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[Microbiologic basis of diagnosis and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease].
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by a large spectrum of micro-organisms. However, the microbiological cause is unknown in approximately half of cases according to varying series. In the context of sexually transmitted disease (STD), the most frequently identified microorganisms causing PID are Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium. In such cases, bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis are frequently associated. In case of complicated PID or when PID is the consequence of delivery, abortion, intra-uterine procedure, bacteria that come from vaginal carriage may be encountered: Enterobacteriacae, Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., anaerobes. Mycopslama hominis as well as Ureaplasma urealyticum may also be found in this context. The microbiological diagnosis may be performed on samples of vaginal liquid, endocervix or, when available, surgical specimens. The microbiological diagnostic procedures that are used to identify these microrgansims are reviewed. Vaginal sampling may help to identify N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and M. genitalium using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), and is also of interest because of the epidemiological association of PID to bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Samples from the endocervix, and if available, from endometrial biopsy surgical procedures, should be processed to detect N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and M. genitalium using NAAT, and to search for the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (antibiogram should be performed), facultative anaerobes, anaerobes and capnophilic bacteria. The antibiotic treatment should at least cover N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and M. genitalium, and for most of the authors, anaerobes. In case, microbiological studies demonstrate the role of other bacteria (e.g., Enterobacteriacae), theses should be treated according to the results of antibiogram.
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[False pulmonary metastases. Apropos of 8 cases].
The authors report the cases of 8 patients who had been, or were being, treated for pharyngo-laryngeal carcinoma (n = 7) or cancer of the bladder (n = 1). Because of the finding of one or several peripheral pulmonary opacities, these patients underwent exploratory thoracotomy which showed that these opacities corresponded to benign lesions instead of metastases of these cancers. This leads to a reappraisal of the diagnostic approach of pulmonary opacities in patients with known cancer, since benign lesions unrelated to the malignancy cannot be excluded. The need for an accurate diagnosis of these intrapulmonary lesions is emphasized, using various exploratory methods including thoracotomy if required.
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Induction of labor in women with oligohydramnios.
To prospectively evaluate the outcome of labor induction in women with oligohydramnios at term. This was a prospective case-control study which included 120 consecutive patients with Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) < or =5 undergoing labor induction. One hundred and sixteen patients with normal amniotic fluid matched for gestational age (+/- 3 days) and Bishop-score served as controls. Inclusion criteria were: requirement of labor induction, singleton pregnancy, nulliparity, Bishop score <5, gestational age > or =266. Preinduction treatment included the use of up to 3 successive doses of dinoprostone intracervical gel (0.5 mg). Vaginal dinoprostone (2 mg) and/or oxytocin were then applied to induction labor, if necessary. The rate of cesarean section in AFI < or = 5 group (38.3%) was not significantly different to that in control group (34.2%). The interval from induction to vaginal delivery was not significantly different for AFI < or =5 group (1499 +/- 895 min.) and control group (1398 +/- 852 min.). The changes in Bishop score evaluated at 6th and 12th hour after dinoprostone were not significantly different in control and AFI< or =5 group. More women in the latter group (11.7% vs 3.3%, Chi Square:4.86, p = 0.027) required the use of drugs in order to manage tachysystole/hyperstimulation allowing a OR = 3.83 (95%C.I. = 1.13-14.27). The length of stay at hospital was 4.2 +/- 1.8 days for AFI < or =5 group and 4.3 +/- 1.3 for control group. Oligohydranmios at term did not influence the outcome of induction of labour in nulliparous women with unfavorable cervix.
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On-Road Chemical Transformation as an Important Mechanism of NO2 Formation.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) not only is linked to adverse effects on the respiratory system but also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Our curbside monitoring data analysis in Detroit, MI, and Atlanta, GA, strongly suggests that a large fraction of NO2 is produced during the "tailpipe-to-road" stage. To substantiate this finding, we designed and carried out a field campaign to measure the same exhaust plumes at the tailpipe-level by a portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) and at the on-road level by an electric vehicle-based mobile platform. Furthermore, we employed a turbulent reacting flow model, CTAG, to simulate the on-road chemistry behind a single vehicle. We found that a three-reaction (NO-NO2-O3) system can largely capture the rapid NO to NO2 conversion (with time scale ≈ seconds) observed in the field studies. To distinguish the contributions from different mechanisms to near-road NO2, we clearly defined a set of NO2/NO x ratios at different plume evolution stages, namely tailpipe, on-road, curbside, near-road, and ambient background. Our findings from curbside monitoring, on-road experiments, and simulations imply the on-road oxidation of NO by ambient O3 is a significant, but so far ignored, contributor to curbside and near-road NO2.
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Can we avoid surgery in elderly patients with renal masses by using the Charlson comorbidity index?
OBJECTIVE To determine the safety of surveillance for localized contrast-enhancing renal masses in elderly patients whose comorbidities precluded invasive management; to provide an insight into the natural history of small enhancing renal masses; and to aid the clinician in identifying those patients who are most suitable for a non-interventional approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of 26 consecutive patients (16 men and 10 women), who were followed for > or =1 year, with localized solid enhancing renal masses between 1998 and 2006. These patients were unfit or unwilling to undergo radical or partial nephrectomy. None had their tumours surgically removed. Study variables included age, presentation, tumour size, growth rate, Charlson comorbidity index (CMI) and available pathological data. RESULTS The mean (range) patient age was 78.14 (63-89) year, with a mean follow-up of 28.1 (12-72) months. The mean tumour size was 4.25 (2.5-8.7) cm at diagnosis. The tumour growth rate was 0.44 cm/year; among smaller masses (T1a) it was 0.15 cm/year, vs 0.64 cm/year in the larger masses (T1b and T2). The mean CMI was 2.96. There were 11 deaths overall; 10 patients died from unrelated illnesses. One death was directly attributable to metastatic renal cancer; this patient had an initial tumour diameter of 5.4 cm and a CMI of 6. All patients who died had a CMI of > or =3. CONCLUSIONS Elderly patients with small renal tumours (T1a) and comorbidity scores of > or =3 were more likely to die as a result of their comorbidities rather than the renal tumour. Surveillance of small renal masses appears to be a safe alternative in elderly patients who are poor surgical candidates, where the overall growth rate appears to be slow.
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Cytologic detection of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in cerebrospinal fluid.
We reviewed our case records to see how often Toxoplasma gondii organisms were identified by cytologic evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). During a 12-year period, 6,090 CSF specimens were examined, and 2 cases (0.03%) showed tachyzoites. Both patients were immunocompromised. One patient underwent lumbar and ventricular taps, and the other underwent only ventricular tap. Organisms were identified in the ventricular specimens but not in the lumbar sample. Both patients were treated, and subsequent ventricular CSF samples were negative. Toxoplasma gondii can be identified by cytologic examination of CSF. Our results confirm prior observations that in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, tachyzoites are more likely to be found in ventricular rather than lumbar specimens.
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Phenytoin induced fatal hepatic injury.
A 61 year old female developed fatal hepatic failure after phenytoin administration. A typical multisystem clinical pattern precedes the manifestations of hepatic injury. The hematologic, biochemical and pathologic features indicate a mixed hepatocellular damage due to drug hypersensitivity. In a patient receiving phenytoin who presents a viral-like illness, early recognition and discontinuation of the drug are mandatory.
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Ocular effects in normal rabbits of topically applied labetalol: a combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonist.
The ocular effects in rabbits of topically applied labetalol hydrochloride, a new alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, were studied. A dose-related reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) followed treatment with 0.01% to 1% solutions. Labetalol at a 1% concentration had no effect on pupil diameter. The same dose blocked an increase in IOP after water loading but did not significantly alter the coefficient of aqueous outflow facility. Mydriasis induced by phenylephrine hydrochloride was competitively inhibited.
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Black-and-white fringes and the colors of caustics.
Fine-scale interference fringes that decorate caustics produced with white light appear black and white with high contrast. This is surprising, as the elementary expectation, supported by theory and computer simulation, is that the fringes should be highly colored. The fringe separation is several arc minutes and therefore close to the resolution limit of the eye. Under magnification (even of a photograph), the colors are revealed. Therefore black-and-white fringes are an illusion, giving a dramatic naked-eye illustration of the fact that the angular resolution of the visual system is better for luminance than for color.
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Evidence-based journalism: a forlorn hope?
Media outlets have as much responsibility as ever to maintain standards.
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TGF-β signaling in gingival fibroblast-epithelial interaction.
The underlying mechanism and the therapeutic regimen for the transition of reversible gingivitis to irreversible periodontitis are unclear. Since transforming growth factor (TGF)-β has been implicated in differentially regulated gene expression in gingival fibroblasts, we hypothesized that TGF-β signaling is activated in periodontitis-affected gingiva, along with enhanced collagen degradation, that is reversed by TGF-β inhibition. A novel three-dimensional (3D) gel-culture system consisting of primary human gingival fibroblasts (GF) and gingival epithelial (GE) cells in collagen gels was applied. GF populations from patients with severe periodontitis degraded collagen gels, which was reduced by TGF-β-receptor kinase inhibition. Up-regulation of TGF-β-responsive genes was evident in GF/GE co-cultures. Furthermore, the TGF-β downstream transducer Smad3C was highly phosphorylated in periodontitis-affected gingiva and 3D cultures. These results imply that TGF-β signaling is involved in fibroblast-epithelial cell interaction in periodontitis, and suggest that the 3D culture system is a useful in vitro model for therapeutic drug screening for periodontitis.
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[Advances in the diagnosis and therapy of bone tumors with special reference to modern surgical possibilities].
Progress in the diagnosis of bone tumors is primarily to be seen in the possibilities of exact radiological demonstration, the differentiation of morphological characteristics of tumor growthdynamics (tumor vessels) and in the possibilities of modern nuclear methods, which provide preoperative information on the metabolism of the tumor. Remarkable progress could be achieved regarding therapy especially with surgical measures, as combined osteosynthesis and alloplastic, as well as in the development of improved materials for implantation (metal, plastic, cement) and improvement of implantation itself. The implantation of extensive amounts of foreign material in the modern ultrasterile operating rooms with horizontal or vertical flow is today possible with greater safety. In the combination of orthopaedic surgery and cytostatic and immunotherapy there exist today greater chances in the treatment of malignant bone tumors.
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Use of vacuum-assisted wound closure in three chronic wounds.
Vacuum-assisted wound closure has been reported to promote the healing of chronic wounds by increasing the vascularity and oxygenation of the wound bed, maintaining a moist environment, and removing exudate through negative pressure. The results of vacuum-assisted wound closure for 3 patients with chronic wounds are presented.
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Advances in DNA electrophoresis in polymer solutions.
DNA electrophoresis in gels and solutions of agarose and polyacrylamide was objectively evaluated with regard to separation efficiency at optimal polymer concentrations. In application to DNA fragments, polyacrylamide gels were superior for separating fragments of less than 7800 bp, and agarose gels are the best choice for larger fragments. Agarose solutions are nearly as good as polyacrylamide gels for small DNA (< 300 bp). Agarose solutions have a higher efficiency than polyacrylamide solutions for DNA of less than 1200 bp. Separation efficiency sharply decreases with increasing length of DNA. Retardation in polyacrylamide solutions was found to depend on polymer length in a biphasic fashion. The choice of resolving polymer concentrations depends on the progressive stretching of DNA in proportion to polymer concentration. The rate of that stretching appears higher in polyacrylmide solution than in gels or in liquid or gelled agarose. Application of polymer solutions to capillary electrophoresis raises further problems concerning agarose plugs, DNA interactions with the polymers, operation at low field strength and long durations as well as detection sensitivity.
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beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a blood platelet antioxidant.
Blood platelets in addition to their haemostatic role can function as inflammatory cells. The aim of our study was to assess if beta-D-glucan, the natural, very strong biological response modifier, may protect platelet proteins and lipids against oxidative/nitrative damages. The antioxidative activity of the beta-D-glucan, a known immunomodulator derived from the yeast cell walls of species such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on blood platelets treated with oxidants-peroxynitrite and hydroperoxide-was studied in vitro. The levels of different specific markers of oxidative stress, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl groups and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) were measured. Our studies showed that beta-glucan possesses significant defence properties against peroxynitrite or hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation. The level of TBARS was decreased by 80% at the highest dose of beta-glucan. In the presence of beta-glucan the distinct reduction of platelet protein oxidation was observed; the level of carbonyl groups was decreased by 50%. The results indicate that beta-glucan may also be effective in the protection against the nitrative action of peroxynitrite on platelet proteins, as in the presence of beta-glucan the level of 3-nitrotyrosine, measured by a competition-ELISA method, was diminished. The obtained in vitro results demonstrate that antiplatelet activity of beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is dependent on its antioxidative properties, and therefore beta-glucan supplementation may be beneficial in the prevention of excessive blood platelet activation-related diseases, such as cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases.
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Ion permeability of rabbit intestinal brush border membrane vesicles.
