Expression of a novel pyridoxal kinase mRNA splice variant, PKH-T, in human testis.
To identify the genes specifically expressed in human adult and fetal testes and spermatozoa. A human testis cDNA microarray was established. Then mRNAs of human adult and fetal testis and spermatozoa were purified and probes were prepared by a reverse transcription reaction with mRNA as the template. The microarray was hybridized with probes of adult and fetal testes and spermatozoa. The nucleic acid sequences of differentially expressed genes were determined and homologies were searched in the databases of GenBank. A novel human testis-specific gene, PKH-T, was identified by hybridizing adult and fetal testis and spermatozoa probes with a human testis cDNA microarray. The cDNA of PKH-T was 1 069 bp in length. The cDNA sequence of this clone was deposited in the Genbank (AY303972) and PKH-T was also determined as Interim GenSymbol (Unigene, HS.38041). PKH-T contained most PKH conserved motif. The 239 amino acid sequences deduced from the 719 bp open reading frame (ORF) had a homology with the gene PKH (U89606). PKH-T was specifically and strongly expressed in the testis. Comparison of the differential expressions of PKH and PKH-T in testes of different developmental stages indicated that PKH-T was expressed in the adult testis and spermatozoa, while PKH, in the adult, fetal and aged testes. PKH-T had no expression in the testis of Sertoli cell only and partially spermatogenic arrest patients. PKH-T is a gene highly expressed in adult human testis and spermatozoa. It may play an important role in spermatogenesis and could be related to male infertility.


[Occupational and non-occupational risk factors in bladder cancer patients in an industrialized area located in former East-Germany].
Several occupational carcinogens are metabolized by polymorphic enzymes. The distribution of the polymorphic enzymes N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2; substrates: aromatic amines), glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1; substrates: e. g., reactive metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1; substrates: small molecules with 1 - 2 carbon atoms) were investigated. At the urological department in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, 136 patients with a histologically proven transitional cell cancer of the urinary bladder were investigated for all occupations performed for more than 6 months. Several occupational and non-occupational risk factors were asked. The genotypes of NAT2, GSTM1, and GSTT1 were determined from leucocyte DNA by PCR. Compared to the general population in Middle Europe, the percentage of GSTT1 negative persons (22.1 %) was ordinary; the percentage of slow acetylators (59.6 %) was in the upper normal range, while the percentage of GSTM1 negative persons (58.8 %) was elevated in the entire group. Shifts in the distribution of the genotypes were observed in subgroups who had been exposed to asbestos (6/6 GSTM1 negative, 5/6 slow acetylators), rubber manufacturing (8/10 GSTM1 negative), and chlorinated solvents (9/15 GSTM1 negative). The overrepresentation of GSTM1 negative bladder cancer patients also in this industrialized area and more pronounced in several occupationally exposed subgroups points to an impact of the GSTM1 negative genotype in bladder carcinogenesis.


Plasma free reversible and irreversible microfluidic bonding.
We demonstrate a facile, plasma free process to fabricate both reversibly and irreversibly sealed microfluidic chips using a PDMS-based adhesive polymer mixture. This is a versatile method that is compatible with current PDMS microfluidics processes. It allows for easier fabrication of multilayer microfluidic devices and is compatible with micropatterning of proteins for cell culturing. When combined with our Shrinky-Dink microfluidic prototyping, complete microfluidic device fabrication can be performed without the need for any capital equipment, making microfluidics accessible to the classroom.


Treating women with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
Epilepsy has special implications for women, especially during their childbearing years, and particularly when pregnancy is contemplated. Being aware of the relevant issues is therefore essential. For anyone with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and other idiopathic generalised epilepsies, valproate is generally regarded as the gold standard treatment against which other antiepileptic drugs are compared. However, information from pregnancy registers consistently show valproate to be associated with the highest risk for major congenital malformations, and studies exploring cognitive and behavioural development of offspring also show that valproate has an adverse impact. This creates a significant headache when trying to choose the "right" drug for most women with a generalised epilepsy syndrome.


Antisocial sport behaviors survey: instrument development and initial validation.
The development of a self-report instrument to measure antisocial sport behavior, labeled the Antisocial Sport Behavior Survey (ASBS), among large and diverse samples of athletes is reported. Grounded in the social cognitive theory of moral thought and action (Bandura, 1991) and interpersonal theory (Horowitz, 2004), this instrument was developed and tested in accordance with the traditions of construct validity and classical test theory (Gehlback & Brinkworth, 2011). In Phase 1, 272 college-aged competitive sport participants confirmed a theoretical structure of antisocial sport behavior including eight factors (hypercompetitive, intimidating, antagonistic, disrespectful, exploitable, overly accommodating, abetting, and melodramatic). Phase 2 reports on item development and the response structure of the instrument. In Phase 3, evidence of structural validity and external validity for the ASBS was established with 340 college-aged competitive sport participants. The ASBS presents as a promising new instrument to advance understanding of antisocial sport behavior acts committed by competitive athletes.


Silicon containing ibuprofen derivatives with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities: An in vivo and in silico study.
There are many chronic diseases related with inflammation. The chronic inflammation can produce other problems as cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to design drugs with better anti-inflammatory activity than those in the clinic. Likewise, these could be used in chronic treatments with minimum adverse effects. The amide or ester functionality in combination with the insertion of a silyl alkyl moiety is able to improve some drug properties. In this context, the evaluation of a group of silicon containing ibuprofen derivatives (SCIDs) as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents is reported. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⨪), 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS•+) and the Fe(II) chelating ability methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by using the carrageenan induced rat paw edema. The gastrotoxic profile of the SCIDs that displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity was determined by the indomethacin induced ulceration method. The SCIDs performed better than ibuprofen as chelating agents for Fe(II) and as scavengers for the free radicals DPPH• and ABTS•+. On the anti-inflammatory test, compound 4a inhibited the edema up to 87%, while 4d &10b achieved significant inflammation inhibition at a lower effective dose 50 (ED50) than ibuprofen´s. None of the SCIDs endowed with anti-inflammatory activity, showed significant gastrotoxic effects with respect to those displayed by ibuprofen. Based on the experimental results and aided by the theoretical docking approach, it was possible to rationalize how the SCIDs may bind to cyclooxygenase isoforms and helped to explain their reduced gastrotoxicity. The evaluated effects were improved in SCIDs with respect to ibuprofen.


Iatrogenic bile duct injuries. The real incidence and contributing factors--implications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has achieved wide acceptance as the preferred treatment for symptomatic gallbladder disease. Yet there are alarming reports of iatrogenic bile duct injuries. To establish a comparison standard, the incidence of iatrogenic bile duct injury during conventional cholecystectomy has to be known. A single institutional retrospective review of 1,617 consecutive open cholecystectomies between 1980 and 1989 was performed. Eight patients (0.49%) sustained iatrogenic bile duct injury in this study. Inflammation, anatomic variation, or both were contributing factors in all injuries. Operative cholangiography identified the injury at the initial operation in three patients. Treatment consisted of either primary ductal repair, ductal repair over a stent, or ductal-enteric anastomosis. There were no late complications after surgery (follow-up 26 to 97 months; mean 50.9 months). The implications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy are apparent. Iatrogenic bile duct injuries are associated with acute inflammation and/or variant ductal anatomy; routine operative cholangiography assumes increased importance; and immediate repair of the injury minimizes long-term complications.


Breathing frequency responses to pulmonary CO2 in an isolated lobe of the canine lung.
Recent studies have indicated that the breathing frequency responses to inspired CO2 in part result from changes in pulmonary stretch receptor activity. Pulmonary CO2 may alter frequency by direct inhibition of stretch receptor discharge, or secondarily, by changes in airway mechanics. The vascularly isolated left lower lobe (LLL) of the canine lung was used to determine the effect of hypocapnic airway constriction on the pulmonary CO2 reflex. The upper and middle lobes of the left lung were removed and the right vagus nerve sectioned. Blood was recirculated through the LLL. Diaphragm electromyogram was used as an index of respiratory center activity and to trigger ventilation of the left lower lobe. Lobar hypocapnia increased peak airway pressure and reduced respiratory rate. However, infusion of isoproterenol or the use of a mechanical overflow system to block the airway pressure response prevented the frequency changes associated with CO2. Although both the direct and mechanical effects of CO2 on stretch receptors may contribute to the reflex, in the LLL preparation the mechanical effects predominate.


Effects of salt loading during exercise in a hot dry climate.
Strenuous work or sports activities in a hot environment can cause significant fluid and salt losses due to excessive sweating. Fluid replacement is commonly accepted to be beneficial, but controversy surrounds the necessity of adding salt to the dietary intake in hot climates. Five healthy young men participated in a self-controlled experiment designed to investigate the effects of salt loading on acclimatized people exercising under controlled laboratory conditions. The additional salt ingestion was found to cause an increase in body weight, rectal temperature, heart rate, urinary sodium and potassium concentrations and in the total amounts of sodium and chloride excreted in urine during the exercise. Furthermore, it decreased plasma aldosterone level and sweat chloride excretion, but did not affect fluid intake, urine output, sweat rate, skin temperature, excretion of sodium and potassium in sweat or urinary potassium content and chloride concentration. Neither did the additional salt intake affect plasma electrolyte levels, renin activity or acid base balance. It is concluded that acclimatized people living in a hot dry climate need no supplementary salt to their daily dietary intake while engaging in physical exercise or sports activities up to two hours a day. Salt loading has no beneficial effects in these conditions and may even be hazardous.


Synthesis of functionalized dioxa-aza[7]helicenes using palladium catalyzed arylations.
Despite the recent reports on transition-metal catalyzed cycloisomerization strategies toward helicenes, the amount of palladium catalyzed routes remains rather scarce. Within this letter the successful preparation and characterization of novel dioxa-aza[7]helicenes using palladium mediated coupling reactions is presented.


