bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of testicular mononuclear cell infiltrates in normal human males and in patients with germ cell neoplasia
Authors: JAHNUKAINEN K. , JØRGENSEN N. , PÖLLÄNEN P. , GIWERCMAN A. , SKAKKEBÆK N. E.
Published: May 2008

The incidence of mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltrates was studied in the testes of the following: 45 patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) as the only lesion in the testis, CIS accompanied by an early invasion of CIS or CIS accompanied by invasive germ cell tumour (GCT) of the testis; 100 men and 146 boys who had died suddenly and unexpectedly, and 100 infertility patients. The results suggest that (1) the incidence of MNC infiltration increases with increasing severity of testicular malignant changes, (2) increased MNC infiltration is also evident in the contralateral testis where no malignant cells can be observed, (3) the incidence of MNC infiltration in men who died suddenly is not different from that in men who have had their testes biopsied because of infertility, and (4) the incidence of MNC infiltration is high in testes of boys younger than 1 year of age.
Hydrogen hexachloroplatinate induces the acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa
Authors: KÖHN F.‐M. , SCHUPPE H.‐C. , SCHILL W.‐B. , JEYENDRAN R. S.
Published: May 2008

Human spermatozoa from healthy donors (n= 7) were washed in Tyrode's medium containing 0.6 mg/ml freeze‐dried egg yolk, filtered through glass wool and exposed to 0.5, 5, 50, 500 or 1000 μM hydrogen hexachloroplatinate. Viability, membrane integrity and the acrosome reaction were examined using trypan blue exclusion, hypo‐osmotic swelling test and fluoresceinated Pisum sativum agglutinin, respectively, after incubation for 3 or 6 h at 37°C. While sperm motility, viability and membrane integrity were not affected by the platinum compound after incubation for 3 h, the number of acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa increased from 16.0 ± 6.4% (control, mean ± SEM) to 21.0 ± 3.3 (0.5 μM), 22.3 ± 4.3% (5 μM), 28.0 ± 4.3% (50 μM, p<0.01), 29.3 ± 3.9% (500 μM, p<0.01) and 43.9 ± 7.4% (1mM, p<0.001); a further increase was detected after incubation for 6 h. However, the percentages of dead and immotile spermatozoa and those with defective membranes were also higher, suggesting that the acrosome reaction was caused by degenerative processes after long‐term incubation. In conclusion, hydrogen hexachloroplatinate does not affect sperm motility, membrane integrity or viability, but it does induce the acrosome reaction after incubation for 3 h before cytotoxic effects are measurable. Similar effects of halide salts of platinum on receptor‐mediated exocytosis have been described in other cells such as mast cells and basophils in vivo and in vitro.
Application of the hypo‐osmotic swelling test to spermatozoa prepared by swim‐up and discontinuous Percoll separation
Authors: VIJATRASIL S. , MAKEMAHARN O. , UPAISILSATHAPORN P.
Published: May 2008

The quality of spermatozoa prepared by washing and swim‐up or by discontinuous Percoll centrifugation, was compared by applying the hypo‐osmotic swelling (HOS) test to semen samples from 116 men of infertile couples. The HOS test performed on 95 normal semen samples showed that the percentage of swollen spermatozoa separated by both techniques was significantly higher than in the initial ejaculate (p<0.001). The percentage of HOS‐positive spermatozoa separated by the Percoll gradient technique was significantly higher than that separated by the swim‐up technique (p<0.001). On the contrary, in 21 abnormal semen samples, there was no significant difference in the percentage of spermatozoa which were positive in the HOS test between the Percoll gradient and the swim‐up technique (p=0.44). It is suggested that the Percoll gradient technique appears to be preferable to the swim‐up technique when semen parameters are normal, but there is no significant difference between these two techniques in abnormal semen.
Contribution of the male factor to unexplained infertility: a review
Authors: MACKENNA A.
Published: May 2008

The more exhaustive the evaluation of couples with unexplained infertility, the more likely is the opportunity for detecting the aetiological factor responsible for infertility. Transport of spermatozoa through the upper genital tract and their ability to fertilize the oocyte are two obscure areas for the conventional evaluation of infertility. Although research in the former area is limited, there is indirect evidence that impaired sperm transport could be one of the causes of infertility in some couples with otherwise unexplained infertility. On the other hand, the availability of sperm function tests and the correlation of their results with in‐vitro fertilization rates have allowed the detection of a previously hidden male factor in couples with unexplained infertility. It has been demonstrated that couples suffering unexplained infertility have significantly lower in‐vitro fertilization rates in comparison with patients with tubal problems. These results can be explained because several case control studies in patients with unexplained infertility have reported defects in capacitation and sperm motion characteristics, binding of the spermatozoa to the zona pellucida, acrosome reaction, acrosin activity of the spermatozoa, and the ability of the spermatozoa to penetrate zona‐free hamster cocytes. These observations suggest that methods for assessing the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa have to be incorporated in the evaluation of couples with unexplained infertility in order to amplify the scope of the workup and to better decide the appropiate treatment for these couples.
Myoid cell proliferation in rat seminiferous tubules after ischaemic testicular atrophy induced by epinephrine. Morphometric and immunohistochemical (bromo‐deoxyuridine and PCNA) studies*
Authors: SANTAMARÍA L. , MARTÍN R. , CODESAL J. , PANIAGUA R.
Published: May 2008

