Growth differences and growth hormone expression in male and female European eels [Anguilla anguilla (L.)]

In this study, we examined the growth differences of males and females following a sex reversion, and the growth hormone (GH) expression variation between sexes of European eels [Anguilla anguilla (L.)]. A high percentage of females (88%) was found in the group fed with estradiol 17beta compared to the control group (comprised of only 6% female eels), which was defined as the male population. Significant differences between growth rate and size were found following 480 days of growth, whereby the males reached 60+/-4.3 g (means+/-SE) in size and the females 73.4+/-5.9 (g+/-SE); after 600 days, the males reached 114.1+/-4.3 and the females 171+/-11.7 (g+/-SE). A cDNA coding for the complete growth hormone of the European eel A. anguilla (eeGH) was cloned by RACE PCR using several sets of degenerate oligonucleotides. The eeGH cDNA coding region is 627 bp long. A sequence comparison of eeGH with Anguilla japonica GH (jeGH) cDNA showed a 98% identical base. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed 99% identical residues, meaning that a difference exists in only two of the 209 residues. In both cases, the differing residues in the eeGH amino acid sequence are lysine. We measured the mRNA levels of growth hormone in the pituitaries of male and female eels growing at different rates. A significantly higher expression of eeGH was found in the female eels in comparison to the males. These results show that different levels of GH transcription eeGH can explain the growth rate differences between male and female European eels.

Cloning of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) FSH-β subunit, and expression of FSH-β and LH-β in males and females after sex determination

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a catadromic teleost species with a complex life cycle, both in sea and freshwater environments. The sex determination phase of gonadal development occurs in a freshwater environment. Polymorphism occurs in increasing rates with respect to gender. While males stop growing at approximately 150 g, females continue to grow to being much larger. In this study, we cloned the cDNA FSH-beta subunit of the European eel (A. anguilla), and measured the mRNA levels of FSH-beta and LH-beta in males and females after sex determination. The FSH-beta subunit cDNA consisted of 1068 bp, encoding a 127 amino acid peptide. A comparison between European and Japanese eels of the FSH-beta amino acid sequence showed 98% similarity.

Bimodal delta-opioid receptors regulate vagal bradycardia in canine sinoatrial node

Methionine-enkephalin-arginine-phenylalanine (MEAP) introduced into the interstitium of the canine sinoatrial (SA) node by microdialysis interrupts vagal bradycardia. In contrast, raising endogenous MEAP by occluding the SA node artery improves vagal bradycardia. Both are blocked by the same delta-selective antagonist, naltrindole. We tested the hypothesis that vagal responses to intranodal enkephalin are bimodal and that the polarity of the response is both dose- and opioid receptor subtype dependent. Ultralow doses of MEAP were introduced into the canine SA node by microdialysis. Heart rate frequency responses were constructed by stimulating the right vagus nerve at 1, 2, and 3 Hz. Ultralow MEAP infusions produced a 50-100% increase in bradycardia during vagal stimulation. Maximal improvement was observed at a dose rate of 500 fmol/min with an ED50 near 50 fmol/min. Vagal improvement was returned to control when MEAP was combined with the delta-antagonist naltrindole. The dose of naltrindole (500 fmol/min) was previously determined as ineffective vs. the vagolytic effect of higher dose MEAP. When MEAP was later reintroduced in the same animals at nanomoles per minute, a clear vagolytic response was observed. The delta1-selective antagonist 7-benzylidenenaltrexone (BNTX) reversed the vagal improvement with an ED50 near 1 x 10-21 mol/min, whereas the delta2-antagonist naltriben had no effect through 10-9 mol/min. Finally, the improved vagal bradycardia previously associated with nodal artery occlusion and endogenous MEAP was blocked by the selective delta1-antagonist BNTX. These data support the hypothesis that opioid effects within the SA node are bimodal in character, that low doses are vagotonic, acting on delta1-receptors, and that higher doses are vagolytic, acting on delta2-receptors.

The current status of nurse prescribing in dermatology

This review describes the current status of prescribing by nurses and other nonmedical staff in the UK with particular emphasis on issues affecting secondary care dermatology departments. We discuss background issues of how the process has evolved, the requirement for this initiative and its assessment, the terminology applied to different groups of prescribers, and training issues.

Camelid mucoutaneous fibropapillomas: clinicopathologic findings and association with papillomavirus

Five camelid mucocutaneous fibropapillomas with histologic features similar to equine sarcoids were diagnosed. They were characterized by a dermal fibroblastic proliferation and overlying, often ulcerated hyperplastic epidermis with thin rete pegs extending down into the dermis. Two of the tumors came from llamas and three from alpacas. Four of the animals were 6-year-old females. The fifth was a 6-year-old castrated male. The fibropapillomas were located on the nose, lip, and cheeks. One of the llama tumors waxed and waned before surgery and recurred and spread after surgery. None of the other tumors recurred. All five tumors were positive for papillomavirus (PV) DNA by polymerase chain reaction testing. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the PCR product from one of the llama fibropapillomas confirmed a unique PV. This report provides the microscopic and clinical features of fibropapillomas in camelids as well as evidence for a PV etiology.

