bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of tyrosine kinases PDGFR and C‐Kit by imatinib mesylate interferes with postnatal testicular development in the rat
Authors: Nurmio Mirja , Toppari Jorma , Zaman Farasat , Andersson Anna‐Maria , Paranko Jorma , Söder Olle , Jahnukainen Kirsi 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe tyrosine kinase receptor c‐kit and its interaction with the ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), play an essential role in the developing testis. C‐kit is important for the development of the Leydig cells and for the migration, proliferation and survival of spermatogonia. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) and its tyrosine kinase receptor (PDGFR) are important for the development of Leydig cells and myoid cells. The chemotherapeutic agent, imatinib mesylate (STI571, Glivec; Novartis) inhibits both of these tyrosine kinase receptors. Three‐day treatment of immature male rats (SD) with imatinib (150 mg/kg) on postnatal days 5–7 delayed the formation of germ‐line stem cell pool, reduced proliferation of type A spermatogonia and induced germ cell apoptosis. PDGFR‐mediated proliferation of mesenchymal myoid precursors was also decreased and the length of the seminiferous cord was reduced. However, at the age of 11 weeks the exposed animals had normal epididymal sperm counts, whereas plasma levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were significantly increased. Imatinib serves as a good tool to study postnatal formation of the male germ‐line stem cell pool and factors determining the final testicular size. As development of the human testis is controlled by the same mechanisms, further studies with primate and human models are needed to explore whether imatinib affects the testis in children as well.
Testicular cancer trends as ‘whistle blowers’ of testicular developmental problems in populations
Authors: Skakkebæk N. E. , Rajpert‐De Meyts E. , Jørgensen N. , Main K. M. , Leffers H. , Andersson A.‐M. , Juul A. , Jensen T. K. , Toppari J. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryRecently a worldwide rise in the incidence of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) has been repeatedly reported. The changing disease pattern may signal that other testicular problems may also be increasing. We have reviewed recent research progress, in particular evidence gathered in the Nordic countries, which shows strong associations between testicular cancer, undescended testis, hypospadias, poor testicular development and function, and male infertility. These studies have led us to suggest the existence of a testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), of which TGCC, undescended testis, hypospadias/disorders of sex differentiation and male fertility problems may be symptoms with varying penetration. In spite of their fetal origin, most of the TDS symptoms, including TGCC and poor semen quality, can only be diagnosed in adulthood. Data from a Danish–Finnish research collaboration strongly suggest that trends in TGCC rates of a population may be ‘whistle blowers’ of other reproductive health problems. As cancer registries are often of excellent quality – in contrast to registries for congenital abnormalities – health authorities should consider an increase in TGCC as a warning that other reproductive health problems may also be rising.
Why human extragonadal germ cell tumours occur in the midline of the body: old concepts, new perspectives
Authors: Oosterhuis J. Wolter , Stoop Hans , Honecker Friedemann , Looijenga Leendert H. J. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryHypotheses on the origin and distribution of extragonadal germ cell tumours (GCTs) and teratomas are briefly reviewed and revisited in the light of (i) new developments in the classification of GCTs, (ii) data on genomic imprinting of these neoplasms and (iii) the recent finding that germ cells can be derived from mouse and human embryonal stem (ES) cells. Only the Type I (infantile teratomas/yolk sac tumours) and Type II GCTs (seminomatous tumours and non‐seminomas) occur in the gonads and extragonadal localizations. The data on genomic imprinting lend support to the hypothesis that they are derived from germ cells. These precursor cells could have differentiated from ES cells in extragonadal localizations. Their distribution along the midline of the body is still best explained by the migration of primitive germ cells during development. The narrower distribution of the Type II than the Type I GCTs is probably due to the more strict conditions for survival and proliferation of primordial germ cells (PGCs)/gonocytes from which the Type II tumours originate, when compared with the precursor cells of Type I tumours, probably primitive germ cells closer to the ES cell. The known niches in which the Type II tumours develop have in common that they contain feeder cells expressing stem cell factor (SCF) – the ligand for the SCF receptor c‐KIT, involved in proliferation and survival of PGCs/gonocytes – and contain GBY including the gene TSPY.
