bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deconvolution analysis of bioassayable LH secretion and half‐life in men with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia
Authors: REYES‐FUENTES A. , CHAVARRÍA M. E. , AGUILERA G. , ROSADO A. , IRANMANESH A. , VELDHUIS J. D.
Published: November 2003

To further investigate the nature of neuroendocrine disturbances of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal axis in idiopathic male infertility, we studied 12 infertile men with oligoasthenozoospermia and 13 euspermic controls, matched for age and body mass index, by blood withdrawal at 10‐min intervals for 8 h to analyse pulsatile release of bioactive LH (b‐LH). The rat interstitial cell testosterone (RICT) bioassay was used in conjunction with a recently validated multiparameter deconvolution algorithm, to estimate the endogenous half‐life of b‐LH, its secretory burst frequency, amplitude, duration and mass. Oligoasthenospermic men exhibited significant (p < 0.05) alterations within the LH axis; namely: (1) a prolonged half‐life of b‐LH (92 min in euspermic men, 127 min in oligoasthenospermic men); (2) a reduced b‐LH secretory burst amplitude (2.2 ± 1.2 IU/l/min in euspermic men, 1.7 ± 0.8 IU/l/min in oligoasthenospermic men); (3) a lower bioactive/immunoactive (b/i) ratio for LH secretory burst amplitude (14 in euspermic men, 4 in oligoasthenospermic men); (4) a reduced b/i ratio in the mass of LH secreted per burst (5.4 in euspermic men, 4.1 in oligoasthenospermic men) and (5) decreased coordinate release of b‐LH and testosterone in infertile men, as assessed by cross‐correlation analysis. These disturbances differ from the neuroendocrine dysregulation described in other states of male hypogonadotrophism.
Sexual function and clinical features of patients with Klinefelter's syndrome with the chief complaint of male infertility
Authors: YOSHIDA A. , MIURA K. , NAGAO K. , HARA H. , ISHII N. , SHIRAI M.
Published: November 2003

In this report, we present the overall sexual function and clinical features of patients with Klinefelter's syndrome with the chief complaint of male infertility. The study consisted of 40 patients with a control group of 55 infertile non‐azoospermic males with a normal 46,XY karyotype who visited the Reproduction Center of Toho University Hospital during the 5.5‐year period between January 1991 and June 1996 with the chief complaint of male infertility. Among the 40 patients with Klinefelter's syndrome, 38 cases were pure 47,XXY, one case was 47,XXY with a pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 and one case was a mosaic of 46,XY/47,XXY(2:28). Thirty‐nine of these 40 patients were azoospermic and one (47,XXY) had severe oligoasthenozoospermia. The sexual function of the patients was evaluated according to their responses to a preliminary questionnaire devised by our department. There was no significant difference in the frequency of sexual function disturbances between the patients with Klinefelter's syndrome and the control group (67.5% vs. 60.0%; χ2 analysis; p = 0.454). The mean frequency of sexual intercourse per month in the patients with Klinefelter's syndrome was significantly higher than in the control group (4.4 ± 2.8 vs. 3.3 ± 1.6: Welch's t‐test, p < 0.05). A possible explanation for this variation may lie in the fact that many of these patients were diagnosed with azoospermia prior to the administration of the questionnaire and may have wished to continue to have relations as a couple.
Localization of integrin β1, α1, α5 and α9 subunits in the rat testis
Authors: GIEBEL J. , LÖSTER K. , RUNE G. M.
Published: November 2003

Very late activation ( VLA, β1; α1; α5, α9) integrins were studied by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in the testes of sexually mature rats. All integrin subunits were present in membrane fractions of homogenized testes. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the anti β1 antibody recognized peritubular cells and the basement membrane of blood vessels. Immunoreactivity was also demonstrated in the lamina propria, basement membrane, and the basal cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. In elongating spermatids, β1 integrin was localized to the acrosome. The α1 subunit was expressed in peritubular cells and in the lamina propria. In the adluminal compartment, round spermatids were stained diffusely for the α1 subunit. Immunoreactivity for α1 integrin was found additionally in the acrosomes of elongating spermatids shortly before their release into the seminiferous tubule lumen. The α5 subunit was expressed in the acrosomes of elongating spermatids as well as in their distal cytoplasm during stages III–VI; the cytoplasmic lobes of elongate spermatids and/or residual bodies also appeared to be immunostained in seminiferous tubules at stages VII–VIII. The α9 subunit was immunolocalized only in the basement membrane and in peritubular cells. These data suggest that integrins are involved in spermatogenesis, in particular in the process of spermatid maturation.
A germ cell‐specific nuclear antigen recognized by a monoclonal antibody raised against mouse testicular germ cells
Authors: TANAKA H. , PEREIRA L. A. V. D. , NOZAKI M. , TSUCHIDA J. , SAWADA K. , MORI H. , NISHIMUNE Y.
Published: November 2003

