(C6 H13 NH3 )2 (NH2 CHNH2 )Pb2 I7 : A Two-dimensional Bilayer Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Perovskite Showing Photodetecting Behavior.
Inorganic-organic hybrid perovskites, especially two-dimensional (2D) layered halide perovskites, have attracted significant attention due to their unique structures and attractive optoelectronic properties, which open up a great opportunity for next-generation photosensitive devices. Herein, we report a new 2D bilayered inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite, (C6 H13 NH3 )2 (NH2 CHNH2 )Pb2 I7 (HFA, where C6 H13 NH3 + is hexylaminium and NH2 CHNH2 + is formamidinium), which exhibits a remarkable photoresponse under broadband light illumination. Structural characterizations demonstrate that the 2D perovskite structure of HFA is constructed by alternant stacking of inorganic lead iodide bilayered sheets and organic hexylaminium layers. Optical absorbance measurements combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that HFA is a direct band gap semiconductor with a narrow band gap (Eg ) of ≈2.02 eV. Based on these findings, photodetectors based on HFA crystal wafer are fabricated, which exhibit fascinating optoelectronic properties including large on/off current ratios (over 103 ), fast response speeds (τrise =310 μs and τdecay =520 μs) and high responsivity (≈0.95 mA W-1 ). This work will contribute to the design and development of new two-dimensional bilayer inorganic-organic hybrid perovskites for high-performance photosensitive devices.


Diagnosing developmental problems in children: parents and professionals negotiate bad news.
To examine how parents and professionals engage in a process of negotiation over what labels to use and what developmental meaning to ascribe to those labels when imparting a diagnosis of mental disability to parents of young children. We performed a sociolinguistic analysis of 10 feedback sessions with parents whose children had been diagnosed by a clinical team as developmentally disabled. Professionals shied away from explicit use of labels; they preferred to describe children's deficits with rate descriptors (e.g., "slow"). Parties to the sessions see-sawed between optimistic and pessimistic statements. That is, when parents seemed despairing, professionals would try to hold out hope; when parents were unrealistic, professionals gave more blunt statements. Parents who received the most ambiguous interpretations seemed left with diagnostic questions still unanswered; those who received more forthright information appeared better able to move on to issues of prognosis. Diagnoses of developmental disabilities are jointly constructed by parents and professionals. We recommend larger and more controlled studies on the relationship between negotiation and labeling in diagnostic feedback interviews and the impact of these processes on parental satisfaction and adaptation.


Clustering of eating disorder symptoms in a general population female twin sample: a latent class analysis.
Previous studies have reported that the current DSM-IV eating disorder (ED) criteria do not adequately describe ED symptomatology. The objective of the current study was to examine the clustering of ED symptoms in a general population sample using latent class analysis (LCA). ED symptoms from 3723 female young adult twins (mean age 22) were analyzed using LCA, and resulting classes were compared on external validators reflecting ED and other co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses, substance use disorders (SUDs), and suicidality. The optimal solution consisted of five latent classes characterized as: (1) Unaffected; (2) Low Weight Gain; (3) Weight Concerned; (4) Dieters; and (5) ED. Members of the ED class had significantly higher prevalence of co-morbid psychiatric disorders, SUDs, and suicidality than the Unaffected and Low Weight Gain classes, and elevated rates of suicidality and major depression compared to the Weight Concerned and Dieter classes, which differed from each other primarily in terms of current body mass index (BMI). Dieter class members were more likely to be overweight and obese and less likely to be underweight than Weight Concerned class members. The majority of women with an ED diagnosis were assigned to the ED class, and few differences were found between ED class members with and without an ED diagnosis. The results add to the evidence that many women with significant ED psychopathology are not being identified by the DSM-IV ED categories.


Three-dimensional reconstruction of tissue using computer-generated images.
In the study of brain ventricles for both teaching and research, it is often of considerable advantage to graphically display the reconstructed shape of the specimen. This paper describes the making of two-dimensional serial cross-sections and their storage for subsequent manipulation and display on a personal computer; the three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions may have hidden lines removed and various parts coloured for definition of areas of interest, for example the density and position of pyknotic (dead) nuclei. Current research involved the investigation of the effects of maternal hyperthermia on early embryonic brains. The 3D reconstructions were found ideal for understanding the temporal changes occurring in embryonic brains subjected to defined maternal heat stresses. The method involved 4 X 4 matrices using homogenous coordinate theory, being the most ideal and allowing a constant mechanism for all transformations. Total time from examination of sections to obtaining an accurate printed 3D reconstruction is approximately 1 h if 22 sections are used.


RAPD profile and antibiotic susceptibility of Xylella fastidiosa, causal agent of citrus variegated chlorosis.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity of Xylella fastidiosa isolated from citrus trees affected by Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC). The antibiotic susceptibility by agar disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods was observed for all drug evaluated, except for penicillin-G. Genetic diversity by RAPD analysis revealed three major groups (citrus, coffee and grapevine), being the citrus group more similar with the coffee group than with the grapevine group. This study highlights the possibility to use these antibiotics susceptibility as markers in the development of a cloning vector and penicillin-G could be used as a selective marker for the isolation of X. fastidiosa from citrus plants.


Determination of rapamycin in whole blood by HPLC.
Sirolimus (rapamycin, RAPA) is a natural fermentation product (macrolide antibiotic) that has demonstrated potent immunosuppressive activity. A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is described for analysis of the drug in whole blood. The samples are purified by using liquid-liquid extraction with butyl chloride/diethyl ether combined with reversed-phase solid-phase extraction. RAPA and internal standard were traced by UV-detection at 278 nm. Linear calibration curves with correlation coefficients > 0.999 were obtained (range, 1-50 ng/ml). Minimum detectable concentration was approximately 0.4 ng/ml and recovery approximately 45% for both RAPA and internal standard. Coefficient of variation (day to day) was 9.8% at 5 ng/ml (n = 6) and 5.6% at 40 ng/ml (n = 6). The chromatography requires < 10 min per sample. The assay has proved to be free of interference peaks from cyclosporine or tacrolimus. The method has been used to determine the whole blood concentrations in samples from healthy volunteers and renal transplant recipients receiving single and multiple doses of oral rapamycin.


Macrophages as delivery vehicles for anticancer agents.
The delivery of anticancer agents via passive approaches such as the enhanced permeability and retention effect is unlikely to achieve sufficient concentrations throughout the tumor volume for effective treatment. Cell-based delivery approaches using tumor tropic cells have the potential to overcome the limitations of passive approaches. Specifically, this review focuses on the use of monocytes/macrophages for the delivery of a variety of anticancer agents, including nanoparticles, chemotherapeutics and gene constructs. The efficacy of this delivery approach, both as monotherapy and in combination with light-based phototherapy modalities, has been demonstrated in numerous in vitro and animal studies, however, its clinical potential remains to be determined.


Optimal design of sampling schedules for studying glucose kinetics with tracers.
Minimum size sampling schedules for estimating glucose kinetic parameters from an impulsive (bolus) tracer injection in normal humans and rats are presented. Glucose kinetics are described by a two-compartment linear model, and reference values of the parameters are estimated from a data base with many samples. The optimal sampling schedule (OSS) is determined in each individual by using a D-optimal criterion and consists of four samples. A population optimal sampling schedule (POSS) applicable to all the individuals of a given population is then determined, and its reliability and efficiency in recovering kinetic parameters (e.g., rate constants, plasma clearance rate, and mean residence time) is assessed. The influence of model and measurement error on OSS is discussed. Moreover, the adoption of an enhanced POSS (EPOSS, 8 samples) is shown to improve accuracy and precision of parameter estimates in a predictable manner. Finally some suggestions are given for obtaining more information from turnover studies using a constant infusion of tracer, with or without a priming pulse of tracer.


Neuronal 5-HT metabotropic receptors: fine-tuning of their structure, signaling, and roles in synaptic modulation.
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is, without doubt, the neurotransmitter for which the number of receptors is the highest. Fifteen genes encoding functional 5-HT receptors have been cloned in mammalian brain. 5-HT(3) receptors are ionotropic receptors, whereas all the others are metabotropic G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). 5-HT receptor diversity is further increased by post-genomic modifications, such as alternative splicing (up to 10 splice variants for the 5-HT(4) receptor) or by mRNA editing in the case of 5-HT(2C) receptors. The cellular and behavioral implications of 5-HT(2C) receptor editing are of great physiological importance. Signaling of 5-HT receptors involves a great variety of pathways, but only some of these have been demonstrated in neurons. The classical view of neurotransmitter receptors localized within the synaptic cleft cannot be applied to 5-HT receptors, which are mostly (but not exclusively) localized at extra-synaptic locations either pre- or post-synaptically. 5-HT receptors are engaged in pre- or post-synaptic complexes composed of many GPCR-interacting proteins. The functions of these proteins are starting to be revealed. These proteins have been implicated in targeting, trafficking to or from the membrane, desensitization, and fine-tuning of signaling.


Cerebral metastasis from angiosarcoma of the heart. Case report.
A case of secondary cerebral angiosarcoma in a 30-year-old man is presented. The patient had previously undergone heart transplantation for treatment of the primary tumor. Only a few cases of cerebral metastasis from angiosarcoma have been recorded in the literature; the present case is the first reported case diagnosed after heart transplantation.


[Antagonistic properties of bifidobacteria isolated from different natural sources].
Thirty (30) bifidobacterial strains were isolated from different natural sources (intestinal tract of human, cattle, insects, mice, dolphins, dairy products) are investigated. The belonging of all strains studied to genus Bifidobacterium was determined according to phenotype properties and PCR method. Antagonistic properties of the strains were studied on the media with glucose and some probiotics. The highest antagonistic activity was shown by strain grown on the medium with glucose (zones of growth inhibition were from 6.3 up to 25.3 mm), the lowest--on the media with inulin (0 - 18.3 mm). The activity of some bifidobacterial strains on media with lactulose and inulin can be considered as their inclusion to synbiotics.


