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Timaeus 12

Subtype and regional regulation of prion biomarkers in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rapid progressive neurological disease leading to dementia and death. Prion biomarkers are altered in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of CJD patients, but the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these alterations are still unknown. The present study examined prion biomarker levels in the brain and CSF of sporadic CJD (sCJD) cases and their correlation with neuropathological lesion profiles. The expression levels of 14-3-3, Tau, phospho-Tau and α-synuclein were measured in the CSF and brain of sCJD cases in a subtype- and region-specific manner. In addition, the activity of prion biomarker kinases, the expression levels of CJD hallmarks and the most frequent neuropathological sCJD findings were analysed. Prion biomarkers levels were increased in the CSF of sCJD patients; however, correlations between mRNA, total protein and their phosphorylated forms in brain were different. The observed downregulation of the main Tau kinase, GSK3, in sCJD brain samples may help to explain the differential phospho-Tau/Tau ratios between sCJD and other dementias in the CSF. Importantly, CSF biomarkers levels do not necessarily correlate with sCJD neuropathological findings. Present findings indicate that prion biomarkers levels in sCJD tissues and their release into the CSF are differentially regulated following specific modulated responses, and suggest a functional role for these proteins in sCJD pathogenesis.

[Expression of EGFR and PCNA, and DNA content in squamous cell carcinoma of larynx]. To investigate the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and DNA index (DI) in laryngeal carcinoma, to analyse the correlation between these index and the biological characteristics of laryngeal carcinoma and their values of clinical prognosis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of EGFR and PCNA in laryngeal cancer and normal tissue, and with MIPS-I image analysis system DNA contents of cancer cell were measured and made out DNA index. The positive rate of EGFR in laryngeal carcinoma was 54.8%, and it was negative in all 10 normal laryngeal mucosa specimens (P < 0.01). The expression of EGFR did not correlate with histological grading and 5-years survival rate (P > 0.05), The positive expression of PCNA and DNA contents in the laryngeal carcinoma were increased with the decrease of tumorous differentiation (P < 0.05). With the increasing of PCNA positive expression and DI, the prognosis of the patients were poorer (P < 0.05). EGFR may be related to the process of carcinogenesis in laryngeal carcinoma and was used as an early biomarker identifying premalignant lesions which had the greatest risk of carcinogenesis. PCNA and DI were simultaneously detected can be used as the prediction of tumor malignancy and prognosis.

Synthesis and characterization of seaweed cellulose derived carboxymethyl cellulose. In the present study, cellulose (SWC) extracted from green seaweed Ulva fasciata was processed to synthesize carboxymethyl cellulose (SWCMC). The seaweed cellulose (∼15% DW) was first processed for α cellulose extraction (10.1% on DW) followed by the synthesis and characterization of SWCMC. Thin films were prepared using commercial CMC (CCMC), SWCMC and SWCMC-metal nanoparticle (2% wt/v) by solvent evaporation technique. Films were studied for molecular weight, degree of carboxylation, viscosity and characterized by FT-IR and TGA. AFM surface morphology of SWCMC-metal nanoparticle film confirms the uniform distribution of sphere shaped metal nanoparticle on the film surface with the size in the range of 50-75nm. Further, SWCMC film showed antimicrobial activity when prepared with Ag and leaf extract of Azadirachta indica. The biodegradable nature of SWCMC film was confirmed by growing marine fungus Cladosporium spherospermum on CMC agar plates. Thus, SWCMC films exhibit potential applications in cosmetic, food, textiles, medical, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.

[Screening for breast cancer in females at the level of regional (territorial, republican) clinical hospitals: organizational and methodological aspects]. The paper deals with a special screening for breast cancer in female visitors of the consultative-and-diagnostic units (CDU) of regional (territorial, republican) clinical hospitals in the Russian Federation. The study was conducted in the CDU of the Moscow Regional Clinical Research Institute that in addition to its clinical researches acts as a regional clinical hospital for the Moscow Region. The basic idea of this screening is firstly that specialists of such-level CDU attended by many women requiring various consultations obligatorily give multifaceted counseling. Secondly, such polyclinic complexes have a required set of technical devices, such as as radiomammographs, ultrasound apparatuses, etc. In other words, there are prerequisites for providing a present-day screening, without spending any extra money. This screening has been made at the Institute since 2002. A total of 2724 risk-group females and 4222 female patients with the clinical signs of breast space-occupying lesions were examined. Its procedure including the formation of risk groups has been developed by means of a specially designed questionnaire. A comparative analysis of the results of these examinations gives preference to the screening diagnosis of this pathology. This all makes the author recommend this screening for its use in all 89 regions of the Russian Federation, by understanding that this can partially solve the problem of a screening for breast cancer in women in general outpatient care health facilities at the municipal level. Moreover, any attempts to mage a screening diagnosis of tumorous lesions at this level of today's health care become particularly relevant in the light of the governmental program to be implemented, which focuses on municipal public health that is one of its main goals.

Inflammatory pseudotumour of the trachea: report of a case in an eight-year-old child. A polypoid inflammatory pseudotumour was diagnosed in the trachea of an eight-year-old child who presented with asthmatic symptoms. The tumour showed 80 per cent blockage of the lower trachea and consisted of proliferating spindly fibroblastic cells admixed with a variable number of inflammatory cells. The literature on childhood inflammatory pseudotumours is reviewed together with the differential diagnosis of other polypoid mesenchymal tumours of the trachea.

Alpha-conotoxin ImI inhibits the alpha-bungarotoxin-resistant nicotinic response in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The activity of alpha-conotoxin (alpha-CTX) ImI, from the vermivorous marine snail Conus imperialis, has been studied on mammalian nicotinic receptors on bovine chromaffin cells and at the rat neuromuscular junction. Synthetic alpha-CTX ImI was a potent inhibitor of the neuronal nicotinic response in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells (IC50 = 2.5 microM, log IC50 = 0.4 +/- 0.07), showing competitive inhibition of nicotine-evoked catecholamine secretion. Alpha-CTX ImI also inhibited nicotine-evoked 45Ca2+ uptake but not 45Ca2+ uptake stimulated by 56 mM K+. In contrast, alpha-CTX ImI had no effect at the neuromuscular junction over the concentration range 1-20 microM. Bovine chromaffin cells are known to contain the alpha3beta4, alpha7, and (possibly) alpha3beta4alpha5 subtypes. However, the secretory response of bovine chromaffin cells is not inhibited by alpha-bungarotoxin, indicating that alpha7 nicotinic receptors are not involved. We propose that alpha-CTX Iml interacts selectively with the functional (alpha3beta4 or alpha3beta4alpha5) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor to inhibit the neuronal-type nicotinic response in bovine chromaffin cells.

The "zoom lens" of focal attention in visual search: changes in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Visual search for a target in an array of distractors relies upon flexible shifts between global and local modes of attentional processing. Visual search is slowed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), in part due to an increase in the number and duration of eye fixations made en route to a target (Rösler et al., 2000). This phenomenon may represent a compensatory adaptation to a narrowing of the zone of focal attention, necessitating more shifts of gaze in order to attend to the global workspace. Eye fixations were analyzed in two regions of interest (ROIs, central fixation and peripheral target locations) in 9 patients with mild AD, 9 cognitively intact age-matched control subjects, and 9 young controls, while they searched for a target object in a radial array that contained from 1 to 6 stimuli. Contrasted with young subjects, the search strategy of older controls and, to a greater extent, AD patients showed an increase in the average number and duration of peripheral fixations. Reduced efficiency of visual search in AD may be contributed to by reduced ability to dynamically adjust the attentional zoom, coupled with the inability to disengage attention from peripheral targets.

Decoherence and thermalization of a pure quantum state in quantum field theory. We study the real-time evolution of a self-interacting O(N) scalar field initially prepared in a pure, coherent quantum state. We present a complete solution of the nonequilibrium quantum dynamics from a 1/N expansion of the two-particle-irreducible effective action at next-to-leading order, which includes scattering and memory effects. We demonstrate that, restricting one's attention (or ability to measure) to a subset of the infinite hierarchy of correlation functions, one observes an effective loss of purity or coherence and, on longer time scales, thermalization. We point out that the physics of decoherence is well described by classical statistical field theory.

Management of organ transplant recipients attending a high-throughput skin cancer surgery and surveillance clinic in Queensland. The incidence of skin cancer in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) is very high, due mainly to long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The problem is particularly severe for OTRs living in Queensland, Australia, and results in significant mortality. To describe the experience of the first dedicated outpatient high-throughput transplant skin clinic in Queensland. This prospective evaluation study was conducted at a newly established, outpatient transplant skin cancer surgery and surveillance clinic. Participants (89 OTRs and 12 non-OTRs) were referred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital Transplant Skin Clinic during December 2016 to May 2017, and were each followed for 3 months. Self-completed questionnaires were administered at baseline and the end of follow-up (n = 94), and details of any skin cancers occurring in that period were extracted from hospital records. In the 3-month follow-up of 101 participants, a total of 615 skin lesions were detected in the 3-month follow-up of 101 participants, of which 478 (78%) were treated in the clinic and 55 (9%) were referred to another specialist. Of the 478 treated lesions, 268 were histopathologically confirmed skin cancers, equivalent to 2·7 (95% confidence interval 2·5-2·8) skin cancers per participant per 3 months. The overall number needed to treat for any skin cancer was 1·4 (95% confidence interval 1·3-1·5). Three-quarters (374) of in-clinic treatments were surgical, and most (90%) were complete excisions. The median time from detection of skin cancer to excision was 7 days. This high-volume surgical outpatient transplant skin clinic enables efficient treatment of skin cancers in very-high-risk OTRs.

Demodex cati Hirst 1919: a redescription. All life stages of Demodex cati are described and compared with D. canis. Presence of D. cati is reported for the first time from the external auditory meatus. In the two cases examined mites occurred in large numbers with little pathogenic effect.

A simple graphical representation of selectivity in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. This paper uses the HILIC selectivity data of Dinh et al. (J. Chromatogr. A 1218 (2011) 5880) to yield simple and easy to understand plots analogous to Neue plots for selectivity in HILIC. The plots categorize 21 previously studied HILIC phases (data from Dinh et al.), 8 additional HILIC columns and 4 reversed phase columns (our data) using selected probes for specific interactions. The relative retention of cytosine vs. uracil is used to probe the "hydrophilicity" of the HILIC phases; adenosine vs. adenine is used to probe the ability of the stationary phase to participate in hydrogen bonding; and benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA) vs. cytosine is used to probe the cation exchange and anion exchange character of the column. Plots of kBTMA/kcytosine vs. kcytosine/kuracil successfully classify silica, amide, zwitterionic, diol and reverse phase columns in terms of their HILIC behavior. Polymeric columns including polymer substrate and polymer coated columns show low ion exchange character, but vary widely in their hydrophilicity. Alternatively a HILIC-Phase Selectivity Chart, in analogy to the Neue plot, is constructed by plotting log(kBTMA/kcytosine) vs. log(kcytosine). This plot enables classification of HILIC columns that will yield similar or significantly different separations.

The natural history of streptococcal skin infection: prevention with topical antibiotics. An investigation on the natural history of streptococcal skin infection was done in fifty-nine children in a rural day care setting. A double-blind study for prevention of streptococcal pyoderma was done during the peak season for skin infection. Triple antibiotic ointment, containing bacitracin, polysporin, and neomycin, was compared to placebo ointment. Ointments were applied thrice daily for minor skin trauma; mosquito bites and abrasions were predominant. Cultures of normal skin surfaces were taken for group A streptococci each week of the 15-week study period. Skin lesions were cultured whenever present. Eighty-one percent of the fifty-nine patients had positive normal skin cultures on one or more occasions. Nineteen children (32%) developed streptococcal pyoderma. Infection occurred significantly more often in children using placebo ointment than in those using topical antibiotic (47% vs 15%; p = 0.01). The infecting strain was first recovered from normal skin surfaces in 67% of placebo patients and in two of the four patients using antibiotic ointment. This study further confirms the importance of skin carriage of group A streptococci as a precursor to pyoderma and demonstrates the importance of minor skin trauma as a predisposing factor. Topical antibiotics may be useful in preventing streptococcal pyoderma, especially in children known to be at increased risk for such infection.

Outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase 2-producing K. pneumoniae with high qnr prevalence in a Chinese hospital. Forty carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were recovered from 28 patients from various sites in an intensive care unit in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, China, over a 6 month period. PFGE analysis indicated that the 40 strains were all closely related. The MICs of carbapenems varied from 16 to >256 µg ml⁻¹. Conjugation studies with Escherichia coli resulted in the transfer of reduced carbapenem susceptibility from the original isolates. All K. pneumoniae and E. coli transconjugants produced K. pneumoniae carbapenemase 2 (KPC-2), and most of them produced TEM, SHV and CTX-M. Additionally, 27 isolates and 27 E. coli transconjugants carried the qnr gene (25 were qnrB2 and 2 were qnrS1). K. pneumoniae harboured several plasmids, and bla(KPC-2) was located on a 55 kb plasmid. SDS-PAGE and ompK35/36 gene sequence analysis of OMPs suggested that porins in K. pneumoniae are expressed normally. The MICs of the carbapenems did not change in the presence of CCCP. Thus, production of KPC-2 appears to play an important role in resistance to carbapenems, although other mechanisms may be involved. The bla(KPC-2) gene is associated with several antibiotic-resistance genes, such as bla(TEM), bla(SHV), bla(CTX-M) and qnr.

