Low heart rate variability in unemployed men: The possible mediating effects of life satisfaction.

Unemployment has consistently been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature mortality, and impaired autonomic modulation of the heart might be one mechanism partly explaining this. This study examined whether the possible effect of unemployment on cardiac autonomic modulation is in part mediated by lower psychological well-being. The sample comprised of 15 job-seeking men aged 30-49 years matched with 15 employed men on age, type of job, smoking habits, alcohol intake, frequency of physical activity, and body mass index. Heart rate variability (HRV) during a modified orthostatic test was the measure of cardiac autonomic modulation, and life satisfaction was the measure of psychological well-being. Unemployed men had significantly lower overall HRV (p = .040) than controls. This association was partially mediated through lower general life satisfaction, and in particular, by low financial satisfaction, independently of demographic and/or behavioral factors that influence HRV. These findings suggest that seeking a job is a potential stressor that may reduce overall HRV and contribute towards disturbance of cardiac autonomic modulation in men. Financial difficulties could be one mechanism through which the effects of unemployment are translated into impaired autonomic modulation.

The expression of genes encoding zona pellucida glycoproteins in canine cumulus-oocyte complexes cultured in vitro in media supplemented with progesterone and estradiol.

The role of progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17beta (E2) on the efficiency of canine oocyte maturation in vitro is recognized, but little is known about the influence of both steroids on the expression of zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins. It has been shown that E2 and P4 used in the IVC significantly influenced canine oocytes meiotic competence, although the effect is specifically related to the combination of hormones used in the experiment. Because both of these steroids may stimulate or inhibit maturation competence of oocytes in a dose-dependent manner, there is a high possibility that they also influence the fertilization ability of canine oocytes. Our study was aimed to analyze whether genes, encoding ZP glycoproteins, are regulated by P4 or E2. Canine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from anestrous mongrel bitches after ovariohysterectomy and cultured in serum-free tissue culture medium 199. The expression pattern of ZP glycoproteins 2 and 3 (ZP2 and ZP3) mRNAs, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR), and of ZP3 and ZP4 proteins, using Western blot analyses, was examined in oocytes after the supplementation of the culture medium with (1) 0.5 µg/mL, 1.0 µg/mL, and 2.0 µg/mL of P4 (experiment 1), or with (2) 2.0 µg/mL E2, and with (3) a combination of E2 (2.0 µg/mL) and P4 (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 µg/mL, respectively; experiment 2). The analysis revealed an inhibited expression of ZP2 mRNA in oocytes after in vitro maturation (IVM) with different P4 supplementations as compared with oocytes before IVM. The expression of ZP3 mRNA was stimulated (P < 0.01) by the supplementation of 1.0 µg/mL P4. The expression of both ZP3 and ZP4 proteins was also stimulated after the treatment with 1.0 µg/mL P4. On the other hand, the level of ZP2 mRNA was inhibited (P < 0.01) after the supplementation with E2 or with combinations of E2 and P4 as compared with control oocytes. The expression of ZP3 mRNA was significantly higher after the supplementation with E2 and 0.5 µg/mL P4. Similarly, ZP3 and ZP4 proteins were highly expressed (P < 0.01) after such hormone supplementation. The results clearly show that in vitro, P4 regulates the expression of ZP glycoproteins in a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrated that E2 used alone and in combination with P4 upregulates the expression of ZP3 mRNA as well as ZP3 and ZP4 protein in canine oocytes. ZP2 mRNA is downregulated by E2 alone and in combination with E2 and P4. Furthermore, ZP glycoproteins expression is regulated by E2 alone or in combination with P4, and such synergistic or adverse effect is P4 concentration-dependent.

Exploring age differences in reasons for nonattendance for cervical screening: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore differences in barriers to attendance at cervical screening across age groups because coverage of the cervical screening programme in England has been falling, particularly among women in the youngest age group (25-29 years). DESIGN: A qualitative study. SETTING: A university in London. SAMPLE: Professionals working in the screening field (n=12) and women of varying ages who had either never attended for cervical screening or did not attend regularly (n=46). METHODS: In Study 1 we interviewed professionals to elicit their views on the reasons for lower screening attendance in young women. In Study 2, we carried out four focus groups (n=27) and 19 individual interviews with under-screened women to explore their barriers to attendance. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using Framework Analysis. RESULTS: Reasons for nonattendance were many and varied. Health professionals identified population-level factors, service provision issues, time pressures, risk perceptions, lack of knowledge and psychological barriers. The nonattenders fell into two groups: those who had made an active decision not to take part (who tended to be older), and those who intended to be screened but did not attend (predominantly younger women). Practical barriers were raised more often by younger women whereas older women had more negative attitudes to screening. CONCLUSION: This study provides rich data on the complex reasons why women do not attend for cervical screening. It points to age differences in barriers to screening, and suggests that addressing practical issues such as appointment systems and clinic times may have a positive impact on attendance in young women.

Analysis of integrins and vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms mRNA expression in the canine uterus during perimplantation period.

Integrins are the major receptors within the extracellular matrix (ECM) that mediate several functions connected with cell life and metabolism, such as cell adhesion, migration, cytoskeletal organization, proliferation, survival, and differentiation. A vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important angiogenic factors. It has been suggested that the expression of this gene may play crucial physiological roles in reproductive organs. All investigated endometrial tissues were isolated on day 10-12 after mating. Control bitches, used in this study, were in metestrus, which was determined according to the vaginal cytology and progesterone level in blood. Early pregnancy was verified by flushing the uterine horns with PBS. Total RNA was isolated from the bitches endometrium by means of the Chomczynski and Sacchi method, treated by DNase I, and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. A quantitative analysis of integrins alpha2b, beta2 and beta3, VEGF 164, 182 and 188 cDNA was performed by RT-PCR. In results we have shown an increased expression of all investigated genes (integrins alpha2b, beta2 and beta3, VEGF 164, 182, and 188) in pregnant bitches uterus as compared to non-pregnant females (P < 0.001). Our results indicated that the expression of genes encoding integrins and vascular endothelial growth factors is different in relation to the time of the embryo implantation and it is increased in the first period of this process. This may be associated with the induction of specific mechanisms responsible for receptivity of uterus following the embryo attachment. In addition, all of investigated genes are up-regulated in a pregnancy-specific manner and the increased expression of these genes may regulate the uterus function during the implantation of canine embryos.