The proliferation of peritubular myoid cells in the testes of rats treated for 1–11 weeks with intra‐scrotal injections of epinephrine was investigated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative histology. The percentage of peritubular cells that were immunopositive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) or that were labelled with 5′‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in the S‐phase of the cell cycle, were calculated in control and treated rats after 1,3,5,8 and 11 weeks of treatment. In addition, the change in the number of peritubular cells per testis was calculated using two different stereological methods. The possible correlation between the changes observed using the two proliferation indices (PCNA immunoreaction and labelling of BrdU) in peritubular myoid cells was evaluated by regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that both proliferation indices increased in peritubular cells between the third and the eighth weeks of treatment, and that this increase was correlated with an increase in the number of these cells. From weeks 8–11 of treatment, both proliferation indices decreased and the same occurred with the number of peritubular cells. We hypothesize that proliferation of the peritubular cells occurs in order to increase their secretion of extracellular matrix components leading to enlargement of the lamina propria of the seminiferous tubule.
Effect of androgens on the germ cell‐depleted testes of prenatally irradiated rats
Authors: VERHOEVEN G. , DEBOEL L. , SWINNEN J. , ROMBAUTS L. , VANDERHOYDONC F. , ROSSEELS J. , HOEBEN E. , HEYNS W.
Published: May 2008

To study the effect of androgens on somatic testicular cells, rats were rendered germ cell depleted by prenatal irradiation (RX). Adult RX rats were treated with a desensitizing dose of a GnRH agonist (GnRHa; Zoladex), combined with an antiandrogen (Nilutamide) to preclude all androgen effects, or combined with testosterone or hCG to restore androgen action. The effect of these treatments for 3 weeks on the weight of testes and accessory sex glands, hormones (LH, FSH, testosterone, inhibin), testicular proteins, the pattern of incorporation of [35S]‐methionine into testicular proteins (studied by two dimensional gel electrophoresis) and steady state mRNA levels for transferrin and androgen‐binding protein (ABP) were evaluated. Combined treatment with GnRHa and antiandrogen virtually eliminated gonadotrophins, androgens and androgen effects. Testicular weight was reduced to 50% of that observed in RX controls. Treatment with GnRHa and testosterone resulted in supraphysiological levels of testosterone and testicular weights comparable to those observed in RX controls. FSH levels in these animals, however, were in the normal range. A low dose of hCG also restored testicular weight in the presence of low concentrations of serum testosterone and low normal levels of FSH. Neither polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of total testicular proteins nor two dimensional gel electrophoresis of [35S]‐methionine labelled proteins revealed striking changes in distinct testicular proteins as a result of androgen withdrawal or androgen treatment. Dot blot hybridization showed a three‐fold increase in the mRNA level for ABP (expressed per μg total RNA) in the Sertoli cell enriched testes of RX rats. This level was barely influenced by androgen withdrawal or androgen administration. The mRNA level for transferrin was increased six‐fold in RX rats. A 50% reduction of this level was observed after combined treatment with GnRHa and antiandrogen. It is concluded that, in the germ cell‐depleted testis, the major effect of androgens is an overall increase in protein and RNA synthesis rather than a very important and selective increase of a few gene products.
Effect of seminiferous tubule size on hCG‐induced regeneration of peritubular Leydig cells in hypophysectomized, EDS‐treated rats
Authors: SAVAGE G. N. , KERR J. B.
Published: May 2008

Following their selective destruction 3 weeks previously by administration of ethane dimethanesulphonate (EDS) the regenerative capacity of Leydig cells was assessed in relation to seminiferous tubule morphology in hypophysectomized adult rats administered 7 daily injections of 100 iu hCG. Total Leydig cell volume per testis in hCG‐treated rats (30.2 ±3.2 μl, mean ± SEM) was significantly (p<0.01) greater than in the testes of rats at 3 and 4 weeks after EDS‐treatment (7.6 ± 0.7 and 22.7 ± 1.4 μl, respectively). Regeneration of Leydig cells in hCG‐treated rats significantly (p<0.05) favoured peritubular locations (18.6 ± 2.8 μl/testis) compared to central or perivascular sites of origin (11.6 ± 1.2 μl/testis). Partial restoration of spermatogenesis occurred in hCG‐treated rats (tubule diameters usually >250μm) and a significant inverse correlation was found between peritubular Leydig cell percentage, or total volume per testis, and the volumetric proportion of seminiferous tubules (r=‐0.94, p<0.001) or the seminiferous epithelium (r=‐0.73 to ‐0.79, p<0.05–0.01). No significant (p>0.4–0.9) correlation existed between centrally‐regenerated Leydig cells and these parameters. The results show that in response to hCG stimulation, Leydig cells are more likely to develop around smaller seminiferous tubules, suggesting that hCG alone cannot mimic the expected pattern of Leydig cell regeneration (central and peritubular origins) which occurs during normal sexual maturation or at 3–4 weeks after EDS treatment. It is concluded that other factors, possibly FSH, are required for typical Leydig cell development which in turn may be influenced by local cellular growth factors originating from either the seminiferous tubules or the adjacent intertubular tissue.
Long‐term intracavernous self‐injection with prostaglandin E1 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction
Authors: CANALE D. , GIORGI P. M. , LENCIONI R. , MORELLI G. , GASPERI M. , MACCHIA E.
Published: May 2008

