Right ventricular systolic function and ventricular interaction during acute embolisation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in sheep.
Regional LV ischemia involving the septum affects LV systolic function and geometry. We investigated the effects of these changes on RV function and geometry. In six closed-chest sheep end-systolic pressure-volume relationships (ESPVRs) were constructed from ventricular volumes, measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and matching intraventricular pressures, before and after selective embolisation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The extent of myocardial ischemia was assessed post-mortem by coronary perfusion with Evans-Blue. Alterations in septal geometry were studied by measuring the curvature, segmental length and thickness of the septum in two midventricular (short-axis) MRI slices before and during ischemia. From these data, changes in LV and RV free wall segmental lengths were calculated. Selective embolisation of the LAD resulted in left ventricular ischemia (15 +/- 2.1% of the total LV) with 23% of the septum involved. Stroke volume did not change significantly, while LV systolic pressure decreased by 24 mmHg (p < 0.05). Although RV systolic function decreased to a significantly lesser extent than LV function (p < 0.01), systolic function of both ventricles diminished significantly as indicated by substantial rightward shifts of the ESPVRs: 121% for LV and 41% for RV (both p < 0.01). At mid-ventricular level and end-systole, the septum showed significant increases in its radius of curvature and segmental length (both p < 0.05), and a significant wall thinning (p < 0.01). Calculated end-systolic lengths of LV and RV free walls also increased, by 57 and 14% respectively. LAD embolisation not only results in a significantly diminished LV systolic function but also causes RV systolic function to decline significantly. Regional dysfunction by necessity entails global dysfunction as well. Analysis of ventricular geometry reveals that both the septum and the RV free wall increase their length, which plays an important role in the pathophysiology of diminished RV systolic function concomitant with reduced LV function.


Repeated psychosocial stress at night affects the circadian activity rhythm of male mice.
We have recently shown that molecular rhythms in the murine suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) are affected by repeated social defeat (SD) during the dark/active phase (social defeat dark [SDD]), while repeated SD during the light/inactive phase (social defeat light [SDL]) had no influence on PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE explant rhythms in the SCN. Here we assessed the effects of the same stress paradigm by in vivo biotelemetry on 2 output rhythms of the circadian clock (i.e., activity and core body temperature) in wild-type (WT) and clock-deficient Period (Per)1/2 double-mutant mice during and following repeated SDL and SDD. In general, stress had more pronounced effects on activity compared to body temperature rhythms. Throughout the SD procedure, activity and body temperature were markedly increased during the 2 h of stressor exposure at zeitgeber time (ZT) 1 to ZT3 (SDL mice) and ZT13 to ZT15 (SDD mice), which was compensated by decreased activity during the remaining dark phase (SDL and SDD mice) and light phase (SDL mice) in both genotypes. Considerable differences in the activity between SDL and SDD mice were seen in the poststress period. SDD mice exhibited a reduced first activity bout at ZT13, delayed activity onset, and, consequently, a more narrow activity bandwidth compared with single-housed control (SHC) and SDL mice. Given that this effect was absent in Per1/2 mutant SDD mice and persisted under constant darkness conditions in SDD WT mice, it suggests an involvement of the endogenous clock. Taken together, the present findings demonstrate that SDD has long-lasting consequences for the functional output of the biological clock that, at least in part, appear to depend on the clock genes Per1 and Per2.


The effect of changes in population characteristics on breastfeeding trends in fifteen developing countries.
Extended breastfeeding is known to benefit the health of children in developing countries and despite widespread expectations of a decline in breastfeeding in these countries, it has been demonstrated that the incidence and duration of breastfeeding are in fact increasing many countries. In this paper, trends in breastfeeding duration are examined in 15 developing countries, using data from two comparable surveys for each country, the World Fertility Survey (conducted in the late 1970s) and the Demographic and Health Survey (conducted in the late 1980s). Multivariate regression models are used to examine differentials in breastfeeding behaviour across population subgroups in these countries for each time period, and these differentials are used to determine the extent to which the observed trends are due to changes in population characteristics and to what extent behaviour has changed within population subgroups. Results show that changes in the characteristics of the population have almost universally pushed breastfeeding durations in the downward direction. On the other hand, trends within population subgroups have been positive in all but two of the 15 countries examined. Changes in population characteristics can be expected to continue for most developing countries, exerting a downward pressure on breastfeeding. Policies that promote breastfeeding are needed to counter these changes, especially in the most vulnerable population subgroups.


Argon plasma coagulation is effective for prevention of recurrent esophageal varices after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy: Single-center case-control study.
Esophageal varices are usually treated with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) or endoscopic band ligation (EBL). However, frequent recurrences of varices after those procedures have been problematic. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) after EIS may be effective for preventing varix recurrence and, in recent years, we have routinely carried out APC after EIS. The aim of the present study was to verify the effectiveness of APC for preventing recurrence of varices after EIS. A case-control study was carried out using a historical control cohort in a single center. The varix recurrence rate in 62 patients (34 men and 28 women, median age; 69 years) who underwent APC after EIS for hemorrhagic or risky esophageal varices (APC group) was compared with that of control patients who did not undergo APC after EIS (control group). Age-, sex-, and liver function-matched two control subjects were selected for one case subject (control group). Recurrence of varices was defined as rupture of varices or reappearance of risky varices. The 1-year and 2-year recurrence rates of the APC group were 9.7% and 11.3%, respectively. In contrast, the rates of the control group were 29.0% and 34.7%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significantly lower recurrence rate in the APC group (P = 0.013, log-rank test). No APC-related severe adverse events were observed. APC after EIS was safe and could significantly prevent recurrence of esophageal varices. Therefore, the addition of APC should be routinely carried out after EIS.


Extended wear contact lenses for aphakia.
The current modality for correcting unilateral aphakia is by the use of daily wear hard and soft contact lenses and by the use of intraocular lens implants. The use of the Cooper Permalens soft contact lens as an extended wear lens for correction of aphakia was investigated in 177 eyes. The relative merits of the extended wear lens are discussed with emphasis on fit, visual function, and contact lens-related problems.


SNAREs--engines for membrane fusion.
Since the discovery of SNARE proteins in the late 1980s, SNAREs have been recognized as key components of protein complexes that drive membrane fusion. Despite considerable sequence divergence among SNARE proteins, their mechanism seems to be conserved and is adaptable for fusion reactions as diverse as those involved in cell growth, membrane repair, cytokinesis and synaptic transmission. A fascinating picture of these robust nanomachines is emerging.


The leukocyte expression of CD36 is low in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.
CD36, a scavenger receptor of class B (SR-B), helps mediate microglial and macrophage response to beta-amyloid fibrils (betaA), and seems to play a key role in the proinflammatory events associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) in many tissues. Peripheral leukocytes express many molecules and multiple receptors which undergo the same regulatory mechanisms as those operative in the brain. Thus, these cells, easily obtainable through peripheral blood sampling, may be used as a tool to investigate changes occurring in inaccessible brain areas. Based on these premises, we investigated the leukocyte expression of CD36 in 70 AD patients and in 30 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Results were compared to those of 20 young and 40 age-matched control subjects. Leukocyte expression of CD36 was significantly reduced versus controls in both AD and MCI patients, while in young and old controls there were no age-related changes. Although preliminary, these data indicate that the reduction of CD36 expression in leukocytes is a disease-related phenomenon, occurring since the early stages of AD (MCI). Irrespective of the mechanism(s) underlying such changes, assessment of leukocyte CD36 expression might represent an useful tool to support the diagnosis of AD and to screen MCI patients candidates to develop the disease.


Microstructural analysis and reliability of monolithic zirconia after simulated adjustment protocols.
To investigate the microstructural properties and reliability of zirconia partially stabilized by yttrium oxide (Y-TZP) for use in monolithic form (Vita YZ HT, Vita Zahnfabrik, Germany) after different clinical adjustment protocols simulation. One-hundred and sixty two Y-TZP discs of high translucency were divided into 6 groups (n=27), according to simulated adjustments: S-Y-TZP as sintered; G-glazed Y-TZP; DbG-Y-TZP with diamond bur adjustment simulation followed by glaze application; GDb-glazed Y-TZP adjusted with diamond bur; DbDrG-Y-TZP with adjustment simulation with diamond bur and polishing kit (diamond rubber), followed by glaze; GDbDr-glazed Y-TZP with adjustment simulation with diamond bur followed by polishing kit. After monotonic testing under biaxial flexure (n=3), remaining specimens were distributed into 3:2:3 ratio and tested under step-stress accelerated life testing. Specimens were evaluated in a stereomicroscope and SEM. Microstructure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and mean surface roughness (Ra). Survival data were used to calculate Weibull's beta value (β) and reliability for missions of 300,000 and 600,000 cycles at 200N. Ra data were statistically analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (both, a=5%). The untreated HT zirconia (S) presented a lower probability of survival after 600,000 cycles at 200N, compared to HT zirconia adjusted with diamond bur and glazed (DbG), and after final polishing with polishing kit (GDbDr). Final polishing with diamond rubber (GDbDr) resulted in a more homogeneous surface compared to glazed samples (G, DbG and DbDrG). HT zirconia is more likely to present increased survival when glazed after diamond adjustments (DbG) or when it is finished with polishing kit (GDbDr).


Protein sorting in the endomembrane system of plant cells.
Although many properties of the targeting of plant endomembrane proteins are similar to mammalian and yeast systems, several clear differences are found that will be stressed in this review. In the past year, significant advances in our understanding of storage protein segregation in the endoplasmic reticulum, compartmentation of Golgi, and the signals for vacuolar protein targeting have been made. This work will form the basis for determining the mechanism of these sorting phenomena.