HLA class II haplotypes associated with pulmonary interstitial lesions of polymyositis/dermatomyositis in Japanese patients

To elucidate the immunogenetic background of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) such as polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM) and any overlapping subsets, with other collagen vascular diseases, HLA class I antigens and class II alleles were determined and compared from individuals with various clinical and serological features of IIM, including pulmonary interstitial lesions (PI). Seventy-three Japanese patients with myositis (32 PM, 18 DM, 23 overlapped subsets) and 62 healthy unrelated controls were enrolled onto the study. Statistical differences between groups were determined by the Fisher's exact probability test. Serum fluorescent antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-SS-A/Ro antibody, anti-Jo1 antibody and anti-U1 RNP antibody were examined using routine methods. PI was detected by chest X-ray and/or computed tomography. In patients with DM, the frequency of the HLA-DRB1*1302-DQA1*0102-DQB1*0604 haplotype was significantly higher than in the healthy controls (42.1% vs 17.7%), and in the patients with PM (42.1% vs 9.4%). Furthermore, the frequency of the HLA-DRB1*0405-DQA1*03-DQB1*0401 haplotype was higher in the PM patients with PI than in the controls (50.0% vs 17.7%), and PM without PI (50.0% vs 5.5%). These results suggest that in terms of HLA class II association, Japanese DM and PM, and PM with and without PI, belong to different clinical groups.

Nursing assessment and care of children with atopic eczema

Atopic eczema is an increasingly common childhood condition that can be very troublesome for both the child and his or her carers. Education, advice, support and an individual treatment plan are very important for both patient and carer, and these services are largely provided by nurses in the community, often within skin disease management clinics.

"Burst" ketamine for refractory cancer pain: an open-label audit of 39 patients

The results of a novel approach to the use of ketamine in refractory cancer pain are reported. In this prospective, multicenter, unblinded, open-label audit, 39 patients (with a total of 43 pains) received a short duration (3 to 5 days) ketamine infusion. The initial dose of 100 mg/24 hr was escalated if required to 300 mg/24 hr and then to a maximum dose of 500 mg/24hr. The overall response rate was 29/43 (67%). Analysis of results according to pain mechanisms showed that 15/17 somatic and 14/23 neuropathic pains responded. In 5 patients who appeared to respond, it is possible that another concurrent intervention may have contributed in whole or part for the pain relief observed. After cessation of ketamine, 24/29 maintained good pain control, with a maximum documented duration of eight weeks. However, 5 of the initial 29 responders experienced a recurrence of pain within 24 hours, and ketamine was recommenced. Of these, 2 underwent another intervention for pain control while 3 continued on ketamine until their deaths between two and four weeks later. Twelve patients reported adverse psychomimetic effects, with the incidence rising with increasing dose. Four of these were non-responders and the ketamine was stopped. Eight were responders, and in 3 the adverse effects were rendered acceptable with dose reduction; the other 5 rejected a dose reduction. The results reported suggest the need for further investigation of the place of ketamine in cancer pain management.

Development of rolipram-sensitive, cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE4) in rat primary neuronal cultures

The development of PDE4 was examined in primary neuronal cultures of rat cerebral cortex. Three days after culturing, neurons exhibited relatively low PDE4 activity (i.e., rolipram-sensitive PDE activity). It gradually increased over time, approximately doubling by day 12. The increase in activity was accompanied by an increase in the expression of the PDE4A variants, PDE4A5 and PDE4A1, as well as of the synaptic marker protein synapsin I. There was a strong correlation between the expression of the PDE4A variants with that of synapsin I, which suggests that as neurons develop and signal transduction increases there is a regulated increase in PDE4 expression and activity. Consistent with this interpretation, it was found that treatment with the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin, which inhibits depolarization-induced neurotransmitter release, reduced the expression of the PDE4A variants. These data demonstrate the developmental regulation of PDE4 in neurons and offer a manner by which the association of PDE4 variants with particular signal transduction pathways may be studied in vitro.

Local opiate receptors in the sinoatrial node moderate vagal bradycardia

Met-enkephalin-arg-phe (MEAP) interrupts vagal bradycardia when infused into the systemic circulation. This study was designed to locate the opiate receptors functionally responsible for this inhibition. Previous observations suggested that the receptors were most likely located in either intracardiac parasympathetic ganglia or the pre-junctional nerve terminals innervating the sinoatrial node. In this study 10 dogs were instrumented with a microdialysis probe inserted into the sinoatrial node. The functional position of the probe was tested by briefly introducing norepinephrine into the probe producing an increase in heart rate of more than 30 beats/min. Vagal stimulations were conducted at 0.5, 1.2 and 4 Hz during vehicle infusion (saline ascorbate). Cardiovascular responses during vagal stimulation were recorded on-line. MEAP was infused directly into the sinoatrial node via the microdialysis probe. The evaluation of vagal bradycardia was repeated during the nodal application of MEAP, diprenorphine (opiate antagonist), and diprenorphine co-infused with MEAP. MEAP introduced into the sinoatrial node via the microdialysis probe reduced vagal bradycardia by more than half. Simultaneous local nodal blockade of these receptors with the opiate antagonist, diprenorphine, eliminated the effect of MEAP demonstrating the participation by opiate receptors. Systemic infusions of MEAP produced a reduction in vagal bradycardia nearly identical to that observed during nodal administration. When local nodal opiate receptors were blocked with diprenorphine, the systemic effect of MEAP was eliminated. These data lead us to suggest that the opiate receptors responsible for the inhibition of vagal bradycardia are located within the sinoatrial node with few, if any, participating extra-nodal or ganglionic receptors.