Oral conditions and need for dental treatment in an elderly population in northern Norway.
Oral conditions and dental treatment needs were investigated in a group of persons aged 65--79. A sample comprising 280 persons was drawn systematically to cover all persons in this age category living in the county of Troms in Norway. 241 persons attended, leaving a participation-rate of 86. The participants were examined mainly in their homes by dentists in graduate training. Sixteen percent of the group were in constant need of assistance or care due to a poor general state of health. In all, 80% were edentulous: 72% of the men and 87% of the women. Ninety-two percent wore removable dentures, 5% had natural teeth only, and 14% had natural teeth combined with a denture. Furthermore, 4% had neither teeth nor dentures, while dentures in both jaws were found in 66%. The "objective" treatment needs were extensive and had mainly accumulated due to neglectec care. Forty percent of the total group needed new complete dentures and 20% a more comprehensive correction of their dentures. By contrast only 30% intended to seek treatment in the near future. There seemd to be a definite need for a dental program to overcome or reduce the economic and other situational barriers.


Structure of complex viruses and virus-infected cells by electron cryo tomography.
In microbiology, and in particular in virus research, electron microscopy (EM) is an important tool, offering a broad approach for investigating viral structure throughout their intracellular and extracellular life cycles. Currently, molecular tools and rapid developments in advanced light microscopy dominate the field and supply an enormous amount of information concerning virus biology. In recent years, numerous fascinating high-resolution EM structures obtained by single-particle electron cryo microscopy (cryo-EM) were revealed for viral particles that possess icosahedral symmetry. However, no comprehensive three-dimensional analysis of complex viruses or viruses within cells has yet been achieved using EM. Recent developments in electron cryo-tomography render this a proficient tool for the analysis of complex viruses and viruses within cells in greater detail.


Prenatal buprenorphine exposure: effects on biochemical markers of hypoxia and early neonatal outcome.
To evaluate the possible association between prenatal buprenorphine exposure and compromised early neonatal outcome in view of markers of perinatal hypoxia. DESIGN, SETTING AND SAMPLE: The study group consisted of 27 full-term neonates exposed to buprenorphine prenatally and prospectively followed up at a special tertiary outpatient clinic for pregnant drug abusers. Serving as controls were 27 full-term neonates exposed prenatally to illicit substances other than opioids and 38 full-term neonates from uncomplicated pregnancies of healthy parturients. Apgar scores, cord pH and base excess were recorded. Cord serum samples were collected at birth for analysis of biochemical markers of fetal hypoxic stress: erythropoietin (EPO; chronic hypoxia), cardiac troponin T (cardiac involvement) and S100 (neural damage). All infants were born in good condition according to Apgar scores and pH of cord blood. No statistically significant differences were found between the three groups in cord serum concentrations of EPO (33.0 median, range: 9.0-476.0 U/L in the buprenorphine-exposed group vs 27.0, range: 8.0-114.0 U/L in substance-abusing controls vs 28.1, range: 11.6-260.0 U/L in healthy controls) or S100 (0.47, range: 0.25-0.91 microg/L vs 0.40, range: 0.12-1.22 microg/L vs 0.47, range: 0.20-2.15 microg/L). No significant differences existed in cardiac TnT levels (0.017, range: 0.010-0.072 U/L vs 0.010, range: 0.010-0.075 U/L vs 0.024, range: 0.010-0.075 U/L). While no significant differences in asphyxia markers were observed between the three groups, a tendency towards higher levels of EPO emerged in the buprenorphine-exposed group.


Structural and catalytic properties of a deletion derivative (delta 133-157) of Escherichia coli adenylate kinase.
Escherichia coli adenylate kinase (AKe) as well as the enzyme from yeast and mitochondria differs from the muscle cytosolic variant (AK1) by an insertion of 25 amino acid residues that are missing in AK1. The extra sequence, highly homologous in "large" size variants, is situated between residues 133 and 157 in AKe. Removal of 25 codons in the corresponding adk gene resulted in expression of a modified form of adenylate kinase (delta 133-157 AKe) which still conserved 7% of the maximal activity of the wild-type protein. The apparent Km for nucleotide substrates was increased by a factor of 4.6 (ADP), 23 (ATP) or 43 (AMP) in delta 133-157 AKe when compared with the wild-type enzyme. The secondary structure of delta 133-157 AKe, as well as its thermal stability were very similar to the parent protein. However, the deleted protein was much more sensitive than the wild-type enzyme to inactivation by trypsin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of trypsin digested delta 133-157 AKe revealed accumulation of several well defined fragments which were not observed in the case of wild-type enzyme. We conclude that the additional sequence, although necessary for expression of full activity in AKe, is not critical for catalysis. It is perhaps responsible for interaction of enzyme with other cellular components although a different mechanism of water shielding for large and small size variants of AK can be also envisaged.


Induction of sugar transport in chick embryo fibroblasts by hexose starvation. Evidence for transcriptional regulation of transport.
Incubation of chick embryo fibroblasts in glucose-free medium resulted in a dramatic increase in the rate of 2-deoxy-D-glucose transport. The greatest increase in rate occurred during the first 20 hours of incubation in glucose-free medium and was blocked by actinomycin D, dordycepin, or cycloheximide. The conditions of 2-deoxy-D-glucose concentration and time of incubation with the sugar were determined where transport rather than phosphorylation was rate-limiting in sugar uptake. These studies demonstrated that the transport of 2-deoxy-D-glucose was rate-limiting for only 1 or 2 min when the concentration of sugar in the medium was near the Km for transport, i.e. 2mM. No difference was found in the level of hexokinase activity in homogenates prepared from cells incubated glucose-free medium or standard medium when either 2-deoxy-D-[14C]glucose or D-glucose was used as substrate. A kinetic analysis of the initial rates of 2-deoxy-D-glucose transport by Lineweaver-Burk plots showed that the Vmax for sugar transport increased from 18 to 95 nmol per mg of protein per min when fibroblasts were incubated in glucose-free medium for 40 hours. The Km remained constant at 2 mM. Analysis of the initial rates of 3-omicron-methyl-D-glucose transport by Lineweaver-Burk plots further substantiated that the increase in sugar transport was due to an increase in the Vmax for transport with the Km remaining constant. The activation energy for the transport reaction calculated from an Arrhenius plot was 17.4 Cal per mol for cells cultured in the standard medium and 17.2 Cal per mol for cells cultured in the glucose-free medium. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the Vmax increase observed in hexose-starved cells is due to an increase in the number of transport sites.


Distinct receptors mediate gastrin-releasing peptide and neuromedin beta-induced delay of gastric of liquids in rats.
The present study was carried out to define which bombesin receptors are involved in the delay of gastric emptying induced by bombesin-like peptides. Adult male rats were fitted with gastric and jugular vein cannulas. Gastric emptying was determined 5 min after a 3-ml intragastric load of 0.9 M NaCl using phenol red as a marker. Mammalian bombesin-like peptides gastrin-releasing peptide-10 and neuromedin B both induced a delay of gastric emptying. When [Phe6]bombesin-(6-13)-methyl ester, a selective antagonist of the gastrin-releasing peptide-preferring subtype of bombesin receptors, was injected 5 min before the agonists, the effect of gastrin-releasing peptide-10 was competitively inhibited, whereas that of neuromedin B remained unaffected. Our results indicate that gastrin-releasing peptide-10 and neuromedin B delay gastric emptying by acting on distinct receptors in rats, in vivo.


Targeted antipeptide antibodies to cytochrome P450 2C18 based on epitope mapping of an inhibitory monoclonal antibody to P450 2C51.
The epitope recognized by the inhibitory monoclonal antibody designated 2F5, which was raised against P450 2C5, was mapped to amino acids 237-260 by immunoblotting using a combination of recombinant antigens and chimeric and partial fusion proteins constructed from rabbit P450s 2C2, 2C4, 2C5, and 2C16, which are recognized by 2F5, and from 2C1 and 2C3, which are not. When the sequence of the epitope for 2F5 (amino acids 237-260) was compared with those of other rabbit 2C P450s, a single lysine residue at position 253 appeared to be a likely determinant of 2F5 immunoreactivity. Substitution of lysine for glutamic acid 253 in P450 2C3 (2C3E253K) conferred immunoreactivity and the ability of 2F5 to inhibit progesterone metabolism catalyzed by P450 2C3E253K. Sequence alignment revealed that this epitope lies in close proximity to the epitope identified for LKM-1 autoantibodies to P450 2D6. Based on these results, an antipeptide antibody was raised to the corresponding region (amino acids 252-263) of human P450 2C18. The resulting antipeptide antiserum recognizes P450 2C18 but not P450 2C8, 2C9, or 2C19. However, the antipeptide 2C18 antiserum did not inhibit 2C18-catalyzed diazepam N-demethylation. Human 2C P450s were also quantitated by immunoblot analysis in a panel of six human liver microsomes using Escherichia coli expressed P450s as standards. Analysis of immunoblots indicated that, if present, P450 2C18 was expressed at very low levels (<2.5 pmol/mg), whereas P450s 2C8, 2C9, and 2C19 were easily detected.


A highly sensitive pressure sensor using a double-layered graphene structure for tactile sensing.
In this paper, we propose a graphene sensor using two separated single-layered graphenes on a flexible substrate for use as a pressure sensor, such as for soft electronics. The working pressure corresponds to the range in which human perception recognizes surface morphologies. A specific design of the sensor structure drives the piezoresistive character due to the contact resistance between two graphene layers and the electromechanical properties of graphene itself. Accordingly, sensitivity in resistance change is given by two modes for low pressure (-0.24 kPa(-1)) and high pressure (0.039 kPa(-1)) with a crossover pressure (700 Pa). This sensor can detect infinitesimal pressure as low as 0.3 Pa with uniformly applied vertical force. With the attachment of the artificial fingerprint structure (AFPS) on the sensor, the detection ability for both the locally generated shear force and actual human touch confirms recognition of the surface morphology constructed by periodic structures.


