Effects of insulin-like growth factor binding protein complexes on human fibroblast growth.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGF-BP) complexes containing either IGF-I or IGF-II were purified from human plasma and coincubated with human foreskin fibroblasts. Incorporation of [3H]thymidine into fibroblasts was measured to determine the mitogenic effects of the IGF-BP complexes in comparison with purified recombinant IGF-I or IGF-II. The IGF-I-BP complex was shown to have no stimulatory activity when added to cultures at a comparable Non Suppressible Insulin-Like Activity (NSILA) dose level to that of purified recombinant IGF-I which produced maximal stimulation. In contrast, the IGF-II-BP complex produced a similar stimulatory activity to that of purified recombinant IGF-II when added at comparable NSILA doses. NSILA-p, a contaminating factor in the purified preparations of IGF-BP complexes, was shown to have no effect on fibroblast growth. This study suggests that plasma IGF binding proteins may have a differential effect on the stimulatory activities of IGFs I and II on human fibroblasts.


Prevalence of unsuspected abdominal aortic aneurysms in male veterans.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are potentially lethal arterial lesions that are best managed by elective surgical repair. However, asymptomatic AAAs may go undetected on routine physical examination or patients with such lesions may not consult a physician. To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic AAAs in a high-risk population, we retrospectively reviewed all abdominal CT scans on veterans > 50 years of age that had been ordered for indications other than aneurysmal disease during a recent 10-month period. Of the 111 patients studied, 15 (13.5%) had suprarenal and/or infrarenal AAAs (one patient had both). Patients with AAAs were significantly older (p = 0.0001) and were heavier tobacco users (p = 0.003). For patients > 60 years of age with peripheral vascular occlusive disease and a history of tobacco use, there was a 29.2% prevalence for AAA compared with 0% in those without any of these risk factors (p = 0.04). There was a very definite trend suggesting that patients with peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.06) were more likely to have an AAA. Because of the high prevalence of AAAs found in this population we then conducted a prospective study over a 24-month period during which patients > 60 years of age with known peripheral vascular disease and a history of smoking who presented to the vascular laboratory for evaluation of problems not related to AAA were asked to undergo an abdominal CT scan. Fifty-six volunteers agreed to participate in the study. Seven patients had AAAs and one patient had an isolated iliac aneurysm, for a 14.3% overall prevalence of aneurysms.2+ d


A rare case of paraovarian cancer coexisting with cancer of the fallopian tube: magnetic resonance appearance.
Primary paraovarian cancer is a rare tumor occurring in the female pelvis. Magnetic resonance imaging features of paraovarian cancer have not been previously reported. In the present report, we describe a case of paraovarian cancer coexisting with cancer of the fallopian tube and the magnetic resonance features.


Auditing first episode psychosis: giving meaning to clinical governance.
People in a first episode of psychosis are receiving increasing attention. This study describes the demographic and clinical diagnostic features of a cohort of 84 cases of first episode psychosis presenting in North Derbyshire from October 1999 to October 2000. Forty-two cases falling within the schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis were identified, an incidence rate of 0.17 per 1000 population. The rate for all psychoses, including drug-induced psychoses, was 0.35 per 1000 population aged 15-64. More than 50% of the cases were from the main urban centre, which contains around one third of the population. There were high rates of substance misuse in all diagnostic groups. The majority of patients (73%) presented via their general practitioners, but 18% presented via accident and emergency (13%) or the police (5%). The median duration of untreated psychosis for the whole group was two months. Within the schizophrenia spectrum group, however, there was a wide distribution, with duration of untreated psychosis of up to 10 years. The median duration of unteated psychosis in the schizophrenia spectrum group was three months. About half the cases in this cohort were aged more than 35 (all diagnostic categories). Further work exploring the outcome in this cohort is currently under way. As the configuration of mental health services is set to change rapidly in the next few years, there is a crucial need to develop further observational studies assessing how services deliver care to people with severe mental illness.


Human T-cell leukemia virus type II infection among high risk groups and its influence on HIV-1 disease progression.
The prevalence and the risk factors of the human T-cell leukemia virus type I/II (HTLV-I/II) infection were evaluated among 552 individuals at high risk for HIV-1. HTLV infections showed a low (1.6%) prevalence, were restricted to intravenous drug addicts and were due to HTLV-II alone. Moreover, in order to weigh the influence of HTLV-II on the natural history of HIV-1 infection, the clinical outcome of HIV-1 disease was compared between subjects with and without HTLV-II coinfection. Our findings showed that HTLV-II does not adversely affect the outcome of HIV-1 infection. Infact, a slower disease progression has been recorded in some HTLV-II coinfected subjects.


Targeting insulin-like growth factor in breast cancer therapeutics.
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway holds crucial role in cell growth, differentiation and proliferation. Aberrant regulation of the IGF system has been attributed to the pathogenesis of breast cancer and has been shown to contribute to various stages of breast carcinogenesis. Therefore, targeting the IGF-related axis represents a promising strategy, mainly aiming to bypass the resistance of currently employed treatment options in breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, major limitations have aroused despite the early stage of clinical development of various IGF-system modulators. The present review highlights the current status and considers the future perspectives of IGF-system targeting in breast cancer therapeutics.


[Nutrition in diabetic nephropathy].
The incidence of end-stage renal failure has increased in Italy from 70-80 to 120 per 1x10(6). About 20-30% of patients with diabetes develop nephropathy, usually within 20-25 yrs after disease onset. Diet plays an essential role in the therapy of diabetic nephropathy. A well planned diabetic diet with intensive glycemic control can significantly reduce the risk of microalbuminuria development, and moderate protein restriction reduces hyperfiltration and intraglomerular pressure, and retards the progression of diabetic glomerulopathy. Various studies have shown a positive effect of diet with a protein intake of approximately 0.8 g/kg(-1)/day(-1) in patients with overt nephropathy, with a further restriction to 0.6 g/kg(-1)/day(-1) when the glomerular filtration rate begins to fall. Extra protein intake should counterbalance massive proteinuric losses.


A prospective evaluation of trochleoplasty for the treatment of patellofemoral dislocation and instability.
Trochlear dysplasia is a developmental condition characterised by an abnormally flat or dome-shaped trochlea and is an important contributory factor to patellofemoral instability and recurrent dislocation. We studied prospectively a series of 54 consecutive patients (59 knees) with patellofemoral instability secondary to trochlear dysplasia, who were treated by a trochleoplasty by a single surgeon between June 2002 and June 2007. Pre- and post-operative scores were assessed by the patients and a satisfaction questionnaire was completed. Of the 54 patients (59 knees) in the series, 39 (44 knees) were female and 15 (15 knees) were male. Their mean age at surgery was 21 years and 6 months (14 years 4 months to 33 years 11 months). In 40 patients (42 knees) the mean follow-up was for 24 months (12 to 58). One patient was unable to attend for follow-up. An analysis of the results of those patients followed up for at least 12 months showed a statistically significant improvement in outcome (p < 0.001 for all scores). Overall, 50 patients (92.6%) were satisfied with the outcome of their procedure. The early results of trochleoplasty are encouraging in this challenging group of patients.


A matched case-control study on the prognosis of native kidney neoplasia in renal transplant recipients.
A matched case-control study was performed to compare the prognosis of six renal transplant recipients with a control group of non-transplant patients, both groups presenting with native kidney tumors. Patients were matched for age, gender, neoplasm histology, and TNM classification. The follow-up ranged from 8 to 131 months (median 32 months) after nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy of the native kidney. Five out of six recipients retained good graft function. No evidence of recurrent local disease or distant metastasis of kidney neoplasms was observed in either group. In the transplant group, two patients developed basal cell carcinoma, and one, lung cancer and a disseminated lymphoma. Among control group patients, prostate and bladder cancer were noted. Prognosis of early-stage kidney malignancy in the transplant and non-transplant group was comparable despite immunosuppression; however, recovery from the primary kidney malignancy did not exclude the risk of developing a new type of neoplasm in either group.


Tissue transplantation. Quality assurance in the banking and utilization of musculoskeletal allografts.
Tissue allografts are being used more frequently, and, as a consequence, an increasing number of hospitals and physician assistants must face the difficult and perplexing task of evaluating their effectiveness and safety. Quality assurance programs are designed to enhance patient care during the transplantation process and should outline the responsibilities of both the tissue bank and the hospital using the allograft. Recommendations for the establishment of quality assurance programs at hospitals are made based on guidelines established by national certifying agencies. It is of paramount importance to recognize the areas of responsibility and to delineate acceptable standards of practice when developing and implementing quality assurance programs for tissue transplantation.


Smoking behavior among Hispanic adults with diabetes on the United States-Mexico border: a public health opportunity.
To examine the prevalence of smoking behaviors among adults with diabetes on the United States-Mexico border, to compare these behaviors in U.S. Hispanics and Mexicans with diabetes, and to identify explanations for group differences. Data came from the U.S.-Mexico Border Diabetes Prevention and Control Project survey (2001-2002), a stratified, multistage sample representative of the border population. The analytic sample included adults from all racial and ethnic backgrounds with diabetes (n = 665), including 333 Mexicans and 268 U.S. Hispanics. Smoking behaviors were based on self-reports. Age- and gender-specific prevalence of smoking behavior was estimated and logistic regression was used for mediation analysis of group differences. One in five adults with diabetes (20.1%) in the region was a current smoker. Prevalence was higher among Mexicans (26.2%) than U.S. Hispanics (10.1%, P = 0.003); differences were not explained by sociodemographic or healthcare-related characteristics (odds ratio [OR] 3.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-9.91, P = 0.004). Younger Mexicans with diabetes (< 55 years) were four times more likely to smoke than younger U.S. Hispanics (32.1% versus 8.1%, P < 0.001) and Mexican men with diabetes were more than twice as likely to smoke as U.S. Hispanic men (38.9% versus 15.8%, P = 0.003). Among adults with diabetes with a smoking history, 52.5% were former smokers; U.S. Hispanics were more likely to be former smokers than Mexicans with diabetes (62.6% versus 27.5%, P = 0.001). A marginally significant difference remained after adjusting for potential mediators (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.17-1.08, P = 0.074). Smoking interventions should focus on Mexicans with diabetes in the border region, especially younger adults and men. Identifying sources of differences in smoking behaviors among border groups with diabetes may further inform intervention.


