bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of green fluorescent protein under beta‐actin promoter in living spermatogenic cells of the mouse: stage‐specific regulation by FSH
Authors: Ventelä Sami , Okabe Masaru , Tanaka Hiromitsu , Nishimune Yoshitake , Toppari Jorma , Parvinen Martti 
Published: March 2003

Spermatogenic cells from a mouse strain expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under chicken beta‐actin promoter were studied under living conditions to analyse stage‐ and cell‐specific expression and hormonal regulation of the transgene. The isolated seminiferous tubules were examined by transillumination and the live cell squashes by phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy. FSH effects were measured in whole seminiferous tubules comparing stages I–VI, VII–VIII and IX–XII of the cycle.Beta‐actin was highly expressed in spermatogonia, but almost no expression was found at early meiosis (leptotene spermatocytes). A gradual increase in translation of beta‐actin was found during later stages of meiosis and early spermiogenesis, with a maximum in elongating spermatids. FSH increased the translation of beta‐actin after 4 h and 24 h of incubation at stages I–VI, after 24 h at stages VII–VIII but not at stages IX–XII of the cycle. The results support the view that beta‐actin plays a role in the nuclear elongation of spermatids and that its expression is regulated by FSH in a stage‐specific fashion. Techniques used in this study give us new insight to study temporal and hormonal regulation of gene products in living spermatogenic cells.
Comparison between computerized slow‐stage and static liquid nitrogen vapour freezing methods with respect to the deleterious effect on chromatin and morphology of spermatozoa from fertile and subfertile men
Authors: Hammadeh M. E. , Dehn CH. , Hippach M. , Zeginiadou T. , Stieber M. , Georg T. , Rosenbaum P. , Schmidt W. 
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the negative effects (cryodamage) on human spermatozoa after freeze‐thawing and to determine whether freeze‐thawing of spermatozoa with a programmed slow freezer is better than freezing with liquid nitrogen vapour (rapid freezing) with regard to alterations in sperm chromatin and morphology in semen from fertile (donor) and subfertile, IVF/ICSI, patients. Ninety‐five semen samples were obtained either from patients attending our IVF unit for treatment (n=34) or from donors (n=25) with proven fertility and normal sperm quality according to WHO guidelines. Each semen sample was divided into two parts after liquefaction and addition of the cryoprotectant. The first part was frozen using a programmed biological freezer and the second part was frozen by means of liquid nitrogen vapour. Smears were made before the freezing and after the thawing procedure to assess morphology (strict criteria) and chromatin condensation (Acridine Orange test). The mean percentage of chromatin condensed spermatozoa in the samples from donors (control group) was 92.4 ± 8.4% before freezing and this decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) to 88.7 ± 11.2% after freeze‐thawing with the computerized slow‐stage freezer and to 87.2 ± 12.3% after using static liquid nitrogen vapour (p < 0.001). The corresponding values for semen obtained from patients was 78.9 ± 10.3% before freezing which decreased to 70.7 ± 10.8 and 68.5 ± 14.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the mean percentage of normal sperm morphology in the control group decreased from 26.3 ± 7.5% before freezing to 22.1 ± 6.4% (p < 0.0001) after thawing with the computerized slow‐stage freezer and to 22.2 ± 6.6% (p < 0.0001) after the use of static liquid nitrogen vapour. In the patient group, the mean percentage of normal morphology decreased from 11.7 ± 6.1% after freezing with the biological freezer to 9.3 ± 5.6% and to 8.0 ± 4.9% after freezing with static liquid nitrogen vapour.This study demonstrates that chromatin packaging and morphology of human spermatozoa decrease significantly after the freeze‐thawing procedure, not only after the use of static liquid nitrogen vapour but also after the use of a computerized slow‐stage freezer. However, the chromatin of semen samples with normal semen parameters (donor sperm) withstand the freeze‐thaw injury better than those with low quality semen samples. Therefore, the computerized slow stage freezer could be recommended for freezing of human spermatozoa, especially for subnormal semen samples, for example, ICSI and ICSI/TESE candidates and from patients with testicular tumours or Hodgkin’s disease, in order to avoid further damage to the sperm chromatin structure.
Penile pharmacotesting in diagnosing male erectile dysfunction: evidence for lack of accuracy and specificity
Authors: Aversa Antonio , Isidori Andrea M. , Caprio Massimiliano , Cerilli Marco , Frajese Vanni , Fabbri Andrea 
Published: March 2003