Intracavernous self‐injection with vasoactive drugs has become a widely accepted treatment for erectile dysfunctions (ED). Sixty‐eight patients affected by ED have been followed during long‐term (at least 1 year) treatment with intracavernous prostaglandin E1. Each patient underwent a penile dynamic ultrasound examination using a high‐definition probe (13 MHz) before and during the treatment. The drop‐out rate was 8.8%. An improvement in spontaneous erections was reported by 13% of patients. The onset of fibrotic nodules occurred in three (4.4%) patients. In one of the latter cases the occurrence of nodules could be related to the frequency and dose of the drug administered, whereas in the other two cases no such correlation could be hypothesized. These findings draw attention to this possible side‐effect of long‐term treatment with PGE1.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin‐induced testicular inflammation may be related to increased sensitivity to interleukin‐1
Authors: BERGH A. , DAMBER J.‐E. , HJERTKVIST M.
Published: May 2008

Treatment of adult male rats with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) results in an inflammation‐like response in the testicular microcirculation. Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes accumulate in venules and vascular permeability is increased. The mechanism behind this response was studied. Treatment with an interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist partly prevented the hCG induced accumulation of PMN leukocytes 4 h after treatment. Human recombinant interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) and β (IL‐1β), serotonin, and histamine were injected intratesticularly on one side and saline injected on the contralateral side in both intact and hCG‐pretreated adult rats. A low dose of IL‐α (a dose that did not increase vascular permeability in unstimulated testes) increased vascular permeability in the testes of animals treated with hCG 4, 6 or 8 h earlier, but it was without effect in testes from rats treated with hCG 0,1, 2, 16 or 32 h prior to IL‐1 injection. The sensitivity to the pro‐inflammatory effect of locally injected IL‐1β was also increased by hCG treatment. There was no increase in vascular permeability after local injection of a large dose of histamine or serotonin in either saline‐ or in hCG‐pretreated animals. Hypothetically, the hCG‐induced inflammation‐like increase in testicular vascular permeability could be related to increased sensitivity to constitutively produced mediators such as IL‐1.
Structure of small blood vessels in the testes of infertile men
Authors: JEZEK D. , SCHULZE W. , ROGATSCH H. , HITTMAIR A.
Published: May 2008

In the testis, ‘hyalinization’ of the lamina propria of seminiferous tubules is often accompanied by similar changes within the walls of testicular blood vessels. The aim of our study was to investigate the structure of small blood vessels in hyalinized human testes by means of immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and image analysis methods. Results of immunohistochemical analysis indicated that, despite hyalinization, testicular small blood vessels retained positive immunostaining for desmin and actin. Their basement membranes remained immunopositive for collagen IV and laminin. No proliferative (Ki‐67) activity was observed in the blood vessel walls in testes from both control and infertile men. P‐170 glycoprotein was found to be expressed only in primary spermatocytes. No difference in expression and localization of this antigen was observed between control and affected testes.

Electron microscopy revealed a number of testicular arterioles with a notably narrow lumen due to enlarged endothelial cells in infertile men. Such arterioles also had a thickened subendothelial layer and an abundant tunica adventitia rich in connective tissue fibres and ground substance. Some venules in hyalinized testes displayed increased connective fibres and ground substance in the subendothelial layer, between the smooth muscle cells of the tunica media and the tunica adventitia. However, no changes were found in the capillary network, when compared to controls. Image analysis data showed a statistically significant increase in the surface of tunica intima and adventitia of arterioles and tunica media of venules. It is concluded that hyalinization mostly affects testicular arterioles and venules, but not capillaries. Our immunohistochemical data indicate that the ‘nature’ and/or extent of hyalinization in testicular small blood vessels differs from that described previously for the lamina propria of seminiferous tubules.
Polymorphism in the cytochrome P450 2E1 gene and alcohol‐induced disorders of human spermatogenesis
Authors: PAJARINEN J. , SAVOLAINEN V. , PEROLA M. , PENTTILÄ A. , KARHUNEN P. J.
Published: May 2008