Exposure to DDT during a defined period in neonatal life induces permanent changes in brain muscarinic receptors and behaviour in adult mice.
DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane] is a potent neurotoxicant in both vertebrate and invertebrate species. We have previously reported that neonatal exposure to DDT affects the muscarinic cholinergic receptors (MAChR) in the cerebral cortex in the neonatal mouse, leading to permanent disturbances in the cholinergic system and behaviour of the animals as adults. In order to determine if there is a critical period for these effects, mice at the ages of 3-days, 10-days and 19-days were given a single low oral dose of DDT (0.5 mg/kg b.wt.). At adult age (4 months) the mice were tested for spontaneous behaviour: 'locomotion', 'rearing' and 'total activity', and were subsequently sacrificed for measurement of the density of MAChR and subpopulations of MAChR in the cerebral cortex by using the muscarinic antagonist quinuclidinyl benzilate, [3H]QNB, and agonist carbachol, respectively. A significant increase in spontaneous motor behaviour and a significant decrease in MAChR density in the cerebral cortex was only observed in adult mice receiving DDT at the age of 10 days. The induction of these disturbances is limited to peaks in the development of spontaneous behavioural activity and MAChR in the neonatal rodent.


Inhibition of adenosine uptake and augmentation of ischemia-induced increase of interstitial adenosine by cilostazol, an agent to treat intermittent claudication.
Cilostazol (Pletal), a quinolinone derivative with a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type 3 (PDE3) inhibitory activity, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of symptoms of intermittent claudication (IC). However, the underlying mechanisms of action are not entirely clear. In this study, we showed that cilostazol inhibited adenosine uptake into cardiac ventricular myocytes, coronary artery smooth muscle, and endothelial cells with a median effective concentration (EC50) approximately 10 microM. In vivo, cilostazol increased cardiac interstitial adenosine levels after a 2-min ischemia in rabbit hearts (329 +/- 92% increase vs. 102 +/- 29% ischemia alone). The combination of cilostazol and 2-min ischemia reduced infarction from subsequent 30-min regional ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion (infarct size was 18 +/- 4% vs. 53 +/- 3% in the hearts with 2-min ischemia alone or 48 +/- 2% in the hearts treated with cilostazol alone). In contrast, milrinone had no effect on either adenosine uptake or interstitial adenosine levels. These data show that cilostazol, unlike milrinone, inhibits adenosine uptake, and thus potentiates adenosine accumulation from a 2-min ischemia. Future studies are needed to investigate the role of adenosine in the treatment of IC by cilostazol.


Heterotransplantation of kidney: medical and legal issues.
Since 1905, various attempts were made to transplant kidney from rabbit, pig or goat. But the attempts failed due to strong immune reaction-response. Heterotransplantation or xenotransplantation is a process to transplant kidney between various species. Allotransplantation is costly and needs lifelong immunosuppression associated with high risk rate of infection and other complications. Moreover legal and social issues involved in the process should be taken into account. So xenotransplantation is definitely an improved process.


Expression of tenascin-c and CD44 receptors in cardiac myxomas.
Myxomas are the most frequent primary cardiac neoplasms. They have an abundant extracellular matrix rich in proteoglycans. Interactions between cells and matrix are very important in the development of tumors, but data about myxomas in this setting are scarce because of the rarity of such neoplasms. The expression of tenascin-c and hyaluran receptors in cardiac myxoma has never been investigated. Moreover, it is now well recognized that cells of cardiac myxoma differentiate along endothelial lines. We have analyzed left atrial myxomas from 13 consecutive patients (six male and seven female, surgically treated), via immunohistochemical methods for the expression of molecules also implicated in angiogenesis in normal and pathological conditions, like tenascin-c and hyaluran receptors CD44s, CD44v5 and CD44v6. Our data suggest that tenascin-c and CD44s play a synergic and perhaps complementary role in development of cardiac myxomas. In particular, tenascin-c seems to promote aggregation of cells and differentiation in vascular structures, whereas CD44s receptors might be important for cellular motility. Cell proliferation rate in such tumors was very low (MIB-1 labeling index <1%) and uniform in all the areas of the neoplasms regardless of the presence of characteristic structures such as cords and rings of multinucleated cells or the expression of tenascin-c and CD44 receptors. This study shows that cardiac myxomas express in the extracellular matrix tenascin-c and on the cellular membranes of neoplastic cells the hyaluran receptor CD44s. Such molecules take part in the mechanism of development of the myxomas and might be in the future the target of nonsurgical treatments.


Pulmonary vascular dysfunction in refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome before veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Pulmonary vascular dysfunction has been described in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a well-established treatment for these patients. We hypothesized that severe pulmonary vascular dysfunction and cor pulmonale identified by echocardiography before cannulation in these patients were associated with worse survival. Echocardiography was used to identify pulmonary hypertension in 21 patients with refractory ARDS just before ECMO implantation. Survival was compared for those with and without cor pulmonale. In our series, the overall mortality rate was 57.1% (12/21). Echocardiographic exams were transthoracic in 5 patients (23.8%), transesophageal in 4 patients (19%), and both (transthoracic and transesophageal) in the remaining 12 patients (57.1%). In our series, six patients (28.5%) showed LV dysfunction. Acute cor pulmonale was detectable in 2 patients (9.5%), while the remaining 19 patients showed moderate pulmonary dysfunction. Survivors had a higher pre-cannulation LV ejection fraction (EF) (P = 0.02) and tricuspid annular plane excursion (P = 0.04), and lower peak systolic pulmonary artery pressures (P = 0.02). In patients with refractory ARDS immediately before ECMO implantation, the prevalence of acute cor pulmonale is low (9.5%). Survival is associated with higher LVEF and lower systolic pulmonary arterial pressure. These findings support the idea that echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary artery pressure in patients with refractory ARDS before VV-ECMO implantation may have value for risk-stratification.


Are en face frozen sections accurate for diagnosing margin status in melanocytic lesions?
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of margin evaluation of melanocytic lesions using en face frozen sections compared with standard paraffin-embedded sections, we studied 2 sets of lesions in which en face frozen sections were used for analysis of surgical margins (13 from malignant melanomas [MMs] and 10 from nonmelanocytic lesions [NMLs]). Routine permanent sections were cut after routine processing. The slides were mixed and coded randomly. Fifteen dermatopathologists examined the cases separately. Margin status was categorized as positive, negative, or indeterminate. Kappa statistics were calculated per dermatopathologist and per case. One case from each group was excluded because epidermis was not available in the routine sections. Of 330 evaluations (22 cases, 15 dermatopathologists), there were 132 diagnostic discrepancies (40.0%): 66 each for MM and NML (mean per case for both diagnoses, 6). In 9 instances (6.8%), the change was from positive (frozen) to negative (permanent) and in 43 (32.6%), from negative (frozen) to positive (permanent). There was poor agreement between frozen and permanent sections (kappa range per dermatopathologist, -0.1282 to 0.6615). If permanent histology is considered the "gold standard" for histologic evaluation, en face frozen sections are not suitable for accurate surgical margin assessment of melanocytic lesions.


Effect of acupuncture on diabetic peripheral neuropathy: an uncontrolled preliminary study from Korea.
Diabetic neuropathic pain can severely influence quality of life, and patients may be dissatisfied with treatment. To carry out an observational study of the effects of acupuncture for the treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain, in preparation for a full study. Nine patients with diabetic neuropathic pain were recruited from a Korean diabetic clinic and given 12 sessions of acupuncture over 4 weeks. Their symptoms were evaluated using the Total Symptom Score (TSS) and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) at baseline and 4 weeks after the last treatment. Mean TSS scores reduced from 7.99 (SD 3.55) at baseline to 4.95 (SD 4.41), at the 8-week follow-up-a statistically non-significant change (p=0.057). The MNSI scores improved from 6.33 (SD 1.31) before treatment to 4.33 (SD 3.00) after acupuncture treatment-a significant improvement (p=0.010). One participant experienced an exacerbation of diabetic neuropathy symptoms, but two patients gained complete relief of their diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) symptoms. The results of this study justify further investigations into the effects of acupuncture on DPN.


Radiotherapy in patients with cardiac pacemakers.
Patients with permanent cardiac pacemakers occasionally require radiotherapy. Therapeutic irradiation may cause pacemakers to malfunction due to the effects of ionizing radiation or electromagnetic interference. Modern pacemakers, using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry, differ from older bipolar semiconductor devices both in their sensitivity to damage and the types of malfunction observed. The mechanisms and types of radiotherapy-induced pacemaker malfunction are described and in vitro and in vivo studies of pacemaker irradiation are reviewed. Some simple precautions are recommended during the planning and administration of radiotherapy to minimize the risk of harm to patients with pacemakers.


Immune activation and neuropsychiatric symptoms in HIV infection.
This study examined the role of biological processes in the development of specific neuropsychiatric complications in HAART-naive adults with HIV/AIDS. Depressive symptoms were modestly associated with elevated IL-6 mRNA expression (r(s)=0.40, p<0.05) even after removing the influences of other subjective complaints (pr=0.39, p<0.05). Elevated serum neopterin was strongly associated with depressive symptoms in individuals taking antidepressants (r(s)=0.83, p<0.001), though the association was nullified in those not on antidepressants (r(s)=-0.25, p>0.05). Mean neopterin levels were higher in the depressed as compared with nondepressed group but only for those taking antidepressants (F=45.66, df=1, 11, p<0.001). Neuropsychological impairment was not associated with the biological markers. These findings suggest that systemic immune markers (like neopterin) may be useful in differentiating treatment-resistant individuals at greater risk of developing chronic depression.