Hospital-wide chlorhexidine gluconate bed bathing protocol: A cross-sectional study in a single hospital.
The objective of this study was to determine understanding of bed bathing practices over time after the implementation of a standardized bed bathing protocol. An online survey addressing bathing practices was administered preintervention and 6 and 18 months postintervention to all nurses and technicians caring for adult patients. Survey responses suggested that the intervention resulted in sustained understanding of the standardized bed bathing protocol.


Nosocomial infections caused by Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute febrile illness, often accompanied by haemorrhagic manifestations, with high case fatality rate (CFR). The causative agent is CCHF virus (CCHFV) and is transmitted to humans mainly through tick bites or exposure to blood or tissues of viremic patients or livestock. Human-to-human transmission usually occurs in hospital settings and health care workers (HCWs) are mainly affected. A review on nosocomial CCHFV infections was performed to elucidate the routes and circumstances of CCHFV transmission in hospital settings. From 1953 to 2016, 158 published cases of CCHFV nosocomial infection in 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe were found. Almost all cases were symptomatic (92.4%) with an overall CFR of 32.4%. The majority occurred in hospital clinics (92.0%), and 10 cases (8.0%) in laboratories. Most cases occurred among HCWs (86.1%), followed by visitors (12.7%) and hospitalized patients (1.3%). Nursing staff (44.9%) and doctors (32.3%) were the most affected HCWs, followed by laboratory staff (6.3%). The primary transmission route was percutaneous contact (34.3%). Cutaneous contact accounted for 22.2%, followed by exposure to aerosols (proximity) (18.2%), indirect contact (17.2%) and exposure to patient's environment (8.1%). CCHFV can cause nosocomial infections with a high CFR. During the care and treatment of CCHF patients, standard contact precautions, barrier precautions and airborne preventive measures should be applied. Guidelines and education for HCWs, to ensure that CCHF is appropriately included in differential diagnoses, so that early diagnosis and implementation of infection prevention measures is achieved is important to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare-associated CCHFV exposure.


Mutagenicity, sister chromatid exchange inducibility and in vitro cell transforming ability of particulates from Athens air.
Airborne particulates were collected over a period of twelve months by the use of Hi-Vol samplers in the basin of Athens, Greece. N-Hexane extracts were tested in a battery of in vitro tests for their ability to induce mutation in bacteria as well as mutation, sister chromatid exchange and morphological transformation in cultured mammalian cells. Positive results were found for mutagenicity with Salmonella strain TA98 in the Ames assay, for sister chromatid exchange induction in CHO cells and for transformation in BALB/c 3T3 cells in culture. They also showed weak non-dose-related induction of ouabain resistance in BALB/c 3T3 cells. The contribution of oxidizing and nitrating agents found in the Athens atmosphere, together with sunlight UV irradiation in the formation of direct acting mutagens and potential carcinogens from ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is suggested.


Post-translational regulation of WRKY transcription factors in plant immunity.
Plants have evolved immune system to protect themselves against invading pathogens. Recent research has illustrated that signaling networks, after perception of diverse pathogen-derived signals, facilitate transcriptional reprogramming through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. WRKY proteins, which comprise a large family of plant transcription factors, are key players in plant immune responses. WRKY transcription factors participate in the control of defense-related genes either as positive or as negative regulators, and essentially are regulated at the transcriptional level. Emerging evidence emphasizes that group I WRKY transcription factors, which contain a conserved motif in the N-terminal region, are also activated by MAPK-dependent phosphorylation, underlining their importance in plant immunity.


[Psychometric properties of a psychological well-being test for people with physical impairments].
Measuring the psychological well-being of people with physical impairments could provide relevant information to occupational therapists. The aim of this study was to verify psychometric properties of a psychological well-being test called Test de personnalité PER (PER). This test was administered to two samples of people with physical impairments. Two time measurements were collected within a group of 36 individuals and one single measure within another group of 79 individuals. Comparisons between time measurements, between groups and with the normative group of the PER were performed in an attempt to verify the sensitivity, the capacity to discriminate between known groups, and the construct validity of the PER. One section of the Sickness Impact Profile measuring psychological well-being was administered to the same groups to verify the concurrent criterion validity of the PER. The results indicate that the PER has sufficient psychometric qualities.


Surgical glove powders bind latex antigens.
Latex surgical gloves have recently been identified as a potential source of allergens. Much of the current information suggests that the soluble proteins in latex may cause significant reactions in sensitive individuals. The starch powders used as a lubricant on some latex gloves have also been identified as potential allergens in some patients. In this study, we determined these powders to act as potential carriers of latex allergens. We have produced a polyclonal antiserum to be used as a reagent to study latex proteins. By Western blot analysis, we identified a significant interaction between latex proteins and starch powders. The binding of latex proteins to starch particles results in a glove particle that may have an increased potential to act as an allergen. The latex protein-starch particles represent a potential mechanism for exposure and sensitization of health care workers to latex allergens. Elimination of these particles from the operating room should reduce the route of sensitization and the potential for adverse reactions to latex.


How multiple auxin responsive elements may interact in plant promoters: a reverse problem solution.
Plant hormone auxin is a key regulator of growth and development. Auxin affects gene expression through ARF transcription factors, which bind specifically auxin responsive elements (AuxREs). Auxin responsive genes usually have more than one AuxRE, for example, a widely used auxin sensor DR5 contains seven AuxREs. Auxin responsive regions of several plant genes have been studied using sets of transgenic constructions in which the activity of one or several AuxREs were abolished. Here we present the method for analysis of the datasets on promoter activity assays having promoter sequences, namely, number and sequences of AuxREs, altogether with their measured auxin induction level. The method for a reverse problem solution considers two extreme models of AuxRE cooperation. Additive model describes auxin induction level of a gene as a sum of the individual AuxREs impacts. Multiplicative model considers pure cooperation between the AuxREs, where the combined effect is the multiplication of the individual AuxRE impacts. The reverse problem solution allows estimating the impact of an individual AuxRE into the induction level and the model for their cooperation. For promoters of three genes belonging to different plant species we showed that the multiplicative model fits better than additive. The reverse problem solution also suggests repressive state of auxin responsive promoters before auxin induction. The developed method provides possibility to investigate AuxRE structure-activity relationship and may be used as the basis for a novel approach for AuxRE recognition.


Does the inclusion of a cost attribute result in different preferences for the surgical treatment of primary basal cell carcinoma?: a comparison of two discrete-choice experiments.
Nowadays, an increasing number of discrete-choice experiments (DCEs) incorporate cost as an attribute. However, the inclusion of a cost attribute, particularly within collectively funded healthcare systems, can be challenging because health services or goods are generally not traded in a market situation and individuals are not used to paying for a service or a good at the point of consumption. To examine whether the inclusion of a cost attribute in a DCE results in different preferences regarding a surgical treatment for primary basal cell carcinoma (BCC) compared with a DCE without a cost attribute. A randomized study was performed in which the impact of a cost attribute on the general public's preferences for a surgical treatment (Mohs micrographic surgery [MMS] or standard excision [SE]) to remove BCC was examined. This was done by comparing the outcomes of two DCEs, one with a cost attribute (DCE_cost) and one without (DCE_nocost). Six attributes (recurrence, re-excision, travel time, surgical time, waiting time for surgical results, costs) and their levels were selected, based on results of a clinical trial, a cost-effectiveness study, a review and a focus group of patients who had recently received treatment for BCC. Outcomes of both DCEs were compared in terms of theoretical validity, relative importance of the attributes and the rank order of preferences. A total of 615 respondents (n = 303 for DCE_nocost; n = 312 for DCE_cost) were interviewed by telephone. This gave an overall response rate of 38%. Respondents in DCE_nocost preferred a surgical treatment with a lower probability of recurrence, lower surgery time, lower waiting time and no risk for a re-excision. Respondents in DCE_cost showed the same preferences, but also preferred a treatment with less travel time and lower costs. Overall, respondents in both DCEs showed the same preference for a surgical treatment: MMS was preferred over SE. Results suggest that, in this population, the inclusion of a cost attribute in a DCE leads to the same preference regarding a surgical treatment to remove BCC as a DCE without a cost attribute. However, further research in different settings is needed to confirm these findings.


Increased myocardial collagen turnover in patients with progressive cardiac conduction disease.
Histopathologically, progressive cardiac conduction disease (PCCD) is characterized by progressive fibrosis and sclerodegenerative changes in the proximal and distal conduction system of the heart. Therefore, we sought to determine the serum levels of myocardial collagen turnover markers, extracellular matrix components, transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGFbeta(1)), and bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7) in this population. Study population included 20 patients (6 M/14 F, mean age 76 +/- 8 years) with acquired, permanent 2:1, or complete atrioventricular block and compared with age- and sex-matched, asymptomatic, healthy control subjects (n = 18, 6 M/12 F, mean age 75 +/- 7 years). Serum myocardial collagen turnover markers:matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, 2, 9), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), amino-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PINP) and type III (PIIINP), carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP), and carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP), serum extracellular matrix components (laminin and fibronectin), TGFbeta(1), and BMP-7 levels were measured in both groups. Serum PICP (849 +/- 396 vs 631 +/- 294 ng/mL, P = 0.04), PIIINP (3.7 +/- 1.3 vs 3 +/- 1 mug/L, P = 0.03), CITP (0.68 +/- 0.35 vs 0.48 +/- 0.25 ng/mL, P = 0.037), and plasma MMP-9 (58.8 +/- 56 vs 25.9 +/- 17.3 ng/mL, P = 0.006) levels were higher in patient population compared to control subjects. Serum MMP-1 (24.1 +/- 20.5 vs 13.6 +/- 7.5 ng/mL, P = 0.045) and MMP-2 (1310 +/- 139 vs 1186 +/- 163 ng/mL, P = 0.01) levels were higher in control subjects compared to patient population. There was no difference in serum TIMP-1, PINP, laminin, fibronectin, TGFbeta(1), and BMP-7 levels between two groups. Our findings demonstrate the presence of increased myocardial collagen turnover and active fibrotic process in patients with PCCD compared to control subjects.


