Onset of spermatozoal degeneration in low-fertility Delaware roosters and test for autoimmune basis

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the onset of a heritable reproductive disorder in the rooster that is characterized by extensive spermatozoal degeneration within the ductus deferens, and 2) to determine if autoimmunity was associated with spermatozoal degeneration. Seventy-five percent of the affected roosters did not ejaculate large percentages of degenerate spermatozoa at 20 wk of age, approximately the age of sexual maturity. Rather, seminal quality gradually declined over the next 6 wk, as both ejaculate volume and number of spermatozoa ejaculated increased. The evaluation of testicular and excurrent duct tissues via immunofluorescence failed to reveal either IgY or IgA associated with spermatozoa. While histological examination revealed greater lymphocyte numbers (P less than .05) in the proximal ductus deferens, these cells were not associated with spermatozoa nor spermatozoal clumping. While spermatozoal degeneration tends to be latent at the onset of semen production, it does not appear to be due to spermatozoal autoimmunity.     

The Confidence of Community Health Nurses in Caring for Ethnically Diverse Populations

Community health nurses (N = 190) responded to a Likert-type cultural self-efficacy scale to determine their degree of confidence in caring for three distinct populations (blacks, Puerto Ricans and Southeast Asians). The highest confidence scores were reported for caring for the black population, the lowest ratings were reported for Southeast Asians, while Puerto Ricans fell between the other two groups. Low scores were observed on items that included knowledge of health beliefs and practices as well as beliefs about respect, authority and modesty. Higher scores were observed in using an interpreter correctly. In no instance did ratings reach even moderate levels of confidence. Results suggest that nurses do not feel confident about caring for any of the three major ethnic groups in our communities. Furthermore, this perceived weakness cuts across the three groups and across nurses' educational and demographic variables.     

Instrument development: cardiac diet and exercise self-efficacy.

Self-efficacy has been documented as a strong predictor of health behaviors. Unfortunately, availability of reliable and valid measures of self-efficacy for a range of health behaviors is still limited. This study validated two measures of cardiac risk factor self-efficacy: the Cardiac Diet Self-Efficacy Instrument (CDSEI) and the Cardiac Exercise Self-Efficacy Instrument (CESEI). A sample of 370 cardiac rehabilitation participants provided data for principal factor analyses showing the unidimensionality of each instrument. Known groups construct validity was supported by a comparison of CDSEI and CESEI scores for cardiac rehabilitation participants and marathon runners. The value of CDSEI and CESEI scores in predicting subsequent exercise and diet performance was demonstrated with a third group of cardiac rehabilitation participants. Stability and internal consistency estimates in the .80s and .90s, respectively, support the scales' reliabilities.     

Antigens of mycobacterial cell walls

Three antigenic fractions from the cell walls of eight strains of mycobacteria were studied. Isolation and purification of these antigens were effected by enzymatic digestions, differential and sucrose gradient centrifugations, dialyses, and column chromatography. Two of the fractions were termed cell wall tuberculins (CWT-1, solubilized with lipase; CWT-2, solubilized with lysozyme); the third was termed “C” (cross-reacting) antigen. All appeared to be lipopolysaccharides. The CWT antigens, as compared with purified protein derivatives (human), were relatively species (group)-specific in both double immunodiffusion and guinea pig skin tests; in the latter, the reactions resembled those of delayed hypersensitivity. The C antigens reacted heterologously in double immunodiffusion and skin tests; the latter were the “immediate” type of reaction.