). Forty‐one of 65 patients had scores of ≧22, and 19 of these had a score of 25. No response was found in three (4.6%), and a decrease of 7 was seen in one (1.5%). In summary, patients in whom sildenafil was not effective preoperatively can become excellent responders after careful penile venous surgery. It appears that together, oral sildenafil and penile venous surgery may provide an encouraging solution to impotent patients with veno‐occlusive dysfunction who are non‐responders to sildenafil.
Effects of leucocytospermia on semen parameters and outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: YILMAZ SEDA , KOYUTURK MERAL , KILIC GULLEYLA , ALPAK OLCAY , AYTOZ AYSE
Published: August 2005

Leucocytes are present throughout the male reproductive tract but the clinical significance of leucocytic infiltration in the human ejaculate is controversial. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines leucocytospermia as the presence of peroxidase‐positive leucocytes in concentrations of ≥1 × 106/mL of semen. The goals of this study were to clarify the relationship between leucocytospermia and semen parameters including sperm concentration, progressive and total motility before and after semen preparation, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes, including fertilization, embryo development, embryo morphology, cleavage and pregnancy rates. We compared the semen parameters and ICSI outcome of 34 leucocytospermic and 36 non‐leucocytospermic control couples who were undergoing ICSI because of male factor infertility including oligo and/or astheno and/or teratozoospermia. Semen parameters including progressive motility rate (1.5% vs. 3%) and sperm concentrations (12 vs. 29 million/mL) were significantly lower in the leucocytospermic group compared with the control group. Other semen parameters were not affected by the presence of leucocytes. ICSI outcome, including fertilization (82% vs. 87%) and embryo development rates (79% vs. 86%) were significantly lower in the leucocytospermic group compared with the control group although there were no statistical difference for embryo quality, embryo cleavage and pregnancy rates. These results indicate that some semen parameters and the outcome of ICSI were negatively affected by the presence of leucocytospermia.
Home Healthcare Nurses' Job Satisfaction Scale: refinement and psychometric testing
Authors: Ellenbecker Carol H. , Byleckie James J.
Published: August 2005

Aims.  This paper describes a study to further develop and test the psychometric properties of the Home Healthcare Nurses' Job Satisfaction Scale, including reliability and construct and criterion validity.

Background.  Numerous scales have been developed to measure nurses’ job satisfaction. Only one, the Home Healthcare Nurses' Job Satisfaction Scale, has been designed specifically to measure job satisfaction of home healthcare nurses. The Home Healthcare Nurses' Job Satisfaction Scale is based on a theoretical model that integrates the findings of empirical research related to job satisfaction.

Methods.  A convenience sample of 340 home healthcare nurses completed the Home Healthcare Nurses' Job Satisfaction Scale and the Mueller and McCloskey Satisfaction Scale, which was used to test criterion validity. Factor analysis was used for testing and refinement of the theory‐based assignment of items to constructs. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's α internal consistency reliability coefficients. The data were collected in 2003.

Results.  Nine factors contributing to home healthcare nurses’ job satisfaction emerged from the factor analysis and were strongly supported by the underlying theory. Factor loadings were all above 0·4. Cronbach's α coefficients for each of the nine subscales ranged from 0·64 to 0·83; the α for the global scale was 0·89. The correlations between the Home Healthcare Nurses' Job Satisfaction Scale and Mueller and McCloskey Satisfaction Scale was 0·79, indicating good criterion‐related validity.

Conclusions.  The Home Healthcare Nurses' Job Satisfaction Scale has potential as a reliable and valid scale for measurement of job satisfaction of home healthcare nurses.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and quality of life in patients with traffic‐related injuries
Authors: Wang Ching‐Hui , Tsay Shiow‐Luan , Elaine Bond A.
Published: August 2005

Aims.  This paper reports a study to investigate and follow‐up relationships between post‐traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients after traffic‐related injuries.

Background.  Worldwide, traffic accidents kill 1·2 million people and injure 50 million people per year. Accidental injuries are fourth in the top five causes of death in Taiwan. For survivors, traffic accidents not only cause physical impairments, but also psychological trauma, such as post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, all of which affect the quality of life.

Methods.  An exploratory, correlational design was used, and participants were recruited consecutively. Data were collected at 1 and 6 weeks post‐injury for 64 patients from two major medical centres in Taiwan. Instruments were the New Injury Severity Scale, Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index, Beck Depression Inventory, State Anxiety Inventory and Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire. The data were collected in 2002.