The ion permeability of rabbit jejunal brush border membrane vesicles was studied by measuring unidirectional fluxes with radioactive tracers and bi-ionic diffusion potentials with the potential-sensitive fluorescent dye, diS-C3-(5). Tracer measurements provide estimates of the absolute magnitudes of permeability coefficients, while fluorescence measurements provide estimates of relative and absolute ion permeabilities. The magnitudes of the permeability coefficients for Na+, K+, Rb+, and Br- were approximately 5 nanoliters/(mg protein X sec) or 10(-5) cm/sec as determined by radioactive tracer measurements. The apparent selectivity sequence, relative to Na+, as determined by bi-ionic potential measurements was: F-, isethionate, gluconate, choline (less than 0.1) less than Na+(1.0) less than Cl-(1.5) = NO-3(1.5) less than Br-(2.3) less than K+(2.4) less than Rb+(2.5) less than Cs+(2.6) less than Li+(3.9) less than NH+4(12) less than I-(40). The origin of this selectivity sequence and its relationship to the ion permeability of the brush border membrane in the intact epithelium are discussed.
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Heterogeneity of the histological features along the course of the facial vein of the desert camel (Camelus dromedarius): relevance to brain cooling.
Sections from different parts along the facial vein of the camel (Camelus dromedarius) were examined by light microscopy. The results demonstrated heterogeneity among the various segments. Particular attention was paid to a specific area in the buccal region which was previously shown by physiological experiments to have a temperature-dependent myogenic tone. The morphology of that area showed highly thickened media with prominent bands of circularly disposed smooth muscles infiltrating both the intima and the adventitia. The morphology described in this study correlates well with the function and gives further credence to the proposed role of the facial vein in cranial thermoregulation particularly under heat stress.
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Acute changes in free-fatty acids (FFA) do not alter serum leptin levels.
Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is a recently discovered hormone secreted by adipocytes. Serum leptin concentrations increase in correlation with the percentage of body fat, but besides that little is known about the physiological actions of leptin in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of changes in circulating free-fatty acids on serum leptin levels. Increases in plasma FFA levels (p < 0.02) were obtained in a group of normal subjects following the administration of intralipid plus heparin (250 ml 10% Intralipid plus 5000 U heparin). FFA reduction was achieved through the administration of acipimox (250 mg, orally, at 0 min and at 210 min), a lipid-lowering drug devoid of side effects, to a group of normal (p < 0.02) and obese subjects (p < 0.05). An increase in circulating FFA levels in normal subjects (n = 6), following administration of a lipid-heparin infusion, failed to modify plasma leptin levels as assessed by the area under the curve (AUC; mean +/- SE 892 +/- 168 for placebo vs 896 +/- 260 following intralipid plus heparin). Similarly, whereas acipimox pretreatment induced a reduction in FFA levels compared to placebo in normal (n = 6) and obese subjects (n = 8), it also failed to modify plasma leptin levels at any time-point studied. The results indicate that short-term reduction or increase in circulating FFA are not associated to changes in plasma leptin levels.
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Energy dependence of W for alpha particles in N2, CO2, CH4, Ar, H2 and Rossi-type tissue-equivalent gases.
Average energy required to form an ion pair (W) was determined in N2, CO2, CH4, Ar, H2 and Rossi-type tissue-equivalent gas. Alpha particles from a 241Am source were used. W was determined at alpha energies of 5.37, 3.12, 1.08 and 0.46 MeV. The ratio of total ionisation produced (for fixed alpha particle energy) in experimental gas to that produced in argon was measured. This ratio was then multiplied by the previously determined W value for argon gas (26.29 eV per ion pair) to yield W for various experimental gases. Energy of the 241Am alpha particles was degraded by using air as an absorbing material. Empirical relations W = alpha + betaE-1/2 and W = alpha1 + beta1E-1 were fitted to the experimental data. Both functions fit reasonably well in the range 0.4--5.37 MeV. Below about 0.4 MeV the first function provides a better fit to the data of Boring et al. (1965).
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Humoral agent from calf lung producing pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction.
Saline washings obtained in vivo from the lung of young calves produce pulmonary hypertension upon intrayascular (systemic or pulmonary) injection into either the dog or the calf. This pulmonary hypertension is produced by vasoconstriction of small, precapillary pulmonary vessels. The active agent, pulmonary arterial constrictor substance, differs chemically and physiologically from other substances which have been investigated with respect to vasomotor activity in the pulmonary circulation. Although the chemical nature of the active agent is not known it appears to have a relatively large molecular weight. Whether this agent plays a role in the physiological regulation of the pulmonary circulation is not known.
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Inflammation markers are associated with metabolic syndrome and ventricular arrhythmia in patients with coronary artery disease.
Inflammation plays a major role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Inflammation markers, including white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), are widely used for cardiovascular risk prediction. The aim of the study was to establish factors associated with WBC, CRP and IL-6 in patients with CAD. Two functional polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes participating in adenosine metabolism were analyzed (C34T AMPD1, G22A ADA). Plasma concentrations of IL-6 were measured using high-sensitivity ELISA kits, and the nephelometric method was used for high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measurement in 167 CAD patients. Presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components, presence of heart failure, severity of CAD symptoms, severe past ventricular arrhythmia (sustained ventricular tachycardia [sVT] or ventricular fibrillation [VF]), lower left ventricle ejection fraction, higher left ventricle mass index, higher end-diastolic volume and higher number of smoking pack-years were significantly associated with higher WBC, CRP and IL-6. Strong associations with arrhythmia were observed for IL-6 (median 3.90 vs 1.89 pg/mL, p<0.00001) and CRP concentration (6.32 vs 1.47 mg/L, p=0.00009), while MS was associated most strongly with IL-6. CRP and IL-6 were independent markers discriminating patients with sVT or VF. There were no associations between AMPD1 or ADA genotypes and inflammation markers. WBC, CRP and IL-6 are strongly associated with components of the metabolic syndrome. Their strong association with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia emphasizes the proarrhythmic role of inflammation in the increased cardiovascular risk of CAD patients.
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Little effect of physical training on body composition and nutritional intake following colorectal surgery--a randomised placebo-controlled trial.
Postoperatively patients have a reduction in nutritional intake and body weight. We studied the effect of postoperative physical training on nutritional intake and body composition. Patients > or =60 y admitted for elective colorectal surgery were randomised to train muscular strength (group A) or to nonstrengthening exercises (group B) for 3 months. Fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) were assessed with bioimpedance preoperatively, 7, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Nutritional intake was registered in a subpopulation. Of 119 included patients, 60 were randomised to group A and 59 to B. The changes in LBM at postoperative day 7 were a mean (s.d.) of 0.4 (2.1) kg in group A compared to -0.7 (2.0) kg in B. The difference between groups of 1.2 (0.5) kg at day 7 was statistically significant (P=0.03). At no other time was observed difference between groups in weight, LBM, or FM. The energy and protein intake rose during postoperative day 1-7 and rose further after discharge. At no time were differences between groups. Physical training had little effect on body composition following abdominal surgery. The nutritional intake in well-nourished patients did not increase by training.
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Toxicity of peroxisomal C27-bile acid intermediates.
Peroxisomes play an important role in bile acid biosynthesis because the last steps of the synthesis pathway are performed by the beta-oxidation system located inside peroxisomes. As a consequence, C(27)-bile acid intermediates accumulate in several peroxisomal disorders. It has been suggested that C(27)-bile acids are especially toxic and contribute to the liver disease associated with peroxisomal disorders. For this reason, we investigated the toxicity of C(27)-bile acids and the underlying mechanisms. We studied the effects of conjugated and unconjugated C(27)-bile acids on cell viability, mitochondrial respiratory chain function and production of oxygen radicals in the rat hepatoma cell line McA-RH7777. Cell viability decreased progressively after incubation with increasing concentrations of different bile acids with dihydroxycholestanoic acid (DHCA) being clearly the most cytotoxic bile acid. In addition, the different bile acids caused a dose-dependent decrease in ATP synthesis by isolated mitochondria oxidizing malate and glutamate. Finally, there was a dose-dependent stimulation of ROS generation in the presence of C(27)-bile acids. In conclusion, our studies showed that C(27)-bile acids are more cytotoxic than mature C(24)-bile acids. In addition, C(27)-bile acids are potent inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation and enhance mitochondrial ROS production by inhibiting the respiratory chain.
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Event-Triggered Synchronization Strategy for Multiple Neural Networks With Time Delay.
This paper deals with global exponential synchronization of multiple neural networks (NNs) with time delay via a very broad class of event-triggered coupling, in which coupling matrix can be non-Laplacian. Some simple and convenient sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee global exponential synchronization of the coupling NNs under an event-triggered strategy. In particular, the effect of the common subsystem can be positive or negative on the synchronization scheme. Three examples are presented to test the results in theory analysis.
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[Present situation and prospects of artificial heart pumps in Jiangsu University].
Since 1995, four different types of artificial heart pumps and artificial valvo-pumps have been developed in Jiangsu University of China. Three types of heart pumps and valvo-pumps have been applied in animal experiments in University Texas, Medical Branch, USA and in Zhenjiang No.1 People's Hospital of China. The recently-developed UJS-IV pump is a totally implantable trans-ventricular and cross-valvular pump for emergercy treatments.
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Chronic musculoskeletal pain, prevalence rates, and sociodemographic associations in a Swedish population study.
To estimate the prevalence of chronic regional and widespread musculoskeletal pain in a sample of the general adult population and study the association to age, sex, socioeconomic class, immigration, and housing area. A cross sectional survey with a postal questionnaire to 3928 inhabitants on the west coast of Sweden. The age and sex adjusted prevalence of chronic regional pain (CRP) was 23.9% and chronic widespread pain (CWP) 11.4% among 2425 subjects who responded to the complete questionnaire. Odds ratio (OR) for CWP showed a systematic increasing gradient with age and was highest in the age group 59-74 yrs (OR 6.36, 95% CI 3.85-10.50) vs age group 20-34 yrs. CWP was also associated with female sex (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.41-2.61), being an immigrant (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.22-2.77), living in a socially compromised housing area (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.48-6.27), and being an assistant nonmanual lower level employee (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.09-3.38) or manual worker (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.65-4.49) vs being an intermediate/higher nonmanual employee. OR for CRP showed a systematic increasing gradient with age and was highest in the age group 59-74 yrs (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.62-3.05) vs age group 20-34 yrs. CRP was also associated with being a manual worker (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.19-2.23) vs being an intermediate/higher nonmanual employee. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is common in the general population. Sociodemographic variables were overall more frequently and strongly associated with CWP than with CRP, which indicates different pathophysiology in the development or preservation of pain in the 2 groups.
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A conditional tetracycline-regulated increase in Gamma amino butyric acid production near luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone nerve terminals disrupts estrous cyclicity in the rat.
Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter controlling LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion in the mammalian hypothalamus. Whether alterations in GABA homeostasis within discrete regions of the neuroendocrine brain known to be targets of GABA action, such as the median eminence, can disrupt the ability of the LHRH releasing system to maintain reproductive cyclicity is not known but amenable to experimental scrutiny. The present experiments were undertaken to examine this issue. Immortalized BAS-8.1 astroglial cells were genetically modified by infection with a regulatable retroviral vector to express the gene encoding the GABA synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 (GAD-67) under the control of a tetracycline (tet) controlled gene expression system. In this system, expression of the gene of interest is repressed by tet and activated in the absence of the antibiotic. BAS-8.1 cells carrying this regulatory cassette, and cultured in the absence of tet ("GAD on"), expressed abundant levels of GAD-67 messenger RNA and GAD enzymatic activity, and released GABA when challenged with glutamate. All of these responses were inhibited within 24 h of exposure to tet ("GAD off"). Grafting "GAD on" cells into the median eminence of late juvenile female rats, near LHRH nerve terminals, did not affect the age at vaginal opening, but greatly disrupted subsequent estrous cyclicity. These animals exhibiting long periods of persistent estrus, interrupted by occasional days in proestrus and diestrus, suggesting the occurrence of irregular ovulatory episodes. Administration of the tetracycline analog doxycycline (DOXY) in the drinking water inhibited GAD-67synthesis and restored estrous cyclicity to a pattern indistinguishable from that of control rats grafted with native BAS-8.1 cells. Animals carrying "GAD on" cells showed a small increase in serum LH and estradiol levels, and a marked elevation in serum androstenedione, all of which were obliterated by turning GAD-67 synthesis off in the grafted cells. Morphometric analysis of the ovaries revealed that both groups grafted with GABA-producing cells had an increased incidence of large antral follicles (>500 micrometer) compared with animals grafted with native BAS-8.1 cells, but that within this category the incidence of steroidogenically more active follicles (i.e. larger than 600 micrometer) was greater in "GAD on" than in "GAD off" rats. These results indicate that a regionally discrete, temporally controlled increase in GABA availability to LHRH nerve terminals in the median eminence of the hypothalamus suffices to disrupt estrous cyclicity in the rat, and raise the possibility that similar local alterations in GABA homeostasis may contribute to the pathology of hypothalamic amenorrhea/oligomenorrhea in humans.
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Effects of parenteral arginine supplementation on the intestinal adaptive response after massive small bowel resection in the rat.