Penile pharmacotesting (PPT) with alprostadil (PGE1) represents the most common diagnostic approach to male erectile dysfunction (ED). A positive response – i.e. normal erectile rigidity of sustained duration – is presumed to exclude venous or arterial pathology with enough accuracy. To test this assumption we compared PPT vs. flowmetric results obtained by colour‐duplex Doppler ultrasound (CDDU) in patients (pts) undergoing diagnostic evaluation for ED under conditions of maximal cavernous relaxation.A total of 195 non‐consecutive impotent pts were diagnosed after dynamic CDDU as non‐vasculogenic (NOR), or having arteriogenic (AR), veno‐occlusive (VO) or mixed (MX) ED. Maximal erection obtained after PPT was scored as: type‐1 (full tumescence – no sustained rigidity, angle on the abdominal plane >90°), type‐2 (sustained partial erection, valid for intromission, angle=90°) and type‐3 (sustained full erection, angle <90°). Comparing PPT with flowmetric results, we found that a type‐3 response had 20% false negative diagnosis of NOR (17% of AR‐ and 3% of VO‐ and MX‐ED, respectively), while a type‐2 response had 63% false negative diagnosis (20% of AR, 37% of VO‐ and 6% MX‐ED, respectively). Type‐1 response was associated with the presence of VO dysfunction in 99% of cases.These data suggest that a positive response to PPT (type‐2 and type‐3) assessed by the visual rating of erection is associated with both arterial (up to 20%) and/or VO (up to 43%) ED, as detected by CDDU. We conclude that PPT alone is a misleading diagnostic test to exclude vascular ED and that dynamic CDDU should be offered to pts investigated for male ED.
Sexological approach to ejaculatory dysfunction1
Authors: JANNINI E. A. , SIMONELLI C. , LENZI A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryEjaculatory disorders include premature, deficient (delayed ejaculation and anejaculation) and retrograde ejaculation. A rare symptom connected to ejaculatory disorders is male anorgasmia. In the past, ejaculatory disorders were considered as typical relational and psychological symptoms. For this reason, a number of behavioural and psycho‐relational approaches have flourished from the first ideas of curing sexual problems with empirical therapy, focusing on the symptoms of sexual pathology. Such treatment includes assessment, behavioural and educational components, psychotherapy in the context of the relationship and sexual timetables. Recent advances in understanding the importance and frequency of ejaculatory disorders, insights into their organic and non‐organic pathophysiology and the efficacy of a growing arsenal of pharmacological therapies lead to a new challenge which can be confronted only with the development of new, integrated therapeutic alternatives from a modern somato‐psychic and holistic viewpoint.
Differential expression of succinyl CoA transferase (SCOT) genes in somatic and germline cells of the mouse testis
Authors: Tanaka H. , Iguchi N. , Miyagawa Y. , Koga M. , Kohroki J. , Nishimune Y. 
Published: March 2003

SummarySuccinyl CoA:3‐oxo acid CoA transferase (SCOT/OXCT; EC 2.8.3.5) is a key mitochondrial enzyme in the metabolism of ketone bodies in various organs (but not in the liver). We identified a cDNA clone of the testicular germ cell‐specific succinyl CoA transferase isozyme (SCOT‐t). We then isolated a mouse orthologue of the SCOT/OXCT cDNA (SCOT‐s) and determined the expression of the two types of SCOT in the testis. The mRNAs of scot‐s and scot‐t were expressed exclusively in testicular somatic cells (i.e. Leydig and Sertoli cells) and germ cells, respectively. SCOT enzymatic activities were assayed in Leydig cell (SCOT‐s) and sperm (SCOT‐t) fractions. The SCOT activity in sperm was 2.5‐fold higher than that in Leydig cells. We conclude that germ cells and somatic cells differentially express the SCOT enzymes and that the SCOT activity of sperm caused exclusively by SCOT‐t should play an important role in sperm activity.
Dietary lectins can stimulate pancreatic growth in the rat
Authors: Kelsall Angela , FitzGerald A.J. , Howard C.V. , Evans R.C. , Singh R. , Rhodes J.M. , Goodlad R.A. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins of nonimmune origin, which bind specifically to carbohydrate structures. They are widespread in the human diet, and many are resistant to digestion. High doses of lectins have been shown to stimulate intestinal and pancreatic growth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long‐term actions of low doses of lectins on the rat intestine and pancreas. A long‐term carcinogenesis study was performed using low levels (40 µg/rat/day) of peanut (PNA) or mushroom lectin (ABA) which bind to O‐linked (mucin‐type) oligosaccharides in the gut. While this was primarily designed as a colon carcinogenesis study, the pancreas was also investigated. No significant changes in colon carcinogenesis were seen, however, the colons were slightly heavier in the lectin treated groups. The weight of the pancreas was significantly greater (by 18 and 23%) in both lectin treated groups (P < 0.03/0.001). The weights of the acini and septal tissue were also increased by 39–46% in PNA and ABA fed animals, respectively (P < 0.002); there was no significant change in the endocrine pancreas.In conclusion, long‐term feeding of low doses of lectin can influence pancreatic growth, and this trophic action may have potential adverse implications for the development of pancreatic cancer in humans.
Reduction in cholesterol and fractionation of butter oil using supercritical CO2 with adsorption on alumina
Authors: Mohamed Rahoma S. , Neves Guilherme B. M. , Kieckbusch Theo G. 
Published: March 2003