Microcalorimetric investigation of cell metabolism in tumour cells from patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
The overall metabolism in tumour cells from 36 untreated patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma was evaluated by direct calorimetry. For 20 patients with lymphoma of high grade malignancy the median value of heat production rate per tumour cell was 3.9 pW and for 16 patients with low grade lymphomas the corresponding value was 2.8 pW. The difference between the two morphological groups is significant (p = 0.05). The median value of heat production rate per tumour cell from 13 patients who died within 2 yr after diagnosis was 4.0 pW. The corresponding value for 17 patients who have survived for more than 2 yr was 2.5 pW. The difference between the two groups is significant (p = 0.02). A high correlation was found between heat production rates in tumour cells and survival of the patients (p = 0.006).


Perceptual learning following changes in the frequency-to-electrode assignment with the Nucleus-22 cochlear implant.
The goal of the present study was to investigate the time course of adaptation by experienced cochlear implant users to a shifted frequency-to-electrode assignment in their speech processors. Speech recognition performance of three Nucleus-22 cochlear implant users was measured over a 3-month period, during which the implant listeners continuously wore "experimental" speech processors that were purposely shifted by 2-4 mm in terms of the frequency-to-electrode assignment relative to their normal processor. Baseline speech performance was measured with each subject's clinically assigned speech processor just prior to implementation of the experimental processor. Baseline speech performance was measured again after the 3-month test period, immediately following the reinstallation of the clinically assigned processor settings. Speech performance with the experimental processor was measured four times during the first week, and weekly thereafter over the 3-month period. Results showed that the experimental processor produced significantly lower performance on all measures of speech recognition immediately following implementation. Over the 3-month test period, consonant and HINT sentence recognition with the experimental processors gradually approached a performance level comparable to but still significantly below the baseline and postexperiment measures made with the clinically assigned processor. However, vowel and TIMIT sentence recognition with the experimental processors remained far below the level of the baseline measures even at the end of the 3-month experimental period. There was no significant change in performance with the clinically assigned processor before or after fitting with the experimental processor. The results suggest that a long-time exposure to a new pattern of stimulation may not be able to compensate for the deficit in performance caused by a 2-4-mm shift in the tonotopic location of stimulation, at least within a 3-month period.


Non- invasive in vivo analysis of a murine aortic graft using high resolution ultrasound microimaging.
As yet, murine aortic grafts have merely been monitored histopathologically. The aim of our study was to examine how these grafts can be monitored in vivo and non-invasively by using high-resolution ultrasound microimaging to evaluate function and morphology. A further aim was to prove if this in vivo monitoring can be correlated to immunohistological data that indicates graft integrity. Murine infrarenal aortic isografts were orthotopically transplanted into 14 female mice (C57BL/6-Background) whereas a group of sham-operated animals (n = 10) served as controls. To assess the graft morphology and hemodynamics, we examined the mice over a post-operative period of 8 weeks with a sophisticated ultrasound system (Vevo 770, Visual Sonics). The non-invasive graft monitoring was feasible in all transplanted mice. We could demonstrate a regular post-transplant graft function and morphology, such as anterior/posterior wall displacement and wall thickness. Mild alterations of anterior wall motion dynamics could only be observed at the site of distal graft anastomosis (8 weeks after grafting (transplant vs. sham mice: 0.02 mm ± 0.01 vs. 0.03 mm ± 0.01, p<0.05). However, the integrity of the entire graft wall could be confirmed by histopathological evaluation of the grafts. With regard to graft patency, function and morphology, high resolution ultrasound microimaging has proven to be a valuable tool for longitudinal, non-invasive, in vivo graft monitoring in this murine aortic transplantation model. Consequently, this experimental animal model provides an excellent basis for molecular and pharmacological studies using genetically engineered mice.


Hemodynamic effects of staged hematocrit reduction in patients with stable cor pulmonale and severely elevated hematocrit levels.
Patients with cor pulmonale and high hematocrit levels are often subjected to phlebotomy in the belief that the adverse effects of high viscosity may outweigh the benefit of increased oxygen carrying capacity. To evaluate this, 12 patients with stable cor pulmonale and hematocrit values greater than 55 per cent were studied before and after a series of venesections. Right heart and aortic pressures, cardiac output and blood gases were measured at three mean hematocrit levels, 61 per cent (stage I), 50 per cent (stage II) and 44 per cent (stage III), with blood volume unchanged. From stages I to II, there were significant decreases in both man pulmonary artery pressure and total pulmonary resistance. Oxygen transport fell but not oxygen consumption. Right ventricular end-diastolic pressure and cardiac output did not change. Right ventricular work either fell or was maintained by increased output. Frank-Starling performance (supine exercise) improved. No significant changes occurred with further reduction in hematocrit to normal levels (stage III). The findings of this study support the concept of overcompensating erythrocytosis in cor pulmonale, and the effects of moderate hematocrit reduction should not be overlooked in these severely ill patients.


Results of an International Interlaboratory Trial to Determine Twelve Allergens Using Real-time PCR- and ELISA-based Assays.
To elucidate the capability of laboratories to determine allergen contents, an international interlaboratory trial was conducted using meat products spiked with 12 allergens. The measurement uncertainty was calculated independent of the applied method simulating realistic situations when comparing analysis certificates from different laboratories. The measurement uncertainty was revealed to be in the best cases +/-100%, in the worst cases quantification exhibited a measurement uncertainty of higher than 200% making quantitative analysis impossible. The measurement uncertainty seemed to depend on the analyte and assays used.


Icing and multilayering technique of injectable hydroxyapatite cement paste for cranial base reconstruction after transsphenoidal surgery: technical note.
Injectable hydroxyapatite cement (HAC, Biopex; Mitsubishi Pharma Corp., Osaka, Japan) can reconstruct the accurate contour of bone defects intraoperatively, and it is slowly replaced with bone by a process of resorption and osteoconduction, making it a useful substrate for the repair of cranial defects. In the operative site with continuous oozing of the cerebrospinal fluid, however, the implanted HAC may be dissolved and washed out as a result of its water solubility during the setting time. For successful reconstruction of cranial defects in such wet situations, we describe a new technique to reinforce the implanted HAC with a multilayered application. As a preliminary experiment, we observed that the setting process of the HAC was severely restricted by the environmental temperature. At a temperature of 5 degrees C, the initial setting time of the HAC could be extended to 10 hours after the beginning of the mixing of the HAC. Bone defects of the sellar floor after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, meningiomas, or suprasellar arachnoid cysts were reconstructed using the HAC in 55 patients during a 5-year period. The results and complications were obtained through retrospective review. Ninety-eight percent of bone defects were successfully repaired using the HAC, and the reconstruction remained stable over the course of this study. There was one case of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Wound infection occurred in one patient, which required reoperation and removal of the biomaterial. The icing and multilayering method for proper use of this biomaterial resulted in restoration of the integrity of the cranial base bone and a decrease of cerebrospinal fluid leakage as a postoperative complication of transsphenoidal surgery. HAC is a biomaterial that is recommended to be used as the primary method for reconstructing cranial base bone defects.


Aortic valve endocarditis due to abiotrophia defectiva: a rare etiology.
Abiotrophia defectiva is a rare cause of infective endocarditis. Besides an association with often negative blood cultures and difficult treatment, high rates of relapse and higher mortality than endocarditis caused by other viridans streptococci are known features of this entity. We report on the surgical and medical management of the aortic valve endocarditis caused by Abiotrophia defectiva in a 19-year-old patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient to have Down syndrome and Abiotrophia defectiva endocarditis requiring aortic valve replacement.


"Everyone thinks I am just lazy": Legitimacy narratives of Americans suffering from fibromyalgia.
This qualitative study reflects an analysis of 50 stories told by Americans living with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition marked by widespread physical pain. Stories were randomly collected from The Experience Project, an online public forum, and analyzed using the communication theory of identity as a guiding framework. Thematic analysis was used to examine how the legitimacy narratives of people with fibromyalgia respond to the American discourse of hard work. Three narrative themes emerged from the data: The Personal Experience of Living With Fibromyalgia (personal layer of identity), the Struggle to Complete Everyday and Professional Tasks (enacted layer of identity), and a Limited Ability to Perform Gender Roles (relational layer of identity). Throughout their stories, individuals with FM strive to legitimate their condition and contest the notion that they are lazy. Stories reveal that people suffering from fibromyalgia experience significant personal (e.g. cleaning the house) and professional (e.g. extended sick leave) challenges, as well as serious relational challenges that are often tied to gender roles (e.g. being a good mother). Results provide a variety of implications and directions for future research.


Extraocular retinoblastoma: a 13-year experience.
The current study was performed to evaluate two regimens of treatment and to describe clinical and epidemiologic characteristics in patients with extraocular retinoblastoma. Eighty-three patients with extraocular retinoblastoma according to Childrens Cancer Group (CCG) classification were admitted to the Pediatric Department of the A. C. Camargo between 1987-2000. The age, gender, race, lag time, first clinical presentation, staging, laterality, and treatment regimen were analyzed. Treatment was comprised of cisplatin, teniposide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide during the first treatment period (1987-1991) or cisplatin and teniposide with alternating courses of ifosfamide and etoposide during the second treatment period (1992-2000). The mean age of the patients was 32.9 months (range, 2-145 months). The mean lag time was 10.5 months. Forty-three patients were treated in the first period and 40 patients were treated in the second period. Locally advanced tumors (Class I-III) were present in 83.1% of the patients. There was a positive correlation between lag time and age for unilateral tumors (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.35; P = 0.006), whereas the correlation was negative for bilateral tumors (r = -0.12; P = 0.63). The 5-year overall survival was 55.1% in the first treatment period and 59.4% in the second treatment period (P = 0.69). No significant differences with regard to survival rates were noted for unilateral tumors between the two treatment periods (44.6 noted for unilateral tumors vs. 59.1 noted for unilateral tumors). In the current study, the addition of ifosfamide and etoposide to a treatment regimen comprised of cisplatin, teniposide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide did not appear to improve the survival of patients with extraocular retinoblastoma. Patients with dissemination to the central nervous system or metastatic disease remain incurable and die of progressive disease, despite the aggressive treatment. A multicenter trial should be considered to evaluate the best strategy for these situations.