Trends in testicular germ cell tumours by ethnic group in the United States
Authors: Shah Mona N. , Devesa Susan S. , Zhu Kangmin , McGlynn Katherine A. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe incidence of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) has increased in white and black men in the United States. Little is known, however, about trends among men of other racial/ethnic groups. The current study sought to examine TGCT patterns among men of Asian/Pacific Islander/American Indian/ Alaska Native (API/AIAN) and Hispanic ancestries and to determine whether tumours in these groups are diagnosed at comparable stages and sizes to tumours in white and black men. TGCT incidence data and tumour characteristics were drawn from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries for two time periods: 1973–2003 and 1992–2003. In 1973–2003, TGCT rates were significantly lower among black (rate ratio = 0.18, p < 0.001) and API/AIAN (rate ratio = 0.37, p < 0.001) men than among white men. Among white and API/AIAN men, rates increased over 60%, mainly prior to 1989–1993. Among black men, rates increased almost 40%, mainly after 1989–1993. Among white and API/AIAN men, increasing proportions of localized disease were diagnosed over time, while the opposite trend was seen among black men. In 1992–2003, TGCT incidence among Hispanic white men (3.46/100 000) was significantly lower than it was among non‐Hispanic white men, but rates of both seminoma and non‐seminoma increased. While the incidence of TGCT increased among all men, different patterns in the increase were evident. These data suggest that rates are increasing among Hispanic white men and black men, but are stabilizing among white men and API/AIAN men. The peak of the TGCT epidemic may have been reached in these latter groups.
Do all patients with bilateral testis cancer have a hereditary predisposition?
Authors: Harland S. J. , Rapley E. A. , Nicholson P. W. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryAn international study has demonstrated that patients with bilateral testicular cancer are significantly more likely to have brothers with testis cancer than those with unilateral disease. This, together with other evidence, implies that patients with bilateral disease are likely to carry a predisposing genotype. But is it the great majority of them which is thus predisposed? We show that if as few as half of these patients have the predisposing genotype, its penetrance would have to be 80%, causing 38% of resulting cases to be bilateral. Evidence from the International Testis Cancer Linkage Consortium shows that the proportion of familial cases with bilateral disease is much lower. It is likely that at least the majority of cases of bilateral testis cancer arise as a result of a predisposing genotype.
Cardiac and aortic structural alterations due to surgically‐induced menopause associated with renovascular hypertension in rats
Authors: Mendonça Leonardo de Souza , Fernandes‐Santos Caroline , Mandarim‐de‐Lacerda Carlos Alberto 
Published: August 2007

SummaryMenopause and hypertension independently alter cardiovascular remodelling, but little is known about their effect on left ventricular and aortic wall remodelling. Eight‐weeks‐old Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals each: Sham group, OVX group (ovariectomized rats), 2K1C (two‐kidneys, one‐clip rats) and OVX + 2K1C group and kept until 19 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) increased 12% in OVX group, 35% in 2K1C and OVX + 2K1C groups compared with sham group. Vaginal cytology showed Sham and 2K1C rats cycling normally, whereas OVX and OVX + 2K1C rats were persistently in dioestrus or proestrus. At euthanasia, left ventricle (LV) and thoracic aorta were removed and analysed (immunohistochemistry and stereology). LV mass/tibia length ratio and cross‐sectional area of cardiomyocytes increased in all groups except Sham. The intramyocardial vascularization reduced 30% in comparison with Sham group, with no difference among OVX, 2K1C and OVX + 2K1C groups. The cardiac interstitium increased more than 45% in both 2K1C and OVX + 2K1C groups compared with Sham, but there was no significant difference between Sham and OVX groups. Nuclei number of LV cardiomyocyte diminished in OVX group, followed by 2K1C group and OVX + 2K1C group, with no difference between the 2K1C and the OVX + 2K1C groups. There was positive immunostaining for angiotensin II AT1 receptor in smooth muscle cell layer of aortic tunica media in all groups. These results show that both ovariectomy and renovascular hypertension enhance BP as a single stimulus and therefore produce adverse cardiac remodelling. However, renovascular hypertension exerts a far greater influence than surgically‐induced menopause in this parameter.
The mechanobiological aetiopathogenesis of tendinopathy: is it the over‐stimulation or the under‐stimulation of tendon cells?
Authors: Arnoczky Steven P. , Lavagnino Michael , Egerbacher Monika 
Published: August 2007

SummaryWhile there is a significant amount of information available on the clinical presentation(s) and pathological changes associated with tendinopathy, the precise aetiopathogenesis of this condition remains a topic of debate. Classically, the aetiology of tendinopathy has been linked to the performance of repetitive activities (so‐called overuse injuries). This has led many investigators to suggest that it is the mechanobiologic over‐stimulation of tendon cells that is the initial stimulus for the degradative processes which have been shown to accompany tendinopathy. Although several studies have been able to demonstrate that the in vitro over‐stimulation of tendon cells in monolayer can result in a pattern(s) of gene expression seen in clinical cases of tendinopathy, the strain magnitudes and durations used in these in vitro studies, as well as the model systems, may not be clinically relevant. Using a rat tail tendon model, we have studied the in vitro mechanobiologic response of tendon cells in situ to various tensile loading regimes. These studies have led to the hypothesis that the aetiopathogenic stimulus for the degenerative cascade which precedes the overt pathologic development of tendinopathy is the catabolic response of tendon cells to mechanobiologic under‐stimulation as a result of microscopic damage to the collagen fibres of the tendon. In this review, we examine the rationale for this hypothesis and provide evidence in support of this theory.
