Environmental regulation of annual reproductive cycle in the mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis.
To clarify the environmental factors regulating the annual reproductive cycle of the female mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, a viviparous teleost, histological changes of the ovary in natural population, and laboratory experiments were examined. The results, extending over two years, suggested that ovarian recrudescence is initiated by the rise in temperature during spring and that ovarian regression is caused by the shorter daylength during late summer. The first rearing experiments using four photoperiod-temperature groups to investigate the factors triggering the onset of reproduction revealed that females with regressing ovaries began reproduction with the rise of temperature regardless of the photoperiod during spring. The results of the second experiment using three different temperature groups indicated that vitellogenesis occurred at over 14 degrees C and pregnancy at over 18 degrees C. The third experiment with four photoperiod-temperature groups was arranged to investigate the factors in the cessation of reproduction. Sexually active females ceased vitellogenesis of the next clutch of oocytes due to the shorter daylength regardless of temperatures during late summer; however, temperature seemed to influence the rate of embryo development. The critical photoperiod is estimated at about 12.5 hr. In nature, it is supposed that vitellogenesis starts when the temperature rises to about 14 degrees C, and final maturation of oocytes occurs when the temperature reaches about 18 degrees C during spring. Then, vitellogenesis of the next clutch of oocytes ceases when the daylength becomes shorter than 12.5 hr during late summer; the last gestation proceeds at a rate dependent on the temperature, and finally reproduction ends by the last parturition. J. Exp. Zool. 286:204-211, 2000.


Vitamin K-Dependent γ-Glutamyl Carboxylase in Sertoli Cells Is Essential for Male Fertility in Mice.
γ-Glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) is a vitamin K (VK)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the γ-carboxylation of glutamic acid residues in VK-dependent proteins. The anticoagulant warfarin is known to reduce GGCX activity by inhibiting the VK cycle and was recently shown to disrupt spermatogenesis. To explore GGCX function in the testis, here, we generated Sertoli cell-specific Ggcx conditional knockout (Ggcx scKO) mice and investigated their testicular phenotype. Ggcx scKO mice exhibited late-onset male infertility. They possessed morphologically abnormal seminiferous tubules containing multinucleated and apoptotic germ cells, and their sperm concentration and motility were substantially reduced. The localization of connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein abundantly expressed in Sertoli cells and required for spermatogenesis, was distorted in Ggcx scKO testes, and Cx43 overexpression in Sertoli cells rescued the infertility of Ggcx scKO mice. These results highlight GGCX activity within Sertoli cells, which promotes spermatogenesis by regulating the intercellular connection between Sertoli cells and germ cells.


Expanded multilocus sequence typing and comparative genomic hybridization of Campylobacter coli isolates from multiple hosts.
The purpose of this work was to evaluate the evolutionary history of Campylobacter coli isolates derived from multiple host sources and to use microarray comparative genomic hybridization to assess whether there are particular genes comprising the dispensable portion of the genome that are more commonly associated with certain host species. Genotyping and ClonalFrame analyses of an expanded 16-gene multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data set involving 85 isolates from 4 different hosts species tentatively supported the development of C. coli host-preferred groups and suggested that recombination has played various roles in their diversification; however, geography could not be excluded as a contributing factor underlying the history of some of the groups. Population genetic analyses of the C. coli pubMLST database by use of STRUCTURE suggested that isolates from swine form a relatively homogeneous genetic group, that chicken and human isolates show considerable genetic overlap, that isolates from ducks and wild birds have similarity with environmental water samples and that turkey isolates have a connection with human infection similar to that observed for chickens. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was performed on these same data and suggested that host species was a significant factor in explaining genetic variation and that macrogeography (North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom) was not. The microarray comparative genomic hybridization data suggested that there were combinations of genes more commonly associated with isolates derived from particular hosts and, combined with the results on evolutionary history, suggest that this is due to a combination of common ancestry in some cases and lateral gene transfer in others.


Expression of local hepatocyte growth factor system in vascular tissues.
Since endothelial cells (EC) are known to secrete various anti-proliferative and vasodilating factors, an agent that promotes seeding or regeneration of EC may have potential therapeutic value against vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. For the above purpose, we have found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) fulfills such conditions. However, the local HGF system has not yet clarified. Therefore, we investigated endogenous HGF production and its specific receptor (c-met) in vascular tissues. Our results revealed the expressions of HGF and its receptor (c-met) mRNA in endothelial cells, VSMC and neointimal VSMC of rat assessed by RT-PCR. HGF and c-met mRNA were also detected in human aortic endothelial cells and VSMC. Endothelial cells and VSMC of both rat and human produce and secrete immunoreactive HGF as assessed by ELISA. Of importance, the existence of local HGF system (HGF and c-met) was also observed in vivo in intact abdominal aorta of SD and Wistar rats. Overall, this study demonstrated that HGF is expressed and secreted from endothelial cells and VSMC of both rat and human in vitro as well as in vivo. Since HGF has characteristics of an endothelium-specific growth factor, locally synthesized HGF in endothelial cells and VSMC may have a role in vascular functions in autocrine-paracrine manner.


Analysis of colonoscopic findings in the differential diagnosis between intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease.
Intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease are chronic inflammatory bowel disorders that are difficult to differentiate from one another. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of various colonoscopic findings in the differential diagnosis between intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease. Colonoscopic findings on initial work-up were prospectively recorded in patients with an initial diagnosis of either intestinal tuberculosis or Crohn's disease. These findings were analyzed after a final diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis (n = 44) or Crohn's disease (n = 44) had been made after follow-up. Four parameters (anorectal lesions, longitudinal ulcers, aphthous ulcers, and cobblestone appearance) were significantly more common in patients with Crohn's disease than in patients with intestinal tuberculosis. Four other parameters (involvement of fewer than four segments, a patulous ileocecal valve, transverse ulcers, and scars or pseudopolyps) were observed more frequently in patients with intestinal tuberculosis than in patients with Crohn's disease. We hypothesized that a diagnosis of Crohn's disease could be made when the number of parameters characteristic of Crohn's disease was higher than the number of parameters characteristic of intestinal tuberculosis, and vice versa. Making these assumptions, we calculated that the diagnosis of either intestinal tuberculosis or Crohn's disease would have been made made correctly in 77 of our 88 patients (87.5 %), incorrectly in seven patients (8.0 %), and would not have been made in four patients (4.5 %). A systematic analysis of colonoscopic findings is very useful in the differential diagnosis between intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease.


Calcium spark properties in ventricular myocytes are altered in aged mice.
This study determined whether whole cell Ca(2+) transients and unitary sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release events are constant throughout adult life or whether Ca(2+) release is altered in aging ventricular myocytes. Myocytes were isolated from young adult (approximately 5 mo old) and aged (approximately 24 mo old) mice. Spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks and Ca(2+) transients initiated by field stimulation were detected with fluo-4. All experiments were conducted at 37 degrees C. Ca(2+) transient amplitudes were reduced, and Ca(2+) transient rise times were abbreviated in aged cells stimulated at 8 Hz compared with young adult myocytes. Furthermore, the incidence and frequency of spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks were markedly higher in aged myocytes compared with young adult cells. Spark amplitudes and spatial widths were similar in young adult and aged myocytes. However, spark half-rise times and half-decay times were abbreviated in aged cells compared with younger cells. Resting cytosolic Ca(2+) levels and SR Ca(2+) stores were assessed by rapid application of caffeine in fura-2-loaded cells. Neither resting Ca(2+) levels nor SR Ca(2+) content differed between young adult and aged cells. Thus increased spark frequency in aging cells was not attributable to increased SR Ca(2+) stores. Furthermore, the decrease in Ca(2+) transient amplitude was not due to a decrease in SR Ca(2+) load. These results demonstrate that alterations in fundamental SR Ca(2+) release units occur in aging ventricular myocytes and raise the possibility that alterations in Ca(2+) release may reflect age-related changes in fundamental release events rather than changes in SR Ca(2+) stores and diastolic Ca(2+) levels.


Direct polymerase chain reaction test for detection of Helicobacter pylori in humans and animals.
We designed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplifying the Helicobacter pylori gene encoding 16S rRNA. Primers for the specific detection of H. pylori were designed for areas of the 16S rRNA gene in which there is the least sequence homology between H. pylori and its closest relatives. The specificity of detection was confirmed by ensuring that the primers did not amplify DNA extracts from the campylobacters H. cinaedi, H. mustelae, and Wolinella succinogenes, which are the closest relatives of H. pylori, as determined by 16S rRNA sequencing. Serial dilution experiments revealed the detection of as little as 0.1 pg of DNA by PCR and 0.01 pg by nested PCR. H. pylori DNA was detected successfully in clinical paraffin-embedded and fresh gastric biopsy specimens from patients positive for the bacterium and also in fecal suspensions seeded with the organism. The DNA from the nonculturable coccoid form of H. pylori was also identified by the primers. Universal primers designed for highly conserved areas on the 16S rRNA gene enabled large amplification products to be produced for direct sequencing analysis. Gastric bacteria resembling H. pylori have been isolated from animals. DNA of these animal gastric bacteria amplified with H. pylori-specific primers yielded PCR products identical to those from human isolates of H. pylori, as confirmed by the use of a 20-base radiolabelled probe complementary to an internal sequence flanked by the H. pylori-specific primers. The results of PCR amplification and partial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis strongly support the contention that the gastric organisms previously recovered from a pig, a baboon, and rhesus monkeys are H. pylori.


