bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the plant growth regulator, chlormequat, on mammalian fertility
Authors: Sørensen Martin T. , Danielsen Viggo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis paper summarizes the consequences of exposure to chlormequat, a plant growth regulator, on reproduction in mammals. Plant growth regulators are chemicals used to manipulate plant growth, flowering and fruit yield. In grain crops, plant growth regulators are applied to promote sturdier growth and reduce the risk of lodging. Chlormequat is the most common plant growth regulator. Maximum residue limits of chlormequat in food products are 10 mg/kg in oat and pear, 3 mg/kg in wheat and rye, and 0.5 mg/kg in milk. In Denmark, results from experiments with pigs in the late 1980s showed sows that display impaired reproduction, mainly impaired oestrus, when fed grain from crop treated with chlormequat. Subsequently, the advisory body to the Danish pig industry recommended limiting the use of grain (maximum 30% of diet energy) from crop treated with chlormequat given to breeding stock due to the risk of reproduction problems. More recently, experiments have been conducted to evaluate the influence of chlormequat‐treated wheat crop on reproductive function in male and female mice. These experiments showed that epididymal spermatozoa from mice on feed or water containing chlormequat had compromised fertilizing competence in vitro, while reproduction in female mice was not compromised. The estimated intake of chlormequat in the pig (0.0023 mg/kg bw/day) and the mouse (0.024 mg/kg bw/day) experiments was below the acceptable daily intake of 0.05 mg/kg bw/day. Reports from the industry do not show any effects at these low levels.
Reproductive dysgenesis in wildlife: a comparative view
Authors: Edwards Thea M. , Moore Brandon C. , Guillette Louis J. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryAbnormal reproductive development in males has been linked to environmental contaminant exposure in a wide variety of vertebrates. These include humans, rodent models, and a large number of comparative wildlife species. In human males, abnormal reproductive development can manifest as a suite of symptoms, described collectively as testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). TDS is also described as demasculinization or feminization of the male phenotype. The suite includes cryptorchidism, in situ germ cell carcinoma of the testis and overt testicular cancer, reduced semen quality, and hypospadias. In this paper, we review examples of TDS among comparative species. Wildlife exposed to environmental contaminants are susceptible to some of the same developmental abnormalities and subsequent symptoms as those seen in human males with TDS. There are additional end points, which are also discussed. In some cases, the symptoms are more severe than those normally seen in humans with TDS (i.e. oocytes developing within the testis) because some non‐mammalian species exhibit greater innate reproductive plasticity, and are thus more easily feminized. Based on our review, we present an approach regarding the ontogeny of TDS. Namely, we suggest that male susceptibility to the androgynizing influences of environmental contaminants originates in the sexually undifferentiated embryo, which, in almost all species, including humans, consists of bipotential reproductive tissues. These tissues can develop as either male or female and their ultimate direction depends on the environment in which they develop.
Coordinated European investigations of semen quality: results from studies of Scandinavian young men is a matter of concern
Authors: Jørgensen Niels , Asklund Camilla , Carlsen Elisabeth , Skakkebæk Niels E. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryFor many years it has been acknowledged that Danish and Norwegian men have one of the highest risks in the world for testicular cancer in sharp contrast to neighbouring Baltic men from Finland, Estonia and Lithuania. As an association between poor semen quality and testicular cancer has been established, it was suggested that men from high‐risk testicular cancer areas would be more likely to have poor semen quality. However, previous studies were not able to elucidate this question due to their retrospective nature. In prospectively designed and strictly controlled studies of fertile men, the existence of regional differences in semen quality was confirmed. In addition, studies of men from the general populations were undertaken and a similar regional difference in semen quality was detected. Men from the eastern part of the Nordic–Baltic area had better semen quality than men from the western part. These findings parallel the incidence of testicular cancer in these regions. Approximately 20% of young men from Norway and Denmark had sperm concentrations below the World Health Organization reference level of 20 × 106 spermatozoa/mL, and approximately 40% had <40 × 106 spermatozoa/mL which, according to recent publications, may be the ‘threshold’ below which fecundity declines. In Denmark, the situation is of concern and a continued surveillance of semen quality in young men was established in 2001 by a government‐supported programme.