Cell phenotypic variation in normal and damaged tendons
Authors: Clegg Peter D. , Strassburg Sandra , Smith Roger K. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryInjuries to tendons are common in both human athletes as well as in animals, such as the horse, which are used for competitive purposes. Furthermore, such injuries are also increasing in prevalence in the ageing, sedentary population. Tendon diseases often respond poorly to treatment and require lengthy periods of rehabilitation. The tendon has a unique extracellular matrix, which has developed to withstand the mechanical demands of such tensile‐load bearing structures. Following injury, any repair process is inadequate and results in tissue that is distinct from original tendon tissue. There is growing evidence for the key role of the tendon cell (tenocyte) in both the normal physiological homeostasis and regulation of the tendon matrix and the pathological derangements that occur in disease. In particular, the tenocyte is considered to have a major role in effecting the subclinical matrix degeneration that is thought to occur prior to clinical disease, as well as in the severe degradative events that occur in the tendon at the onset of clinical disease. Furthermore, the tenocyte is likely to have a central role in the production of the biologically inadequate fibrocartilaginous repair tissue that develops subsequent to tendinopathy. Understanding the biology of the tenocyte is central to the development of appropriate interventions and drug therapies that will either prevent the onset of disease, or lead to more rapid and appropriate repair of injured tendon. Central to this is a full understanding of the proteolytic response in the tendon in disease by such enzymes as metalloproteinases, as well as the control of the inappropriate fibrocartilaginous differentiation. Finally, it is important that we understand the role of both intrinsic and extrinsic cellular elements in the repair process in the tendon subsequent to injury.
The adaptability of tendon to loading differs in men and women
Authors: Magnusson S. Peter , Hansen Mette , Langberg Henning , Miller Ben , Haraldsson Bjarki , Kjoeller Westh Eva , Koskinen Satu , Aagaard Per , Kjær Michael 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe reason why women sustain more soft tissue injury than men during physical activity is unknown. Connective tissue properties and extracellular matrix adaptability in human tendon were investigated in models that addressed biochemical, physiological and biomechanical aspects of tendon connective tissue in response to mechanical loading. Habitual training resulted in a larger patellar tendon in men but not in women. Following an acute bout of exercise, men had an elevated tendon collagen synthesis rate and this effect was less pronounced or absent in women. Moreover, levels of circulating oestrogen affected the acute exercise‐related increase in collagen synthesis. Finally, the mechanical strength of isolated tendon collagen fascicles in men surpassed that of women. Thus, compared to men, women have (i) an attenuated tendon hypertrophy response to habitual training; (ii) a lower tendon collagen synthesis rate following acute exercise; (iii) a rate of tendon collagen synthesis which is further attenuated with elevated estradiol levels; and (iv) a lower mechanical strength of their tendons. These data indicate that tendons in women have a lower rate of new connective tissue formation, respond less to mechanical loading, and have a lower mechanical strength, which may leave the tissue more susceptible to injury.
Passing the audition – the appraisal of client credibility and assessment by nurses at triage
Authors: Edwards Bernie , Sines David 
Published: August 2007

Aim.  This paper presents the findings of one aspect of a larger study aiming to build a substantive grounded theory of the process of initial assessment at triage.Background.  Prioritisation at triage within emergency departments centres primarily on assessing the threat to physiological function of people presenting with health‐care problems. This approach presumes that clinical reasoning strategies reside exclusively within the health‐care practitioner, with the patient playing no active part in the process.Design.  A grounded theory/symbolic interactionist methodology.Methods.  Thirty‐eight recordings were made of live triage encounters involving 14 emergency nurses from two demographically distinct emergency departments. At the end of the relevant shift, those encounters in which the nurses were involved were replayed to them. The recording was stopped after each question or comment by the nurse who was then asked to say what they were thinking at the time. The nurses’ thoughts were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the constant comparative method, in which hypotheses are generated and continually modified in the light of incoming data until a conceptual story line, or theory, is produced.Results.  The findings suggest that the outward clinical signs of problems presenting to the emergency department were not viewed by nurses as neutral manifestations of the pathology itself but as a conscious or unconscious portrayal of patients’ physical discomfort and their perception of the nature of the problem. The way in which patients and carers depict their problems is used by triage nurses to determine the credibility of the clinical information they provide.Conclusion.  Triage can be regarded as a process in which nurses act as an adjudicating panel, judging the clinical data before them through the appraisal of the way patients act out their problems and narrate their stories.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nursing practice and research need to account for the patient's contribution to the decision‐making process at triage.