Management of Giant Hepatic Hemangioma in Atypical Localization; Report of a Case and Literature Review.
Hemangiomas are the most common benign primary hepatic neoplasms, often being incidentally discovered. In most of the cases they are small and asymptomatic. It is widely accepted that clinical intervention is indicated only for symptomatic hemangiomas. We present a case of an asymptomatic giant hemangioma managed by enucleation due to its atypical localization. The hemangioma, originally located in segment 5, was now described in Computer Tomography (CT) Imaging as separating the gallbladder from the liver parenchyma. A careful evaluation of images revealed proximity to the portal vein (PV), right hepatic artery (RHA), right hepatic duct (RHD) and right branch of the portal vein (RBPV). Thus, in the case of an emergent operation, surgical maneuvers in the area of the altered hepatic anatomy and proximity to the hemangioma itself, would in fact increase the risk endangering the patient's life. After patient's consent, a surgical enucleation en block with the gall-bladder was performed. It is of great importance that specifically selected, asymptomatic patients diagnosed with a giant hemangioma, with the above mentioned or similar localization should be considered for surgical treatment.


Split intravascular stents for side-to-end lymphaticovenular anastomosis.
Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is becoming the treatment of choice for compression-refractory lymphedema. Among various types of LVA, side-to-end (S-E) LVA is considered to be the most efficient one, because it can divert bidirectional lymph flows into venous circulation via 1 anastomosis, but is technically difficult. We developed a new technique for safe and easy S-E LVA with modified intravascular stenting (IVaS) method. Different from the original IVaS method, a lymphatic vessel is pierced by an IVaS before creation of a lateral window. The IVaS is cut after window creation and the ends are inserted into the lymphatic vessel and the venule respectively, guiding the course of the needle throughout the S-E anastomosis procedure. This method makes S-E LVA easier without special instruments.


Usefulness of early exercise testing after non-Q-wave myocardial infarction in predicting prognosis.
The value of an early symptom-limited maximal exercise test in predicting coronary anatomy, left ventricular ejection fraction and hemodynamics was assessed prospectively in 64 patients after an acute non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI). Exercise tests and cardiac catheterization were performed at a median of 6 and 7 days, respectively, after non-Q MI. Forty-one percent of the patients had a negative exercise test response (no angina, less than 1 mm of ST depression and normal blood pressure responses). Twenty-five percent had a positive response (1 to 1.9 mm of ST depression or angina); 34% had a "strongly positive" exercise test response (at least 2 mm of ST depression or abnormal blood pressure responses). A negative response predicted the absence of 3-vessel disease (at least 70% stenosis) or critical stenoses (at least 90% stenosis) involving major coronary arteries (negative predictive accuracy 92%), whereas a strongly positive response predicted their presence (positive predictive value 77%, specificity 88%). Cardiac index and mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure did not vary significantly among the 3 exercise groups, whereas left ventricular ejection fraction was slightly higher in the exercise test group with a positive response (p less than 0.025). Thus, in patients who have had a non-Q MI, early exercise testing can be used to predict the extent and severity of coronary artery disease, and the decision to perform coronary angiography should be guided by the exercise test results.


[Incidence and differential diagnosis of cholestasis in AIDS--a retrospective analysis of 73 patients].
A significant cholestasis constellation (alk. phosphatase and GGT each increased to twice as much as the norm) in 73 consecutive patients with AIDS was found in the course of the disease in 29 patients (= 39.7%). In most of the patients advanced immunodeficiency with an average of 2.5 AIDS-defining diseases already existed. In the predominant number of cases it was intrahepatic cholestasis with only slight icterus. Therapeutic measures such as medicamentous treatment or high-caloric parenteral nutrition were causal in two thirds of the cases; in a quarter of the cases opportunistic infections, above all disseminating mycobacteriosis were found. One third of the patients had already existing liver diseases. Liver biopsy frequently proved diagnostic and should be performed more often in the case of unclear liver findings in AIDS patients.


Physical Activity and Incident Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.
The authors examined the prospective relationship between physical activity and incident depression and explored potential moderators. Prospective cohort studies evaluating incident depression were searched from database inception through Oct. 18, 2017, on PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and SPORTDiscus. Demographic and clinical data, data on physical activity and depression assessments, and odds ratios, relative risks, and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, and the potential sources of heterogeneity were explored. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A total of 49 unique prospective studies (N=266,939; median proportion of males across studies, 47%) were followed up for 1,837,794 person-years. Compared with people with low levels of physical activity, those with high levels had lower odds of developing depression (adjusted odds ratio=0.83, 95% CI=0.79, 0.88; I2=0.00). Furthermore, physical activity had a protective effect against the emergence of depression in youths (adjusted odds ratio=0.90, 95% CI=0.83, 0.98), in adults (adjusted odds ratio=0.78, 95% CI=0.70, 0.87), and in elderly persons (adjusted odds ratio=0.79, 95% CI=0.72, 0.86). Protective effects against depression were found across geographical regions, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 0.65 to 0.84 in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania, and against increased incidence of positive screen for depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio=0.84, 95% CI=0.79, 0.89) or major depression diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio=0.86, 95% CI=0.75, 0.98). No moderators were identified. Results were consistent for unadjusted odds ratios and for adjusted and unadjusted relative risks/hazard ratios. Overall study quality was moderate to high (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score, 6.3). Although significant publication bias was found, adjusting for this did not change the magnitude of the associations. Available evidence supports the notion that physical activity can confer protection against the emergence of depression regardless of age and geographical region.


Embedded optical micro/nano-fibers for stable devices.
We present a technique to embed silica micro and nanofibers in low-index material (Teflon) using an inexpensive and straightforward fabrication process based on spin coating. The optical properties of the silica micro/nano-fibers have been investigated when they are bare or completely or partially embedded. Optical degradation occurs in bare fibers with diameters smaller than twice the wavelength of the guided light, thus making protection through embedding necessary. Our results also show that completely embedded fibers do not degrade over a long time, while partially embedded fibers can preserve the large evanescent waves without undergoing considerable degradation, which would be further reduced or even become negligible with functional overlayers. The results represent a step forward toward the development of durable and stable devices based on optical micro/nano fibers.


A new flavone and cytotoxic activity of flavonoid constituents isolated from Miliusa balansae (Annonaceae).
A new flavone named miliufavol [8-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3,7-dimethoxy-4H-chromen-4-one or 8-C-(o)-hydroxybenzylpachypodol] from Miliusa balansae (Annonaceae) was isolated and structurally elucidated by spectroscopic means besides four known flavones: ombuine, chrysosplenol B, pachypodol and chrysosplenol C. These flavonoids exhibited interesting cytotoxic activity against three human cell lines (KB, Hep-G2, RD) with IC50 values < 5 microg/ml.


Superconductivity in molecular crystals induced by charge injection.
Progress in the field of superconductivity is often linked to the discovery of new classes of materials, with the layered copper oxides being a particularly impressive example. The superconductors known today include a wide spectrum of materials, ranging in complexity from simple elemental metals, to alloys and binary compounds of metals, to multi-component compounds of metals and chalcogens or metalloids, doped fullerenes and organic charge-transfer salts. Here we present a new class of superconductors: insulating organic molecular crystals that are made metallic through charge injection. The first examples are pentacene, tetracene and anthracene, the last having the highest transition temperature, at 4 K. We anticipate that many other organic molecular crystals can also be made superconducting by this method, which will lead to surprising findings in the vast composition space of molecular crystals.


Automated edge-detection technique for measurement of brachial artery reactivity: a comparison of concordance with manual measurements.
Concerns have been raised about the reproducibility of brachial artery reactivity (BAR), because subjective decisions regarding the location of interfaces may influence the measurement of very small changes in lumen diameter. We studied 120 consecutive patients with BAR to address if an automated technique could be applied, and if experience influenced reproducibility between two observers, one experienced and one inexperienced. Digital cineloops were measured automatically, using software that measures the leading edge of the endothelium and tracks this in sequential frames and also manually, where a set of three point-to-point measurements were averaged. There was a high correlation between automated and manual techniques for both observers, although less variability was present with expert readers. The limits of agreement overall for interobserver concordance were 0.13 +/- 0.65 mm for the manual and 0.03 +/- 0.74 mm for the automated measurement. For intraobserver concordance, the limits of agreement were - 0.07 +/- 0.38 mm for observer 1 and - 0.16 +/- 0.55 mm for observer 2. We concluded that BAR measurements were highly concordant between observers, although more concordant using the automated method, and that experience does affect concordance. Care must be taken to ensure that the same segments are measured between observers and serially.


Infrared fluorescent immunofocus assay (IR-FIFA) for the quantitation of non-cytopathic and minimally cytopathic viruses.
A novel method was developed for the precise quantitation of viruses using infrared fluorescent detection of foci of infection in conventional cell culture plates. In this assay, termed the infrared fluorescent immunofocus assay (IR-FIFA), appropriate cell cultures were infected with serial dilutions of hepatitis A virus (HAV) or measles virus (MV) and maintained with a semi-solid overlay for 1-5 days. Cell monolayers were fixed with formaldehyde, and then stained in succession with a primary monoclonal antibody and an Alexa Fluor 680 conjugate. Foci of infection (analogous to plaques) were detected by scanning culture plates using the Odyssey infrared imaging system and counted to determine the virus titre, expressed as focus forming units (FFU) per mL, as is done for conventional plaque assays. HAV and MV were used as models of minimally cytopathic viruses, and showed a linear dose-response between focus formation and virus dilution. Viral titres calculated using this method were comparable to conventionally used methods. The IR-FIFA was also successfully adapted to quantify duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) as a model for a non-cytopathic virus. This simple and sensitive assay will have wide use for the quantitation of non-cytopathic and minimally cytopathic viruses.


Transcriptional activation of a hybrid promoter composed of cytomegalovirus enhancer and beta-actin/beta-globin gene in glomerular epithelial cells in vivo.
The aim of this study was to seek a promoter, transactivated selectively in renal cells in vivo by using transgenic (tg) mouse technology. We generated two kinds of tg mouse lines carrying a green fluorescence protein (GFP) cDNA driven either by cytomegalovirus enhancer and beta-actin/beta-globin promoter (CX-GFP) or by elongation factor 1alpha promoter (EF-GFP), and investigated the expression of GFP in the kidney. Microscopic examination of the renal tissues in CX-GFP-tg mice revealed that GFP was expressed only in glomeruli, mainly epithelial cells, but not in tubules, arteries and interstitium. Moreover, in situ hybridization demonstrated that GFP mRNA expression was localized in the glomerular cells. In contrast, GFP was not detectable in the kidney in any of the lines of EF-GFP-tg mouse. To exclude the possible involvement of the GFP cDNA as an enhancer, we constructed tg mice carrying the CX promoter driving a human CD4 cDNA. It was confirmed that the expression patterns of human CD4 in the kidney were quite similar to those of GFP in the kidney of CX-GFP-tg mice. These results strongly suggest that CX promoter could be transactivated in glomerular epithelial cells in vivo.


