Sterilized sterility and demographic stagnation.
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Family Planning Services↗
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[History of sterility in ancient times. II. Sterility in Hippocrates treatise].
Infertility has always been a constant preoccupation. Hippocrates was the first to write a treatise on infertility. In this historical study we analyse the physiopathology, the diagnosis and the treatment of infertility in the hippocratic's corpus.
Greece, Ancient↗
[Does medically-assisted procreation cause sterility? Apropos of unexplained sterility].
The authors emphasize the concept of in vitro fecundation as an intrusion. The intruding agents include the desire for a child itself, the family and the physician. This new concept throws light on the questions raised by unexplained infertility. The authors conclude that the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies derived from the model of tubal destruction is doubtful.
Attitude↗
[Treatment of anovulatory sterility and of sterility due to oestrogenic insufficiency of the corpus luteum by means of a sequence of clomifene citrate and ethinyl estradiol (author's transl)].
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Anovulation↗
A general review of chemical sterilization in space research.
The unsolved problems in the biology and the chemistry of chemical sterilization are legion. This discussion of them emphasizes some interesting areas for useful research. Studies in molecular biology and cancer chemotherapy have produced information which has important implications in chemical sterilization, particularly with the alkylating and the oxidizing agents. Many of these problems must be solved soon if chemical sterilization is to play the role it should in space research by providing means for effectively controlling the rate and extent of mingling of the forms of terrestrial life with those of extraterrestrial life. In space research in the United States, recent work on chemical sterilization has laid heavy emphasis on the identification and exploration of principles of engineering sciences which control sterilization effectiveness. These principles are reviewed and their significance in chemical sterilization is discussed in terms of the engineering factors involved. Among these factors are: consequence of sterilant polymerization or reaction with the object to be sterilized; criteria for chemical sterilization process effectiveness; depletion of the concentration of the sterilant by evaporation or chemical reaction, including polymerization; obstacles to the diffusion or convection of the sterilizing chemical to the immediate vicinity of the microorganisms to be destroyed; protection of the microorganisms from direct contact with the sterilant; phase behavior of the sterilant in the environment of the sterilization process; presence of water or water vapor; the nature, sources and numbers of microorganisms which survive standard chemical sterilization processes; and the length of exposure required to sterilize at each temperature. The significance of chemical sterilization to space science has been well reviewed at the previous COSPAR symposia. Because several thorough reviews of the empirical knowledge concerning the effects of chemical agents on microorganisms have been published recently, this information is not discussed again for chemical sterilants other than the alkylating agents and several of the oxidizing agents. This lack of emphasis indicates only that these other chemicals have not been applied to a large extent in space research to date and that discussions of their sterilizing properties are readily available in other recent reviews. In the future, interest in many of these other chemical sterilants will increase as the variety of devices to be sterilized and the variety of functions which sterilized devices are expected to perform increase.
Alkylating Agents↗
Sterilization in Finland: from eugenics to contraception.
The purpose of this paper was to describe the transition of sterilization in Finland from an eugenic tool to a contraceptive. Historical data were drawn from earlier reports in Finnish. Numbers of and reasons for sterilizations since 1950 were collected from nationwide sterilization statistics. Prevalence, characteristics of sterilized women, and women's satisfaction with sterilizations were studied from a 1994 nationwide survey (74% response rate). Logistic regression was used for adjustments. In the first half of the 20th century, eugenic ideology had influence in Finland as in other parts of Europe, and the 1935 and 1950 sterilization laws had an eugenic spirit. Regardless of this, the numbers of eugenic sterilizations remained low, and in practice, family planning was the main reason for sterilization. Nonetheless, prior to 1970 not all sterilizations were freely chosen, because sterilizations were sometimes used as a precondition for abortion. Female sterilizations showed remarkable fluctuation over time. Male sterilizations have been rare. The reasons stipulated by the law did not explain the numbers of sterilizations. In a 1994 survey, 9% of Finnish women reported they were using sterilization as their current contraceptive method (n = 189). Compared to women using other contraceptive methods, sterilized women were older, had had more births and pregnancies, and came from lower social classes. Sterilized women were satisfied with their sterilization, but there were women (8.5%) who regretted it. In conclusion, sterilizations have been and are likely to continue to be an important family planning method in Finland. The extreme gender ratio suggests a need for promoting male sterilizations, and women's expressed regrets suggest consideration of a higher age limit.
Adolescent↗
Bacterial killing ability of 10% ethylene oxide plus 90% hydrochlorofluorocarbon sterilizing gas.