Arginine (ARG) and its metabolic products (polyamines and nitric oxide) are known to affect gut function and protein synthesis in various tissues. The aim was to study the effect of parenteral ARG supplementation on intestinal adaptation and intestinal function in rats after massive small bowel resection (SBR). Fasted rats (275 g) were studied 24 h after 80% SBR. At t = 6 h, t = 12 h, and t = 18 h after SBR, a 300 mM ARG solution (ARG, n = 9), 5 ml/100 g body weight, was given subcutaneously. Controls received iso-osmolaric amounts of NaCl (NaCl, n = 9) or alanine (ALA, n = 8). Twenty-four hours after operation substrate fluxes across the gut were determined together with intestinal protein synthesis, polyamine concentrations in gut tissue, and gut function by testing intestinal permeability using the urinary recovery of lactulose and rhamnose. Intestinal fluxes did not differ among groups, except for an increased production of ornithine and a decreased uptake of glutamine after ARG supplementation. Also, intracellular arginine and ornithine concentrations were higher in the jejunum, accompanied by lower concentrations of other amino acids. Intracellular putrescine and gamma-aminobutyric acid, a breakdown product of putrescine, were higher. However, spermidine and spermine were not. Protein synthesis was lower in the ARG group, while intestinal permeability decreased. Parenteral arginine supplementation in rats with massive SBR leads to a slowing of intestinal adaptation, indicated by reduced glutamine uptake and protein synthesis. The exact mechanism of this inhibitory effect remains to be elucidated. Intestinal permeability, however, benefits from arginine supplementation, possibly related to better enterocyte differentiation.
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Reaction of L2Zn2 with Ph2E2--synthesis of LZnEPh and reactions with oxygen and H-acidic substrates.
L2Zn2 (L = HC[C(Me)N(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)]2) and Ph2E2 (E = Se, Te) react to form LZnSePh (1) and LZnTePh (2).1 and 2 further react with H2O and EtOH to form LZnOH (3) and LZnOEt (4), respectively, whereas the reaction of 2 with oxygen yielded [LZnOTe(O)Ph]2 (5). 1, 4 and 5 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction.
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[Locked posterior shoulder dislocation].
Posterior shoulder dislocations are diagnosed rarely in every-day practice. Although the methods of radiological imaging have been developing and becoming commonly available, the cases of late diagnosis are still happening. Proper clinical examination and properly conducted and interpretated radiographs allow for identification and implementation of appropriate medical procedures. In spite of fact that such cases are identified expectionally rarely, a few types of procedural have been analised and numerous therapeutic methods have been described. The choice of an appropriate treatment is complicated and requires in-depth theoretical knowledge as well as the knowledge of specific conditions within the shoulder surgery. Based on an algorithm, proposed by Griggs, between 2000-2006 seven patients with locked posterior instability were treated, for all of them defect of the proximal humerus did not exceed 30%. In all these cases the goals of improving stability and range of motion were obtained.
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PubMed Abstracts
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Selective action of two aporphines at alpha 1-adrenoceptors and potential-operated Ca2+ channels.
Contractions evoked by noradrenaline (1 microM) or a depolarizing solution of 60 mM KCl were concentration dependently depressed by the aporphine alkaloids (S)-boldine and (R)-apomorphine in rat aorta. Both drugs had a greater inhibitory potency on the contraction elicited by noradrenaline. Dose-response curves for noradrenaline were shifted to the right in presence of (S)-boldine. (R)-Apomorphine acted by a complex mechanism at alpha 1-adrenoceptors and its inhibitory effect was irreversible. The conformational features of these alkaloids may explain their different behaviour at alpha 1-adrenoceptors. In Ca(2+)-free solution, the alkaloids inhibited the contraction evoked by noradrenaline but did not modify (apomorphine) or increase (boldine) the contractile response induced by caffeine. Both alkaloids interacted with [3H]prazosin binding and with the benzothiazepine binding site of the Ca2+ entry receptor complex but had no effect at the dihydropyridine binding site in the rat cerebral cortex. Both drugs showed some selectivity as inhibitors of [3H]prazosin binding as opposed to [3H]d-cis diltiazem binding. (R)-Apomorphine slightly inhibited one of the two forms of the Ca(2+)-independent, low Km cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase (type IV), whereas it did not have a significant effect on the other phosphodiesterase forms. (S)-Boldine had negligible inhibitory effects on all phosphodiesterase forms. The present study provides evidence that (S)-boldine and (R)-apomorphine have interesting properties as Ca2+ entry blockers (through the benzothiazepine receptor site in the Ca2+ channel) and at alpha 1-adrenoceptors.
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Impact of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoint changes on susceptibility rates of cephalosporins in uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae.
Breakpoint changes may impact cephalosporin susceptibility rates in uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs). Applying the ≤16-mg/L breakpoint to urine cultures from adult women in an academic health system resulted in cefazolin being the most active uUTI antimicrobial, with 86.9% susceptibility, compared to levofloxacin (80%), nitrofurantoin (76.5%), and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (72.6%).
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Retinal and choroidal biometry in highly myopic eyes with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.
Morphologic changes in the retina and choroid are closely related with high myopia-related diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the morphologic characteristics of normal highly myopic eyes. Thirty-one phakic highly myopic eyes with no posterior abnormalities (18 patients; mean +/- SD age, 51.7 +/- 11.4 years) were enrolled. Retinal-choroidal thickness at the fovea 1.5 mm superiorly, inferiorly, nasally, and temporally and the choroidal curvature were measured in the 512 x 128 three-dimensional scan mode with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The degree of posterior staphyloma was determined as the sum of the vertical distance from the retinal pigment epithelial line beneath the fovea to the nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior edge of the image, including the fovea. The association of clinical data with these parameters was evaluated. The mean +/- SD central retinal thickness was 200.9 +/- 39.3 microm. The mean choroidal thickness at the fovea (100.5 +/- 56.9 microm) was significantly different from the temporal (125.4 +/- 59.7 microm), nasal (81.9 +/- 35.0 microm), and superior (129.4 +/- 57.5 microm) thicknesses (P < 0.01). Central retinal thickness did not correlate with age, sex, refractive error, axial length, or central choroidal thickness. Central choroidal thickness was significantly associated with refractive error (P < 0.05) and posterior staphyloma height (P < 0.01). Posterior staphyloma height was significantly correlated with refractive error and axial length (P < 0.01). Stepwise analysis indicated that choroidal thickness correlated significantly with age and posterior staphyloma height (P < 0.01). Posterior staphyloma formation was a key factor in choroidal thinning in highly myopic eyes. Choroidal thickness had a greater effect than retinal thickness in highly myopic eyes.
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[Hydration of oocytes in bony fishes].
Data are collected on the hydration of oocytes in bony fishes during maturation stimulated by gonadotropic or steroid hormones in vivo and in vitro. The reasons for hydration, its dynamics, and certain of the mechanisms ensuring income of water and ions into the oocyte are considered.
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Prevalence of osteoporosis in Thai men.
Osteoporosis is a growing health problem not only in women but also in men. However, there is a scarcity of epidemiologic data to study osteoporosis in Thai men. To examine the bone mineral density (BMD) and to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in Thai men. A total of 412 men (159 from Bangkok and 253 from Khon Kaen, respectively) averaging 51 +/- 16 years of age, were measured for BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (LUNAR Corporation, WI, USA). The peak BMD was observed in men 20-29 years of age at both the femoral neck (mean +/- SD, 1.10 +/- 0.15 g/cm2) and lumbar spine (mean +/- SD, 1.17 +/- 0.13 g/cm2). The prevalence of osteoporosis in the entire group of subjects was 12.6, 4.6 and 3.9 per cent at the femoral neck, lumbar spine and both sites, respectively. The prevalence of osteoporosis increased with advancing age and was significantly higher at the femoral neck in urban men than rural men (18.2 vs 9.2 per cent, p < 0.05) but comparable at the lumbar spine (5.0 vs 4.3 per cent, p = 0.81). The correlation between femoral neck and lumbar spine BMDs was 0.53 (p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, increased age, lower weight and lesser height were each associated with lower femoral neck BMD, whereas only lower weight and lesser height were associated with lower lumbar spine BMD. However, when the three factors were entered simultaneously, only increased age and lower weight were significantly associated with lower femoral neck BMD and only lower weight had a significant association with lower lumbar spine BMD. The present study demonstrated descriptive BMD data, normal BMD reference values for diagnosis and reported the prevalence of osteoporosis in Thai men.
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Experimental investigations of chaos-assisted tunneling in a microwave annular billiard.
We present detailed investigations of the experimental signatures of chaos-assisted tunneling in the two-dimensional annular billiard, as already summarized in Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 867 (2000). We have performed analog experiments with two-dimensional, electromagnetic resonators allowing for a direct simulation of the corresponding quantum system. Spectra from a superconducting cavity with a high-frequency resolution are combined with electromagnetic intensity distributions of high spatial resolution experimentally determined using a normal conducting twin cavity. Thereby all eigenmodes were obtained with properly identified quantum numbers. Besides distributions of quasi-doublet splittings, which serve as fundamental observables for the tunneling between whispering gallery types of modes, we also focus on the distributions of resonance widths of the doublets. These directly reflect the role of lifetime of certain modes in the tunneling process. Here, as theoretically expected, the class of so-called beach modes is found to play a particular role in mediating between regular and chaotic states to enhance the tunneling strength. This behavior is found in the spectrum and also in the structure of the wave functions.
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[Time-lapse microcinematographical analysis of the biological characteristics of a macrophage-like cell line--MMC-1].
By using time-lapse microcinematography, we recorded and conducted an analysis of the macrophage-like cell line MMC-1, including observations of the spreading, polarity, contact inhibition and mitosis common to cultured cells as well as the properties of phagocytosis and rosette formation unique to macrophage. We also found an MMC-1 cell which, after feeding, still stretched its finger-like filopodia towards surrounding red blood cells. The filopodia extended as red blood cells moved towards them. At the point of contact, red blood cell fragments were seen moving towards the cell body along the filopodia; a kind of cytolysis was progressing.
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Patterns of operative mortality following esophagectomy.
Esophagectomy has one of the highest mortality rates among all surgical procedures. We investigated the type and frequency of complications associated with perioperative mortality after esophagectomy. We performed a retrospective review of all perioperative deaths following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester from 1993 through 2009. Of 1522 esophagectomies, perioperative mortality occurred in 45 (3.0%). The majority who died were male (82%); median age was 72 years (range 46-92). The median age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score was 6. Twenty-three (51%) underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The type of esophagectomy was transthoracic in 27 patients (60%), transhiatal in eight (18%), tri-incisional in seven (16%), left thoracoabdominal in one (2%), and transabdominal in one (2%). A mean of 3.2 major complications occurred prior to death (median 2.5, range 1-8), with the most common being pulmonary complications occurring in 30 patients (67%) and anastomotic complications in 20 (44%). The primary underlying cause of death was pulmonary complications and anastomotic complications in 18 patients (40%) each, respectively, abdominal sepsis in three (7%), fatal hemorrhage in three (7%), and pulmonary embolism, stroke and multisystem organ failure in one each (2%), respectively. Patients died a median of 19 days (range 3-98) following esophagectomy. Most patients who died following esophagectomy experienced multiple serious complications rather than a single causative event. Major pulmonary and anastomotic complications were implicated in the vast majority of perioperative mortality, and should remain the focus of efforts to improve clinical outcomes.
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[Antigenic determinants of human immunoglobulin light and heavy chain variable regions. Comparison with animal species].
An antigenic analysis of human heavy and light chain variable region subgroups has been done on different animal species, by means of heterologous specific antisera using a hemagglutination-inhibition procedure. Excepted in lemur sera, where Vkappa III and Vlambda III are the only variable antigenic determinants found, all VL antigenic determinants tested were shown to be present in primates. In other mammals (carnivores, some rodents, some artiodactyls) several VL antigenic subgroup determinant were detected while others were not. No VL antigenic determinant was found in other classes studied. The VH III subgroup antigenic determinant was found among all primates, some mammals and avains. The results suggest that there has been more preservation in the variable region of immunoglobulin chains, and particularly VH III chain, than in the constant region of immuoglobulin molecule.
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Respiratory toxicity of fabric softener emissions.
To determine whether there is any biological basis for complaints that fabric softener emissions can cause acute adverse effects in certain individuals, screening tests were performed in which groups of mice were exposed to the emissions of 5 commercial fabric softener products (antistatic pads used in laundry dryers) for 90 min. Pneumotachographs and a computerized version of ASTM test method E-981 were used to measure acute changes in several respiratory cycle parameters, especially the pause after inspiration, the pause after expiration, and the midexpiratory airflow velocity. From these changes, sensory irritation (SI), pulmonary irritation (PI), and airflow limitation (AFL) of differing intensities were measured with each of the five brands tested. At the peak effect, SI ranged from 21 to 58% of the breaths, PI ranged from 4 to 23% of the breaths, and AFL ranged from 6 to 32% of the breaths. After three exposures, histopathology revealed mild inflammation of interalveolar septae of the lungs. Gas chromatography/ mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis of the emissions of one pad identified several known irritants (isopropylbenzene, styrene, trimethylbenzene, phenol, and thymol). Laundry that had been dried with one the fabric softener pads emitted sufficient chemicals to elicit SI in 49% of breaths at the peak effect Placing one fabric softener pad in a small room overnight resulted in an atmosphere that caused marked SI (61% of breaths). These results demonstrate that some commercial fabric softeners emit mixtures of chemicals that can cause SI, PI, and reduce midexpiratory airflow velocity in normal mice. The results provide a toxicological basis to explain some of the human complaints of adverse reactions to fabric softener emissions.
