Use of ondansetron for control of projectile vomiting in patients with neurosurgical trauma: two case reports.
To describe two cases of projectile vomiting that were treated successfully with ondansetron in patients with neurosurgical trauma. Causes and pharmacologic treatments for nausea and emesis are also discussed. Patient data and literature citations from published case reports, review articles, and clinical research reports as identified by MEDLINE. Ondansetron, a potent and highly selective antagonist of serotonin at the 5-HT3 (subtype 3)-receptor, possesses potent antiemetic effects. It has not been associated with the extrapyramidal adverse effects seen with traditional antiemetics. The occurrence of extrapyramidal reactions may limit the usefulness of conventional antiemetics in neurosurgical patients because such agents interfere with serial mental status examinations and lower the seizure threshold. Therefore, ondansetron may be preferable in this patient population. Two patients with head trauma and projectile vomiting were treated successfully with ondansetron following treatment failure with prochlorperazine. These represent the first reported cases of efficacious treatment with ondansetron in neurosurgical trauma patients. Ondansetron may be the preferred agent for controlling nausea and vomiting in patients with neurosurgical trauma. Controlled clinical trials are needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy in this patient population.


Conceptual advances in nucleophilic organophosphine-promoted transformations.
Catalysis by trivalent nucleophilic organophosphines has emerged as an essential tool in organic synthesis. Several new organic transformations promoted by phosphines substantiate and complement the existing synthetic chemistry tools. Mere design of the substrate and reagent combinations has introduced new modes of reactivity patterns, which are otherwise difficult to achieve. These design considerations have led to the rapid build-up of complex molecular entities and laid a solid foundation to synthesise bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals. This article presents an overview of some of the conceptual advances, including our contributions to nucleophilic organophosphine chemistry. The scope, limitations, mechanistic insights, and applications of these metal-free transformations are discussed elaborately.


A study to ascertain gynaecological patients' perceived levels of embarrassment with physical and psychological care given by female and male nurses.
The Sex Discrimination Act lifted the barriers which prevented men from training and practising as midwives. However, cultural attitudes perceive nursing to be a female profession, and whilst care from a male doctor is considered to be acceptable, care from a male nurse is said to be embarrassing. The purpose of the study was to identify if there was any relationship between the intimacy of a nursing interaction and the patient's level of embarrassment. Data collection was by questionnaires with rating scales. Demographic data was obtained from nursing and medical notes. Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric methods using Mini-tab. Ninety-one questionnaires were returned from a convenience sample of patients on a gynaecological oncology ward. Analysis of the data indicates that in a population of patients who have no prior experience of hospital admission, or of being cared for by a male nurse, there is a preference for care by a female nurse. However, this preference is not demonstrated in patients who have undergone previous hospital admission within the last five years or who have been cared for by a male nurse. These findings would indicate a cultural preference for care by a female nurse in patients with gynaecological cancer that is changed by experience during hospital admission.


[Indication and technic of interlocking nailing of the femur].
Between 1973 and 1982 we treated 569 fractures of the femoral shaft by means of osteosynthesis. The internal nailing was performed in 41.6%. We used an interlocking nailing in 170 cases, 116 times statically and 54 times dynamically. An open reposition was performed in 48.2%. With only a very small incision we exposed the area of the fracture to insert the reamer guide under control of the fingers into the distal part of the femoral shaft. By using this technique there is no danger of disposing the fragments in order to achieve stabilisation in the correct position. 52.4% of the patients were younger than 30 years and 25.9% older than 30 years and 25.9% older than 60 years. In all cases we observed an osseous healing, twice a secondary cancellous bone craft was necessary. As complications we had an infection rate of 2.9%, loosening of the bolt in 0.6%, axial malalignment greater than 10 degrees in 0.6%, a rotary malalignment greater than 10 degrees in 1.2%. We did not observe any refracture. Less complications can be observed in interlocking nailing in comparison with plate osteosynthesis. Technique, indication, mistakes, and dangers as well as careful timing of operation are discussed. In open fractures delayed osteosynthesis by means of interlocking nailing is to be preferred to primary plate osteosynthesis. Fractures fixed by interlocking nailing had comparatively less complications in fracture healing and especially no more shortenings and rotation deformities, but the advantage of early full weightbearing. The interlocking nail has a very important value in the management of femoral shaft fractures.


Trace elements and stable isotopes in penguin chicks and eggs: A baseline for monitoring the Ross Sea MPA and trophic transfer studies.
Multi-tissue trace elements (TEs), C, N concentrations and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) of chick carcasses and eggs of Adélie and Emperor penguins were studied to i) provide reference data before the recent institution of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area (Antarctica), and ii) provide conversion factors that allow estimating C, N, δ13C and δ15N in edible tissues from non-edible ones, thus improving the use of stable isotopes in contamination and trophic transfer studies. Higher concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn and Pb were found in chick carcasses than in eggs, suggesting increasing contamination in recent decades and high toxicity risks for penguin consumers. Isotopic conversion factors highlighted small differences among body tissues and conspecifics. These values suggest that chick carcasses are reliable indicators of the energy pathways underlying the two penguin species, their trophic position in the food web and their exposure to TEs.


Human FMRP contains an integral tandem Agenet (Tudor) and KH motif in the amino terminal domain.
Fragile X syndrome, a common cause of intellectual disability and autism, is due to mutational silencing of the FMR1 gene leading to the absence of its gene product, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is a selective RNA binding protein owing to two central K-homology domains and a C-terminal arginine-glycine-glycine (RGG) box. However, several properties of the FMRP amino terminus are unresolved. It has been documented for over a decade that the amino terminus has the ability to bind RNA despite having no recognizable functional motifs. Moreover, the amino terminus has recently been shown to bind chromatin and influence the DNA damage response as well as function in the presynaptic space, modulating action potential duration. We report here the amino terminal crystal structures of wild-type FMRP, and a mutant (R138Q) that disrupts the amino terminus function, containing an integral tandem Agenet and discover a novel KH motif.


Metabolism and disposition of gemfibrozil in Wistar and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2-deficient TR- rats.
1. The roles of multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp) 2 deficiency and Mrp3 up-regulation were evaluated on the metabolism and disposition of gemfibrozil. 2. Results from in vitro studies in microsomes showed that the hepatic intrinsic clearance (CLint) for the oxidative metabolism of gemfibrozil was slightly higher (1.5-fold) in male TR- rats, which are deficient in Mrp2, than in wild-type Wistar rats, whereas CLint for glucuronidation was similar in both strains. 3. The biliary excretion of intravenously administered [14C]gemfibrozil was significantly impaired in TR-) rats compared with Wistar rats (22 versus 93% of the dose excreted as the acyl glucuronides over 72 h). Additionally, the extent of urinary excretion of radioactivity was much higher in TR- than in Wistar rats (78 versus 2.6% of the dose). 4. There were complex time-dependent changes in the total radioactivity levels and metabolite profiles in plasma, liver and kidney, some of which appeared to be related to the up-regulation of Mrp3. 5. Overall, it was demonstrated that alterations in the expression of the transporters Mrp2 and Mrp3 significantly affected the excretion as well as the secondary metabolism and distribution of [14C]gemfibrozil.


Role of HPV E6 proteins in preventing UVB-induced release of pro-apoptotic factors from the mitochondria.
Apoptotic elimination of UV-damaged cells from the epidermis is an important step in preventing both the emergence and expansion of cells with carcinogenic potential. A pivotal event in apoptosis is the release of apoptogenic factors from the mitochondria, although the mechanisms by which the different proteins are released are not fully understood. Here we demonstrate that UV radiation induced the mitochondrial to nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) in normal skin. The human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein prevented release of AIF and other apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c and Omi from mitochondria of UV-damaged primary epidermal keratinocytes and preserved mitochondrial integrity. shRNA silencing of Bak, a target for E6-mediated proteolysis, demonstrated the requirement of Bak for UV-induced AIF release and mitochondrial fragmentation. Furthermore, screening non-melanoma skin cancer biopsies revealed an inverse correlation between HPV status and AIF nuclear translocation. Our results indicate that the E6 activity towards Bak is a key factor that promotes survival of HPV-infected cells that facilitates tumor development.


Enhancement of tumor cell lysis by natural killer cells after blocking of HLA-monomorphic determinant using F(ab')2 fragment of W6/32.
It has been known that negative signal of natural killer (NK) cells is triggered by HLA-polymorphic determinant (PMD) of target cells. However, it is not clear whether or not the negative signal is triggered by HLA-monomorphic determinant (MMD). In this study, we determined the interaction of NK receptor and MMD by mean of a blocking test. For the blocking, W6/32, which is an antibody to the MMD, was used. As target cells, we used a tumor cell line H42 and several cell lines. The H42 was established from a bladder cancer patient after radiation therapy. This cell line was demonstrated to be PMD negative but MMD positive and showed NK sensitivity. We had established one more cell line, H41, from the same patient before the radiation therapy. However, the H41 possessed both the PMD and MMD and exhibited NK resistance. Thus, the NK sensitivity of the H42 may be due to depression of the PMD. We performed a blocking test against the MMD of these cell lines. When the H42 was pretreated with F(ab')2 fragment of the W6/32, the killing by NK cells increased. Other cell lines, EB33, KMT-1, and HMy2-C1R, which possessed low levels of PMD, were killed moderately after the pretreatment, although the H41 and other cell lines (KO, MT-2, OKM-3T), which possessed high levels of PMD, were killed only slightly. These findings suggest that the negative signal may be triggered not only by the PMD but also by the MMD.


Reverse engineering gene networks using singular value decomposition and robust regression.
We propose a scheme to reverse-engineer gene networks on a genome-wide scale using a relatively small amount of gene expression data from microarray experiments. Our method is based on the empirical observation that such networks are typically large and sparse. It uses singular value decomposition to construct a family of candidate solutions and then uses robust regression to identify the solution with the smallest number of connections as the most likely solution. Our algorithm has O(log N) sampling complexity and O(N(4)) computational complexity. We test and validate our approach in a series of in numero experiments on model gene networks.


