Quantitation of reflux and outflow obstruction in patients with CVD and correlation with clinical severity.
Chronic venous disease (CVD) is the result of venous reflux, obstruction or a combination of both. So far, attempts to correlate venous hemodynamic measurements with symptoms and signs of CVD have produced poor to moderate results, probably because of lack of methods to quantitate obstruction and combine measurements of reflux and obstruction. Our hypothesis is that the combination of quantitative measurements of (a) overall reflux (superficial and deep) and (b) overall outflow resistance i.e. including the collateral circulation would provide a hemodynamic index that should be related to the severity of the disease. Twenty-five limbs with chronic venous disease and 1 limb from a healthy volunteer (VCSS 0-13) were studied. The clinical CEAP classification was C0 in one limb, C1 in 2 limbs, C2 in 10 limbs, C3 in 3 limbs, C4 in 1 limb, C5 in 6 limbs and C6 in 3 limbs. Air-plethysmography was used to measure reflux (VFI in mL/s) when the subject changed position from horizontal to standing. Subsequently, with the subject horizontal and the foot elevated 15 cm, simultaneous recordings of pressure and volume were made on release of a proximal thigh cuff inflated to 70 mmHg. Pressure change was recorded with a needle in the foot and volume change with air-plethysmography. Flow (Q in mL/min) was calculated at intervals of 0.1 seconds from tangents on the volume outflow curve. Outflow resistance (R) was calculated at 0.1 second intervals by dividing pressure by the corresponding flow (R=P/Q). R increased markedly at pressures lower than 25 mmHg due to decrease in vein cross-sectional area, so resistance at 25 mmHg (R25) was used in this study. In a multivariable linear regression analysis with VCSS as the dependent variable, both VFI and R25 were independent predictors (P<0.001). Using the constant (0.595) and regression coefficients, the regression equation provided a Hemodynamic Index (HI) or estimated VCSS=0.595 + (VFI x 0.41) + (R25 x 98). Thus, HI could be calculated for every patient by substituting VFI and R25 in the equation. HI or calculated VCSS was linearly related to the observed VCSS (r=0.86). The results indicate that the combination of quantitative measurements of reflux and outflow resistance provide a hemodynamic index which is linearly related to the VCSS. These findings need to be confirmed in larger series.


Does sound stimulation have additive effects on cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronic tinnitus?
Psychological and physiological habituation are major goals in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic tinnitus. This study evaluates whether sound stimulation provided by use of low level white noise generators (NG) enhances the effects of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT). 124 outpatients with tinnitus of >6 months received manualized group treatment and were randomly assigned to the NG/no NG conditions. Those with moderate tinnitus-related distress obtained four sessions focusing on education, while severely distressed subjects were treated according to a full 10-session CBT program. Outcome was assessed at post-treatment and at 6- and 18-month follow-up. No additive effects due to the NGs could be demonstrated. All groups improved significantly on measures of tinnitus-related distress, dysfunctional cognitions, general psychopathology, depression, hypochondriasis and psychosocial functioning. Beneficial effects of the NGs were only observed for patients with concurrent tinnitus and hyperacusis. As systematic physical stimulation of the auditory system does not further improve the effects of CBT, the importance and strength of psychological interventions are emphasized. The clinical relevance of recently developed "retraining" approaches accentuating physical stimulation should be reconsidered.


Domain movements in protein kinases.
Structural studies of the catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, both by crystallographic methods and in solution, reveal two conformations. Crystal structures of several other protein kinases have also been solved in the past year. With this combined information we can begin to define mobile domains and subdomains within the conserved catalytic core.


Attitudes of behaviorally disordered students toward tests.
In two studies, attitudes reported toward testing by behaviorally disordered students and their regular classroom counterparts were compared. In Study 1, 12 behaviorally disordered and 25 average fifth and sixth graders were given a survey regarding their attitude toward tests and the test-taking experience. Students classified behaviorally disordered reported less positive attitudes toward tests than their more average peers; these attitude differences were more pronounced on items which reflected subjective attitudes toward the test-taking situation and aspirations about performance and less pronounced on evaluation of the value of tests. In Study 2, which employed a sample of 25 behaviorally disordered and 25 regular classroom students matched on age and sex and used a longer attitude measure, differences were not found. Taken together, these studies suggest that attitudes toward tests are inconsistent in the two populations and that some behaviorally disordered students may not differ so much in this regard as supposed.


Prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in Hawaii: is there a difference between ethnic groups?
This population-based study in Hawaii collected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus from medical facilities and a patient support group. A total of 454 cases was found and the prevalence was estimated at 41.8 per 100,000 population for 1989. The prevalence odds ratio for all non-Caucasians compared to Caucasians was 1.2 (0.9-1.5), for Japanese 1.3 (1.0-1.7), for Filipinos 1.5 (1.1-2.0), for Chinese 2.4 (1.7-3.4), and for Hawaiians 0.8 (0.6-1.1). Mortality rates were 3 times higher for non-Caucasians than for Caucasians in 1985 to 1989. Despite the observed differences, it remains unclear whether individuals with Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry are at higher risk for systemic lupus erythematosus. The variation in prevalence rates may be a result of differences in access to medical care and in survival.


Neural parvalbumin and calretinin in the tooth pulp.
Parvalbumin- and calretinin-immunoreactivities (CR-irs) were examined in the molar tooth pulp of the rat using immunohistochemical methods. CR-ir fibers were further classified based on the tachykinin-ir revealed by a double immunofluorescence method. The rat root pulp contained three types of nerve fibers; parvalbumin-ir smooth fibers, CR-ir (TK-negative) smooth fibers and CR-ir (TK-ir) varicose fibers. These fibers projected toward the roof of the pulp chamber and pulp horn without marked ramification. In the subodontoblastic layer at the roof of the pulp chamber and pulp horn, parvalbumin-ir smooth fibers repeatedly ramified and extended varicose terminals into the odontoblastic layer. CR-ir (TK-negative) smooth fibers reached the subodontoblastic layer without marked ramification and gave rise to varicose terminals that appeared to terminate within the subodontoblastic layer. On the other hand, CR-ir (TK-ir) varicose fibers proceeded to the subodontoblastic layer at the roof of the pulp chamber and pulp horn, where they ramified and penetrated the odontoblastic layer. The present study indicates that the rat tooth pulp contains myelinated parvalbumin-ir and CR-ir (TK-negative) fibers, and unmyelinated CR-ir (TK-ir) fibers, and that they project varicose terminals to the subodontoblastic and odontoblastic layers. The central projection sites of these sensory fibers have yet to be revealed.


A comparison of self-reported dental health attitudes and behavior between selected Japanese and Australian students.
To compare cross-cultural differences of dental health behavior, 376 dental students in Japan and 213 in Australia were surveyed using a twenty-item Hiroshima University-Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) questionnaire (in Japanese and English versions respectively). The mean DBI score of Year 1 Australian students was significantly greater than that of their Japanese peers (Australian 6.56, Japanese 5.57; P < 0.001), which suggested a higher level of dental health awareness in Australian students on entry. Only 7 percent of the Japanese students had been told by their dentist that they were performing a high level of plaque control, as contrasted with 50 percent of the Australian students. Furthermore, while only a small proportion of the Australian students (8 percent) reported a belief that they may eventually require dentures, 37 percent of the Japanese students held this belief (P < 0.001). The mean HU-DBI score of the Japanese students was lower than that of the Australian students until Year 4. Differences between the genders were not a major feature.


[Quality of life and coping with illness in patients with acute myeloid leukemia].
Advances in chemotherapy significantly prolong survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and may cure a significant percentage of patients. Therefore, the assessment of quality of life (QL) of patients undergoing chemotherapy is of growing interest. This study was designed to evaluate QL in patients with AML treated according to the protocol of the German AML-Cooperative Group (Münster, FRG). Based on conceptual, methodological and practical criteria, the EORTC-QLQ C 30 questionnaire was used. In addition, patients' coping strategies were assessed by the FQCI. Patients' individual perception of their disease and therapy was evaluated by a semi-structured interview. Currently, 61 patients are enrolled in the protocol. For those patients having completed the course of inpatient treatment, individual assessment of Global Health Status and Subjective QL improves significantly. The content analysis of the interviews shows to what extent aspects of the inpatient setting influence patients' QL. Although only a minority of patients with AML remain in continuous complete remission, the evaluation of QL in patients undergoing treatment shows that subjective benefit outweighs the effects of antileukemic therapy.


Teaching with symbols tangentially related to topic: using a linked multimedia approach to enhance learning.
40 undergraduate students, none of whom were history or literature majors, attended a lecture on Medieval literature. For half the students the lecture was supplemented by two sets of slides. One set summarized course content while the second set contained slides of paintings or other forms of visual art which were only tangentially related to the topic. For the other half of the student-group, the lecture was supplemented by course content slides only. Students viewing symbolic slides had significantly higher test scores on a written 20-question multiple-choice test given immediately after the lecture.


Direct contact ultrasound for fouling control and flux enhancement in air-gap membrane distillation.
Air Gap Membrane distillation (AGMD) is a thermally driven separation process capable of treating challenging water types, but its low productivity is a major drawback. Membrane fouling is a common problem in many membrane treatment systems, which exacerbates AGMD's low overall productivity. In this study, we investigated the direct application of low-power ultrasound (8-23 W), as an in-line cleaning and performance boosting technique for AGMD. Two different highly saline feedwaters, namely natural groundwater (3970 μS/cm) and RO reject stream water (12760 μS/cm) were treated using Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. Theoretical calculations and experimental investigations are presented, showing that the applied ultrasonic power range only produced acoustic streaming effects that enhanced cleaning and mass transfer. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) analysis showed that ultrasound was capable of effectively removing silica and calcium scaling. Ultrasound application on a fouled membrane resulted in a 100% increase in the permeate flux. Cleaning effects accounted for around 30-50% of this increase and the remainder was attributed to mass transfer improvements. Contaminant rejection percentages were consistently high for all treatments (>99%), indicating that ultrasound did not deteriorate the membrane structure. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of the membrane surface was used to confirm this observation. The images of the membrane surface demonstrated that ultrasound successfully cleaned the previously fouled membrane, with no signs of structural damage. The results of this study highlight the efficient and effective application of direct low power ultrasound for improving AGMD performance.