The building blocks of evidence-based dentistry. The practice of dentistry is becoming more complex and challenging. Changing socio-demographic patterns, patients as knowledgeable health care consumers, rapid technical advances and the information "explosion" all place greater demands on clinical decision making. The need for reliable information and the electronic revolution have come together to allow the "paradigm shift" towards evidence-based health care to progress swiftly. Evidence-based dentistry closes the gap between clinical research and real world dental practice and provides dentists with powerful tools to interpret and apply research findings. Central to evidence-based practice is the systematic literature review, which synthesizes the best evidence and provides the basis for clinical practice guidelines.

Evidence suggesting a role for hydroxyl radical in glycerol-induced acute renal failure. Reactive oxygen metabolites, in particular hydroxyl radical, have been shown to be important mediators of tissue injury in several models of acute renal failure. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of hydroxyl radical in glycerol-induced acute renal failure, a model for myoglobinuric renal injury. Rats injected with glycerol alone (8 mg/kg im following dehydration for 24 h) developed significant renal failure compared with dehydrated controls. Rats treated with glycerol and a hydroxyl radical scavenger, dimethylthiourea (DMTU), had significantly lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. In contrast, urea, which is chemically similar to DMTU but is not a hydroxyl radical scavenger, provided no protection. In addition, DMTU prevented the glycerol-induced rise in renal cortical malondialdehyde content (a measure of lipid peroxidation that serves as a marker of free radical-mediated tissue injury). A second hydroxyl radical scavenger, sodium benzoate, had a similar protective effect on renal function (as measured by both BUN and creatinine). Because the generation of hydroxyl radical in biological systems requires the presence of a trace metal such as iron, we also examined the effect of the iron chelator, deferoxamine on glycerol-induced renal failure. Deferoxamine was also protective. The interventional agents were also associated with a marked reduction in histological evidence of renal damage. The protective effects of two hydroxyl radical scavengers as well as an iron chelator implicate a role for hydroxyl radical in glycerol-induced acute renal failure.

Use of chiral derivatization for the determination of dichlorprop in tea samples by ultra performance LC with fluorescence detection. Dichlorprop is available for agricultural use as a chiral pesticide. In this study, the stereoselective determination of dichlorprop enantiomers in tea samples such as green, black, jasmine, and oolong was developed by ultra performance LC with fluorescence spectrometry after covalent chiral derivatization. The separation was achieved on an Acquity BEH C18 column with the mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile/water at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. In the covalent chiral derivatization using (S)-(+)-4-(N,N-dimethylaminosulfonyl)-7-(3-aminopyrrolidin-1-yl)-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, the peak resolution between the S and R-dichlorprop enantiomers was 2.6. LODs and LOQs values were 10 and 50 ng/mL standard solution. The linearity of the calibration curves yielded the coefficients (r(2) > 0.99, ranging from 0.05 to 5 μg/mL) of determination of each of the dichlorprop enantiomers. SPE extraction was used for the sample preparation of dichlorprop in various tea samples. Recoveries were in the range of 82.4-97.6% with associated precision values (within-day: 82.4-95.8%, n = 6, and between-day: 83.7-97.6% for 3 days) for repeatability and reproducibility. Based on this result, our method has been proven to be highly efficient and suitable for the routine assay of dichlorprop enantiomers in various tea samples. We propose that the ultra performance LC assay after covalent chiral derivatization would be the renewed tools in the era of chiral stationary platform for chiral pesticide residues in foods.

A comparative study of axial corrected tomography with magnetic resonance imagery in 35 joints. Axially corrected tomographic examination of 35 temporomandibular joints was compared with respective MRI images. The criteria of joint space measurements, condylar positioning, and degenerative osseous changes were correlated with the MRI image of disk positioning. Joints with disk displacements that reduced with condylar translation and joints with disk dislocation without reduction of the articular disk were compared with normal examinations. The mean measured joint space on tomographic examination decreased with MRI evidence of disk displacement and dislocation. Fourteen of twenty-five joints with MRI documentation of disk displacement or dislocation did show a tendency for some condylar displacement from a centric position. Only the joints with MRI evidence of total disk dislocation showed bony evidence of degenerative changes with tomography. The clinical cross-sectional study suggests that there can be changes seen in axially corrected tomographic examinations that may suggest the presence of disk displacement or significant internal derangement.

Ecophysiological response of aspen (Populus tremuloides) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) to atmospheric nitrogen deposition on reconstructed boreal forest soils in the Athabasca oil sands region. Oil and gas extraction in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region of northeastern Alberta, Canada has increased anthropogenic nitrous oxide (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) emissions over the past three decades, leading to a potential increase in N deposition. Deposition on reclaimed sites was hypothesized to be higher than in surrounding boreal forests, but had not been quantified. The objective of this study was to assess the implications of this potentially increased deposition on reclaimed aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) ecosystems through the use of several N status indicators, including N deposition, total and available concentrations in plants and soils, and δ15N values in deposition and plants and soils. Atmospheric N deposition, which was dominated by ammonium (NH4+), averaged 24 kg N ha-1 year-1 as bulk precipitation and 6 kg N ha-1 year-1 as throughfall. Increased N deposition influenced the N cycle in both aspen and pine stands. Aspen appeared to be actively biocycling N as indicated by a closed N cycle, resulting in minimal N losses. Whereas the N cycle in pine may be more open as indicated by the dominance of soil nitrate (NO3-), and enrichment of 15N in available soil NH4+, root and foliar N. Therefore, we suggest that pine stands on reclamation sites may be at kinetic N saturation where the rate of N inputs exceeds vegetation and soil N net sinks, and do not require additional N fertilizer inputs.

Spontaneous fractures of the humerus during pitching. A series of 12 cases. We report the recent occurrence of spontaneous humeral shaft fractures in 12 pitchers. The subjects were interviewed over the telephone using a standard questionnaire. Radiographs and medical records were solicited from their physicians. Their average age was 36 years and they had pitched an average of 11.4 years with an average layoff of 14 years (range, 7 to 24). Mean time between games pitched was 21 days (range, 3 to 56). The average number of pitches before the fracture occurred was 38 (range, 10 to 100). Pain was experienced at some point before the fracture in 75% of the pitchers and 75% of the fractures were spiral. These fractures were most probably spontaneous fractures brought on by accumulated fatigue damage. The period of buildup after a prolonged period of layoff was probably insufficient time for proper bone remodeling to occur in these men. While a large percentage of these men had pain before their injury, suggesting a predisposing stress fracture, there is no doubt that their fractures could still be caused by a sudden torsional load without the presence of a stress fracture.

The evolution of subtype B HIV-1 tat in the Netherlands during 1985-2012. For the production of viral genomic RNA, HIV-1 is dependent on an early viral protein, Tat, which is required for high-level transcription. The quantity of viral RNA detectable in blood of HIV-1 infected individuals varies dramatically, and a factor involved could be the efficiency of Tat protein variants to stimulate RNA transcription. HIV-1 virulence, measured by set-point viral load, has been observed to increase over time in the Netherlands and elsewhere. Investigation of tat gene evolution in clinical isolates could discover a role of Tat in this changing virulence. A dataset of 291 Dutch HIV-1 subtype B tat genes, derived from full-length HIV-1 genome sequences from samples obtained between 1985-2012, was used to analyse the evolution of Tat. Twenty-two patient-derived tat genes, and the control TatHXB2 were analysed for their capacity to stimulate expression of an LTR-luciferase reporter gene construct in diverse cell lines, as well as for their ability to complement a tat-defective HIV-1LAI clone. Analysis of 291 historical tat sequences from the Netherlands showed ample amino acid (aa) variation between isolates, although no specific mutations were selected for over time. Of note, however, the encoded protein varied its length over the years through the loss or gain of stop codons in the second exon. In transmission clusters, a selection against the shorter Tat86 ORF was apparent in favour of the more common Tat101 version, likely due to negative selection against Tat86 itself, although random drift, transmission bottlenecks, or linkage to other variants could also explain the observation. There was no correlation between Tat length and set-point viral load; however, the number of non-intermediate variants in our study was small. In addition, variation in the length of Tat did not significantly change its capacity to stimulate transcription. From 1985 till 2012, variation in the length of the HIV-1 subtype B tat gene is increasingly found in the Dutch epidemic. However, as Tat proteins did not differ significantly in their capacity to stimulate transcription elongation in vitro, the increased HIV-1 virulence seen in recent years could not be linked to an evolving viral Tat protein.

Synthesis of Camphor-Derived Bis(pyrazolylpyridine) Rhodium(III) Complexes: Structure-Reactivity Relationships and Biological Activity. Two novel rhodium(III) complexes, namely, [RhIII(X)Cl3] (X = 2 2,6-bis((4 S,7 R)-7,8,8-trimethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H-4,7-methanoindazol-3-yl)pyridine or 2,6-bis((4 S,7 R)-1,7,8,8-tetramethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H-4,7-methanoindazol-3-yl)pyridine), were synthesized from camphor derivatives of a bis(pyrazolylpyridine), tridentate nitrogen-donor chelate system, giving [RhIII(H2L*)Cl3] (1a) and [RhIII(Me2L*)Cl3] (1b). A rhodium(III) terpyridine (terpy) ligand complex, [RhIII(terpy)Cl3] (1c), was also synthesized. By single-crystal X-ray analysis, 1b crystallizes in an orthorhombic P212121 system, with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. Tridentate coordination by the N,N,N-donor localizes the central nitrogen atom close to the rhodium(III) center. Compounds 1a and 1b were reactive toward l-methionine (l-Met), guanosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP), and glutathione (GSH), with an order of reactivity of 5'-GMP > GSH > l-Met. The order of reactivity of the RhIII complexes was: 1b> 1a > 1c. The RhIII complexes showed affinity for calf thymus DNA and bovine serum albumin by UV-vis and emission spectral studies. Furthermore, 1b showed significant in vitro cytotoxicity against human epithelial colorectal carcinoma cells. Since the RhIII complexes have similar coordination modes, stability differences were evaluated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations (B3LYP(CPCM)/LANL2DZp). With (H2L*) and (terpy) as model ligands, DFT calculations suggest that both tridentate ligand systems have similar stability. In addition, molecular docking suggests that all test compounds have affinity for the minor groove of DNA, while 1b and 1c have potential for DNA intercalation.

Ability of various impression materials to produce duplicate dies from successive impressions. This in vitro study evaluated the ability of five different impression techniques to make duplicate dies of two different types of tooth preparation. One mandibular second premolar Ivorine tooth was prepared for a complete crown and one for an onlay. A master impression was made of each tooth preparation with the use of five impression techniques for a total of 10 master impressions, and a master die was made from each of these impressions. Castings were made on these master dies, and the fit of each casting was verified on the respective Ivorine tooth. Marginal openings of the castings on the master dies were recorded under magnification at four predetermined points. Five successive impressions, with the use of each impression material, were then made of each tooth preparation for a total of 50 test impressions, and 50 test dies were made from these impressions. The fit of the respective casting was evaluated under magnification for each test die at the four predetermined points, and marginal openings were recorded. Differences between the marginal discrepancies of the casting on the master die and on the test die were tabulated and the results were statistically analyzed. Results indicated that none of the impression materials was capable of producing exact replicas. Polysulfide rubber performed significantly better than two materials for the production of duplicate dies with the complete crown preparation; and polyvinyl siloxane used with a putty-light body, single-stage technique produced mean marginal discrepancies that were significantly greater than the other four techniques when used for the onlay preparation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of osteoprotegerin to traditional atherosclerotic risk factors and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein for diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease, but the extent of atherosclerosis in individual patients is difficult to estimate. A biomarker of the atherosclerotic burden would be very valuable. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of plasma osteoprotegerin (OPG) to clinical and subclinical atherosclerotic disease in a large community-based, cross-sectional population study. In the Copenhagen City Heart Study, OPG concentrations were measured in 5,863 men and women. A total of 494 participants had been hospitalized for ischemic heart disease or ischemic stroke, and compared to controls, this group with clinical atherosclerosis had higher mean OPG (1,773 vs 1,337 ng/L, p <0.001) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (2.3 vs 1.6 mg/L, p <0.001). In a multivariate model with age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking status, estimated glomerular filtration rate, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and OPG, OPG remained significantly associated with clinical atherosclerosis (p <0.01); high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, in contrast, did not (p = 0.74). In the control group without clinical atherosclerosis, OPG was independently associated with hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and subclinical peripheral atherosclerosis as measured by ankle brachial index. For each doubling of the plasma OPG concentration, the risk for subclinical peripheral atherosclerosis increased by 50% (p <0.001) after multivariate adjustment. In conclusion, OPG appears to be a promising biomarker of atherosclerosis that is independently associated with traditional risk factors of atherosclerosis, subclinical peripheral atherosclerosis, and clinical atherosclerotic disease such as ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke.

Chest wall vibrations in singers. The chest wall vibrations generated by phonation were examined with respect to origin, amplitude, and spectrum in seven singers. The vibrations were picked up in male and female singer subjects by means of small accelerometers, which were fastened to the skin on the center of the sternum, and, for the purpose of comparison, on the thyroid cartilage and on the trachea a few cm below the larynx. Among the factors which influence the chest wall vibrations, the subglottal pressure oscillations seem to represent the most important excitation, while the mechanical shocks from the vocal fold vibrations seem secondary. Supra- and subglottal resonances seem moderately influential. The results of the investigation suggest that it is the voice source, particularly the amplitude of its fundamental, which is reflected in the chest wall vibrations. The amplitude of these vibrations seem to lie above the threshold of the Pacinian receptors for vibratory sensation as long as the fundamental frequency is below approximately 300 Hz. The amplitude of the voice source fundamental and hence the sensation of chest vibrations vary considerably as phonation is changed along the phonatory dimension which ranges from "pressed/tense/strained" through "flow" to "breathy" phonation. For this reason it seems likely that the sensation of chest vibrations can serve as a useful nonauditory and hence room-independent signal for the voluntary control of phonation.