A monoclonal antibody (mAb TRA104) raised against mouse testicular germ cells was able to recognize the nuclei of testicular germ cells at all the stages of differentiation from embryonic gonocytes to spermatids and did not react with any somatic cells. The antigen recognized by mAb TRA 104 was exclusively present in testicular extracts. The molecular weights and isoelectric point (pI) of the antigens determined by Western blotting analysis were 60–110 kDa and 7.2, respectively. This antigen(s) is referred to as a germ cell‐specific nuclear antigen(s) (GENA) since GENA was first detected specifically in the genital ridge at around 12 days of gestation by Western blotting analysis. In the testis, the expression increased gradually until adulthood whereas it was lost in the ovary by postpartum day 5. Thus, GENA is a molecule(s) exclusively present in the nuclei of germ cells and may be a useful marker with which to study the mechanism of germ cell development and differentiation at the molecular level.
The epidemiology of erectile dysfunction and its risk factors
Authors: BORTOLOTTI A. , PARAZZINI F. , COLLI E. , LANDONI M.
Published: November 2003

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men throughout the world. The literature is ample, but an accurate estimate of its prevalence is still difficult since figures mainly refer to the USA, and are based mostly on small selected samples of people. Caution must anyway be used in comparing data from studies conducted in the past because of possible differences in the definition and classification of ED. Many factors are believed to contribute to the development and maintenance of ED. The influence of age and of several medical conditions (diabetes, vascular disease, and chronic diseases such as hepatic failure, renal failure and dialysis) is well defined. Also well documented is the role of some drug groups, whereas the role of other pharmacological agents is still controversial because of the frequent coexistence of other pathological conditions or concomitant exposure to other drugs. Less well defined and sometimes controversial is the role of risk factors mainly related to life‐style such as cigarette smoking, alcoholism, total cholesterol levels and certain types of trauma. This paper reviews the main data on the epidemiology of ED and some related risk factors.
In vivo analysis of germ cell apoptosis reveals the existence of stage‐specific `social' control of germ cell death in the seminiferous epithelium
Authors: BLANCO‐RODRÍGUEZ J. , MARTÍNEZ‐GARCÍA C.
Published: November 2003

It has become clear in recent years that programmed cell death is regulated during development by signals from other cells. Nevertheless, compared to the `social' control of cell proliferation, relatively little is known about the `social' control of cell death in other systems. Since in a previous study we showed that induced germ cell apoptosis occurs at specific stages of the spermatogenic cycle, in this study we aimed to ascertain the existence of supracellular control of germ cell death during spermatogenesis. Therefore, the TUNEL technique has been used to analyse whether all of the different germ cell types are induced to die at these specific stages in animals injected intratesticularly with one of several inducers of apoptosis. Our findings suggest that all of the investigated agents trigger apoptosis in all the diverse progenies of germ cells existing at stages I, XII or XIV of the spermatogenic cycle. In contrast, at most other stages the number of apoptotic cells was similar to that found in control animals. These data are consistent with the existence of an intercellular control of germ cell death during spermatogenesis. We conclude that the seminiferous epithelium provides a suitable in vivo model to study the mechanisms underlying the `social' control of apoptosis.
The effect of sodium lauryl sulphate and triclosan on hamster cheek pouch mucosa
Authors: Baert Johan H. , Veys Rikke J. , Ampe Kristien , De Boever Jan A.
Published: November 2003

It has recently been shown that triclosan protects the human skin from the inflammation that may be caused by exposure to sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). The aim of the present study was to examine whether triclosan can protect the hamster cheek pouch mucosa from the irritation caused by exposure to SLS. After four daily applications of a paste containing SLS, the epithelium of the hamster cheek pouch showed consistently prominent structural changes, especially basal hyperplasia, acanthosis, hypergranulosis, and hyperkeratosis. Identical morphological changes were also observed after applications of a paste containing SLS together with triclosan. In contrast, after applications of a paste containing triclosan alone, the cheek pouch mucosa revealed a histological structure essentially similar to the non‐treated control mucosa. From these results, we may conclude that SLS, but not triclosan, irritates the hamster cheek pouch epithelium. Moreover, triclosan does not protect the cheek pouch mucosa against structural changes induced by SLS. It must be taken into account that triclosan does not always offer protection against the side‐effects of SLS.
Ultrastructural study of the effect of cyclophosphamide on the growth area of incisor teeth of DBA/2 and C57BL/6 mice
Authors: ANTON ELSA
Published: November 2003

The effect of a single dose of 300 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide (CY) on the ultrastructure of the basal area of lower incisor teeth was investigated in two strains of mice (DBA/2 and C57BL/6) which are very differently affected by the delayed toxicity of CY. As in the rat, CY produced necrosis in the primitive mesenchymal cells and preodontoblasts of the pulp. Moreover, important changes were noticed in the associated layers of the enamel organ (presumptive stratum intermedium cells and stellate reticulum); thus, most of the cells displayed degenerative changes including extensive vacuolization, cytoplasm sequestration and variable nuclear alterations ranging from relative integrity to complete disorganization. In contrast, non‐dividing columnar odontoblasts and ameloblasts were not affected by the drug. The alterations appeared as early as 21 hours after CY and progressed in the following 2 and 3 days. Normality of the formative tooth end was regained 7 days after CY. These results indicate that in addition to the effect on the pulp, CY produces severe cytopathological changes in the cells of the stratum intermedium and stellate reticulum of the enamel organ.