Utilization of healthcare by very-low-birthweight infants during their first year of life

New knowledge in perinatal medicine has resulted in increased survival of very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants. After leaving hospital, the child is seen at regular medical check-ups, but there is often a persistent worry about the child which affects the family as a whole. This can lead to an increased utilization of healthcare. Our objective was therefore to describe the utilization of healthcare by VLBW infants during their first year of life and its relation to high-risk diagnoses in the neonatal period. The study group comprised 36 infants born at gestational ages of < or = 31 wk and with a birthweight of < or = 1500 g, and was compared with a control group of 36 full-term infants. Utilization of healthcare by the VLBW infants was higher than that by the control group in paediatric and ophthalmic outpatient clinics. The total number of contacts with healthcare was on average 38.7 versus 17.4. High-risk diagnoses in the neonatal period did not correlate with utilization of care, except for visits to the paediatric outpatient clinic, especially planned visits. Further studies focusing on how to support these families after leaving hospital are therefore needed.

Degradation of type IV collagen by matrix metalloproteinases is an important step in the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of the endocardial cushions

Morphogenesis of some tissues and organs in the developing embryo requires the transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchyme followed by cell motility and invasion of surrounding connective tissues. Details of the mechanisms involved in this important process are beginning to be elucidated. The epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) process involves many steps, one of which is the upregulation and activation of specific extracellular proteinases including members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. Here we analyze the role of MMPs in the initiation of the mesenchymal cell phenotype in the developing heart, and find that they are necessary for the invasion of mesenchymal cells into the extracellular matrix of the endocardial cushion tissues. An important requirement in the formation of this mesenchyme is the turnover of type IV collagen along the basal surface of endocardial cells. In vitro experiments suggest that type IV collagen does not provide a suitable migratory substrate for endocardial cushion cells unless MMP-2 and MT-MMP are active. Relevant MMPs were found to be upregulated by factors known to be involved in the induction of the EMT such as TGFbeta3. These results provide evidence of an important role for MMPs during a specific stage of the epithelial mesenchymal transformation in the embryonic heart, and suggest that specific cell-matrix interactions which facilitate cell migration only occur when the composition of the surrounding extracellular matrix is proteolytically altered.

A double blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a new coal tar preparation (Exorex) in the treatment of chronic, plaque type psoriasis

Exorex is a new topical formulation for the treatment of psoriasis; it contains 1% coal tar and a synthetic analogue resembling components identified in banana skin (a complex of esterified essential fatty acids). To determine whether the esterified essential fatty acid complex confers any therapeutic advantage over coal tar alone, patients with chronic plaque psoriasis (n = 20) were entered into a double-blind, randomized, right/left comparison of Exorex, and Exorex without the essential fatty acid component (known hereafter as coal tar control) for 8 weeks. Target plaques were scored (0-4) for erythema, desquamation and infiltration at day 0 and at 2 week intervals throughout the study. No significant differences were detected between Exorex and coal tar control with respect to changes in the summed scores at baseline and following 8 weeks of treatment (mean difference in summed score changes from baseline between Exorex and coal tar control 0.2, 95% confidence interval - 0.44 to 0.84; P = 0.52) or in the area under the response-time curve (P = 0.16). Mean percentage improvement in summed scores of target plaques were 53.9% (SE = 4%) and 56.1% (SE = 4.9%) for Exorex and coal tar control, respectively. Results suggest that the complex of esterified essential fatty acids is not exerting any clinically important therapeutic effect in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.

