Involvement of the prostate and testis expression (PATE)-like proteins in sperm-oocyte interaction

BACKGROUND

The prostate and testis expression (PATE)-like family of proteins are expressed mainly in the male genital tract. They are localized in the sperm head and are homologous to SP-10, the acrosomal vesicle protein also named ACRV1. Our aim was to characterize the expression and functional role of three PATE-like proteins in the testis and ejaculated sperm.

METHODS

The expression and localization of PATE-like proteins in human testis biopsies (n= 95) and sperm cells were assessed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining (at least 600 sperm cells per specimen). The function of the PATE protein was tested by the hemizona assay and hamster egg penetration test (HEPT).

RESULTS

PATE and PATE-M genes and proteins were present almost exclusively in germ cells in the testis: immunoflourescence showed that the percentage of germ cells positive for PATE, PATE-M and PATE-B was 85, 50 and 2%, respectively. PATE and PATE-M proteins were localized in the equatorial segment of the sperm head, while PATE-B protein was localized in the post-acrosomal region. A polyclonal antibody (Ab, at 1:50 and 1:200 dilutions) against the PATE protein did not inhibit sperm-zona binding in the hemizona assay (hemizona index of 89.6 ± 10 and 87 ± 36%, respectively). However, there was inhibition of sperm-oolemma fusion and penetration in the HEPT (penetration index: without Ab 7 ± 3.9; Ab dilution of 1:100, 4 ± 3.5; Ab dilution of 1:20, 0.6 ± 1.2, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that PATE protein is involved in sperm-oolemma fusion and penetration but not sperm-zona binding.

Beta-glucosylceramide: a novel method for enhancement of natural killer T lymphoycte plasticity in murine models of immune-mediated disorders

BACKGROUND

beta-Glucosylceramide, a naturally occurring glycolipid, exerts modulatory effects on natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes.

AIM

To determine whether beta-glucosylceramide can alter NKT function in opposite directions, colitis was induced by intracolonic installation of trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was induced by transplantation of Hep3B cells.

METHODS

The immunological effect of beta-glucosylceramide was assessed by analysis of intrahepatic and intrasplenic lymphocyte populations, serum cytokines and STAT protein expression.

RESULTS

Administration of beta-glucosylceramide led to alleviation of colitis and to suppression of HCC, manifested by improved survival and decreased tumour volume. The beneficial effects were associated with an opposite immunological effect in the two models: the peripheral:intrahepatic CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratio increased in the colitis model and decreased in the HCC group. The peripheral:intrahepatic NKT lymphocyte ratio decreased in beta-glucosylceramide-treated mice solely in the HCC model. The effect of beta-glucosylceramide was associated with decreased STAT1 and 4 expression, and with overexpression of STAT6, along with decreased interferon gamma levels in the colitis model, whereas an opposite effect was noted in the HCC model.

CONCLUSIONS

beta-glucosylceramide alleviates immunologically incongruous disorders and may be associated with "fine tuning" of immune responses, by changes in plasticity of NKT lymphocytes.

Adoptive transfer of regulatory NKT lymphocytes ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and glucose intolerance in ob/ob mice and is associated with intrahepatic CD8 trapping

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adoptive transfer of regulatory natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes on the metabolic disorder in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice, which feature depletion and defective function of NKT and CD4 lymphocytes. Leptin-deficient ob/ob mice were subjected to transplantation of 1 x 10(6) of either ob/ob or wild-type-derived NKT lymphocytes, or to transplantation of either ob/ob or wild-type-derived splenocytes. The effect on hepatic fat content was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (signal intensity index) and histology, using the steatohepatitis grading scale. The degree of glucose intolerance was measured by an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). Adoptive transfer of wild-type or ob/ob-derived regulatory NKT cells led to a 12% decrease in hepatic fat content. A significant histological shift from macrosteatosis to microsteatosis was observed. Marked improvement in the GTT was noted in wild-type or ob/ob-derived NKT recipients. Metabolic effects were associated with a significant decrease in peripheral and intrahepatic CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratios. Intrahepatic CD8 trapping was observed in all responders. Serum interleukin 10 levels decreased significantly. In conclusion, adoptive transfer of a relatively small number of regulatory NKT lymphocytes into ob/ob mice results in a significant reduction in hepatic fat content, a shift from macro to microsteatosis, and significant improvement in glucose intolerance. These effects were associated with decreased peripheral and intrahepatic CD4/CD8 ratios and decreased interleukin 10 levels. The results further support a role for regulatory NKT lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in the leptin-deficient murine model.