N-acetylcysteine may improve residual renal function in hemodialysis patients: a pilot study.
Clinical outcomes in chronic dialysis patients are highly dependent on preservation of residual renal function (RRF). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may have a positive effect on renal function in the setting of nephrotoxic contrast media administration. In our recent study, we showed that NAC may improve RRF in peritoneal dialysis patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of NAC on RRF in patients treated with chronic hemodialysis. Prevalent chronic hemodialysis patients with a residual urine output of at least 100 mL/24 hours were included. The patients were administered oral NAC 1200 mg twice daily for 2 weeks. Residual renal function was assessed at baseline and at the end of treatment using a midweek interdialytic urine collection for measurement of urine output and calculation of residual renal Kt/V and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Residual GFR was measured as the mean of urea and creatinine residual renal clearance. Each patient served as his own control. Twenty patients were prospectively enrolled in the study. Administration of NAC 1200 mg twice daily for 2 weeks resulted in significant improvement in RRF: urine volume increased from 320 ± 199 to 430 ± 232 mL/24 hours (P < 0.01), residual renal Kt/V increased from 0.19 ± 0.12 to 0.29 ± 0.14 (P < 0.01), and residual GFR increased from 1.6 ± 1.6 to 2.4 ± 2.3 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) (P < 0.01). N-acetylcysteine may improve RRF in patients treated with chronic hemodialysis.


Observation of enhanced transmission for s-polarized light through a subwavelength slit.
Enhanced optical transmission (EOT) through a single aperture is usually achieved by exciting surface plasmon polaritons with periodic grooves. Surface plasmon polaritons are only excited by p-polarized incident light, i.e. with the electric field perpendicular to the direction of the grooves. The present study experimentally investigates EOT for s-polarized light. A subwavelength slit surrounded on each side by periodic grooves has been fabricated in a gold film and covered by a thin dielectric layer. The excitation of s-polarized dielectric waveguide modes inside the dielectric film strongly increases the s-polarized transmission. A 25 fold increase is measured as compared to the case without the dielectric film. Transmission measurements are compared with a coupled mode method and show good qualitative agreement. Adding a waveguide can improve light transmission through subwavelength apertures, as both s and p-polarization can be efficiently transmitted.


Evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy response of osteogenic sarcoma using FDG PET.
According to the current treatment protocol of the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study (COSS), monitoring preoperative chemotherapy response and estimating grade of tumor regression in patients with osteosarcoma is mandatory before surgical removal of the tumor, particularly if a limb salvage procedure is intended. In addition, response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is considered as an important prognostic indicator. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the usefulness of 2-(18F) fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) PET in the noninvasive evaluation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in osteosarcoma. In 27 patients with osteosarcoma, we determined tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) of FDG uptake with PET, before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to COSS 86c or COSS 96 protocols, respectively. We compared changes in glucose metabolism of osteosarcomas with the histologic grade of regression in the resected specimen, according to Salzer-Kuntschik, discriminating responders (grades I-III; n = 17) and nonresponders (grades IV-VI; n = 10). The decrease of FDG uptake in osteosarcomas expressed as a ratio of posttherapeutic and pretherapeutic TBRs showed a close correlation to the amount of tumor necrosis induced by polychemotherapy (P < 0.001; Spearman). With a TBR ratio cutoff level of 0.6, all responders and 8 of 10 nonresponders could be identified by PET. In addition, lung metastases of osteosarcoma were detected with FDG PET in 4 patients. FDG PET provides a promising tool for noninvasive evaluation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in osteosarcoma. This could imply consequences for the choice of surgical strategy, because a limb salvage procedure cannot be recommended in patients nonresponsive to preoperative chemotherapy unless wide surgical margins can safely be achieved.


Studies of the different metabolic pathways of antipyrine in man. Oral versus i.v. administration and the influence of urinary collection time.
The pharmacokinetics of antipyrine in plasma and saliva, and urinary excretion of its major metabolites, were studied following i.v. and oral administration of antipyrine 500 mg to 6 healthy volunteers. Data from both plasma and saliva showed that the oral bioavailability of antipyrine given as an aqueous solution was complete. The saliva/plasma concentration ratio was constant with time from about 3 h onwards, with a mean value of 0.87 after oral and 0.91 after i.v. administration. It is concluded that the pharmacokinetic parameters of antipyrine can be satisfactorily established on the basis of salivary data, although the volume of distribution and clearance values are then slightly too high. After i.v. administration, 3.8 +/- 1.9% of the dose was excreted in urine as unchanged antipyrine in 48 h, 24.9 +/- 6.3% as 4-hydroxyantipyrine, 16.5 +/- 3.2% as norantipyrine, 13.0 +/- 2.2% as 3-hydroxymethyl-antipyrine and 5.8 +/- 1.0% as 3-carboxy-antipyrine. No significant differences were observed following oral administration. The half-lives calculated from the linear part of the urinary excretion rate curves of the metabolites were about the same for oral and i.v. administration, and were of the same order of magnitude as the elimination half-life of parent drug in plasma and saliva. It is important for determination of the ultimate metabolite ratio that urine is collected for at least 36 h, because there is a delay in the excretion of 3-hydroxymethyl-antipyrine in urine.


Secondary contamination of emergency department personnel from o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile exposure, 2002.
In a hazardous materials event in 2002, the unannounced presentation of 3 symptomatic, contaminated patients to an emergency department (ED) resulted in secondary contamination of 2 ED personnel who experienced skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. The material that caused these injuries was o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, a white powder with a peppery odor used largely as a tear gas and riot-control agent. Secondary contamination can cause adverse symptoms and injuries in ED personnel, further contaminate the ED, and potentially lead to costly ED closures and evacuations. To prevent secondary exposure, EDs can educate their staff about the potential for secondary contamination, implement a team approach for handling contaminated patients, establish decontamination protocols, ensure proper selection of and training in the use of personal protective equipment, and simulate drills for receiving contaminated patients.


Substituted 3-phenylpiperidines: new centrally acting dopamine autoreceptor antagonists.
The (+)-and (-)-enantiomer of compounds 4 and 5 were synthesized and tested for central dopamine (DA) receptor stimulating activity, using biochemical and behavioral tests in rats. Based on the available data the (-)-enantiomers of 4 and 5 are characterized as centrally acting DA autoreceptor antagonists with oral activity. They display a similar pharmacological profile as the prototype DA autoreceptor antagonists (+)-1 and (+)-2 and show a certain preference for the D3 DA receptor antagonist binding site.


Alterations of linoleic, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids in renal cortex and medulla of SHR during the onset of hypertension.
104 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and 107 normotensive control rats (WR) fed a commercial diet were sacrificed at 4, 8, 26 and 52 weeks of age. The kidneys were immediately removed and carefully separated into cortex and medulla. In general, the triglyceride levels in renal medulla appeared higher when compared with the cortex. On the other hand, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were usually higher in the cortex and increased with age. In the kidneys of SHR at 8 weeks of age, i.e. during the development of hypertension, the percentage of linoleic acid (LA) in triglycerides and of arachidonic acid (AA) in PC was decreased. This was associated with an increase of AA in free fatty acids (FFA), indicating an enhanced activity of phospholipase A2. Furthermore, a fall of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in triglycerides, FFA, PC and PE of kidneys in SHR at 8 weeks of age could be found. The data suggest that systematic alterations in the availability of individual polyunsaturated fatty acids in various renal lipids might be related to the onset of hypertension in SHR. Age-dependent changes in enzymes involved in prostaglandin formation should be considered as an adaptive mechanism which is insufficient to reduce or abolish genetically determined hypertension in SHR.


Evaluation of the heart and great vessel calcification by conventional computed tomography in hemodialysis patients.
Heart diseases are responsible for death in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether we can assess the degree of calcification of the heart and great vessels in hemodialysis patients by non-gated conventional computed tomography (CT) without contrast media. Thirty patients were included in the present study. The hemodialysis group comprised 15 patients and the age-matched control group comprised 15 patients without hemodialysis or cardiac diseases who underwent CT scanning. Axial cross-sectional images were taken from the aortic arch to the diaphragm to detect calcification of the aorta and coronary arteries. Eleven patients in the hemodialysis group showed calcification in 1.9 +/- 1.4 coronary vessels, a frequency significantly greater than that of the 0.3 +/- 0.2 coronary vessels in the control group (p < 0.01). Fourteen patients in the hemodialysis group showed calcification of the aorta with a mean score 9.7 +/- 7.2, significantly greater than mean score in the control group (3.5 +/- 2.2; p < 0.01). These results suggest that we can assess an increase in the incidence of calcification of the coronary arteries and the aorta by conventional CT scanning without contrast media in patients undergoing hemodialysis.


Photoinduced chlorine atom-transfer cyclization/photohydrolysis of 3-acyl-2-chloro-N-(ω-phenylalkynyl)pyrroles: a one-pot synthesis of benzoyl-substituted fused pyrroles.
A one-pot synthesis of benzoyl-substituted fused pyrroles or indoles in moderate to high yields has been achieved by the photocyclization/photohydrolysis reactions of N-(ω-phenylalkynyl)-2-chloropyrrole-3-carbaldehydes or 3-acyl-N-(ω-phenylbutynyl)-2-haloindoles in wet acetone. The formation of all these products could be inferred by a two-step reactions, namely, photoinduced chlorine atom-transfer cyclization and subsequent photohydrolysis.


Threefold effect of peripheral precues: alertness, orienting, and response tendencies.
Three experiments were run revealing that peripheral cues exert an alerting and orienting effect. Novel is the finding that peripheral cues induce a (hidden) tendency to respond to the cued side, which interacts with the response tendency elicited by the subsequent following target. Compatible S-R mappings revealed either a reversed or no response tendency in cue conditions as compared to uncued conditions. Incompatible mappings mostly showed a decrease in response tendencies under influence of the peripheral cue. An increase of the interval between the cue and the target up to 500 ms resulted in a return to the baseline condition (without cue). The findings for the compatible mappings may be interpreted in terms of an extra recoding operation that was induced by peripheral cues. Inconsistencies found for incompatible S-R mappings might be attributed to the dual presence of recoding operations on account of the cue and the target.