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Placebo-controlled trial with the somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 in peptic ulcer bleeding.
A 5-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial in 23 centers with a total of 273 patients [241 evaluable patients; 126 on placebo and 115 on a long-acting somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995, octreotide, Sandostatin)] resulted in no difference in stopping bleeding and preventing rebleeding between placebo (70.6%) and SMS 201-995 (69.6%). Surgery rates, blood transfusion requirements, and time required before bleeding stopped were also not significantly different between the two groups. A retrospective subgroup analysis according to age, sex, localization of the ulcers, severity of the bleeding, and arterial spurting vs. oozing showed homogeneity and did not allow identification of a subgroup that might benefit from treatment with SMS 201-995. The tolerability of SMS 201-995 was very good. No difference was found between placebo and SMS 201-995 with regard to the side-effect profile.
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Genomic profiling of invasive melanoma cell lines by array comparative genomic hybridization.
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive human cancers. Invasion of cells is the first step in metastasis, resulting in cell migration through tissue compartments. We aimed to evaluate genomic alterations specifically associated with the invasive characteristics of melanoma cells. Matrigel invasion assays were used to determine the invasive properties of cell lines that originated from primary melanomas. Array comparative genomic hybridization analyses were carried out to define the chromosome copy number alterations (CNAs). Several recurrent CNAs were identified by array comparative genomic hybridization that affected melanoma-related genes. Invasive primary cell lines showed high frequencies of CNAs, including the loss of 7q and gain of 12q chromosomal regions targeting PTPN12, ADAM22, FZD1, TFPI2, GNG11, COL1A2, SMURF1, VGF, RELN and GLIPR1 genes. Gain of the GDNF (5p13.1), GPAA1, PLEC and SHARPIN (8q24.3) genes was significantly more frequent in invasive cell lines compared with the noninvasive ones. Importantly, copy number gains of these genes were also found in cell lines that originated from metastases, suggesting their role in melanoma metastasis formation. The present study describes genomic differences between invasive and noninvasive melanoma cell lines that may contribute toward the aggressive phenotype of human melanoma cells.
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Urinary ascites with pelvic urinoma presenting as ovarian neoplasm: clinical and ultrasonographic features.
The majority of ureteric injuries associated with an operation are the result of gynecologic surgery. Thus, gynecologists must be aware of this risk and appreciate that ureteric injury can present late and in an unusual manner. A 26-year-old woman presented with gross abdominal distention 4 months after total abdominal hysterectomy. Ultrasonography demonstrated a large volume of ascitic fluid and a complex cyst arising from the left ovary. Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were normal. Laparotomy showed a mass of 1-2-cm cysts (urinomas) on the pelvic peritoneum and tubo-ovarian surfaces and a right hydroureter with a right ureteric fistula at the level of the ureteric tunnel. A ureteroneocystostomy was performed. Ureteroperitoneal fistula with urinary ascites is a rare complication of pelvic surgery. Intravenous urography or computed tomography scan would have helped establish the diagnosis.
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Small intestinal glucose absorption in cystic fibrosis: a study in human and transgenic DeltaF508 cystic fibrosis mouse tissues.
Intestinal transport is disturbed in cystic fibrosis (CF), with both defective Cl- secretion and changes in absorption being reported. We have examined the effects of the disease on Na(+)-dependent glucose absorption by the small intestine. Active glucose absorption was monitored as changes in short-circuit current (SCC) in intact and stripped intestinal sheets from normal (Swiss) and transgenic CF (Cftr(tm1Eur) and Cftr(tm2Cam)) mice with the DeltaF508 mutation, and in jejunal biopsies from children with CF and normal controls. Na(+)-dependent glucose uptake at the luminal membrane was measured in brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMVs). Intact and stripped sheets of jejunum and midintestine from Swiss mice exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in SCC with glucose. Apparent Km values were similar in the two preparations, but the apparent Vmax was greater in stripped sheets. This difference was not due to a loss of neural activity in stripped sheets as tetrodotoxin did not influence the glucose-induced SCC in intact sheets. Similar results were observed in stripped sheets of jejunum and mid-intestine from wild-type Cftr(tm1Eur) mice, but in tissues from CF mice the apparent Vmax value was reduced significantly. A lower Vmax was also obtained in intact sheets of mid-intestine from CF (Cftr(tm2Cam)) mice. Jejunal biopsies from CF patients however, exhibited an enhanced glucose-dependent rise in SCC. Na(+)-dependent uptake by BBMVs from CF (Cftr(tm1Eur)) mice was not reduced compared with wild-type and Swiss BBMVs. It was concluded that, in contrast to human intestine, intestinal glucose absorption was reduced in transgenic mouse models of CF with the DeltaF508 mutation, but that this could not be detected in an isolated preparation of brush-border membranes. Transgenic mouse models of CF may not accurately reflect all aspects of intestinal dysfunction in the human disease.
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Dysregulation of striatal dopamine signaling by amphetamine inhibits feeding by hungry mice.
Amphetamine (AMPH) releases monoamines, transiently stimulates locomotion, and inhibits feeding. Using a genetic approach, we show that mice lacking dopamine (DA-deficient, or DD, mice) are resistant to the hypophagic effects of a moderate dose of AMPH (2 microg/g) but manifest normal AMPH-induced hypophagia after restoration of DA signaling in the caudate putamen by viral gene therapy. By contrast, AMPH-induced hypophagia in response to the same dose of AMPH is not blunted in mice lacking the ability to make norepinephrine and epinephrine (Dbh(-/-)), dopamine D(2) receptors (D2r(-/-)), dopamine D(1) receptors (D1r(-/-)), serotonin 2C receptors (Htr2c(-/Y)), neuropeptide Y (Npy(-/-)), and in mice with compromised melanocortin signaling (A(y)). We suggest that, at this moderate dose of AMPH, dysregulation of striatal DA is the primary cause of AMPH-induced hypophagia and that regulated striatal dopaminergic signaling may be necessary for normal feeding behaviors.
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The serine-rich N-terminal region of Arabidopsis phytochrome A is required for protein stability.
Deletion or substitution of the serine-rich N-terminal stretch of grass phytochrome A (phyA) has repeatedly been shown to yield a hyperactive photoreceptor when expressed under the control of a constitutive promoter in transgenic tobacco or Arabidopsis seedlings retaining their native phyA. These observations have lead to the proposal that the serine-rich region is involved in negative regulation of phyA signaling. To re-evaluate this conclusion in a more physiological context we produced transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings of the phyA-null background expressing Arabidopsis PHYA deleted in the sequence corresponding to amino acids 6-12, under the control of the native PHYA promoter. Compared to the transgenic seedlings expressing wild-type phyA, the seedlings bearing the mutated phyA showed normal responses to pulses of far-red (FR) light and impaired responses to continuous FR light. In yeast two-hybrid experiments, deleted phyA interacted normally with FHY1 and FHL, which are required for phyA accumulation in the nucleus. Immunoblot analysis showed reduced stability of deleted phyA under continuous red or FR light. The reduced physiological activity can therefore be accounted for by the enhanced destruction of the mutated phyA. These findings do not support the involvement of the serine-rich region in negative regulation but they are consistent with a recent report suggesting that phyA turnover is regulated by phosphorylation.
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The paradox of the missing function: How similar is moral mutualism to biofunctional understanding?
We explain here how the natural selection theory of people’s mutualistic sense of fairness and the biofunctional theory of human understanding are made for each other. We welcome the stage that the target article has already set for this convergence, and invite the authors to consider moving the two independently developed approaches a step closer to the natural selection level of biofunctional understanding.
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Elevated serum levels of soluble CD44 variant 6 are correlated with shorter survival in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
A variant form of CD44 that has additional amino acids in the common protein backbone (CD44-v6) seems to play a role in the metastasis of malignancies. We measured soluble CD44-v6 (sCD44-v6) by ELISA in 201 patients with malignant lymphoma. The sCD44-v6 level was significantly elevated in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (n = 184). The sCD44-v6 level was correlated significantly with the standard sCD44 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels, but only weakly with serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In 149 patients with aggressive NHL, the sCD44-v6 level was elevated in the subgroups with a high LDH level, stage III/IV disease, T-cell lymphoma, and high-intermediate or high risk group as identified by the International Prognostic Index (IPI). When the sCD44-v6 level was > or = 800 ng/ml the overall survival rate was significantly decreased (p = 0.0001). In the low + low-intermediate risk group (IPI) both overall survival rates (log-rank p = 0.0005, Wilcoxon p =0.002) were significantly decreased when the sCD44-v6 level was > or = 800 ng/ml. In multivariate analysis, sCD44-v6 was shown to be independent of the five prognostic factors in the IPI (age, performance status, number of extranodal sites, Ann Arbor stage and LDH level), so it may be useful for predicting the outcome of aggressive NHL.
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Amplitude-integrated EEG and the newborn infant.
There is emerging recognition of the need for continuous long term electrographic monitoring of the encephalopathic neonate. While full-montage EEG with video remains the gold standard for monitoring, it is limited in application due to the complexity of lead application and specialized interpretation of results. Amplitude integrated EEG (aEEG) is derived from limited channels (usually C3-P3, C4-P4) and is filtered, rectified and time-compressed to serve as a bedside electrographic trend monitor. Its simple application and interpretation has resulted in increasing use in neonatal units across the world. Validation studies with full montage EEG have shown reliable results in interpretation of EEG background and electrographic seizures, especially when used with the simultaneously displayed raw EEG trace. Several aEEG monitors are commercially available and seizure algorithms are being developed for use on these monitors. These aEEG monitors, complement conventional EEG and offer a significant advance in the feasibility of long term electrographic monitoring of the encephalopathic neonate.
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Reliability of the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Examination--Chinese version.
A Chinese version of the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Examination (NNE-C) was applied to 15 high-risk infants and five normal term infants for investigation of reliability. The infants were assessed by three physical therapists to examine inter-rater reliability and reassessed by one of the therapists within 2 days to examine test-retest reproducibility. The internal consistency of the NNE-C scale was high, with an alpha coefficient of 0.84. The inter-rater reliability was high for item scores (kappa coefficients > 0.75 for 81% of the items) and for section and total scores (all intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.80). The test-retest reproducibility was moderate for item scores (kappa coefficients > 0.40 for 85% of the items) and was high for section and total scores (all intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.80). We conclude that the NNE-C scale is clinically feasible and reliable for the evaluation of neurobehavioral functions of high-risk and normal term infants in Chinese-speaking societies.
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Rhodiola: a promising anti-aging Chinese herb.
Using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, we investigated the effects of Rhodiola on life-span. Rhodiola is a plant root used in traditional Chinese medicine that may increase an organism's resistance to stress. It has been proposed that Rhodiola can extend longevity and improve health span by alleviating oxidative stress. Rhodiola supplied every other day at 30 mg/mL significantly increased the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. When comparing the distribution of deaths between Rhodiola-supplemented and control flies, Rhodiola-fed flies exhibited decelerated aging. Although the observed extension in lifespan was associated with statistically insignificant reductions in fecundity, correcting for a possible dietary restriction effect still did not eliminate the difference between supplemented and control flies, nor does the effect of Rhodiola depend on dietary manipulation, strongly suggesting that Rhodiola is not a mere dietary restriction mimetic. Although this study does not reveal the causal mechanism behind the effect of Rhodiola, it does suggest that the supplement is worthy of continued investigation, unlike the other Chinese herbals, Lu Duo Wei (LDW), Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (BZYQT), San Zhi Pian (SZP, Three Imperial Mushrooms), Hong Jing Tian (Rhodiola) that were evaluated in this study.
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Mechanisms of respiration-induced changes in vasomotor control exerted by rostral ventrolateral medulla.
Efferent and afferent mechanisms involved in the differential depressor response to inactivating rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) under conditions of normal (2.5 ml) and reduced (1.5 ml) tidal volume were examined in urethan-anesthetized rats. Under conditions of reduced tidal volume, bilateral microinjection of lidocaine (200 nl, 4%) into RVLM produced an attenuated fall in both mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) despite the fact that base-line levels of both are unchanged. The specificity of the differential response was tested by examination of regional hemodynamics. Microinjecting lidocaine into RVLM produced an attenuated fall in renal, mesenteric, and hindquarter vascular resistances in parallel with the attenuated fall in MAP produced by reducing tidal volume. Microelectrode stimulation of RVLM produced an increase in resistance in all three vascular beds. Of the neural sensory systems examined, both vagal and chest wall afferents appear to be involved in mediating the differential depressor response. These results demonstrate the importance of afferent sensory input to the medulla in determining sites of generation and maintenance of sympathetic vasomotor tone.
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Social Information Processing in Anger Expression and Partner Violence in Returning U.S. Veterans.