Extended monod kinetics for substrate, product, and cell inhibition.
A generalized form of Monod kinetics is proposed to account for all kinds of product, cell, and substrate inhibition. This model assumes that there exists a critical inhibitor concentration above which cells cannot grow, and that the constants of the Monod equation are functions of this limiting inhibitor concentration. Methods for evaluating the constants of this rate form are presented. Finally the proposed kinetic form is compared with the available data in the literature, which unfortunately is very sparse. In all cases, this equation form fitted the data very well.


Lumiracoxib in the management of osteoarthritis and acute pain.
Lumiracoxib is a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor with a novel chemical structure and a relatively short plasma half-life. It has been approved in > 40 countries for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis and/or acute pain related to primary dysmenorrhoea and dental or orthopaedic surgery. In these conditions, lumiracoxib has proved to be as effective as standard doses of conventional NSAIDs and other COX-2 selective inhibitors (coxibs). According to the Therapeutic Arthritis Research Gastrointestinal Trial, which enrolled 18,325 patients with osteoarthritis, lumiracoxib 400 mg/day (four times its recommended dosage) was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of ulcer complications compared with naproxen 1000 mg/day and ibuprofen 2400 mg/day, at least in the population not taking low-dose aspirin. The atherothrombotic potential of NSAIDs, especially coxibs, has been much debated. In this respect, available data do not suggest that lumiracoxib may be associated with an increased hazard of cardiovascular events compared with non-selective NSAIDs. Finally, lumiracoxib may be an effective and safe drug provided both physicians and patients will comply with its approved indications and contraindications.


[Is there an increasing frequency of long-term perinatal morbidity with decreasing perinatal mortality or is it also declining].
To evaluate the changes of late perinatal morbidity related to the decrease perinatal mortality. Comparative epidemiological study. Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague. Comparison of epidemiological national and international data on the relationship of perinatal mortality and late perinatal morbidity. When the value of perinatal mortality was higher than 10 per thousand (in developed countries in 90's of the previous century), the incidence of late perinatal morbidity, mostly characterised by the incidence of cerebral palsy and serious mental retardation evaluated in different periods after delivery decreased with the decrease of perinatal mortality. However, with the decrease of specific early neonatal mortality the late perinatal morbidity started to increase. This increase depends on the birthweight and on the selected criteria evaluating the relationship of perinatal mortality and long-term perinatal morbidity in different studies. On the other hand, the absolute number of newborns increases with the decrease of perinatal mortality and the number of infants with late perinatal morbidity decreases. When perinatal mortality is low, the decrease of specific early neonatal mortality leads to the increase of late perinatal morbidity. The extent depends on the birthweight and on the selected criteria. Absolute number of infants with late perinatal morbidity decreases.


[Assessment of prenatal care in pregnant women].
The aim of Prenatal care of pregnant woman is to asses her general condition and as soon as possible all eventual complications associated with pregnancy. Only diagnoses of pathological states in early stages may allow to use prophylaxis and to treat it. The purpose of this study is to asses prenatal care of pregnant women who delivered in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Collegium Medicum of The Jagiellonian University. On the basis of questionnaire we analyzed 100 pregnant women, the average age was 27.6, and different socioeconomic status who delivered neonates in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Collegium Medicum of The Jagiellonian University in 2002 year. Majority of patients were in the age range between 25 and 28 with middle education. 95.5% women underwent first obstetrical visit during first 3 months of the gestational age. The average number of obstetrical visits during pregnancy was 11. 69% women had one obstetrical visit per month. The average duration of visit was more than 20 minutes. 99% women underwent examinations for pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus and anemia. Ultrasound examination was performed in 99% women. In majority of cases women were not enough informed about birthing school, possibilities of administration of anesthesia during labour, family delivery and sexual intercourses during pregnancy. 1. This study suggests that pregnant women benefit from appropriate medical care during pregnancy. 2. Correctly performed screening for pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus and anemia allow to prevent pathology. 3. Pregnant women are not enough informed about possibilities of administration of anesthesia during labour, family delivery, birthing school and sexual intercourses during pregnancy.


[Insulin resistance and hypertension].
It was recently suggested that insulin resistance present in diabetes and obesity may contribute to hypertension that frequently associates with both conditions. It has been proposed that the resulting hyperinsulinemia may induce hypertension through four possible mechanisms: Its trophic effect on vascular smooth muscle cells, increasing cytosolic calcium, increasing tubular sodium reabsorption or by stimulating adrenergic activity. Other studies however, did not confirm the ability of insulin to elevate blood pressure suggesting that the association between hypertension and hyperinsulinemia may no be a cause effect relationship, instead both phenomena may be secondary to the same cause. It has been suggested that adrenergic hyperactivity, changes in cellular ionic flux and alterations in microcirculation can induce both hypertension and insulin resistance.


All-trans retinoic acid reverses phorbol ester resistance in a human myeloid leukemia cell line.
Treatment of human HL-60 leukemic cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is associated with activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and induction of monocytic differentiation. An HL-60 variant cell line, termed HL-525, derived from long-term exposure to TPA (Homma et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83: 7316, 1986) is resistant to TPA-induced differentiation and displays decreased PKC beta expression compared with the HL-60 parent line. However, this variant exhibits features of granulocytic differentiation, including nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, when exposed to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Whereas treatment of HL-525 cells with ATRA or TPA alone had no effect on features of monocytic differentiation, these agents in combination resulted in cellular adhesion, nonspecific esterase staining, and induction of the c-fms (monocyte growth factor receptor) gene. In order to measure PKC expression associated with the reversal of TPA resistance by ATRA, we exposed HL-525 cells to ATRA and analyzed PKC-mRNA and protein levels. Exposure of HL-525 cells to ATRA for 3 days resulted in induction of PKC beta transcripts, whereas there was little change in PKC alpha mRNA levels. ATRA treatment was also associated with an increase in PKC activity and an induction of cytosolic PKC beta protein levels. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ATRA reverses TPA resistance in HL-525 cells by enhancing the expression of PKC.


Detecting periodic patterns in unevenly spaced gene expression time series using Lomb-Scargle periodograms.
Periodic patterns in time series resulting from biological experiments are of great interest. The commonly used Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm is applicable only when data are evenly spaced and when no values are missing, which is not always the case in high-throughput measurements. The choice of statistic to evaluate the significance of the periodic patterns for unevenly spaced gene expression time series has not been well substantiated. The Lomb-Scargle periodogram approach is used to search time series of gene expression to quantify the periodic behavior of every gene represented on the DNA array. The Lomb-Scargle periodogram analysis provides a direct method to treat missing values and unevenly spaced time points. We propose the combination of a Lomb-Scargle test statistic for periodicity and a multiple hypothesis testing procedure with controlled false discovery rate to detect significant periodic gene expression patterns. We analyzed the Plasmodium falciparum gene expression dataset. In the Quality Control Dataset of 5080 expression patterns, we found 4112 periodic probes. In addition, we identified 243 probes with periodic expression in the Complete Dataset, which could not be examined in the original study by the FFT analysis due to an excessive number of missing values. While most periodic genes had a period of 48 h, some had a period close to 24 h. Our approach should be applicable for detection and quantification of periodic patterns in any unevenly spaced gene expression time-series data.


Interstitial glycerol concentrations in human skeletal muscle and adipose tissue during graded exercise.
It is not clear how lipolysis changes in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue during exercise of different intensities. We aimed at estimating this by microdialysis and muscle biopsy techniques. Nine healthy, young men were kicking with both legs at 25% of maximal power (Wmax) for 45 min and then simultaneously with one leg at 65% and the other leg at 85% Wmax for 35 min. Glycerol concentrations in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue interstitial fluid and in arterial plasma increased (P<0.001) during low intensity exercise and increased (P<0.05) even more during moderate intensity exercise. The difference between interstitial muscle and arterial plasma water glycerol concentration, which indicates the direction of the glycerol flux, was positive (P<0.05) at rest (21 +/- 9 microM) and during exercise at 25% Wmax (18 +/- 6 microM). The difference decreased (P<0.05) with increasing exercise intensity and was not significantly different from zero during exercise at 65% (-11 +/- 17 microM) and 85% (-12 +/- 13 microM) Wmax. In adipose tissue, the difference between interstitial and arterial plasma water glycerol increased (P<0.001) with increasing intensity. The net triacylglycerol breakdown, measured chemically from the biopsy, did not differ significantly from zero at any exercise intensity although directional changes were similar to microdialysis changes. Skeletal muscle releases glycerol at rest and at low exercise intensity but not at higher intensities. This can be interpreted as skeletal muscle lipolysis peaking at low exercise intensities but could also indicate that glycerol is taken up in skeletal muscle at a rate which is increasing with exercise intensity.


Protection of alpha(3) integrin-mediated podocyte shape by superoxide dismutase in the puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis rat.
Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the development of puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis (PAN), we examined whether superoxide dismutase (SOD) could ameliorate this condition. Phosphatidyl choline-bound SOD (PC-SOD) has higher affinity for the cell membrane than recombinant human SOD (rhSOD). In this study, PC-SOD had a longer half-life in the circulation and also higher affinity to renal fractions (glomerulus, brush border, and tubulus) than rhSOD. PAN was induced in rats with single injections of puromycin aminonucleoside. Rats were divided into four groups: group P, PAN rats without treatment; group PC-T and group rh-T, PAN rats treated with 30,000 U/kg PC-SOD and rhSOD, respectively; and group C, normal controls. The effect of PC-SOD versus rhSOD on PAN was evaluated by morphological podocyte changes (podocyte density along the GBM) and alpha(3) integrin expression at days 4 and 10. Proteinuria was measured over time until day 14. Distribution and quantitation of alpha(3) integrin were studied by confocal laser scan microscopy. On day 4, glomerular ROS was measured by chemiluminescence without stimulation. PC-SOD decreased proteinuria to the control level, but rhSOD only decreased proteinuria by 31%. PC-SOD significantly improved podocyte density (P < 0.05 versus group P). Total alpha(3) integrin expression decreased in the P and rh-T groups at day 4 and then had recovered by day 10, but the polarity of the site of expression did not recover. PC-T preserved both the amount and polarity of integrin expression on days 4 and 10. PC-SOD significantly suppressed ROS generation in PAN (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that alpha(3) integrin regulates glomerular permeability by maintaining podocyte shape and adhesion, which is disrupted by ROS overproduction.