Invasive Non-Native Crustacean Symbionts: Diversity and Impact.
Invasive non-native species (INNS) pose a risk as vectors of parasitic organisms (Invasive Parasites). Introducing invasive parasites can result in ecological disturbances, leading to biodiversity loss and native species illness/mortality, but occasionally can control INNS limiting their impact. Risks to human health and the economy are also associated with INNS and invasive parasites; however, we understand little about the diversity of symbiotic organisms co-invading alongside INNS. This lack of clarity is an important aspect of the 'One Health' prerogative, which aims to bridge the gap between human, wildlife, and ecosystem health. To explore symbiont diversity associated with the invasive crustacean group (including: crab, lobster, crayfish, shrimp, amphipod, isopod, copepod, barnacle, other) (n = 323) derived from 1054 aquatic invertebrates classed as INNS across databases, we compile literature (year range 1800-2017) from the native and invasive range to provide a cumulative symbiont profile for each species. Our search indicated that 31.2% of INN crustaceans were known to hold at least one symbiont, whereby the remaining 68.8% had no documented symbionts. The symbiont list mostly consisted of helminths (27% of the known diversity) and protists (23% of the known diversity), followed by bacteria (12%) and microsporidians (12%). Carcinus maenas, the globally invasive and extremely well-studied green crab, harboured the greatest number of symbionts (n = 72). Additional screening is imperative to become more informed on invasive symbiont threats. We reveal that few studies provide truly empirical data that connect biodiversity loss with invasive parasites and suggest that dedicated studies on available systems will help to provide vital case studies. Despite the lack of empirical data, co-invasive parasites of invasive invertebrates appear capable of lowering local biodiversity, especially by causing behavioural change and mortality in native species. Alternatively, several invasive parasites appear to protect ecosystems by controlling the impact and population size of their invasive host. We provide a protocol that could be followed to explore symbiont diversity in invasive groups as part of our case studies. The consequence of limited parasite screening of INNS, in addition to the impacts invasive parasites impart on local ecologies, are explored throughout the review. We conclude in strong support of the 'One Health' prerogative and further identify a need to better explore disease in invasion systems, many of which are accountable for economic, human health and ecological diversity impacts.


[Preparation and identification of antibody against Cecropin-XJ].
To prepare the mouse antibody against Cecropin-XJ, identify its specificity and use it in cellular localization of Cecropin-XJ in vitro. The cDNA sequence of Cecropin-XJ with signal peptide sequence was subcloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3. The recombinant plasmid was named pcDNA3-Cecropin-XJ, which was used as an antigen to immune the Kunming white mouse. Meanwhile, the cDNA sequence was subcloned into the fusion expression vector and the fusion protein was expressed as a test antigen. Indirect ELISA showed that the fifth immunity's titer was highest. The immune gold-conjugated experiment showed that the prepared antibody was clearly and efficiently localized in prokaryotic cells where the Cecropin-XJ worked. The antibody against Cecropin-XJ has high immune reactivity and specificity, which is beneficial to further study on Cecropin-XJ function and antibody preparation of small peptides.


Screening Laboratory Testing in Asymptomatic Minor Pediatric Blunt Trauma Leads to Unnecessary Needle Sticks.
Screening blood work after minor injuries is common in pediatric trauma. The risk of missed injuries versus diagnostic necessity in an asymptomatic patient remains an ongoing debate. We evaluated the clinical utility of screening blood work in carefully selected asymptomatic children after minor trauma. Patients seen at a level 1 pediatric center with "minor trauma" for blunt trauma between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria were age <4 of >18 years, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of <15, penetrating trauma, nonaccidental trauma, hemodynamic instability, abdominal findings (pain, distension, bruising, tenderness), hematuria, pelvic/femur fracture, multiple fractures, and operative intervention. Data abstraction included demographics, blood work, interventions, and disposition. A total of 1308 patients were treated during the study period. Four hundred thirty-three (33%) met inclusion criteria. Mean ± SD age was 12.7 ± 4 years (range, 4-18 years), and 59% were male. Seventy-eight percent were discharged home from the emergency department. All patients had blood work. Twenty-eight percent had at least one abnormal laboratory value. The most common abnormal blood work was leukocytosis (16%). Thirty percent had an intervention, and none prompted by abnormal blood work. One patient had an intra-abdominal finding (psoas hematoma). When appropriately selected, screening laboratory testing in asymptomatic minor pediatric blunt trauma patients leads to unnecessary needle sticks without significant advantage.


The fields of uniformly accelerated charges in de Sitter spacetime.
The scalar and electromagnetic fields of charges uniformly accelerated in de Sitter spacetime are constructed. They represent the generalization of the Born solutions describing fields of two particles with hyperbolic motion in flat spacetime. In the limit Lambda-->0, the Born solutions are retrieved. Since in the de Sitter universe the infinities I+/- are spacelike, the radiative properties of the fields depend on the way in which a given point of I+/- is approached. The fields must involve both retarded and advanced effects: Purely retarded fields do not satisfy the constraints at the past infinity I-.


Exposure scenarios and guidance values for urban soil pollutants.
In general, risk assessments of urban soil pollution are prepared by comparing the levels of pollutants with soil quality criteria. However, large urban areas are contaminated with concentrations of pollutants far exceeding the existing soil quality criteria and would consequently be considered to be of potential risk to humans. This is, however, a rather rigid approach, and for risk management purposes it would be desirable to have more than just one level of soil quality criteria. Therefore, a generic risk assessment model was developed for five different use scenarios: child-care centers, kitchen gardens, ornamental gardens, parks, and sports grounds. In each of the scenarios, three different types of expected behavior are described for children and adults, respectively, resulting in different levels of exposure to the pollutants. For risk management purposes, various guidance values can then be derived for each use scenario. Below a lower guidance value, a free use of the area according to the defined use is possible without an unacceptable risk to the public. Above an upper value, a cutoff of the exposure is necessary. In between, the use may be regulated by different types of advice. The model is still preliminary but was, however, used for derivation of guidance values for five commonly found soil pollutants, of which the results for benzo[a]pyrene and lead are presented.


MEX3C promotes osteosarcoma malignant progression through negatively regulating FGF14.
Previous studies have shown that MEX3C is an oncogene; however, its role in osteosarcoma (OS) development has not been reported. We aimed at investigating whether MEX3C could be engaged in the malignant progression of OS through regulating FGF14. MEX3C levels in tumor tissues and adjacent ones of 52 OS patients were studied by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the relationship between MEX3C expression and clinicopathological characteristics of OS patients was analyzed. At the same time, qRT-PCR further verified the MEX3C level in OS cell lines, and HOS and MG63 OS cell lines were selected to construct MEX3C overexpression and knockdown cell model, respectively. The impact of MEX3C on OS cell functions were determined by cell wound healing and transwell assay. In addition, the interaction between MEX3C and FGF14 was further determined by luciferase assay, western blot and recovery experiments. MEX3C had increased expression both in OS tissue samples and in OS cell lines. High expression of MEX3C was predictive of high incidence of nodal involvement or distant metastasis. Silencing MEX3C remarkably attenuated the migration ability of OS cells, while, conversely, overexpression enhanced that. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay confirmed that MEX3C bind to FGF14 directly, and the expression of FGF14 was significantly reduced in OS tumor tissue specimens, and was negatively correlated with MEX3C. Overexpression of FGF14 was able to reverse the promoting effect of MEX3C on the crawling ability and invasiveness of OS cells. MEX3C was remarkably increased in OS tissues and was remarkably correlated with the incidence of metastasis of OS patients. In addition, MEX3C accelerated the malignant progression of OS through negatively modulating FGF14.


Double Delayed Enhancement: Concomitant Cardiac Amyloidosis and Acute Coronary Embolism.
Hereditary cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a relatively rare cause of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. The risk of intracardiac thrombi increases significantly in patients with CA. We report a case of a patient presenting with chest pain and acute myocardial infarction who was subsequently diagnosed with concomitant CA and acute coronary embolism.


Whitening efficacy of three over-the-counter oral rinses.
The aim of the study was to determine the whitening efficacy of three different oral rinses. Eighty extracted teeth were randomly divided into four groups, cleaned with a slow-speed handpiece with pumice and placed in a staining broth for 14 days. Measurements of tooth shades were measured with a spectrophotometer. Three groups (20 each) were then exposed to Colgate Plax Whitening Blancheur (A), White Glo 2 in 1 (B) and Plus White (C) for 21 days for 2 minutes a day and in between stored in artificial saliva. The other group acted as a control and was only stored in the artificial saliva. The Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey-Kramer analysis showed no statistical significant differences (on a 5% basis) for the differences between base-line and after treatment (21 days) for deltaL*, deltaa*, deltab* and deltaE*ab median values amongst the control, Colgate Plax Whitening Blancheur, White Glo 2 in 1, and Plus White. None of the 3 commercially available oral rinses resulted in any significant bleaching effect on the teeth over a 21 day treatment period.


Dracontiasis in Madhya Pradesh II. Statistical analysis on incidence in Arnnhaydhani, a highly endemic village.
1. The village of Arnnhyadhani [District Mandsour] with a total population of 195 was found to be a highly endemic pocket with 40% [78 persons] infection. 2. Statistically, infection rate was found to be maximum at the modal age of 22.91 years after which it decreases. A positive skewness [0.05] supports this finding. 3. A larger percentage of males [48.03%] with the infection taking place late [23.69 years] were found to be infected in comparison to females [31.18%] who get the infection at an earlier [18 years] age. 4. Coefficient of variation [V] test showed that males were nearer to mean [V = = 49.90 than females = 59.83]. 5. The proportion tests Z value was found to be 2.69 [Rewat caste] which was found to be greater than the standard value [1.96] at 5% level; concluded that infection was significant on sex [males]. 6. Infection dependence on caste [Rewat caste] was found out by the chi-square test whose X2 value of 27.654.


A hybrid approach for nucleus stain separation in histopathological images.
Difficulties in automation of histology image analysis are caused due to varying stain colors in the histology slides and the interaction of stains. Incorrect stain separation results in incorrect nucleus segmentation. A new hybrid algorithm has been proposed combining de-staining and wedge separation algorithms, which provides better stain separation and maintains color integrity of the input image. The proposed algorithm is tested on 36 histopathological images covering varying tissues and compared with popular methods in the area with excellent results in high nuclei density category.


