bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of seminal osmolarity in the regulation of human sperm motility
Authors: Rossato M. , Balercia G. , Lucarelli G. , Foresta C. , Mantero F. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryMammalian sperm at ejaculation are suspended in the seminal plasma, a heterogeneous mixture deriving from the testicular/epididymal fluid and from secretions of seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands. Biochemical characteristics of seminal fluid change along the male reproductive tract when considering its inorganic and organic composition and pH but it is known that in each region of the male genital tract seminal osmolarity is higher than that of serum. It has been previously demonstrated that in invertebrate and vertebrate sperm, seminal plasma osmolarity influences sperm motility and activity, and human sperm have been shown to possess osmosensitive calcium entry pathway that controls important functions such as acrosome reaction and oocyte penetration. In the present study, we have determined seminal plasma osmolarity in a large number of normozoospermic fertile and asthenozoospermic infertile subjects correlating it with sperm motility percentages and kinematic characteristics determined utilizing a computerized motion analysis system. Our results confirm that seminal plasma osmolarity is higher than that of serum (336.1 ± 20.2 vs. 291.1 ± 6.9 mOsm/L, respectively). Normozoospermic subjects show seminal osmolarity values that are significantly lower with respect to asthenozoospermic patients (317.8 ± 12.2 vs. 345.2 ± 22.6 mOsm/L, p < 0.001), irrespective of the cause of asthenozoospermia. Seminal plasma osmolarity negatively correlates with sperm progressive motility percentages and kinetic characteristics (curvilinear velocity, linear velocity, linear coefficient and lateral displacements of sperm head). Furthermore, when sperm from fertile subjects were suspended in medium with an osmolarity increasing from 300 to 600 mOsm, sperm motility percentages and kinetics characteristics were progressively reduced and nearly abolished when medium osmolarity was 600 mOsm. On the contrary, when sperm from asthenozoospermic subjects with high semen osmolarity were resuspended in medium with lower osmolarity, sperm motility parameters improved significantly. Sperm motility parameters did not correlate with seminal plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride with a weak correlation only with seminal calcium concentration. No correlations are present between seminal plasma osmolarity and ionic composition.In conclusion, the present study confirms and extends the knowledge that, in human, seminal plasma osmolarity is higher than that of serum and demonstrates that seminal osmolarity influences sperm motility characteristics and then it may contribute to the pathogenesis of some forms of asthenozoospermia and male infertility.
Proliferation and apoptosis in the seminiferous epithelium of photoinhibited Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)1
Authors: Morales Eva , Pastor Luis M. , Ferrer Concepción , Zuasti Adelina , Pallarés Jacinto , Horn Ramón , Calvo Alfonso , Santamaría Luis , Canteras Manuel 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn the hamster, male reproductive quiescence is accomplished via testicular atrophy and the germinal epithelium is regressed to spermatogonia and spermatocytes after 8–14 weeks of short photoperiods. However, the cellular mechanisms involved in this process have not been elucidated. As it is suggested that the regulation of seasonal testicular activity is characterized by coordinated shifts in the relationships between mitosis, meiosis and apoptosis, the changes in the proliferative and apoptotic activity in the seminiferous epithelium of photoinhibited Syrian hamster were examined and compared with those maintained in natural photoperiod. The proliferative activity was studied using BrdU immunostaining, and germ cell apoptosis was assessed by in situ TUNEL labelling and transmission electron microscopy. A significant increase in the rate of apoptosis (percentage of TUNEL‐positive spermatogonia + spermatocytes) was observed in photoinhibited animals (2.84 ± 0.16) compared with those exposed to natural photoperiod (0.77 ± 0.03, p < 0.05). The majority of apoptotic germ cells were spermatocytes and in some occasions spermatogonia. Germ cell apoptosis was confirmed by morphological characteristics: condensation of the chromatin and nuclear fragmentation. The rate of proliferation (percentage of BrdU‐positive spermatogonia + preleptotene spermatocytes) was significantly higher in photoinhibited hamsters (42.7 ± 2.6) compared with animals exposed to natural photoperiod (31.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.05). After the exposure to a short photoperiod the apoptotic index positively correlated with the proliferative index (r = 0.8150, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the seminiferous epithelium of photoinhibited Syrian hamsters is characterized by an increased rate of apoptosis associated to an enhanced rate of proliferation.
Effect of cancer therapy on pituitary–testicular axis1
Authors: Howell S. J. , Shalet S. M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryTreatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy is associated with significant gonadal damage in men. Alkylating agents, such as cyclophosphamide and procarbazine, are the most common agents implicated. The vast majority of men receiving procarbazine‐containing regimens for the treatment of lymphomas are rendered permanently infertile. Treatment with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD) appears to have a significant advantage in terms of testicular function, with a return to normal fertility in the vast majority of patients. Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy for testicular cancer results in temporary azoospermia in most men with a recovery of spermatogenesis in about 50% after 2 years and 80% after 5 years. There is also evidence of chemotherapy‐induced Leydig cell impairment in a proportion of these men, although this appears to be of no clinical significance in the majority of patients. The germinal epithelium is very sensitive to radiation‐induced damage with changes to spermatogonia following as little as 0.1 Gy, and permanent infertility after fractionated doses of 2 Gy and above, whereas clinically significant Leydig cell impairment occurs rarely with doses of less than 20 Gy.
Inhibition of tumour invasion and angiogenesis by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea
Authors: Jung Young D. , Ellis Lee M. 
Published: March 2003