Aqueous degradation of N-(hydroxymethyl)phthalimide in the presence of specific and general bases. Kinetic assessment of N-hydroxymethyl derivatives of nitrogen heterocycles as possible prodrugs.
The conversion of N-(hydroxymethyl)phthalimide (NHPH) to phthalimide could not be detected within 300 s at pH 9.0, whereas in 0.18 M NaOH complete conversion of NHPH to phthalimide was observed within 50 s. In the presence of 0.2-0.4 M 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane buffer solutions (pH 9.30-9.54), 40-60% conversion of NHPH to phthalimide occurred within 90-120 s. The initial concentration of NHPH affected the extent of conversion of NHPH to phthalimide.


Plant Density and Rhizosphere Chemistry: Does Marigold Root Exudate Composition Respond to Intra- and Interspecific Competition?
The development of techniques to non-destructively monitor allelochemical dynamics in soil using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microtubing (silicone tubing microextraction, or STME) provides a means to test important ecological hypotheses regarding the roles of these compounds in plant-plant interactions. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of intra- and interspecific competition on the exudation of thiophenes by marigolds (Tagetes patula L.). Marigolds were grown at a density of 1, 3 and 5 plants in pots (8.75 × 8.75 cm) containing two STME samplers. An additional treatment included one marigold surrounded by four velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti L.) plants. Marigold roots released two primary thiophenes, 3-buten-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithienyl and α-terthienyl, which are readily absorbed by silicone microtubing. Thiophene exudation was monitored over the period 15-36 days after planting, at 2-5 day intervals. At the end of the study, root and soil samples were also analyzed for thiophene content. Thiophene production per plant increased over time, and thiophene release was strongly correlated with plant size. These results indicate that thiophene release in this study was passively controlled by resource availability. However, poor growth of velvetleaf plants competing with marigold suggests that thiophenes negatively influenced velvetleaf growth. This study, then, provides indirect evidence that thiophene exudation is insensitive to neighbor identity but differentially effective in inhibiting the growth of heterospecific neighbors.


Activity participation intensity is associated with skeletal development in pre-pubertal children with developmental coordination disorder.
This study aimed (1) to compare the skeletal maturity and activity participation pattern between children with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD); and (2) to determine whether activity participation pattern was associated with the skeletal development among children with DCD. Thirty-three children with DCD (mean age: 7.76 years) and 30 typically developing children (mean age: 7.60 years) were recruited. Skeletal maturity was assessed with the Sunlight BonAge system. Motor ability was evaluated by the Movement assessment battery for Children-2 (MABC-2). Participation patterns were evaluated using the Children Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment assessment. Analysis of variance was used to compare the outcome variables between the two groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between skeletal development, motor performance and activity participation intensity in children with DCD. The DCD group had significantly delayed skeletal development, lower MABC-2 derived scores, and participated less intensely in various types of physical activities than their typically developing peers. After accounting for the effects of age and sex, activity participation intensity score remained significantly associated with delay in skeletal development, explaining 28.0% of the variance (F(change1, 29)=11.341, p=0.002). Skeletal development is delayed in pre-pubertal children with DCD. Limited activity participation intensity appears to be one of the contributing factors.


Dietary fatty acids specifically modulate phospholipid pattern in colon cells with distinct differentiation capacities.
Although beneficial effects of the dietary n-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or butyrate in colon carcinogenesis have been implicated, the mechanisms of their action are not fully clear. Here, we investigated modulations of composition of individual phospholipid (PL) classes, with a particular emphasis on cardiolipins (CLs), in colon cells treated with DHA, sodium butyrate (NaBt), or their combination (DHA/NaBt), and we evaluated possible associations between lipid changes and cell fate after fatty acid treatment. In two distinct human colon cell models, foetal colon (FHC) and adenocarcinoma (HCT-116) cells, we compared patterns and composition of individual PL classes following the fatty acid treatment by HPLC-MS/MS. In parallel, we measured the parameters reflecting cell proliferation, differentiation and death. In FHC cells, NaBt induced primarily differentiation, while co-treatment with DHA shifted their response towards cell death. In contrast, NaBt induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells, which was not further affected by DHA. DHA was incorporated in all main PL types, increasing their unsaturation, while NaBt did not additionally modulate these effects in either cell model. Nevertheless, we identified an unusually wide range of CL species to be highly increased by NaBt and particularly by DHA/NaBt, and these effects were more pronounced in HCT-116 cells. DHA and DHA/NaBt enhanced levels of high molecular weight and more unsaturated CL species, containing DHA, which was specific for either differentiation or apoptotic responses. We identified a wide range of CL species in the colon cells which composition was significantly modified after DHA and NaBt treatment. These specific CL modulations might contribute to distinct cellular differentiation or apoptotic responses.


A new syndrome? Unusual facies, hooked clavicles, 13 pairs of ribs, widened metaphyses, square shaped vertebral bodies and communicating hydrocephalus.
Two strikingly similar twin sisters presented with characteristic facial anomalies and distinctive radiographic findings. The occurrence of this unique pattern of malformations in two sisters with unaffected parents suggests recessive inheritance. They most likely represent a previously unrecognised malformation syndrome.


[Congenital non-union of the clavicle (author's transl)].
The isolated congenital non-union of the clavicle is an extremely rare condition. We report on of one case of bilateral congenital non-union of the clavicle in which the left side became painful. Treatment with compression plate osteosynthesis and homologous cancellous bone grafting was successful. Surgical treatment of this rare condition is only indicated when the non-union becomes painful.


Why Seek a Doctorate-Prepared Nurse to Join Your Team?
Increasing numbers of doctoral-prepared nurses are joining interprofessional health care teams. Interestingly, the evolving doctoral programs for nurse leaders can be confusing to other health care professionals. Advanced education for nursing leaders is driven by a growing need for cost-effective implementation of evidence-based practices. Professional nursing organizations and nursing education programs have redefined education to respond to the call for knowledgeable experts to lead evidence-based quality improvements. As interprofessional health care management teams face the daunting task of selecting team members, an understanding of the differences in nursing doctoral programs is needed. A doctor of nursing practice degree-prepared nurse can strengthen the health care team by providing a skill set that includes not only the ability to translate evidence into best practice, but also the ability to communicate effectively with all members of the interprofessional team.


Role of minerals in thermal alteration of organic matter--II: a material balance.
Pyrolysis experiments were performed on Green River and Monterey Formation kerogens (Types I and II, respectively) with and without calcite, illite, or montmorillonite at 300 degrees C for 2 to 1,000 hours under dry and hydrous conditions. Pyrolysis products were identified and quantified, and a material balance of product and reactants resulted. Significant differences were found in the products generated by pyrolysis of kerogens with and without minerals. Both illite and montmorillonite adsorb a considerable portion (up to 80%) of the generated bitumen. The adsorbed bitumen is almost exclusively composed of polar compounds and asphaltenes that crack to yield low molecular weight compounds and insoluble pyrobitumen during prolonged heating. Montmorillonite shows the most pronounced adsorptive and catalytic effects. With calcite however, the pyrolysis products are similar to those from kerogen heated alone, and bitumen adsorption is negligible. Applying these results to maturation of organic matter in natural environments, we suggest that a given type of organic matter associated with different minerals in source rocks will yield different products. Furthermore, the different adsorption capacities of minerals exert a significant influence on the migration of polar and high molecular weight compounds generated from the breakdown of kerogen. Therefore, the overall accumulated products from carbonate source rocks are mainly heavy oils with some gas, whereas light oils and gases are the main products from source rocks that contain expandable clays with catalytic and adsorptive properties.


Personality correlates of the Hypercompetitive Attitude Scale: validity tests of Horney's theory of neurosis.
This study focused on assessing the concurrent validity of Horney's ideas about the personalities of hypercompetitive individuals based on her theory of neurosis. One hundred and sixty university men and women provided data by responding to a test battery of personality inventories containing measures of hypercompetitive attitudes and several theoretically relevant constructs. The results strongly support Horney's contentions. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that hypercompetitive individuals were high in narcissism, Type E orientation, and several aspects of sensation seeking. The discussion centered on hypercompetitiveness as a mental health problem in American society and on the scale's utility in the diagnosis of the problem and in the assessment of therapeutic change in clients.


Theory of mind in social anxiety disorder, depression, and comorbid conditions.
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by marked interpersonal impairment, particularly when presenting with comorbid major depression. However, the foundational social-cognitive skills that underlie interpersonal impairment in comorbid and non-comorbid manifestations of SAD has to date received very little empirical investigation. In a sample of 119 young adults, the current study examined differences in theory of mind (ToM), defined as the ability to decode and reason about others' mental states, across four groups: (a) non-comorbid SAD; (b) non-comorbid Lifetime MDD; (c) comorbid SAD and Lifetime MDD; and (d) healthy control. The non-comorbid SAD group was significantly less accurate at decoding mental states than the non-comorbid MDD and control groups. Further, both the comorbid and non-comorbid SAD groups made significantly more 'excessive' ToM reasoning errors than the non-comorbid MDD group, suggesting a pattern of over-mentalizing. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding the social cognitive foundations of social anxiety.


