Elliptic flow in Au+Au collisions at square root(S)NN = 130 GeV

Elliptic flow from nuclear collisions is a hadronic observable sensitive to the early stages of system evolution. We report first results on elliptic flow of charged particles at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at square root(S)NN = 130 GeV using the STAR Time Projection Chamber at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The elliptic flow signal, v2, averaged over transverse momentum, reaches values of about 6% for relatively peripheral collisions and decreases for the more central collisions. This can be interpreted as the observation of a higher degree of thermalization than at lower collision energies. Pseudorapidity and transverse momentum dependence of elliptic flow are also presented.

Lack of methemoglobinemia with flutamide

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the nonsteroidal antiandrogenic drug flutamide is a clinically relevant inducer of methemoglobinemia in patients with prostatic cancer.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive outpatients with prostatic cancer stage D2 entered the study (age 71.1 +/- 7.3 y). Five patients were lost to follow-up; the remaining 45 patients received the recommended oral dose of flutamide 250 mg three times daily. Total hemoglobin (Hb) and methemoglobin (Met-Hb) concentrations were measured on varying days using an ultraviolet/visible-spectrophotometric method with an intra- and interday variability < 8%. In 12 patients, Met-Hb was analyzed before initiating flutamide therapy and after therapy was begun.

RESULTS

On average, 2.6 venous blood samples per patient were analyzed with a mean Met-Hb concentration of 1.9% of total Hb. Mean concentrations of > or = 3% were detected in only six patients (13%). The data from 12 patients evaluated before and after initiating flutamide therapy were without significantly different changes. During the study period, no clinical signs of methemoglobinemia were reported or observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found no clinically relevant increase of Met-Hb concentrations in elderly patients with prostatic cancer during chronic treatment with flutamide. However, clinicians should be aware of the very rare possibility of flutamide-induced methemoglobinemia.

Mortality from six work-related cancers among African Americans and Latinos

BACKGROUND

Ethnic minorities have been omitted from many occupational health studies, despite their substantial contributions to the labor force and documented cases of high exposures in some settings. To describe the occurrence of potentially work-related cancers among African American and Latino Workers, we conducted an epidemiologic study based on death certificate data.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 21 states during 1985-1992. Directly adjusted proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) and standardized mortality rate ratios (SRRs) for ages 20-64 years were computed for cancers of the lung, nasal cavity, pleura, and peritoneum, malignant melanoma and leukemia using the mortality data and population counts from the 1990 census.

RESULTS

Proportionate mortality was generally low for both groups, but African Americans had higher than expected mortality rates for leukemia and cancers of the lung, nasal cavity, and peritoneum. Industry-specific analyses indicate excess leukemia among African American men in the rubber industry (PMR 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29 - 3.35), Latino men in textile (PMR 2. 31, 95% CI 0.81 - 5.13) and wood industries (PMR 2.03, 95% CI 0.81 - 5.13), and Latino women in the chemical industry (PMR 2.18, 95% CI 0.59 - 8.10), among other findings. Excess cancer of the pleura and peritoneum was observed among workers with a variety of usual occupations, consistent with widespread exposure to asbestos.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the utility of surveillance data bases for generating basic epidemiologic information on historically neglected workers. Leads about specific workplace exposure can be followed up in more detailed studies.

A combined functional in vivo measure for primary and secondary auditory cortices

Auditory evoked magnetic fields are reliable physiological in vivo markers of activity generated in auditory cortices. In recent years, several components of auditory evoked fields have been demonstrated with specific topographies within the auditory cortex in man. Their differential elicitation and analyses has rendered the discrimination of neural activities in primary vs. secondary auditory cortical fields possible. This in vivo measure may be of interest in a number of (neuro)psychiatric and neuropsychological disorders with central auditory deficits, in which in vivo anatomical measures do not allow a clear distinction of primary vs. secondary auditory cortex involvement. To help better understand the pathophysiology of such disorders, we developed and introduce a combined measure of steady-state field (SSR) and the N1 component of the transient evoked field. The acoustic stimulus for this paradigm consists of a 500-ms tone burst with 39-Hz amplitude modulation of the carrier frequency. This combined stimulation allows assessment of both auditory cortex components in one brief examination to be well tolerated by patients. We examined the source locations of SSR and N1 component with separate classical stimulation and combined stimulation within-session in healthy volunteer subjects. We demonstrate here that the distinct sources of steady-state (primary auditory cortex) and N1 (secondary auditory cortex) responses can be reliably measured without significant spatial distortion with this combined stimulation paradigm.