Cholesterol reduction together with the fractionation of triglycerides in butter oil was obtained using a combined supercritical CO2 extraction/alumina adsorption process in a high‐pressure apparatus that allows the independent control of temperature and pressure. Cholesterol levels in butter oil fractions extracted at 40 °C and 27.6 MPa were reduced from 2.5 to 0.1 mg g−1 of oil. Butter oil was also fractionated into low‐, intermediate‐ or high‐molecular‐weight triglycerides. This single‐stage combined process is a clear indication of the important technological possibilities with a more efficient multistage fractionation followed by the subsequent blending and formation of desired milk fat products. A comparison of solubility data of pure cholesterol in CO2 with those for cholesterol contained in butter oil revealed the co‐solvency effects of triglycerides on the solvation of cholesterol.
Effect of gelatin dip on the oxidative and colour stability of cooked ham and bacon pieces during frozen storage
Authors: Villegas R. , O'Connor T. P. , Kerry J. P. , Buckley D. J. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Samples of cooked ham and bacon were dipped in water or 2, 4 or 6% gelatin solutions. Samples were then packed in oxygen permeable or vacuum packaging film and stored at −18 °C for seven months. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) and colour stability (Hunter a* values) were assessed monthly. The gelatin coating exerted beneficial effects on oxidative and colour stability.
Relationship between mothers’ gingival condition and caries experience of their 3‐year‐old children
Authors: Sasahara H. , Kawamura M. , Kawabata K. , Iwamoto Y. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mothers’ gingival condition (an assumed indicator of their self‐care level) and the prevalence and severity of dental caries of their children.Sample and Methods. Subjects comprised 1471 pairs of mothers and their children who attended for the 3‐year‐old dental check‐up at a community health centre in Hiroshima. The mothers’ gingival condition was scored as ‘excellent (+2)’, ‘good (+1)’, ‘questionable (0)’, ‘poor (−1)’ or ‘very poor (−2)’ according to the criteria of the Oral Rating Index (ORI). Caries experience of the children was recorded using the WHO caries diagnostic criteria for dmft.Results. The percentage of caries‐free children was 51·3%, and the mean dmft score was 2·61. The percentages of caries‐free were higher and the mean dmft level were lower in the children of mothers with better gingival condition compared to the children of mothers with worse gingival condition.Conclusions. Mothers’ gingival condition was associated with the prevalence and severity of dental caries of their children.
Interceptive orthodontics in the real world of community dentistry
Authors: Al Nimri K. , Richardson A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective. To test the applicability and effectiveness of interceptive orthodontics in a community field trial. Design. Prospective screening for suitable malocclusions, implementation of treatment and analysis of outcomes 12 months later. Setting. Community dentistry in urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland, 1996–98. Subjects and methods. The initial sample consisted of 2002 children (1014 boys, 988 girls) who were screened in routine community dental inspections. One thousand and sixty (523 aged 9 years, 537 aged 11 years) were domiciled in the urban area of greater Belfast and 942 (479 aged 9 years, 463 aged 11 years) in the rural area of Enniskillen and Omagh, Co. Tyrone. Interventions. Interceptive orthodontic treatment. Outcome measures. Dental health component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and specially devised local indices of treatment outcomes. Results. With the use of an interception gauge, orthodontic screening was included in the community dental inspections without difficulty. Thirty‐three per cent of children were in need of interceptive treatment. Only 20% of those in need both attended for recall and underwent treatment. Compliance was better in the rural area but the need, with particular reference to extraction of carious first molars, was greater in the urban area. The numbers of children in IOTN grades 4 and 5 fell from 69% at the beginning of the study to 42% at the end. The outcome judged by local indices was 94% in the range of complete success to minimal improvement with only 2% showing deterioration. Conclusions. One in three children screened in community dental inspections at age 9 and 11 years would benefit from interceptive orthodontics. Parents and children seem reluctant to accept offers of interceptive orthodontics and to having the treatment carried out. Among those complying fully, the interceptive measures are very successful. Not only does community interceptive orthodontics improve the condition being treated but also reduces the need for further treatment.
The effect of sociodemographic factors on dental anxiety in children seen in a suburban Nigerian hospital
Authors: Folayan M. O. , Idehen E. E. , Ufomata D. 
Published: March 2003