The association between alcohol‐induced disorders of human spermatogenesis and four restriction fragment polymorphisms (DraI, MspI, PstI and RsaI) of the cytochrome P450 2E1 gene was investigated in an autopsy study on 254 men. Acquaintances were interviewed and the mean daily alcohol consumption of the subjects was calculated on the basis of the interviews. Spermatogenesis score and testicular morphology were assessed by light‐microscopy, and cytochrome 2E1 polymorphic genotypes were determined using the polymerase chain reaction. Of the 204 heavy‐drinking men, 42 (20.6%) men had normal spermatogenesis (p<0.001, compared to moderate drinkers). Partial spermatogenic arrest was observed in 76 (37.3%) men and complete spermatogenic arrest in 79 (38.7%) men (p<0.001, compared to moderate drinkers), whereas seven men (3.4%) had Sertoli cell only syndrome. The overall allelic frequencies for the common and rare polymorphic alleles were 0.98 and 0.02 (MspI) and 0.99 and 0.01 (PstI and RsaI), respectively. No associations between heterozygosity in the MspI, PstI or RsaI loci, or the allelic frequencies of common and rare alleles, and disorders of spermatogenesis were observed. The allelic frequencies for the common and rare polymorphic alleies in the DraI locus were 0.90 and 0.10, respectively. No significant difference was observed, either among moderate or heavy drinkers, in the frequency of the rare allele between men with disorders of spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis in the respective group, although men with disorders of spermatogenesis in general had a slightly lower frequency of the rare allele when compared to those with normal spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we were unable to demonstrate a significant association between any polymorphisms in the CYP2E1 gene and disorders of spermatogenesis. RsaI, MspI and PstI polymorphisms were extremely rare in our population and could thus possibly be excluded as reasons for genetic susceptibility to disorders of spermatogenesis in our series.
Neuronal input from the inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) affects sperm transport within the rat cauda epididymis*,†
Authors: RICKER D. D. , CHANG T. S. K.
Published: May 2008

Sympathetic nerves emanating from the inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) innervate the mammalian epididymis and vas deferens. We have reported previously that surgical removal of the rat IMG results in excessive accumulation of spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. The objective of the present study was to determine whether sperm accumulation following IMG removal was due to a denervation‐induced change in the rate of sperm transport within the cauda epididymis. In these studies epididymal sperm numbers were counted and used as a measure of sperm transport within the epididymis. In order to examine sperm transport within the cauda epididymis specifically, efferent duct ligation (EDL) was used to prevent further entry of testicular spermatozoa into the epididymis. Rats were divided into four treatment groups: sham‐operated control, EDL alone for 7 days (EDL+7), EDL alone for 14 days (EDL+14), or EDL for 7 days at which time the IMG was removed and the rats were maintained for an additional 7 days (EDL+IMG). Epididymides were homogenized and the number of spermatozoa in the caput and cauda epididymis was counted. In EDL+7 rats, the caput epididymis was devoid of spermatozoa. The rate of transit of spermatozoa through the cauda epididymis of EDL+7 rats was approximately 3.43 million/day. The total number of cauda epididymal spermatozoa in EDL+7 rats was reduced by 20% compared to sham‐operated control rats. In EDL+14 rats, spermatozoa transited the cauda epididymis at a rate of approximately 9.57 million/day, and the total number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis was reduced by 73% compared to sham‐operated controls. If the IMG was removed 7 days following EDL, spermatozoa transited the cauda epididymis at a rate comparable to that observed in EDL+7 rats (3.39 million/day). Following IMG denervation of EDL+7 rats, cauda epididymal sperm numbers were maintained at levels observed in the EDL+7 rats. These data demonstrate that the transport of spermatozoa through the cauda epididymis is influenced significantly by neuronal input from the IMG.
Validity of single‐item parental ratings of child oral health
Authors: LOCKER DAVID
Published: May 2008

Objective.  The aim of this study was to assess the validity of single‐item parental ratings of child oral heath.

Methods.  Data were collected during a study to assess the impacts of dental injury. Clinical examinations of children aged 11–14 years were undertaken that included measures of trauma, decay, treatment needs, and fluorosis. Children with trauma and a group of trauma‐free children were followed‐up. Parents were mailed a questionnaire along with a questionnaire for the child that contained a short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11–14 (CPQ11–14). Bivariate analyses examined associations between parents’ ratings of their child's oral health, measures of dental disease, clinically defined treatment needs, and scores on the CPQ11–14. Logistic regression was used to see if the associations observed remained after controlling for access to dental care variables.

Results.  Complete data were collected from 370 children and their parents. Parental ratings showed significant associations with most of the clinical indicators used and CPQ11–14 scores. Similar results were obtained when the data were analysed for subgroups defined by household income and mother's education. These associations remained after controlling for access to dental services.

Conclusion.  The data suggest that single‐item parental ratings of child oral health have adequate construct validity.
Variation and evolution of toxin gene expression patterns of six closely related venomous marine snails
Authors: DUDA JR T. F. , REMIGIO E. A.
Published: May 2008

Venoms of predatory marine gastropods of the genus Conus show amazing levels of interspecific diversity and are comprised of a cocktail of peptide neurotoxins, termed conotoxins, that are encoded by large gene families. Conotoxin gene family evolution is characterized by gene duplications and high rates of nonsynonymous substitution among paralogues; yet, what controls the differentiation of venoms among species is not clear. We compared four‐loop conotoxin transcripts of six closely related Conus species to examine conotoxin expression patterns among species. The species examined appear to express different numbers of four‐loop conotoxin loci and similarity in expression patterns does not seem to correspond with phylogenetic affinity. Moreover, several loci appear to have been independently silenced while others appear to have been revived from previously silenced states. Some loci also appear to exhibit coordinated expression patterns. These results suggest that the evolution of conotoxin expression patterns is incredibly dynamic and the differentiation of venoms of Conus is controlled in part by the evolution of unique conotoxin expression patterns.
Uptake of adhesive powders from lure stations by Mediterranean fruit fly (Dipt., Tephritidae)
Authors: Armsworth C. G. , Rogers C. D. , Barton L. E. E. , Soares C. , Poppy G. M.
Published: May 2008