Release, biological potency, and biochemical integrity of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) combined with Augment(TM) Bone Graft or GEM 21S beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP).
Over 10 million surgical procedures are performed annually in the United States to treat musculoskeletal injuries, and a significant portion of these involve orthopedic bone grafting. The goals of the study were to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo release kinetics, biological potency and biochemical integrity of rhPDGF-BB combined with large (1000-2000 microm) and small (250-1000 microm) beta-TCP particles. Recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor B homodimer (rhPDGF-BB) is a protein growth factor under development as a therapeutic for accelerating bone healing. Release of the protein was monitored in vitro by ELISA, and in vivo by measurement of radioactive rhPDGF-BB implanted in rat calvarial defects. Biological activity was measured using a cell-based bioassay, and biochemical integrity was determined by SDS-PAGE and high pressure size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). Release of rhPDGF-BB occurred rapidly from beta-TCP both in vitro and in vivo. Almost 100% of the rhPDGF-BB was recovered from large and small beta-TCP after 90 min in vitro. Approximately 90% of the rhPDGF-BB was depleted from calvarial defect sites within 72 h of implantation. RhPDGF-BB retained 100% of its biological potency compared to reference standard rhPDGF-BB, manifested as a single band at ~30 kDa by SDS-PAGE and a single peak eluted after 13 min by HPSEC following release from beta-TCP. RhPDGF-BB is rapidly released from large and small beta-TCP particles and is biochemically unaltered following release.


Immunofluorescence study of lymphocytic infiltration in gliomas. Identification of T-lymphocytes.
Five human brain tumours (3 glioblastomas and 2 astrocytomas) and 5 rat brain tumours induced in Sprague--Dawley animals by systemic administration of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (3 pleomorphic gliomas and 2 mixed gliomas) were studied. The human brain tumours were surgical specimens excised from patients with no cranial surgery prior to their disease. The experimental brain tumour had been adapted to tissue culture, propagated in vitro and then transplanted to immunocompetent and immunodeficient rats of the same stock. The above-described material was selected in consideration of the mononuclear cell infiltrates occurring in these tumours. Frozen sections of human and rat gliomas, the latter both primary and transplanted, were prepared and investigated as to the presence of T-lymphocytes within the mononuclear round cell infiltrates. This was done with the indirect immunofluorescence method using rabbit antisera against man and rat T-lymphocytes. With this technique a variable percentage of T-lymphocytes was demonstrated in the cell infiltrates of human and rat gliomas alike. The tumour transplanted in thymectomized rats showed only isolated, scattered, positive-reacting cells, i.e., cells recognizable as T-lymphocytes by the above method. The results can be interpreted as circumstantial evidence for the occurrence of tumour-specific and/or tumour-associated antigens in the parenchymal cells of spontaneous and chemically-induced gliomas.


[Plant extracts in control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae) in laboratory].
Plant extracts were studied to evaluate its efficiency in the control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1887) in laboratory. Engorged female ticks were collected from the cattle, kept in Petri dishes. Organic alcoholic extracts 2% (weight/volume) were used: seeds of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) (soursop); flowers of Syzygium malaccensis (L.) (Myrtaceae) (iamb), leaves of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (Poaceae) (holy grass), leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) (neem) and hexane extract 2% (weight/volume) of A. indica (seeds). The control groups consisted of untreated females and females treated with distilled water and sterile and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) a concentration of 1%. The extract of A. muricata (seed) had the highest mortality with acaricide activity and 100% efficacy followed by extracts of S. malaccensis (75 and 59.24%) and A. indica (65 and 38.49%). The seed extract of A. muricata reduced 100% larvae hatch.


[In vivo characteristics of IBZM in rat brains: an agent for quantitative SPECT imaging of dopamine D2 receptors. Preparation of 125I-IBZM and its biodistribution and kinetic properties].
123I-(S)-(-)-3-iodo-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl) methyl]-benzamide (IBZM) is a CNS dopamine D2 receptor imaging agent for SPECT and has already been used clinically in the United States, Canada and Europe. However, methods of quantitative SPECT measurement of the D2 receptor density have not been well established. We performed in vivo biodistribution studies of 125I-IBZM in rat brains as the first step toward establishment of a basis for quantitative SPECT imaging of D2 receptors in humans. 125I-IBZM was prepared by the chloramine-T method. Radiochemical yields were 80 to 90% and radiochemical purity was 94.7% on day 81 after labeling. At 10, 30, 60 and 120 min after injection of the radiopharmaceutical, the percent uptakes (% dose/g) in the rat striatum were 2.9, 1.9, 1.7 and 1.0, respectively. These kinetic data were considered suitable for SPECT imagings. Pretreatment with haloperidol (1 mg/kg) blocked specific striatal uptake and there was a significant reduction in the uptake to 40.9% of the unblocked uptake at 60 min after injection (p = 0.006). The regional IBZM uptake ratio of striatum-to-cerebellum increased steadily from 1.7 at 10 min to 5.7 at 120 min. This suggests that SPECT imaging must be done during fixed time after tracer injection for the semiquantitative ratio to be meaningful.


[Sheep rearing in Shaba (Zaire): present-day situation].
Four sheep rearing systems have been studied in Shaba (Zaire) to compare production and profit levels. Weight production per mother at nine months of age is 4.5 kg under traditional breeding conditions, versus 23 kg in the ranching system (with shepherd) and 30 kg under extensive rearing. Management of range by fire and rotation and feeding habits, principally explain variations in the production. Internal parasite control and housing conditions are next important. Extensive sheep breeding under the ranching system, succeeding to cattle on pasture, appears to be the most profitable rearing system in the region.


Implementation of a redistribution system for near-outdate red blood cell units.
Many remote hospitals keep small on-site stocks of red blood cell (RBC) units for emergency use and to support patient care programs. In Canada, the blood supplier does not accept returned units into inventory. Discard rates can, therefore, be high. To transport near-outdate RBC units to a high-usage hospital site, which would reduce overall discard rates, thereby increasing overall stock levels available in the blood system. A blood transportation system was developed and validated. The validation was presented to a high-usage site that agreed to accept near-outdate RBC units transported by this system. Stocks at the remote hospitals were optimized without increasing system-wide discard rates. The redistribution program was implemented in 4 remote sites in northern Alberta, Canada. The final disposition of each transported unit was tracked. Data from the first 2 years were analyzed. Between April 1, 2003, and March 31, 2005, 106 RBC units were successfully transported to and transfused at the high-usage site. The majority of the units were group O. None of the transfused units were involved in any reported transfusion reactions. The success rate of the transportation system varied among the sites (59%-78% successfully transported and transfused). Changes to the transport system were implemented as problems were discovered. The use of a temperature monitor in each shipment allowed for concurrent revalidation after each change. Redistribution systems can be an effective way to reduce RBC unit discard rates. Even simple transportation systems have many factors affecting the RBC unit temperature. Novel temperature stabilizing materials may make future transportation of RBC units more reliable.


Arg485Lys polymorphism of factor V increases the risk of coronary artery disease in a Chinese population.
To explore the relationship between genetic variation in coagulation factor V and the occurrence of coronary arterial disease (CAD). Unrelated 86 patients with CAD and 102 healthy controls were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) to detect variations in the entire twenty-five exons of the factor V gene. Polymorphisms in exon 4 [642 G-->T (Ser156)], exon 10 [1628 G-->A (Arg485Lys)], exon 13 [4070 A-->G (His1299Arg)] and exon 16 [5380 G-->A (Val1736Met)] were documented. The study also identified a novel polymorphism in exon 2 (327 A-->G) which did not result in amino acid residue substitution. The Leiden mutation (Arg506Gln) was not detected in any of our 188 subjects. Among the 5 polymorphisms, the allele frequency of 1628 G-->A was significantly different between CAD patients and controls (0.69 vs 0.81, chi 2 = 6.908, P < 0.01). This is the first report of this finding in a Chinese population. 1628 G-->A polymorphism is associated with CAD and it may be a risk factor for CAD morbidity in the Chinese population.


Decisions about dendritic cells: past, present, and future.
A properly functioning adaptive immune system signifies the best features of life. It is diverse beyond compare, tolerant without fail, and capable of behaving appropriately with a myriad of infections and other challenges. Dendritic cells are required to explain how this remarkable system is energized and directed. I frame this article in terms of the major decisions that my colleagues and I have made in dendritic cell science and some of the guiding themes at the time the decisions were made. As a result of progress worldwide, there is now evidence of a central role for dendritic cells in initiating antigen-specific immunity and tolerance. The in vivo distribution and development of a previously unrecognized white cell lineage is better understood, as is the importance of dendritic cell maturation to link innate and adaptive immunity in response to many stimuli. Our current focus is on antigen uptake receptors on dendritic cells. These receptors enable experiments involving selective targeting of antigens in situ and new approaches to vaccine design in preclinical and clinical systems.