UN-YOLOv5s: A UAV-Based Aerial Photography Detection Algorithm.
With the progress of science and technology, artificial intelligence is widely used in various disciplines and has produced amazing results. The research of the target detection algorithm has significantly improved the performance and role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and plays an irreplaceable role in preventing forest fires, evacuating crowded people, surveying and rescuing explorers. At this stage, the target detection algorithm deployed in UAVs has been applied to production and life, but making the detection accuracy higher and better adaptability is still the motivation for researchers to continue to study. In aerial images, due to the high shooting height, small size, low resolution and few features, it is difficult to be detected by conventional target detection algorithms. In this paper, the UN-YOLOv5s algorithm can solve the difficult problem of small target detection excellently. The more accurate small target detection (MASD) mechanism is used to greatly improve the detection accuracy of small and medium targets, The multi-scale feature fusion (MCF) path is combined to fuse the semantic information and location information of the image to improve the expression ability of the novel model. The new convolution SimAM residual (CSR) module is introduced to make the network more stable and focused. On the VisDrone dataset, the mean average precision (mAP) of UAV necessity you only look once v5s(UN-YOLOv5s) is 8.4% higher than that of the original algorithm. Compared with the same version, YOLOv5l, the mAP is increased by 2.2%, and the Giga Floating-point Operations Per Second (GFLOPs) is reduced by 65.3%. Compared with the same series of YOLOv3, the mAP is increased by 1.8%, and GFLOPs is reduced by 75.8%. Compared with the same series of YOLOv8s, the detection accuracy of the mAP is improved by 1.1%.


In vivo effects of rabbit anti-mouse brain serum on theta bearing lymphocytes of AKR mice.
The in vivo effect of rabbit anti-AKR mouse brain-associated serum (RAMB) was determined on theta bearing lymphocytes present in the spleens and thymuses of mature C3H mice and AKR mice staged into preleukemic, leukaemic and overtly leukaemic states. Following seven daily injections of RAMB serum, the splenic plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) and the percentage of theta-bearing lymphocytes in the spleen were significantly decreased in the C3H and the preleukaemic AKR mice. Decreases in thymic weight and thymocyte numbers were also apparent. Determinations of theta antigen density using in vitro cytoxicity tests indicated that splenic and thymic T lymphocytes (thymus-derived) remaining in the RAMB-treated C3H and preleukemic AKR mice consisted primarily of cells bearing less of the theta surface antigen. Histopathological studies of tissues from these two treated groups revealed cortical lymphocyte depletion in the thymus, and marginal and periarteriolar depletion in the spleen. Leukaemic AKR mice, administered seven injections of RAMB serum, demonstrated less dramatic changes in thymus weight, histopathology and theta-bearing cell percentages when compared with the data from the preleukaemic AKR or matureC3H mice. The results from testing overtly luekaemic AKR mice administered RAMB serum for the 7 or 9 days did not demonstrate differences from findings from groupsof overtly leukaemic control mice. These data indicate that the in vivo activity of RAMB serum in C3H mice and preleukaemic AKR mice is directed primarily toward the less mature T-lymphocyte population. This influence of RAMB serum is lesspronounced in leukaemic and the more overtly leukaemic mice, suggesting that a decreasedpopulation of RAMB-susceptible lymphocytes are present in these animals.


[Papillomatosis of the bile ducts: a clinical case].
A case of diffuse papillomatosis of the bile duct, treated with external biliary drainage, is reported on account of its rarity. The extent and anatomopathological characteristics of the lesion make radical surgery impossible, so that the above-stated surgical solution appears to the Authors to be the most suitable one for resolving the biliary stasis and consequent cirrhosis.


Ultrathin Dendritic Pd-Ag Nanoplates for Efficient and Durable Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Formate.
CO2 reduction reactions (CO2 RR) powered by renewable electricity can directly convert CO2 to hydrocarbons and fix the sustainable but intermittent energy (e. g., sunlight, wind, etc.) in stable and portable chemical fuels. Advanced catalysts boosting CO2 RR with high activity, selectivity, and durability at low overpotentials are of great importance but still elusive. Here, we report that the ultrathin Pd-Ag dendritic nanoplates (PdAg DNPs) exhibited boosted activity, selectivity, and stability for producing formate from CO2 at a very low overpotential in aqueous solutions under ambient conditions. As a result, the PdAg DNPs exhibited a Faradaic efficiency (FE) for formate of 91% and a cathodic energy efficiency (EE) of ∼90% at the potential of -0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE), showing significantly enhanced durability as compared with pure Pd catalysts. Our strategy represents a rational catalyst design by engineering the surface geometrical and electronic structures of metal nanocrystals and may find more applicability in future electrocatalysis.


Biofilm Formation by Drug Resistant Enterococci Isolates Obtained from Chronic Periodontitis Patients.
Enterococci are an important cause of opportunistic nosocomial infections and several multidrug resistant strains have emerged. The severity of periodontal diseases is managed by reduction in the pathogenic bacteria. There is a need to assess the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of enterococci colonizing the periodontal pocket and correlate its biofilm formation ability because oral biofilms provide a protective environment and are a reservoir of bacterial colonization of the gingival crevice. To investigate possible association between antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm formation in enterococci isolates from chronic periodontitis patients. This retrospective study was conducted at Dr. Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Punjab University, Chandigarh from January 2015 to October 2015. Sterile paper points were inserted in the periodontal pocket of 100 subjects and put in a transport media. Forty -six isolates were identified as enterococci. The isolates were further examined for their ability to form biofilm by microtitre plate assay and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by disc diffusion method for clinically relevant antibiotics. Significant relationship (p<0.001) was found between biofilm production with antibiotic resistance to Vancomycin, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Tiecoplanin, Amoxycillin and Gentamycin. The study demonstrates a high propensity among the isolates of Enterococci to form biofilm and a significant association of biofilm with multiple drug resistance.


Illustration of a measure to combine viral suppression and viral rebound in studies of HIV therapy.
Viral load is an important tool for assessing antiretroviral treatment efficacy. However, the most common viral load end point, virologic failure, may be flawed. We illustrate an alternative end point that estimates the average time patients spent suppressed before rebound in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5095 trial. Patients averaged 644 days suppressed in the 3-drug arm and 686 days suppressed in the 4-drug arm, for a difference of 42 days in favor of the 4-drug regimen (95% confidence interval: -11 to 96). These results agree with results using virologic failure as the end point but better emphasize the separate suppression and rebound processes.


The removal of H2S from process air by diffusion into activated sludge.
Emissions of H2S from publicly owned treatment works is a serious problem, therefore collection and treatment of these emissions is essential. In this work, the performance of a bench scale activated sludge system used for the removal of H2S from foul air was investigated, and the effects of H2S concentration (5 to 50 ppm,) on COD reduction and biomass settleability were studied. After biomass acclimation, the reactor was operated in a continuous mode at a hydraulic retention time of 5 h and a mean cell residence time of 6 days. Results showed that COD and H2S removal were 93.5 and 94.5%, respectively. Furthermore, H2S concentration up to 50 ppm, did not significantly affect the COD reduction. H2S loading rates of up to 7.5 mg(H2S) g(-1)MLSS, d(-1) were treated with greater than 94% efficiency. The only adverse effect of H2S that was observed was an increase in the sludge volume index at loading rates over 4.5 mg(H2S) g(-1)MLSS d(-1), at which bulking of the sludge occurred. Overall, the results indicate that H2S at concentrations usually emitted from wastewater treatment processes (lower than 50 ppm(v)), can be efficiently treated by diffusion into activated sludge without compromising the performance of the activated sludge process.


Bilateral sensory deprivation of trigeminal afferent fibres on corticomotor control of human tongue musculature: a preliminary study.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has demonstrated changes in motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in human limb muscles following modulation of sensory afferent inputs. The aim of this study was to determine whether bilateral local anaesthesia (LA) of the lingual nerve affects the excitability of the tongue motor cortex (MI) as measured by TMS. The effect on MEPs after bilateral LA of the lingual nerve was studied, while the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle served as a control in ten healthy participants. MEPs were measured on the right side of the tongue dorsum in four different conditions: (i) immediately prior to anaesthesia (baseline), (ii) during bilateral LA block of the lingual nerve, (iii) after anaesthesia had subjectively subsided (recovery) and (iv) 3 h after bilateral lingual block injection. MEPs were assessed using stimulus-response curves in steps of 10% of motor threshold (T). Eight stimuli were given at each stimulus level. The amplitudes of the tongue MEPs were significantly influenced by the stimulus intensity (P < 0·001) but not by condition (P = 0·186). However, post hoc tests showed that MEPS were statistically significantly higher during bilateral LA block condition compared with baseline at T + 40%, T + 50% and T + 60% (P < 0·028) and also compared with recovery at T + 60% (P = 0·010) as well as at 3 h after injection at T + 50% and T + 60% (P < 0·029). Bilateral LA block of the lingual nerve seems to be associated with a facilitation of the corticomotor pathways related to the tongue musculature.


Functional analysis of the sporulation-specific diadenylate cyclase CdaS in Bacillus thuringiensis.
Cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) is a recently discovered bacterial secondary messenger molecule, which is associated with various physiological functions. In the genus Bacillus, the intracellular level and turnover of c-di-AMP are mainly regulated by three diadenylate cyclases (DACs), including DisA, CdaA and CdaS, and two c-di-AMP-specific phosphodiesterases (GdpP and PgpH). In this study, we demonstrated that CdaS protein from B. thuringiensis is a hexameric DAC protein that can convert ATP or ADP to c-di-AMP in vitro and the N-terminal YojJ domain is essential for the DAC activity. Based on the markerless gene knock-out method, we demonstrated that the transcription of cdaS was initiated by the sporulation-specific sigma factor σ(H) and the deletion of cdaS significantly delayed sporulation and parasporal crystal formation. These findings contrast with similar experiments conducted using B. subtilis, wherein transcription of its cdaS was initiated by the sigma factor σ(G). Deletion of all the three DAC genes from a single strain was unsuccessful, suggesting that c-di-AMP is an indispensable molecule in B. thuringiensis. Phylogenetic analysis indicated increased diversity of CdaS in the B. cereus and B. subtilis Bacillus subgroups. In summary, this study identifies important aspects in the regulation of c-di-AMP in the genus Bacillus.