Fatal intoxication with melperone

Melperone is judged to be a safe neuroleptic drug. Until now there has been no report of a melperone fatality, though it has been used in suicide attempts. We report on a case of a 36-year-old woman where no cause of death could be established at autopsy. Criminological investigation pointed to a homicide by poisoning but also the possibility of a suicide had to be taken in account. The toxicological analysis of blood, cerebral spinal fluid and urine revealed extremely high concentrations of melperone which had never been reported before. Furthermore, diazepam, nordazepam and carbamazepine were detected. To our knowledge, this case is the first melperone fatality. Possible interactions with diazepam and carbamazepine are discussed.

CCKB/gastrin receptors mediate changes in sodium and potassium absorption in the isolated perfused rat kidney

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the function of cholecystokinin B (CCKB)/gastrin receptors in the rat kidney, we identified the receptors by Northern blot and localized the receptors by immunohistochemistry. The functional effects of gastrin were studied under standardized in vitro conditions using the isolated perfused kidney.

METHODS

Rat kidneys were mounted in an organ bath by attaching the renal artery to a perfusion system. A catheter was inserted into the renal vein and the ureter to collect samples that were analyzed for the concentrations of electrolytes. After a preperfusion period, gastrin-17-I was given via the renal artery (10-8 to 10-6 mol/L). Subsequently, hemodynamic parameters (for example, perfusate flow) and changes in sodium and potassium absorption were determined. All data were subjected to a nonparametric analysis of variance and, in case of significant results, to subsequent paired comparisons by the a posteriori Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

Northern blot analysis detected CCKB receptor transcripts in total RNA isolated from kidneys. Immunohistochemistry localized CCKB receptors on tubules and collecting duct cells. Compared with controls, gastrin (10-6 mol/L) caused a decrease in the fractional sodium reabsorption (basal 80%, 10 minutes after application of gastrin 71%, after 20 minutes 62%, P < 0.05). This effect was inhibited by the CCKB receptor antagonist L-365,260. Gastrin decreased urinary potassium excretion at 10-8 and 10-6 mol/L [maximal decrease at 10-6 mol/L from baseline values (100%) to 49% after 10 minutes and to 69% after 20 minutes, P < 0.05, N = 6]. This effect was also abolished by the CCKB receptor antagonist L-365,260. Gastrin (10-6 mol/L) reduced perfusate flow by 31% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CCKB receptors are expressed in the rat kidney on tubules and collecting ducts. These receptors mediate changes in renal potassium and sodium absorption. In addition, gastrin causes a decrease in perfusate flow, indicating that CCKB receptors might also modulate vascular resistance in the kidney.

Liver support by extracorporeal blood purification: a clinical observation

Liver failure associated with excretory insufficiency and jaundice results in an endogenous accumulation of toxins involved in the impairment of cardiovascular, kidney, and cerebral function. Moreover, these toxins have been shown to damage the liver itself by inducing hepatocellular apoptosis and necrosis, thus creating a vicious cycle of the disease. We report a retrospective cohort study of 26 patients with acute or chronic liver failure with intrahepatic cholestasis (bilirubin level > 20 mg/dL) who underwent a new extracorporeal blood purification treatment. A synthetic hydrophilic/hydrophobic domain-presenting semipermeable membrane (pore size < albumin size, 100-nm thick) was used for extracorporeal blood detoxification using dialysis equipment. The opposite side was rinsed with ligandin-like proteins as molecular adsorbents that were regenerated online using a chromatography-like recycling system (molecular adsorbent recirculating system [MARS]). Bile acid and bilirubin levels, representing the previously described toxins, were reduced by 16% to 53% and 10% to 90% of the initial concentration by a single treatment of 6 to 8 hours, respectively. Toxicity testing of patient plasma onto primary rat hepatocytes by live/dead fluorescence microscopy showed cell-damaging effects of jaundiced plasma that were not observed after treatment. Patients with a worsening of Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) index before the treatments showed a significant improvement of this index during a period of 2 to 14 single treatments with an average of 14 days. After withdrawal of MARS treatment, this improvement was sustained in all long-term survivors. Ten patients represented a clinical status equivalent to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) status 2b (group A1), and all survived. Sixteen patients represented a clinical status equivalent to UNOS status 2a, and 7 of these patients survived (group A2), whereas 9 patients (group B) died. We conclude that in acute excretory failure caused by a chronic liver disease, this treatment provides a therapy option to remove toxins involved in multiorgan dysfunction secondary to liver failure.