Management of ingested foreign bodies in children: a clinical report of the NASPGHAN Endoscopy Committee.
Foreign body ingestions in children are some of the most challenging clinical scenarios facing pediatric gastroenterologists. Determining the indications and timing for intervention requires assessment of patient size, type of object ingested, location, clinical symptoms, time since ingestion, and myriad other factors. Often the easiest and least anxiety-producing decision is the one to proceed to endoscopic removal, instead of observation alone. Because of variability in pediatric patient size, there are less firm guidelines available to determine which type of object will safely pass, as opposed to the clearer guidelines in the adult population. In addition, the imprecise nature of the histories often leaves the clinician to question the timing and nature of the ingestion. Furthermore, changes in the types of ingestions encountered, specifically button batteries and high-powered magnet ingestions, create an even greater potential for severe morbidity and mortality among children. As a result, clinical guidelines regarding management of these ingestions in children remain varied and sporadic, with little in the way of prospective data to guide their development. An expert panel of pediatric endoscopists was convened and produced the present article that outlines practical clinical approaches to the pediatric patient with a variety of foreign body ingestions. This guideline is intended as an educational tool that may help inform pediatric endoscopists in managing foreign body ingestions in children. Medical decision making, however, remains a complex process requiring integration of clinical data beyond the scope of these guidelines. These guidelines should therefore not be considered to be a rule or to be establishing a legal standard of care. Caregivers may well choose a course of action outside of those represented in these guidelines because of specific patient circumstances. Furthermore, additional clinical studies may be necessary to clarify aspects based on expert opinion instead of published data. Thus, these guidelines may be revised as needed to account for new data, changes in clinical practice, or availability of new technology.


Self-assembly of affinity-controlled nanoparticles via host-guest interactions for drug delivery.
There has been increasing interest in constructing affinity-based drug delivery systems via different non-covalent interactions. Herein we report a host-guest interaction-based strategy to develop effective drug delivery systems using cyclodextrin-containing copolymers. Hydrophilic copolymers with one polyethylene glycol block and another block containing either α-cyclodextrin or β-cyclodextrin were synthesized. Using poly(β-benzyl l-aspartate) and pyrene as model guest compounds, we demonstrated the nanoparticle formation by host-guest interaction-mediated self-assembly. When an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug Tempol was used, the formation of well-defined spherical nanoparticles and therapeutic loading can be simultaneously realized. The obtained nanotherapy showed affinity-controlled drug release. In vitro cell culture experiments suggested that the host-guest nanotherapy exhibited desirable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages. In a mouse model of an inflammatory disease ulcerative colitis, the orally administered host-guest nanoparticle can be effectively accumulated in the inflamed colonic tissue. Oral treatment of mice bearing colitis with the nanotherapy led to significantly improved efficacy in comparison with free drugs. A good in vivo safety profile was also observed for the developed host-guest nanotherapy. Accordingly, these types of affinity nanoparticles based on CD-containing copolymers can function as effective nanoplatforms for targeted treatment of a plethora of diseases.


Investigating category- and shape-selective neural processing in ventral and dorsal visual stream under interocular suppression.
Recent behavioral and neuroimaging studies using continuous flash suppression (CFS) have suggested that action-related processing in the dorsal visual stream might be independent of perceptual awareness, in line with the "vision-for-perception" versus "vision-for-action" distinction of the influential dual-stream theory. It remains controversial if evidence suggesting exclusive dorsal stream processing of tool stimuli under CFS can be explained by their elongated shape alone or by action-relevant category representations in dorsal visual cortex. To approach this question, we investigated category- and shape-selective functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood-oxygen level-dependent responses in both visual streams using images of faces and tools. Multivariate pattern analysis showed enhanced decoding of elongated relative to non-elongated tools, both in the ventral and dorsal visual stream. The second aim of our study was to investigate whether the depth of interocular suppression might differentially affect processing in dorsal and ventral areas. However, parametric modulation of suppression depth by varying the CFS mask contrast did not yield any evidence for differential modulation of category-selective activity. Together, our data provide evidence for shape-selective processing under CFS in both dorsal and ventral stream areas and, therefore, do not support the notion that dorsal "vision-for-action" processing is exclusively preserved under interocular suppression.


Characterization of a cell line (SW756) derived from a human squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix.
An established cell line, SW756, derived from a primary squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix is described by its morphology, ultrastructure, karyotype, genetic signature analysis, HLA typing, and tumorigenesis in the nude mouse. Cultured cells obtained from the SW756 derived nude mouse tumor also were studied for chromosome and isozyme markers. The original tumor was poorly differentiated carcinoma with minimal keratinization and is compared with that occurring in the nude mouse after the cultured cells were inoculated. The nude mouse tumor showed similar histological features, but better differentiation than the original tumor. Karyotype analysis of SW756 demonstrated a hyperdiploid stem line number and several marker chromosomes (MI-M6). No HeLa marker chromosomes were identified. The isozyme pattern for SW756 reported by others has been confirmed. The unique chromosome and isozyme features have been identified repeatedly in the cultured cells and, most importantly, in the post nude mouse culture. We recommend SW756 as a defined human tumorigenic cell line derived from a primary squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix.


The neurobiological interpretation of the mental functions in the work of Santiago Ramón y Cajal.
Cajal (1852-1934) first had contact with the fields of psychiatry and psychology through the experimental study of hypnotism. He interpreted this phenomenon as an aberrant failure of the machinery of the brain. It may be that Cajal's initial interest in the theory of hypnotic suggestion eventually led him to study the biological phenomena related to sleep and dreams, in the neurophysiological explanation of which he disagreed openly with Freud's postulates. Finally, Cajal studied the histophysiological mechanisms of the higher mentalfunctions (thought, intelligence, memory, perception, etc.). He proposed that the pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex, which he called 'psychic cells', formed the substrate of these functions; he proposed the law of 'avalanche conduction', and he speculated on the possibility of a phenomenon of neuronal plasticity in relation to learning processes. After being awarded the Nobel Prize in 1906, Cajal's interests in psychological aspects began to decline.


[Research methods of anti-HIV-1 inhibitors targeting at Vif-APOBEC3G axis].
The mammalian APOBEC3G protein (apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide 3 protein G, APOBEC3G) is an important component of the cellular innate immune response to retroviral infection. APOBEC3G can extinguish HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) infectivity by its incorporation into virus particles and subsequent cytosine deaminase activity to block replication of HIV-1. HIV-1 Vif (viral infectivity factor) suppresses various APOBEC3 proteins through a common mechanism which induces the degradation of target proteins. Therefore, the interrelation of Vif-APOBEC3G has been extensively studied, which represents attractive targets for the development of novel inhibitors. We summarize the papers in which the detection technique and methods have been developed to assay the anti-HIV activity and its mechanism, such as western-blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, pulse-chase experiments, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, biomolecular interaction analysis. This review is towards developing therapeutics aimed at the Vif-APOBEC3G axis.


Preparation and the influencing factors of timozolomide liposomes.
To prepare timozolomide liposomes for administration through nasal mucous membrane, we studied the factors of the preparation of the liposomes. The timozolomide liposomes were prepared by the ammonium sulphate gradient method; electroscopy and laser particle analyzer were utilized to determine the conformation, size and distribution of timozolomide liposomes; high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to determine the entrapping efficiency of timozolomide liposomes; then we studied the influences of the concentration of ammonium sulphate solution, temperature, and the drug-to-lipid ratio on the entrapping efficiency. The average size of timozolomide liposomes was 185 nm; the entrapping efficiency was 90.3%. The entrapping efficiency was enhanced with the increasing of the concentration of ammonium sulphate solution and the rising of temperature, and decreased with the increasing of the drug-to-lipid ratio. The timozolomide liposomes with high entrapping efficiency, small and even particle sizes could be prepared by the simple and convenient ammonium sulphate gradient method. The primary influencing factors on the entrapping efficiency of timozolomide liposomes were the concentration of ammonium sulphate solution, the temperature, and the drug-to-lipid ratio.


First Example of a Bis(dicarbollide) Metallacarborane Containing a B,C'-Heteronuclear Bridge.
The first example of B,C'-bridging in the commo bis(dicarbollide) series are presented. The sandwich metallacarborane synthesized is neutral due to the formation of a sulfonium group bridging one carbon from one half and one boron from the second half to yield [1',8-&mgr;-SEt-3,3'-Co(1-Ph-2-SEt-1,2-C(2)B(9)H(9))(9'-Ph-1',9'-C(2)B(9)H(8))]. A nucleophilic substitution is involved to account for its formation. A rearrangement from 3,1,2-CoC(2)B(9) to 3,1,9-CoC(2)B(9) has taken place. The molecular structure is proven by an X-ray analysis.


Substratum preference of two species of Xanthoparmelia.
The distribution of established saxicolous lichens has been previously studied but substratum preference and elemental composition has been relatively unexplored. The objectives of this study were to compare ascospore germination and growth for two species of Xanthoparmelia using media supplemented with pulverized rock and to explore photobiont selectivity relative to ecological guilds. Mature apothecia from X. cumberlandia and X. viriduloumbrina were subjected to five treatments, which include water agar supplemented with crushed granodiorite, basalt, mica schist, dolostone, and malt yeast agar as the control. The algal actin gene was sequenced and the closest algal matches were retrieved from GenBank and analysed to produce a haplotype network. X. cumberlandia exhibited substratum preference for the mica schist treatment, while X. viriduloumbrina grew better on granodiorite and malt yeast agar relative to dolostone. Ascospore germination for both species failed to progress beyond the initial swelling and protrusion stage on the dolostone treatment. The actin gene sequences for the algae were most similar to those of Trebouxia jamesii. The rock substrates did not correspond with the photobiont haplotypes, which does not support the ecological guild hypothesis. This study provided insights into substratum preference and the suitability of the substratum for algal selection.


The role of religious and spiritual beliefs in coping with malignant melanoma: an Israeli sample.
This preliminary study examined the possible relationship between a newly developed instrument, the Spiritual Beliefs Inventory (SBI-54), and the coping style of a group of cancer patients in Israel. The sample consisted of 100 malignant melanoma patients diagnosed at stages I and II, A and B. Patients were individually interviewed at home and completed seven self-reports. The present report focuses on the relationship of the SBI-54 with other measures of coping, psychological distress and social support. Findings showed that there was a significantly positive correlation between the SBI-54 and the active-cognitive coping style (r = 0.48, p < 0.01).