Basic science behind the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of cardiovascular (CV) disease and all-cause mortality, with increases in cardiorespiratory fitness associated with corresponding decreases in CV disease risk. The effects of exercise upon the myocardium and vascular system are dependent upon the frequency, intensity and duration of the exercise itself. Following a prolonged period (≥ 6 months) of regular intensive exercise in previously untrained individuals, resting and submaximal exercising heart rates are typically 5-20 beats lower, with an increase in stroke volume of ∼ 20% and enhanced myocardial contractility. Structurally, all four heart chambers increase in volume with mild increases in wall thickness, resulting in greater cardiac mass due to increased myocardial cell size. With this in mind, the present paper aims to review the basic science behind the CV benefits of exercise. Attention will be paid to understanding (1) the relationship between exercise and cardiac remodelling; (2) the cardiac cellular and molecular adaptations in response to exercise, including the examination of molecular mechanisms of physiological cardiac growth and applying these mechanisms to identify new therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse pathological remodelling and heart failure; and (3) vascular adaptations in response to exercise. Finally, this review will briefly examine how to optimise the CV benefits of exercise by considering how much and how intense exercise should be.

Rorschach assessment of purging and nonpurging bulimics. Research in bulimia has flourished in recent years, and yet minimal attention has been devoted to explorations of the bulimic's basic personality organization. We utilized the Rorschach to differentiate between purging and nonpurging bulimics and controls. There were 15 subjects in each group. The Comprehensive System (Exner, 1986) was used for the scoring of the protocols. Statistically significant differences were not found between the two bulimia groups, but interesting trends were detected in the areas of depression, anger, and self-preoccupation. Results appear to be constrained by the low rate of purging behavior. Comparisons between the combined bulimia groups and the controls resulted in solidly characterizing the bulimics as displaying perceptual inaccuracies, disordered thinking, a vulnerability to interpersonal problems, a damaged self-image, and a pessimistic outlook. The strengths of the study were its use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev. [DSM-III-R]; American Psychiatric Association, 1987) nonpatients bulimic subtypes and a control group that was comparable in terms of demographics. Future Rorschach studies with bulimics displaying higher frequencies of binging and purging behaviors are suggested.

Evolutionary history of 4.5SI RNA and indication that it is functional. To date, the small nuclear 4.5SI RNA has only been studied in the rat (Rattus norvegicus). Combining PCR and hybridization analyses, we have revealed 4.5SI RNA homologues sequences in the genomes of four myomorph rodent families (Muridae, Cricetidae, Spalicidae, and Rhizomyidae), and not in other myomorph families (Dipodidae, Zapodidae, Geomyidae, and Heteromyidae) or sciuromorph and caviomorph rodents. By Northern-hybridization, 4.5SI RNA has been detected in the common rat (R. norvegicus, Muridae), golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus, Cricetidae), and Russian mole rat (Spalax microphthalmus, Spalacidae), but not in the related great jerboa (Allactaga jaculus, Dipodidae) or in four non-myomorph rodent species tested. cDNA derived from 4.5SI RNA of M. auratus and S. microphthalmus has been cloned and sequenced. The hamster RNA is found to differ from rat 4.5SI RNA by only one nucleotide substitution. For the mole rat, two variants of 4.5SI RNA are detected: short (S) and long (L) with length 101 and 108 nt, respectively. The L variant differs from the S variant as well as from murid and cricetid 4.5SI RNAs by both a 7 nt insertion and a varying number of nucleotide substitutions. The sequence similarity between the spalacid S-variant and murid/crecitid variants of 4.5SI RNA is 90%. Judging from species distribution, 4.5SI RNA genes emerged during the same period of time as the related short interspersed element B2 arose. This occurred after the divergence of Dipodidae lineage but before the branching of Spalicidae/Rhizomyidae lineage from a common myomorph rodent stem. S variant genes seemed to emerge in a common ancestor of spalacids and rhizomyds whereas L variant genes formed in spalacids following the divergence of these two families. The low rate of evolutionary changes of 4.5SI RNA, at least, in murids and cricetids (6 x 10(-4) substitutions per site per million years), suggests that this RNA is under selection constraint and have a function. This is a remarkable fact if the recent origin and narrow species distribution range of 4.5SI RNA genes is taken into account. Genes with narrow species distribution are proposed to be referred to as stenogenes.

Behavioural changes after closed head injury. A neuropsychological issue. The long-term behavioural consequences of moderate to severe closed head injury (CHI) have been examined within a neuropsychological framework. It is argued that neuropsychological assessment must be considered if the behavioural sequelae of a brain injury are to be fully appreciated and assessment and rehabilitation modules appropriately formulated. Functioning of the frontal lobes is emphasised because this is the area most at risk when a head injury occurs. The meaning of 'executive functions' is examined, and the behavioural and rehabilitation implications of an impaired 'executor' are discussed. It is demonstrated that traditional individual and family-based psychotherapeutic techniques are inappropriate for people with impaired executive functions.

In Vivo Interaction Studies by Measuring Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Through Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FRET/FLIM). Combinations of multiple fluorescent fusion proteins are commonly generated and used for colocalization studies in live cell imaging but also biochemical analysis of protein-protein interactions by co-immunoprecipitation in vitro. Advanced microscopy techniques like Förster resonance energy transfer through fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FRET/FLIM) nowadays enable the combination of both approaches. This opens up the possibility to perform a location-specific protein-protein interaction analysis in vivo. To this end, the nonradiant energy transfer from a donor to an acceptor fluorophore (FRET) is harnessed to test for close proximity as an indicator for interaction, while the spectromicroscopical measurement of the fluorescence lifetime by FLIM serves as a readout.Here, we describe FRET/FLIM measurements performed with a Leica TCS SP8/PicoHarp 300 combination to demonstrate the interaction between a RFP-tagged GFP-nanobody and its epitope, GFP, in the cytoplasm of tobacco mesophyll protoplasts.

Problems of body structure and size of the hypophysis. The size of the hypophysis, especially of the anterior lobe, is related to body size while the nervous lobe is related to the brain weight. The anterior lobe of the hypophysis in domestic animals is smaller than that of their ancestors in the wild. The proportions of the body, the distribution of bulk, as they appear in different races--whippets and bulldogs--are related to the size of the anterior lobe. Same body weight implies that the anterior lobe is nearly twice as large in animals with a compact body structure. These intraspecific results can also be shown interspecificly by comparing the species of African Bovidae. Independent of the influence of body size, the subfamilies Alcelaphinae and Hippotraginae possess a larger anterior lobe. A tendency can be shown for a relation to body structure as short-legged species living on marshy grounds (Kobus) or soft sands (Addax) have larger anterior lobes.

Knowledge About ADHD in Primary Teachers of Public Schools of Sabaneta, Antioquia. The present research aims to describe the knowledge of elementary school teachers about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) through interviews about general information, symptoms/diagnosis and treatment, in addition to perceived self-efficacy. A descriptive cross-sectional population study was carried out, involving 62 teachers from public schools in the municipality of Sabaneta. The teachers were evaluated by the Spanish adaptation of the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (KADDS), an estimation scale composed of 36 items of three alternative answers (true, false and I do not know). Teachers correctly answered a little less than half of the items in the total questionnaire (48.52%). Specifically, it was in the subscale of dymptoms/diagnosis in which they presented more hits with 69.35%, followed by the treatment subscale (45.30%), and finally the general information (38.60%). According to the data obtained, the need for interventions on the subject is confirmed, so that this is reflected in new teaching techniques that facilitate the learning and development of children with the disorder.

Loss of ileum decreases serum fibroblast growth factor 19 in relation to liver inflammation and fibrosis in pediatric onset intestinal failure. The pathogenesis of intestinal failure (IF) associated liver disease (IFALD) is uncertain, we therefore investigated the role of FGF19 and pro-inflammatory cytokines has on this disease state. Serum FGF19, IL-6 and, TNF-α were measured in 52 IF patients at median age 6.0 years (IQR 2.2-13) after 10 months (4.1-39) on parenteral nutrition (PN). Thirty-nine patients underwent liver biopsies. In IF patients, FGF19 concentrations were lower and those of IL-6 and TNF-α higher compared to healthy matched controls (p ⩽ 0.001 for all). FGF19 concentrations were further decreased in patients without a remaining ileum [37 pg/ml (IQR 30-68) vs. 74 (35-135) p=0.028], and correlated with remaining ileum length (r = 0.333, p = 0.018) and markers of cholesterol synthesis (r = -0.552 to -0.643, p < 0.001). Patients with histological portal inflammation [30 pg/ml (28-45) vs. 48 (33-100), p = 0.019] or fibrosis [35 pg/ml (30-66) vs. 99 (38-163), p = 0.013] had lower serum FGF19 concentrations than others. FGF19 negatively correlated with portal inflammation grade (r = -0.442, p = 0.005), serum TNF-α (r = -0.318, p = 0.025), METAVIR fibrosis stage (r = -0.441, p = 0.005) and APRI (r = -0.328, p = 0.028). IL-6 was higher during PN [6 pg/ml (2-31)] than after weaning off PN [2 pg/ml (1-5), p = 0.009], correlated weakly with cholestasis grade (r = 0.328, p = 0.044), and tended to associate with histological cholestasis [n = 5, 5 pg/ml (5-267) vs. n=34, 2 pg/ml (1-7), p = 0.058]. In pediatric onset of IF, total or partial loss of ileum decreases serum FGF19 concentration corresponding to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, along with increased cholesterol synthesis. In contrast, serum IL-6 increases during PN and may associate with concurrent cholestasis. These data suggests that FGF19 may contribute to the pathogenesis of IFALD.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Dyskeratosis Congenita: A Report of 3 Cases. Although bone marrow failure in patients with dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) can be successfully treated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) using a reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen, the outcome of nonhematological disorders in patients with DKC treated with allo-HCT using RIC has not been fully elucidated. Here, we describe the clinical course of nonhematological disorders after allo-HCT with RIC in 3 consecutive patients with DKC. Allo-HCT with RIC was feasible in all cases; however, patient 1 developed lethal pulmonary disease and patient 2 experienced progression of hepatic fibrosis. Careful follow-up of patient-specific complications is required after allo-HCT in patients with DKC.

Prognostic value of lectin pathway molecules and complement proteins in ascitic fluid and blood in patients with liver cirrhosis. Patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites have a poor prognosis with increased risk of infection related death, as advanced stages of cirrhosis are associated with immunodeficiency. We aimed to investigate immunologically active molecules in ascitic fluid and blood and their potential association to survival. In an exploratory pilot study; blood and ascitic fluid from 34 patients with liver cirrhosis of different etiology were analyzed for pattern recognition molecules (ficolin-1, ficolin-2, ficolin-3 and MBL) and complement proteins (C4 and C3). An observational follow-up study (minimum 17 months) was conducted to assess the association to all-cause mortality or liver transplantation. Ficolin-1, ficolin-2, MBL, C4 and C3 in ascitic fluid and ficolin-1, C4 and C3 in blood were significantly (p = .001-.027) lower in patients with Child-Pugh stage C (n = 16, 47%) compared to Child-Pugh stage B cirrhosis (n = 18, 53%). In multivariate COX-regression analysis low levels of ficolin-1(p = .036) and C3 (p = .025) in ascitic fluid and C4(p = .005) and C3 (p = .032) in serum were associated with all-cause mortality or liver transplantation independent of Child-Pugh score. Levels of lectin-complement pathway molecules in ascitic fluid and blood are lower in patients with more advanced stage of cirrhosis. Low C4 and C3 in serum and C3 and ficolin-1 in ascitic fluid are risk factors for all-cause mortality or liver transplantation independently of liver function in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

Rate-limiting steps in metabolic pathways. A method is proposed to detect whether a given enzyme catalyzes a rate-limiting step in a metabolic pathway. With the use of a range of concentrations of specific inhibitors of an enzyme, the finding of a biphasic response with an initial null effect indicates the non-rate-limiting nature of the enzyme. With this method, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase is indicated to catalyze a rate-limiting step in lactate gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes from fasted rats.

Panax notoginsenoside Rb1 Restores the Neurotrophic Imbalance Following Photothrombotic Stroke in Rats. Mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) has neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia. Conversely, the precursor of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) has the opposite function to its mature form, inducing apoptosis. However, whether the neuroprotection of Panax notoginsenoside Rb1 (PNS-Rb1) on ischemic stroke is due to, at least partially, its modulation of suppressing proBDNF/P75NTR/sortilin or upregulation of mBDNF is not clear. To test this hypothesis, rats induced by photothrombotic stroke were treated with PNS-Rb1 100 mg/kg or nimodipine 1 mg/kg twice a day until 3, 7, and 14 days. Our data indicate that PNS-Rb1 significantly reduced cerebral infarction rate, proBDNF/P75NTR/sortilin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) protein levels, and improved sensorimotor dysfunctions induced by ischemic stroke, upregulation of BDNF/TrkB levels, and its processing enzymes (tissue plasminogen activator, tPA) in a time-dependent manner. Taken together, our findings indicate that the improvement of sensorimotor dysfunctions by PNS-Rb1 following ischemic stroke is made, at least partially, by activating the BDNF/TrkB and inhibiting proBDNF/sortilin/P75NTR.