Experimental ileitis in dogs and colitis in rats with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid--colonoscopic and histopathologic studies.
Using a novel experimental model of chronic enterocolitis described by Morris et al., we observed sequential changes of mucosal lesions endoscopically and performed histopathological studies. Fisher rats were rectally administered 25 mg of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in 0.5 ml of 50% ethanol (ET). The combination treatment of TNBS and ET produced colitis in rats for over 3 weeks. TNBS itself did not induce any lesions. ET alone induced mucosal lesions, but their severity was much smaller than that induced by TNBS/ET. As an animal model much closer to human inflammatory bowel disease, we have newly developed a canine model of chronic ileitis. Adult mongrel dogs were administered 10 ml of 100% ethanol and 1 g of TNBS dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water (i.e., 100 mg/ml solution) through a 4-lumen double balloon tube which was inserted into the ileum. The TNBS/ET-induced ileitis in dogs persisted for 8 weeks. The mucosal lesions induced by TNBS/ET were characterized as annular or longitudinal ulcers accompanied by extensive lymphocyte infiltration and granulomas, which were similar to macro- and microscopic findings observed in human Crohn's disease. Endoscopic examinations were a valuable tool to obtain sequential information on the development of inflammatory changes in each individual animal. Our canine model would provide various advantages for the study of functional impairment in chronic enterocolitis as well as for the detection of potential therapeutic agents in the human counterpart.


Automated multiple development thin layer chromatography of some plant extracts.
The separation of ten plant extracts using automated multiple development thin-layer chromatography (AMD -TLC) is described. Alcoholic extracts were obtained from Cinchona succirubra, Aesculus hippocastanum, Berberis vulgaris. Artemisia abrotanum, Carduus marianus, Thuja occidentalis, Baptisia tinctoria, Paulinia cupana, Lycopus europaeus and Echinacea angustifolia. The separation was performed on silica plates (Sil G-50 UV 254 (Macherey-Nagel), 10 x 20 cm). AMD was achieved in 25 steps using methanol, ethyl acetate, toluene, 1,2-dichloroethane, 25% ammonia solution and anhydrous formic acid as modifiers. The chromatograms were evaluated with a Shimadzu CS-9000 dual-wavelength flying-spot scanner. Better separations were obtained using AMD than isocratic elution.


Tethering complexes in the endocytic pathway: CORVET and HOPS.
Endocytosis describes the processes by which proteins, peptides and solutes, and also pathogens, enter the cell. Endocytosed material progresses to endosomes. Genetic studies in yeast, worms, flies and mammals have identified a set of universally conserved proteins that are essential for early-to-late endosome transition and lysosome biogenesis, and for endolysosomal trafficking pathways, including autophagy. The two Vps-C complexes CORVET (class C core vacuole/endosome tethering) and HOPS (homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting) perform diverse biochemical functions in endocytosis: they tether membranes, interact with Rab GTPases, activate and proof-read SNARE assembly to drive membrane fusion, and possibly attach endosomes to the cytoskeleton. In addition, several of the CORVET and HOPS subunits have diversified in metazoans, and probably form additional specialized complexes to accomodate the higher complexity of trafficking pathways in these cells. Recent studies offer new insights into the complex relationships between CORVET and HOPS complexes and other factors of the endolysosomal pathway. Interactions with V-ATPase, the ESCRT machinery, phosphoinositides, the cytoskeleton and the Rab switch suggest an intricate cooperative network for endosome maturation. Accumulating evidence supports the view that endosomal tethering complexes implement a regulatory logic that governs endomembrane identity and dynamics.


ARID1A expression loss in gastric cancer: pathway-dependent roles with and without Epstein-Barr virus infection and microsatellite instability.
The AT-rich interactive domain 1A gene (ARID1A), which encodes one of the subunits in the Switch/Sucrose Nonfermentable chromatin remodeling complex, carries mutations and is responsible for loss of protein expression in gastric carcinoma, particularly with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and a microsatellite instability-high phenotype. We used immunohistochemistry to investigate the significance of ARID1A loss in 857 gastric carcinoma cases, including 67 EBV(+) and 136 MLH1-lost gastric carcinomas (corresponding to a microsatellite instability-high phenotype). Loss of ARID1A expression was significantly more frequent in EBV(+) (23/67; 34 %) and MLH1-lost (40/136; 29 %) gastric carcinomas than in EBV(-)MLH1-preserved (32/657; 5 %) gastric carcinomas (P < 0.01). Loss of ARID1A correlated with larger tumor size, advanced invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis in EBV(-)MLH1-preserved gastric carcinoma. A correlation was found only with tumor size and diffuse-type histology in MLH1-lost gastric carcinoma, but no correlation was observed in EBV(+) gastric carcinoma. Loss of ARID1A expression in EBV(+) gastric carcinoma was highly frequent in the early stage of gastric carcinoma, although EBV infection did not cause downregulation of ARID1A: EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinomas (n = 8) and lymphomas (n = 15) failed to show loss of ARID1A, and EBV infection did not cause loss of ARID1A in gastric carcinoma cell lines. Taken together, loss of ARID1A may be an early change in carcinogenesis and may precede EBV infection in gastric epithelial cells, while loss of ARID1A promotes cancer progression in gastric cancer cells without EBV infection or loss of MLH1 expression. Loss of ARID1A has different and pathway-dependent roles in gastric carcinoma.


[Influence of prion protein gene polymorphisms on performance traits in German meat sheep breeds].
PrP polymorphisms influence the scrapie susceptiblility of sheep. The objective of this study was to analyse the association between performance traits and the PrP genotype in the sheep breeds German black-headed and German white-headed mutton, Bleu du Maine, German mutton merino, Leine, Texel and Suffolk from Lower Saxony and Westphalia. We analysed performance traits such as scores for muscle mass, type and wool quality and the calculated daily weight gain using linear animal models. In all seven breeds no statistically significant associations were found between performance traits and the occurrence of ARR alleles, and the ARR/ARR genotypes, respectively. All genotyped sheep of all breeds investigated showed significantly superior performance traits in comparison to the non-genotyped animals.


Partial characterization of alcohol dehydrogenase activity in purified rat Leydig cells.
Ethanol metabolism to acetaldehyde by NAD+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity reduces, in part, androgen secretion by rat Leydig cells. ADH in Leydig cells is proposed to decrease the NAD+/NADH ratio and thereby inhibit NAD+-dependent delta 5-3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity and increase NADH-dependent 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Although the reciprocal changes in these steroidogenic enzyme activities by ethanol are attributed to ADH activity, there is very little information about this enzyme in purified Leydig cells. The present studies examined specific characteristics of this enzyme in metrizamide-gradient purified Leydig cells. ADH activity was linear with respect to protein concentration and incubation time. The activity was concentrated in the soluble fraction, and the most effective cofactor was NAD+. The apparent Km for ethanol was 0.50 mM, and the Vmax was 53 nmol NADH/10 min/mg protein. When Leydig cell cytosol was incubated with a fixed ethanol concentration (50 mM) and increasing NAD+ and the data were plotted according to Lineweaver-Burk, a biphasic curve was observed with apparent Km's of 0.032 and 0.17 mM. The optimum pH for the enzyme was 8.2, and the enzyme was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by 4-methylpyrazole. These studies further characterize ADH activity in purified Leydig cells and demonstrate that this enzyme exhibits many characteristics similar to the more widely studied liver enzyme(s).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Airway obstruction in interstitial lung disease.
There is no question that most interstitial lung diseases result in structural alteration of the small airways as well as the alveoli. These structural changes of the airways produce airflow abnormalities that, depending on their extent and severity, are reflected in a variety of tests of pulmonary function. However, in most situations, obstructive lung disease rarely dominates the clinical picture. Airflow limitation may be the predominant defect in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. Concomitant risk factors such as cigarette smoking or dust inhalation may contribute to airway obstruction. Sporadic cases of interstitial lung disease progressing to overt airflow obstruction have been reported. The clinical significance of airway narrowing in interstitial lung disease is a maldistribution of ventilation that causes abnormalities on gas exchange, thereby increasing the work of breathing and possibly the sensation of dyspnea.


Red blood cell partitioning of the [6S]- and the [6R]-isomer of N5-formyltetrahydrofolic acid.
The in vitro interaction of the [6S]- and [6R]-stereoisomers of CHO-THFA with human RBCs was investigated in the (therapeutically comparable) concentration range from 1.0 to 12.5 micrograms/ml. Both compounds are bound to RBCs with a kRBC ranging from 0.13 to 0.75 for [6S]-CHO-THFA and from 0.06 to 0.33 for [6R]-CHO-THFA, respectively. The interaction of the [6S]-form with RBCs is about two times higher than of the [6R]-form. Incubation of CHO-THFA with RBCs over 24 h showed an accelerated disappearance from the test solution for [6R]-CHO-THFA with a mean t1/2 of 49.9 h in compare to t1/2 = 58.2 h for the [6S]-enantiomer. The results indicate that RBCs may play a major role for the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of CHO-THFA and may act as an intravasal depot especially for [6S]-CHO-THFA.


Intrathecal baclofen therapy: challenges in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is a recognized therapy for severe spasticity of both spinal and cerebral origin, with documented positive clinical outcomes for many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This article reviews some specific considerations concerning the use of ITB in the MS population, based on the author's 10 years of clinical experience. The unpredictable and progressive nature of the disease affects the identification of appropriate goals, the patient's decision-making process, and the evaluation of the response to the treatment over time. Patients with MS may be more sensitive to intrathecal baclofen than patients with other diagnoses, and may need a lower dose for both the screening test and maintenance therapy. Subtle cognitive changes may affect the patient's ability to understand the education needed for successful management of ITB. Some practical strategies are offered for the nurse involved in the care of these patients in each stage of the therapy.


The TCM-combined treatment for aphasia due to cerebrovascular disorders.
To evaluate the therapeutic effects of scalp acupuncture (with the cluster needling, a long needle-retention and an intermittent manipulation) combined with the Schuell's stimulation and psychological care for treatment of aphasia due to cerebrovascular disorders. 36 eligible cases of aphasia were randomly assigned into a treatment group and a control group. The scoring system for assessment of aphasia in speaking Chinese set by CMA Neurological Branch and that of BADE were adopted for grading the severity/degree of aphasia before and after the treatment. The total effective rate in the treatment group was 84.21%, and that in the control group was 70.59%, with a very statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). The combined scheme produced a better therapeutic effect.