Summary. Objective. This paper attempts to determine the sociodemographic factors that relate to dental anxiety in suburban African children.Methods. A short form of the Dental subscale of the Child Fear Survey schedule (DFSS_SF) was administered to 81 patients (first time attendees at the clinic) between the ages of eight and 13 years. The psychometric scale was used after determining its reliability and validity to ensure that it was culturally appropriate. Age, gender, sociodemographic status were also recorded. The dental anxiety score distribution, its threshold level as well as the relationship between the sociodemographic variables and patients’ anxiety were determined.Results. There was no statistically significant association between age (P = 0·856), gender (P = 0·124), socio‐economic status of the children (P= 0.12) and level of dental anxiety. However, a statistically significant relationship did exist between the type of school the child attended and the anxiety level (P = 0·009). Also, 18 (14·8%) of the children were found to have high anxiety levels.Conclusions. Further studies involving larger non‐clinic samples are needed to examine the issues raised by the findings of this study.
Pain relief for paediatric dental chair anaesthesia: current practice in a community dental clinic
Authors: Jürgens S. , Warwick R. S. , Inglehearn P. J. , Gooneratne D. S. 
Published: March 2003

Summary. Aim. A review of different modes of pain relief for simple dental extractions under general anaesthesia in a community dental setting.Patients and methods. Different analgesia regimens are used by different anaesthetic teams working in a single community clinic. A total of 72 patients were reviewed post‐operatively in the recovery room and followed up with a telephone survey 24 h later to assess pain experienced by the patients. The efficacy of different analgesia regimens was analysed.Results. The majority of patients were pain free in recovery, independent of the method of pain relief used. Local anaesthetic injections appear superior to systemic analgesia, and patients with local anaesthetic injections were more settled in recovery.Discussion. Simple dental extractions cause pain and efficient administration of appropriate analgesia should be an integral part of the community dental service.
Evidence‐based nursing: a stereotyped view of quantitative and experimental research could work against professional autonomy and authority
Authors: Bonell Chris 
Published: March 2003

Evidence‐based nursing: a stereotyped view of quantitative and experimental research could work against professional autonomy and authority In recent years, there have been calls within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) for evidence‐based health care. These resonate with long‐standing calls for nursing to become a research‐based profession. Evidence‐based practice could enable nurses to demonstrate their unique contribution to health care outcomes, and support their seeking greater professionalization, in terms of enhanced authority and autonomy. Nursing’s professionalization project, and, within this, various practices comprising the ‘new nursing’, whilst sometimes not delivering all that was hoped of them, have been important in developing certain conditions conducive to developing evidence‐based practice, notably a critical perspective on practice and a reluctance merely to follow physicians’ orders. However, nursing has often been hesitant in its adoption of quantitative and experimental research. This hesitancy, it is argued, has been influenced by the propounding by some authors within the new nursing of a stereotyped view of quantitative/experimental methods which equates them with a number of methodological and philosophical points which are deemed, by at least some of these authors, as inimical to, or problematic within, nursing research. It is argued that, not only is the logic on which the various stereotyped views are based flawed, but further, that the wider influence of these viewpoints on nurses could lead to a greater marginalization of nurses in research and evidence‐based practice initiatives, thus perhaps leading to evidence‐based nursing being led by other groups. In the longer term, this might result in a form of evidence‐based nursing emphasizing routinization, thus — ironically — working against strategies of professional authority and autonomy embedded in the new nursing. Nursing research should instead follow the example of nurse researchers who already embrace multiple methods. While the paper describes United Kingdom experiences and debates, points raised about the importance of questioning stereotyped views of research should have international relevance.
Investigating and implementing change within the primary health care nursing team
Authors: Galvin Kathleen , Andrewes Clive , Jackson Dawn , Cheesman Sarah , Fudge Tracy , Ferris Robert , Graham Iain 
Published: March 2003

Investigating and implementing change within the primary health care nursing team Primary care is developing rapidly with significant impacts on the nursing team. Such changes have brought inter‐professional team‐working into sharper focus, particularly community care and collaborative working. This paper: examines the nursing roles within a general practice; describes the perspectives of service users; identifies areas of change; clarifies core and specialist skills; defines new roles among the primary health care nursing team; proposes a new model of working; and identifies appropriate education. The project was set in a general practice in south‐west England and used an action research methodology. The objectives were to create a change in practice and to develop and refine existing theory to underpin nursing roles. Throughout the research regular team meetings allowed reflection and discussion about research findings and progress. Data were collected from multiple sources, including team workshops, patient focus group interviews, and individual interviews with GPs, practice managers and area managers. Reflective diaries and a patient survey were also used. The analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data collected from patients formed a basis for practice development and facilitated the team’s reflection on the areas of change. Overall high satisfaction with services and care was expressed in the patient interviews and the questionnaire. The themes from the data highlighted areas important for patients and helped in shaping the new roles and responsibilities for team members. Regarding the team perspective, the data indicated many areas that could be considered for development. The community nursing team decided to concentrate on three key areas: child health, leg ulcer management, and cardiovascular health. The research concludes that action research presents some problems and challenges but is a useful approach to developing team‐working in primary health care.