The immune response and maternal antibody interference to a heterologous H1N1 swine influenza virus infection following vaccination. This study investigated the efficacy of a bivalent swine influenza virus (SIV) vaccine in piglets challenged with a heterologous H1N1 SIV isolate. The ability of maternally derived antibodies (MDA) to provide protection against a heterologous challenge and the impact MDA have on vaccine efficacy were also evaluated. Forty-eight MDA(+) pigs and 48 MDA(-) pigs were assigned to 8 different groups. Vaccinated pigs received two doses of a bivalent SIV vaccine at 3 and 5 weeks of age. The infected pigs were challenged at 7 weeks of age with an H1N1 SIV strain heterologous to the H1N1 vaccine strain. Clinical signs, rectal temperature, macroscopic and microscopic lesions, virus excretion, serum and local antibody responses, and influenza-specific T-cell responses were measured. The bivalent SIV vaccine induced a high serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody titer against the vaccine virus, but antibodies cross-reacted at a lower level to the challenge virus. This study determined that low serum HI antibodies to a challenge virus induced by vaccination with a heterologous virus provided protection demonstrated by clinical protection and reduced pneumonia and viral excretion. The vaccine was able to prime the local SIV-specific antibody response in the lower respiratory tract as well as inducing a systemic SIV-specific memory T-cell response. MDA alone were capable of suppressing fever subsequent to infection, but other parameters showed reduced protection against infection compared to vaccination. The presence of MDA at vaccination negatively impacted vaccine efficacy as fever and clinical signs were prolonged, and unexpectedly, SIV-induced pneumonia was increased compared to pigs vaccinated in the absence of MDA. MDA also suppressed the serum antibody response and the induction of SIV-specific memory T-cells following vaccination. The results of this study question the effectiveness of the current practice of generating increased MDA levels through sow vaccination in protecting piglets against disease.

Stimulant psychosis: systematic review. Psychosis associated with stimulant use is an increasing problem, but there is little research evidence about the nature of the problem and its management. To critically review the literature on stimulant psychosis and sensitisation. Systematic review of studies that have investigated stimulant use and psychosis in humans. The main outcome measures were increases in psychosis with stimulant use, and differences between stimulant users and non-users. Fifty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Experimental studies show that a single dose of a stimulant drug can produce a brief increase in psychosis ratings (a "response") in 50-70% of participants with schizophrenia and pre-existing acute psychotic symptoms, unaffected by the presence of antipsychotic medication. Those with schizophrenia who do not have acute psychotic symptoms respond, but less frequently (30%). There has been little research into the longer-term effects of use. Compliance with antipsychotic medication by someone with schizophrenia will not prevent a relapse or worsening of psychotic symptoms if stimulants are used. Low-dose antipsychotic treatment may be beneficial in stimulant users, to prevent sensitisation.

[I/D polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene in men with myocardial infarction at young age]. The rate of D allele did not differ between patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) who had myocardial infarction before the age 45, and healthy males. The DD genotype of the ACE gene was much more frequently encountered in the patients than in healthy males. The findings suggest that the DD genotype is an independent risk factor of the IHD and myocardial infarction in young patients.

Facile electrochemical hydrogenation and chlorination of glassy carbon to produce highly reactive and uniform surfaces for stable anchoring of thiolated molecules. Carbon is a highly adaptable family of materials and is one of the most chemically stable materials known, providing a remarkable platform for the development of tunable molecular interfaces. Herein, we report a two-step process for the electrochemical hydrogenation of glassy carbon followed by either chemical or electrochemical chlorination to provide a highly reactive surface for further functionalization. The carbon surface at each stage of the process is characterized by AFM, SEM, Raman, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electroanalytical techniques. Electrochemical chlorination of hydrogen-terminated surfaces is achieved in just 5 min at room temperature with hydrochloric acid, and chemical chlorination is performed with phosphorus pentachloride at 50 °C over a three-hour period. A more controlled and uniform surface is obtained using the electrochemical approach, as chemical chlorination is observed to damage the glassy carbon surface. A ferrocene-labeled alkylthiol is used as a model system to demonstrate the genericity and potential application of the highly reactive chlorinated surface formed, and the methodology is optimized. This process is then applied to thiolated DNA, and the functionality of the immobilized DNA probe is demonstrated. XPS reveals the covalent bond formed to be a C-S bond. The thermal stability of the thiolated molecules anchored on the glassy carbon is evaluated, and is found to be far superior to that on gold surfaces. This is the first report on the electrochemical hydrogenation and electrochemical chlorination of a glassy carbon surface, and this facile process can be applied to the highly stable functionalization of carbon surfaces with a plethora of diverse molecules, finding widespread applications.

Rectovaginal fistula: a new technique and preliminary results using collagen matrix biomesh. A rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a debilitating condition that is difficult to treat. Many available techniques are invasive and involve extensive surgery. A local procedure with good closure rates would be preferable as a first step in the treatment of RVF. The aim of this study was the development of a local technique for the closure of RVF with good closure rates to prevent the use of more invasive procedures. This was a pilot study. Patients with RVF who had undergone multiple operations in the pelvic area, local radiotherapy, chemotherapy or had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease were included in the study. All had a history of surgery for RVF. A cross-linked collagen matrix biomesh was placed in the rectovaginal septum using a transperineal or a transvaginal approach. The main outcome measure in this study was the closure rate reported as absence of the fistula at 1 year. Twelve patients were included in the study. Absence of fistula at 1 year was 0.64 (95 % confidence interval 0.30-0.85). Three patients (25.0 %) developed a recurrence, two were reoperated on with a gracilis flap transposition, and one was treated with laparoscopic ligation. In one patient (8.3 %), the fistula failed to close within 3 months after the mesh placement. Our technique shows promising results. A local and simple technique with acceptable closure and morbidity rates, like our local repair with biomesh, would be ideal as a first step in treating RVFs. Long-term results are needed.

Impact of fly ash composition on mercury speciation in simulated flue gas. The impact of different fly ash samples on mercury speciation in simulated flue gas at 140 degrees C was evaluated in this study. Experiments were conducted in a fixed bed reactor to determine the impact of fly ash morphological characteristics and chemical composition on mercury uptake and oxidation. No homogeneous mercury oxidation was observed at 140 degrees C. Mercury uptake tests with different fly ash samples revealed that loss on ignition (LOI), surface area, and particle size all had positive effects on mercury oxidation and adsorption (i.e., as the above parameters increased, mercury adsorption and oxidation also increased). Experiments with pure inorganic components showed that alumina (A12O3), silica (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and titania (TiO2) do not promote mercury oxidation or adsorption. Ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and unburned carbon, on the other hand, showed significant mercury oxidation and capture.

Linear alignment of four sulfur atoms in bis[(8-phenylthio)naphthyl] disulfide: contribution of linear S4 hypervalent four-centre six-electron bond to the structure. The four sulfur atoms in bis[8-(phenylthio)naphthyl]-1,1'-disulfide are demonstrated to align linearly by the X-ray crystallographic analysis, where the linear S4 alignment is stabilized by the four-centre six-electron interaction.

[Effect of dietetic and ethological factors on reproduction in cows]. The application of dietetic and ethologic factors on three cow farms led to the improvement of the reproduction parameters. Basic dietetic factors were the correction of the energy--protein ratio, and the percent of the crude protein in the diet. In so far as the ethologic factors were concerned greatest attention was paid to the organization of work on the farms, the strict observance of the daily regime, and the principle of the herd hierarchy. The "independence period", i.e. the period between the time of calving and the time of the following first estrus dropped by 16, 8 and 10 days, respectively. The conception rate at first insemination rose by 25, 25 and 14.9 per cent, and the impregnation rate up to the 60th day--by 9, 13 and 3 per cent, respectively. Milk productivity increased by 1000 1 for the first two farms and by 300 1 for the third one. The number of calves obtained per 100 cows rose by 13, 14 and 2, respectively.

[Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with antibiotic-loaded calcium phosphate cement]. The antibiotic delayed release system which has the characteristics of high local antibiotic concentration,few adverse effects, slow release and long duration, has became one of important methods of treating chronic osteomyelitis. Because of its double action as drug carrier and bone repair material which can induce bone growth and degrade synchronously, drug impregnated calcium phosphate cement (diCPC) is an ideal and safe antibiotic slow release carrier. After clearing focus thoroughly, defect implant with diCPC is an effective method, which has the virtues of convenient operation, good effects and short staying time etc. This paper aims to summarize the biological properties, experimental study and clinical application of diCPC.

[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy]. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a complex disease triggered mostly by exposure to cigarette smoke, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, leading not only to pulmonary damage but also to systemic impairment. There is growing awareness of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular, neurologic, psychiatric, and endocrine comorbidities associated with COPD. The diagnosis of CODP is based upon the clinical presentation, measurement of the pulmonary function, investigation of comorbidities and exclusion of differential diagnoses. COPD is a heterogeneous disease including various phenotypes. A number of drugs reduce or alleviate symptoms, increase exercise capacity, or reduce the number and severity of exacerbations. Non-pharmacologic measures such as smoking cessation, nutritional support, long term oxygen therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, lung volume reduction and lung transplantation may be available for appropriate patients and can improve health status.

Toxicity by NSAIDs. Counteraction by stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 is an anti-ulcer peptidergic agent, proven in clinical trials to be both safe in inflammatory bowel disease (PL-10, PLD-116, PL 14736) and wound healing, stable in human gastric juice, with no toxicity being reported. Recently, we claim that BPC 157 may be used as an antidote against NSAIDs. We focused on BPC 157 beneficial effects on stomach, duodenum, intestine, liver and brain injuries, adjuvant arthritis, pain, hyper/hypothermia, obstructive thrombus formation and thrombolysis, blood vessel function, counteraction of prolonged bleeding and thrombocytopenia after application of various anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents and wound healing improvement. The arguments for BPC 157 antidote activity (i.e., the role of BPC 157 in cytoprotection, being a novel mediator of Robert's cytoprotection and BPC 157 beneficial effects on NSAIDs mediated lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and brain and finally, counteraction of aspirin-induced prolonged bleeding and thrombocytopenia) obviously have a counteracting effect on several established side-effects of NSAIDs use. The mentioned variety of the beneficial effects portrayed by BPC 157 may well be a foundation for establishing BPC 157 as a NSAIDs antidote since no other single agent has portrayed a similar array of effects. Unlike NSAIDs, a very high safety (no reported toxicity (LD1 could be not achieved)) profile is reported for BPC 157. Also, unlike the different dosage levels of aspirin, as a NSAIDs prototype, which differ by a factor of about ten, all these beneficial and counteracting effects of BPC 157 were obtained using the equipotent dosage (μg, ng/kg) in parenteral or peroral regimens.

Multiple-informant ranking of the disabling effects of different health conditions in 14 countries. WHO/NIH Joint Project CAR Study Group. The Global Burden of Disease study provided international statistics on the burden of diseases, combining mortality and disability, that can be used for priority setting and policy making. However, there are concerns about the universality of the disability weights used. We undertook a study to investigate the stability of such weighting in different countries and informant groups. 241 key informants (health professionals, policy makers, people with disabilities, and their carers) from 14 countries were asked to rank 17 health conditions from most disabling to least disabling. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was used to test for differences in ranking between countries or informant groups and Kendall tau-B correlations to measure association between different rank orders. For 13 of 17 health conditions, there were significant (p<0.05) differences in ranking between countries; in the comparison of informant groups, there were significant differences for five of the 17 health conditions. The overall rank order in the present study was, however, almost identical to the ranking of the Global Burden of Disease study, which used a different method. Most of the rank correlations between countries were between 0.50 and 0.70 (average 0.61 [95% CI 0.59-0.64]). The average correlation of rank orders between different informant groups was 0.76. Rank order of disabling effects of health conditions is relatively stable across countries, informant groups, and methods. However, the differences are large enough to cast doubt on the assumption of universality of experts' judgments about disability weights. Further studies are needed because disability weights are central to the calculation of disability-adjusted life years.

Influence of non-ionic surfactants on permeation of hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, testosterone and progesterone across cellulose acetate membrane. The lag-time method of diffusion has been used to investigate permeation of hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, testosterone and progesterone across cellulose acetate membranes between 10 degrees and 40 degrees. The process depended mainly on membrane-water partition coefficients of the steroids so that the least polar compound permeated the fastest. Permeation generally increased with increasing temperature and from the temperature dependance of the diffusion coefficient, energies of activation were derived. The varied from 2.4 kcal mol(-1) for the least polar steroid, progesterone, to 7.4 kcal mol(-1) for the most polar, hydrocortisone. n-C16 Polyoxyethylene surfactants when present below and above the cmc increased the steroids permeation rates. Varying the polyoxyethylene chain length (OE equals 17-63) did not significantly affect permeation rates, suggesting that the enhancing effect of surfactants arises from their hydrophobic group.

Chronic active hepatitis and severe hepatic necrosis associated with nitrofurantoin. Nitrofurantoin has been associated with an acute hepatocellular and cholestatic injury, but only rarely with a lesion resembling chronic active hepatitis. Death from nitrofurantoin hepatotoxicity after long-term therapy has not been previously described. We report five cases of chronic active hepatitis, including two deaths, associated with nitrofurantoin and discuss previously reported cases. All of the 20 patients were women and had taken the drug from 4 weeks to 11 years. Most patients had a low serum albumin and an elevated gamma globulin; antinuclear antibody was positive in 12 patients. Eighteen patients improved clinically and biochemically when the drug was withdrawn. Cirrhosis occurred in four patients. Both of the patients who died had taken the drug for more than 1 year and had a clinical course of progressive hepatic failure. Severe hepatic necrosis was noted at autopsy in both patients.