Thermoelectric Ag2Se: Imperfection, Homogeneity, and Reproducibility.
Ag2Se is a narrow band gap n-type semiconductor with high carrier mobility and low lattice thermal conductivity. It has high thermoelectric performance near room temperature. However, there is a noticeable data discrepancy for thermoelectric performance in the reported literature studies, which greatly hinders the rational understanding and potential application of this material. In this work, we comprehensively studied the homogeneity, reproducibility, and thermal stability of bulk Ag2Se prepared by melting and mechanical alloying methods followed by spark plasma sintering. By virtue of the atom probe topology technique, we revealed nanosized Ag- or Se-rich precipitates and micropores with Se-aggregated interfaces that have not been detected previously. The samples prepared by melting and spark plasma sintering exhibit the best homogeneity and repeatability in thermoelectric properties despite abundant nanoprecipitates. Moreover, the thermoelectric performance of Ag2Se is greatly improved by introducing a slight amount of excess selenium. The average zT can steadily reach 0.8-0.9 in the range of 300-380 K, which is among the highest values reported for Ag2Se-based materials. This work will rationalize the evaluation of the thermoelectric performance of Ag2Se.


Preliminary Evidence for Heterogeneity of Beliefs About Auditory Verbal Hallucinations Intent.
Perceptions of patient's auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs), commonly termed voices, have important impacts on their everyday lives. Despite research emphasizing the consequences of malevolent voices, preliminary results suggest that beliefs about voices may not be mutually exclusive. As such, we aimed to characterize the heterogeneity of beliefs about AVHs and describe their clinical correlates. We recruited 78 patients referred to a Voices group therapy for refractory and distressing voices. Based on the Revised Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire, clustering analysis yielded four subgroups of patients with distinct pattern of beliefs about AVHs. These subgroups differed significantly in terms of affective disturbances, engagement, and resistance to their voices. Furthermore, no significant changes in beliefs about voices were observed after 6 weeks. Results of the current study suggest that the heterogeneity regarding the beliefs about AVHs should be targeted in treatment to reduce their associated negative outcomes.


Biomaterial Scaffolds for Controlled, Localized Gene Delivery of Regenerative Factors.
Biomaterials play central roles in tissue regeneration by maintaining a space for tissue growth and facilitating its integration with the host. The regenerative capacity of materials can be enhanced through delivery of factors that promote tissue formation. Gene delivery is a versatile strategy to obtain sustained production of tissue inductive factors. Biomaterial scaffolds capable of gene delivery have been shown to induce transgene expression and tissue growth. The widespread application of biomaterial scaffold systems requires identifying the design principles for the material and vectors that modulate transgene expression temporally and spatially. These technologies and others will ultimately enable spatial and temporal control over expression to recreate the cellular organization and gene expression required for formation of complex tissues. The design parameters for the biomaterials and vectors that modulate the extent and duration of transgene expression and the distribution of transgene-expressing cells within and around the injury are emerging. The cellular interactions with the biomaterial, such as adhesion or migration rate, can influence expression. Furthermore, modulating the interaction between the vector and biomaterial can control vector release while minimizing the exposure to harsh processing conditions. Biomaterial scaffolds that deliver genes encoding for regenerative factors may provide a platform for regenerating complex tissues such as skin, blood vessels, and nerves. Biomaterials capable of localized gene delivery can synergistically target multiple cell processes and will have application to the regeneration of many tissues, with great promise for clinical therapies.


Single-step hysteroscopic myomectomy for submucous leiomyoma.
Leiomyomas are most commonly observed benign tumors in the female genital tract. Depending on the size, number, and location, the complete resection of Type 0, 1, and 2 leiomyomas by hysteroscopy can be completed in a single-step or multi-step procedure. The purpose of this study is to document the cases of hysteroscopic myomectomy performed via the resectoscopic technique in the gynecology department of a university hospital. Moreover, we assessed the applicability of single- or multi-step hysteroscopic myomectomy with respect to the diameter of the leiomyoma. We retrospectively reviewed the records of hysteroscopic myomectomy performed between 2012 and 2018. According to the diameter of the submucous leiomyomas, we divided 46 patients into 2 groups. Group 1 (n=25) consisted of patients with submucous leiomyomas <3 cm, whereas patients in group 2 (n=21) had submucous leiomyomas ≥3 cm in diameter. We recorded the number of removed leiomyomas and completed hysteroscopy sessions. Myomectomy was completed by single-step hysteroscopy in all the patients of group 1, whereas eight patients in group 2 needed multiple sessions of hysteroscopy. None of the patients in group 1 had fluid overload; however, two patients in group 2 had mild asymptomatic hyponatremia. The success of hysteroscopic myomectomy depends on the diameter, localization, and number of the leiomyomas. This study revealed that Type 0, 1, and 2 leiomyomas of less than 3 cm can be resected by single-step hysteroscopy. For larger leiomyomas, the possibility of need for further sessions should be shared with the patients.


2002 Benchmarking Guide.
The profitability gap between hospitals in high and low managed care markets is closing. The difference in total margins is down and the change in return on equity is even more dramatic. However, even with heavier patient care demands, hospitals in high managed care markets have a firmer grip on expenses and show productivity gains. Our annual Benchmarking Guide shows that the number of HMOs operating in the United States continues to decline with industry mergers, plan consolidations and plan closures. While 2001 enrollment stabilized at 79.5 million, the number of HMOs fell to 541. The guide also compares data on hospital-owned and non-hospital-owned physician practices.


Antimicrobial Drugs in Fighting against Antimicrobial Resistance.
The outbreak of antimicrobial resistance, together with the lack of newly developed antimicrobial drugs, represents an alarming signal for both human and animal healthcare worldwide. Selection of rational dosage regimens for traditional antimicrobial drugs based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic principles as well as development of novel antimicrobials targeting new bacterial targets or resistance mechanisms are key approaches in tackling AMR. In addition to the cellular level resistance (i.e., mutation and horizontal gene transfer of resistance determinants), the community level resistance (i.e., bilofilms and persisters) is also an issue causing antimicrobial therapy difficulties. Therefore, anti-resistance and antibiofilm strategies have currently become research hotspot to combat antimicrobial resistance. Although metallic nanoparticles can both kill bacteria and inhibit biofilm formation, the toxicity is still a big challenge for their clinical applications. In conclusion, rational use of the existing antimicrobials and combinational use of new strategies fighting against antimicrobial resistance are powerful warranties to preserve potent antimicrobial drugs for both humans and animals.


Mechanism of formation of redox-active hydroxylated benzenes and pyrazine in 13C-labeled glycine/D-glucose model systems.
To extend the analytical capabilities of the pyrolysis-gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry system that has been successfully utilized in the past as an integrated reaction, separation, and identification system to study label incorporation patterns in Maillard reaction products, a novel methodology was developed to analyze the composition of nonvolatile residues of the initial reaction products. This was achieved through a postpyrolytic in-situ derivatization technique using trimethylsilyldiethylamine. Application of this technique to the investigation of the nonvolatile products formed during pyrolysis of glucose alone and in the presence of glycine has indicated the formation of several redox-active hydroxylated benzene derivatives such as 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene (pyrogallol), 1,4-dihydroxybenzene (hydroquinone), 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (catechol), and 2,5-dihydroxypyrazine. Labeling studies have indicated that the intact glucose carbon backbone was involved in the construction of the benzene ring of the hydroxylated benzene derivatives and that dimerization of glycine alone can lead to the formation of 2,5-dihydroxypyrazine.


Lisinopril and diltiazem reduce left ventricular mass without changing blood pressure in normotensive subjects with exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise.
To determine whether high left ventricular mass may be reduced by antihypertensive drugs in normotensives with exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise as it occurs in hypertensive patients. Randomized, single blind, controlled parallel study evaluating the influence of placebo; lisinopril 20 mg/day, diltiazem 180 mg/d for 5-6 months on left ventricular mass (LVM), evaluated by echo and on "casual" and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (24-h BP) in normotensive subjects with exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise (Group I) and in weight--and age--matched mild-moderated hypertensive patients (Group II), all with high left ventricular mass. Placebo, lisinopril and diltiazem, were administered for 5-6 months in respectively 8+9+9 subjects of Group I and 8+9+10 patients in Group II. Placebo did not change either LVM index or 24-h BP values in Group I and Group II. Diltiazem and lisinopril reduced LVM index in both Groups I and II but 24-h BP values were only reduced in Group II. Lisinopril appeared to be more potent than diltiazem on LVM regression. Slopes of LVM index regression were not different between Groups I and II for each drug. Drug-induced changes of LVM index did not correlate with blood pressure changes. Drug-induced regression of LVM may be achieved in man (Group I) without any reduction of blood pressure. This may be explained by interference with growth-promoting systems other than with cardiac unloading. Also, the similar pattern of LVM regression that was observed in both Groups I and II suggests that similar underlying mechanisms may be involved in the LVH regression in these two populations.


An assessment of an educational intervention on resident physician attitudes, knowledge, and skills related to adverse event reporting.
Reporting and learning from events linked to patient harm and unsafe conditions is critical to improving patient safety. Programs that engage resident physicians in adverse event reporting can enhance patient safety and simultaneously address all 6 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies. Yet fewer than 60% of physicians know how to report adverse events and near misses, and fewer than 40% know what to report. Our study evaluated the effect of an educational intervention on anesthesiology residents' attitudes, knowledge, and skills related to adverse event reporting and the associated follow-up. In a prospective study, anesthesiology residents participated in a training program focused on the importance of reporting methods and on reporting adverse events for patient safety. Quarterly adverse event reports were analyzed retrospectively for 2 years before the intervention and prospectively for 7 quarters after the intervention. Residents also completed a survey, before and 1 year after the intervention, that evaluated their attitudes, experience, and knowledge regarding adverse event reporting. After the intervention, the number of adverse event reports increased from 0 per quarter to almost 30 per quarter. We identified several categories of harm events, near misses, and unsafe conditions, including reports of disruptive providers. Of the harm events associated with invasive procedures, more than half were associated with lack of attending physician supervision. We also observed significant progress in the residents' ability to appropriately file a report, improved attitudes regarding the value of reporting and available emotional support, and a reduction in the perceived impediments to reporting. An educational intervention increased the number of adverse event reports submitted by anesthesiology residents, improved their attitudes about the importance of reporting, and produced a source for learning opportunities and process improvements in the delivery of anesthesia care.