Role of natural benzoxazinones in the survival strategy of plants

Benzoxazinoid acetal glucosides are a unique class of natural products abundant in Gramineae, including the major agricultural crops maize, wheat, and rye. These secondary metabolites are also found in several dicotyledonous species. Benzoxazinoids serve as important factors of host plant resistance against microbial diseases and insects and as allelochemicals and endogenous ligands. Interdisciplinary investigations by biologists, biochemists, and chemists are stimulated by the intention to make agricultural use of the benzoxazinones as natural pesticides. These natural products are not only constituents of a plant defense system but also part of an active allelochemical system used in the competition with other plants. This review covers biological and chemical aspects of benzoxazinone research over the last decade with special emphasis on recent advances in the elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway.

Mast cell granule composition and tissue location--a close correlation

This review provides a survey on mast cell heterogeneity, with aspects differing in humans and rodents or which are subject of conflicting evidence being discussed in greater detail. Mast cell subsets have been first defined in rats by their fixation and dye-binding properties, and detailed studies in humans and pigs reveal very similar observations. The dye-binding properties of rat mast cell subsets are causally related to the absence or presence of heparin in their granules. In humans, this relation has not been shown. Rodent mast cell subsets store different chymase-isoforms. In contrast, just a single chymase has been defined in humans, and mast cells are classified by the presence or relative absence of this chymase. Different investigators find quite different proportions of chymase-positive to chymase-negative mast cells. Tryptase(s) are found in most or every human mast cell, but in rodents, they have hitherto been essentially localised to mast cells in connective tissues. Human mast cell subsets may also be defined by their expression of receptors such as C5aR and possibly the beta-chemokine receptor CCR3; the CCR3 expression seems to be related to the human mast cell chymase expression. Ultrastructural studies are helpful to distinguish human mast cell subsets, and allow to distinguish between chronic and acute activation. The phenotypical characteristics may change in association with inflammation or other disease processes. Studies in humans and pigs show changed dye-binding and fixation properties of the granules. Experimental rodent infection models reveal similar changes of chymase isoform expression. Human lung mast cells have been reported to strongly upregulate their chymase content in pulmonary vascular disease. This line of evidence can explain some inconsistent information on mast cell heterogeneity and may help to understand the physiological role of mast cells.

Collective diffusion and a random energy landscape

Starting from a master equation in a quantum Hamiltonian form and a coupling to a heat bath, we derive an evolution equation for a collective hopping process under the influence of a stochastic energy landscape. Different equations result for an arbitrary occupation number per lattice site or in a system under exclusion. Based on scaling arguments it will be demonstrated that both systems belong below the critical dimension d(c) to the same universality class, leading to anomalous diffusion in the long time limit. The dynamical exponent z can be calculated by an epsilon=d(c)-d expansion. Above the critical dimension we discuss the differences in the diffusion constant for sufficient high temperatures. For a random potential we find a higher mobility for systems with exclusion.

Riboflavin deficiency and preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To examine in a prospective study riboflavin deficiency as a predisposing factor for preeclampsia in a high-risk collective of pregnant women in Zimbabwe.

METHODS

At an antenatal clinic in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, 154 women at increased risk for preeclampsia were observed prospectively until delivery. Riboflavin status was determined using the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient test on the day of antenatal booking. Riboflavin deficiency was expressed by erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient of 1.4 or greater.

RESULTS

Riboflavin deficiency was frequently found among the study population (33.8%). Incidence rose toward the end of pregnancy (27.3% at 29-36 weeks' gestation compared with 53.3% at over 36 weeks). In the riboflavin-deficient group, mothers were more likely to develop preeclampsia (28.8%) than in the riboflavin-adequate group (7.8%; P <.001, odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-12.2). The calculated concentrations of intracellular free flavin adenine dinucleotide were significantly lower in patients who developed preeclampsia than in normal pregnancies (P <.05).