Adoptive transfer of small numbers of DX5+ cells alleviates graft-versus-host disease in a murine model of semiallogeneic bone marrow transplantation: a potential role for NKT lymphocytes

Natural killer T (NKT) lymphocyte cells are a subset of regulatory lymphocytes with important immunemodulatory effects. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of transplantation of NKT lymphocytes on graft versus host disease (GVHD) in a murine model of semiallogeneic BMT. GVHD was generated by infusion of 2 x 107 splenocytes from C57BL/6 donor mice into irradiated (C57BL/6 x Balb/c)F1 recipient mice. Adoptive transfer of increasing numbers of DX5+ cells was performed. Recipient mice were followed for histological parameters of GVHD-associated liver, bowel, and cutaneous injury. Intrahepatic and intrasplenic lymphocytes were isolated and analyzed by FACS for CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations. It was seen that adoptive transfer of 4.5 x 106 DX5+ cells significantly alleviated GVHD-related hepatic, bowel, and cutaneous injury, and improved survival (85% survival on day 28). In contrast, depletion of DX5+ cells led to severe GVHD-associated multiorgan injury and 100% mortality. A direct correlation with the number of transplanted DX5+ cells was noted (maximal effect with transplantation of 4.5 x 106 DX5+ cells). Tolerance induction was associated with an increased peripheral CD4/CD8 ratio, intrahepatic trapping of CD8 lymphocytes and a shift towards a Th2-type cytokine profile, manifested by decreased IL-12/IL10, IL-12/IL-4, IFNgamma/IL-10, and IFNgamma/IL-4 ratios. Transplantation of DX5+ cells holds promise as a novel therapeutic measure for GVHD.

[Cholangiocarcinoma in primary sclerosing cholangitis: "chronicle of a death foretold"?]

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a condition usually associated with inflammatory bowel disease, is a chronic inflammatory state of the biliary tract characterized by fibrotic strictures of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Between 5-15% of patients with PSC will develop cholangiocarcinoma. The diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with PSC is difficult, as it is often impossible to distinguish benign PSC-related strictures from lesions associated with cholangiocarcinoma. Consequently, most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease and have a dismal prognosis at the time of diagnosis. The importance of characterizing patients with PSC who have an increased risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma and of developing means for early detection of this disease cannot be over-emphasized. Detection of cholangiocarcinoma in asymptomatic patients is additionally important, as this condition is considered a contraindication for liver transplantation. We describe a patient with longstanding Crohn's disease and PSC who developed cholangiocarcinoma, and review the literature regarding risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma, early detection of cholangiocarcinoma and the significance of existing cholangiocarcinoma in the context of liver transplantation.

Enzyme replacement therapy in the management of longstanding skeletal and soft tissue salmonella infection in a patient with Gaucher's disease

A splenectomised patient with Gaucher's disease who developed multiple foci of osteomyelitis and soft tissue abcesses, after a severe episode of group C salmonella sepsis, is described. Aggressive antibiotic treatment and surgical drainage had little effect and the patient's condition continued to deteriorate. With initiation of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in addition to specific antibiotic treatment, defervescence and gradual healing occurred. Complete resolution of the infection was seen after 15 months. The possible role of ERT in healing bacterial infections in Gaucher's disease is discussed.

