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Objective To investigate the hypothesis that Z-score criteria represent a reliable predictor of implantation rate and pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, excluding the possibility of embryo selection before the embryo transfer. Design Retrospective clinical study. Setting Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova (ASMN), Reggio Emilia, Italy. Patient(s) We analyzed 393 pregnancies obtained by IVF or ICSI cycles. Intervention(s) Morphologic evaluations of Z-score in pre-embryos obtained from IVF or ICSI cycles. Main Outcome Measure(s) Evaluations of Z-scores, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy outcome. Result(s) We did not find any statistically significant correlation between the Z-score of 1032 embryos transferred in 393 embryo transfers and the implantation rate or the pregnancy outcome. In particular, the best Z-score identified (Z1, 7.2%) did not seem to correlate with embryo implantation rate or pregnancy outcomes any better than those with worse scores (Z2, 6.9% and Z3, 85.9%). Conclusion(s) Our results seem to confirm that Z-score alone cannot be considered a better tool than standard morphologic criteria for identifying, controlling, or selecting embryos with a better chance of successful ongoing pregnancy.

The new Italian law on assisted reproduction technology rules that no more than three oocytes can be fertilized at one time, and that all embryos obtained must be transferred to the maternal uterus simultaneously. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the new law on spontaneous embryonic/fetal losses through comparison of data collected over an identical period of time: the first year of application of the new law compared with the same time period 1 year before (March 10, 2004 to March 9, 2005 versus March 10, 2003 to March 9, 2004). A total of 271 clinical pregnancies were analysed. In the post-law period, a significantly lower percentage of total spontaneous embryonic losses compared with the pre-law period, and a higher percentage of surviving embryos in singletons and twins was observed. In conclusion, the impact of the limitations imposed by the new legislation regulating assisted reproduction in Italy seems to exert positive effects on spontaneous embryonic loss both in singletons and multiple pregnancies. These findings are in contrast to international predictions on this issue and, in general, are counter-intuitive. This suggests that further investigations on a larger cohort of women are required to confirm these preliminary results.

Objective To document outcomes of oocyte cryopreservation performed as a routine procedure in an IVF program. Design Describing the rate of oocyte survival, embryo transfer (ET), implantation, and live births of IVF–intracytoplasmic sperm injection performed on thawed oocytes. Setting Reproductive medicine center in Italy. Patient(s) Women (n = 696) who failed to conceive after IVF–intracytoplasmic sperm injection with fresh oocytes. Intervention(s) Surplus oocytes obtained during a failed cycle with fresh oocytes were frozen and then were thawed, micromanipulated, and transferred in a later cycle. Main Outcome Measure(s) Rates of oocyte survival, ETs, implantation, and live births were calculated in the entire cohort and in patients aged ≤38 and >38 years. Result(s) There were 29 pregnancies, for a total implantation rate of 6.3% (95% CI: 4.3, 9.0) per 456 ET cycles. The clinical-pregnancy rate was 19 (4.2%; 95% CI: 2.6, 6.4) of 456 ET cycles, with a take-home-baby rate of 7 (1.5%; 95% CI: 0.7, 3.0) of 456 ET cycles. Conclusion(s) Cryopreservation performed as a routine procedure for so-called salvaging of surplus oocytes is associated with poor implantation rates and with a probability of 1 live birth in 65 ET cycles.

In spite of the adoption of third generation cephalosporin restriction policies, two independent outbreaks by Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae occurred in two different wards (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, NICU and Neurosurgery) of a teaching hospital in Rome, Italy. In the former 19 infected neonates were reported, whereas in the latter there were 10 infected patients. In both wards no differences were observed in the mortality rates in periods of outbreak and those with no outbreak. Molecular typing on a total of 19 isolated strains was carried out and restriction patterns were compared. The PFGE showed that nine isolates responsible for infection in the NICU were all included in three closely related clusters. In Neurosurgery nine strains out of ten were strictly related and part of an outbreak occurring between August-December 2003, while one isolate was temporarily (February 2003) and genetically (seven band differences) unrelated to the outbreak strains. When ESBL producing K. pneumoniae clusters from the two wards (NICU vs Neurosurgery) were compared, they appeared to be completely different both for their genotype pattern and plasmid type or presence, thus demonstrating cross transmission by two different genotypes.

