Folliculogenesis in the bovine,

During the follicular phase of the estrous cycle in the cow, there is a rapid turnover in large (ovulatory size) follicles with the ovulatory follicle being identifiable by size not more than 3 days prior to estrus. Characteristics of the ovulatory follicle have been described in terms of steroid production and, to a lesser extent, gonadotropin receptors. It remains yet to be determined which factors permit development of these characteristics rather than leading to the onset of atresia.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24086/1/0000342.pd

A specific radioimmunoassay for androstenedione with reduced bridge-binding

Antibody used in a steroid radioimmunoassay raised against a steroid hapten-carrier protein conjugate may recognize both the hapten and the chemical bridge to the protein. Use of the same bridge in the radioisotopic label may lead to higher affinity binding to the label than to the native steroid. Inhibition curves under these conditions are shallow and generally not acceptable for radioimmunoassay procedures. We have developed a radioimmunoassay for androstenedione that employs different bridges at the 11[beta] position of the steroid for the protein conjugate and label. The resulting assay has greatly reduced bridge-binding, has an acceptable slope for the standard curve and is very specific as evidenced by low crossreactivies to other steroids.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24709/1/0000130.pd

A chemical approach to solving bridging phenomena in steroid radioimmunoassays

Steroid radioimmunoassays (RIA) employ antibodies raised against a carrier protein-steroid conjugate. Individual antibodies may recognize the steroid, the protein or the chemical bridge used to Join them together. Use of the same bridge In the tracer results in higher affinity binding of the tracer than the native ligand which in turn results in a loss of sensitivity and precision. We have greatly reduced bridge-binding In a RIA for androstenedione. Conjugates and radioiodinated labels were prepared with either an ester op ether chemical bridge. By using an antibody and the corresponding label with the heterologous bridge very sensitive assays were obtained.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24289/1/0000555.pd

Changes in pelvic conformation and peripheral estrone concentrations in pre- and post-partum beef cows

An experiment was conducted to investigate the temporal relationship of peripheral estrone (E1) concentration to changes in the size of the pelvic opening preceding and immediately following parturition. Twenty-six multiparous beef cows were observed from approximately 50 d prepartum to 7 d postpartum. Blood samples were collected at 7 d intervals preceding calving and at 1, 3 and 7 d following for E1 quantitation. Estimates of pelvic opening area were made at the time of blood sampling. Peripheral E1 concentrations were elevated beginning at approximately 25 d prepartum. Dams bearing male fetuses had greater (P1 than did dams with female fetuses. Calf birth weight was correlated (r = 0.44, P1 levels from 10 d prepartum through parturition. Postpartum pelvic area was greater for cows giving birth to male calves, with no significant differences for calf birth weights by sex. Correlations were observed between E1 concentration, and pelvic area measured from 50 d prepartum to 7 d postpartum (r = 0.26, P1 concentration from 50 d prepartum to calving was significantly correlated (r = 0.75, P1 concentrations and fetal sex and pelvic area. In summary, the increased estrogen concentrations in cows with male calves may facilitate pelvic spread, resulting in a larger pelvic opening.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/27978/1/0000410.pd

In vitro growth regulation of endometrial carcinoma cells by tamoxifen and medroxyprogesterone acetate,

The growth inhibitory effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and tamoxifen (TAM) were tested on three long-established endometrial carcinoma cell lines (HEC-1, KLE, and RL95-2) and on UM-EC-1, a new endometrial carcinoma cell line established in our laboratory. MPA and TAM were used in growth experiments either alone, simultaneously, or sequentially. The MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was used as a control. None of the endometrial carcinoma cell lines showed significant sensitivity to 0.1-10 [mu]M MPA. In contrast, 10 days exposure to 5 [mu]M TAM induced 83 and 70% growth inhibition in HEC-1 and KLE cultures, whereas the growth of UM-EC-1 was inhibited by 99.7% and RL95-2 cultures by 100%. TAM-induced growth inhibition was reversible since all cell lines resumed logarithmic growth when TAM was removed from the culture medium. Addition of 17-[beta]-estradiol (E2) to the culture medium did not accelerate recovery, and reversal of TAM-induced growth inhibition was not seen when TAM and E2 were added simultaneously. This is consistent with our finding that, except for MCF-7, these cell lines did not show detectable estrogen receptor (ER) activity in assays performed at the time of these experiments. When treated sequentially with TAM and MPA, all cell lines resumed logarithmic growth when medium containing TAM was replaced with medium containing MPA. Simultaneous exposure to 5 [mu]M MPA and 5 [mu]M TAM resulted in a slight additive growth inhibitory effects only in KLE cultures. Our results show that MPA does not have growth inhibitory effects in these endometrial carcinoma cell cultures, whereas TAM exerts a potent growth inhibitory effect that is not reversed by estrogen and may thus be mediated through a mechanism different from blockade of ER. In vitro results with the UM-EC-1 cell line correlated with the clinical response of the cell line donor. Her disease progressed during postoperative MPA therapy, but subsequently she responded to TAM therapy.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/27275/1/0000291.pd