New hybrid count- and geometry-based method for quantification of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction from ECG-gated SPECT: methodology and validation. We have previously developed a new method for quantitative assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) from electrocardiography-gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The aims of this study were to present the methodology, to validate the gated SPECT cardiac quantification (GSCQ) method in phantoms and patients, and to determine normal values of LVEF. A simple thresholding technique was used to generate binary images from nongated SPECT images. The K-means cluster classification algorithm was used to separate the LV region from non-LV regions on the binary images. A count- and geometry-based algorithm was applied to define endocardial and epicardial boundaries for calculation of LV volumes and LVEF. Overall correlation between GSCQ-quantified volumes and actual phantom volumes was good ( r = 0.97 and standard error of estimation (SEE) = 9.99 mL for normal phantoms, r = 0.99 and SEE = 6.97 mL for phantoms with defects). In patient studies, LVEF derived by GSCQ from SPECT and from equilibrium radionuclide angiography also showed good correlation ( r = 0.90 and SEE = 6.2%). The lower limit of normal LVEF from 8-frame gated SPECT by use of GSCQ was 45%. Quantification of LVEF by the GSCQ method was highly producible and was not significantly affected by the presence of myocardial perfusion defects or intense gastrointestinal activity. The GSCQ method provides reliable and consistent assessments of LV volumes and EF. This methodology is less affected by intense gastrointestinal activity than other methods.

Effect of noradrenergic lesions on subtypes of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat brain. The binding of [3H]rauwolscine to alpha 2A- (also referred to as alpha 2D-) and alpha 2C-adrenoceptors in homogenates of rat cerebral cortex was measured by exploiting the selectivity of oxymetazoline for alpha 2A-adrenoceptors. Inhibition of [3H]rauwolscine binding by oxymetazoline was modeled best assuming binding to two sites (p < 0.001). Competition curves for oxymetazoline were shifted rightward by the addition of GTP (250 microM) but were still fit best by a two-site model (p < 0.001). A concentration of oxymetazoline was calculated that would optimally antagonize [3H]rauwolscine binding (with GTP present) to oxymetazoline-sensitive alpha 2A-adrenoceptors, minimally inhibiting binding to alpha 2C-adrenoceptors. Subsequently, [3H]rauwolscine binding to alpha 2A- and alpha 2C-adrenoceptors in cortex was examined 3 weeks after destruction of noradrenergic terminals. Binding to alpha 2C-adrenoceptors was increased significantly after treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine, (6-OHDA) compared with vehicle-treated controls, whereas binding to alpha 2A-adrenoceptors was unchanged. Pretreatment of rats with desipramine before 6-hydroxydopamine, to protect noradrenergic neurons, resulted in no changes in binding to either alpha 2A- or alpha 2C-adrenoceptors. Thus, alpha 2C-adrenoceptors are regulated by changes in synaptic availability of norepinephrine. alpha 2A-Adrenoceptors are either not regulated by synaptic norepinephrine or are located both post- and presynaptically so that up-regulation of postsynaptic alpha 2A-adrenoceptors is offset by a loss of presynaptic alpha 2A-adrenoceptors.

The effects of exercise intensity on p-NR2B expression in cerebral ischemic rats. The current study explored the effects of treadmill exercise intensity on functional recovery and hippocampal phospho-NR2B (p-NR2B) expression in cerebral ischemic rats, induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, including sham, no exercise (NE), low intensity training (LIT, v = 15 m/min), and moderate intensity training groups (MIT, v = 20 m/min). At different time points, the hippocampal expressions of p-NR2B and total NR2B were examined. In addition, neurological deficit score (NDS), body weight, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were used to evaluate brain infarct volume as assessments of post-stroke functional recovery. In order to investigate the effect of exercise on survival, the mortality rate was also recorded. The results showed that treadmill exercise significantly decreased hippocampal expression of p-NR2B but didn't change the total NR2B, compared to the NE group on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days following MCAO surgery. The effect on changes in p-NR2B levels, body weight, and brain infarct volume were more significant in the LIT compared to the MIT group. The current findings demonstrate that physical exercise can produce neuroprotective effects, in part by down-regulating p-NR2B expression. Furthermore, the appropriate intensity of physical exercise is critical for post-stroke rehabilitation.

Characterization of a regulatory region upstream of the ADR2 locus of S. cerevisiae. We have used in vitro mutagenesis to identify a DNA sequence that is required for glucose regulation of the ADR2 locus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This region, located between 200 and 1,000 base pairs upstream of the structural gene for ADH II, has been identified by genetic and biochemical analysis as the site of ADR3, a cis-acting regulatory locus. If this region is deleted, ADR2 is no longer repressed by glucose. Moreover, if the sequence is excised and ligated in front of the ADC1 gene, it puts that gene under glucose control.

A vector-host model to assess the impact of superinfection exclusion on vaccination strategies using dengue and yellow fever as case studies. Superinfection exclusion is a phenomenon whereby the co-infection of a host with a secondary pathogen is prevented due to a current infection by another closely-related pathogenic strain. We construct a novel vector-host mathematical model for two pathogens that exhibit superinfection exclusion and simultaneously account for vaccination strategies against them. We then derive the conditions under which an endemic disease will prevent the establishment of another through the action of superinfection exclusion and show that vaccination against the endemic strain can enable the previously suppressed strain to invade the population. Through appropriate parameterisation of the model for dengue and yellow fever we find that superinfection exclusion alone is unlikely to explain the absence of yellow fever in many regions where dengue is endemic, and that the rollout of the recently licensed dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, is unlikely to enable the establishment of Yellow Fever in regions where it has previously been absent.

Higher Peripheral TREM2 mRNA Levels Relate to Cognitive Deficits and Hippocampal Atrophy in Alzheimer's Disease and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment. Variants in triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) are associated with increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Recent studies have reported inconsistent peripheral TREM2 mRNA expression levels and relationship with cognitive scores in AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Additionally, no study has examined the association of peripheral TREM2 levels with neuroimaging measures in AD and MCI. To determine peripheral TREM2 mRNA levels in AD, amnestic MCI (aMCI) and healthy controls, and the association with cognitive performance and brain structural changes. We measured peripheral TREM2 mRNA levels in 80 AD, 30 aMCI, and 86 healthy controls using real time polymerase chain reaction. TREM2 levels were correlated with various cognitive performance and brain volumes, correcting for APOE4 status. TREM2 mRNA levels were significantly higher in AD compared to controls and aMCI. Levels did not differ between aMCI and controls. Corrected for APOE4, higher TREM2 levels correlated with lower Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and episodic memory scores, and lower total grey matter and right hippocampal volumes. Whole-brain voxel-based morphometry analysis found negative association between TREM2 mRNA levels and grey matter volumes in temporal, parietal and frontal regions. AD subjects with MoCA scores ≤20 had higher TREM2 levels correlating with smaller total grey matter, left hippocampal and right hippocampal volumes. Peripheral TREM2 mRNA levels are higher in AD and are associated with AD-related cognitive deficits and hippocampal atrophy. Our findings suggest that TREM2 may be a potential non-invasive peripheral biomarker for AD diagnosis.

Behavioral risk factors among Arizonans with epilepsy: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2005/2006. Modifiable risk factors to help improve health outcomes for people with epilepsy in Arizona were identified using the 2005-2006 Arizona Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Of 9524 adults who participated in this survey, 125 reported ever being diagnosed with epilepsy (lifetime prevalence=1.3%, 95% CI=1.1-1.6%). Individuals with active epilepsy (those who had seizures in the prior 3 months and/or were taking anticonvulsants) had an overall lower quality of life. This likely resulted from a large number of medical comorbidities and poor mental and physical health days. Regression models suggested that for individuals with active epilepsy, physical activity was associated with fewer activity-limited days, whereas for individuals with inactive epilepsy, medical comorbidity was positively associated with activity-limited days. Further research is needed to increase the reliability of the findings.

Central Registry of Drug Abuse. The reorganized Central Registry of Drug Abuse, which began operation on September 1, 1976, serves as an invaluable monitoring device to identify at regular intervals any changes in trends and characteristics which may herald significant changes in the drug abuse patterns in Hong Kong. This marks a major advance in Hong Kong's efforts to improve the data base on which realistic antinarcotics policies could be formulated. Over the years, the Registry has attracted a great deal of interest, not only local but international as well. This article gives a summary of its background, operation, and findings.

Competitive personality attitudes and forgiveness of others. The authors conducted a survey to determine whether competitive attitudes are differentially associated with forgiveness or lack of forgiveness of others. The results showed that hypercompetitiveness was associated with a lack of forgiveness, whereas personal development competitiveness was associated positively with forgiveness. Discussion centers on the need to discourage socialization practices that foster the adoption of a self-contained individualism that is associated with a maladaptive hypercompetitiveness. Instead, parents should promote an ensembled individualism that is associated with a psychologically healthy personal development competitive orientation.

Congenital radioulnar synostosis in an active duty soldier: case report and literature review. Congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRS) is a developmental deformity that interferes with pronation and supination of the upper extremity. CRS often results in functional, cosmetic, and cultural limitations. The purpose of this paper is to present a patient with CRS who is currently functioning as a generator mechanic in the U.S. Army and to review the literature for current treatment options. We know of no other individual in the U.S. Army who is on active duty status with this deformity.

BK virus: II. Serologic studies in children with congenital disease and patients with malignant tumors and immunodeficiencies. Sera of 451 children with congenital diseases and 185 tumor patients were tested for BK virus-specific antibodies by hemagglutination inhibition and IgM-immunofluorescence tests. Compared to age-matched control groups, higher percentages and significantly elevated geometric mean titers of HI antibodies were found in all patient groups tested. Of children under six months of age with congenital diseases such as dysplasia, cerebral defects, and hyperbilirubinemia and hepatosplenomegaly, 4.2% (17/402) had BK virus-specific IgM antibodies. No positive sera were found in 68 control sera. Of tumor patients 5--15 years of age, 8.6% (16/185) had IgM antibodies to BK virus. In the control group, 30% (3/99) had them. Serial serum samples from 76 tumor patients treated with cytostatic drugs showed seroconversion in three cases. No relationship between certain clinical features and BK virus infection was noted. Isolation of BK virus was successful from urines of two infants with connatal defects, six patients suffering from malignant tumors, and four patients with inherited immunodeficiencies.

Detection of Aspergillus spp. in biological samples by real-time PCR. Recently, the proportion of invasive infections caused by the filamentous fungi of the Aspergillus genus are growing in immunocompromised persons particularly in transplant recipients and neutropenic patients. Unfortunately, laboratory diagnostics of invasive aspergillosis remains extremely difficult, mainly with regard to the sensitivity of the methods and to the correct interpretation of the results in particular. The aim of this work was to design a standard and reproducible Aspergillus DNA detection method and its validation. The second aim was to practically use this method for diagnosis of Aspergillus DNA in various samples in patients. Real-time PCR with two hybridization probes. Amplification and on-line quantification was carried out on a LightCycler 1.5 Instrument. Specificity of the reaction was tested for A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger and A. terreus, and its sensitivity was determined at 5 copies per ml. The reproducibility of the results was comparable to other methods, reported in the literature. Applicability of the real-time PCR was assessed for detection of Aspergillus DNA in 354 various clinical samples taken from 179 patients at risk of invasive aspergillosis over the period of 33 months. Of 354 samples 103 (29.10 %) taken from 65 patients (36.31 %) were evaluated as positive. Over one year, the percentage of positive samples was mostly about 30 % or less per month. Our results demonstrate the high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of this technique, and its usefulness for rapid laboratory diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis.

Comparison of HTK- and UW-solution for liver preservation tested in an orthotopic liver transplantation model in the pig. The aim of this experimental study was to compare the preservation potency of University of Wisconsin (UW) and HTK (Bretschneider) solutions in an orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) model in pigs. Livers were harvested using an in situ perfusion technique, where organs were flushed with the solution being tested, stored on ice--cold storage (CS)--for 2 or 24 h and then transplanted. Parameters monitored were liver enzymes in serum, hepatic water content, high energy phosphates, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation time T2, light microscopy and bile production. CS for 24 h is an extreme in pig liver preservation and is not compatible with animal survival. Biopsies showed drastic morphological changes and grafts did not produce bile in either group. (Bile production 2 h CS: HTK, 5.6 +/- 1.8 ml/h; UW, 4.7 +/- 2.3 ml/h) Enzyme release after reperfusion (deltaSGOT, deltaLDH) was higher in long-term preservation. Hepatic tissue water content significantly decreased during CS in UW preserved livers. Edema alter reperfusion (deltaH2O: HTK 24 h = +5.6%, UW 24 h = +4.8%) and regeneration capacity after reperfusion (UW 2 h = 63%, HTK 2 h = 55%, UW 24 h = 30%, HTK 24 h = 30%) were not significantly different. However, we did not observe major differences in preservation potency between the solutions tested. Differences were correlated, rather, with length 9 time of CS, than with the solution used. Therefore, HTK solution seemed to be a low potassium containing alternative to UW solution.