Epidemiological studies have suggested that consumption of green tea may decrease cancer risk. In addition, abundant pre‐clinical data from several laboratories have provided convincing evidence that polyphenols present in green tea afford protection against cancer in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Recently, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a putative chemopreventive agent and a major component of green tea, was reported to inhibit tumour invasion and angiogenesis, processes that are essential for tumour growth and metastasis. Understanding the basic principles by which EGCG inhibits tumour invasion and angiogenesis may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies, in addition to supporting the role of green tea as a cancer chemopreventive agent.
Angiogenesis in the female reproductive organs: pathological implications
Authors: Reynolds Lawrence P. , Grazul‐Bilska Anna T. , Redmer Dale A. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.The female reproductive organs (ovary, uterus, and placenta) are some of the few adult tissues that exhibit regular intervals of rapid growth. They also are highly vascular and have high rates of blood flow. Angiogenesis, or vascular growth, is therefore an important component of the growth and function of these tissues. As with many other tissues, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) appear to be major angiogenic factors in the female reproductive organs. A variety of pathologies of the female reproductive organs are associated with disturbances of the angiogenic process, including dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma, endometriosis, failed implantation and subnormal foetal growth, myometrial fibroids (uterine leiomyomas) and adenomyosis, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ovarian carcinoma, and polycystic ovary syndrome. These pathologies are also associated with altered expression of VEGFs and/or FGFs. In the near future, angiogenic or antiangiogenic compounds may prove to be effective therapeutic agents for treating these pathologies. In addition, monitoring of angiogenesis or angiogenic factor expression may provide a means of assessing the efficacy of these therapies.
Restoration of permanent teeth in young rural children in Cambodia using the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) technique and Fuji II glass ionomer cement
Authors: Mallow  , Durward  , Klaipo  
Published: March 2003

Several recent studies have demonstrated the success of the ART (atraumatic restorative treatment) technique under field conditions in developing countries. The ART technique involves removal of caries using only hand instruments, and placing a glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoration. Objectives. To estimate the longevity of Fuji II GIC ART restorations placed in permanent teeth by dental nurse students under field conditions in rural Cambodia. Design. Clinical field trial. Setting. One high school in rural Cambodia. Sample and methods. 53 subjects between the ages of 12 and 17 who had dental caries were selected to participate. Subjects were randomly assigned to a dental nurse student for cavity preparation and placement of ART restorations (without cavity conditioning). Results. 92·1% of the carious lesions required class I or class V restorations, and 85·4% were in the lower molars. 89 teeth were filled. At 1 and 3 years 86·4% and 79·5% of restorations were still present. Restorations were assessed by one dentist according to standard criteria. 76·3% of the restorations were judged to be successful at 1 year, and 57·9% at 3 years. Conclusions. Factors which may have affected the success rates included: the material used, technical factors, failure to condition the cavity prior to restoration, and inexperience of the operators. The results suggest that ART restorations in permanent teeth using Fuji II GIC are only moderately successful after 3 years. Better results could be expected by using a dentine conditioner in conjunction with one of the newer stronger glass ionomer cements.
Paediatric antibiotic prescribing by general dental practitioners in England
Authors: Palmer N.O.A. , Martin M.V. , Pealing R. , Ireland R.S. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives. The inappropriate use of antibiotics is known to be a major contributory factor to the problem of antimicrobial resistance. No information is available on how practitioners prescribe antibiotics for children. This study investigated the prescribing of liquid‐based antibiotics for children by general dental practitioners in England. Design. Analysis of National Health Service liquid‐based prescriptions issued by general dental practitioners in England. Sample and methods. All prescriptions issued by practitioners in 10 Health Authorities in England for February 1999 were collected. All the liquid‐based antibiotic prescriptions for children were selected and we investigated the type of antibiotic prescribed, whether sugar free, the dose, frequency and duration. Results. A total of 18614 prescriptions were issued for antibiotics. Of the 1609 liquid‐based paediatric prescriptions 88·3% were for generic and 11·7% for proprietary antibiotics, of which 75·5% were for amoxicillin, 15·2% for phenoxymethylpenicillin, 6·6% for erythromycin, 1·7% for metronidazole. Cephalexin, ampicillin, cephadrine and combinations of two antibiotics were also prescribed. There was a wide variation in dosages for all the antibiotics prescribed. A significant proportion of practitioners prescribed at frequencies inconsistent with manufacturers’ recommendations and for prolonged periods, with some practitioners prescribing for periods up to 10 days. Only 29·1% of all the prescriptions issued were sugar free. Conclusions. The results of this study show that some practitioners prescribe liquid‐based antibiotics inappropriately for children. This may contribute to the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Clear guidelines on the choice of antibiotic, dose, frequency and duration along with educational initiatives for GDPs might reverse this trend.
Experiences from a school‐based oral health promotion programme in Wuhan city, PR China
Authors: Tai Baojun , Du Minquan , Peng Bin , Fan Mingwen , Bian Zhuan 
Published: March 2003