Multivariate analysis reveals environmental and genetic determinants of element covariation in the maize grain ionome.
The integrated responses of biological systems to genetic and environmental variation result in substantial covariance in multiple phenotypes. The resultant pleiotropy, environmental effects, and genotype-by-environmental interactions (GxE) are foundational to our understanding of biology and genetics. Yet, the treatment of correlated characters, and the identification of the genes encoding functions that generate this covariance, has lagged. As a test case for analyzing the genetic basis underlying multiple correlated traits, we analyzed maize kernel ionomes from Intermated B73 x Mo17 (IBM) recombinant inbred populations grown in 10 environments. Plants obtain elements from the soil through genetic and biochemical pathways responsive to physiological state and environment. Most perturbations affect multiple elements which leads the ionome, the full complement of mineral nutrients in an organism, to vary as an integrated network rather than a set of distinct single elements. We compared quantitative trait loci (QTL) determining single-element variation to QTL that predict variation in principal components (PCs) of multiple-element covariance. Single-element and multivariate approaches detected partially overlapping sets of loci. QTL influencing trait covariation were detected at loci that were not found by mapping single-element traits. Moreover, this approach permitted testing environmental components of trait covariance, and identified multi-element traits that were determined by both genetic and environmental factors as well as genotype-by-environment interactions. Growth environment had a profound effect on the elemental profiles and multi-element phenotypes were significantly correlated with specific environmental variables.


White Light-Activated Antimicrobial Paint using Crystal Violet.
Crystal violet (CV) was incorporated into acrylic latex to produce white-light-activated antimicrobial paint (WLAAP). Measurement of the water contact angle of the WLAAP showed that the water contact angle increased with increasing CV concentration. In a leaching test over 120 h, the amount of CV that leached from the WLAAPs was close to the detection limit (<0.03%). The WLAAPs were used to coat samples of polyurethane, and these showed bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli, which is a key causative agent of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). A reduction in the numbers of viable bacteria was observed on the painted coated polyurethane after 6 h in the dark, and the bactericidal activity increased with increasing CV concentration (P < 0.1). After 6 h of white light exposure, all of coated polyurethanes demonstrated a potent photobactericidal activity, and it was statistically confirmed that the WLAAP showed better activity in white light than in the dark (P < 0.05). At the highest CV concentration, the numbers of viable bacteria fell below the detection limit (<10(3) CFU/mL) after 6 h of white light exposure. The difference in antimicrobial activity between the materials in the light and dark was 0.48 log at CV 250 ppm, and it increased by 0.43 log at each increment of CV 250 ppm. The difference was the highest (>1.8 log) at the highest CV concentration (1000 ppm). These WLAAPs are promising candidates for use in healthcare facilities to reduce HAIs.


Antigen receptors on murine T lymphocytes in contact sensitivity. II. Presentation and characterization of syngeneic anti-idiotype serum against DNFB-sensitized T cells.
This manuscript describes the preparation and characterization of a syngeneic antiserum raised in BALB/c mice against nylon wool-purified lymph node (LN) T cells from 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene- (DNFB) sensitized BALB/c mice. This antiserum (anti-T DH-DNP) plus complement blocks the ability of LN or purified T cells from DNFB-sensitized donors to transfer immunity to naive recipients. The inhibitory activity of the serum is due to antibodies; these antibodies have specificity for idiotype (Id) determinants as shown by their ability to bind to purified mouse anti-DNP antibodies but not to rabbit anti-DNP or normal mouse Ig. Inhibition of transfer of immunity by the anti-Id serum is not restricted by either H-2 gene products or Igh-1 allotypes. The antiserum is antigen specific when tested on LN cells from oxazolone-sensitized mice, but has a low level of cross-reactivity against T cells from 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene- (TNCB) sensitized mice. In addition, it was shown that naturally occurring anti-Id antibodies, epsilon-DNP-L-lysine, or DNP-protein (but not NIP-protein) and the anti-Id in syngeneic anti-T DH-DNP serum compete for similar binding sites on DNFB-immune T cells. We interpret these findings to indicate that immunization of mice with T cells from DNFB-sensitized syngeneic mice induces the production of anti-Id antibodies. These anti-Id antibodies are specific for determinants expressed on the T cell receptor or receptor subsite that is specific for the hapten DNP.


[Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis : a stepwise diagnosis].
Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) is a potentially severe food allergy. Physical exercise, NSAID, alcohol, infectious diseases and estrogens are recognized cofactors, able to reduce the amount of allergen needed to achieve a threshold for the induction of anaphylaxis. Various kinds of causative food but only a few responsible proteins have been identified. The best known is wheat ω5-gliadine. An oral food challenge remains the gold standard to prove the diagnosis. Its clinical application remains difficult and includes an allergen challenge, a cofactor challenge and a third step which integrates both of them in a single test. Gluten flour and NSAID + alcohol combination seem more efficient than respectively wheat flour and physical exercise in a provocation test condition.


Role of MCP-1/CCR2 axis in renal fibrosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic targeting.
Renal fibrosis is a common pathological manifestation in various chronic kidney diseases. Inflammation plays a central role in renal fibrosis development. Owing to their significant participation in inflammation and autoimmunity, chemokines have always been the hot spot and focus of scientific research and clinical intervention. Among the chemokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), also known as C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, together with its main receptor C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) are important chemokines in renal fibrosis. The MCP-1/CCR2 axis is activated when MCP-1 binds to CCR2. Activation of MCP-1/CCR2 axis can induce chemotaxis and activation of inflammatory cells, and initiate a series of signaling cascades in renal fibrosis. It mediates and promotes renal fibrosis by recruiting monocyte, promoting the activation and transdifferentiation of macrophages. This review summarizes the complex physical processes of MCP-1/CCR2 axis in renal fibrosis and addresses its general mechanism in renal fibrosis by using specific examples, together with the progress of targeting MCP-1/CCR2 in renal fibrosis with a view to providing a new direction for renal fibrosis treatment.


Hormonal Modulation of Pheromone Detection Enhances Male Courtship Success.
During the lifespans of most animals, reproductive maturity and mating activity are highly coordinated. In Drosophila melanogaster, for instance, male fertility increases with age, and older males are known to have a copulation advantage over young ones. The molecular and neural basis of this age-related disparity in mating behavior is unknown. Here, we show that the Or47b odorant receptor is required for the copulation advantage of older males. Notably, the sensitivity of Or47b neurons to a stimulatory pheromone, palmitoleic acid, is low in young males but high in older ones, which accounts for older males' higher courtship intensity. Mechanistically, this age-related sensitization of Or47b neurons requires a reproductive hormone, juvenile hormone, as well as its binding protein Methoprene-tolerant in Or47b neurons. Together, our study identifies a direct neural substrate for juvenile hormone that permits coordination of courtship activity with reproductive maturity to maximize male reproductive fitness.


Development of a genetic transformation system for benzene-tolerant Rhodococcus opacus strains.
Rhodococcus opacus B-4 and B-9 are tolerant to various organic solvents including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and styrene, and are suitable bacterial hosts for the production of chemical products from hydrophobic substrates. A 4.4-kb endogenous plasmid (pKNR 01) was isolated from R. opacus B-4 and sequenced completely. Plasmid pKNR 01 encodes proteins that share similarity to replication proteins from the enteric bacterial and actinomycete theta-replication plasmids. A 7.4-kb chimeric plasmid, designated pKNR 01.1, was constructed by fusing XhoI-digested pKNR 01 and Escherichia coli vector pSTV 28. Plasmid pKNR 01.1 had the ability to replicate in B-4 and B-9. A protocol for transformation of B-9 by electroporation was optimized employing pKNR 01.1. Frequencies of 4.1 x 10(5) transformants per mug of plasmid DNA were obtained for B-9 cells, whereas B-4 harboring naturally occurring pKNR 01 was transformed at lower frequencies (approximately 1 x 10(4) transformants per mug of plasmid DNA). Deletion analysis of pKNR 01.1 showed that the 1.9-kb SphI-XhoI region containing the repA and rep B genes and the 0.6-kb region upstream of repA was essential for plasmid maintenance in R. opacus strains.


Role of free radicals in an adriamycin-resistant human small cell lung cancer cell line.
In two Adriamycin (Adr) resistant sublines (GLC4-Adr1 and GLC4-Adr2) of a human small cell lung carcinoma cell line, GLC4, cross-resistance for radiation was found. GLC4-Adr1 has an acquired Adr resistance factor of 44 after culturing without Adr for 20 days and GLC4-Adr2, the same subline cultured without Adr for 3 months, has a decreased but stable resistance factor of 8. One of the assumed mechanisms of Adr is that the effect is mediated through the formation of free radicals. Therefore free radical scavenging might play a role in these Adr resistant cell lines. Adr, H2O2, and X-ray induced cytotoxicity were evaluated. Glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of associated enzymes were determined as well as Adr, H2O2, and X-ray induced DNA breaks and repair. GSH level was decreased in GLC4-Adr1, but restored to the normal level in GLC4-Adr2. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase were not elevated in the resistant sublines. Adr induced a decreased amount of DNA breaks in GLC4-Adr1 compared to GLC4. For X-ray and H2O2 a comparable amount of DNA damage was found. GLC4-Adr1 was able to repair DNA breaks induced by Adr, X-ray, and H2O2 better than GLC4. In conclusion, no increased enzyme capacity for detoxification of free radicals could be detected in the cytosol of the resistant cells. The resistance against free radicals in the GLC4-Adr1 line may at least in part be a result of increased DNA repair.


