Policy determinants affecting the hunger millennium development goal

The possible effect of Government Consumption (a component of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)) on attainment of the hunger Millennium Development Goal (MDG1) was analyzed by evaluating the effect of macroeconomic, social, demographic and policy variables on average undernourished population. Eighty-four developing countries with data available on undernourished population were included in an ecological study. Regression models were applied to explore possible determinants of Undernourished between 1990 and 2004 and consequent achievement of the projected 2004 MDG1. In 2004, 1.4% of the overall undernourished population in the studied countries [70.16 million people] was in excess of the projected level required to meet MDG1. The multiple linear regression showed significant associations between Undernourished and poverty levels, the Gini Index, rural population and Government Consumption. The multiple logistic regression showed significant associations between achievement of projected 2004 MDG1 levels and Government Consumption and the Gini Index. The significant associations between Undernourished and Government Consumption suggest that the effects of GDP components on social conditions call for more thorough research and that policymakers such as governments and international financial institutions need to ensure that changes in distributive and redistributive policies do not negatively affect the possibility of achieving MDG1.     

Characterization and isolation of SOB2, a human sperm protein with a potential role in oocyte membrane binding

G12 monoclonal antibody (mAb), one of a library of constructed mAb directed against human sperm proteins, was found by immunoperoxidase staining to label the post-acrosomal and neck regions of fixed human cauda epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa. Epithelium and fluid of caput epididymis were strongly labelled while there was no staining on testis and efferent ducts. Western lot analysis revealed that G12 antibody reacted with proteins of 17.5, 18 and 19 kDa in human spermatozoa. This pattern seems to be specific for mature human spermatozoa, as it has not been observed either in other human tissues tested, or in spermatozoa from different animals. SOB2, the corresponding protein, was isolated from NP40-extracted human spermatozoa by using preparative electrophoresis, followed by isoelectrofocusing according to its isoelectric point of 6.4 G12 Fab fragments strongly inhibited binding of human spermatozoa to zona-free hamster oocytes (up to 86% inhibition at 200 micrograms/ml). Impairment of binding was dependent on the concentration of purified G12 immunoglobulin (Ig)G1, and significant even at 10 micrograms/ml. There was no inhibitory effect of G12 antibody on sperm motility parameters or triggering of the acrosome reaction and it did not inhibit binding to human zona pellucida. These results indicate that SOB2 is likely to participate in membrane oocyte binding, and my be potential candidate for the development of a contraceptive vaccine.