Powders that are capable of adhering to insect cuticles can act as carrier particles when combined with insecticides, entomopathogens, or pheromones, for targeted insect control. One potential method of delivering the powder to an insect is to lure the insects to stations containing powder using a species‐specific attractant. Here, we report on the uptake of two different powders from lure stations (henceforth called ‘dispensers’) by the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, and the transfer of the powders to conspecifics during field studies in Portugal, as part of a research programme to develop lure‐and‐kill technologies based on adhesive powder. Uptake of an electrostatic wax powder, Entostat™, from dispensers was greater than uptake of a proprietary metallic powder, Entomag™, for both wild male C. capitata visiting field‐placed dispensers and laboratory‐reared males confined with dispensers in field cages. In agreement with field data, C. capitata also took up more Entostat than Entomag when artificially dosed on dispenser trays containing powder in the laboratory, and the quantities taken up were shown to be greater than that calculated from field experiments. Increasing the amount of Entostat powder in field‐placed dispensers resulted in greater uptake of powder by visiting male C. capitata. Laboratory‐reared male and female C. capitata were released in field cages in which were hung dispensers containing adhesive powder that were baited with the male attractant trimedlure. After 24 h, the powder was successfully extracted from all males and nearly all females collected, indicating that males probably transferred powder to conspecific females after visiting dispensers. The results underscore that a lure‐and‐kill system based on adhesive powder might have potential for controlling Mediterranean fruit fly and other flying insects.
Aggregation pheromone in Sternechus subsignatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): olfactory behaviour and temporal pattern of emission
Authors: Ambrogi B. G. , Zarbin P. H. G.
Published: May 2008

The Brazilian soybean stalk weevil, Sternechus subsignatus Boehman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a pest of economic importance in many regions of Brazil. Volatiles from both sexes of S. subsignatus were collected by aeration and the behavioural response of males and females was evaluated using a Y‐olfactometer. The results obtained demonstrate that the communication in S. subsignatus is mediated by aggregation pheromone as both sexes were attracted to host plant (HP) volatiles, and this attraction was increased by the addition of male volatiles. At least five male‐specific compounds (1–5) were detected in the chromatographic analysis, providing chemical support to the behavioural data. Release of these volatiles is dependent on the presence of the HP as the amount of compounds differs significantly when volatiles are collected from weevils with or without access to food. The release takes place mainly during photophase, showing a peak between 4 and 6 h after its beginning, which is also a peak of the insect activity in the field. Studies are underway to elucidate the structures of these putative aggregation pheromone components, in order to evaluate their biological activity under laboratory and field conditions.
Influence of plant species and plant growth stage on Frankliniella occidentalis pupation behaviour in greenhouse ornamentals
Authors: Buitenhuis R. , Shipp J. L.
Published: May 2008

The influence of plant stage and plant species on the pupation behaviour of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), was investigated in flowering and non‐flowering potted chrysanthemums and mini roses. On non‐flowering chrysanthemums and roses, 92–93% of the F. occidentalis pupated in the soil. On flowering roses, 87% pupated in the soil, and on flowering chrysanthemums only 60% chose the soil as a pupation site and 40% stayed on the plant. This means that, in the presence of flowers, especially complex inflorescences like chrysanthemums, a large proportion of F. occidentalis chooses stay on the plant to pupate.
Lipid Content of Non‐cultured and Cultured Pig Embryo
Authors: Romek M , Gajda B , Krzysztofowicz E , Smorąg Z
Published: May 2008

Contents

The objectives of the study were: (i) to work out a precise and efficient method for quantitative analysis of lipid content and (ii) to quantitatively determine the lipid content in non‐cultured and cultured pig embryos. The experiment was carried out on pig embryos from zygote to late blastocyst stages produced in vivo and embryos collected at the zygote stage and then cultured in vitro up to blastocyst stage. Embryos were fixed, dehydrated, embedded in epoxy resin and cut into semi‐thin sections to analyse the quantity of lipids in fat droplets. Stained sections were then analysed with Cavalieri and point counting methods to evaluate the following stereological parameters of the embryo: total embryo volume – V(e), volume density of cytoplasm per unit volume of embryo – Vv(c,e), volume density of lipid droplets per unit volume of embryo cytoplasm – Vv(fat,c) and total volume of lipid droplets per whole embryo – V(fat). Values of Vv(fat,c) and V(fat) remained unchanged up to the morula stage, but decreased significantly at blastocyst and late blastocyst stages both in cultured and non‐cultured embryos. Volume density of lipid droplets per unit volume of embryo cytoplasm and total volume of lipid droplets for cultured embryos showed statistically significant differences between late blastocyst and almost all other stages. Comparisons of Vv(fat,c) in embryos at the same stages of development but differing in origin of embryos (non‐cultured or cultured) show that statistically significant differences exist for all analysed stages. In conclusion, differences in lipid content observed in pig embryos were dependent on the developmental stage of the embryo as well as the culture conditions (i.e. cultured and non‐cultured embryos at the same stage of development).
Differential expression of angiopoietin‐2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in androgen‐independent prostate cancer models
Authors: Tešan Tajana , Gustavsson Heléne , Welén Karin , Damber Jan‐Erik
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between microvessel density (MVD), blood vessel morphology and the expression of angiopoietin (Ang)‐1, Ang‐2, tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin and epidermal growth factor homology domains (Tie)‐2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in androgen‐dependent (AD) and androgen‐independent (AI) prostate cancer models, to gain insight into the regulation of angiogenesis at different stages of prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MVD and blood vessel morphology were evaluated by CD34 immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein secretion of the Angs, Tie‐2 and VEGF were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, respectively, in LNCaP (AD) and LNCaP‐19, C4‐2, C4–2B4 and PC‐3 (AI) prostate cancer xenografts in mice.