Carcinoma in situ of the testis in infertile men. A histological, immunocytochemical, and cytophotometric study of DNA content.
Of 723 infertile men (128 with a history of cryptorchidism) whose testes were biopsied at the outer lateral face of the testis, five presented carcinoma in situ (CIS) in one testis. These testes were removed, serially sectioned, and examined by light microscopy. In order to evaluate whether only one or two biopsies are sufficient to diagnose CIS, before sectioning the testes four biopsies were taken at the anterior face, posterior face, superior pole, and inferior pole of the testis, respectively. Two of the five men had undergone orchiopexy in infancy and the testis contained tubules with Sertoli cells and isolated spermatogonia. CIS was also present in some tubules that were principally located near the rete testis. Of the four simulated biopsies, only that performed at the posterior face of the testis revealed CIS. The other three infertile men showed tubules with complete, although reduced, spermatogenesis, and tubules lined by Sertoli cells only. CIS was found in both types of tubules. These tubules with CIS formed lobules that extended throughout the testicular parenchyma. Most simulated biopsies performed in these three testes showed CIS. The average nuclear DNA content of CIS cells was about 4c in all testes. This content was similar both in tubules with complete spermatogenesis and in tubules with Sertoli cells only.


Dentist-patient communication in the multilingual dental setting.
Communication between dentists and patients can be exceptionally challenging when the patient and the dentist do not speak the same language, as is frequently the case in multicultural Australia. The aim of this study was to describe the issues involved in dealing with limited-English speaking patients in order to formulate recommendations on how to improve dental communication. A cross sectional study was performed using a postal survey to Australian Dental Association member dental practitioners in Western Australia. Responses were collated and data analysis was performed using SPSS 11.5 for Windows. Most respondents encounter language-related communication barriers weekly or monthly, and the most satisfactory method of communication is informal interpreters. Despite reporting satisfaction working with professional chairside interpreters or dental staff interpreters, most respondents did not use them. The most common alternative communication methods were diagrams and models. Endodontics and periodontics provided the greatest challenge in communication. Informed consent was reportedly compromised due to language barriers by 29 per cent of respondents. Recommendations to improve communication included access to interpretation services, dentist technique/attitude to communication and patient preparedness for English-speaking encounters. Many respondents do not utilize the preferential communication methods, creating a potential compromise to both informed consent and the patients' best interests. The use of professional interpreters is recommended, and discussion should be supplemented with means of non-verbal communication. Dentists require access to lists of multilingual dentists and greater awareness of interpretation services to improve multilingual dentist-patient communication.


PSA enzymatic activity: a new biomarker for assessing prostate cancer aggressiveness.
With the advent of widespread prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing in recent decades, prostate cancer (PCa) has emerged as the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer among men in the U.S. and Europe. Greater screening rates coupled with improved detection methods have caused a controversial upsurge in the number of men undergoing prostate biopsy and subsequent treatment. However, current diagnostic techniques generally suffer from limited ability to identify which seemingly indolent cancers are biologically aggressive. We collected prostatic fluid from 778 post-radical prostatectomy specimens and randomly selected samples from both the clinically confirmed aggressive (n = 50) and non-aggressive (n = 50) prostate cancer populations. We measured the level of proteolytic enzyme activity of PSA (aPSA) in each sample and used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to correlate aPSA levels with prostate cancer aggressiveness. We found aPSA in prostatic fluid to be inversely proportional to disease stage, such that patients with the most aggressive PCa have on average significantly reduced aPSA compared to those with less aggressive disease. Significantly, our results suggest that many (22% in our study population) of the diagnosed patients with non-aggressive PCa could have averted or delayed radical prostatectomy. Given the high level of debate surrounding PSA screening effectiveness [3-5] and the recent U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendation to discontinue PSA screening [6], our results provide renewed hope that a clinical monitoring tool may emerge that truly refines PCa treatment decision-making.


Increased plantar foot pressure in persons affected by leprosy.
Although foot pressure has been reported to be increased in people affected by leprosy, studies on foot pressure and its determinants are limited. Therefore, the aim was to assess barefoot plantar foot pressure and to identify clinical determinants of increased plantar foot pressure in leprosy affected persons. Plantar pressure in both feet was assessed using the Novel EMED-X platform in 39 persons affected by leprosy. Peak pressure was determined for the total foot and four regions: hallux, metatarsal heads, midfoot and heel. Potential determinants were: age, weight, nerve function (Neuropathy Disability Score, Pressure Perception Threshold and Vibration Perception Threshold), toe and foot deformities, joint mobility, ankle muscle strength and callus. Increased peak pressure (>600kPa) was observed in 46% of the participants. The highest peak pressure (mean) was found in the metatarsal heads region (right 549 (SD 321)kPa; left 530 (SD 298)kPa). Multilevel regression analysis showed that Neuropathy Disability Score, amputation/absorption of toes and hallux valgus independently contributed to metatarsal heads peak pressure in persons affected with leprosy. To conclude, peak pressure is increased in people affected by leprosy. The highest peak pressure is found in the forefoot region and is significantly associated to Neuropathy Disability Score, toe amputation/absorption and hallux valgus. Screening for clinical characteristics can be used to identify individual persons affected by leprosy at risk of excessive pressure.


Poems by a suicide: Sara Teasdale.
An analysis of trends over time in the poems of Sara Teasdale as the time of her suicide approached identified a decrease in positive emotions and fewer references to the self and to others. These trends are different from those previously identified from studies of letters and diaries written by suicides.


Current pathology practices in and barriers to MDS diagnosis.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic stem cell malignancies that represent a diagnostic challenge for pathologists. Accurate classification and prognostic scoring are essential to treating MDS. To understand factors that affect MDS management, a case-based survey was distributed to hematopathologists (n=53) and general pathologists (n=72) to identify perceived barriers, attitudes, and practices in MDS diagnosis. Results demonstrated confidence and practice gaps. Only 33% of general pathologists are confident in diagnosing MDS. Neither general pathologists nor hematopathologists are comfortable using the International Prognostic Scoring System to characterize risk. Thirty percent of general pathologists and 22% of hematopathologists would not include bone marrow aspirate and cytogenetics in initial testing of a neutropenic patient. Most practitioners tested appropriately for disease classification and prognosis; discrepancies were identified in testing to differentiate MDS from acute myeloid leukemia and testing in post treatment specimens. These results have implications in the management of MDS.


[Clinico-epidemiological characteristics of transient cerebral ischemia in the region of the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains].
Altogether 225 patients with transitory derangements of cerebral circulation (TDCC) underwent clinico-laboratory examinations. Arterial hypertension and cerebral atherosclerosis turned out to be among most frequently occurring factors of TDCC. The provoking factors included psychoemotional stress and drops of barometric pressure. The course and outcome of TDCC were greatly affected by an increase in blood concentration of catecholamines and thyroid hormones. The high concentration of triiodothyronine in the blood contributed to the development of cerebral stroke.


Sudden increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration reveals strong coupling between shoot carbon uptake and root nutrient uptake in young walnut trees.
We studied the short-term (i.e., a few days) effect of a sudden increase in CO2 uptake by shoots on nutrient (NO3-, P ion, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) uptake by roots during vegetative growth of young walnut (Juglans nigra x J. major L.) trees. The increase in CO2 uptake was induced by a sudden increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]). Twelve 2-year-old trees were transplanted and grown in perlite-filled pots in a greenhouse. Rates of CO2 uptake and water loss by individual trees were determined by a branch bag method from 3 days before until 6 days after [CO2] was increased. Nutrient uptake rates were measured concurrently by a hydroponic recirculating nutrient solution system that provided non-limiting supplies of water and nutrients. Six control trees were kept in ambient [CO2] (360 ppm), and [CO2] was increased to 550 ppm for one set of three trees and to 800 ppm for another set of three trees. Before imposing the elevated [CO2] treatments, all trees exhibited similar daily water loss, CO2 uptake and nutrient uptake rates when expressed per unit leaf area to account for the tree size effect. Daily water loss rates were only slightly affected by elevated [CO2]. Carbon dioxide uptake rates greatly increased with increasing atmospheric [CO2], and nutrient uptake rates were proportional to CO2 uptake rates during the study period, except for P ion. Our results show that, despite the important carbon and nitrogen storage capacities previously observed in young walnut trees, nutrient uptake by roots is strongly coupled to carbon uptake by shoots over periods of a few days.


Supply/demand type 2 myocardial infarction: should we be paying more attention?
Supply/demand (type 2) myocardial infarction is a commonly encountered clinical challenge. It is anticipated that it will be detected more frequently once high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays are approved for clinical use in the United States. We provide a perspective that is based on available data regarding the definition, epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, prognosis, management, and controversies regarding type 2 myocardial infarction. Understanding these basic concepts will facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of these patients as well as ongoing research efforts.


A systematic review of structural MRI biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder: A machine learning perspective.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1% of the population and leads to impairments in social interaction, communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours. Establishing robust neuroimaging biomarkers of ASD using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important step for diagnosing and tailoring treatment, particularly early in life when interventions can have the greatest effect. However currently, there is mixed findings on the structural brain changes associated with autism. Therefore in this systematic review, recent (post-2007), high-resolution (3 T) MRI studies investigating brain morphology associated with ASD have been collated to identify robust neuroimaging biomarkers of ASD. A systematic search was conducted on three databases; PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, resulting in 123 reviewed articles. Patients with ASD were observed to have increased whole brain volume, particularly under 6 years of age. Other consistent changes observed in ASD patients include increased volume in the frontal and temporal lobes, increased cortical thickness in the frontal lobe, increased surface area and cortical gyrification, and increased cerebrospinal fluid volume, as well as reduced cerebellum volume and reduced corpus callosum volume, compared to typically developing controls. Findings were inconsistent regarding the developmental trajectory of brain volume and cortical thinning with age in ASD, as well as potential volume differences in the white matter, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus and basal ganglia. To elucidate these inconsistencies, future studies should look towards aggregating MRI data from multiple sites or available repositories to avoid underpowered studies, as well as utilising methods which quantify larger-scale image features to reduce the number of statistical tests performed, and hence risk of false positive findings. Additionally, studies should look to perform a thorough validation strategy, to ensure generalisability of study findings, as well as look to leverage the improved image resolution of 3 T scanning to identify subtle brain changes related to ASD.