We examined social information processing factors that could represent pathways through which posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms relate to anger expression and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration in returning U.S. veterans. The sample included 92 male Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, primarily Caucasian (77.4%), with smaller numbers of African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and other minority participants (9.7%, 2.2%, 2.2%, 3.2%, and 5.3% respectively). The average age was 40.37 (SD = 9.63) years. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires (PTSD Checklist, State-Trait Anger Expression Scale, Revised Conflict Tactics Scales) and the Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations experimental protocol. Laboratory-based assessment of cognitive biases and hostile attributions were tested as mediators of associations between PTSD symptoms and anger expression and IPV. Among the PTSD symptom clusters, hyperarousal symptoms were most strongly associated with anger expression (r = .50) and IPV perpetration (r = .27). Cognitive biases mediated associations between PTSD total scores and 3 of 4 PTSD cluster scores as well as anger expression. Hostile attribution biases were also associated with IPV perpetration (r = .23). We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding social information processing mechanisms for the relationship between PTSD symptoms and aggression.
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C1qTNF-related protein-6 protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury.
The clinical use of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by its toxic effect. However, there is no specific drug that can prevent DOX-related cardiac injury. C1qTNF-related protein-6 (CTRP6) is a newly identified adiponectin paralog with many protective functions on metabolism and cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the effect of CTRP6 on DOX-induced cardiac injury. The present study aimed to investigate whether CTRP6 could protect against DOX-related cardiotoxicity. To induce acute cardiotoxicity, the mice were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg). Cardiomyocyte-specific CTRP6 overexpression was achieved using an adenoassociated virus system at 4 weeks before DOX injection. The data in our study demonstrated that CTRP6 messenger RNA and protein expression were decreased in DOX-treated hearts. CTRP6 attenuated cardiac atrophy induced by DOX injection and inhibited cardiac apoptosis and improved cardiac function in vivo. CTRP6 also promoted the activation of protein kinase B (AKT/PKB) signaling pathway in DOX-treated mice. CTRP6 prevented cardiomyocytes from DOX-induced apoptosis and activated the AKT pathway in vitro. CTRP6 lost its protection against DOX-induced cardiac injury in mice with AKT inhibition. In conclusion, CTRP6 protected the heart from DOX-cardiotoxicity and improves cardiac function via activation of the AKT signaling pathway.
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Polymorphisms in the human cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2) gene in Australian men.
Cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2) is localized to the human sperm acrosome and tail. It can regulate ryanodine receptors Ca(2+) gating and binds to mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 11 in the acrosome and gametogenetin 1 (GGN1) in the tail. In order to test the hypothesis that CRISP2 variations contribute to male infertility, we screened coding and flanking intronic regions in 92 infertile men with asthenozoo- and/or teratozoospermia and 176 control men using denaturing HPLC and sequencing. There were 21 polymorphisms identified, including 13 unreported variations. Three SNPs resulted in amino acid substitutions: L59V, M176I and C196R. All were only present in a heterozygous state and found in fertile men. However, the C196R polymorphism was of particular interest as it resulted in the loss of a strictly conserved cysteine involved in intramolecular disulphide bonding. Screening of an additional 637 infertile men identified 23 heterozygous C196R men to give an overall frequency of 3.6%, compared with 3.4% in control men. The functional significance of the C196R polymorphism was defined using a yeast two-hybrid assay. The C196R substitution resulted in the loss of CRISP2-GGN1 binding. Although none of the many polymorphisms identified herein showed a significant association with male infertility, functional studies suggested that the C196R polymorphism may compromise CRISP2 function.
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A quantitative analysis of the effect of all-trans-retinoic acid on the pattern of chick wing development.
Small, positively charged beads that slowly release known amounts of all-trans-retinoic acid have been implanted below the apical ectodermal ridge at the anterior margin (opposite somite 16) of wing buds of 3 1/2 day-old chick embryos. The continuous release of retinoic acid is shown to create an anteroposterior concentration gradient of retinoic acid in the limb field that is stable with time, despite the fact that this compound is metabolized by the limb tissue. With beads that release increasing amounts of retinoic acid, the normal 234 digit pattern is progressively altered to a 2234, to a 32234, and then to a 432234 pattern. The tissue concentrations of all-trans-retinoic acid required to change the digit pattern in this way range between 1 and 25 nM. When the same amounts of retinoic acid are released from posteriorly implanted beads (placed below the apical ectodermal ridge opposite somite border 19/20 or somite 20), the normal digit pattern is unaffected. Implantations of beads that release all-trans-retinoic acid are thus identical in their effect to grafts of cells from the limb polarizing region, which cause similar dose-dependent changes in the digit pattern when grafted to the anterior margin of the bud (but not when grafted opposite somites 19 or 20). Because of the low concentrations of retinoic acid required for its biological effect, the graded response observed, and the fact that a concentration gradient is established across the limb field, all-trans-retinoic acid closely mimics the putative morphogen that has been postulated to be emitted by polarizing region cells during normal development.
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Psychiatrists' religious attitudes in relation to their clinical practice: a survey of 231 psychiatrists.
A total of 231 psychiatrists working in several London teaching hospitals were surveyed about their private religious attitudes and how these affected their reported clinical practice. Although only 27% reported a religious affiliation and 23% a belief in God, 92% felt that psychiatrists should concern themselves with the religious concerns of their patients. Although the psychiatrists who were religious were more likely to make referrals to religious leaders or to disclose their own beliefs to patients, contrary to reports from the United States there was no evidence that psychiatrists' private religious beliefs had an important influence on their clinical practice.
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[Psychopathological characteristics and social functioning of the schizophrenic patients with the T allele of the MTHFR677C>T polymorphism].
To compare the severity of psychopathological symptoms and characteristics of personal and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia, carriers of different alleles of the MTHFR677C>T polymorphism. One hundred and fifty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were genotyped for the MTHFR677C>T polymorphism, some of them were examined using psychometric scales and tests (PANSS, SANS, PSP, CDSS, a battery of cognitive tests etc). Patients with the MTHFR677T variant had greater severity of negative symptoms regardless of psychometric instruments used in the study, greater severity of schizophrenia disorder in whole measured with the PANSS General psychopathological symptoms subscale, higher scores on the PANSS cognitive cluster and lower levels of personal and social functioning measured with the PSP compared to the patients with the MTHFR677CС genotype. The results of psychometric testing are in line with significant differences of MTHFR677T allele carriers from those with the MTHFR677CС genotype in the number of disable patients and the use of different types of psychiatric services. The differences were not related to sex, age, illness duration and depressive symptoms measured with CDSS and PANSS «depression/anxiety» factor.
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Unraveling sorption of lead in aqueous solutions by chemically modified biochar derived from coconut fiber: A microscopic and spectroscopic investigation.
In this study, we examined the efficacy of nine different types of coconut-fiber derived biochars (CFBs), prepared at different temperatures and chemically modified with ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid, to remove lead (Pb2+) from aqueous solutions. Langmuir-qm values of the biochars pyrolyzed at 300°C and modified with ammonia and nitric acid increased from 49.5 to 105.5 and 85.2mgg-1, respectively, compared to control (unmodified), whereas hydrogen peroxide treatment had no effect. The maximum amount of Pb adsorbed on biochars was in the order of CFB-700>MCFB-300-NH3·H2O>CFB-500>MCFB-300-HNO3>CFB-300. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy results revealed that Pb-montmorillonite, Pb(C2H3O2)2, PbSO4, Pb-Al2O3 and Pb3(PO4)2 were the five most important Pb species observed in Pb-loaded biochars, and as such, favoring Pb immobilization in aqueous solutions. Overall, the sorption capacity of CFBs pyrolyzed at 300°C substantially increased for Pb2+ with ammonia and nitric acid modification. However, these chemical modifications did not improve the sorption of Pb on CFBs pyrolyzed at temperatures ≥500°C, thereby highlighting a temperature dependent response of chemically modified biochars to Pb sorption in this study.
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Morphometric estimation of pulmonary diffusion capacity. VII. The normal Guinea pig lung.
A study of 15 normal adult guinea pig lungs fixed by instillation of fixatives via the airways is described. The morphological appearance of the guinea pig lung is similar to that of other mammals apart from quantitative differences in the mass of connective tissue in the alveolar-capillary barrier whose mean thickness was estimated at 1.59 mum. Lung volume, alveolar volume, capillary volume and the surface areas of alveoli and capillaries are shown to be linearly related to body weight. Analysis of the morphometric diffusion capacities of the alveolar-capillary membrane and of the lung shows that these are also linearly related to body weight. For a mean body weight of 429 g the lung volume was 13 ml, the alveolar surface 0.91 m2, the capillary volume 1.5 ml, the harmonic mean barrier thickness 0.42 mum, and DL 2.13 ml/min.mm Hg. These parameters are compared with those of other mammalian species and discussed in the context of normal activity levels as a probable important adaptive factor determining the size of the gas exchange apparatus.
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Lysosomal and ATP changes after renal-stalk clamping in rats. I. Protective action of Trasylol.
The action of Trasylol on the lysosomal and ATP changes after renal-stalk clamping in rats was examined. It was found that, in the presence of an effective Trasylol concentration, a distinct stabilization of the lysosomal membrane can be detected after 30 min of renal-stalk clamping. It was also found that there is only an indirect relationship between lysosomal changes and ATP metabolism under the action of Trasylol. The more rapid regeneration of the ATP is a result of the better microcirculation. The results confirm the earlier belief that Trasylol acts primarily on the lysosomal membrane.
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Peptide-TiO2 surface interaction in solution by ab initio and molecular dynamics simulations.
Ab initio periodic calculations and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the adsorption mode of alanine and a number of short peptides, in particular two peptides, alanine-glutamic acid and alanine-lysine, taken as model systems for the ionic self-complementary oligopeptide EAK16-II, onto TiO(2) (110) rutile surface, and their conformational characteristics upon adsorption. The atomistic description of the rutile surface and its interactions with water and peptide molecules were based on ab initio calculations, the TIP3P water model, the AMBER force field, and available parameters. By comparison with ab initio calculations, it is shown that MD simulations of reasonable duration can describe the main characteristics of the peptide-TiO(2) surface interaction in solution, at least on a short time scale. Atom-atom radial distribution functions, atom-surface distances, backbone and side chain dihedral angle distributions, and peptide-surface interaction energies have been analyzed. Once adsorbed onto the TiO(2) rutile surface by a bidentate interaction of both carboxyl oxygens with two adjacent Ti atoms, the small peptide studied showed a clear propensity to remain there and undergo relatively limited hinge-bending motions.
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Décalage in moral judgement as a measure of deactualisation weakness of schizophrenic adolescents.
12 schizophrenic, 11 borderline and 20 neurotic adolescents were examined with the procedure, according to Kohlberg, to moral development. In addition, existence techniques, themes and formal personality attributes according to Thomae were assessed. In schizophrenic adolescents a very distinct discrepancy between average and the highest stage values of the moral judgement were the main result (décalage value). This distinct décalage corresponds with the previously discussed distinct ambiguity tolerance of schizophrenics that comes into being on the basis of a deactualisation weakness towards situatively stimulated representative pieces of existence. In connection with this décalage and with the other values for moral judgement are findings on life style and theme that can be interpreted in the sense of an introversion and a cry for help connected with increased resistance and present a form of illness mastering. A detachment from the parents only appears possible at the cost of an increased lability (in the area of moral and ego-identity as décalage).
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Effects of calcium gluconate on experimental periodontitis and alveolar bone loss in rats.
We examined the effects of calcium gluconate, an anti-inflammatory calcium salt, on ligature-induced experimental periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss. Calcium gluconate was orally administered daily for 10 days at 250, 125 or 62.5 mg/kg, beginning 1 day after ligation. We recorded changes in body-weight and alveolar bone loss and quantified the anti-inflammatory effects of calcium gluconate by measuring levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1β and TNF-α. We also evaluated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as a measure of antioxidant effects. Ligature placement produced a marked decrease in body-weight, increased alveolar bone loss, and led to increased MPO, IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA concentrations, as well as elevated iNOS activity, increased inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased collagen fibre content in gingival tissue. Histopathology revealed decreased alveolar bone volume, increased osteoclast cell numbers and activity, and an elevated percentage of osteclasts on the alveolar bone surface. The effects of ligature placement were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by 10 days of daily oral treatment with 250 and 125 mg/kg of calcium gluconate. The results suggest that 10 days daily oral treatment with calcium gluconate effectively inhibits ligature placement-induced periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss via antioxidant effects.
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Controllable Synthesis of Highly Luminescent Boron Nitride Quantum Dots.
Boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs), as a new member of heavy metal-free quantum dots, have aroused great interest in fundamental research and practical application due to their unique physical/chemical properties. However, it is still a challenge to controllably synthesize high-quality BNQDs with high quantum yield (QY), uniform size and strong fluorescent. In this work, BNQDs have been successfully fabricated by the liquid exfoliation and the subsequent solvothermal process with respect to its facileness and easy large scale up. Importantly, BNQDs with high-quality can be controllably obtained by adjusting the synthetic parameters involved in the solvothermal process including filling factor, synthesis temperature, and duration time. Encouragingly, the as-prepared BNQDs possess strong blue luminescence with QY as high as 19.5%, which can be attributed to the synergetic effect of size, surface chemistry and edge defects. In addition, this strategy presented here provides a new reference for the controllable synthesis of other heavy metal-free QDs. Furthermore, the as-prepared BNQDs are non-toxic to cells and exhibit nanosecond-scaled lifetimes, suggesting they have great potential biological and optoelectronic applications.