Comparison of labour induction with misoprostol and dinoprostone and characterization of uterine response based on electrohysterogram.
The objective of this study is to compare the uterine activity response between women administered dinoprostone (prostaglandin E2) and misoprostol (prostaglandin E1) for induction of labour (IOL) by analysing not only the traditional obstetric data but also the parameters extracted from uterine electrohysterogram (EHG). Two cohorts were defined: misoprostol (25-µg vaginal tablets; 251 women) and dinoprostone cohort (10 mg vaginal inserts; 249 women). All the mothers were induced by a medical indication of a Bishop Score < = 6. The misoprostol cohort was associated with a shorter time to achieve active labour (p = .017) and vaginal delivery (p = .009) and with a higher percentage of vaginal delivery in less than 24 h in mothers with a very unfavourable cervix score (risk ratio (RR): 1.41, IC95% 1.17-1.69, p = .002). Successful inductions with misoprostol showed EHG parameter values significantly higher than basal state for amplitude and pseudo Montevideo units (PMU) 60' after drug administration, while spectral parameters significantly increased after 150'. This response was not observed in failed inductions. In the successful dinoprostone group, the duration and number of contractions increased significantly after 120', PMU did so after 180', and no significant differences were found for spectral parameters, possibly due to the slower pharmacokinetics of this drug. Successful inductions of labour by misoprostol are associated with earlier effective contractions than in labours induced by dinoprostone.


III-V Compounds and Alloys: An Update.
The III-V compounds and alloys have been studied for three decades. Until recently, these materials have been commercialized for only a few specialized optoelectronic devices and microwave devices. Advances in thin-film epitaxy techniques, such as liquid phase epitaxy and chemical vapor deposition, are now providing the ability to form good quality lattice-matched heterojunctions with III-V materials. New optoelectronic devices, such as room-temperature continuous-wave injection lasers, have already resulted. This newfound ability may also affect the field of highspeed integrated circuits.


UV-Associated Mutations Underlie the Etiology of MCV-Negative Merkel Cell Carcinomas.
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon, but highly malignant, cutaneous tumor. Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCV) has been implicated in a majority of MCC tumors; however, viral-negative tumors have been reported to be more prevalent in some geographic regions subject to high sun exposure. While the impact of MCV and viral T-antigens on MCC development has been extensively investigated, little is known about the etiology of viral-negative tumors. We performed targeted capture and massively parallel DNA sequencing of 619 cancer genes to compare the gene mutations and copy number alterations in MCV-positive (n = 13) and -negative (n = 21) MCC tumors and cell lines. We found that MCV-positive tumors displayed very low mutation rates, but MCV-negative tumors exhibited a high mutation burden associated with a UV-induced DNA damage signature. All viral-negative tumors harbored mutations in RB1, TP53, and a high frequency of mutations in NOTCH1 and FAT1. Additional mutated or amplified cancer genes of potential clinical importance included PI3K (PIK3CA, AKT1, PIK3CG) and MAPK (HRAS, NF1) pathway members and the receptor tyrosine kinase FGFR2. Furthermore, looking ahead to potential therapeutic strategies encompassing immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-L1, we also assessed the status of T-cell-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and PD-L1 in MCC tumors. A subset of viral-negative tumors exhibited high TILs and PD-L1 expression, corresponding with the higher mutation load within these cancers. Taken together, this study provides new insights into the underlying biology of viral-negative MCC and paves the road for further investigation into new treatment opportunities.


A Doppler flowmeter for use in theatre.
We have developed a Doppler flowmeter based on a 10 MHz pencil probe and mean frequency estimator which overcomes many of the limitations of existing electromagnetic and ultrasonic flowmeters. The output of the flowmeter, which is proportional to the first moment of the Doppler power spectrum and hence mean blood velocity is linear from 1.3 to over 50 cm s-1 for pulsatile flow. Variation in vessel diameter and angle of insonation, which are the common sources of error in Doppler flowmetry, are minimised by constraining the vessel in a plastic cuff which fixes the probe angle at 50 degrees. A simple gauge is used to compress the vessel flat, before the cuff is applied, to measure the wall thickness to within 0.25 mm. The vessel internal diameter and hence blood flow can then be calculated using an experimentally determined calibration factor to compensate for non-even insonation. A range of sterilizable cuffs from 3-12 mm diameter have been built and the flowmeter is now being used routinely during all arterial reconstructive surgery. The accuracy and reproducibility of the system was tested for range of different sized silastic tubes on a hydraulic model and found to be less than 12% for vessels greater than 2 mm internal diameter. Satisfactory signals were easily obtained from all prosthetic materials with the exception of PTFE. The instantaneous output was compared to an electromagnetic flowmeter using a fast Fourier transform algorithm; the moduli of the harmonics were virtually identical but the Doppler system produced a smaller phase shift with increasing harmonics.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Malonichrome, a new iron chelate from Fusarium roseum.
The predominant iron chelates, or siderochromes, produced by the fungus, Fusarium roseum during culture periods up to seven days are the ester type fusarinine compounds. During longer periods of incubation, the fusarinine compounds completely disappear from the culture medium and are replaced by a new siderochrome. The new compound has been isolated, purified, and its structure determined. It is a cyclic hexapeptide containing one residue of L-alanine, two residues of glycine and three residues of delta-N-hydroxyornithine. The hydroxylamino groups of the ornithine residues are acylated with 3 mol of malonic acid to form a negatively charged ferrichrome type chelate. The circular dichroism spectrum indicates that the stereochemistry about the iron is lambda-cis. This compounds, which we name malonichrome, is not an efficient iron donor to F. roseum nor does it show growth factor activity towards Arthrobacter flavescens.


Planning an overseas extension program.
An educational program in another country established the mechanism for a variety of other possibilities. Faculty in the host country may provide the setting in which U.S. students can gain intercultural experience. Students may be able to conduct an independent study in the host country or, if sufficient numbers are available, a U.S. course may be adapted and offered in the host country. If ample funds exist, a two-way student and/or faculty exchange may be possible, thereby adding to the curricula of both schools. Opportunities for joint research and publishing may also become available. For example, long-term evaluation of the educational program and use of the program graduates in the host country would be of interest; research in the specialty areas of faculty may also be possible. The difficulties inherent in planning and implementing a program in another country are numerous; however, with foresight and ample time for planning, the benefits to both students and faculty in the host and home institutions can outweigh the drawbacks.


Recording electrocardiograms using 3-limb lead cables instead of the standard 4: a modification to minimize incorrect electrode placements.
The similarity between and the number of limb lead cables play an important role in the frequency of incorrect connection of limb electrodes. Hence, a modified electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition procedure is proposed in this brief communication, whereby the left-leg (LL) and right-leg (RL) electrode cables are combined into 1 cable, referred to as combined LL/RL cable. The electrode wires in the combined LL/RL cable are connected to 2 electrodes placed on both sides of the LL. The combined LL/RL cable is unique enough (being thicker) not to be mistaken with the upper limb electrode cables. The proposed modification will not in any way influence the ECG waveforms or amplitudes, and it can be expected to substantially reduce incorrect limb electrode placements.


Outcomes of a rheumatoid arthritis disease therapy management program focusing on medication adherence.
A national pharmacy benefits management company implemented a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease therapy management (DTM) program as an enhanced offering to patients receiving specialty pharmacy services. The program was designed to improve medication adherence, maximize therapeutic outcomes, and enhance physical functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by empowering patients and improving their knowledge of RA. To evaluate (a) adherence to injectable RA medications for patients participating in an RA DTM program compared with nonparticipating patients receiving injectable RA medications at specialty or community pharmacies and (b) HRQOL, work productivity, and physical functioning before versus after completing the RA DTM program. Patients who had an RA diagnosis and a pharmacy claim for an injectable RA medication during the identification period (August 2007 through September 2008) and were continuously enrolled with the plan from 4 months before through 8 months after the identification date were stratified into 3 patient cohorts: DTM, specialty pharmacy, and community pharmacy. DTM patients were further categorized into a DTM intent-to-treat (ITT) cohort (all 340 DTM-enrolled patients) and a DTM completer cohort (subset of 266 ITT patients who completed the month 6 consultation). DTM completer, specialty, and community pharmacy cohorts were matched 1:1:1 (n = 244 in each cohort after matching) using a propensity score that represented the likelihood of completing the DTM program. The primary outcome was adherence to injectable RA medications, measured as the proportion of days covered (PDC) over an 8-month post-identification period. Patient-reported outcomes (short form [SF]-12, Work Productivity Activity Impairment [WPAI], and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI]) were evaluated among all 371 DTM patients who completed the month 0 and month 6 consultations regardless of whether they met continuous enrollment requirements (patient-reported sample). Of specialty pharmacy patients, approximately 14% chose DTM participation. During the post-identification period, mean PDC was 0.83 for DTM ITT, 0.89 for DTM completer, 0.81 for specialty pharmacy, and 0.60 for community pharmacy patients. Differences were statistically significant for both DTM cohorts compared with the community pharmacy cohort (P < 0.001) and for the DTM completer cohort compared with the specialty pharmacy cohort (P < 0.001), but not for the DTM ITT cohort compared with the specialty pharmacy cohort (P = 0.291). In the patient-reported sample, mean SF-12 physical component scores significantly increased by 1.1 points (P = 0.048); mean SF-12 mental component scores were not significantly changed (P = 0.679); mean WPAI work productivity decreased by 10.8 percentage points (P = 0.045); and mean HAQ-DI scores significantly improved by 0.08 points (P < 0.001). Patients participating in the RA DTM program had significantly higher injectable RA medication adherence compared with community pharmacy patients. Adherence to injectable RA medications was significantly higher for patients completing the RA DTM program, but not for the DTM ITT group, compared with patients receiving specialty pharmacy services alone. Patients completing the RA DTM program experienced improvements in SF-12 physical component and HAQ-DI scores but did not demonstrate improvements to SF-12 mental scores or work productivity.