[The plasma turnover of 125I beta 2 microglobulin in healthy humans and patients with renal insufficiency (author's transl)].
The plasma turnover of 125I beta 2 microglobulin (B2m) was studied in two healthy adults, two anuric patients (one of them without kidneys) and eight patients with various degrees of renal insufficiency. Results were analyzed according to a bicompartmental model. The fractional metabolic rate was positively correlated with inulin clearance, and little (less than 3.5%) extrarenal catabolism was demonstrated. The half-life of B2m in intravascular compartment varied from 107 min in normals to more than 39 hrs in the anephric patient.


Is There any Role of Visceral Fat Area for Predicting Difficulty of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer?
Obesity is associated with morbidity following gastric cancer surgery, but whether obesity influences morbidity after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) remains controversial. The present study evaluated whether body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat area (VFA) predict postoperative complications. A total of 217 consecutive patients who had undergone LG for gastric cancer between May 2003 and December 2005 were included in the present study. We divided the patients into two groups ('before learning curve' and 'after learning curve') based on the learning curve effect of the surgeon. Each of these groups was sub-classified according to BMI (<25 kg/m(2) and ≥25 kg/m(2)) and VFA (<100 cm(2) and ≥100 cm(2)). Surgical outcomes, including operative time, quantity of blood loss, and postoperative complications, were compared between BMI and VFA subgroups. The mean operative time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate were significantly higher in the before learning curve group than in the after learning curve group. In the subgroup analysis, complication rate and length of hospital stay did not differ according to BMI or VFA; however, for the before learning curve group, mean operative time and blood loss were significantly higher in the high VFA subgroup than in the low VFA subgroup (P=0.047 and P=0.028, respectively). VFA may be a better predictive marker than BMI for selecting candidates for LG, which may help to get a better surgical outcome for inexperienced surgeons.


What influences rural women's choices in maternity care: A qualitative exploratory study.
Rural women are likely to experience difficulties accessing maternity care that is readily available in metropolitan areas. This limited access can impede women's ability to make informed choices that enhance safety and minimize harm. This study explored the experiences of women who had given birth in a rural environment and the factors that influenced their choices regarding their maternity care. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 women for this qualitative, exploratory study. These women had birthed within rural areas of Victoria, Australia, between May 2016 and May 2017. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Three main themes emerged: (i) being influenced by previous childbirth experiences, (ii) feeling safe and supported with their maternity care provider, and (iii) being supported in their birthing choices. The availability of maternity care providers and travel time to facilities limited the choices of rural women. This study provided valuable insights into what was behind the decisions of rural women's choices regarding their maternity care. To assist with making informed decisions regarding their maternity care, all available models of maternity care should be presented to rural women.


Birthweights of preterm Nigerian infants of 26-36 weeks' gestation.
The birthweights of 678 liveborn singleton preterm infants born at between 26 and 36 weeks of gestation are analysed. The mean (SD) birthweights and the centile chart are supplied. We believe the data may be of value to paediatricians in tropical countries who manage preterm low birthweight infants.


Group 4 metallocene catalysed full dehydrogenation of hydrazine borane.
A study of the full dehydrogenation of hydrazine borane (H2N-NH2·BH3) to give H2 and N2 as gaseous products catalysed by a variety of group 4 metallocene alkyne complexes of the type CpM(L)(η(2)-Me3SiC2SiMe3) (Cp' = substituted or unsubstituted η(5)-cyclopentadienyl; M = Ti, no L; M = Zr, L = pyridine) and group 4 metallocene hydrides is presented. Volumetric data show that the amount of hydrogen released is strongly dependent on both, the metal and the cyclopentadienyl ligand.


Enantioselective Iridium-Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation Reactions of Masked Acyl Cyanide Equivalents.
The first enantioselective iridium-catalyzed allylic alkylation reaction of a masked acyl cyanide (MAC) reagent has been developed. The transformation allows for the use of an umpoled synthon, which serves as a carbon monoxide equivalent. The reaction proceeds with good yield and excellent selectivity up to gram scale for a wide range of substituted allylic electrophiles, delivering products amenable to the synthesis of highly desirable, enantioenriched vinylated α-aryl carbonyl derivatives.


Imaging of Jurassic fossils from the Talbragar Fish Bed using fluorescence, photoluminescence, and elemental and mineralogical mapping.
The Talbragar Fish Bed is one of Australia's most important Jurassic deposits for freshwater fishes, land plants and aquatic and terrestrial insects. The site has yielded many well preserved fossils, which has led to the formal description of numerous new species and higher taxa. The excellent preservation of many fossils has allowed detailed anatomical studies, e.g. of the early teleost fish Cavenderichthys talbragarensis (Woodward, 1895). Here we report on the fluorescent characteristics and mineral composition of a range of Talbragar fossils. Most specimens fluoresce under ultraviolet, blue and green light. Elemental and mineralogical analyses revealed that the Talbragar fossils consist predominantly of quartz (SiO2), a mineral that is likely to account for the observed fluorescence, with trace kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) in some of the fish fossils. Rock matrices are predominantly composed of quartz and goethite (FeO(OH)). Closer inspection of a plant leaf (Pentoxylon australicum White, 1981) establishes fluorescence as a useful tool for the visualisation of anatomical details that are difficult to see under normal light conditions.


Benefits to research subjects in international trials: do they reduce exploitation or increase undue inducement?
There is an alleged tension between undue inducement and exploitation in research trials. This paper considers claims that increasing the benefits to research subjects enrolled in international, externally-sponsored clinical trials should be avoided on the grounds that it may result in the undue inducement of research subjects. It proceeds from the premise that there are good grounds for thinking that, at least some, international research sponsors exploit trial participants because they do not provide the research population with a fair share of the benefits of research. This provides a prima facie argument for increasing the benefits for research participants. Concern over undue inducement is a legitimate moral concern; however, if this concern is to prevent research populations from receiving their fair share of benefits from research there must be sufficient evidence that these benefits will unduly influence patients' decision-making regarding trial participation. This article contributes to the debate about exploitation versus undue inducement by introducing an analysis of the available empirical research into research participants' motivations and the influence of payments on research subjects' behaviour and risk assessment. Admittedly, the available research in this field is limited, but the research that has been conducted suggests that financial rewards do not distort research subjects' behaviour or blind them to the risks involved with research. Therefore, I conclude that research sponsors should prioritize the prevention of exploitation in international research by providing greater benefits to research participants.


The candidate oncogene (MCRS1) promotes the growth of human lung cancer cells via the miR-155-Rb1 pathway.
Microspherule protein 1 (MCRS1) is a candidate oncogene and participates in various cellular processes, including growth, migration, senescence and transformation. MCRS1 is overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and promotes the growth of cancer cells. However, the mechanisms driving these processes are not fully understood. Retrovirus-mediated RNA interference was employed to knockdown MCRS1 expression in cell lines. Cell proliferation assays and animal experiments were respectively performed to evaluate the growth of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Microarray analysis was carried out for mRNA profiling. Luciferase reporter assay and microRNA (miRNA) transfection were used to investigate the interaction between miRNA and gene. Stably knocking down MCRS1 expression inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. By comparing the mRNA expression profiles of NSCLC cells with or without MCRS1 silencing, we found that MCRS1 regulated expressions of various genes related to cell proliferation, including Rb1, TP53, cell cycle-related genes, MYC, E2F2, PCNA, and Ki67. However, MCRS1 did not directly bind to these differentially expressed genes. Here, we confirmed that Rb1, an important tumor suppression gene (TSG), is a direct target of miR-155 which is directly up-regulated by MCRS1. Furthermore, the level of Rb1 expression in NSCLC tissues was inversely correlated with those of miR-155 and MCRS1, and MCRS1 regulated expression of Rb1 via miR-155. Additionally, we found that the DNA copy number of the MCRS1 gene played a role in MCRS1 overexpression in NSCLCs. MCRS1 overexpression induced NSCLC proliferation through the miR-155-Rb1 pathway and DNA copy-number amplification is one of the mechanisms underlying MCRS1 overexpression in NSCLC. Moreover, we put forward the hypothesis that there are regulatory relationships between oncogenes and TSGs apart from the functional synergy of both; the oncogene-miRNA-TSG networks are one of mechanisms among the regulatory relationships; the regulatory relationships and the networks might play active roles in the development and progression of cancer.


Application of short message service to control blood cholesterol: a field trial.
Despite recommendations, many middle-age adults neglect to check their blood cholesterol levels. Short message service (SMS, also known as texting) has been seldom studied for preventive education. We estimated how SMS can be a cost-effective method in encouraging people to check their blood cholesterol levels. In a field trial, 3600 cell phone users (age > 30) were randomly assigned to the intervention (N: 1200) and the control groups (N: 2400). An SMS was sent to the intervention group for five rounds every two weeks, which targeted the cognitive and affective learning and finally advised the blood cholesterol level to be checked, if not checked during the past twelve months. Two weeks after the last round, both groups were asked for the time/level of their latest blood cholesterol, family history of early cardiac death and having a family member with coronary heart disease (CHD), and to report their attitude about whether annual blood sampling is worth the cost and time to prevent CHD. Moreover, the intervention group was asked if they remembered the SMS content. The cost-effectiveness was evaluated by estimating the "number needed to treat" (NNT) and calculating the cost of sending SMS to that number of people. In the intervention group, 629 individuals (72.0%) recalled the SMS content. The factors associated with cholesterol screening during the past two years were older age, diabetes, family history of coronary disease, higher education, female gender and being non-smoker. In both groups, women were significantly more aware of their blood cholesterol level (68.7% vs. 53.6%). The relative frequency of respondents who believed it was not worth checking their cholesterol annually was significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.001). The intervention group was significantly more likely to check its blood cholesterol levels (OR:1.22) after adjustment for age, diabetes, family history of CHD and smoking. The NNT was estimated ≈ 25 for the general population and ≈ 11 for those who received SMS and had a family member with CHD. We would postulate that SMS could affect people's adherence to preventive programs. Relatives of patients admitted with a diagnosis of CHD should be prioritized for superior cost-effectiveness and logistical feasibility.


Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis and hereditary plasminogen deficiency.
The authors report the case of a 26-year-old man with Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis and hereditary plasminogen deficiency. A hypothesis of a relationship in the inheritance of these abnormalities is discussed.


A new principle for the cleansing of infected wounds.
When dry porous hydrophilic beads, formed by a three dimensional network of dextran polymers, are placed on a discharging wound, they absorb the exudate and swell to form of a gelatinous layer. Within this gelatinous layer a separation of substances occurs according to their molecular weights, with the smaller (MW less than 1000) freely penetrating the pores of the beads and the larger (MW greater than 5 000) remaining in the interspaces. Since proteins are removed from the wound surface with the fluid, crustformation on the wound is prevented. Clotting within the gel layer does not occur, since, as shown in another study (Aberg, Hedner, Jacobsson & Rothman 1976), wound exudate contains a high amount of fibrin-fibrinogen split products and no coagulable fibrinogen. Therefore as long as dry beads are available, exudate can be sucked up. With the wound exudate bacteria, degradation products and toxins are removed from the wound surface. A substance with the above described properties Debrisan (Pharmacia AB, Sweden) was used to treat various types of wounds. The treatment was most effective for profusely discharging infected wounds. Within a few days inflammation subsided, exudate decreased and granulation tissue appeared. So far no side effects are observed and even patients, who during years of treatment of leg ulcers had become sensitized to most dressings and local antibiotics could be treated. The new technique for sampling of wound fluid also offers a model for studies on inflammatory mediators and protein loss.


[Compliance with the tobacco smoke free ambience legislation in Mexico].
This essay tries o develop classification criteria to identify smoke-free spaces using environmental monitoring, direct inspection and worker reports, comparing their agreement and deriving a proposal useful for the epidemiological surveillance of environmental tobacco smoke. Environmental nicotine monitoring, direct inspections and workers surveys regarding tobacco smoke presence were conducted in ten institutions. For each method, criteria were defined to classify institutions as smoke-free spaces. Results were compared to evaluate between-methods agreement. Good agreement between environmental monitoring and direct inspections were observed, although they disagreed in 20% of the cases. Worker reports were too frequent to discriminate. Combining environmental monitoring and inspection would provide the most sensitive classification. Cost-effectiveness studies are required to identify the best strategy.


Short communication: Effects of nanofiltration and evaporation on the gel properties of milk protein concentrates with different preheat treatments.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentration methods (nanofiltration and evaporation) and heat treatments on the gel properties of milk protein concentrate (MPC). The MPC gels were produced using glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) as an acidifier with different preheat treatments (30 min at 80°C and 5 min at 92°C). We then evaluated the effect of preheat treatments on MPC gel properties, including storage modulus (G'), loss tangent (tan δ), firmness, whey separation, and microstructure. The results indicated that without preheating, evaporation (EP)-MPC had higher G' and firmness, and lower tan δ and whey separation than nanofiltration (NF)-MPC. These results suggest that EP-MPC produced a better acid-induced gel than NF-MPC when no preheat treatments were performed. After preheating, however, except for a very small difference in the final G' (EP-MPC was higher), the 2 MPC did not differ significantly in firmness, final tan δ, or whey separation. Additionally, compared with the gel of unheated MPC, both preheat-treated gels (NF-MPC and EP-MPC) achieved increased G' and firmness and decreased tan δ and whey separation. The preheat-treated MPC also displayed a more flexible-stranded network. These findings demonstrate that, given a suitable heating treatment, NF-MPC compares favorably with EP-MPC in achieving desired gel properties.


Schedule dependent synergy of gemcitabine and doxorubicin: Improvement of in vitro efficacy and lack of in vitro-in vivo correlation.
Combination chemotherapy is commonly used to treat late stage cancer; however, treatment is often limited by systemic toxicity. Optimizing drug ratio and schedule can improve drug combination activity and reduce dose to lower toxicity. Here, we identify gemcitabine (GEM) and doxorubicin (DOX) as a synergistic drug pair in vitro for the triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Drug synergy and caspase activity were increased the most by exposing cells to GEM prior to DOX in vitro. While the combination was more effective than the single drugs at inhibiting MDA-MB-231 growth in vivo, the clear schedule dependence observed in vitro was not observed in vivo. Differences in drug exposure and cellular behavior in vivo compared to in vitro are likely responsible. This study emphasizes the importance in understanding how schedule impacts drug synergy and the need to develop more advanced strategies to translate synergy to the clinic.


[Lesions of the major arteries of the head (a population ultrasonic study)].
The screening of the random sample from an open population of males aged 40-65 was performed to compare frequency and severity of hemodynamic changes in major head arteries (MHA) due to atherosclerosis in subjects with vascular diseases and clinically normal controls. 866 of the examinees were subjected to MHA ultrasonic dopplerography. Normal circulation appeared only in 13% of the examinees. The rest of them had insufficient circulation or at least one vessel affected with stenosis. The standard index of MHA stenosis amounted to 20.2%. The frequency of MHA stenosis was related to the age, vascular involvement and severity of the latter.


Meningeal Lymphatics: A Review and Future Directions From a Clinical Perspective.
The recent discovery of lymphatic vessels in the meningeal layers calls into question the known mechanisms of fluid and macromolecule homeostasis and immunoregulation within the central nervous system. These meningeal lymphatic vessels and their potential role in the pathophysiology of neurological disease have become a rapidly expanding area of research, with the hopes that they may provide a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of many devastating conditions. This article reviews the current state of knowledge surrounding the anatomical structure of the vessels, their functions in fluid and solute transport and immune surveillance, as well as their studied developmental biology, relationship with the novel hypothesized "glymphatic" system, and implications in neurodegenerative disease in animal models. Furthermore, this review summarizes findings from the human studies conducted thus far regarding the presence, anatomy, and drainage patterns of meningeal lymphatic vessels and discusses, from a clinical perspective, advancements in both imaging technologies and interventional methodologies used to access ultrafine peripheral lymphatic vessels.


[Functional results after surface replacement of the hip: comparison between dysplasia and idiopathic osteoarthritis].
To determine if there are differences in function after resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip in patients with primary osteoarthritis compared to patients with secondary osteoarthritis due to developmental dysplasia of the hip. In a controlled prospective study of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) we included all patients with primary osteoarthritis (n = 54, average age 48.4 years) and osteoarthritis due to high grade dysplasia (Eftekhar B, n = 34, average age 55.8 years). Standardized clinical (Harris hip score) and radiographic examinations were performed 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and then every year after the operation. All patients could be followed up to 1.5 years (1-4 years) after surgery. The average Harris hip score improved to 82-95 points in both groups 3 months postoperatively. Statistically significant differences could be found in the subscales "function" and "limp", where patients with dysplastic hips showed somewhat lower results after 6 (function) to 12 weeks (limp) postoperatively. This is probably attributable to extended non-weight-bearing after acetabular reconstruction in these cases, as the difference disappeared with full weight-bearing. Radiographically determined neck-shaft angles are slightly higher in dysplastic hips (142 degrees versus 135 degrees ), but we did not recognize any significant differences in implant positioning. The short- to mid-term results showed no clinically relevant functional differences after surface replacement in patients with primary osteoarthritis of the hip and patients with secondary osteoarthritis due to higher grade dysplasia. Long-term observation is necessary, however, to determine if these positive functional results are reflected by appropriate radiographic survival.


Do the same stimulus-response relations influence choice reactions initially and after practice?
A two-choice reaction task was used to evaluate changes in stimulus-response translation with practice. In Experiment 1, four groups of Ss practiced with either a direct or indirect mapping of left-right stimuli to left-right responses and either a crossed or uncrossed hand placement and transferred to one of the four Mapping x Placement conditions. Stimulus-response location and response location-effector relations affected performance initially and after practice. In Experiments 2 and 3, Ss switched every 42 trials between conditions for which only the stimulus location-effector (Experiment 2) or stimulus-response location relation (Experiment 3) remained constant. Switching produced interference in Experiment 2 but not in Experiment 3, corroborating the influence of the stimulus-response location relation on performance. Mediation based on spatial codes continues to be a factor in the performance of practiced Ss.


Adaptational effects during human split-belt walking: influence of afferent input.
The modification of the normal locomotor pattern of humans was investigated using a split-belt locomotion protocol (treadmill belt speeds of 4.5 km/h and 1.5 km/h for the right and left legs, respectively) and also by changing afferent input from the legs (30% reduction or increase in body weight by suspending subjects in a parachute harness or by wearing a lead-filled vest). After a control-speed training period (10 min) of symmetrical walking (3 km/h each leg) and a period (10 min) of split-belt walking, the adjustment back to the control speed resulted in a mean speed difference between the right leg and the left leg of 0.85 km/h. Adjustment of belt speed on either side was performed by the hands using a potentiometer. For comparison, also speed adjustment by the feet via feedback derived from changes in the treadmill drive current was studied. No significant difference was obtained when both modes of adjustment were compared. Body unloading or loading during the training period resulted in an improved adjustment of treadmill belt speed. This suggests that load receptor information plays a major role in the programming of a new walking pattern.


Thermal orbital injuries from disposable cauteries.
Forty rabbits divided in six groups and three brands of hot wire cautery with temperature ranging from 190 degrees C to 1035 degrees C were used in this experiment. A surgical procedure resembling a cosmetic blepharoplasty was performed on a total of 60 lower eyelids of the rabbits. The remaining eyelids were either shams or normal controls. Cautery application to orbital fat was carefully controlled, i.e., 10 or 20 seconds in single or double applications. Gross observation and microscopic examination of the biopsied specimens taken at 3 hours, 2 days, and 2 weeks after the procedures were performed. Evidence of thermal injury to the lacrimal gland and extraocular muscle damage was found. Although no evidence of thermal injury to the optic nerve was found, it was conceivable that either by a direct transfer of heat or by an indirect inflammatory and compressive effect the health of the optic nerve might be threatened. It is strongly recommended that hot wire cautery be used with extreme caution when working with orbital tissues.