Radiofrequence ablation of liver cancers.
Primary and secondary malignant liver cancer are some of most common malignant tumors in the world. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not very effective against them. Surgical resection has been considered the only potentially curtive option, but the majority of patients are not candidates for resection because of tumor size, location near major intrahepatic blood vessels and bile ducts, precluding a margin-negative resection, cirrhotic, hepatitis virus infection or multifocial. Radiofrequence ablation (RFA), which is a new evolving effective and minimally invasive technique, can produce coagulative necrosis of malignant tumors. RFA should be used percutaneously, laparascopically, or during the open laparotomy under the guidance of ultrasound, CT scan and MRI. RFA has lots of advantages superior to other local therapies including lower complications, reduced costs and hospital stays, and the possibility of repeated treatment. In general, RFA is a safe, effective treatment for unresectable malignant liver tumors less than 7.0 cm in diameter. We review the principle, mechanism, procedures and experience with RFA for treating malignant liver tumors.


Dynamic-dual-energy spectral CT for improving multi-material decomposition in image-domain.
Dual-energy CT, as well as spectral CT, has a great potential in material decomposition. However, dual-energy CT is difficult to apply to multi-material decomposition because the number of energy bins is limited to two. Current spectral CT systems have more energy bins, but the statistical noise in each energy bin is high because of the decreased photon number, which causes errors in the material decomposition results. In this paper, we propose a dynamic-dual-energy spectral CT for accurate multi-material decomposition. In the course of scanning, the energy threshold of the dynamic-dual-energy detector randomly changes to obtain the spectral information of photons. With the proposed statistical noise-weighted tPRISM algorithm, the multi-energy image reconstruction using dynamic-dual-energy CT data was implemented, followed by multi-material decomposition. Both simulation and experiment results show that the multi-energy reconstruction and multi-material decomposition using the dynamic-dual-energy method are more accurate and have less noise compared with that of the conventional static-multi-energy method with the same number of energy bins. The ring artifacts which are severe in the experimental data simulation and experiment results using the conventional spectral CT method are reduced in great extent when using our proposed method. In conclusion, our proposed dynamic-dual-energy spectral CT method is highly feasible and has a great potential in high-quality multi-material decomposition.


Interaction Between Physical Activity and Polygenic Score on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Older Black and White Participants From the Health and Retirement Study.
This study investigated the association of lifestyle factors and polygenic risk scores (PGS), and their interaction, on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). We examined data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort of adults aged 50 years and older, containing nationally representative samples of Black and White Americans with precalculated PGS for T2D (N = 14 001). Predicted prevalence and incidence of T2D were calculated with logistic regression models. We calculated differences in T2D prevalence and incidence by PGS percentiles and for interaction variables using nonparametric bootstrap method. Black participants had approximately twice the prevalence of Whites (26.2% vs 14.2%), with a larger difference between the 90th and 10th PGS percentile from age 50 to 80 years. Significant interaction (pinteraction = .0096) was detected between PGS and physical activity among Whites. Among Whites in the 90th PGS percentile, T2D prevalence for moderate physical activity was 17.0% (95% CI: 14.8, 19.6), 6.8% lower compared to no/some physical activity (23.8%; 95% CI: 20.4, 27.5). T2D prevalence was similar (~10%) for both groups in the 10th PGS percentile. Incident T2D in Whites followed a similar pattern (pinteraction = .0325). No significant interactions with PGS were detected among Black participants. Interaction of different genetic risk profiles with lifestyle factors may inform understanding of varying inventions' efficacy for different groups of people, potentially improving clinical and prevention interventions.


The adapter protein Crkl links Cbl to C3G after integrin ligation and enhances cell migration.
Crkl, an SH2-SH3-SH3 adapter protein, is one of the major tyrosine phosphoproteins detected in cells from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Crkl binds to BCR/ABL through its N-terminal SH3 domain and is known to interact with several signaling proteins that have been implicated in integrin signaling, including Cbl, Cas, Hef-1, and paxillin. We have previously shown that overexpression of Crkl enhances adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins through beta(1) integrins. In this study, the effects of Crkl on spontaneous and chemokine-directed migration of the hematopoietic cell line Ba/F3 were examined. Full-length, SH2-, and SH3(N)-domain deletion mutants of Crkl were expressed transiently as fusion proteins with green fluorescent protein. Successfully transfected cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The ability of these cells to migrate across a fibronectin-coated membrane, either spontaneously or in response to the chemokine stromal-derived factor-1alpha, was determined. Cells expressing green fluorescent protein alone were not distinguishable from untransfected or mock transfected Ba/F3 cells. However, Ba/F3 cells overexpressing full-length Crkl were found to have an increase in spontaneous migration of 2.8 +/- 0.6-fold in seven independent assays. The enhancement of migration required both the SH2 domain and the N-terminal SH3 domain. Migration in response to stromal-derived factor-1alpha was not significantly enhanced by overexpression of Crkl. Overexpression of Crkii also augmented spontaneous migration but to a lesser degree than did Crkl. Because the SH2 domain was required for enhanced migration, we looked for changes in phosphotyrosine containing proteins coprecipitating with Crkl, but not Crkl DeltaSH2, after integrin cross-linking. Full-length Crkl, but not CrklDeltaSH2, coprecipitated with a single major tyrosine phosphoprotein with an M(r) of approximately 120 kDa, identified as Cbl. The major Crkl SH3-binding protein in these cells was found to be the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, C3G. Interestingly, overexpression of C3G also enhanced migration, suggesting that a Cbl-Crkl-C3G complex may be involved in migration signaling in Ba/F3 cells. These data suggest that Crkl is involved in signaling pathways that regulate migration, possibly through a complex with Cbl and C3G.


Antihypercholesterolemic Effects of Fruit Aqueous Extract of Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore in Mice Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia.
The present objective of the investigation is to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic activity of the aqueous fruit pulp extract (APE) of Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore (Arecaceae family). Various chemical characterization methods like thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR, and molecular weight by gel permeation chromatography have been employed to characterize the extracted pectin. The present study demonstrated that hypercholesterolemic diet (HD) created hypercholesterolemia, caused significant increases in body weight, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, and caused decreases in high-density lipoprotein in serum compared with SD group. Two doses (APE 150 and 300 mg/Kg b.w./day) were administered to hyperlipidemic mice for 90 days. APE reversed body weight changes, changed serum lipids to normal values, and significantly inhibited the changes of lipid peroxidation and inflammation in the liver tissues. The renal parameters analyzed (urea and creatinine) altered by diet were reverted to normal values. Our results revealed that aqueous fruit pulp extracts of carnauba reduced hypercholesterolemia showing a potential preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases without side effects cause.


Smoking inside Canadian acute care hospitals.
To assess smoking policies at Canadian acute care hospitals. A questionnaire was designed, piloted and faxed to all acute care hospitals in Canada. The questionnaire was designed to address the following: what is the current policy regarding patient smoking? Are staff and/or visitors allowed to smoke inside the hospital? Is there a separate policy for psychiatric patients? Are smoking cessation products available at the hospital pharmacy? Is the policy governed by regional or municipal legislation? A total of 852 hospitals were included in the study. Of these, 476 responded to the questionnaire, for an overall response rate of 56%. Twenty-seven per cent of respondents allowed patient smoking inside the hospital. While staff smoking was not allowed inside most hospitals (93%), 32% of hospitals in Quebec allowed staff to smoke inside the building. Thirty per cent of hospitals had a separate policy for psychiatric patients, and 27% of hospitals had provisions for visitor smoking. Sixty-seven per cent of hospitals were able to offer patients smoking cessation products while they were in hospital. Many Canadian hospitals continue to allow smoking inside their facilities. There is considerable variation in hospital smoking policies across the country.


[Bipolar , active electrode for 4-channel recording of dynamic surface EMG during electric stimulation].
In this paper we present an electrode for measuring the surface electromyogram (EMG) that combines high quality of signal recording with the ease of use in clinical routine. Additional requirements have been the use of the electrode in combination with electrical stimulation and under dynamic conditions like walking. Special focus was put on the minimization of movement artifacts by integration of a dual impedance transformer (active electrode) and by a self-adjusting fixation of the two contacts of the electrode via proprietary springs. An elaborate preparation of the skin is not necessary due to a very high input impedance of the amplifier. A special circuit for overvoltage protection makes the electrode suitable for use in the presence of high voltage stimulation pulses without the risk of destroying the FET-input stages.


Retinal MMP-12, MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 expression in murine experimental retinal detachment.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors play a role in the pathobiology of retinal detachment (RD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Proliferative vitreoretinopathy is facilitated by chronic retinal detachment and involves excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -13 are important modulators of the ECM which have not been evaluated in RD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the retinal expression of select MMPs, including MMP-12, MMP-13, and associated inhibitors in a murine model of retinal detachment. Transient or chronic retinal detachments (RDs) were induced by subretinal injection of either saline (SA) or hyaluronic acid (HA) in C57BL/6 mice. To confirm that the HA-RD model has features consistent with PVR-like changes, glial activation and subretinal fibrosis were evaluated with immunofluorescence, dilated fundus examination, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Gene expression was quantified by qRT-PCR. Proteins were assayed by immunoblot and immunohistochemistry. Hyaluronic acid RD eyes developed gliosis and subretinal fibrosis on dilated exam, SD-OCT, and immunofluorescence analysis. Gene expression of Mmp-12 and Mmp-13, and Timp-1 was strongly upregulated at all time points in RD compared with controls. Timp-2, Mmp-2, and Mmp-9 expression was modest. Hyaluronic acid RDs exhibited more MMP and TIMP expression than SA-RDs. MMP-12, -13, and TIMP-1 proteins were elevated in RDs compared with controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed moderate to strong MMP-13 levels in subretinal space macrophages. Fibrosis can develop in the HA-RD model. There is an upregulation of select MMPs that may modulate the wound healing process following RD.