Acquisition of second-line drug resistance and extensive drug resistance during recent transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in rural China.
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is prevalent in countries with a high TB burden, like China. As little is known about the emergence and spread of second-line drug (SLD) -resistant TB, we investigate the emergence and transmission of SLD-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in rural China. In a multi-centre population-based study, we described the bacterial population structure and the transmission characteristics of SLD-resistant TB using Spoligotyping in combination with genotyping based on 24-locus MIRU-VNTR (mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem repeat) plus four highly variable loci for the Beijing family, in four rural Chinese regions with diverse geographic and socio-demographic characteristics. Transmission networks among genotypically clustered patients were constructed using social network analysis. Of 1332 M. tuberculosis patient isolates recovered, the Beijing family represented 74.8% of all isolates and an association with MDR and simultaneous resistance between first-line drugs and SLDs. The genotyping analysis revealed that 189 isolates shared MIRU-VNTR patterns in 78 clusters with clustering rate and recent transmission rate of 14.2% and 8.3%, respectively. Fifty-three SLD-resistant isolates were observed in 31 clusters, 30 of which contained the strains with different drug susceptibility profiles and genetic mutations. In conjunction with molecular data, socio-network analysis indicated a key role of Central Township in the transmission across a highly interconnected network where SLD resistance accumulation occurred during transmission. SLD-resistant M. tuberculosis has been spreading in rural China with Beijing family being the dominant strains. Primary transmission of SLD-resistant strains in the population highlights the importance of routine drug susceptibility testing and effective anti-tuberculosis regimens for drug-resistant TB.


Mutagenesis of human profilin locates its poly(L-proline)-binding site to a hydrophobic patch of aromatic amino acids.
The actin-binding protein, profilin, contains a src-homology (SH) 3-like fold (Schutt, C.E. et al., submitted), and its tight interaction with poly(L-proline) is reminiscent of the binding activity exhibited by SH3-domains. Here we demonstrate that replacements of aromatic amino acids in a hydrophobic patch on the surface of the profilin molecule abolish its poly(L-proline)-binding capacity. However, the location of this hydrophobic patch is found in another region of the molecule than that displaying structural similarities with SH3 domains.


Hepatitis C: Issues in Children.
Hepatitis C infection is a global health problem. Most infected children have not been identified. Perinatal transmission is the most common mode of acquisition. Liver disease owing to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection progresses slowly in individuals infected early in life. Serious complications rarely affect patients during childhood. Successful treatment of HCV in adults has improved and recommendations have changed. Treatment in children should be deferred until direct-acting antivirals and interferon-free regimens are available to this population. If treatment cannot be deferred, regimens including peginterferon and ribavirin can be given to children with compensated liver disease.


Characterization of anaerobic catabolism of p-coumarate in Rhodopseudomonas palustris by integrating transcriptomics and quantitative proteomics.
In this study, the pathway for anaerobic catabolism of p-coumarate by a model bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, was characterized by comparing the gene expression profiles of cultures grown in the presence of p-coumarate, benzoate, or succinate as the sole carbon sources. Gene expression was quantified at the mRNA level with transcriptomics and at the protein level with quantitative proteomics using (15)N metabolic labeling. Protein relative abundances, along with their confidence intervals for statistical significance evaluation, were estimated with the software ProRata. Both -omics measurements were used as the transcriptomics provided near-full genome coverage of gene expression profiles and the quantitative proteomics ascertained abundance changes of over 1600 proteins. The integrated gene expression data are consistent with the hypothesis that p-coumarate is converted to benzoyl-CoA, which is then degraded via a known aromatic ring reduction pathway. For the metabolism of p-coumarate to benzoyl-CoA, two alternative routes, a beta-oxidation route and a non-beta-oxidation route, are possible. The integrated gene expression data provided strong support for the non-beta-oxidation route in R. palustris. A putative gene was proposed for every step in the non-beta-oxidation route.


Cyclin D1 polymorphism (G870A) and risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma.
To investigate individual susceptibility to gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma, the authors studied the frequency of the common G870A polymorphism of CCND1, which encodes cyclin D1, a key cell cycle regulatory protein. The study population included 307 patients who were enrolled in a prospective case-control study to evaluate lifestyle risk factors and molecular alterations in gastroesophageal reflux disease (n = 126 patients), Barrett esophagus (n = 125 patients), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 56 patients). A control group included 95 strictly asymptomatic individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted from cases and controls, and polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify exon 4 of CCND1. After digestion with BsrI, acrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to identify the wild type and common G870A polymorphic alleles. The frequency of alleles (G/G, G/A, A/A) was compared between cases and controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to study cyclin D1 distribution in among patients in the case group. Compared with the asymptomatic control group, and adjusted for age and gender, increasing frequencies were seen for the A/A genotype in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.83; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.09-7.34), Barrett esophagus (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.46-9.29), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (OR, 5.99; 95% CI, 1.86-18.96). No association was seen between genotype and cyclin D1 overexpression. The CCND1 A/A genotype was associated with increased risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The contribution of this polymorphism to susceptibility of defined stages of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma suggested potential application in endoscopic Barrett surveillance programs.


Mutation analysis of IgVH gene in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
The variable heavy chain region (VH) genes of 3 untreated patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) were cloned and analyzed. The VH family used was VH3-11, VH3-72 and VH3-33. More than 2% difference from the corresponding germline gene was detected in all the 3 obtained potential functional genes (average 16.7). Mutation pattern analysis indicated evidence of antigen selective pressure observed in 1 of 3 cases. Our findings suggested that the tumor cells originate from post-GC cells.


Analysis of proteins in solution using affinity capillary electrophoresis.
Analysis of protein interactions by means of capillary electrophoresis (CE) has unique challenges and rewards. The choice of analysis conditions, especially involving electrophoresis buffers, are crucial and not universal for protein analysis. If conditions for analysis can be worked out, it is possible to utilize CE quantitatively and qualitatively to characterize protein-ligand binding involving unmodified molecules in solution and taking place under physiological conditions. This chapter deals with the most important practical considerations in capillary electrophoretic affinity approaches, affinity CE (ACE). The text emphasizes the most critical factors for successful analyses and has application examples illustrating various types of information offered by ACE-based studies. Also included are step-by-step accounts of the two main classes of experimental design: the pre-equilibration ACE (in the form of CE-frontal analysis (CE-FA)) and mobility shift ACE together with examples of their use. The ACE approaches for binding assays of proteins should be considered when the biological material is scarce, when any kind of labeling is not possible or desired, when the interacting molecules are the same size and when rapid and simple method development is a priority.


Immunocytochemical distribution of nitric oxide synthase in the human corpus cavernosum: an electron microscopical study using the tyramide signal amplification technique.
Nitric oxide has proven to be an important mediator in the relaxation of human cavernosal smooth muscle. Nevertheless, there are many inconsistencies in the literature regarding the cellular and subcellular distribution of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the human penis. The purpose of this study was to reexamine the localization of eNOS and nNOS in the cellular anatomy of the human cavernous body by means of electron microscopical immunocytochemistry in combination with the tyramide signal amplification technique (TSA). Using specific antibodies against eNOS and nNOS, the NAPDH-diaphorase reaction and advanced protocols for fixation and staining procederes, the occurrence of NOS isoenzymes eNOS and nNOS were examined in cavernosal specimens of ten male patients who were subjected to surgery for penile deviation. eNOS immunoreactivity and NADPH-d staining was seen to be significantly present in the endothelial cells covering the cavernous spaces and in the endothelium of helicine arteries. In endothelial cells, the NADPH-d reaction product BSPT-formazan was abundantly detectable attached to membranes of the endoplasmatic reticulum and the mitochondria whereas posititve eNOS immunostaining was seen in the endothelial cells throughout their cytoplasm without any particular relation to organelles. No considerable eNOS immunoreactivity was detectable in the trabecular smooth muscle cells. nNOS staining was found in nerve fibers innervating the cavernous body and cavernosal arteries. Our results counteract the hypothesis of the cavernous smooth muscle as a local source of NO and underline the importance of an intact endothelial function for penile erection and the contribution of eNOS to this process.


An oligomer-specific antibody improved motor function and attenuated neuropathology in the SOD1-G93A transgenic mouse model of ALS.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss in the brain and spinal cord. Mutations in Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) are the first identified genetic mutations that are causative for familial ALS. Soluble SOD1 oligomers are considered the most toxic species and play a key role in the pathologic process of ALS. Here we present a therapeutic strategy for ALS with an oligomer-specific antibody (W20) targeting toxic SOD1 oligomers. Our study showed that W20 significantly improved motor neuron survival and motor performance in SOD1-G93A mouse model of ALS when administrated even at low dose within short time. Further investigation demonstrated that the beneficial effects of W20 resulted from the reduction of SOD1 oligomer levels and the inhibition of gliosis and neuroinflammation in the spinal cords and brain stems of ALS model mice. These findings for the first time suggest that an oligomer-specific antibody has promising therapeutic potential for ALS and open a new way for ALS treatment.