Control of the spatial characteristics of femtosecond laser filamentation in glass via feedback-based wavefront shaping with an annular phase mask.
We propose a feedback-based wavefront shaping with an annular phase mask to control the spatial characteristics of femtosecond laser filamentation in K9 glass. A closed-loop feedback driven by a genetic algorithm was used to search for the optimal phase profile for generating the specified filaments. We demonstrate the flexibility of this method to extend or shorten filaments, improve continuity, and simultaneously control the position of filaments with specified lengths. Our approach offers a flexible regulation of the spatial characteristics of femtosecond laser filamentation for its potential applications.


[Impact of antivectorial control on malarial morbidity and mortality in a health district of the Madagascar highlands].
After the dramatic increase of malaria infections from 1985 to 1988 in the Highlands of Madagascar, the vector control programme was reactivated. In order to evaluate the impact of this strategy in the district of Arivonimamo, we have analysed the morbidity and the mortality data collected in all the health care centers of this district. Since 1988, extensive residual house spraying has been carried out on a yearly basis in the eastern part of this district whereas the western part was not included in this spraying programme. Data from each area were compared. In the eastern part, a dramatic decrease of morbitity and mortality related to malaria was observed, the benefit was 69% of expected simple cases, 87% of expected serious cases and 40% of expected deaths due to malaria. It has to be noted that only presumptive cases have been reported since no laboratory facilities are available in these health centers. Nevertheless such findings provide strong support to the continuation of the spraying programme, maybe in a less intensive way, together with an accurate epidemiological surveillance.


Dehiscence of the jugular bulb and vestibular aqueduct: findings on 200 consecutive temporal bone computed tomography scans.
To determine the incidence of dehiscence between the vestibular aqueduct and the jugular bulb on computed tomography (CT) scans and assess its implication as a cause of dizziness or hearing loss. Two hundred temporal bone CT scans were evaluated for the prevalence of dehiscence between the jugular bulb and vestibular aqueduct. Correlation of the imaging findings and clinical data was performed. A total of 11.5% of patients had dehiscence of the jugular bulb with the vestibular aqueduct; 75% of these cases occurred on the right side and in the setting of a high jugular bulb. Nine (39.1%) of 23 patients with dehiscence had dizziness, and 11 (47.8%) had hearing loss. The correlation between the incidence of dizziness, hearing loss, and dehiscence was not significant. The incidence of a dehiscent jugular bulb with a vestibular aqueduct is 11.5%. The prevalences of vertigo and hearing loss associated with this finding are 39.1% and 47.8%, respectively. The depiction of dehiscent jugular bulb-vestibular aqueduct should be considered with caution as the sole cause of symptoms.


Finite-Horizon H∞ State Estimation for Periodic Neural Networks Over Fading Channels.
The problem of finite-horizon H∞ state estimator design for periodic neural networks over multiple fading channels is studied in this paper. To characterize the measurement signals transmitted through different channels experiencing channel fading, a multiple fading channels model is considered. For investigating the situation of correlated fading channels, a set of correlated random variables is introduced. Specifically, the channel coefficients are described by white noise processes and are assumed to be correlated. Two sufficient criteria are provided, by utilizing a stochastic analysis approach, to guarantee that the estimation error system is stochastically stable and achieves the prescribed H∞ performance. Then, the parameters of the estimator are derived by solving recursive linear matrix inequalities. Finally, some simulation results are shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.


Invariance of the r2-ln(F) relationship and attainable precision in ultrafast laser ablation experiments.
Pursuing ever-smaller feature size in laser-based lithography is a research topic of vital importance to keep this technique competitive with other micro-/nano-fabrication methods. Features smaller than the diffraction-limited spot size can be obtained by "thresholding", which utilizes the deterministic nature of damage threshold with ultrashort laser pulses and is achieved by precisely tuning pulse energies so that only the central portion of the focal spot produces permanent modification. In this paper, we examine the formulation commonly used to describe thresholding and show that the relationship between feature size (r) and laser fluence (F) is invariant with respect to the nature of laser absorption. Verified by our experiments performed on metal, semiconductor, and dielectric samples, such invariance is used to predict the smallest feature size that can be achieved for different materials in a real-world system.


Characterization of the relationship between motor end-plate jitter and the safety factor.
A mathematical model developed for a personal computer was used to simulate the jitter phenomenon in neuromuscular transmission in order to characterize the relationship between jitter and the safety factor. Four models of normal and abnormal neuromuscular transmission were investigated. In a human experiment, the mean consecutive difference (MCD) values for stimulated single-fiber electromyography at firing rates of 1, 2, 5, and 10 Hz were measured in 137 motor end-plates of myasthenic patients. Results of the computer simulations show that the relationship between jitter and the safety factor is exponential like. Variations in jitter are most prominent in end-plates with low safety factors. This relationship agrees with results of human end-plate studies. Changes in the MCD values caused by presynaptic depression or facilitation are linearly correlated to the initial jitter, whereas the logarithmic values of MCD are not. It is very important to keep in mind this nonlinear relationship when relating single-fiber jitter to the safety factor.


Atypical variants of nonketotic hyperglycinemia.
Clinical symptoms in atypical nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) are heterogeneous, in sharp contrast to uniform severe neurological symptoms in the classical NKH. A review of the literature of atypical NKH cases reveals three forms: neonatal, infantile, and late onset. The presentation in the neonatal form is similar to the classical one but the subsequent outcome is significantly better. Mental retardation and behavioral abnormalities are prevalent in both infantile and late onset forms although the phenotype in late onset atypical NKH is more heterogeneous. Patients with the atypical NKH tend to have a lower CSF/plasma glycine ratio when compared with the classical form, but overlap occurs. Hyperglycinemia in the neonatal and infantile atypical NKH, similar to the classical form, is caused by a deficient glycine cleavage system, whereas the cause of hyperglycinemia in late onset atypical NKH is unknown. A mutation of the T-protein AMT gene and several mutations of P-protein GLDC gene have been identified in homozygous or compound heterozygous state. Some of the GLDC mutations are associated with residual glycine decarboxylase activity when expressed in COS7 cells and early therapeutic intervention may be crucial to improve the outcome in patients harboring such mutations. Identification of more mutations causing atypical NKH and information about the mutations' effect on enzyme activity may help to predict patients with a milder phenotype as well as those who may respond to early therapeutic intervention.


Biochemical properties of a keratan sulphate/chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan expressed in primate pluripotent stem cells.
We previously identified a pericellular matrix keratan sulphate/chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan present on the surface of human embryonal carcinoma stem cells, cells whose differentiation mimics early development. Antibodies reactive with various epitopes on this molecule define a cluster of differentiation markers for primate pluripotent stem cells. We describe the purification of a form of this molecule which is secreted or shed into the culture medium. Biochemical analysis of the secreted form of this molecule shows that the monomeric form, whilst containing keratan sulphate, resembles mucins in its structure and its modification with O-linked carbohydrate. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting data show that monkey and human pluripotent stem cells react with antibodies directed against epitopes on either carbohydrate side chains or the protein core of the molecule.


A direct plating method for estimating populations of Escherichia coli O157 in bovine manure and manure-based materials.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with produce consumption have brought attention to livestock manures and manure-based soil amendments as potential sources of pathogens for the contamination of these crops. Procedures for enumeration of E. coli O157:H7 are needed to assess the risks of transmission from these manures and their by-products. A direct plating method employing spiral plating onto CHROMagar O157 was investigated for enumeration of E. coli O157:H7 in feedlot surface material, aged bovine manure, bovine manure compost, and manure-amended soil. In studies utilizing samples spiked with a five-strain cocktail of E. coli O157:H7 at levels ranging from 102 to 10(5) CFU/g of sample, there were strong correlations between the observed and predicted levels of this pathogen. Although the addition of 2.5 mg/liter potassium tellurite and 5 mg/liter novobiocin made the medium more restrictive, these amendments enhanced the ability to identify and enumerate E. coli O157:H7 in feedlot surface material, which contained a higher proportion of fresh feces than did the other three sample types and therefore higher levels of interfering bacterial microflora. The spiral plating method was further assessed to determine its ability to enumerate E. coli O157:H7 in naturally contaminated feedlot surface material. Comparison of E. coli O157:H7 counts in feedlot surface material obtained by the spiral plating method and a most probable number technique were well correlated. We conclude that direct spiral plating onto CHROMagar O157 is effective for estimating E. coli O157:H7 levels in a variety of manures and manure-containing sample types to a lower detection limit of 200 CFU/g. The method has application for determining E. coli O157:H7 concentrations in manures and composts before their sale and use as soil amendments and for measuring the effectiveness of manure treatment processes to reduce or inactivate this pathogen.


Induction of osteoarthrosis in the rabbit knee joint.
Medial meniscectomy and the creation of "bucket-handle" lesions of the medial meniscus induce mild to moderate osteoarthrotic changes in the knee joints of mature rabbits. The osteoarthrotic lesions studied by gross inspection and histological sections, almost exclusively involve the medial tibial articular cartilage. The pathologic changes begin superficially, pass to the deeper layers, and are characterized by a loss of the glistening of the cartilage surface, peripheral osteophytes, structural irregularities of the matrix, peripheral cloning, hypocellularity, and diminished amounts of glycosaminoglycan. Osteoarthrosis was assessed from 2 to 16 months following surgery using a grading system from 0 (normal) to 15 (severe degeneration). The mean grades at the various time periods studied range from 3.5 to 7. The mild to moderate nature of the osteoarthrosis is shown by the development of the abnormalities without rapid progression to the severely destroyed joints which characterize many other models.