OBJECTIVES: To use a serum and salt challenge in narrow-lumen carriers to evaluate a 10% ethylene oxide plus 90% hydrochlorofluorocarbon (EO-HCFC) sterilant mixture in a retrofitted 12/88 sterilizer as an alternative to the banned chlorofluorocarbon-ethylene oxide (EO) sterilant mixture. DESIGN: An EO-HCFC sterilizing gas mixture in a retrofitted 12/88 sterilizer was compared to 100% ethylene oxide (100% EO) sterilizing gas to determine its relative ability to kill seven different bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis spores, Bacillus stearothermophilus spores, Bacillus circulans spores, and Mycobacterium chelonei) in the presence or absence of a combined 10% serum and 0.65% salt challenge using both penicylinders (PC) and long narrow-lumen (LU) carriers. RESULTS: The EO-HCFC sterilant mixture (96% sterile carriers) was equivalent to the 100% EO sterilant (98% sterile carriers) for killing vegetative organisms, as well as spore suspensions, on the 27 PC and 27 LU carriers in the absence of serum and salt. In the presence of serum and salt, the EO-HCFC sterilant mixture was markedly better than the 100% EO sterilant at reducing the bacterial load on the 63 PC carriers (95% vs 62% sterile PC carriers, respectively), whereas both sterilizers were equivalent for the 63 LU carriers (49% vs 40% sterile LU carriers, respectively). Of the seven test organisms, E faecalis, B subtilis, B stearothermophilus, and B circulans were the most difficult to kill for both PC and LU carriers when serum and salt were present. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented in this report indicate that the EO-HCFC sterilant mixture is an effective alternative for gas sterilization. Indeed, the efficiency of bacterial killing for the EO-HCFC sterilant mixture was similar to that achieved by the 12/88 EO-CFC sterilant mixture.
Bacteria↗
Female sterilization. Evidence.
The literature review herein reveals substantial information regarding the safety, efficacy, short-term complications, long-term complications, and noncontraceptive benefits of sterilization. This information should be helpful for providers and potential sterilization candidates. The review also reveals areas where the data are unclear. Points to keep in mind during counseling include the following: The vast majority of women are satisfied with the decision to undergo sterilization. The fact that regret occurs underscores the importance of counseling and adequate individual deliberation before the procedure. In addition to the difficulty and expense associated with sterilization reversal, the woman should thoroughly understand the permanence of the procedure. Although failure is a rare event, it can occur many years after the procedure. Although evidence suggests that hysterectomy rates are higher in sterilized women aged less than 30 to 35 years, it is unlikely that there is a plausible biologic effect of sterilization on hysterectomy risk. An association between tubal sterilization and menstrual cycle changes does not seem valid for changes noted up to 2 years after the procedure. Data are unclear and inconsistent among studies observing women more than 2 years after the procedure. Evidence consistently shows that sterilization is associated with a reduced incidence of ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory diseases. Most studies show no effect or improvement of sexual satisfaction after sterilization. Complications during and postprocedure are rare. Sterilization provides no protection against the acquisition of sexually transmitted disease. Patients and their physicians should recognize that sterilized women may need more targeted preventive efforts for health screening and to reduce high-risk behavior than women who use other contraceptive methods. The surgeon's experience and the woman's preferences should govern the ultimate decision regarding the approach and occlusion method. Level II-2 evidence indicates comparable safety between interval laparoscopy and minilaparotomy. Data consistently show that in experienced trained hands, tubal sterilization is safe and highly effective regardless of the approach or occlusive method. Attention to the subtleties of technique seems to be most important in ensuring procedure safety and efficacy. Reanalysis of the CREST data shows that the cumulative failure rate of bipolar coagulation is comparable with the failure rate of unipolar coagulation if a substantial length of tube is adequately coagulated. The data discussed herein can be used to guide management decisions that may increase accessibility and reduce cost of the procedure. Low-resource settings and office settings have maintained an excellent safety record for this procedure through performance of sterilization under local anesthesia. The use of local anesthesia enables a change in procedure location from an inpatient operating room to a free-standing surgical clinic or adequately equipped office. Local anesthesia, with or without preoperative medication, is an excellent option associated with a lower complication risk, reduced cost, and shorter, easier recovery. The surgeon should have specific training in the effective use of local anesthetics, preoperative medications, and management of rare complications in low-resource settings. Little additional research is needed regarding the safety and efficacy of standard sterilization approaches and occlusion methods. There is a need for continued development of nonsurgical methods of sterilization, microlaparoscopic approaches performed in the office setting, and the feasibility and acceptance of service provision by nonspecialist health care providers. The evidence indicates that female sterilization can be performed safely in a variety of resource settings ranging from rural sterilization camps in developing countries to high-tech, resource-rich operating rooms in developed c
Abortion, Induced↗
Regret among 547 Danish sterilized women.