[Filamentous overgrowth in aerobic granules].
Filamentous overgrowth has been observed after aerobic granulation in shaking sequencing batch reactors (SSBR). The factors affecting the filamentous overgrowth in aerobic granules and its possible control methods were investigated. It was found that both the influent and sludge inoculation largely influenced the filamentous overgrowth in aerobic granules. With the same activated sludge inoculation, the filamentous overgrowth in R3 treating fresh wastewater was much more severe than that in R1 treating saline wastewater. The filamentous overgrowth in R2 was the least among the three reactors, which was inoculated anaerobic granules and treated saline wastewater. When the filamentous overgrowth happened at the outer aerobic granules, Delta referring the degree of filamentous overgrowth achieved DeltaR1 = 1.4, DeltaR2 = 1.2 and DeltaR3 = 2.0, respectively. Filamentous identification showed that the filamentous microorganisms in R1 mainly composed of Eikelboom 0092 and Nocardia spp., Fungi spp. and Nocardia spp. in R2, S. natans and H. hydrossis in R3. The identified filamentous microorganisms likely occurred in conditions with long SRT, low dissolved oxygen and biodegradable substrates. However, due to the fact that filamentous overgrowth in aerobic granules initiated in the inner part of the granules and acted as frameworks with rod-shape or coccoid bacteria entrapping into in the granulation period, various strategies effectively in dealing with conventional bulking problems including shorting SRT, changing organic loading rate and enhancing aeration et al, could not effectively inhibit the filamentous growth in aerobic granules. The filamentous overgrowth was ultimately controlled through changing the substrate from synthetic glucose-rich wastewater to non-biodegradable wastewater.


Gene-by-Activity Interactions on Obesity Traits of 6-Year-Old New Zealand European Children: A Children of SCOPE Study.
The decline of physical activity in children is considered an important determinant to explain the rising rates of obesity. However, this risk may be augmented in children who are genetically susceptible to increased weight gain. We hypothesized that a sedentary lifestyle and moderate activity will interact with genetic loci, resulting in differential effects in relation to obesity risk. We recruited 643 European children born to participants in the New Zealand-based Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study. Seventy gene variants were evaluated by the Sequenom assay. Interaction analyses were performed between the genetic variants and the activity type derived from actigraphy, in relation to percentage body fat. We found a statistically significant association between increased proportions of sedentary activity with increased percentage body fat scores (P = .012). The OLFM4-9568856 (P = .01) and GNPDA2-rs10938397 (P = .044) gene variants showed genotype differences with proportions of sedentary activity. Similarly, the OLFM4-9568856 (P = .021), CLOCK-rs4864548 (P = .029), and LEPR-1045895 (P = .047) showed genotype differences with proportions of moderate activity. We found evidence for unadjusted gene-by-activity interactions of SPACA3/SPRASA-rs16967845, PFKP-rs6602024, and SH2B1-rs7498665 on percentage body fat scores. These findings indicate a differential effect of physical activity in relation to obesity risk, suggesting that children genetically predisposed to increased weight gain may benefit from higher levels of moderate activity.


[Numerical study on inspiratory flows in two and three generation bronchi of human lung airways].
The main physiological function of respiratory system is exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between atmosphere and blood. Its physiological process is closely related with air flow and transport in respiratory airway. This paper studies numerically the inspiratory flows in a two generation and a three generation bronchial airway. The numerical results of the two generation bronchi show that the present computations fit the available experiments very well. For three generation bronchi, no separation appears within the whole airway under normal breathing rate, which is contrary to the occurrence of separation at even low Reynolds number by the previous two dimensional models. Strong secondary flow phenomenon, skew and m-shaped main flow velocity profiles are found in the airways due to geometrical curvature and bifurcation. These increase shear stress acting on the inner wall as well as on the anterior and posterior wall in the bifurcating airways. In the end bronchi of the three generation airway, the mass flow rates in medial and lateral bronchi are unequal, and the mass flow ratio between the medial and the lateral bronchi is 1.2 at the flow conditions considered.


[Differentiation of new bone formation at the site of limb lengthening procedures in ultrasonographic examination].
Three different types of newly produced bone were found in 2500 ultrasound appearances of 79 bony segments submitted to the elongation. Their classification as normotrophic, hypertrophic and hypotrophic type has been proposed. Every type requires different management during distraction in order to achieve elongation planned and avoid complications.


Lumbar facet joint injection: feasibility as an alternative method in high-risk patients.
To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic facet joint steroid injections for symptoms caused by lumbar spinal stenosis in patients who are at risk of bleeding. We analysed 134 patients who had previously undergone one-level bilateral facet joint steroid injections for lumbar radiculopathy caused by spinal stenosis from January 2011 to December 2012. All patients had a bleeding tendency due to several medical conditions. A retrospective chart review was conducted by one radiologist. Response was measured by using a five-point patient satisfaction scale. Evaluations of the relationship between possible outcome predictors were made using the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Among the 42 enrolled patients (male/female = 14/28; mean age, 58 years; range, 41-88 years), 25 patients (59.5 %) were classified to have received effective treatment; in 17 patients treatment was classified as ineffective. Eighteen (72 %) of the 25 patients with mild-to-moderate central canal stenosis had symptom relief, and 7 of the 17 (41.2 %) patients with severe central canal stenosis had symptom relief (P < 0.05). Other outcome predictors were not statistically significant. Therapeutic facet joint steroid injection is potentially effective for lumbar radiculopathy caused by spinal stenosis. This could be helpful in patients at risk of bleeding. • Epidural injection of steroids is a conventional treatment for lumbar radiculopathy. • Facet joint steroid injections showed similar therapeutic effects in lumbar spinal stenosis. • No serious complications, including bleeding, occurred with facet joint injections. • Facet joint steroid injection offers an alternative therapy in patients with bleeding risk.


Single nucleotide polymorphisms in MDR1 gen correlates with outcome in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with cisplatin plus vinorelbine.
New therapeutic approaches are being developed based on the findings that several genetic abnormalities underlying NSCLC could influence chemosensitivity. In this study, we assessed whether the presence of polymorphisms in ERCC1, XPD, RRM1 and MDR1 genes can affect the efficacy and the tolerability of cisplatin and vinorelbine in NSCLC patients. Eligible patients had histological confirmed stage IV or IIIB (with malignant pleural effusion) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously untreated with chemotherapy; World Health Organization performance status (PS) 0-1. Patients received intravenous doses of vinorelbine 25 mg/m² on day 1 and 8 and cisplatin 75 mg/m² on day 1, every 21 days, for a maximum of eight cycles. 94 patients were included. Median age was 61 years; 84% were male; WHO performance status (PS) was 0 in 24%; and 88% of patients had stage IV disease. The median number of cycles was 6. Overall median survival was 10.92 months (95% CI 9.0-12.9). Overall median time to progression was 5.89 months (95% CI 5.2-6.6). Results of the multivariate analysis for time to progression showed that ECOG 0 (hazard ratio [HR] ECOG 1 vs. ECOG 0, 1.74; p=0.036), MDR13435CC (HR CT vs. CC, 2.01; p=0.017; HR TT vs. CC, 1.54; p=0.22), and decreasing age (HR of age, 0.97; p=0.016) were the most powerful prognostic factors significantly related to lower risk of progression. Whereas ECOG 0 was the only prognostic factor for survival (HR ECOG 1 vs. ECOG 0, 3.02; p=0.001). There was no significant association between any of the SNPs analysed and the occurrence of vinorelbine and cisplatin-related toxicity. In our results, the most important prognostic factors associated with lower risk of progression were MDR1 3435 CC genotype, PS 0 and younger age.


Soluble polycations and cationic amphiphiles inhibit volume-sensitive K-Cl cotransport in human red cell ghosts.
We have measured the effect of soluble polycations (spermine and methylglyoxal) and cationic amphiphiles (sphingosine and tetracaine) on K-Cl cotransport in shrunken and swollen red cell ghosts. All substances inhibited cotransport, and for each agent, the concentration at which inhibition was half-maximal was about the same for swollen and shrunken ghosts. Acetylspermine was a much less effective inhibitor than spermine, which demonstrates that inhibition depends on the cationic groups of spermine. Spermine was a more effective inhibitor in ATP-free ghosts than in ghosts containing ATP, which eliminates the possibility that inhibition of cotransport activity results from inhibition of protein kinase activity. Inhibition by spermine is as effective in K-free ghosts as in high-K ghosts; spermine does not inhibit cotransport by reducing the effective K concentration at the inner membrane surface. We conclude that regulation of K-Cl cotransport involves negative charges (phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylinositides) at the inner membrane surface and suggest a model that accounts for our findings.


The effect of corpus callosum lesions on unilateral neglect in monkeys.
The cerebral hemispheres may be mutually inhibitory. An injured hemisphere may continue to be inhibited while the uninjured hemisphere is released from inhibition, inducing attentional bias. Patients with neglect might therefore benefit from transection of the corpus callosum. To test this hypothesis, we ablated the frontal arcuate gyrus alone or several months after corpus callosum transection in monkeys. Neglect was significantly worse in animals with a corpus callosum transection. Therefore, the hemispheres may be mutually excitatory or compensatory, and a callosal transection would not be therapeutic. Because the rate of recovery in the two groups was not different, recovery seemed to be an intrahemispheric phenomenon.


Adhesive capsulitis of the wrist. Diagnosis and treatment.
Adhesive capsulitis occurs as a pathologic entity in the shoulder, hip, and ankle joints. Thickening and contracture of the wrist joint capsule were demonstrated on arthrograms performed on ten patients ranging in age from 20 to 82 years. The patients had pain and limited range of motion in the wrist. The findings included: (1) resistance to the injection of smaller than normal volumes of contrast material, (2) obliteration of recesses, and (3) extravasation of the contrast agent along the needle tract. Closed manipulation under general anesthesia of the wrist on four patients resulted in some improvement in range of motion. A distal ulna fracture in one older patient occurred as a complication of manipulation. Careful technique and judicious patient selection are of paramount importance.


The role of electrical anharmonicity in the association band in the water spectrum.
The origin of the intensity of the feature in the spectrum of liquid water near 2100 cm(-1) is investigated through calculations of the spectra of water clusters based on low-order expansions of the potential and dipole surfaces in internal and normal mode coordinates. The intensity near 2100 cm(-1) is attributed to combination bands involving the HOH bend and intermolecular vibrations that break the hydrogen bonding network. Further, the leading contribution to the intensity reflects large second derivatives of the dipole moment with respect to the internal coordinates that are excited, or electrical anharmonicity. This picture changes if the derivatives of the potential and dipole surfaces are taken with respect to normal modes. In the normal mode representation, the second derivatives of the dipole moment are often vanishingly small, while the mixed third and fourth derivatives of the potential become quite large. On the basis of this result, mechanical anharmonicity appears to be responsible for the intensity in the 2100 cm(-1) region. This strong dependence of the interpretation of the origins of the intensity in the 2100 cm(-1) region of the water spectrum is investigated and discussed.