Cosmological constraints on Lorentz violation in electrodynamics.
Infrared, optical, and ultraviolet spectropolarimetry of cosmological sources is used to constrain the pure electromagnetic sector of a general Lorentz-violating standard-model extension. The coefficients for Lorentz violation are bounded to less than 3 x 10(-32).


Serotonin release in the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus is not involved in thermoregulation during low-intensity exercise in a warm environment.
The aim of the present study was to assess the response of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus (PO/AH) to thermoregulation during exercise in a warm environment. In addition, it was investigated whether a rapid increase in extracellular 5-HT levels in the PO/AH modifies the thermoregulatory response under the same exercise conditions. Rats were made to run for 120 min at 10 m min(-1) on a treadmill at the ambient temperature of 30 degrees C. Body core temperature (T(core)) was monitored using a biotelemetry system, and tail skin temperature (T(tail)) was simultaneously measured as an index of heat loss response. Microdialysis in combination with HPLC was used to measure concentrations of monoamines in the PO/AH. Both T(core) and T(tail) increased during the first 20 min of exercise and remained stable until the end of the exercise period. Low-intensity exercise did not induce any changes in 5-HT release in the PO/AH, although the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine were increased. Moreover, increased extracellular 5-HT by local perfusion of 1 microM citalopram (selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor; SSRI) in the PO/AH had no effect on the thermoregulatory response during acute low-intensity exercise in a warm environment. These results suggest that enhanced release of only 5-HT in the PO/AH may not intervene thermoregulation during exercise in a warm environment.


A HTLV-I carrier who showed various symptoms and antibodies of autoimmune diseases.
We report a 37-year-old female HTLV-I carrier with complicating primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Serum anti-HTLV-I antibody titer was x256. Flower cells (4.5%) were found in the peripheral blood. Southern blot analysis showed no clonal integration in peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) DNA. Polymerase chain reaction showed the HTLV-I genome in PBL DNA. As cholestatic liver dysfunction and serum titer of anti-mitochondrial antibody were found, a clinical diagnosis of PBC was made. This patient later developed MCTD. These diseases responded well to prednisone. The pathogenetic relationship of HTLV-I infection with various autoimmune diseases is discussed.


Mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in mice.
Animal models have added significantly to our understanding of the mechanism(s) of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization. Such models suggest that changes in the interaction between the HSPC and the hematopoietic microenvironmental 'niche' (cellular and extracellular components) are critical to the process. The increasing availability of recombinant proteins (growth factors, cytokines, chemokines), antibodies, drugs (agonists and antagonists), and mutant and genetically modified animal models [gene knock-in (KI) and knock-out (KO)] continue to add to the tools available to better understand and manipulate mobilization processes.


Realism and construct validity of novel pelvic models of common gynecologic conditions.
To test a novel set of pelvic trainers for realism and construct validity. Seven models of the female pelvis were studied. Participants performed speculum and bimanual examinations, documented their findings, and recorded opinions of the models in a structured questionnaire. Results were analyzed by participant grade (inexperienced and experienced). Twenty-six inexperienced and 24 experienced gynecologists participated. Experienced doctors were more likely to correctly identify the uterus corresponding to 16 weeks of gestation (P<0.001), the large fibroid uterus (P=0.01), and uterine anteversion (P=0.04). Identification of the uterus containing a small fibroid, the uterus corresponding to 10 weeks of gestation, and an adnexal cyst was low overall (<35%) and not significantly different between the groups. Correct identification of cervical findings (ectropion and polyp) was high in both groups (65%-88%). Experienced doctors were more consistent-with 17 (71%) reporting the same correct finding on a repeated model, compared with 8 (31%) inexperienced doctors. Forty-nine (98%) doctors completed the structured questionnaire, 36 (73%) of whom felt the models were realistic. The models were found to be realistic and have construct validity. Senior participants were consistent at correctly identifying most abnormalities. The models may be useful for pelvic examination training; further testing is required regarding their ability to aid learning of clinical and communication skills.


[Review of applying implant-magnetic attachments to oral and maxillofacial prostheses].
In order to evaluate the applying effect of MDIC implant-magnetic attachments on oral and maxillofacial prostheses, 38 patients, whose oral and maxillofacial defects had been restored with implant-magnetic attachments prostheses, were followed up for 1-4 years. The effects were evaluated by the measurement of the retentive force of the prostheses, X-ray and clinical examination. The results show: the successful rate of the restoration was 94.7%; two sets implant-magnetic attachments could offer an average of 14.7 N retentive force for lower complete dentures, which could meet various functional needs of the prostheses, but magnetic retentive force decreased as the applying time goes on the magnetic retainers should be changed after two years; negative rate of bone absorption on implant-bone surface was 92.6%; negative rate of gingival inflammation was 91.3%. The implant-magnetic attachments offer realize reliable retention, don't transmit lateral force to implants. Patients can insert and remove the prostheses and clean the implants and defect cavities conveniently. The above advantages are benefit to tissue health and functions of the prostheses. So, implant-magnetic attachments can be used in the restoration of various oral and maxillofacial defects.


Australian midwives' experiences of implementing practice change.
The introduction of the best available evidence into health care practice is a complicated and uncertain process. Attempts to translate even highly reliable evidence into care provision are known to flounder. The objective of this study was to investigate midwives' experiences of leading practice change. This study was conducted using Glaserian Grounded Theory methodology. Australian midwifery practice contexts provided the setting for this study. Midwives who had led practice change initiatives. Sixteen Australian midwife change leaders participated in this study. Each had sought to implement a workplace practice change. The core problem experienced by the participants was labelled 'So many barriers on so many levels'. Although some participants were encouraged, supported and enabled to enact change to some degree, even when the change was initiated by the practice site, all participants experienced a number of obstacles at many levels in their implementation efforts. For most, this meant that their endeavours to move the best available evidence into practice took many years or did not progress at all. The findings of this study will be of interest to midwives, midwifery leaders and midwifery educators. Understanding the factors in midwifery care environments that support or limit the uptake of best evidence into practice will help to inform and develop midwifery context-specific mechanisms to expedite sustained practice innovation.


Increased preoperative C-reactive protein levels are associated with inhospital death after coronary artery bypass surgery.
Increased C-reactive protein (CRP) is a predictor of cardiovascular risk, but its influence on outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) is still incompletely studied. We studied the association between preoperative CRP and inhospital death after CABG. Patients with acute or chronic infectious or inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and prior cardiac surgery were excluded. Seventy-six patients were studied [27.6% with elevated CRP (>3 mg/l)]. Elevated CRP was more frequently found in patients who died than in those who survived (83.3% vs 17.1%, p = 0.003); mean CRP levels were, respectively, 6.5 ± 3.4 vs 2.4 ± 3.5 mg/l (p = 0.03). The hazard ratio of death was 11.7 for elevated CRP, and the ROC curve for the discrimination of death with CRP had an area under the curve of 0.82. An improvement to mortality risk prediction following CABG may be offered by the preoperative analysis of CRP.


Comparison of nurses' and family members' perceived needs during postanesthesia care unit visits.
Today, more PACUs are opening their doors to visiting family members. This change can be exciting and challenging for the PACU nurse. The expertise involved when caring for the patient must be also extended to the family. Literature shows that families have identifiable needs. By attending to those needs, the nurse may help decrease stress for the family during the patient's hospitalization and enable everyone to cope more effectively. Limited published research is available regarding the needs of family members of PACU patients. This descriptive study explores and compares needs identified by family members when visiting PACU patients with needs of these family members perceived by PACU nurses. Analysis of data using the Mann Whitney-U Test indicates a significant difference between the groups. PACU nurses believed that family members' most important need was information. Family members stated that the need to see the family member was more important than was perceived by the nurses. Both groups agreed that education was an important need. Further studies using a larger sample are needed to validate findings of this study.


Release of endogenous brain epinephrine by the calcium ionophores X537A and A23187.
The Ca2+ ionophores X537A and A23187 produced dose-dependent release of endogenous epinephrine (Epi) as well as norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) from chopped rat hypothalamus and brainstem. The X537A-induced release of these catecholamines (CAs) was found to be Ca2+-independent, whereas the A23187-induced release was Ca2+-dependent. X537A and A23187 were approximately equipotent in causing the release of the hypothalamic Epi, NE and DA, but X537A was much more effective than A23187 in causing the maximal release. X537A, but not A23187, reduced the total endogenous CA content and increased the total 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) content in the chopped hypothalamus. Ca2+-independent release of Epi, NE and DA in the chopped hypothalamus was also observed with indirectly acting sympathomimetic amines (e.g. tyramine and amphetamine). Tyramine and amphetamine did not affect the total endogenous CA contents nor the total DOPAC content. These results suggest that X537A caused release of endogenous brain Epi, NE and DA by transporting the biogenic amines across vesicular or intracellular storage sites. However, A23187 caused release of these CAs by exocytosis via transport of Ca2+ into the neurons.


Direct visualization of transient thermal response of a DNA origami.
The DNA origami approach enables the construction of complex objects from DNA strands. A fundamental understanding of the kinetics and thermodynamics of DNA origami assembly is extremely important for building large DNA structures with multifunctionality. Here both experimental and theoretical studies of DNA origami melting were carried out in order to reveal the reversible association/disassociation process. Furthermore, by careful control of the temperature cycling via in situ thermally controlled atomic force microscopy, the self-assembly process of a rectangular DNA origami tile was directly visualized, unveiling key mechanisms underlying their structural and thermodynamic features.