Objective To determine whether embryo quality is associated with early spontaneous loss rates in twin and singleton pregnancies after IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Design Retrospective, single center analysis. Setting The Center of Reproductive Medicine, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy. Patient(s) Women undergoing IVF/ICSI and two- or three-embryo transfer of intermediate- and top-quality embryos. Intervention(s) First-trimester sonography at 6 to 7 weeks to determine number of embryos with positive heartbeat. Number of embryos lost was calculated from a second-trimester sonogram. Main Outcome Measure(s) Rates of total pregnancy loss, as related to embryo quality, initial number of embryos, maternal age Results A total of 94 losses (23.1% of 407 pregnancies) were counted, with similar proportions in pregnancies after transfer of intermediate- or top-quality embryos. Neither the mode of IVF procedure nor the number of transferred embryos affected the loss rate. In contrast, the loss rate was significantly higher in older mothers after transfer of intermediate-quality embryos (odds ratio [OR 2.4], 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–5.5). Losses among singletons were significantly higher compared with losses among twins (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–6.0), but this was observed in top-quality embryos only. Conclusion(s) Top-quality but not intermediate-quality ETs are associated with lower early spontaneous loss rates among twin pregnancies after IVF/ICSI.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the early spontaneous loss rate in multiple pregnancies following assisted reproductive technology (ART). Study design Analysis of pregnancies following ART as related to the initial number of embryos and maternal age was performed. Results At least one spontaneous loss was observed in 47.0% (95% CI 29.8-64.9) of quadruplets, 59.3% (95% CI 48.2-69.8) of triplets, and 35.2% (95% CI 29.6-41.2) of twins. The increased loss rates in mothers ≥35 years was related to early twin pregnancies, but not to early triplet and quadruplet gestations. We could not find an effect of the starting number of embryos on either gestational age or birth weight characteristics. Conclusion Our observations did not identify a clear relation between early spontaneous loss of multiple gestations and either initial number of embryos or maternal age. Other factors might be involved in the outcome of ART multiple pregnancies.

The present study explored the possible relationships between immune cell subsets and interleukin (IL)-12 or IL-13 levels in the peritoneal fluid of patients with and without endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid samples were obtained from 80 women while they were undergoing laparoscopy for pain, infertility, tubal ligation or re-anastomosis. The American Fertility Society scoring system was used to determine the extension of endometriosis. The peritoneal fluid mononuclear cells were analyzed for immunophenotyping using cytometry, whereas peritoneal fluid concentrations of interleukins were measured using two ultrasensitive commercially available enzyme-linked imnunosorbent assay kits. Significantly higher peritoneal fluid IL-12 levels were found in women with moderate or severe endometriosis (stages III and IV) than in healthy controls (p0.01). Conversely, subjects with endometriosis showed remarkably lower peritoneal fluid IL-13 concentrations than controls, independent of the severity of the disease (p0.05). Considering immune system effectors, patients with endometriosis presented a significantly higher peritoneal fluid CD8+/CD4+ ratio when compared with healthy controls. Moreover, the number of peritoneal fluid CD8+ and CD4+ activated T cells was significantly lower in the former than in the latter group, independent of the endometriosis stage. Connections were observed between peritoneal fluid interleukins and peritoneal fluid T cells: both patients with endometriosis and controls presented an inverse correlation between peritoneal fluid activated T cells and IL-13 levels, and a direct correlation between peritoneal fluid T cells and IL-12 concentrations. These data seem to suggest that a reciprocal modulation exists between peritoneal fluid cytokines and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with endometriosis.