The Effects of Long-Term Sustained Delivery of Dihydrotestosterone by Poly(lactic acid) Impregnated and Noncoated Biodegradable Ceramic Devices in Male Rodents

The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the release of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from nonimpregnated and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) impregnated ALCAP ceramic reservoirs implanted in male rats, and to study the effects of delivered DHT on the reproductive system of male rats. A total of 120 Sprague-Dawley male albino rats were distributed equally into three groups. Two ALCAP capsules, one nonimpregnated and the other impregnated with PLA, were implanted in each rat in groups I and II. Capsules implanted in group I rats were loaded with 40 mg DHT each. Group II rats were implanted with two empty capsules (sham group), and group III animals served as un implanted controls. Eight rats from each group were euthanized at the end of the one, three, six, nine, and twelve months following the implantation of the ceramics. No significant changes in the weights of vital organs of rats were observed among any of the three different groups. Vas deferens and epididymal fluid were devoid of normal spermatozoa within three months of implanting the steroid-containing ceramics. Testes weights decreased significantly in the rats implanted with ALCAP ceramics containing DHT and the seminiferous tubules became oligospermic after one month and azoospermic after three months. The data collected in this study suggest that: (1) ALCAP ceramic cap sules are capable of delivering DHT for one year at a sustained manner; (2) DHT delivered by ALCAP capsules can be used effectively to regulate sperma togenesis in rats.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66739/2/10.1177_088391159100600201.pd

Putting carbon markets into practice: a case study of financial accounting in Europe

In this paper we explore how carbon markets have entered the world of financial accounting. The advent of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in 2005 provided the opportunity for global climate change concerns to be translated from policy into something that could, and should, be recognised within financial accounting. That is, the EU ETS provided a mechanism whereby greenhouse gas emission allowances acquired a financial value, simultaneously creating an obligation (or liability) on certain European organisations when they emit greenhouse gases. Prima facie, this process created the need for financial accounts of companies covered by the EU ETS to reflect the new commodity of carbon. Disagreement amongst accountants about how to treat emission allowances has arisen, with the initial international accounting guidance issued in late 2004 subsequently being withdrawn, and not yet replaced. Taking this absence of guidance as a starting point, we undertake an empirical project (through a survey, consultation analysis, and interviews) to establish what financial reporting practices are being adopted by participants in the EU ETS, and the level of momentum for standardisation. We draw on sociological theories about accounting, measurement, and markets

From PALSA PLUS to PALM PLUS: adapting and developing a South African guideline and training intervention to better integrate HIV/AIDS care with primary care in rural health centers in Malawi

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Only about one-third of eligible HIV/AIDS patients receive anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Decentralizing treatment is crucial to wider and more equitable access, but key obstacles are a shortage of trained healthcare workers (HCW) and challenges integrating HIV/AIDS care with other primary care. This report describes the development of a guideline and training program (PALM PLUS) designed to integrate HIV/AIDS care with other primary care in Malawi. PALM PLUS was adapted from PALSA PLUS, developed in South Africa, and targets middle-cadre HCWs (clinical officers, nurses, and medical assistants). We adapted it to align with Malawi's national treatment protocols, more varied healthcare workforce, and weaker health system infrastructure.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The international research team included the developers of the PALSA PLUS program, key Malawi-based team members and personnel from national and district level Ministry of Health (MoH), professional associations, and an international non-governmental organization. The PALSA PLUS guideline was extensively revised based on Malawi national disease-specific guidelines. Advice and input was sought from local clinical experts, including middle-cadre personnel, as well as Malawi MoH personnel and representatives of Malawian professional associations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>An integrated guideline adapted to Malawian protocols for adults with respiratory conditions, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other primary care conditions was developed. The training program was adapted to Malawi's health system and district-level supervision structure. PALM PLUS is currently being piloted in a cluster-randomized trial in health centers in Malawi (ISRCTN47805230).</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The PALM PLUS guideline and training intervention targets primary care middle-cadre HCWs with the objective of improving HCW satisfaction and retention, and the quality of patient care. Successful adaptations are feasible, even across health systems as different as those of South Africa and Malawi.</p

Effects of antiplatelet therapy on stroke risk by brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases: subgroup analyses of the RESTART randomised, open-label trial

Background Findings from the RESTART trial suggest that starting antiplatelet therapy might reduce the risk of recurrent symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage compared with avoiding antiplatelet therapy. Brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases (such as cerebral microbleeds) are associated with greater risks of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage. We did subgroup analyses of the RESTART trial to explore whether these brain imaging features modify the effects of antiplatelet therapy