Enzymic characteristics of secreted aspartic proteases of Candida albicans

Candida yeasts are rarely infectious, but frequently cause life-threatening systemic infections in patients immunocompromised by AIDS or by immunosuppressive therapeutics. The secreted aspartic proteases (Saps) are known virulence factors of pernicious Candida species. The most virulent, Candida albicans, possesses at least nine SAP genes, some of which are specifically expressed from cells with morphologies associated with virulence. Only one of these proteases, Sap2, has been previously purified from yeast in sufficient quantities for enzymic studies. The other enzymes are present in low amounts in yeast culture and are difficult to purify. As a consequence, enzyme properties, including the substrate specificities, of all Saps are poorly studied. Therefore, four Saps that are known to be expressed in C. albicans, Sap1, Sap2, Sap3 and Sap6, were produced in Escherichia coli as recombinant zymogens and purified in large quantities. These proenzymes were autoactivated and purified as active proteases. The enzymic properties including the substrate specificities at the P(1) and P(1)' sites were determined using a competitive hydrolysis method employing synthetic substrate mixtures. All four Saps cleave peptide bonds between larger hydrophobic amino acids, but these somewhat broad specificities differ in detail among the four enzymes at both sites. At the P(1) site, Sap1, Sap2 and Sap6 prefer Phe while Sap3 prefers Leu. Positively charged amino acids are also accommodated, especially by Sap2 and Sap3. The specificities at P(1)' are broader than at P(1) for all four enzymes. Sap6 prefers Ala, whereas other Saps prefer Tyr. Acidic side chains are also accommodated at this site. Analysis of substrates with a hydrophobic amino acid in P(1)' reveals that all the Saps possess a unique preference for Ala at this site. The observed differences of residue preferences among Saps may be utilized for the design of specific substrates and inhibitors.

Evaluation of the kaiser physical activity survey in women

PURPOSE

The Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS) was evaluated for test-retest reliability and comparison with direct and indirect measures of physical activity (PA) in 50 women (ages 20-60 yr) with a broad range of physical activity (PA) habits.

METHODS

The KPAS, an adaptation of the Baecke usual physical activity survey, was designed specifically to assess activity in women. It provides four summary activity indexes: housework/caregiving, active living habits, sports, and occupation. Summary indexes were compared against direct (Caltrac accelerometer and PA records) and indirect (cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak) and percent body fat) criterion measures of PA. Participants kept detailed PA records for two, 7-d periods, separated by 1 month. Caltrac accelerometers were worn concurrently with the PA records.

RESULTS

Intraclass correlations for 1-month test-retest reliability were high for all KPAS indexes (r = 0.79 to 0.91, P < 0.01). Age-adjusted Spearman rho correlations between the KPAS sports/exercise and active living habits indexes were of moderate magnitude for VO2 peak (r = 0.34 to 0.76, P < 0.01) and percent body fat (r = -.30 to -0.59, P < 0.05). KPAS caregiving and occupation indexes were related to Caltrac kcal x d(-1) (r = 0.30 to 0.44, P < 0.05). Correlations between similar activities from the KPAS and PA records ranged from r = 0.03 to 0.64. Daily, habitual activities from the KPAS and PA records had the highest correlations (r > 0.28). Correlations among infrequent activities were lower (r < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The KPAS demonstrated good reliability and was reasonably accurate in detecting regular housework/caregiving, occupation, sports/exercise, and active leisure activities among women with a broad range of physical activity habits.

Writing for publication

In the final paper in a four part series, Karen Jackson and Lesley Sheldon outline the key aspects of writing articles for publication in nursing journals.

Noradrenergic lesions differentially alter the expression of two subtypes of low Km cAMP-sensitive phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4A and PDE4B) in rat brain

This study examined the effects of selective, central noradrenergic dennervation with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on the expression of type 4 phosphodiesterases (PDE4). Twenty-one days following i.c.v. injection of 6-OHDA (200 microg) hypothalamus, neostriatum, and cerebellum were dissected. Infusion of 6-OHDA reduced norepinephrine (NE) content in all the brain areas examined (to 17%, 76% and 16% of sham-operated controls in hypothalamus, striatum, and cerebellum, respectively). 6-OHDA injections also reduced dopamine levels in hypothalamus (53%) and neostriatum (68%). Administration of desipramine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min prior to 6-OHDA injection protected neostriatal and cerebellar noradrenergic neurons NE levels (110-122% of the control levels). Desipramine partially attenuated the 6-OHDA-mediated decrease in NE content of hypothalamus, but had little or no effect on either striatal or hypothalamic dopamine (DA) levels. Western blot analysis using a PDE4A-selective antibody revealed three major bands (109 kDa PDE4A5, 102 kDa PDE4AX and 76 kDa PDE4A1) in hypothalamus and striatum. Infusion of 6-OHDA decreased the expression of PDE4A5 and PDE4AX but not of PDE4A1 in hypothalamus, as determined by quantitative Western blotting. Pretreatment of rats with desipramine attenuated the 6-OHDA-induced down-regulation of PDE4A5 and PDE4AX bands in hypothalamus. The PDE4B selective antibody K118 labels 5 major bands in all the brain regions studied. One hundred kDa PDE4B3, 86 kDa PDE4B2 and a 78 kDa PDE4B band was identified using recombinant proteins. Treatment of rats with 6-OHDA resulted in a 52% decrease in the PDE4B3 and 58% decrease in 78 kDa PDE4B variant in hypothalamus; administration of desipramine attenuated the 6-OHDA-induced down-regulation of both PDE4B variants. Neither 6-OHDA nor desipramine altered striatal PDE4A or PDE4B isozymes. In contrast, cerebellar PDE4B3 variant is up-regulated by 6-OHDA treatment and were partially normalized to control values by desipramine pretreatment. These data demonstrate that PDE4 subtypes are differentially regulated by presynaptic noradrenergic activity and may play an important role in the maintaining homeostasis of noradrenergic signal transduction in rat brain.