CONCLUSION

Riboflavin deficiency should be considered a possible risk factor for preeclampsia. Insufficient concentrations of the riboflavin-derived cofactors flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin adenine mononucleotide could contribute to the established pathophysiologic changes including mitochondrial dysfunction, enhanced oxidative stress, and disturbances in nitric oxide release.

[Opinions and attitudes on the topic of vaccination of established physicians, pharmacists and their personnel and current vaccination status of these groups]

Object of this investigation was to evaluate attitudes and opinions of general practitioners, internal specialists and pharmacists with regard to vaccination. At the same time we investigated the actual vaccination state of these groups and of the medical staff and pharmacy staff. Physicians and pharmacists answered by using a four-page written questionnaire. The vaccination state was evaluated by a single-page questionnaire. Analyses were made by using the statistical program SPSS. The 161 physicians and 188 pharmacists participating in this study generally agree that the risk of infection in practice and pharmacy is not significant. The best vaccine protection in these groups was observed for tetanus. An effective inoculation against this pathogen was documented by 79.4% of physicians and 63.3% of pharmacists. 73.4% of physicians had also a protection against hepatitis B. All other vaccinations were documented as actually protective only in 6-55% of the cases. Physicians and pharmacists agree that their staff should have a vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis, followed by hepatitis B and influenza. The vaccination state of medical staff and pharmacy-staff does not attain the demanded standard. It shows levels of 3-70%. Further education in vaccination is more often practised by pharmacists and their staff than by physicians and medical staff. Physicians are more active in advising patients about vaccination than pharmacists and patients rather consult their doctor than a pharmacist to give them vaccination advice. There is still a need for motivation of physicians and pharmacists to be an example for their patients and clients respectively. In addition, more of public information could be helpful.

Formation and degradation of a synthetic humic acid derived from 3-fluorocatechol

A synthetic fluorinated humic acid (FHA) was prepared by the spontaneous oxidative polymerization of 3-fluorocatechol. The 13C-solid-state NMR spectrum showed signals in the region for aromatic carbons with different substituents (aryl-H, aryl-C, aryl-O carbons) and for carboxyl-carbon. The latter indicated the formation of carboxylic groups, probably caused by ring cleavages during the polymerization process. An indication of the formation of carboxylic groups was also found in the infrared spectrum (band at 1715 cm(-1)). The dissolved FHA was degraded with active mycelium of the agaric white-rot fungus Nematoloma frowardii as well as with its isolated manganese peroxidase. In both cases, decolorization of the brownish FHA solution and partial defluorination (45-60%) took place. Degradation proceeded via formation of lower-molecular-mass fulvic acid-like substances. The results demonstrate that halogenated humic substances, e.g., resulting from the humification of xenobiotic compounds (bound residues), can in principle be eliminated by ligninolytic fungi (e.g., soil colonizing litter decomposers) and their manganese peroxidase system.

[Doppler ultrasound findings in therapy with urapidil]

OBJECTIVE

In a prospective study we investigated, whether changes in fetal or maternal circulation can be found by Doppler sonography under therapy with urapidil.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated in 11 patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or superimposed preeclampsia in the third trimester. Doppler flow results of maternal and fetal vessels before and during therapy with urapidil. Hemodynamic parameters, like maternal blood pressure, and heart rate as well as other clinical parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

Whereas the antihypertensive effects in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significant, we couldn't find changes in the resistance indices of fetal circulation. In contrast we found a decrease in the resistance indices in maternal vessels after an average of six days of urapidil therapy. These changes were significant in the uterine artery on the side of placental insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of only few side effects and a safe lowering of blood pressure, therapy with urapidil seems preferable to other well known drugs. Although Doppler flow velocimetry of uteroplacental vessels has no diagnostic benefit in monitoring PIH, the findings with this method under prolonged antihypertensive therapy are a chance for a better understanding of hemodynamic changes. The decrease in the resistance indices is another argument for the use of urapidil.