RESULTS

LNCaP, C4‐2 and C4–2B4 xenografts had high expression of Ang‐2 and VEGF, similar MVD and blood vessel morphology. However, the most angiogenic cell line LNCaP‐19 expressed low levels of both factors and had different vessel morphology. PC‐3 xenografts had a similar MVD to LNCaP, C4‐2 and C4–2B4, but the Ang‐2 and VEGF expression as well as the vessel morphology were similar to LNCaP‐19.

CONCLUSION

The differences in MVD, blood vessel morphology and the expression of Ang‐2 and VEGF show that prostate cancer cells display angiogenic heterogeneity, which indicates different roles of these factors in the regulation of angiogenesis in different stages of prostate cancer.
Diagnostic value of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) for the early detection of diabetes in high‐risk subjects
Authors: Kim K.‐S. , Kim S.‐K. , Lee Y.‐K. , Park S.‐W. , Cho Y.‐W.
Published: May 2008

Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the validity of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and/or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as screening tests for the early detection of diabetes in high‐risk subjects.

Methods  A total of 392 subjects (149 male and 243 female) with risk factors for diabetes were included. All subjects underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c measurement. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to examine the sensitivity and specificity of FPG and HbA1c for detecting diabetes, which was defined as a FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/l or a post‐challenge 2‐h plasma glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l.

Results  The prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes was 22.4% (n = 88). The current guideline of FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/l for diabetes screening detected only 55.7% of diabetic subjects. The optimal cut‐off points of HbA1c and FPG for the diagnosis of diabetes were 6.1% (sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 84.9%) and 6.1 mmol/l (sensitivity 85.2%, specificity 88.5%), respectively. The screening model using FPG ≥ 6.1 mmol/l and/or HbA1c ≥ 6.1% had sensitivities of 71.6–95.5% and specificities of 77.6–95.7% for detecting undiagnosed diabetes.

Conclusions  The current American Diabetes Association diagnostic criteria, based only on FPG, are relatively insensitive in the detection of diabetes in high‐risk subjects. The simultaneous measurement of FPG and HbA1c might be a more sensitive screening tool for identifying high‐risk individuals with diabetes at an early stage.
Climate change and the future for coral reef fishes
Authors: Munday Philip L , Jones Geoffrey P , Pratchett Morgan S , Williams Ashley J
Published: May 2008

Climate change will impact coral‐reef fishes through effects on individual performance, trophic linkages, recruitment dynamics, population connectivity and other ecosystem processes. The most immediate impacts will be a loss of diversity and changes to fish community composition as a result of coral bleaching. Coral‐dependent fishes suffer the most rapid population declines as coral is lost; however, many other species will exhibit long‐term declines due to loss of settlement habitat and erosion of habitat structural complexity. Increased ocean temperature will affect the physiological performance and behaviour of coral reef fishes, especially during their early life history. Small temperature increases might favour larval development, but this could be counteracted by negative effects on adult reproduction. Already variable recruitment will become even more unpredictable. This will make optimal harvest strategies for coral reef fisheries more difficult to determine and populations more susceptible to overfishing. A substantial number of species could exhibit range shifts, with implications for extinction risk of small‐range species near the margins of reef development. There are critical gaps in our knowledge of how climate change will affect tropical marine fishes. Predictions are often based on temperate examples, which may be inappropriate for tropical species. Improved projections of how ocean currents and primary productivity will change are needed to better predict how reef fish population dynamics and connectivity patterns will change. Finally, the potential for adaptation to climate change needs more attention. Many coral reef fishes have geographical ranges spanning a wide temperature gradient and some have short generation times. These characteristics are conducive to acclimation or local adaptation to climate change and provide hope that the more resilient species will persist if immediate action is taken to stabilize Earth’s climate.
Development of Social Category Representations: Early Appreciation of Roles and Deontic Relations
Authors: Kalish Charles W. , Lawson Christopher A.
Published: May 2008

Three experiments explored the significance of deontic properties (involving rights and obligations) in representations of social categories. Preschool‐aged children (M= 4.8), young school‐aged children (M= 8.2), and adults judged the centrality of behavioral, psychological, and deontic properties for both familiar (Experiments 1 and 2,Ns = 50 and 52, respectively) and novel (Experiment 3,N= 64) social categories. Preschool‐aged children were the most consistent in treating deontic properties as central: Knowing a person’s social category membership was more informative about obligations than about behavioral frequencies or psychological preferences. Adults treated deontic properties as central to some categories but also recognized a set that was primarily predictive of psychological dispositions. The results argue for the significance of deontic properties in the development of social cognition.
Rational Tool Use and Tool Choice in Human Infants and Great Apes
Authors: Buttelmann David , Carpenter Malinda , Call Josep , Tomasello Michael
Published: May 2008