Asbestos and health in the Third World: the case of Brazil.
Almost all of the asbestos used in Brazil is mined by an enterprise wholly owned by two European multinational companies, which also produce and market over two-thirds (by weight of asbestos) of the products made from asbestos. About 80 percent of the asbestos used in Brazil is finally consumed in the form of asbestos cement: for roof tiles and roofing panels, wall-board, and domestic and industrial water tanks. A survey of consumer literature and advertising printed by Eternit, S.A., and Brasilit, S.A., disclosed no mention of a potential danger from exposure to asbestos dust, and no recommendations for cutting down exposure to that dust. The situation at smaller, Brazilian-owned firms is reputed to be disastrous from the standpoint of workers' exposure to asbestos dust at the point of production. At a large asbestos-cement manufacturing plant owned by Eternit, however, exposure to asbestos dust (according to company records) seemed to be kept under 2.0 fibers per cc., the present standard for the United States.


Threonine phosphorylation of the beta 3 integrin cytoplasmic tail, at a site recognized by PDK1 and Akt/PKB in vitro, regulates Shc binding.
The mechanism of outside-in signaling by integrins parallels that for growth factor receptors. In both pathways, phosphorylation of a cytoplasmic segment on tyrosine generates a docking site for proteins containing Src homology 2 (SH2) and phosphotyrosine binding domains. We recently observed that phosphorylation of a threonine (Thr-753), six amino acids proximal to tyrosine 759 in beta(3) of the platelet specific integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3), inhibits outside-in signaling through this receptor. We hypothesized that the presence of phosphothreonine 753 either renders beta(3) a poor substrate for tyrosine kinases or inhibits the docking capabilities of the tyrosyl-phosphorylated form of beta(3.) The first alternative was tested by comparing the phosphorylation of beta(3) model peptides by the tyrosine kinase pp60(c-src) and we found that the presence of a phosphate group on a residue corresponding to Thr-753 did not detectably alter the kinetics of tyrosine phosphorylation. However, the presence of phosphate on this threonine inhibited the binding of Shc to tyrosyl-phosphorylated beta(3) peptide. The inhibitory effect of the phosphate group could be mimicked by substituting an aspartic acid for Thr-753, suggesting that a negative charge at this position modulates the binding of Shc and possibly other phosphotyrosine binding domain- and SH2-containing proteins. A survey of several protein kinases revealed that Thr-753 was avidly phosphorylated by PDK1 and Akt/PKB in vitro. These observations suggest that activation of PDK1 and/or Akt/PKB in platelets may modulate the binding activity and/or specificity of beta(3) for signaling molecules.


Theoretical Studies of the Electronic Absorption Spectra of Thiamin Diphosphate in Pyruvate Decarboxylase.
Electronic absorption spectra are oftentimes used to identify reaction intermediates or substrates/products in enzymatic systems, as long as absorption bands can be unequivocally assigned to the species being studied. The latter task is far from trivial given the transient nature of some states and the complexity of the surrounding environment around the active site. To identify unique spectral fingerprints, controlled experiments with model compounds have been used in the past, but even these can sometimes be unreliable. Circular dichroism (CD) and ultraviolet-visible spectra have been tools of choice in the study of the rich chemistry of thiamin diphosphate-dependent enzymes. In this study, we focus on the Zymomonas mobilis pyruvate decarboxylase, and mutant analogues thereof, as a prototypical representative of the thiamin diphosphate (ThDP) enzyme superfamily. Through the use of electronic structure methods, we analyze the nature of electronic excitations in the cofactor. We find that all the determining CD bands around the 280-340 nm spectral range correspond to charge-transfer excitations between the pyrimidine and thiazolium rings of ThDP, which, most likely, is a general property of related ThDP-dependent enzymes. While we can confirm the assignments of previously proposed bands to chemical states, our calculations further suggest that a hitherto unassigned band of enzyme-bound ThDP reports on the ionization state of the canonical glutamate that is required for cofactor activation. This finding expands the spectroscopic "library" of chemical states of ThDP enzymes, permitting a simultaneous assignment of both the cofactor ThDP and the activating glutamate. We anticipate this finding to be helpful for mechanistic analyses of related ThDP enzymes.


[Expression of multiple drug resistance-associated proteins in non-small cell lung cancer tissues and its clinical significance].
Multiple drug resistance is one of the important reasons that patients failed to chemotherapy and died of tumors. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of resistance-related proteins, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), lung resistance-related protein (LRP), topoisomerase II (Topo II) and glutathion-S-transferase-π (GST-π) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and their clinical significance. Expression of P-gp, MRP, LRP, Topo II and GST-π was measured in 98 NSCLC tissues by immunohistochemistry SP method. The positive rate of P-gp, MRP, LRP, Topo II and GST-π was 27.6%, 11.2%, 75.5%, 50.0% and 64.3% respectively. Significant relationship was observed between expression of LRP and TopoII and histological classification. No remarkable difference in expression of multiple drug resistance-related proteins was found among different TNM stages. A total of 47 patients with NSCLC were treated with chemotherapy. There was significant relationship between expression of P-gp, LRP and GST-π and chemotherapy response (P < 0.05). NSCLC has overexpression of multiple drug resistance-related proteins. Combined detection of these proteins may be useful to guide chemotherapy and predict the response for lung cancer.


Your hospital is moving: concerns for the security leader.
The security staff is the key to the successful move of an entire hospital to a new facility, the author says. Planning for the move will force a security department to take on issues that have never been considered, he adds. In this article, he presents those security and safety issues for managers and directors to thoroughly examine and review.


Preoperative functional status as a predictor of short-term outcome in adult spinal deformity surgery.
Adult spinal deformity (ASD) may cause severe disability and difficulty with daily activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of preoperative functional status on 30-day major complication occurrence in ASD surgery. A review of the prospectively-collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database was performed for the years 2007-2013. Inclusion criteria were adult patients (over 21years of age) who underwent spinal fusion for ASD. Functional status was defined as "independent" or "dependent" (requiring assistance from another person) for activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, or mobility. The association between functional status and complications (overall and major) was investigated via multivariate analysis. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 1247 patients met inclusion criteria (94.4% independent and 5.6% dependent patients). The overall 30-day complication rate was 16.0% (15.6% for independent patients and 22.9% for dependent patients, p=0.10); major complications occurred in 9.2% of independent patients and 17.1% for dependent patients (p=0.02). After controlling for patient age, smoking status, preoperative hematocrit, revision status, use of osteotomy, number of levels fused, and operative time, being dependent on another person for activities of daily living was found to be a significant predictor of major complication development (OR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.04-4.20; p=0.03). Depending on others for activities of daily living before undergoing ASD surgery may predict the development of major perioperative complications, increasing the risk by 2-fold compared to independent patients.


Tryptophan radicals formed by iron/oxygen reaction with Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase protein R2 mutant Y122F.
The active state of the small subunit, protein R2, of ribonucleotide reductase is formed by the reaction of apoprotein with Fe2+ and O2, whereby the diferric site and a stable phenoxy free radical on a tyrosyl residue (Tyr122) is formed. The corresponding reaction was studied in the mutant Y122F R2. It leads to a normal iron site, but the reduction equivalent from Tyr122 now has to be supplied from elsewhere. EPR spectroscopy shows formation of several paramagnetic species on different time scales. Using apoprotein with deuterium-labeled tryptophan residues, at least two species could be assigned to tryptophan free radicals. This is the first EPR observation of relatively stable protein-linked tryptophan radicals at room temperature and at 77 K. These tryptophan radicals may be involved as redox intermediates in long range electron transfer within the protein structure.


Dietary patterns and their associations with energy, nutrient intake and socioeconomic factors in rural lactating mothers in Tibet.
There is very limited published data on Tibetan dietary patterns and its association with nutrient intakes and socioeconomic factors. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the dietary patterns and the associations with nutrient intakes in rural Tibetan pregnant, lactating mothers. Dietary patterns and nutrient intakes were identified via a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We identified dietary patterns using principle component analysis (PCA) of intakes of 17 food groups and specific Tibetan foods. Quartile categories of each dietary pattern were used, and non-dietary lifestyle factors and total energy intake were adjusted for the analysis. We identified two dietary patterns: "Varied pattern" and "Staple pattern". The "Varied pattern" was characterized by a high intake of vegetables, fruits and soy foods which showed significant positive associations with vitamins. Vitamin C (Ptrend<0.01) and vitamin E (Ptrend<0.01) were strongly associated with "Varied pattern" among mothers with children younger or older than 12 months. The "Staple pattern" was characterized by Tibetan staple foods, Tibetan beverages and Tibetan snacks and showed significant negative associations with protein (Ptrend<0.01) among mothers with children younger than 12 months or older than 12 months. Carbohydrate intakes significantly increased with "Staple pattern" among mother with children younger than 12 months only. The results presented here suggested our dietary patterns to great extent characterize the dietary behavior of Tibetan lactating mothers. There is, therefore, potential for dietary patterns to be used as a valid tool in assessing Tibetan diet.


A pilot study of sentinel lymph nodes identification in patients with endometrial cancer.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification in patients with endometrial cancer. Twenty patients with endometrial cancer undergoing hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy were included in the study. At laparotomy, methylene blue dye was injected into the subserosal myometrium of corpus uteri at multiple sites. Dye uptake into lymphatic channels was observed and blue nodes were identified as SLNs. The SLNs were biopsied before lymphadenectomy performed. The samples of SLNs and non-SLNs were recorded separately and correlated with the final pathological results. Dye uptake into lymphatic channels was seen in all 20 cases. Among them, SLN was identified in 15 (75%) cases. A total of 71 SLNs with a mean number of 4.7 SLN (range, 1-10) were identified from all pelvic sites. The most frequent locations of SLNs included obturator in 29 (41%), interiliac in 16 (26%). No dye-containing paraaortic nodes were found. Two patients (10%) had nodal metastases, and they all had at least one SLN found to be positive. No adverse reactions or injures were attributed to the study. This study shows the feasibility and safety of SLN identification with blue dye in patients with endometrial cancer undergoing staging surgery. The approach might provide an alternative to limit the extent of nodal sampling.