Collaboration in disability policies--collaboration between stakeholders of disability policies in the South and in the North

Four studies have been recently undertaken at the Centre for International Child Health on the collaboration between the stakeholders of disability policies, in Southern and Northern countries. Informed by the literature, the authors have explored the roles disabled people's organizations, non-governmental organizations, government and professionals play in the design, provision and evaluation of services for disabled people. They also highlight the different forms participation can take and their most relevant features. The main factors influencing collaboration processes are then classified in three different categories: social factors, ideology-related factors and project-related factors. They are subsequently analysed. The first group encompasses the societal framework in which collaboration may take place, while the identity of the stakeholders is reflected in the ideology-related factors. The nature of the activities undertaken by stakeholders is characterized by the third group of factors. In the conclusion it is suggested that stakeholders, and especially disabled people's counterparts, should increase their awareness of the social model of disability, adopt participatory practices and promote participation at higher levels. However, they should acknowledge that it implies more trust between partners and an alteration of their structures.

In vivo estrogen bioactivities and in vitro estrogen receptor binding and transcriptional activities of anticoagulant synthetic 17beta-aminoestrogens

Estrogenic activities of the two 17beta-aminoestrogen (AE) derivatives, prolame and butolame, were studied upon coagulation, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and uterine weight, including endometrial morphology in castrated female rats. We have also investigated the ability of these two compounds, as well as another AE pentolame, to activate transcription through the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and the estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta). Administration of prolame and butolame to castrated animals increased significantly (P < 0.01) the mean clotting time when compared with that obtained in the group of control animals. Butolame was a more potent anticoagulant than prolame (P < 0.01), as judged by their corresponding IC(50) (5.4 +/- 0.65 and 66.6 +/- 2.57 micro;g/animal, respectively). In contrast, estradiol significantly shortened blood clotting times (P < 0.005). Both prolame and butolame caused a significant inhibition of serum LH levels (EC(50) 8.10 +/- 0.79 and 17 +/- 64 microg/animal, respectively), and restored castration-induced reduction in uterine weight of ovariectomized rats (EC(50) 4.14 +/- 1.57 and 17.0 +/- 1.78 microg/animal, respectively). In terms of the effects of prolame, butolame and pentolame in transient transfection assays, all the three AE activated ER dependent reporter gene expression, however, only at high concentrations. Prolame had the highest activity followed by butolame and pentolame. Induction of transcription by these compounds was preferentially mediated through the ERalpha, especially in the case of pentolame where little, if any, activation occurred through the ERbeta. None of the compounds showed antagonistic activities through either ER subtype. The overall data suggest that modifications in the structure and length of the amino-alcohol side-chain at C-17 might have an impact on the affinity and estrogenic intrinsic properties of AE at the level of diverse target tissues.

Determination of residues of pirimicarb and its desmethyl and desmethylformamido metabolites in fruits and vegetables by liquid chromatography-electrospray/mass spectrometry

A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of residues of pirimicarb (I) and its desmethylformamido (II) and desmethyl (III) metabolites in plums, peas, green beans, broad beans, carrots, and swedes. The compounds were extracted with ethyl acetate and determined, without cleanup, by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and electrospray mass spectrometry (MS). MS and MS/MS were used concurrently to monitor the protonated molecules and their common collision-induced dissociation product. The limit of detection (signal-to-noise ratio of >3) was 1 ng/mL, corresponding to crop concentrations of <0.0015 mg/kg. All 3 compounds were determined in plums, broad beans, and green beans by MS without interference. Interferences which affected the determination of desmethylformamido-pirimicarb in peas, and to a lesser extent in carrots and swedes, were eliminated by MS/ MS. Recoveries for all 3 compounds, at 0.05 mg/kg for plums and 0.005 mg/kg for other commodities, were in the range 83-124%. No interconversion of I, II and III, occurred during extraction, and the compounds were stable in extracts for > or = 7 days under appropriate conditions.

Classification of small type B/C follicles as primordial follicles in mature rats

In the present study, follicles were classified according to the morphology of their granulosa cells. Type B follicles contained only flattened granulosa cells; type B/C follicles had a mixture of flattened and cuboidal granulosa cells in a single layer, and type C follicles had a single layer of cuboidal granulosa cells. The primary objectives of the study were to determine whether 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation into type B/C follicles was a marker for initiation of growth and how long type B/C follicles could remain at the same stage before transformation to type C follicles. Female Holtzman rats received bromo-deoxyuridine for 7 days. After the infusion (day minipumps were removed = day 0), rats were ovariectomized on days 0 (n = 9), 30 (n = 8), 90 (n = 8) and 150 (n = 9). The numbers of type B, B/C and C follicles within one ovary were determined using modified fractionator counting. Analysis over all times demonstrated that there were more (P < 0.0001) type B/C (941 +/- 61 per ovary) than type C (140 +/- 18 per ovary) or type B (159 +/- 19 per ovary) follicles. The numbers of type B and type C follicles did not differ from each other at any time. Only one of 34 rats evaluated had bromo-deoxyuridine-labelled type B follicles. On day 150, 57% of the bromo-deoxyuridine-labelled type B/C follicles remained from day 0. It is concluded that (1) DNA synthesis in granulosa cells of type B/C follicles is not a reliable indicator of impending growth; and (2) type B and type B/C follicles are both components of the pool of primordial follicles.