Results.  Statistically significant improvements occurred in depression, anxiety and the quality of life between week 1 and week 6 (P < 0·05); high levels of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms at week 1 (87·5%) and at week 6 (82·8%) showed no statistically significant improvement. There was a positive correlation between post‐traumatic stress disorder and depression (r = 0·70, P < 0·001) and between post‐traumatic stress disorder and anxiety (r = 0·57, P < 0·001), and a negative correlation between post‐traumatic stress disorder and quality of life (r = −0·47, P < 0·001). Depression was the most important variable to predict post‐traumatic stress disorder at week 6, with depression levels at week 6 being a more powerful predictor than those at week 1. Regression analysis revealed that depression (19%) at week 1, depression at week 6 (45%), anxiety (3·8%) at week 6 and post‐traumatic stress disorder (5·8%) explained a statistically significant amount of the variance at week 6.

Conclusions.  The findings suggest that traffic accidents have an impact on people's psychosocial wellbeing. Healthcare professionals need to implement interventions to decrease post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety to increase the quality of life for patients following traffic injuries.
Delayed surgical fixation of fractured hips in older people: impact on mortality
Authors: Williams Andy , Jester Rebecca
Published: August 2005

Aim.  The aim of this project was to ascertain whether increasing delays from admission to surgical repair of hip fractures showed a direct relationship to mortality within the first postoperative year.

Background.  It has been recommended that surgical repair of hip fractures should be performed within 24 hours of admission in an effort to reduce postoperative mortality. A literature review of articles relevant to this directive revealed that previous research is conflicting in its findings, and fails to provide conclusive evidence on which to base this recommendation.

Methods.  Using a retrospective correlational design, Cox Multivariate Regression was used to analyse data from a sample of 381 patients admitted with hip fractures between September 2000 and March 2002. Exclusions from the total accessible population were made in an effort to control bias because of other factors that could contribute to mortality, resulting in 381 patients (64% of total population) being included in the study. All patients in the sample had an American Society of Anaesthesiologists score of 2 or less, were fit for immediate surgery, had an intracapsular or trochanteric fracture, had not had contralateral hip fracture in the previous 2 years, and had presented exclusively with a hip fracture.

Results.  There was no relationship between delayed surgery and postoperative mortality (P > 0·05) when all other independent variables were controlled. Cognitive dysfunction and reduced prefracture mobility were both good prognostic indicators of increased mortality within the first operative year.

Conclusion.  It is important that patients are adequately prepared and resuscitated before surgery is carried out. The nursing contribution to this is paramount. The findings also identify useful information for preparing patient's relatives in relation to prognosis.
Ticks parasitizing reptiles in the Bahamas
Authors: Durden L. A. , Knapp C. R.
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  Two species of reptile ticks, Amblyomma dissimile Koch and Amblyomma torrei Pérez Vigueras (Acari: Ixodidae), are reported from the Bahama Islands for the first time. The widespread neotropical (including the Caribbean and southern Florida) A. dissimile was recovered on Andros Island from three species of reptiles all for the first time: the Andros iguana Cyclura cychlura cychlura Cuvier, the Andros curly tail lizard Leiocephalus carinatus coryi Schmidt, and the Andros boa Epicrates striatus fowleri Sheplan and Schwartz. The iguana tick A. torrei, previously known only from Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands, was recovered in the Exuma Islands from the Exuma iguana Cyclura cychlura figginsi Barbour. Mean numbers of ticks per host were as high as 36.6 on Mangrove Cay, Andros Island, and 25.8 on Pasture Cay in the Exuma Islands.
User‐friendly models of the costs and efficacy of tsetse control: application to sterilizing and insecticidal techniques
Authors: Vale G. A. , Torr S. J.
Published: August 2005