Adverse effects of environmental antiandrogens and androgens on reproductive development in mammals1
Authors: Earl Gray L. , Wilson Vickie S. , Stoker Tammy , Lambright Christy , Furr Johnathan , Noriega Nigel , Howdeshell Kembra , Ankley Gerald T. , Guillette Louis 
Published: February 2006

SummaryWithin the last decade, several classes of chemicals have been shown in laboratory studies to disrupt reproductive development by acting as androgen receptor (AR) antagonists and/or inhibitors of fetal Leydig cell testosterone production. Some phthalate esters alter gubernacular differentiation by reducing insulin‐like 3 (insl3) mRNA levels. We have found that AR antagonists and inhibitors of fetal testis hormone production generally induce cumulative, apparently dose‐additive adverse effects when administered in mixtures. New research has also revealed the presence of androgens in the environment. Effluents from pulp and paper mills display androgenic activity of sufficient potency to masculinize and/or sex‐reverse female fish. Effluent from beef cattle concentrated animal feedlot operations from the United States also displays androgenic activity in vitro, due, in part, to the presence of a steroid used to promote growth in beef cattle. In summary, we are only beginning to identify the classes of chemicals that have the potential to alter the androgen signalling pathway in utero. This review will (i) present information on the classes of environmental chemicals that display antiandrogenic and androgenic activities in vitro and in vivo, and (ii) provide an insight into how exposure to mixtures these chemicals might behave in utero.
Y chromosome variants and male reproductive function
Authors: McElreavey Ken , Ravel Celia , Chantot‐Bastaraud Sandra , Siffroi Jean‐Pierre 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe detailed analysis of the Y chromosome in men with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia has resulted in the identification of three regions of the long arm of the human Y chromosome, termed AZFa, AZFb and AZFc, (AZF: AZoospermia Factor) that are currently deleted in men with otherwise unexplained spermatogenic failure. Screening for these deletions is now common in many infertility centres and in some instances they have a prognostic relevance. Recently, attention has turned to partial deletions of the AZFc region. At first sight some of these deletions appear to have little effect on fertility, whilst others appear to be associated with significant risk for developing spermatogenic failure. However, the relationship between these partial AZFc deletions, reduced sperm counts and infertility is the subject of a continuing intense debate. There is a pressing need to clarify the impact of partial AZFc deletions on human spermatogenesis. This requires large‐scale studies on well‐characterized normospermic and oligo/azoospermic individuals of different ethnic origins with multiple informative AZFc markers if the correlation between these deletions and the phenotype is finally to be resolved. The definition of Y chromosome variants (haplotypes) in cases of partial AZFc deletions is likely to play an essential role in understanding the contribution of the deletion to reduced sperm counts.
Fertility and abortion rates in the United States, 1960–2002
Authors: Hamilton Brady E. , Ventura Stephanie J. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThis paper provides a general overview of trends in the United States (US) birth, fertility and abortion data from 1960 to 2002. Rates by age, race and Hispanic origin are also discussed. Data presented in this paper are derived primarily from published reports of the US government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. In 2002, there were 4 021 726 births in the US. The general fertility rate was 64.8 births per 1000 women aged 15–44 years, the total fertility rate was 2013.0 children per 1000 women, and the net reproduction rate was 968 daughters per 1000 women. These rates have declined in the US since 1960, down by at least 44% for all rates. While these rates have been declining, there are substantial differences in fertility patterns by age and race and Hispanic origin. Rates for women, 30 years of age and over, increased between 1980 and 2002. In contrast, rates for women under 25 years of age rose considerably during the late 1980s, and then decreased sharply since 1991. Rates for women in their late twenties (25–29 years of age), the principal childbearing ages, have fluctuated within a narrow range throughout this period (1980–2002). As a result of the increase in births to older women, the mean age of mother at first birth increased by nearly 4 years from 1968 to 2002. In 2000, the latest year for which data are available, there were 21.3 induced abortions per 1000 women aged 15–44 years, down from 27.4 in 1990. The total abortion rate, average number of legally induced abortions that would occur to a hypothetical cohort of 1000 women, was 672.0 abortions per 1000 women in 2000, down from 785.5 in 1980. The abortion rate has declined fairly steadily since 1980. Like the birth and fertility rates, substantial differences in abortion rates exist by age and race and Hispanic origin. The rates of induced abortion increased for women in their thirties between 1980 and 2000, whereas rates for women under 25 years of age and women 40 years of age and over decreased since 1980. The rate for women 25–29 years of age changed little. The rate of induced abortion was considerably higher for non‐Hispanic black women (57.4) in 2000 than for non‐Hispanic white women (11.7). The rate for Hispanic women (30.6) was intermediate. The total abortion rate was also much higher for non‐Hispanic black women than non‐Hispanic white and Hispanic women.