Classification of small type B/C follicles as primordial follicles in mature rats

In the present study, follicles were classified according to the morphology of their granulosa cells. Type B follicles contained only flattened granulosa cells; type B/C follicles had a mixture of flattened and cuboidal granulosa cells in a single layer, and type C follicles had a single layer of cuboidal granulosa cells. The primary objectives of the study were to determine whether 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation into type B/C follicles was a marker for initiation of growth and how long type B/C follicles could remain at the same stage before transformation to type C follicles. Female Holtzman rats received bromo-deoxyuridine for 7 days. After the infusion (day minipumps were removed = day 0), rats were ovariectomized on days 0 (n = 9), 30 (n = 8), 90 (n = 8) and 150 (n = 9). The numbers of type B, B/C and C follicles within one ovary were determined using modified fractionator counting. Analysis over all times demonstrated that there were more (P < 0.0001) type B/C (941 +/- 61 per ovary) than type C (140 +/- 18 per ovary) or type B (159 +/- 19 per ovary) follicles. The numbers of type B and type C follicles did not differ from each other at any time. Only one of 34 rats evaluated had bromo-deoxyuridine-labelled type B follicles. On day 150, 57% of the bromo-deoxyuridine-labelled type B/C follicles remained from day 0. It is concluded that (1) DNA synthesis in granulosa cells of type B/C follicles is not a reliable indicator of impending growth; and (2) type B and type B/C follicles are both components of the pool of primordial follicles.

Long-term supplementation with melatonin delays reproductive senescence in rats, without an effect on number of primordial follicles

The primary objective of the present experiment was to determine if lifelong supplementation with melatonin delayed reproductive senescence through decreased loss of ovarian primordial follicles. Holtzman rats were divided into three treatments on Day 10 after pupping (Day 0 = day of pupping). Treatment 1 pups had access to water, whereas Treatment 2 and 3 pups had access to water containing 10 microg/ml melatonin only at night (Treatment 2) or continuously (Treatment 3). Estrous cycles and weights of pups were monitored at selected times during the experiment; ovaries were removed for histology at 75 and 380 days of age. Vaginal opening in Treatment 2 was delayed (P <.01) compared with Treatments 1 and 3, but there was no difference (P > 0.05) among treatments in percentage of normal length estrous cycles from vaginal opening to 75 days of age. There were fewer (P < 0.001) abnormal-length estrous cycles from 180 to 380 days of age in Treatment 2 as compared with Treatments 1 or 3. There was no effect of treatment (P > 0.05) on number of primordial follicles. In conclusion, nighttime, but not continuous supplementation with melatonin, delayed puberty and reproductive senescence without any effect on number of primordial follicles.

Effects of repeated antidepressant treatment of type 4A phosphodiesterase (PDE4A) in rat brain

In a previous study, an up-regulation of rolipram-sensitive, low-Km, cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE4) subtype PDE4A in rat cerebral cortex following repeated treatment of desipramine was observed. To determine whether this effect is shared by antidepressants from different pharmacological classes, PDE4A expression was examined using immunoblot analyses following repeated treatment with the norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor desipramine, the monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine, the atypical antidepressant trazodone, and the serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. Desipramine, phenelzine, and fluoxetine all increased the intensities of the PDE4A bands in hippocampal preparations; trazodone did not. In preparations of cerebral cortex, the intensities of the PDE4A bands were increased following desipramine treatment, not changed following phenelzine or fluoxetine treatment, and decreased following trazodone treatment. It appears that repeated treatment with antidepressant drugs from different pharmacological classes produces similar effects on the expressions of PDE4A variants in hippocampus. This effect is not correlated with the changes in beta-adrenergic receptor densities, suggesting these antidepressants may at some point alter intracellular signal transduction pathways in a similar manner.

Our dialogue: a case study in peer mentoring

Two women from different parts of the organization are sitting together. They did not previously know each other and are from different professions and cultures. These women are interested in taking ownership of their own professional development.

Mutations in a new Arabidopsis cyclophilin disrupt its interaction with protein phosphatase 2A

The heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a component of multiple signaling pathways in eukaryotes. Disruption of PP2A activity in Arabidopsis is known to alter auxin transport and growth response pathways. We demonstrated that the regulatory subunit A of an Arabidopsis PP2A interacts with a novel cyclophilin, ROC7. The gene for this cyclophilin encodes a protein that contains a unique 30-amino acid extension at the N-terminus, which distinguishes the gene product from all previously identified Arabidopsis cyclophilins. Altered forms of ROC7 cyclophilin with mutations in the conserved DENFKL domain did not bind to PP2A. Unlike protein phosphatase 2B, PP2A activity in Arabidopsis extracts was not affected by the presence of the cyclophilin-binding molecule cyclosporin. The ROC7 transcript was expressed to high levels in all tissues tested. Expression of an ROC7 antisense transcript gave rise to increased root growth. These results indicate that cyclophilin may have a role in regulating PP2A activity, by a mechanism that differs from that employed for cyclophilin regulation of PP2B.