Filtration of Glass Delamination Particles with West Pharmaceutical Vial Adapters.
One major current challenge facing companies producing injectable drugs contained in glass vials is the phenomenon of delamination that results in drug contamination. Particulate contamination of parenteral fluids is a fact of life. Particulate infusion is unlikely to cause immediate or severe signs and symptoms, but adverse effects, tissue damage, and loss of function are likely in the long term. Since 2010, recalls due to glass delamination have increased, and recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration exercised temporary regulatory flexibility by allowing filtration as means of removing glass particles. The vial adapter is a needle-free product from West Pharmaceuticals Services that provides a simple and cost-effective solution for the safe and rapid transfer reconstitution of drugs between vials and syringes. One variant of the vial adapter is integrated with a filter to address various types of particles. In the present study, the performance of the filter-integrated vial adapter is evaluated with respect to glass delamination particles. Silica particles of 0.5-10 μm are used to emulate glass delamination particles. High-filtration efficiency is demonstrated according to the severest criteria stated by the British Pharmacopoeia that allows up to 100 particles smaller than 5 μm for every 1 mL liquid of a large-volume parenteral. The study was conducted using environmental scanning electron microscopy and statistical analysis. One major current challenge facing companies producing injectable drugs contained in glass vials is the phenomenon of delamination that results in drug contamination. Glass delamination is defined as degradation of surface glass, as from a vial, that produces glass flakes. Contamination of injectable drugs due to glass delamination is a fact of life. Normally, this type of contamination does not involve immediate severe signs, but rather accumulative damage to tissues in the long run. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed the filtration as means of removing particles. The vial adapter is a needle-free product from West Pharmaceuticals Services that provides a simple and cost-effective solution for the safe and rapid transfer reconstitution of drugs between vials and syringes. One variant of the vial adapter is integrated with a filter to address various types of particles. In the present study, the performance of the filter-integrated vial adapter is evaluated with respect to glass delamination particles. Silica particles of 0.5-10 μm are used to emulate glass delamination particles. High-filtration efficiency is demonstrated according to the severest criteria stated by the British Pharmacopoeia that allows up to 100 particles smaller than 5 μm for every 1 mL liquid of a large-volume parenteral. The study was conducted using environmental scanning electron microscopy and statistical analysis.


Micro-geographical variation among male populations of the sandfly, Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia, from an endemic area of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The genetic relationships among male Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia (Lutz & Neiva) (Diptera: Psychodidae) from three populations from the same endemic area of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were compared. The sandflies were collected in three ecologically different habitats: domestic, extra-domestic and sylvatic over a total range of 800 m. Three molecular markers were employed to assess population variation. Based on MLEE markers, it could not be concluded that the three populations do not belong to the same gene pool (F(st) = 0.005). No within-population departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected (P < 0.05) and they presented the same level of gene variation. The number of migrants (Nm) indicated that at least 50 individuals per generation migrated between the three habitats. RAPD-PCR markers revealed that, except for the primer five, all were polymorphic. Phenetic analysis of the genotypes showed the presence of two principal clusters corresponding to: (1) domestic plus extra-domestic and (2) sylvatic. Unique genotypes were observed in each population. The sylvatic population was the most polymorphic, showing the largest number of genotypes and low level of similarity between them. Three mtDNA gene markers were studied by SSCP analysis. The most frequent haplotype for each marker ranged in frequency from 60 to 87% and individuals with unique haplotypes varied from 1 to 5%. Interestingly, the SSCP analysis showed a low level of polymorphism within populations. The disagreement between the different molecular markers observed and the hypothesis that L. intermedia could be participating in the transmission cycle of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in environments ranging from the interior of human dwellings to the forest, are discussed.


Bird diversity and seed dispersal along a human land-use gradient: high seed removal in structurally simple farmland.
Only few studies have analysed the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function at the landscape scale although relationships and mechanisms known from experimental studies might be different in natural systems. We quantified bird diversity and seed removal from 38 wild cherry trees (Prunus avium) along a human land-use gradient from forest to structurally diverse to simple agricultural systems. High human land-use intensity led to low species richness and total abundance of the local bird community around wild cherry trees, as expected from previous studies. Nevertheless, trees in structurally simple agroecosystems were visited as frequently as trees in structurally complex landscapes and in forests. Furthermore, the number of seeds removed per tree did not decline with increasing human land-use intensity. Thus, ecosystem function was robust in spite of locally reduced bird diversity. The reason might be that movement behaviour and movement distances of birds changed along the human land-use gradient. It appears that birds moved longer distances to forage in fruiting cherry trees in structurally simple agroecosystems. This suggests that for systems where ecosystem function is mediated by highly mobile organisms, movement behaviour and distances are of considerable importance. Increases in movement distances with increasing human land-use intensity might also be common in other systems in which ecosystem function depends on mobile links.


Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium breve isolates from preterm and full term neonates: comparison of cell surface properties.
We compared autoaggregation, surface hydrophobicity and Caco-2 cells adhesion capabilities of independent Bifidobacterium breve (n = 22) and Bifidobacterium longum (n = 25) strains isolated from preterm (n = 20) and full term neonates (n = 27). Concerning strains properties, a correlation between autoaggregation and surface hydrophobicity was found for B. longum (r = 0.40, p = 0.048), B. breve (r = 0.57, p = 0.005), and all strains independently of the species consideration (r = 0.46, p = 0.001). The absence of difference in adhesion capabilities between preterm and full term neonate strains suggests a strain-dependent property. However, B. longum strains from preterm neonates (n = 10) showed higher autoaggregation ability (p = 0.044). Additionally, independently of species consideration, preterm neonates strains showed lower surface hydrophobicity (p = 0.027). As far as species are considered, preterm neonate B. breve strains (n = 10) showed significantly lower surface hydrophobicity percentages (p = 0.043). Our results suggest the existence of variations in bifidobacteria membrane structure and/or composition that may reflect adaptation of these bacteria to the intestinal environment of either preterm or full term neonates. Such information is of interest when considering the use of bifidobacteria probiotic strains for modulation of preterm neonates gut microbiota.


[The pressure-sensitive swelling in the knee as a sign for a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined specificity (MGUS)].
AL amyloidosis (AL-A) is seen in about 6-15 % of patients with multiple myeloma. In contrast, the sporadic occurrence of AL-A is a rarity. The presence of amyloid is often found in the respiratory tract followed by the lung, the eyelids, the skin and the lower urinary tract, while the presence in soft tissues or bone is rather uncommon. We here describe a 71-year-old woman who presented with a pressure-sensitive swelling in the left knee at our hospital. The clinical examination on admission showed a tumourous alteration of the popliteal soft tissues without any signs of neurological deficits. However, the range of motion (ROM) of the left knee was restricted with 0-0-100 degrees for extension and flexion. A dialysis-dependent renal insufficiency, heart insufficiency with the necessity of permanent anticoagulation and glaucoma were noted as pre-existing illnesses. Further diagnostic examinations including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left knee revealed a solid tumourous structure with a radiological suspicion of pigmented villonodular synovitis. A complete surgical extirpation of the tumourous structure was performed. The further performed diagnostic examinations including histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed evidence of an AL-A tumour. A monocloncal gammopathy of unknown specificity (MGUS) was detected as an origin for the AL-A. This case underscores the necessity of complete extirpation and histological and immunohistochemical analyses of any soft tissue tumour. Possible previously existing rare malignant diseases can be detected only in this way.


Use of epidemiology data to assess the cancer risk of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.
Most countries have assessed the human cancer risk of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) by extrapolating from animal data. The 1600-fold variation for acceptable intakes estimated by the Americans, Canadians, and Europeans, however, indicates a large scientific uncertainty about TCDD toxicity. Regulators are attempting to use human epidemiology data to eliminate some of the limitations inherent in using animal data to quantitatively assess cancer risk in humans, particularly now that techniques for measuring TCDD levels in adipose tissue and serum are available. This paper presents an overview of the major epidemiologic studies that associate cancer with TCDD exposure. The actual exposures experienced by the study populations are emphasized. The TCDD serum levels of the Seveso, Italy, residents and of the NIOSH Dioxin Registry participants indicate that these populations hold the best promise for future assessment of the human carcinogenic risk of dioxin. Based on the animal data, however, the calculated risk from these exposures is still moderate compared with high background cancer incidence present in most industrialized countries.


Characterization of a specificity factor for an AAA+ ATPase: assembly of SspB dimers with ssrA-tagged proteins and the ClpX hexamer.
SspB, a specificity factor for the ATP-dependent ClpXP protease, stimulates proteolysis of protein substrates bearing the ssrA degradation tag. The SspB protein is shown here to form a stable homodimer with two independent binding sites for ssrA-tagged proteins or peptides. SspB by itself binds to ClpX and stimulates the ATPase activity of this enzyme. In the presence of ATPgammaS, a ternary complex of SspB, GFP-ssrA, and the ClpX ATPase was sufficiently stable to isolate by gel-filtration or ion-exchange chromatography. This complex consists of one SspB dimer, two molecules of GFP-ssrA, and one ClpX hexamer. SspB dimers do not commit bound substrates to ClpXP degradation but increase the affinity and cooperativity of binding of ssrA-tagged substrates to ClpX, facilitating enhanced degradation at low substrate concentrations.