From embryonic stem cells to testicular germ cell cancer – should we be concerned?
Authors: Almstrup Kristian , Sonne Si Brask , Hoei‐Hansen Christina E. , Ottesen Anne Marie , Nielsen John E. , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Leffers Henrik , Meyts Ewa Rajpert‐De 
Published: February 2006

SummarySince the discovery of testicular carcinoma in situ (CIS) – the precursor cell for the vast majority of germ cell tumours – it has been proposed that CIS cells could be derived from transformed primordial germ cells or gonocytes. Here, we review recent discoveries not only substantiating that initial hypothesis but also indicating that CIS cells have a striking phenotypic similarity to embryonic stem cells (ESC). Many cancers have been proposed to originate from tissue‐specific stem cells [so‐called ‘cancer stem cells’ (CSC)] and we argue that CIS may be a very good example of a CSC, but with exceptional features due to the retention of embryonic pluripotency. In addition, considering the fact that pre‐invasive CIS cells are transformed from early fetal cells, possibly due to environmentally induced alterations of the niche, we discuss potential risks linked to the uncontrolled therapeutic use of ESC.
Proteolysis and lipolysis in White cheeses manufactured by two different production methods
Authors: Cinbas Tulay , Kilic Meral 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe effect of the production method on the proteolysis and lipolysis in White cheese was investigated during 3 months of storage. Two types of White cheese were manufactured with different production methods: (i) the traditional, applying mild heat treatment to milk (65 °C/5 min) and (ii) the industrial, using milk heat‐treated at a high temperature (75 °C/5 min) and starter culture. Lower moisture, higher water‐soluble N, lower trichloroacetic acid‐soluble N and higher free fatty acids levels were found in the cheese produced by the traditional method compared with the cheese produced using the industrial method. The amount of 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid‐reactive free amino groups was not significantly different between the cheeses.
Patterns and frequency of anxiety in women undergoing gynaecological surgery
Authors: Carr Eloise , Brockbank Katrina , Allen Sandra , Strike Paul 
Published: February 2006

Aims.  Within a gynaecological surgical setting to identify the patterns and frequency of anxiety pre‐ and postoperatively; to identify any correlation between raised anxiety levels and postoperative pain; to identify events, from the patients’ perspective, that may increase or decrease anxiety in the pre‐ and postoperative periods.Background.  It is well documented that surgery is associated with increased anxiety, which has an adverse impact on patient outcomes. Few studies have been conducted to obtain the patient's perspective on the experience of anxiety and the events and situations that aggravate and ameliorate it.Method.  The study used a mixed method approach. The sample consisted of women undergoing planned gynaecological surgery. Anxiety was assessed using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Trait anxiety was measured at the time of recruitment. State anxiety was then assessed at six time points during the pre‐ and postoperative periods. Postoperative pain was also measured using a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Taped semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted approximately a week after discharge.Results.  State anxiety rose steadily from the night before surgery to the point of leaving the ward to go to theatre. Anxiety then increased sharply prior to the anaesthetic decreasing sharply afterwards. Patients with higher levels of trait anxiety were more likely to experience higher levels of anxiety throughout their admission. Elevated levels of pre‐ and postoperative anxiety were associated with increased levels of postoperative pain. Telephone interviews revealed a range of events/situations that patients recalled distressing them and many were related to inadequate information.Conclusion.  This study found higher rates of anxiety than previously reported and anxiety levels appeared raised before admission to hospital. This has important clinical and research implications.Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients with high levels of anxiety may be identified preoperatively and interventions designed to reduce anxiety could be targeted to this vulnerable group. Patient experiences can inform the delivery of services to meet their health needs better.
‘The intruder’: spouses’ narratives about life with a chronically ill partner
Authors: Eriksson Monica , Svedlund Marianne 
Published: February 2006

Aim. The aim of this study was to illuminate the meaning of middle‐aged spouse's experiences of living with a chronically ill partner. A purposive sample of four female spouses was selected for interviews using a narrative approach.Background. When someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness, it is easy to understand that a considerable number of devastating consequences follow, both for the afflicted as well as for the family. Families often feel neglected and that their problems and needs are underestimated, if they do not personally draw attention to this fact.Methods. A phenomenological hermeneutic method, inspired by the philosophy of Ricoeur, was used when interpreting the interview text.Results. The experiences of spouses living with a chronically ill partner often brought a feeling of detachment from their partner's lives. The women experienced changes in their relationships because of their partners’ disabilities; they had emotions of loneliness, despite living together as a couple. Through their actions, the women sought reassurance and support in order to maintain a meaningful partnership with their spouses and this is expressed in three themes: feelings of limitation, the struggle of everyday life and a striving for normalization.Conclusions. Middle‐aged women living with a chronically sick partner are still of an active disposition and regard themselves as still being in mid‐life. They wish to be loved as a wife and not as a care provider.Relevance to clinical practice.The findings from this study can help increase the knowledge and understanding of the problems and concerns encountered by middle‐aged spouses living with chronically ill partners and can be useful in the education and supervision of nurses and in relationship with relatives.