Objectives.To evaluate the effect of a six‐year oral health promotion programme for school children of Wuhan City, PR China.Methods.The programme group (P‐group) comprised 233 children who had just entered grade 1 (1989). The programme provided an oral health promotion programme, and 215 12‐year‐old children from three schools participated as a control group (C‐group). After the 6‐year period of the programme (1995), all of the children had a clinical examination according to the criteria of the WHO and responded to a structured questionnaire on dental health behaviour.Results.The results showed that attitudes to dental care, regular tooth brushing habits, use of fluoridated toothpaste, gingival health and dental visits, frequencies of consuming sugary drinks/foods were improved in the p‐group when compared with the C‐group.Conclusion.The school‐based oral health promotion programme should be expanded.
Administering local anaesthesia to paediatric dental patients – current status and prospects for the future
Authors: Ram D. , Peretz B. 
Published: March 2003

Summary. Fear‐related behaviours have long been recognized as the most difficult aspect of patient management and can be a barrier to good care. Anxiety is one of the major issues in the dental treatment of children, and the injection is the most anxiety‐provoking procedure for both children and adults. There is a constant search for ways to avoid the invasive, and often painful, nature of the injection, and to find more comfortable and pleasant means for anaesthesia before dental procedures.Objective.The purpose of the present review is to summarize relevant data on topics connected with the administration of local anaesthesia.Methods.The review will survey the current available methods, viz. electronic anaesthesia, lidocaine patch, computerized anaesthesia (the Wand), and the syrijet as well as the conventional injection, used for paediatric patients.Conclusions.Usually new techniques for locally anaesthetizing dental patients are tested on adults. However, despite recent research in the field, the injection remains the method of choice. It is necessary to continue to conduct studies using new techniques on adults and children, so that a more acceptable technique can be found.
Supernumerary teeth: review of the literature and a survey of 152 cases
Authors: Rajab L. D. , Hamdan M. A. M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary. Introduction. A review of the literature relating to supernumerary teeth is presented along with a survey of 152 cases.Methods. The study population consisted of 152 children who visited the department of Paediatric Dentistry at the Jordan University Hospital. Patients ranged in age from 5 to 15 years. Supernumeraries were detected by clinical examination and radiographs.Results. Males were affected more than females with a sex ratio of 2·2 : 1. Seventy‐seven percent of the patients had one supernumerary tooth, 18·4% had double teeth, and 4·6% had three or more supernumeraries. Ninety percent of the supernumerary teeth occurred in the premaxilla, of which 92·8% were in the central incisor region and of these latter 25% were located in the midline. The other 10·4% of the supernumeraries were located in the premolar, canine, molar, and lower central incisor regions. Two cases were of non‐syndrome supernumerary teeth. Seventy‐five percent of the supernumeraries were conical, 83·1% were in the normal vertical position and 26·5% were erupted. Conical‐shaped supernumerary teeth had a significantly higher rate of eruption compared to the tuberculate type.
Knowledge of physicians in hospital emergency rooms in Israel on their role in cases of avulsion of permanent incisors
Authors: Holan G. , Shmueli Y. 
Published: March 2003