BACKGROUND To increase the accessibility of qualified and anonymous information on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Italy, a national telephone hotline was initiated in February 1997. GOAL The goal was to determine the profile of callers to the national STD hotline, assess their concerns, identify their sources for the hotline telephone number, and to compare callers' disease interests with diagnoses made at STD clinics. STUDY DESIGN The survey analyzed 3577 calls received from February 1997 to December 1999. Hotline operators addressed callers' questions, asked 6 short-answer questions, and recorded the data collected. RESULTS The survey showed callers' sex distribution (49.8% women, 50.2% men), average age (women's mean+/-standard deviation [SD], 34.3 +/- 11.8 y; men's mean +/- SD, 36.2 +/- 12.2 y), level of education (66.4% had a secondary school degree), residence (47.9% northern part of Italy), risk category (44% reported being definitely infected by a STD), specific disease interest (30% were concerned about HIV), and source of hotline telephone number (67.3% learned the hotline telephone number from magazines or newspapers). Hotline callers' specific disease interests were compared with diagnoses made at STD clinics; the top 4 disease concerns of hotline callers were HIV, genital herpes, human papillomavirus/genital warts, and mycosis, whereas the top 4 diagnoses made at STD clinics were genital warts, nonspecific vaginitis, nonspecific urethritis, and genital herpes. CONCLUSION The hotline seems to be an effective way to deliver information and to allay fears about STDs, although it needs to be promoted more widely, especially in central and southern Italy.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) shedding among women attending Italian colposcopy clinics and describe their lifestyle, demographic characteristics, genital symptoms and signs. Study design: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess shedding of HSV among 4565 women requiring a gynecological consultation. An amplified enzyme immunoassay that detects an HSV type-common glycoprotein D was used to reveal HSV shedding in cervical specimens. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and Student’s t test. Results: A prevalence of 7.8% was found among colposcopy clinic patients. No significant differences regarding patients’ average age, age at first sexual intercourse, contraceptive method used, and number of sexual partners in the previous year were found between subjects with and without viral shedding (P > 0.05). The detection of a concomitant genital infection with Trichomonas vaginalis as well as the report of previous episodes of genital herpes (GH) were significantly higher in the positive group (P < 0.01). Only 2.8% of the patients shedding HSV presented with vesicles and ulcers, with the majority of them being asymptomatic. Conclusion: This is the first Italian survey on genital herpes conducted among colposcopy clinic patients. Our data show that the prevalence of HSV shedding in this study population is high and confirms that the disease is often asymptomatic. The demographics and behavioural variables of women shedding HSV seem to differ from the ones assessed in high risk patients.

Objective To investigate a possible correlation between interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-13 levels and lymphocyte subsets in the preovulatory follicles of patients with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Design Controlled clinical study. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Seventy-eight infertile women undergoing IVF-embryo transfer. Intervention(s) The subjects underwent blood sampling, ovum retrieval, and embryo transfer. Main outcome measure(s) Follicular fluid levels of T, androstenedione (A); IL-12, IL-13, activated T cells, T helper, and T-suppressor lymphocytes. Result(s) The level of IL-12 detected in follicular fluid (FF) was significantly lower in patients with PCOS than in normally ovulating women (mean: 1.47 ± 0.3 pg/mL vs. 2.25 ± 0.7 pg/mL, respectively); in contrast, FF IL-13 concentrations were significantly higher in the patients with PCOS than in the normally ovulating women (mean: 32.5 ± 3.7 pg/mL vs. 19.6 ± 2.5 pg/mL, respectively), as was the total number of activated T lymphocytes (11.5% ± 1.5% vs. 4.8% ± 0.4%). A significant correlation was observed between FF activated T-cell concentrations and FF IL-12, IL-13, T, and A levels. No significant differences were observed when these data were compared with embryological parameters. Conclusion(s) The present study shows significant differences in the correlation between FF IL-12 and IL-13 levels and T lymphocyte numbers in the subset of patients with PCOS as compared to normally ovulating women.

Sous l'impulsion de la commune de Plan-les-Ouates, maître de l'ouvrage, la "Cité Solaire" a été conçue comme un projet qui respecte l'environnement et limite la consommation d'énergie non renouvelable. Cet objectif n'a pu être atteint qu'en exploitant au mieux les énergies renouvelables: . 1400m2 de toiture solaire. . Puits canadien. . Récupération de chaleur sur l'air vicié. . Optimisation des apports d'énergie gratuits. Dès la conception du bâtiment, il s'est avéré indispensable de réunir un groupe pluridisciplinaire à même de maîtriser tous les domaines. Cette tâche fut dévolue à une équipe interactive, formée du maître de l'ouvrage, de l'architecte, de l'ingénieur civil, des ingénieurs C.V.S.E. et des experts de l'EPFL, de spécialistes en éco-biologie, géotechnique et acoustique.