Differential expression of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor beta isoforms in dog endometrium during different periods of the estrus cycle.

Both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF) play an important physiological role in the processes of proliferation and differentiation of several different cell types. However, the expression profiles of these factors in domestic bitches endometrium are still poorly recognized. The aim of the present study was to identify and analyze the differential expression of these factors in various stages of the estrus cycle. Endometrial tissue from proestrus (n = 17), estrus (n = 10), day 10 diestrus (n = 15), day 35 diestrus (n = 18) and anestrus (n = 25) was collected soon after ovariohysterectomy. Total RNA was isolated from the endometrium by means of Chomczynski and Sacchi method, treated by DNase I, and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Quantitative analysis of EGF, TGFbeta1, TGFbeta2, and TGFbeta3 cDNA was performed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). EGF expression in canine endometrium was increased in the estrus stage as compared to proestrus (P < 0.05), day 10 diestrus (P < 0.05), day 35 diestrus (P < 0.01) and anestrus (P < 0.001). We also found the differences in EGF expression between day 10 and day 35 of estrus as well as between day 35 of estrus with anestrus (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). The TGFf1 transcript contents were also higher in estrus as compared to other stages (P < 0.01). The TGFbeta2 and TGFbeta3 in the estrus stage was increased compared to proestrus, day 10 diestrus, day 35 diestrus and anestrus (P < 0.05). We proved that expression of EGF and TGFbeta transcript isoforms is related to the phase of estrus in bitches and therefore may be regulated by specific hormone concentrations during these periods. Our results confirm the hypothesis that these growth factors play a role in the regulation of biochemical changes in the endometrial tissues during the estrus cycle.

Zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (pZP3) and integrin ß2 (ITGB2) mRNA and protein expression in porcine oocytes after single and double exposure to brilliant cresyl blue test.

Brilliant cresyl blues (BCB) staining test is a useful tool in assessing the competence of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) in several mammalian species. It is mostly used to select gametes after they are recovered from the ovary or before and after IVM to isolate those oocytes that reach developmental competency. However, there is evidence that double exposure to BCB test may lead to impaired fertilization or even have a toxic effect on cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern of sperm-egg interaction molecules in oocytes after single and double exposure to BCB test. Follicles were dissected from porcine ovaries after slaughter and aspirated COCs were cultured in standard porcine IVM culture medium (TCM 199) for 44 h. The BCB test was applied to COCs before and after IVM. In developmentally competent oocytes, assessed by determining the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH; BCB test), real-time quantitative PCR reaction methods, western blot and confocal microscopy analysis were applied to determine the transcript levels of porcine zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (pZP3), and integrin beta 2 (ITGB2), as well as the levels of pZP3 and ITGB2 proteins. In the control group, assessment of the expression of the investigated genes was performed before and after IVM without BCB test. We observed a significantly higher level of pZP3 mRNA in oocytes after single exposure to BCB test compared to control before and after IVM (P < 0.001), and to double staining (P < 0.05). The level of ITGB2 mRNA was also increased in gametes after single exposure to BCB test as compared to control before and after IVM (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively), and double staining (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis demonstrated a higher level of pZP3 protein in oocytes after single staining with BCB as compared to control both before and after IVM (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively) and double staining (P < 0.05). Confocal microscopic observations have revealed the same pattern of increased level of pZP3 and ITGB2 expression after single exposure to BCB test. In both cases we detected specific cytoplasmic localization of both proteins. The ITGB2 protein has zona pellucida and membrane localization in control oocytes before IVM. After IVM and after single exposure to BCB, ITGB2 was also strongly detected in the cytoplasm. In both cases, after double exposure to BCB both proteins were detected only partially in the cytoplasm. Our results suggest that (i) single exposure to BCB increased the expression of sperm-oocyte interaction genes, (ii) double exposure to BCB leads to only partial expression of pZP3 and ITGB2 in oocyte cytoplasm, (iii) the BCB staining test itself may be a cause of specific pZP3 translocation from the zona pellucida to the cytoplasm, and that (iv) in vitro maturation of oocytes may increase ITGB2 expression and translocation from the zona pellucida to the cytoplasm.

Results of epidemiological examinations of the temporomandibular joint in adolescents and young adults.

An epidemiological investigation of the temporomandibular joint in 800 persons was undertaken, including two groups of 400 persons aged 15-18 and 19-22 years. The numbers of boys and girls was about the same. Interview and clinical examination comprised morphological and functional features of the stomatognathic system. The TMJ examination carried out included mandibular movements, pain and sound symptoms. The results of the examinations were noted, counted by electronic methods and statistically analysed. From the material, two groups were selected: without TMJ symptoms (OTMJ group) and with TMJ disorders (TMJ group). TMJ disorders were evident in 67.62% of the examined persons and this was common to both age groups. In groups with TMJ disorders a significant incidence of girls was found. In groups with TMJ disorders the number of statistically significant pathological features in the stomatognathic system increased with age. TMJ disorders appeared in both age groups in various forms, separately or in combination, with different frequency. With reference to the number and kind of symptoms obtained on interview and/or on clinical examination, four degrees of intensity of TMJ disorders have been defined and their incidence discussed.