Retinol improves development of bovine oocytes compromised by heat stress during maturation

The objectives of this study were to evaluate: 1) effects of a physiologically relevant elevated temperature on in vitro development of maturing oocytes, 2) effects of retinol on in vitro development of maturing oocytes, and 3) effects of retinol to improve development of oocytes compromised by an elevated temperature. Bovine oocytes were matured for 24 h at 38.5 or 41.0 degrees C (first 12 h) in 0 or 5 microM retinol. After insemination, cleavage and blastocyst development were assessed on d 3 and 8, respectively. Temperature, retinol, and their interaction were included in the statistical model. Culture of oocytes at 41.0 degrees C decreased the proportion of 8- to 16-cell embryos and increased that of 2-cell embryos. In addition, culture at 41.0 degrees C decreased the ability of oocytes to develop to the blastocyst stage. Blastocysts derived from oocytes cultured at 41.0 degrees C had fewer total nuclei. In 3 of the 7 experimental replicates, effects of 41.0 degrees C to reduce blastocyst development were minimal (difference in the development of the control vs. heat stress group was <20%). To provide a more precise test of our hypothesis (retinol administration may improve development of oocytes compromised by heat stress), data were analyzed, including only those replicates (n = 4) in which heat stress reduced development to blastocyst >20%. When this was done, a significant temperature x retinol interaction was noted. The addition of retinol to the maturation medium prevented heat-induced reductions in development of oocytes to blastocyst stage. Results indicate that retinol may protect oocytes from some of the deleterious effects of heat stress.     

Hyperhomocysteinemia increases intimal hyperplasia in a rat carotid endarterectomy model

PURPOSE: This preliminary study investigated the ability to elevate the serum homocysteine (H[e]) levels and investigated the increases in postoperative neointimal hyperplasia (IH) in an environment with hyperhomocysteinemia and the resultant restenosis in a rat carotid endarterectomy (CEA) model. METHOD: The 9 rats for the control group were fed rat chow, and the 8 rats for the H(e) group were fed H(e)-supplemented rat chow for 2 weeks before and after CEA. The animals underwent anesthesia, and a left common CEA was performed. After 14 days, the serum H(e) levels were measured and the left carotid artery was harvested and elastin stained. Morphometric measurements were used to calculate the area of stenosis of the lumen. The mean and the standard deviation of the mean were determined. The 2 groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney test and a linear regression model. Three additional rats per group were studied, with carotid artery sectioning with double immunohistochemical staining for 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and alpha-smooth muscle (alpha-SM) actin. RESULTS: The serum H(e) level in the H(e) group was 36.32 micromol/L +/- 15.28, and in the control group the level was 5.53 micromol/L +/- 2.06 (P =.0007). IH presented as percent lumen stenosis was 21.89% +/- 4.82% in the H(e) group and 4.82% +/- 1.64% in the control group (P =.0007). The linear regression model of the serum H(e) levels and the percent stenosis showed a linear relationship (r2 =.72). The alpha-SM actin staining revealed that nearly all of the cells in the IH area were of smooth muscle or myofibroblast origin and that 10.1% +/- 2.6% of the cells were stained for BrdU in the control group versus 23% +/- 7.1% in the H(e) group. Also, 9.3% +/- 2.6% of the cells in the IH area were stained for BrdU and for alpha-SM actin versus 19.1% +/- 5. 6% stained for both BrdU and alpha-SM actin in the H(e) group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to examine IH after CEA and hyperhomocysteinemia in rats. The study shows that the elevation of serum H(e) levels can be obtained by feeding rats modified diets with added H(e). The consistent elevation of serum H(e) levels was associated with more than 4 times the amount of IH after a CEA in a rat model.     

The influence of traditional religion on fertility regulation among the Kassena-Nankana of northern Ghana

This article presents findings from a study of the influence of traditional religion on reproductive preferences of Kassena-Nankana lineage heads in northern Ghana. Seven reproductive preference questions were administered to nine lineage heads who are primary practitioners of the cult of soothsaying. With the assistance of soothsayers, interviews were repeated in conjunction with the invocation of religious rites in order to determine the views of ancestral spirits on the seven questions. Pairs of lineage head and ancestral interviews are compared to determine the role of traditional religion in shaping male reproductive preferences. Interview pairs reflect a shared preference for sons, large compounds, and a growing lineage. Findings nonetheless show that some ancestral spirits want small families, some even wanting fewer children than corresponding lineage heads. Spiritual consultations are nondogmatic and open to external ideas and influences, suggesting that family planning introduction will not encounter systematic religious opposition among the Kassena-Nankana.     

