Phytoestrogens alter the reproductive organ development in the mink (Mustela vison)

The aim of the present study was to examine the reproductive effects of two perorally applied phytoestrogens, genistein (8 mg/kg/day) and beta-sitosterol (50 mg/kg/day), on the mink (Mustela vison) at human dietary exposure levels. Parental generations were exposed over 9 months to these phytoestrogens and their offspring were exposed via gestation and lactation. Parents and their offspring were sampled 21 days after the birth of the kits. Sex hormone levels, sperm quality, organ weights, and development of the kits were examined. The exposed females were heavier than the control females at the 1st postnatal day (PND). The control kits were heavier than the exposed kits from the 1st to the 21st PND. Phytoestrogens did not affect the organ weights of the adult minks, but the relative testicular weight of the exposed kits was higher than in the control kits. The relative prostate weight was higher and the relative uterine weight lower in the beta-sitosterol-exposed kits than in the control kits. Moreover, the plasma dihydrotestosterone levels were lower in the genistein-exposed male kits compared to the control male kits. This study could not explain the mechanisms behind these alterations. The results indicate that perinatal phytoestrogen exposures cause alterations in the weight of the reproductive organs of the mink kits.     

Substituting inpatient for outpatient care: what is the impact on hospital costs and efficiency?

Substitution of inpatient for outpatient care is seen as a means to increase patient throughput and control costs. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of increased outpatient care on hospital costs and efficiency using Finnish specialty-level data from years 2003–2006 to which we applied stochastic frontier analysis. The results reveal that outpatient services have a smaller impact on total costs than inpatient services. At the same time, increased outpatient activity appears to have an adverse effect on estimated cost efficiency. This counterintuitive finding is probably due to the low weight given to outpatient activities by the Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) system. A common weighting for inpatient and outpatient services is required in order to assess accurately the impact of outpatient care on efficiency.     

Phytosterols act as endocrine and metabolic disruptors in the European polecat (Mustela putorius).

Phytosterols or plant sterols (PS) are consumed as natural remedies and margarines by the general population in developed countries to lower elevated serum cholesterol levels. They are also present in high concentrations in pulp mill effluents. The aim of the study was to screen the endocrine and metabolic parameters of the European polecat (Mustela putorius) for the effects of PS. The results showed an increase in the plasma estradiol and TH levels with no effects on the hypophyseal regulatory hormones. The plasma ghrelin levels decreased. PS also affected intermediary metabolism. The liver glycogen content increased as did the kidney glucose-6-phosphatase activity. The liver lipase esterase activity, on the other hand, decreased due to PS. In serum lipids the total cholesterol did not change, but the low-density lipoprotein levels increased and the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio decreased. PS had widespread previously unreported effects on the physiology of the polecat. The multiple effects indicate the need of a thorough risk assessment of the effects and interactions of PS.     

A preliminary investigation into light-modulated replication of nanobacteria and heart disease

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the effect of various wavelengths of light on nanobacteria (NB). BACKGROUND DATA: NB and mitochondria use light for biological processes. NB have been described as multifunctional primordial nanovesicles with the potential to utilize solar energy for replication. NB produce slime, a process common to living bacteria. Slime release is an evolutionary important stress-dependent phenomenon increasing the survival chance of individual bacteria in a colony. In the cardiovascular system, stress-induced bacterial colony formation may lead to a deposition of plaque. METHODS: Cultured NB were irradiated with NASA-LEDs at different wavelengths of light: 670, 728 and 880 nm. Light intensities were about 500k Wm(-2), and energy density was 1 x 10(4) J m(-2). RESULTS: Monochromatic light clearly affected replication of NB. Maximum replication was achieved at 670 nm. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that suitable wavelengths of light could be instrumental in elevating the vitality level of NB, preventing the production of NB-mediated slime, and simultaneously increasing the vitality level of mitochondria. The finding could stimulate the design of cooperative therapy concepts that could reduce death caused by myocardial infarcts.     