Summary. Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of physicians in hospital emergency room care on their possible role in cases of traumatic loss of permanent incisors.Methods. A questionnaire was sent to directors of emergency room facilities in hospitals in Israel regarding the medical team at the emergency room in the hospital, availability of an in‐house dental service and existence of a protocol for management of avulsed teeth. Another questionnaire, completed by physicians in the emergency room, contained demographic questions and questions regarding their knowledge of management of avulsed permanent teeth.Results. The findings of the study showed that only 4% (12 of 335 physicians) would provide an appropriate initial treatment that, if followed by treatment by a dentist as recommended, could save the avulsed tooth. No correlation was found between knowledge of appropriate treatment of avulsed teeth and type of speciality, years of experience, previous exposure to information on trauma to the teeth and gender. The only significant association was found between physicians’ knowledge and having a dentist spouse. Most of the physicians had never attended any formal seminar or lecture or received printed instructions on the management of avulsed teeth.Conclusions. Medical students and physicians in hospitals’ emergency rooms should be made aware of their possible role in cases of avulsion of permanent teeth, in order to minimize late complications associated with such injuries. One possible way to achieve this goal is through education during and after training and introduction of a formal protocol for treatment of avulsed permanent teeth and other dental injuries.
The early post‐operative concerns of men after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Moore Katherine N. , Estey Angela 
Published: March 2003

The early post‐operative concerns of men after radical prostatectomy The aim of this study was to explore the concerns of men with urinary incontinence in the early weeks of recovery after radical prostatectomy for early stage prostate cancer. As part of a larger study evaluating effectiveness of intensive physiotherapy for post prostatectomy incontinence, semistructured interviews were conducted at study entry. Sixty‐three men approximately 8 weeks post‐surgery participated. The descriptive data were analysed for themes. Pre‐operative concerns focused on dealing with the diagnosis of prostate cancer, information gathering and decision‐making. Post‐operatively, a frequently repeated concern was lack of knowledge about the post‐surgery recovery period. Specifically, men stated they did not process much of the detailed pre‐operative teaching provided by the urologists and the nurses because of the overwhelming nature of the diagnosis. As a result, at discharge, they revealed many knowledge gaps about catheter care, post‐operative pain, incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Participants also perceived a lack of health care professional support. These information deficits severely affected quality of life and healthy post‐operative rehabilitation. The results of the informal interviews provide a deeper understanding of the post‐operative recovery experience and suggest some strategies for improving the early weeks of recovery after radical prostatectomy including telephone follow‐up, additional written information and on‐going support.
Specific determinants of intrinsic work motivation, burnout and turnover intentions: a study among nurses
Authors: Janssen Peter P.M. , De Jonge Jan , Bakker Arnold B. 
Published: March 2003

Specific determinants of intrinsic work motivation, burnout and turnover intentions: a study among nurses This study of 156 Dutch general hospital nurses tested a theoretically derived model of specific relationships between work stressors and stress reactions. The model proposes four central domains of the work situation, namely work content, working conditions, social and labour relations, and conditions of employment. In addition, the model proposes three important stress reactions, namely a diminished intrinsic work motivation, occupational burnout and an inclination to leave the job. More specifically, it was hypothesized that (i) intrinsic work motivation is primarily determined by work content variables, (ii) burnout is primarily determined by both work load and limited social support, and (iii) propensity to leave is primarily determined by conditions of employment. All these relationships were simultaneously tested using a structural equations modelling technique. The results of a series of LISREL analyses indicate that the postulated model fits well to the data. The present study used conceptually integrated measures that cover the area of work stress and stress reactions, and provides directions for interventions aimed at preventing or reducing specific negative outcomes of work‐related stress in general hospitals.
Review of nursing documentation in nursing home wards — changes after intervention for individualized care
Authors: Hansebo Görels , Kihlgren Mona , Ljunggren Gunnar 
Published: March 2003

Review of nursing documentation in nursing home wards — changes after intervention for individualized careUsing standardized assessment instruments may help staff identify needs, problems and resources which could be a basis for nursing care, and facilitate and improve the quality of documentation. The Resident Assessment Instrument/Minimum Data Set (RAI/MDS) especially developed for the care of elderly people, was used as a basis for individualized and documented nursing care. This study was carried out to compare nursing documentation in three nursing home wards in Sweden, before and after a one‐year period of supervised intervention. The review of documentation focused on structure and content in both nursing care plans and daily notes. The greatest change seen after intervention was the writing of care plans for the individual patients. Daily notes increased both in total and within parts of the nursing process used, but reflected mostly temporary situations. Even though the documentation of nursing care increased the most, it was the theme medical treatment which was the most extensive overall. A difference was seen between computer‐triggered Resident Assessment Protocol (RAP) items, obtained from the RAI/MDS assessments, and items in the nursing care plans; the former could be regarded as a means of quality assurance and of making staff aware of the need for further discussions. The RAI/MDS instrument seems to be a useful tool for the dynamic process in nursing care delivered and as a basis for documentation. The documentation should communicate a patient’s situation and progress, and if staff are to be able to use it in their everyday nursing care activity, it must be well‐structured and freely available. The importance of continuing education and supervision in nursing documentation for development of a reliable source of information was confirmed by the present study.