A human alloanti-N enhanced by acid media.
The serum from a 47-year-old man who had not been transfused previously was tested with reagent red cells selected from different commercial manufacturers to confirm the presence of an alloanti -N. Agglutination of homozygous N-positive red cells at 22 degrees C ranged from score 3 to 12. This variable reactivity was found to be due to pH, and the optimal reactivity was in test media below pH 7.


Synthesis of pyrrolo-/indolo[1,2-a]quinolines and naphtho[2,1-b]thiophenes from gem-dibromovinyls and sulphonamides.
A highly efficient and simple route for the synthesis of pyrrolo-/indolo[1,2-a]quinolines and naphtho[2,1-b]thiophenes from gem-dibromovinyls and sulphonamides is reported. The noteworthy feature of this report is that the methodology involves a two-step protocol to synthesize tri- and tetracyclic heterocycles in a one-pot fashion through the Cu(I)-catalyzed formation of ynamide followed by a Ag(I)-assisted intramolecular hydroarylation. The photophysical properties of representative examples of pyrrolo- and indolo[1,2-a]quinolines in solid and solution states have also been studied.


A three-dimensional reconstruction of metastatic adenocarcinoma in lymph node.
Lymph nodes are a common site of metastatic cancer. The ability to view the three-dimensional configuration of complex biological structures, rendered in solid model form, might help to further elucidate the pathophysiology of metastatic disease. This paper presents a method for three-dimensional reconstruction from serial sections of a lymph node containing metastatic adenocarcinoma. The reconstruction and subsequent animation were carried out using the P3D graphics software (developed at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center) and rendered by the Dore high-speed renderer on an Ardent Titan graphics workstation. As different views of the model were produced, they were recorded a frame at a time on U-matic video tape. A three-dimensional solid-modeled object portrays metastatic, neoplastic elements within a lymph node.


Expression of prostaglandin E synthase mRNA is induced in beta-amyloid treated rat astrocytes.
Deposition of beta-amyloid (A beta) in the brain is considered to be one of the most critical events in the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to identify factors involved in the exacerbation of AD, we investigated transcriptionally A beta-induced genes using a cDNA subtraction technique in rat astrocytes. One gene obtained was rat prostaglandin (PG) E synthase. In this report, we present the deduced sequence for rat PGE synthase for the first time and demonstrate the induction of PGE synthase mRNA by treatment of cells with A beta. Our results suggest a possibly significant role of this enzyme in the progression of AD.


Discriminant function analysis for sex assessment in pelvic girdle bones: sample from the contemporary Mexican population.
Sex assessment of skeletal remains plays an important role in forensic anthropology. The pelvic bones are the most studied part of the postcranial skeleton for the assessment of sex. It is evident that a population-specific approach improves rates of accuracy within the group. The present study proposes a discriminant function method for the sex assessment of skeletal remains from a contemporary Mexican population. A total of 146 adult human pelvic bones (61 females and 85 males) from the skeletal series pertaining to the National Autonomous University of Mexico were evaluated. Twenty-four direct metrical parameters of coxal and sacral bones were measured and subsequently, sides and sex differences were evaluated, applying a stepwise discriminant function analysis. Coxal and sacra functions achieved accuracies of 99% and 87%, respectively. These analyses follow a population-specific approach; nevertheless, we consider that our results are applicable to any other Hispanic samples for purposes of forensic human identification.


Optimal Fungicide Management of Purple Spot of Asparagus and Impact on Yield.
Purple spot disease of asparagus, caused by the fungus Stemphylium vesicarium, results in lesions on spears and ferns and defoliation of ferns. In two newly established commercial asparagus fields (cvs. Jersey Giant and Jersey Knight), chlorothalonil or mancozeb was applied every 7, 10, or 14 days or according to Tom-Cast with a threshold of 15 disease severity values, and not applied to the control. Tom-Cast prompted four sprays, resulting in a 60% reduction in the number of fungicide applications when compared with the 7-day-interval treatment. When disease pressure was severe, lesions on ferns were significantly less for both cultivars when fungicides were applied according to Tom-Cast or every 7 days compared with spray intervals of 10 or 14 days. Applying fungicides according to Tom-Cast or every 7 days resulted in an increased Jersey Giant fern stand compared with applying fungicides every 10 or 14 days. Unsprayed control plots yielded 77 to 83% (depending on cultivar) of those plots treated according to Tom-Cast using chlorothalonil. Significantly higher yields of Jersey Knight were obtained for chlorothalonil versus mancozeb. When mancozeb was used, Jersey Knight yield was significantly increased with a 7-day versus Tom-Cast application regime. Using chlorothalonil in a Tom-Cast program provided a benefit per hectare (BPH) of $1,005.24 (Jersey Knight) to $2,057.69 (Jersey Giant). In comparison, using mancozeb in a Tom-Cast program provided a BPH of -$484.27 (Jersey Knight) to $1,030.55 (Jersey Giant) over a 2-year period.


Respiratory distress syndrome in Curaçao. Conventional versus surfactant treatment.
The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and to evaluate the efficacy of surfactant treatment at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the St Elisabeth Hospital, Curaçao, Netherlands, Antilles. This was a retrospective cohort study of 86 infants, with moderate to severe RDS, out of 877 newborns admitted to the NICU between 1991 and 1998. Results of conventional RDS treatment between 1991 and 1994 (n = 54, group 1) were compared to results of treatment between 1994 and 1998 (n = 32, group 2) with surfactant and increased prenatal steroids. The incidence of RDS in group 1 was 12%, and 7.5% in group 2. Use of prenatal steroids increased from 7.3% (group 1) to 47% in group 2 (p < 0.05). Twenty-five infants died, 17 (31.5%) in group 1 and 8 (25%) in group 2. The complication most frequently found in both study groups was Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD): sixteen infants (30%) in group 1 and 9 infants (28%) in the surfactant-treated group. BPD was significantly associated with time on the ventilator in both groups (p < 0.05). We found no cases (0%) of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in group 1, and 3 cases (9%, p < 0.05) in group 2. We found no differences in other complications between group 1 and 2. The mean time between birth and the first surfactant treatment in group 2 was more than nine hours. Surfactant rescue treatment in combination with prenatal steroids results in lower incidence of RDS and in lower mortality than conventional RDS treatment in this study. The increased incidence of ROP in the surfactant-treated group was probably the result of better detection. BPD and other complications remained unchanged. Earlier surfactant administration is suggested to reduce mortality and morbidity in the future.


Sildenafil acts on the central nervous system increasing sympathetic activity.
Sildenafil induces vasodilation and is used for treating erectile dysfunction. Although its influence on resting heart function appears to be minimal, recent studies suggest that sildenafil can increase sympathetic activity. We therefore tested whether sildenafil injected into the central nervous system alters the autonomic control of the cardiovascular system in conscious rats. The effect of sildenafil citrate injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle was evaluated in conscious rats by means of the recording of lumbar sympathetic nerve activity (LSNA), spectral analysis of systolic arterial pressure and heart rate variability, spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity, and baroreflex control of LSNA. Intracerebroventricular (ICV, 100 microg /5 microl) administration of sildenafil caused remarkable tachycardia without significant change in basal arterial pressure and was associated with a conspicuous increase (47 +/- 14%) in LSNA. Spectral analysis demonstrated that systolic arterial pressure oscillations in the low frequency (LF) range were increased (from 6.3 +/- 1.5 to 12.8 +/- 3.8 mmHg(2)), whereas the high frequency (HF) range was not affected by ICV administration of sildenafil. Sildenafil increased pulse interval oscillations at LF and decreased them at HF. The LF-HF ratio increased from 0.04 +/- 0.01 to 0.17 +/- 0.06. Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity measured by the sequence method and the baroreflex relationship between mean arterial pressure and LSNA were not affected by ICV administration of sildenafil. In conclusion, sildenafil elicited an increase in sympathetic nerve activity that is not baroreflex mediated, suggesting that this drug is able to elicit an autonomic imbalance of central origin. This finding may have implications for understanding the cardiovascular outcomes associated with the clinical use of this drug.


Biphasic production of antisperm autoantibodies follow vasectomy of the Lewis rat.
Temporal changes in the specificity of post-vasectomy autoantibodies to SDS-PAGE separated sperm antigens were investigated in Lewis rats. Sera were obtained from nine vasectomized animals prior to vasectomy, every two weeks for 14 weeks, and less frequently thereafter, up to 41 weeks. Changes in antisperm autoantibodies over time were assessed by ELISA and western blot assay and compared to antisperm isoantiserum and normal Lewis rat serum. A "biphasic" pattern of autoantibody production over time was observed in a majority of individuals. This pattern was characterized by early phase autoantibodies, produced between 0 and 6 weeks after vasectomy, which bound antigens at the stacking, separating and ionic fronts and by late phase autoantibodies, produced after 4 weeks following vasectomy which bound antigens at 86, 63, 52, 43, 31 and 26 kDa. Previous work suggested that some high molecular weight autoantigens were disulfide-bonded polymers of the polypeptides at 86, 63, and 43 kba (Handley, et al., 1988). Indirect immunofluorescence with monospecific isoantisera to the 86 kDa autoantigen suggested that its corresponding high molecular weight polymer was located in the tail of cauda epididymal spermatozoa. This polymer possessed several characteristics of T cell independent autoantigens. These data show a change in the specificity of autoantibodies produced over time after vasectomy which may reflect a shift from T cell independent to T cell dependent autoantibody production by the Lewis rat.


Supporting of coupled silver halides onto clinoptilolite nanoparticles as simple method for increasing their photocatalytic activity in heterogeneous photodegradation of mixture of 4-methoxy aniline and 4-chloro-3-nitro aniline.
Novel photocatalyts were synthesized by dispersion of AgX (X=I, Br, Cl) in nano clinoptilolite particles (NCP). The obtained composites (AgX-NCP) were used for the photodegrading of aqueous mixture of 4-methoxy aniline and 4-chloro-3-nitroaniline under Hg lamp irradiation. All samples were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, DRS and TEM. The effects of operational parameters such as: the loaded extent of AgX, the amount of photocatalyst, initial pH and concentration on photo mineralization were studied. The degradation extent was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy and the results were confirmed by the chemical oxygen demand (COD).