Characterization of androgen-regulated expression of CYP3A5 in human prostate

Testosterone is needed for the growth and development of the prostate. Androgen deprivation therapy is used for the treatment of prostate cancer. CYP3A5 is a human drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzyme that metabolizes testosterone to the inactive 6beta-hydroxylated metabolite. We identified CYP3A5 as a novel androgen-regulated gene in human prostate by GeneChip analysis of human prostate tissues obtained from patients 3 days after therapeutic castration and from control patients. We further showed androgen induction of CYP3A5 messenger RNA (mRNA) in LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. Immunoblotting studies revealed CYP3A5 protein expression in all prostate samples studied. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization was used for localization of CYP3A5 expression in prostate tissue. CYP3A5 was detected both in luminal and in basal epithelial cells of human prostate. Androgen response element was identified in the CYP3A5 proximal promoter and in electrophoretic mobility shift assay androgen receptor was found to bind this element. Androgen induction was abolished by mutation of the response element. We suggest that CYP3A5 is a part of an autoregulatory feedback loop controlling prostate cell exposure to androgens.     

Psychosocial Nursing in Radiotherapy Cancer Wards in Finland

Abstract. In this study the specialized nurses, nurse generalists and practical nurses working in radiotherapy cancer wards in Finland are estimating their capabilities for responding to the psychosocial needs of cancer patients. The methods they use to respond to their patients and the results achieved are also estimated. Details were also elicited of the barriers to the provision of high standard nursing which these people perceived. The length of education correlated significantly with the estimated capabilities of nursing personnel to meet the psychosocial needs of the cancer patients. The practical nurses estimated their capabilities to be in all respects at a lower level than did the nurse generalists and specialized nurses.     

IN VIVO EFFECTS OF BISPHENOL A ON THE POLECAT ( MUSTELA PUTORIUS )

Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental estrogen derived from the plastic industry, was given orally via incorporation into the food of 30 male and female polecats at 3 different doses (10, 50, or 250 mg/kg body weight/day) for 2 wk with 10 animals acting as controls. Several hormone levels in the plasma were determined as well as the activities of the phase I and II biotransformation enzymes 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST), and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT). BPA did not cause any macroscopic effects on body mass or the health of the animals. UDPGT and GST activities increased significantly in direct correlation with increasing BPA exposure in females and UDPGT increased in a dose-related manner in males. There was no change in the plasma T4 and testosterone concentrations of the males with increasing BPA exposure. Discriminant analysis indicated that the group receiving 10 mg BPA/kg body weight/d was not different from the control group but the groups receiving 50 and 250 mg/kg body weight/d were different from the control group. This suggests physiological changes in the groups receiving 50 or 250 mg BPA/kg body weight/d.     

Clostridium difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a case control study

Objective: Characterization of predisposing factors for Clostridium difficile infection recurrence (rCDI) and outcome in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Methods: Clinical characteristics of 167 inflammatory bowel disease patients with Clostridium difficile infection (IBD-CDI cohort) treated in Helsinki University Central Hospital were gathered. Medical history of the last three months preceding a toxin positive CDI test was recorded. Parameters, including ribotype of C. difficile, mortality and recurrence were compared with age and gender-matched C. difficile patients (CDI cohort).

Results: No difference was found in rCDI between IBD-CDI and CDI cohorts. As compared with IBD subtypes, rCDI was least common among patients with Crohn’s disease. The use of immunosuppressant therapy was higher in IBD patients with two or more CDI episodes. C. difficile ribotype 027 increased the rates for rCDI in IBD patients but not in non-IBD-CDI patients. The prevalence of 027 ribotype and mortality rates did not differ significantly among the cohorts. None of the IBD patients underwent colectomy upon CDI.

Conclusion: IBD patients are not more susceptible for rCDI than non-IBD patients. Predisposing factors for rCDI among IBD patients are associated with immunosuppressant treatments, colon affecting IBD and CDI caused by ribotype 027. CDI does not worsen the prognosis of IBD patients.