The different sensitivity of DBA/2 and C57BL/6 mice to the delayed toxicity of CY does not seem to be related to its effect on odontogenesis since both strains showed the same response to CY in this respect.
7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene‐induced ‘early’ squamous cell carcinoma in the Golden Syrian hamster: evaluation of an animal model and comparison with ‘early’ forms of human squamous cell carcinoma in the upper aero‐digestive tract
Authors: ANDREJEVIC S. , SAVARY J‐F. , FONTOLLIET C. , MONNIER Ph. , VAN DEN BERGH H.
Published: November 2003

To test and optimize photodynamic therapy of early cancers in the upper aero‐digestive tract and oesophagus, we sought an appropriate animal model, which was found in the 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene‐induced early squamous cell carinoma in the Golden Syrian hamster. This chemically induced neoplasm is shown, by histology and immunohistochemistry, to pass through similar stages of early cancer development as its human counterpart. Its time sequence is highly reproducible, leading to a well differentiated carcinoma in situ and microinvasive carcinoma in the hamster cheek pouch over a period of 10 weeks.
In vivo growth and differentiation potential of tracheal basal cells of rabbits in vitamin A deficiency
Authors: INAYAMA YOSHIAKI , KITAMURA HITOSHI , SHIBAGAKI TOKUHIKO , USUDA YASUHIRO , ITO TAKAAKI , NAKATANI YUKIO , KANISAWA MASAYOSHI
Published: November 2003

The growth and differentiation potential of rabbit tracheal basal cells were investigated in vitamin A deficient mice. Denuded rat tracheal grafts were xenotransplanted into nude mice made vitamin A deficient by feeding them retinol‐free pellets from mid‐gestation. Rabbit tracheal epithelial cells harvested enzymatically or cells derived from a basal‐cell‐rich fraction obtained by elutriation (purity 93.3%) had previously been inoculated into the grafts (n = 8, each). The grafts were implanted into the vitamin A deficient or control mice aged about 10 weeks. Four weeks later, the grafts were retrieved for histological examination.

The graft epithelium established by either basal cells or un‐fractionated cells in vitamin A deficient hosts (groups 1 and 2, respectively) was atrophic, whereas grafts repopulated with both cell types in the controls had pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Group 1 and 2 grafts both showed squamous metaplasia; 10 metaplastic foci in 32 tracheal rings in group 1 (P < 0.02 or 0.002, compared with values for group 2 or controls, respectively), and 2 foci in 35 rings in group 2 (no statistical difference compared with controls).

In conclusion, during vitamin A deficiency, rabbit tracheal epithelial cells, including the progeny of highly‐purified basal cells, lost their potential for establishing a mucociliary epithelium and rather appeared to undergo squamous metaplasia.
Localization of HIV‐1 in human thymic implant in SCID‐hu mice after intravenous inoculation
Authors: OGURA ATSUO , NOGUCHI YOKO , YAMAMOTO YOSHIE , SHIBATA SHINWA , ASANO TOSHIHIKO , OKAMOTO YUKARI , HONDA MITSUO
Published: November 2003

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) was immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally localized in human thymus implants in SCID‐hu mice 3 weeks after intravenous (i.v.) inoculation of the virus. A viral antigen (gp120) was predominantly distributed in and around the epithelial cells in Hassall’s corpuscles as demonstrated by fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Occasional solitary round cells positive for the viral antigen but negative for cytokeratin were detected in the perivascular areas. Ultrastructural examinations clearly revealed a number of mature viral particles in the intercellular spaces of the Hassall's corpuscles. Thus the present study indicates the possibility that thymic epithelial cells in Hassall's corpuscles act as a target and/or reservoir in an early stage of HIV infection.
Induction of EGF receptor and erbB‐2 during endotoxin‐induced alveolar type II cell proliferation in the rat lung
Authors: TESFAIGZI JOHANNES , JOHNSON NEIL F. , LECHNER JOHN F.
Published: November 2003