Emergency department bedside ultrasonographic measurement of the caval index for noninvasive determination of low central venous pressure.
Among adult emergency department (ED) patients undergoing central venous catheterization, we determine whether a greater than or equal to 50% decrease in inferior vena cava diameter is associated with a central venous pressure of less than 8 mm Hg. Adult patients undergoing central venous catheterization were enrolled in a prospective, observational study. Inferior vena cava inspiratory and expiratory diameters were measured by 2-dimensional bedside ultrasonography. The caval index was calculated as the relative decrease in inferior vena cava diameter during 1 respiratory cycle. The correlation of central venous pressure and caval index was calculated. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a caval index greater than or equal to 50% that was associated with a central venous pressure less than 8 mm Hg were estimated. Of 73 patients, the median age was 63 years and 60% were women. Mean time and fluid administered from ultrasonographic measurement to central venous pressure determination were 6.5 minutes and 45 mL, respectively. Of the 73 participants, 32% had a central venous pressure less than 8 mm Hg. The correlation between caval index and central venous pressure was -0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.82 to -0.63). The sensitivity of caval index greater than or equal to 50% to predict a central venous pressure less than 8 mm Hg was 91% (95% CI 71% to 99%), the specificity was 94% (95% CI 84% to 99%), the positive predictive value was 87% (95% CI 66% to 97%), and the negative predictive value was 96% (95% CI 86% to 99%). Bedside ultrasonographic measurement of caval index greater than or equal to 50% is strongly associated with a low central venous pressure. Bedside measurements of caval index could be a useful noninvasive tool to determine central venous pressure during the initial evaluation of the ED patient.


Combination antibiotic therapy of bacterial endocarditis.
A penicillin-aminoglycoside regimen is accepted therapy for enterococcal endocarditis, but use of combinations of antibiotics in other forms of bacterial endocarditis is controversial. This review analyzes in-vitro, experimental animal model, and clinical studies of combination "synergistic" antibiotic treatment for enterococcal, viridans streptococcal, staphylococcal, and gram-negative aerobic bacillary endocarditis. Current recommendations for treatment of these entities are discussed.


The sniffing position provides greater occipito-atlanto-axial angulation than simple head extension: a radiological study.
While the anatomic sniffing position has traditionally been considered the standard head and neck position for laryngoscopy, recent evidence suggests that the sniffing position provides no significant advantage over simple head extension. To establish if the sniffing position provides an anatomic advantage, we compared the occipito-atlanto-axial extension angle, a key determinant for obtaining a good laryngeal view during laryngoscopy, in simple head extension and sniffing positions. Thirty volunteers with normal cervical spines were studied. Radiological examinations of the lateral cervical spine were taken and compared in each of the following three positions for each subject: neutral position (flat on the table with no pillow and without head extension or flexion); simple head extension (head maximally extended without a pillow); and the sniffing position (head extension with cervical flexion obtained by 7 cm occipital elevation). Mean angles of the occipito-atlanto-axial extension in simple head extension and the sniffing position were 20.4 degrees+/-5.1 degrees and 24.2 degrees+/-5.6 degrees, respectively (P<0.01). The anatomic sniffing position provides greater occipito-atlanto-axial extension compared to simple head extension. These findings should be taken into consideration when optimizing patient positioning for laryngoscopy.


A multicomponent, elicitor-inducible cystatin complex in tomato, Solanum lycopersicum.
We assessed the ability of the fungal elicitor arachidonic acid to induce cystatin genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), using a cDNA expression library from arachidonate-treated leaves. The cDNAs of two novel cystatins were isolated, coding for an approx. 11-kDa protein, SlCYS10; and for a 23.6-kDa protein, SlCYS9, bearing an N-terminal signal peptide and a long, 11.5-kDa extension at the C terminus. Both genes were induced by arachidonate but not by methyl jasmonate, an inducer of the 88-kDa eight-unit cystatin, multicystatin, accumulated in the cytosol of leaf cells upon herbivory. A truncated form of SlCYS9, tSlCYS9, was produced by deletion of the C-terminal extension to assess the influence of this structural element on the cystatin moiety. As shown by kinetic and stability assays with recombinant variants expressed in Escherichia coli, deleting the extension influenced both the overall stability and inhibitory potency of SlCYS9 against cysteine proteases of herbivorous organisms. These findings provide evidence for a multicomponent elicitor-inducible cystatin complex in tomato, including at least 10 cystatin units produced via two metabolic routes.


Immunology of allergy.
Knowledge of the immune system is advancing rapidly. This review provides an update on the allergy players-the cells and major mediators-and the form and function of each; discusses how these cells and mediators weave together in the elegant but destructive dance of allergy; and details how specific immunotherapy can cure allergy.


Hippo pathway controls cell adhesion and context-dependent cell competition to influence skin engraftment efficiency.
Cell competition is involved in mammalian embryogenesis and tumor elimination and progression. It was previously shown that, whereas NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts expressing high levels of the yes-associated protein 1(YAP1) target TEA domain family (TEAD) transcription factors become "winners" in cell competitions, Madin-Darby canine kidney cells expressing activated YAP1 become "losers" and are eliminated from culture monolayers. Thus, YAP1's role in cell competitions is clearly context dependent. Here, we show that keratinocytes overexpressing a constitutively activated YAP1 mutant lose in in vitro competitions with control cells conducted in standard tissue culture dishes and undergo apical extrusion. Similarly, cells in which endogenous YAP1 is activated by NF2 knockdown become losers. The YAP1-overexpressing cells exhibit a decrease in cell-matrix adhesion because of defective expression of adhesion molecules such as fibronectin-1. Cell adhesion-mediated proliferation is also impaired. However, because of intrinsic factors, YAP1-expressing cells proliferate faster than control cells when cocultured in dishes impeding cell adhesion. In vivo, Mob1a/b-deficient (YAP1-activated) epidermis, which shows decreased expression of type XVII collagen, cannot be engrafted successfully onto donor mice. YAP1-activated skin grafts shrink away from surrounding control skin, and the epidermis peels off the basement membrane. Our data show that YAP1 activation controls cell competition in part by decreasing cell adhesion.-Nishio, M., Miyachi, Y., Otani, J., Tane, S., Omori, H., Ueda, F., Togashi, H., Sasaki, T., Mak, T. W., Nakao, K., Fujita, Y., Nishina, H., Maehama, T., Suzuki, A. Hippo pathway controls cell adhesion and context-dependent cell competition to influence skin engraftment efficiency.


The direct and indirect costs of the chronic management of osteoporosis: a prospective follow-up of 3440 active subjects.
The objective of this study was to estimate the direct and indirect costs attributable to osteoporosis (OP) from a societal and a payer's perspective among active subjects living in Belgium and employed in the public workforce. A cohort of 3440 subjects employed by the Liege City Council was followed for 6 months. The City Council employees were invited to fill a monthly log of the data related to their utilization of health resources (contacts with health professionals, medical examinations, drug use,...) due to OP. Information on work disability (number of days of sick leave) and on informal care (number of days off work incurred by active subjects in helping relatives or friends suffering from OP) was also collected. Of those asked to participate in the study, 1,811 subjects filled in at least one questionnaire. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.46 months. Self-reported prevalence of OP at inclusion was 5.3%. OP subjects were significantly older (52.7+/-6.1 years) than normal subjects (45.5+/-9.8 years) (p<0.05) and included more women (85.3 vs. 55.9%). Direct costs came to 44.6 euros per OP patient-month: 10.9 euros was spent on contact with health professionals, 19.0 euros on medical examinations, 12.1 euros on drugs and 2.6 euros on hospitalizations. During this 6-month study, a total of 140 days of sick leave was recorded (mean: 0.4 per OP patient-month). From a payer's perspective, this loss in productivity yielded a mean cost of 34.05 euros per OP patient-month. A mean number of days off work of 0.018 per active subject-month, attributable to informal care, was recorded. These days of inactivity represented, for the employer, a mean cost of 1.8 euros per active subject-month. The results of this survey of a large sample of active subjects confirm that OP-related expenditures, both for medical care and for loss of productivity, are significant.


Benefits and environmental determinants of physical activity in children and adolescents.
In this review, we identify the health benefits associated with physical activity (PA); address the physical activity and sedentary guidelines issued by public health scientists as well as children's compliance to these guidelines; discuss the importance of motor skill acquisition during early childhood; and identify different settings that contribute to physical activity participation and strategies for improving PA in these settings. Results show that regular participation in PA during childhood has numerous immediate benefits, including positive changes in adiposity, skeletal health, psychological health, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Additionally, motor skill development during early childhood may have immediate health benefits as well as long-lasting effects in adulthood. Furthermore, the benefits of PA during childhood also appear to positively influence adult health outcomes, such as increased bone mineral density. Key environmental settings that have been shown to influence children's PA behavior include child care, active commuting to and from school, school recess, school physical education, after-school programs, churches, medical settings, and the home environment. Recommendations for practitioners and researchers are discussed.


A comparative evaluation of intranasal midazolam, ketamine and their combination for sedation of young uncooperative pediatric dental patients: a triple blind randomized crossover trial.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of intranasal (IN) administration of midazolam (M), ketamine (K) and their combination (MK) to produce moderate sedation in young, uncooperative pediatric dental patients. In this three stage crossover trial forty five uncooperative ASA type-1 children, who required dental treatment, were randomly assigned to receive one of the three drugs/combination by IN route during three subsequent visits. The efficacy and safety of the agents were assessed by overall success rate and by monitoring of vital signs, respectively. The onset of sedation was rapid with K as compared to M and MK. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01) between K and M. The overall success rate was 89% with K, MK was 84% and 69% with M. The difference between the overall success rates of K and M was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Vital signs were within physiological limits and there were no significant adverse effects with any medication. M, K and MK are safe and effective by IN route to produce moderate sedation for providing dental care to pediatric dental patients who have been otherwise indicated for treatment under general anesthesia.