Theoretical Study on the C-H Activation of Methane by Liquid Metal Indium: Catalytic Activity of Small Indium Clusters.
The mechanism of C-H activation of methane by liquid indium, which is the first step of the dehydrogenative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons, was investigated using density functional theory calculations. In the first-principle molecular dynamics trajectory at the experimental temperature (1200 K), low-coordinated indium atoms continuously appear on the disordered liquid surface. The C-H cleavage is endothermic on clean surfaces, while the low-coordinated indium atoms reduce the endothermicity significantly. In small indium clusters, which are models of low-coordinated atoms on a surface, the calculated activation energy is much smaller than that on the clean surface. The energy level of the methane C-H σ* orbital is reduced by the interaction with the indium 5pσ orbitals. In2 shows the lowest activation energy and exothermicity in the C-H bond cleavage.


Comparison of cerebral and cutaneous microvascular dysfunction with the development of type 1 diabetes.
Rationale: Diabetes can lead to cerebral and cutaneous vascular dysfunction. However, it is still unclear how vascular function changes with the development of diabetes and what differences exist between cerebral and cutaneous vascular dysfunction. Thus, it is very important to monitor changes in cerebral and cutaneous vascular function responses in vivo and study their differences during diabetes development. Methods: With the assistance of newly developed skull and skin optical clearing techniques, we monitored the responses of sodium nitroprusside (SNP)- and acetyl choline (ACh)-induced cerebral and cutaneous vascular blood flow and blood oxygen in diabetic mice in vivo during the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) by combining laser speckle contrast imaging with hyperspectral imaging. We then compared the differences between cerebral and cutaneous vascular responses and explored the reasons for abnormal changes induced in response to different vascular beds. Results: In the early stage of diabetes (T1D-1 week), there were abnormal changes in the cerebral vascular blood flow and blood oxygen responses to SNP and ACh as well as cutaneous vascular blood oxygen. The cutaneous vascular blood flow response also became abnormal from T1D-3 weeks. Additionally, the T1D-induced abnormal blood flow response was associated with changes in vascular myosin light chain phosphorylation and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 levels, and the aberrant blood oxygen response was related to an increase in glycated hemoglobin levels. Conclusion: These results suggest that the abnormal cutaneous vascular blood oxygen response occurred earlier than the blood flow response and therefore has the potential to serve as a good assessment indicator for revealing cerebrovascular dysfunction in the early stage of diabetes.


A method of quantitative autoradiography for the spatial localization of proteoglycan synthesis rates in cartilage.
Incorporation of [35S]-sulfate into cartilage tissue indicates the synthesis of aggrecan, the large aggregating proteoglycan (PG) that endows cartilage with resistance to compression. Scintillation counting of tissue digests provides a quantitative measure of incorporated sulfate but does not provide information on the spatial location of synthesis within the tissue. Such spatially specific information is necessary to determine which cell populations respond to diffusible factors and to correlate local mechanical events (e.g., deformation, interstitial fluid stress) to cellular biosynthetic responses. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a liquid emulsion autoradiography technique, including an automated grain counting procedure, to derive spatial profiles of aggrecan synthesis rates in cartilage. We chose mature 10-14-month-old bovine humeral head articular cartilage as a model system and applied a liquid emulsion autoradiography technique to [35S]-sulfate-labeled, resin-embedded, and semithin-sectioned tissue explants. High-magnification light microscopy color images were captured on a computer. Automated image analysis for grain number determination included a color thresholding procedure to discriminate grains from the lightly stained structural image and computation of the average area of a single grain from each image. Determination of grain number, whether originating from single grains or grain clusters, was performed by dividing the total grain area in the image by the average area of a single grain in the same image. This procedure largely eliminated the effects of variations of microscope light intensity, camera performance, image focus, section stain intensity, and thresholding on the resulting grain numbers. By altering the specific activity of the medium radiolabel and the emulsion exposure times, we demonstrated a linear dose dependence, without saturation, of grain number on radioactive content in the underlying section. By cutting specimens in half and performing liquid scintillation counting on one half and autoradiography on the other half, we found that each disintegration occurring in the section during exposure resulted in 0.67 +/- 0.21 grains (mean +/- SD; n = 58). Therefore, counted grain numbers can be directly converted to incorporated sulfate, largely reflecting the synthesis of the PG aggrecan. As an example of calculated intratissue profiles of aggrecan synthesis rates, we found for the mature bovine tissue in serum-free medium that aggrecan synthesis increases monotonically from the articular surface to the radial zone by as much as tenfold.


Exact result on topology and phase transitions at any finite N.
We study analytically the topology of a family of submanifolds of the configuration space of the mean-field XY model, computing also a topological invariant (the Euler characteristic). We prove that a particular topological change of these submanifolds is connected to the phase transition of this system, and exists also at finite N. The present result is the first analytic proof that a phase transition has a topological origin and provides a key to a possible better understanding of the origin of phase transitions at their deepest level, as well as to a possible definition of phase transitions at finite N.


Chemical compounds related to nutraceutical and industrial qualities of non-transgenic soybean genotypes.
Information about the chemical profile of soybean seed is valuable for breeding programs aimed at obtaining value-added products to meet the demands of niche markets. The objective of this study was to determine seed composition of non-transgenic soybean genotypes with specialty characters in different environments of Argentina. Protein and oil contents ranged from 396 to 424 g kg⁻¹ and from 210 to 226 g kg⁻¹, respectively. Oleic and linolenic acid ratio, the general indicator of oil quality, varied from 2.7 to 3.8. The oil contained high levels of total tocopherols (1429-1558 mg kg⁻¹) and the meal exhibited high levels of total isoflavones (2.91-4.62 mg g⁻¹). The biplot showed that oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids, γ-, δ- and total tocopherols, genistin, malonyl daidzin and genistin, acetyl daidzin and glycitin and total isoflavones allowed the greatest discrimination among the genotypes studied. Different chemical profiles of each non-transgenic genotype analyzed were established and, therefore, their identity was defined. These results are important for breeders who intend to obtain new genotypes with improved meal and oil quality, as well as for processors and exporters, who could use them directly as raw material for soyfood processing for nutraceutical purposes.


Spatio-Temporal Variation of Core and Satellite Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Communities in Miscanthus giganteus.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a group of obligate plant symbionts which can promote plant nutrition. AMF communities are diverse, but the factors which control their assembly in space and time remain unclear. In this study, the contributions of geographical distance, environmental heterogeneity and time in shaping AMF communities associated with Miscanthus giganteus (a perennial grass originating from south-east Asia) were determined over a 13 months period. In particular, the community was partitioned into core (abundant and persistent taxa) and satellite (taxa with low abundance and persistence) constituents and the drivers of community assembly for each determined. β-diversity was exceptionally low across the 140 m line transects, and there was limited evidence of geographical scaling effects on the composition of the core, satellite or combined communities. However, AMF richness and community composition changed over time associated with fluctuation within both the core and satellite communities. The degree to which AMF community variation was explained by soil properties was consistently higher in the core community than the combined and satellite communities, suggesting that the satellite community had considerable stochasticity associated with it. We suggest that the partitioning of communities into their core and satellite constituents could be employed to enhance the variation explained within microbial community analyses.


[A historical view of dermatomycology].
This historical review is focussed on clinical aspects of dermatomycology on one hand and on the discovery of fungi as pathogenic agents in dermatologic diseases on the other hand. This latter period in the 19th century established the beginning of dermatomycology. The basic role of fungus-host-interrelationship is mentioned with reference to earliest microscopical investigations of this issue on plants by Marcello Malphighi in the late 17th century.


Low-sodium meat products: retaining salty taste for sweet health.
There is a positive correlation between excessive intake of sodium and incidence of hypertension. As diet is the main source of sodium, awareness among people regarding its possible role upon health has driven demand for various low sodium foods including meat products. Meat products contribute a significant amount of dietary sodium, thus maligning their own image. However, this is not an easy task as common salt affects taste and flavor, functional attributes, stability, and food safety of meat products. The various properties such as taste and flavor, binding, as well as microbiological characteristics should be given due care while developing low salt meat products and accordingly different approaches have been proposed for processing of such products. Potassium chloride has been mostly used to replace sodium; however, a number of other salts, flavor enhancers, bitter blockers and water, as well as fat binders have also been attempted either alone or in different combinations. A number of low sodium meat products have been developed but their economy and consumer acceptability are the major concerns needing proper attention. In future it is anticipated that these challenges would be overcome to provide well acceptable and cost-effective healthier meat products to the consumers.


Expression of benign and malignant thyroid tissue in ovarian teratomas and the importance of multimodal management as illustrated by a BRAF-positive follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer.
The most common type of ovarian germ cell tumor is the teratoma. Thyroid tissue, both benign and malignant, may be a component of an ovarian teratoma. Here we review this topic and illustrate major features by presenting multimodal management of a patient with BRAF-positive disseminated follicular thyroid cancer arising in an ovarian teratoma. Malignant thyroid tissue is often difficult to distinguish from benign thyroid tissue arising in ovarian teratomas. Preoperatively, an elevated thyroglobulin (Tg) level, laboratory or clinical evidence of hyperthyroidism, or ultrasonography appearance of "struma pearl" should prompt referral to oncologist for surgical management of a possibly malignant ovarian teratoma. Postoperatively, tumor tissue should be referred to pathologists experienced with differentiating benign from malignant struma ovarii. Once diagnosed, treatment of this rare condition should be handled by a team of specialists with combined treatment modalities. We cared for woman with disseminated thyroid cancer arising in an ovarian teratoma whose history illustrates the complexity of managing ovarian teratomas with malignant thyroid tissue. At age 33 she had an intraoperative rupture of an ovarian cyst, thought to be struma ovarii. During her next pregnancy, pelvic masses were noted; biopsies revealed well-differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular variant. She was euthyroid, but had elevated serum Tg levels. Surgical staging demonstrated widely metastatic intraabdominal dissemination. A thyroidectomy revealed no malignancy. A post-(131)I treatment scan revealed diffuse uptake throughout the abdomen. She then developed abdominal pain and, on computed tomography, was found to have multiple intraabdominal foci of disease. Serum Tg was 264 ng/mL while on L-thyroxine for hypothyroidism and to obtain thyrotropin suppression. A 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan showed no pathological uptake. The tumor was found to be BRAF mutation positive (K601E). She underwent extensive secondary debulking and a second course of (131)I with lithium pretreatment. Posttreatment scan revealed diffuse abdominal uptake. Six months posttherapy, the patient is asymptomatic with a serum Tg of 18.1 ng/mL. Aggressive multimodal management appears to be the most promising approach for malignant thyroid tissue arising in ovarian teratomas.