Single-section counting error when distinguishing between primordial and early primary follicles in sections of rat ovary of different thickness

The number of primordial follicles within an ovary is frequently determined by counting 5, 7 or 10 microns thick sections and multiplying by the fraction of sections counted and a correction factor to adjust for duplicate counts. The objectives of the present study were: (i) to evaluate the accuracy of the correction factor developed by Abercrombie (1946); (ii) to evaluate the accuracy of the classification of primordial follicles from single tissue sections; and (iii) to determine the incorporation rate of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine into primordial follicles. In Expt 1, rat ovaries were sectioned at a thickness of 5, 7 or 10 microns. Primordial follicles were counted and classified across ten adjacent ovarian sections. The percentage of primordial follicles from single sections that were counted twice was 10, 9 and 2% in 5, 7 and 10 microns sections, respectively. This was lower than predicted by Abercrombie's method. The major error in counting from single sections was classification of early primary follicles as primordial follicles (55, 33 and 3% in 5, 7 and 10 microns sections, respectively). In Expt 2, a mean of 12 +/- 7% of primordial follicles incorporated 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine after infusion for 7 days (four of seven rats had no labelled primordial follicles).

IN CONCLUSION

(i) Abercrombie's correction factor should not be used for adjusting counts of follicles; (ii) evaluation of primordial follicles from single sections gives inaccurate counts and incorrect classification is of greater importance than duplicate counting, particularly in thinner sections; (iii) for evaluation of the number of follicles, 10 microns is the optimal thickness; and (iv) primordial follicles incorporated 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine infrequently.

The RCN1-encoded A subunit of protein phosphatase 2A increases phosphatase activity in vivo

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a heterotrimeric serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase, comprises a catalytic C subunit and two distinct regulatory subunits, A and B. The RCN1 gene encodes one of three A regulatory subunits in Arabidopsis thaliana. A T-DNA insertion mutation at this locus impairs root curling, seedling organ elongation and apical hypocotyl hook formation. We have used in vivo and in vitro assays to gauge the impact of the rcn1 mutation on PP2A activity in seedlings. PP2A activity is decreased in extracts from rcn1 mutant seedlings, and this decrease is not due to a reduction in catalytic subunit expression. Roots of mutant seedlings exhibit increased sensitivity to the phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and cantharidin in organ elongation assays. Shoots of dark-grown, but not light-grown seedlings also show increased inhibitor sensitivity. Furthermore, cantharidin treatment of wild-type seedlings mimics the rcn1 defect in root curling, root waving and hypocotyl hook formation assays. In roots of wild-type seedlings, RCN1 mRNA is expressed at high levels in root tips, and accumulates to lower levels in the pericycle and lateral root primordia. In shoots, RCN1 is expressed in the apical hook and the basal, rapidly elongating cells in etiolated hypocotyls, and in the shoot meristem and leaf primordia of light-grown seedlings. Our results show that the wild-type RCN1-encoded A subunit functions as a positive regulator of the PP2A holoenzyme, increasing activity towards substrates involved in organ elongation and differential cell elongation responses such as root curling.

Blue gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) gonadotropic beta subunits (I and II) cDNA sequences and expression during oogenesis

We have cloned two cDNAs from the pituitary gland of blue gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus), coding for the beta subunits of the gonadotropin hormones GtH-I and GtH-II. The two cDNAs were sequenced and subjected to sequence analysis. We have found that the deduced amino acid sequences of both cDNAs were most similar to their striped bass counterparts. The beta GtH-I subunits of blue gourami and striped bass shared 73% of their residues, and the beta GtH-II subunits 84%. The cloning of the cDNAs of beta GtH-I and beta GtH-II has enabled us to measure the expression of their respective mRNAs in the pituitaries of female blue gourami at different stages of the reproductive cycle. The highest levels of beta GtH-I and beta GtH-II mRNA were found in specimens classified as high vitellogenic and in females that were at the final stages of oocyte maturation.