Dynamic cleft maxillary orthopedics and periosteoplasty: benefit or detriment?

In 1990, Drs Millard and Latham published their initial experience with dynamic maxillary appliances (DMAs) and periosteoplasty for children with cleft lip and palate. The technique provided for alveolar alignment and consolidation, with elimination of oronasal fistulas. Opponents to this approach speculated about impairments to facial growth. To date no longitudinal studies have been published. Over the last 10 years, 35 unilateral and 10 bilateral complete clefts have been treated with this technique. All patients have been followed and documented clinically, orthodontically, and radiographically. Cephalometric analyses were performed on children after the age of 6 years. The children have excellent facial aesthetics with well-balanced lips and noses. Radiographs demonstrate bone within the repaired alveolar clefts. Articulated impressions show anterior and lateral crossbites in the unilateral patients that improve over time and appear to be correctable orthodontically. The bilateral patients have satisfactory occlusions and arch forms. Cephalometric analyses confirmed no evidence of skeletal crossbites or midfacial growth retardation. This is a work in progress that will continue as the children grow. Although definite and final conclusions would be premature, it can be stated that to date all patients are following consistent and favorable growth patterns. Our team is confident in proceeding with this technique.     

The adaptation-protective effect of corticosteroids on the rat gastric mucosa and its mechanism

The influence of stress-induced corticosteroid production on gastric ulceration, blood flow velocity in gastric microvessels and blood pressure was studied in rats. The role of plasma corticosteroids was investigated by means of blockade of the pituitary-adrenocortical system (PACS) and following corticosterone replacement therapy (400 mu/100 g b.w.). The blockade which was induced by Fi. hydrocortisone administration (7 days before stress, 30 mg/100 g b. w.) resulted in an insufficient corticosteroid production. To evaluate the influence of corticosteroids on blood flow velocity in gastric microvessels of muscular, submucosal and mucosal coats it was used intravital microfilming by means of a dark-field contact epiobjective. Stress (water immersion + restraint) induces an ulceration, a decrease in the systemic arterial blood pressure (3 h after stress onset) and a decrease in blood flow velocity in the gastric microvessels (3 h after stress onset). In rats with insufficient corticosteroid production stress-induced ulceration, a decrease in blood pressure and gastric blood velocity were more greater than in rats with intact PACS. Replacement corticosterone therapy corrected all parameters. The results revealed that antiulcerogenic effect of stress-induced glucocorticoid production is realised owing to normalisation of gastric blood supply which is provided by an increase in systemic blood pressure.     

A study of the changes during heating of paracetamol

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is an accepted indication for treatment with allogeneic HLA-identical BMT. Most patients, however, lack a suitable HLA-identical donor. In our centre, six FA patients were transplanted with a matched unrelated donor. Due to hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents, a low-dose cyclophosphamide (CY) and thoraco-abdominal irradiation (TAI) regimen is recommended for conditioning in FA. We added Ara-C upfront and anti-T cell antibodies to enhance engraftment and to prevent GVHD, in combination with T cell depletion in four out of six of the first transplants. One patient did not engraft. In three patients rejection was observed. In three of these four patients a second BMT, using full bone marrow grafts, resulted in successful engraftment. The other patient died before a second BMT could be performed. The incidence and severity of acute GVHD was low: only one patient with grade III acute GVHD was seen. Two out of four surviving patients suffered from chronic GVHD. Four patients survived (median survival time 43 months after BMT), three with good and one with acceptable quality of life. Two patients died, one patient due to adenoviral reactivation with multi-organ failure, and one due to sepsis complicated by ARDS. In conclusion, MUD BMT is feasible in FA patients with bone marrow failure in whom no HLA-identical sibling donor is available. In our study group, the major problem was graft rejection, despite the administration of a combination of graft enhancing anti-T cell antibodies. Multicentre studies are needed to determine a more intensive, but still tolerable, conditioning regimen.