Interrupted development of dentition in children receiving bone marrow transplantation for acute lymphocytic Leukemia: a case series.
This case series depicts dental anomalies that may develop in children who have undergone bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The most common finding in these patients was root stunting; other abnormalities included microdontia, hypodontia, taurodontia, caries, enamel pearls, and pulpal calcification. Recognition of these adverse effects of BMT on odontogenesis, as demonstrated on panoramic radiograph images, will allow healthcare providers to explain to parents and patients the possible dental outcomes associated with BMT and to optimize their dental health regimen.


Heterogemini Surfactants Based on Fatty Acid Synthesis and Interfacial Properties.
A series of novel nonionic surfactants based on fatty acids, each with two hydrophilic and two hydrophobic groups in the molecule (so-called Gemini surfactants), have been synthesized. The hydrophobic part of the surfactant, made from oleylnitrile, has a double bond in the middle of the chain to which the hydrophilic part is attached. One of the hydrophilic groups is a methyl-capped polyoxyethylene chain with 11 or 16 oxyethylene units, whereas the other is a secondary hydroxyl group. The reason for using the nitrile derivative of the fatty acid instead of a more conventional derivative such as an ester or amide is to achieve good hydrolytic stability, which is often demanded for cleaning applications. The cmc values of the surfactants were determined to be 0.2 and 0.4 mM for NIHG550 and NIHG750, respectively, using tensiometry and fluorescence. Pulsed-field gradient spin-echo NMR measurements gave similar but slightly higher values. The micelle size of NIHG750 was estimated to be on the order of 40 Å, as calculated from the self-diffusion coefficient. The dynamic surface tension, gamma(t), was measured in the range 1 ms-1 s using a maximum bubble pressure instrument and analyzed in terms of asymptotic solutions to the Ward and Tordai equation. The results suggest that at the beginning the adsorption is essentially diffusion-controlled. However, close to equilibrium, the DST decays are not consistent with a diffusion-controlled adsorption mechanism. One important result from the present work is that the heterogeminis seem to align better than conventional surfactants at the air-liquid and solid-liquid interfaces. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.


CSF Heavy Neurofilament May Discriminate and Predict Motor Neuron Diseases with Upper Motor Neuron Involvement.
Objective: To assess whether phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) can discriminate different upper motor neuron (UMN) syndromes, namely, ALS, UMN-predominant ALS, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) and hereditary spastic paraparesis (hSP) and to test the prognostic value of pNfH in UMN diseases. Methods: CSF and serum pNfH were measured in 143 patients presenting with signs of UMN and later diagnosed with classic/bulbar ALS, UMNp-ALS, hSP, and PLS. Between-group comparisons were drawn by ANOVA and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. The prognostic value of pNfH was tested by the Cox regression model. Results: ALS and UMNp-ALS patients had higher CSF pNfH compared to PLS and hSP (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that CSF pNfH could differentiate ALS, UMNp-ALS included, from PLS and hSP (AUC = 0.75 and 0.95, respectively), while serum did not perform as well. In multivariable survival analysis among the totality of UMN patients and classic/bulbar ALS, CSF pNfH independently predicted survival. Among UMNp-ALS patients, only the progression rate (HR4.71, p = 0.01) and presence of multifocal fasciculations (HR 15.69, p = 0.02) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: CSF pNfH is significantly higher in classic and UMNp-ALS compared to UMN diseases with a better prognosis such as PLS and hSP. Its prognostic role is confirmed in classic and bulbar ALS, but not among UMNp, where clinical signs remained the only independent prognostic factors.


Accommodation and binocular vision changes after wearing orthokeratology lens in 8- to 14-year-old myopic children.
The study aimed to observe and analyze the dynamic accommodation and binocular vision changes in myopic children after they switched from spectacles to orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses. Thirty-six myopic children aged 8-14 years were enrolled in this prospective, self-controlled study from West China Hospital. General information was gathered, and examinations were performed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after switching to ortho-k lenses. The examination included assessments of distance/near visual acuity, distance/near horizontal and vertical ocular alignment, distance/near horizontal vergence range, accommodative amplitude, monocular/binocular accommodative facility, accommodative response, positive and negative relative accommodation (PRA/NRA), accommodation convergence/accommodation (AC/A), stereopsis, and reading ability. After the children switched to ortho-k lenses, distance and near ocular alignment showed an exophoric shift (distance: p = 0.001, near: p = 0.002), and the horizontal vergence range decreased by different degrees (convergence: distance blur point (p = 0.002), distance break point (p = 0.005), near blur point (p = 0.011), near break point (p = 0.043); divergence: distance break point (p < 0.001), distance recover point (p < 0.001), near recover point (p = 0.005)). The stereopsis ability (p < 0.001), monocular/binocular accommodative facility (p < 0.001), and PRA (p = 0.010) increased. The accommodative lag (p < 0.001), accommodative amplitude (p < 0.001), and calculated and gradient AC/A (calculated: p = 0.001, gradient: p = 0.025) decreased. The adjusted horizontal and vertical reading times and their ratio decreased (all p < 0.001). The subjects showed distance and near exophoric shifts after switching to ortho-k lenses; improvements in accommodative function, stereopsis, and ocular motility; and a decrease in the binocular horizontal vergence range. The relationships between these changes and the ortho-k myopic control effects require further investigation.


Population dynamics and consumer demand.
The authors analyze the effects on consumption in the United States of 11 demographic variables, including "regional location and the urban/rural base of the household, its age, size, race, sex and marital characteristics, and the education and the employment status of the household head and the spouse." Data are from the 1972-1973 Consumer Expenditure Survey. The expenditure functions are first specified, followed by descriptions of the data sources and the empirical estimates of expenditure functions for various items of consumption spending.


Levels of interleukin 1 beta in tissue from sites of active periodontal disease.
Interleukin 1 beta is a potent bone resorptive cytokine which also mediates soft tissue destruction through the stimulation of prostaglandin production, and the induction of collagenase and other proteases. This constellation of activities suggests a role for IL-1 beta in the pathogenesis of human periodontitis. Levels of IL-1 beta were therefore determined in tissue obtained from (1) diseased, active (2) diseased, inactive and (3) healthy sites from 12 patients with destructive adult periodontitis. Disease activity was defined as attachment loss of greater than or equal to 2.5 mm, as determined by sequential probing and the tolerance method. IL-1 beta was extracted from homogenates of tissue biopsies taken at surgery, and levels were quantified by ELISA. IL-1 beta was found to be present in most patient tissue samples, with levels ranging from 0-82 ng/ml. Disease active sites had higher IL-1 beta levels (p less than 0.05) than inactive and healthy sites. Diseased inactive sites were divided into 2 groups, those losing small amounts of attachment (0.5-2.0 mm, worsening sites) and those which showed no change or attachment gain (stable sites). Stable diseased sites had IL-1 beta levels which were comparable to those found in healthy sites, and which were significantly different from active sites (p less than 0.02). Worsening sites had IL-1 beta levels intermediate between the levels in stable and active sites. Detection of disease activity occurred more frequently at sites with IL-1 beta levels greater than 25 ng/ml (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Utility of MOC-31 monoclonal antibody in differentiating metastatic adenocarcinoma cells and reactive mesothelial cells in effusion cytology.
In effusion cytology, a clear distinction between reactive mesothelial cells and metastatic adenocarcinoma cells is sometimes challenging mainly due to similarities in the cytomorphological features. In such cases for definitive diagnosis, paraffin-embedded cell block examination and immunohistochemistry are helpful in making this distinction. MOC-31 is one of the proposed immunomarker for adenocarcinoma cells. We undertook to evaluate the role of MOC-31 as a marker for identifying adenocarcinoma cells in effusion specimen. A total of 185 paraffin-embedded cell blocks of effusion samples were identified, of these 111 cases were of metastatic adenocarcinoma. MOC-31 was positive in 101 of the 111 cases of metastatic adenocarcinoma. Minimal focal cytoplasmic staining was also seen in 7 of the 74 cases of reactive mesothelial cells, but these were taken negative as they did not show membrane positivity. The sensitivity and specificity of MOC-31 for metastatic adenocarcinoma cells were 92.5%, and 100% respectively, positive and negative predictive value (NPV) was 100% and 91.14%, respectively. MOC-31 can be used as a reliable marker in effusions for distinguishing metastatic adenocarcinoma from reactive mesothelial cases.


Distribution and prevalence of inducible nitric oxide synthase in atherosclerotic vessels of long-term cholesterol-fed rabbits.
The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as its functional activity has recently been reported in atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of iNOS in various arteries of rabbits fed a long-term but low-level cholesterol-enriched diet which promotes different types of atherosclerotic lesions resembling human diseased vessels. No iNOS expression was revealed in arteries from control rabbits and in fatty streaks found in carotid and femoral arteries from hypercholesterolemic rabbits. In transitional lesions from the thoracic and abdominal aortas, the coronary and pulmonary arteries, a punctiform iNOS staining was detected in the intima. When lesions were more advanced, iNOS expression was found more intense and diffuse and localized in the subendothelial layer as well as in the media. Smooth muscle cell accumulation in intimal layers of the arteries is a marker of the degree of evolution of the atherosclerotic lesion; since we found a correlation between the smooth muscle cell infiltration in the intima and the iNOS expression in the intima and the subendothelial layer, our results suggest a link between the severity of the lesion and the iNOS expression.