[Current aspects of antihypertensive therapy in pregnant patients with pre-eclampsia]

Preeclampsia is a disease which occurs in Europe in about 6-8%, in the USA in about 7-10% and in Africa in about 18% of all pregnancies. A causal treatment of preeclampsia is, with the exception of delivery, not possible up to now. Since a prematurely delivery of the newborn has to be avoided because of the risks caused by immaturity of lungs, treatment and care of pregnant women having preeclampsia or any other kind of hypertensive diseases is restricted to the following approaches: antihypertensive treatment, volume expansion, and eclampsia prophylaxis with magnesium sulfate. Object of this treatment is to avoid complications on the mother's side caused by the disease and to postpone delivery, as far as possible from the child's side, in order to reduce the consequences of premature birth. During antihypertensive treatment of patients with serious hypertension, i.e. with diastolic blood pressure of 110 x mm Hg and higher, dihydralazine is in clinical use since 40 years, although many patients suffer from side-effects of dihydralazine such as distinctive tachycardia, headaches, fluid retention and nausea. With urapidil a well controllable antihypertensive is available, which prevents the effect of catecholamines at the vascular wall by a postsynaptic alpha-1 receptor blockade. Previous studies related to the application of urapidil in the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy certify the good controllability of urapidil following intravenous application as well as minor side-effects after start of treatment.

Demographic, symptom, and medication profiles of cancer patients seen by a palliative care consult team in a tertiary referral hospital

In this retrospective study, the charts of 100 consecutive cancer patients who had been referred to a palliative care consult team within a tertiary acute care hospital were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, including reason for admission and disease status upon admission, length of stay, and discharge and admission location, were recorded. Symptom acuity, cognitive status, and risk for substance abuse were evaluated. Medications before and after the consult were tabulated and compared to recommended medications; compliance with the recommendations was assessed. Five patients were not palliative at the time of the consult. Only 46/95 (48%) were known to have untreatable cancer at the time of their admission. The CAGE questionnaire for alcoholism and the Mini-Mental State Questionnaire (MMSQ) were abnormal in 19/78 (24%) and 40/91 (44%), respectively. The most intense symptoms, as measured by the 100-mm scales of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) were fatigue (72 +/- 24), appetite (60 +/- 32), and well-being (50 +/- 29). Eighty-nine of the 95 patients were living at home prior to admission and 34/95 were able to return home. Twenty died during hospitalization, 23 were transferred to a palliative care unit, and the remaining 18 were discharged to another hospital or long-term care. The patient's physician complied with the palliative care consult team's recommendation in 122/137 cases (89%).

Optimized activation of the primary sensorimotor cortex for clinical functional MR imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

One application of functional MR imaging is to identify the primary sensorimotor cortex (M1 and S1) around the central sulcus before brain surgery. However, it has been shown that undesirable coactivation of nonprimary motor areas, such as the supplementary motor area and the premotor area, can interfere with the identification of the primary motor cortex, especially in patients with distorted anatomic landmarks. We therefore sought to design a simple functional MR imaging paradigm for selective activation of the primary sensorimotor cortex.

METHODS

Different paradigms using finger tapping for motor activation were examined and compared with respect to the distribution of activated voxels in primary and nonprimary cortical areas. Studies were conducted in 14 healthy volunteers using a blood oxygen level-dependent multislice echo-planar imaging sequence.

RESULTS

The most selective activation of the primary sensorimotor cortex was obtained with a paradigm combining right-sided finger tapping as the activation condition with left-sided finger tapping as the control condition. Analysis of the signal time course of primary and nonprimary areas revealed that the highly selective primary motor activation was due to it being restricted to contralateral finger movements, as opposed to the nonprimary motor areas, which were activated by ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral finger movements alike.

CONCLUSION

When performing functional MR imaging to determine the location of the primary sensorimotor cortex, one should compare unilateral voluntary movements as the activation condition with contralateral movements as the control condition to accentuate activation of the primary motor area and to suppress undesirable coactivation of nonprimary motor areas.

Electron correlations observed through intensity interferometry

Intensity interferometry was applied to study electron correlations in doubly ionizing ion-atom collisions. In this method, the probability to find two electrons emitted in the same double ionization event with a certain momentum difference is compared to the corresponding probability for two uncorrelated electrons from two independent events. The ratio of both probabilities, the so-called correlation function, is found to sensitively reveal electron correlation effects, but it is rather insensitive to the collision dynamics.