The Na+/H+ exchanger modulates long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices.
Although present in great variety in the brain, the role of Na(+)/H(+) exchangers (NHEs) in hippocampal plasticity is still unknown and the effect of NHE inhibition on long-term potentiation (LTP) has not been studied yet. As it is conceivable that NHE inhibitors may severely affect mechanisms that are considered to underlie learning and memory we investigated whether the broad-spectrum NHE inhibitor 5'-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA, 10 microM) influences LTP induced by different stimuli based on a theta burst in interface hippocampus slices from 7-8-week-old Wistar and 30-month-old Fischer 344/Brown-Norway F1 hybrid (F344/BN) rats. EIPA did not affect basal synaptic transmission, paired pulse inhibition, or LTP induced by a weak stimulus, but improved the maintenance of the LTP of the population spike induced by a strong tetanus. Our data suggest that NHE activity serves as a negative feedback mechanism to control neuronal excitability and plasticity in both young and senescent animals.


Exploiting the leaky-wave properties of transmission-line metamaterials for single-microphone direction finding.
A transmission-line acoustic metamaterial is an engineered, periodic arrangement of relatively small unit-cells, the acoustic properties of which can be manipulated to achieve anomalous physical behaviours. These exotic properties open the door to practical applications, such as an acoustic leaky-wave antenna, through the implementation of radiating channels along the metamaterial. In the transmitting mode, such a leaky-wave antenna is capable of steering sound waves in frequency-dependent directions. Used in reverse, the antenna presents a well defined direction-frequency behaviour. In this paper, an acoustic leaky-wave structure is presented in the receiving mode. It is shown that it behaves as a sound source direction-finding device using only one sensor. After a general introduction of the acoustic leaky-wave antenna concept, its radiation pattern and radiation efficiency are expressed in closed form. Then, numerical simulations and experimental assessments of the proposed transmission-line based structure, implementing only one sensor at one termination, are presented. It is shown that such a structure is capable of finding the direction of an incoming sound wave, from backward to forward, based on received sound power spectra. This introduces the concept of sound source localization without resorting to beam-steering techniques based on multiple sensors.


Impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and aspirin use on the prevalence of dyspepsia and uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and aspirin (here collectively called NSAIDs) use is the second most common aetiologic factor for peptic ulcer disease and a major factor for peptic ulcer complications. The role of NSAIDs in the pathogenesis of uncomplicated peptic ulcer is less well understood and the interaction between NSAIDs and Helicobacter pylori infection on ulcer development is controversial. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of NSAIDs in the occurrence and clinical features of uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease. A total of 1091 consecutive patients referred for open-access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy by general practitioners (GPs) were enrolled. The use of NSAIDs was gathered from a structured questionnaire completed by the patients and from patient files by GPs. The exclusion criteria were previous H. pylori eradication and gastric surgery, as well as symptoms and/or signs suggestive of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Of the whole study group (n = 1091), 76 (7%) patients had a peptic ulcer. Thirty patients had an NSAID-use-associated peptic ulcer and 46 patients a non-NSAID-use peptic ulcer. Of patients with chronic gastritis (n = 599), 71% were H. pylori-positive and 108 used NSAIDs. Of those with chronic gastritis, 23 had an NSAID-use-associated peptic ulcer and 38 a non-NSAID ulcer. Of patients with normal gastric histology (n = 492), 75 patients used NSAIDs, 7 had an NSAID ulcer and 8 a non-NSAID ulcer. The only independent risk factor for peptic ulcer in patients using NSAIDs was H. pylori infection (odds ratio (OR) 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-7.3), whereas dyspepsia (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.4-2.4), male sex (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.6-3.4), age (OR 1.0 per decade, 95% CI 0.8-1.3) and anaemia (OR 2.9, 95% CI 0.9-8.7) were not risk factors. In patients not using NSAIDs, independent risk factors for peptic ulcer were dyspepsia (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.1-8.8), male sex (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-2.8), age (OR 1.2 per decade, 95% CI 1.0-1.5), anaemia (OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.6-14.9) and H. pylori infection (OR 7.5, 95% CI 3.4-16.6). When comparing patients using NSAIDs or not, the OR of patients on NSAIDs for peptic ulcer was 2.7 (95% CI 1.5-5.0) among patients with chronic H. pylori gastritis (n = 424) and 5.3 (95% CI 1.8-15.0) among patients with normal gastric mucosa (n = 492). The use of NSAIDs increases the risk of peptic ulcer 3- and 5-fold in H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative patients, respectively. Dyspepsia is a poor predictor of peptic ulcer among patients using NSAIDs, and serologic H. pylori testing and treatment for chronic NSAID users is recommended.


Are bile bacteria relevant to septic complications following biliary surgery?
Bile bacteriology, wound sepsis and the effect of prophylactic antibiotics have been studied in a controlled prospective double blind randomized trial on 375 patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy at a district general hospital. We have examined the overall prevalence of bacteria in bile and have identified several factors associated with an increased incidence. The identity of organisms isolated from a total of 21 patients with infected wound swabs was compared with isolates from the bile at operation, and in only two instances was there a correlation. Cephazolin, given either pre-operatively, or into the wound, reduced wound infection rates compared with a control group (from 11.8 to 2.4 per cent, P less than 0.005). We conclude that the majority of wound infections in this series were caused by organisms from the patients' skin or exogenous sources, rather than by bacteria from the biliary system.


Compensation for correlated error in multilayer interferometer.
Wavelength tuning interferometry is used to measure and estimate the surface shape of a sample. However, in multilayer interferometry (e.g., a lithium niobate [LNB] crystal wafer attached to a supporting plate), the correlated error between the higher harmonics and the phase-shift error causes considerable error in the calculated phase. In this study, the correlated errors calculated by various types of windowed phase-shifting algorithms are analyzed in connection with the characteristic polynomial theory and Fourier representation of the algorithms. The surface shape and optical thickness variation of the LNB wafer are measured simultaneously using the windowed phase-shifting algorithms. The results are compared in terms of the observed ripples and measurement repeatability. The experimental results show that the 4N-3 algorithm is optimal and possesses the smallest repeatability error.


Latency of alpha-herpes viruses is accompanied by a chronic inflammation in human trigeminal ganglia but not in dorsal root ganglia.
The immune response to latent herpesvirus infections was compared in human trigeminal ganglia (TG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of 15 dead individuals. On the basis of our previous findings, we hypothesized that T-cells would be attracted to sensory neurons latently infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), but not to those harboring latent varicella zoster virus (VZV). We showed that the TG contain a positive hybridization signal for HSV-1 latency-associated transcript (LAT), whereas the DRG from the same individuals lack detectable LAT. In contrast, immunohistochemistry revealed that latent VZV protein 62 stained positive in the vast majority of all tested TG and DRG. T-cell infiltrates prominently surrounded individual neurons in the TG but not in the DRG. TaqMan polymerase chain reaction also showed higher expression of CD8 and RANTES transcripts in the TG versus DRG. Only the infiltrates in the TG, but not in the DRG, produced RANTES at the protein level. Because it has been shown that RANTES protein is produced only after T-cell receptor stimulation, we assume that T-cell infiltration is associated with antigen recognition in the TG but not in the DRG.


Glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin expression in the frog olfactory system during metamorphosis.
In the present study, we investigated glial cell organization in the olfactory system of adult and tadpole Xenopus laevis using glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin antibodies. Our results showed for the first time that glial fibrillary acidic protein was strongly expressed at the level of the olfactory nerve from tadpole to adult and was likely to be expressed by ensheathing glia. In the olfactory bulb, the nerve layer was stained, and no staining was observed in glomeruli. By contrast, vimentin decorated radial glia in the bulb but faintly stained the olfactory nerve. Interestingly, glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin presented complementary staining patterns, with glial fibrillary acidic protein being expressed in the peripheral olfactory system and vimentin being expressed in the central part of the olfactory system.


Transgenic rabbits expressing mutant essential light chain do not develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Mutations in multiple sarcomeric proteins can cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Although a M149V mutation in the myosin light chain is associated with the human disease, the data from transgenic (TG) mouse models are conflicting. When a human genomic fragment containing the M149V essential myosin light chain was used to generate TG mice, the phenotype was recapitulated. However, when the mouse cDNA containing the mutation was used to generate TG animals, no phenotype could be discerned. TG rabbits can be a valuable complement and extension to mouse-based TG models and we wished to determine whether expression of this mutation in the rabbit heart would result in the disease. The rabbit essential light chain cDNA was isolated, sequenced, the M149V mutation made and the cDNA placed into the beta-myosin heavy chain promoter, which efficiently drives cardiac expression in the rabbit ventricles. Multiple TG rabbit lines showing different levels of protein replacement were obtained. No discernible pattern of disease was apparent at the structural or functional levels at either the neonatal, juvenile or adult stages. We conclude that the M149V mutation is not causative for FHC when expressed in the rabbit within the context of the endogenous protein.


An atypical case of IgG4-related sclerosing pancreatitis on PET/CT imaging.
A 62-year-old man presented with pain in the upper abdomen persisting for 2 months. He had the clinical history of diabetes for approximately 10 years. CT and MRI showed a mass located in processus uncinatus of caput pancreatis. The laboratory tests, including pancreas-originated amylase, tumor marker, IgG, IgG4, and so on, were normal. For suspicion of pancreatic cancer, the patient underwent F-FDG PET/CT, which demonstrated focal and high radioactivity accumulation in processus uncinatus of pancreas, without extrapancreatic radioactivity uptake observed. Finally, the surgical pathology confirmed IgG4-related sclerosing pancreatitis.