The syndrome of painful legs and moving toes. The clinical presentation, symptoms, and signs in 20 new patients with the painful legs and moving toes syndrome are presented. Painful legs and moving toes may develop in the setting of spinal cord and cauda equina trauma, lumbar root lesions, injuries to bony or soft tissues of the feet, and peripheral neuropathy. In 4 of the 20 cases in the present study, no definite cause was found. Pain preceded the onset of toe movements in 18 cases, but in 2 the reverse sequence occurred. The pain had many of the characteristics of causalgia, but none of the patients exhibited the full picture of reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and peripheral trauma was the trigger in only 5 cases. Several patients reported that the occurrence of toe movements was closely related to the pain, although abolition of pain with lumbar sympathetic blocks was not necessarily associated with disappearance of the movements. Several features suggest a central origin for the movements. Symptoms may begin on one side and become bilateral; movements may be momentarily suppressed by voluntary action or exacerbated by changing posture; and electromyography reveals complex patterns of rhythmic activity with normal recruitment of motor units involving several myotomes. Three other patients with similar moving toes but no pain are also described. The occurrence of similar movements in the absence of pain raises the possibility that these cases represent examples at one end of a spectrum of disorders, with pain alone (causalgia) at the other end and the syndrome of painful legs and moving toes in between.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical manifestations of bronchogenic carcinoma. A retrospective clinical study was carried out on 227 pathologically proven cases of bronchogenic carcinoma from eastern Taiwan, between October 1986 and March 1990. The ratio of males to females was low (2.15:1). The most common cell type was adenocarcinoma (39.2%), with squamous cell carcinoma (36.1%) being the second most common. Adenocarcinoma contributed to 51.4% of the bronchogenic carcinoma in women and 33.5% in men. History of cigarette smoking was strongly associated with squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma. The most common symptom was a cough (69%). The majority of small cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma appeared to be of the central type in location while most adenocarcinoma appeared to be of the peripheral type. Bronchoscopic examination was the most valuable method for confirming the diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma. Most patients presented late and only 19 cases (8.4%) underwent surgery. Aborigines have a lower risk of developing bronchogenic carcinoma. The clinical manifestations of bronchogenic carcinoma in eastern Taiwan are similar to those found in Taiwan as a whole.

[Prevalence of chronic wounds in a county in the province of Barcelona (Spain)]. To determine the prevalence of chronic wounds in patients in a specific region and their distribution according to health resources. To classify wound typologies and the treatment provided. To examine the use of risk assessment scales and preventive measures. A cross sectional study was performed between June 2 and 8, 2004 that included all the health centers of the distinct health areas of Osona County (Barcelona), with a population of 128,309 persons aged more than 14 years. Data were collected on patients diagnosed with chronic wounds and on the characteristics of these wounds. We studied 251 patients with a mean age of 77.5 years. A total of 377 chronic wounds were identified and there were 168 pressure ulcers. The prevalence of chronic wounds was 0.29% and that of pressure ulcers was 0.13%. The proportion of patients with lower limb ulcers was significantly higher in primary care than in acute and geriatric care (p<0.005). The proportion of patients with pressure ulcers was higher in acute and geriatric care than in primary care (p<0.005). Preventive scales were applied in 81 patients (92%) with pressure ulcers. Applying the concept of chronic wound was useful in identifying the high prevalence of lower limb ulcers. The distribution of wounds varied according to the health resources available.

Boar sperm plasma membrane Ca(2+)-selective channels in planar lipid bilayers. Entry of Ca2+ through Ca2+ channels is thought to trigger the acrosome reaction of spermatozoa during fertilization. Antagonists of the L-type Ca2+ channel are known to prevent the intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+) increase and inhibit acrosomal exocytosis in mammalian sperm. Planar bilayer recordings were used to study Ca2- channels incorporated from partially purified boar sperm plasma membranes. With symmetrical 50 mM NaCl and 100 mM BaCl2 on the cis side, single-channel events consistent with Ba2+ flux from cis to trans were observed. These channels were activated by the dihydropyridine agonist (+/-)BAY K 8644 and blocked by the antagonist nitrendipine. Sperm Ca2- channels did not require depolarization for activation and did not inactivate. The (+/-)BAY K 8644 and (S-)BAY K 8644 enantiomers increased apparent open time in a dose-dependent [half-maximal activity constant (K0.5) = 0.9 and 0.3 microM, respectively] manner. Dihydropyridine antagonists nitrendipine (K0.5 = 0.5 microM) and (R+)BAY K 8644 (K0.5 = 2.8 microM) decreased apparent open times. The channels described in this report share some properties with brain, cardiac, and skeletal muscle t tubule Ca2+ channels and may be involved in increasing Cai2+ before the acrosome reaction.

Biotransformation of trans-4,5-dihydroxy-4,5-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene to benzo[a]pyrene bis-diols and DNA adducts by induced rat liver microsomes. The biotransformation of (+/-)-trans-4,5-dihydroxy-4, 5-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene (trans-B[a]P-4,5-diol), the K-region dihydrodiol of B[a]P, by beta-naphthoflavone (BNF)-induced rat liver microsomes was studied. trans-B[a]P-4,5-diol was metabolized to six major products as characterized by NMR, MS, and UV spectroscopy, and all were identified as bis-diols: two diastereomers of trans,trans-4, 5:7,8-tetrahydroxy-4,5:7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (trans, trans-B[a]P-4,5:7,8-bis-diol), two diastereomers of trans,trans-4, 5:9,10-tetrahydroxy-4,5:9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (trans, trans-B[a]P-4,5:9,10-bis-diol), and two diastereomers of the somewhat unusual trans,trans-1,2:4,5-tetrahydroxy-1,2:4, 5-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (trans,trans-B[a]P-1,2:4,5-bis-diol). BNF-induced rat liver microsomes also metabolized B[a]P to the same trans-B[a]P-4,5-diol-derived bis-diols. The ability of trans-B[a]P-4, 5-diol to form DNA adducts was investigated using (32)P-postlabeling techniques specifically designed to detect stable polar DNA adducts. Four DNA adducts were detected after microsomal activation of trans-B[a]P-4,5-diol with calf thymus DNA. Further analyses indicated that each of these stable polar DNA adducts was derived from the further metabolic activation of the trans,trans-B[a]P-4,5:7, 8-bis-diols. We conclude that trans-B[a]P-4,5-diol can be metabolized to a series of B[a]P-bis-diols, and can also be metabolically activated to form stable polar DNA adducts. The trans, trans-B[a]P-4,5:7,8-bis-diols were shown to be metabolic intermediates in the formation of these DNA adducts.

The melanocortin 4 receptor: oligomer formation, interaction sites and functional significance. This study involves the structural and functional properties of the recombinant melanocortin 4 receptor (MC(4)R) expressed in the HEK-293 cell line. Using co-immuno-purification approaches, the receptor appears to be an oligomer, which can be crosslinked through disulphide bonds involving a native cysteine residue (84) to give a dimeric species. This position is located near the cytosolic region of transmembrane segment 2 and it is suggested that this is an interacting interface between MC(4)R monomers. Using co-expression of the native protein and a C84A mutant, it appears that the receptor also forms higher order oligomers via alternative interfaces. Interestingly, disulphide crosslink formation does not occur if the receptor is uncoupled from its G-protein, even though the oligomeric state is preserved. This suggests that the conformational changes, which occur on activation, affect the TM2 interface. The pharmacology of the agonist, NDP-MSH, indicates that the MC(4)R retains high affinity for the ligand in the absence of the G-protein but occupancy for the ligand is increased. The data can be interpreted to suggest that the G-protein exerts a negative allosteric effect on the receptor. Co-expression of one receptor lacking the ability to signal with another, which cannot bind the agonist, restored ligand-dependent activation of the G-protein to situations in which neither receptor on its own could activate the G-protein. Such transactivation suggests meaningful cross talk between the receptor subunits in the oligomeric complex. These studies demonstrate further unique features of the MC(4)R.

Interval sprint training enhances endothelial function and eNOS content in some arteries that perfuse white gastrocnemius muscle. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that interval sprint training (IST) selectively increases endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase and/or superoxide dismutase-1 protein content in arteries and/or arterioles that perfuse the white portion of rat gastrocnemius muscle (WG). Male Sprague-Dawley rats completed 10 wk of IST (n = 62) or remained sedentary (Sed) (n = 63). IST rats performed six 2.5-min exercise bouts, with 4.5 min of rest between bouts (60 m/min, 15% incline), 5 days/wk. EDD was assessed from acetylcholine (ACh)-induced increases in muscle blood flow measured in situ and by ACh-induced dilation of arteries and arterioles [first to third order (1A-3A)] that perfuse red gastrocnemius muscle (RG) and WG. Artery protein content was determined with immunoblot analysis. ACh-induced increases in blood flow were enhanced in WG of IST rats. eNOS content was increased in conduit arteries, gastrocnemius feed artery, and fourth-order arterioles from WG and fifth-order arterioles of RG but not in 2As from RG. EDD was examined in 2As and 3As from a subset of IST and Sed rats. Arterioles were canulated with micropipettes, and intraluminal pressure was set at 60 cmH2O. Results indicate that passive diameter (measured in 0 calcium PSS) of WG 2As was similar in IST and Sed, whereas diameter of WG 3As was greater in IST (96 +/- 8 microm) than Sed (73 +/- 4 microm). WG 2As and 3As of IST rats exhibited greater spontaneous tone, but sensitivity to stretch, phenylephrine, and sodium nitroprusside was similar to Sed arterioles. ACh-induced dilation was enhanced by IST in WG 2As but not in RG 2As or WG 3As. We conclude that IST induces vascular adaptations nonuniformly among arteries that perfuse WG muscle.

Assessment of cellular adequacy of fine needle aspiration biopsy for small solid renal tumors. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of fine needle aspiration (FNA) as a method for obtaining cellular material for the tissue diagnosis of small solid renal tumours. Fifty-five patients with a small solid renal tumour (4 cm or smaller) underwent a FNA biopsy under computed tomography guidance. Direct smears and rinse of needle with Cytolyt® were prepared. The cellular adequacy was divided into three groups: satisfactory cellular material, scant cellular material and noncellular material. Postoperative pathological diagnosis showed 35 clear cell carcinomas, 10 papillary carcinomas, four chromophobe carcinomas, four oncocytomas, one adenoma and one metastatic carcinoma. A total of 21 (38.2%) FNA biopsies belonged to noncellular group. For clear cell carcinomas, the cellularity of satisfactory cellular group, scant cellular group and noncellular group was, respectively, seven (20.0%), nine (25.7%) and 19 (54.3%). Of the 10 papillary carcinomas, nine (90%) and all four chromophobe carcinomas (100%) had satisfactory cellular materials. The percentages of noncellular group among clear cell carcinoma, papillary carcinoma and chromophobe carcinoma were significantly different (P = 0.0020). Fifteen tumours were 2 cm or smaller and 40 tumours were larger than 2 cm. No significant difference was found in the percentage of noncellular material for the tumours 2 cm or less (40.0%) and for the tumours larger than 2 cm (37.5%; P > 0.05). The cellularity of FNA biopsy of small solid renal masses might correlate with the subtype of renal cancers. FNA biopsy was an effective method of tissue sampling for papillary and chromophobe renal carcinomas.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for the Characterization of Malignant versus Benign Focal Liver Lesions in a Prospective Multicenter Experience - The SRUMB Study. This study evaluated the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the differential diagnosis of benign vs. malignant focal liver lesions (FLL) in a real-life, multicenter experience. This prospective study, including 14 Romanian centers, was performed over a 6 year period (February 2011- April 2017) and included 2062 FLLs assessed by CEUS. Inclusion criteria were: newly diagnosed FLL on B-mode ultrasound, less than three lesions/patient, all FLLs evaluated by CEUS and by a second-line imaging technique (contrast enhanced CT or contrast enhanced MRI) or histology, considered as reference. The trial was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier NCT01329458). From the 2062 FLLs included in the study, 57.2% (1179) were malignant and 42.8% (883) were benign. CEUS had 83.9% sensitivity (Se), 97.8% specificity (Sp), 98.1% positive predictive value (PPV), 82.2% negative predictive value (NPV) and a diagnostic accuracy (Ac) of 89.9% for the positive diagnosis of malignant lesions. For the benign lesions, CEUS had 97.8% Se, 83.9% Sp, 82.2% PPV, 98.1% NPV 89.9% Ac. The diagnostic performance of CEUS for hepatocellular carcinoma was 76.6% Se, 98.4% Sp, and 91.2% Ac; for hemangioma: 89.2% Se, 99% Sp, and 96.9% Ac and for metastases: 90.9% Se, 98.4% Sp, and 96.9% Ac. CEUS proved a high accuracy in differentiating the malignant vs. benign character of a FLL. It can be confidently used as a first line imaging method in daily practice.

Immuno-assay techniques for detecting yeasts in foods. A brief literature review on immuno-assay of yeast cell wall antigens is given. Special attention is paid to extracellular, thermostable yeast antigens (EPS), which are released to the growth medium by many yeast species. The EPS of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and of Stephanoascus ciferrii (syn. Candida ciferrii) could be specifically and sensitively detected by a sandwich ELISA, using an IgG raised in rabbits immunized with the EPS of these yeasts. The EPS ELISA of three basidiomycetous yeasts tested was not specific, that of Geotrichum candidum was genus-specific but was not sensitive. The EPS of Zygosaccharomyces bailii could be detected in a highly specific competitive ELISA but not in a sandwich ELISA or in a latex agglutination test.