[A role of stress-induced neuroendocrine disorders and tissue hypoxia in the thanatogenesis of traumatic intracranial hematomas].
To study the dynamics of plasma concentration of stress hormones (ACTH and cortisol) and lactate as well as the integrative stress level indicator at neuroreanimation stage of severe cranial-brain injury. Authors examined 34 patients with traumatic intracranial hematomas including 19 patients who died during the first two weeks after admission to the hospital and 15 patients who were discharged for outpatient treatment. To assess stress level, we used the indicator of stress level estimated as body mass x 1/3 x heart rate frequency x pulse pressure x 0,000126. Contents of blood plasma ACTH and cortisol were determined using radioimmune method, lactic acid was measured with enzyme colorimetric method. A control group included the indicators of 10 healthy people aged from 24 to 44 years. In the first 24 h, the overstrain of the neuroendocrine system in response to strong stress influence of the trauma was noted in all patients. In patients with fatal outcome, an increase in cortisol in the first 24 h was excessive and lactate level was significantly higher during the observational period compared to the patients with favorable outcome. The peak of mortality was at 1-5 days when the stress level indicators, contents of ACTH, cortisol and lactate reached maximal values indicating the stress-induces overstrain of the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis and promoting the development of brain tissue hypoxia.


Prediction of improvement in left atrial function index after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Although left atrial function index is reportedly a possible predictor of hospitalization for heart failure and of stroke irrespective of the presence or not of atrial fibrillation (AF), the effects of catheter ablation on left atrial function index have not yet been reported. We performed catheter ablation on 55 patients (age 56.6 ± 9.6 years; 44 men; 30 with paroxysmal and 25 with persistent, long-standing AF) and evaluated them by transthoracic echocardiography preoperatively and 3 monthly for 12-24 months after catheter ablation. We then compared clinical characteristics and echocardiographic variables before catheter ablation between two groups: the 42 subjects with the most recent left atrial function index <30 and the 13 in which it was ≥30. Left atrial function index improved after catheter ablation in both groups, plateauing 6 months after the procedure. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in the prevalence of chronic AF and left atrial emptying fraction, diameter, and maximum and minimum volume (prevalence of chronic AF, p < 0.05; others, p < 0.01) between the groups. Multivariate analysis showed that only maximum left atrial volume predicts left atrial function index after catheter ablation (p < 0.05). In addition, we used ROC analysis to calculate a cutoff value for LA maximum volume as a good predictor and found that a good cutoff value was 63.5 mL, the sensitivity and specificity being 0.75 and 0.75, respectively. Catheter ablation improves left atrial function index. However, in patients with left atrial maximum volume of over 63.5 mL on echocardiography, the index did not recover to within the normal range after catheter ablation.


[Simple mechanical reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction: determinants, prognostic implications and relation with thrombus histology].
Simple mechanical reperfusion (SMR) is defined as reperfusion achieved after wire insertion at the occluded infarct-related artery in primary angioplasty. The determinants and prognostic implications of SMR and its relationship with the histopathology of the rescued thrombus were evaluated in 601 patients with acute myocardial infarction showing ST elevation and pre-procedural total occlusion of the infarct-related artery (TIMI flow 0). Two groups were considered according to the presence of SMR, defined as the visualization of contrast material after crossing the occlusion with the guide wire. SMR was achieved in 303 patients (50.4%) and was found to be associated with less time to treatment (248 vs. 286 minutes; p = 0.001), less deteriorated initial left ventricular function and shock at admission (9.2 vs. 16.4%; p = 0.008), higher successful rate (94.7% vs. 78.5%; p < 0,0001) and of higher rate of thrombus rescue: 70/81 vs. 27/79 patients (p < 0.0001). The right coronary artery was the most frequent infarct-related artery. Histopathology of the retrieved thrombi was available for 160 patients treated with thrombus aspiration. SMR was associated with smaller thrombus, lower contents of leukocytes and erythrocytes, and higher thrombus content of inflammatory cells, cholesterol and collagen crystals from the atheromatous plaque. SMR is an independent predictor of procedure success and its relationship with the anatomy of the thrombus could redefine the indication of thrombus aspiration.


Clinical Applications of Radiolabeled Peptides for PET.
Radiolabeled peptides are a valuable class of radiotracer that occupies the space between small molecules and large biologics, and are able to exploit the advantages of both classes of compound. To date, radiolabeled peptides have mainly been utilized in oncology, where the same peptide can often be exploited for diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy by simply varying the radionuclide. In this review, we introduce the main strategies used for synthesis of radiolabeled peptides, and highlight the state of the art for clinical imaging (and therapy) in oncology using the main classes of radiolabeled peptides that have been translated to date. Beyond oncology, radiolabeled peptides are also increasingly being used in other PET applications such as diabetes and cardiac imaging, and we review progress for the new applications.


The vibration characteristics of chain saws and their influence on vibration white finger disease.
The vibration from chain saws can cause vibration-induced white finger disease (VWFD). Measurements of vibration levels on the front and rear handles of different chain saw-types, and on the operator's middle finger were collected at three logging camps on Vancouver Island. Factors effecting the vibration levels on the finger and handles were investigated. The acceleration at the firing frequency was found to be the dominant factor effecting handle and finger vibration. Other factors which were investigated were: grip force; the presence of handle covers; and chain sharpening procedure. Weighted acceleration levels are calculated and this information is used to assess the latency period for fallers to develop VWF disease.


Therapeutic angiogenesis: potential role of basic fibroblast growth factor in patients with severe ischaemic heart disease.
Therapeutic angiogenesis is a rapidly evolving approach to the treatment of advanced coronary disease. The availability of growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF2) has made possible the practical clinical application of this research. In this article, we summarise the basic biology of bFGF, a prototypical angiogenic growth factor, and the preclinical studies with this growth factor, and analyse recent clinical experience. While much remains to be learned, bFGF has been clearly shown to induce effective growth of new vasculature in a variety of animal models. The initial clinical data are promising, with patients demonstrating improvement in symptoms, quality of life and exercise tolerance. At the same time, the adverse effects profile has, to date, remained relatively benign.


Transcription of the human hepatic lipase gene is modulated by multiple negative elements in HepG2 cells.
The expression of the hepatic lipase (HL) gene is highly tissue specific. In order to identify cis-acting elements which regulate the expression of this gene in the liver, multiple deletion mutants of the 5'-flanking region of the HL gene fused to the human growth hormone gene were transfected in HepG2 cells, which normally produce HL. Transient expression assays indicated the presence of negative (at nucleotides (nt) -1576(/)-1342 and -623(/)-407) and positive (at nt -1862(/)-1576 and -50(/)-9) regulatory elements. Transfection of HeLa cells, which do not produce HL, with the same deletion constructs resulted in a similar pattern of promoter activities. However, additional negative (nt -138/-50) and positive (nt -407(/)-138) elements were found. DNase I footprint analysis of the proximal and distal HLpromoter sequences with HepG2 and HeLa cell nuclear extracts identified seven protected regions: A, nt -1540(/)-1527; B, -1505(/)-1473; C, -1467(/)-1460; D, -592(/)-577; E, -565(/)-545; F, -234(/)-220; and G, -70(/) -48. Sites A, B, C, D and E were located within regions containing negative regulatory elements. In order to determine which nuclear factor interacts with the negative elements, sites B, D and E were mutated and the effects of mutation on competition in a gel retardation assay and on promoter activity were studied. When the binding motif for AP1 in sites B, D and E was mutated, the specific DNA-protein complexes were not competed with the mutant oligonucleotides and promoter activity increased twofold. The magnitude of the increase is less than expected from the deletion analysis, and simultaneous mutations did not cause further increase in promoter activity, which suggests that other sites are involved in this negative modulation. These results suggest that the transcription of the HLgene in HepG2 cells is negatively modulated by multiple cis-acting negative elements and AP1-like nuclear factor may play some role in this modulation.


Extended studies of Baltomyces styrax in Idaho and expanded distribution of this isopod gut fungus in USA.
Trichomycetes or gut fungi are currently considered to be an ecological group consisting of both fungi and protists that inhabit the guts of arthropods from varied environments. Baltomyces styrax has been included as a member of the Asellariales, a small and understudied order of true gut fungi. Baltomyces styrax has remained monotypic and not been reported formally since it was first described by Cafaro in 1999 from one collection in Louisiana. Herein we report on subsequent collections of this fungus, from both lentic and lotic locations, over the past several years from four other states, most recently Idaho, where we have records over a 4 y span. We repeatedly collected at one lentic site in Idaho for 5 mo, which allowed an extended study of not only the life history of B. styrax but also the discovery of morphological characteristics that were not reported earlier. Therefore we are emending the species description and providing additional information on the ecology and host range of B. styrax as well as providing a context for comparison to Asellaria, the type genus of the Asellariales. We also extend the known host range and suggest that the fungus is much more widespread than current records indicate.


Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review.
We reviewed the efficacy of occupational therapy-related interventions for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. We examined 51 Level I studies (19 physical activity, 32 psychoeducational) published 2000-2014 and identified from five databases. Interventions that focused solely on the upper or lower extremities were not included. Findings related to key outcomes (activities of daily living, ability, pain, fatigue, depression, self-efficacy, disease symptoms) are presented. Strong evidence supports the use of aerobic exercise, resistive exercise, and aquatic therapy. Mixed to limited evidence supports dynamic exercise, Tai Chi, and yoga. Among the psychoeducation interventions, strong evidence supports the use of patient education, self-management, cognitive-behavioral approaches, multidisciplinary approaches, and joint protection, and limited or mixed evidence supports the use of assistive technology and emotional disclosure. The evidence supports interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice for rheumatoid arthritis, but few interventions were occupation based.