The overall purpose of this study was to produce a model of transient type II cell hyperplasia to enable comparisons of changes in gene expression in the remodelling epithelium with those in carcinogen‐induced hyperplastic lesions. Rats instilled with endotoxin had increased numbers of neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by 3 hours that reached maximum levels at 48 hours and returned to background levels 168 hours after instillation. The number of macrophages in the BALF increased throughout the 168 hours following instillation. Epithelial cell hyperplasia was maximum at 96 hours post‐instillation in areas of extensive inflammation. The number of alveolar epithelial cells that exhibited bromodeoxyuridine nuclear incorporation reached maximum levels 48 hours after endotoxin treatment and decreased to near background levels at 96 hours. Ultrastructural studies of hyperplastic cells showed the presence of lamellar bodies and condensed chromosomes, characteristics of type II cells in mitosis. At 168 hours after instillation, the hyperplasia regressed to form normal‐appearing alveolar structure with few focal lesions. Specific immunostaining for the proto‐oncogenes, EGF receptor and erbB‐2, on tissue sections increased during the endotoxin‐induced hyperplasia. Furthermore, the induction of the 170 kDa and 180 kDa glycoproteins in type II cells isolated from endotoxin‐instilled rats was shown by Western analysis. These proto‐oncogenes, often thought to be markers of early events during neoplasia, may, therefore, also be associated with wound repair mechanisms after hyperplasia.
The effect of acute bilateral adrenalectomy on serotonin‐induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion and acute gastric mucosal injury in rats
Authors: GIDENER SEDEF , KALKAN ŞULE , KUPELIOGLU ALI , GÜRE ATAMAN
Published: November 2003

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) produces many changes in gastric functional parameters, including the inhibition of gastric acid secretion and changes in mucosal blood flow. Exogenous 5‐HT has also been shown to induce gastric erosion. The influence of adrenalectomy on experimental lesions in the rat gastric mucosa remains controversial. The aim of this study was to see the effects of adrenalectomy on pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid secretion in anaesthetized male Wistar rats. Gastric acid was collected via cannulae placed in the stomach. 5‐HT (3.5 μmol/kg, i.v.) inhibited pentagastrin stimulated acid output by 54% and produced haemorrhagic gastric lesions with a mean ulcer index of 2±0.3. Adrenalectomy prevented both 5‐HT induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion and mucosal injury. The results suggest that the effects of 5‐HT require an intact adrenal gland.
Histomorphometric evaluation of experimentally induced colitis with trinitrobenzene‐sulphonic acid in rats
Authors: RABAU MICHA , EYAL AMI , DAYAN DAN
Published: November 2003

Colitis was induced with trinitrobenzene‐sulphonic acid (TNB) in rats and a histomorphometric study was performed as a possible scoring system for disease activity. The affected colon was examined 10, 20, 40 and 60 days after TNB administration. Quantitative microscopic analysis was performed on the following histologic parameters: necrosis, mucosal epithelium, muscularis fibres, inflammation, granulation tissue and fibrosis. Clinically, the rats were sick, especially on days 10 and 20 after TNB injection. Concomitantly, a peak necrosis score involving the full thickness of the colonic wall was recorded on day 10. The inflammatory reaction was most intense 20 days after TNB injection. After 60 days, marked epithelial regeneration was seen and most of the inflammatory reaction had subsided. A good correlation was found between clinical features and quantitative histomorphometric characteristics of colitis. The criteria described allow a precise description and quantification of the inflammatory and healing process of TNB‐induced colitis in rats.
Intrinsic control of vascularization in developing cartilage rudiments
Authors: FENWICK S.A. , GREGG P.J. , KUMAR S. , SMITH J. , ROONEY P.
Published: November 2003

The vascularization of developing cartilage rudiments is temporally and spatially defined. By using an in vivo angiogenesis model, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the chick embryo and chick embryo cartilage rudiments, we conclude that the factors controlling the vascular invasion of cartilage rudiments are intrinsic. Intact rudiments, separate hypertrophic zones and separate rounded cell zones, when grafted onto the CAM, become vascularized in the same temporal and spatial manner as occurs in ovo. When grown as organ cultures prior to CAM grafting, rudiments still become vascularized in the same temporal and spatial manner. The integrity of the extracellular matrix and the presence of the periosteum are two physical factors regulating the control of vascularization. Removal of the periosteum from hypertrophic regions caused a cessation of the invasion. Insults to the matrix via brief enzymatic degradation of extracellular matrix components resulted in invasion and erosion of rounded cell zones at an earlier time than is ordinarily seen both in ovo and on the CAM.
Haemopoietic stem cells: their heterogeneity and regulation
Authors: GRAHAM GERARD J. , WRIGHT ERIC G.
Published: November 2003

The maintenance of the various blood cell populations in mammals is achieved by the proliferation and differentiation of precursor cells located primarily in the bone marrow. These precursor cells are all derived from a common haemopoietic stem cell population that is established during embryogenesis and functions for the lifetime of the organism. An overview is given of the various assay systems for haemopoietic stem cells, how these assays have contributed to understanding the considerable heterogeneity within the stem cell compartment, the regulation of stem cells and the development of the haemopoietic system.
Coexpression of CD69 and HLADR activation markers on synovial fluid T lymphocytes of patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis: a three‐colour cytometric analysis.
Authors: AFELTRA ANTONELLA , GALEAZZI MAURO , DOMENICO SEBASTIANI GIAN , MARIA FERRI GIOVANNI , CACCAVO DOMENICO , ASSUNTA ADDESSI MARIA , MARCOLONGO ROBERTO , BONOMO LORENZO
Published: November 2003