Stroke in the tropics.
Similar to northern developed countries, cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. The epidemiology of stroke in the tropics is different from one tropical region to another and from the tropics to northern latitudes. In tropical regions, stroke is due to the conventional mechanisms encountered in other latitudes, as well as unusual causative mechanisms unique to the tropics. In tropical regions, infectious causes of stroke and nonatherosclerotic mechanisms are more common than in nontropical areas. Our current knowledge of stroke in the tropics is limited by the financial restrictions existing in such regions limiting health care delivery and epidemiological research.


Enhanced performance of polymer solar cells by employing a ternary cascade energy structure.
We present a route to successfully tackle the two main limitations, low open circuit voltage (Voc) and limited short circuit-density (Jsc), of polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as an electron-donor. The indene-C60 bisadduct (ICBA) was selected as an electron acceptor to improve the open circuit voltage (Voc). The narrow band gap polymer poly[(4,8-bis-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene)-2,6-diyl-alt-(4-(2-ethylhexanoyl)-thieno[3,4-b]thiophene)-2,6-diyl] (PBDTTT-C), as a complementary electron-donor material, was doped into the host system of P3HT:ICBA to form ternary cascade energy structured PSCs with increased Jsc. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of P3HT:ICBA-based cells was improved from 3.32% to 4.38% by doping with 3 wt% PBDTTT-C with 1 min 150 °C annealing treatment. The 4.38% PCE of ternary PSCs is still larger than the 3.79% PCE of PSCs based on P3HT:ICBA with 10 minutes 150 °C annealing treatment.


Nimodipine improves spatial working memory and elevates hippocampal acetylcholine in young rats.
The calcium channel blocker nimodipine has been reported to improve cognitive performance in aged and brain-damaged animals. In the present study, the effects of nimodipine and placebo on spatial working memory and hippocampal acetylcholine were studied in young Fischer-344 rats. Nimodipine or placebo was administered via subcutaneously implanted, sustained-release pellets. Each active pellet contained 20 mg of nimodipine and released the drug over approximately 21 days. Two days after the drug or placebo pellets were implanted, training in the 8-arm radial maze started and continued for 12 days. Rats were required to learn a win-shift surgery. Nimodipine-treated animals learned the maze more rapidly than a placebo-treated group as indicated by the number of correct choices out of the first eight arms visited (p less than 0.001). Treated rats also made twice as many choices per unit time during the first week of training (p = 0.005). To assess hippocampal acetylcholine release, in vivo microdialysis was performed while animals were awake and unrestrained, 19-21 days after pellet implantation. A probe with a 3 mm semipermeable tip was placed in the hippocampus (CA1 and dentate gyrus), and individual microliters dialysate samples were collected at 2 microliters/min and immediately analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Significantly higher extracellular ACh levels were found in nimodipine-treated rats (71.4 +/- 3.6 nM; n = 4) compared to controls (52.5 +/- 2.5 nM; n = 5) (p = 0.003) and in another group of rats of the same age that received identical drug treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


A single-nucleotide polymorphism of the DAZL gene promoter confers susceptibility to spermatogenic failure in the Taiwanese Han.
Deleted in AZoospermia-like (DAZL) is an autosomal homologue of Y chromosome-linked DAZ gene located on chromosome 3p24. DAZL is only expressed in the gonads and is critical to germ cell development in different species. However, the regulation of DAZL has not been explored. Reporter assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, supershift assays and bisulfate sequencing were used to identify the core promoter region of DAZL. Sequence analysis was used to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region. A total of 337 infertile men with abnormal semen parameters and 203 fertile men with normal semen parameters were subjected to sequence analysis of the DAZL promoter region. The DAZL gene core promoter is located 1 kb upstream of the transcription start site. Three SNPs (-792G>A, -669A>C and -309T>C) were identified in our population. Of these three SNPs, -792G>A was more prevalent in the infertile men (P= 0.0005). Quantitative analysis revealed that genotypes of -792G>A had effects on sperm concentration (P= 0.0025) and motility (P= 1.5 × 10(-7)). The G to A substitution was associated with decreased binding of the nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) to the promoter region and decreased reporter gene activity. We have identified the core promoter of the human DAZL gene. We also provide preliminary evidence for the role of a novel SNP of the DAZL gene promoter in human spermatogenic failure.


[Hyperrhinophonia and craniofacial structure. A cephalometric analysis].
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the cephalometric measurements and the nasalance scores. Therefore the lateral cephalograms of 44 cleft palate patients were analysed and compared with the nasometric findings. The results revealed significant differences for the maxilla: the SNA angle and the inclination of the palatal plane were significantly related to the occurrence of hypernasality. Furthermore, the length of the soft palate and the ratio Spp-Ad3/Spp-V were found to be essential for the resonance of speech.


If you're suffering from stress, you're not alone.
Stress is one of the most common themes among calls to Vetlife Helpline according to its manager, Rosie Allister.


Segregation and Integration of Cortical Information Processing Underlying Cross-Modal Perception.
Visual cues from the speaker's face influence the perception of speech. An example of this influence is demonstrated by the McGurk-effect where illusory (cross-modal) sounds are perceived following presentation of incongruent audio-visual (AV) stimuli. Previous studies report the engagement of specific cortical modules that are spatially distributed during cross-modal perception. However, the limits of the underlying representational space and the cortical network mechanisms remain unclear. In this combined psychophysical and electroencephalography (EEG) study, the participants reported their perception while listening to a set of synchronous and asynchronous incongruent AV stimuli. We identified the neural representation of subjective cross-modal perception at different organizational levels - at specific locations in sensor space and at the level of the large-scale brain network estimated from between-sensor interactions. We identified an enhanced positivity in the event-related potential peak around 300 ms following stimulus onset associated with cross-modal perception. At the spectral level, cross-modal perception involved an overall decrease in power at the frontal and temporal regions at multiple frequency bands and at all AV lags, along with an increased power at the occipital scalp region for synchronous AV stimuli. At the level of large-scale neuronal networks, enhanced functional connectivity at the gamma band involving frontal regions serves as a marker of AV integration. Thus, we report in one single study that segregation of information processing at individual brain locations and integration of information over candidate brain networks underlie multisensory speech perception.


Multimodal treatment strategies combining neoadjuvant hormonal therapy and/or chemotherapy with radical prostatectomy in high-risk localised prostate cancer.
By combining the readily available clinical parameters of tumour stage, Gleason score of the diagnostic biopsy specimen and serum prostate-specific antigen level, men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer can be assessed as to their risk of treatment failure after radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy. For men considered to be at high-risk of treatment failure after local therapy alone, multimodal treatment strategies may result in improved cancer-control outcomes. This strategy has proven effective in the setting of clinical stage T3 - T4 tumours in which the combination of radiotherapy followed by hormonal therapy has improved patient survival. The benefit of neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormonal and/or chemotherapy followed by radical prostatectomy in this setting is unclear but is the subject of ongoing or planned Phase III clinical trials. These studies will help examine the role of multimodal treatment strategies in these high-risk patients.


Seminiferous tubule androgen receptors in experimental cryptorchidism.
As an initial approach to the study of seminiferous tubule androgen receptors in disordered spermatogenesis, cytosol androgen receptors were studied in rats with experimental cryptorchidism. Two weeks after the testis had been repositioned in the abdomen of 6-week-old rats, the animals were hypophysectomized to deplete the testis of androgen, and 1 week later they were killed. Androgen receptor binding was studied in seminiferous tubule cytosol using [3H]methyltrienolone as the radiolabelled probe. The androgen-binding capacity of cryptorchid testis, when expressed as fmol bound/testis, was reduced to 50% of control, in parallel with the decline in testis weight. No change in binding affinity was found. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation using a vertical tube rotor revealed a 9S molybdate-stabilized receptor under low-salt conditions in both cryptorchid and scrotal seminiferous tubule cytosol. Receptor-complex stability studies, analysis by gel filtration and DEAE-cellulose chromatography produced similar results in cryptorchid and scrotal tubules. The mechanism for the reduction in testicular receptor content of an abdominal testis remains to be clarified. The demonstration that testicular androgen receptors can be reduced by cryptorchidism suggests that further studies may indicate the role of receptor binding in testicular function.


Rude color glasses: The contaminating effects of witnessed morning rudeness on perceptions and behaviors throughout the workday.
Using an experimental experience sampling design, we investigate how witnessing morning rudeness influences workers' subsequent perceptions and behaviors throughout the workday. We posit that a single exposure to rudeness in the morning can contaminate employees' perceptions of subsequent social interactions leading them to perceive greater workplace rudeness throughout their workday. We expect that these contaminated perceptions will have important ramifications for employees' work behaviors. In a 10-day study of 81 professional and managerial employees, we find that witnessed morning rudeness leads to greater perceptions of workplace rudeness throughout the workday and that those perceptions, in turn, predict lower task performance and goal progress and greater interaction avoidance and psychological withdrawal. We also find that the contaminating effect of morning rudeness depends on core self-evaluations (CSE)-employees high (vs. low) in CSE are affected less by exposure to morning rudeness. We discuss implications for practice and theory. (PsycINFO Database Record


Increased CD11/CD18 expression and altered metabolic activity on polymorphonuclear leukocytes from patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia.
Functional studies of granulocytes in polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are contradictory. In order to study the possible link between adhesion molecules and functional activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in these patients we measured the expression of CD11/CD18 glycoproteins and the oxidative burst of PMNs in patients with PV (13) and ET (18) and in 15 healthy voluntary donors. Experiments were performed by flow cytometry in total blood. The metabolism was stimulated by incubation with Escherichia coli and fMLP. Increased expression of CD11b/CD18 adhesion was obtained in PV and ET patients (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). Studies of oxidative metabolism, stimulated by E. coli, showed a significantly reduced production of oxygen radicals in both groups of patients (p < 0.001). These data confirm the presence of a complex neutrophil dysfunction in PV and ET that probably reflects intrinsic abnormalities induced by changes in the cells' surface of the neoplastic clone and impaired signal transduction.