An implementation programme to improve nursing home staff's knowledge of and adherence to an individualized music protocol
Authors: Sung Huei‐Chuan , Chang Anne M , Abbey Jennifer 
Published: August 2007

Aim.  This paper reports the results of a study evaluating an implementation programme in improving nursing home staff's knowledge of and adherence to an individualized music protocol for older people with dementia.Background.  The major barriers to evidence‐based practice identified by nurses are the lack of knowledge and skills on implementing evidence‐based practice. Some evidence supports the effectiveness of implementation strategies in facilitating practice change among healthcare professionals but need further testing. Little is known about what is the best way to facilitate nursing home staff's adoption of evidence‐based care.Methods.  A one‐group pre‐post test design was used with a convenience sample of 17 nursing staff from a long‐term care facility. The implementation programme consisted of interactive education, reminders, a local opinion leader and audit. Data on nursing staff's knowledge of music protocol were collected by the music knowledge questionnaire and their adherence to the protocol was assessed by an audit checklist at baseline and week four after the implementation programme.Results.  There was a significant improvement in nursing staff's knowledge (p < 0·001) of the music protocol. The improvement was greater among nurse aides; however, the improvement between the nurse group and the nurse aide group was not significantly different (p > 0·05). The mean level of their adherence to the protocol improved from nil at baseline to 72·35% on the post‐test.Conclusions.  An innovative implementation programme consisting of interactive education, reminders, use of a local opinion leader and audit led to an improvement in nursing home staff's knowledge of and adherence to an individualized music protocol in dementia care.Relevance to clinical practice.  Multifaceted implementation strategies with careful consideration of local circumstances may be essential in promoting uptake of evidence‐based practice among nursing staff in long‐term care settings.
Probiotic, as well as conventional yogurt, can enhance the stimulated production of proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Meyer A. L. , Elmadfa I. , Herbacek I. , Micksche M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground  Lactic acid bacteria have been shown to stimulate the secretion of cytokines by lymphocytes and monocytes in a strain‐dependent manner. Therefore, in this study, the effect of a daily intake of probiotic yogurt on cytokine production in young healthy women was compared with that of a conventional product.Methods  For 2 weeks each, subjects consumed 100 g, then 200 g of either a probiotic or a conventional, commercially available yogurt, both containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus with additional Lactobacillus casei DN 114 001 in the probiotic product. Cytokine production in blood culture following stimulation with phytohaemmaglutinin and lipopolysaccharide was measured using Cytometric Bead Array and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results  Stimulated production of tumour necrosis factor‐α increased significantly following consumption of conventional or probiotic yogurt (+63% and +24% compared with baseline, respectively, P < 0.001). There was also a significantly higher production of interleukin (IL)‐1β in the conventional (+40%, P = 0.006) and of interferon gamma in the probiotic group (+108%, P < 0.05). IL‐10 decreased following consumption of the probiotic product, but increased significantly after intake cessation (+129%, P < 0.001). No significant differences in cytokine responses between the conventional and the probiotic yogurt were observed.Conclusion  Both conventional and probiotic yogurt enhanced the stimulated production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
The nutrition knowledge of older adults living in sheltered housing accommodation
Authors: Moynihan P. J. , Mulvaney C. E. , Adamson A. J. , Seal C. , Steen N. , Mathers J. C. , Zohouri F. V. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground  Nutrition knowledge enables informed dietary choices. This paper reports on the nutrition knowledge of older adults residing in sheltered housing accommodation in socially deprived areas of north‐east England.Method  As part of a cluster randomized dietary intervention trial, a validated questionnaire measured the knowledge of current dietary recommendations, nutrient sources, ability to select healthy meal options and knowledge of associations between diet and diseases of older adults aged 60 years and over residing in sheltered accommodation.Results  Completed questionnaires were obtained from 177 (59%) subjects (147 female, 30 male), of whom 76% were overweight/obese and 2% underweight. The mean (SD) age was 76.4 (8.0) years. Of a possible score of 47, the mean score was 23.2, indicating that approximately 50% of questions were answered incorrectly. Knowledge of associations between diet and diseases was particularly poor; 90% of subjects being unaware of the benefits of high fruit and vegetable consumption. Respondents in the highest 10% of the nutrition knowledge score had a significantly higher intake of fruit and vegetables compared with those in the lowest 10%.Conclusion  A high proportion of older adults had little basic nutrition knowledge; this presents a barrier to healthier eating that should be addressed.