[Clinical and endoscopic prognostic factors in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer].
The main objectives of this study were to review the clinic and endoscopic variables of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) due to peptic gastroduodenal lesions who were evaluated in our hospital during one year, to identify the characteristics associated with a negative evolution of the UGB and to analyse the characteristics of those patients who were discharged immediately after the endoscopy was performed. A one-year retrospective analysis of all UGB episodes was performed. Patients having gastroduodenal ulcer or erosive gastritis/duodenitis at endoscopy were included. The prognostic value of several clinic, laboratory and endoscopic variables was evaluated. Persistence or recurrence of bleeding, surgery and mortality were considered as outcome variables (the variable evolution was categorized as negative when any of these was observed). 156 patients were identified, with a mean (SD) age of 61 (17) years. Melena was the most frequent UGB presentation (79%). 46% patients had associated diseases and 50% were taking gastroerosive drugs. Duodenal ulcer was the commonest cause of UGB (52%), followed by gastric ulcer (30%). The evolution of UGB was negative in 7% cases. Variables associated with a negative evolution in the multivariate analysis were: age, red hematemesis, systolic blood pressure >= 100 mmHg, heart rate >= 100 b.p.m. and a more severe Forrest endoscopic classification. 11% patients were discharged immediately, without complications afterwards. If predictive variables obtained in the multivariate analysis would have been applied, hospitalization would have been avoided in 59 patients (38%) without subsequent complications. A number of clinic and endoscopic variables (UGB presentation form, blood pressure, heart rate, and Forrest endoscopic classification) with prognostic value have been identified in this study. These variables are easy to obtain and apply in clinical practice, allowing a precise estimate of the UGB evolution. Thus, a relatively high number of patients with UGB susceptible of ambulatory treatment and management can be reliably identified.


Cerebral meningioangiomatosis in a CD-1 mouse: a case report and comparison with humans and dogs.
Meningioangiomatosis is a rare proliferative disorder of the central nervous system. Several cases have been described in humans, a few in dogs, one case in a cow and one in a horse; meningioangiomatosis has never been recorded in rodents. The pathogenesis of this condition remains obscure and it is uncertain whether it represents a neoplastic or malformative process. Meningioangiomatosis is usually characterized by a plaque-like leptomeningeal proliferation of mainly spindle-shaped cells and small blood vessels, extending along the Virchow-Robin spaces into the adjacent neural parenchyma. In this report, we presented a brain lesion displaying the histopathological key features of the meningioangiomatosis and involving the base of the cerebrum (fronto-basal area) and the brainstem, found in a male CD-1 mouse. The histopathological and immunohistochemical results are discussed, and compared with those previously reported in other cases of meningioangiomatosis.


Activation of aromatic amines to mutagens by various animal species including man.
2-Acetylaminofluorene, 2-aminofluorene, 4-aminobiphenyl, 2-naphthylamine, 2-aminoanthracene and benzidine were assayed for mutagenicity in the Ames test in the presence of hepatic microsomal preparations derived from mouse, hamster, rat, pig and man. Prior to each mutagenicity assay all activation systems were fully characterized with respect to mono-oxygenase and mixed-function amine oxidase activities. All compounds were metabolically activated to mutagens by all activation systems, but with markedly different efficiencies, hamster being the only species which readily activated all amines. The hamster also exhibited the highest ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and dimethylaniline N-oxidase activities.


Neonatologists less frequently discuss long term complications: A simulation-based study of prenatal consults beyond the threshold of viability.
Guidelines exist for counseling expectant families of infants at periviable gestational ages (22-25 weeks), but it is much more common for neonatologists to counsel families at gestational ages beyond the threshold of viability when several aspects of these guidelines do not apply. We aimed to develop an understanding of what information is shared with mothers at risk of preterm delivery beyond periviability and to evaluate communication skills of our participants. We developed a checklist of elements to include in counseling based on a comprehensive literature review. The checklist was divided into an information sharing section and a connect score. The information sharing list was sub-divided into general information and specific complications. Neonatologists engaged in a simulated prenatal counseling session with a standardized patient. Videotaped encounters were then analyzed for checklist elements. Neonatologists all scored well in communication using our tool and two other validated communication tools - the SEGUE and the analytic global OSCE. There was no difference in scoring based on years of experience or level of training. Information sharing from neonatologists more often discussed general information over specific. Neonatologists also focused more on early outcomes over long-term outcomes. Only 12% of neonatologists quoted the correct survival rate for the case. Neonatologists generally communicate well but share less information specific to prematurity and the long-term sequelae of prematurity. Our tool may be used to test if other interventions improve information sharing or communication.


Children's nursing research: toward development, drudgery or demise?
This paper, based on a presentation to the UK Association of Chief Children's Nurses, is the author's personal reflection on the nature and future of children's nursing research. Key constitutive elements of this concept are considered to arrive at the conclusion that children's nursing research is research undertaken by children's nurses into questions of relevance to children's nursing practice and services, or wider issues in which children's nursing has a vital role. Three possible futures are presented, of which only the last is positive and desirable: development in line with the reality of practice and population needs. An integrated approach is necessary, with responsibilities both for those in positions of authority in the service and for researchers themselves. In particular, this partnership is essential for children's nursing to evidence the impact of research and for children and young people to reap the greatest benefit from evidence-based practice.


[Influence of Acidosis on Electrophysiological Characteristics of Cortical GABAergic Neurons in Mice].
To investigate the influences of extracellular acidosis on spike encoding and synaptic transmission of cortical GABAergic neurons in mice. Twenty mice aged 27-30 d mice were selected to prepare coronary cortical slices and then divided into control group and extracellular acidosis group. In control group,the coronal slices were perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid at pH7.4,the action potential threshold potential,absolute refractory period and action potential peak spacing were recorded with the patch-clamp all-cell current clamp mode; the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current was recorded with the voltage clamp mode extracellular acidosis group,the artificial cerebrospinal fluid was adjusted at pH6.5,mimicking extracellular acidosis. Recorded neurons action potential and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents again,comparing the difference of the above indexes between the two groups. Compared with the control group,the extracellular acidosis significantly prolonged the inter-spike intervals and absolute refractory periods (P<0.01),increased the voltage of threshold potentials and the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (P<0.01). Extracellular acidosis leads to the dysfunction of cortical GABAergic neurons by breaking the inter-characteristics and synaptic transmission,contributing one of the possible mechanisms to acidosis-induced brain damage.


Partial isolation of two classes of dopamine beta-hydroxylase-containing particles undergoing rapid axonal transport in rat sciatic nerve.
The rapid bidirectional transport of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) in adrenergic axons provides a means of analyzing the life cycle of adrenergic storage vesicles. We compared the physical characteristics of DBH-containing particles traveling to or returning from the terminal varicosities of ligated rat sciatic nerves. Density gradient centrifugation and Sephacryl S1000 gel-permeation chromatography were used to fractionate extracts from nerve segments proximal or distal to the ligatures. A series of experiments indicated the existence of at least two populations of rapidly transported DBH-containing particles, a "light" 85-nm particle and a larger "dense" 120-nm particle. The 85-nm particles were prevalent in unligated nerve, but accounted for only one-third of the total anterogradely transported DBH activity accumulated after 18 h. The 120-nm particles were barely detectable in the unligated nerve, but they accumulated at twice the rate of the 85-nm particles and accounted for the rest of the anterogradely transported particulate DBH activity. These two populations of particles were readily isolated from proximal nerve extracts by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Similar-appearing dense and light peaks of particulate DBH activity were obtained from distal nerve extracts. Much of the retrogradely transported DBH of the extracts, however, was associated with large particles (greater than 300 nm) not resolved by Sephacryl S1000. Retrogradely transported exogenous NGF was found only in the dense sucrose gradient peak. We propose that the 85-nm DBH-containing particles correspond to "large dense-cored vesicles," and that the 120-nm particles are derived from the dense tubules visualized in adrenergic nerves by the chromaffin reaction.


Investigation of structural and luminescence properties of Ho(3+) doped YAlO3 nanophosphors synthesized through solution combustion route.
YAlO3:Ho(3+) (1-5mol%) nanophosphors have been prepared by solution combustion route using oxalyl dihydrazide (ODH) as a fuel. The final product was well characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis, etc. PXRD patterns confirm the formation of highly crystalline orthorhombic phase structure. SEM and TEM studies show the particles are dumbbell shape, highly agglomerated and nano-size (∼30nm). The direct energy band gap (Eg) values estimated from Tauc's relation were found to be in the range 5.76-5.99eV. Photoluminescence (PL) studies show green (540 and 548nm) and red (645 and 742nm) emissions upon excited at 452nm wavelength. The emission peaks at ∼742 and 645nm was associated with the transitions of (5)F4→(5)I7 and (5)F5→(5)I8 respectively. The higher energy bands located at 540 and 548nm were associated with (5)F4, (5)S2→(5)I8 transitions. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies of γ-irradiated YAlO3:Ho(3+) (1-5mol%) show two glow peaks at 223 and 325°C recorded at a heating rate of 2.5°Cs(-1). The 223°C glow peak follow linear behavior up to 1kGy and after that, it showed sub-linearity. Up to 1kGy, the phosphor is quite useful in radiation dosimetry. The kinetic parameters (E, b and s) were estimated from glow peak shape method. The CIE coordinate values lies within the green region. Therefore, the present phosphors may have potential application in WLEDs as green phosphor.