[Indications of acupuncture outpatient based on clinical investigation].
The present situation of clinical indications of acupuncture in China is investigated in this article which provides clinical evidence for the establishment of acupuncture indications. Out-patients of acupuncture departments of 31 Chinese provinces in the year 2008 were investigated through the method of cluster random sampling. And the analysis was made on diseases sorting and distribution based on Pareto principle and with EpiMap software. Information of 31 858 out-patients of the first treatment from 36 hospitals were collected which referred to 368 diseases of 16 disease systems. Among them, there were 57 most commonly-encountered diseases, 60 commonly-encountered diseases and 251 rare diseases. There are totally 368 acupuncture clinical indications at present according to the investigation with disproportional distribution in administrative districts. It is held that indications of acupuncture have high centralization degree. Thus, the populariza tion and promotion on application of acupuncture indications should be strengthened.


A comparison of isokinetics and muscle strength ratios following intra-articular and extra-articular reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament.
A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare an intra-articular with an extra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Isokinetic muscle testing was carried out 6 months to 2 years following operation using the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. The extra-articular procedure resulted in a lower deficit for the peak quadriceps and hamstring torques and the range of motion.


Mistletoe lectin binds to multidrug resistance-associated protein MRP5.
Mistletoe lectins (MLs) are the active components of aqueous mistletoe extracts widely used in complementary cancer therapy, however, it is not clear if they bind to carbohydrate residues only or whether they interact with proteins as well. Protein-protein interactions do not seem unlikely as MLs act at very low molar concentrations usually observed with peptide-peptide interactions only and not seen with lectin-sugar interactions. In order to detect protein-protein interactions a random peptide library was screened for the ability to bind to MLs. MLs bound to peptides showing homologies to multidrug resistance-associated protein 5 (MRP5). However, the MLs only slightly modified the MRP5 efflux pump, while periodate treatment to inhibit cell membrane binding via glycan completely abolished the ML-I binding sites in MRP5 overexpressing cells. The protein sequence is not important for ML-I binding, indicating that the biological activity of MLs can most likely be attributed to the sugar chains.


A review on harmful effects of pan masala.
Pan masala (PM) is a mixture of areca nut with slaked lime, catechu and other flavoring agents. It is widely available and used by all the sections of the Indian society. It is genotoxic as it increases sister chromatin exchange and chromatin aberrations. Among humans, it is a leading cause of oral submucous fibrosis that often progresses to oral cancer. Among experimental animals, it leads to neoplastic lesions in lung, liver and stomach. It is hepatotoxic leading to increased level of enzymes, deranged carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is harmful to kidneys and testes leading to increased creatinine and sperm deformities respectively. PM is a very harmful substance affecting almost all organ systems, and there is immediate need for a national policy on complete ban on the production, storage, sale and marketing of PM.


[Knowledge about and attitudes toward suicide in the Hungarian general population and in the helping professions].
In the framework of an international suicide prevention program, we examined suicide-related attitudes and knowledge using the questionnaire constructed by Hubbard-McIntosh in the Hungarian population (N=4238) and among 231 helping professional. Our results show that proper information and false assumptions as well as attitudes toward suicide (refusal or acceptance of the right to commit suicide in general and exceptional situations in life) are closely related to several characteristics of the individual's socio-demographic position, to geographical location, to depression, and to the personal involvement in suicide-related events. In line with our expectations, the level of knowledge of helping professionals is higher than that of the general population. Compared to the general population, a significantly higher proportion of helping professionals deny the right to commit suicide; however, in relation to a particular situation of life - e.g. terminal illness - their opinion is similar to that of the general population.


Effects of Larval Density and Support Substrate in Liquid Diet on Productivity and Quality of Artificially Reared Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae).
The larval developmental environment can affect the quality of artificially reared insects used in pest control programs that apply the sterile insect technique. We used a liquid larval diet lacking corncob fractions (an ingredient which may be contaminated by toxins that inhibit larval development and drastically reduce insect production in mass-rearing facilities) to examine quality indicators of Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) as a function of larval density (1-5 larvae per ml of diet) and on two types of supporting materials (synthetic sponge and carpet felt) compared with a standard solid diet with corncob fractions inoculated with a fixed quantity of A. ludens eggs. Pupal weight and adult emergence of A. ludens reared on a liquid artificial diet were negatively and positively density dependent, respectively. One tray of solid diet produced an average (95% CI) of 689.5 (594.4, 794.3) pupae, whereas one tray of liquid diet with synthetic sponge and carpet felt produced an average of 266.0 (208.7, 332.9) and 43.7 (23.2, 73.9) pupae, respectively. Pupal weight and adult emergence of flies reared on the solid diet were atypically low probably due to the type of rearing tray used, whereas pupal weight and adult emergence on liquid diet were equal to, or exceeded 20 mg and a proportion of 0.93, respectively. The highest proportion of adults capable of flight was observed in the liquid diet with carpet felt. The potential causes by which larval density and support substrate affected productivity and quality of A. ludens reared on liquid diet are discussed.


Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in urban south Indians in relation to different grades of glucose intolerance and metabolic syndrome.
To estimate prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its association with glucose intolerance (type 2 diabetes (DM), prediabetes) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in urban south Indians. This study was carried out in 541 subjects (response rate 92%) of the original sample of 26,001 subjects in the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study maintaining the representativeness. Anthropometry and lipid estimations were done in all and oral glucose tolerance test in all, except self-reported diabetic subjects. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography and MS by modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. DM, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were defined using WHO consulting group criteria. Overall prevalence of NAFLD was 32% (173/541 subjects) (men: 35.1%, women: 29.1%, p=0.140). Prevalence of most cardio-metabolic risk factors was significantly higher in NAFLD subjects. Prevalence of NAFLD (54.5%) was higher in subjects with DM compared to those with prediabetes (IGT or IFG) (33%), isolated IGT (32.4%), isolated IFG (27.3%) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (22.5%) (DM vs. prediabetes: p<0.05, DM vs. NGT: p<0.001, prediabetes vs. NGT: p<0.05). Even after adjusting for age, gender and waist circumference, NAFLD was associated with diabetes (OR: 2.9, 95% C.I.: 1.9-4.6, p<0.001) and MS (OR: 2.0, 95% C.I.: 1.3-3.1, p<0.001). NAFLD is present in a third of urban Asian Indians and its prevalence increases with increasing severity of glucose intolerance and in MS. This is the first population-based prevalence of NAFLD from south Asia which faces the brunt of the diabetes epidemic.


MHC class II associations with autoantibody and T cell immune responses to the scleroderma autoantigen topoisomerase I.
Topoisomerase I (topo I) is a major autoantigen recognized by autoantibodies in about 30% of sera from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Certain HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles have been reported to be associated with autoantibody and T-cell responses to topo I suggesting a T-cell dependent process. We have examined the MHC class II allele associations with anti-topo I antibodies in 16 patients with SSc compared to 250 healthy controls. Furthermore, we have studied the T cell responses to a recombinant full-length topo I molecule purified from a baculovirus expression system in eight patients with SSc and eight controls (five healthy and three with autoimmune disease). HLA-DR5 was significantly increased in patients with anti-topo I antibodies (P< 0.02). Proliferative peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) responses to soluble topo I were present in nine of 16 individuals (four of eight with SSc and five of eight controls), including the three SSc patients with anti-topo I antibodies. Homozygosity for HLA DQB1:30:Y alleles was present in five of nine responders (P< 0.03) compared to none of the non-responders. Our findings support the notion that the MHC class II background influences the ability to generate an autoimmune response to intracellular autoantigens to which the immune system may not have been tolerized. Additional factors associated with the generation of autoantibodies appear to be more intimately associated with the development of SSc.


Mutagenic activity in synthetic pyrethroids in Salmonella typhimurium.
Four pyrethroids, allethrin, resmethrin, permethrin and fenvalerate, were tested for mutagenicity in bacterial reversion assay systems with seven strains (TA1535, TA100, TA1538, TA98, TA1537, TA97 and TA104) of Salmonella typhimurium. Our results show that three pyrethroids, namely resmethrin, permethrin and fenvalerate, were not found to be mutagenic in S. typhimurium in the presence or absence of a rat liver activation system. Allethrin was found to be mutagenic with TA100, TA104 and TA97 strains and required metabolic activation (S9 mix) in order to show its activity, mainly with TA100 and TA104 strains.


Feather growth influences blood mercury level of young songbirds.
Dynamics of mercury in feathers and blood of free-living songbirds is poorly understood. Nestling eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) living along the mercury-contaminated South River (Virginia, USA) had blood mercury levels an order of magnitude lower than their parents (nestling: 0.09 +/- 0.06 mg/kg [mean +/- standard deviation], n = 156; adult: 1.21 +/- 0.57 mg/kg, n = 86). To test whether this low blood mercury was the result of mercury sequestration in rapidly growing feathers, we repeatedly sampled free-living juveniles throughout the period of feather growth and molt. Mean blood mercury concentrations increased to 0.52 +/- 0.36 mg/kg (n = 44) after the completion of feather growth. Some individuals had reached adult blood mercury levels within three months of leaving the nest, but levels dropped to 0.20 +/- 0.09 mg/kg (n = 11) once the autumn molt had begun. Most studies of mercury contamination in juvenile birds have focused on recently hatched young with thousands of rapidly growing feathers. However, the highest risk period for mercury intoxication in young birds may be during the vulnerable period after fledging, when feathers no longer serve as a buffer against dietary mercury. We found that nestling blood mercury levels were not indicative of the extent of contamination because a large portion of the ingested mercury ended up in feathers. The present study demonstrates unequivocally that in songbirds blood mercury level is influenced strongly by the growth and molt of feathers.


