Levels of alkaline phosphatase isozymes in human seminoma tissue

The three human isozymes of alkaline phosphatases were quantitatively determined in normal testis and seminoma tissues. The highly selective assays were based on isozyme specific monoclonal antibodies. In the normal testis approximately 90% of the catalytic activity originates from the tissue unspecific alkaline phosphatase, and the remaining activity was due to trace expression of both intestinal (approximately 5%) and placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) or PLAP-like isozyme (approximately 5%). In homogenates of seminoma tissues, highly increased levels of all three isozymes were identified. Both the tissue unspecific alkaline phosphatase and PLAP-like enzymes displayed relative increases of 10- to 100-fold and intestinal alkaline phosphatase 2- to 10-fold compared with normal testis. This finding indicates that the entire genome coding for alkaline phosphatases may be activated in seminomas. The PLAP-like enzyme from seminoma cells comprises a heterogenous population of molecules demonstrating partial heat sensitivity and microheterogeneity upon starch gel electrophoresis in contrast to the pregnancy related PLAP. These findings have implications for the different PLAP assays used in the clinical monitoring of seminoma patients.     

Preoperative anxiety: is it a predictable entity?

Most surgical and anesthesia personnel assume that certain factors lead to increased preoperative anxiety, yet the predictability of preoperative anxiety has not been extensively studied. We hypothesized that surgical and anesthesia personnel could be more effective in reducing preoperative anxiety if potential predictors of presurgical anxiety were identified. A sample of 523 patients awaiting elective surgery completed an anxiety scale, had their blood pressure and pulse measured, and had 14 different characteristics recorded. These characteristics included demographics, possibility of cancer, presence of support person, previous surgical experience, and extent of surgery. Female patients were more anxious than male patients, and individuals accompanied by a support person were more anxious than those not accompanied. However, all other factors were noncontributory to anxiety. It appears that patient anxiety does not reflect the assumptions of surgical and anesthesia personnel. This suggests that preoperative anxiety may reflect a patient's personality and coping style more than medical data.     

Psychological improvement in infertile women after behavioral treatment: a replication.

OBJECTIVE: To replicate previously reported psychological improvements in infertile women attending a group behavioral treatment program. DESIGN: Psychological and demographic data were collected before entering and again upon completion of a behavioral medicine program on a second cohort of patients. SETTING: The program was offered in the Division of Behavioral Medicine, an outpatient clinic of the Department of Medicine at New England Deaconess Hospital. All patients were receiving care from infertility specialists not affiliated with this hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty two self-referred women receiving medical treatment for infertility attended the program. INTERVENTION: A 10-week group behavioral treatment program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Three validated psychological instruments. RESULTS: Psychological improvement was statistically significant (Profile of Mood States Tension/Anxiety: P less than 0.0001; Depression/Dejection: P less than 0.0122; Vigor/Activity: P less than 0.0431; Confusion/Bewilderment: P less than 0.0057; Spielberger Anger Expression: P less than 0.0013; Spielberger State Anxiety: P less than 0.0037, and Trait Anxiety: P less than 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral treatment is associated with significant decreases in negative psychological symptoms.     

Research-supported mobile applications and internet-based technologies to mediate the psychological effects of infertility: a review

Infertility is a chronic condition commonly accompanied by psychological and emotional distress. A significant contributor to the discontinuation of infertility treatment is the psychological burden of treatment. Many individuals experiencing infertility report high levels of depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, barriers to traditional individual and couples counselling include stigmatization, finances, trepidation, challenges of travel and uncertainty. New technology, such as mobile applications and internet-based programmes, may be a feasible option for reducing the emotional distress of infertility diagnoses and treatments. This review focuses on current and developing technologies designed to decrease emotional distress in individuals with infertility.     

Acupuncture and infertility: we need to stick to good science

The research published to date does not show a definitive positive impact of acupuncture on IVF success rates. However, researchers seem to lack traditional scientific practices when interpreting the data.