People under 60 living in aged care facilities in Victoria.
To describe the characteristics of people under 60 years of age living in residential aged care in Victoria and to examine the occupational participation of younger residents in aged care facilities by measuring their social contact, participation in recreation and community access. A survey was sent to the Directors of Nursing at all 803 Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care registered aged care facilities in Victoria. The survey had a 78% response rate and information was provided about the characteristics of 330 people under 60 years with high clinical needs residing in aged care facilities. This sample was extremely isolated from peers, with 44% receiving a visit from a friend less often than once per year. Sixteen per cent of residents participated in a recreation activity less than once per month and 21% went outside less than once per month. Of the sample, 34% almost never participated in any community-based activities such as shopping, leisure or visiting friends and family. Over one third of younger people in aged care are effectively excluded from life in our community. Most younger residents are socially isolated and have limited opportunities for recreation. Placement of younger people in aged care facilities is inappropriate, and alternative care models and settings are required.


A new approach for detecting and mapping sewage impacts.
Increased nitrogen loading has been implicated in eutrophication occurrences worldwide. Much of this loading is attributable to the growing human population along the world's coastlines. A significant component of this nitrogen input is from sewage effluent, and delineation of the distribution and biological impact of sewage-derived nitrogen is becoming increasingly important. Here, we show a technique that identifies the source, extent and fate of biologically available sewage nitrogen in coastal marine ecosystems. This method is based on the uptake of sewage nitrogen by marine plants and subsequent analysis of the sewage signature (elevated delta 15N) in plant tissues. Spatial analysis is used to create maps of delta 15N and establish coefficient of variation estimates of the mapped values. We show elevated delta 15N levels in marine plants near sewage outfalls in Moreton Bay, Australia, a semi-enclosed bay receiving multiple sewage inputs. These maps of sewage nitrogen distribution are being used to direct nutrient reduction strategies in the region and will assist in monitoring the effectiveness of environmental protection measures.


Plasma adenosine levels in peri-menopausal women having frequent hot flushes.
The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on plasma adenosine levels was investigated in climacteric women experiencing hot flushes. Plasma adenosine levels were measured in 13 peri-menopausal women with frequent hot flushes (>5 per day) before and 3-4 months after initiating HRT. Thirteen healthy pre-menopausal, 9 peri-menopausal women with few hot flushes (<1 or 2 per day) and 10 healthy postmenopausal women were enrolled as controls. The average plasma adenosine level in the peri-menopausal women was 0.20+/-0.09 micromol/L, which was significantly higher than in the pre-menopausal (0.12+/-0.07 micromol/L, p<0.05), peri-menopausal with few hot flushes (0.10+/-0.09 micromol/L, p<0.05) and postmenopausal women (0.13+/-0.06 micromol/L, p<0.05). Both the increased adenosine level and the hot flushes were decreased by HRT (plasma adenosine: 0.13+/-0.06 micromol/L). Increased plasma adenosine in peri-menopausal women may be associated with frequent hot flushes.


Changes in Gut Microbiota May Be Early Signs of Liver Toxicity Induced by Epoxiconazole in Rats.
The gut microbiome is essential for human health due to its effects on disease development, drug metabolism and the immune system. It may also play a role in the interaction with environmental toxicants. However, the effect of epoxiconazole, a fungicide active ingredient from the class of azoles developed to protect crops, on the abundance and composition of the gut microbiome has never been studied. We put forward the hypothesis that changes in gut microbiota may be early signs of toxicity induced by epoxiconazole. In this study, female rats were fed with epoxiconazole-adulterated diets (0, 4 and 100 mg/kg/day) for 90 days. The gut microbiome was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Body and organ weight, and blood biochemistry were also measured after 90 days of oral epoxiconazole exposure. Interestingly, the abundance of gut Firmicutes decreased, and Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria increased. At family level, Lachnospiraceae and Enterobacteriaceae were selectively enriched following epoxiconazole exposure. Our results indicate that epoxiconazole exposure may induce changes in the gut microbiome and potential liver toxicity. Changes in the gut microbiome may be used as early indicators for monitoring the health risk of the host.


[Hemobilia, a rare and difficult diagnosis].
Haemobilia, i.e. blood loss via the bile ducts, is a rare disorder, which may be caused by trauma, vascular disorders, gallstones, infection/inflammation, tumours and coagulation disorders. Haemobilia may cause grave morbidity and mortality. Important symptoms are: gastrointestinal bleeding, jaundice and colicky pains in the right upper abdominal quadrant. Gastroduodenoscopy, ultrasound, ERCP, CT-scan and MRI may be used to obtain additional information when haemobilia is suspected. Selective angiography may provide detailed information of the bleeding, but is less appropriate as an initial screening method. Haemobilia may be treated by selective embolisation of the involved artery or by operative treatment. Embolisation is the treatment of first choice in most situations. We present a case report of a patient with recurrent haemobilia caused by a ruptured aneurysm of a hepatic artery leaking intermittently into the bile ducts. Partly because of the rareness of this syndrome, the disorder was recognized with delay in our patient. After two embolisation attempts had failed, he was treated successfully by obliterative endoaneurysmorrhaphy.


Cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins and osteogenic protein-1 differentially regulate osteogenesis.
Cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins-1 and -2 (CDMP-1 and CDMP-2) are members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family, which play important roles in embryonic skeletal development. We studied the biological activities of recombinant CDMP-1 and CDMP-2 in chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation and investigated their binding properties to type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors. In vivo, CDMP-1 and CDMP-2 were capable of inducing dose-dependently de novo cartilage and bone formation in an ectopic implantation assay. In vitro studies using primary chondrocyte cultures showed that both CDMP-1 and CDMP-2 stimulated equally de novo synthesis of proteoglycan aggrecan in a concentration-dependent manner. This activity was equipotent when compared with osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1). In contrast, CDMPs were less stimulatory than OP-1 in osteogenic differentiation as evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity and expression levels of bone markers in ATDC5, ROB-C26, and MC3T3-E1 cells. CDMP-2 was the least osteogenic in these assays. Receptor binding studies of CDMP-1 and CDMP-2 revealed that both have affinity for the BMP receptor type IB (BMPR-IB) and BMPR-II, and weakly for BMPR-IA. Moreover, using a promoter/reporter construct, transcriptional activation signal was transduced by BMPR-IB in the presence of BMPR-II upon CDMP-1 and CDMP-2 binding. Our data show that distinct members of the BMP family differentially regulate the progression in the osteogenic lineage, and this may be due to their selective affinity for specific receptor complexes.


An aspect of denture base retention: direct measurement of force due to surface tension.
A fixed-volume drop of liquid between a pair of parallel surfaces has been a common model for the denture-mucosa system. The reported one-term equation for the model, the derivation of which is suspect, implies that the acting force is inversely proportional to the square of the separation. Direct measurement of the force, however, showed that a better approximation is given by a two-term equation, with force varying as the inverse of the separation. The need for rigorous theoretical derivation is thereby emphasized. The experimental data suggest that a maximum retention force might occur for denture bases at separations of about 15 microns.


Male rat infertility induction/spermatozoa and epididymal plasma abnormalities after oral administration of Kalanchoe gastonis bonnieri natural juice.
Natural aqueous crude extracts (NACE) of several Crassulaceae family plants have been applied as a vaginal contraceptive by the populace. The aim of this work was to evaluate the inhibition of fertility in male Wistar rats and some physiological and biochemical changes in spermatozoa and epididymal plasma induced by NACE from Kalanchoe gastonis bonnieri (K. g. b.) (Crassulaceae). The NACE was obtained by mechanic pressure on grinding fresh plant leaves. Sublethal doses (150-300 mg/kg body weight) of NACE were orally administered to adult and fertile male rats daily for 30 days in a search for a contraceptive effect, and physiological and biochemical modifications on sperm cells and cauda epididymal plasma. The toxicity studies revealed that the lethal dose (LD(50)) calculated was 11 g/kg body weight. Sublethal doses induced 50%-100% fertility inhibition, with 100% recovery of fertility 30 days after stopping the treatment. The sperm motility, viability and spermatic density were also significantly decreased (p < 0.001). The outstanding biochemical change observed in the cauda epididymal plasma was a decrease of carnitine concentration. The NACE of K. gastonis contains one substance active on fertility by affecting spermatozoa motility, viability and sperm density with a significantly decreased carnitine and sialic acid (p < 0.001) in the caudal epididymal plasma.


A three-step strategy of induction chemotherapy then chemoradiation followed by surgery in patients with potentially resectable carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction.
Patients with locoregional carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction have a poor survival rate after surgery. Preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy has not improved the outcome for these patients. Our study was designed to assess the feasibility of preoperative induction combination chemotherapy in addition to chemoradiotherapy to improve the curative resection rate, local control, and survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients having histologic proof of localized carcinoma (either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma) of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction underwent full classification including endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Patients first received up to two courses of induction chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil at 750 mg/m(2)/day as continuous infusion on Days 1--5, cisplatin at 15 mg/m(2)/day as an intravenous bolus on Days 1--5, and paclitaxel at 200 mg/m(2) as a 24-hour intravenous infusion on Day 1. The second course was repeated on Day 29. This was followed by radiotherapy (45 grays in 25 fractions) and concurrent admission of 5-fluorouracil (300 mg/m(2)/day as a continuous infusion 5 days/week) and cisplatin (20 mg/m(2) on Days 1--5 of radiotherapy). After chemoradiotherapy, patients underwent surgery. The feasibility of this approach, curative resection rates, patient survival, and patterns of failure were assessed. Thirty-seven of 38 patients enrolled were evaluable for toxicity and survival. Adenocarcinoma and distal esophageal location of carcinoma were observed frequently. Thirty-five (95%) of the 37 patients underwent surgery, all of whom had an R0 (curative) resection. A pathologic complete response was noted in 11 (30%) of the 37 total patients. In addition, 5 patients (14%) had only microscopic carcinoma. According to EUS classification, 31 (89%) of the 35 patients who underwent surgery had a T3 carcinoma whereas according to pathologic classification only 3 (9%) had a T3 carcinoma (P </= 0.01). Similarly, according to EUS classification, 23 patients (66%) had an N1 carcinoma, whereas according to pathologic classification only 7 patients (20%) had an N1 carcinoma (P < or = 0.01). At a median follow-up of 20 months (minimum follow-up, 13+ months; maximum follow-up, 36+ months), the median survival duration for the 37 patients had not yet been reached. In addition, there were two deaths related to surgery. These data show that the three-step strategy of preoperative paclitaxel-based induction chemotherapy then chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is feasible and appears quite active in patients having locoregional carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction. Future investigations should focus on substituting cisplatin with less toxic agents and including more systemic therapy with newer classes of agents.