Selective separation and determination of primidone in pharmaceutical and human serum samples using molecular imprinted polymer-electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry (MIP-ESI-IMS).
Application of electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry (ESI-IMS) as the detection technique for separation method based on molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) was investigated and evaluated. The method is exhaustively validated, including sensitivity, selectivity, recovery, reproducibility, and column capacity. The linear dynamic range of 0.02-2.00 microg mL(-1) was obtained for primidone analysis with ESI-IMS. The recovery of drug analyzed was calculated to be above 90% and the relative standard deviation (RSD), was below 3% for all experiments. Various real samples were analyzed with the coupled techniques, and the results obtained revealed the efficient clean-up of the samples using MIP separation before the analysis by ESI-IMS as a detection technique.


Organizational commitment and turnover of nursing home administrators.
In this investigation, the associations between organizational commitment (OC), intent-to-turnover, and actual turnover of a large sample of nursing home administrators (NHAs) are examined. Data used come from a mail survey, from which 632 responses were received from the NHAs (response rate = 63%). The one-year turnover rate of NHAs was 39 percent, and in almost all cases (87%) these NHAs had also exhibited low OC scores. The intent-to-turnover results show thinking about quitting comes before searching for a new position, which in turn both comes before the intention to quit. Multivariate analyses show work overload has a strong and robust association with both intent-to-turnover and turnover of NHAs, and may indicate that NHAs are leaving their positions because they are understaffed.


Porin-incorporated liposome induces Toll-like receptors 2- and 6-dependent maturation and type 1 response of dendritic cell.
Porin of Shigella dysenteriae was incorporated in liposome (PIL) and presented to mouse splenic dendritic cells (DC). PIL up-regulated Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR6 on DC, showing that co-expression of the two TLRs is involved in recognition of porin. Detection of myeloid differentiating factor 88 (MyD88)-TLR2 complex confirmed interaction between the two for triggering the downstream signaling, which ultimately led to TLR2-dependent nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B. PIL-induced expression of MHC class II (I-Ab), CD40 and CD80 showed maturation of DC, whereas up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and CCR7 implicated the capacity of splenic DC to migrate. Induction of messenger ribonucleic acid for the chemokines, macrophage-inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted indicated a strong bias of PIL for type 1 polarization that was supported by the intracellular expression and release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-12. Along with CD40 and CD80 expression, release of the cytokines of CD11c+ JAWS II cells was inhibited by TLR2 or simultaneous TLR2 and 6 knockdown showing that recognition of PIL by the two TLRs is essential for DC activation and type 1 polarization. The signaling pathway initiated upon recognition of PIL by the TLRs was MyD88 dependent as confirmed by inhibition of IL-6, TNF-alpha and IL-12 release of MyD88-knockdown JAWS II cells. The maturation and polarization of DC induced T(h)1 phenotype, as evident from proliferation, activation and IFN-gamma release of allogeneic CD4+ T cells in response to PIL-stimulated DC, thereby suggesting that the adjuvant activity of PIL can successfully bridge the innate and adaptive immunity.


Drug release from methyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer matrix III: stimultaneous release of noninteracting drug-excipient mixtures.
The simultaneous release of mixtures of noninteracting chemicals incorporated in a methyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer was studied. Different mixtures of dextrose-methapyrilene hydrochloride and sodium chloride-methapyrilene hydrochlodire in the plastic were compressed into tablets, and single-surface release was obtained in 0.N HCI at 37 degrees. The amounts of both drug and excipients released per unit surface rate constants were analysed in terms of the solubility, diffusion coefficient, concentrations of each chemical, and porosity and tortuosity of the tablets. It was concluded that for each tablet system the individual solid-liquid boundaries of the incorporated chemicals had merged together, and the release could be explained by Higuchi's square foot of time relationship.


[A case of thoracic actinomycosis in the left lung coexisting with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma in the right lung].
An 80-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with chest pain. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed masses in both lung fields. The findings from a biopsy specimen of the left chest wall showed radially filamentous microorganisms, therefore a diagnosis of thoracic actinomycosis was made. The specimen from the mass in the right upper lobe obtained by transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) did not yield a definitive, and we started administration of penicillin. After 10 weeks the mass and consolidation in left upper lobe improved, but the size of the mass in the right upper lobe had increased. FDG-PET showed high accumulation only in the right lung mass, and TBLB was performed again, with pathological findings of squamous cell carcinoma. In most cases it is very difficult to differentiate pulmonary actinomycosis from lung cancer. Pulmonary actinomycosis with coexisting lung cancer is very rare. If penicillin is ineffective in a patient with actinomycosis, pulmonary actinomycosis with coexisting with lung cancer should be considered.


Aberrant expression of TTF-1 and forkhead factor HFH-4 in atrophic gastritis and ciliated metaplasia suggests gastric broncho-pulmonary transdetermination.
Ciliated metaplasia (CM) in the stomach is mainly found in gastric mucosa that harbours gastric cancer. The true nature of this lesion and the regulatory factors responsible for the formation of CM are unknown. Broncho-pulmonary differentiation is controlled by the homeodomain transcription factor TTF-1 and ciliogenesis by the forkhead transcription factor HFH-4, respectively. Using immunohistochemistry, the present study shows that gastric CM is associated with the expression of TTF-1 and HFH-4. Furthermore, TTF-1 expression was found in non-ciliated cells in 50% of cases with atrophic gastritis, whereas TTF-1 and HFH-4 were not expressed in normal gastric mucosa or in non-atrophic gastritis. These data suggest that CM in the gastric mucosa can be regarded as gastric broncho-pulmonary transdetermination. Evidence for this particular transdetermination is frequently found in atrophic gastritis even without fully developed ciliated cells.


[Drug treatment of schizophrenia].
Drug treatment is important, though only part of the treatment and support that most schizophrenic patients need. The aim of this article is to present current knowledge and opinion concerning start of treatment, drug of first choice, treatment of refractory schizophrenia, treatment of co-morbidity, treatment during pregnancy and lactation, and the proper time to stop medication. The article is based on a review of recent literature and contact with experts in the field. Literature was identified through searches on Medline and Web of Science. The antipsychotic effect of the second-generation, atypical neuroleptics is comparable to the effect of conventional drugs. Clozapine is still the drug of choice for refractory conditions. The new antipsychotics seem to have properties that improve cognition and reduce the risk of motor side effects; hence they have some advantages over conventional drugs.


Interspecies variability and drug interactions of clozapine metabolism by microsomes.
Cytochrome P450 expression in liver is influenced by several factors, including species, sex and strain. We compared metabolism formation of clozapine in different species (rat, mouse, guinea-pig, dog, monkey and man) so as to choose between species to further validate interaction studies. Liver microsomes of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, hairless rats, OF1 mice, Balb C mice and Dunkin-Hartley albino guinea-pigs, male beagle dogs, male cynomolgus monkeys and man were used to investigate in vitro metabolism of clozapine. This process was dependent on the presence of NADPH and on the presence of microsome protein. In addition, we observed the formation of desmethyl- and N-oxide metabolites, with the rate of formation of each of these compounds varying with species, sex and strain of microsomes incubated. The desmethyl- and N-oxide metabolites formed were statistically greater in male than in female rats, mice in the two strains studied, as well as for the guinea-pigs. Levels of desmethyl clozapine formed were high for the rats and no significant difference in clozapine biotransformation was observed between Sprague-Dawley and hairless rats. For man, the formation of metabolites of clozapine was comparable with guinea-pig, dog and monkey. In addition, we screened the effect of 52 molecules, representative of 11 different therapeutic classes, on the metabolism of clozapine by rat liver microsomes. We found that most of the calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, felodipine, isradipine, lacidipine, nicardipine and nitrendipine), antifungals (ketoconazole, miconazole) and two anticancer drugs (paclitaxel, teniposide) caused more than 50% inhibition of clozapine metabolism in vitro. The extent of inhibition was increased in a concentration-dependant manner. Complementary clinical and pharmacokinetic studies should be performed to confirm these results.


KIF3C, a novel member of the kinesin superfamily: sequence, expression, and mapping to human chromosome 2 at 2p23.
Kinesins are microtubule-dependent molecular motors involved in intracellular transport and mitosis. Here, we report the cloning, sequencing, mapping, and expression of a novel member of the kinesin superfamily. The sequence of this newly identified human cDNA reveals an open reading frame encoding a putative protein of 792 residues. Based on its high sequence similarity to the kinesin-like molecule KIF3B, we named this protein KIF3C. KIF3C is encoded by transcripts that are distinct from the KIF3B mRNA in human, rat, and mouse and is preferentially expressed in the brain. Fluorescence in situ hybridization reveals that, in the human genome, the KIF3C gene maps to chromosome 2 at 2p23. The sequence of KIF3C predicts an unusually long insertion in the proximity of L11, a region thought to mediate microtubule binding. Taken together, these findings suggest that KIF3C is a novel kinesin-like protein that might be specifically involved in microtubule-based transport in neuronal cells.