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Effects of nicotine and a cannabinoid receptor agonist on negative contrast: distinction between anxiety and disappointment?
Animals trained to lick for a sucrose solution of a given incentive value that subsequently encounter an incentive downshift (i.e. 32-4% sucrose) display an exaggerated decrease in the amount consumed, relative to unshifted controls. This change has been classified as a successive negative contrast (SNC) effect. The emotional component to this robust behavioural change is dynamic and changes from post-shift day (PSD) 1 to 2. Anxiolytics block SNC, but the possible link between anxiety and SNC needs further exploration. Both nicotine and a cannabinoid receptor agonist have been reported to change anxiety and both have actions on the reward process, but their effects on SNC have not been investigated. To determine: (1) whether exposure to SNC evokes an anxiogenic response; (2) whether an anxiolytic dose of nicotine has the same effects on SNC as those of chlordiazepoxide; (3) the effects of a low (anxiolytic) and a high (anxiogenic) dose of the cannabinoid receptor agonist CP 55,940 on SNC. Two groups of animals were given access to high (32%) or low (4%) sucrose solutions for 5 min per day for 10 days. On PSD 1 and 2, the shifted group had access to a devalued incentive (from 32 to 4% sucrose) and the unshifted group remained at 4% sucrose. The volumes (ml) of sucrose solution consumed were measured pre-shift and on PSD 1 and 2. In experiment 1, immediately after SNC testing on PSD 1 and 2, the rats were tested in the social interaction and elevated plus-maze tests of anxiety. In experiment 2, the effects of chlordiazepoxide (5 and 7.5 mg/kg) and nicotine (0.1 mg/kg) were examined on PSD 1 and 2. In experiment 3, the effects of CP 55,940 (5 and 40 microg/kg) were examined on PSD 1 and 2. There were no anxiogenic effects of shift in either test of anxiety on either test day. However, on PSD 1, the shifted group had significantly higher locomotor activity and spent a higher percentage of time on the open arms, perhaps reflecting search strategies. Nicotine was without significant effect on SNC on either test day. On PSD 1, chlordiazepoxide (5 mg/kg) and CP 55,940 (5 and 40 microg/kg, IP) blocked SNC. On PSD 2, both doses of chlordiazepoxide and the low, anxiolytic dose of CP 55,940 (5 microg/kg) blocked SNC, the high dose of CP 55,940 was without effect. The pattern of results allows for the separation between effects on anxiety and SNC. The block of contrast on PSD 1 was independent of changes in anxiety, since both anxiolytic and anxiogenic drug doses were effective. It is suggested that this may provide an animal model of disappointment in which the cannabinoid system plays an important role. An anxiolytic action would seem to be a necessary, but not a sufficient, action to block SNC on PSD 2.
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Food preferences in human obesity: carbohydrates versus fats.
A large clinical sample of obese men and women were asked for a self-generated list of ten favorite foods. The lists were characterized by frequent instances of foods that are major nutrient sources of fat in the American diet. While obese men listed mainly protein/fat sources (meat dishes) among their favorite foods, obese women tended to list predominantly carbohydrate/fat sources (doughnuts, cookies, cake) and foods that were sweet. There was no evidence that selective preferences for a single macronutrient, carbohydrate, were a standard feature of human obesity. Rather, preferences for major nutrient sources of fat as opposed to carbohydrate may be a primary characteristic of human obesity syndromes.
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Application of Berendsen barostat in dissipative particle dynamics for nonequilibrium dynamic simulation.
The Berendsen barostat from molecular dynamics simulation is applied in both standard dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) and many-body dissipative particle dynamics (MDPD) simulations. The original Berendsen barostat works well in (M)DPD simulation of a single-component system under constant pressure condition and in nonequilibrium dynamic processes. The partial Berendsen barostat is proposed for multi-component system simulation with (M)DPD. The displacement rescaling process of the Berendsen barostat is only applied on the particles outside the center region, acting as a pressure "boundary condition." The center part forms the free zone, in which the interface shape and nonequilibrium dynamic behavior between different phases can be captured properly. An immiscible bubble in the second fluid under constant pressure condition is studied, and the oscillation of the bubble radius and fluctuation of systempressure can be obtained by the current barostat. Preliminary models for bubble growing and collapsing under square pressure wave and bubble oscillation under harmonic pressure wave are also reported in the current simulation. It shows that the partial Berendsen barostat is suitable for the modeling of nonequilibrium process of single or few droplets/bubbles in multi-component systems.
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Effects of poststroke losartan versus captopril treatment on myogenic and endothelial function in the cerebrovasculature of SHRsp.
We assessed the ability of poststroke captopril and losartan treatment to reverse myogenic and endothelial dysfunction in the middle cerebral arteries of Kyoto-Wistar stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRsp) that developed intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke. SHRsp were sampled before and after stroke development and after up to 37 days of captopril (50 mg/kg per day) or losartan (35 mg/kg per day) treatment initiated after stroke. Pressure-dependent constriction to a 100-mm Hg pressure step, constriction to nitric oxide synthase inhibition (100 micromol/L N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester), and endothelium-dependent vasodilation to bradykinin (1.6 micromol/L), 2-f-LIGRLO-NH(2) (1 micromol/L, a protease-activated receptor-2 agonist), and A23187 (2 micromol/L) were evaluated in middle cerebral arteries at 100 mm Hg with a pressure myograph. Middle cerebral arteries from SHRsp with stroke could not constrict to pressure or nitric oxide synthase inhibition, lacked the ability to vasodilate to bradykinin, and exhibited attenuated dilation and vasomotion in response to A23187. Vasodilation to 2-f-LIGRLO-NH(2) was unaltered. The aforementioned cerebrovascular alterations were reversed after 31 days of poststroke losartan but not of captopril treatment in the absence of an antihypertensive effect. Captopril treatment restored middle cerebral artery constriction to pressure, NOS inhibition, and bradykinin vasodilation temporarily after 7 to 18 days of treatment, after which function deteriorated to a level observed in SHRsp at stroke. Aspects of poststroke cerebrovascular dysfunction, which likely play an important role in altering and modulating cerebral blood flow autoregulation, can be reversed in SHRsp more effectively after stroke development by blocking angiotensin II type 1 receptors as opposed to lowering angiotensin II levels.
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[Femoral nerve block for total knee arthroplasty].
Femoral nerve block and sciatic nerve block are used to provide intraoperative and postoperative analgesia for total knee arthroplasty. Sciatic nerve block is contraindicated in our hospital, because orthopedists want to assess peroneal nerve function after the surgery. We retrospectively assessed postoperative analgesic effect and complications of the continuous femoral nerve block for total knee arthroplasty. We included 19 cases in 17 patients scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty under femoral nerve block combined with general anesthesia. Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block was performed before the surgery. The ultrasound linear probe was used to visualize the femoral nerve. A 22 gauge needle attached to a nerve stimulator, was inserted with in-plane method. Five percent glucose solution was injected through the needle to encircle the femoral nerve. Then, the 22 gauge needle was withdrawn and an 18 gauge needle was inserted with out-of-plane method. Five percent glucose solution was injected through the needle to confirm the needle tip and perineural catheter was inserted through the needle. To achieve femoral nerve block, 0.375% ropivacaine 20 ml was injected through the needle. Perineural infusion with 0.15% ropivacaine at 4 ml x hr(-1) was initiated at the end of the surgery. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) was also conducted postoperatively. We assessed pain at rest with a verbal numeric pain rating score (0-10) including pain on moving, and nausea as well as vomiting. Patients with numeric pain scores at 3 or less were 14 out of 19. Two patients complained of severe pain. There were 4 cases suffering pain on moving. Femoral nerve separation with 5% glucose solution using in-palne method and catheter placement with out-of-plane method could be useful for perineural catheter placement. Perineural infusion of 0.15% ropivacaine at 4 ml x hr(-1) combined with IV-PCA provided a good postoperative analgesia in patients receiving total knee arthroplasty.
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Protamine allergy reactions during cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery: risk in patients taking protamine-insulin preparations.
Protamine insulin use may immunologically sensitize patients to protamine, leading to anaphylactoid reactions upon subsequent exposure to protamine sulfate during cardiac catheterization or cardiovascular surgery. The risk of such reactions in protamine insulin-dependent patients is uncertain. One catheterization study reported a 50-fold greater risk while a second showed no increased risk! To clarify the risk, the records of 7,750 cardiac catheterization procedures between 1984 and 1987 were analyzed for presence of NPH or PZI insulin use, protamine administration, and any complications or adverse reactions. Protamine was administered in 3,341/7,750 procedures (43%), including 171 in diabetics receiving NPH insulin. Adverse reactions to protamine occurred in 2/3, 170 noninsulin patients, 0.06%, and adverse reactions due to probable NPH insulin sensitization occurred in 1/171, 0.6%, of NPH diabetics, p = .034. Meta-analysis of risk showed an odds ratio of 7.96 for the NPH diabetic patients, and combining these results with the other large series in the literature (269 NPH diabetics total) showed an odds ratio of 4.19 compared to a non-NPH insulin group. Meta-analysis of the surgical literature showed the risk in surgical patients to be 2.1% in NPH patients versus 0.12% with no NPH, with an odds ratio of 15.52. The greater incidence in surgical patients may be due to protamine sensitization at prior catheterization and to the larger dose of protamine administered to surgical patients.
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The Revival of an "Old" Marker: CD4/CD8 Ratio.
The effectiveness of modern antiretroviral therapies (ART) transformed HIV infection into a chronic disease characterized by a persistent condition of inflammation and immune activation. For this reason, even thought AIDS-related mortality has been reduced with an increased life expectancy, patients living with HIV infection are more likely to develop non-AIDS events despite the achievement of a complete suppression of HIV replication. Hence, the scientific community feels the need to find new biomarkers which would be suitable in clinical practice for identifying patients who require a close monitoring because of an increased risk of developing comorbidities. A renewed interest has emerged about the usefulness of CD4/CD8 ratio as a strong marker of immune activation and immune senescence. Recently, many studies have underlined that CD4/CD8 ratio might represent a good predictor of AIDS and non-AIDS events. Herein, the potential role of the CD4/CD8 ratio for the monitoring of HIV patients in different clinical settings is reviewed.
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[Factors Affecting the Dynamics of Circadian Activity of Frit Flies Meromyza saltatrix (L) (Diptera: Chloropidae)].
The dynamics of circadian activity in adult frit flies of the Holarctic species Meromyza saltatrix (L) from Mongolian, Moscow, and Polish populations was studied. Synchronous peaks of activity were revealed with the periodicity multiple of three-four hours, which may depend on the level of light. The direct effect of temperature and humidity on the activity of flies outside the optimal values of these factors was found. It was detected that the peak of adult emergence falls on the beginning of a general increase in the abundance of flies, which indicates constant rejuvenation of the population. The sex ratio is close to 1, but the emergence of males and females is in antiphase. The synchronization of peaks of circadian activity in the populations from different regions confirms the presence of a circadian rhythm of activity. The rhythm synchronizing the reproductive activity of adults was found to be modified by the photoperiod under the optimum conditions of temperature and humidity.
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Decreased metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 availability in a patient with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6: A (11)C-ITMM PET study.
Imaging of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 (mGluR1), localized exclusively in the cerebellar Purkinje cells and related to cerebellar function, has recently become possible using positron emission tomography (PET). We report the initial mGluR1 imaging in a 74-year-old woman with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). The patient and 9 age-matched healthy controls underwent PET scanning with a mGluR1 radiotracer, N-[4-[6-(isopropylamino)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1,3-thiazol-2-yl] -4-(11)C-methoxy-N-methylbenzamide. Volumes-of-interest were placed on the anterior and posterior lobes, vermis, and flocculus. Binding potential (BPND) was calculated to estimate mGluR1 availability using the simplified reference tissue model. A partial volume correction was applied to the BPND values. Additionally, the volume of the whole cerebellum was measured using MRI. The corrected BPND values of the cerebellar subregions and the volume of the whole cerebellum in the patient were 51.0% to 68.3% and 72.6%, respectively, of the controls. Thus, the magnitude of reduced BPND values was relatively larger than the magnitude of cerebellar atrophy in the patient. These findings suggest that the measurement of mGluR1 availability is more sensitive than morphological measurements by MRI to detect reduced cerebellar function. Thus, imaging of mGluR1, probably reflecting the number and distribution of Purkinje cells, can be a specific and sensitive marker for estimation of cerebellar function.
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Caveolae preservation in the characterization of human neuromuscular disease.
We have examined freeze-fracture replicas and conventional thin-section images of rat myofibers prepared by perfusion and by conventional immersion fixation protocols, and myofibers of normal and dystrophic human myofibers prepared by similar immersion fixation methods. In both rat and human myofibers, the size and distribution of caveolae was found to differ substantially according to the method of glutaraldehyde exposure, the depth of the myofiber from the surface exposed to the fixative, and if surgically bisected, the distance from the cut end of the myofiber. Conventional immersion fixation resulted in unavoidable but predictable alterations in sarcolemmal caveolae. These reproducible artifacts of fixation technique substantially complicate the use of caveolae as reliable markers for the characterization of human neuromuscular disease.