[Non-epithelial malignant neoplasms of the larynx].
Among total number of 1399 patients with laryngeal malignant tumors treated in Cracow Otolaryngological Clinic in the years 1966-1985 there were only six (4%) patients with non-epithelial neoplasms. These patients were operated upon by various types of laryngectomy.


Contact damage resistance and strength degradation of glass-infiltrated alumina and spinel ceramics.
All-ceramic crowns are coming into widespread use because of their superior esthetics and chemical inertness. This study examines the hypothesis that glass-infiltrated alumina and spinel core ceramics are resistant to damage accumulation and strength degradation under representative oral contact conditions. Accordingly, Hertzian indentation testing with hard spheres is used to evaluate damage accumulation in alumina and spinel ceramics with different pre-form grain morphologies and porosities. Indentation stress-strain curves measured on fully infiltrated materials reveal a marked insensitivity to the starting pre-form state. The glass phase is shown to play a vital role in providing mechanical rigidity and strength to the ceramic structures. All the infiltrated ceramics show subsurface cone fracture and quasi-plastic deformation above critical loads P(C) (cracking) and P(Y) (yield), depending on sphere radius, with P(Y) < P(C). Strength degradation from accumulation of damage in Hertzian contacts above these critical loads is conspicuously small, suggesting that the infiltrated materials should be highly damage-tolerant to the "blunt" contacts encountered during mastication. Failure in the strength tests originates from either cone cracks ("brittle mode") or yield zones ("quasi-plastic mode"), with the brittle mode more dominant in the spinels and the quasi-plastic mode more dominant in the aluminas. Multi-cycle contacts at lower loads, but still above loads typical of oral function, are found to be innocuous up to 10(5) cycles in air and water, although contacts at 10(6) cycles in water do cause significant strength degradation. By contrast, contacts with Vickers indenters produce substantial strength losses at low loads, suggesting that the mechanical integrity of these materials may be compromised by inadvertent "sharp" contacts.


Intakes of folate, vitamin B6 and B12 and risk of depression in community-dwelling older adults: the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Aging.
Depression can decrease quality of life and affect health outcomes in older population. We investigated whether different intake levels of folate, vitamin B6 and B12 were associated with a 3-year depression incidence among generally healthy, community-dwelling older men and women. Participants in the Québec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Aging (NuAge), free of depression (that is, 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) <11) at baseline (N=1368; 74 ± 4 years old; 50.5% women), were screened annually for incident depression (GDS ⩾ 11) or antidepressant medication. Tertiles of intakes (food only and food+supplements) were obtained from the mean of three non-consecutive 24-h recalls at baseline. Sex-stratified multiple logistic regression models were adjusted for age, physical activity, physical functioning, stressful life events and total energy intake. Over 3 years, 170 participants were identified as depressed. Women in the highest tertile of B6 intake from food were 43% less likely to become depressed when adjusting for demographic and health factors (multivariate odds ratio (OR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.96), but adjustment for energy intake attenuated the effect. Men in the highest tertile of dietary B12 intake had decreased risk of depression (energy-adjusted multivariate OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20-0.90). No other association was observed. This study provides some evidence of decreased depression risk among women with higher intakes of vitamin B6 from food, which was dependent on total energy intake, and among men with higher intakes of B12 from food, independently of energy intake.


TIP60 as a potential marker for the malignancy of gastric cancer.
Recently, it has been shown that the loss of the human histone acetyl transferase, TIP60, led to an accumulation of double-strand DNA breaks and has been linked to a growing number of cancer types. TIP60 expression levels were examined in 46 gastric cancer samples using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Subsequently, clinicopathological data were correlated with the TIP60 expression score. A down-regulation of the TIP60 gene was observed in 28 out of 46 (61%) specimens of primary gastric cancer. TIP60 down-regulation showed significant correlation with patient age (p=0.0224), depth of tumor invasion (p=0.0401) and lymph node metastasis (p=0.0481). The down-regulation of TIP60 is important for the malignant pathway of gastric carcinogenesis.


Sexual morality of Christianity.
After discussing the origin of religion, functions of religion, and the construction of meaning by religion, the author focuses on the connection between religion and anxiety. The permanent anxiety in religion is determined by guilt feelings that arise for example from the violation of norms in the area of sexuality. In a religion at enmity with sexuality, such as Christianity, the satisfaction of sexual desires is considered bad and sinful; the permanent production of anxiety and a guilty conscience are the result of it. Christian sexual suppression leads to the propagation of asceticism as the taming of corrupt sensuality that only religious virtuosi can maintain. One result of asceticism is celibacy, although passages from the Bible demand monogamy for bishops without prohibiting celibacy. In Catholicism, celibacy institutionalizes the enmity with sexuality and causes a permanent depreciation of real sexuality in favor of one projected onto the mother church and the Virgin Mary. A further consequence of asceticism is the reduction of sexuality to reproduction. In the section about the factual consequences of Christian sexual morality, the author connects sexual instinctual gratification with religious affiliation on the basis of an analysis of the sexual behavior of Germans. The weekly frequency rate of sexual intercourse amounts to 3.1 with male and female nondenominationals, 2.6 with Protestants, and 2.3 with Catholics; 39% of nondenominational men, 20% of Protestant men, and 12% of Catholic men in Germany use condoms. The connection of religion and aggression is empirically significant as well. The religiously most active men feel more inclined to use aggression to reach sexual goals than religiously indifferent ones.


Morphologic mural changes in the aorta revealed by CT in patients with nonspecific aortoarteritis (Takayasu's arteritis).
Nonspecific aortoarteritis is a panarteritis of unknown cause that primarily involves vessel walls. The imaging morphology of changes caused by nonspecific aortoarteritis has been infrequently studied. We analyzed this morphology by axial CT in 24 patients (group 1) and compared these images with those of healthy subjects (n = 12, group 2) and subjects with atherosclerosis (n = 12, group 3), aortic aneurysm (n = 9, group 4), and aortic dissection (n = 5, group 5). Ten-millimeter contiguous sections were obtained before and after enhancement with contrast material. Distinctive wall changes were seen in group 1 and included thickening in 20 patients, crescents in 19, indistinct outline in 10, and low-attenuation ring in eight. Calcification and thrombus were seen in 13 and seven patients, respectively. Angiograms showed skip areas of involvement. CT scans showed wall changes even in skipped areas that were normal at angiography. In group 2, the aortic wall was imperceptible or less than 1 mm thick and showed no abnormality. In group 3, calcification was seen in all patients and wall abnormality in none. In group 4, changes, including thrombus in all patients, calcification in nine, and low-attenuation ring in one patient, were seen within the aneurysm. In group 5, changes included calcification and the intimal flap in all patients and thrombus in three. CT shows distinctive changes in the aortic wall in patients with non-specific aortoarteritis that are peculiar to this disease. Detecting these changes may improve our understanding of the disease pathogenesis. Our findings suggest that this disease involves a contiguous length of the aorta, producing wall and luminal diameter changes in some areas and only wall changes in the intervening segments.


The diameter of the vertebral canal in dogs in cases of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae or numerical vertebral variations.
From Th1 to L7 midsagittal and interpedicular vertebral canal diameters were measured in macerated spines of 162 dogs to determine, whether the presence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae or numerical vertebral variations are associated with dislocation of the maximal enlargement of the lumbar vertebral canal. Relative to dogs with a regular number of 27 presacral vertebrae (C7/Th13/L7), the maximal enlargement of the lumbar vertebral canal was more frequently ( P < 0.05) located at vertebra 24 in dogs with 26 presacral vertebrae (C7/Th13/L6), and more frequently at vertebra 25 in dogs with 28 presacral vertebrae (C7/Th13/L8). However, in dogs with 26 presacral vertebrae, maximal agreement in the spinal position of maximal lumbar vertebral canal diameters was achieved relative to dogs with 28 presacral vertebrae by adding one additional thoracic (Th6, 7, or 8) segment. Therefore, the present findings strongly suggest that relative to the regular (C7/Th13/L7) condition, decrease in the number of presacral vertebrae (C7/Th13/L6) is associated with incorporation of a midthoracic segment, whereas increase in the number of presacral vertebrae (C7/Th13/L8) is not related to the presence of an additional vertebral segment. When using Th1 as landmark, the difference in the position of the maximal enlargement of the lumbar vertebral canal between dogs with 26 and dogs with 28 presacral vertebrae in average was only one segment. It is known from previous reports that the maximal enlargement of the lumbar vertebral canal corresponds with the maximal enlargement of the lumbar spinal cord. When using S1 or the transitional vertebra as the landmark for determination of the appropriate site for subarachnoid cannulation, this site is expected to range within the same limits regardless of the vertebral formula.


[Problems in prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects (author's transl)].
The determination of AFP in amniotic fluid for the prediction of neural tube defects fails in cases of myelomeningoceles which changes their status from the open to the closed form. AFP values laying in a borderline range require a fundamental clarification by ultrasound examination for the detection of spinal malformation.


Evaluating the effectiveness of utilizing traditional birth attendants for maternal and child health/family planning programs in the rural Philippines.
A pilot project was designed to measure the effectiveness of utilizing traditional birth attendants (hilots) as family planning motivators in the Philippines. A total of 492 hilots underwent a one-week training program in maternal and child health and family planning. Following the training, a quasi-experimental design was used to test the effects of training alone, training plus supervision, and the combination of training, supervision and a monetary incentive on family planning activities. In addition to these three program inputs, the type of training method was also assessed to determine its relationship on post-training knowledge scores and field performance. Analysis of the one-year program statistics indicated that a combination of training methods (lecture, audio-visual demonstrations, and role-playing) significantly increased both test performance and field performance. Hilots who received supervision recruited twice as many acceptors as hilots who received only the training input (p <.01). Adding a monetary incentive did not significantly increase the average monthly number of acceptors recruited. Cost effectiveness of the three experimental approaches are contrasted with each other as well as with the national program utilizing family planning motivators.