Although supraphysiological levels of 1alpha, 25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD) have been demonstrated extensively to induce the monomacrophagic differentiation of leukemic myelo- and monoblasts, little is known about the role that physiological levels of this vitamin could play in the regulation of normal hematopoiesis. To clarify this issue, we adopted a liquid-culture model in which cord blood CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors, induced to differentiate in the presence of different combinations of cytokines, were exposed to VD at various concentrations and stimulation modalities. The data obtained show that physiological levels of VD promote a differentiation of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors characterized by the induction of all the monomacrophagic immunophenotypic and morphological markers. This effect is not only exerted at the terminal maturation but also at the commitment level, as demonstrated by the decrease of highly undifferentiated CD34+CD38- hematopoietic stem cells, the down-regulation of CD34 antigen, and the increase of monocyte-committed progenitors. Molecular analysis suggests that the VD genomic signaling pathway underlies the described differentiation effects.

The present study analyses the susceptibility of human bladder-derived cells (HT-1376) to the infection by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and Chlamydia trachomatis, as well as to the adhesiveness of uropathogenic bacteria. HT-1376 cells were efficiently infected by HSV-2 strain 333, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining of viral antigens, titration of cytopathic effect, and visualisation by transmission electron microscopy. This cell model was also prone to C. trachomatis (serovar E, Bour strain) replication and to the adherence of clinical uropathogenic isolates of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Enterococcus faecalis. The pre-infection of HT-1376 cells with HSV-2 caused a tenfold increased adherence of an E. coli strain (U1), isolated from a patient affected by severe haemorrhagic cystitis, whereas in HSV-2 pre-infected cells the number of C. trachomatis inclusion bodies was significantly reduced. Our findings indicate that these cells are a suitable in vitro model for studying infection and super-infection of the lower urinary tract by viruses and bacteria.

Objective: To evaluate the possible correlation between immunological changes and implantation rates in patients who undergo in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Design: Controlled clinical study. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Forty infertile women undergoing IVF-ET. Intervention(s): Stroop Color Word (CW) test, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) test, blood sampling. Main Outcome Measure(s): Heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure responses to Stroop CW; circulating T, B, T-helper (CD4), and T-suppressor (CD8) lymphocytes. Result(s): The total number of T lymphocytes increased significantly during superovulation, resulting in significantly higher levels in subjects achieving embryo implantation than in those showing a failure of implantation. An opposite trend was observed for the activated T cells. The number of T-helper lymphocytes and the T-helper/T-suppressor ratio showed a significant increase from baseline to the time of pick-up only in patients with implantation. Conclusion(s): A prolonged condition of stress, which causes a decreased ability to adapt and a transitory anxious state, is associated with high amounts of activated T cells in the peripheral blood. Such a condition, in turn, is associated with a reduced implantation rate in women undergoing IVF-ET.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the plasma thromboxane and plasma viscosity in relation with Doppler flow parameters in postmenopausal patients treated with hormone replacement therapy. Thirty-two postmenopausal (follicle-stimulating hormone > 40 IU/l and estradiol < 100 pmol/l) women (mean age +/- SD, 54.7 +/- 2.9 years) participated in the study and were submitted to continuous estradiol transdermal supplementation and 12-day courses of medroxyprogesterone acetate every second month. Doppler resistances at the level of the uterine and internal carotid arteries, thromboxane plasma levels and plasma viscosity were analyzed in basal condition and after 1, 3 and 6 months. During hormone supplementation, the pulsatility index significantly decreased at the level of the analyzed arteries. Similarly, plasma thromboxane levels and plasma viscosity were significantly reduced. Significant correlations were found between thromboxane plasma concentrations, plasma viscosity and uterine artery resistances. Thus hormone replacement therapy seems to be responsible for both direct and indirect modifications at the level of the vessel wall physiology.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible variations in cardiac hemodynamic parameters related to the natural changes of ovarian estrogen production.Forty postmenopausal women aged 52.7 +/- 4.6 years, randomized into two groups (20 patients in each group) according to the administration (group A) or not (group B) of estroprogestin replacement therapy (ERT), were examined using thoracic electrical bioimpedence.After 6 months of therapy, we observed the following: (1) the mean end-diastolic index was significantly higher in group A than in group B (70.27 and 57.13 mL/m2, respectively) (p0.05); (2) the mean acceleration index, indicator of heart contractility, and the mean cardiac index rate, indicators of cardiac performance, were significantly higher in group A than in group B (mean, 1.35 vs. 0.76 s [p0.01] and mean, 3.22 vs. 2.34 L/min/m2 [p0.05], respectively); and (3) the patients treated with ERT showed systemic vascular resistance index values significantly lower than the controls (mean, 2280 vs. 3150 fOhm/m2 [p0.01]), achieving standard levels after 6 months of therapy. Furthermore, the acceleration index showed a significant increase, within group A, between the third and sixth month of ERT (0.91 vs. 1.35 s [p0.05]).Our findings suggest that postmenopausal women treated with a 6-month course of ERT have significantly improved end-diastolic index, heart contractility index, cardiac index, and systemic vascular resistance, whereas 3 months of ERT does not seem to induce the same effects. In our study, thoracic electrical bioimpedence was shown to be a sensitive and specific method of analysis with a very low cost of administration.