[Resorbable implants for refixation of osteochondral fragments in joint surfaces].
Resorbable pins made of solid polydioxanone (PDS) were tested for refixation of osteochondral fragments. In both medial femoral condyles of sheep osteochondral fragments were chiselled and refixed by 3 PDS pins. After 3 months the sheep were sacrificed and healing of the fragments investigated histologically and biomechanically. Fragment dislocation was not seen in any of the cases and the cartilage surface could be described as normal. The strength of the bone healing zone reached 80% of the strength of the normal bone. The contact surface between fragment and subchondral bone showed complete bony healing. Only the border of the cartilage flake was still visible. The PDS pins had not been completely biodegraded after 3 months.


Population genetic structure and gene flow of rare and endangered Tetraena mongolica Maxim. revealed by reduced representation sequencing.
Studying population genetic structure and gene flow of plant populations and their influencing factors is of particular significance in the field of conservation biology, especially important for species such as rare and endangered plants. Tetraena mongolica Maxim. (TM), belongs to Zygophyllaceae family, a rare and endangered plant with narrow distribution. However, for the last decade, due to excessive logging, urban expansion, industrial and tourism development, habitat fragmentation and loss of natural habitats have become major threats to the population of endangered plants. In this study, genetic diversity, population genetic structure and gene flow of TM populations were evaluated by reduced representation sequencing technology, and a total of more than 133.45 GB high-quality clean reads and 38,097 high-quality SNPs were generated. Analysis based on multiple methods, we found that the existing TM populations have moderate levels of genetic diversity, and very low genetic differentiation as well as high levels of gene flow between populations. Population structure and principal coordinates analysis showed that 8 TM populations can be divided into two groups. The Mantel test detected no significant correlation between geographical distances and genetic distance for the whole sampling. Moreover, the migration model indicated that the gene flow is more of a north to south migration pattern in history. This study demonstrates that the present genetic structure is mainly due to habitat fragmentation caused by urban sprawl, industrial development and coal mining. Our recommendation with respect to conservation management is that, all 8 populations should be preserved as a whole population, rather than just those in the core area of TM nature reserve. In particular, the populations near the edge of TM distribution in cities and industrial areas deserve our special protection.


Abnormal responsiveness of nephrogenous cyclic AMP excretion following intravenously administered calcium in normocalcaemic squamous cell cancer patients.
The renal response to calcium infusion was compared in ten normocalcaemic patients with squamous cell cancer and in ten normocalcaemic patients with adenocarcinoma. Both groups were comparable with regard to tumour load, renal function, magnesium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. After injection of 3 mg elementary Ca/kg BW nephrogenous cAMP excretion fell significantly in the group of adenocarcinoma patients (1.74 +/- 1.14 nmol/dl GF vs. 2.81 +/- 1.39 nmol/dl GF; P less than 0.01) and TmPO4/GFR rose significantly at 60 and 120 min. No fall in NcAMP excretion was observed in the group of squamous cell cancer patients (2.18 +/- 0.84 vs. 2.24 +/- 0.84 nmol/dl GF; NS) and TmPO4/GFR remained unchanged. Three of ten patients with squamous cell cancer showed a paradoxical rise in NcAMP excretion following calcium administration. The other seven patients with squamous cell cancer showed a decline in NcAMP excretion (delta NcAMP) which was significantly less than in the ten patients with adenocarcinoma (0.52 +/- 0.16 vs. 1.23 +/- 0.74 nmol/dl GF; P less than 0.05). Increased phosphaturia was observed in three of ten patients with squamous cell cancer after calcium was administered. This also occurred in the presence as well as in the absence of a paradoxical activation of the adenylate cyclase system. It is concluded that the abnormal NcAMP response to calcium-infusion in normocalcaemic squamous cell cancer patients might be due to the presence of a non-suppressible PTH-like substance in these patients.


Similarity Learning of Manifold Data.
Without constructing adjacency graph for neighborhood, we propose a method to learn similarity among sample points of manifold in Laplacian embedding (LE) based on adding constraints of linear reconstruction and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator type minimization. Two algorithms and corresponding analyses are presented to learn similarity for mix-signed and nonnegative data respectively. The similarity learning method is further extended to kernel spaces. The experiments on both synthetic and real world benchmark data sets demonstrate that the proposed LE with new similarity has better visualization and achieves higher accuracy in classification.


[Staging of rectal cancer by endorectal ultrasound].
The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of transrectal ultrasound in staging rectal carcinoma. 30 consecutive patients with rectal carcinoma proven pathomorphological were staged transrectal ultrasound and computed tomography imaging, and then underwent radical surgery. The data of preoperative staging were compared with pathomorphological findings of the specimens according to Surgical excised the TNM classification system. Transrectal ultrasound showed better results than computed tomography in evaluating N (sensitivity 45.2%, specificity 45.2%), because the parameters of sensitivity and specificity were high enough (76.6%). Computed tomography has limited usefulness in staging rectal tumors because the layers of the rectal wall are not resolved by computed tomography. In T staging transrectal ultrasound sensitivity and specificity ranges 87.54% and 94.82% respectively and that enables to perform adequate surgical procedure.


[Association between ribavirin plasma concentration and sustained virologic response in treatment of patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-α-2b and ribavirin].
To investigate the association between the dose and plasma concentration of ribavirin (RBV) and sustained virologic response (SVR) during the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with pegylated interferon-α-2b (PEG-IFN-α-2b) and RBV. A total of 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who were treated with PEG-IFN-α-2b and RBV as the antiviral treatment were enrolled, and according to the therapeutic effect (SVR was defined as HCV RNA maintained below the lower limit of detection at 24 weeks after drug discontinuation in patients who achieved virologic response at the end of treatment, and recurrence was defined as HCV RNA turning positive), these patients were divided into SVR group (20 patients aged 19-55 years, including 10 male patients) and recurrence group (20 patients aged 21-76 years, including 12 male patients). The HPLC-MS/MS was used to measure the RBV plasma concentration at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment. The t-test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis. During the antiviral treatment, the dose of RBV showed a significant difference between the two groups (15.01 ± 1.21 mg/kg vs 10.28 ± 2.81 mg/kg,t= 6.908,P= 0.000). The area under the ROC curve reached 0.96 (95%CI0.00-1.00,P= 0.000), suggesting that the dose of RBV had a high value in predicting SVR. When the dose of RBV was higher than 13.05 mg/kg (sensitivity 100%; specificity 85%), the possibility of achieving SVR was also increased. The RBV plasma concentrations in the SVR group at weeks 4,12, 24, and 48 of treatment were 1 894.8 ± 740.7 ng/ml, 2 029.9 ± 547.7 ng/ml, 2 011.8 ± 354.2 ng/ml, and2 093.5 ± 540.3 ng/ml, respectively, and those in the recurrence group were 1 223.1 ± 722.7 ng/ml, 1 286.9±685.4 ng/ml, 1304.7 ± 692.0 ng/ml, and 1 221.3 ± 655.3 ng/ml, respectively. The RBV plasma concentration at each time point showed significant differences between the two groups (t= 2.903,P= 0.006;t= 3.787,P= 0.001;t= 4.068,P= 0.000;t= 4.593,P= 0.000). The results of ROC analysis showed that the areas under the ROC curve at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment were 0.76 (95%CI0.61-0.92,P= 0.005), 0.83 (95%CI0.68-0.97,P= 0.000), 0.83 (95%CI0.69-0.98,P= 0.000), and 0.86 (95%CI0.72-1.00,P= 0.000), respectively, suggesting that the RBV plasma concentration had a high value in predicting SVR. When the cut-off values of RBV plasma concentration at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment were higher than 1262.5 ng/ml (sensitivity 90%; specificity 60%), 1432 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%; specificity 65%), 1427 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%; specificity 65%), and 1610 ng/ml (sensitivity 95%; specificity 80%), respectively, there was a greater possibility of achieving SVR. During the antiviral treatment with PEG-IFN-α-2b and RBV, the dose and plasma concentration of RBV have a high value in predicting the recurrence of CHC and the possibility of SVR.


Sex, eyes, and vision: male/female distinctions in ophthalmic disorders.
There is growing recognition: (1) that sex (male and female) and sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) are important for physiologic functions outside those pertaining expressly to reproduction, and (2) that both classes of sex hormones are active in both sexes, and moreover are produced locally in non-gonadal tissues throughout the body. The visual system, in addition to being of tremendous inherent importance, is unique in a very distinctive way; it possesses an organ - the eye - having a window allowing its interior to be examined with exquisite precision and control in both laboratory and clinical settings. Plus, many diseases manifest in the eye or are exclusive to the eye. This special issue of Current Eye Research contains 12 review articles, each addressing a different topical area important for Sex, Eyes, and Vision: Male/Female Distinctions in Ophthalmic Disorders. Of course, the distinctions between topical areas are blurred, and the overlap between the various lines of knowledge and investigation likewise is substantial. Eye diseases can be both neurodegenerative and involve altered blood flow, for instance. In fact, the thematic overlap is greater yet, in that the articles for this special issue address matters of interest to clinicians and scientists who may identify more with women's health or sex & gender fields than with eye & vision fields. Nevertheless, because this special issue needs a home, the following 12 topical areas each have here their own dedicated review: age-related maculopathy, central nervous system function and cognition & perception, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, glaucoma, inherited diseases, lens and cataract, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular blood flow, ocular inflammatory disorders, optical coherence tomography, and sex/gender eye care disparities. This overview article itself raises additional points expressly concerning: (1) the estrogen therapy timing hypothesis, and (2) breast cancer treatment with aromatase inhibitors.