[Development of delivery system of bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis].
Bisphosphonates are carbon-substituted pyrophosphate (PCP) analogues that exhibit high affinity to hydroxylapatite and inhibit bone resorption after their administration. They are widely used as the first-choice drug for the treatment and prevention of bone diseases, including Paget's disease, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and osteoporosis. However, the oral bioavailability of bisphosphonates is quite low (1-2%). In addition, the oral administration of bisphosphonates has been associated with mucosal damage, including gastritis, gastric ulcer, and erosive esophagitis. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop new delivery systems that improve their bioavailability and safety. In this review, recent challenges in the developments of novel delivery system of bisphosphonates are summarized. Then, future developments of delivery system of bisphosphonates are also discussed in order to improve their therapeutic efficacy and safety in the treatment of bone diseases.


Calculation of infusion rates of vasoactive substances.
We present a framework for understanding calculations of continuous infusions of vasoactive substances. Several simplified methods for establishing initial concentrations and infusion rates of drug are derived, their applicability is discussed, and examples are given.


Effect of cilostazol in preventing restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
This study sought to evaluate the effect of cilostazol in preventing restenosis after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 68 patients: 35 patients received cilostazol immediately after PTCA and 33 patients received aspirin or ticlopidine. Repeat coronary angiography was performed 4 to 6 months after PTCA and the incidence of restenosis was significantly lower (17%) in the cilostazol group than in the non-cilostazol group (40%) (p < 0.05), which indicates that cilostazol has the potential to prevent restenosis after PTCA.


Defining and measuring sexual orientation: a review.
How to define and identify sexual orientations for the purpose of constructing representative samples of homosexuals, bisexuals, and heterosexuals is unclear and confusing to researchers. Different definitions and measures have been proposed and used to develop samples since the 1860s when sexual orientations first gained widespread research interest. Unfortunately, the definitions and measurement tools used since then result in the selection of divergent and incomparable samples. If advances in the understanding of sexual orientations are to be made, it is critical that definitions and measures of sexual orientation be standardized. This paper reviews and critiques definitions and measures of sexual orientation that have been proposed and used by researchers over the past century. This review is intended to further our understanding of this subject and to encourage researchers to be critical of how they classify subjects based upon sexual orientation.


[Posterior tibial nerve stimulation for pelvic floor dysfunction. Review].
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a highly prevalent functional pathology that affects women and can present with different clinical symptoms that include urinary urgency with or without incontinence, diurnal and nocturnal frequency, urinary retention, fecal incontinence, obstructive defecation, sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain. Lately, concern arised as to offer patients an advanced therapy within an integral approach. This interest was first focused in sacral nerve root modulation, a key element for pelvic function. Neuromodulation is considered a normal characteristic of the nervous system that regulates or modifies the electric impulses that come from different nervous body tissues. Neuromodulation is carried out through sacral neurostimulation (SNS), posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PNTS), which are reversible non destructive therapies used for peripheric stimulation of nerves, ganglia, spinal medula and brain. Even though there is evidence of efficacy for sacral nerve stimulation at short, medium and long-term, there are two main concerns within this approach: invasivity and high cost. It seems posterior nerve tibial stimulation has the same neuromodulatory effect as the one obtained by sacral nerve stimulation through a less invasive route and lower cost.


Huntington disease: early indentification by H reflex testing.
This investigation was undertaken to determine the potential use of the H reflex of Hoffmann as a means of early detection of Huntington disease. Three groups of subjects were tested: 9 having Huntington disease, 8 first-generation offspring "at risk" of Huntington disease, and 30 normal persons as controls. The deep peroneal nerve was stimulated by a monopolar needle electrode, and the muscle potentials of the anterior tibialis and the extensor digitorum brevis were recorded with surface elctrodes. The action potentials were examined for the direct M response and the presence or absence of an H reflex response. The H reflex response was found in the anterior tibialis muscle, at least unilaterally if not bilaterally, in eight of nine subjects with Huntington disease and in five of eight persons at risk. The H reflex was present in 1 of 30 controls unilaterally. This significant difference between the patients with Huntington disease and at risk subjects compared to the control group, indicates that H reflex testing may be useful for the early identification of at risk individuals who will ultimately develop Huntington disease. This would be most helpful in family counseling terms, and also may aid in further understanding of this complex diseases.


Synthesis of electron energy loss spectra for the quantification of detection limits.
We describe a method for predicting detection limits of minority elements in electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and its implementation as a software package that gives quantitative predictions for user-specified materials and experimental conditions. The method is based on modeling entire energy loss spectra, including shot noise as well as instrumental noise, and taking into account all the relevant experimental parameters. We describe the steps involved in modeling the entire spectrum, from the zero loss up to inner shell edges, and pay particular attention to the contributions to the pre-edge background. The predicted spectra are used to evaluate the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) for inner shell edges from user-specified minority elements. The software also predicts the minimum detectable mass (MDM) and minimum mass fraction (MMF). It can be used to ascertain whether an element present at a particular concentration should be detectable for given experimental conditions, and also to quickly and quantitatively explore ways of optimizing the experimental conditions for a particular EELS analytical task. We demonstrate the usefulness of the software by confirming the recent empirical observation of single atom detection using EELS of phosphorus in thin carbon films, and show the effect on the SNR of varying the acquisition parameters. The case of delta-doped semiconductors is also considered as an important example from materials science where low detection limits and high spatial resolution are essential, and the feasibility of such characterization using EELS is assessed.


Degradation and formation of bisphenol A in polycarbonate used in dentistry.
To study long-term degradation of polycarbonate (PC) and the formation and the release of bisphenol A (BPA) in vivo and in vitro, PC brackets placed in the oral cavity for 18-40 months as well as bracket, denture plate, and temporary crown placed in water at 37 degrees C for 34 months were examined for the changes of BPA content and molecular weight in PC using high performance liquid chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. BPA release in vitro was also monitored. The BPA content and molecular weight for the brackets in vivo showed a tendency to increase from 38-60 microg/g to 324-697 microg/g and to decrease from 49 x 10(3) - 54 x 10(3) to 43 x 10(3) - 45 x 10(3) during 18-40 months, respectively. The content and total release of BPA in vitro after 34 months were 472 and 37.4 microg/g for bracket, 130 and 2.2 microg/g for denture plate, and 50 and 2.8 microg/g for temporary crown, respectively. BPA appeared to be released more in saliva than that expected from the in vitro data. Additives contained in the PC materials were suggested to influence the formation of BPA.


Mediastinal impressions on the dilated esophagus.
This article explores how the mediastinum accommodates a significantly dilated esophagus, using achalasia as an anatomic model. This accommodation introduces the concepts of vascular tethering and the paratracheal esophagus as part of a unifying theory of "the path of least resistance." Practical examples demonstrate the importance of understanding these concepts in any disease involving esophageal dilatation.


Baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in the Canadian Fabry Disease Initiative.
The Canadian Fabry Disease Initiative [CFDI] is a longitudinal study evaluating all Canadians diagnosed with Fabry disease [FD]. The study has 3 cohorts: Cohort 1A which includes 81 subjects who were on enzyme replacement therapy [ERT] prior to October 2006, Cohort 1B which has ongoing enrolment of subjects newly started on ERT who are randomized to agalsidase alfa or agalsidase beta, and Cohort 1C where subjects who do not meet nationally accepted Canadian criteria for ERT are followed to assess the natural history of disease complications. The study currently enrols 244 patients [95 males and 149 females] with a mean age of 41.9+/-14.5years. There is a high prevalence of the c.427G>C mutation. Cohort 1A contains 82 patients [59 males, 23 females] of whom 42% are known to have cardiac complications of FD and 38% renal complications. Cohort 1B at the time of writing contained 37 patients [15 males, 22 females] of whom the indications for ERT were cardiac in 55% and renal in 60%. Cohort 1C at the time of writing contained 125 patients [22 males, 103 females]. Enrolment is ongoing in both Cohorts 1B and 1C. When compared to subjects in the Fabry Outcome Survey and the Fabry Registry, subjects in the CFDI are less likely to be male reflecting less ascertainment bias. The CFDI is a robust national data set that will contribute to available data on the natural history of FD and on the comparative efficacy of the two commercially available ERT products.


Inhibition of the Prausnitz-Küstner reaction by an immunoglobulin epsilon-chain fragment synthesized in E. coli.
The Prausnitz-Küstner (P-K) reaction is a sensitive test for the presence and activity in the skin of immunoglobulin E, an important class of immunoglobulin mediating allergic reactions. A fragment of the human myeloma ND epsilon-chain gene, encoding the second, third and fourth domains of the IgE constant region (C epsilon 2-4) was assessed here for its ability to inhibit the P-K reaction in vivo. Injection of the fragment in skin sites of healthy human adults prevented subsequent sensitization with serum containing IgE antibody to ragweed antigen. Inhibition of the P-K reaction required a 200-fold molar excess of the C epsilon fragment over the IgE present in the sensitizing serum. The efficacy of the C epsilon fragment in inhibiting the P-K reaction compared favourably with that of natural myeloma IgE (PS) in terms of both blocking concentrations and duration of the blocking effect. The inhibition of the P-K reaction by C epsilon 2-4 fragments was specific and probably caused by the saturation of IgE receptors on mast cells by the recombinant gene product.


Coincidence of spinal tumor (astrocytoma) and non-specific encephalomyelitis.
The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that differential diagnostics of intra-medullary spinal lesions can sometimes be very difficult, even when the latest complement examinations are used, including magnetic resonance imaging. The particular case dealt with here was complicated by the presence of two different pathological processes. We present the case report, where the case history, clinical course and results of the paraclinical examinations, including the magnetic resonance imaging, suggested an intra-medullary inflammatory/demyelinating process. The post-mortem histological finding was a surprise, because besides signs of non-specific encephalomyelitis, it also displayed signs of a spinal tumor (histological character of diffuse astrocytoma grade II-III). We would like to emphasize some important facts in our discussion, especially from the perspective of the magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, we would like to ask if the presence of both pathologies (astrocytoma and nonspecific myelitis) was coincidental, or if the myelitis had an iatrogenic etiology (by therapy, by infection during the lumbar punctions).