Abstract. An interactive programme, incorporating a deterministic model of tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae) populations, was developed to predict the cost and effect of different control techniques applied singly or together. Its value was exemplified by using it to compare: (i) the sterile insect technique (SIT), involving weekly releases optimized at three sterile males for each wild male, and (ii) insecticide‐treated cattle (ITC) at 3.5/km2. The isolated pre‐treatment population of adults was 2500 males and 5000 females/km2; if the population was reduced by 90%, its growth potential was 8.4 times per year. However, the population expired naturally when it was reduced to 0.1 wild males/km2, due to difficulties in finding mates, so that control measures then stopped. This took 187 days with ITC and 609 days with SIT. If ITC was used for 87 days to suppress the population by 99%, subsequent control by SIT alone took 406 days; the female population increased by 48% following the withdrawal of ITC and remained above the immediate post‐suppression level for 155 days; the vectorial capacity initially increased seven times and remained above the immediate post‐suppression level for 300 days. Combining SIT and ITC after suppression was a little faster than ITC alone, provided the population had not been suppressed by more than 99.7%. Even when SIT was applied under favourable conditions, the most optimistic cost estimate was 20–40 times greater than for ITC. Modelling non‐isolated unsuppressed populations showed that tsetse invaded ∼8 km into the ITC area compared to ∼18 km for SIT. There was no material improvement by using a 3‐km barrier of ITC to protect the SIT area. In general, tsetse control by increasing deaths is more appropriate than reducing births, and SIT is particularly inappropriate. User‐friendly models can assist the understanding and planning of tsetse control. The model, freely available viahttp://www.tsetse.org, allows further exploration of control strategies with user‐specified assumptions.
Laboratory selection for and characteristics of pyrethroid resistance in the malaria vector Anopheles funestus
Authors: Hunt R. H. , Brooke B. D. , Pillay C. , Koekemoer L. L. , Coetzee M.
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  A laboratory colony of Anopheles funestus Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) was established in 2000 from material collected from southern Mozambique where pyrethroid resistance had been demonstrated in the wild population. A subsample of the colony was selected for pyrethroid resistance using 0.1% lambda‐cyhalothrin. Bioassay susceptibility tests in subsequent generations F2 to F4 showed increased resistance with each successive generation. Survival of individual mosquitoes fed only on 10% sugar solution, increased with age up to 4 days, but by day 10 had decreased significantly. However, females that had been mated and given bloodmeals showed no such increase in mortality with age. Biochemical analysis of resistant and susceptible individuals showed increased monooxygenase and glutathione S‐transferase activity but no significant correlation with age of the mosquitoes.
Genetic analysis of two Arabidopsis DNA polymerase epsilon subunits during early embryogenesis
Authors: Ronceret Arnaud , Guilleminot Jocelyne , Lincker Frédéric , Gadea‐Vacas Jose , Delorme Valérie , Bechtold Nicole , Pelletier Georges , Delseny Michel , Chabouté Marie‐Edith , Devic Martine
Published: August 2005

Accurate DNA replication is one of the most important events in the life of a cell. To perform this task, the cell utilizes several DNA polymerase complexes. We investigated the role of DNA polymerase ɛ during gametophyte and seed development using forward and reverse genetic approaches. In Arabidopsis, the catalytic subunit of this complex is encoded by two genes, AtPOL2a and AtPOL2b, whereas the second largest regulatory subunit AtDPB2 is present as a unique complete copy. Disruption of AtPOL2a or AtDPB2 resulted in a sporophytic embryo‐defective phenotype, whilst mutations in AtPOL2b produced no visible effects. Loss of AtDPB2 function resulted in a severe reduction in nuclear divisions, both in the embryo and in the endosperm. Mutations in AtPOL2a allowed several rounds of mitosis to proceed, often with aberrant planes of division. Moreover, AtDPB2 was not expressed during development of the female gametophyte, which requires three post‐meiotic nuclear divisions. Since a consensus binding site for E2F transcription factors was identified in the promoter region of both genes, the promoter–reporter fusion technique was used to show that luciferase activity was increased at specific phases of the cell cycle in synchronized tobacco BY‐2 cells. Our results support the idea that fertilization may utilize the mechanisms of cell cycle transcriptional regulation of genes to reactivate the divisions of the oosphere and central cell.
Variations in the Proportion of Glycolytic/Non‐glycolytic Energy Substrates Modulate Sperm Membrane Integrity and Function in Diluted Boar Samples Stored at 15–17°C
Authors: Medrano A , Peña A , Rigau T , Rodrìguez‐Gil JE
Published: August 2005

Contents

In this work the role of energy substrates in the maintenance of boar‐sperm survival during storage at 15–17°C was tested. For this purpose, boar spermatozoa were stored at 15–17°C in several defined media with separate combinations of a monosaccharide, glucose and a non‐monosaccharide, either citrate or lactate, energy substrates. Our results indicate that the medium containing the highest concentration of glucose together with low lactate levels was the most suitable to maintain sperm quality for 168 h at 15–17°C. This was confirmed after observation of the results of the percentages of viability and altered acrosomes, the osmotic resistance test, the hyperosmotic resistance test and the rhythm of l‐lactate production. The survival ability of boar sperm was greater in this experimental medium than in the standard Beltsville Thawing Solution extender, which contains only glucose as an energy substrate, although at a concentration far higher than that of all the tested experimental media. Our results indicate that the exact composition, more than the pure quantity of energy substrates, is a very important modulatory factor which affects survival ability of boar sperm in refrigeration. Thus, the exact combination of several energy substrates would have to be taken into account when optimizing the design of commercial extenders to store boar spermatozoa at 15–17°C.