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the coexpression of very early (CD69), early (CD25) and late (HLADR) antigens and to analyse the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of such activation markers on synovial fluid (SF) and peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes of patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other types of chronic synovitis (OCS). A three colour cytometric analysis was performed using a peridinin chlorophyll protein conjugated anti‐CD3 antibody in combination with fluorescein isothiocyanate or phycoerythrin labelled anti‐CD69, anti‐HLADR, anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). A T cell gating method was utilized, so that three sets of bivariant dot plot quadrant displays were obtained (CD69/HLADR, CD69/CD25, CD25/HLADR). A large percentage of SF T lymphocytes in RA showed the coexpression of very early and late activation antigens (CD3 + CD69 + HLADR +), whereas CD3 + CD69 + CD25 + bearing cells and CD3 + CD25 + HLADR + lymphocytes were only a small percentage. Similar results were obtained in patients with OCS, although to a lesser extent. No statistically significant differences in MFI of CD69 and HLADR positive SF T cells between RA and OCS were observed. The CD69 + CD25‐HLADR + T cell subset is the most commonly represented in the synovial environment, among those we have evaluated; this phenotype may be characteristic of chronic inflammatory arthritis.
Snake coiled fibres in rat soleus muscle in chloroquine induced myopathy share immunohistochemical characteristics with amyloid depositions in Alzheimer's disease brain tissue
Authors: TSUZUKI KAYO , FUKATSU RYO , TAKAMARU YUJI , YOSHIDA TAKU , HAYASHI YORIHIDE , KOBAYASHI KUNIHIKO , FUJII NOBUHIRO , TAKAHATA NAOHIKO
Published: November 2003

Pathological and immunopathological studies were carried out on snake coiled fibres (SCF) which occurred in affected soleus muscle in chloroquine treated rats. The SCF began to appear in denervated soleus muscle by 8 days after chloroquine injection. By day 14, typical SCF were observed with an unusual swirling pattern of the myofibrils, presenting a bizarre appearance. By day 21 or later, the SCF became less remarkable, and were fragmented and broken apart to form large vacuoles. Immunopathological studies demonstrated that the amyloid β (Aβ ) and N and C‐terminal regions of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and the amyloid associated proteins tested, apolipoprotein E (apoE), SP‐40,40, α1‐antichymotrypsin (α1‐ACT), and ubiquitin, which are known to be components of amyloid depositions found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) affected brains, were present in the SCF. ApoE, SP‐40,40, α1‐ACT, and ubiquitin are induced following certain cell challenges (e.g. heat shock, various drugs and injury). The significance of APP, Aβ, and amyloid associated proteins are discussed in respect to snake coiled fibre formations in chloroquine rat myopathy and in the amyloidogenesis of AD.
An age‐related change in susceptibility of rat brain to encephalomyocarditis virus infection
Authors: IKEGAMI HISASHI , TAKEDA MAKIO , DOI KUNIO
Published: November 2003

Rats were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) or intracerebrally (i.c.) with 1 × 104 plaque forming units (PFU)/animal of the D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC‐D) at 2, 4, 7, 14, 28 or 56 days of age for virological and histopathological examination. In the i.p.‐inoculation study, neither viral replication nor lesions were detected in the animals inoculated at 28 and 56 days of age. In the animals inoculated when younger than 14 days of age, lesions were restricted to the brain although viral replication was detected in the brain, heart and pancreas. The brain lesions were characterized by acute meningoencephalitis with neuronal necrosis in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus, and viral RNA was detected in degenerated and/or intact neurons. In the i.c.‐inoculation study, similar age‐related changes in susceptibility of rat brain to EMC‐D infection were observed, but a minor difference was that viral replication and lesions were still detected in the hippocampus of some animals inoculated at 28 days of age. These results suggest that an age‐related decrease in the susceptibility of rat brain to EMC virus infection may reflect an age‐related change in the susceptibility of neurons themselves as well as in maturation of the immune system.
Bile secretion by the rat liver during synchronized regeneration
Authors: SAINZ GUILLERMO R. , MONTE MARIA J. , BARBERO EMILIO R. , HERRERA MARIA C. , MARIN JOSE J.G.
Published: November 2003