To help identify potential regretters of female sterilization, the women sterilized at Frederiksborg County Hospital, Hørsholm, Denmark, from 1978 through 1982 were contacted by questionnaires, and their medical records were reviewed. Ninety-two per cent (547/594) responded. The median observation time was 50 months. Five per cent of the women (n = 28) regretted the sterilization. The risk of regretting the sterilization was significantly increased among women who at sterilization experienced marital disharmony (12.5% regretted), had a child less than one year old (14.7% regretted), had the sterilization performed in connection with another surgical procedure (16.1% regretted), were outside the social groupings (17.0% regretted), or had no paid work (10.0% regretted). No association between number of children at the time of sterilization, prior number of contraceptives used, abortion at sterilization, and later regret was found. Twenty-five per cent of the regretters had had psychiatric problems prior to the sterilization. The regretters were sterilized shortly after their request (median 1 month) compared to 3 months among non-regretters. The main reason for regret of sterilization was the desire for more children, independent of a change in marital status. Sequelae to the sterilization was a common complaint. Refertilization was requested by 1% of the sterilized women. The study suggests that the psychosocial situation should be carefully evaluated in women requesting sterilization. A time lag from request to the sterilization should be mandatory and a thorough pre-sterilization counseling including information about possible sequelae and alternative contraceptives should be given.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Heat sterilization of peritoneal dialysis solutions influences ingestive behavior in non-uremic rats.
BACKGROUND: The appetite inhibitory effect of glucose-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions may be due to glucose as such, or the hyperosmolality of the PD solution, or an effect of glucose degradation products (GDPs) formed in the PD solution during heat sterilization. This was studied in an experimental appetite model in rat. METHODS: The effect of different experimental PD solutions on ingestive behavior was investigated in non-uremic rats equipped with an implanted intraoral (i.o.) cannula through which a 1 mol/L sucrose solution was infused during tests. The amount of intake was recorded at 30 min after rats were infused intraperitoneally (IP) with 30 mL of different solutions. This method allowed an accurate and reproducible analysis of i.o. intake. The experimental PD solutions tested included (1) glucose based PD solutions with different glucose concentrations, sterilized by heat or microbiological filter, (2) glucose- and mannitol-based PD solutions with the same osmolality, sterilized by heat or microbiological filter; and (3) glucose based PD solutions, using different pH values (pH 3.0, pH 5.5 or pH 7.4) during heat sterilization. RESULTS: Following IP infusion of solutions, (1) the i.o. intake was significantly inhibited by glucose based, heat sterilized PD solutions and the degree of appetite suppression was related to the concentration of dialysate glucose in a dose-dependent way; (2) the i.o. intake was significantly less suppressed by filter sterilized than by heat sterilized glucose-based solutions; (3) the i.o. intake was significantly less following the IP infusion of glucose-based than following the mannitol-based heat sterilized solutions; however, i.o. intake did not differ between the glucose-based and mannitol-based filter sterilized solutions; and (4) furthermore, the degree of suppression of i.o. intake induced by glucose-based PD solutions was influenced by the pH value during heat sterilization. The lower the pH of the PD solution during heat sterilization, the higher the i.o. intake. CONCLUSIONS: The IP infusion of glucose-based heat-sterilized PD solutions inhibited food intake in this experimental appetite model, and the degree of suppression depended on the concentration of dialysate glucose and the pH of the solution during heat sterilization. The results suggest that GDPs formed during heat sterilization may exert a more adverse effect than glucose itself on ingestive behavior, and that a reduction of the concentration of GDPs in the PD solution using filter sterilization or a low pH value in the PD solution during heat sterilization may improve food intake.
Animals↗
Voluntary sterilization in Flanders.