The health‐promoting school: what role for nursing?
Authors: Whitehead Dean 
Published: February 2006

Aim.  To review the existing literature on health‐promoting schools and put forward recommendations for continuing progress.Background.  The World Health Organisation's Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion in 1986 sought to create a framework for health promotion action that conveyed the notion of capacity building as it related to specific settings. It provided the catalyst from which the health‐promoting school movement emerged, against the backdrop of health professionals adapting to the changing needs and demands of clients and the evolving social context of the communities in which they live. Since then, the international health‐promoting school movement has been one of the most successful of the settings‐based projects and has expanded considerably over recent years.Method.  An extensive review of available health‐promoting school‐related literature provides the basis for critical discussion and recommendations.Findings.  Traditionally, the school nursing movement has provided the backbone of nursing‐related health promotion activity in the school setting. The literature, however, is generally critical of its contribution over the years – especially as its role is mainly confined to a ‘conventional’ health education function and has little to do with health‐promoting school projects. There are more and more calls now for the school nursing service to either re‐evaluate its function and processes or be devolved back into a broader primary health care practitioner role.Conclusion.  Nurses should view the health‐promoting school movement as another opportunity to embrace evolving broad‐based health promotion concepts truly, as a means to forge and own their own health agenda and also as a means to move beyond a traditional reliance on a limited health education role. Schools also need to adapt and expand their efforts to focus on health promotion activities, in collaboration with the ever‐widening community networks of health and social agencies. This requires the commitment of all healthcare professional groups. Nurses who practice in all settings, and not just school nurses, should be aiming to initiate and promote radical health promotion reform as set out in the health‐promoting school movement.Relevance to clinical practice.  If health professionals wish to be at the forefront of current health‐promoting school strategies they must embrace the radical health promotion reforms that are emerging from the current literature and put forward in this article. Building such group capacity, through developing social interaction, cohesion, participation and political action can only benefit the community at large and further emphasize the health promotion role of nursing. The health‐promoting school movement is truly an international concept and, as such, deserves a concerted nursing representation and resourcing well beyond its current commitment.
Documenting the cognitive status of hip fracture patients using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire
Authors: Söderqvist Anita , Strömberg Lars , Ponzer Sari , Tidermark Jan 
Published: February 2006

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to describe how nurses document their subjective assessment of the patients’ cognitive status in the patients’ records and to compare this documentation with an assessment made using a validated evaluation instrument in older patients with a hip fracture.Background.  There are indications that older people with a hip fracture and impaired cognitive ability do not receive optimal care and that they suffer from a disproportionately high number of complications. Preventing and rapidly detecting confusion is probably an effective strategy for improving care for these patients. To be able to prevent care‐related complications and plan for future nursing and medical care, it is necessary to identify patients with impaired cognitive ability.Design.  Clinical trial including 362 patients.Methods.  The patients’ cognitive function was assessed by a research nurse using a validated instrument, the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, and an independent subjective assessment was made by a ward nurse. The agreement between these assessments was analysed.Results.  An assessment of cognitive function by the ward nurse was lacking in 12% of the patients. The assessment made by the nurses did not correspond to the level of orientation according to Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire in 24% of the patients. In the vast of majority of these cases, the patients were documented as being cognitively alert although they were cognitively impaired according to the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Among the patients who were cognitively oriented according to the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, the nurses’ assessment identified 97% as oriented, but among the patients with impaired cognitive ability according to the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, only 58% were identified as being cognitively impaired by the ward nurses.Conclusions.  An assessment of cognitive function is still lacking in nursing records for a substantial number of older people with a hip fracture and cognitive dysfunction is frequently underdiagnosed in routine health care.Relevance to clinical practice. Patient care could be improved if the patients’ cognitive function was assessed regularly and objectively by means of a validated evaluation instrument.