Many pathogens may be responsible of Non Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU) with the possible occurrence of symptomatic and asymptomatic mixed viral and bacterial infections. In particular, genital papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been searched since they are linked to both benign and malignant lesions of the penis and urethra and the presence of a potential male carried state has received limited scrutiny while the screening of sexually active females has received substantial attention.In male patients affected by chronic NGU, the presence of DNA of Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 and human papillomaviruses by PCR and the occurrence of Gram positive and Gram negative micro-organisms, of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum, by conventional cultural methods have been investigated.Results obtained indicated a high percentage of mixed infections, up to 36%. Genital HPV DNA was detected in 31% of specimens positive for two or more agents, and HSV DNA was detected in 10% of studied population.The concomitant presence of different infectious agents could determine latent, sub-clinical or chronic infections with periodic reactivation. In particular results suggest that HPV and HSV may stimulate cytokine production which can up regulate the expression of other infectious agents and may be responsible for latent chlamydial infections characterised by the persistence of this micro-organism in an altered form, viable but in a culture negative state. Therefore an increased awareness of mixed infections is relevant to define the management and treatment of chronic urethritis.

Antisera against adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and beta-endorphin were used to localize, by immunohistochemistry, proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides in the skin excised from different regions of the African lungfish Protopterus annectens. Immunoreactivity was observed in the epidermis mainly in the germinal layer. Using human POMC cDNA as hybridization probe, POMC-like mRNA was identified in situ in epidermal cells. The demonstration in the same cells of POMC mRNA and POMC-related peptides immunoreactivity indicates a local production of opiate hormones.

The present study investigates the role of melanotrope proopiomelanocortin-derived peptide in the interrenal stress response to different stressors in male gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata. Plasma cortisol and acetyl salmon endorphin (acetyl s-EP), as well as pituitary acetyl s-EP contents, were measured during two stress paradigms: (a) long-term (1-month) confinement and crowding, and (b) short-term (60-min) confinement, crowding, and manipulation. In addition, naltrexone, a highly specific opioid receptor antagonist, was employed in some experimental groups to evaluate the adaptability of the opioid response to interrenal stress. In the long-term (1-month) confinement and crowding, higher plasma cortisol levels and acetyl s-EP concentrations than in the control group were found. However, although plasma cortisol levels significantly increased in both types of stress paradigm, a significant rise in plasma acetyl s-EP was observed only in the case of confinement plus crowding. These data seem to suggest a direct correlation of acetyl s-EP plasma levels exclusively in cases of specific stress, and support previous observations about the different nature of the pituitary-interrenal stress response in salmonids and in mammals. The results obtained in the short-term (60-min) experiments demonstrate the double activation of both the opioid and corticotrope systems when manipulation plus crowding was applied.