From 1966 to 1990 there was a marked rise in the use of voluntary sterilization in Flanders, followed by a fall in women under the age of 40. In the last three decades a remarkable change has occurred in the choice between male and female sterilization. Compared with many other European countries, sterilization of men and women is widely practised in Flanders. In 1996 40% of 40- to 44-year-old women underwent voluntarily sterilization or had voluntarily sterilized partners. Additionally, another 9% of these women were sterilized for medical reasons. Voluntarily sterilized couples are on average older than non-sterilized couples, and, obviously, consider their families to be complete. For couples with a complete family, parity is the most important predictor in the choice between sterilization and non-sterilization. Regularly practising Catholics undergo sterilization least. Also, highly educated couples are less likely to have a sterilization. Couples who ever experienced a contraceptive failure choose sterilization more. Voluntary sterilization has no substantial effect on the fertility of the population since the effect on the prevented numbers of both wanted and unwanted births appears to be small. However, if voluntary sterilization did not occur, differences in fertility within the population would probably increase. It is presumed that the popularity of voluntary sterilization in Flanders has passed its peak and that its use will decline in the near future.
Adult↗
[Assessment of the sterilization of medical devices--an important challenge to health care in Poland].
The aim of the study was the evaluation of sterilization of medical devices in Polish hospitals. The system that we use to establish which sterilization procedures should be employed to reduce the risk of hospital infections associated with medical devices. Based on inquiries, the conditions for the sterilization of medical devices in 21 Warsaw hospitals were assessed. The following issues were taken into consideration: preparation of medical supplies for sterilization, methods of sterilization and the monitoring system. In order to evaluate hygienic conditions due to sterilization points system was applied. 10% of the hospitals had Central Sterilization Service Department with 3 zones where automatic washing and disinfection, sorting, packaging, sterilization and storage of medical devices had been performed. The other 20% had CSSD without zones. In more than 65% there were common services for sterilization only. Instruments were delivered already prepared for sterilization. In remaining hospitals all steps, including sterilization were performed in words. According preparation of medical devices for sterilization it was established that mainly chemical disinfection just after use and than manual cleaning was used; the automatic cleaning in washer-disinfectors is used mainly in CSSD. Steam was the preferred method of sterilization, but also low temperature methods were used for heat sensitive devices. The monitoring of sterilization processes was satisfactory. There were first trials of the validation of the sterilization processes. There is still a need for improvement in the sterilization of medical devices, especially including: the organisation of CSSD in all Polish hospitals; replacement of manual cleaning processes by automatic cleaning; organisation of advanced training courses for the heads and staff of the CSSD.
Central Supply, Hospital↗
Sterilization and polyethylene wear: clinical studies to support laboratory data.
BACKGROUND: Recently, in vitro studies have linked gamma radiation sterilization in air and subsequent oxidation to decreasing mechanical properties and rapid polyethylene wear. As a result of these studies, orthopaedic device manufacturers have developed alternate sterilization strategies designed to limit or to prevent oxidative degradation. We compared how the in vivo wear performance of conventional and highly-crystalline polyethylene acetabular liners was affected by two sterilization strategies (gas plasma sterilization and gamma radiation sterilization in vacuum-barrier packaging) as compared with gamma radiation sterilization in air. METHODS: Using multivariate linear regression analysis, we analyzed radiographic wear data on 385 total hip implants after a mean duration of follow-up of 6.2 years (range, four to eleven years). Two hundred and twenty-seven components had been sterilized with gamma radiation in air, seventy-seven had been sterilized with gas plasma, and eighty-one had been sterilized with gamma radiation in vacuum-barrier packaging. The liners had a mean shelf life of 0.65 +/- 0.85 year. Two hundred and fifty-two components were made from conventional ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (Enduron), and 133 were made from highly crystalline ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (Hylamer). RESULTS: In the conventional polyethylene group, the clinical wear performance of the components that had been sterilized with gamma radiation, either in air or in vacuum-barrier packaging, was superior to that of the nonirradiated components that had been sterilized with gas plasma. However, in the highly-crystalline polyethylene group, only the components that had been sterilized with radiation in vacuum-barrier packaging had a reduced rate of in vivo wear; the components that had been sterilized with gamma radiation in air had essentially the same high wear rate as did the liners that had been sterilized with gas plasma. CONCLUSIONS: The radiographic wear data on conventional polyethylene are consistent with the findings of laboratory studies that have demonstrated that radiation-induced cross-linking has a beneficial effect on polyethylene wear resistance. The conventional and highly-crystalline polyethylene liners in the present study, however, responded differently to gamma radiation sterilization in air despite the fact that the implants in both groups had very short shelf lives. This finding probably was due to the difference in the morphological structures of the two polyethylenes and the resulting greater susceptibility of highly-crystalline polyethylene to oxidative degradation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings provide clinical information that will help surgeons to make informed decisions concerning which components to implant. The data on Hylamer polyethylene liners provide insight into the expected performance of liners of this type that have already been implanted as well as potential insight into the performance of new polyethylenes. In particular, this information demonstrates that differences in the structure of polyethylene, as seen with the different highly cross-linked polyethylenes currently on the market, can affect clinical wear behavior. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level III-2 (retrospective cohort study). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Adult↗