Effect of early intervention on functional outcome at school age: Follow-up and process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial in infants at risk.
The long-term effect of early intervention in infants at risk for developmental disorders is unclear. The VIP project (n=46, originally) evaluated by means of a randomised controlled trial the effect of the family centred early intervention programme COPCA (Coping with and Caring for infants with special needs) in comparison to that of traditional infant physiotherapy (TIP). To evaluate the effect of early intervention on functional outcome at school age. Parents of 40 children (median age 8.3years) participated in this follow-up study. Outcome was assessed with a standardised parental interview (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale) and questionnaires (Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, Child Behaviour Checklist, Utrechtse Coping List, and questions on educational approach). Quantified video information on physiotherapeutic actions during infancy was available. Child functional outcome in the two randomised groups was similar. Process evaluation revealed that some physiotherapeutic actions were associated with child mobility and parental educational approach at follow-up: e.g., training and instructing were associated with worse mobility. Functional outcome at school age after early intervention with COPCA is similar to that after TIP. However, some specific physiotherapeutic actions, in particular the physiotherapist's approach, are associated with outcome. Early intervention is generally applied in infants at risk for developing disorders, with the aim of improving overall functional outcome. However, little is known on the long-term effect. The VIP project evaluated by means of a randomised controlled trial the effect of the family centred early intervention programme COPCA (Coping with and Caring for infants with special needs) in comparison to that of traditional infant physical therapy (TIP). Outcome at 18months corrected age was virtually similar. Process evaluation of the physiotherapy actions revealed that some characteristics of COPCA were associated with improved developmental outcome at 18months. This paper presents data on functional outcome at school age (median 8.3years) in 87% of the original participants. Outcome of infants who received three months of COPCA and that of infants who received three months of TIP was similar. Yet, parents of families who had received the COPCA intervention still more often used a trial and error approach when the child learned a new skill than parents of children who had received TIP. Process evaluation showed that more time spent on caregiver training and strict instructions during early intervention was associated with worse mobility. Four other physiotherapeutic actions were associated with parental educational approach. None of the neuromotor actions were associated with child outcome at school age. We conclude that long-term outcome after three months of COPCA or TIP is similar. However, our study does suggest that the professional approach of the physiotherapist can make a difference.


Comparative O2-. responses of lung macrophages and blood phagocytic cells in the rat. Possible relevance to IgA immune complex induced lung injury.
IgA immune complex-induced lung injury in the rat is oxygen radical mediated and partially complement-dependent but develops fully after neutrophil depletion. The extent to which monocytes, lung interstitial macrophages, and alveolar macrophages may be involved in the development of lung injury in this model is unclear. To further understand the pathogenesis of IgA lung injury, we have examined the capacity of phagocytic cells isolated from different anatomic compartments of the lung to produce toxic oxygen-derived metabolites. [3H]Thymidine pulse labeling and autoradiography as well as in vivo phagocytosis studies were used to distinguish macrophages isolated from the alveolar and interstitial compartments. Lung interstitial macrophages were characterized ultrastructurally, cytochemically, and functionally. Interstitial macrophages were relatively uniform in size, had blunt pseudopodia, and contained almost no intracytoplasmic lamellar inclusions compared to alveolar macrophages. Similar to monocytes and alveolar macrophages, interstitial macrophages contained nonspecific esterase activity and exhibited the capacity to phagocytize latex and opsonized zymosan particles. Lung interstitial and alveolar macrophages incubated with IgA immune complexes, IgG immune complexes, or phorbol ester (PMA) produced similar amounts of O2-. in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, peripheral blood neutrophils responded to IgG immune complexes and PMA but not to IgA immune complexes. Monocytes produced a small amount of O2-. in response to PMA but almost no O2-. in response to IgA or IgG immune complexes. These data are consistent with recent in vivo studies which indicate that IgA immune complex lung injury is neutrophil independent. The data provide direct in vitro evidence that lung interstitial and alveolar macrophages produce O2-. following incubation with PMA, IgA, or IgG immune complexes and may therefore contribute to the development of oxygen radical mediated lung injury.


Schizophrenia: management and family burden.
To explore schizophrenia with respect to its management, causes, risk factors as well as the impact it has in families regarding the burden and social networks support. Desk literature reviews. The findings are that patients with schizophrenia typically have great difficulty following a medication regimen, but they also have the greatest potential for benefiting from adherence. As with other chronic diseases that lack a definitive cure, the individual's service/recovery plan must include treatment interventions directed towards decreasing manifestations of the illness, rehabilitative services, enhancing adaptive skills, and social support mobilization aimed at optimizing function and quality of life. Finally, this paper is not exhaustive, but a pointer for further readings.


Autoantibodies in postinfectious acute cerebellar ataxia.
The authors found serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) autoantibody in a patient with typical acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA) and identified the antigen molecule as triosephosphate isomerase (TPI). TPI antigenicity to the patient's antibody was the highest in the cerebellar tissue. Eight of 23 patients with ACA had increased IgM anti-TPI antibody titers vs those of healthy controls. Preceding Epstein-Barr virus infection was confirmed serologically in all 8 patients. Anti-TPI antibody decreased with clinical improvement.


Sequence-independent activation of photocycloadditions using two colours of light.
We exploit two reactive chromophores to establish sequence-independent photochemical activation, employing ortho-methyl benzaldehyde (oMBA) and N,N-(dimethylamino)pyrene aryl tetrazole (APAT) with N-(2-hydroxy)ethyl maleimide (NHEM), without any additives. Critically, the order of the irradiation sequence is irrelevant, as the shorter wavelength does not activate the higher wavelength activated species. Therefore, full sequence-independent λ-orthogonality is achieved through differences in both the reaction quantum yields (Φ r,oMBA and Φ r,APAT) and wavelength-dependent reactivity profiles of the employed chromophores.


Early-Onset Diabetes Mellitus in a Patient With a Chromosome 13q34qter Microdeletion Including IRS2.
Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease caused by a complex interaction of environmental and genetic factors. Some diabetes mellitus cases, however, are caused by a limited number of mutant genes. Chromosome 13q deletion syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder, is caused by structural and functional monosomy of the 13q chromosomal region. We report the case of a 38-year-old Japanese man with Chr13q deletion (a mosaic pattern with heterozygous ring Chr13q) who developed diabetes mellitus. Early-onset diabetes mellitus developed in this patient because of insulin resistance and a lack of adequate insulin secretion. Microarray analysis identified a 4.8-Mb deletion of distal Chr13q, leading to a copy number loss of 40 genes. Among those genes, the insulin receptor substrate 2 gene (IRS2) was the most likely causative candidate for the development of diabetes mellitus in this patient, based on the model of IRS2 knockout mice, which have abnormal glucose and insulin homeostasis closely resembling the human diabetes phenotype. These data provide important information regarding the contribution of a microdeletion of Chr13q, including in IRS2, to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus in humans.


Chemical modification of silk sericin in lithium chloride/dimethyl sulfoxide solvent with 4-cyanophenyl isocyanate.
This paper reports chemical modification of silk sericin in LiCl/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent with 4-cyanophenyl isocyanate. Sericin is a highly hydrophilic protein secreted by Bombyx mori, serving as a protein glue in a cocoon. LiCl/DMSO was found to be a good solvent of sericin and useful for homogeneous modification of its abundant hydroxyl groups under nonaqueous condition. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of the modified sericins revealed that 4-cyanophenyl groups were incorporated into sericin molecules mainly through urethane linkages. Several characteristics of the modified sericins such as solubility characteristic, hygroscopic property, and thermal stability were investigated. Secondary structure analysis using FTIR spectra suggested that formation of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds was inhibited by the modification that is probably attributable to the incorporation of bulky 4-cyanophenyl groups. These results demonstrate that chemical modification of sericin using LiCl/DMSO solvent markedly alters its characteristics.


Spontaneous proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes as an indicator of intragraft immune activation in liver transplant patients.
The presence of activated lymphocytes in the blood of transplant recipients is considered to be a marker of an ongoing immune process. In this study, the clinical utility of spontaneous proliferation (SP) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as a marker of in vivo activation was evaluated by in vitro [3H]thymidine incorporation in 22 patients in the 1st month after liver transplantation. Also immune activation in the graft was monitored by transplant aspiration cytology (TAC-A). In the study period, there were only 2 mild episodes of clinical acute rejection, where SP of PBMC was 1290 and 1541 cpm (vs. 99 cpm averaged in healthy controls). Though SP of PBMC was also increased in systemic infections, a significant positive correlation was observed between SP of PBMC and TAC-A score. In all episodes where TAC-A score was elevated to above 2, SP of PBMC was simultaneously increased to more than 1000 cpm. In 8 patients prophylactically treated with the anti-interleukin-2-receptor antibody, BT563, SP of PBMC was significantly lower compared to 7 patients treated with antithymocyte globulin. It is suggested that SP can be a reliable parameter of the in vivo activation of lymphocytes, which accompanies immune activation in liver graft, and is potentially useful as a sensitive, although rather non-specific, and non-invasive monitoring of intragraft alloresponse.


Neisseria meningitidis transferrin-binding protein 1 expressed in Escherichia coli is surface exposed and binds human transferrin.
A gene library of Neisseria meningitidis B15 P1.16 DNA was established in lambda Zap II and clones containing DNA encoding transferrin binding protein 1 (TBP-1) identified following hybridisation with a 63-bp DNA probe based on the codon assignment for the first 21 N-terminal amino acids of TBP-1. Sequencing of the cloned DNA demonstrated that all of the intergenic DNA (i.e. upstream of tbp-1 running through to the 3' end of the transferrin-binding protein 2 gene) and approx. 15% of tbp-1 had been cloned. The complete gene was generated using a polymerase chain reaction, with the primer for the 3' end being based on tbp-A of N. gonorrhoeae, and the approx. 2.9-kb DNA product cloned into pGem-3Z. The expressed protein (approx. 100 kDa) reacted with antiserum to an N-terminal peptide of TBP-1. In addition, the native product was surface-expressed by Escherichia coli and bound human transferrin.