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[Daily practice using the guidelines for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Semi-quantitative method in the assessment of vertebral fracture].
Assessment of vertebral fracture based on a thoraco-lumbar spine radiographs is a good tool to evaluate the risk of incident fracture. Presence of vertebral fracture indicates 4 to 7 fold increase of risk of future fracture. However, vertebral fracture are often underdiagnosed. Quantitative (QM) and semi-quantitative (SQ) methods are designed for the assessment of prevalent and incident fracture. The advantages of SQ method are more convenient and reproducible as well as more excellent in the assessment of the risk of future fracture compared to QM. It should be recognized that untrained SQ reader produce a high false negative of grade 1 (mild fracture).
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The impact of HLA-DR antigen matching on the survival of cadaveric renal allografts. A prospective one-center analysis.
The impact of HLA-DR antigen matching on the survival of cadaveric renal allografts was assessed in 158 consecutive transplants performed in our unit since early 1978. In 41 donor-recipient pairs with two shared HLA-DR antigens, the actuarial graft survival rate at 6 months was 73% as compared with 51% in 76 transplants with one HLA-DR antigen shared and 32% in 41 transplants with zero shared HLA-DR antigens. This finding is highly significant (P for heterogeneity [PH] = 0.0005 and P for trend, [PT] = 0.0001). Our data clearly indicate that HLA-DR antigen sharing is more beneficial than merely avoiding HLA-DR incompatibility. But, the frequent antigen HLA-DRw6 was not taken into account in this study due to difficulties in its identification. We found no evidence that the observed beneficial effect of HLA-DR matching could be explained by interaction of other prognostic factors, such as sex, age, previous transplantation, diabetes mellitus or pretransplant blood transfusion. Patients who did not receive blood transfusion prior to transplantation had a significantly lower graft survival rate than those who did (13% vs. 56% at 6 months). HLA-DR matching was found to have a powerful effect on graft survival even among pretransplant blood transfused recipients (PH = 0.002, PT = 0.0006). We conclude that selection of recipients for transplantation should attempt to achieve HLA-DR identical combinations.
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Longitudinal Relationships Between Reflective Functioning, Empathy, and Externalizing Behaviors During Adolescence and Young Adulthood.
Reflective functioning (RF) refers to the understanding of one's own and others' behaviors in terms of mental states, whereas empathy entails the abilities to understand (cognitive empathy) and to share (affective empathy) the emotions of others. Low RF and low empathy have been previously related to externalizing behaviors, such as aggression and rule breaking. However, few longitudinal studies have simultaneously examined the relationships between these variables during adolescence. The aim of the present study is to investigate the longitudinal effects of both RF and empathy on potential changes in externalizing behaviors over time, in a group of 103 adolescents and young adults from the general population assessed repeatedly up to four times. We conducted multilevel analysis in order to examine the effects of RF and empathy on the initial levels and the trajectories of externalizing behaviors over time, while accounting for other variables previously associated with externalizing behaviors, such as age, gender, internalizing problems, and cognitive abilities. The results suggest that the ability to reflect on behaviors in terms of mental states predicted a sharper decrease in externalizing behaviors over time. Moreover, externalizing behaviors at the first assessment were associated with RF impairments and low affective empathy. Age, gender, cognitive abilities, and cognitive empathy were not associated with externalizing behaviors. We discuss how our results, based on a typically developing population, might inform primary or indicated prevention strategies for externalizing behaviors by focusing on socio-cognitive processes such as RF and affective empathy.
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[The characteristics of postloading bronchospasm in bronchial asthma patients].
A study of 73 patients suffering of asthma bronchiale with postloading bronchospasm and 20 without bronchospasm indicates that most pronounced bronchoconstriction after physical loads appears on the 15-20 minute in atopic asthma and asthma of physical exertion and by the 5-10 min. in infectious-allergic form of the disease. It is recommended to use MEF75, MEF50 and MEF25 as a diagnostic criterion of postloading bronchospasm.
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Behavior of amino acids when volatilized in the presence of silica gel and pulverized basaltic lava.
To evaluate the types of amino acid thermal transformations caused by silicate materials, we studied the volatilization products of Aib, L-Ala, L-Val and L-Leu under temperatures of up to 270 degrees C in the presence of silica gel as a model catalyst and pulverized basaltic lava samples. It was found that silica gel catalyzes nearly quantitative condensation of amino acids, where piperazinediones are the major products, whereas lava samples have much lower catalytic efficiency. In addition bicyclic and tricyclic amidines and several products of their subsequent thermal decomposition have been identified using the coupled technique of GC-FTIR-MS and HPLC-PB-MS, with auxiliary computer simulation of IR spectra and NMR spectroscopy. The decomposition is due to dehydrogenation, elimination of the alkyl substituents and dehydration as well as cleavage of the bicyclic ring system. The imidazole ring appears to be more resistant to thermal decomposition as compared to the pyperazine moiety, giving rise to the formation of different substituted imidazolones. The amidines were found to hydrolyze under treatment with concentrated HCl, releasing the starting amino acids and thus behaving as amino acid anhydrides. The thermal transformations cause significant racemization of amino acid residues. Based on our observations, the formation of amidine-type products is suggested to be rather common in the high-temperature experiments on amino acid condensation.
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Three dimensional water quality modeling of a shallow subtropical estuary.
Knowledge of estuarine hydrodynamics and water quality comes mostly from studies of large estuarine systems. The processes affecting algae, nutrients, and dissolved oxygen (DO) in small and shallow subtropical estuaries are relatively less studied. This paper documents the development, calibration, and verification of a three dimensional (3D) water quality model for the St. Lucie Estuary (SLE), a small and shallow estuary located on the east coast of south Florida. The water quality model is calibrated and verified using two years of measured data. Statistical analyses indicate that the model is capable of reproducing key water quality characteristics of the estuary within an acceptable range of accuracy. The calibrated model is further applied to study hydrodynamic and eutrophication processes in the estuary. Modeling results reveal that high algae concentrations in the estuary are likely caused by excessive nutrient and algae supplies in freshwater inflows. While algal blooms may lead to reduced DO concentrations near the bottom of the waterbody, this study indicates that stratification and circulation induced by freshwater inflows may also contribute significantly to bottom water hypoxia in the estuary. It is also found that high freshwater inflows from one of the tributaries can change the circulation pattern and nutrient loading, thereby impacting water quality conditions of the entire estuary. Restoration plans for the SLE ecosystem need to consider both a reduction of nutrient loading and regulation of the freshwater discharge pattern.
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Morphological plasticity in the chick ventral lateral geniculate nucleus: temporal parameters.
The retinogeniculate projection in the chick undergoes apparent augmentation following lesions in the optic tectum. Using autoradiographic tracing techniques we determined that the alteration of the retinal projection required a minimum of 4 days to be detected if tectal lesions were made at hatching and could be produced by lesions placed up to 1.5 years posthatch.
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[Doctor-Patient communication].
The Doctor-Patient relationship is of fundamental importance in the field of care and continues to undergo profound transformations. In ancient times the doctor was "authoritarian": the patient was considered a passive element, incapable of understanding, knowing and acting for his own health. The doctor then became a "paternalistic" figure and it is only recently that the patient has become a responsible subject who interacts with the doctor in the definition and evaluation of every health intervention. The patient needs to be actively involved and informed, participating in the therapeutic process and in monitoring the positive and negative effects of the treatment. The doctor needs to communicate in a way that is simple and appropriate in order to avoid misunderstandings, which are very common as patients and doctors can often attribute different meanings to certain words. Doctors need to be aware that such a possibility exists and verify that the patient has understood the real meaning of his words. As good communication between doctors and patients is a strategic factor in care, communication courses should be included in any Medical Degree course.
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Integration of new CAPS and dCAPS-RGA markers into a composite chickpea genetic map and their association with disease resistance.
A composite linkage map was constructed based on two interspecific recombinant inbred line populations derived from crosses between Cicer arietinum (ILC72 and ICCL81001) and Cicer reticulatum (Cr5-10 or Cr5-9). These mapping populations segregate for resistance to ascochyta blight (caused by Ascochyta rabiei), fusarium wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris) and rust (caused by Uromyces ciceris-arietini). The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in ten resistance gene analogs (RGAs) previously isolated and characterized was exploited. Six out of the ten RGAs were novel sequences. In addition, classes RGA05, RGA06, RGA07, RGA08, RGA09 and RGA10 were considerate putatively functional since they matched with several legume expressed sequences tags (ESTs) obtained under infection conditions. Seven RGA PCR-based markers (5 CAPS and 2 dCAPS) were developed and successfully genotyped in the two progenies. Six of them have been mapped in different linkage groups where major quantitative trait loci conferring resistance to ascochyta blight and fusarium wilt have been reported. Genomic locations of RGAs were compared with those of known Cicer R-genes and previously mapped RGAs. Association was detected between RGA05 and genes controlling resistance to fusarium wilt caused by races 0 and 5.
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Advances in signalling by extracellular nucleotides. the role and transduction mechanisms of P2Y receptors.
Nucleotides are ubiquitous intercellular messengers whose actions are mediated by specific receptors. Since the first clonings in 1993, it is known that nucleotide receptors belong to two families: the ionotropic P2X receptors and the metabotropic P2Y receptors. Five human P2Y receptor subtypes have been cloned so far and a sixth one must still be isolated. In this review we will show that they differ by their preference for adenine versus uracil nucleotides and triphospho versus diphospho nucleotides, as well as by their transduction mechanisms and cell expression.
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Transglutaminase-induced crosslinking of gelatin-calcium carbonate composite films.
The effects of transglutaminase (TGase) on the rheological profiles and interactions of gelatin-calcium carbonate solutions were studied. In addition, mechanical properties, water vapour permeability and microstructures of gelatin-calcium carbonate films were also investigated and compared. Fluorescence data suggested that the interaction of TGase and gelation-calcium carbonate belonged to a static quenching mechanism, and merely one binding site between TGase and gelatin-calcium carbonate was identified. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the mechanical properties and the water vapour permeability studies revealed that TGase favoured the strong intramolecular polymerisation of the peptides in gelatin. The microstructures of the surfaces and cross sections in gelatin-calcium carbonate films were shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs. The results of the fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that TGase caused conformational changes in the proteins films. Therefore, TGase successfully facilitated the formation of gelatin-calcium carbonate composite films.
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[Identification of idiotrophs for 3'-deoxykanamycin B synthesis in Streptomyces tenebrarius (Higgens a. Kastner)].
Mutants of Streptomyces tenebrarius with the blocked synthesis of 3'-deoxykanamycin B were obtained by treating the producer with NTG and chloramphenicol, or after gamma-irradiation. These mutants (idiotrophs) were distributed into three groups by means of the cosynthesis experiments on agar plates: convertors, secretors and "neutral" strains. Five idiotrophs represented five complementation groups for biosynthesis of the antibiotic. Three of these were defective in 2-deoxystreptamine synthesis, the fourth was defined as neamine-negative, and the fifth was probably blocked in regulation of enzymes responsible for conversion of neamine or paromamine into kanamycins. Localization of mutations has been shown on the scheme of kanamycins' biosynthesis.
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Compulsive exercise as a mediator between clinical perfectionism and eating pathology.
The aim of this study was to examine whether compulsive exercise mediates the relationship between clinical perfectionism and eating pathology, based on the cognitive behavioral model of compulsive exercise. Participants were 368 adults who participated regularly in sport/exercise and completed online measures of perfectionism, compulsive exercise and eating disorders. In support of the well-established link between perfectionism and eating disorders, clinical perfectionism predicted eating pathology both directly and indirectly mediated by compulsive exercise. In addition, there were also direct effects of clinical perfectionism on the avoidance/rule-driven behavior, weight control, and mood improvement subscales of the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET). There was a direct effect of the CET weight control subscale on eating pathology and a negative direct effect of the CET subscale mood improvement on eating pathology. Findings lend support to the cognitive behavioral model of compulsive exercise in which clinical perfectionism is conceptualized as related to eating disorders directly and indirectly through the mediation of compulsive exercise. Compulsive exercise was also found to have a direct effect on eating disorders. Compulsive exercise may be a symptom of eating pathology, rather than an antecedent, however causal inferences could not be established given the correlational design. Longitudinal research using cross-lagged panel designs to examine a bidirectional relationship between compulsive exercise and eating disorders is needed.
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Continuous wave and Q-switched laser output of laser-diode-end-pumped disordered Nd:LGS laser.
Laser-diode (LD)-pumped high-power cw and passively Q-switched laser performance has been demonstrated with a disordered Nd-doped La(3)Ga(5)SiO(14) (Nd:LGS) crystal for the first time to our knowledge. A cw output power of 2.25 W was obtained under an absorbed pump power of 7.84 W with a slope efficiency of 30.2%. Using a Cr:YAG as a saturable absorber, the passively Q-switched laser was achieved. The maximum pulse energy, shortest pulse width, and highest peak power were measured to be 117.5 muJ, 23.4 ns, and 5.02 kW, respectively.
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The carboxyl terminus of zona occludens-3 binds and recruits a mammalian homologue of discs lost to tight junctions.