Simultaneous coexistence of differentiated, proliferating and re‐differentiated hepatocytes occurs during normal liver regeneration (LR). The aim of the present work was to study the time course of the capacity of the liver to form bile during synchronized LR. Following two‐thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats, i.v. administration of the ribonucleotide reductase reversible inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU) was used to transiently block liver cells at G1/S boundary. Experiments were performed at 0 and 4 hours, and 1, 3 or 7 days after releasing HU‐induced inhibition. Bile acid pool size was determined by collecting bile samples over 24 hours. Initial (first hour) bile flow and bile acid output were increased early on during synchronized LR as compared with the values found in non‐hepatectomized control animals. These values were thereafter (1 day) reduced, but increased again at 3 days after halting HU infusion. The time course of bile acid depletion and changes in bile flow were very similar in control and synchronized LR, except that in the latter a more important early reduction in bile flow and bile acid output was found. Shortly after PH, part of the bile acid pool was lost, but this was quickly restored, soon (1 day) reaching a net bile acid pool size very similar to that found in control rats. The highest pool size relative to liver weight was found on day 1, when bile acid output and bile flow reached their lowest values. Additional experiments were performed using in situ perfused regenerating rat livers in which stepwise infusion of taurocholate (TC) was carried out. PH alone modified neither the bile acid‐independent (BAIF) nor the bile acid‐dependent fraction of bile flow (BADF). However, in normal LR, the BAIF decreased on day 1 and recovered at 7 days, while in synchronized LR it remained depressed up to 7 days. The BADF was only reduced during the early phase of normal LR and did not change significantly in synchronized LR. The maximal secretion rate (SRmax) for TC, as expressed per gram of remaining liver tissue, was not affected immediately after PH, but a marked reduction was observed on day 1 in both normal and synchronized LR. Afterwards, SRmax was quickly restored in both synchronized LR and, although in a slower way, normal LR. These results suggest that synchronization of LR involves changes in the time required to the recovery of specific liver functions such as bile formation.
Synthesis of glycoconjugates by human diseased veins: modulation by procyanidolic oligomers
Authors: DRUBAIX I. , ROBERT L. , MARAVAL M. , ROBERT A.M.
Published: November 2003

Venous diseases become steadily more common and severe with age, and are often accompanied by venous lymphatic oedema. We have investigated the role of glycoconjugates in this disorder and the action of procyanidols used to treat these diseases. Explants of vein wall from patients with or without venous lymphatic oedema were cultured for 24 hours and the incorporation of radioactive glucosamine into total glycoconjugates and into hyaluronan was measured. The explants from patients with oedema incorporated more glucosamine than those without oedema (+42% expressed as c.p.m./mg dry weight into total glycosaminoglycans and +12% expressed as c.p.m./mg dry weight into hyaluronan). The explants from oedematous patients secreted less glycoconjugates into the culture medium than those from non‐oedematous veins (−63% of total incorporated radioactivity into hyaluronan and −66% into hyaluronidase‐resistent glycoconjugates). Explants placed in medium containing procyanidols (1 mg/ml, 2.8 mm) incorporated less glucosamine (−19%) and secreted more into the medium (+119%). Glycoprotein and sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis were mainly affected which may well explain the beneficial effect of procyanidols on vein disorders.
Pain management knowledge of hospital‐based nurses in a rural Appalachian area
Authors: Kubecka Karen E , Simon Jolene M , Boettcher Janet Hardy
Published: November 2003

The American Pain Society cites the failure of health care providers to routinely assess pain and pain relief as the most common reason for unrelieved pain in US hospitals Lack of knowledge on the part of nurses about pain and its treatment is one of the major barriers to achieving comfort for those in pain Thus, the purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the pain management knowledge of hospital‐based nurses in a rural Appalachian area The nonpurposive sample consisted of 123 registered nurses The questionnaire consisted of three sections demographic items and two instruments designed to measure knowledge of opioid classification and pain management The overall pain management knowledge score was 67 4% The findings indicate a knowledge deficit specifically related to the behavioural indicators of pain, classification of opioid analgesics, properties of opioid analgesics and adjuvant medications, and incidence of addiction This sample of rural nurses demonstrates similar pain management knowledge compared to the reported scores of urban nurses These results may serve as the impetus to develop strategies to decrease the barriers to effective pain management Further education about pain management is warranted
Working with vulnerable families: a health visiting perspective
Authors: Appleton Jane V
Published: November 2003

The aim of this paper is to describe part of the findings of a research study which explored the health visitor's role in identifying and working with vulnerable families in relation to child protection One objective of the study was to describe and analyse the work which health visitors undertake with vulnerable families aimed at preventing crisis, ill‐health and child abuse This paper outlines this aspect of the research and looks specifically at health visitors'perceptions of their work and interventions with vulnerable families and children Health visitors working m an inner city area and a suburban area were sampled and pilot work was undertaken in a third suburban area Stage one involved a postal survey of 102 health visitors, in which a response rate of 58 (57%) was obtained Stage two involved 12 in‐depth interviews with health visitors One major finding of this study highlighted the fact that the health visitor's role when working with vulnerable families appears to be one of diversity and conflict In the light of the current National Health Service reforms it seems of paramount importance that health visitors illustrate to others, both managers and other health/social service professionals alike, the important function of their work with these vulnerable groups This is essential to ensure that health visitors'work with vulnerable families in relation to child protection is understood and valued and that the needs of vulnerable families continue to be identified This paper contributes to the knowledge base of health visiting and raises some important issues for professional health visiting practice
Language and pain expression
Authors: Waddie Nicola A
Published: November 2003

This paper arose during work for a BSc(Hons) dissertation, and considers the theoretical approach of Wittgenstein to pain analysis This paper seeks to discuss one aspect of the research undertaken representing some of the findings which illustrate the association between pain and language
Decision making in community nursing: an analysis of the stages of decision making as they relate to community nursing assessment practice
Authors: Bryans Alison , McIntosh Jean
Published: November 2003