TT genotype of GNAS1 T393C polymorphism predicts better outcome of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.
To evaluate the potential prognostic value of GNAS1 T393C polymorphism in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. We extracted genomic DNA from the peripheral blood leucocytes of 94 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the allelic discrimination. The correlation between genotype and overall survival was evaluated using the multivariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier approach. Thirty-eight out of 94 (40%) patients displayed a TT genotype, 29 out of 94 (31%) a CT genotype and 27 out of 94 (29%) a CC genotype. The median survival of TT (25 mo) genotype carriers was longer than CT (12 mo) or CC (8 mo) genotype carriers. The favorable TT genotype predicted better overall survival (OS) (2-year OS: 48%; P =0.01) compared with CT (2-year OS: 18%) or CC (2-year OS: 15%) genotype. However, dichotomization between C-genotypes (CC + CT) and T-genotypes (TT) revealed significantly lower survival rates (2-year OS: 16%; P = 0.01) for C allele carriers. Our data provided strong evidence that the GNAS1 T393C genetic polymorphism influenced the prognosis in advanced non-small lung cancer with a worse outcome for C allele carriers.


Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
Increased cyclooxygenase-2 expression has been reported to be a poor prognostic indicator in a number of cancers. In this study we investigated the relationship between COX-2 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and tumor characteristics and patient survival. The study group consisted of 90 men and 48 women who underwent esophagectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus between October 1984 and May 1985. COX-2 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry in 138 primary cancers, 23 metastatic lymph nodes and 21 normal esophageal stumps. The relationship between the extent of staining for COX-2 and clinicopathological features and survival was determined. The extent of staining for COX-2 in both primary and metastatic cancers was higher than in normal squamous epithelia (P = 0.002 and P < 0.0001 respectively), and the grade of staining in the primary tumor correlated positively with the finding of lymph node metastases (P = 0.03). The 5-year survival rate in patients with less than 10% COX-2 positive cells was 47.5% compared to 23.2% in patients with more than 10% COX-2 positive cells (P = 0.0036). The relationship between survival and COX-2 staining was not due to COX-2 being a surrogate marker for TNM stage. Our results show that the expression of COX-2 is elevated in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus compared to normal epithelium and correlates with lymph node metastases. Survival was longer in those patients whose tumors expressed lower levels of COX-2.


At least three neurotransmitter systems mediate a stress-induced increase in c-fos mRNA in different rat brain areas.
1. Protooncogene c-fos mRNA levels were determined in the rat cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum after exposure to a combined forced swimming and confinement stress. The stress resulted in an increase in c-fos mRNA levels in all three brain areas. 2. In an effort to elucidate the neurotransmitter systems involved in this stress-induced increase, animals were injected, prior to exposure to the stress, with either diazepam, MK-801, or propranolol. 3. In both the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus the stress-induced increase in c-fos mRNA was inhibited by MK-801, suggesting that it is mediated via NMDA receptors. In the hippocampus, propranolol had a similar effect, indicating that beta-adrenergic receptors are also involved in the stress-induced increase in c-fos mRNA. 4. On the other hand, the increase in c-fos mRNA produced by the stress of the injection was inhibited in the cerebral cortex by diazepam or propranolol and in the hippocampus only by diazepam. Furthermore, administration of MK-801 resulted in an increase in c-fos mRNA in the hippocampus of the nonstressed animals. In the cerebellum no one of the three drugs employed affected c-fos mRNA levels in either stressed or nonstressed animals. 5. Our results thus show that various forms of stress activate, in different brain areas, neurons with either NMDA, beta-adrenergic, and/or GABA-A receptors.


[Specialties in dentistry. 4. Post-academic specialization in geriatric dentistry].
In recent years, a specialization in geriatric dentistry has been established and along with it an educational programme. A specialist in geriatric dentistry is a dentist general practitioner with special knowledge and skills for delivering oral care to frail elderly people. The educational programme aims at an increase in dentists serving in geriatric care who are well prepared for delivering care. In the programme attention is paid to the special aspects of care delivery and the special somatic, mental, and social characteristics of frail elderly people. The goal is to formulate an individual oral care programme for every frail elderly person. An individual oral care programme may contain 5 different oral care activities: continuing care, prevention, support, treatments, and evaluation. These activities define the scope of specialists in geriatric dentistry. This scope in turn defines the profile of required knowledge and skills, and the profile is the foundation of the educational objectives of the educational programme. The educational programme contains 7 modules: affinity; somatic and mental disabilities; communicative skills and coping with behavioural disturbances; emergency medical care; history taking, assessment, prevention, treatments and evaluation; organization and legislation; scientific training.


Rapid development of auricular prosthesis using CAD and rapid prototyping technologies.
External ear defects can be corrected by surgery, but this may not be feasible for personal or medical reasons. Reconstructive solutions are a good alternative, but rely on the artistry and availability of the anaplastologist. A semi-automated methodology using computer-aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping (RP) technologies was developed for auricular prosthesis development, and demonstrated in a real-life case. The correct geometry and position of the prosthesis were ensured by stacking the computed tomography scan images of the contralateral normal ear in reverse order, and joining them using a medical modelling software program. The CAD model of the remnant portion of the defective ear was subtracted from the model of the mirrored contralateral ear, using a haptic CAD system, to obtain the final geometry of the prosthesis. Polymer models were fabricated in RP systems, and used for making a corresponding mould. Medical grade silicone rubber of the appropriate colour was packed into the mould to fabricate the final ear prosthesis and fitted to the deficient side of the patient using medical grade adhesive. The computer-aided methodology gave a high level of accuracy in terms of shape, size and position of the prosthesis, and a significantly shorter lead time compared to the conventional (manual) technique.


Recent progress in the racemic and enantioselective synthesis of monofluoroalkene-based dipeptide isosteres.
Monofluoroalkenes are fluorinated motifs that can be used to replace amide bonds. In order to be incorporated into peptides, it is normally necessary to first synthesize a dipeptide where the amide bond has been replaced with a monofluoroalkene. In that context, this review will present the racemic and enantioselective synthesis of monofluoroalkene-based dipeptide isosteres described since 2007. Some applications of those compounds will also be presented.


Changes in circulating glycerol, free fatty acids and glucose levels following liver transplant in the pig.
Female pigs, fasted overnight, received an orthotopic liver transplant. During the nonhepatic phase, both blood glycerol and plasma free fatty acid concentrations increased, returning to basal values after the transplant, indicating that the liver is the main receptor of these products released in the blood from the glyceride breakdown in peripheral fat deposits. Blood glucose level rose during the nonhepatic phase, probably due in part to the perfusion of glucosated saline received by the animals during this phase. After liver transplant, blood glucose levels progressively decreased and this effect was greatly reduced by administering L-alanine. Our data indicate that metabolic changes in the donor's liver diminish the availability of gluconeogenetic substrates immediately following transplant, while administration of exogenous alanine permits faster restoration of gluconeogenetic function in the transplanted liver.


A week of simulated night work delays salivary melatonin onset.
In most studies, the magnitude and rate of adaptation to various night work schedules is assessed using core body temperature as the marker of circadian phase. The aim of the current study was to assess adaptation to a simulated night work schedule using salivary dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) as an alternative circadian phase marker. It was hypothesised that the night work schedule would result in a phase delay, manifest in relatively later DLMO, but that this delay would be somewhat inhibited by exposure to natural light. Participants worked seven consecutive simulated 8-hour night shifts (23:00-07:00 h). By night 7, there was a mean cumulative phase delay of 5.5 hours, equivalent to an average delay of 0.8 hours per day. This indicates that partial circadian adaptation occurred in response to the simulated night work schedule. The radioimmunoassay used in the current study provides a sensitive assessment of melatonin concentration in saliva that can be used to determine DLMO, and thus provides an alternative phase marker to core body temperature, at least in laboratory studies.


Effectiveness of the Sellick maneuver for painless gastroscopy in patients with esophageal hiatal hernia: A randomized, self‑control trial.
The Sellick maneuver is used for endotracheal intubation to prevent the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux. The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of the Sellick maneuver on safety, esophageal closure status, gastric mucosal fold extension status, and positive detection rate of lesions in patients with esophageal hiatal hernia under painless gastroscopy. A total of 40 patients with esophageal hiatal hernia who underwent painless gastroscopy were screened for the use of the Sellick maneuver, in which the operator applied pressure to the cervical cricoid cartilage during the examination. The status of esophageal closure at the are pressed, examination time, gastric mucosal fold extension score, positive rate of lesion detection, and reflux of gastric juice or gastric contents, amongst other parameters were assessed. After using the Sellick maneuver, the state of esophageal closure during gastroscopy was significantly better than the no-Sellick maneuver group (P<0.05), and the extension scores of the greater curvature folds of the gastric body, the lateral folds of the lesser curvature of the gastric body, and the mucosal folds of the fundus were significantly higher than that of the no-Sellick maneuver (all P<0.05). The number of gastric polyps and gastric lesions (gastric ulcers and mucosal hyperplasia, amongst others) examined with the Sellick maneuver was significantly higher than the no-Sellick maneuver group (P<0.01). The Sellick maneuver effectively improved the extension of gastric mucosal folds during gastroscopy in patients with esophageal hiatal hernia, increased the positive detection rate of gastric lesions, and shortened the endoscopy time.


[Effects of fimbria/fornix transection on rat's synaptic configuration of hippocampus CA3 area].
To observe the effect of fimbria-fornix (FF) transection on rat's hippocampal synaptic configuration. Animal models were produced by transecting rat's bilateral fimbria-fornix (FF). Y-type maze test were carried out respectively before and after the models were built, and emphasis was laid on the quantitative analyses of the parameters of synapses in the hippocampal CA3 areas. The thickness of postsynaptic density material, the curvature of synaptic interface and the occurrence of perforated synapses decreased, while the width of synaptic cleft increased. Fimbria-fornix transection resulted in evident changes of the synaptic configuration in the hippocampal CA3 areas and we presume that the normal Ach level in the hippocampus plays a key role in maintaining the normal synaptic interface ultrastructure of the hippocampus CA3 area.