Sterilization of slide sheath anesthetic injection systems placed within sharps containers.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect that two steam autoclaves and an unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizer had on killing bacterial endospores present on commercial spore strips or applied to sterile anesthetic injection systems placed within sharps containers. Three types of sterilizers were used: a gravity steam autoclave, a high vacuum steam autoclave and an unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizer. The microbial challenge for the sterilizers were Bacillus stearothermophilus spores present on commercial spore strips or drawn into and applied onto sliding sheath anesthetic injection systems with anesthetic carpules attached. Spore-soiled items were placed into the middle of sharps containers three-quarters-filled with representative clinical waste and sterilized. If, after culturing, sterilization of all test items in a group was not achieved, additional sterilization time was applied. Spore strips were killed within a single cycle of each sterilizer. Spore-soiled injection systems and carpules could not be routinely sterilized in the gravity steam autoclave or unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizers, even after three consecutive sterilization cycles. These items, however, were sterilized by exposure to a single-treatment cycle in a high-vacuum steam autoclave. Results indicate that routine sterilization of spore contaminated anesthetic carpules or injection systems could not be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time using sterilizers commonly found in dental offices.
Anesthesia, Dental↗
Use of biological indicators designed for steam or ethylene oxide to monitor a liquid chemical sterilization process.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of a commercially available biological indicator (BI), used to monitor steam and ethylene oxide sterilization, to biologically monitor a liquid sterilization process consisting of a sterile processor, a proprietary peracetic acid sterilant, and a sterile rinse system. DESIGN: Analysis of spore survival in BIs tested in STERIS SYSTEM 1 liquid chemical sterilization processor and in vitro. SETTING: STERIS Corp. research laboratory. METHODS: In vitro tests were performed in the STERIS SYSTEM 1 Processor using 12-minute and 6-minute sterilant exposure cycles. D values (time to inactivate one log of spores), spore washoff and outgrowth time, and inhibitory effects of the sterilant were determined. RESULTS: Sterilization of the spore-inoculated filter paper strips in the BIs was ascertained in both processor testing and in vitro tests using conditions identical to those in the processor. The extensive washing and dilution during the processor cycle resulted in only 0.2% and 1.8% removal of the spores from Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus subtilis inoculated spore strips, respectively. Carryover of the diluted sterilant to the culture medium did not inhibit the outgrowth of the spores, and D values could be obtained. B stearothermophilus was two to three times more resistant to the sterilant than B subtilis. However, either spore meets the performance specifications applicable to BIs for monitoring sterilization processes. CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that the commercial BIs evaluated are reproducible and verifiable indicators of the liquid chemical sterilization process. The same kind of performance specifications for producing BIs used to monitor steam or ethylene oxide systems also apply to the evaluated liquid chemical sterilization system.
Bacillus↗
Tubal sterilization in the United States, 1994-1996.
CONTEXT: Although the number and rate of tubal sterilizations, the settings in which they are performed and the characteristics of women obtaining sterilization procedures provide important information on contraceptive practice and trends in the United States, such data have not been collected and tabulated for manyyears. METHODS: Information on tubal sterilizations from the National Hospital Discharge Survey and the National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery was analyzed to estimate the number and characteristics of women having a tubal sterilization procedure in the United States during the period 1994-1996 and the resulting rates of tubal sterilization. These results were compared with those of previous studies to examine trends in clinical setting, in the timing of the procedure and in patient characteristics. RESULTS: In 1994-1996, more than two million tubal sterilizations were performed, for an average annual rate of 1 1.5 per 1,000 women; half were performed postpartum and half were interval procedures (i. e., were unrelated by timing to a pregnancy). All postpartum procedures were performed during inpatient hospital stays, while 96% of interval procedures were outpatient procedures. Postpartum sterilization rates were higher than interval sterilization rates among women 20-29 years of age; interval sterilization procedures were more common than postpartum procedures at ages 35-49. Sterilization rates were highest in the South. For postpartum procedures, private insurance was the expectedprimary source of payment for 48% and Medicaid was expected to pay for 41 %; for interval sterilization procedures, private insurance was the expected primary source of payment for 68% and Medicaid for 24%. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient tubal sterilizations andprocedures using laparoscopy have increased substantially since the last comprehensive analysis of tubal sterilization in 1987, an indication of the effect of technical advances on the provision of this service. Continued surveillance of both inpatient and outpatient procedures is necessary to monitor the role of tubal sterilization in contraceptive practice.