Effect of ozone on neutrophil function in vitro

The application of ozone is widely practised as a form of alternative medicine, particularly in Germany and Eastern Europe. Ozone major autohemotherapy (the return of a small amount of a patient's blood to the circulation after ex vivo exposure to ozone) has been reported to have a therapeutic effect in various pathological conditions, including ischemic, infectious, autoimmune and neoplastic disorders. Ozone has an effect on the expression of cytokines, adhesion molecules and acute phase reactants, which are responsible in part for the respiratory inflammatory response observed after exposure to this gas. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of ozone administration ex vivo, at a concentration commonly used in major autohemotherapy, on peripheral blood neutrophil function in vitro. Blood drawn from healthy volunteers was studied for neutrophil adhesion, chemotaxis and O-2 production before and after exposure to 30 microg/ml ozone. There was no significant difference in adhesion and chemotaxis of neutrophils exposed to ozone versus unexposed cells. O-2 production was minimally decreased (20.3 +/- 5.0 vs. 22.1 +/- 5.5 nmol/106 cells/10 min, respectively; P=0.01), a reduction of no clinical significance. This study confirms that major autohemotherapy with ozone is safe as far as neutrophil function is concerned. Combined with previous data, it seems that well-designed clinical trials to assess the efficacy of major autohemotherapy would pose no danger to blood cell populations, and should be encouraged.

Photon statistics of amplified spontaneous emission noise in a 10-Gbit/s optically preamplified direct-detection receiver

We verify experimentally, over a dynamic range of 55 dB in the probability distribution, that the amplified spontaneous emission noise of the 0's from an optically preamplified receiver is degenerate Bose-Einstein distributed. Using the noise parameters extracted from the experiment, we are able to predict the sensitivity of a 10-Gbit/s direct-detection receiver.

Loneliness and coherence among preschool children with learning disabilities

This study investigated loneliness and coherence among Israeli preschool children with learning disabilities, in an attempt to identify the sources of social deficits before academic failure was established. The sample consisted of 187 preschool children divided into three groups: (a) 60 children at high risk for developing learning disabilities (LD) in six mainstreamed preschool settings (47 boys and 13 girls), (b) 76 nonhandicapped peers from the same preschools (56 boys and 20 girls), and (c) 51 children (38 boys and 13 girls) at high risk for developing LD who were regular students at 17 preschools and received special help in the afternoons outside their educational settings, at a regional learning center for students with LD. The research instruments consisted of the Children's Sense of Coherence Scale, the Loneliness Scale, a peer nomination procedure, and teachers' ratings. Two-way MANOVAs demonstrated that the two groups of children (Groups [A] and [C]) with LD and with a high risk for developing learning disabilities experienced higher levels of loneliness and lower levels of coherence. A subgroup examination revealed that they were less accepted by nondisabled peers and had less reciprocal nominations. Furthermore, their teachers viewed them as showing more maladjustment.

Cross phase modulation squeezing in optical fibers

A novel method of producing squeezed vacuum uses cross phase modulation between a linearly polarized pump signal and the orthogonal polarized vacuum. Here we report on such cross phase modulation using 1-nJ 150-fs pulses from a low noise stretched pulse laser. The nonlinear medium was a single mode fiber and the noise reduction was 3 dB.

Direct measurement of self-phase shift due to fiber nonlinearity

We directly measure the time-independent nonlinear self-phase shift of a pulse after fiber propagation by spectral interferometry. Both the soliton and the nonsoliton case were studied. We verify numerically that the measured phase shift approximates this time-independent phase well.

Self-switching of optical pulses in dispersion-imbalanced nonlinear loop mirrors

We report a novel nonlinear filter that transmits and shortens incident pulses while rejecting cw background as well as resonant continuum. A relative extinction of 22dB is reported for the cw background.

Synchronized two-color operation of a passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser by dual injection locking

The recently introduced harmonic injection locking is a method for generating pulse trains at high repetition rates from passively mode-locked lasers. We report the simultaneous injection locking of two spectral bands in an erbium-doped fiber laser by injection of two spectrally distinct and temporally synchronized pulse trains. The injection-locked laser simultaneously produced pulses at wavelengths of 1.53 and 1.55 microm, each at a 7.5-GHz repetition rate and with a pulse width of 10 ps. We compared the experimental results with those of a passively mode-locked laser.