Effect of two load escalation methods using a supine ergometer on the cardiorespiratory system and lower limb muscle activity.
[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of two load escalation methods, such as pedal weight increasing method and pedal speed raising method using a supine ergometer, on the cardiorespiratory system and lower limb muscle activity. [Participants and Methods] The study included 20 healthy adult males (age: 21 ± 1 years). Two different parameters were modulated during exercise intervention. Pedal load progression was applied in the load group (28.9 N, 72.3 N, 101.3 N), and pedal rate progression was applied in the speed group (60 rpm, 80 rpm, 100 rpm). Each group performed 5 minutes of exercise at their respective level of progression, for a total duration of 15 minutes. [Results] Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide output, and minute ventilation were significantly increased as exercise intensity increased in both groups. Significant differences in muscle activity were found between the highest exercise intensities (101.3 N and 100 rpm). The activities of the biceps femoris and gastrocnemius were significantly higher with exercise at 100 rpm than at 101.3 N. [Conclusion] Increasing the number of revolutions per minute may significantly increase the activity of the lower limb muscles at comparable exercise intensities, despite the low work load.


p-Chloro-diphenyl diselenide attenuates plasma lipid profile changes and hepatotoxicity induced by nonionic surfactant tyloxapol in rats.
Tyloxapol is a nonionic surfactant oligomer inductor of dyslipidemia, which in turn is a risk factor for liver damage. Selenium-based compounds have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for treating different experimental disorders. This study investigated the effects of p-chloro-diphenyl diselenide (p-ClPhSe)2 on toxicity induced by Tyloxapol in rats. Plasma lipid profile, hepatic functionality and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in adult male Wistar rats treated with (p-ClPhSe)2 (10 mg/kg; oral administration by gavage) for seven days and exposed to a single Tyloxapol injection (400 mg/kg; intraperitoneal route) 30 min after the last (p-ClPhSe)2 treatment. Tyloxapol exposure increased the plasma levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, non-HDL-cholesterol and the calculated cardiac risk index (CRI). The plasma activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST, liver function markers) were increased in rats exposed to Tyloxapol, which demonstrates a hepatic lipotoxicity. In the liver, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was enhanced and the non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) levels were decreased by Tyloxapol. The data revealed that repeated treatment with (p-ClPhSe)2 reduced plasma lipid alterations and hepatotoxicity induced by Tyloxapol. Although (p-ClPhSe)2 did not reduce ROS levels increased by Tyloxapol, it increased NPSH content in the liver. Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed a positive relationship between the levels of hepatic NPSH and plasma HDL. HDL is known by eliciting antioxidant activity; therefore, the improvement in HDL function could be suggested as a therapeutic target. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the protective effects of (p-ClPhSe)2 on the hepatic lipotoxicity induced by Tyloxapol in rats.


Production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by alveolar macrophages from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
In order to ascertain the role of TNF-alpha in pulmonary tuberculosis, we determined the TNF-alpha productivity of alveolar macrophages(AMs) obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL), along with the level of TNF-alpha in the serum of patients with tuberculosis including pulmonary, miliary, and endobronchial tuberculosis, healthy controls, and pulmonary diseases such as diffuse interstitial lung disease (DILD) and pneumonia. AMs from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis did not produce a larger amount of TNF-alpha than did those from the healthy control subjects. However, among the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, the AMs from the fresh and reactivated groups produced a larger amount of TNF-alpha than those from the inactive group. AMs from patients showing positivity in culture produced a larger amount of TNF-alpha than those showing negativity. The average level of serum TNF-alpha in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was slightly higher than that of the healthy control group. Among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, significantly increased levels of serum TNF-alpha were noted in the reactivated group compared to those of the fresh and inactive group. Patients with moderate to far-advanced infiltration on their chest X-rays, showed a significantly higher level of serum TNF-alpha than those with minimal involvement on the chest X-ray. Smokers from the healthy control group showed a significantly higher level of serum TNF-alpha than non-smokers from the same group. These results suggest that an increase in the production of TNF-alpha may correspond with the severity of pulmonary tuberculosis.


Sandflies in an urban area of transmission of visceral leishmaniasis in midwest Brazil.
The phlebotomine fauna of Campo Grande city, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul state in Brazil, an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis, has been thoroughly investigated, but all the insect collections were undertaken with automatic light traps. The present study sought to investigate the fauna in this city using Shannon and Disney traps, having human beings and hamsters, respectively, as bait. Both types of traps were installed in forest fragment and peridomiciliary areas in the period from 2007 to 2009. The phlebotomine females were analyzed by PCR for Leishmania identification. Lutzomyia longipalpis was the only species collected in the peridomiciles and rendered a total of 574 specimens with a 5.2:1 male:female ratio. A total of eight species were attracted to the two traps (one of each type) installed in the forest fragment, including: Bichromomyia flaviscutellata, Evandromyia bourrouli, Evandromyia lenti, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Nyssomyia whitmani, Pintomyia christenseni, Psathyromyia bigeniculata, and Sciopemyia sordellii. A total of 143 specimens were collected, Bi. flaviscutellata accounting for 81% and Lu. longipalpis for 1.4% of them. In one female of Lu. longipalpis collected in a Disney trap installed in a peridomicile, Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum DNA was found, thus strengthening the hypothesis that the transmission of leishmaniasis is in fact occurring in the anthropic environment.


Mesoporous TiO2 nanostructures: a route to minimize Pt loading on titania photocatalysts for hydrogen production.
Mesostructured TiO(2) nanocrystals have been prepared using Pluronic F127 as the structure-directing agent. Platinum nanoparticles at different contents (0.1-1.0 wt%) have been photochemically deposited onto the mesoporous TiO(2). TEM investigation of 0.2 wt% Pt/TiO(2) calcined at 450 °C reveals that the TiO(2) particles are quite uniform in size and shape with the particle sizes of TiO(2) and Pt being 10 and 3 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the Pt loaded TiO(2) have been assessed and compared with those of nonporous commercial Pt/TiO(2)-P25 by determining the rates and the photonic efficiencies of molecular hydrogen production from aqueous methanol solutions. The results show that the amount of hydrogen evolved on Pt/TiO(2)-450 at low Pt loading (0.2 wt%) is three times higher than that evolved on Pt/TiO(2)-P25 and twelve times higher than that evolved on Pt/TiO(2)-350. Despite the BET surface area of the TiO(2)-450 photocatalyst being 3.5 times higher than that of TiO(2)-P25, a 60% smaller amount of the Pt co-catalyst is required to obtain the optimum photocatalytic hydrogen production activity. The reduced Pt loading on the mesoporous TiO(2) will be important both from a commercial and an ecological point of view.


The content of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid in different types of Yerba Mate, depending on country of origin and the conditions of the infusion.
Yerba Mate (Ilexparaguariensis) is one of the most widely consumed teas in South America. It is becoming more and more popular in North America and Europe. The aim of the study was a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the fatty acids from the omega 6 and omega 3 families in Yerba Mate teas. There were two types of infusions - cold and hot (three brews from the same leaves). Yerba Mate was incu bated for 10 min, then 2 mL of the brew was taken for isola tion. Fatty acids were extracted by the Folch method. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed using gas chromatography. The analysis of fatty acids in the infusions of Yerba Mate showed a significant amount of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linolenic acids (ALA). The concentrations of these acids present in fresh infusions were approx. 250 ug/mL for infusion of LA, and 600 ug/mL infusion for ALA. With the subsequent brew using the same leaves the amount of fatty acids decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Drinking Yerba Mate can supply ALA and LA, which are essential in a well-balanced diet. For individuals who regularly consume Yerba Mate, it can be an important source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation. The most preferred way to brew the tea is cold infusion, which delivers the highest dose of unchanged PUFAs. This method of brewing also reduces the gastrointestinal exposure to high temperature, and thus reduces the risk of cancer incidence.


Supercontinuum generation spanning over three octaves from UV to 3.85 microm in a fluoride fiber.
We report what we believe to be the first demonstration of supercontinuum generation spanning over three octaves from UV (at least approximately 350 nm) to 3.85 microm in a 2.5-cm-long fluoride fiber pumped by a 1450 nm femtosecond laser. The spectral broadening in the fluoride fiber is caused primarily by self-phase modulation. Its performance is also compared with that of a 2.5-cm-long silica fiber pumped by the same laser.


Treatment of pregnant women with a betamimetic and verapamil increases the micronuclei frequency in umbilical cord blood lymphocytes.
In prevention of preterm labor, betamimetics are used in gynecological practice mostly combined with antiarrhythmic verapamil because of their therapeutic cardiovascular side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a betamimetic (ritodrine hydrochloride, fenoterol or hexoprenaline) and verapamil (administered to mothers) on the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in umbilical cord blood lymphocytes of neonates, using cytokinesis-block micronucleus test. The analyzed sample included 23 babies whose mothers received the therapy and 30 control babies whose mothers received no therapy. The average MN frequency was significantly higher in the neonates whose mothers received the therapy (8.13 +/- 2.69 MN/1000 BN cells), in comparison with the baseline frequency in untreated controls (3.30 +/- 2.63 MN/1000 BN cells), with probability p < 0.05. The highest MN frequency was found in neonates whose mothers received fenoterol and verapamil (2.8-fold i.e. 9.10 +/- 3.00 MN/1000 BN cells), while ritodrine hydrochloride and hexoprenaline combined with verapamil induced 2.3-fold and 2.2-fold higher MN values than in controls (7.50 +/- 3.33 MN/1000 BN cells and 7.29 +/- 0.95 MN/1000 BN cells). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that MN frequency was affected only by the maternal therapeutic treatment, while the neonates' sex, maternal age, cigarette smoking, and therapeutic doses did not affect the MN frequency in umbilical lymphocytes of neonates. We conclude that the treatment of pregnant women with a betamimetic and verapamil significantly increases the MN frequency in umbilical cord blood lymphocytes of neonates, regardless to therapeutic doses.