This paper considers the nature of decisions made in the context of community nursing practice, in the light of the stages of decision making distilled by Carroll & Johnson from the work of various theorists, and explores the relevance of each stage to community nurses ‘decision making Illustrative examples of specific theoretical perspectives are included throughout the paper The discussion forms part of the literature review for research currently being undertaken by the authors into patient assessment by community nurses As decision making is a key element of community nurses’ assessment practice, the paper argues that decision making theory forms a useful conceptual framework for investigating this aspect of community nursing
The concept of the specialist community nurse
Authors: Kelly Anne
Published: November 2003

This paper seeks to stimulate discussion on the concept of the specialist community nurse and to investigate the effectiveness or limitations of the role The main arguments presented are that, although the role of the specialist community nurse will be exposed to constraints from both the medical and managerial culture and tensions within the profession regarding perceptions of professionalization may militate against progress towards specialist status, the concept is a worthy goal and can be underpinned by phenomenological concepts of professionalism
The nurse's role as patient advocate: obligation or imposition?
Authors: Willard Carole
Published: November 2003

In order to secure professional standing, nursing has sought to discover and prove the value and uniqueness of the nursing contribution to patient well‐being A prominent feature of this quest has been the assertion by nurses and nurse writers that the nurse has a specific and special function as patient advocate There is a substantial amount of literature to support this view, which is further reinforced by the United Kingdom Central Council (UKCC) for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting which states that advocacy forms an integral part of the nurse's duty to patients This paper provides a critical analysis of some of the features central to advocacy in order to promote clarification of the concept These include the patient's rights and interests in health care, the moral status of patient autonomy, the obligations owed to patients by nurses and the work of independent advocacy schemes It is suggested that the literature tends to confuse advocacy with beneficence which dilutes the significance of advocacy in health care, and that nurses have no special function as patient advocate Furthermore, due to the rigorous demands of the advocate role, the UKCC neither can nor should impose such an obligation on its members, who would be better served by improved support when they endeavour to discharge the full range of beneficent obligations owed to patients within their care
Establishing good practices in continuing care: a descriptive study of community nursing services for people with HIV infection
Authors: Brocklehurst Neil , Butterworth Tony
Published: November 2003

This paper presents findings from a 2‐year study of community nursing services for people affected by HIV infection in six health authorities in England The research, commissioned by the Department of Health, England, aimed to identify the main bridges and barriers to effective home nursing care, focusing on discharge co‐ordination, district nursing and multi‐agency collaboration Using a triangulated, case study approach, the main methods of data collection included non‐participant observation, case note analysis, semi‐structured staff interviews, a postal questionnaire of district nurses and a series of focus groups with service users Study sites included three cities and surrounding districts in the north west, north and south east of England Findings suggest there is considerable room for improvement in discharge planning and that good practice is not the preserve of specialist units District nurses are shown to be willing providers of the majority of home nursing care to this client group, but there is a need for more focused training, greater use of care co‐ordinators and more emotional and managerial support
The politics of collaboration as viewed through the lens of a collaborative nursing research project
Authors: Beattie Jill , Cheek Juhanne , Gibson Tern
Published: November 2003

Collaborative research has much to offer nursing However, the collaborative research process is fraught with issues arising from the ‘politics of collaboration’ Such politics operate at the individual and institutional levels and can have debilitating effects on the research enterprise if they are not dealt with This paper explores what is meant by collaboration and the politics of collaboration Drawing on a critical perspective, it uses Brookfield's themes of impostorship, cultural suicide and road running as the theoretical framework for the analysis The paper uses an actual collaborative research project to ground the discussion provided
The effectiveness of primary nursing on burnout among psychiatric nurses in long‐stay settings
Authors: Melchior Matthijs E W , Phihpsen Hans , Abu‐Saad Huda Huyer , Halfens Ruud J G , van de Berg Andre A , Gassman Patrick
Published: November 2003

This study was set up to test the effectiveness of primary nursing on the burnout level of psychiatric nurses It was expected that, under certain conditions, such as a primary nursing care delivery with an adequate feedback system, the burnout level would decrease In a quasi‐experimental research design, a cohort of 161 psychiatric nurses was followed for 2 5 years Results showed that although the burnout level did not change as a result of primary nursing, psychiatric nurses and the practical nurses seemed able to work according to the principles of primary nursing Strong indications were found that the job turnover decreased as a result of the introduction of primary nursing Because two main problems were encountered in this study, a high drop‐out due to job turnover among nurses and the imitation of the intervention by the control group, several additional analyses were performed
The biomedical construction of ageing: implications for nursing care of older people
Authors: Koch Tina , Webb Christine
Published: November 2003