Adult↗
"Absolute" sterility and "absolute" freedom from particle contamination.
Until the recent past, sterility of an injectable product was only discussed in absolute terms. Any description of sterility other than as an absolute could simply not be envisioned. While dealing in absolute yes/no statements is philosophically satisfying, these yes/no statements can't accommodate all real world scientific problems. Among these problems is the sterility problems faced in the mass production of injectable compounds. Many descriptions of procedures employed to achieve sterility in parenteral production batches were reported in the literature. The theoretical framework that could unite the widespread observations and practices into practical methodology was missing until recently. Production line control of the sterility of injectable products was essentially based on gut evaluations. The present achievement of rational, production line control of product sterility is based on the recognition that product sterility could not be simply regarded as a sharply edged yes/no affair. The present rational control is based on the fact that the sterility of a product is determined by the degree of contamination in the product prior to sterilization and to the parameters of the sterilization process. The end result of the sterilization process is now described as a probabalistic reduction of the initial contamination. The essential laboratory measurements on which this conclusion was based is due to Pflug (1-3). He assembled a theoretical framework, based on experimental data, that characterizes the sterility achieved in an injectable product with a single number. The end result of the sterilization process is now described as a probabalistic reduction of the initial contamination. As in many disciplines, the ability to achieve an objective evaluation of this important attribute provided the basis for scientific analysis, improved control and thus improved production and reduced cost. An equivalent framework is essential for the communication and standardization of the results of a visual inspection for contaminating particles. The control of particle contamination in injectable products is a two-fold problem for the pharmaceutical industry. The two parts of the problem are 1) achieving contamination free product and 2) achieving this contamination free quality at an economic cost acceptable to the user. Today, there is no commonly accepted framework for the definition or analysis of the results of a manual inspection for "visible" particles. Any progress toward global harmonization of the results of a visual particle inspection must commence with the development of a common scientific language with which inspection security and economic effectiveness of an inspection can be discussed and rationally evaluated. The tools with which to define and control the results of this inspection have been developed in biophysics, illumination engineering, optics, pharmaceutical manufacturing and statistics. With them, statistically replicable measures have been developed. The statistically replicable measures are then used to evaluate the results of semi- and fully automated particle inspection systems in terms of human inspection performance. The numerical evaluation of both the freedom from contamination achieved with an inspection for particle contamination and the economic effectiveness of the inspection are compared to Pflug's sterility index. In the case of particle contamination, the final product quality depends on product quality prior to inspection and to the parameters of the inspection process.
Drug Contamination↗
Expression of Engineered Nuclear Male Sterility in Brassica napus (Genetics, Morphology, Cytology, and Sensitivity to Temperature).
A dominant genetic male sterility trait obtained through transformation in rapeseed (Brassica napus) was studied in the progenies of 11 transformed plants. The gene conferring the male sterility consists of a ribonuclease gene under the control of a tapetum-specific promoter. Two ribonuclease genes, RNase T1 and barnase, were used. The chimaeric ribonuclease gene was linked to the bialophos-resistance gene, which confers resistance to the herbicide phosphinotricine (PPT). The resistance to the herbicide was used as a dominant marker for the male sterility trait. The study presented here concerns three aspects of this engineered male sterility: genetics correlated with the segregation of the T-DNA in the progenies; expression of the male sterility in relation to the morphology and cytology of the androecium; and stability of the engineered male sterility under different culture conditions. Correct segregation, 50% male-sterile, PPT-resistant plants, and 50% male-fertile, susceptible plants were observed in the progeny of seven transformants. The most prominent morphological change in the male-sterile flowers was a noticeable reduction in the length of the stamen filament. The first disturbances of microsporogenesis were observed from the free microspore stage and were followed by a simultaneous degeneration of microspore and tapetal cell content. At anthesis, the sterile anthers contained only empty exines. In some cases, reversion to fertility of male-sterile plants has been observed. Both ribonuclease genes are susceptible to instability. Instability of the RNase T1-male sterility trait increased at temperatures higher than 25[deg] C. Our results do not allow us to confirm this observation for the barnase male-sterile plants. However, the male-sterile plants of the progeny of two independent RNase T1 transformants were stably male sterile under all conditions studied.
Journal Article↗