Cytoplasmic malic enzyme from mouse kidneys.
NADP+-dependent cytoplasmic malic enzyme was purified to homogeneity from mouse kidneys by a two-step procedure involving 8-(6-aminohexyl)-amino-2', 5'-ADP-Sepharose affinity chromatography and DEAE-Sephadex ion exchange chromatography. The biochemical properties of the purified enzyme from DBA/2J mice were characterized. These include the determination of molecular weight and amino acid compositions, steady-state kinetics, thermal stability and inactivations by iodoacetate and urea. The native enzyme is a tetramer with a molecular weight of 270,000.Km's for NADP+, L-malate, NADPH and pyruvate were determined to be 3.3 micrometer, 50 micrometer, 10.5 micrometer respectively. Similar to the pigeon liver enzyme, the mouse enzyme exhibits an ordered kinetic mechanism proceeding with the binding of coenzyme first. The enzyme is only weakly inhibited by ATP and other cellular metabolites. A remarkable similarity in amino acid compositions was found between the mouse and rat liver malic enzymes.


Minimum Entropy Rate Simplification of Stochastic Processes.
We propose minimum entropy rate simplification (MERS), an information-theoretic, parameterization-independent framework for simplifying generative models of stochastic processes. Applications include improving model quality for sampling tasks by concentrating the probability mass on the most characteristic and accurately described behaviors while de-emphasizing the tails, and obtaining clean models from corrupted data (nonparametric denoising). This is the opposite of the smoothing step commonly applied to classification models. Drawing on rate-distortion theory, MERS seeks the minimum entropy-rate process under a constraint on the dissimilarity between the original and simplified processes. We particularly investigate the Kullback-Leibler divergence rate as a dissimilarity measure, where, compatible with our assumption that the starting model is disturbed or inaccurate, the simplification rather than the starting model is used for the reference distribution of the divergence. This leads to analytic solutions for stationary and ergodic Gaussian processes and Markov chains. The same formulas are also valid for maximum-entropy smoothing under the same divergence constraint. In experiments, MERS successfully simplifies and denoises models from audio, text, speech, and meteorology.


Multifunctional Nanobiocomposite of Poly[(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] and Clay.
The processing and characterization of multifunctional nanobiocomposite of biodegradable poly[(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] (PBSA) and organically modified synthetic fluorine mica (OSFM) are reported. The nanobiocomposite of PBSA with OSFM was prepared using melt- blending, and the structure and morphology of the nanocomposite were characterized using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical and material properties measurements showed the concurrent improvement in temperature dependence storage modulus, tensile properties, gas barrier, and thermal stability of neat PBSA after nanocomposite formation. Such improved inherent properties along with the environmentally-friendly feature are expected to widen the use of PBSA for short-term food-packaging applications.


Sensitive spectrophotometric determination of nitrite in human saliva and rain water and of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere.
A new simple, sensitive, and selective spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of nitrite. The method is based on the reaction of nitrite with sulfathiazole in acidic medium to form a diazonium cation, which is subsequently coupled with N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride to form a highly stable, violet azo dye. The reaction product has an absorption maximum at 546 nm and obeys Beer's law over a nitrite range of 0.054-0.816 microg/mL. The molar absorptivity of the colored compound is 4.61 x 10(4) L/mol x cm). The detection limit is 12.1 microg/L. The relative standard deviation is 0.85% for 5 determinations of nitrite at 0.27 microg/mL. The reproducibility and validity of the proposed method are discussed in the present paper. The simplicity of the method is demonstrated by the high stability of the azo-dye product as well as the short time required for its complete formation in a reaction at room temperature without pH control or extra extraction. The sensitivity of the method is shown by the successful determination of nitrite in human saliva and rain water, and of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere. The results compare favorably with those obtained by the reference method. The selectivity of the method is indicated by its freedom from most interferences, even at high concentrations of nitrate (500 microg/mL).


[Kidney biopsy puncture, kidney aspiration puncture with fine needle, examination of urine sediment in phase contrast. Comparative study for the diagnosis of acute rejection in kidney transplantation].
The relative importance of renal biopsy and cytological studies (fine needle aspiration biopsy and urine sediment examination by phase contrast) in the diagnosis of acute rejection episode was evaluated in 30 patients who received a kidney transplant. All patients underwent these 3 examinations simultaneously during an acute degradation of graft function. Sensitivity of renal biopsy, fine needle biopsy and urine sediment was 0.86, 0.68, 0.43 respectively. The association of fine needle biopsy and urine sediment examination increased the sensitivity up to 0.73. Renal biopsy is indicated to assess the vascular and glomerular status or in the presence of inconclusive cytological studies.


Castor sacs and anal glands of the north american beaver (Castor canadensis): their histology, development, and relationship to scent communication.
Both sexes of beavers possess a pair of castor sacs and a pair of anal glands located in paired subcutaneous cavities between the pelvis and the base of the tail. The castor sacs are not glandular in the histological sense, hence references to these structures as preputial glands or castor glands are misnomers. The wall of the castor sacs is plicate and comprised of three distinct zones: an outer layer of vascular connective tissue, a two-to five-cell-thick layer of mitotic epithelial cells, and several densely packed layers of cornified epithelium which grade into more widely separated sheets toward the lumen. Monocultures of a gram-positive facultatively anaerobic bacterium were present in the lumen of all castor sac preparations. Differences in the frequency of castoreum deposition were not attributable to differences in the structure of the castor sacs. The anal glands of beavers are holocrine sebaceous glands. These glands develop more rapidly than the castor sacs. Anal gland tissue from embryos exhibited cellular characteristics associated with the production of sebum. Secretory activity was evident in all preparations. The relationship of castoreum and anal gland secretion to scent communication among beavers is discussed.


Analyzing the anatomy of integrin adhesions.
Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is necessary for fundamental cellular processes such as survival, migration, and differentiation. Adhesion is mediated by integrin receptors, which recruit multiprotein adhesion complexes to sites of attachment to the ECM. Adhesion complexes provide a structural connection between the ECM and cytoskeleton, transmit mechanical force, and act as signaling hubs to control cell behavior. Recent high-resolution imaging studies of adhesion sites reveal some aspects of their spatial organization and provide insights into their function at the molecular level.


Mensuration of cervical vertebral ratios in Doberman pinschers and Great Danes.
Canine cervical vertebral instability is a complex syndrome involving cervical spinal cord compressive lesions. Doberman pinschers and Great Danes are the most commonly affected breeds. Measurements of vertebral canal diameter (VCD), vertebral body height (H), and vertebral body length (L) were made from C3-C7 in 24 Doberman pinschers and 8 Great Danes by using digital and analog techniques. Significant differences between affected and unaffected sites were noted for Doberman pinschers at C6 (P = 0.039) and C7 (P = 0.027) using analog measurements of VCD/H, and Great Danes at C6 using analog (P = 0.041) and digital (P = 0.004) measurements of VCD/L. Cervical vertebral ratios have potential as a breed-specific screening tool for cervical vertebral instability and warrant longitudinal studies.


A high-accuracy and convenient figure measurement system for large convex lens.
We present a novel optical configuration of a phase-shifting interferometer for high-accuracy figure metrology of large dioptric convex spherical surfaces. The conformation and design considerations according to measurement accuracy, practicability, and system errors analysis are described. More in detail, we show the design principle and methods for the crucial parts. Some are expounded upon with examples for thorough understanding. The measurement procedures and the alignment approaches are also described. Finally, a verification experiment is further presented to verify our theoretical design. This system gives full-aperture and high-precision surface testing while maintaining relatively low cost and convenient operation.


Asymmetric catalytic 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of nitrile imines for the synthesis of chiral spiro-pyrazoline-oxindoles.
A new 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile imines with 3-alkenyl-oxindoles was catalyzed by a new chiral Mg(ClO(4))(2) complex of an N,N'-dioxide ligand. The reaction is so far the sole catalytic synthesis of spiro-pyrazoline-oxindole derivatives. A wide variety of substrates were explored to obtain good yields (up to 98%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99%). This cycloaddition expands the scope of propargyl anion type 1,3-dipole in the construction of 2-pyrazoline subunit.


Environmental monitoring and assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments at Coleroon River Estuary in Tamil Nadu, India.
The combined studies on grain size distribution, organic matter contents of sediments, sequential extraction and bulk concentration of heavy metals, statistical analysis, and ecological risk assessments were carried out to investigate the contamination sources and ecological risks of surface sediments at Coleroon River Estuary in Tamil Nadu, India. The sequential extraction of metals showed that a larger portion of the metals was associated with the residual phase and also in other fractions. The low concentrations of heavy metals were found in exchangeable and carbonate bounds (bioavailable phases). It revealed that sediments of Coleroon River Estuary were relatively unpolluted and were influenced mainly by natural sources. The observed order of bulk concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments was as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > Co. Factor analyses represented that the enrichment of heavy metals was mostly resulted from lithogenic origins associated with anthropogenic sources. These sources were reconfirmed by cluster analysis. Risk assessment code (RAC) suggested that all metals were not harmful in monsoon season. However, Fe was in medium risk, and Mn and Cu were in low risk in summer. According to pollution load index (PLI) of sediments, all heavy metals were toxic. Cu might be related with adverse biological effects on the basis of sediment quality guidelines (SQG) in both seasons. These integrated approaches were very useful to identify the contamination sources and ecological risks of sediments in estuarine environment. It is expected that this research can give a useful information for the remediation of heavy metals in sediments.


[Radiation inactivation of alpha-chymotrypsin in aqueous solutions. The nature of the dose-response relationship].
A study was made of possible reasons for deviations of the dose--response curves from the exponential function at low (less than or equal to 10(-6) M) and high (greater than or equal to 10(-4) M) initial concentrations of the enzyme. Factors influencing the degree of the deviation and type of the dependence of the radiation and chemical yield on the initial concentration of the enzyme are discussed. The data obtained are compared with those reported in the literature.