This paper reports on an existential phenomenological study carried out in a care of elderly people setting in a 1000‐bed hospital in the United Kingdom Fourteen participants were interviewed, each on several occasions Two themes derived from these narratives are discussed, revealing negative experiences which are related to feelings of powerlessness These two themes, routine geriatric style and segregation, are shown to arise from the history and culture of the wards and are shown to result in care deprivation and depersonalization Patients' individual needs are ignored as they become the objects of inflexible routines within health care practice In order to understand the situation, the history of care of older people and the biomedical construction of ageing are examined It is concluded that what is needed is a wider social and political movement which opposes ageism and challenges ageist stereotypes In addition, in health care there is a need for a review of the routine geriatric style of care and of segregation based on age and a social gerontology programme for nurse education
Kitwood's approach to dementia and dementia care: a critical but appreciative review
Authors: Adams Trevor
Published: November 2003

This paper critically examines the recent work of Tom Kitwood and his colleagues at the Bradford Dementia Group After initial details relating to Kitwood's early work and the development of the research group, the paper sets out Kitwood's ideas regarding the nature of dementia and dementia care Four areas of contribution made by Kitwood are outlined Problems relating to Kitwood's research methods are then put forward In conclusion, it is suggested that while Kitwood's work will undoubtedly help enhance the care given to elderly demented people, more work needs to be done to ensure the validity of his methods
Health care and nursing in Romania
Authors: Lakey Cynthia K , Nicholas Patrice Kenneally , Wolf Karen A , Leuner Jean D'Meza
Published: November 2003

Health care and the nursing profession have been affected dramatically by political and socio‐economic conditions in Romania The Romanian Ministry of Health has recognized the health problems and barriers to care delivery which exist in the country, with several goals identified to improve the status of Romanian health care This paper explores the critical issues which have impacted on health care and nursing in Romania
Social support provided by nurses to recent mothers on a maternity ward
Authors: Tarkka Marja‐Terttu , Paunonen Manta
Published: November 2003

The purpose of this study was to look at the social support provided by nurses on a maternity ward to recent mothers and to describe the mothers'experiences of their stay on the ward after childbirth The data were collected with a questionnaire in a sample of 200 mothers giving birth at Tampere University Hospital The questionnaire was specially designed for this study by the researcher on the basis of Kahn's (1979) theory of social support Of the three categories of support identified in that theory, the one that mothers reported receiving most of during their stay on the maternity ward was concrete aid, and the type of support they received least was affect or emotional support The vast majority or 95% of the mothers described their stay on the ward as a positive experience Both first‐time and other mothers had hoped to receive more guidance in child care and breastfeeding
Nursing documentation and nursing practice: a discourse analysis
Authors: Heartfield Mane
Published: November 2003

Nursing documentation exists as a daily reality of nurses' work It is interpreted by some as the evidence of nursing actions and dismissed by others as a misrepresentation of nursing care This paper reports on a study of nursing documentation as nursing practice The work of Foucault and discourse analysis provide a research design for examination of how written descriptions of patient events taken from patient case notes result from hegemonic influences that construct a knowledge and therefore a practice of nursing Discourses as ways of understanding knowledge as language, social practices and power relations are used to identify how nursing documentation functions as a manifestation and ritual of power relations A focus on body work and fragmented bodies provided details of nursing's participation in the discursive construction of the object patient and invisible nurse It is through resistances to documentation that alternative knowledge of nursing exists
Themes relating to sexuality that emerged from a discourse analysis of the Nursing Times during 1980–1990
Authors: Carr Graham
Published: November 2003

The intention of this study was to develop insight into how the concept of human sexuality has been addressed within a popular nursing medium, namely the publication Nursing Times, during the decade 1980–1990 The study begins by clarifying discourse analysis and its role in the social construction of language Exploration of the use of metaphors within nursing text is made to highlight the ability to convey multiple meaning and ideology within nursing practice The 86 text papers generated during this decade were subjected to a process of qualitative data analysis entitled ‘Framework’ The emerging themes from this process were used to inform a discussion of the ideological and practice relationships that exist between nursing and human sexuality
Achieving improvement through quality: an evaluation of key factors in the implementation process
Authors: Harvey Gill , Kitson Alison
Published: November 2003

Quality, audit and standard setting are major issues on the present day nursing and health care agenda Considerable time, energy and resources have been invested in developing and implementing a range of different quality and audit systems, yet there is limited evidence to date to suggest that they are having any significant impact in terms of changing practice and improving patient care This paper will present the results of a study undertaken to evaluate the implementation of three of the most common nursing quality systems used in the United Kingdom Monitor, Qualpacs and the dynamic standard setting system (DySSSy) In each case, the focus was on identifying key factors in the process of implementation that could predict positive programme outcomes – defined in terms of acceptance by clinical nursing staff and perceived impact on the quality of patient care The study adopted a three‐stage evaluation design, with three distinct levels of investigation and analysis, and utilized a range of descriptive and exploratory methods In total, 14 sites implementing one of the three nursing quality systems were studied Additional data, derived from individuals' experiences of implementing quality in nursing, were used to enhance and validate the findings The results indicated a number of important system‐related, contextual and practical issues of implementation These were underpinned by two key factors, defined as ownership for quality and action to improve However, most present day nursing quality programmes appear to be failing to embrace these two concepts simultaneously The paper will conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for future developments in nursing and health care quality improvement