Expression of the murine leukemia virus protease in fusion with maltose-binding protein in Escherichia coli.
The protease of murine leukemia virus (MLV) was cloned into pMal-c2 vector, expressed in fusion with maltose-binding protein (MBP), and purified to homogeneity after Factor Xa cleavage of the chimeric protein. Substantial degradation of the fusion protein was observed during expression, which severely diminished the yield. The degree of degradation of the fusion protein was even more pronounced when a single-chain form of the MLV protease was cloned after the gene coding for MBP. To increase the yield, a hexahistidine tag with an additional Factor Xa cleavage site was cloned after the protease and nickel chelate affinity chromatography was used as the first purification step. The modified procedure resulted in substantially higher yield as compared to the original procedure. The degradation of hexahistidine-tagged active site mutant MLV protease was very low and comparable to that obtained with hexahistidine-tagged MBP, but purified MLV protease alone was not able to degrade purified MBP, suggesting that during expression the active MLV protease may activate bacterial proteases which appear to be responsible for the degradation of the fusion proteins.


Daily NO rhythms in peripheral clocks in aging male Wistar rats: protective effects of exogenous melatonin.
In mammals suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), acts as a light entrainable master clock and by generation of temporal oscillations regulates the peripheral organs acting as autonomous clocks resulting in overt behavioral and physiological rhythms. SCN also controls synthesis and release of melatonin (hormonal message for darkness) from pineal. Nitric Oxide (NO) acts as an important neurotransmitter in generating the phase shifts of circadian rhythms and participates in sleep-wake processes, maintenance of vascular tone as well as signalling and regulating inflammatory processes. Aging is associated with disruption of circadian timing system and decline in endogenous melatonin leading to several physiological disorders. Here we report the effect of aging on NO daily rhythms in various peripheral clocks such as kidney, intestine, liver, heart, lungs and testis. NO levels were measured at zeitgeber time (ZT) 0, 6, 12 and 18 in these tissues using Griess assay in male Wistar rats. Aging resulted in alteration of NO levels as well as phase of NO in both 12 and 24 months groups. Correlation analysis demonstrated loss of stoichiometric interaction between the various peripheral clocks with aging. Age induced alterations in NO daily rhythms were found to be most significant in liver and, interestingly least in lungs. Neurohormone melatonin, an endogenous synchroniser and an antiaging agent decreases with aging. We report further differential restoration with exogenous melatonin administration of age induced alterations in NO daily rhythms and mean levels in kidney, intestine and liver and the stoichiometric interactions between the various peripheral clocks.


Cerebral oxygen availability by NIR spectroscopy during transient hypoxia in humans.
The effects of mild hypoxia on brain oxyhemoglobin, cytochrome a,a3 redox status, and cerebral blood volume were studied using near-infrared spectroscopy in eight healthy volunteers. Incremental hypoxia reaching 70% arterial O2 saturation was produced in normocapnia [end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) 36.9 +/- 2.6 to 34.9 +/- 3.4 Torr] or hypocapnia (PETCO2 32.8 +/- 0.6 to 23.7 +/- 0.6 Torr) by an 8-min rebreathing technique and regulation of inspired CO2. Normocapnic hypoxia was characterized by progressive reductions in arterial PO2 (PaO2, 89.1 +/- 3.5 to 34.1 +/- 0.1 Torr) with stable PETCO2, arterial PCO2 (PaCO2), and arterial pH and resulted in increases in heart rate (35%) systolic blood pressure (14%), and minute ventilation (5-fold). Hypocapnic hypoxia resulted in progressively decreasing PaO2 (100.2 +/- 3.6 to 28.9 +/- 0.1 Torr), with progressive reduction in PaCO2 (39.0 +/- 1.6 to 27.3 +/- 1.9 Torr), and an increase in arterial pH (7.41 +/- 0.02 to 7.53 +/- 0.03), heart rate (61%), and ventilation (3-fold). In the brain, hypoxia resulted in a steady decline of cerebral oxyhemoglobin content and a decrease in oxidized cytochrome a,a3. Significantly greater loss of oxidized cytochrome a,a3 occurred for a given decrease in oxyhemoglobin during hypocapnic hypoxia relative to normocapnic hypoxia. Total blood volume response during hypoxia also was significantly attenuated by hypocapnia, because the increase in volume was only half that of normocapnic subjects. We conclude that cytochrome a,a3 oxidation level in vivo decreases at mild levels of hypoxia. PaCO is an important determinant of brain oxygenation, because it modulates ventilatory, cardiovascular, and cerebral O2 delivery responses to hypoxia.


Different DMRT3 Genotypes Are Best Adapted for Harness Racing and Riding in Finnhorses.
Previous studies showed a positive effect of the DMRT3 "gait keeper" mutation on harness racing performance in Standardbreds, French-, and Nordic trotters. The mutation has also been shown to influence riding traits in multiple breeds. This study investigated the effect of the DMRT3 mutation on harness racing performance and riding traits in Finnhorses. Finnhorses used for harness racing (n = 180) and for riding (n = 59) were genotyped for the DMRT3 mutation. For the trotters the genotypes were evaluated for association with racing performance (number of starts, victories, placings, earnings, and race times). At 3-6 years of age the AA genotype was superior compared with the CA and CC genotypes. The AA horses had a significantly higher proportion of victories (P = 1.4×10(-6)) and placings (P = 4.1×10(-7)), better race times (P = 0.01), and earned more money (P = 0.009) compared with C-horses. For the Finnhorses used for riding the owners answered a questionnaire to score how well the horse performed the gaits walk, trot, and canter on a scale from 1 to 6. These scores were tested for association with the DMRT3 genotypes. Although AA horses were more successful as racehorses, the CC and CA horses appear more adapted for classical riding disciplines. The AA horses received significantly lower gait scores compared with C-horses for the majority of gaits. Except for rhythm in extended canter (P = 0.05), there were no significant differences between CA and CC horses. This study shows that there are different optimal genotypes for different disciplines and the DMRT3 mutation clearly influences gaits and performance in Finnhorses.


Severity of Guillain-Barré syndrome is associated with Fc gamma Receptor III polymorphisms.
Macrophages and ganglioside-specific IgG are involved in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Leukocyte IgG receptors (Fc gammaR) confer potent cellular effector functions to the specificity of IgG. The efficacy of IgG-mediated cellular inflammatory responses is determined by functional polymorphisms of three Fc gammaR subclasses (Fc gammaRIIa: H131/R131; Fc gammaRIIIa: V158/F158; Fc gammaRIIIb: NA1/NA2). Fc gammaR genotype distributions were determined in a Dutch, and British cohort of GBS patients and controls. In addition, a meta-analysis incorporating all previously published data, encompassing a total of 345 GBS patients and 714 healthy controls, was performed. Results suggest that Fc gammaRIII genotypes may represent mild disease-modifying factors in GBS.


Cost containment and diffusion of MRI: oil and water?. Japanese experience.
The total number of MR units available in Japan relative to the population is the highest in the world. The total number of MR units installed in 1996 was 2,663, equivalent to 24 per million population. The average charge per procedure in Japan is only one fifth of that in the United States (USA), approximately US$200 and US$950, respectively, suggesting that economic considerations in Japan may not take the highest priority. Despite the low costs, the utilisation (the number of patients examined each year or per week) of MR units in Japan is only about half that in the USA. As such, an increase in the number of MR units per se does not result in excessive health care costs.


Vitamin D3 Is Transformed into 1,25(OH)2D3 by Triggering CYP3A11(CYP3A4) Activity and Hydrolyzing Midazolam.
BACKGROUND Vitamin D3 (VD3) is a commonly used supplement in clinical practice. Cytochrome P450 3A11 (CYP3A11) is the most important monomeric enzyme involved in metabolism of drugs. This study aimed to investigate effects of vitamin D3 (VD3) on CYP3A11 activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided a Control group (peanut oil 0.1 ml/kg/d), a Low-VD3 group (100 IU/kg/d), a Medium-VD3 group (400 IU/kg/d), and a High-VD3 (1600 IU/kg/d) group. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein after midazolam (MDZ) administration. CYP3A11 expressions in liver and colon were detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. The concentration of serum 25(OH)D₃ and serum 1,25(OH)₂D₃ were evaluated using ELISA. Effects of different dosages of vitamin D3 on metabolism of MDZ were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS Vitamin D3 significantly enhanced serum 25(OH)D₃ and 1,25(OH)2D₃ levels in rats compared to Control rats (p<0.05). Expressions of hepatic CYP3A11 were more than 10-fold higher in rats treated with vitamin D3 compared to Control rats (p<0.05). Expressions of colon CYP3A11 were 5-fold higher than in Control rats (p<0.05). CYP3A11 expressions in vitamin D3-treated groups were significantly higher compared to the Control group (p<0.05). MDZ levels were significantly higher in Vitamin D3-treated rats compared to that in Control rats (p<0.05). Concentrations of serum MDZ at every sampling point were remarkably lower in the vitamin D3-treated rats than in Control rats (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D3 was transformed into 1,25(OH)₂D₃ by triggering CYP3A11 and CYP3A11 activity and by hydrolyzing MDZ.


Indoor and outdoor in situ high-resolution gamma radiation measurements in urban areas of Cyprus.
In situ, high-resolution, gamma-ray spectrometry of a total number of 70 outdoor and 20 indoor representative measurements were performed in preselected, common locations of the main urban areas of Cyprus. Specific activities and gamma absorbed dose rates in air due to the naturally occurring radionuclides of (232)Th and (238)U series, and (40)K are determined and discussed. Effective dose rate to the Cyprus population due to terrestrial gamma radiation is derived directly from this work. The results obtained outdoors match very well with those derived previously by high-resolution gamma spectrometry of soil samples, which were collected from the main island bedrock surface. This implies that the construction and building materials in urban areas do not affect the external gamma dose rate; thus they are mostly of local origin. Finally, the indoor/outdoor gamma dose ratio was found to be 1.4 +/- 0.5.


A case of oral-facial-digital syndrome with overlapping manifestations of type V and type VI: a possible new OFD syndrome.
We report a child with clinical and radiological manifestations characteristic of both V'aradi syndrome (oral-facial-digital syndrome type VI) and Thurston syndrome (oral-facial-digital syndrome type V). The findings have not been reported previously, and we believe that it represents a new variant.