Signaling by the human serotonin(1A) receptor is impaired in cellular model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome.
The Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS) is a congenital and developmental malformation syndrome associated with defective cholesterol biosynthesis. SLOS is clinically diagnosed by reduced plasma levels of cholesterol along with elevated levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol (and its positional isomer 8-dehydrocholesterol) and the ratio of their concentrations to that of cholesterol. Since SLOS is associated with neurological deformities and malfunction, exploring the function of neuronal receptors and their interaction with membrane cholesterol under these conditions assumes significance. We have earlier shown the requirement of membrane cholesterol for the ligand binding function of an important neurotransmitter G-protein coupled receptor, the serotonin(1A) receptor. In the present work, we have generated a cellular model of SLOS using CHO cells stably expressing the human serotonin(1A) receptor. This was achieved by metabolically inhibiting the biosynthesis of cholesterol, utilizing a specific inhibitor (AY 9944) of the enzyme required in the final step of cholesterol biosynthesis. We utilized this cellular model to monitor the function of the human serotonin(1A) receptor under SLOS-like condition. Our results show that ligand binding activity, G-protein coupling and downstream signaling of serotonin(1A) receptors are impaired in SLOS-like condition, although the membrane receptor level does not exhibit any reduction. Importantly, metabolic replenishment of cholesterol using serum partially restored the ligand binding activity of the serotonin(1A) receptor. These results are potentially useful in developing strategies for the future treatment of the disease since intake of dietary cholesterol is the only feasible treatment for SLOS patients.


Depletion of methionine aminopeptidase 2 does not alter cell response to fumagillin or bengamides.
Inhibition of endothelial cell growth by fumagillin has been assumed to be mediated by inhibition of the molecular target methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAp2). New data show that depletion of MetAp2 by siRNA does not inhibit endothelial cell growth. Moreover, MetAp2-depleted endothelial cells remain responsive to inhibition by either fumagillin or a newly identified MetAp2 enzyme inhibitor. These data suggest that MetAp2 function is not required for endothelial cell proliferation.


Exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field for 1 hour a day over 30 days does change the histopathology and biochemistry of the rat testis.
To investigate the effect of exposure to a 900 megahertz (MHz) electromagnetic field (EMF) on the rat testicle. Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into control, sham and EMF groups. The EMF group rats were exposed to 900 MHz EMF (1 h/30 day), and testicles were extracted at the end of the experiment. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels and apoptotic index and histopathological damage scores were compared. Histopathologically, EMF group rats exhibited vacuoles in seminiferous tubules basal membrane and edema in the intertubular space. Seminiferous tubule diameters and germinal epithelium thickness were both smaller, and apoptotic index was higher, in the EMF group than in the other groups. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione values in the EMF group decreased significantly compared to those of the control group. The results show that exposure to 900 MHz EMF causes alterations in adult rat testicular morphology and biochemistry.


Vascular imaging with magnetic resonance and computed tomography.
Cross-sectional imaging of the cardiovascular system is successfully achieved with computed tomography (CT) and, more recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Limits of spatial resolution confine the routine application of either device to assessment of larger vessels, such as the aorta, vena cava, and renal veins. The decision to use one modality versus the other is frequently influenced by the clinical status of the patient, as well as the indication for diagnostic imaging. Some of the more common vascular abnormalities are depicted in this article, as imaged by these relatively new and expensive technologies. An explanation of the complex appearance of blood flow on MR is dependent on an understanding of some basic physical principles, such as flow-related enhancement and even-echo rephasing. MRI is presently more suitable than CT for the evaluation of medium-size vessels since the development of effective techniques for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Some of the important concepts, along with the terminology of this still-evolving field are presented. The quantification of blood flow by MRI is similarly an area of active research, and may ultimately supplant the existing methods.


[Effects of delayed first feeding on growth and survival of Hucho taimen larvae].
This paper studied the effects of delaying first breeding Hucho taimen larvae for different days on the larvae growth, survival, and body size. Five treatments were installed, i. e. , feeding begins on the first eating day (control, S0) and on the 9th, 12th, 15th, and 18th days after the first eating day (S1 -S4) at 10.4-14.9 degree C, respectively. By the end of the experiment (36-day), the growth rate and initial feeding rate in S1 was higher than that in S0, and the overall mortality rate in S1 was lower, but the body size and mass in S1and S0 had no significant difference. Compared with S0, S2 had higher growth rate, initial feeding rate, total mortality, and self-mutilation mortality, the body mass was significantly lower, but the body size had less difference. S3 had higher first feeding rate, body size, total mortality, and self-mutilation mortality, but significantly lower body mass than S0, whereas the growth rate had less difference. In S4, the growth rate and body mass were lower, and the total mortality and self-mutilation mortality were higher than those in S0. It was suggested that under the same conditions, delaying first feeding for 9 days would induce H. taimen larvae presenting "completely compensatory growth", and this feeding way could be applied for the culture of H. taimen larvae in their initial feeding period.


Crystal engineering: lattice inclusion based on O-H···O hydrogen-bonded self-assembly and guest-induced structural mimicry.
Pyrene-tetraphenol TP2 constitutes a molecular system with inherent features for inclusion of two or more guest molecules that are complementary in terms of size and shape. Hydrogen-bonded self-assembly of TP2 in the solid state is shown to lead to voids within which the guest molecules are incorporated. A large aromatic expanse extant to the pyrene core in TP2 permits inclusion of two different types of guest species interchangeably. The robust association manifests in packing equivalence in all of the inclusion compounds of TP2 with the exception of the compound formed with pyridine and o-dichlorobenzene guests; in the latter, pyridine terminates the otherwise 3-dimensional hydrogen-bonded organization. The half-component of TP2, i.e., 4,6-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-m-xylene (BX), deduced by simple structural reduction, is shown to exhibit guest inclusion, but with considerably less guest accessible volume. The limited yet meaningful set of guests allows mimicry of the two expected patterns of molecular organization based on hydrogen bonding for both TP2 and BX in the solid state.


Abrogation of the effects of aphidicolin on NIH3T3 and V79 cells by caffeine.
In this communication I show that caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) stimulates [3H]thymidine incorporation in aphidicolin-treated V79 and NIH3T3 cells. Flow microfluorometric analysis showed that caffeine, partially or fully, abrogates the cell cycle progression block produced by aphidicolin. Increased cell growth is also observed in cultures treated with both aphidicolin and caffeine compared to cultures treated with aphidicolin only. Microscopic examination of V79 cultures treated with aphidicolin for 8 h showed a marked reduction in the frequency of round mitotic cells, as is expected from a drug which inhibits progression through the cell cycle by inhibiting DNA replication; this effect of aphidicolin was also reduced by caffeine. Biochemical analysis showed that caffeine did not directly interfere with the inhibition of DNA polymerase-alpha by aphidicolin. Analysis of dNTP pools indicated that caffeine increased the level of dCTP in V79 cells. In aphidicolin-treated V79 cells, the increase in the dCTP level due to exogenous cytidine was almost completely blocked; caffeine also substantially overcame this effect of aphidicolin. These results indicate that caffeine produces its effects on aphidicolin-treated cells by altering the dCTP metabolism.


The emergence of collaborative brain function: FMRI studies of the development of response inhibition.
Adolescence marks the beginning of adult-level cognitive control of behavior supported by the brain maturation processes of synaptic pruning and myelination. Cognitive development studies on adolescence indicate that this period is characterized by improvements in the performance of existing abilities including speed and capacity of information processing and the ability to have consistent cognitive control of behavior. Although adolescents can behave at adult levels in some ways, brain imaging studies indicate that the functional organization of brain systems that support higher-cognitive processes are not fully mature. Synaptic pruning allows for more efficient local computations, enhancing the ability of discrete brain regions to support high-level cognitive control of behavior including working memory. Myelination increases the speed of neuronal transmission supporting the collaboration of a widely distributed circuitry, integrating regions that support top-down cognitive control of behavior. Functional brain imaging methods allow for the characterization of the relationship between cognitive development and brain maturation as we can map progressions in the establishment of distributed brain circuitry and its relation to enhanced cognitive control of behavior. We present a review on the maturation (as distinct from "development" in emphasizing the transition to maturity and stabilization) of response inhibition, brain structure, and brain function through adolescence. We also propose a model for brain-behavior maturation that allows for the qualitative changes in cognitive processes that occur during adolescence.


Decreased sensitivity to alpha-adrenergic stimulation in hypothyroid patients.
Nine hypothyroid patients had blood pressure and pulse rate responses to the alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine measured before [T4 index, 45.045 +/- 9.009 nmol/L (mean +/- SEM); TSH, 57.1 +/- 23.6 mU/L] and after 4 +/- 0.5 months of thyroid replacement therapy (T4 index, 141.570 +/- 29.601 nmol/L; TSH, 2.6 +/- 1.0 mU/L). Hypothyroid patients had a smaller blood pressure increment and heart rate decrement at both 66.7 and 100 micrograms/min infusion rates of phenylephrine. Furthermore, the slope of the dose-response curves for systolic (2.06 +/- 0.22 vs. 1.32 +/- 0.19; P less than 0.01) and diastolic (1.04 +/- 0.18 vs. 0.62 +/- 0.08; P less than 0.01) blood pressures were significantly greater after thyroid replacement therapy. Pulse rate changes remained proportional to blood pressure changes in hypothyroid patients, so there was no change in baroreflex sensitivity. Plasma norepinephrine levels were higher before than after thyroid replacement (2.41 +/- 0.28 vs. 1.82 +/- 0.29 nmol/L, respectively; P less than 0.01). Thus, hypothyroid patients have diminished pressor sensitivity to an alpha-adrenergic agonist and increased plasma levels of the alpha-adrenergic neutrotransmitter norepinephrine.