G. Gergely, H. Bekkering, and I. Király (2002)showed that 14‐month‐old infants imitate rationally, copying an adult’s unusual action more often when it was freely chosen than when it was forced by some constraint. This suggests that infants understand others’ intentions as rational choices of action plans. It is important to test whether apes also understand others’ intentions in this way. In each of the current 3 studies, a comparison group of 14‐month‐olds used a tool more often when a demonstrator freely chose to use it than when she had to use it, but apes generally used the tool equally often in both conditions (orangutans were an exception). Only some apes thus show an understanding of others’ intentions as rational choices of action plans.
The Role of Intentionality and Iconicity in Children’s Developing Comprehension and Production of Cartographic Symbols
Authors: Myers Lauren J. , Liben Lynn S.
Published: May 2008

The contribution of intentionality understanding to symbolic development was examined. Actors added colored dots to a map, displaying either symbolic or aesthetic intentions. In Study 1, most children (5–6 years) understood actors’ intentions, but when asked which graphic would help find hidden objects, most selected the incorrect (aesthetic) one whose dot color matched referent color. On a similar task in Study 2, 5‐ and 6‐year‐olds systematically picked incorrectly, 9‐ and 10‐year‐olds picked correctly, and 7‐ and 8‐year‐olds showed mixed performance. When referent color matched neither symbolic nor aesthetic dot colors, children performed better overall, but only the oldest children universally selected the correct graphic and justified choices with intentionality. Results bear on theory of mind, symbolic understanding, and map understanding.
Perceived Experiences With Sexism Among Adolescent Girls
Authors: Leaper Campbell , Brown Christia Spears
Published: May 2008

This study investigated predictors of adolescent girls’ experiences with sexism and feminism. Girls (N= 600;M= 15.1 years, range = 12–18), of varied socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, completed surveys of personal experiences with sexual harassment, academic sexism (regarding science, math, and computer technology), and athletics. Most girls reported sexual harassment (90%), academic sexism (52%), and athletic sexism (76%) at least once, with likelihood increasing with age. Socialization influences and individual factors, however, influenced likelihood of all three forms of sexism. Specifically, learning about feminism and gender‐conformity pressures were linked to higher perceptions of sexism. Furthermore, girls’ social gender identity (i.e., perceived gender typicality and gender‐role contentedness) and gender‐egalitarian attitudes were related to perceived sexism.
Mother–Child Planning and Child Compliance
Authors: Gauvain Mary , Perez Susan M.
Published: May 2008

This study investigated child compliance and maternal instruction during planning. Based on the Child Behavior Checklist and free‐play observations, 40 mothers and their 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children were assigned to a group with children who behaved within the normal range of compliance (n = 20) or a group with children with high rates of noncompliance for this age (n = 20). Mothers in the noncompliant group provided more low‐level, directive, and negative instruction; requested more compliance; and shared less task responsibility with children. Mothers in both groups responded to child compliance by increasing or maintaining the level of instruction. Results are discussed in relation to the role of child compliance in regulating opportunities for cognitive development in social context.
A Search Cost Perspective on Formation and Duration of Trade
Authors: Besedeš Tibor
Published: May 2008

More than half of all US import relationships begin with less than $10,000 annually. The median relationship is observed to last just one year. The incidence and duration of import relationships are consistent with a search model of international trade. The preponderance of small starting relationships reveals uncertainty present in the formation of trade relationships. Initial size, reliability, and search costs play an important role. Larger initial purchase results in longer relationships. Higher reliability and lower search costs lead to larger initial purchases and longer relationships.
Consciousness about own and others’ affects: A study of the validity of a revised version of the Affect Consciousness Interview
Authors: LECH BÖRJE , ANDERSSON GERHARD , HOLMQVIST ROLF
Published: May 2008

This study presents a modified version of the affect consciousness interview (Monsen, Eilertsen, Melgård & Ödegård, 1996), intended to capture the individual's affective consciousness. The aim of the modified version – The Affect Consciousness Interview – Revised (ACI‐R) – is to measure consciousness about own and others’ affects. Three groups of patients (with eating disorder, relational and social problems or stress‐related problems), and one non‐clinical group were included in the study (N= 95). The results indicated that it was possible to achieve adequate interrater reliability, that the scores correlated meaningfully with other measures of mental functioning, and that the interview discriminated between different clinical groups and non‐clinical participants. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the ACI‐R is a promising instrument and that it should be explored further in order to study the organization of self‐experiences and the ability to be emotionally present in interactions with others.
Self‐reported emotional and behavioral problems in Swedish 14 to 15‐year‐old adolescents: A study with the self‐report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Authors: LUNDH LARS‐GUNNAR , WÅNGBY‐LUNDH MARGIT , BJÄREHED JONAS
Published: May 2008