Abnormal topological organization in white matter structural networks revealed by diffusion tensor tractography in unmedicated patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder defined by recurrent thoughts, intrusive and distressing impulses, or images and ritualistic behaviors. Although focal diverse regional abnormalities white matter integrity in specific brain regions have been widely studied in populations with OCD, alterations in the structural connectivities among them remain poorly understood. The aim was to investigate the abnormalities in the topological efficiency of the white matter networks and the correlation between the network metrics and Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale scores in unmedicated OCD patients, using diffusion tensor tractography and graph theoretical approaches. This study used diffusion tensor imaging and deterministic tractography to map the white matter structural networks in 26 OCD patients and 39 age- and gender-matched healthy controls; and then applied graph theoretical methods to investigate abnormalities in the global and regional properties of the white matter network in these patients. The patients and control participants both showed small-world organization of the white matter networks. However, the OCD patients exhibited significant abnormal global topology, including decreases in global efficiency (t = -2.32, p = 0.02) and increases in shortest path length, Lp (t = 2.30, p = 0.02), the normalized weighted shortest path length, λ (t = 2.08, p=0.04), and the normalized clustering coefficient, γ (t = 2.26, p = 0.03), of their white matter structural networks compared with healthy controls. Further, the OCD patients showed a reduction in nodal efficiency predominately in the frontal regions, the parietal regions and caudate nucleus. The normalized weighted shortest path length of the network metrics was significantly negatively correlated with obsessive subscale of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (r = -0.57, p = 0.0058). These findings demonstrate the abnormal topological efficiency in the white matter networks in OCD patients.

Dihydroartemisinin suppresses ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in a mouse allergic asthma model. Asthma is a complex disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction, airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and chronic inflammation of the airways. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Artemisia annua, has been shown to possess antimalarial and antitumor activities, but whether it can be used in asthma treatment has not been investigated. In this study, we attempted to determine whether DHA regulates inflammatory mediators in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged by OVA to induce chronic airway inflammation. The intragastrical administration of DHA at 30 mg/kg significantly decreased the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells, T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines, OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and AHR. Treatment with DHA also attenuated OVA-induced mRNA expression of Muc5ac and chitinase 3-like protein 4 (Ym2) in lung tissues. In addition, lung histopathological studies revealed that DHA inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion. Then signal transduction studies showed that DHA significantly inhibited extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. DHA also inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation via the inhibition of phosphorylation of IκBα. These findings provide new insight into the immunopharmacological role of DHA in terms of its effects in a mouse model of asthma.

Childhood immunization rates in Louisiana: trends from 1995-2004. Immunization is an invaluable tool in preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with many infectious diseases. The CDC currently recommends that children obtain immunizations against 11 diseases. We examined immunization rates in Louisiana children aged 19-35 months from 1995-2003 and compared these rates with the rates in neighboring states and the national coverage rate. Coverage rates were affected by the number of vaccinations in a series and the year of life at which the vaccines are received. We also found discrepancies in coverage rates of immunizations that should be given simultaneously. While Louisiana coverage rates have improved after a dip in 2001, we suggest steps to help physicians further improve coverage rates.

The anti-IgE mAb Omalizumab induces adverse reactions by engaging Fcγ receptors. Omalizumab is an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (mAb) approved for the treatment of severe asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Use of Omalizumab is associated with reported side effects, ranging from local skin inflammation at the injection site to systemic anaphylaxis. To date, the mechanisms through which Omalizumab induces adverse reactions are still unknown. Here, we demonstrated that immune complexes formed between Omalizumab and IgE can induce both skin inflammation and anaphylaxis through engagement of IgG receptors (FcγRs) in FcγR-humanized mice. We further developed an Fc-engineered mutant version of Omalizumab, and demonstrated that this mAb is equally potent as Omalizumab at blocking IgE-mediated allergic reactions, but does not induce FcγR-dependent adverse reactions. Overall, our data indicate that Omalizumab can induce skin inflammation and anaphylaxis by engaging FcγRs, and demonstrate that Fc-engineered versions of the mAb could be used to reduce such adverse reactions.

A case of nonconvulsive status epilepticus with a reversible contralateral cerebellar lesion: temporal changes in magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography finding. A 67-year-old woman was brought to our institution because of unconsciousness. Clinical and electrophysiological findings lead us to diagnose her with nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Initial magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintensity in the left cerebral cortex and the right cerebellum on diffusion-weighted image and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR). Single-photon emission computed tomography showed increased blood flow in the left frontal cerebrum but not in the right cerebellum. The hyperintensity in the left cerebrum on the follow-up FLAIR was still present. The contralateral cerebellum remained undamaged even though the blood flow was not increased in this region because the excitotoxicity there was far lesser than that in the cerebrum.

Acceptability of Peanut Skins as a Natural Antioxidant in Flavored Coated Peanuts. Peanut skins are a low-value byproduct of the peanut processing industry. Following their removal during the preparation of common peanut products, they are either discarded or used as a minor component of animal feed. Studies have found peanuts skins to be rich in health promoting phenolic compounds and thus have potential as a functional food ingredient. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new product that included the encapsulated phenolic extract from peanut skins in a flavored coating for peanuts. The phenolic compounds were extracted from peanut skins and then encapsulated in 10.5% (w/w) maltodextrin in to reduce the bitter flavor. The encapsulated phenolic extract was added at varying concentrations to honey roast flavored and chili lime flavored coatings which were applied to roasted peanuts. The resulting total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of the coated peanuts were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu, DPPH, and β-carotene bleaching assays. A best estimate sensory threshold for the peanut skin extract in the honey roasted and chili lime coating was found to be 12.8% (w/w) and 16.6% (w/w), respectively. The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity for both the honey roasted and chili lime coated peanuts at their threshold was found to be significantly higher than control peanuts that did not contain peanut skins in the coating. The increased antioxidant activity and unaltered flavor profile at the sensory threshold levels of peanut skins demonstrated their potential as a functional food ingredient. The ability of polyphenols to act as antioxidants suggests that extracts of peanut skins containing polyphenols can be used as functional ingredients in new food products. The encapsulation of peanut skin extract in maltodextrin allowed for the incorporation of the extracts into flavored coatings for peanuts at levels high enough to increase the antioxidant activity without impacting sensory profiles. Utilization of this by-product of the peanut can create an economic opportunity for the peanut industry.

CINC blockade prevents neutrophil Ca(2+) signaling upregulation and gut bacterial translocation in thermal injury. In this study, we have evaluated the role of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC), in the upregulation of neutrophil Ca(2+) signaling in neutrophils from thermally injured rats treated with anti-CINC antibody. Additionally, we have determined the effect of the treatment with CINC antibody on the accumulation of activated neutrophils in the intestinal wall, and the effect of such accumulation on gut bacterial translocation. Measurements of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and immunohistochemical localization of neutrophils determined neutrophil sequestration in the rat intestine. Agar culture analyses and a specific Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene polymerase chain reaction was carried out to detect gut indigenous bacterial invasion into intestinal wall and extraintestinal mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). The results showed that pretreatment of rats with anti-CINC antibody attenuated the thermal injury-induced enhancement in [Ca(2+)](i) responses in neutrophils both in the basal and Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe stimulated conditions. Moreover, treatment with the CINC antibody decreased neutrophil infiltration into the gut and attenuated thermal injury-caused translocation of bacteria into the MLN.

P57 (KIP2) polymorphisms and breast cancer risk. A previous report in this journal has suggested that germline deletions in the proline-alanine-rich (PAPA-repeat) region of P57 (KIP2) are associated with increased risk of a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. We have analyzed the association of P57 PAPA-repeat deletion polymorphisms and breast cancer risk as part of a population-based case-control study of breast cancer. We have not observed an association between the presence of one or two copies of deletion polymorphisms in P57 and breast cancer risk (adjusted odds ratio: 1.1, 95% confidence interval: 0.6-2.0). Further investigation is necessary to determine the functional significance of P57 deletion polymorphisms and their potential relationship with disease.

Hydrogen treatment reduces tendon adhesion and inflammatory response. A rat model of tendon repair was established to investigate the effects of hydrogen water on tendon adhesion reduction. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal saline (NS) group and a hydrogen water (HS) group according to the processing reagents after a tendon repairing operation. Pre- and postoperative superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in subjects' serum were observed. Skin fibroblasts were grouped into an NS group, H2 O2 group, H2 group, and H2 O2 H2 group. Expressions of Nrf2, CATA, and γ-GCS were also tested by Western blot analysis. 8-OHdG, GSH, MDA, and SOD of the cells were analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The postoperative SOD activity and GSH contents were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), whereas the postoperative MDA level was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Similarly, the postoperative HS group showed significantly higher SOD activity and GSH contents (P < 0.05) but lower MDA (P < 0.05) compared with the postoperative NS group. MDA and 8-OHdG were significantly decreased in hydrogen-rich medium, while SOD and GSH were increased. The expression of Nrf2, CATA, and γ-GCS in antioxidant system were reduced after H2 O2 processing, which were restored after the application of hydrogen-rich medium. Hydrogen water can reduce tendon adhesion after tendon repairing and prohibit excessive inflammatory response, which could be associated with the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Inhibition of membrane redox activity by rhein and adriamycin in human glioma cells. The effect of the combination of adriamycin (ADM) with the anti-inflammatory drug rhein (RH) on the membrane redox activity in human glioma cells was investigated. RH, although less effective than ADM, inhibits ferricyanide reduction by human glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner as well as ferricyanide-induced proton release. The inhibition of the plasma membrane redox system might represent a further mechanism by which RH, other than ATP depletion, affects cell survival. The analysis of the interaction between ADM and RH, performed with the isobolar method, demonstrates a strong synergic response, probably due to an effect on different sites of action. The synergism of the ADM-RH association allows us to achieve a pre-established extent of inhibition with ADM concentrations much lower than with ADM alone. RH might, therefore, represent a very useful tool to improve the therapeutic index of ADM and to lower its general toxicity.

The value of routine ophthalmological tests in the screening for lung transplantation. We aimed to analyse the results of ophthalmological examinations in the screening before and in the follow-up after lung transplantation. Altogether, 295 consecutive patients who had undergone ophthalmological examination in the screening before lung transplantation were analysed. Preoperatively 27% ocular abnormalities were found; none of them formed a contraindication for the transplantation. Of the 122 patients who underwent transplantation, 24 (20%) had postoperative ocular complaints. We can conclude that, because of the absence of contraindications in all of these patients, routine ophthalmological screening before transplantation is not recommended. Routine postoperative screening is not required, either.

Role of the feedback signal in electromyograph biofeedback: the relevance of attention. This article describes two experiments designed to examine the hypothesis that the critical role of the feedback signal in frontalis electromyograph (EMG) biofeedback is an attentional one. In both experiments, high- and low-absorption subjects were assigned to either a biofeedback condition, a no-feedback condition, or an attentional demand condition in which external stimuli, related to relaxation, were presented as an attentional focus. The two experiments differed essentially in the type of attentional demand condition that was employed and varied the compelling nature of the demand on subjects for an external attentional focus. The pattern of results was consistent with the attentional hypothesis. For low-absorption subjects, performance in the biofeedback and attentional demand conditions was equivalent and appreciably greater than in the no-feedback condition. For high-absorption subjects, an interference effect of biofeedback was observed, but data indicated a similar interference effect on the performance of subjects when the attentional demand condition was most compelling. The pattern of results obtained point to the special relevance of attentional processes and highlight their lack of emphasis in contemporary theoretical models of EMG biofeedback.

[Pyridine nucleotide content in the brain and myocardium of rats under combined effect of hypercapnia, hypoxia and cooling]. In experiments with rats, subjected to single and repeated simultaneous effect of hypercapnia, hypoxia and cooling, contents of pyridine nucleotides (NAD, NADP, NAD-H2 and NADP-H2) and macroergic substances were studied and also the activity of dehydrogenases of the pentose pathway was determined in brain and myocardium. In brain NADP was not practically determined and in heart its content was increased after the first and the second treatments. Content of NADP-H2 was distinctly decreased in both tissues after the single treatment. NAD was not altered in the tissues in all the periods studied. The amount of NAD-H2 was decreased in brain after the single treatment and it was increased in myocardium after the repeated one. In the activity of dehydrogenases marked alterations were not observed. Total macroergic substances were not altered in brain after the single treatment and after the repeated one they were increased mainly due to the ATP increase. In myocardium total macroergic substances were decreased after the both treatments.

Virtual reality in brain damage rehabilitation: review. Given the high incidence of brain injury in the population, brain damage rehabilitation is still a relatively undeveloped field. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to assist current rehabilitation techniques in addressing the impairments, disabilities, and handicaps associated with brain damage. The main focus of much of the exploratory research performed to date has been to investigate the use of VR in the assessment of cognitive abilities, but there is now a trend for more studies to encompass rehabilitation training strategies. This review describes studies that have used VR in the assessment and rehabilitation of specific disabilities resulting from brain injury, including executive dysfunction, memory impairments, spatial ability impairments, attention deficits, and unilateral visual neglect. In addition, it describes studies that have used VR to try to offset some of the handicaps that people experience after brain injury. Finally, a table is included which, although not an exhaustive list of everything that has been published, includes many more studies that are relevant to the use of VR in the assessment and rehabilitation of brain damage. The review concludes that the use of VR in brain damage rehabilitation is expanding dramatically and will become an integral part of cognitive assessment and rehabilitation in the future.