The small town of Plan-les-Ouates, in the suburb of Geneva, built a 10'000 m2 multifamiliary building, including some commercial and administrative areas. It is situated in the centre of the town, with relatively high density constructions. The owner wanted urban buildings with a very low energy consumption, but with moderate extra cost, becoming good examples of “the state of the art” in this field. The envelope of the building is very well insulated and the solar gains are optimised, reaching a calculated heat demand close to 100MJ7m2 year. Air heat recovery systems (buried pipe + exhaust air heat exchanger) and 1400 m2 of uncovered solar collectors coupled with a 100 m3 storage allow to decrease the gas consumption. This low cost solar roof is the greatest in Switzerland and, maybe, in Europe. An extended two years monitoring has been in progress since spring 1997 in order to evaluate the total energy consumption of the building and to study the different subsystems (envelope, heat recovery systems, solar collector, gas boiler). Special attention is given to the solar roof, its architectural integration and its thermal performance. Application of this low cost solar roof technology for the South of Europe will also be studied, specially for Portugal. The building's features and the first results will be presented in this paper.

The distribution of neurones expressing POMC mRNA in the cerebral ganglion of the protochordate ascidian, Styela plicata, was investigated using a non-radioactive in situ hybridization technique. Nerve cell bodies of mono and bipolar types expressing POMC mRNA, were observed mainly in the outer layer of the ganglion. Discrete groups of neurones containing POMC mRNA were also localized in the inner portion of the ganglion, and few small monopolar perykaria expressing POMC mRNA were visible at the emergence of the main nerve trunks. POMC mRNA labeling was also found at level of the cytoplasm of previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes, and of follicular cells. Our results demonstrate the expression of one or more genes in the cerebral ganglion and ovary, that may be similar to one or more regions of the mammalian POMC gene. Therefore POMC-related molecules seem to be involved in neuromodulatory pathways and regulatory mechanisms of the oogenesis of ascidians.

The effect of different natural and semi-synthetic polysaccharides on Chlamydia trachomatis multiplication in Hela 229 cells was evaluated. Some neutral, negatively and positively charged carbohydrates were able, in a dose-dependent fashion, to inhibit chlamydial infection by interfering mainly with the adsorption process. The inhibiting compounds, whose effect was shown within the concentration range of 8-200 micrograms/ml, were in order of action: dextran sulphateglyloid sulphate 4327glycogen sulphate 4427arabic gum = glyloidchitosanglycogen. Data obtained suggested that antichlamydial activity was not only related to the electric charge of these molecules but could also be attributed to other features of their polymeric backbone. Since carbohydrate polymers have also been shown to inhibit the early stages of infection by viral agents causing sexually transmitted diseases, the employment of these molecules for prevention or treatment of mixed viral-C. trachomatis infections can be hypothesized.

In the PASCOOL research program, which is part of the European research project Joule II, one task was dedicated to the development of an interactive software that would summarise the result of the Pascool research program and show the applicability of passive cooling in Mediterranean countries. The aim was to encourage designers to make use of passive cooling strategies in existing and new buildings. Therefore, a software called PEM, Pascool Electronic Metahandbook was created. A selection of buildings from the southern European countries are presented in this software. These buildings had been previously monitored and simulated as a separate task within the Pascool program. In addition, the software contains a climate database and simple predesign tools for dimensioning insulation and solar protection. Version 1.2 of this software was completed in October 1995 and is available on CD-ROM.

Antisera against adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha MSH) and beta-endorphin were used to localize pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides in the ovary of the African lungfish Protopterus annectens by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity was observed in the granulosa and the internal theca of the vitellogenic follicles. No immunoreactivity was observed in immature follicles. Using human POMC cDNA as the hybridization probe POMC-like mRNA was identified in situ in cells of the granulosa and internal theca of the vitellogenic follicles. No labeling was observed in primordial follicles. The demonstration in the same cells of POMC mRNA and POMC-related peptides immunoreactivity indicates a local production of the opiate hormones.