Effects of an LHRH agonist on endocrine function, LHRH receptor and LH/hCG receptor in the pituitary-gonadal axis of male rats.
The effects of an LHRH agonist (LHRHa), [D-Ser (tBu)]6 des-Gly-NH210) ethylamide, on endocrine function and the LHRH and LH/hCG receptors in the pituitary-gonadal axis were examined. The LHRHa was injected at 100 ng/100 g body weight into male rats once a day for 4 weeks and its effects were observed until 2 weeks after the end of treatment. Due to LHRHa treatment, the plasma LH concentration began to increase on day 3, reached a peak on day 7, and then decreased, although it remained above the control level during the treatment. The pituitary LH content decreased on day 1, reached a minimum (about 40% of the control) between days 3 and 7, and then was maintained at 60% of the control level until week 4. In contrast, the pituitary LHRH receptor concentration increased only on day 3, and the association constant (Ka) remained unchanged during the observation period. The testis weight and plasma testosterone concentration began to decrease on day 3, reached the minimum on day 7 and remained at this level until week 4, and their levels were not completely restored to normal 2 weeks after cessation of treatment. The testicular LH/hCG receptor concentration was decreased on day 1, and markedly decreased to 10-15% of the control value between day 7 and week 4, but the Ka value was slightly increased during the treatment. However, these values had completely recovered 2 weeks after the cessation of treatment. The testicular LHRH receptor concentration increased between days 1 and 7, returned to the control level in weeks 2 and 4, and then decreased 2 weeks after cessation of treatment. Its Ka value was reduced in weeks 2 and 4. These data suggest that the inhibitory effect of LHRHa on the gonad in male rats is not due to reduced pituitary LH release, but to changes in the number and Ka values of gonadal receptors for LH/hCG and LHRH.


Moxifloxacin in lower respiratory tract infections: in silico simulation of different bacterial resistance and drug exposure scenarios.
Moxifloxacin has potent bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae; a major causative organism of lower respiratory tract infections. This study aims to use the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic indices to predict the therapeutic outcome under different scenarios of moxifloxacin exposure and pneumococcal resistance. STELLA(®) software was used to simulate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of moxifloxacin in patients with severe pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB). The current dose of moxifloxacin was found to be insufficient for eradication of ciprofloxacin resistant bacteria in ventilated patients with severe bronchopneumonia. This can be attributed to the lower tissue penetration observed in this population. Increasing the dose to 600 mg was able to achieve higher levels of free drug AUC/MIC in both bronchial and plasma compartments. In AECB, moxifloxacin achieved the same AUC/MIC values observed in pneumonia at the different MIC values. This may allow the extrapolation of findings of moxifloxacin studies in pneumonia to the management of patients with AECB.


Echogenic intracardiac focus: potential for misdiagnosis.
To assess the potential rate of specular reflectors within the fetal heart producing reflections of sufficient amplitude to be mistaken for echogenic intracardiac foci. Between July 1999 and December 2000, 200 patients were randomly selected from the University of California, San Francisco, perinatal database who met the following criteria: (1) had singleton pregnancy, (2) delivered at University of California, San Francisco, and (3) had obstetric sonography at University of California, San Francisco, between 18 and 22 weeks' gestation. Bright focal reflections within the heart were judged to be either "true" or "false" echogenic intracardiac foci. In this population of patients who underwent routine obstetric sonography at a tertiary care hospital, the rate of true echogenic intracardiac focus cases was 11 per 200 (5.5%). The rate of false echogenic intracardiac focus cases was 34 per 200 (17%). The most common locations for identification of a spurious echogenic intracardiac focus were the endocardial cushion, the moderator band, and the tricuspid valve annulus. A specular reflection from the moderator band was judged the false echogenic intracardiac focus most likely to fool examiners. The rate of specular reflection from the moderator band was 11 per 200 (5.5%). Because it is possible to generate a specular reflection from an interface in the fetal heart in virtually any patient, it is important to exercise caution before diagnosing an echogenic intracardiac focus.


Ultrastructural characterization of the mesostriatal dopamine innervation in mice, including two mouse lines of conditional VGLUT2 knockout in dopamine neurons.
Despite the increasing use of genetically modified mice to investigate the dopamine (DA) system, little is known about the ultrastructural features of the striatal DA innervation in the mouse. This issue is particularly relevant in view of recent evidence for expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) by a subset of mesencephalic DA neurons in mouse as well as rat. We used immuno-electron microscopy to characterize tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-labeled terminals in the core and shell of nucleus accumbens and the neostriatum of two mouse lines in which the Vglut2 gene was selectively disrupted in DA neurons (cKO), their control littermates, and C57BL/6/J wild-type mice, aged P15 or adult. The three regions were also examined in cKO mice and their controls of both ages after dual TH-VGLUT2 immunolabeling. Irrespective of the region, age and genotype, the TH-immunoreactive varicosities appeared similar in size, vesicular content, percentage with mitochondria, and exceedingly low frequency of synaptic membrane specialization. No dually labeled axon terminals were found at either age in control or in cKO mice. Unless TH and VGLUT2 are segregated in different axon terminals of the same neurons, these results favor the view that the glutamatergic cophenotype of mesencephalic DA neurons is more important during the early development of these neurons than for the establishment of their scarce synaptic connectivity. They also suggest that, in mouse even more than rat, the mesostriatal DA system operates mainly through non-targeted release of DA, diffuse transmission and the maintenance of an ambient DA level.


A simple computer program to quantify red desaturation in patients with optic neuritis.
Red desaturation is a subjective, sensitive test for patients with optic nerve disease. There is no quantitative clinical test to measure the severity of color desaturation. The current study introduces a simple PowerPoint presentation for quantification of red desaturation in patients with optic neuritis. A Microsoft Office PowerPoint presentation was designed. A red square is shown on each half of the screen. The degree of desaturation on one side is increased in each successive slide. The patient holds a black cardboard divider between his/her eyes, such that each eye can see one-half of the screen. The patient uses the mouse to forward through the slides, thereby gradually increasing the desaturation of the red square presented to the normal eye until it matches the color of the red square seen with the tested eye. Desaturation is graded by the number of slide changes needed until subjective equal color between the eyes is perceived. The test was presented to normal volunteers and to patients with optic neuritis. The difference in saturation levels between the right and the left eyes in patients with optic neuritis vs controls was compared. A total of 83 patients were included. Patients with optic neuritis had significantly increased desaturation compared to controls (6.17 ± 3.3 vs 0.24 ± 2.8 respectively; p < 0.0001). This test is easy to create and efficiently quantifies the severity of red desaturation.


Pseudotumor of the orbit in early childhood.
Orbital pseudotumor, also known as idiopathic orbital inflammation, is defined as a nonspecific, nonneoplastic inflammatory process of the orbit without identifiable local or systemic causes. The disorder, first described by Birch-Hirschfield in 1905, is more prevalent in the adult population than in the pediatric population. In our study we discuss two cases of pseudotumor of the orbit in children less than 18 months old. This report will highlight the evaluation and management of pediatric orbital pseudotumor and the importance of its inclusion in the differential diagnosis of orbital disorders in young children.


[Pathogenetic and surgical aspects of treating gastroesophageal reflux and hiatal hernia].
Gastroesophageal reflux is a diesease caused by a disorder of the esophagus motor function, weakening of the barrier lower esophageal sphincter function, slowing-down of gastric evacuation, and as result, prolonged contact of the gullett mucosa with the acidic gastric content.


Plasma ghrelin modulation in gastric band operation and sleeve gastrectomy.
Gastric band operation and sleeve gastrectomy are increasingly popular bariatric surgeries for weight loss. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in plasma ghrelin levels and hypothalamic ghrelin receptor expression with weight loss achieved through these surgeries. Twenty-four high fat diet-induced obese rats were used to investigate the effects of gastric band and sleeve operation on Body Mass Index, fat mass, plasma ghrelin levels, and hypothalamic growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R 1a) protein expression in hypothalamus. In comparison, data of patients who received laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in our hospital in 2005 were also summarized. Body weights and fat mass decreased significantly in rats that received operation. Plasma ghrelin concentrations in the sleeve group were 0.4-fold of control rats and about 2-fold of control in the gastric band group. GHS-R1a protein expression in hypothalamus was 1.5-fold in the sleeve group compared with control group, while it was only 0.9-fold in the gastric band group. Clinical data showed that patients in the LSG group lost 60% excess body weights in 2 years follow-up. After operation, fasting plasma ghrelin concentrations in LAGB was significantly higher than the LSG group. Both LAGB and LSG can decrease patients' excess body weights and fat mass. Plasma ghrelin levels are down-regulated with LSG operation but up-regulated with LAGB operation. Hypothalamic GHS-R1a expression is elevated in sleeve gastrectomy.


Isolation and characterization of cell membranes.
The steps outlined above should provide a framework for developing and evaluating a scheme for isolating a particular membrane system of interest. Further characterization often focuses on the specific research interests of an investigator. Most subsequent techniques will probably involve biochemical analyses of protein and lipid components and biophysical analyses of membrane properties. The techniques to be used, such as SDS gel electrophoresis, enzyme kinetics, receptor binding, protein purification, etc. are not unique to membrane systems and will not be described in detail. However, it is likely that the functional relevance and success of subsequent analyses will be aided if the starting membranes are as homogeneous and well-characterized as possible. Even if some of the fractionation steps are bypassed, such as might occur if a specific membrane protein is detergent-extracted, purified, and reconstituted directly from a crude homogenate, a full understanding of membrane protein function will probably require complementary studies on intact cells and isolated membranes.