Neurointerventional Therapies for Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation: Illustrated Cases. Approximately 800,000 strokes occur in the United States every year, resulting in 200,000 deaths. Strokes may be ischemic (80%) or hemorrhagic (20%). Strokes caused by atrial fibrillation (AF) are thromboembolic, and AF is the leading cause of ischemic stroke. Rapid distinction between these forms of strokes is critical because approaches to treatment are different. The goal for acute ischemic stroke is reperfusion of ischemic brain tissue, whereas the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke is supportive therapy and correction of the underlying conditions. The treatment of acute ischemic strokes is similar to treatment of acute myocardial infarction, which requires timely reperfusion for optimal results.

Dietary nitrites and nitrates, nitrosatable drugs, and neural tube defects. Amine-containing (nitrosatable) drugs can react with nitrite to form N-nitroso compounds, some of which are teratogenic. Data are lacking on whether dietary intake of nitrates and nitrites modifies the association between maternal nitrosatable drug exposure and neural tube defects (NTDs) in offspring. We examined nitrosatable drug exposure and NTD-affected pregnancies in relation to dietary nitrite and total nitrite intake in a case-control study of Mexican American women. We interviewed 184 women with NTD-affected pregnancies and 225 women with normal live births, including questions on periconceptional drug exposures and dietary intake. For 110 study participants, nitrate was also measured in the usual source of drinking water. Women who reported taking drugs classified as nitrosatable were 2.7 times more likely to have an NTD-affected pregnancy than women without this exposure (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-5.3). The effect of nitrosatable drugs was observed only in women with higher intakes of dietary nitrite and total nitrite (dietary nitrite + 5% dietary nitrate). Women within the highest tertile (greater than 10.5 mg/day) of total nitrite were 7.5 times more likely to have an NTD-affected pregnancy if they took nitrosatable drugs (95% CI = 1.8-45.4). The association between nitrosatable drug exposure and NTDs was also stronger in women whose water nitrate levels were higher. Findings suggest that effects of nitrosatable drug exposure on risk for neural tube defects in offspring could depend on the amounts of dietary nitrite and total nitrite intake.

Shiftwork, helplessness and depression. Forty-three student nurses undertaking shiftwork for the first time participated in a study which tracked their perceptions of altered neurovegetative function, perceived criticism from others, sense of purpose and control and psychosomatic complaints. It was found that this first ever episode of shiftwork produced marked changes in all of the above. These findings have implications for circadian rhythm hypotheses of depression as well as for the methodology of future studies on cognitive or psychosocial variables in depression.

The natural history of exercise: a 10-yr follow-up of a cohort of runners. To determine the pattern of exercise and associated adverse events, including injuries, a mail survey was conducted on participants in the 1980 Peachtree Road Race Study for whom we were able to obtain current addresses. A total of 535 persons responded, 326 men and 209 women, representing 72% of those with identifiable addresses. Although only 56% of respondents reported that they were still running in 1990, 81% reported that they were still exercising regularly. The cumulative probability for continuing to run was 0.71 for men and 0.56 for women. Injury (31%) was the chief reason given by men for stopping permanently. For women, 28% stopped because they chose another form of exercise. Fifty-three percent of respondents had at least one injury during the 10-yr interval. The probability of experiencing an injury was associated with higher weekly mileage. The knee was the most frequently injured site. Thirty-nine percent of women and 35% of men reported being verbally assaulted. Approximately 10% of persons were hit by thrown objects or bitten by a dog. In a group of recreational runners, almost half had stopped running 10 yr later, but over 80% were still physically active. Many runners sustain injuries or suffer hazards related to their exercise.

Four-year trends of inappropriate proton pump inhibitor use after hospital discharge. Several hospital-based studies have determined that physicians often inappropriately prescribe acid-suppressive medications for stress ulcer prevention in hospitalized patients and continue these drugs after discharge. We sought to determine the frequency of inappropriate proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use continued at discharge within our geographic region. We undertook a retrospective review of the medical records and pharmacy prescription database of a large regional insurance carrier from January 2005 through December 2008 (total hospital admissions 96,669). The primary inclusion criterion was hospital-initiated PPI therapy and continuation on hospital discharge without an appropriate indication. Patients receiving a PPI at the time of admission were excluded from the analysis. The number of patients per year discharged on a PPI decreased during the study period: 876 (2005), 763 (2006), 562 (2007), and 485 (2008). Of the patients discharged on a PPI, the number (%) of patients receiving PPIs inappropriately were 695 (79%; 2005); 627 (82%; 2006), 441 (78%; 2007), and 397 (82%; 2008). The annual number of PPI prescriptions and PPI doses dispensed decreased from 2015 to 1263 and from 60,608 to 38,742, respectively, during the study period. The estimated 4-year cost of inappropriate PPI use was $595,809, although cost savings from the absolute reduction in inappropriate PPI use over time was $65,598. We report a significant decrease of 39% in the number of inappropriate discharge prescriptions for PPIs during the study period; however, the percentage of inappropriate use of PPIs remains high. There is room for improvement in cost-effective use of PPIs.

Immunohistochemical studies of angiogenin in the skin of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Angiogenin (ANG) is a member of the ribonuclease superfamily which is implicated in angiogenesis. ANG maintains normal vasculature and thereby protects motor neurons from various stress conditions. It is suggested that ANG may play a role in pathomechanism of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, there have been no studies of ANG in ALS skin. We made a quantitative immunohistochemical study of the expression of ANG in the skin from 20 patients with sporadic ALS, 20 patients with other neurologic or muscular disorders (control group A), and 20 patients without neurologic or muscular disorders (control group B). The nuclei of the epidermal cells showed a weak ANG immunoreactivity in ALS patients. These findings became more marked as ALS progressed. The optical density for ANG immunoreactivity of the nucleus in the epidermal cells in ALS patients was significantly lower (p<0.001) than in control groups A and B. There was a significant negative relationship (r=-0.82, p<0.001) between the optical density for ANG immunoreactivity of the nucleus and duration of illness in ALS patients. These data suggest that changes of ANG in ALS skin are related to the disease process and that metabolic alterations of ANG may take place in the skin of ALS patients.

Development of chronic epilepsy after recurrent episodes of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a syndrome comprising headache, altered mentation, and seizures, associated with neuroimaging findings characteristic of subcortical edema in the posterior regions. It is usually seen in patients treated with immunosuppressants, in renal failure, or with eclampsia. Recurrent episodes of PRES in the same patient are rarely observed. Although seizures are often seen in PRES, EEG findings are not well described and include generalized and focal slowing with epileptiform discharges; there are limited reports of Periodic Lateralized Epileptiform Discharges (PLEDs) occurring during PRES, and there are no reports of PRES associated with PLEDs with subsequent development of epilepsy. We report a patient we followed for one year with recurrent episodes of PRES associated with posteriorly dominant independent bilateral PLEDs who subsequently developed epilepsy. Patients with PRES and PLEDs should be treated aggressively with anti-hypertensive and anti-epileptic agents in order to avoid potential complications. Although PRES is typically thought of as a reversible syndrome, this case illustrates that PRES may have serious long term sequelae after the reversible syndrome has resolved. This case highlights the importance of aggressive management of PRES as well as the prevention of subsequent episodes of PRES as patients may develop permanent brain dysfunction.

Viscosity of bimodal and polydisperse colloidal suspensions. We present a theoretical framework for the viscosity of bimodal and polydisperse colloidal suspensions. For colloidal dispersions both interparticle forces between pairs of particles and many-particle effects such as depletion forces can have a significant effect on rheology. As hydrodynamic interactions are also important for colloidal systems, a theoretical description that includes hydrodynamic and thermodynamic interactions is required. An integral equation theory for multicomponent systems accounts for the contribution of thermodynamic interactions to the viscosity of dispersions. Introduction of small particles into a system of larger particles causes depletion forces between the large particles that increase the viscosity, while replacing large particles with an equal volume fraction of small particles increases the free volume in the system and decreases the viscosity. The integral equations model both of these effects in concentrated suspensions and provide a microscopic interpretation of free volume changes as changes in radial distribution functions. For a bimodal mixture they predict a dependence of the viscosity on size ratio, composition, and total volume fraction. Polydispersity is modeled by a small number of components whose sizes and weights are chosen to match the moments of the size distribution. This theory predicts a reduction in viscosity due to polydispersity and explains conflicting experimental measurement of the viscosity of hard-sphere colloids. Existing theoretical approaches that neglect the multiparticle correlations, included through the integral equations, yield qualitatively incorrect results for the change in the viscosity relative to monodisperse systems.

Spatially resolved refractive index profiles of electrically switchable computer-generated holographic gratings. We describe a spatially resolved interferometric technique combined with a phase reconstruction method that provides a quantitative two-dimensional profile of the refractive index and spatial distribution of the optical contrast between the on-off states of electrically switchable diffraction gratings as a function of the external electric field. The studied structures are holographic gratings optically written into polymer/liquid crystal composites through single-beam spatial light modulation by means of computer-generated holograms. The electro-optical response of the gratings is also discussed. The diffraction efficiency results to be dependent on the incident light polarization suggesting the possibility to develop polarization dependent switching devices.

Effects of dietary α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3)/linoleic acid (18:2n-6) ratio on fatty acid metabolism in Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii). Global shortages in fish oil are forcing the aquaculture feed industry to use alternative oil sources, the use of which negatively affects the final fatty acid makeup of cultured fish. Thus, the modulation of fatty acid metabolism in cultured fish is the core of an intensive global research effort. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of various dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3)/linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) ratios in cultured fish. A feeding trial was implemented on the freshwater finfish Murray cod, in which fish were fed either a fish oil-based control diet or one of five fish oil-deprived experimental diets formulated to contain an ALA/LA ratio ranging from 0.3 to 2.9, but with a constant total C₁₈ PUFA (ALA+LA) content. The whole-body fatty acid balance method was used to evaluate fish in vivo fatty acid metabolism. The results indicate that dietary ALA was more actively β-oxidized and bioconverted, whereas LA appears to be more efficiently deposited. LA was β-oxidized at a constant level (~36% of net intake) independent of dietary availability, whereas ALA was oxidized proportionally to dietary supply. The in vivo apparent Δ-6 desaturase activity on n-3 and n-6 PUFA exhibited an increasing and decreasing trend, respectively, in conjunction with the increasing dietary ALA/LA ratio, clearly indicating that this enzymatic activity is substrate dependent. However, the maximum Δ-6 desaturase activity acting on ALA peaked at the substrate level of 3.2186 (μmol g fish⁻¹ day⁻¹), suggesting that additional inclusion of ALA is not only wasteful but counterproductive in terms of n-3 LC-PUFA production. Despite a constant total supply of ALA+LA, the recorded total in vivo apparent Δ-6 desaturase activity on both substrates (ALA and LA) increased in synchrony with the ALA/LA ratio, peaking at 1.54, and a 3.2-fold greater Δ-6 desaturase affinity toward ALA over LA was recorded.

Relationship of arousal threshold to sleep stage distribution and subjective estimates of depth and quality of sleep. The relationship of arousal threshold, amounts of various sleep stages, and subjective rating of sleep was studied in two separate experiments involving 7 and 26 young adult subjects, respectively. Electroencephalographic sleep stage data, subjective response data, and arousal threshold data were collected over a series of nights in the sleep laboratory. Only nonsignificant relationships were found between magnitude of arousal threshold and amounts of various sleep stages or subjective rating of sleep quality in between-subjects analyses. However, when the nights representing extremes in arousal threshold were examined within-subject, it was found that nights of high threshold were accompanied by subjective reports of significantly better sleep in both studies and by a significant decrease in the amount of stage W in one study. Arousal threshold was not related to subjective depth of sleep in either study. Rather, subjective ratings of depth of sleep were significantly related to the amount of EEG-defined wakefulness and stage 1.

Number needed to treat analysis for planned neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy for advanced neck disease. to analyze how many planned neck dissections (PNDs) must be performed to prevent one fatal neck recurrence after chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer with regional metastasis. a systematic literature review of studies using chemoradiotherapy as primary treatment for head and neck cancer was performed. Data were extracted where possible to determine estimates for the following variables: (1) percentage of N2-3 necks still harbouring cancer after chemoradiotherapy as proven by pathology from neck dissection (C); (2) percentage of regional recurrence after PND (P); (3) percentage of regional recurrence after salvage neck dissection for patients without initial PND in whom neck disease recurred after chemoradiotherapy (S); and (4) mortality rate of PND (M). The number needed to treat was calculated using the following equation: NNT = 1/[C*(S+M) - (P+M)]. the number needed to treat is 7.5. to prevent one fatal neck recurrence after chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer with N2-3 disease, one would need to perform 7.5 PNDs. The results of this study will aid surgeons and patients in making more informed decisions regarding neck dissections.

Stochastic events in the amplification of HTLV-I integration sites by linker-mediated PCR. Human T-cell leukaemia virus type I (HTLV-I) proviral integration sites from an asymptomatic carrier and from the MT4 cell line were analysed by linker-mediated PCR (LMPCR) and inverse PCR (IPCR). LMPCR was more sensitive, allowing detection of a greater number of integrated proviruses. Reconstruction experiments using a cloned integrated HTLV-1 provirus indicated that > 100 copies were necessary to be detected frequently by LMPCR. To circumvent this problem, the LMPCR analysis was performed approximately 20 times per sample. Thus, for the MT4 cell line, the seven major integration sites were accompanied by approximately 20 clones of lesser frequency. For an asymptomatic HTLV-I carrier, nine integration sites were identified in a single amplfication, while a further 9 followed from 14 additional reactions. These findings show that there is a stochastic element to sampling HTLV-I integration sites by LMPCR, which tends to underestimate the actual number of HTLV-I bearing clones. Accordingly, those detected in at least two reactions represent the most abundant clones.