The psychometric properties of the Swedish self‐report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ‐s), and the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems as measured by the SDQ‐s, were studied in 14 to 15‐year‐old adolescents. The psychometric properties were found to be similar to those found in other language versions, in terms of similar factor structure and acceptable test‐retest stability, but low internal consistencies for some of the subscales. There was evidence of good convergent and discriminant validity. The results with regard to gender differences replicated previous findings in other countries, the girls reporting more emotional symptoms and more prosocial behavior, and the boys reporting more conduct problems and tending to report more peer problems. It is concluded that the results are in favor of using the Swedish SDQ‐s as a screening instrument for adolescents, despite the low internal consistencies of some of its subscales.
TOURISM SPACE IN MANGGARAI, WESTERN FLORES, INDONESIA: THE HOUSE AS A CONTESTED PLACE
Authors: Erb Maribeth
Published: May 2008

Recent research on how tourism has affected indigenous culture has steered away from the idea of “impact” and the disappearance of traditional culture to emphasising how local culture is created and negotiated within the context of tourism. This paper uses the latter approach, focusing on the way tourism is used in Western Flores to “authenticate” culture. The argument is that interaction with foreigners has opened up new ideas about what is “authentic” and “legitimate”, and therefore has created new spaces for contestation and negotiation. The development of tourism in Manggarai, the largest regency on Flores, has stimulated a number of villagers to rebuild traditional style houses as an attempt to attract foreign visitors. A few of these cases are examined here to show how the status of these houses is negotiated and contested within the context of a number of different ideas about authenticity.
REFLECTIONS UPON THE STATE OF ASIAN TOURISM
Authors: Wall Geoffrey
Published: May 2008

This paper addresses the implications of the Asian economic crisis for tourism. The nature of the crisis is discussed briefly and its occurrence at a time of previously rapid regional growth in tourism is pointed out. It is argued that effective demand diminished at a time when supply was increasing. In the short term, reductions in regional travel and spending have been widespread and not confined to Southeast Asia. In the longer term, reduced real prices will make Asian destinations highly competitive in long‐haul markets provided that the quality of products is maintained. The crisis emphasises the need to examine tourism planning initiatives, to acknowledge that the tourism product consists of more than the provision of quality accommodation, and to give greater attention to product differentiation.
Examining the Heterotypic Continuity of Aggression Using Teacher Reports: Results from a National Canadian Study
Authors: Miller Jessie L. , Vaillancourt Tracy , Boyle Michael H.
Published: May 2008

This study examined the heterotypic continuity of aggression hypothesis (physical to indirect) using independent teacher reports of aggression drawn from a nationally representative sample of 749 Canadian girls and boys. Confirmatory factor analysis using an accelerated longitudinal design confirmed a two‐factor model of physical and indirect aggression that was stable across time, but not sex. Mean levels of indirect aggression were highest for girls whereas mean levels of physical aggression were highest for boys. Results of a series of path analyses indicated statistically significant cross‐lagged effects that varied by sex. Physical aggression at Time 1 (T1; aged six to nine years) significantly predicted increased levels of indirect aggression at Time 2 (T2; girls only) and Time 3 (T3; boys and girls). Indirect aggression at T1 predicted decreased physical aggression at T2 (boys only) and at T3 (boys and girls). These results offer support for the heterotypic continuity of aggression and underscore the usefulness of teacher reports in studies of childhood aggression.
Targeting only reverse transcriptase with zidovudine/lamivudine/abacavir plus tenofovir in HIV‐1‐infected patients with multidrug‐resistant virus: a multicentre pilot study
Authors: Llibre JM , Bonjoch A , Iribarren J , Galindo MJ , Negredo E , Domingo P , Pérez‐Alvarez N , Martinez‐Picado J , Schapiro J , Clotet B ,   the HIV Conference Call study group
Published: May 2008

Objectives

To evaluate the safety, immunological outcome and HIV‐1 evolution in the reverse transcriptase (RT) in patients with multidrug resistance receiving zidovudine/lamivudine/abacavir (TZV) plus tenofovir (TDF).

Methods

Pilot analysis of highly experienced patients (n=28), with ≥1 thymidine‐associated mutation (TAM) and the M184V mutation.

Results

Median of 8.5 treatment regimens, 58% Centers for Disease Control stage C. Baseline (nadir) CD4 count 363 (112) cells/μL. There was a sustained 24‐week drop in viral load (VL) of 0.71 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL (P<0.001), with 35.7% (10/28) achieving a VL of <50 copies/mL. The median 24‐week decrease in CD4 was −53 cells/μL and only −17 cells/μL when baseline CD4 was <350 cells/μL. There was no evolution in RT mutations, TAMs, accessory mutations or K65R. No clinical progression and one out of 28 suspected abacavir Hypersensitivity Reaction (HSR). Lower probability of achieving VL<400 copies/mL was associated with D67N (P=0.007), D67N/M41L (P=0.01), ≥3 TAMs (P=0.07) and VL>10 000 copies/mL (P=0.01). Mutations conferring zidovudine hypersusceptibility (Y181C, K65R and L74V) did not improve virological or immunological outcomes. Better CD4 outcomes were seen in patients without M41L (P=0.04) or with baseline VL<10 000 copies/mL (P=0.01).

Conclusions

A bridging regimen with TZV+TDF prevents significant immunological decline and may forestall viral evolution in HIV‐1 RT despite persistent viral replication.