Noise reduction by harmonic injection locking of passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber lasers

Harmonic injection locking can generate pulse trains at high repetition rates from passively mode-locked lasers. We have examined experimentally the mutual interaction of noise with the locking process. For injected signals with large timing and amplitude noise, the mode-locked fiber laser generated a pulse train with reduced noise. Injected signals with low timing and amplitude noise were employed for the reduction of the internal noise of the passively mode-locked laser. The achieved output pulse-to-pulse timing jitter in the range of 20-2500 Hz was ~0.6 ps, comparable with that of actively stabilized fiber lasers.

Injection locking of an actively mode-locked semiconductor laser

We report what is to our knowledge the first observation of synchronous coherent injection locking of an actively mode-locked extended cavity semiconductor laser to an external light pulse train. In the temporal domain, we observed experimentally and verified theoretically a significant narrowing of the output pulse of the mode-locked laser. In the spectral domain, we demonstrated experimentally the narrowing of the output optical spectrum that was due to rejection of spectral components outside the spectral band of the locking pulses. Locking ranges, in the time and the frequency domains, were measured to be ~200 ps and ~5 nm, respectively.

Social skills and classroom behavior among adolescents with mild mental retardation

Relations among self-reported social skills, teacher ratings of classroom behavior, and direct observations of social interactions among 87 adolescents with mild mental retardation were investigated and variables predicting the students' task orientation identified. Three information sources were employed. Results demonstrated that the four domains of social skills were related to the students' task orientation. The regression analysis revealed that students who were characterized by better social skills and fewer occurrences of hyperactivity and behavioral difficulties were viewed by teachers as evidencing more compliant and task-oriented behavior, implying their better ability to benefit from the special curriculum. The three sources of information validated one another and added information to the conceptualization and appraisal of social and academic competence among students with mental retardation.

Classification and validation of family climate subtypes in kibbutz fathers of disabled and nondisabled children

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of disabled children on their fathers. Perceptions of family climate, sense of coherence, and satisfaction from family life were measured among 66 fathers of disabled children and among 74 fathers with nondisabled children in an Israeli kibbutz. The fathers of disabled children showed lower sense of coherence, derived less satisfaction from family life, and viewed their families as less encouraging of personal growth among family members. Four subtypes of family climate patterns, perceived by fathers of disabled children, were identified by cluster analysis and validated by the sense of coherence and global family satisfaction measures. Cluster analysis for the fathers of nondisabled children replicated the subtypes identified. The four subtypes were conceptualized as families with a (a) personal growth orientation, (b) conflict orientation, (c) conflict avoidance orientation, and (d) recreation avoidance orientation. Significant differences were found between the subtypes with regard to the family climate variables and satisfaction and coherence measures. Results demonstrated that different patterns of family climate characterized the two groups of fathers: In almost every cluster the measures of personal growth were lower for the fathers of disabled children.

Mothers' perceptions of anxiety of their diabetic children

Within the theoretical framework of family dynamics, the anxiety levels expressed by 20 diabetic children, the level of anxiety ascribed to them by their mothers, and the anxiety levels of 20 healthy children were studied. The diabetic children did not form an emotionally deviant group in terms of their expressed anxiety, although their mothers viewed them as significantly more anxious than they judged themselves. The mothers' own anxiety was the best predictor of their perceptions of their children's anxiety. The results are discussed in terms of their effects on communication and coping in the families.

Suicidal behavior at school: a systemic perspective

This article delineates the interpersonal function of suicidal behavior in children. Children's suicidal attempts have a major impact on their immediate surroundings and can be perceived as a mode of controlling the family or school. In order to highlight this approach, a case of epidemic suicidal attempts in a special education high school is presented. A systemic mode of intervention, consisting of an adolescents' group and a teachers' group within the school system, is described. The importance of implementing systemic modes in preventing suicide is outlined.

Anxiety and self-concept of learning disabled children

This study compares anxiety and self-concept among learning disabled children and their nondisabled peers. On—hundred learning disabled (LD) and 118 nondisabled children participated in the study which demonstrated significantly higher anxiety and lower self-concept in the first group. The differences emphasized the self-dissatisfaction of the LD group and their pawning related anxiety. Therapeutic implications of the results are discussed.