Mammalian homologues of the Drosophila polarity proteins Stardust, Discs Lost, and Crumbs have been identified as Pals1, Pals1-associated tight junction protein (PATJ), and human Crumbs homologue 1 (CRB1), respectively. We have previously demonstrated that PATJ, Pals1, and CRB1 can form a tripartite tight junction complex in epithelial cells and that PATJ recruits Pals1 to tight junctions. Here, we observed that the Pals1/PATJ interaction was not crucial for the ultimate targeting of PATJ itself to tight junctions. This prompted us to examine if any of the 10 post-synaptic density-95/Discs Large/zona occludens-1 (PDZ) domains of PATJ could bind to the carboxyl termini of known tight junction constituents. We found that the 6th and 8th PDZ domains of PATJ can interact with the carboxyl termini of zona occludens-3 (ZO-3) and claudin 1, respectively. PATJ missing the 6th PDZ domain was found to mislocalize away from cell contacts. Surprisingly, deleting the 8th PDZ domain had little effect on PATJ localization. Finally, reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that full-length ZO-3 can associate with PATJ. Hence, the PATJ/ZO-3 interaction is likely important for recruiting PATJ and its associated proteins to tight junctions.
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Creating the basis for a breast health program for female survivors of Hodgkin disease using a participatory research approach.
To learn from female survivors of Hodgkin disease about their perceptions of their current health status and future health risks, self-care practices to prevent or diminish health risks, and what kind of breast health program could benefit them, including the most effective methods and optimal times for learning about breast health. Participatory research using focus groups. Urban pediatric cancer center. 1 African American and 19 Caucasian female survivors of Hodgkin disease aged 16-26 years, diagnosed at least two years before the start of the study, and treated with mantle radiation therapy. Participants were recruited during visits to an outpatient clinic. Six open-ended questions were asked during three separate focus group sessions. Transcribed data were evaluated by content analysis techniques and analyzed to identify common themes. Current health status and perceived health risks, current health practices, and effective methods and timing for breast health teaching. Survivors reported feeling damaged by their cancer and its treatment and perceived that they were at risk for breast cancer. Self-care and risky behaviors also were reported. Internal influences (e.g., fear) and external influences (e.g., family) motivated survivors to participate in health promotion activities. Effective methods identified for learning about breast health included having access to other survivors, being respected as an adult, and having one-on-one staff teaching and peer support. The preferred timing of teaching varied, but survivors generally supported a gradual provision of information. A positive listening environment is important for developing a breast health program for survivors. An essential first step is to create an opportunity for survivors to tell about their experiences with cancer, including its impact on their lives. Information regarding breast health must be provided in multiple formats during and after treatment if good practices are to be undertaken. The provision of adequate information during and after therapy as well as peer counseling in a positive listening environment are important in helping survivors participate in health promotion activities.
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Perceptions and effects of antenatal education.
To assess the quality and effect of antenatal health education on health-related issues during pregnancy, and the benefits to women during the peri-partum period. This is a descriptive study of 300 women attending the Postnatal Clinics and Women Health Clinics in 2 Family Medicine centers at King AbdulAziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out between November 2009 and February 2010. A predesigned questionnaire was used. Three hundred women completed the questionnaire. Most women made their first antenatal visit during the fourth month of pregnancy, and most had 3-6 antenatal care (ANC) visits. Highly educated mothers had significantly more ANC visits and attended the first visit earlier. Nearly 80% of subjects were satisfied with the health education provided during ANC visits. Multiparous women were found to receive less health education than primiparous women. Most reported receiving education on breast feeding (83%), signs of labor (75.3%), and baby care (74.7%). However, most of the subjects did not receive all of the important information that should be given during ANC. There was a negative linear relationship between health education score of women and their age. This study quantified the inadequate level of health education received by pregnant women during ANC.
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Sex-specific cortisol levels in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia during mental challenge--relationship to clinical characteristics and medication.
Our objective was to examine the cortisol release during a mental challenge in severe mental disorders versus healthy controls (HC), analyzing effects of sex, clinical characteristics and medication, and comparing Bipolar Disorder (BD) to Schizophrenia (SCZ). Patients with BD and SCZ (n=151) were recruited from a catchment area. HC (n=98) were randomly selected from the same area. Salivary samples were collected before and after a mental challenge and cortisol levels determined. During the challenge there was an interaction between group and sex (P = 0.015) with male patients having a blunted cortisol release compared to male HC (P = 0.037). Cortisol change did not differ significantly between BD and SCZ. In all patients, the cortisol change correlated with number of psychotic episodes (r = -0.23, P = 0.025), and in females patients, with number of depressive episodes (r = -0.33, P = 0.015). Patients using antidepressants had a greater cortisol release during challenge than those not using antidepressants (P = 0.043). Male patients with severe mental disorders seem to have a uniform abnormal cortisol release during mental challenges which associates with clinical course, and with beneficial effects of antidepressants.
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Effect of administration route on the renal safety of contrast agents: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
The objective of this study was to examine the association between administration route and relative renal safety of contrast agents. We searched all published articles indexed in Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from January 1980 to November 2010, to identify relevant studies. Of the 1,047 initially identified studies, 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 2,210 patients with intra-arterial route and 7 RCTs including 919 patients with intravenous route were finally analyzed. With regard to intra-arterial route, our meta-analysis showed that iodixanol significantly decreased the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) when compared with a pool of low-osmolar contrast media (LOCM; risk ratio [RR] = 0.68; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.50-0.92; Z=2.47; p=0.01), with no significant heterogeneity between individual studies (p=0.14, I2=32.4%). However, iodixanol was not associated with a reduction in CI-AKI compared with the LOCM pooled together (RR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.44-1.26; Z=1.10; p=0.27) with intravenous application, again with no significant heterogeneity between individual studies (p=0.40, I2=3.6%). Our meta-analysis suggests that administration route may affect the renal safety of contrast agents. Specifically, iodixanol may be a better choice for patients in the interventional cardiology setting.
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Reaction pathways for the photodegradation of the organophosphorus cyanophos in aqueous solutions.
Photodegradation in aqueous solutions is an important pathway for many agrochemicals such as pesticides. In the present work, the photochemical transformation of cyanophos (CYA) was investigated in aqueous solutions using UV light within the 254-313 nm range as well as solar light. The study was performed in order to have a deep insight into the mechanistic pathways for the photochemical disappearance of CYA. Upon UV irradiation of an aerated solution of CYA, the degradation quantum yield was found equal to 1.8 x 10(-2). It is independent of the excitation wavelength but varies with oxygen concentration. It increased by a factor of 2 from oxygen-saturated to oxygen-free solution. Photosensitized experiments were performed using acrylamide and hydroquinone as energy acceptor and energy donor substrates, respectively. They show that both singlet and triplet excited states were involved in the photochemical behavior of CYA. The laser flash photolysis experiments clearly showed the involvement of the triplet excited state which was efficiently quenched by molecular oxygen and acrylamide with the rate constants 1.97 x 10(9) and 2.71 x 10(9) mol(-1) L s(-1), respectively. The photoproducts structures were proposed according to the mass spectral data using the LC/MS technique. The analytical study shows that various processes such as hydrolysis, homolytic bond dissociations and Photo-Fries process occur.
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Fluorometric determination of DNA in agarose gels: usefulness for measurement of double-strand breaks in nonlabeled cells by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
Quantitative measurement of DNA in agarose gels, particularly as needed for measurement of double-strand breaks induced by agents such as radiation, usually involves the use of radioactively labeled DNA. Thus its usefulness is usually limited to growing cells which incorporate radiolabeled thymidine into DNA. To circumvent this problem, we have developed a fluorometric technique for quantitative estimation of DNA in the presence of large amounts of agarose. Gel slices are solubilized with concentrated sodium perchlorate and DNA is selectively precipitated with cadmium chloride. The amount of DNA can then be estimated with 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid. Determination of DNA is linear in the range 10 ng to 1 microgram or more. We describe the application of this technique to the measurement of 60Co gamma-ray-induced double-strand breaks by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Our results are essentially identical to those obtained using radiolabeled DNA.
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Oxaliplatin-induced pancreatitis: a case series.
Drug-induced pancreatitis is less common compared to other causes of acute pancreatitis; the incidence ranges from between 0.1% to 2% of acute pancreatitis cases. Among alkylating agents, oxaliplatin has not been reported to be associated with acute pancreatitis. This case study presents a series of six cases of acute pancreatitis presumably related to exposure to oxaliplatin which had different gastrointestinal malignancies and were being treated with oxaliplatin in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs. All other related causes of acute pancreatitis were excluded before implicating oxaliplatin as a possible cause. In all cases, oxaliplatin was stopped and patients had resolution of their signs and symptoms, along with a decrease in serum amylase and lipase levels. Knowledge regarding acute pancreatitis related to oxaliplatin is of paramount importance in order to diagnose cases early and institute effective treatment in patients who are undergoing chemotherapy with this drug.
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The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) β/δ agonist GW501516 inhibits IL-6-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation and insulin resistance in human liver cells.
IL-6 induces insulin resistance by activating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and upregulating the transcription of its target gene SOCS3. Here we examined whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)β/δ agonist GW501516 prevented activation of the IL-6-STAT3-suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) pathway and insulin resistance in human hepatic HepG2 cells. Studies were conducted with human HepG2 cells and livers from mice null for Pparβ/δ (also known as Ppard) and wild-type mice. GW501516 prevented IL-6-dependent reduction in insulin-stimulated v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homologue 1 (AKT) phosphorylation and in IRS-1 and IRS-2 protein levels. In addition, treatment with this drug abolished IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation of Tyr⁷⁰⁵ and Ser⁷²⁷ and prevented the increase in SOCS3 caused by this cytokine. Moreover, GW501516 prevented IL-6-dependent induction of extracellular-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a serine-threonine protein kinase involved in serine STAT3 phosphorylation; the livers of Pparβ/δ-null mice showed increased Tyr⁷⁰⁵- and Ser⁷²⁷-STAT3 as well as phospho-ERK1/2 levels. Furthermore, drug treatment prevented the IL-6-dependent reduction in phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a kinase reported to inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation on Tyr⁷⁰⁵. In agreement with the recovery in phospho-AMPK levels observed following GW501516 treatment, this drug increased the AMP/ATP ratio and decreased the ATP/ADP ratio. Overall, our findings show that the PPARβ/δ activator GW501516 prevents IL-6-induced STAT3 activation by inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation and preventing the reduction in phospho-AMPK levels. These effects of GW501516 may contribute to the prevention of cytokine-induced insulin resistance in hepatic cells.
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Combined 3D-QSAR modeling and molecular docking study on quinoline derivatives as inhibitors of P-selectin.
P-selectin is a promising target for developing novel atherosclerosis drugs. To understand the structure-activity correlation of quinolines-based P-selectin inhibitors, we have carried out a combined molecular docking and three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) modeling study. The study has resulted in two types of satisfactory 3D-QSAR models, including the CoMFA model (r(2), 0.863; q(2), 0.589) and CoMSIA model (r(2), 0.866; q(2), 0.636), to predict the biological activity of new compounds. The detailed microscopic structures of P-selectin binding with inhibitors have been studied by molecular docking. We have also developed docking based 3D-QSAR models (CoMFA with r(2), 0.934; q(2), 0.591; CoMSIA with r(2), 0.896; q(2), 0.573). The contour maps obtained from the 3D-QSAR models in combination with the docked binding structures help to better interpret the structure-activity relationship. All of the structural insights obtained from both the 3D-QSAR contour maps and molecular docking are consistent with the available experimental activity data. The satisfactory results strongly suggest that the developed 3D-QSAR models and the obtained P-selectin-inhibitor binding structures are reasonable for the prediction of the activity of new inhibitors and in future drug design.
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Unilateral once daily milking locally induces differential gene expression in both mammary tissue and milk epithelial cells revealing mammary remodeling.
Once daily milking reduces milk yield, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Local regulation due to milk stasis in the tissue may contribute to this effect, but such mechanisms have not yet been fully described. To challenge this hypothesis, one udder half of six Holstein dairy cows was milked once a day (ODM), and the other twice a day (TDM). On the 8th day of unilateral ODM, mammary epithelial cells (MEC) were purified from the milk using immunomagnetic separation. Mammary biopsies were harvested from both udder halves. The differences in transcript profiles between biopsies from ODM and TDM udder halves were analyzed by a 22k bovine oligonucleotide array, revealing 490 transcripts that were differentially expressed. The principal category of upregulated transcripts concerned mechanisms involved in cell proliferation and death. We further confirmed remodeling of the mammary tissue by immunohistochemistry, which showed less cell proliferation and more apoptosis in ODM udder halves. Gene expression analyzed by RT-qPCR in MEC purified from milk and mammary biopsies showed a common downregulation of six transcripts (ABCG2, FABP3, NUCB2, RNASE1 and 5, and SLC34A2) but also some discrepancies. First, none of the upregulated transcripts in biopsies varied in milk-purified MEC. Second, only milk-purified MEC showed significant LALBA downregulation, which suggests therefore that they correspond to a mammary epithelial cell subpopulation. Our results, obtained after unilateral milking, suggest that cell remodeling during ODM is due to a local effect, which may be triggered by milk accumulation.
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