Gender Differences in the Association of Brain Gray Matter and Pain-Related Psychosocial Characteristics.
Although the association of gray matter morphology alterations and pain-related psychosocial characteristics with pain intensity and chronification in people with chronic spinal pain is evident, research on their mutual interaction is scarce and does not account for possible gender differences. Gender-based differences are, however, of utmost importance to consider when examining pain neurobiology. To look for gender differences in the association between magnetic resonance imaging- (MRI) derived brain gray matter morphology and self-reported psychosocial characteristics. An explorative, observational study. University Hospitals Ghent and Brussels, Belgium. Brain gray matter morphology (using MRI) and self-reported psychosocial characteristics were examined in women and men with nonspecific chronic spinal pain. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS and R to identify differences between men and women regarding brain gray matter, self-reported psychosocial characteristics, as well as gender differences in the association between those outcome measures. A total of 94 people with chronic spinal pain were studied, including 32 men (15 suffering from neck pain, 17 suffering from low back pain; demographics [mean ± SD] age: 45.00 ± 12.02 years; pain duration: 128.37 ± 110.45 months), and 62 women (36 suffering from neck pain, 26 suffering from low back pain; demographics [mean ± SD] age: 38.78 ± 12.69 years; pain duration: 114.27 ± 92.45 months). Woman showed larger (positive) associations of several central brain areas (paracentral, precentral, postcentral, etc.) with perceived consequences (P < 0.001), emotional representations (P < 0.001), chronicity (P < 0.001), and pain catastrophizing (P< 0.001). Men showed larger (both positive and negative) associations of the precuneus cortex, the precentral gyrus, and the insula with perceived personal control (P < 0.001) and kinesiophobia (P < 0.001). Other factors, such as menstrual cycle and medication can have a certain influence, and were only partly taken into consideration in the present investigation to obtain sufficient power. Another limitation is the observational study design, which hampers the possibility to look for causal or temporal interactions. Gray matter morphology relates differently to psychosocial characteristics in women and men. These explorative findings provide ideas for further research to investigate if targeting perceived negative consequences of the illness, perceived emotional representations, perceived chronicity, and pain catastrophizing in women, and perceived personal control of the illness and kinesiophobia in men, could contribute to the normalization of brain alterations in people with nonspecific chronic spinal pain. Gray matter, brain morphology, central nervous system, illness perceptions, central sensitization.


Study on the raw fish oil purification from PCDD/F and dl-PCB-industrial tests.
The results of tests for the purification of fish oils with activated carbon for industrial use are presented. The optimum parameters for the process of purification (granulation of the activated carbon, its dosage, the oil temperature, and the duration of mixing the oil with activated carbon) were previously established for the laboratory scale. The optimization of the process consisted of selecting purification parameters that would allow for maximum reduction of the toxic polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) content, while retaining the favorable high fatty acid content [C20:5 n-3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and C22:6 n-3, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]. The use of that optimum parameters in industrial conditions confirmed the satisfactory results obtained in laboratory tests. Five types of oil derived from various Baltic fish were purified. Reduction in the PCDD/Fs content was 77.0-93.6% on average, whereas in the dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs)-it was 42.7-50.5% on average, with insignificant changes in the total amount of EPA and DHA content. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the content of arsenic was noted (by about 62% on average), with insignificant changes in the content of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and marker polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), cadmium, lead, and mercury. Purification provided fish oil having standardized parameters that allow for its use as feed additives, whilst retaining its favorable fatty acid content.


Neutron reflectivity measurements at the oil/water interface for the study of stimuli-responsive emulsions⋆.
Stable stimuli-responsive emulsions between oil and water are formed with an amphiphilic block copolymer bearing polystyrene (PS) and poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) moieties. Different kinds of emulsions like direct, multiple or inverse ones are reproducibly formed as a function of chemical parameters such as p H and salt concentration. To test the correlation between the different nature of the emulsion and the conformation of the polymer chain at the interface, neutron reflectometry at the oil/water interface was carried out. An original sample cell was built and the procedure to get reliable results with it on the FIGARO reflectometer at the Institut Laue-Langevin is described. Results show that for direct emulsions, the copolymer is much more extended on the water side than on the oil side. In the case where multiple emulsions are stabilized, the conformation is strongly modified and is compatible with a more equilibrated extension of the chain on both sides. The inverse case shows that the extension in oil is stronger than in water. These results are discussed in term of polymer brushes (charged or neutral) extension with respect to salt addition and hydrophobic interactions.


Starting a Radioactive Seed Localization Program.
Because of disadvantages, such as the need to perform the localization and operation the same day and difficulty maintaining orientation of the center of the localization in relation to the margins of excision, alternatives to wire localization for surgery of nonpalpable breast lesions have been widely pursued. Radioactive seed localization (RSL) is one technique that has gained acceptance in many practices throughout the world and has been shown to be a safe, effective alternative to wire localization. RSL allows the localization procedure to be scheduled on a different day from the operative procedure, the operative incision to be planned with no regard for the entry point used for localization, and ongoing feedback as to the location of and distance from the lesion throughout the operation. Although RSL is an attractive technique that is intuitive to learn, beginning a new RSL program entails a multidisciplinary effort that includes several challenges. We describe recommendations for how to start a RSL program.


Molecular vibration spectroscopy studies on novel trinuclear rhodium-7-hydride complexes of the general type {[Rh(PP*)X]3(μ(2-X)3(μ3-X)}(BF4)2 (X = H, D).
Novel trinuclear rhodium-hydride complexes with diphosphine ligands Tangphos, t-Bu-BisP*, and Me-DuPHOS which contain bridging μ(2)- and μ(3)-hydrides as well as terminal hydrides in one molecule have been reported recently. In this work, these different rhodium-hydride bonds are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and the results are compared with those obtained by means of the more commonly applied IR spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out to support the experimental findings. The structure of the Rh(3)H(7) core is described in the context of their vibrational stretching modes.


Polymorphisms of the HSD17B6 and HSD17B5 genes in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
To investigate the polymorphisms of the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5 and type 6 (HSD17B5 and HSD17B6) genes in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Two hundred twenty-two PCOS patients and 283 controls were studied. Menarche age was recorded. Body mass indices (BMI) were calculated. Blood samples were obtained for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses and hormone measurements. Genotyping of HSD17B6 and HSD17B5 in cases and controls was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The SNP rs898611 of the HSD17B6 gene (TT, CT, CC) in women with PCOS (0.680, 0.270, 0.050, respectively) did not differ from those in controls (0.700, 0.258, 0.042, respectively), and the SNP rs3763676 of the HSD17B5 gene (AA, AG, GG) was rare in Chinese women. Total testosterone and other reproductive hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/FSH, and estradiol (E(2)), were also similar among the different genotypes of the HSD17B6 in the PCOS subjects and the controls, whereas BMI was different in the three genotypes of the HSD17B6 in PCOS subjects. Our data suggest that there is no association of HSD17B6 and HSD17B5 variants with the occurrence of PCOS in the Chinese population, but the polymorphism of SNP rs898611 is associated with BMI in PCOS patients.


Target specific organization and neuron types of the dog pelvic ganglia: a retrograde-tracing and immunohistochemical study.
The major pelvic ganglion in both the rat and guinea pig has been extensively studied because of its anatomical simplicity. To clarify the target specific neural pathway in the diffusely distributed pelvic ganglia of larger animals, the pelvic plexus of the female dog was investigated by retrograde tracing and immunohistochemistry. The whole mount staining of the pelvic plexus with acetylcholinesterase histochemistry revealed 70-100 ganglia of varying sizes. Neurons retrogradely labeled from the rectum were mainly found in ganglia located in the dorso-caudal part of the plexus. The majority of these were non-catecholaminergic, immunoreactive for either calbindin (Calb) or neuropeptide Y (NPY), and characteristically associated with baskets of enkephalin (ENK)-immunoreactive varicose fibers. Neurons projecting to the utero-vaginal walls were distributed in ganglia located in the ventro-caudal part of the plexus. These mainly consisted of two major neuron groups: catecholaminergic Calb-immunoreactive neurons, and non-catecholaminergic neurons containing nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and/or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), which were preferentially associated with a network of ENK-immunoreactive varicose fibers. Neurons retrogradely labeled from the urinary bladder mainly occurred in ganglia located around the junction between the ureter and the bladder. These consisted of catecholaminergic Calb neurons and noncatecholaminergic neurons containing Calb or NOS. Only a few ENK-immunoreactive fibers were found within the clusters of catecholaminergic neurons. These results indicate that organ specific neurons are located in separate ganglia and have both a distinctive composition of neuron types as well as different innervation by preganglionic fibers.


Procaine impairs learning and memory consolidation in the honeybee.
In vertebrates local anaesthetics lead to various learning deficits, depending on the site and time of injection. In this study we show the effects of the local anaesthetic procaine on learning and memory in an invertebrate, the honeybee. Reversible blocking of neuronal processes leads to different memory deficits depending on the time window during which the local anaesthesia is in effect.


[Peculiarities of multisegmental monosynaptic responses of leg muscles in subjects with lumbar nerve compression].
There were tested reflex motor responses of 16 simmetrical leg muscles, evoked by electric stimulation of lumbar nerve at level of L2-L3- or L3-L4-spinal proceses, in group of healthy subjects and that of patients with the sings of lumbar-nerve compression. The responses were studied when the subjects were in condition of rest. The evoked responses agreed with Ia afferents activation through monosynaptic neuronal cicuits. Their monosynaptic nature was demonstrated by amplitude changes to conditioning stimulus and to continuing tendon vibration applied. It was established that on the background of the studied disorder multisegmental monosynaptic responses of leg large distal flexors with a great amount of slow motor units suffered most significant modifications.


Theory of linearly birefringent fibers: an alternative approach.
We tackle the theory of linearly birefringent single-mode dielectric fibers in terms of magnetic fields, instead of the usual electric fields. The new approach simplifies the analysis of the minor field component as a function of the radial coordinate. Several previous results are reconfirmed and unified. New closed-form expressions are found for the field in a fiber in which the physical index seen by the minor component matches, in a part of the cross section, the guided-mode equivalent index.


Informal sector shops and AIDS prevention. An exploratory social marketing investigation.
Shopkeepers at 88 informal sector shops in the black township of Khayelitsha were interviewed to explore whether such shops should be considered as venues for the dissemination of AIDS prevention information and condoms through social marketing programmes. The existence of a variety of media and interpersonal information sources on the premises, the presence of opinion leadership and the willingness of several owners to distribute posters and pamphlets and sell condoms suggests that such shops should be further investigated as avenues for AIDS prevention efforts. A relationship was found between the degree to which a shop exhibited aspects of social influence and the degree to which it was established in terms of infrastructure, income and experience of personnel. It was concluded that shopkeepers might be an important group to target early in a programme, because they might then influence others' reaction to it. Finally, it would be important for shop personnel and other township residents to be part of the design, planning and implementation of AIDS prevention programmes.