Type IV collagen and laminin regulate glomerular mesangial cell susceptibility to apoptosis via beta(1) integrin-mediated survival signals

Postinflammatory scarring is characterized by changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and progressive loss of normal resident cells. In glomerular inflammation there is now evidence that unscheduled apoptosis (programmed cell death) of mesangial and other resident cells may mediate progression to irreversible glomerulosclerosis. In the current study we examined the hypothesis that ECM components may differ in their capacity to support mesangial cell survival by suppression of apoptosis. Using a well-established in vitro model of mesangial cell apoptosis, we found that collagen IV and laminin, components of normal mesangial ECM, protected rat mesangial cells from apoptosis induced by serum starvation and DNA damage, by a beta(1) integrin-mediated, but arg-gly-asp (RGD)-independent mechanism. In contrast, collagen I, fibronectin, and osteonectin/SPARC, which are overexpressed in diseased glomeruli, failed to promote rat mesangial cell survival. However, the survival-promoting effect of collagen IV and laminin was not associated with changes in cellular levels of apoptosis regulatory proteins of the Bcl-2 family. These experiments demonstrate that glomerular mesangial cell survival is dependent on interactions with ECM and provide insights into potential mechanisms by which resident cell loss may occur during acute inflammation and postinflammatory scarring of the kidney and other organs.

Treatment of Parkinson hypophonia with percutaneous collagen augmentation

OBJECTIVES

It has been estimated that more than 70% of patients with Parkinson disease experience voice and speech disorders characterized by weak and breathy phonation, and dysarthria. This study reports on the efficacy of treating Parkinson patients who have glottal insufficiency.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients underwent collagen augmentation of the vocal folds for hypophonia associated with Parkinson disease, using a new technique of percutaneous injection with fiberoptic guidance. Patient response to the collagen augmentation was determined by telephone survey.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The procedure required minimal patient participation and was safely performed on all the patients who were studied. Results of the survey indicated that 75% of patient responses demonstrated satisfaction with the technique, compared with 16% of patient ratings reflecting dissatisfaction. These results were moderately correlated with the duration of improvement of the dysphonia. Results of this preliminary evaluation demonstrate that voice deficits in Parkinson disease are amenable to vocal fold augmentation. Because this procedure requires minimal patient participation and can be safely performed in an office setting, it may also be useful in other severely debilitating neuromotor diseases that result in glottal insufficiency and hypophonia.

Integrating nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes in public health nursing practice

TOPIC

Applying standardized nursing language in public health nursing practice.

PURPOSE

To develop a charting format to document public health nursing practice based on standardized nursing language.

SOURCES

Literature review of documentation systems for public health nursing practice.

CONCLUSIONS

A task force of public health nurses developed a charting format based on Taxonomy I of Nursing Diagnosis (NANDA), Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC), and Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC).

Multiple cranial nerve palsies complicating retrobulbar eye block

This report details a case of accidental brainstem anaesthesia complicating retrobulbar block for cataract surgery in an 83-year-old man. Prompt diagnosis and treatment resulted in a successful outcome. The many possible presentations of brainstem anaesthesia are described and causative mechanisms are discussed.

Growth hormone, sexual maturity and steroids in male carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Samples of pituitary, blood plasma and gonad were taken from male carp. The growth hormones (GH) in the pituitary and plasma were measured in fish of various body weights (BW) and degrees of gonad development, and compared with the levels of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), 17 alpha-hydroprogesterone (17-P), 11-ketotesterone (11-KT) and progesterone (P) in the testes and plasma. The gonadosomatic index increased rapidly with BW from 100 to 600 g, and then decreased at 900 g. The pituitary GH did not change with BW, but plasma GH was higher in fish weighing 300 +/- 50 and 600 +/- 50 g, than in fish weighing 900 +/- 50 g. In fish weighing 150 +/- 50 to 300 +/- 50 g, the level of T rose significantly in the testes (2.27 ng g-1) and plasma (1.3 ng g-1); E2 was very low in both testes (0-30 pg g-1) and plasma (11-28 pg ml-1), increasing as BW rose from 150 to 600 g. The level of P rose mainly at BW of 300 +/- 50 and 600 +/- 50 g: from 0 to 25 ng g-1 in the testes and from 0 to 17 ng ml-1 in the plasma. The level 17-P rose from 2.5 to 20 ng g-1 in the testes at 600 +/- 50 g BW, but no significant change was recorded in the plasma. The level of 11-KT rose significantly in the tests of fish at 300, 600 and 900 g (0.5-6 ng g-1). The application of different steroids (E2, T and 17-P) on a primary culture of pituitary cells led to the release of GH. Release was significantly higher (P < 0.05) after 4 h at steroid concentrations of 10(-6) M.

Utilization of Child Health Services during the first 18 months of life: aspects of health surveillance in Swedish preschool children based on information in health records

The aim of this study was to evaluate some aspects of care given within the preventive Child Health Services (CHS) during the first 18 months of life. A national random sample performed on child health records of 172 Swedish preschool children born between 1982 and 1987 was analysed regarding services recorded as having been provided and used within and beyond the national programme of health surveillance. Most families had made visits within the core programme of health surveillance to an optimal or at least sufficient extent. First-time parents visited the CHS more frequently than did more experienced parents. Procedures within the programme, such as growth monitoring, hip examination and immunizations, were documented to have been optimally performed on a majority of the children. Conversely, screening for hearing impairment and assessment of developmental milestones were performed less frequently, as were health information and postnatal parental education. To improve the quality of care, national recommendations ought to be more specific regarding both the performance and the documentation of the service.