Commentary on the safety of red cells preserved in extended-storage media for neonatal transfusions.
Red cells preserved in extended-storage media are the standard product dispensed by many regional blood centers. When the red cells are intended for neonatal transfusion, concern exists about the safety of the relatively high quantities of additives present in these media. Definitive studies to address these concerns are not available. Therefore, to estimate the effects of additives and to delineate circumstances in which they might be harmful, the quantities transfused in defined clinical settings were calculated, and the following recommendations are offered for transfusing infants less than 4 months of age. First, red cells preserved in extended-storage media should present no substantive risks when used for small-volume (approximately 10 mL/kg) transfusions of premature infants and can be used without additional processing. Second, the risks of the most premature neonatal patients or those with severe renal and/or hepatic insufficiency cannot be defined clearly, and, because data are not available to ensure safety for these infants, removal of the additive medium and resuspension of the red cells in saline or albumin solution immediately before transfusion are recommended. Third, following a similar rationale, it seems prudent to avoid using entire units of red cells preserved in extended-storage media in massive transfusion settings (e.g., exchange transfusion, cardiac surgery, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). In these settings, the preservative medium should be removed and the red cells resuspended in the fluid that is most appropriate for the procedure that is planned. It must be emphasized that these recommendations are based on calculations and hypothetical settings, not actual data. Accordingly, they are tentative and should be altered as definitive information becomes available.


Long range base-pairing in the leftward transcription unit of bacteriophage lambda. Characterization by electron microscopy and computer-aided sequence analysis.
Restriction fragments of bacteriophage lambda DNA corresponding to the major leftward transcription unit were purified, denatured to form single-stranded DNA, self-annealed, and examined by electron microscopy. Three intrastrand stem and loop secondary structures were observed reproducibly and the locations of the paired regions were determined. A method for computer-aided sequence analysis of these regions is presented and used to identify sets of base-pairings likely to account for the observed structures. One loop observed within gene Ea47 is postulated to involve pairing of sequences which include the polypeptide initiation and termination codons. Another loop is postulated to involve pairing of sequences in gene int with sequences located in the gam-cIII region. A third loop appears to involve sequences in and to the right of gene Ea22 paired with sequences located in the bet-gam region. A general discussion of base-pairing which gives rise to long range interactions is presented along with possible effects of the postulated models on gene expression.


Relationship between DNA methylation states and transcription of individual isoforms encoded by the protocadherin-alpha gene cluster.
The protocadherin-alpha (Pcdh-alpha) gene encodes diverse transmembrane proteins that are differentially expressed in individual neurons in the vertebrate central nervous system. The Pcdh-alpha genomic structure contains variable first exons, each regulated by its own promoter. Here, we investigated the effect of DNA methylation on gene regulation in the Pcdh-alpha gene cluster. We studied two mouse cell lines, C1300 and M3, that expressed different combinations of Pcdh-alpha isoforms and found that 1) the transcription of specific Pcdh-alpha isoforms correlated significantly with the methylation state of the promoter and the 5' (but not the 3') region of the first exon and 2) mosaic or mixed methylation states of the promoters were associated with both active and inactive transcription. Demethylation of C1300 cells up-regulated all of the Pcdh-alpha isoforms, and, in a promoter assay, hypermethylation of the promoters repressed their transcriptional activity. Cell lines subcloned from the demethylated C1300 cells transcribed different combinations of Pcdh-alpha isoforms than the parental, nondemethylated cells, and the promoters showed differential mosaic or mixed methylation patterns. In vivo, the promoter and 5'-regions of the Pcdh-alphaC1 and alphaC2 exons, which are transcribed in all neurons, were extensively hypomethylated. In contrast, the promoters of the Pcdh-alpha1 to -alpha12 isoforms, which are transcribed differentially by individual Purkinje cells, exhibited mosaic methylation patterns. Overall, our results demonstrated that mosaic or mixed DNA methylation states in the promoter and 5'-region of the first exon may help regulate differential Pcdh-alpha transcription and that hypermethylation is sufficient to repress transcription.


Abnormal cholesterol biosynthesis in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.
We measured plasma sterol concentrations in 7 homozygotes with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, 5 heterozygotes and rats treated with BM 15.766, the competitive inhibitor of 7-dehydrocholesterol 7-reductase. Low cholesterol associated with markedly elevated 7-dehydrocholesterol concentrations were detected in the plasma of all homozygotes and inhibitor-treated rats. Heterozygotes were clinically normal and, like control subjects, showed only trace amounts of 7-dehydrocholesterol in plasma. We conclude that the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is due to an inherited defect in 7 dehydrocholesterol 7-reductase which causes the accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol and a deficiency of cholesterol in the plasma, a biochemical abnormality that can be reproduced in rats treated with BM 15.766.


Pilocarpine and carbachol exhibit markedly different patterns of Ca2+ signaling in rat pancreatic acinar cells.
The effects of the partial muscarinic agonist pilocarpine on physiological responses were investigated in rat pancreatic acinar cells and compared with carbachol, a full muscarinic agonist, together with previous results using JMV-180, a partial agonist of CCK-A receptors. Pilocarpine was found to stimulate amylase release from isolated pancreatic acini in a concentration-dependent manner. At a maximal concentration (10 microM), pilocarpine was only capable of stimulating 63% of the secretion stimulated by a maximal concentration of carbachol. Moreover pilocarpine did not induce a decrease in secretion at supramaximal concentrations as does carbachol. In acini loaded with fura-2, superfusion of pilocarpine resulted exclusively in generation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) oscillations at all concentrations tested (0.3 microM-1 mM), in marked contrast to high concentrations of full agonists, which result in a biphasic sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. In common with low concentrations of other secretagogues that stimulate [Ca2+]i oscillations, pilocarpine at all concentrations was only able to stimulate a very small increase in phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis. In acini previously incubated with [3H]inositol, pilocarpine was shown to stimulate PI hydrolysis 27% above basal, compared with 872% for carbachol. To ascertain if this small degree of PI hydrolysis seen with pilocarpine is responsible for the generation of [Ca2+]i oscillations, an inhibitor of phospholipase C-linked processes, U-73122, which has been shown to inhibit Ca2+ oscillations induced by carbachol and CCK but not JMV-180 was tested. This agent rapidly inhibited pilocarpine-stimulated oscillations, indicating that in contrast to JMV-180, oscillations induced by pilocarpine are the result of PI hydrolysis.


Assessment of Nutrient Value and Microbiological Safety of Pomacea lineata.
Pomacea lineata is a fresh water shellfish that is utilized as food, medicinal portions, or licking remedies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and microbiological aspects of P. lineata and spawning. The samples were collected in the Jaguaribe River (Paraíba, Brazil) during the rainy and dry seasons. The biochemical composition, mineral composition, total mesophilic bacteria (TMB), total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio presence were determined. Each 100 g of P. lineata presented 3.1 g of ashes; 9.4 g of proteins; 2.7 g of lipids; 0.6 g of carbohydrates; 1800.0 mg of calcium; 78.0 mg of phosphorus, and 58.4 mg of iron. Each 100 g of spawning presented 10.4 g of ashes; 4.5 g of proteins; 2.8 g of lipids; 1.3 g of carbohydrates; 3633.0 mg of calcium; 39.4 mg of phosphorus; and 4.6 mg of iron. Each 100 g of P. lineata provided 65.7 kcal and spawning 48.3 kcal. In the dry season P. lineata and spawning showed no TMB and TC, FC, S. aureus, Salmonella, or Vibrio. In the rainy season P. lineata and spawning presented increase in TMB and TC, FC, S. aureus, and Salmonella. The presence of Vibrio was not detected. P. lineata presented proteins, low lipid, and carbohydrate content, energy values close to those of lean meats, high contents of calcium and iron, and presented low contamination level with pathogenic bacteria. Since P. lineata substances may be useful in the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases without presenting toxic or cytotoxic effects already described in the literature, it may be considered as a potential functional food.


A New Base-Pairing Motif Based on Modified Guanosines.
Stable even in dimethyl sulfoxide, dimer I does not dissociate to monomers 1 in organic media. The unique base-pairing interaction involving four hydrogen bonds in the readily available compound 1 was characterized by NMR spectroscopy.


An evaluation of estrus synchronization programs in reproductive management of dairy herds.
The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of various estrus synchronization programs on estrus detection rate (EDR) and pregnancy rate (PR) in lactating cows. Spring-calving, lactating dairy cows (n = 3,096) were allocated to one of six treatments: 1) PG (n = 514), estrus detection for 10 d before the onset of the breeding season (BS), cows detected in estrus received PGF2 alpha (PGF) 8 d after estrus, and all cows to be bred by d 11 of BS; 2) PG+EBZ (n = 510), as in PG plus cows treated with PGF received 1 mg of estradiol benzoate 48 h later; 3) C (n = 522), progestogen (controlled intravaginal drug release; CIDR) inserted per vaginum 10 d before BS for 8 d, PGF treatment on the day before CIDR removal, and AI within 6 d after CIDR withdrawal; 4) C+EBZ (n = 520), as in C, plus 10 mg of estradiol benzoate 10 d before BS; 5) C+BUS (n = 517), as in C plus 10 micrograms of buserelin on the day of CIDR insertion; or 6) CON (n = 513), no treatment, and a 32-d period of AI. Relative to other CIDR-treated groups, estradiol benzoate at the time of CIDR insertion reduced (P < .05) the EDR (C, 85.0%;C+EBZ, 75.9%; C+BUS, 88.5%). The PR to first AI was reduced (P < .05) by C compared with other treatments (PG, 60.9%; PG+EBZ, 57.2%; C, 46.6%; C+EBZ, 60.5%; C+BUS, 57.9%; CON, 60.1%). The interval from the onset of BS to AI and pregnancy was reduced (P < .05) by up to 9 d by estrus synchronization relative to controls (PG, 5.5 +/- .2 d; PG+EBZ, 5.2 +/- .2 d; C 1.7 +/- .1 d; C+EBZ, 2.3 +/- .1 d; C+BUS, 106 +/- .04d, CON, 10.4 +/- .3 d). In conclusion an 8-d progestogen-buserelin-PGF treatment resulted in the best overall estrus detection and pregnancy rates, which would be beneficial to a compact calving program.