Emotional and behavioral aspects of hyperactivity

Two groups of learning disabled children, 55 hyperactives and 116 non-hyperactives, were compared in order to obtain a clearer understanding of the emotional and behavioral features of the syndrome. Keeping their intelligence level and educational attainment constant, the groups differed regarding the hyperactives' difficulties of modulating performance to meet external demand (as expressed by lower coding scores), and a greater prevalence of behavior problems. They expressed higher levels of anxiety, especially related to feelings, that they were not in control of what happened to them. The results were discussed in the context of intervention programs.

LDs' expressions of anxiety in terms of minor somatic complaints

The prevalence of the minor somatic complaints for learning-disabled children (N = 130) was compared to that of two control groups: normal (N = 559) and EMR children (N = 69). The learning-disabled children demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of complaints, but the extent of resulting absenteeism was lesser than that in regular schools. No significant differences was found in the prevalence of headaches and stomach-aches. Fatigue was more frequent for the learning-disabled group. Explanations of the phenomena in terms of the coping strategies of the learning-disabled children and an ecological model were suggested.

Anxiety and self-dissatisfaction in epileptic children

Twenty epileptic children were compared with regard to their anxiety levels and self-concept measures, to two control groups: (a) non-handicapped children, (b) learning-disabled children. The epileptic children demonstrated higher levels of trait anxiety and dissatisfaction with themselves, as compared to each and both of the control groups. The results stressed the critical value of psychological consultation for the epileptic children and their parents.

Learning disabled children and their families: strategies of extension and adaptation of family therapy

A critical question in considering family therapy is whether the family members have the necessary emotional and cognitive resources to bring the desired changes. Some families of handicapped children face enormous difficulties in performing discussed changes when their only support is the weekly sessions. Some learning disabled children need additional ego support in the therapy. A project of reaching out strategies as an extension of the family therapy is a pattern that was tried with five families after the regular practices of counseling and therapy had failed.

Multivariate concept of psychosomatic illness the self-concept of asthmatic children

The self-concept of asthmatic children was studied in order to demonstrate the complicated nature of the psychosomatic syndrome; that of 18 asthmatic children was compared to those of three other groups': 20 healthy children, 20 children with emotional difficulties and 11 children with cystic fibrosis. Measures reflecting the psychological self-acceptance differentiated the healthy children significantly from the two groups with emotional difficulties (asthmatics, and children with adjustment difficulties). Measures reflecting physical self acceptance differentiated the healthy group significantly from the two groups with somatic complaints (asthmatics and cystic fibrosis children).

Cultural differences in the hyperactive syndrome rated in the Conners abbreviated scale

Theoretically, the hyperactivity is best described in terms of child by situation. Cultural differences are expected to be manifested. Sixty normal children and 76 learning disabled children from regular and special classes in Israel were rated in hyperactivity by their teachers. The similarity of the syndrome features in the different educational systems stressed the notion of a specific syndrome defined in similar terms. The relative stability of the syndrome over ages and cultures calls for a reevaluation of the educational features and their impact over behavior.

Ethnic differences in expressions of shame feeling by mothers of severely handicapped children

Shame on the part of parents of mentally handicapped children has pronounced effects on child-rearing practices. The aim of this study was to compare expressions of shame of different ethnic groups in Israel. The attitudes of 23 Western mothers and 26 Eastern mothers towards their moderately and severely retarded children were studied. Significant differences (p less than 0.05-p less than 0.01) were found, suggesting that the Eastern mothers strongly expressed their shame, whereas the Western mothers 'felt ashamed' to express it at all. The Western mothers felt that the social norms that reject feelings of shame and their own personal feelings of embarrassment were in conflict.

Vocational adjustment of EMR youth in a work-study program and a work program

Adjustment measures for students who took part in two work programs for EMR graduates of special schools were compared. Fifty students took part in a work program (direct placement in the work) and 50 students, a work-study program. The students, their parents, and their employers were interviewed regarding vocational satisfaction and adjustment. The work-study program graduates were significantly more stable, satisfied, and adjusted than were the work-program graduates (p is less than .001), but their professional opportunities (reflected by the number of different jobs held) were limited.